Get to Know: The Episcopal Church of the Advent, Crestwood
The Episcopal Church of the Advent is nestled into a quiet neighborhood in Crestwood, a suburb that lies just south and west of the City of St. Louis. The church sits on large lot with trees, an outdoor altar, a memorial garden, and lots of green space. Perhaps it's that setting that makes it possible for Advent to serve as a real "community" church. Don't be surprised to see neighbors taking walks, enjoying a picnic, or climbing trees with their children on the grounds.
"The majority of our 'church' at Advent does not happen on a Sunday morning," said Advent member and communications director Jessica Gerth. Advent has created a niche for themselves by partnering with other groups to serve their community.
Advent has a long-standing relationship with local Catholic and Lutheran Churches to provide senior ministry in Crestwood. SAJE brings together volunteers to help keep seniors living independently at home safe, while fulfilling them spiritually and emotionally with activities. Like so many ministries, SAJE has struggled during the pandemic. But that relationship has built up trust and laid the groundwork for other outreach in the community.
Advent's Community Outreach Meals began on Thanksgiving several years ago by members who saw the need to serve their neighbors who are living alone in their surrounding community. Advent members served more than 80 people at that first meal. The idea was so successful that the parish has continued inviting neighbors to potluck meals, pancake suppers, chili dinners and summer picnics. During the pandemic, Advent has moved to a drive-through meal service. Advent volunteers are cooking and packaging meals to go, allowing neighbors to take home a meal, a smile, and a prayer.
Some of the food for the Outreach Meals comes from a very successful community garden, which is run by Advent's Mens Group but also open to community members. That garden produced a whopping 20,000 pounds of fresh vegetables in 2020. Advent's quilting club and yoga classes attract church members and non-members alike. And Advent's status as an Oasis Church is still a matter of pride for the parish. "Oasis" was the term used in the Episcopal Church in the 1970s and '80s for those parishes who welcomed the LGBTQ community. Since that time, The Episcopal Church as a whole has transformed into a welcoming space for all. But the ideals of welcome and inclusivity associated with being an Oasis Church live on at Advent.
"Advent is a church that is willing to pick up the other hand in partnerships," said the Rev. Dr. Emily Hillquist Davis, Advent's new rector. "It's not so much about creating everything, but we're willing to be a part of so many things."
The newest partnership for Advent is with St. Thomas Episcopal Deaf Church. Rev. Emily also serves as the Vicar of St. Thomas. When she took the job as Advent's rector, St. Thomas' congregation decided to make the move with her. Advent and St. Thomas now worship together each Sunday, with a sign language interpreter bringing God's word to deaf members.
Rev. Emily says she hopes her deaf and hearing communities alike feel God's presence with everything that happens at Advent. "If you come to church and you don't feel like you've met Christ, or God... why go?" Her creative worship and leadership style encourages all to be open to a larger spirituality -- finding the Holy in all life experiences.
Church name: The Episcopal Church of the Advent
Address: 9373 Garber Road
City: Crestwood
Phone: 314-843-0123
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://advent-episcopal.org/
Worship Services:
- Sundays at 8 a.m. - in person
- Sundays at 10:15 a.m. - in person & streamed on YouTube
Clergy:
- The Rev. Dr. Emily Hillquist Davis, Rector
- The Rev. Dr. Deborah Goldfeder, Deacon
Mission statement:
We thank you, God, for giving us joy and energizing us by opening our lives to you, to your Word, and to each other; Shape us to live full, gracious and unpretentious lives through our worship, our humor, and our support of others; Help us to extend what we receive here into the communities where we live and work and to invite all into the joy of this mission; through Christ, Whose body we are. Amen.
Vision statement: Fully alive to God and each other.
Membership: 125
ASA: 55