All About Connections
Audrey's Advent Story

•
September 7, 2026

2 Minute Read
a headshot image of Audrey

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.


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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.
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