At the Church of the Advocate, we like to break bread together, knowing that God is in the midst of us, knowing that Christ himself frequently broke bread with friends and strangers. We believe that we are called to a ministry of hospitality, sharing what we have with those who come our way. So we look for opportunities to celebrate, to enjoy food and fellowship.
Sunday Fellowship
Central to our life together is the Sunday dinner fellowship. On most Sundays, following the 10:30 a.m. liturgy, we gather for conversation and a potluck lunch. An extension of the Eucharistic Feast, the lunch fellowship helps us to know more fully what is means to be a part of the Body of Christ, as we break bread together. These savory meals are provided by volunteers from the congregation who sign up each season to provide main dish, salad, bread, beverage, dessert, set-up and clean-up from week to week. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome to join us for supper. It’s a wonderful way to experience the church and for us all to get to know one another better.
On the festivals and holy days, we don’t just have “potlucks”, we have Advocate Feasts! On these occasions, folks are encouraged to share their favorite foods — simple or complex. And all are fed in body and in spirit.
Fellowship at Other Times
Another aspect of our life together is mid-week small group Christian fellowship. Groups of 6-10 meet at the Advocate Office, 8410 Merin Rd, Chapel Hill, or in one another’s homes or on Zoom, for prayer, study, fellowship and sharing. These small groups change in focus season by season, but are always designed so that they can be joined any time, to deepen our faith, and to bring us closer together. Information on these small groups can be found in the calendar from season to season.
Once or twice a year we also get away for an overnight or two to the mountains of North Carolina for a relaxed time together with 20-40 others from the church. Valle Crucis Camp and Conference Center is a favorite spot for the winter overnight. There’s talk of a big campout this summer.