ADVENT IV AND CHRISTMAS

INVITATION AND BLESSINGS

FROM FATHER ANDREW

Wishing you and Your Loved Ones

the Blessings of this Holy Season

In today's video, Fr. Andrew issues a warm invitation to join him this Sunday, for Advent IV and Christmas Eve Services and on Monday morning at 10:00 AM for Christmas Day Services. Father Andrew also shares heartfelt Christmas blessings and gratitude to you and yours. Please click the video to the left to view his message. Click here to view the Sherman Family's Christmas Card.

CONGRATULATIONS

To Father Craig on the 54th Anniversary

of His Ordination to the Priesthood!

The first time returning to St. Mary’s Chapel since the renovation was Tuesday, December 19, when Fr Craig officiated at the noon Eucharist which happily happened to be the 54th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood!

There was a congregation of 12 “apostles” including some of the Burlington family visiting for the holidays, with everyone giving thanks for the beautiful new worship space!🙏

PRESIDING BISHOP MICHAEL CURRY'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2023:

'A sign for you'

Office of Public Affairs

Click here to view this year's Christmas message video from the Presiding Bishop Michael Curry or to read the transcript.

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 12/21/23, we have received 156 pledges totaling $925,428 toward our goal of $1,100,000. 

MERRY (ALMOST) CHRISTMAS

WITH LOVE

FROM THE THOMAS FAMILY

From the Thomas family to you and your family, we wish you and your loved ones a very merry and blessed Christmas.

With Love,

The Thomas Family

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Music Ministry

Wow, what a day Sunday was! I was caught between jubilation, nervous jitters, tears, and relief, all at the same time! Words are totally inadequate to describe fully the feelings and emotions felt by the choir, clergy, worship leaders, and myself. The choir sounded magnificent, and I thank them for their beautiful singing throughout the service. I couldn’t be more pleased with the new acoustic created as the sanctuary truly sounds like a European cathedral giving music the breadth and depth which composers and musicians always wish for their music to have. The organ now sounds like it was intended and speaks freely without impairment. Our sanctuary is not only beautiful but is now being sought by ensembles and musicians as a premiere destination for performance!



I want to personally thank our sound and IT consultant and designer, Dennis Freemyer, for all his hard work and dedication to the project of installing the sound system. Many weeks, days, and hours were spent making it the best it can be, and I can’t thank him enough. I want to also thank Louis Birro for his dedication and diligence on Sunday as he brought the service to life with the livestream for all those watching at home. There were a lot of new things to learn in a short period of time and he will be tweaking and improving the production each week as we adapt to our new space.

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 and Lessons and Carols to the Festal Eucharist. It’s NEVER too late to give, so If you would like to give, please call the office, or use the online application! Your name may not make it on the donor list, but I’ll make sure you’re acknowledged later, after Christmas!

For Advent IV, the choir will sing a beautiful anthem, Mary’s Magnificat, featuring returning soprano Anja Yargici, who is home for the holidays from her native Turkey. And, the choir will also sing O Thou that Tellest, from Handel’s The Messiah, featuring our own Adriana Portales as soloist. At Communion, the choir will sing a gorgeous setting of Ave Maria by Rachmaninoff, rounding out the liturgy as we focus on Mary, Mother of God.

The music for the Christmas Eve Festal Eucharist will feature a string quartet along with the choir as we sing the music of John Rutter and Anthony Piccolo. Rutter’s What Sweeter Music is one of his most beloved anthems and Piccolo’s Canterbury Mass is one of exuberance and reverent beauty.

The Prelude at 10:30 will feature In the Bleak Mid-Winter by Harold Darke along with several carols which the congregation will join in singing with the choir.

Merry Christmas to everyone and blessings for the new year! How blessed we are at St. Gregory’s!!

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

Saturday, December 23

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Optional Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (See below for more information)

Sunday, December 24

(See enclosed schedule for service times)

3:00 PM - Christmas Pageant Meeting time and mic check (See information below)

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR CHRISTMAS BREAK.

CLASSES WILL RESUME ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024.

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.

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)

THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Optional Practice This Saturday

From 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

It's almost time!

I know some kids prefer a time of preparation and for other families, it's just such a busy time of year that fitting in rehearsals can be difficult. As such I plan on being at the church this Saturday from 12:30-2 pm for anyone who would like to come by and practice. I will have folks there helping the younger ones with costume fittings as well. Again this is optional, just an offering for anyone who might appreciate time to practice and you do not have to stay the entire time - think of it as a dress rehearsal drop in LOL! 

If you cannot make it Saturday, please be sure to arrive Sunday at 3 pm so that you can do a sound check with the new mic system. 

OPEN ROLES: We still have a few non-speaking parts open so invite your friends and cousins! We have plenty of extra costumes besides the ones listed below.

1. A Prophet
2. the Donkey
3. A Shepherd
4. Sheep
5. We need 3-panel holders who remain on the altar with a lightweight panel

There can be multiples of any of these except the donkey so please email Anna Thomas with any questions or requests!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE HELPING MAKE THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT POSSIBLE!

We are so grateful to YOU!

We want to extend a huge heartfelt THANK YOU to Anna Thomas, our Pageant Coordinator, our volunteers, and participants for making this year's Christmas Pageant happen. Thank you, everyone, and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

SCENES FROM THE UPPER ROOM

Fr. Craig Burlington led us in a peace and healing service on the 2nd Sunday of Advent

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUTH MINISTRY OR TO BE ADDED TO THE MAILING LIST PLEASE CONTACT ANITA SHERMAN anitasherman561@gmail.com

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.

SUNRISE BEACH EUCHARIST

AND BEACH CLEANUP

Sunday, January 7 at 6:30 AM

Join us at 6:30 AM on Sunday, January 7 at South Beach Park (located at Palmetto Park Road and A1A) for the first Sunrise Beach Eucharist of the new year. A Beach Cleanup will follow the service. (See below).

BEACH CLEANUP FOLLOWING THE

SUNRISE BEACH EUCHARIST

Sunday, January 7

Following the Beach Eucharist, you are warmly invited to join us for a Beach Cleanup at South Beach Park (located at Palmetto Park Road and A1A).

MOMMY & ME MINISTRY

Sunday, January 7 at 9:15 AM

St. Gregory’s is restarting a “Mommy and Me” ministry. Interested Moms will meet on Sunday, January 7 at 9:15 AM in Harris Hall to make plans for the ministry. Please join us.

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) will resume on January 10, 2024. If interested in learning more, contact Fr. Ben here.

6:00 PM - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew will resume on January 10, 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 IV - LOVE

The Fourth Sunday of Advent:

We light the candle of Love.

On the fourth (and final) Sunday of Advent, the St. Gregory’s family joins Christians throughout the world in lighting the candle of Love.

This Sunday's gospel tells a wild tale of Mother Mary, realizing she is pregnant with the Son of God, and traveling to stay with Elizabeth who is pregnant with John the Baptist. And, when the two women meet - do note that the entire Christian path kicks off with women! - John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth's womb with joy as he energetically senses the presence of Jesus within Mary. Elizabeth then exclaims with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Talk about divine exchange culminating in love! 

Mary says, "My soul magnifies the Lord." My soul magnifies the Lord. What a stunning calling this portrait is for us to be icons of Jesus. For us to reflect the glory of God back to God's self just as iconographers have been writing the saints for centuries. May we spend this week contemplating Mary's words in the Magnificat, "He has filled the hungry with good things," knowing that our desire and yearning for union with God will take us all the way to our transformation. 

In Christ,

Fr. Ben+

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!

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)*

*Indicates livestreamed services

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.

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND FLOWER FUNDS

From the bottom of our hearts - we thank YOU for supporting this year's Christmas Music and Flower Funds! Thank you to everyone who supported this year's Christmas Music and Flower Funds. Your support helps to make our Christmas services even more glorious and memorable. From all of us to all of you - thank you, thank you, thank you.

PARKING FOR SERVICES

As 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.

A JEWISH CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS DAY

From 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 "𝗔 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀" 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! Enjoy delicious Chinese food and a movie from 11 AM to 1 PM courtesy of our beloved friends from B'nai Torah. Please stop by Harris Hall. Everyone is welcome!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOURS

With Love From St. Gregory's

We at St. Gregory's wish you and yours

a very merry and blessed Christmas.

The Church Office will be closed Christmas week and will reopen on January 2nd. Though the office will be closed, messages will be checked regularly. Morning Prayer and Noonday Eucharist will resume (in person) on Tuesday, January 2nd.

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