Through the Red Door
The Church of the Advocate A narrative collection of its people, history, and spirit 1997 – 2022
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Jacque recalled that from week to week, and even from moment to moment during worship, they were never able to predict what would happen next. However, in the midst of all the chaos and the ever-changing social terrain made up of those who showed up on any given Sunday, it was always a sacramental space that held the mystic presence of God. Jacque reflected, “When someone comes in who can hardly walk or stay awake, enduring the sheer exhaustion of living on the street, how do we meet them where they are, receive what they bring, and have the presence to offer them what God would have us give them? There was a very deep wisdom from the circle.”
As Jacque sees it, the only way for the Advocate to be true to its call was be a welcome place for the whole of the human condition. It was a messy place where a lot of vulnerable people were showing up. The core group and those who were regulars in the circle were able to create a place where they could hold all the messiness, all the human conditions, and talk about it. In their expecting people to show up broken, there wasn’t judgment about brokenness even when it surfaced in the leaders and volunteers.
To Jacque, the circle was a place of deep longing. It offered a safe space to gather and hold a collective longing in those present. Out of that longing comes a sense of belonging. “The space allowed us to be broken open so we could experience being who we are and where we are. It held the tension of who we most want to be and who we no longer want to be. Therein lies the grace.”
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About the Book
“... Gripping story of determination, listening, dedication, and commitment. Through the Red Door is a witness to the people of God responding to God’s call. The Holy Spirit convicted individuals whose creative vision and courage awakened a people, a Diocese, a city, churches, and others to respond with compassion and commitment. It’s a story not only of passion but of leadership and equipping God’s people for service.”
— The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White, Rector Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville.
Laughter, tears, a stolen guitar tracked down and returned, and music-the songs of lives touched by Jesus Christ in courageous unmasked community, where “give and receive” is exchanged from those on the streets as from those in the suburbs, Through The Red Door is a powerful portrait of Kingdom reality. What a blessing to us all it is to have glimpses into the beautiful lives of those who dare proclaim “He Is Risen” by the way they listen, learn and love. To God be the glory!
Sue Carmichael
Lay Vicar
St. Mary’s Springfield
Jacksonville, Florida
1982-2017
About the Author
Dena Bearl Whalen has been a priest in the Episcopal Church for 31 years. She has served in various contexts – parish churches, Episcopal schools, an urban cathedral, and diocesan leadership. With a doctorate in congregational development, she has always sought to understand what it takes for any given setting to be a relevant and responsive expression of the good news of God’s love in Jesus. Having recently retired, Dena is enjoying family life with her husband Gary, her adult children and grandchildren, a German Shepherd, a Beagle, two rabbits, and her garden. She is involved in interim ministry, establishing a small retreat house to share with others, and soul time with God.