FAQ
To which denomination does Advent belong? We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA.)
How long have you been around? Advent was organized in October of 1982. We recently celebrated our 25th anniversary.
How big is Advent? We currently have approximately 1,500 members and our median age is 32 years. We have a very high percentage of members under the age of 18 and made up of predominantly young families, although we have seen our demographics shifting to include "active seniors" in the last five years.
Do you have traditional or contemporary worship? Our worship style is "comfortable" and yet traditional. We rotate through a variety of liturgical settings, but on any given Sunday all the services are the same. Our pastors preach in an educational and conversational way, rooted in Holy Scripture, but relevant to daily living. We have a Children's time at worship and encourage all ages to participate in the many opportunities for worship leadership. We are definitely a "kid-friendly" worship experience, however we also offer Nursery and Cry Room facilities. Our choirs offer mostly contemporary choral music.
What kind of opportunities are there to serve through Advent? We do a minimum of two mission trips a year, we offer assistance to myriad agencies and institutions in our community and beyond. We support ELCA World Hunger and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative as well as the Heifer Project and other ongoing programs. In addition we work with international support through Children International and local ministy through HopeBuilders, Salvation Army Mother's Hands and Safehome. Ingatherings of clothing, goods, recyclables, etc. are ongoing projects.
What about your staffing? Our Senior pastors are a clergy couple who have served at Advent for almost 20 years. We are an internship site and therefore also host a Vicar (pastoral intern.) Our staff includes a Music Director, Adult Faith Development, Youth and Family Ministry team of three, and an Administrative Assistant. We also reach out through our Preschool and a Laotian Worshipping Community.
What do you offer in youth programming? We have a Preschool (ages 2 1/2 to 5) as well as Sunday School, Confirmation, 3Crew (Junior High) and ASquad (High School) ministries. Our Wednesday night ministry offers an additional opportunity through God's Kids (K-3rd Grade) and Justice League (4th & 5th grade.) Our Alabare Choir is open to grades 1-7.
I don't have any kids. Is there anything for me? Absolutely. We have a variety of Bible Study opportunities and Adult Faith Development classes for all levels. We have ongoing discussion groups and places where you can simply wonder aloud about spiritual issues. We invite anyone to use our Meditation Garden and walk our Labyrinth and we encourage ongoing inquiry into faith development and spiritual journeying. We have sometimes described Advent as a "God Oasis" in the midst of a very busy world. You are welcome at worship. You are welcome at the Table of Grace. You are welcome at Advent.