IMPORTANT REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(UPDATED) THE LORD’S DAY AT THE CHURCH OF THE ADVENT
January 8 The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Worship at a new time; 11:00 a.m.)
January 15 Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Worship at our new time; 11:00 a.m.)
January 22 Third Sunday of Epiphany (Worship at our new time; 11:00 a.m.)
January 29 Fourth Sunday of Epiphany (Worship at our new time; 11:00 a.m.)
February 5 The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Worship at our new time; 11:00 a.m.)
Link to the original publication!
The Church of the Advent is a new Christian church plant laying down roots in Moore County and at least initially in Whispering Pines. The Reverend Michael J. McKinnon, known as, "Fr. Michael," has been ordained for twenty-seven years and is a priest in the Anglican tradition. Fr. Michael and his family recently relocated to North Carolina from Marlborough, Massachusetts where he served for eighteen years. "It was hard to say goodbye to my church family after so many years, but I am excited to see what God has planned for us now in North Carolina," said Fr. Michael. The new church plant is starting from scratch. While many church plants begin with a core group of people, some financial support, and a place to meet weekly for worship and study, Fr. Michael accepted the call to plant this new church from scratch; no people, no initial financial support, and no place to meet. "It may sound a bit scary," he said, "but I know the Lord goes before us and that He will bring to fruition what He has planned. Jesus said to His disciples, 'Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.' That is what I am planning to do.”
Although the new church has yet to have its first worship service, things are already beginning to come together. Saint Paul Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Whispering Pines is graciously providing The Church of the Advent with a temporary place to worship, share fellowship, and study on Sunday mornings. "They are certainly practicing Christian hospitality by providing us a temporary place to worship on the Lord's Day and we are very grateful." The new church already has its first members in addition to the McKinnon family. The Reverend Dan Hardin, a full Colonel and Chaplain in the U.S. Army, and his family have joined The Church of the Advent and "Fr. Dan" will be serving as an Assisting Priest on most weekends. "This is God at work," said Fr. Michael, adding, "I knew my friend Fr. Dan lived somewhere in the Carolinas, but I did not know he lived only two miles from the house we recently purchased and that the Lord had placed a desire in his heart to plant a new Anglican church in Moore County." Fr. Michael will also be teaching Christian Apologetics to middle school students at All Saints' Christian Academy which meets at Hillmon Grove Baptist Church, Cameron; a school committed to an affordable classical Christian education serving Moore, Cumberland, Harnett, and Lee Counties. Lastly, Fr. Michael was an active member of his community in Marlborough, MA including serving as Chaplain to the City's Fire Department and as a member of The Marlborough Rotary Club. He hopes to continue to serve in these ways locally in NC.
When asked to briefly describe Anglicanism Fr. Michael said, "Anglicanism is both Evangelical and Catholic. As such, Anglicanism offers biblical teaching and preaching, recognizing the Holy Bible as God's Word and containing all things necessary for salvation. At the same time Anglicanism maintains and offers the same Scriptures, Sacraments and Worship, Creedal Faith, and Apostolic Ministry as that of the undivided Catholic Church with an emphasis on the first five hundred years of Christianity. Simply put, Anglicanism offers early Christianity for people today."
The Church of the Advent will offer: Worship in the Great Tradition, Evangelism, Discipleship, Outreach, and Mission and plans to be very active in the greater community. They will serve those who serve, ministering to our military and first responders and their families.
Information: The Church of the Advent will be meeting at 11:30a.m Sunday at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Deese Chapel, 1517 Luther Way, Southern Pines, NC 28387. The first worship service in the new space is scheduled for Sunday, October 16th and will continue in this space for the time being. If people would like to inquire about The Church of the Advent, they may call Fr. Michael at 910-585-4305 or email him at fr.michael.advent@gmail.com The church website is: thechurchoftheadvent.org
Below is an interview Fr. Michael conducted with the Sandhills Sentinel!
The Church of the Advent Chapel in Deese Chapel
Fr. Michael Assisting in the Moore County community
On Thursday, December 15th, Fr. Michael and two others were inducted into the Souther Pines Rotary Club, with its motto, "Service Above Self."
Father Michael serves as Chaplain to the Southern Pines Fire Department!
The Church of The Advent
Copyright © 2022 The Church of The Advent - All Rights Reserved.
Fr. Michael J. McKinnon
O’ COME, LET US ADORE HIM!!!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: