A Message from the Board President

Brad Wilson

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Brothers and Sisters,

 

Greetings to you all from the Church of the Advocate. 2023-2024 has been a great year at Church of the Advocate. First, we welcomed Fr. Mike Reardon as our vicar. Fr. Mike has quickly become the spiritual guide and calming presence we needed. With his leadership, we have been able to navigate some major changes within the landscape of our city. Fr, Mike has also started offering pastoral care to those in our local detention centers. We are truly thankful for his calming presence and leadership.

One of the biggest changes we have faced as an organization, is the ending of Sunday services by the Haywood Street Congregation. Prior to 2024, Haywood Street Congregation provided worship and breakfast services to our unhoused brothers and sisters; however, this year they ended their Sunday services, which has significantly increased the need for our services.

 

Prior to 2024, the Church of the Advocate averaged serving 50 meals every Sunday. Since Haywood Street’s closure, we are now averaging 100+ individuals every Sunday. Thankfully, with Trinity Church’s help, we have been able to bolster our food ministry, “Basics” ministry (provides necessities for living on the streets), and “Sole-Mates” ministries (provides socks and shoes). 

 

With Trinity Church’s support, we now have a pool of fifty-three volunteers who help serve coffee and snacks, prepare silverware for meals, serve meals, help clean up after our Sunday meal, and offer a friendly face/conversation. 

 

Also, this year Church of the Advocate has embarked on a partnership with Dr. Julia Oat-Judge, to assist her in her non-profit ministry, “Casa Materna”, which free prenatal and post-natal care to those who cannot afford access to such care (with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking women). It is our hope that Dr. Oat-Judge’s work will further increase our outreach to the marginalized of our community.

 

Lastly, we as leaders within the Church of the Advocate, have started to restructure our organization. We have now created a Fundraising Committee as well as starting work to increase our board members to include those within our parishioners. It is our hope that their gifts will further help us understand and anticipate the constantly changing landscape of those we serve. I am confident, that with God’s help and your love and support, we continue our mission to serve others. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Brad Wilson

Board President, Church of the Advocate