New Classes Starting Now at St. Gregory's

LOVE GOD. LOVE EVERYONE.

Dear Beloved Members of St. Gregory's,

A central emphasis of our Life in Christ at St. Gregory's is prioritizing our spiritual lives and encouraging all our members to take that deeper dive into our relationship with God in Jesus Christ. Like every relationship in our lives, our relationship with God takes work. It's good work. It's joyous work. But it requires some intentional focus and, I believe, responding to the yearning of our souls. Before we ever turn to God, God has already in Jesus turned toward us. God's Spirit desires to fill us. When we respond with openness and trust, God rejoices.

As we move into the fall season, below is a list of some of the opportunities to engage in this intentional and joyous soul work. I hope and pray that you will respond to God's call to take this deeper dive. I assure you, the water's fine, and joy awaits!

In Christ,

Andrew+

ADULT FORMATION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH

GOSPEL OF THOMAS CIRCLES WITH FATHER BEN

Begins: Wednesday, August 16, and Sunday, August 21

Days/Times: Wednesday Mornings at 10 AM & Sunday Mornings at 9:10 AM

Location: Zoom (link below)

Resource: The Gospel of Thomas. The translations by Leloup, Bauman, or Pagles are recommended.

Join our Gospel of Thomas Circle on Wednesdays at 10 am and Sundays at 9:10 am. The Gospel of Thomas was part of the Nag Hammadi find in the desert of Egypt in 1945 at the end of World War II which completely changed the landscape of Christianity. It is 114 sayings attributed to Jesus that are like Buddhist koans - these compact little hand grenades for the mind that force us into heart-centered awareness and intuitive knowing. Join us every Sunday at 9 am where we'll take this mystical leap into what many historians believe is most likely the oldest Gospel of Jesus that we have. I recommend these three translations by Leloup, Bauman, or Pagles. Having a diversity of translations will only enrich our discussion. The Circle will be picking up with Logion 76.

"The Kingdom of the Father is like a merchant who had a load of goods to sell. Then he saw a pearl. The merchant was wise and sold his goods to buy the pearl. You too should pursue that treasure which is everlasting, there where moths never go nor worms devour."

Here's to pursuing treasures that are everlasting. The pearl of inner revolution. It's wonderful to be back with you.

Enter our Wednesday 10 am and Sunday 9:10 am Circles here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85450019587?pwd=ODZEUGFycVdPMkFqaFpRN0t1OGtkZz09

LIFE IN CHRIST:

THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER CLASS

WITH FATHER ANDREW AND FATHER BEN

Begins: Sunday, August 21

Day/Time: Sunday Mornings at 11:45 AM

Location: Hybrid: In Person & Zoom (link below)

Resource: The Book of Common Prayer

As a follow-up to Fr. Andrew's two-part teaching sermon series on prayer, he will offer a six-week class on the Book of Common Prayer as a resource and tool for spiritual growth. This one-hour class begins on Sunday, August 21st. We will also broadcast the class on zoom for those who would like to participate digitally. Come to deepen your life of prayer and learn about this nearly 500-year treasure that continues to shape our worship and practice of faith in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86139620526?pwd=cDNYZEhtU1JhWUhZc0psaGNiYkwrQT09

Meeting ID: 861 3962 0526

Passcode: 857701

LIVING WATER RECTOR'S BIBLE STUDY

Begins: Wednesday, September 14

Day/Time: Wednesday Evenings at 6:00 PM

Location: Hybrid: This class meets both in person and on Zoom (link below)

This year we will be studying the letters of St. Paul, beginning with his letter to the Galatians. Our emphasis will be to gain insight and inspiration for living our life more deeply rooted in Christ. Join us even if you've never been part of a Bible Study group.

Class Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84470941190?pwd=RnlIWDlxL292MjNuNTlRV2l5T0Fhdz09

WISDOM SCHOOL WITH FATHER BEN

THE NEW MAN

Begins: Wednesday, September 14

Day/Time: Wednesday Evenings at 6 PM

Location: Zoom (link below)

Resource: The New Man: An Interpretation of Some Parables and Miracles of Christ can be purchased by clicking here.

"All sacred writings contain an inner and outer meaning. Behind the literal words lies another range of meaning, another form of knowledge. And in the Gospels, the parable is used in a similar way. [...] The Gospels speak mainly of a possible inner revolution called 're-birth.'"

- Maurice Nicoll

This quote is taken from the section The Language of Parables from The New Man: An Interpretation of Some Parables and Miracles of Christ, by Maurice Nicoll, which will be the focus of our 10-week study this fall. Dr. Maurice Nicoll was a psychologist born in 1884 who wrote extensive psychological commentaries on the teachings of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky. His aim, he claims, is the following:

"The intention is to indicate that all teaching such as that contained in the Gospels and many other older and newer teachings, in the short period of known history, is about transcending the violence which characterizes mankind's present level of being."

It is with this intention, living Christianity from the inside-out, that we must take into the readings of the parables in order to see both the seeds and the fruit they contain.

We'll be entering into the language of the parables, the ideas of Wisdom, prayer, temptation, miracles, and righteousness in the Gospels, along with the Sermon on the Mount, faith, and what the kingdom of heaven might look like. And a section on Judas Iscariot is thrown in for good measure. I'll also be sending you selected shorter readings from the following books as they swim together: Eye of the Heart, The Cloud of Unknowing, The Reality of Being, and poetry.

This 10-week Circle begins on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 6:00 pm ET. You can purchase The New Man: An Interpretation of Some Parables and Miracles of Christ here.

This will be an online group. All are welcome to connect. Once you register, you’ll be sent the link via Zoom. I look forward to having these parables open us up as we engage in teaching and spiritual practice.

Registration for parishioners: The course fee has been waived for members of St. Gregory's but donations are always welcomed. To register and receive the course zoom link, please click here to email Fr. Ben.

Registration for nonmembers: The tuition for this 10-week course is $300 for nonmembers. Please click here to register or click here to email Fr. Ben to inquire about becoming a member of St. Gregory's.

MEN'S SPIRITUALITY GROUP

Begins: Ongoing

Day/Time: Wednesdays at 8 AM

Location: On Zoom

This men's group gatherings weekly to explore and deepen our relationship with God in Christ through mutual support, prayer, and conversation.

Book studies and other reflection material guides and frames our conversation together. All men are welcome to join.

Class Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82720629725?pwd=VE4wdndhTDFvb3RxM3FvK3ZuS2J6UT09#success

THURSDAY

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY

KICKOFF MEETING & POTLUCK

Day/Time: Thursday, September 8 at 1 PM

Location: Youth Room (2nd floor, Harris Hall)

All women of St. Gregory's (and friends!) are warmly invited to a prayer and fellowship potluck lunch to start off our Fall program year. Join us in the Youth Room on Thursday, Sept 8 from 1 pm - 2:30 pm to enjoy food, fellowship, prayer, and discussion about Fall study opportunities. For more information, please contact Anita Sherman at anitasherman561@gmail.com.

NEWCOMERS RECEPTION & CLASS WITH FATHER ANDREW

Reception: Newcomers Welcome Reception on Sunday, October 2 at 11:45 AM in the rectory.

Newcomer Classes: Newcomer classes begin Sunday, October 9 at 11:45 AM and will meet for five consecutive Sundays.

Location: Classes meet in person in Mary's Chapel

Explore a deeper relationship with Christ and learn more about St. Gregory's.

If you are new to St. Gregory's, we warmly invite you to join us in early October for a reception and 5-week reflection about following Jesus as Lord in the Episcopal Church and St. Gregory's. This is a beautiful way to enter into our community, forge new friendships and, surprising grace always happens.

CLASSES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School classes are offered for children 3 years old to 12th grade. All classes meet in person.

Nursery care is available for younger children each Sunday during the 10 am worship service.

FALL REGISTRATION

Please visit our registration table in the courtyard after the 10 am services on Sunday, August 21st and 28th to register in person. Or, click here to register online anytime!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Sunday, Sept 11

Get Acquainted Day

9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Youth Room, 2nd floor, Harris Hall)

9:45 am - all other classes (designated classrooms, 2nd floor, Harris Hall)

Parish Picnic

(immediately following the 10 am service)

Sunday, Sept 18

First day of regular classes

9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Youth Room, 2nd floor, Harris Hall)

9:45 am - all other classes (designated classrooms, 2nd floor, Harris Hall)

For more information, please email Kristen Chaney at kristenchaney@att.net or Anita Sherman at anitasherman561@gmail.com.

CONFIRMATION AT ST. GREGORY’S

Our journey to Confirmation for young people is a three-year program. Our program seeks to nurture the faith of our young people as they prepare for their high school years and beyond, giving them a solid foundation for a Christ-centered life. All young people in grades 6, 7, and 8 can participate in and benefit from this class, regardless of whether or not they choose to be confirmed.

During Confirmation we will explore:

+ The Bible and the stories that shape our life and faith

+ A life of prayer and worship led by and replenished by the Spirit

+ A life of ministry and service as disciples of Jesus

+ The Anglican/Episcopal tradition in all its breadth and depth

CLICK HERE to or email Gena Vallee at GVallee@St-Gregorys.com to learn more about Confirmation in the Episcopal Church and at St. Gregory’s. Or, click here to register online for Fall Confirmation classes.