News and Events

The Cross and The Lynching Tree: Teachable Moment in Lent

Posted on by Lisa
Lenten Series: Exploring “The Cross and the Lynching Tree,” by James H. Cone
Teachable Moment (10:00am), March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31 and April 7
“The cross and the lynching tree are separated by nearly 2,000 years. One is the universal symbol of Christian faith; the other is the quintessential symbol of black oppression in America. Though both are symbols of death, one represents a message of hope and salvation, while the other signifies the negation of that message by white supremacy.” James Cone, a founder and leader of black liberation theology, introduces “
The Cross and the Lynching Tree” with these provocative words.
Join the Teachable Moment for the Sundays in Lent as we explore and respond to Cone’s work: how does injustice in the world influence how we understand Jesus’ death on the cross, where do we find hope, and how is God calling us to be advocates for justice and reconciliation in the twenty-first century?
Watch this space for news of special guests and community events we may attend in addition to Sunday morning gatherings.
All are encouraged to read the book, but the Teachable Moment time will be accessible both to those who have read it and those who haven’t. Contact Day Smith Pritchartt if you’ve read the book and want to be part of facilitating the series.
NB: Many Advocates have attended the Racial Equity Institute’s anti-racism training and found it to informative, challenging and inspirational. We have funding for others want to go! Check out the upcoming workshop schedule here, and remember that alums may audit a repeat session for a very small fee (but you still have to register).

A Celebration of the Pee Wee Homes at the Advocate. 1/27 at 3 PM

Posted on by Lisa

You’re invited to the Celebration of the three Pee Wee Homes at The Advocate!
Date: Sunday, January 27, 2019 3pm-5 pm
Location: Episcopal Church of the Advocate, 8410 Merin Rd, Chapel Hill


Together we will celebrate the completion of three affordable tiny homes at the Church of the Advocate. These three new tiny homes are 320 square feet each, nestled among trees overlooking a pond on the Church of the Advocate property; one of the homes is ADA accessible. The church and Pee Wee Homes have partnered over the past three years on this innovative project to increase affordable housing opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness.

 

Funding for the project comes from the Town of Chapel Hill, Strowd Roses, students of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the Church of the Advocate, and private donations. We are still raising the final funds for this project, and planning for future Pee Wee Homes projects. We welcome donations online and at the celebration.

 

The Pee Wee Homes model includes a community of support for each resident – that for the Church of the Advocate project will be provided by the members of the congregation, nearby neighbors, and PWH representatives.These long-term rentals, along with the first PWH development in Chapel Hill’s Northside neighborhood – a “tiny-plex” located at 601 Craig Street – will be managed by Pee Wee Homes.

 

Pee Wee Homes (PWH) was born out of the dire need to help fill the affordable housing gap – particularly for those with the lowest incomes. It is an all-volunteer nonprofit agency that includes the church Vicar and local affordable housing, homelessness, and social justice professionals. Learn more about Pee Wee Homes here!

A Contemplative Eucharist, Sundays at 5 PM

Posted on by Lisa

IMG_3456From Faulkner’s Light in August:

“Sunday evening prayer meeting.  It has seemed to him always that at that hour man approaches nearest of all to God, nearer than at any other hour of all the seven days. Then alone, of all church gatherings, is there something of that peace which is the promise and the end of the Church.  The mind and the heart purged then, if it is ever to be; the week and its whatever disasters finished and summed and expiated by the stern and formal fury of the morning service; the next week and its whatever disasters not yet born, the heart quiet now for a little while beneath the cool soft blowing of faith and hope.”

IMG_4235In the Seasons of Epiphany and Lent, the Advocate will host a Contemplative Eucharist on Sundays at 5 PM in the Chapel. The main characteristic of a Contemplative Eucharist is a lot of silence — silent space for being and listening, for contemplation and for receiving the Spirit. This service is pared down — only one reading, simple chants led by a cantor without instrument accompaniment, and a silent meditation on the Gospel reading. We sit in a circle for the liturgy of the Word and stand for the Offertory and Eucharistic prayer. Candles in the middle of our space provide focus. It is a peaceful way to conclude the weekend or to prepare for the week ahead.

Come join us.

 

 

 

House Dinner — Wednesdays (or occasional Thursdays) at 7 PM

Posted on by Lisa

Most Wednesday evenings (or occasionally on Thursdays), The Advocate House becomes a place of shared food, shared stories, and deep fellowship. Our Advocate resident, Charles Rousseau is the host, providing an atmosphere of welcome, mutual care, and good humor. We call it House Dinner.

House Dinner is a time of togetherness over a shared meal, concluding with an invitation to respond to an open-ended prompt, often about an idea or concept (e.g., “shelter,” “grace,” “Christmas spirit”).

All are welcome any time, But it helps if you can let Charles know you are coming and if you can contribute food to the meal, so he can be sure the food and setting are gracious and welcoming.

Contact Charles Rousseau <charlesrousseau10@gmail.com>, ideally by Tuesday of the week to let him know.

The Hose Dinner takes place on Wednesday, night at 7 PM except for when other events are scheduled at the church on that night, such at the Readers Roundtable on second Wednesdays, or a seasonal book study, as in Lent. On those weeks, the House Dinner moves to Thursday night at 7 PM.

Check the weekly calendar on the Advocate website for clarity!

 

Epiphany Commissions

Posted on by Lisa

IMG_1962_2Realizing that Christians are called to ministry in the world, each Sunday in the Season of Epiphany, The Church of the Advocate commissions  people to their life, work and vocation in the community and world around us. 

We will be commissioning the following vocations on the following dates:

Epiphany I, January 13:  All  who are in a Period of Discernment or Expectancy

Epiphany II, January 20:     All who are caregivers for others.

Epiphany III, January 27: The Advocate Annual Meeting.  All who serve the public good.    

Epiphany IV,  February 3: All who are in transition or are retired.

Epiphany V, February 10: All those engaged in expressive and creative endeavors.      

Epiphany VI, February 17: All who work in the pursuit of knowledge.

Epiphany VII, February 24: All who engage in farming, gardening and stewardship of creation.

Last Epiphany, March 3: The Transfiguration: All who are the People of the Advocate

Come join us!

 

Posted here are some sample commissions from throughout the years.

SAMPLE COMMISSIONS 

All Who Work in the Pursuit of Knowledge

Celebrant: Now there are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit

People: There are a variety of services but the same Lord

Celebrant: We call forward all who work to increase our knowledge and understanding of God’s vast creation

Those to be commissioned come forward and present themselves to the celebrant and congregation

Celebrant: Lord, we present to you these teachers, students, scholars and administrators; researchers, inventors, scientists, and information specialists; historians, philosophers, theologians, and all who seek a deeper understanding of truth

Commissioned: Here I am, Lord

Celebrant: Do you celebrate your God given gifts?

Commissioned: We do

Celebrant: Do you seek the blessing of God and God’s Church?

Commissioned: We do

Celebrant: Do you promise, with the help of God, to use your gifts to serve God and neighbor?

Commissioned: We do

Celebrant: Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn

Commissioned: We rejoice in the knowledge of your truth

Celebrant: Bless their pursuit of sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom

Commissioned: May we find in you the source of all truth

Celebrant: Give them times of refreshment and peace

Commissioned: That we may renew our minds, rebuild our bodies, and open our spirits to serve you from generation to generation

Celebrant: This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Commissioned: Amen

Celebrant: This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Commissioned: Amen

—————————–

For all those who care for the well being of others: for doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, therapists and all who study to do so

Call: Mighty and merciful God, who sent Jesus to heal broken lives, we praise you for raising up men and women who are skilled in the healing arts

Response: Strengthen their bodies that they may bend to care for young and old, and let them carry your gift of wholeness to all who suffer in body or mind

Call: Give them eyes to see and ears to hear

Response: Keep them ever open to a tear or cry of distress

Call:  Lighten their hearts even when they are heavy or hurting

Response: Let them be touched as they offer your healing touch and presence. May they make the weak strong, the sick healthy, and the broken whole

Call: Bless them as agents of your love

Response: In your name we pray

All: Amen

+++

 

 

Christmastide and Epiphany at the Advocate

Posted on by Lisa
Christmas Continues….  for 12 Days!

Please join us Sunday, December 30. The First Sunday of Christmas. At 10 AM for the Holy Eucharist with lessons and carols, followed by a simple meal. Child care provided during the service.
Saturday, January 5. The Burning of the Greens! As you are able, bring your greens from home — Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands — and we will burn then in the fire circle, while singing songs and staring in awe at the light coming into the darkness. And there will be cake!
6-7 PM.

Sunday, January 6   The Feast of the Epiphany!  The sages from the East arrive!
9 AM      A classic Episcopal Eucharist with prayers from the Book of Common Prayer and hymns from the 1982 hymnal.
10 AM   Epiphany Brunch (provided). There will be Kings Cake!!
(Note: Godly Play for kids 3-9, Godly Play Grads for kids 9-13, Teachable Moment for adults and youth 14 and up will resume January 13!)
11 AM    A 75-minute Eucharist with prayers and songs from a variety of sources. Child care provided during the liturgy.
1:30 PM  Study of Hebrew Scriptures. See more here.

All are welcome to all.

Please join us for Christmas!

Posted on by Lisa
IMG_9374All Are Welcome. Please join us this Christmas Season.
Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Holy Eucharist with candles and carols. 4 PM and 8 PM
Kids of all ages are encouraged to bring critters from home to visit the baby Jesus in the creche.IMG_9373
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day. Simple Eucharist with carols. 5 PM.
Wednesday, December 26.
5:30 PM  Simple Eucharist. We will remember The Holy Innocents.
6:15 PM  Contemplative Prayer
Sunday, December 30. The First Sunday After Christmas. One morning liturgy: Holy Eucharist with Lessons and Carols. 10 AM.
Wednesday, January 2.
5:30 PM  Simple Eucharist. We will celebrate the Holy Name of Jesus.
6:15 PM  Contemplative Prayer
7 PM        House Dinner. A time of food, fellowship and community.
Saturday, January 5     Twelfth Night

6 PM      Burning of the Greens (weather conditions permitting), songs, and costumes. At the fire pit and in the House.

Sunday, January 6     The Feast of the Epiphany!
9 AM      A classic Episcopal Eucharist with prayers from the Book of Common Prayer and hymns from the 1982 hymnal.
10 AM    Brunch and Kings Cake!
11 AM    A 75-minute Eucharist with prayers and songs from a variety of sources.  Child care provided during the liturgy.

All are welcome to all.

Advent and Christmas at the Advocate

Posted on by Lisa
Calendar for Advent and Christmas 
at the Advocate 
In these weeks of anticipation, contemplation, and celebration,
please join us in the Advocate Chapel, House and L
Saturday, December 8.
Piedmont Patch winter planting. Come join native landscaper Ben Skelton as we prepare and plant a bird-and pollinator-friendly garden using native plants.

Learn how to plant for optimal health and vitality. Dress for garden work and bring gloves and your favorite tools. All ages are welcome.
1PM – 3 PM

December 8 and 9. Because of the weather forecast, our liturgies for Advent Two will be as follows: For those who are averse to driving in snow, the 11 AM Sunday will take place at 5 PM on Saturday.
A simple supper will follow.
The 9 AM on Sunday has been cancelled.

There will be no Christian ed following. After that, we will all return to the warmth of our homes.

Sundays, December 16 and 23
Our regular Sunday schedule, with Holy Eucharist at 9 and 11,
at 10:10AM we will have intergenerational banner coloring to create paper banners to hang in the Church for Christmas.
All followed by lunch.
Wednesdays. A simple Eucharist at 5:30 and Contemplative Prayer at 6:15PM.
Monday, December 17.
The Annual cookies and carols at the Community House(a residential facility for men experiencing homelessness). Last year we added dinner. Bring offerings of gloves, scarves, or socks (new please!).
6 PM – 7 PM.
Wednesdays.A simple Eucharist at 5:30 and Contemplative Prayer at 6:15PM.
In addition,
Wednesday, December 12: Readers Roundtablemeets to discussA Girl Named Zippy. In the Advocate House at 7 PM.

and

Wednesday, December 19. “House Dinner” goes Christmas caroling. All are welcome to gather in the Advocate House at 6:30 for refreshments and rehearsal, then head out to the nearby neighborhood for about an hour of caroling, then return to the House for a hearty soup supper. 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
December 6, 12, 13, 20, 22. Pee Wee Homes Build.  1 – 4:30PM. Let’s get these houses built!    Sign up here!

Monday, December 24. Christmas Eve. Holy Eucharist with candles and carols. 4 PM. and 8 PM.
Tuesday, December 25.Christmas Day. Simple Eucharist with carols. 5 PM.
Sunday, December 30. The First Sunday After Christmas. Holy Eucharist with lessons and carols. 10 AM.
Saturday, January 5. The Burning of the Greens!As you are able, bring your greens from home — Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands — and we will burn then in the fire circle, while singing songs and staring in awe at the light coming into the darkness. And there will be cake!
5 – 6 PM.

Sunday, January 6.The Feast of the Epiphany!

 Regular schedule in the morning. There will be King’s cake!
All are welcome to all.

Advocate Tithe Applications Due November 25

Posted on by Lisa

The Episcopal Church of the Advocate is committed to giving a minimum of 10% of our pledged income and plate offering received each Sunday to individuals and organizations in the community. In other words, for every $10 pledged, $1 will be given to those in need and those working for peace and justice in the world. This offering is called the Advocate Tithe for Community Engagement. Distribution of the Advocate Tithe is determined at the recommendation of the Community Engagement Facilitators.

Procedures for Requesting Support

  • Here is the Application for Support from the Advocate Tithe: tithe proposal form
  • Completed forms may be sent to the church at: The Advocate Church Office <theadvocatechurch@gmail.com>
  • Applications are due by Sunday, November 25.
  • Proposals will be evaluated by how closely they match the Advocate’s Core Values (Compassion, Justice, and Transformation) as well as the priorities for giving and involvement identified  by the congregation. Priority is given to those programs an projects in which people of the Advocate are directly involved.

Decisions about supporting proposals are made by consensus among those present at meetings of the Community Engagement Facilitators. All proposals for financial or other support will be reviewed and approved on the basis of their fulfillment of our core values.

In our decisions about how to engage with the community around us, we prefer to:

  • Support projects that give voice to people who are marginalized and have very little voice.
  • Provide not only financial support, but also the time and talent of members of the congregation.
  • Support projects in which members of the congregation are already involved.
  • Support projects and organizations that are accountable, sustainable, and willing to teach us about their outcomes.
  • Support projects and organizations that are willing to send representatives to visit and help educate the congregation about their issues of concern.
  • Support groups that promote change, as well as those that meet direct needs.
  • 10% of our Tithe grants are given in the spirit of the Millennium Development Goals, usually supporting a ministry overseas.

The Advocate Tithe for 2017 was distributed as follows:

Vicar’s Discretionary Fund                $2500
Inter Faith Council                            $2000
Justice United                                   $1500
Club Nova                                         $1000
Community of the Franciscan Way    $1000
EmPOWerment Inc                            $1000
Autism Society of North Carolina      $1000
Compass Center                                 $1000
Johnson Service Corps                       $1250
Jackson Center                                   $750
Episcopal Farmworker Ministry         $1500
Community Empowerment Fund       $1000
Farmer Foodshare                             $500
Church of the Rec Sanctuary             $500
Ahli Hospital, Gaza City Palestine      $1250
Teachers salaries at St. Innocents Tickolette Haiti $500

To view distributions in previous years, visit here.