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September 19, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (9-19-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, September 20 Contemporary Worship - 9:00am, “Come and See” in person or online! Kidstown Sunday School - during the 9:00am worship, Sunday School programming for grades K-5 Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am adult Bible Study in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - 11:00am, “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Monday, September 21 Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall Tuesday, September 22 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Youth Ensemble/Chimes Rehearsal - 4:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Chancel Choir Rehearsal - 5:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Wednesday, September 23 NO Genesis Bible Study - usually meets at 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center, will resume next week (September 30) Thursday, September 24 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View latest distribution reports here. Saturday, September 26 ELCA Space Coast Conference Meeting - 9:30am in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: Drive-Up Pet Blessing with Florida Wildlife Hospital - October 10, 9:00am-12:00pm under the portico Oktoberfest - October 17, 11:00am - 2:00pm everywhere on campusFull calendar of events Announcements: Youth Ministry Update 🎉 Advent’s youth and family ministry is in full swing! If you want to keep up-to-date about the youth and family ministry events, click the card below to visit the collection, where you can subscribe and get monthly updates!Youth and Family Ministry Updating our Records 📝 We are updating our membership records and want to be sure everyone’s information is up-to-date. We want to be sure that when we send you mail or want to reach out, we can reach you. Even if you think your info is correct, please fill out a member information form (located in the lobby) and return to PA or PC. Thank you! Supporting Local Schools 🏫 The Outreach Team is collecting school supplies, toiletries, feminine products and snack food items for the many homeless students attending Eau Gallie High School. For more information see the September Advocate, or contact Bill or Tammy Leahy. Attention Animal Lovers 🐾 Florida Wildlife Hospital will be visiting our Faith Builders Youth group with an educational opportunity, teaching them about some of God’s “creepy-cool creatures”! To support FWH’s inspiring (and important) stewardship of God’s amazing animals, our Youth Ministries are running a donation supply drive. Basic supply items such as unscented liquid bleach, Purina Dry Cat Food, Dawn Dish Soap, and Laundry detergent will be collected in October until the 11th. For more information, you may contact Carolann Robbins. God’s Work. Our Hands. Last weekend was a wonderful success, thanks to your help! Click below to read more about how Advent served on GWOH Weekend!God's Work Our Hands Featured Advent Story of the week: Two years after they moved to the area, Melanie had a severe medical situation that had a recovery time of more than a year. Throughout that year, Melanie remembers how Advent showed up for her family in many ways... click below to read more!Melanie and Jon's Advent Story This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: September 20 @ 9amTraditional Worship: September 20 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Monthly Council SummaryCouncil Summary Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Psalm 25:1-9 Philippians 2:1-13 Matthew 21:23-32
September 12, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (9-12-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, September 13 Contemporary Worship - 9:00am, “Come and See” in person or online! “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Service projects - after the abbreviated worship services. Learn more by clicking here. Traditional Worship - 11:00am, “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Monday, September 14 Women’s Ministry Meeting - 10:00am in the Community Engagement Center, followed by Bible Study at 11:00am Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall Men’s Group (BUILD) Meeting - 6:00pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall Tuesday, September 15 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Youth Ensemble/Chimes Rehearsal - 4:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Chancel Choir Rehearsal - 5:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Wednesday, September 16 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, September 17 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View latest distribution reports here. Friday, September 18 Gather Space Coast Young Adults Game Night - 6:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. For ages 18-35. Saturday, September 19 Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Women’s Group Listening Meeting - following the 5:00pm worship, to gather input on how we can broaden and expand Women’s ministries at Advent. Save the Date! Upcoming Events: Women’s Group Listening Meetings - September 19 and 20, to gather input on how we can broaden and expand Women’s ministries at Advent. ELCA Space Coast Conference Meeting - September 26, 9:30am - Noon in the C.E.C.Full calendar of events Announcements: Supporting Local Schools 🏫 The Outreach Team is collecting school supplies, toiletries, feminine products and snack food items for the many homeless students attending Eau Gallie High School. For more information see the September Advocate, or contact Bill or Tammy Leahy. Attention Animal Lovers 🐾 Florida Wildlife Hospital will be visiting our Faith Builders Youth group with an educational opportunity, teaching them about some of God’s “creepy-cool creatures”! To support FWH’s inspiring (and important) stewardship of God’s amazing animals, our Youth Ministries are running a donation supply drive. Basic supply items such as unscented liquid bleach, Purina Dry Cat Food, Dawn Dish Soap, and Laundry detergent will be collected in October until the 11th. For more information, you may contact Carolann Robbins. New Video Series: Discipleship in Action You can follow along on social media, OR you can click the card below to visit the DIA collection and subscribe so you never miss a new story!See Discipleship in Action Collection Featured Advent Story of the week: Audrey wasn’t expecting to find immediate connections. After all, Virginia and Florida are very different in many ways. But she had no idea how many connections she already had! Click the card below to learn more about Audrey’s Advent story.Audrey's Advent Story This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: September 13 @ 9amTraditional Worship: September 13 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Monthly Council SummaryJune Council Summary Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost Jonah 3:10-4:11 Psalm 145:1-8 Philippians 1:21-30 Matthew 20:1-16
September 5, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (9-5-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, September 6 Big Red Bus Blood Drive - 8:15am - 12:15pm. To schedule your appointment, please click here. Contemporary Worship - 9:00am, “Come and See” in person or online! KidsTown - during the 9:00am worship, Sunday School programming for grades K-5 Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am adult Bible Study in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - 11:00am, “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Monday, September 7 OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY Tuesday, September 8 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Youth Ensemble/Chimes Rehearsal - 4:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Chancel Choir Rehearsal - 5:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Wednesday, September 9 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, September 10 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View latest distribution reports here. Saturday, September 12 God’s Work. Our Hands. - Click herefor more information. Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: God’s Work Our Hands - September 12 and 13 during worship. Women’s Ministry Meeting - September 14 at 10:00am in the CEC followed by Bible Study. Gather Space Coast Young Adults Game Night - September 18 at 6:30pm for ages 18-35. RSVP here. Women’s Group Listening Meetings - September 19 and 20, to gather input on how we can broaden and expand Women’s ministries at Advent. ELCA Space Coast Conference Meeting - September 26, 9:30am - Noon in the C.E.C.Full calendar of events Announcements: Supporting Local Schools 🏫 The Outreach Team is collecting school supplies, toiletries, feminine products and snack food items for the many homeless students attending Eau Gallie High School. For more information see the September Advocate, or contact Bill or Tammy Leahy. New Video Series: Coming Soon! This week, Pastor Alisha announced a new video series, “DIA - Discipleship in Action.” You can follow along on social media, OR you can click hereto visit the DIA collection and subscribe so you never miss a new story! View PA’s introduction video below:See Discipleship in Action Collection This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: September 6 @ 9amTraditional Worship: September 6 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Monthly Council SummaryJune Council Summary Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost (God’s Work. Our Hands) Romans 14:7-9 Matthew 18:21-35
August 29, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (8-29-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, August 30 Contemporary Worship - 9:00am, “Come and See” in person or online! KidsTown - during the 9:00am worship, Sunday School programming for grades K-5 Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am adult Bible Study in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - 11:00am, “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Monday, August 31 Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Tuesday, September 1 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Youth Ensemble/Chimes Rehearsal - 4:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Chancel Choir Rehearsal - 5:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Wednesday, September 2 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, September 3 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View last week’s distribution report here. Friday, September 4 Young Adults “Prayer”-aoke Night - 6:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall for ages 18-35. You can read more info by clicking here. Saturday, August 22 Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: Big Red Bus Blood Drive - September 6, 8:15am - 12:15pm. To schedule your appointment, please click here. God’s Work Our Hands - September 12 and 13 during worship Women’s Group Listening Meetings - September 19 and 20, to gather input on how we can broaden and expand Women’s ministries at Advent. Gather Space Coast Young Adults Game Night - September 18 at 6:30pm for ages 18-35. RSVP here ELCA Space Coast Conference Meeting - September 26, 9:30am - Noon in the C.E.C.Full calendar of events Announcements: Supporting Local Schools 🏫 The Outreach Team is collecting school supplies, toiletries, feminine products and snack food items for the many homeless students attending Eau Gallie High School. For more information see the September Advocate, or contact Bill or Tammy Leahy. Lynda’s Retirement Celebration 🎉 Our Office Manager, Lynda, is retiring. This Sunday we will celebrate with cake and a card shower to thank Lynda for her dedicated service to Advent and wish her a happy retirement! LWR School Supplies Update 🎒 Thank you so much for all donations to date! This is the last week to donate school supplies. We still need: 100 notebooks, 21 scissors, 30 wooden rulers, 48 pens, and 30 boxes of crayons. If you would like to contribute funds, rather than shop, we will definitely accept money as well and do the shopping ourselves. Women's Ministry is having its first meeting of the fall on September 14 at 10 am in the CEC followed by Bible Study. You are welcome to come! This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: August 30 @ 9amTraditional Worship: August 30 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Monthly Council SummaryJune Council Summary Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Ezekiel 33:7-11 Psalm 119:33-40 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20
August 22, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (8-22-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, August 16 Contemporary Worship - “Come and See” in person or onlineat 9:00am! Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am in the Community Engagement Center Faith Builders Youth Group - 10:15am in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Grades K-5 are welcome and encouraged to participate. Traditional Worship - “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Confirmation Class - 12:15pm in the Office Admin building. For students in grades 6-7. Monday, August 17 Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Tuesday, August 18 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Youth Ensemble/Chimes Rehearsal - 4:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Chancel Choir Rehearsal - 5:30pm in the sanctuary (contact Curtis Lanouefor more information) Wednesday, August 19 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, August 20 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5-6pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View last week’s distribution report here. Saturday, August 22 Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: KidsTown Sunday School - Resumes next week at the 9:00am worship, grades K-5 God’s Work Our Hands - September 12 and 13 during worship Women’s Group Listening Meetings - September 19 and 20, to gather input on how we can broaden and expand Women’s ministries at Advent. ELCA Space Coast Conference Meeting - September 26, 9:00am - Noon in the C.E.C.Full calendar of events Announcements: LWR School supplies ✏️ Women’s Ministry is still collecting school supplies. We have plenty of pencils so no more are needed. However, notebooks, scissors, wooden rulers and a few pens are still needed. Thank you! Lynda’s Retirement Celebration Our Office Manager, Lynda, is retiring. Next Sunday we will celebrate with cake and a card shower to thank Lynda for her dedicated service to Advent and wish her a happy retirement. Fall Reboot 📆 Due to limitations with our calendar system, all recurring events that resume in the fall must be rescheduled into the online Advocate calendar each year. Although an inconvenience, this allows us to confirm building use and deconflict overlapping requests. Please email our Property Manager, Jeff Jacoby, with building use requests. Please provide all pertinent information about your event, including: starting and ending date and time; preparation time beforehand and clean-up time afterward (if needed); building and room where you would like to meet; and other pertinent information. This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: August 23 @ 9amTraditional Worship: August 23 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Monthly Council SummaryJune Council Summary Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Jeremiah 15:15-21 Psalm 26:1-8 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28
August 15, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (8-15-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, August 16 Contemporary Worship - “Come and See” in person or onlineat 9:00am! Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Monday, August 17 Women's Bible Study - 10:00am in the Community Engagement Center Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Tuesday, August 18 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Youth Ensemble/Chimes Rehearsal - 4:30pm in the sanctuary Chancel Choir Rehearsal - 5:30pm in the sanctuary Wednesday, August 19 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, August 20 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5-6pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View last week’s distribution report here. Friday, August 21 Young Adults Game Night - 6:30-8:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Ages 18-35 welcome! Click here for more info Saturday, August 22 Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: God’s Work Our Hands - September 12 and 13 during worship services ELCA Space Coast Conference Meeting - September 26, 9:00am - Noon in the C.E.C.Full calendar of events Announcements: Guest Preacher ✝️ We are excited to welcome Pastor Derek Hoven, Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Missions for the Synod, as our guest preacher this weekend! Choir Rehearsal Resumes 🎶 Our choirs have resumed rehearsals every Tuesday, 4:30 pm Youth ensemble [hand chimes, singing], 5:30 pm Chancel Choir. If you are interested, please see Curtis Lanoue, our organist/music director. LWR School supplies ✏️ Women’s Ministry is still collecting school supplies. We have plenty of pencils so no more are needed. However, notebooks, scissors, wooden rulers and a few pens are still needed. Thank you! Fall Reboot 📆 Due to limitations with our calendar system, all recurring events that resume in the fall must be rescheduled into the online Advocate calendar each year. Although an inconvenience, this allows us to confirm building use and deconflict overlapping requests. Please email our Property Manager, Jeff Jacoby, with building use requests. Please provide all pertinent information about your event, including: starting and ending date and time; preparation time beforehand and clean-up time afterward (if needed); building and room where you would like to meet; and other pertinent information. This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: August 16 @ 9amTraditional Worship: August 16 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Monthly Council SummaryJune Council Summary Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 51:1-6 Psalm 138 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20
August 8, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (8-8-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find the calendar for the week, announcements, worship streams, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, August 9 Contemporary Worship - “Come and See” in person or onlineat 9:00am! KidsTown - Sunday School programming during the 9am service Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - “Come and See” in person or onlineat 11:00am! Rally Day Celebration - 3:00-5:00pm across campus Monday, August 10 Women's Bible Study - 10:00am in the Community Engagement Center Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Tuesday, August 11 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Wednesday, August 12 Midweek Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, August 14 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5-6pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View last week’s distribution report here. Saturday, August 15 Informal Traditional Worship - In the sanctuary at 5:00pm. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: Backpack Blessing - Saturday and Sunday (August 8 and 9) during worship; If you or your family member(s) are returning to classes this fall, bring your backpacks to worship next weekend to be blessed for the academic year! Rally Day - Sunday, August 9 from 3:00-5:00pm across campus! Click here for more info Young Adults Game Night - Friday, August 21 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Click here for more info Announcements: Backpack Blessing 🎒 This weekend (August 8 and 9) during worship we will be celebrating students going back to school. If you or your family member(s) are returning to classes this fall, bring your backpacks to worship next weekend to be blessed for the academic year! 2027 Offering Envelopes 💌 It is that time of year when we will need to get our order in for the 2027 offering envelopes. Even if you have them this year, if you want them for next year please let the office know no later than August 15. LWR School supplies ✏️ The Women's Ministry is once again providing backpacks to LWR to be shipped all over the world to kids in need. David Holub has been so kind as to have his group sew the backpacks for us. The complete list of needed items is in the Narthex (lobby) with a poster showing our goals. We will be collecting during the months of July and August. Thank you for all you do to support those in need. This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: August 9 @ 9amTraditional Worship: August 9 @ 11amLast week's Sermon Food Pantry Report:Food Pantry Report Print Newsletters:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 Psalm 67 Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15:10-28
August 1, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (8-2-26)
Welcome to the weekly roundup 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening around here. Find worship streams, the calendar for the week, and more. From kids to adults, small groups to special events, here's how you can get connected over the next seven days... Sunday, August 2 Contemporary Worship - “Come and See” in person or online at 9:00am! KidsTown - Sunday School programming during the 9am service Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - “Come and See” in person or online at 11:00am! Monday, August 3 Women's Bible Study - 10:00am in the Community Engagement Center Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Tuesday, August 4 Watercolor Group - 12:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Wednesday, August 5 Midweek Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center Thursday, August 6 D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5-6pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View last week’s distribution report here. Saturday, August 8 Informal Traditional Worship - In the sanctuary at 5:00pm. A casual in-person worship experience Upcoming Events: Rally Day - Sunday, August 9 from 3:00-5:00pm across campus! Click here for more info Young Adults Game Night - Friday, August 21 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Click here for more infoNew here? We'd love to connect. Food Pantry: As we close this week, we're struck by a familiar scene: a crowd, a shortage, and disciples ready to send people away hungry. But Jesus doesn't send them away — he takes what little is offered, blesses it, and it becomes more than enough. That's the pattern we see in our own community week after week: a handful of volunteers, a stocked shelf, a few hours given — and somehow it's always enough for the families who walk through our doors. A special note of thanks to our friends at Suntree United Methodist Church for their ongoing support of our pantry and for sharing so generously from their own bounty. And to you — thank you for continuing to bring your loaves and fishes. Together, God keeps multiplying them. "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." — Matthew 14:16Weekly Food Pantry Report Announcements: Backpack Blessing 🎒 Next weekend (August 8 and 9) during worship we will be celebrating students going back to school. If you or your family member(s) are returning to classes this fall, bring your backpacks to worship next weekend to be blessed for the academic year! 2027 Offering Envelopes 💌 It is that time of year when we will need to get our order in for the 2027 offering envelopes. Even if you have them this year, if you want them for next year please let the office know no later than August 15. LWR School supplies ✏️ The Women's Ministry is once again providing backpacks to LWR to be shipped all over the world to kids in need. David Holub has been so kind as to have his group sew the backpacks for us. The complete list of needed items is in the Narthex (lobby) with a poster showing our goals. We will be collecting during the months of July and August. Thank you for all you do to support those in need. This Week's Readings: 2 Timothy 4:1–8 Hebrews 12:1–3 Luke 9:51–62 This week’s Worship Livestreams: Contemporary Worship: August 2 @ 9am Traditional Worship: August 2 @ 11am Last week’s sermon: Want to see more past sermons? Click the button below!Sermon Hub Print NewslettersClick here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Online Giving: Your generosity makes ministry possible. We’re so grateful for you. If you think you’ll miss church services, consider setting up recurring giving. It takes just a few moments to get started, and your regular donations will help sustain us throughout the year. You can click the button below to set up a secure, recurring contribution from your bank account, credit card, or debit card. It takes seconds to use your smartphone to give by text or our mobile app. Download the free Vanco app from the App Store or Google Play to give through our mobile app and search for our church by name. We sincerely thank you for your generosity to Advent’s community and various ministries!Click Here to give online Fostering Generosity: Giving isn’t just about putting money in the offering plate. Even without spending a cent, there are many ways to contribute to this congregation, helping support Advent’s mission and serve the community! More information about these options can be found on our giving page by clicking here. Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Next Week: Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 19:9-18 Psalm 85:8-13 Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33
September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
September in Review
Looking back at September Youth Activities September was a busy month as our faith formation classes are officially in full swing! In August, we blessed backpacks and blessed students for the upcoming school year and faith formation. This month, we continued learning and service together. “God’s Work. Our Hands.” The Faith Builders, Confirmation Students, and Senior Youth all participated in “God’s Work. Our Hands” Sunday, a national day of service for ELCA churches. Together, the group packed 82 sandwiches for Matthew’s Hope Ministries, plus collecting a few extras like granola bars and a few other snack items! THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this special day happen. Teaching the kids the value of service to others is an important part of discipleship, and we couldn't have done it without your help. ❤️ Faith Builders In addition to Confirmation Class Acolyte Meeting Although we have not previously had an acolyte program for the contemporary service, and have not had acolytes for the traditional service in a while, many of you expressed interest in reviving the program. This meeting with Karen on the 20th helped us shape this new volunteer opportunity to be meaningful for the kids participating as well as those who gather for worship. A prayer for the month ahead: God, as we enter into October, and as we reflect on the Reformation and all that you have done and continue to do in our lives, bless the youth and their families. Guide them as they continue to learn and grow in their faith each new day. Amen. Want to know what’s happening in October? Check out the October monthly family newsletter:October in Youth and Family Ministry Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow Advent on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940
October 1, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Month in Youth and Family Ministry: October 2026
Welcome to the Monthly update! 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in youth and family ministry. Find the calendar for the month, announcements, and more. Here's how you can get connected during the month of October... Faith Builders Youth Group Sunday, October 11 and Sunday, October 25 at 10:15am - Kids of all ages are welcome to participate in this programming, with lessons focused on grades k-5. We will meet in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Confirmation Class Sunday, October 11 and Sunday, October 25 - Students in grades 6-8 will meet in the office after the 11am worship service. KidsTown Sunday School Sundays during the 9:00 am worship - Weekly Sunday School programming for children during the 9am contemporary worship. Kids are dismissed after the passing of the peace and return before communion is served. Youth Ensemble/Children’s Chimes Rehearsal Weekly on Tuesday Nights at 4:30pm in the sanctuary. Contact Curtis for more information. Quarterly Parent Planning Meeting October 4th. Parents are invited to meet and help coordinate and plan for the months ahead, to make sure everyone is informed as best as possible. We will also be discussing the upcoming Christmas Play Rehearsals. Christmas Play Rehearsals October 4 and 18 from 3:30-5:00pm. Children of all ages are welcome to come and participate and prepare for our Christmas Program, which will be on December 13 at the 9am worship service. Pet Blessing with Florida Wildlife Hospital Saturday, October 10 from 9:00am-12:00pm. Bring your pets for a special blessing in celebration of St. Francis Day, and learn about some of God’s other creatures from Florida Wildlife Hospital’s ambassador animals which will be joining us. This is a drive-up opportunity under the portico in front of the sanctuary, come anytime in the designated time frame. If you have a pet who is not able to come or who has recently passed away, you may bring a photo and we will pray with you for your beloved pet. Florida Wildlife Encounter Sunday, October 11 from 2:00-4:00pm. God’s creatures are “creepy...crawly...cool!” Florida Wildlife Hospital will be teaching kids in an interactive program with ambassador animals and more! Oktoberfest Celebration! Saturday, October 17 from 11:00am-2:00pm. FREE and fun for the whole family. There will be bounce houses, brats and hotdogs, music, and more! 📅Save the Date! Upcoming Events: Christmas Play Rehearsals - November 1 and 15, 3:30-5:00pm Christmas Crafting Service Project - November 8, 3:00-4:30pm. Christmas Play Dress Rehearsal - December 6, 3:30-5:00pmFull Calendar of Youth Events 2026-2027 Announcements: FWH Supply drive Florida Wildlife Hospital will be visiting our Faith Builders group with an educational opportunity, teaching them about some of God’s “creepy-cool creatures”! To support FWH’s inspiring (and important) stewardship of God’s amazing animals, our Youth Ministries are running a donation supply drive. Basic supply items such as unscented liquid bleach, Purina Dry Cat Food, Dawn Dish Soap, and Laundry detergent will be collected until October 11th. Click the buttons below to explore some donation options! For more information, you may contact Carolann Robbins. Advent Youth Ministries thanks you for your giving hearts! Basic Supply List Amazon Wish List Chewy Wish List What have we been up to? Want to know what Youth Ministry looked like throughout September? Check out our “month in review” below:September in Review Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow Advent on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940 Print Newsletters for Advent:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate
September 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
This Month in Youth and Family Ministry: September 2026
Welcome to the Monthly update! 👋 This is your one-stop spot for everything happening in youth and family ministry. Find the calendar for the month, announcements, and more. Here's how you can get connected during the month of September... Faith Builders Youth Group Sunday, September 13 and Sunday, September 27th at 10:15am - Kids of all ages are welcome to participate in this programming, with lessons focused on grades k-5. We will meet in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. The 13th will be a special service day as we make sandwiches for Matthew’s Hope! Confirmation Class Sunday, September 13 and Sunday, September 27th at 12:15pm - Students in grades 6-8 will meet in the office after the 11am worship service. The13th will be a special service day, so we will not meet at the regular time. Instead, the confirmation students will join the youth group project of packing sandwiches. KidsTown Sunday School Sundays during the 9:00 am worship - Weekly Sunday School programming for children during the 9am contemporary worship. Kids are dismissed after the passing of the peace and return before communion is served. Acolyte Training Meeting Sunday, September 20th between services (~10:15am) - Although we have not previously had an acolyte program for the contemporary service, and have not had acolytes for the traditional service in a while, many of you have expressed interest in this. This meeting with Karen will help us shape this new volunteer opportunity to be meaningful for the kids participating as well as those who gather for worship. Youth Ensemble/ Children’s Chimes Rehearsal Weekly on Tuesday Nights at 4:30pm in the sanctuary. Contact Curtisfor more information. Save the Date! Upcoming Events: God’s Work Our Hands - September 12 and 13 during worship. The Faith Builders Group will be making sandwiches for Matthew’s Hope! Quarterly Planning Meeting - October 4th. Parents are invited to meet and help coordinate and plan for the months ahead, to make sure everyone is informed as best as possible. We will also be discussing the upcoming Christmas Play Rehearsals. Christmas Play rehearsals - October 4 and 18. The 4th will coincide with the parent planning meeting. Rehearsals will run from 3:30-5pm. Florida Wildlife Encounter - October 11th, 2:00-4:00pm. Oktoberfest - October 17 from 11am-2:00pm. FREE and fun for the whole family!Full Calendar of Youth Events 2026-2027 Print Newsletters for Advent:Click here to download the Weekly MessengerClick here to download the Monthly Advocate Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow Advent on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940
September 1, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Grace with its Sleeves Rolled Up
Dear Advent Family, As we move toward September, I find myself grateful for the way God continues to gather us, stretch us, and gently lead us forward. August has been full. We concluded our summer Come & See experience, blessed backpacks and prayed over our children, youth, teachers, administrators, school employees, and families as another school year began. We gathered for Rally Day with food, laughter, ministry displays, bounce houses, magic, Kona Ice, and the wonderful energy that comes when the Advent family simply enjoys being together. And before August is finished, we have another important beginning to celebrate. On Sunday, August 23, we will bless the beginning of Advent’s 2026–2027 Faith Formation year. We will pray over our children, youth, teachers, leaders, volunteers, parents, grandparents, and every person who helps nurture faith within this congregation. Our Faith Formation ministries include Faith Builders for children 3K through 5th grade, Senior Youth for grades 6–12, Confirmation, KidsTown, and Adult Faith Formation. Then, on Sunday, August 30, our KidsTown kiddos will officially begin another year together. I hope we do not miss the grace in all of this. Faith Formation is not simply about classes, schedules, curriculum, or getting children into the right room at the right time. It is about creating places where people can ask questions, discover Scripture, experience community, and learn over time what it means to trust the promises of God. And that is not only for children. The truth is, every one of us is still being formed. Some of us are strong in faith right now. Some are tired. Some have questions we have never quite been able to answer. Some are carrying grief. Some are caring for aging parents, raising children, facing health concerns, wrestling with finances, navigating relationships, or simply trying to make it through another week. And yet God meets us there. -- God does not wait until we have everything figured out. God does not require us to arrive polished, certain, or spiritually impressive. Grace meets us exactly where we are and keeps calling us forward. That is what I hope Walking in Grace: Covered, Called, Grounded, and Sent continues to mean for Advent. We are Covered by a grace we did not earn and cannot lose because we had a difficult week. We are Called by Christ—not because we are perfect, but because Christ chooses ordinary people like us. We are Grounded in the promises of Scripture, prayer, worship, Baptism, and Holy Communion. And then, covered, called, and grounded, we are Sent into the world to love our neighbor. September gives us a beautiful opportunity to live that out. On Sunday, September 13, Advent will participate in God’s Work. Our Hands. This is an opportunity for us to turn our attention outward and serve the community around us. Sometimes churches can become very good at looking inward. We take care of our programs, our buildings, our schedules, our traditions, and one another—and there is nothing wrong with caring for the family God has entrusted to us. But the church of Jesus Christ can never stop there. There is a world beyond our doors that God deeply loves. There are people who are lonely. Families who are struggling. Neighbors who need encouragement. People who are hungry. People who simply need someone to notice them. And sometimes the most powerful witness the church can offer is not a sermon or a program. Sometimes it is simply showing up with open hands and an open heart. That is what I love about God’s Work. Our Hands. It reminds us that grace has feet. Grace shows up. Grace serves. Grace listens. Grace gets its hands dirty. And grace does not ask whether someone deserves to be loved before deciding to love them. As we move through September, our ministries will continue settling into the rhythm of another year. Faith Formation will be underway, Bible study and other opportunities for discipleship will continue, and preparations for Oktoberfest will move into high gear. There will be plenty to do. But I want us to be careful about something: the goal is not simply to become busier. A busy church is not automatically a faithful church. What matters is whether what we are doing helps people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, serve their neighbors, and discover where God may be calling them. And please hear this with grace: you do not have to do everything. But I do believe God calls each of us to do something. Maybe this is the year you serve in a ministry for the first time. Maybe you return to something you once loved. Maybe you join a Bible study. Maybe you work beside someone at God’s Work. Our Hands. Maybe you volunteer at Oktoberfest. Maybe you will invite someone to worship. Maybe you simply begin praying, “Lord, show me where you need me.” ---- That prayer may be more than enough to begin. Please hear this as you read, I am grateful for you. I am grateful for those who quietly serve week after week without recognition. I am grateful for our children laughing on campus, for our seasoned members who continue to pray and encourage, for families trying to raise children in faith, for volunteers who keep showing up, and for everyone who continues to believe that God still has something for Advent to do in this community. So, as September begins, may we keep our eyes open for where Christ is already at work—and may we have enough courage, humility, and grace to join Him there. We will not do everything perfectly and we do not have to. We are walking in grace. Covered when we are weary. Called even when we feel inadequate. Grounded when the world feels uncertain. Sent because somebody beyond our walls needs to experience the love we have already received. Grace and Peace, Pastor Carl
September 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Blessings Abound
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” - Ephesians 1:3 Dear Siblings in Christ, It seems hard to believe that August has already passed us by and we have made it to September. As we look ahead this month, we can also reflect on the blessings God has already given us. It seems like just yesterday we were sending our kids off with a backpack blessing, and now school has been in session for nearly a month. We are so grateful for the many children participating in this year’s faith formation programming, including Faith Builders for grades K-5, senior youth group for grades 6-12, and Confirmation class for students in grades 6-8. In addition, Pastor Carl and I will continue to teach Bible Club weekly at Grace Preschool this year with a new group of students, starting this month. But Faith Formation isn’t just for children, all of us are walking in our faith journeys which never stop. There will be opportunities for young adults with the Gather Space Coast Group, the women’s group will be hosting listening meetings to determine what that can look like this year, and the men’s group, B.U.I.L.D. will continue to meet as well. There are so many ways to get involved at Advent as the fall programming continues, and I invite you to find ways to participate! The month of September is a great time to try out choir, which practices every Tuesday night, to attend a Bible Study on Wednesday nights, or perhaps find a volunteer opportunity that helps you feel spiritually connected. And that’s not all – there is still more to look forward to as Fall quickly approaches. The Stewardship team has some great ideas and we are excited to share more with you all, so look for more information in the near future! Not to mention, this month, we will participate in “God’s Work. Our Hands” as a reminder of how Christ’s Kingdom is much larger than the four walls of the sanctuary or a Weekend of worship. And then on September 26, we will be welcoming rostered leaders and lay people as we host the Space Coast Conference meeting. Both serve as great reminders that we are more than just a church building. We are part of something bigger, and each of us is an “awesome” child of God, just as Pastor Derek from the Synod Office reminded us last month when he came to guest preach. God has blessed us with so many spiritual blessings just as Ephesians says, and I am grateful for each and every one of you who helps share those blessings with others. As we enter into Fall programming, may God’s love surround you, and may you feel Christ’s abundant blessings as you share those blessings with others. Peace and Blessings, PA
August 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
August is Here!
July may have moved at a different pace as we move through our Summer Series of “Come & See”, and now August is arriving with plenty of life, energy, and opportunities to gather as the family of Advent. The weekend of August 2 will mark the final weekend of summer and our final weekend of Come & See. Throughout the summer, we have experienced worship in fresh and unexpected ways, and we are grateful for everyone who came with an open heart, ready to see what God might reveal. Then, on the weekend of August 8 -9, we will celebrate the Blessing of the Backpacks for all our children and youth as they prepare to begin a new school year. We will surround our students, teachers, administrators, and families with prayer, reminding them that wherever they go, they are covered by God’s grace. And we are only getting started! On Sunday, August 9, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., Advent will host Rally Day, and everyone is invited. There will be bounce houses, magic shows, Kona Ice, hot dogs, chips, and plenty of activities for children and families. Each Advent ministry will also have a table in the KC Building, giving our congregation and community an opportunity to see the many ways God is working through Advent— and to discover where they may be called to connect, serve, grow, and belong. So come on out, bring your family, invite a friend, and let’s kick off the new ministry season in a big way. At Advent, there is a place for you, a ministry for you, and grace enough for all of us. Come and see. Come and connect. Come and celebrate Grace and Peace, Pastor Carl
July 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Woven Together
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10 Dear Siblings in Christ, Last month, Pastor Carl and I attended the ELCA Rostered Minister Conference, an opportunity to gather with other pastors, deacons, bishops, and leaders in ministry. The theme was “Woven Together.” Throughout the week, the keynote speakers reminded us of the many ways God weaves us together into a beautiful tapestry of creation. And while they did so, an artist wove an actual tapestry. At the end of the conference, she showed everyone the beautiful work of art that had been created. It was a wonderful reminder how all of us are part of a bigger picture, but each of us is an important individual thread as well. Around here, although we meet for three different expressions of worship each weekend, we are also “woven together.” Each ministry, each worship experience, and each moment, is a colorful thread that helps make the beautiful tapestry that is Advent Lutheran Church. Over the summer we practiced “Come and See” as an opportunity to listen to Christ’s invitation to try new things and experience worship in different ways. Now, as summer winds down and school resumes, programming, ministries, and other things are ramping up for the fall. Most exciting of all is the upcoming Rally Day on August 9. It will be an opportunity for us to see and hear all about how God is working through the ministries of Advent. Individually, each person is a lovely and colorful thread. But together, we are woven into a beautiful tapestry, followers of Jesus Christ for the sake of the world, Walking in Grace: Covered, Called, Grounded, and Sent. Peace and Blessings, PA
July 1, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Covered for the Road Ahead
Siblings in Christ, July has a way of slowing some things down while reminding us that life keeps moving. Families travel. Children are home from school. Calendars shift. Some people are away, some are returning, and some are simply trying to catch their breath. And somewhere in the middle of it all, somebody is probably asking, “How is summer already moving this fast?”But here is the good news: grace does not take the summer off. Even when routines change, God remains faithful. Even when people travel, the church keeps praying. Even when the heat rises, ministry continues. Even when the calendar feels scattered, the Spirit is still gathering us, forming us, and sending us. As we move through July, we also continue stepping into Year Two of Walking in Grace with our theme: Covered. And let’s be clear: covered does not mean hidden. Covered does not mean passive. Covered does not mean we avoid hard conversations or pretend everything is easy. Covered means we belong to God. Covered means grace holds us while truth shapes us. Covered means mercy gives us courage for the road ahead. That matters for us as a congregation. This summer, we also kicked off a new worship series on Father’s Day weekend called “Come and See.” And yes, that title is intentional. We are changing some things up in our worship experience this summer, but we are not giving everything away ahead of time. Why? Because some things are better experienced than explained. Some things have to be encountered. Some things require you to show up, lean in, and discover what God might be doing among us. That is the invitation of Come and See. Come and see how worship can still surprise us. Come and see how grace can meet us in familiar places and new patterns. Come and see how God continues to speak through Word, song, prayer, table, community, and holy imagination. Come and see what happens when we make room for the Spirit to move among us.Advent Lutheran Church is in a season of movement, discernment, and growth. We are giving thanks for new council leadership, faithful ministry teams, those who serve quietly behind the scenes, and the many ways this congregation continues to show up. The Food Pantry keeps feeding. The Bread Ministry keeps sharing. Worship keeps gathering. Music keeps lifting us. Children keep growing. Families keep connecting. Care keeps being offered. People are living into their Stewardship Commitments made in January (we are still running behind our budgeted goal, but the year is not over). And the mission of the church keeps moving forward. That does not happen by accident. It happens because God is faithful, and because God works through ordinary people who are willing to serve with love walking in grace, Covered, called, grounded, and sent. July also reminds us that being covered by grace does not mean we are careless. We are in hurricane season, so we prepare. We pray for those traveling, those vacationing, those returning home, and those who cannot get away at all. We remember those who are grieving, healing, waiting, working, caregiving, or carrying more than others may know. We pay attention to one another because that is what family does. And Advent, we are more than a church. We are a family. Relationships matter 4 Real. So, this month, I want to invite us to stay connected. Come to worship when you are in town. Pray for the church when you are away. Check on someone you have not seen in a while. Serve where you can. Give faithfully. Encourage generously. Laugh when you can. Rest when you need to. And yes, this summer, Come and See. Come and see what God is doing. Come and see how grace is moving. Come and see how Advent is still becoming. We are not covered so we can stand still. We are covered so we can walk in grace together. -Pastor Carl
July 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
"Come and See!"
“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” - 1 Corinthians 4:1 Dear siblings in Christ, Summer is officially in full swing as we enter July. The temperatures soar and it can often feel like things slow down in summertime, but around here, we just keep going! Although our liturgical calendar puts us in what is called “ordinary” time for this season, it’s anything but ordinary. It seems there is always something exciting happening at Advent, and summertime is no exception. As many of you know, over the summer we are practicing the invitation from Jesus to “come and see,” where each week worship will look a little different than the previous week. It’s easy to get stuck in a rhythm and forget just how powerful it is for us to gather for worship and community. “Come and See” gives us the opportunity to re-center and re-experience the joys of worship, listening for the Spirit’s voice. And The Spirit is definitely at work in this congregation and in this community! I have been grateful for the participation in my summer book/Bible study series where we are engaging in conversations about women of the Bible and I look forward to more of our meetings. And our new young adults ministry, Gather Space Coast, is off to a great start, too. The game night in June was a lot of fun, and I want to take a moment to thank all of you who contributed games for us to play! We have two events planned for the group this month: interactive prayer stations on July 3 and Trivia Night on July 17. If you are 18-35 years old, you are welcome to join us! Above all else, summer is a great chance to “come and see” for yourself – so that’s my invitation to you. Whether it’s by volunteering, participating in worship, joining us for Bible study, or something else, there is a way for YOU to connect with this community. What will that look like? I guess you’ll just have to… “come and see.” Peace and Blessings, PA
June 1, 2026 • 9 Minute Read
Walking in Grace Into the Long Green Season
Siblings in Christ, June has a way of arriving quietly in Florida. The Easter lilies have been put away. The alleluias of Easter morning have settled into memory. The rush of Holy Week and Easter Sunday has moved into the steady rhythm of summer heat, afternoon storms, longer daylight, and the beginning of what the church often calls the long green season. But green is not boring. Green is not empty. Green is growth and we have seen growth. The month of May gave us a beautiful witness to the life of the church. We celebrated FIVE baptisms in one month. Five times, water and Word met ordinary human life with the extraordinary promise of God. Five times, we were reminded that grace does not wait until we are ready, polished, perfect, or able to explain everything. Grace comes first. Grace claims. Grace covers. Grace calls. Grace grounds. Grace sends. Every baptism is a holy interruption in the life of the church, a visible sign that God is still making promises, still welcoming children and families into the body of Christ, still writing resurrection into the story of ordinary people. The Month of May gave us Mother’s Day, a Sunday filled with gratitude, tenderness, memory, and honest emotion. For some, Mother’s Day brings joy. For others, it carries grief, longing, or complicated memories. The church has to be big enough and gentle enough to hold all of that. So, we gave thanks for mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, spiritual mothers, aunties, mentors, and all those who have loved with courage, patience, sacrifice, and grace. We had a wedding in May, another sacred reminder that love, covenant, promise, and community still matter. In a world where relationships can be treated as disposable and commitments can be taken lightly; the church gets to stand in a holy place and say that love is not merely a feeling. Love is a promise. Love is a witness. Love is something God blesses, strengthens, and surrounds with community. On May 17, we gave thanks for the opportunity to recognize and bless Hannah Jones and Lucy Presecan as they step into the next chapter of their lives. Each received a Legacy Youth Educational Grant from the Legacy Committee, along with other gifts on behalf of the church. Moments like these remind our young people that they do not walk alone. They are surrounded by a congregation that sees them, prays for them, celebrates them, and trusts that God will continue guiding their future. We also gathered for our Annual Meeting, and that gathering mattered. Annual meetings are not always glamorous, but they are important. They help us tell the truth about where we have been, what God has done among us, what still needs attention, and where we believe the Spirit is leading us next. This year’s meeting was about more than reports, motions, and the election of new council members. It was part of the larger work of Advent becoming clearer in purpose, stronger in ministry, healthier in community, and more aligned in mission. Towards the end of May, we celebrated a beautiful end-of-school-year moment with Grace Lutheran Preschool and our Bible Enrichment Club. Throughout the year, children have been learning Bible stories, singing songs, asking questions, hearing about Jesus, and discovering that they are loved by God. As the school year came to a close, we were able to place colorful, kid-friendly Bible books into young hands. That may sound simple, but it is not small. A child receiving a Bible storybook is a seed being planted. A child hearing that God loves them is a foundation being laid. A child being welcomed by the church is a glimpse of the kingdom of God. Our Faith Builders also celebrated with a pool party and time of joy, fun, laughter, and fellowship. That matters too. Children and youth need more than programs. They need belonging. They need safe spaces. They need faithful adults who know their names. They need moments where church feels not only like a place to sit still, but a place where joy, friendship, and faith can grow together. Faith formation does not happen only at a desk or in a classroom. Sometimes it happens around food, water, laughter, conversation, and the simple gift of being together. And across the life of Advent, our ministries are growing and working hard—not just for our own congregation, but for our wider community. Our Food Pantry Ministry and Bread Ministry continue to feed neighbors with dignity and compassion. Our worship and music ministries continue to shape hearts, carry memory, teach theology, and help us lift our voices to God. Our staff, volunteers, ministry leaders, council members, and faithful servants continue doing the steady work that often happens behind the scenes but holds the church together in visible and invisible ways. That is the truth I want us to see as we move into June. We are not entering an empty season. We are entering a growing season. In June, we will continue walking in that spirit we celebrated on Pentecost Sunday, as we remembered that the church was never meant to sit still, hidden behind locked doors, waiting for safer conditions. The Holy Spirit came like wind and fire, not to make the disciples comfortable, but to make them witnesses. Pentecost reminds us that the church is alive when it is Spirit-filled, outward-facing, courageous, multilingual in love, and willing to speak good news into the world God still loves. We will also have celebrated Trinity Sunday, standing before the holy mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday reminds us that God’s own life is communion, relationship, love, and movement. That matters for the church. We are not called to be isolated individuals sitting near one another. We are called to be a people formed by the relational life of God, drawn together in grace, and sent together in love. The long green season (the season after Pentecost) teaches us an important truth: God’s work is not always dramatic. Holy things do not always arrive with fanfare. Often, grace takes root quietly, and the Spirit moves through faithful, everyday moments—steady service, honest meetings, shared meals, open Scripture, music, ministry, celebration, and people who still trust that Jesus is not finished with the church. On June 3–6, leaders from across our wider church will gather for the Florida-Bahamas Synod Assembly. Synod Assembly reminds us that Advent is not alone. We are part of a wider Lutheran witness, connected with congregations, ministries, pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and mission partners across Florida and the Bahamas. We belong to something larger than ourselves, and our work here in Melbourne is part of God’s wider work through the church. June also brings Father’s Day, and we will hold that day with the same pastoral care we brought to Mother’s Day. We give thanks for fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, uncles, mentors, coaches, teachers, spiritual fathers, and all who have offered steady love, guidance, protection, wisdom, and presence. We also remember that Father’s Day can carry grief, hurt, absence, disappointment, or longing. The church can hold all of that because Christ holds all of us. Later in June, our Council Retreat will take place on June 26–27. This retreat will be an important time of prayer, reflection, discernment, and planning as we continue clarifying Advent’s direction for 2026–2027. This is not about creating paper for the sake of paper. Advent does not need more documents pretending to be vision. We need shared clarity. We need spiritual alignment. We need honest conversation. We need practical goals. We need leaders who are not simply managing church life but listening for the movement of God among us. We will also install our leaders during worship that weekend: Saturday, June 27 at 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 28 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Installation is more than a public announcement. It is a holy reminder that leadership in the church is not about status, control, or personal preference. Leadership is service. Leadership is stewardship. Leadership is prayerful responsibility. Leadership is helping the people of God walk faithfully together. And as Floridians, June also means the beginning of hurricane season. Preparation is not fear. Preparation is wisdom. We prepare because we care about one another. We prepare because some of our neighbors live alone. We prepare because the church is called to be steady in the storm. So, I encourage each of us to review our home plans, check on vulnerable neighbors, keep emergency supplies ready, and remain attentive to how Advent can continue being a community of care when storms come. Siblings in Christ, this is where we are: Easter has not ended. Easter is growing roots. It is growing in baptismal water, wedding promises, and children receiving Bible books. It is growing in Faith Builders laughter, food pantry bags and bread tables. It is growing in worship and music, church council discernment and leaders preparing to serve. It is growing in every place where God’s people keep showing up with faith, hope, and love. So, let’s keep walking. Not perfectly. Not anxiously. Not scattered in every direction, but together. As we are Covered by the grace that found us first. Called to follow Jesus one faithful step at a time. Grounded in worship, Word, sacrament, service, and truth. Sent into Melbourne, Brevard County, and beyond with mercy in our hands and Christ’s love in our hearts. We are followers of Jesus Christ for the sake of the world, walking in grace—covered, called, grounded, and sent. With grace and peace, Pastor Carl D. Taylor Senior Pastor
June 1, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Behold, a New Thing!
“So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSVue) Dear Siblings in Christ, Earlier this year, I attended a continuing education event. The final presenter, Dr. Kris Stache, made the point that we very often find ourselves stuck in the past, grieving what was instead of looking towards the future of all that could be. She shared an excellent quote: “What God is up to is not stuck in the past, but in a future we have yet to imagine – a future where God is already waiting for us. It is the Spirit that connects our past into a new future through the present. The past shouldn’t be forgotten, but what we build the present and future upon. God has been present, is present, and continues to be present into our future in this place.” This beautiful idea led me to wonder what God might be up to here, and how we at Advent might continue to listen to God’s calling into a future that we do not yet imagine, but which God has already planned for us. Dr. Stache also shared a great analogy of how churches (and people in general) so often get stuck in the past and in nostalgia; it went something like this: imagine that you had a big apple tree in your backyard which had the most amazing and delicious apples. For many years, you baked award-winning apple pies for your neighborhood. But one day, for some reason or another, the apple tree dies. In its place, a banana tree is planted. And once that banana tree grows up, you decide to try and make an apple pie like before, with your new fruit. And of course, it ends up not working. Why? Because bananas are not apples and nothing you do can change that. But what you can do, is learn to adapt to the new reality around you, and make some delicious banana cream pies. It doesn’t replace the memories of the apple pies; instead, it creates something new and delicious that could not have been made, nor perhaps even imagined, before. In the same way, there are places in church and in our lives that we are continually trying our best to bake apple pies from bananas; the church and the world around us have changed, and what used to work might not work anymore. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t create something amazing by adapting and changing to the new reality. And let me be clear: that doesn’t take away from the beauty and the memories of all that came before. As Dr. Stache said, the past shouldn’t be forgotten. But if we keep dwelling on the lost apples, we get in the way of our own journey into the future God is calling us towards. As 2 Corinthians says, “look, new things have come into being!” I shared in my May article that I have now officially been serving here for three years. And in that time, there has been a lot of change at Advent. But that is not a bad thing. It is the tool that helps us because we are faced with a choice: we can continue to lament all the ways things are different, or we can remember it with grateful hearts while still looking at all that is yet to come. It is up to us to let go of the old which has passed away, and look for the ways that new things are coming into being. Together we continue Walking in Grace towards what God has planned for our future. The future where God is already waiting for us, if only we learn how best to use the “fruit” we are given in the here and now. Peace and Blessings, PA
September 13, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
God's Work. Our Hands
God’s Work. Our Hands. This weekend we participated alongside ELCA Lutherans across the country in a time of service, focusing on the daily call to love and serve our neighbor. Together, we brought coins to the local laundromats, helping people with the expense of washing clothes (Average cost per load is between 2-5 dollars, and can be up to $8!) We prepared, cooked, and distributed meals to the Cocoa Veterans Village The Faith Builders and Senior Youth Group made Ham and Cheese and PB&J sandwiches for Matthew’s Hope You can view the full gallery of photos by clicking the button below:God's Work Our Hands Photos More about the day from our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: “God’s work. Our hands.” is the ELCA’s annual day of service. It is a blessed opportunity for all our congregations to celebrate who we are as a church, engaging in projects and activities that explore our convictions as Lutherans: that all life in Jesus flows from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. The ELCA is one church, freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbor every day.
September 4, 2026 •
DIA - An introduction
October 12, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Trust Through Tithing
On my first visit to Advent, Rudy welcomed me and invited me to Bible study. During the time to pass the peace, Rudy introduced me to other people, and in Bible study, he introduced everyone in the class and got my email address so he could send me next week’s lesson. People in Bible study were so friendly and welcomed me with open arms. I saw people from Bible study when I volunteered at the food pantry, and everyone made me feel valued and welcomed. The thing I appreciate most is the outward focus at Advent – the leadership is always looking for ways that we can welcome and serve others within the walls of the church and just as importantly, when we walk out the door. I grew up watching my mom write a check to the church every week. As a college student and then as an adult, I followed her lead and always gave “something” to the church. When I was in my 30’s, my church had a stewardship campaign that taught us that God would bless me if I tithed, so I gave it a try – and what a blessing that has been! During tough financial times, such as when my husband went back to college and I was the only wage earner in the family, I kept tithing, and somehow the finances always worked out. When I went through a divorce in my early 40’s, it was a scary time financially. I was a single mom with two kids and in the midst of the “what if’s,” I kept tithing because God had already proven to me that his math is perfect. I know this is God’s plan and promise because it doesn’t make sense, intellectually, that 90% meets your needs and wants better than 100%. But, as God promised in Malachi 3:10, He has returned my small gift by throwing open the floodgates of heaven! Tithing frees me from pondering “how much.” When I’ve earned a lot, I give 10%. Now that I’m approaching retirement, I’ll give 10%. Jesus talks about the widow’s mite, so I know that He doesn’t care about the number – he cares that I acknowledge that it’s all His. I believe God wants me to show my faithfulness and trust in Him by tithing. I want to be a part of Advent’s ministry by supporting the staff, programs, and outreach of the church. My tithing helps me to do just that. My hope is that others will be welcomed into the Advent family and learn how much God loves them so they can be blessed in their own lives and bless others by helping to reach the world for Jesus.
October 5, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
A Legacy that Lasts
When Karen and Don Hagen came to Advent Lutheran Church, they were searching for a place to belong—a congregation whose love for God showed up in worship and in outreach. Having come from a large church with strong ministries and deep friendships, they didn’t expect to find that again. But Advent surprised them. They remember the warm welcome they received, and the way Advent focused on mission and ministry. “Each time we visited,” they said, “we learned something new about what Advent was doing in the community.” After a few months, they realized they had found their new church home. Now, Karen and Don are an integral part of the life of the church. Over the years, what they have appreciated most is how deeply people care for one another. “We are each other’s extended family,” they said. “We are growing old—together.” They have been inspired as they watch outreach efforts grow again and have seen younger members step into leadership, supported by the steady encouragement of those who came before them. Don and Karen say that supporting Advent financially is part of living the life they believe God has chosen for them. They cherish the sanctuary, the staff, and the pastors who work together with a shared purpose. They give because they want to sustain the infrastructure—tangible and intangible—that makes Advent’s ministry possible. Their understanding of generosity was shaped long before they arrived here. During their years in the Navy, both witnessed the devastating effects of war and the overwhelming needs of families trying to rebuild their lives. “We had to find ways to give back and pay it forward to help others” they said, “we taught our daughters that importance and now they are teaching their children.” Through it all, they felt God’s blessings. They say their greatest hope is that future generations will build a strong home life that includes the church. They want children to grow up knowing the solid comfort of God’s love. Karen and Don are grateful for Advent — a place where God’s grace is lived, shared, and passed on. And they offer thanks to the congregation whose presence, prayer, service, leadership, and financial generosity make stories like theirs possible.
September 28, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Love in Action
When Nancy Brown moved from Massachusetts to Melbourne, she knew finding a new church home was an important step. As soon as she walked into Advent, it felt right. She loved the worship services and sermons, and signed up for a Bible study early on. After signing up to volunteer for Advent’s Food Pantry Ministry, Nancy saw the caring community, and the dedication to outreach as well as serving those within the church. It helped Nancy know Advent was the place she would call her church home. “I could see and feel God’s love in action,” she said. To this day, Advent’s weekly Food Pantry is one of Advent’s largest ministries, often feeding hundreds of people each week. Nancy says her sense of generosity has grown throughout her entire life. “Both of my parents gave their time and talents to charitable organizations. And I followed their lead into adulthood.” Now, Nancy continues to be dedicated to offering her time, her talents, and her financial gifts, to support the ministries which have been so impactful. “It is important to me that the work that God is calling us to do at Advent is supported by my time and my treasure,” she said. Nancy’s greatest hope is that Advent continues to serve as a thriving community of faith through the example of Jesus, helping those in need in the congregation, community and world. Nancy is grateful for Advent – a congregation that is dedicated to caring for neighbors, showing God’s love in action and inspiring others to do the same: not just in words, but in action.
September 21, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
A Place to Call Home
When my family and I first came to Advent Lutheran Church, we were looking for something that had been missing from our lives for a long time: a place we could truly call home. We wanted more than a church to attend on Sundays. We were looking for a community where our family would feel welcomed, where our children could grow in faith, and where we could build meaningful relationships with people who shared similar values. As a child and young member of my church, I grew up surrounded by friends and brothers and sisters in faith. The church was more than a place of worship; it was a community that helped shape who I am today. Those relationships and experiences were incredibly meaningful to me, and as my own family grew, I realized how much I missed that sense of belonging. I wanted my children to experience the same kind of faith-centered community that had such a positive impact on my life. One of my first memories of feeling that Advent could become our church home was during the worship service. The contemporary style of the service, combined with the quality and execution of the music, immediately resonated with us. The worship felt genuine, engaging, and meaningful. At the same time, Pastor Alisha made a lasting impression. She was incredibly welcoming without being intrusive, creating an environment where we felt comfortable and respected. She gave us the space we needed while making it clear that we were welcome. That balance made us want to come back and continue exploring what Advent had to offer. What I appreciate most about Advent Lutheran Church is the sense of community it creates. It is a place where people genuinely care for one another and where families have opportunities to connect, serve, and grow together. Since becoming part of Advent, we have found much more than a church. We have found friendships, support, and a place where our family feels connected. I especially value the church's investment in children and families, providing opportunities for the next generation to learn about faith, build relationships, and develop strong values in a welcoming environment. My understanding of generosity and stewardship grew as I became more involved in the church. When I learned that the church's ministries, programs, and outreach efforts are sustained by the faithful financial support of its members, I realized that I needed to do my part. I came to understand that giving is not simply about supporting a budget; it is about investing in a mission that impacts lives, nurtures faith, serves families, and strengthens the community. Supporting the church became a way for me to contribute to something much greater than myself. I choose to support Advent Lutheran Church because I believe in the mission and the difference it makes in people's lives. I want other families to experience the same welcoming community that we found here. I want children to have a place where they can grow in faith, build lasting friendships, and know they are loved and supported. Through our giving, we help create opportunities for others to encounter God's love and experience the same sense of belonging that has been so meaningful to our family. My greatest hope for Advent Lutheran Church is that it continues to grow and welcome even more families, children, and individuals seeking a church home. I hope our ministries continue to expand and reach more people throughout our community. Most importantly, I hope Advent remains a place where children can grow in faith, form lifelong friendships, and become the next generation of believers, leaders, and servants. My prayer is that future generations will experience the same sense of belonging, support, and community that my family has found here, and that together we continue sharing God's love with an ever-growing number of people.
September 14, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
In Sickness and In Health
When we moved to the Melbourne area in 1993 our son was finishing the fifth grade. As lifelong Lutherans, Jon and I knew one of our first priorities was to find a warm, welcoming church home with an active youth group. After our first visit to Advent, Pastor Jake Knoedler visited us at the hotel we were staying in and wanted to know more about us. From that conversation he helped us to feel welcomed to the community and to Advent. Advent was a small church then but already was generously reaching out and serving the community and the Advent family. Two years after we moved to the area and joined Advent, I had a severe medical situation with a recovery of over a year. The Advent family supported us with prayers, cards, calls, meals, visits and love. It meant so much to our family to feel the love of our church family. As a long time member I have had the privilege to be a part of and witness the hearts and hands of members and friends of Advent step in and serve Advent and our community with their time, offerings and talents. Through the generosity of Advent friends and members, Advent has done, and continues to do, wonderful things to make a difference in people’s lives. I learned generosity from my parents. They were wonderful examples of being generous with their time, talents and giving to the church and to the community. Our family were farmers and we had a big family with six children. Our home farm has been in our family for over 100 years. We had dairy cows, fields of crops and big gardens. We worked together and we shared the bounty of vegetables from our gardens and the fruits from our trees with our church family, community and those in need. In those days most of the farmers in the area had immigrants who would come in the summer to work in the fields. We would post a sign by the road that they were welcome to come and take fruit from our trees and vegetables from the gardens. After my father passed away and my mother could no longer live alone on the farm she moved to an assisted living facility and had a one-bedroom apartment. Coming from a five-bedroom farmhouse there was a lot of furniture and accessories that would not be able to go with her. We discussed having an auction sale or garage sale but my mother said to give it all to the church for the church’s annual rummage sale. Mom said the Lord had blessed her with it and now it was time for it to be a blessing to new families and the church would be good stewards of the money it received from the sale. Another beautiful lesson in generosity. We have been faithful givers to Advent for over three decades. In that time, we have seen Advent be faithful in shining the light of Christ in our worship, within the Advent family and into our community. Advent has been committed and faithful in growing ministry outreach, care and service to members and the community. I hope that Advent continues to be committed and faithful in serving the Lord within the congregation, surrounding areas, Brevard County and beyond. I hope that people in our community will be drawn to Advent to see it as a place to be open and accepting to all, focused on the word of God and pouring His love, grace, mercy, peace and generosity to our church family, our community and beyond.
September 9, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Compassionate Care (Dij and Rudy)
Discipleship shows up in many different forms. Sometimes it is a smile and a hug, sometimes it is caring and reaching out when you know someone who is ill.
It's hard (maybe impossible!) not to smile when Rudy greets you on Sunday morning with an enthusiastic warm hug, and "Aloha, peace be with you!" This episode of DIA shares some of Dij and Rudy's story of discipleship through compassionate care: both in times when they were serving, and in times when someone helped serve them.
September 7, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
All About Connections
As a “cradle Lutheran,” Audrey Heater walked into the doors of Advent looking for something familiar, like what she had experienced at her church in Virginia. She wasn’t expecting to find immediate connections. After all, Virginia and Florida are fairly different. But she had no idea just how many connections she already had! At the very first service she attended, Pastor Dave shared an analogy of Michigan, the U.P., Miners and Finlanders – exactly where she grew up! A month later, she was invited to a small group where she met others who helped her to feel like she belonged. Now, Audrey serves on the Christian Outreach team to offer a warm welcome to each person who walks into Advent. You might recognize her on Sunday mornings as she greets each person with a smile. “It is so important to know that you are seen and invited to join!” Audrey said. Audrey supports Advent with her time, talent, and treasures because she believes there is real impact in making connections, within the church walls and outside of them. Through the Food Pantry ministry, the Youth programming, and small group Bible studies, Audrey sees the way Christ’s love and grace bring us together, and helps to “let everyone know that they are a special Child of God” Audrey is grateful for Advent – a place where people from all stages of life and faith can gather and everyone feels they have a place to belong. And she offers thanks for the congregation whose dedication to service and making connections makes stories like hers possible.
September 2, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
"Dollar Bill"
“Dollar Bill” is a familiar face, happily greeting those who walk into Advent on a Sunday morning. But how did he get that nickname? And how did he learn to be so generous? Check out the video to hear more from Bill and Tammy!
August 29, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
September 2026
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July 31, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
August 2026
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July 1, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
July 2026
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