September in Review

Alisha Ungs • Pastor of Discipleship
September 30, 2026

3 Minute Read

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. ❤️

youth group packing sandwiches with the help of their parents
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 1, 2026
This Month in Youth and Family Ministry: October 2026

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From this Tag: Ministry Updates
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.
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
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September 30, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
September in Review
Looking back at September Youth Activities September was a busy month as our faith formation classes are officially in full swing! In August, we blessed backpacks and blessed students for the upcoming school year and faith formation. This month, we continued learning and service together. “God’s Work. Our Hands.” The Faith Builders, Confirmation Students, and Senior Youth all participated in “God’s Work. Our Hands” Sunday, a national day of service for ELCA churches. Together, the group packed 82 sandwiches for Matthew’s Hope Ministries, plus collecting a few extras like granola bars and a few other snack items! THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this special day happen. Teaching the kids the value of service to others is an important part of discipleship, and we couldn't have done it without your help. ❤️ Faith Builders In addition to the “God’s Work. Our Hands” day of service, Faith Builders met on September 27 to continue learning about what “faith in action” can look like and mean. They partnered with Advent’s Outreach team to pack donations for the “commodore closet” which helps provide supplies for homeless students at Eau Gallie High School. Confirmation Class The confirmation students participated in the “God’s Work. Our Hands” alongside the other Faith Builders, and also met on the 27th to talk about their experience of what it was like to have hands-on service experience. They also discussed why serving others is so important in the Lutheran framework. Acolyte Meeting Although we have not previously had an acolyte program for the contemporary service, and have not had acolytes for the traditional service in a while, many of you expressed interest in reviving the program. This meeting with Karen on the 20th helped us shape this new volunteer opportunity to be meaningful for the kids participating as well as those who gather for worship. We are looking forward to how this is taking shape! A prayer for the month ahead: God, as we enter into October, and as we reflect on the Reformation and all that you have done and continue to do in our lives, bless the youth and their families. Guide them as they continue to learn and grow in their faith each new day. Amen. Want to know what’s happening in October? Check out the October monthly family newsletter:October in Youth and Family Ministry Stay Connected 📩 Subscribe to this Collection to get these updates delivered directly to your email inbox. 📸 Follow Advent on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube Weekly Worship: Saturdays at 5:00 PM · Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM 7550 N Wickham Rd. Melbourne, FL 32940

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

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

Alisha Ungs

Pastor of Discipleship

September 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 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