The celebration of the Holy Eucharist (or “holy communion”) is the principle act of worship in the Episcopal Church. Our term “eucharist” comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.” All who seek a deeper relationship with Christ are invited to receive communion at the Advocate, regardless of age, denomination, cultural background, gender identity, or marital status.
Click here to learn more about our tradition.
WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30am, SIMPLE EUCHARIST (Chapel/Outdoor Chapel)
Our early morning Eucharist meets outside by the pond during the warm months, and moves indoors to the Chapel on rainy days and during the cold months. This is a classic Rite II Holy Eucharist service from our Book of Common Prayer, with traditional hymns sung with a simple guitar accompaniment. It is typically a small, quiet, and introvert-friendly service.
10:30am, FESTIVE EUCHARIST (Chapel)
Our primary Sunday morning Eucharist is a lively version of the Rite II liturgy that blends language and traditions from across our Anglican heritage. Expect warm greetings, lively music, kids running around, multiple processions, and a very extended passing of the peace! A rotating group of singers and musicians lead us in congregational singing in a style that is both traditional and modern, drawing from a variety of different sources – European, Southern, African and Latin American, Appalachian, Celtic, and Middle Eastern. All are encouraged to participate fully in mind, body, and spirit!
ABOUT THE LITURGY
The Offertory
It is the tradition at the Advocate to present our whole selves as an offering during the offertory time. Rather than passing around a basket, all who feel called to do so are invited to walk up to the altar and offer themselves with a bow or a nod, along with any gifts they wish to share in the form of funds or food to support the Interfaith Council’s food bank. Participation in the offertory is not required, but all are welcome to join in as they feel led.
As we are reminded each Sunday: “All may. Some should. None must.”
Holy Communion
At the Advocate, all are welcome to receive communion. Those who do not wish to receive either bread or wine for any reason can fold their arms and come forward to receive a blessing. Gluten-free bread is available for those who need it.
Healing Prayers (1st Sundays)
On the first Sunday of the month at the 10:30am service, a team of lay ministers offer healing prayers during the communion time. To receive healing prayer, simply make your way to the bell tower (the entryway) after you take communion, to receive laying on of hands and prayer.
Music
We do not have a designated choir at the Advocate – instead, our musical offering comes from the congregation as a whole. Everyone is encouraged to raise their voice in song! We sing from our Episcopal Hymnal 1982, as well as from our very own Advocate Songbook, which contains jubilant and highly singable congregational music from across our Anglican heritage.
Those with particular gifts for music are encouraged to join our rotating group of singers and instrumentalists, who gather before each 10:30am service to go over the music for the day. For any questions about music, or to find out how to join the band, contact our pianist and music coordinator, Angela Garcia-Lamarca.
Kids in Church
Children are always welcome in church! Our 10:30am Festive Eucharist is designed especially to encourage the full participation of kids in worship. We have a designated section in the chapel for children and their caregivers to play and move about freely, which is stocked with soft toys, books, crayons, and “Kids Bulletins.” There is also a nursery in the Parish House (the last door on the right down the hallway) for children and parents seeking a quiet sanctuary or a place to settle down.
Join us Online!
If you are unable to come to the Advocate in person to worship with us, you can join our 10:30am Holy Eucharist service online via Zoom. Many of our special holiday liturgies throughout the year are also available online.
To find recordings of past worship services, visit our YouTube Channel!