Come As You Are

Worship that is welcoming, comfortable, and centered on God

At Advent Episcopal Church, we believe you shouldn’t have to dress a certain way, know all the prayers, or understand everything about the Episcopal Church before you walk through our doors.

Whether you arrive in jeans and a polo shirt, shorts and sandals, or your Sunday best, you are welcome here. Our worship is reverent and meaningful, but our atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. What matters to us is not what you wear, but that you are here.

Comfortable and Casual — Yet Meaningful

We’re Closer Than You Think

Advent Episcopal Church is right here in Southwest Ocala.

Sometimes people are surprised to discover just how close Advent Episcopal Church really is.

Conveniently located in Southwest Ocala on Highway 484, Advent is only about eightminutes from On Top of the World. That means a welcoming Episcopal church community may be much closer to home than you realized.

Easy to Find. Easy to Park. Easy to Visit.

When you arrive at Advent, you won't have to worry about searching for a place to park.

We offer ample parking conveniently located right next to the church, making it easy to get from your vehicle to our doors.

And if you're visiting us for the first time, we've saved a place especially for you.

Look for our dedicated visitor parking spaces when you arrive. They're our small way of saying:

“We're glad you're here.”

Come and See

Welcome! If this is your first time worshiping with us, we’re glad you’re here. In the Episcopal tradition, we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, also called Communion, at nearly all our services. All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s Table.
The usher will guide the congregation, row by row, to the altar rail. Everyone is invited to come forward. You may stand or kneel, as you are physically able and comfortable.
If you do not desire to receive Communion, we invite you to come to the rail for a prayer. Simply cross your arms over your chest at the altar rail, and the clergy will offer a prayer.
To receive Communion, hold out your hands, palms up, to receive the wafer. Gluten-free wafers are available. If you need one, simply tell the clergy member at the altar rail.
You may eat the wafer and then drink wine from the chalice. Or if you prefer, you may dip the wafer into the wine and then eat it. This practice is called intinction. If you prefer not to receive the wine, simply cross your arms over your chest after receiving the wafer, and the server will pass by.
If you are unsure what to do, please ask the clergy or usher for guidance.

Children Are Always Welcome at Advent

We Love the Heavenly Noise!

Because of our location and the community we serve, many members of the Advent Episcopal Church family are older adults. We are grateful for the wisdom, experience, faith, and dedication they bring to our congregation.

But please don't mistake an older congregation for a church where children aren't welcome.

We love having children at Advent!

We love their energy. We love their curiosity. We love their questions. And yes, we even love the wonderful “heavenly noise” children sometimes bring into our sanctuary.

Children wiggle. Babies cry. Little voices sometimes ask questions at unexpected moments. Someone may drop a toy or need to make a trip down the aisle.

That's okay.

Those sounds don't interrupt the life of the Church. They are signs of the life of the Church.

Don't Worry About Keeping Them Quiet

If you're a parent, grandparent, or caregiver visiting Advent with children, please don't spend the entire service worrying that your children might disturb someone.

We would much rather have your family worshiping with us—with all the movement and noise that sometimes comes with children—than have you stay away because you're worried about how your children will be received.

Worship should be accessible to everyone.

At Advent Episcopal Church, when we say “All are welcome,” we want those words to mean something.

We want everyone who comes through our doors to be able to worship, participate, and feel at home. Whether you use a wheelchair or walker, have difficulty with stairs or walking longer distances, or simply need a little extra assistance, we want your visit to Advent to be comfortable and welcoming.

Easy, Accessible Parking

We have ample accessible parking conveniently located at the front of the church, helping minimize the distance from your vehicle to the entrance.

From there, entering the church is easy.

There are no steps or stairs required to enter the church or the sanctuary. Our accessible entrance allows those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids to move directly into our worship space.

Wheelchairs and Walkers Are Available

If you don't normally travel with a mobility aid but find that you need some assistance while visiting Advent, please don't worry.

Wheelchairs and walkers are available for use while you are on our grounds.

Simply ask an usher or another member of our church family, and we will be happy to assist you.

Communion Comes to You

Everyone should have the opportunity to participate fully in our worship, including receiving Holy Communion.

If coming forward to the communion rail would be difficult or unsafe for you, there is no need to get up from your seat.

Simply let one of our ushers know.

At Communion, a member of the clergy will come to where you are seated and bring the bread and wine to you.

You don't need to explain why or feel that you are inconveniencing anyone. Bringing Communion to those who need to remain seated is simply part of our ministry and our worship together.

Please Ask—We're Here to Help

If there is something you need during your visit, please let us know. Our ushers and church members are here to help make your time at Advent as comfortable and accessible as possible.

We never want concerns about mobility or accessibility to keep someone from joining us for worship.