The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. - Ephesians 4:11-13
Welcome to an overview of St. Gregory's Ministries. St. Gregory’s is a vibrant church community dedicated to "Transforming Hearts and Community Through Jesus' Love." With nearly one hundred ministries, we passionately serve both our members and our broader community, near and far, spreading the transformative power of love and compassion in everything we do.
Please scroll down just beyond the contact form below to view our list of ministries.
For additional ministry information, please contact Kristen Chaney, St. Gregory’s Parish Administrator, at KChaney@st-gregorys.com or complete the form below and press the “submit” button.
Baptism - Baptism is a sacred and sacramental initiation into life in Christ through water and the Holy Spirit. At St. Gregory's, we baptize both children and adults. We conduct baptism at our Sunday worship services and quarterly at our Beach Eucharists. For more information about scheduling a baptism, contact the church office.
Centering Prayer - Centering Prayer is silent prayer that seeks to open our hearts to the presence of God abiding within us. For more information about this group contact Fr. Ben Thomas
Confirmation Class - Confirmation is the sacramental rite that affirms and strengthens our baptismal vows through the laying of hands and the anointing prayers of our bishop. Confirmation class is a three year journey for youth in grades six through eight. For adults seeking Confirmation, please speak with our clergy to learn about our special classes.
First Communion Class - These classes meet every Spring to prepare children for first communion and help children already receiving communion to explore a deeper understanding of this sacramental practice that is so central to our worship life. For more information about class times contact Fr. Ben.
Godly Play Children's Ministry - Godly Play is the curriculum and ministry program used in the formation of our children in Pre-K and Kindergarten. The mission of Godly Play is making meaning through story, wonder, and play. Nurturing spiritual lives by honoring the centrality, competency, and capacity of children.
Good Shepherd Program - The Good Shepherd Program is the curriculum used in the formation of our children in grades one though three. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based approach to faith formation for children. It is theologically sound, systematic, and rich in Scripture, liturgy, and sacred history. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd takes place in an atrium, a sacred, hands-on space in which both children and catechists can hear, ponder, and celebrate the content of the Christian Faith.
Kanuga Conference - Every year we send a group of teens to Youth Week at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. The week allows teens to "unplug", renew, and refresh themselves while exploring a theme about life in Christ with other young people from all over the Eastern US. This continues to be a transformational experience for those who attend.
Library - St. Gregory's library offers a carefully curated collection of books and reading materials to enrich our spiritual formation.
Men's Bible Study & Spirituality Group - The Men's Spirituality group meets once per week online, often to study a book together as well as to provide pastoral support and encouragement for one another.
Mommy and Me - Mommy and Me in a ministry from moms and Dads for fellowship and support in the joyous work of raising young children. For more information about gathering times and events, please contact the church office
Newcomers Reception - Fr. Andrew & Anita Sherman along with members of the Vestry host a welcome reception 2-3 times per year at the Rectory. It is an opportunity for newer members to get to know one another and for Vestry members to get to know them in a warm, convivial atmosphere.
Newcomer Class - St. Gregory's Newcomer Class meets for five one hour sessions in the fall and spring following the newcomer reception. The class is designed for anyone new to St. Gregory's and serves to introduce new members to life in Christ at St. Gregory's. For more information, contact Fr. Andrew.
Rector's Wednesday Evening Bible Study - On Wednesdays at 6 pm September through May, Fr. Andrew leads a Bible Study that immerses us in a deep study of God's living word. The class meets in person in the 2nd floor conference room and includes an online option. For more information, please contact Fr. Andrew. All are welcome.
Spiritual Retreats - Spiritual retreats are provided periodically to enhance regular worship and formation offerings and to offer attendees alternative and creative ways to explore life in Christ. These are often offered seasonally, such as in Lent and Advent.
Sunday School - St. Gregory's offers engaging classes for children aged 3yrs - high school where young people are invited to explore and share their life in Christ in a loving, welcoming and inclusive environment. A talented and dedicated group of teachers provides loving guidance for this program.
Von Kreuter Fund - The Von Kreuter fund is an endowed fund at St. Gregory's that supports members of St. Gregory's in pursuit of a seminary education. The fund also supports seminarians in our diocesan and Anglican partner relationships. The fund was initated by a legacy gift given by Hilda Von Kreuter.
Wisdom Circle - Fr. Ben Thomas guides participants in a series of studies of major works from the Wisdom community. The Circles endeavor to assist seekers to delve more deeply into the mystery of life in Christ and to see and experience this life in new and ever expanding ways.
Women's Bible Study
This group meets once per week to study Scripture, provide pastoral support for one another, and to enjoy fellowship.
Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry focuses on engaging middle and high school teens with the "4 ships" of our community in Christ: worship, discipleship, stewardship and fellowship. Our gatherings include (but are not limited to!) meditation and conversation about life in Christ, service projects, interactive worship experiences, and enjoyment of time together. We are also very active in the interfaith community through our Boca Raton Interfaith Youth Association (BRIYA).
Caring Callers - Caring Callers reach out by phone and email to members for loving updates and pastoral "check-ups." They work closely with Fr. Andrew and the Pastoral Leadership Team to provide loving care and support to our members. For more information or to volunteer, please contact the church office at 561-395-8285 or via email at office@st-gregorys.com. Or, contact Fr. Andrew at asherman@st-gregorys.com.
Coffee Hour - The Coffee Hour Team oversees the setup and cleanup for St. Gregory’s Coffee Hour fellowship after the 10 am worship service. New volunteers are always needed and welcomed.
Eastburn Endowment - The Eastburn Endowment, enabled by a legacy gift from Jeff Eastburn, is dedicated to providing financial support to our ministry with Family Promise and the South Florida Haiti Project. The committee meets annually to review grant requests and recommend to the Vestry an annual disbursement of funds in keeping with vestry policies.
Endowment Committee - The Endowment Committee meets three to four times a year to review the investment policies and results of our endowments and to make any recommendations to the Vestry on changes to these policies.
Episcopal Church Women - ECW - The Episcopal Church Women--ECW--is a women's group that promotes friendship among women in the congregation and supports the ministries of St. Gregory's by sponsoring fundraising events. They also oversee the St. Gregory's Thrift Shop.
Finance Committee - The Finance Committee oversees the financial life of St. Gregory's and recommends to the Vestry our annual budget and any changes to our financial policies.
Flower Guild - The Flower Guild prepares floral arrangements from our Sunday flowers to bring a gift of love to those in need in our congregation and community.
Fundraising - The Vestry annually oversees a celebration of our church anniversary with a gala fundraiser and fellowship event.
Gardeners of St. Gregory's - The Gardeners of St. Gregory's care for the special gardens of St. Gregory's and oversee the planting of seasonal flowers. They normally meet every Tuesday morning.
Grief Support Ministry - Our grief support ministry is offered through Stephen Ministry, our clergy and through grief materials sent to families that have experienced loss. For more information contact the clergy of St. Gregory's.
Holiday Gala - This is the annual fundraising event that celebrates our church anniversary. (Hollyversary)
Human Resources Committee - The Human Resources (HR) Committee assists the Rector and Vestry in establishing the policies and procedures for the professional staffing of St. Gregory's in compliance with Episcopal Church guidelines.
Knitting Ministry of St. Gregory's - This group works to create beautiful prayer shawls for distribution to those in need, particularly during a pastoral crisis. Each shawl is prayed over as it is knitted or crocheted. Members meet once per month for mutual encouragement and to learn from one another; they work independently the rest of the time.
Legacy Society - The Heritage Society seeks to encourage members to include St. Gregory's in their estate planning. Information and resources are available to provide guidance to members in leaving a legacy to support the ministry of St. Gregory's in perpetuity.
Let's Grow - Let's Grow is a strategic initiative that is looking a five areas of church life--Evangelism; Children, Youth, and Families; Ministry Development; Community Engagement; In home Discipleship Formation. The Vestry is exercising leadership is working on these five themes that emerged from our January retreat.
Lunch Bunch - The Lunch Bunch is a church fellowship group that gathers regularly for lunch at local restaurants.
Solar Committee - The Solar Committee is tasked with exploring and possibly developing a plan to equip the church and campus building with solar power.
The Brothers of St. Gregory's - The Brothers of St. Gregory is open to all the men of the congregation. The mission of the Brothers is to support and build community in the church family and, especially, to support the children and youth of St. Gregory's. Regular activities include hosting the monthly breakfast for the congregation on second Sundays and conducting a monthly membership meeting over a shared dinner. We welcome all the men of the congregation to join us.
Office Angels - Office Angels provide volunteer service to the church office by staffing the front desk, greeting visitors, answering the phone, and assisting with various special projects such as mailings.
Property Development Committee - This committee explores how to optimize the utilization of St. Gregory's properties in ways that are most advantageous for the church's mission and ministries.
Security - This group continually evaluates the church's security needs and makes recommendations to the Rector and the Vestry about current needs and concerns.
Special Gifts & Memorials - Special Gifts and Memorials is a committee that identifies gifts for the church funded by memorial gifts. The gifts are selected based on church needs and the particular interests of the person who is being memorialized.
Stephen Ministry - Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one lay pastoral support (3-6 months) for those experiencing particularly difficult or challenging situations. Each Stephen Minister undergoes extensive training before meeting with care receivers. Ministers do not serve as counselors, but rather as friends in Christ who are there simply to listen and to provide loving support. For more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Fr. Andrew by email at asherman@st-gregorys.com or office@st-gregorys.com.
Stewardship Committee - The Stewardship Committee works to engage parishioners in financially supporting the church and its ministries. The Committee works with the Rector and the Vestry to conduct the annual stewardship campaign.
Technology Committee -This committee continually evaluates the technology needs of St. Gregory's to best serve the church's mission and ministry. They address minor needs and make recommendations to the Vestry regarding major changes.
Vestry - The Vestry serves as the governing council for our church. The group of 12 elected lay people meets monthly and works with the Rector to review church administration, finances, ministries, and any other matters vital to the mission of St. Gregory's.
Anne de Wolfe Food Fund - This fund supports the feeding ministries of St. Gregory's. Members of the committee meet annually to propose to the vestry the annual distribution of these endowed funds. Click here to learn more about this ministry.
Arts and Cultural Center - St. Gregory's is growing into an identity as a center for arts and service in downtown Boca Raton. This group seeks to develop this identity.
Canterbury Ministry/House - Canterbury Ministry seeks to support college students and young adults in their faith lives. The main vision focuses on creating a welcoming community where students and young adults can enjoy fellowship, form relationships, and explore faith questions in an inclusive, non-judgemental environment. The House currently provides housing for 4-5 college students who actively participate in the Ministry.
Concert Series of St. Gregory's - Featuring musicians and performance ensembles from around the world, our concert series serves as one of the foundations of our motto The Cultural and Sacred Hub of Arts and Service. Featured artists have included Five Time Grammy Award Winning Paul Winter Consort, The American Spiritual Ensemble, Jazz legend Wycliffe Gordon, cellist Eugene Friesen, and jazz vocalist Dee Daniels, to name a few. St. Gregory’s is proud to have South Florida’s very own grammy nominated vocal ensemble Seraphic Fire returning every year for a variety of concerts featuring their cherished Christmas concert. The St. Gregory’s sanctuary with its improved acoustical environment serves as a sought-after venue for performers, ensembles, and audiences alike!
Environmental Committee - The Endowment Committee meets three to four times a year to review the investment policies and results of our endowments and to make any recommendations to the Vestry on changes to these policies.
Family Promise - Family Promise ministry supports our partnership with Family Promise of South Florida which is an interfaith non-profit that seeks to transition homeless families with children into lasting stability. Click here to learn more about Family Promise.
Gentle Giant - Provides skilled, compassionate mental health services at reduced or no cost. Gentle Giant was established to offer assistance to people seeking mental health services. In celebration of the powerful life of Dr. Doyle Patton, a skilled and compassionate clinical neuropsychologist, Gentle Giant was established with a mission of providing Compassionate Mental Health Care for Children and Families Experiencing Financial Hardship. For more information visit: GentleGiant.com
Lecture Series - Our Lecture Series seeks to bring distinguished speakers to St. Gregory's to address a variety of topics of interest to our congregation and to our community.
Madagascar McGregor Toilara Endowment - This group works to support the relationship with our partner diocese of Toliara in Madagascar. Click here to learn more about Madagascar.
Meals with Meaning - "Feeding the Mind, Body & Spirit" is the MWM slogan. We help to uphold the dignity of every person. Serving the community 6 days per week with food, hygiene and toiletry items. Click here to learn more about Meals with Meaning or contact GVallee@st-gregorys.com.
Racial Justice and Healing - The Racial Justice and Healing Ministry seeks to engage our congregation with the ongoing work in the Episcopal Church to foster healing and reconciliation among all people. The group shepherds small groups working with the national church's Sacred Ground program and seeks creative ways to build Beloved Community. Click here to learn more about St. Gregory’s Racial Justice and Healing ministry.
Recovery Group - St. Gregory's provides meeting space for various local recovery groups such as AA.
South Florida Haiti Project - The South FL Haiti Project builds ongoing relationships with our partner community in Bondeau, Haiti. The group actively partners with the Bondeau community leaders to explore the optimal ways to support the community, church and school. Click here to learn more about the South Florida Haiti Project.
Thrift Store - The Thrift Store is operated by our very dedicated Episcopal Church Women (ECW) group. All funds raised support a variety of church and charitable ministries.
Acolytes - Acolytes serve at the altar on Sundays and at other worship services. They assist in leading worship by carrying crosses, candles and other forms of assisting the clergy in leading worship. At St. Gregory's children, youth and adults serve as acolytes. We also have several families that serve together.
Altar Flowers & Sanctuary Candles - Sunday flowers can be given as a gift in thanksgiving of a special occasion or to remember a loved one. Please contact the church office to make a dedication. We also have a team of people who deliver the flowers to those who are homebound or in need of a special token of our congregation's love. Volunteers to help with this ministry are always needed.
Altar Guild - The Altar guild is a team of members who care for our worship space and prepare the altar for worship. They are the holy "behind the scenes" team that cleans linens, polishes vessels, and fills candles with oil among the many details that are essential to preparing God's people for our life of worship. New members and those who want to explore this ministry are always welcome.
Beach Eucharists - Beach Eucharists are held quarterly in January, April, June and September at South Beach in Boca Raton, located at the end of Palmetto Park Road. Please contact the clergy of St. Gregory's to learn more about our Beach Eucharists.
Choir of St. Gregory's - Our Choir of St. Gregory’s is made up of professional and semi-professional singers from the congregation and surrounding communities and is second to none as they provide a link to our musical heritage by keeping alive the storied anthems of great composers throughout the history of the Anglican church and by performing music of many different genres and traditions. The Choir leads the 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist, and provides extraordinary music for our Choral Evensongs each month, inspiring all who hear them to be more fully connected to the Divine.
Choristers - Our children’s choir, or Choristers, is under the direction of Tim Brumfield. Made up of children in grades 3-8, this choir learns a variety of choral music from spirituals to the great church anthems with a select few providing the “treble voices” for the Choir of St. Gregory’s on occasion. They learn the rudiments of music theory and have the tremendous experience of working together to bring great music alive with each rehearsal and performance.
Columbarium - Our Columbarium is the sacred place of internment for the cremains at St. Gregory's. Please contact the church office for information about policies and costs.
Daily Eucharist - St. Gregory's celebrates the Eucharist on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon in our lovely St. Mary Chapel. On Thursdays, an opportunity for healing prayers follows the worship. All are welcome.
Daily Morning Prayer - Daily Morning Prayer is offered in person on Mondays and Thursdays in the Chapel of St. Mary. Tuesday and Wednesday it is available online. To connect online please go to our website or the St. Gregory Facebook page.
Daughters of the King - The Daughters of the King is an Episcopal and Anglican ministry for women who make a special commitment to practice prayer, worship, and evangelism. Our chapter at St. Gregory's meets monthly for support and prayer.
Evensong - Evensong is perhaps one of the most beautiful of all services that comes out of the Anglican church. The service is quite literally a living history of our church and its traditions going back centuries inspiring countless composers to set portions of its liturgy to music such as the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Other musical settings include the Preces and Responses as well as the Psalms, Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. Led by the Choir of St. Gregory’s, you will hear music ONLY to be experienced at Evensong!
Friends of Great Music at St. Gregory's - This ministry committee supports the ministry of Music at St. Gregory's as an onramp into life in Christ at St. Gregory's. The committee provides support to the concert series and assists with special fundraising events.
Greeters - Our Greeter Ministry is comprised of members who serve at our Sunday worship services and welcome visitors and members to our church. They assist with connecting people to life in Christ at St. Gregory's and serve as the faces who greet worshippers with love.
Holy Week Worship - Holy Week worship includes worship services of special devotion as we enter spiritually into the story of Christ's last days and remember and give thanks for his saving love.
Labyrinth - St. Gregory's has a portable labyrinth that we use during retreats and other special occasions. For more information about our labyrinth, please contact Fr. Andrew.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers - Lay Eucharistic Ministers serve during worship services to assist the clergy with the distribution of Holy Communion.
Lay Eucharistic Visitors - Lay Eucharistic Ministers serve during worship services to assist the clergy with the distribution of Holy Communion.
Lectors - Lectors are lay people who read the Scripture lessons or the prayers during worship services.
Music Ministry - Music has played an extremely important role in the development and evolution of Christianity. Throughout the history of the Church, we have used music as a way of expressing who we are to the world and each other. Music is one of St. Gregory’s greatest strengths which continues to help identify us as we move steadily into the 21st century.
Noon Eucharist Leadership - St. Gregory's celebrates the Eucharist on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon in our lovely St. Mary Chapel. On Thursdays, an opportunity for healing prayers follows the worship. All are welcome.
Nursery - Nursery care for infants and young children is provided every Sunday during the 10 am worship service as well as for certain special events. A paid staff person is always present and parents are always welcome to be present as well.
Order of St. Luke's Healing Ministry- St. Gregory's offers laying on of hands as well as special prayers for healing during many of our worship services. This takes place in our St. Mary's Chapel and is administered by both lay and clergy persons.
Rise & Shine - The Rise & Shine worship service takes place once per month during the school year and provides an alternative worship experience that is open to everyone, but is particularly geared towards children, youth, and families. The service runs concurrently with the 10 am service in the sanctuary.
Ushers - St. Gregory’s ushers provide guidance to all those attending worship services. They are available during each service to provide support for worship attendees as needed (eg, mobility-challenged individuals) and to assist with the orderly administration of Communion. They also serve as part of the church's security efforts.
Vergers - Vergers are specially trained and commissioned members of our worship team who assist the clergy in leading worship. Vergers assist with the scheduling of worship participants, the preparation of the church for worship, and the training of acolytes. Our vergers also participate in our Diocesan Verger Guild and the National Church's Verger Guild.
Video Ministry - Our Livestream Ministry, which grew out of the Covid-19 pandemic has now become one of our most important ministries, allowing St. Gregory's to be visible not only to our members who view from their homes, but to an audience worldwide. Each week, our 10:00 AM worship is broadcast around the globe via our website, Vimeo, and Facebook, enabling St. Gregory's to share with the world the Good News of Christ as we worship together in the beauty of our sanctuary with music and the spoken word, lifting our voices together in song and hearing the Gospel proclaimed through scripture and sermon. Our Audio/Visual coordinator, Louis Birro, captures the beauty, dignity, and reverence of our corporate worship through our sophisticated system of cameras and computers bringing to our online viewers the feeling of "being there." Other services livestreamed include special services such as Evensongs, Celtic Eventides, funerals, memorial services, and even weddings.
Wedding Coordination - Wedding coordination entails working with couples on the use of church space, coordination with other ministries (eg music, flowers), reception (if conducted at St. Gregory's) and providing other support services as needed.
Worship - Worship is the heartbeat of St. Gregory’s as we come together day after day, week after week, to share the love of Christ with one another and the world through thoughtful preaching, solemn prayer, and inspiring music. Worship feeds our souls and prepares us to move forward in our daily lives with renewed hope. Our live-streamed services enable us to spread Christ’s message of love both near and far to those unable to attend in person.
Yoga Mass - Yoga Mass is the celebration of the Eucharist in the context of a yoga class experience. Yoga Masses are held monthly on Saturdays at 4 pm at St. Gregory's from September through June. The Yoga Mass is normally held in the Chapel of St. Mary. Participants are invited to bring their yoga mats and dress for a yoga class.