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September 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Blessings Abound
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” - Ephesians 1:3 Dear Siblings in Christ, It seems hard to believe that August has already passed us by and we have made it to September. As we look ahead this month, we can also reflect on the blessings God has already given us. It seems like just yesterday we were sending our kids off with a backpack blessing, and now school has been in session for nearly a month. We are so grateful for the many children participating in this year’s faith formation programming, including Faith Builders for grades K-5, senior youth group for grades 6-12, and Confirmation class for students in grades 6-8. In addition, Pastor Carl and I will continue to teach Bible Club weekly at Grace Preschool this year with a new group of students, starting this month. But Faith Formation isn’t just for children, all of us are walking in our faith journeys which never stop. There will be opportunities for young adults with the Gather Space Coast Group, the women’s group will be hosting listening meetings to determine what that can look like this year, and the men’s group, B.U.I.L.D. will continue to meet as well. There are so many ways to get involved at Advent as the fall programming continues, and I invite you to find ways to participate! The month of September is a great time to try out choir, which practices every Tuesday night, to attend a Bible Study on Wednesday nights, or perhaps find a volunteer opportunity that helps you feel spiritually connected. And that’s not all – there is still more to look forward to as Fall quickly approaches. The Stewardship team has some great ideas and we are excited to share more with you all, so look for more information in the near future! Not to mention, this month, we will participate in “God’s Work. Our Hands” as a reminder of how Christ’s Kingdom is much larger than the four walls of the sanctuary or a Weekend of worship. And then on September 26, we will be welcoming rostered leaders and lay people as we host the Space Coast Conference meeting. Both serve as great reminders that we are more than just a church building. We are part of something bigger, and each of us is an “awesome” child of God, just as Pastor Derek from the Synod Office reminded us last month when he came to guest preach. God has blessed us with so many spiritual blessings just as Ephesians says, and I am grateful for each and every one of you who helps share those blessings with others. As we enter into Fall programming, may God’s love surround you, and may you feel Christ’s abundant blessings as you share those blessings with others. Peace and Blessings, PA

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

September 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
September 2026: Glory Happening
Glory Happening is a book of stories and prayers that remind you to take a closer look at your everyday circumstances, to find the magical beauty in everyday experiences. It is an invitation to live deeply into every moment with the expectation that something good will find you at the end of the day. And once you experience glory, you have words to speak, a prayer to pray, and a story to tell. And so glory grows from person to person, and community is created around the reality that God is truly in our midst. -Amazon book description Book of the Month ~ Glory Happening: Finding the Divine in Everyday Places, by Kaitlin B. Curtice This book is not a “read it all at once” book. But it is a fantastic devotional with many different beautiful reflections from author Kaitlin B. Curtice. She divides the devotionals into different sections of Divine places, and each reflection reminds the reader of ways to slow down and see God in the everyday moments. All too often, we are so busy, we forget to look for the ways God is at work in our lives. And even when we do remember to look, we tend to look for grand moments of clarity. Glory Happening reminds us that God is at work in everything, always. Not just in the big and obvious things, but in the smallest, most subtle moments that easily pass us by if we aren’t paying attention. Exactly as the subtitle of the book tells us, it helps us learn to find the Divine in everyday places. No matter what stage of life you are in, I think you’ll find something valuable in the pages of this particular book. Each devotional has a short reflection as well as a prayer. It can be a great habit to build and make it a challenge for yourself to read one per day. The key here is one that I myself have trouble with: don’t rush. It’s not meant to be treated as a box to be checked each day, and it isn’t a race to see who can finish the devotions the fastest. Instead, it invites the reader on an individual journey of self-reflection and prayer. The best part is, it can also work as a group devotion! So, if you have been looking for a devotional book to study with friends, or on your own, I highly recommend this one. I’ll admit I haven’t made my way through the entirety of every devotion; but I am hoping that it helps me remember that is the exact point. Each new day is a new opportunity to find the Divine in everyday places, and each devotional offers a prompt on how to do it. God is here, in this moment, right now. All too often we are focused on what comes next. May this book help you (and me!) remember to slow down from time to time, take a deep breath, and center ourselves in prayer.

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

September 1, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Grace with its Sleeves Rolled Up
Dear Advent Family, As we move toward September, I find myself grateful for the way God continues to gather us, stretch us, and gently lead us forward. August has been full. We concluded our summer Come & See experience, blessed backpacks and prayed over our children, youth, teachers, administrators, school employees, and families as another school year began. We gathered for Rally Day with food, laughter, ministry displays, bounce houses, magic, Kona Ice, and the wonderful energy that comes when the Advent family simply enjoys being together. And before August is finished, we have another important beginning to celebrate. On Sunday, August 23, we will bless the beginning of Advent’s 2026–2027 Faith Formation year. We will pray over our children, youth, teachers, leaders, volunteers, parents, grandparents, and every person who helps nurture faith within this congregation. Our Faith Formation ministries include Faith Builders for children 3K through 5th grade, Senior Youth for grades 6–12, Confirmation, KidsTown, and Adult Faith Formation. Then, on Sunday, August 30, our KidsTown kiddos will officially begin another year together. I hope we do not miss the grace in all of this. Faith Formation is not simply about classes, schedules, curriculum, or getting children into the right room at the right time. It is about creating places where people can ask questions, discover Scripture, experience community, and learn over time what it means to trust the promises of God. And that is not only for children. The truth is, every one of us is still being formed. Some of us are strong in faith right now. Some are tired. Some have questions we have never quite been able to answer. Some are carrying grief. Some are caring for aging parents, raising children, facing health concerns, wrestling with finances, navigating relationships, or simply trying to make it through another week. And yet God meets us there. -- God does not wait until we have everything figured out. God does not require us to arrive polished, certain, or spiritually impressive. Grace meets us exactly where we are and keeps calling us forward. That is what I hope Walking in Grace: Covered, Called, Grounded, and Sent continues to mean for Advent. We are Covered by a grace we did not earn and cannot lose because we had a difficult week. We are Called by Christ—not because we are perfect, but because Christ chooses ordinary people like us. We are Grounded in the promises of Scripture, prayer, worship, Baptism, and Holy Communion. And then, covered, called, and grounded, we are Sent into the world to love our neighbor. September gives us a beautiful opportunity to live that out. On Sunday, September 13, Advent will participate in God’s Work. Our Hands. This is an opportunity for us to turn our attention outward and serve the community around us. Sometimes churches can become very good at looking inward. We take care of our programs, our buildings, our schedules, our traditions, and one another—and there is nothing wrong with caring for the family God has entrusted to us. But the church of Jesus Christ can never stop there. There is a world beyond our doors that God deeply loves. There are people who are lonely. Families who are struggling. Neighbors who need encouragement. People who are hungry. People who simply need someone to notice them. And sometimes the most powerful witness the church can offer is not a sermon or a program. Sometimes it is simply showing up with open hands and an open heart. That is what I love about God’s Work. Our Hands. It reminds us that grace has feet. Grace shows up. Grace serves. Grace listens. Grace gets its hands dirty. And grace does not ask whether someone deserves to be loved before deciding to love them. As we move through September, our ministries will continue settling into the rhythm of another year. Faith Formation will be underway, Bible study and other opportunities for discipleship will continue, and preparations for Oktoberfest will move into high gear. There will be plenty to do. But I want us to be careful about something: the goal is not simply to become busier. A busy church is not automatically a faithful church. What matters is whether what we are doing helps people encounter Jesus, grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, serve their neighbors, and discover where God may be calling them. And please hear this with grace: you do not have to do everything. But I do believe God calls each of us to do something. Maybe this is the year you serve in a ministry for the first time. Maybe you return to something you once loved. Maybe you join a Bible study. Maybe you work beside someone at God’s Work. Our Hands. Maybe you volunteer at Oktoberfest. Maybe you will invite someone to worship. Maybe you simply begin praying, “Lord, show me where you need me.” ---- That prayer may be more than enough to begin. Please hear this as you read, I am grateful for you. I am grateful for those who quietly serve week after week without recognition. I am grateful for our children laughing on campus, for our seasoned members who continue to pray and encourage, for families trying to raise children in faith, for volunteers who keep showing up, and for everyone who continues to believe that God still has something for Advent to do in this community. So, as September begins, may we keep our eyes open for where Christ is already at work—and may we have enough courage, humility, and grace to join Him there. We will not do everything perfectly and we do not have to. We are walking in grace. Covered when we are weary. Called even when we feel inadequate. Grounded when the world feels uncertain. Sent because somebody beyond our walls needs to experience the love we have already received. Grace and Peace, Pastor Carl

Carl Taylor

Senior Pastor

August 29, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
September 2026
Hey there! You can click the button below to download the September Advocate!Download Advocate
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 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