THE ST. GREGORY'S CANTERBURY MINISTRY

This week schools and colleges begin their fall terms. I've always viewed this as a hopeful time, a time filled with the excitement of new beginnings, new friendships, and new possibilities. In that spirit, I am delighted to announce the start of a new ministry: The St. Gregory's Canterbury Ministry and Home.

In the Episcopal Church "Canterbury Ministry" is traditionally used for episcopal communities at colleges and universities. Canterbury ministries serve as evangelism, discipleship, and Christian community gathering centers that seek to connect college students and young adults with Christ during a fertile time of growth and discovery in their lives. And, frankly, at a time when many young people are disconnected from a life rooted in Christ. In response to this ministry challenge and opportunity, St. Gregory's has repurposed the Eastburn Family Promise House (the 260 NE 2nd St. house immediately east of our parking lot) to serve as a Canterbury House for four FAU college students who will be residents in an intentional Christian community for young adults. The house will also serve as a gathering place for our newly established young adult and college ministry. Canterbury House residents will pay a month's rent to the church and abide by a Christ-centered covenant of behavior. The residential Canterbury House ministry will be overseen by the Rector and an appointed team of CRAs (Canterbury Residential Advisors). I am excited about this new ministry venture to share the good news of God's transformative love in Jesus Christ with college students and young adults in our community. Please join me in prayer for this new ministry as we seek to make a difference in the lives of young adults in our community.

I would also note that St. Gregory's remains faithfully committed to Family Promise, the interfaith ministry to homeless families with children. However, Family Promise no longer requires the use of the 260 house because of their new model of housing families in the program in leased apartments. I am delighted that this ministry continues to serve homeless families in our community with great effectiveness.

In Christ,

Andrew+