He said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you
know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”
(Jn. 21:17)
The Holiday Food Baskets Ministry is one of the oldest of our outreach ministries.
It started with members asked to bring food donations which were stored in a
member’s garage. Then a car pool of members brought the food to the church
for assembly and delivery. The first enhancement in the program was to prepare
a master list of items and shop local stores for the best prices. The food was then
assembled in the kitchen. Imagine lots of people bumping into each other in a
small area! Soon assembly was moved to the sanctuary using an assembly line
method overseen by the chairman. The next problem, as the ministry grew, was
transporting all the food to the church. Members were concerned that their cars
were not designed to transport heavy freight. Members chipped in and rented a
truck which delivered all the food to the church. The food was then put in
individual boxes for delivery to the local schools which had request holiday
baskets.
Advent provides this outreach three times a year-Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
Easter. Our last offering consisted of 137 boxes to six schools at a cost of around
$6200. The baskets feed over 800 individuals each holiday. We are a modest size
congregation, but we have done this faithfully for over 25 years. We have never
had to support this ministry out of the General Fund. Three times a year we ask
and our members respond with a special offering. This is a tremendous example
that we are, as the apostle James admonishes us, not just hearers of the Word
but doers of the Word!
Holiday Food Basket Ministry
We have been making and giving shawls, small blankets and afghans to Daniella Bryant who coordinates the free clothes closet for students at The College of Central Florida in Ocala. This provides a physical reminder of the warmth of God's love for both the giver and the receiver. If you would like to help us please contact the church office!
ALTAR GUILD
Members of the Altar Guild prepare the sanctuary and elements for each service.
They also take care of the linens and vestments of the church. Contact person: Kathy Consiglio at ktgjjd6@gmail.com
ACOLYTES
The acolytes assist with the services. There is a need for young adult and adult acolytes.
Contact person: Liz Herrick at (352) 465-7272
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Adult education includes, Bible studies and other programs throughout the year.
Please check the calendar, the Advent newsletter or call the church for more information.
CHOIR
The choir provides music for the Holy Eucharist and other services. Choir practice is on Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m.
Contact person: Norma Holecsko at (352) 465-7272
DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
The Daughters of the King is a women's religious order composed of Roman Catholics, Lutherans (ELCA), and Episcopalians. The order was founded by Episcopal women in 1885. Members undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service!
By reaffirmation of the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a lifelong program of Prayer, service and evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ's Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish.
The Advent Chapter of the Daughters of the King invites all women who are communicant members of the Episcopal Church to join our order under the leadership of our Rector and Leah Foshay, Chapter President. Our monthly meetings are on the first Saturday of the month at 10:30am except in August. For further information, please call the Office at (352) 465-7272.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN
The women of the church are automatically members and meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:00am
to plan social events, fund raisers and dinners to benefit Advent and the community.
FOOD PANTRY
The Church has a food pantry every first Wednesday of the month from 9:00 AM to Noon.
You need to bring Marion county ID, Social Security Cards for all household members and proof of income.
LECTORS, LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LAY EUCHARISTIC VISITORS
The Diocese of Central Florida has periodic training sessions for LEM's and LEV's.
LEM's assist with the Eucharist at most services and LEV's take Holy Communion to shut-ins.
Lectors assist in the reading of the lesson at Holy Eucharist services.
For More Information Call the Office at (352) 465-7272
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Helping to provide much needed supplies to Sunrise and Marion Oaks Elementary Schools, both Title I schools.
Contact Irma McNeal: at (352) 465-7272
The School Supply Drive is ongoing! We could use more help!
We are hoping to supply 1-3 students from each grade level (K-4 + ESE).
Your continued support will help to shine God's light onto one more
classroom!
Here is a list of the most needed items:
Ziploc Bags (Sandwich and Gallon sizes)
Bottle of School Glue and Glue Sticks
Ruler (inches and centimeter)
Boxes of Tissues
Pencil Pouch/Plastic Pencil Boxes
Baby Wipes and Anti-Bacterial Wipes
Regular Backpacks (No Wheels)
Band-Aids
Giant Pink Eraser
Child Scissors - Blunt Tip
Dry Erase Markers
Large Hand Sanitizers
3 X 5 White Index Cards with lines
Crayons (16+ count & 24 Count)
1-1/2" 3-ring binder with 2 pockets
Plastic Folders with Pockets and Fasteners - Plain
USHERS
Volunteers welcome and seat the congregation at each service and assist with the weekly offering.
Contact person: Dick/Bonnie Purnell at (352) 465-7272.
WE CARE
This group reaches out to members of the congregation who are shut-in for various reasons.
Transportation and meals are sometimes provided as well.
OTHER MINISTRIES
Contact the church office (352) 465-7272