This newly created position as the Vicar of the Church of the Advocate and an Assistant Rector at Trinity Church provides a unique opportunity for an ordained priest to provide leadership to a marginalized community while also serving on staff at a thriving, growing downtown parish.

Church of the Advocate (COA) [reddooravl.org] is a worshipping community established in 1997 by the Diocese of Western North Carolina to provide a safe worship community for the homeless, the vulnerable, and those on the street in Asheville. The Church of the Advocate continues to be the heart of our diocese in the city of Asheville. It began with sandwiches and a card table in a park downtown and now meets at Trinity Episcopal Church, providing meals, prayer, Eucharist, and supplies to a growing population. Often just called “The Red Door” ministry, the Church of the Advocate connects and participates with other ministries and agencies in the city and western Carolina region, including the Housing Coalition of Asheville. Nourishing mind, body, and spirit is the Red Door’s mission.

• Conducting regular Sunday services and afternoon fellowship, preaching, and teaching.
• Leading and overseeing the Advisory Board.
• Integrating with and developing partnerships with similar agencies and ministries in the community.
• Building a volunteer corps with congregations of the diocese.
• Providing pastoral care such as visiting the sick, counseling those in need, and/or providing referrals to other resources.
• Administering sacramental rites when requested.

Trinity Episcopal Church has been in the heart of downtown Asheville for nearly one hundred and fifty years and, while old and beautiful, is forward-moving.  (Please visit our website, trinityasheville.org.) Together with the Vicar position, the part-time Assistant position at Trinity creates one full-time position with benefits. Duties at Trinity will vary depending on the strengths and skills of the individual but will generally include the following:

• Participating on Sunday and other special occasion services on a rotational basis with Trinity’s full-time clergy (as possible, given COA responsibilities).
• Developing and deepening the parish’s relationship with our downtown neighborhood, connecting parishioners to partnership opportunities, and supporting and expanding outreach ministries.
• Assisting in creating meaningful outreach/mission initiatives, programs, and events with the parish, including youth and children.
• Contributing to existing ministries and developing new ministries utilizing individual skills and interests.
• Working collaboratively with clergy, staff, and existing lay leaders.
• Providing pastoral care to parishioners.