WHAT A GLORIOUS SUNDAY THIS WILL BE!

A Warm Invitation from Fr. Andrew

In today's video, Fr. Andrew issues a warm invitation to join him this Sunday, (Homecoming Sunday) December 17, 2023 as we take a pilgrimage from Harris Hall to the newly renovated Sanctuary for the 10:00 AM Homecoming Service and Celebration. Please join us for this historic moment and invite your friends and family!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Members of St. Gregory's

As we celebrate our 70^th Anniversary and reentry into our church, I wanted to lift up the whole congregation for making a difference. We did this together, led as the Body of Christ is always led, by the Holy Spirit. Despite the headwinds of the pandemic, we kept the faith and kept climbing up what I began to refer to as Mount "Called to Love." And here we are, and the view of the summit is of our gloriously renovated church and inviting church campus. This is the place where we find and are found by Christ. This is the place where we are comforted, challenged, loved and sent forth to serve the world with the transforming love of Jesus. Together we planted; Together we watered. But God gave and always gives the growth. To God be glory from age to age. Amen. Amen. Thanks be to God for the past 70 years. Thanks be to God for the future! God is calling us to be renewed and strengthened and ready to serve! Come join us on this joyous journey of faith, hope and love.

In Christ,

Andrew+

PRESIDING BISHOP RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL, CONTINUING RECOVERY

AT HOME

By ENS Staff

His surgeon is happy with his continued progress. He will be attending follow-up appointments and working from home in the days ahead. Read more.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH SURVEY

Please Share Your Opinion

The Bishop's office has created a brief survey to gather insights from parishes across the Diocese, and your participation would be immensely valuable. The survey is designed to be concise and will take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Please submit your responses by Friday, January 5, 2024.

Access the survey here: Survey Link

All responses will be kept anonymous, and no personal information will be collected unless you choose to provide it in the comment fields. We thank you in advance for your valuable input and for helping to make this project a success.

NEW CCFL COURSES FOR

THE WINTER 2024 EPIPHANY TERM

Announcing Two New CCFL Classes

for Winter 2024!

For the Epiphany Quarter Term (January 16 through March 22, 2024), the CCFL will offer two new courses: Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: Former Prophets (OT/HB-102)

with Dr. Paul Cizek, Ph.D.

Wednesdays @ 7 pm Eastern via Zoom

An introduction to the Former Prophets (the Books of Joshua, Judges, 1–2 Samuel, and 1–2 Kings), with attention paid to their historical context, theological themes, and their place in the Revised Common Lectionary, as well as to the interpretation of Hebrew Bible prose literature. This course is especially important for students who wish to pursue the process for discernment for leadership and for students approved to participate in the process for diaconal formation. This course is a prerequisite for OT/HB-201.

Episcopal Polity and Culture (AS-102)

with the Rev. Dr. Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, Ph.D.

Thursdays @ 7 pm Eastern via Zoom

In this course, students will learn how the Episcopal Church, USA, is structured and governed. Special emphasis will be given to how the Episcopal Church makes important ecclesiastical decisions, the role and authority of bishops, the role and authority of the laity, the role and authority of the clergy, and the function of church councils (especially General Convention) and canons (ecclesiastical law) in the life of the church. This course is required for students who wish to participate in the process for diaconal formation.

AN UPDATE FROM

FR. ANDREW AND THE VESTRY

On the 2023/24 Stewardship Campaign

Thank you to those members who have made their financial commitment to St. Gregory's. If you have not yet made your financial commitment, please visit our online pledge page at stgregorysepiscopal.org/pledge  or contact the church office at office@st-gregorys.com to make your commitment. We invite your prayers for our stewardship campaign.

With Gratitude,

Father Andrew, Bill Lintz, Stewardship Chair, and the Vestry Team.

Here are some statistics about St. Gregory's:

We have approximately 400 families who are members.

As of 12/14/23, we have received 150 pledges totaling $681,304 toward our goal of $1,100,000. 

Saida and Hilina

Sixteen years ago Ben and I left our home in snowy New York City to spend Christmas Eve in the Dubai airport before landing in Addis Ababa on Christmas Day. I will never forget the first time they were placed in our arms. We tell them every year they are the greatest Christmas gifts we’ve ever received. We are so grateful to have been given the privilege of raising them! And today Saida and Hilina took the oath of citizenship (for the second time! long story involving a clerical error in Tennessee)! The season of Christmas for our family is always bound up with anticipation, memories, the arrival of babies and so much joy - another full circle as we rejoice in the 3rd week of Advent!

- Anna Thomas

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Music Ministry

This Sunday is the big day!! So much work is being done as I write this to prepare the sanctuary for our momentous occasion! Fire alarms are being tested, artwork is being installed, lights, sound, and livestream systems are being calibrated, hymnals and prayerbooks are being placed, etc.!! It’s a beehive of activity!

One person who has been at the forefront of all this is our Parish Administrator, Kristen Chaney. She has been the coordinator, facilitator, overseer, and worrier-in-chief!! Her incredible attention to every detail has been remarkable and you will see the fruits of her labor on Sunday! Of course, so many people have been involved with making it all come together but I want to give Kristen a huge ovation for all of her behind-the-scenes work which has been invaluable these last 7 months and especially this week.

The choir will hold its very first rehearsal in the sanctuary this evening and I cannot wait!! Music for this Sunday is going to be glorious, and I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to every member of the choir for their superb singing and for their tireless dedication over these last few months as we’ve endured the confines and limitations of Harris Hall. The “wandering in the wilderness” will finally be over on Sunday!

I also want to ask for your patience as we continue to tweak and install items and systems over the next month. Things won’t be perfect on Sunday, but we will at least be able to worship in our sanctuary with relative ease!

I also want to thank all those who have given so generously to our Christmas Eve Music fund. Your gifts will enable all the music for Christmas Eve to be the best it can be, from our Pageant, Lessons and Carols, to the Festal Eucharist. If you would like to give, please call the office, or use the online

application!

I’m so excited!!

Advent Love and Blessings to All!!

Tim

FINANCIAL MANAGER/BOOKKEEPER

For St. Gregory's Church Office

St. Gregory's is currently seeking a dedicated Financial Manager/Bookkeeper to join our team. Under the guidance of the Rector and Parish Administrator, this pivotal role offers administrative and financial support, aiding the staff, congregation, and volunteers in our church’s ministries and mission.

Key Details:

• Hours: The position requires 25-30 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to be arranged in collaboration with the Parish Administrator.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business with an emphasis on non-profit accounting is preferred. Alternatively, a combination of relevant education, training, and experience will be considered.
• Experience: Applicants should have a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, practices, and methods, including payroll platforms.
• Skills: Proficiency in Advanced QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, and database management is essential.

Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Father Andrew or Kristen Chaney, our Parish Administrator, for further information. Click here for the detailed job description. Join us in our mission at St. Gregory's and contribute to our vibrant community.

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

TONIGHT - THURSDAY, DEC 14

5:45 pm - Choristers rehearsal (Choir Room)

HOMECOMING SUNDAY, DEC 17

NO CONFIRMATION CLASS, SUNDAY SCHOOL, OR UPPER ROOM TIME. PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 10:00 AM SERVICE!

10:00 am - Homecoming Sunday Service and Celebration (Meet in Harris Hall and Process as a Group to the Sanctuary)

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS BREAK.

CLASSES WILL RESUME ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024

All classes resume!

9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:45 am - 3yrs - 5th grade (Designated Classrooms)

9:45 am - Youth Upper Room Time (Youth Room)

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Classes will not meet on the following Sundays:

Dec 17, 24, 31; Jan 7

Sunday, Jan 7 - Beach Eucharist

6:30 am - South Beach Park

(Palmetto Park Rd and A1A in Boca)

Following the Beach Eucharist,

we invite you to join us for a Beach Cleanup.

KANUGA WINTERLIGHT

December 28 - January 1 at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC

A gathering inspiring youth through faith, fun, and friendship. Now welcoming both middle AND high school students! The rate is $510, which includes lodging, meals, and the program. Payment plans and financial assistance, are available.

PLEASE CONTACT ANITA ASAP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND!

Scholarships are available!

anitasherman561@gmail.com

Click here to learn more about Winterlight.

ADULT FORMATION

Classes and Formation at St. Gregory's

Wednesdays

8:00 AM - Men's Spirituality Hour (Zoom) 

Meeting Link

10:00 AM - The Reality of Being with Fr. Ben (Zoom)

The final class of 2023 will be held on Wednesday, December 20th. Classes will resume in early January 2024. If interested in learning more, contact Fr. Ben here.

6:00 PM - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew will resume in early 2024.

Thursdays

1:00 PM - Women's Bible Study (Youth Room) - For information, contact Evelyn Anderson at ebunn@stanfordalumni.org  or Susan D’Ambrosio, sldambro@gmail.com

ADVENT III - JOY

The Third Sunday of Advent:

We light the candle of Joy.

This Third Sunday of Advent we light the candle of joy. Oh, what joy we feel as we anticipate the celebration of our 70th anniversary and as we make the pilgrimage from Harris Hall, our intimate worship and now cherished worship space, and return to our newly renovated church. I am so grateful to God for the abundant life in Christ we share in this beloved congregation. Click here to view the full message from Fr. Andrew.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SUNDAY'S POTLUCK

Coffee Masters, Servers,

and General Helpers Needed

Volunteers are needed this Sunday to assist the Brothers with the Homecoming Potluck. Coffee Masters, Servers, and General Helpers are needed. If you can help, please meet the Brothers in the kitchen at 9:15 am on Sunday. Please wear comfortable closed shoes. For more information, please click here to email Phil Hall.

COME TO THE MANGER

An Interactive Event

COME TO THE MANGER - An interactive Advent experience for everyone! Featuring elements of prayer, meditation, and hands-on creative engagement, this offering is designed to draw you more deeply into the contemplative spirit of the Advent season. Stop by the table in the courtyard this Sunday to experience and enjoy!

SUPPORTING CHRISTMAS MUSIC

AND CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

Contributions to St. Gregory's Christmas Music Fund and Christmas Flower Fund are invited. Envelopes for Christmas flowers and music will be in Sunday's bulletin. You may use the envelope for music and flowers using one check or cash. Please complete and sign the envelope and place it in the offering plate no later than Sunday, December 17.

Donating online: To submit the names being honored, your message, and to donate online, please visit www.stgregorysepiscopal.org/christmas-music-and-flowers  and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, please email the church office at office@st-gregorys.com.

ST. GREGORY'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND HOMECOMING

Sunday, December 17 at 10:00 AM

Join us at 10:00 AM on December 17, Advent III - Joy!, for a joyous service of worship as we reopen the doors of our beloved, newly renovated sanctuary!

This special service will be the only service of the day and is a heartfelt invitation to each member of our congregation to join us and extend invitations to friends, neighbors, and loved ones.

CELEBRATION POTLUCK

The service will be followed by

a homecoming potluck in Harris Hall.

Please plan now to bring your favorite dish (please see the article below for more information)!

Let's gather together in celebration, marking this momentous occasion in the spirit of unity, joy, and faith that defines our church family.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY POTLUCK

Please Bring your Favorite Dish!

Our Homecoming Potluck will be Spectacular! To help us spread the love, please bring something to share according to the first letter of your last name:

A-H: Soups, salads, appetizers (cheese and crackers, deviled eggs, veggie platter, etc.)

I-S: Casseroles, meat/protein items (such as meatballs, chicken nuggets, etc.)

T-Z: Fruit, desserts, individual bags of chips

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Come Home to St. Gregory's This Christmas

Advent IV and Christmas Eve Services

Sunday, December 24

8:00 am - Holy Eucharist

10:00 am - Holy Eucharist*

4:00 pm - The Christmas Story*

(Christmas Pageant with Eucharist)

7:00 pm - A Service of Lessons and Carols*

10:30 pm - Prelude featuring the Choir of St. Gregory's, Strings, and Organ.*

11 pm - The Christ Mass (Festal Choral Eucharist and Sermon with Incense)*

Christmas Day

Monday, December 25

10:00 AM - Christmas Service

New Years Eve

Sunday, December 31

8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist

10:00 PM - Holy Eucharist*

6:00 PM - Evening Prayer

New Year's Day

Monday, January 1, 2024

10:00 AM - Holy Eucharist



The church office will be closed December 25 through January 1, 2024. There will be no Noonday Eucharist or Morning Prayer during this time.

PARKING FOR SERVICES

As Homecoming Sunday and Christmas Eve draw near, we are delighted to see the anticipation and attendance growing. To ensure an accessible environment for everyone, we kindly encourage those who can walk easily to use the complimentary parking available at the (free) Mizner Park garage directly across the street. This kind gesture will help reserve the parking spaces nearest to the church entrance for members who may have some challenges with mobility. Thank you for your help and understanding.

ST. GREGORY'S IS NOW LIVESTREAMING

TO THE HOMEPAGE OF OUR WEBSITE

stgregorysepiscopal.org

If you are unable to join us in person for services on Sunday, please join us online! In addition to livestreaming each Sunday's 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist to our Facebook page, St. Gregory's is now livestreaming the service to our homepage for your convenience. Click here to view the service on our homepage (it is located in the middle of the page) or click here to view it on Facebook.

PASTORAL CARE

St. Gregory's Is Here For You.

St. Gregory's provides a variety of support ministries that are here to support you. Our clergy, staff, and Stephen Ministers are here to answer your questions, pray with you, and for your pastoral needs. Contact the church office at 561-395-8285 or by email at office@st-gregorys.com. Learn more.

PRAYER

Daily Prayer and Prayer Requests

Join us in prayer. Click here to submit your prayer request. To pray for others, click here to view this week's prayer requests. If you'd prefer to receive a daily written prayer, click here to receive each day's word from Daily Prayer (a resource of Forward Movement).

SFHP DECEMBER PRAYER CALENDAR

Prayers for Haiti

Please join us in prayer for the people of Haiti. Click here for the December Prayer Calendar.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers are needed for various ministries.

Our Lay Eucharistic Visitor volunteer group is looking for members of our St. Gregory’s family to join them as they:

1. Deliver communion and enrich the religious experience of those unable to attend church due to illness or incapacity

2. Visit and spiritually support those in need of the comfort and companionship of St. Gregory’s

3. Maintain contact with those parishioners with whom they are assigned to assure them that they are still a part of our St. Gregory’s community.



If this type of ministry appeals to you, please contact David Cominole 561-376-9056 or email him at david.cominole@att.net for more information.

GIVING ST. GREGORY'S

Your Support Makes An Impact

Your support of St. Gregory's and our ministries makes our mission of Transforming Hearts and Community Through Jesus' Love a reality. Please click here to give online now. For more information, please email the Church Office or click on these links: Altar Flower Dedications, Capital Campaign, Meals with Meaning, Stewardship, and South Florida Haiti Project.

CONNECT WITH US

Engaging With St. Gregory's

We're grateful that you're part of St. Gregory's growing community! Visit our website at www.stgregorysepiscopal.org for more information or click the links and social media buttons below:

Contact Information

Volunteer Information

Download the St. Gregory's App - iOS, Google Play