Masking policy change

Posted on by Marion Sprott

We’ve updated our masking policy as of Sunday, May 14. Masks will be optional in most cases. Masks will only be required at the 8:30 a.m. Sunday service if we meet inside due to weather.

Church of the Advocate Masking Policy:

  • The 8:30 a.m. Sunday service will be outside, with optional masking. If weather moves us inside, masks will be required (extra masks are in the bell tower).
  • The 10:30 a.m. Sunday service will be inside the chapel and on Zoom, with optional masking.
  • The presider and Eucharistic servers will wear masks during communion.
  • Masks are optional inside the house or chapel (for example, during Sunday formation, Reader’s Roundtable, and contemplative prayer).

This change comes after discussion among the vestry, our most recent survey, and in consultation with Dr. Peter Morris, an Advocate, a career pediatrician, and public health physician certified in preventive medicine.

COVID numbers are very low in Orange County, and we have one of the highest vaccination rates in the state. This does not mean that we’re throwing caution to the wind. Our inside filters will continue to be used on Sundays (these work best with the windows closed). And if you’re not feeling well, or you’ve been exposed to COVID, please stay home and join us by Zoom that day.

And as we’ve all learned from living through a pandemic, things are subject to change. If cases increase, and there’s the need, we will go back to requiring masks.

We also know any change will not impact us all the same. Some will be happy with the shift. For others, this feels like a grief – we are aware of that, and we recognize your pain. Please feel free to talk to Marion or to a vestry member if you feel the need.

Thank you for your gracious spirits and willing hearts to adjust to something new.

Hybrid church and in-person worship

Posted on by Grace Camblos

Come join us in worship — in person or on Zoom!

Click here for hybrid link and liturgy guide

Each Sunday there are a variety of liturgies. As always, please be safe and check out the Covid safety procedures, below. 

Current church schedule:

  • 8:30 AM: Traditional service — Meets outside by the pond (please bring a chair) Holy Eucharist, the Book of Common Prayer and traditional hymns. Masks are optional.
  • 10:30 AM: Indoor hybrid service — Holy Eucharist, Advocate binders, and music led by piano, voice and guitar. Come in person or on Zoom. Masks are optional at this service. 

Enjoy some fellowship! After the 10:30 service, come enjoy some outdoor fellowship time — bring a salad topping (greens provided) and enjoy hanging out with fellow Advocates around the pond.

COVID Safety procedures:

8:30 am service will be outside by the pond. Masks are optional. If this service is rained out and has to move inside the chapel, masks will be required.

10:30 am service will be inside the chapel and on zoom. Masks are optional at this service.

Inside the Advocate house, masks are optional.

Address any questions or concerns to Marion@TheAdvocateChurch.org

Zoom Liturgy: Sundays at 10:30

Posted on by Grace Camblos

March 6, was our last all-Zoom Sunday service (fingers crossed!). This Sunday, March 13, join us for the return of hybrid church and several in-person options!

The Zoom link will be posted on a hybrid page — stay tuned.

While we’re Zoom-only, we’ll display the liturgy and music on slides. Please unmute yourself for liturgical responses! When we’re singing, please sing along with your microphone muted.

After church, stick around for Screenside Chat! Grab a cup of coffee, enjoy some fellowship, and engage in some lively conversation.
This Sunday we’ll welcome Christopher Faison as our facilitator for screen-side chat. Afterward, resident public health expert Peter Morris will answer any questions about Sunday’s shift back to in-person worship. 

Christopher Faison planted roots in the Chapel Hill community for over two decades, initially as a UNC undergraduate from Hampton Roads, Va. As an active young alumnus, he frequented campus regularly and eventually was recruited to serve in UNC’s scholarships and student aid arena. Over the years, Chris became a proud holder of storytelling and unwritten histories from many Black faculty and administrators. Returning to Carolina’s campus a few years later to begin Men of Color initiatives, Chris quickly became a “resident griot,” sought out for this racialized institutional memory. Chris continues the legacy of passing along rich oral traditions with respect to UNC race history. A proponent of racial healing, Chris seeks to build a beloved community by facilitating truth telling at the local level, which is foundational to reconciliation and right relationship.

Questions and concerns can be addressed to Marion@TheAdvocateChurch.org

Hybrid Worship

Posted on by Lisa

Join us in the chapel or on Zoom — Sundays at 10:30 AM! Or check out other ways to attend in person.

Click here to join via Zoom

Weekly Liturgy Guides:

If you plan to come in person, please be safe and check out our Covid Safety Procedures:

8:30 am service will be outside by the pond. Masks are optional. If this service is rained out and has to move inside the chapel, masks will be required.

10:30 am service will be inside the chapel and on zoom. Masks are optional at this service.

Inside the Advocate house, masks are optional.

Questions and concerns can be addressed to Marion@TheAdvocateChurch.org