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October 12, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Trust Through Tithing
On my first visit to Advent, Rudy welcomed me and invited me to Bible study. During the time to pass the peace, Rudy introduced me to other people, and in Bible study, he introduced everyone in the class and got my email address so he could send me next week’s lesson. People in Bible study were so friendly and welcomed me with open arms. I saw people from Bible study when I volunteered at the food pantry, and everyone made me feel valued and welcomed. The thing I appreciate most is the outward focus at Advent – the leadership is always looking for ways that we can welcome and serve others within the walls of the church and just as importantly, when we walk out the door. I grew up watching my mom write a check to the church every week. As a college student and then as an adult, I followed her lead and always gave “something” to the church. When I was in my 30’s, my church had a stewardship campaign that taught us that God would bless me if I tithed, so I gave it a try – and what a blessing that has been! During tough financial times, such as when my husband went back to college and I was the only wage earner in the family, I kept tithing, and somehow the finances always worked out. When I went through a divorce in my early 40’s, it was a scary time financially. I was a single mom with two kids and in the midst of the “what if’s,” I kept tithing because God had already proven to me that his math is perfect. I know this is God’s plan and promise because it doesn’t make sense, intellectually, that 90% meets your needs and wants better than 100%. But, as God promised in Malachi 3:10, He has returned my small gift by throwing open the floodgates of heaven! Tithing frees me from pondering “how much.” When I’ve earned a lot, I give 10%. Now that I’m approaching retirement, I’ll give 10%. Jesus talks about the widow’s mite, so I know that He doesn’t care about the number – he cares that I acknowledge that it’s all His. I believe God wants me to show my faithfulness and trust in Him by tithing. I want to be a part of Advent’s ministry by supporting the staff, programs, and outreach of the church. My tithing helps me to do just that. My hope is that others will be welcomed into the Advent family and learn how much God loves them so they can be blessed in their own lives and bless others by helping to reach the world for Jesus.
October 11, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Rejoice, for Christ is King!
The tune first appeared in 1899 in a Lutheran hymnal published in Philadelphia. William Fischer was born in Germany and moved to Pennsylvania where he graduated from the seminary at Gettysburg. The text is by prolific hymnist Charles Wesley and was originally published in 1744.
October 11, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
Thomas Andrew Dorsey (no relation to the trombonist/bandleader) was born near Atlanta, GA but moved to Chicago during the Roaring 20s. This hymn is based on the tune MAITLAND and was a reaction to the death of his wife in delivery and his newborn child the following day.
October 11, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
While the words are attributed to Londoner Dorothy Ann Thrupp, in her Hymns for the Young in 1836, it was listed as anonymous. The tune is by New Englander William Bradbury and first appeared in 1859.
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 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