Saint Gregory's Church |
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St. Gregory’s is dedicated to reaching
out to our world and community ‘Feed my sheep’ St. Gregory’s offers food for the stomach and the soul St. Gregory's is an integral part of Woodstock and our surrounding communities as well as the world-wide Anglican Communion. We are a member of the Woodstock Council of Churches and enjoy participating in periodic interfaith prayer services, especially the Thanksgiving service and Advent Lessons and Carols. St. Gregory's is a member of the Ulster Inter-Parish Council, the Mid-Hudson Region of Churches and the New York Diocese. St. Gregory's participates in several ministries that reach out into the community and across the globe through the donation of the time, talent and treasure of our members. These include providing volunteers to supply and staff The Good Neighbor Food Pantry two months a year and to set tables, serve soup and clean up at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen two months a year. We participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program, keeping a section of our local community free of debris. We are active in the Carpenter's Kids program, supporting children in the Diocese of Central Tanganyika by supplying uniforms, shoes, school supplies and breakfast with HIV/Aids orphans. Members of the parish also participate in the Episcopal Relief and Development efforts, the Episcopal Public Policy Network and the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. Fellowship activities include our Weekly Coffee Hour, following the Sunday service, which provides an opportunity to welcome new members and visitors, as well as socialize with fellow parishioners. After our Wednesday evening service there is a Potluck Supper with lively discussions on a variety of topics. On Sunday mornings, we have a Breakfast & Bible Study. Our parish is the home of a number of Twelve Step groups and we also provide space for other community and organizational meetings an clinics. Art in Worship FUNDMusic, church ‘installments’ (decorations), flowers, concerts, and guest speakers are all important parts of our worship expression and also part of our outreach efforts. Occasionally we are blessed by a soloist or instrumentalist from Bard Conservatory of Music. One of our goals is to invite John Philip Newell, author of Christ of the Celts, to be our Theologian-in Residence for a week in 2011. Donations to this Fund in memory or in honor of a loved one will help us to bring more of the ‘Arts’ into our worship services and also enable us to attract world renown speakers. Young Artist Concert SeriesThis Sunday afternoon concert series features the talents of students and facility at Juilliard. Concerts take place on Sunday afternoons at 3:00PM in the Fall and Spring. There is no charge but a free-will offering helps to defray the cost of the accompanist and travel. The GardenCome with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest (Mark 6:31) The Memorial Garden, constructed in 2003, increases in beauty each year and is maintained by parish members. The Garden is available during the day for those who need a sacred space where they can engage in quiet reflection. The Garden is often used for weddings and other social events. Plans for a Therapy Garden are in the works as well; connecting us to worldwide movement called The Quiet Garden. The Quiet Garden Movement: The Quiet Garden Movement encourages the provision of a variety of local venues where there is an opportunity to set aside time to rest and to pray. These may be:
The Labyrinth(go through the back garden gate to reach the Labyrinth) The Labyrinth, created in 2006, is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. Labyrinths and mazes have often been confused. When most people hear of a labyrinth they think of a maze. A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved. It has twists, turns, and blind alleys. It is a left brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out. The classical or seventh circuit labyrinth refers to the seven paths that lead to the center or goal. This is an ancient design and is found in most cultures. It is sometimes dated back more than 4000 years. Also known as the Cretan Labyrinth it is associated with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. This design was found on Cretan coins. Labyrinths have most likely always been used in a spiritual manner. They can create a heightened awareness of the human condition and aid psychological and spiritual growth. To build a labyrinth is to create a sacred space. To walk a labyrinth is to imbue it with power and meaning. The more a labyrinth is used the more powerful it becomes as a symbol of transformation. The classical labyrinth has an association with Christianity. A cross is the starting point used to construct this labyrinth. The cross at the center can become the focus for meditation and the experience of the labyrinth. The classical labyrinth design is found in many churches in Europe. One of the most famous labyrinths still in existence today is the one atChartres Cathedral near Paris, France. It was built around 1200. There is no right way to walk a labyrinth. You only have to enter and follow the path. However, your walk can encompass a variety of attitudes. It may be joyous or somber. It might be thoughtful or prayerful. You may use it as a walking meditation. Adults are often serious in the labyrinth. Children most often run in and out as fast as they can in a playful manner. When you walk a labyrinth choose your attitude. From time to time choose a different attitude. Make it serious, prayerful, or playful. Play music or sing. Pray out loud. Walk alone and with a crowd. Notice the sky. Listen to the sounds. Most of all, pay attention to your experience. Some general guidelines for walking a labyrinth are:
Other outreach projects which St. Gregory's supports include the following: Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Public Policy Network Episcopal Peace Fellowship ============================================================ For information on how to participate, contact the church, 845-679-8800; church@stgregoryswoodstock.org |
| We are a radically welcoming community for all persons regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or physical abilities |