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. 

THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD

“The beauty of the world is the mouth of a labyrinth […] He walks on not knowing anything or hoping anything, incapable even of discovering whether he is really going forward or merely turning round the same spot. But, if he does not lose courage, if he goes on walking, it is absolutely certain that he will finally arrive at the center of the labyrinth. And there God is waiting to consume him. Later he will go out again, but he will be changed, he will have become different, after being eaten and digested by God. Afterward he will stay near the entrance so that he can gently push all those who come near into the opening.”

- Simone Weil

The French mystic, Simone Weil, right after fleeing the Nazi invasion of France and just before dying at the age of 34 of tuberculosis soon after, somehow managed to write those words.

As I was reflecting on Love this past week, and as I reflect on love in general, that great mystery we are all captured within in some form. I revisited a favorite book of hers called, Love in the Void: Where God Finds Us. And I opened immediately to a page I had dog eared some time ago and read this:

“Just as God hastens into every soul immediately it opens, even a little, in order through it to love and serve the afflicted, so he descends in all haste to love and admire the tangible beauty of his own creation through the soul that opens to him.”

Giving-is-receiving seems to be the energetic frequency within which the world operates.

Simone Weil was born in 1909 to a wealthy Jewish family in Paris who left that wealth, as mystics do, to seek what was true. She left a teaching career to become a factory worker in order to feel the afflictions of the working class. An agnostic who never claimed a religious affiliation, she sought beauty, goodness, and truth with single-minded attention. And in her early life, she never conceived of the possibility of, “real contact, person-to-person, here below, between a human being and God.” Until one day, “Christ himself came down and took possession of me.”

So here we are, mingling with the possession of Christ. Praying on earth as it is in heaven. Inside the exchange of God and human beings.

Treat yourself to Jesus Christ the Apple Tree by the Choir of St. John’s College Cambridge.

“The Tree of Life my soul hath seen,

Laden with fruit and always green:

The trees of nature fruitless be

Compared with Christ the apple tree.”

“The beauty of the world is the mouth of a labyrinth.”

It takes immense courage to respond to Love with our lives.

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Music Ministry

Merry Christmas!! As I reflect on this past Sunday and Monday morning, I can’t help but feel humbled with gratitude for all who gave to our Capital Campaign to make our sanctuary renovation a reality. Worshiping in our newly designed space is truly a moving experience filled with awe, reverence, and beauty. Christmas worship on Sunday and Monday was magical.

I am forever grateful to the Choir of St. Gregory’s and our guest musicians for their incredibly beautiful music. They put in MANY hours of hard work between rehearsals and services and I want to commend each person for their dedication and perseverance right through to the end.

I was so very proud of our Choristers on Christmas Eve as they sang for the 4 PM Pageant! They sounded great! Much thanks to my Music Assistant, Emily Carter, for her excellent leadership with these wonderful children.

This Sunday, I’m on a break, and in my stead will be Mr. Phil Hinton, guest organist. Phil is no stranger to St. Gregory’s as he has worked on the organ from time to time as a technician and played in a band combo in one of our concerts a few years ago. He spans the gambit from jazz to classical and English church music, and I know you’ll enjoy hearing him on Sunday at the 10 am service. Sam Cucci will be the soloist and will also play his flute at the 8 am service. The Choir of St. Gregory’s will be on a much-deserved vacation!



Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and blessings for the New Year!!

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

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)

Beach Clean Up

A beach cleanup will immediately follow the Beach Eucharist for those who can stay to help clean up our beloved beach!

"Mommy and Me" Informational Session

9:15 AM - In Harris Hall

If you're interested, please come for an info session, meet new friends, and make new connections!

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)

PEACEABLE KINGDOM MANGER

Thanks to all for sharing

your creative energy!

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!

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 INFO SESSION

Sunday, January 7 at 9:15 AM

St. Gregory’s is restarting its “Mommy and Me” group! Interested Moms will meet on Sunday, January 7 at 9:15 AM in Harris Hall. If you're interested, please come for the info session, meet new friends, and make new connections!

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

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