The Spirit at Work

Alisha Ungs • Pastor of Discipleship
September 30, 2026

2 Minute Read
“The Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in the true faith, just as he gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one common, true faith.” - Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, explanation on the 3rd article of the creed. 

Dear siblings in Christ, 

Happy Reformation month! October is always a great month in the Lutheran church because we get to celebrate the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and how Martin Luther paved the way for our current denomination to be born. 

Last month we were reminded of the importance of serving our neighbor, which was one of the things Luther was adamant about. We practiced “God’s Work. Our Hands” which served as a great reminder of what we can do together, not by our own works, but by the grace of God. 

Reformation month reminds us that the church is always changing in some way or another. Sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small ways. But always, we hope, by the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. Last month, I was able to attend my first in-person Synod Council meeting, where I got to participate in the work of the wider Lutheran church across Florida and the Bahamas. It was a great experience, learning about the ways God is at work not just at Advent, but through the whole Synod, the ELCA, and the Christian Church as a whole. 

This month, PC and I will attend the “Conference on Ministry” with other rostered clergy in our synod, a chance to connect and learn together. The keynote speaker is one I am particularly excited for, because we get to hear from the ELCA Presiding Bishop, Yehiel Curry. Yet another reminder that the church is not just one building or one place, but “one common, true faith” in Jesus Christ.

Overall, as the weather turns (at least a little bit) cooler and we move into the month of October, I am grateful for the many ways God continues to be at work: at Advent, in the community, in the ELCA, and through all our Christian siblings. What a blessing it is to walk together in grace. 


Peace and Blessings, 

PA

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From this Author: Alisha Ungs
October 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Introduction
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38 (ESV) Welcome! The stewardship team has been hard at work and has spent the past few months prayerfully considering where God is leading Advent in 2027. We are excited to share more information about this year’s stewardship appeal, “It Will Be Given To You.” As followers of Jesus, we are covered by grace, called in baptism, grounded in faith, and sent to serve. The Holy Spirit gathers us into a caring community where people grow in faith, use their gifts, and serve their neighbors. Our grateful response to this gift of life in Jesus Christ is to give our best to extend God's Kingdom. “It Will Be Given To You” is the theme of our fall Stewardship Appeal. We acknowledge there are always reasons to worry there might not be enough. But as people of faith we plan, prepare, and trust in the abundance of a generous God in all things. As Jesus tells us: “Give, and it will be given to you.” We can give joyfully, trusting that God will always provide us with more than enough for all. Thanks to your generosity, Advent’s shared life has new energy; we are ready to build on this new energy with three exciting initiatives: Fully staffing the office Growing external outreach through media/marketing Initiating Stephen Ministry at Advent. In the coming weeks, newsletter articles, bulletin inserts, temple talks, letters, and a brochure will share the vision of our congregation's mission plans for this coming year. So be sure to subscribe to this collection if you want to stay up-to-date! Thank you for being part of this exciting congregation we so dearly love. Please continue to pray for our common work together as we reach out with the Good News of Jesus – into the Suntree area, Brevard County, and beyond.

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

September 30, 2026 • 3 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 the “God’s Work. Our Hands” day of service, Faith Builders met on September 27 to continue learning about what “faith in action” can look like and mean. They partnered with Advent’s Outreach team to pack donations for the “commodore closet” which helps provide supplies for homeless students at Eau Gallie High School. Confirmation Class The confirmation students participated in the “God’s Work. Our Hands” alongside the other Faith Builders, and also met on the 27th to talk about their experience of what it was like to have hands-on service experience. They also discussed why serving others is so important in the Lutheran framework. 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. We are looking forward to how this is taking shape! 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

Currently Reading
September 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
The Spirit at Work
“The Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy, and kept me in the true faith, just as he gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one common, true faith.” - Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, explanation on the 3rd article of the creed. Dear siblings in Christ, Happy Reformation month! October is always a great month in the Lutheran church because we get to celebrate the anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, and how Martin Luther paved the way for our current denomination to be born. Last month we were reminded of the importance of serving our neighbor, which was one of the things Luther was adamant about. We practiced “God’s Work. Our Hands” which served as a great reminder of what we can do together, not by our own works, but by the grace of God. Reformation month reminds us that the church is always changing in some way or another. Sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small ways. But always, we hope, by the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit. Last month, I was able to attend my first in-person Synod Council meeting, where I got to participate in the work of the wider Lutheran church across Florida and the Bahamas. It was a great experience, learning about the ways God is at work not just at Advent, but through the whole Synod, the ELCA, and the Christian Church as a whole. This month, PC and I will attend the “Conference on Ministry” with other rostered clergy in our synod, a chance to connect and learn together. The keynote speaker is one I am particularly excited for, because we get to hear from the ELCA Presiding Bishop, Yehiel Curry. Yet another reminder that the church is not just one building or one place, but “one common, true faith” in Jesus Christ. Overall, as the weather turns (at least a little bit) cooler and we move into the month of October, I am grateful for the many ways God continues to be at work: at Advent, in the community, in the ELCA, and through all our Christian siblings. What a blessing it is to walk together in grace. Peace and Blessings, PA

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

September 24, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
October Events for Gather Space Coast
The month of October is another busy one, but we will keep to our regular schedule this month of meeting on the 1st and 3rd Friday. I am really looking forward to hosting these events, and hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Friday, October 3: Prayer-Aoke! 🙏🎶 You’ve heard of karaoke, not get ready for PRAYER-aoke! Click herefor more information. Friday, October 16: Spooky Trivia! 👻🎃 Do YOU have what it takes to be named Trivia Champion? Bring your friends or come on your own and come test your skills at this FREE Spooky-themed trivia night on October 16! Click herefor more information. Saturday, October 17: Oktoberfest! 🍻🎉 This is not exclusively a “Gather Space Coast” event, but an inter-generational celebration on Advent’s campus, sponsored by the men’s ministry. This free event will be from 11am-2:00pm and will include fun activities and free brats for everyone! More information can be found on the Facebook Event page

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

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

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

September 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
September 2026: Glory Happening
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Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

August 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
August 2026: The Chronicles of Narnia
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Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

July 31, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Welcome to Gather: Space Coast!
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Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

July 30, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
GAME NIGHT!
More informationRSVP Here

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

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

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

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

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

June 4, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Gather Space Coast in the News!
We made it onto the front page of Hometown News! I am really excited for our first few events, and am thankful for this opportunity to create community for us young adults 🙂 Check out the article below:Read the article online

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship