Who We Are
Our parish family includes people who have lived in Spartanburg for generations, and those who have recently moved here. Some of us were raised in the Episcopal Church, while others have come from other traditions. We’ve all found a home at the Advent; a community discovering God’s purpose for each one of us while walking in love as Christ loved us.
The Episcopal Church of the Advent and Spartanburg have grown up together.
The city was incorporated in 1831; although by 1840, Episcopal services were being held in the area, there had yet to be an established Parish in Spartanburg. In 1848, the Episcopal families in the District of Spartanburg were admitted into the Diocese of South Carolina as the Church of the Advent. In 1922, as the population of the state grew, it would become part of the newly established Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. Since then, “the Advent” (as we’re known locally) has continued to grow, adapt, and thrive in response to the needs of our surrounding community.
Meet Our Clergy
Paula was called in 2017 to lead Advent’s Pastoral Care ministries. Although Paula is originally from Virginia, she spent most of her formative years in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her BA from Furman University and her MEd from Converse College. In 1994, after receiving her MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, she was ordained as a Baptist minister.
While in seminary, Paula discovered a deep passion for pastoral care and went on to serve as a chaplain in several places in the Southeast. Her spiritual journey eventually led her to Boone, North Carolina where she served as Director of Christian Education at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. While there, Paula discovered how liturgy and ritual offer profound comfort, healing, and transformation, especially during life’s transitions.
After earning a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary, Alexandria, VA, Paula was ordained to the priesthood in 2016. Before her call to the Advent, she served as curate at St. James Parish, Wilmington, North Carolina. Paula and her husband, T., a retired chemistry professor, share a house with two very spoiled toy poodles, Jack and Colby. In addition to enjoying movies and Broadway shows with T., Paula likes the challenge and stress relief of Burn Bootcamps.
Meet Our Staff
