TODAY'S VIDEO MESSAGE

FROM FR. ANDREW

St. Gregory's is Moving Forward! Be a Part of It!

In today's video message, Father Andrew invites you to nominate candidates to Vestry and to join him at the "Let's Grow" think tank discussion on Saturday, January 27 at 9:00 am. St. Gregory's is moving forward - be a part of the momentum!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

MLK Day and our Interfaith Witness

Last Monday, St. Gregory's clergy team and some of our members joined the annual community march in memory of Dr. King. St. Gregory's clergy and our colleagues in BRICA (Boca Raton Interfaith Clergy Association) read excerpts from Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." Adding energy to our interfaith witness were the teens who comprise BRIYA (Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association), which is co-led by Gena Vallee of St. Gregory’s and Cathy Berkowitz of B’nai Torah.

What I found particularly moving was that the entire community of Boca Raton was present—the historic black community of Pearl City, where march participants convened at Boca's oldest church (Ebeneezer Baptist Church); the Jewish, Christian and Islamic communities, led by their gifted clergy: the political leadership, represented by the Mayor and members of the City Council; and, the school community, led by the spirited marching band of Boca Raton High School. There was, as one clergy member remarked, "Unity in the Community." The unifying spirit behind this was the life and legacy of Dr. King, who prophetically challenged our nation to live into a dream where all God's children are valued, welcomed and fully participating in a nation where "justice rolls down like water and righteousness like mighty stream."  It is a dream that still compels, inspires and unites. It is a dream that makes a difference because it reflects God's dream for humanity. The truth is Dr. King was not just a civil rights leader, he was a human rights leader, as the keynote speaker on this day observed. So, this week we give thanks to Dr. King for making a difference and for our interfaith clergy, community and youth leadership that keep alive the power of Dr. King's vision.

Blessings in Christ,

Andrew+

PRESIDING BISHOP TO UNDERGO NEW MEDICAL PROCEDURE TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF BRAIN BLEEDS

[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will undergo a medical procedure on Jan. 18 that doctors hope will alleviate the underlying condition that has caused Curry’s recurrences of subdural hematoma, according to an update from the church’s Office of Public Affairs.

Curry has been treated twice at a hospital near his home in Raleigh, North Carolina, since early December, when doctors diagnosed the subdural hematoma, or brain bleed, after he suffered a fall during a visit to the Diocese of Central New York. The new procedure will use a catheter to insert a metal coil intended to prevent blood from pooling in the brain.

Click to read the full story.

NEW PODCAST:

REFLECTIONS WITH BISHOP PETER EATON

The Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida is excited to announce that we have launched a brand-new podcast called Reflections with Bishop Peter Eaton. The podcast is available to listen on your favorite podcast apps:  Apple, Spotify, and RSS. Click here to read the full article.

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 our Stewardship Campaign

We have approximately 400 families who are members.

As of January 18, 2024, St. Gregory's has received 177 pledges totaling $1,029,987 toward our goal of $1,100,000.

THE REALITY OF BEING

“For a second I see what it is hiding, and I see the automatism itself. I see the subjective circle within which my thoughts and feelings turn, and I see beyond it. I feel myself the center of a double movement: one movement of coming together which allows access to a purer force, and another of letting go in which this force can be absorbed. These two movements complement each other in the fluidity of life. There is a moment of greater stillness in which life makes me feel its action on me. Then, through my sensation, I perceive vibrations of another quality and penetrate a world of fine matter. This produces something like a magnetic field that reflects the energy needed for higher consciousness, bringing energy of a different emotional order.”

- Jeanne de Salzmann

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

Seeing beyond strikes me as seeing hope, when we find ourselves in the center of a double movement. What does this space in-between move like, look like, and feel like?

“Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine […] with all their scintillating beauty.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

This week, we continued with the end of the chapter A Pure Energy, pp. 227-231, (sections 107-109). Standing with and in-between Voluntary suffering, Vigilance, and the Void.

Void, in the French, has interesting translations in English. It moves from ‘empty’ to ‘travail.’ There you go.

A Benedictine heart holds individual work and prayer together for the whole. Allowing everyone to enter into the magnetic field of relationality.

The “dark clouds” and “the radiant stars of love” and communion “with all their scintillating beauty.”

The great hope of Ora et Labora lives on.

But Prayer and Work takes us consciously standing in-between to create something new.

Keeping in mind the feeling of lack, let us then move along to the chapter, The Emergence of “I,” pp. 261-264, (sections 125-126).

“I wish to open. I feel the need to risk my established position. And I feel the need for silence, a real silence, emptiness. […] In so seeing, I liberate myself. […] My freed attention, my consciousness, then knows what I am essentially. […]

The highest form of intelligence is meditation.

A mind that “concentrates without boundaries.”

See you Wednesday.

This will be an ongoing group meeting 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

NEW CLASS STARTS SOON!

The Cloud of Unknowing with Fr. Ben+

Begins Soon

Fr. Ben will be starting another fascinating spiritual exploration beginning soon. The book being used for this series is The Cloud of Unknowing: With the Book of Privy Counsel.

About the book:

This anonymous fourteenth-century text is the glory of English mysticism and one of the most practical and useful guides to finding union with God ever written. Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s new translation is the first to bring the text into a modern English idiom—while remaining strictly faithful to the meaning of the original Middle English.

The Cloud of Unknowing consists of a series of letters written by a monk to his student or disciple, instructing him (or her) in the way of Divine union. Its theology is presented in a way that is remarkably easy to understand, as well as practical, providing advice on prayer and contemplation that anyone can use. Previous translations of the Cloud have tended to veil its intimate, even friendly tone under medieval-sounding language. Carmen Butcher has boldly brought the text into language as appealing to modern ears as it was to its original readers more than five hundred years ago.

Also included in the volume is the companion work attributed to the same anonymous author, The Book of Privy Counsel, which contains further advice for approaching God in a way that emphasizes real experience rather than human knowledge. Please email Fr. Ben for more information and to register.

SERAPHIC FIRE IN CONCERT AT

ST. GREGORY'S

Sunday, February 25 at 4:00 PM

Enlightenment Festival: A Visit with Haydn

Patrick Dupre Quigley, Conductor

A special visit to the Esterházy palace by war hero Admiral Lord Nelson and his mistress, Lady Emma Hamilton, inspired this concert of works by Haydn. Amateur soprano and scandalous socialite Lady Hamilton struck up a friendship with Haydn and they performed together multiple times during her stay at Esterházy. The palace’s resident composer, Haydn provided entertainment for the diplomatic visit with the premier of the Te Deum for the Empress Marie Therese and two works dedicated to Lord Nelson: Missa in angustiis (later coined the “Nelson” Mass) and the song “The Battle of the Nile,” with Emma singing. Step back in time to relive the political and social intrigue of Haydn’s time in a concert for chorus and chamber orchestra that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a salon at the Austrian palace.

NOMINATIONS FOR VESTRY

Last Chance to Nominate Someone for Vestry

Nominations for the Vestry are open! If you or someone you know would be an ideal candidate for the Vestry, please email your nomination to the church office at office@st-gregorys.com.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Honoring Your Loved Ones

This Sunday, the altar flowers are being given in loving memory and in honor of the life of The Rev. Charles (Chuck) Wissink, by his wife Barbara, and his loving family.

If you would like to honor a loved one with altar flowers, please click here to learn more.

CONGRATULATIONS

PATRICIA LUSK

This Sunday at the 10:00 AM Service, we admit Patricia Lusk to the Order of the Daughters of the King, St. Brigid of Kildare Chapter. Please congratulate Patricia at coffee hour, which the daughters are sponsoring this Sunday.

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.

BROTHERS LASAGNA DINNER

Monday, January 22 at 6:30 PM in Harris Hall

Calling all men of St. Gregory's! The Brothers of St. Gregory's are delighted to announce their first dinner of the new year - and lasagna is on the menu! It's the perfect opportunity for the men of St. Gregory's to gather, enjoy good food and great company. We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP via the button below to reserve your spot!

A CASE FOR LOVE DOCUMENTARY

Watch this Important Film on January 23rd

Join Father Andrew, Anita, and the

St. Gregory's Group at the 7 PM Showing!

"A Case For Love" - A different kind of film, a different kind of story. A journey of exploration in troubling times. This is the first in a series of projects aimed at changing the national narrative of division.

“A Case for Love” is inspired by the teachings and writings of Bishop Michael Curry, most well-known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This documentary examines the question of whether or not love, specifically, unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world.

In the documentary, the film team travels across the US, interviewing everyday people from various walks of life and ethnicities, striving to live their lives selflessly. These stories are interwoven with hundreds of person-on-the-street interviews while well-known figures including Pete Buttigieg, Al Roker, Sam Waterston, John Meacham, Jim Clyburn and others weigh in on the subject. In the end, Bishop Michael Curry places what we’ve seen into context.

Subjects explored: Racial Justice, Sexual Identity, Military Service, Foster Care, Politics, Sexual Trafficking, Disability, Loss of Loved Ones, Refugees, Volunteering, Food Justice and more.



(Source: https://www.gracebasedfilms.org/a-case-for-love)

LET'S GROW!

GROWING OUR COMMUNITY

THINK TANK DISCUSSION

WITH FATHER ANDREW

Saturday, January 27 at 9:00 AM in Harris Hall

Father Andrew will be hosting a discussion about church growth, outreach, and evangelism in the new year on Saturday, January 27th at 9:00 AM in Harris Hall. Light breakfast foods will be served. With the construction behind us, we are pivoting our minds and hearts from our internal work to growing our beloved community and we want everyone to be a part of this important discussion!

ST. GREGORY'S ANNUAL MEETING

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 AT 11:45 AM

In Harris Hall

Join us for St. Gregory's Annual Meeting following the 10 AM service on Sunday, January 28. Hear the latest news, the vision for the new year, and the announcement of the new Vestry members. A light lunch will be available for $5.

NEWCOMERS WELCOME BRUNCH

Sunday, February 4 at 11:45 AM

at the Rectory

New to St. Gregory's? Join Father Andrew and Anita at the Rectory for the Newcomers Welcome Brunch on Sunday, February 4th immediately following the 10:00 AM service! It is a warm and wonderful way to make new friends and learn about life in Christ at St. Gregory's!

ECW THRIFT STORE REOPENING SOON!

Newly Renovated Thrift Shop

Opening Next Month

St. Gregory's ECW is excited to announce the reopening of our beloved ECW Thrift Shop in February. Newly renovated, the shop is a treasure trove of gently used items such as housewares, jewelry, purses and much more. It's the perfect spot for quality finds at bargain prices. Stay tuned for more updates.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE

ECW TEA AND FASHION SHOW

Saturday, April 13 at 2:00 PM

Mark your calendars for a delightful afternoon at St. Gregory's ECW Annual Tea, set to take place on Saturday, April 13th, from 2 PM to 4 PM. This cherished event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cozy tea experience while enjoying fellowship and fashion. Additional details about the event will be shared soon, so stay tuned!

LOOKING AHEAD

Mark Your Calendar

for these Important Dates

January 27: Let’s Grow! Growing our community think tank discussion with Fr. Andrew. 9 AM in Harris Hall January 28: St. Gregory’s Annual meeting: 11:45 AM

Seraphic Fire: 4 PM, Evensong: 6 PM

February 4: 10 AM: Rise and Shine (in Harris Hall)

Newcomers Brunch at the Rectory: 11:45 AM

February 11: Big Red Bus, Blood drive: 8 AM to noon

Brothers Breakfast after both services; Newcomers class after breakfast

February 12: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Burning of the Palms begins at 6 PM

February 14: ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES: 7 AM, NOON, 6:30 PM. ASHES TO GO: Beach at Noon, Mizner at Noon, Whole Foods at 3PM.

CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

A Place to Belong

THURSDAY, JAN 18

5:45 pm - Choristers Rehearsal (Choir Room)

SUNDAY, JAN 21

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

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

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

THURSDAY, JAN 25

5:45 pm - Choristers Rehearsal (Choir Room)

SUNDAY, JAN 28

9:10 am: Confirmation Class (Conference Room)

9:30 AM - Nursery Opens for Dropoff

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

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

11:30 am - Church Annual Meeting (Harris Hall)

Youth - Snack/Chat/Chill in the Youth Room

Younger children - special activities upstairs

The nursery will be open for our youngest members.

THURSDAY, FEB 1

5:45 pm - Choristers Rehearsal (Choir Room)

SCENES FROM UPPER ROOM TIME

We Enjoyed Brothers Breakfast Together

Last Sunday, our youth enjoyed a delicious hot Brothers Breakfast together and gave the Brothers a big thank you card filled with messages of gratitude for all of their hard work!

ST. GREGORY'S NURSERY

Open for Dropoff on Sundays at 9:30 AM

Did you know that St. Gregory's nursery is open on Sunday mornings? The beautifully renovated nursery provides childcare during for the 10:00 AM service. Drop off for little ones begins at 9:30 AM.

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 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 - 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

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).

JANUARY PRAYER CALENDAR

Please Pray for Haiti

Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers. Click here to view the January 2024 Prayer calendar.

ST. GREGORY'S LOVES COFFEE HOUR!

Join the Tradition of Fellowship by Volunteering

THE ST. GREGORY FAMILY LOVES COFFEE HOUR!  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, please contact Kay Holt at kholt@st-gregorys.com.

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