It once served up pizza daily, now it serves up salvation – the Church of Our Savior in Boynton Beach was once a Pizza Hut but has now become a community center for the LGBTQ community and more.
“We refer to our church as ‘The Best Little Church in Boynton Beach,’” Rev. Anthony Viglione, aka Rev. Tony, said. “We do this because we are committed to our God and to one another.”
The church is facing some financial challenges which include skyrocketing insurance rates and come this spring they’ll need a new AC.
“As a small congregation, we do face ongoing financial challenges,” Viglione said. “We know that God always provides and are thankful for all of those in our community who are willing to contribute.”
Donate
You can donate on their website at ChurchOfOurSaviorMCC.org.
The church has become a safe haven for those struggling with addiction, hosting many 12-step groups each week.
“Our church is also a community center that is used by approximately 900 folx each week. We offer space for those in addiction to find a place of acceptance and guidance,” Viglione said. “We do this with no prerequisite as to individual beliefs. We strongly encourage folx to ‘come as they are, believing as they do.’ We are an everyday presence of Christ in the community.”
Like many churches across the country, attendance is dwindling. The pandemic accelerated the trend, and now Church of Our Savior is down to about 40 people in person each week, plus those who watch and participate online.
Viglione says what they lack in quantity is made up by quality.
“We welcomed three new members over the summer, and all three have taken roles to assist and grow our church. They know, as do the long-term members, that our hope to remain viable in our community rests not on ‘someone else,’ but on each of us loving and supporting our mission here in Boynton Beach.”
To do this, Viglione and his team are reaching beyond the traditional pulpit. Part of that is making sure everyone knows they are welcome and that their past is a vital part of their spiritual present.
“We know the value of a spiritual connection to what came before, that connection to the traditions we all bring from those religious institutions we were raised in. Our folks have chosen to be here, to be MCCers,” he said. “We honor all traditions and reach out to our community spreading the news that not only are all welcome here, but that they can ‘come as you, believing as you do.’ You will find a place here.”
Despite small numbers, they have big plans.
“We spent all of 2023 identifying where we came from, learning who we are now, and deciding who we want to be in the future. We know God Is not done with us yet.”
Viglione says Church of Our Savior has an active board, and all members have pledged financial support through this year, and a similar funding request will happen this fall.
Ministering to a small congregation is a big job. But Viglione has more than faith in God, he has faith in his congregants.
“Whether it be pastoral care, planning worship, and financial health. We are small in numbers, but our faith is mighty.”
Church of Our Savior holds services every Sunday at 10 a.m. Visit ChurchOfOurSaviorMCC.org for more information. You can donate on their website as well.
