Worship is at the heart of all we do at the Church of the Advent. From the many services on Sundays and weekdays to the great services of the church year, we are a worshiping community who come together to offer our praise and prayers to God and to grow in community in the presence of the Lord. We encourage you to join us often to enter more deeply into the worship of God.

March 18 update: Bishop Andrew Waldo of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina has suspended all services and gatherings through April 30.

March 13, 2020

Dear Advent Family,

After much prayerful consideration and discernment of the risks associated with the Coronavirus, review of the recommendations from the CDC, and much discussion, your leadership at the Advent, along with the support of our Bishop, have determined to suspend all church gatherings through Friday, March 27.

As a faith community we are charged to be good stewards of our people and the community around us. In this case, we believe that suspending worship services and all other church meetings, programs, classes, and offerings is prudent and responsible.

Some might suggest we wait to take this action, or that it is too drastic. The decision to cancel all gatherings at the church, including community-based groups (including AA, Al-Anon, and FAVOR) and ministries (including SPIHN and Spartanburg Shares) is intended to model the behavior health experts are recommending to help prevent further spread of what is now classified as a pandemic.  

We have decided to take these steps to be preventative and proactive, cautious and responsible, rather than reactive, regretful, and neglectful. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

In the meantime, we will offer:

Worship Resources

Although we do not presently have the capacity to live stream worship services, we encourage you to be consistent in prayer and to utilize the Daily Office and other devotional resources in the Book of Common Prayer.

Please see the links below that will take you to some excellent web-based tools for you to practice your faith.

https://www.bcponline.org/

http://www.lectionarypage.net/

http://bible.oremus.org/

https://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html

https://episcopalchurch.org/

https://www.edusc.org/
 

Pastoral Care

Should you need pastoral care during this time, please reach out to one of the clergy or lay staff and we will be responsive to your needs. We will continue to visit the sick and those in the hospital or homebound as reason dictates. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes will make specific recommendations regarding their populations and we will certainly abide by their decisions. We will always call before a pastoral visit to determine if a visit is advisable.

Other Assistance

If you are aware of members of our parish family who need assistance, please let the clergy or lay staff know so we can reach out to them to determine how we might help.

Church Staff

Unless circumstances change, Satterlee Hall will remain open during normal business hours and the church staff will be available by phone or email to assist you.

In the coming weeks

We will continue to monitor the news and be attentive to guidelines and protocols recommended by the CDC and other agencies on how best to proceed. You can expect that we will continue to keep you informed of happenings at the church and our decisions regarding our corporate life.

My friend and colleague, the Reverend Harrison McLeod, has written the following reminder to the good people of Christ Episcopal Church, Greenville. I forward it to you with the same intention and sentiment:

It is important to always remember and confidently celebrate that our identity as the Body of Christ is not dependent on a finance committee meeting, a Bible study, a youth gathering, or even public worship. As Paul writes, “we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” We are indissolubly linked through our baptism in ways that no earthly challenge can break.

Perhaps this extraordinary break in our routine might be considered a Lenten Disciple of sorts. Let’s use this time of physical separation to reflect on our priorities, values and actions as faithful Christians. Continue to enjoy and pray the daily devotional Living Well Through Lent, and remember the Church, each other, and our wider community in your own prayers. Pray that as we approach Easter, we will be able to regather and truly celebrate the gift of our common life in Christ and each other. Please be assured of your remaining in my prayers.

Should you have any questions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone or email.

With all hopefulness and trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ, I am yours.

Ned+

The Reverend J. Edward Morris
Rector
The Episcopal Church of the Advent
Spartanburg, SC

(864) 585-2268
(864) 504-3696
nmorris@churchofadvent.org

Pastoral Emergencies after hours: (864) 590-5602

Worship Schedule B

 8 & 10:15 a.m. - Holy Eucharist 
 9:10 a.m. - Sunday School for All
 7:45 and 10 a.m. - Nursery Available *


* Nursery available in the Parish and Community Life Center across the street from the church
  

Weekday Services are held in Olney Chapel. We welcome you to join us during the week. 

Monday-Friday 8:15 a.m. - Morning Prayer will be said unless the church office is closed or delayed in opening. 

Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. - Holy Eucharist and Healing Service

Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. - Holy Eucharist and Healing Service