Please see some of our frequently asked questions below:
Will I be welcome?
All are welcome, especially you! Everyone is welcome at our worship service; there is plenty of parking, and the dress is casual. Coffee and fellowship follow the service. Sunday school is available during church.
I am interested in becoming a member. What do I need to do?
Advent gladly welcomes all to membership. There are a couple of ways that can happen. If your membership is in another congregation, you can request a letter of transfer from the Pastor of that church. If this isn’t possible, and you have been baptized and confirmed, you can request to join by statement or profession of faith. Please see the Pastor.
I'd like to have my child baptized; what do I do?
Baptism is one of two Sacraments for Lutherans. Baptism and Communion are also referred to as the Means of Grace. In Baptism, we are joined to the family of God. Although Baptism usually happens in infancy or childhood, you can be baptized at any age. If you want your child baptized, please contact the church office.
When do children prepare for Holy Communion?
A baptized child in fifth grade or older may receive preparation for First Holy Communion, which the pastor usually schedules. All are welcome to the Lord’s Table! If you are interested in your child receiving First Communion, please contact the Pastor. All baptized Christians who believe in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament are welcome to receive the Lord’s Supper. Visitors and guests are also welcome.
Are persons from Christian traditions other than Lutheranism able to receive Holy Communion?
As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Advent welcomes all baptized Christians to share in the Sacrament of the Table, Holy Communion. Because our practice is to prepare children in fifth grade or older for First Holy Communion, baptized children who have not made First Communion elsewhere (and their parents) would need to prepare to receive the Sacrament for the first time.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Affirmation of Baptism through which baptized individuals affirm for themselves the promises made at Baptism. Unlike Baptism and Communion, it is not a Sacrament but an extension of the baptismal covenant. Young people in eighth grade and higher usually spend a full Sunday School year preparing for Confirmation. Adults who have been baptized but never confirmed may also request instruction for the Affirmation of Baptism. Pentecost and Reformation Sunday are traditional days for celebrating the rite of Confirmation. Please contact the Pastor and the church office for more information.
Who is a Voting Member of the church?
According to the Constitution of Advent Lutheran Church, Voting Members (those who can vote at the Annual Congregation Meeting and at other special meetings, such as calling a Pastor) are confirmed members who have taken Communion at least once in the previous year and who have made a contribution of record over the previous year.
What is a contribution of record?
A contribution of record is one made using offering envelopes or an envelope that includes your name. A check is also a contribution of record, whether envelopes are used. Loose cash offerings that cannot be attributed to an individual or family are not considered contributions of record.
Marriage
If you are interested in having your wedding ceremony at Advent, please contact the church office for a Wedding Booklet and schedule a meeting with the Pastor.
Homebound Visitations
Visitation of the Sick Visitation is an expression of the church’s healing ministry. Here, all who sense the need for God’s healing in any aspect of their lives may join in prayer for others and themselves. We also have an active Prayer List. If you, a family member, or someone else you know is sick or homebound and wishes for a pastoral visit, please reach out to the Pastor and contact the church office to schedule a time! If you wish to add someone to the Prayer List, please contact the church office.
Funerals
At a person’s death, the church shares the grief of those who mourn and remembers the brevity of life on earth. At the funeral, we give voice to sorrow, thank God for our loved ones, and entrust our companions into the hands of God. At the time of the death of a loved one, please contact the Pastor and the church office.
How can I get more information?
Speak with a member of the Congregation Council or the Pastor.