A MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR

In today's video, Father Andrew shares his profound gratitude and an invitation to join him in the Conference Room on Sunday at 11:45 AM for "Bearing Witness: A Journey with Holy Land Christians," a new five-part study program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world.



<For more information about "Bearing Witness: A Journey with Holy Land Christians," please click on the video to the left and view the information in the "This Weekend" section below.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

We Give Thanks

This past Sunday, we finally fully celebrated the fruit of God’s and our congregation’s gifts in A Service of Rededication and Open House Celebration, commemorating our 70^th Anniversary as the cultural and sacred hub of arts and service in downtown Boca Raton. Amen! The Right Reverend +Peter Eaton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida, and Scott Singer, Mayor of Boca Raton, kicked off the Choral Evensong of our faithful dedication to our amazing new sacred space where God and humans meet. Then we were led by our Director of Music Ministry, Organist, and Choirmaster – Timothy Brumfield – with our choir and musicians, into hymns, the Psalter, The Magnificat, The Lord’s Prayer, anthems, solos, Collects, and prayers. “For this place where we may be still and know that you are God, We thank you, O Lord.” Once we held and felt the new post of our new space in solemnity and celebration together in a packed house, we moved to the courtyard, Parish Hall, and East Terrace for a party! Fr. Andrew led us in prayer with a champagne toast to kick off the new and hard-won iteration of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, Florida. So many hands and hearts have been attentively on deck over the past several years to work within this Divine and human highway. So, to God and to all of you, we give thanks. Bless you all. 

With Love, 

Fr. Ben+

YOGAMASS

Saturday, April 27 at 4:00 PM

Don't miss St. Gregory's April YogaMass in the chapel on Saturday, April 27 at 4:00 PM. YogaMass® is a unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions -- physical, psychological, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and practices, to the divine presence among us, within us, and in the sacred meal that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Join us and experience what Jesus promises, “​behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21, KJV) All levels welcome!

Wear comfortable yoga attire & bring water, your own mat, and your friends! Namaste!

ST. MATTHEWS PARISH IN DELRAY BEACH'S

A TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN DIASPORA

Meets Saturday, April 27 from 11 AM - 4 PM

Enjoy a day of fun and good food at a "Taste of the Caribbean" at St. Matthews Parish in Delray Beach on Saturday, April 27th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

St. Matthews Parish Hall

404 SW 3rd Street Delray Beach FL, 33444

Tickets: $35.00 Adults, $15.00 Children (4-10 years)

No charge for children 3 and under.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Given in Loving Memory of

Phillip Edward Noble

Sunday's flowers are being given in loving memory of Phillip Edward Noble by his Mother, Eugenia (Gina) E. Noble, his father Douglas E. Noble, and his extended family. The funeral service for Phillip will be held on Saturday, April 27 at Noon in the Sanctuary followed by a reception in Harris Hall.

ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY

The Nursery Opens Sundays at 9:30 AM

On Sundays, the beautifully renovated nursery provides childcare for the 10:00 AM service. Dropoff for little ones begins at 9:30 AM. There is no cost for this service.

FIRST COMMUNION BLESSINGS

This Sunday

CELEBRATING THEIR FIRST COMMUNION this Sunday are Lucia Hancock, Bennett Chomko and Theodore Whitworth. In addition, Naya Reid, Alexander Kosby, Ian Qullette, Amiri Reid, and Bryce Chomko attended the Saturday Children’s Communion Retreat with Lucia, Bennett and Theodore.

ST. GREGORY'S LOVES COFFEE HOUR!

Donations and Volunteers Needed

Join the tradition of fellowship by volunteering for our Sunday Coffee Hour, following the 10 AM service. We are currently seeking volunteers to coordinate and serve our fellow parishioners each week (except for the Brothers Breakfast Sunday). If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, contact Kay Holt at kholt@st-gregorys.com.

Please support Coffee Hour by bringing something to share. We have plenty of pastries, but would greatly appreciate cheese and crackers, fruit, or other treats. 

             Schedule of Donated Goods for Coffee Hour

April 28 - I through M

May 5– N through Z

May 12– THE BEST BRUNCH IN BOCA! IT IS BROTHERS BREAKFAST SUNDAY AND IT WILL BE A MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH! CELEBRATE MOM AT ST. GREGORY'S!

BEARING WITNESS

A JOURNEY WITH HOLY LAND CHRISTIANS

New Class with Fr. Andrew

Begins Sunday, April 28

Fr. Andrew will be leading a five-week adult formation program starting on Sunday, April 28 in the Conference Room, at 11:45 AM entitled, "Bearing Witness." Bearing Witness is a free, video-based study program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world.  A diverse group of Palestinians and Israelis share their stories to help us understand the realities of life in the Holy Land and the conditions that create the urgent need for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem’s schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.    SESSION 1; BELONGING, connects the story of Jesus speaking in the synagogue where he claims his identity with the many and varied identities of people living in the Holy Land today.

APRIL IS EARTH MONTH!

Celebrate with

a special program at St. Gregory's

LOVING GOD, LOVING CREATION

Sunday, April 28 after the 10 AM Service

All children, youth, families (and everyone!) are invited to celebrate Earth Month with special activities after the 10am service. Join us as we ponder how we praise and bless God and one another through caring for creation.

SERAPHIC FIRE IN CONCERT

AT ST. GREGORY'S

Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 PM

Enjoy Seraphic Fire’s Concert “Mid-Century Modern” at 4 PM on Sunday, April 28th at St. Gregory’s. For more info, visit seraphicfire.org.

THE REALITY OF BEING

“In my search to see reality in myself, I may come to the door of perception. But it will not open, truth will not be revealed, so long as I cling to what I know. I need to have empty hands to approach the unknown. […] All I can do is begin to distinguish myself from my ordinary ‘I',’ to see that I am not my associations, I am not my feelings, I am not my sensations. But the question then arises: Who am I? I need to listen. I become quiet to mobilize all my attention and come to a more balanced state. Am I this? No, but the direction is good. From dispersion, I go toward unity. […] I learn not to turn away. […] I have a preconceived idea that a state of silence, of peace, is deprived of energy and of life, a state where there is a stop, the suspension of everything that generally moves me. In fact, silence is a moment of the greatest energy, a state so intense that everything else seems quiet.”

- Jeanne de Salzmann

This Week, our group work continued within The Reality of Being.

To be empty hands. To be courageous enough to approach the unknown is the work we have before us this week and every day.

We turned to the chapter, TOWARD THE UNKNOWN, pp. 162 - 169, (sections 75 - 78). Working with silence and what inner solitude looks and feels like, we explored the ordinary ‘I’ and its thirst for continuity. Asking ourselves: Are we here? Or are we elsewhere? Only both wed to silence can our vision expand.

“We are afraid to be alone because we are afraid not to be, not to experience. […] We must die to the known in order for the unknown to be revealed.”

How do we gaze, with purified eyes, our ordinary “I” and our “Real I” at the same time? What we perpetuate and what we release.

How do we mobilize all of our attention from the concentration of our hearts?

“I am thirsty,” Jesus said suspended on a cross. “It is finished. Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

As de Salzmann writes,

“When the mind is without provocation or response, there is ‘abandonment.’ Only in this state can we find the real.”

See you Wednesday.

The group meets on Zoom every Wednesday morning at 10:00 am - 11:30 am ET.

Zoom link here. Your desire is your compass.

Meeting ID: 854 5001 9587 Passcode: 1+1=3

Bless you,

Benjamin+

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

By Tim Brumfield

This past Sunday evening was a milestone in the life of St. Gregory’s as we celebrated the completion of our renovations and rededicated our building and ourselves to the mission of Christ’s love here in Boca Raton and throughout the world. I would like to thank the Choir of St. Gregory’s and all our Guest Musicians for their outstanding performance at our service of rededication. The choir did a beautiful job and they worked extra hard as there was a lot of music to learn and rehearse. Each member gives themself so completely to the work at hand in providing a meaningful and worshipful experience musically and I can’t thank them enough for all they do. I wish also to thank my dear friend and colleague, Robyn Marie Lamp, who sang so beautifully with such emotion and conviction. Robyn rushed to be with us as she also sang a two-and-a-half-hour concert in Delray Beach that afternoon which didn’t finish until 6:15 PM! Our guest musicians and singers added so much, as they always do, with their talents and spirit of collegiality and I want to thank Aziz Sapaev, cellist, for his beautiful playing on Robyn’s first solo, “The Lone Wild Bird.”

I also wish to thank Louis Birro for his expert livestream capture of the evening and of all our services each week. Our livestreamed services are unmatched in their beauty and quality and I’m so very proud of what we release to the world each week.

While I was away in April, Sam Cucci took on extra duties helping with the sound, mics, lights, and various other details, especially with the Master Chorale concert on April 7 and I thank him for his unwavering dedication and commitment to always being available when I need him!

And thank you to all those who gave monetarily to help support the evening of rededication. If you would like to make a gift, it’s never too late, especially if you received a blessing from the service and beautiful reception which followed. You can still play an important part in helping to underwrite this historic service in the life of our church.

This Sunday, the Choristers will be singing a beautiful anthem by John Rutter entitled “Thy Perfect Love” with a text dating from the 15th century. I’m looking forward to having the children with us this Sunday!

Blessings to all,

Tim

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

THURSDAY, APRIL 25



5:45pam: Choristers rehearsal

NEXT SUNDAY, APRIL 28

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 am: Nursery open

9:45 am: 3yrs - 5th grade regular classes (designated classrooms)

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

11:30 am: Special Earth Day program for children, youth, and families immediately following the 10 am service (Courtyard and other spaces)

NEXT SUNDAY, MAY 5

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 am: Nursery open

10 am: Rise & Shine service (Harris Hall)

No Upper Room Time for youth - enjoy worship time with your families!

Sunday, May 12

Mother's Day and Brothers Breakfast!

Parents - dine together at the table(s) reserved for you!! Celebration for graduates! (More details coming soon!)

Saturday, May 18

Confirmation Rehearsal, Retreat, and Zoom call with Bishop Eaton

Sunday, May 19 - Confirmation Sunday

Confirmation Retreat for confirmands, parents, and sponsors -- date/time TBD; please stay tuned for updates!

Saturday, May 25

End-of-year celebration and Summer Series Kickoff

We will gather at the beach for this event.

Stay tuned for more details!

PSALM 23

(Reimagined)

The Lord is my caretaker, my companion and the giver of life; I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in lush fields and meadows and leads me beside calm lakes, quiet rivers and calm environments.

He energizes me, rehabilitates me and restores my heart and guides me along the way of righteousness and helps me make good decisions for His Name’s sake.

Though I walk through bad places, evil doing, dark moments and tough times  I will fear no bad things, darkness or sin for You are with me;

Your [shepherd’s] crook, your weapons, and your teachings, they comfort me.

You give comfort and welcome others before me in the presence of my enemies and all those who are against me.

You have cleansed my thoughts and received me as your holy child and my heart overflows, my chalice is full and You provide more than is needed.

Surely your niceness, care, compassion, holiness and love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in your kingdom and heaven for ever.

GRADUATION CELEBRATION

Sunday, May 12 at the 10 AM Service

All 2024 graduates (all ages and graduating grades, not just high school and college) are invited to attend the 10 am service on Sunday, May 12 so that we can honor your achievements. Afterwards, join us for cake and a celebration during Brothers Breakfast in Harris Hall.

Congratulations to all our graduates!

ECW (EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN) SCHOLARSHIP

Apply Now! $1,000 Scholarship to

Support Education for Women

Due to successful ECW fundraising efforts and to the generous donations of our greater church parishioners, and, as part of St. Gregory’s ECW mission in alignment with the National ECW organization, this program helps:

-To bring aid to women to help them become equal partners within their communities; and

-To provide an opportunity for women to improve life for themselves, their families, and their communities.

All applications must be received in full by May 5, 2024. The award recipient will be notified and receive their award either on or before May 15, 2024.

Contact: Rebecca Sorensen at rsorens51@gmail.com

CONFIRMATION 2024

Important Dates and Information

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY - MAY 19 

during the 10 am service

CONFIRMATION RETREAT

Our annual retreat for confirmands, parents and sponsors is scheduled for Saturday, May 18. Please stay tuned for details.

ZOOM CALL WITH BISHOP PETER EATON

This is mandatory for all Confirmands!

Currently scheduled for Saturday, May 18 from 4 pm - 5 pm, as part of the Confirmation Retreat.

SPONSORS

All confirmands should select an adult sponsor (someone other than a parent/guardian). Ideally, this person should be someone who has played a nurturing role in your life and who models the Christian way of life for you. Sponsors are expected to attend the Confirmation Retreat, the Confirmation service and the Confirmation rehearsal, and be a continuing source of support for you in your spiritual journey.

SAVE THESE DATES!

Other Great Stuff In the Works!

Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28 - Happening Retreat - Diocesan program for high school teens.

St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, Boynton Beach

Sunday, April 28 - Special Earth Day program -

9:45 AM - during Youth Upper Room time for teens and after the 10 am service for everyone!

May (date/details TBD) - Youth Group fun time -- Boomers in Boca



April/May (date/details TBD) - Youth Group service -- Visit to Boca Rehab

April/May (date/details TBD) - College Conversations -- FAU students sharing wisdom with youth about all things college

JUNE: IT'S KANUGA TIME!

Kanuga Youth Week Is Almost Here!

Kanuga Youth Week 2024

June 16-21

Bus transportation and other details are being determined by our diocese. Stay tuned for more info.

Let Anita know if you are interested in going!

anitasherman561@gmail.com

ADULT FORMATION

Classes and Formation at St. Gregory's

Sundays

11:45 AM - Bearing Witness with Fr. Andrew - Fr. Andrew will be leading a five-week adult formation program starting this Sunday.  Bearing Witness is a free, video-based study program that shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world. Click here to view a short video on the Bearing Witness program.

Wednesdays

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

Meeting Link

10:00 AM - The Reality of Being with Fr. Ben - This class meets via (Zoom). The Reality of Being is an ongoing group, initially composed of the fruit that has fallen out of a three-year Gospel of Thomas circle, and will meet via Zoom every Wednesday from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST. Zoom link here.

Meeting ID: 854 5001 9587 Passcode: 1+1=3

6:00 PM - Rector's Bible Study with Fr. Andrew  - Hybrid class - On Zoom and In Person (In the Conference Room). Zoom link here Meeting ID: 841 7545 8345 Passcode: 086160

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

RISE AND SHINE SERVICE

Next Sunday, May 5 at 10 AM in Harris Hall

St. Gregory's popular Rise and Shine service is back on Sunday, May 5 at 10:00 AM in Harris Hall! Don't miss this wonderful service!

MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH AT ST. GREGORY'S

Sunday, May 12 after the

8 AM and 10 AM Services

This year, celebrate Mom at St. Gregory's while enjoying the Best Brunch in Boca lovingly made and served by the Brothers of St. Gregory's!

END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION

AND SUMMER SERIES KICKOFF

Saturday, May 25

End-of-year celebration and Summer Series Kickoff. We will gather at the beach for this event. Stay tuned for more details!

ART CLASSES

Mondays at 9:30 AM

Welcome all art lovers and artists. Beginners and Intermediate 1 class in oil painting. Come and have fun while learning. Never again will you wonder what color to select or how to set up and create a pleasing composition. Learn all the rules of composition, design, color theory, and how to critique your work. An extremely positive class. Hope to see you there!

Note: There is no fee for this class. Perhaps a small donation to St. Gregory's as they are providing space and some setup.

Class began April 8 (Monday) Location - St. Gregory's. The class is six weeks. Please contact Patricia Lusk for a material list or additional information. 

Time: 9:30 AM - Morning prayer is at nine if you wish to attend and the painting class will begin at 9:30 AM. The class is from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. 

If you wish you had a watercolor class to attend or Advanced oil or Acrylics, please let me know as I am taking names for the possibility of additional classes. 

Email: Plusk421@yahoo.com

Phone: 786-218-0197

UPCOMING AT ST. GREGORY'S

Saturday, April 27 - Children's Communion Retreat in the Chapel, YogaMass in the Chapel at 4 PM.

Sunday, April 28 - Father Andrew's new class "Bearing Witness" begins, Seraphic Fire in Concert at St. Gregory's.

Sunday, May 12 - Brothers Breakfast/Mother's Day Brunch

Click to view St Gregory's full calendar of services, events, classes, meetings and other activities.

ECW MEETING

Thursday, May 9 at 2:30 PM in Harris Hall

Calling all ladies of St. Gregory's! The ECW will meet on Thursday, May 9th at 2 PM in Harris Hall.

DAUGHTERS OF THE KING

All Women of St. Gregory's are Welcome!

Did you know that you can be a prayer warrior here at St. Gregory’s?

St. Brigid of Kildare is an active chapter of the International Order of the Daughters of the King (DoK) here at St. Gregory’s that was initiated on December 13, 1959. The DoK is an international and ecumenical organization, founded in 1885 in the Episcopal Church which includes worldwide churches in communion with the Episcopal church, or churches in the historic episcopate but not in communion with it. Our membership currently includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), and Roman Catholic churches. The Mission of The Order is the extension of Christ’s Kingdom through Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. The vows of prayer, service, and evangelism are taken after a discernment period during which a twelve-unit study is completed. We live our lives by the two rules of the Order: 1) the Rule of Life, and 2) the Rule of Prayer. We take vows of prayer, service, and evangelism. In line with St. Gregory’s inclusive tenets, all women, married, single, divorced, or otherwise, are welcomed as children of God regardless of race, creed, color, gender or sexual identity, and LGBTQIA+. Our chapter has one-hour hybrid meetings (live and via zoom) monthly on the second Saturday at 9AM. For more information contact Susan J. Manwaring at 561-866-6154

or susanjm@me.com.

ANDRANOVORY

Thank you for the generous support in raising funds for the children of our parish link, Andranovory, Madagascar. Typical of God’s abundance, the people of St. Gregory’s was shown a need and responded to the call.

These funds will allow numerous children to receive the school supplies needed to attend school in the fall. More to come, stay tuned. Please continue to pray for our Parish link. If interest in learning more, contact Betsy Wenzel at jpbetsy@gmail.com.

SOUTH FLORIDA HAITI PROJECT

April Prayer Calendar

Click the button below to view

the April prayer calendar for Haiti. 

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.

ST. GREGORY'S LIVE-STREAMS SERVICES

TO 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.

PARKING PASSES

If you have not yet gotten a parking pass, please stop by the church office during weekly business hours to get a pass.

NEED A LITTLE EXTRA SPACE OR ASSISTANCE FOR SERVICES?

To ensure our services are accessible and comfortable for everyone, we have now designated spaces specifically for members of our congregation who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs or walkers. These areas are designed to provide extra room, ensuring full participation in our services for everyone. If you require assistance upon arrival, please don't hesitate to ask an usher for help.

PALM TRAN CONNECTION

RIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE MEETING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Palm Beach County provides ride assistance to those who are unable to drive and meet their eligibility requirements. For those approved for the program, the cost is $3.50 each way or $7.00 round trip. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and to schedule an interview, call 561-649-9838 (and dial "7") or visit Paratransit (Connection) - PalmTran

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).

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 AT 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