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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.
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 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

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

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.