GROWING IN GOD'S PRESENCE THROUGH ST. GREGORY'S YOGA MINISTRY
Guided by a desire to help others experience God's presence more deeply, Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren planted a seed that has grown into one of St. Gregory's most cherished ministries. Eight years ago, she introduced YogaMass—a worship service that weaves together scripture, prayer, Holy Communion, gentle movement, and meditation. Held on the fourth Saturday of each month at 4:00 p.m., YogaMass has continued to grow as people discover a meaningful new way to worship.
Elizabeth's leadership is grounded in both faith and experience. She is an ordained Presbyterian minister, serves as a Clergy Associate at St. Gregory's, and is an experienced 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500).
St. Gregory's Yoga Ministry is rooted in the belief that yoga is a spiritual practice that engages the body, breath, mind, and soul to help us become more aware of God's presence within us and among us. St. Paul prayed that "your spirit and soul and body may be kept sound" before God. The invitation is not simply to think holy thoughts but to become a living expression of Christ's presence.
Yoga invites us to embody that truth. As we hear the words, "I am loved by God," our shoulders soften, our jaw relaxes, our breathing slows, and our minds become still. Rather than simply hearing about God's love, we feel it flowing in our arms, legs and feet, and begin to experience it throughout our whole being. In that way, yoga helps us physically step into God's river of grace.
Building on this foundation, a second offering, Yoga and Sacred Movement, now meets on the third Thursday of each month. Congregant Daphne Lombardo coordinates this growing ministry with steady care. Instruction is also provided by Rev. Elizabeth Pankey-Warren along with congregants Jennifer Attonito, Susan Standbrook, and Rosie Sandoval, each of whom brings unique gifts and experience to guiding participants.
Both YogaMass and Yoga and Sacred Movement are designed to be welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, flexibility, fitness level, or previous experience with yoga. Participants are encouraged to listen to their own bodies, and modifications are always offered.
The ministry reaches beyond our congregation as well. It welcomes not only St. Gregory's members but also the "nones and dones"—people who have never been part of a church community or who have stepped away from church and are seeking a different kind of spiritual experience. In this way, in addition to being a spiritual practice, our Yoga Ministry serves as a gentle form of evangelism, inviting people into a deeper relationship with God.
One recent participant beautifully expressed the ministry's impact. After receiving a blessing with anointing oil from Rev. Elizabeth, tears streamed down her face as she shared that it was the first time in many years she had received Holy Communion or experienced God's love so deeply.
Every class includes intentional breathing, gentle movement that supports flexibility, strength, and balance, and concludes with a period of meditation. The ministry is grounded in the Biblical understanding that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. More than anything,
St. Gregory's Yoga Ministry creates a sanctuary—a place where people can set aside the noise of daily life, rest in God's presence, and grow in community with one another. For many, it has become an essential part of their spiritual journey.
As participation continues to grow, many have expressed interest in adding a second monthly Yoga and Sacred Movement class. The staff and Yoga Ministry team would appreciate your input through a brief survey as they plan future offerings. Please click the button below to share your thoughts.
We are deeply grateful for Rev. Elizabeth, Daphne, Jennifer, Susan, and Rosie, and for the gentle yet powerful ways this ministry continues to transform lives and strengthen our community.