SERVE
Clothing ClosetOur Clothing Closet complements the Saturday Lunch Program ministry. After our neighbors have had a chance to enjoy some lunch, the Clothing Closet helps with clothing needs. We are always happy to receive clean used men’s clothing. Socks, shoes, outerwear, pants and shirts are items that would be helpful. If you ever travel and collect small samples of soap and shampoo, or if you get small toothpaste samples or free toothbrushes from your dentist, these would be appreciated as well. You can drop off donations to the Clothing Closet at the Church on Sundays. If you would like more information, please contact Dianna Polzak at dianna.polzak@gmail.com
Fellowship HouseChurch of the Advent offers a pastoral care ministry to the residents of Fellowship House in Chicago (www.chicagofellowshiphouse.com). Fellowship House provides residential care for individuals living with long-term mental illnesses.
Our pastoral care officers have been trained by Bishop Anderson House (www.bishopandersonhouse.org), a member agency of Episcopal Charities and Community Services (www.eccsonline.net). If you would like to accompany our pastoral care officers for a visit to Fellowship House or if you would like more information about this ministry, please contact Dianna Polzak at dianna.polzak@gmail.com.
Orpen Study CenterThe Orpen Study Center, named in honor of the Reverend Robert Orpen, is a safe and encouraging place for neighborhood children to study, learn and build positive peer relationships. Johanna Castro is the Director of the Study Center. Currently the Study Center is open on Thursdays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The application process for student is available through Ms. Castro. The fees for one school year are $25/student, $50/family, up to 6 siblings; however, partial scholarship assistance is often available. If you would like to enroll your child, please contact Ms Castro at jcastr2@yahoo.com.
If you would like to volunteer your time to the Study Center, please note that we require each volunteer to participate in the Diocese of Chicago’s abuse prevention program, Keeping God’s People Safe. Together, we can offer a safe and responsible environment for our students.
Prayer BlanketsThe Prayer Blanket Ministry is another way the Advent Community shows its care. The Prayer Blankets, created by simply looping and tying together fringed edges of soft fabric, are a group activity that often takes place during Coffee Hour. No skill is required to participate; as each loop is tied, each person says a quiet prayer for the blanket recipient. Our Prayer Blankets have gone out to expectant mothers, infants and children in critical condition, and elderly folks who need compassion. Dianna Polzak coordinates the Prayer Blanket Ministry. You can reach her at dianna.polzak@gmail.com.
Sacred Music with the Advent ChoirThe Advent Community has a strong tradition of sacred music. We enjoy sharing music from the classical choral tradition, various Hispanic cultures, the African American church tradition, as well as contemporary music. Music helps our prayer and worship to enter a deeper awareness of God. Music reflects our diverse cultures. Music helps us build community.
Everyone who loves to sing is welcome to join the Advent’s Choir, led by our Director of Music, Harriet Mueller. Choir practice takes place at the church on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. There is a 9:30 a.m. choir warm-up before the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship as well.
Saturday Lunch ProgramEvery Saturday, Church the of the Advent is the gathering place for a hot lunch. We serve our neighbors in need, taking turns with our sister congregation, Nuestra Senora de las Americas, and a partner congregation, Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Park Ridge. Lunch is served at noon; we started to cook the meal at 10:15 a.m. Church of the Advent serves lunch on the fourth and fifth Saturdays of the month. If you would like to help on any Saturday or if you would like more information, please contact John Medenwald at johnmedenwwald@sbcglobal.net.
Worship MinistriesThe combined ministries of our choir, acolytes, scripture readers, prayer leaders and greeters help the entire Advent Community offer praise to God. If you would like to serve in any of these ways, Father Peter Siwek would be happy to help you get connected.
