Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29th, marking the first Sunday of Advent and the start of a new liturgical year in Western Christian churches. Advent, the first season of the year, begins four Sundays before Christmas and continues through December 24. Advent is considered a time of preparation, hope, and expectation, as the church awaits both Christ’s earthly birth as the baby born in Bethlehem and his final coming “in power and glory,” as we confess in reciting the Nicene Creed. Themes of the Wreaths/Candles: The traditional Advent Wreath uses four candles—often representing Hope (1st week), Preparation/Peace (2nd week), Joy (3rd week), and Love (4th week)—to mark the passage of time.
Finding a church home is challenging. You want a place where you can be yourself, where you can bring your doubts, questions, and concerns, where you can be inspired and uplifted, and where you can find a greater purpose. Hickory Neck Episcopal Church does that and so much more. After you’ve taken some time to get to know us through our website, I hope you’ll come and meet us in person. You are welcome here!
The Very Reverend Jennifer Andrews-Weckerly
What should I expect?
We want you to come just as you are. When you walk through our doors you may see people in suits and ties, but you will also see people in jeans and t-shirts. We want to make sure when you visit you are comfortable and that is all that matters to us. As long you come through our doors, we want to make sure you feel loved and welcomed. If you ever need anything, always feel free to connect with us. We love to hear from our new visitors.
Worship, spiritual direction, pastoral care, and Christian formation are primary responsibilities of our priests. In addition, all baptized persons are ministers in the Church and we enjoy a strong partnership between ordained and lay persons at Hickory Neck. This passion for leadership thrives in our Vestry as well.
We are a group of dedicated individuals passionate about serving the Lord.
Worship, spiritual direction, pastoral care, and Christian formation are primary responsibilities of our priests. In addition, all baptized persons are ministers in the Church and we enjoy a strong partnership between ordained and lay persons at Hickory Neck. This passion for leadership thrives in our Vestry as well.
We give thanks for your presence among us!
We would be honored to have you join Hickory Neck Episcopal Church. We hope that the following information will be helpful in understanding membership at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Hickory Neck parishioners pledge to the General Fund which supports our annual operating budget. Our annual operating budget allows us to provide weekly worship, education, fellowship, pastoral care, and outreach to our community on a weekly basis. This weekly offering can only happen when we financially support the costs of administration, buildings and grounds maintenance, supplies, and salaries. We at Hickory Neck Church support working toward tithing, so the annual budget can be fully funded, providing support for our growing, thriving congregation.
Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:26). The Episcopal Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the church; it’s also about contributing time and talents and volunteering for ministry and mission. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity.
In addition to supporting the general operating budget and ministries, there are other ways to contribute to Hickory Neck so that future generations can enjoy the blessing of our property and facilities. Check out the various funds that you can support.
