October 10, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (10-10-26)
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, October 11 Contemporary Worship - 9:00am, in person or online Kidstown Sunday School - during the 9:00am worship, Sunday School programming for grades K-5. NO Aloha Bible Study - usually meets at 10:15am, adult Bible Study in the Community Engagement Center but will not meet this week. Faith Builders Youth Group - 10:15am in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Kids of all ages welcome, with programming focused on grades K-5. Traditional Worship - 11:00am, in person or online Confirmation Class - 12:15pm (after the 11:00am worship service) in the church office building. Grades 6-8. FWH Youth event: God’s Crawly-Cool Creatures - 2:00-4:00pm under the portico, Wildlife presentation for Faith Builders Youth Group Monday, October 12 Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center BUILD Men’s Ministry Meeting - 6:00pm in the Community Engagement Center “What the Hell” Video Series Bible Study - 6:30pm with Pr. Don Rieter Tuesday, October 13 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, October 14 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center. Thursday, October 15 Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View latest distribution reports here. D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Friday, October 16 Gather Space Coast ‘Spooky’ Trivia Night - 6:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall for young adults ages 18-35 Saturday, October 17 OKTOBERFEST Celebration - 11:00am-2:00pm across campus. FREE to the public, sponsored by the BUILD Men’s ministry! Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: New and Interested members class - 10:15am, Sunday October 18 in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall Reformation Sunday - October 25 during worship. Wear RED to celebrate! Stewardship Commitment Weekend - October 31/November 1. More details will be available in the coming weeks.Full calendar of events Announcements: “It Will Be Given To You” 2027 Appeal... 🙏 Last week we sent out a letter about the annual Stewardship Appeal, 'It Will Be Given To You'. If you didn't get the letter please let us know. We are excited to share more information in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled for brochures, bulletin inserts, and more! Stewardship Temple Talk 💬 This week, we are excited to hear from Norm Presecan, a member of the stewardship team, about the first of our three ministry initiatives! 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. Featured Advent Story of the week: This week's story comes from Karen and Don Hagen!Karen and Don's Advent Story Discipleship in Action: New episode! Check out the latest Discipleship in Action video, featuring the Faith Builders Youth Group and Outreach team!Commodore's Closet This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: October 11 @ 9amTraditional Worship: October 11 @ 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: 21st Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 45:1-7 Psalm 96:1-13 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22
October 3, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (10-3-26)
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, October 4 Contemporary Worship - 9:00am, in person or online Kidstown Sunday School - during the 9:00am worship, Sunday School programming for grades K-5. Women’s Listening Session - 10:15am in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Aloha Bible Study - 10:15am adult Bible Study in the Community Engagement Center Traditional Worship - 11:00am, in person or online Monday, October 5 Women’s Ministry Meeting and Bible Study - 10:00am meeting followed by 11:00am Bible Study. Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Community Engagement Center Tuesday, October 6 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, October 7 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center. Thursday, October 8 Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View latest distribution reports here. D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Saturday, October 10 Drive-Up Pet Blessing with Florida Wildlife Hospital - 9:00am-12:00pm under the portico. Memorial Service for Cindy Flachmeier - 2:00pm in the sanctuary Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Save the Date! Upcoming Events: “What The Hell?” Bible study with Pr. Don Reiter - Monday evenings at 6:30pm, from Oct. 12 through Nov. 2. Oktoberfest - October 17, 11:00am - 2:00pm everywhere on campus. Sponsored by the BUILD Men’s Ministry.Full calendar of events Announcements: 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. “It Will Be Given To You” 2027 Appeal Coming soon... 🙏 This week you'll be getting a letter about the annual stewardship appeal, so keep your eyes on your mailbox! Featured Advent Story of the week: This week's story comes from Nancy Brown!Nancy's Advent Story This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: October 4 @ 9amTraditional Worship: October 4 @ 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: 20th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 25:1-9 Psalm 23 Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14
September 26, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
This Week at Advent (9-26-26)
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 27 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. Faith Builders Youth Group - 10:15am in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Kids of all ages welcome, with programming focused on 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! Confirmation Class - 12:15pm (after the 11:00am worship service) in the church office building. Grades 6-8. Monday, September 28 Senior Gamers - 2:00pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall BUILD Men’s Ministry meeting - 6:00pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. Tuesday, September 29 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 30 Genesis Bible Study - 6:30pm in the Community Engagement Center. Thursday, October 1 Weekly Food Pantry Distribution - 5:00-6:00pm in the parking lot. Interested in volunteering? Click here. View latest distribution reports here. D13 Band Rehearsal - 6:45pm in the Sanctuary Friday October 2 Young Adults “Prayer-aoke” night - 6:30pm in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall for ages 18-35. More information can be found by clicking here. Saturday, October 3 Informal Traditional Worship - 5:00pm in the sanctuary. A casual in-person worship experience Women’s Listening Session - After the 5:00pm worship, in the sanctuary. Save the Date! Upcoming Events: Women’s Listening Session - October 4, 10:15am in the Knoedler Center Fellowship Hall. 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 campus. Sponsored by the BUILD Men’s Ministry.Full 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 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. Featured Advent Story of the week: This week's story comes from Dani, who shares her experience of her family's search for a place they could truly call home.Dani's Advent Story Discipleship In Action 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.Dij and Rudy's Discipleship In Action Story This week’s Worship Livestreams:Contemporary Worship: September 27 @ 9amTraditional Worship: September 27 @ 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: 19th Sunday after Pentecost Isaiah 5:1-7 Psalm 80:7-15 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46
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
October 11, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Fully Staff the Advent Office
Check out the inserts below for more information about the first of stewardship’s three ministry initiatives for 2027! If you are unable to read the text on the page, click hereto download a word document containing the plain text.Visit Advent’s Giving Page
October 8, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Temple Talk #1
This week we hear from Norm Presecan, a member of the stewardship team, about the first of our stewardship initiatives for 2027: fully staffing the Advent office. Check out the video below for Norm’s Temple Talk. You can also read more about this week’s initiative in the post below:Fully Staff the office
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.
October 7, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Commodore's Closet (Faith Builders and Outreach)
Blessed to be a blessing This DIA video shares the story of how Advent’s Faith Builders Youth group partnered with the Outreach team through a Thrivent Action grant to learn about generosity and service. They helped pack supplies for the Eau Gallie High School Commodore Closet. These donations will support students who are unhoused to have the basic things they need, such as clothing, food, and toiletries.
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!
October 9, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
10-08-26
Everyone is invited to the table This week's food pantry served 80 families representing 250 individuals. We distributed 129 bags of food and welcomed 7 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 15 volunteers. In this week's Gospel, a king prepares a great banquet and sends his servants into the streets with simple instructions: invite everyone you find. No guest list, no conditions, just an open invitation to the table. Our pantry is a small taste of that feast. Every Thursday evening, as cars pull up, the invitation is the same for everyone: come, there is enough, and you are welcome here. We're grateful to the volunteers who carry that invitation out to every car, the mission partners who help fill the table, and the supporters whose gifts and prayers keep it set week after week. Thank you for helping us make room for all. "Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet." — Matthew 22:9 Current needs: Boxed cereal Canned tuna Spam
October 2, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
10-01-26
Holding our neighbors in our hearts This week's food pantry served 66 families representing 201 individuals. We distributed 103 bags of food and welcomed 4 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 11 volunteers. This week, I invite you to pause and hold our neighbors in need in your heart: the homeless, the hungry, and those struggling just to get through the week. Beyond those hardships, they carry the same hopes, fears, and everyday realities we all do. Please keep them in your prayers, and give thanks for the chance to make a difference in their lives. That chance is a gift we share with our volunteers, mission partners, and supporters, who help us meet Christ in our neighbors every Thursday evening. Let us pray together: Gracious God, hold close our neighbors who are hungry, without shelter, or carrying burdens we cannot see. Give them comfort, strength, and hope, as you continue to provide for their needs. Thank you for bringing us together, and for the gift of serving you by serving them. Make us generous, open our eyes, and keep our hearts ready to share. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." — Matthew 25:40 Current needs: Boxed cereal Jelly, jam, preserves Canned pasta / pasta-meat (e.g., Campbell's Spaghettio, Chef Boyardee,...)
September 24, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
9-24-26
Thank you, Blue Sky Community Garden! This week's food pantry served 72 families representing 219 individuals. We distributed 112 bags of food and welcomed 4 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 16 volunteers. I'm excited this week to highlight a long-standing mission partner: Blue Sky Community Garden! For a decade, Blue Sky has grown and shared fresh, organic produce with local neighbors in need through Advent's Food Pantry, all while educating our community on sustainable gardening and healthy eating. We are so grateful for every volunteer who makes this ministry possible. This past Saturday, I had the privilege of joining them as they received a $5,000 Wellness Across the Lifetime Grant from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation! This grant will help expand their crop yield, grow their volunteer base, and broaden their impact. Thank you, Blue Sky! Paul's letter to the Philippians holds up a simple but demanding picture of life together: look not only to your own interests, but to the interests of others. That's what a Thursday at our pantry looks like. Neighbors in the drive-through line are met by people who have set aside their evening to make sure someone else's family has enough. It isn't done for recognition. It comes from the same humility and care Paul saw in Christ, who emptied himself for the sake of others. We see that spirit in our volunteers who give their time, in our mission partners who share what they have, and in our supporters who give and pray without seeking anything in return. Thank you all, for so faithfully putting others first. "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others." — Philippians 2:3-4 Current needs: Boxed cereal Jelly, jam, preserves Canned pasta / pasta-meat (e.g., Campbell's Spaghettio, Chef Boyardee,...)
September 17, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
9-17-26
Fresh Manna each day This week's food pantry served 83 families representing 263 individuals. We distributed 134 bags of food and welcomed 1 new family. We were blessed by the helping hands of 13 volunteers. As we close this week, I've been reflecting on the neighbors I've come to know at our pantry. What began as a weekly handoff of groceries has become something richer — conversations where people trust me with what's really going on in their lives. It's a rollercoaster of emotion: the joy of a birthday one week, the ache of a suffering loved one the next. In the wilderness, God gave manna fresh each morning — enough for that day, gathered in that moment. I've come to believe our Thursday mornings work the same way. God brings us together for that moment, and what we share is never only physical nourishment. I'm grateful for you: our volunteers, mission partners, and supporters who make these encounters possible week after week — you're providing far more than food. "When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance... Moses said to them, 'It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.'" — Exodus 16:14-15 Current needs: Boxed cereal Boxed Mac & Cheese Canned pasta / pasta-meat (e.g., Campbell's Spaghettio, Chef Boyardee,...)
September 10, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
9-10-26
Grace Doesn’t Keep Score This week's food pantry served 79 families representing 257 individuals. We distributed 127 bags of food and welcomed 3 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 17 volunteers. As we close this week, we're reminded that grace doesn't keep a running tally. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, expecting a generous cap of seven, Jesus answered: seventy-seven times — in other words: stop counting... just keep extending grace. That's the same posture behind our pantry each Thursday: we don't track how many times a neighbor returns, or measure whether they've earned it — grace is given as often as it's needed. That same grace carries on through our volunteers, mission partners, and supporters who make this ministry possible — thank you for all you give this week! We want to acknowledge Grace Communion Melbourne Fellowship Group, faithful supporters of our pantry for many years, who will soon be closing their doors. We're deeply grateful for their generosity and hold them in prayer as they close this chapter. Their faithfulness is a reminder that grace, once given, keeps rippling outward long after — through every meal their gifts helped provide and every family they touched without ever meeting. "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Jesus said, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times." — Matthew 18:21-22 Current needs: Boxed cereal Boxed Mac & Cheese Canned pasta / pasta-meat (e.g., Campbell's Spaghettio, Chef Boyardee,...)
September 3, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
9-3-26
God Shows up in the gathering This week's food pantry served 66 families representing 203 individuals. We distributed 106 bags of food and welcomed 1 new family. We were blessed by the helping hands of 13 volunteers. As we close this week, we're reminded that God shows up in the gathering — not just in grand moments, but in the ordinary act of people coming together for a shared purpose. Every Thursday, our pantry opens for distribution, and that promise plays out in real time: neighbors helping neighbors, hands passing bags of groceries, conversations that remind someone they're not alone. After weathering a month of rain and thunderstorms, we were grateful for clear skies this week, making distribution a little easier on everyone. Our volunteers, mission partners, and supporters each play a part in the gathering — some in distributing the harvest, others giving quietly behind the scenes, and still others lifting this ministry up in prayer. Every form of showing up matters, and we're grateful for all of yours this week. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." — Matthew 18:20 Current needs: Boxed cereal Boxed Mac & Cheese Canned pasta / pasta-meat (e.g., Campbell's Spaghettio, Chef Boyardee,...)
August 28, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
8-28-26
Let Love Be Genuine This week's food pantry served 74 families representing 232 individuals. We distributed 117 bags of food and welcomed 4 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 9 volunteers. As we close this week, Paul's words to the Romans feel like they were written for a community like ours: "Let love be genuine... extend hospitality to strangers." That's exactly what happens every week when our doors open — genuine love, made real in a bag of groceries, a warm greeting, a moment of dignity for someone who needed it. This kind of hospitality doesn't happen on its own — it's carried week after week by the hands of our volunteers, sustained by the steady generosity of our mission partners, and made possible by supporters who believe in this mission. We see genuine love lived out in every one of you. "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good... Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers." — Romans 12:9, 13 Current needs: Boxed cereal Canned fruit
August 21, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
8-20-26
Showing Up, Rain or Shine This week's food pantry served 68 families representing 229 individuals. We distributed 111 bags of food and welcomed 3 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 10 volunteers. This week reminded us what it means to be built on solid rock. We weathered the storms to keep this week's pantry distribution running, and we're grateful no one who needed food went without. On top of that, earlier this week we earned a perfect score on our annual Second Harvest audit — clear evidence of the strong foundation our team and volunteers have built, week after week, through care and integrity. None of this happens without our volunteers who show up rain or shine, our mission partners who keep us stocked, and our supporters whose generosity makes it all possible. Thank you for helping us build something that holds firm, no matter what storms come. "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." — Matthew 16:18 Current needs: Boxed cereal Canned fruit
August 14, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
8-13-26
Even crumbs can change everything This week's food pantry served 83 families representing 256 individuals. We distributed 131 bags of food and welcomed 1 new family. We were blessed by the helping hands of 12 volunteers. As we close this week, we're reminded of the woman in this Sunday's Gospel who refused to be turned away — who believed even the crumbs from God's table were enough to change everything. That's the kind of faith our pantry ministry tries to embody: no one turned away, no need too small to matter, and grace enough for everyone who comes to us in need. We're deeply grateful for our volunteers who show up week after week, our mission partners who make this ministry possible, and our supporters whose generosity keeps our table open. Thank you all for helping us live out that faith this week. "Then Jesus answered her, 'Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.' And her daughter was healed instantly." — Matthew 15:28 Current needs: Boxed cereal Canned soup
August 7, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
8-06-26
Thank you! This week's food pantry served 75 families representing 247 individuals. We distributed 128 bags of food and welcomed 3 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 13 volunteers. I am considerably grateful for the faith partners who support and enable our ministry. This week, Suntree United Methodist Church entrusted us with over 1,000 meal items for our weekly distribution, packed by their youth groups during a Meals of Hope packing event as part of Brevard Mission Week. We also continue to faithfully receive weekly donations from St. Paul's Anglican Church and Pineda Presbyterian Church. Alongside many other faith communities and individuals, they truly make Advent's food pantry a shared community mission — and we thank God for every one of them... and each of you! "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us." — 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Current needs: Boxed cereal Canned soup
July 31, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
7-30-26
God’s Blessings Abound This week's food pantry served 63 families representing 204 individuals. We distributed 103 bags of food and welcomed 2 new families. We were blessed by the helping hands of 16 volunteers. 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 14:16 Current needs: Boxed cereal Canned soup
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
October 1, 2026 • 3 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 9:00am 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 at 3:00pm. 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! Find the Facebook events page by clicking here 📅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 this month 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 will be collected until October 11th. You can click the buttons below to explore some donation options! Advent Youth Ministries thanks you for your giving hearts!Basic Supply ListAmazon Wish ListChewy 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