Children and Youth in the Advocate Community

Children and Youth are an integral and cherished part of the Church of the Advocate. We want to be a community in which the children grow up knowing that they are known and loved. As such, as often as possible, all generations are often engaged in learning and worship and service together.

Children and Youth in Worship

We believe that our worship is the “work of the people”, or “liturgy”. As such, children and youth are encouraged to participate fully in the worship life of the community. And they do participate because our worship is informal, in the round and engaging. Children can see what is going on and feel that they are a part of it. Children and youth are also encouraged to take their part in leading worship as they are able – by reading scripture or carrying the Gospel Book. If the occasion arises when a child is distracted from the liturgy, or truly is distracting others, older children and adults are ready to engage with them outside of the worship space.

Child Care is provided for 1-5 year-olds during the first part of the worship service (the Liturgy of the Word). The small children are reunited with their parents in time to participate in the Eucharist (Holy Communion) together.

6 year-olds and up are encouraged to participate fully in the liturgy (worship service).

Infants and Toddlers of the Advocate

On Wednesday mornings at 10 AM, infants and toddlers of the Advocate, their households and friends, are invited to a time of fellowship and play and a simple service of prayer and Bible study. At the office at 403 West Weaver Street in Carrboro.

Christian Education for Children and Youth

Children of the Advocate, ages 3 through 10, engage weekly in GODLY PLAY at the Advocate Gathering Space, 403 West Weaver Street in Carrboro. The Godly Play program uses an interactive curriculum that teaches children the stories of our faith, encourages their curiosity about things ranging from parable to liturgy, and develops their use of religious language. Two different age groups each use a creative combination of storytelling, silence, wondering, play, and crafting to make children more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. GODLY PLAY gathers on Sundays from 3:30 til 4:30 p.m.

Youth of the Advocate, ages 11 through14, gather on Sunday afternoons as well, from 2:30 till 4:30, in a challenging and stimulating program called RITE-14. This group focuses on recognizing the gifts God has given them, celebrating their creative potential, and learning to interact as a community of faith. They also join together at other times for service projects, exploration of the world around them, and times of fun and fellowship.

Youth age 15 and up are encouraged to participate in an Inquirer's Class, engaging with, and asking questions of the Christian Faith and Tradition, and discerning whether or not to be confirmed.