Community Outreach

Whatever your gift is in life, Advent Episcopal Church can give you a place to share it! Service is an essential element in parish life, and it extends the resources of the parish to the needs of others. Congregation members demonstrate a commitment to works of compassion and justice. This area includes programs which minister to the sick, the bereaved, and the needy. We are here to help.

Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is open three times a week to provide food, clothing, and encouragement to the needy. Parish members volunteer their time and support this ministry through donations of food and financial assistance.

Bag Lunch Program
Members of this program prepare and distribute Saturday lunches at a local low income community. These lunches provide families with children a nutritious meal over the weekend when the school lunch program is not available. Lunches consist of two sandwiches, a piece of fruit, a hardboiled egg, a drink, and chips or cookies.

Cards for the Sick and Cards for the Military
Brighten someone's day by participating in our card drives. We write cards for people who are ill or in the hospital. At Christmas, we support our military family by sending Christmas cards and notes from home to our troops and veterans.

Lighthouse Readers Program
This group works closely with the Oceanair Elementary staff to tutor students needing extra instruction primarily in reading, but also in English, Math, and English as a second language. Each tutor meets twice a week in our Education Wing for one-on-one instruction with his/her assigned student.

Martha's Ministry
Members of this group support parish programs and several community outreach programs through various fundraising activities such as the Spring Yard Sale and the Fall Bazaar, while providing Christian fellowship for those who join in to make crafts, meals, etc. offered at the activities. Two events hosted by "The Marthas" are the Holiday Bazaar during the Christmas season and the Spring Yard Sale held in May.

Kathy's Smile
This program originated to raise funds for a nursing home patient needing dental care and has expanded to address the needs of other disadvantaged individuals or small groups.

If you'd like to get involved in any of these ministries or if you are in need, contact any of the program coordinators or the rector at 757.587.0125 or by email.