AN ADVENT LIKE NO OTHER

Today's Video Update from Fr. Andrew

In today's video update from Father Andrew, he shares a heartfelt update on the reopening of the Sanctuary. This Sunday marks not only the last service in Harris Hall, which has been a cherished temporary worship space, but also the celebration of the Second Sunday of Advent and a special Baptism. The anticipation is palpable as Father Andrew announces the return to the church building on December 17th, coinciding with St. Gregory's 70th Anniversary. With the holy water font now reinstalled, the church eagerly awaits to welcome its members back for this historic Sunday. Father Andrew's message is a stirring reminder of the unique Advent season unfolding at St. Gregory's, and he extends a warm invitation to all - friends, family, and neighbors - to join in this new chapter of the church's life. Let's come together to embrace this advent like no other at St. Gregory's.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

More than a Meal

Did Meals with Meaning serve 300 meals on Thanksgiving day? Yes. Did we give food to those who were hungry? Yes. But on this day that the government has marked as a day to give, thanks was much more than feeding the hungry. 

Thanks to our many partnerships in the community, we were connected with Lucky Horse Sanctuary. They asked if we could help bless the residents of Fellowship Recovery in Margate with our delicious and love-filled food. Rose and the team enthusiastically said yes! Hot meals complete with turkey, all the sides, and 15 pies were shared with more than 100 residents!

In addition to adding Fellowship Recovery to the list of recipients, our 4 volunteer drivers delivered food to 16 individual homes. One of our vodrivers, a long-time member of St. Gregory's, said this about the day:

“There was nothing but gracious "thank you's" shared by all our delivery recipients. This was a meaningful display of Christian and Episcopalian hospitality and generosity—and one that no congregation other than St Gregory’s could have executed, period. Not to mention the warmth and elegance that went right along with the process.

Amidst a world where a lot is askew currently, thank you for showcasing all that is right”.



Just as our guests consisted of diverse members of the community, so was our volunteer team. Fellow Christians, Jews, and Agnostics all joined together in serving kindness. 

A big thank you to Rose Vallee for leading the kitchen team and to our tireless volunteers Anna Thomas, Magdy Tadros, and Sue Vallee. Kathy Cottrell paired her talents with Donamarie Vallee to create a beautiful welcoming courtyard for our guests. And to ALL of the amazing volunteers who give so much of themselves both on Thanksgiving - and throughout the year - thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do.

I give thanks to Fr Andrew and St. Gregory’s for allowing Meals with Meaning to continue to “showcase all that is right”. As the Book of Common Prayer states, “It is right and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere, to give you thanks, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth” (pg 361). 

May we all continue to give thanks to our God of goodness by caring for one another. 



-Gena

BLESSING OF THE ALTARS

By The Right Reverend Peter Eaton

This week, The Right Reverend Peter Eaton, Bishop of Southeast Florida, blessed St. Gregory's two new altars. As we look forward to reopening the doors on Homecoming Sunday, December 17th, we eagerly anticipate sharing the beauty and serenity of our refreshed Sanctuary with the congregation. The single service at 10:00 AM on the 17th promises to be a joyous celebration of faith and community.

BAPTISM BLESSINGS

Eleanor Diana Parker-Rohwer

This Sunday at the 10:00 AM service we will welcome into our Family of God, Eleanor Diana Parker-Rohwer.  

Through the Sacrament of Baptism she becomes our sister in Christ. Pray that she will continue to grow in faith and love throughout her life. Eleanor is the granddaughter of Diana Stanley and Jim Parker.

CONGRATULATIONS AND BLESSINGS

Mr. and Mrs. Hahn!

Congratulations to Shelby and Ryan Hahn, who were united in marriage by Father Ben in the Harris Hall Sanctuary last Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Their special day was a beautiful celebration of love, laughter, and commitment!

As they embark on this new chapter, we wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and many blessings.

PRESIDING BISHOP CURRY RECOVERING FROM SURGERY AFTER FALLING, SUFFERING A BRAIN BLEED

By ENS Staff

Editor’s note: This story was updated Dec. 7 with the latest release about the presiding bishop’s condition.

[Episcopal News Service] 

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry fell while visiting Syracuse, New York, and suffered a subdural hematoma, or brain bleed, that required surgery, The Episcopal Church’s Office of Public Affairs said in a news release. He was admitted Dec. 3 to a hospital near his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and underwent surgery.

The surgery was successful, the news release said, and the Office of Public Affairs issued an update Dec. 7 saying Curry was recovering well in the hospital. Curry is “alert and talking, and his surgeon reports being happy with his progress,” the latest news release said.

Click here to read the full story.

DOCUMENTARY INSPIRED BY PRESIDING BISHOP'S TEACHING ON LOVE DUE FOR NATIONAL THEATRICAL PREMIERE JAN. 23 By David Paulsen

[Episcopal News Service] A nonprofit movie company led by Episcopalians is about to unveil its biggest project yet. Its feature-length documentary inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s message of unselfish love is headed for a nationwide theatrical release on Jan. 23.

The film, “A Case for Love,” is expected to appear in at least 1,000 theaters for the one-day initial release, and more dates could be added if large numbers of moviegoers turn out for the premiere. The nonprofit, Grace-Based Films, also hopes to generate interest from streaming services.

“There’s a hunger for stories like this,” director Brian Ide told Episcopal News Service. He founded Grace-Based Films with fellow members of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills, California, some of whom worked in the film industry. Grace-Based Films started as an All Saints’ ministry. Now, as an independent nonprofit, it plans to devote revenue from “A Case for Love” to funding future storytelling projects. Click here to read the full story.

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.

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 12/7/23, we have received 144 pledges totaling $664,104 toward our goal of $1,100,000. 

THE REALITY OF BEING

The Work of the Way

On the second Sunday of Advent, the St. Gregory’s family joins Christians throughout the world in lighting the candle of Peace.

This Sunday’s gospel introduces the prophetic voice of John the Baptist – a radically wild contemporary with Jesus – proclaiming the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Harking back to the words from the prophet Isaiah, we hear, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Most trees in most places in the northern hemisphere drop their leaves gradually. But late November, every year in seminary, this ginkgo tree, as all ginkgo trees do, would drop all of its leaves at once. Anna and the kids and I would marvel at the sight of this glorious tree dropping its color to the ground in one moment. Witnessing the power of newly bare branches pointing heavenward with its yellow solace lying on the ground. What if the ginkgo is the John the Baptist of trees? The ascetic who learned to live in the desert of life, in the veins of winter trees, so that the fullness of love could fully manifest?

This Sunday we embark on the body of Christ, the bread of Peace. And we follow John the Baptist who makes a crooked path straight for Jesus who will eventually utter, “Come, follow me.” May we find the holy release in the consent of Peace this week. 

Fr. Ben+

Click to view the full Advent Message

A MESSAGE FROM TIM

Music Ministry

This Sunday, we will worship for the last time in Harris Hall as we prepare to transition back into the sanctuary after 7 months!! I’m so excited!! The sanctuary looks beautiful and sounds incredible. The organ technicians were here this week tuning and tinkering and the organ sounds absolutely amazing. Our Steinway grand piano is back from the restorer’s workshop and the restoration exceeds my wildest expectations. The instrument is truly concert worthy and could be right at home on the Carnegie Hall stage!

The music this Sunday will feature Mendelssohn’s “There Shall a Star Come out of Jacob” from his oratorio, Christus. Reflecting the scripture reading for the day, Sam Cucci will sing the aria “Every Valley” from Handel’s oratorio, The Messiah.

We will welcome Ms. Maria Provost, flute, as musician at the 8 am service and Ms. Susan Dodd as guest musician at the 10 am service.

Christmas Eve Music

Beginning next Sunday, December 17, we will be experiencing the Christmas season in our beautiful newly renovated sanctuary with its greatly improved acoustical environment making the music of the church sound even more glorious than ever! The organ and choir truly sound like they are in a cathedral. In order to bring you the finest and most inspiring music possible, I hope you’ll consider making a special contribution towards our Christmas Eve music which includes not only our Festal Choral Eucharist at 10:30 pm but also our Christmas Pageant service and our Lessons and Carols. Your gifts will help to bring the most beautiful music possible to St Gregory’s and to the City of Boca Raton this Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child and our new beginnings in our newly renovated sanctuary.

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

Notice: Due to ongoing AC repairs, please be prepared to meet in alternate locations. We will direct you once you arrive at church. Thank you for your continued patience. Grace for all!

TONIGHT - THURSDAY, DEC 7

5:45 pm - Choristers rehearsal (Choir Room)

6:30 pm - Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association (BRIYA) December meeting at the Islamic Center of Boca Raton (ICBR)

+ + +

SUNDAY, DEC 10

9:10 am - Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

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

9:45 am - Upper Room Time for middle/high school (Youth Room) - Special program for peace and healing with Fr. Craig Burlington

LAST SUNDAY OF CLASSES BEFORE THE HOLIDAY BREAK!

+ + +

NEXT THURSDAY, DEC 14

5:45 pm - Choristers rehearsal (Choir 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)

SCENES FROM

THE RECTORY OPEN HOUSE

We had fun -- eating, drinking, being merry

and making Christmas crackers on the patio!

UPPER ROOM TIME

FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEENS

Meets Sundays at 9:45 AM

St. Gregory's Upper Room Time meets each Sunday (except the first Sunday of the month or other specially designated Sundays) for snacks, downtime, conversation, reflection, and prayer. This week, we will gather for a special program for peace and healing with Fr. Craig Burlington.

CANTERBURY MINISTRY

Festive Dinner at the Rectory

Last Sunday, Father Andrew and Anita warmly welcomed members of the Canterbury Ministry to the Rectory for a festive holiday dinner.

This delightful gathering brought together young adults and college students from our community, fostering a sense of fellowship and cheer. The dinner was a wonderful opportunity for younger members of our parish to connect and celebrate the Advent season.

The evening was filled with laughter, frienddelicious food, and the spirit of togetherness.

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

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 Reality of Being will be 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. If interested, 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 II - PEACE

The Second Sunday of Advent:

We light the candle of Peace.

On the second Sunday of Advent, the St. Gregory’s family joins Christians throughout the world in lighting the candle of Peace. This Sunday’s gospel introduces the prophetic voice of John the Baptist – a radically wild contemporary with Jesus – proclaiming the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Click to view the full Advent message

RACIAL JUSTICE AND HEALING PRESENTATION

Sunday, December 10 at 9:00 AM

This Sunday, After the 8 AM service, we invite you to join Cheryl Fells and Richard Tullie in the conference room for an update on the Racial Justice and Healing committee.

ECW POP-UP AND BAKE SALE

Sunday, December 10

On Sunday, December 10th after both morning services, The ECW will have delicious baked goods for sale. Additionally, many beautiful Christmas items will be displayed for sale. This is a great opportunity to purchase hostess gifts and gifts for family and friends. all proceeds are used for the many ministries of St. Gregory's, including our annual scholarship for one of our female members. Please stop by to pick up a treasure or a sweet treat!

ECW CHRISTMAS MEETING AND PARTY

Thursday, December 14 at 1:00 PM

ECW Christmas Meeting and Party

Thursday, December 14th at 1:00 pm

Youth Room Harris Hall”

The ECW welcomes all St Gregory’s Women to join us for a Christmas Light Lunch and social get-together. Please join us!

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.

The service will be followed by

a homecoming potluck in Harris Hall.

Please plan now to bring your favorite dish!

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

St. Gregory's Christmas services will be offered both in person in our beautifully renovated Sanctuary and online. If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to be part of the magic by joining us online.

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



The church office will be closed December 25 through January 1, 2024.

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

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