Suntree/Melbourne Beach, FL

The AdvocatThe Advocatee March 2017March 2017

Our Mission Statement:

“We are followers of Jesus Christ for the sake of the world.”

2016-2017 Church Council Effective July 1, 2016

President

Ed Mussler: Vice President

Josh Pulver: Treasurer

Bill Stanton:

Recording Secretary Pat Ferris:

Financial Secretary Carol Marshall:

Members-at-Large Jon Arnold:

HelenAnn Bower:

Doris Dickinson: Chris Dickman: Karen Hagen:

Tom Hawk: Bill Johnson:

Ann Peterson:

Bishop Schaefer 4

Celebrations 17

Christian Service 16

Council President 6

Each One Bring One 8

Family Promise 5K 16

Financial Report 6

First Communion 8

Genevans Concert 10

Good Friday for Kids 15

Grace Preschool 11

Handprint Wall 13

Lent and Baptism 7

Lunch Bunch at M Beach 16

May I Pray with You 3

Memorial Gifts 18

Men's B'fast at M Beach 16

Murder Mystery 11

Pastor's Pen 2

Praise & Pinch 8

Prayer Concerns 18

Prayer Labyrinth 3

Quick Reference Page 19

Quilts and School Kits 14

Ruth Circle 16

Sarah Care 12

Table Talk 9

Town Hall Meeting 8

Transforming Prayer 5

Women at Suntree 16

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To be a part of Advent is to recognize that

God has called us to follow Jesus Christ

together. The “We” in our mission statement is

not merely to insure correct grammar. God

has given each individual a unique set of

gifts. God has called each of us to Advent so

that, together, this ministry will have all of the

gifts, talents, and skills we need to do what

God has called us to do.

As we enter the season of Lent, commit

yourself to prayerfully discerning or

discovering your gifts and how God is calling

you to use them in the life and ministry of this

congregation.

It’s a good thing to be nourished and uplifted

by your attendance at Advent, but Christ

calls us to go beyond that. Christ longs for us

to go beyond sipping from the fountain of

living water to allowing that fountain to

spring up inside of us so that it flows out from

us into the world.

You and I, all of us together, are followers of

Jesus Christ for the sake of the world.

Let’s pray and ponder during this season of

Lent. If we take this as seriously as Jesus does,

what will that look like in our lives?

Praying with you,

“We are followers of Jesus Christ for the

sake of the world.”

You probably have noticed that we have

been saying this together at the end of

worship for the past several weeks.

What you may not know is that this is

Advent’s mission statement.

Over the course of the past two years our

leadership team has been doing the hard

work of discerning whom it is that God is

calling Advent to be and what it is that

God is calling us to do in our community.

One of the results of that work is the above

mission statement. This informs every

decision we make and guides every

activity we undertake.

Our hope is that, one day, everyone who

regularly attends Advent will have this

statement clearly connected with our

congregation and what it means to be a

part of Advent.

To be a part of Advent is to be a follower of

Jesus Christ.

To be a part of Advent is not primarily

about what Jesus or the congregation can

do for you. It is much more about

equipping you to do what Jesus calls all

followers to do, that is, to bring the ministry

of Jesus Christ to the world around you.

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May I Pray with You?May I Pray with You? Pastor Rick Funk

Has anyone every asked you this question? You

may wonder why it would matter that your prayers

and concerns are accompanied by

another person.

Christianity is a team sport. We were not

intended to travel this spiritual journey

alone, but there are times when we feel

very alone. When great sadness or deep

stress strikes our life, we could feel as

though we are on a tiny, flimsy raft in a

strong, stormy sea.

It is at those moments that we cry out to God,

“Help!” which is, in fact, the most honest and

authentic prayer.

Some of us enjoy sharing our story with its sorrows

and surprises. Others prefer to remain more

anonymous with the details of their life. We all, at

times, are praying this prayer for help.

If someone offers to pray with you, it is as if part of

the answer to your prayer is, “You are not alone.” In

the book of James he encourages us to “… pray for

one another.” (James 5:16) The fancy word for

praying for one another is intercession. Richard

Foster in his book, Prayer, says, “Intercession is a

way of loving others.”

In our church services, we incorporate a time for

intercession during the prayers when we conclude

one of Prayers of the People with the phrase, “…

especially those we name either aloud or silently.”

On the last Sunday of the month, we have prayer

partners stationed at the back of the sanctuary

wearing red stoles who are available to pray with

you after communion.

Those who pray with you don’t have any special

access to God or secret insight into his ways. They

are simply demonstrating that they are on are your

side. They are willing to share your burden for a

season. No one should have to carry the whole

load alone.

Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered in my

name, there I am in the midst of them.” When we

pray with and for one another, we are acting as the

body of Christ, supporting and encouraging one

another along the way.

May we all enjoy the privilege of praying with and

for one another as a sign of our unity in Christ. By

this we are saying, “I’m here for you.” What a

blessing to know that I can depend on this

community to care for me in my time of need.

When that happens, I would love for you to come

up to me and ask, “May I pray with you?”

Prayer LabyrinthPrayer Labyrinth Pastor Rick Funk

During Lent, you may notice a series of concentric

paths on the lawn between the Admin Building and

the sanctuary. Rest assured, these are not

strange crop circles marked by aliens as a

cryptic message of extraterrestrial life. It is a

prayer labyrinth. What’s a prayer labyrinth?

I’m glad you asked! This is an ancient

method to provide structure and

intentionality to our prayers. A labyrinth is

not a maze. You don’t have to figure it out.

There’s only one way in and one way out.

You simply walk slowly and pray deeply.

The labyrinth was created as a means for someone

who could not afford the time or money to go on a

pilgrimage. So consider this as the pilgrimage coming

to you. Come to the labyrinth as an intentional

moment of stepping out of the day to day busyness

of your life and pause and pray.

There are many ways to pray during your walk. I

would like to suggest one.

Pause at the beginning. Say a simple prayer, such as

“Lord, help me.” “Lord, be with me.” “Lord, give me

peace.” “Lord, give me direction.”

As you begin your journey towards the center, the

path will twist and turn sometimes taking you closer to

the destination, sometimes removing you to the outer

rim. Consider the twists and turns in your own life; that

which has interrupted your plans; that which has

surprised you; that which has confused you; that

which has saddened you. Pray out your concerns and

frustrations and questions to God.

Once you arrive at the center, pause again. Wait.

Listen. Look around if you want. Has the Lord brought

to your mind or attention any thoughts, ideas,

persons, places, direction? Were you aware of a verse

from the Bible, or words to a song? Ponder that.

Consider what God may be stirring up in you. It may

not be a complete answer, but it might be a start.

When you are ready, reverse course and start your

journey outwards. You are about to re-enter your life.

As you prepare to “go home” what will be different?

Do you have a different attitude or perspective? How

will you treat those around you? How will you

approach the tasks and responsibilities before you?

Pray that the Lord would guide you and comfort you

in this process.

As you exit, pause one last time. Say this simple

prayer, “Thank you, Lord.” May your life be lived in

thanksgiving to the One who has given you all that

you need. Blessings!

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Dear sisters and brothers of the Dear sisters and brothers of the

Florida­Bahamas Synod,Florida­Bahamas Synod,

For the past three and a half years it has been my

season to serve as bishop of the Florida­ Bahamas

Synod. While this was never an office I sought, it has

been a remarkable honor and privilege to serve as this

synod’s chief pastor. There have been many joys and

privileges associated with serving as a bishop in this

church. At the same time, I would be less than truthful

if I didn’t confess that the rigors and responsibilities of

this office, both on the territory of this synod and in

the wider church, have taken a toll on me spiritually

and personally, not to mention the toll it has taken on

my family during my regular absences.

Following the Christmas holidays, I spent time with Pr.

Jennifer and my children reflecting on the toll this

office is taking on my spirit. I have spent time in prayer

and shared my struggles in this call with our presiding

bishop. I have come to the realization that this call is

not suited to my spirit. This reflection has led me to

the decision to resign as bishop of the Florida­

Bahamas Synod as of March 5. I have not come to this

decision lightly or easily, but the weight this office has

put on my soul these last years has led me to be at

peace with this decision.

It has been the greatest honor of my ministry to serve

as your bishop, and there are many, many ways that I

will miss it. I am not sure what the Lord of the Church

has in store for me next, but I will take some time

over the next several months to listen. Please pray for

me as I will pray for you in the time ahead. In the midst of all the changes and challenges of life, we know

that God’s love in Christ is the one anchor.

Life in the synod will go on as usual. Soon, an interim

bishop will be appointed who will carry on and oversee the work of the Office of the Bishop until the

next bishop is elected. The Synod Council is meeting

this weekend and will communicate further details in

the days ahead.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Thanks be to God!

Yours in Christ,

Robert G. Schaefer

The Rev. Robert G. Schaefer, Bishop of the Florida­Bahamas Synod

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ in Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ in

the Florida­Bahamas Synod:the Florida­Bahamas Synod:

Grace, mercy and peace be to you this day. On behalf of

the Synod Council, I write at the conclusion of our

meeting in Tampa this weekend. It has been an emotional

time for all, as we talked with Bishop Schaefer and began

to process his decision to resign as our synodical bishop.

Our surprise, sadness, and concern for him and his family

was mixed with moments of laughter as we remembered

our time together. We are extremely grateful for his

ministry, and have been blessed by his 3 ½ years of

leadership as our bishop. We give thanks for his deep

faith, his irrepressible sense of humor, his inspired and

clear leadership and his care and concern for God's

church. It has been a blessing to serve alongside him.

Because we really are church together, we have been in

contact with Presiding Bishop Eaton

and the ELCA Director of Synodical

Relations, Pastor Walter May, about

care of the Office of the Bishop. Both

have repeatedly assured us of their

accompaniment and assistance

through the process of calling a new

bishop. Just as when a pastor leaves a congregation, the

Presiding Bishop will identify a candidate for interim

bishop and the Synod Council will call someone to that

position. If, due to scheduling and the calendar, we are

unable to call an interim bishop by March 5, an "acting

bishop" will be appointed.

In this transition time, the Office of the Bishop will

continue providing vital and substantial presence and

leadership throughout the synod. Current ministries and

initiatives will continue under the leadership of the

Assistants to the Bishop: Pr. Jim Graeser, Pr. Jaime

Dubon, Deacon Connie Schmucker, and Michele Hilton.

The synod staff will continue guiding congregations in

transition, walking with leaders in all ways, and providing

resources and information for ministry.

As you might imagine, there are many details to work out

to elect and call a new bishop. Given that the 2017 Synod

Assembly is soon, we do not plan to hold a bishop's

election at that assembly. It is more likely that we will

hold a special, much shorter, Special Assembly for the

sole purpose of calling a bishop later this year. We are

balancing the need for some time to process this change

(Continued on page 5)

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and to set up a meaningful discernment process, with

the financial costs of holding another assembly in this

fiscal year. We commit to you to provide you with our

plans as we finalize them.

Finally, we ask for your prayers. Pray for Bishop

Schaefer and his family. Join us in giving thanks to God

for his willingness to use every ounce of his giftedness

to further God's mission in our territory and for his

family as they have supported him. Please pray for the

staff and their families as they continue to serve in this

transition; for our Presiding Bishop as she discerns

interim bishop candidates; and for the Synod Council as

we work to be faithful leaders. We know that this is

God's church, and the work of the synod—through the

ministry you all are involved in—will continue.

May you continue to live into the synod's mission of

Boldly Proclaiming Christ, Passionately Making Disciples,

and Faithfully Doing Justice. May the Holy Spirit

continue to stir in your hearts.

Peace be yours,

Cheryl Stuart

Vice President of Council, Florida­Bahama Synod

(Continued from page 4) Transforming PrayerTransforming Prayer

Georgia Van Hoesen, Stephen Leader

On Sunday, March 5th at the Melbourne Beach

Campus, we will be commissioning two new

Stephen Ministers. Please welcome Karen Lucher

and Don Mitchell.

As Stephen Ministers, our team considers prayer to

be one of the most important tools in our bag of

spiritual resources to help with our caring

relationships. Our new team members have

completed 50 hours of classroom instruction to

equip them to serve in this very meaningful ministry.

Saying prayers doesn’t always come naturally to us

humans. The easiest times seem

to be when we are desperate.

We cry to God and beg for

mercy. Please help us in our

plight. Please make the pain go

away. Please bring me strength

and courage and comfort and

on and on. What would compel

God to listen to us?

Our Psalm today sheds some light on how the

psalmist learned how to transform his prayers from

exhortation to praise and confession. Initially, his

prayers were merely groans. (Ps. 32:3) Then in verse

5, he acknowledged his sin to God. Now this seems

to catch God’s attention. The psalmist concludes

that when all who are faithful, offer prayer to God,

then their sins will be forgiven.

Thomas Merton once wrote, “The theology of

prayer begins when we understand that we are in

trouble. Prayer (really) begins with those moments

of honesty when we stand naked before God,

confessing our impotence or our self-importance,

confessing our inability to make sense out of life and

abandoning our wills to the one who created and

redeemed us.”

Prayer does not blind us to the world, but it

transforms our vision of the world and makes us see

it all, all people, and all the history of mankind in the

light of God.”

It sounds to me like we just need to include one key

element to our prayers…the element of faith in God

and by His grace, we come in touch with the

source of our life.

So people of Advent, I ask for your transforming

prayers today to bless our whole Stephen Ministry

Team that we might go forth and serve God. If you

are not comfortable yet with coming up with your

own prayer, just go ahead and repeat the LORD’s

Prayer, which is after all, the true model of

transforming prayer.

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often wonder how I would react if I was still a

daily newspaper writer working on my editorial

column and my manager editor calls out,

“Mussler this time I need a piece from you that is

going to be widely read! Make it happen!” No pres-

sure here – just come up with a well-written, sharply

crafted editorial grabbing mass attention to the

point where the water-cooler conversation is, “Hey!

You gotta read Ed Mussler’s column!”

If I were tasked to come up with a widely-read edi-

torial what would be my subject? Would I please my

editor by giving my viewpoint on the refugee ban or

fake news? I have a better idea. I can build a ro-

bust readership on a column on how I feel on the

recent political marches and my reaction to the

cries of injustice. Better yet, I can absorb a huge au-

dience if I go international and give a sharp-witted

outlook on topics covering North Korea; China, Rus-

sia; Iran and the rest of the Middle East.

There are so many subjects I could choose from in

hopes of hearing my editor sing my praises by stand-

ing on a desk in the middle of the newsroom pro-

claiming, “Listen up y’all (remember I was a newspa-

per writer in southeast Alabama), I want to make

sure everyone reads Mussler’s article today – he

nailed it! I cannot believe how many people have

called; emailed or texted me regarding his editorial.

Give it up to Ed!” Just as my editor’s accolades con-

clude, the newsroom erupts in a roar of adoration

over my column and then my fellow writers hoist me

upon their shoulders as they carry me throughout

the building chanting “Ed, Ed, Ed.”

A topic that does not grace our newspapers; social-

media pages; morning television broadcasts or blow-

ing up our Twitter accounts is how fortunate we are to

be followers of Jesus Christ. Just think - Jesus came to

Earth to take on our sins by dying so we could have

everlasting life. How could someone not want to read

or hear more about a man who walked on water;

healed the afflicted; preached love and forgiveness;

was crucified on a cross only to rise from the dead a

few days later? Even better – these feats were ac-

complished by the son of God without the intention of

making an above-the-fold headline in the likes of the

Jerusalem Daily News.

Writing of Christ’s love is a joyful subject and the rea-

son the Bible is still a widely read book – sorry New York

Times’ best-seller list. If I were a columnist in 2017 truly

wanting to write about a great individual whose

teaching and message still resonates more than 2,000

years later – well then I start typing on my keyboard

about Jesus Christ. As I am writing this article I can

honestly express how good it makes me feel to be a

Christian. I feel so blessed, my favorite hymn is playing

in my head and with my best inner Elvis Presley voice I

sing (again I am no Josh Pulver or Chris Dickman – so it

is a very, very soft voice) the final verse of “How Great

Thou Art” where it states, “When Christ shall come,

with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what

joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble ado-

ration, and then proclaim, ‘My God, how great Thou

art.’”

I

Actuals for

Jan

Year To

Date

Actuals

Year To Date

Budget

Annual

Budget

General Operating Contributions 61,725 61,725 67,646 799,200

General Operating Expense 51,531 51,531 56,001 799,200

Difference 10,193 10,193 11,644 0

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Lent and Baptism

March 1, Ash Wednesday, begins the church season of Lent. In the early history of the Christian church, Lent was a time set aside to prepare new believers and inquirers for baptism. This was a five- or six-week process of education and preparation that led to their baptism at the Easter Vigil service (the night before Easter).

This year (in liturgical terms, Year A of the three year cycle of Sunday readings), the Old Testament Lesson and the Gospel Lesson each week are connected by a common theme.

Sunday Old Testament Gospel Lent 1 March 5 Genesis 2:15-17 and 3:1-7 Matthew 4:1-11 Adam and Eve are tempted Jesus is tempted in the wilderness Lent 2 March 12 Genesis 12:1-4a John 3:1-17

Abraham receives a blessing Nicodemus learns what it is to be born of the spirit

Lent 3 March 19 Exodus 17:1-7 John 4:5-42

Moses strikes a rock and water flows from it

Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that he is the source of living water

Lent 4 March 26 I Samuel 16:1-13 John 9:1-41

David is anointed Jesus anoints and heals a man born blind

Lent 5 April 2 Ezekiel 37:1-14 John 11:1-45

The Valley of the Dry Bones and the question: Can the dead be raised to life? Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead

These themes are central to Christian life. Temptation, blessing, our need for the living water of the Spirit, our need for healing, and God’s promise of resurrection.

If you were baptized more than 50 years ago, if it has only been months, or if you are preparing for baptism, the Holy Spirit can use these truths to teach and transform you. Praise and thanks be to God!

Lori Jahn, Traditional Worship Planning Team

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Praise & Pinch Feedback Praise & Pinch Feedback

Process BeginningProcess Beginning

This method of feedback deals with joys, concerns,

feelings, and opinions you may have about what is

(or is not) happening at Advent. It provides an

opportunity for you to communicate about ways we

are doing well in our ministry together and areas

that might need attention. Such input and

feedback helps us all to be faithful in carrying out

our mission.

Here’s how the system works. There is a secure/

confidential box at each site located in the narthex.

These boxes are for receiving “Praise & Pinch” forms.

Near each box are 1) copies of these instructions, 2)

blank copies of the “Praise & Pinch” forms, and 3)

diagrams of the Role Renegotiation Model for

sustaining meaningful relationships. (This is the model

on which the feedback system is based.)

Write out your praise or pinch on the form, sign it,

and place it in the confidential Praise & Pinch Box.

Forms will be collected by a lay member of the

Communications & Trust Task Force. You will be

contacted to let you know that your form has been

received and to clarify with you the content of your

input and what you would like to see happen. You

will then be told how your message will be handled.

Following this conversation (#s 3 & 4 above) your

message will be delivered to the appropriate

ministry, person, or group. Follow through will include

communicating to you the final outcome of your

feedback.

Throughout this process confidentiality will be

maintained according to the outline in the Dealing

with Criticism in Organizations document.

FIRST COMMUNION CLASFIRST COMMUNION CLASSS A First Communion class will be offered on

Saturday, March 18th at 11:00 am in the Knoedler

Center. The class will last for

approximately 2 hours. This class is for

children 4 and up who would like to

begin receiving communion. Families

are encouraged to participate in the

class with their children. For more information or to

RSVP please contact Pastor Rick Funk for details.

There will be a Town Hall meeting on

March 19th at 5 pm at our

Melbourne Beach Campus.

EACH ONE BRING ONEEACH ONE BRING ONE

Mr. Andrew Weeks has been a business executive and

management/systems consultant in the U.S. and

Canada for many years. When returning to organized

religion, he became more sensitized to

the needs of newcomers and aware of

how few churches were providing an

organized response to those needs. He

has combined his systems and

management skills with his desire to

empower churches to be effective and intentional in

their evangelism programs. Andrew has been

presenting in Canada and the U.S. for regional groups

of churches, dioceses and synods.

Please join us on Sunday, March 19th at our

Melbourne Beach Campus where Andrew will preach

at the 9 am and 6 pm services, offering ten personal

and practical challenges for evangelism. Andrew will

also lead a dialog after the 9 am service in the

fellowship hall where his ten challenges can be

discussed.

On Saturday March 25 and Sunday March 26th

Andrew will preach at our Suntree Campus and lead

a dialog on Sunday at the 10 am Connect hour.

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Table Talk: Conversations During LentTable Talk: Conversations During Lent Pastor Rick Funk

What is it?

Table Talk is an opportunity for families and friends to gather around a table and share conversations about

their lives and spiritual journey. During this season of Lent, we will discuss “Living Our Baptism – Five gifts of

discipleship.” We will follow a simple 5 step process:

Share your highs and lows

What went well this past week? What did not go so well?

Read a passage from scripture (Lenten readings will be provided each week)

Talk about how that reading connects with your life

What does this mean to you? How can you apply it to your life?

Pray for one another

Bless one another

Mark one another with the sign of the cross and say, “(Name), Child of God,

may God be with you in your highs and lows.”

Who does this?

This could be your family, your family and another family, your family and singles or seniors or single seniors, a

mixed group of couples and singles – whatever group of people is comfortable for you. The size should be

limited to about 8 so everyone has a chance to talk and share.

When is it?

We will set aside time during the 10 am connect hour for Table Talk. You can start whenever your group is

ready, and you can finish whenever your group is done. There is no set timetable. Much of that will depend on

the size of your group and the ages represented.

Where is it?

We will hold this in the Knoedler Center, but you could literally do this anywhere – at home, at a restaurant, in

a park – anyplace that is suitable for conversation.

How do we do this?

You don’t need any special training or instruction for this. No one needs to be an expert on any topic or

passage of scripture. This is a conversation, not a class. You simply gather around a table, share your highs and

lows of the week, read the passage, talk about it, pray for one another and conclude with a blessing. If you

have any questions about this, please contact Pastor Rick.

Note: The 5 step process was developed from materials from Faith5.org. Living our Baptism: Gifts of Discipleship was written by John and

Robin McCullough-Bade, Copyright © 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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EVERYONE IS INVITED

to host the youth of the church

(age 13 and up)

at the Stratford Castle Ball

(a Dinner Murder Mystery).

April 1, 2017, 6 PM, at the historic

Stratford Castle

(Knoedler Center of the Suntree Campus)

Yes. A murder will occur during the evening. Will it be you? Or…was it you who committed the murder?

Who did it? How? Where? WHY?

Adults: $10; Youth (13 to 17) free

Reservation deadline: March 13 Karen Hagen

Grace Preschool at Grace Preschool at

Advent Advent -- Melbourne BeachMelbourne Beach Grace Preschool received a Thrivent Action Grant

for the purpose of creating and tending to a multi-

purpose vegetable, flower, butterfly and pollinator

garden. Incorporating gardening into our preschool

curriculum teaches children responsibility and helps

to develop a love and respect for nature as well as

adding a place of enjoyment and beauty for not

only our school but the congregation and

community as well. Our gardens have been certified

as a Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife

Federation.

The preschoolers are enthusiastic gardeners! Rumor

has it that fairies were even spotted in the gardens!

Stop by and take a look. You might even see a fairy!

Grace Preschool wishes to thank Patty Cooper and

Thrivent!

Grace Preschool is currently accepting in-house

registration for the 2017/2018 school year.

Registration will be open to the public on Friday,

March 3, 2017.

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GRACE PRESCHOOL TEAMED UP WITH THE MB CAMPUS LUNCH BUNCH CREW TO PROVIDE A LOVE-FILLED

VALENTINE’S DAY TO GUESTS OF SARAH CARE IN MELBOURNE. OUR STUDENTS MADE BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE

VALENTINES’ CARDS THAT WERE PASSED OUT DURING A BEAUTIFUL AFTERNOON CONCERT PERFORMED BY THE

LUNCH BUNCH CREW.

Melbourne Beach Lunch Bunch at Sarah CareMelbourne Beach Lunch Bunch at Sarah Care On February 8th, twelve members of the Lunch Bunch from the Melbourne Beach campus traveled to Sarah

Care on US 1 in Melbourne to serenade the residents in song following a delightful lunch at Meg O'Malley's .

Leading the group in song was Bill Ferris and accompanying them on organ was Betsy Stansifer. Songs ranged

from "A Bicycle Built for Two" to "Old MacDonald's Farm." All of the residents enjoyed the songs and many

joined in the singing. Following the final song, "God Bless America," Valentines made by the students of Grace

Preschool at Melbourne Beach were distributed to each resident. A great time was had by all!

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MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSIONMAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION

JOIN OUR HANDPRINT WALLJOIN OUR HANDPRINT WALL Purchase a handprint tile for you, your child or your loved one to commemorate your years at Grace

Preschool and Advent Lutheran Church, Melbourne Beach campus.

Tiles are available for $25.00 each and all proceeds benefit the Grace Preschool playground fund.

Forms are available in the Melbourne Beach front office.

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Quilts and School KitsQuilts and School Kits Over the past year, women of the Melbourne Beach campus sewed 40 quilts and women of the Suntree

campus put together 96 school kits for donation to Lutheran World Relief. These gifts of love were blessed in

our worship services recently, before being sent on their way to help needy people in this country and around

the world.

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ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN AT SUNTREEADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN AT SUNTREE

March 6 at 10 AM. Business meeting. We will be discussing the Gathering of the Space Coast Conference of

Women we are hosting on April 22nd.

March 20th at 10 A.M. Bible Study

Melbourne Beach Men's Breakfast & Bible StudyMelbourne Beach Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Men's Breakfast & Bible Study will meet Thursday, March 16th at 7:30am. We will be beginning the Book of

Ruth. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please call Bill.

Melbourne Beach Lunch BunchMelbourne Beach Lunch Bunch Lunch Bunch will meet Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Shells of Melbourne, 1490 W. New Haven Ave.,

Melbourne at 12 noon. Feel free to bring a friend. Please sign the sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex or

call Gary.

Christian ServiceChristian Service Time to mark your calendars for the annual backpack outreach. This year we are including boots as part of

our theme - Backpacks and Boots. Many employers, as a safety issue, require boots to get a job. The "working

homeless" at His Place Ministry lack the funds to purchase boots. Providing these boots gives them the means

to work. With your generous contributions we hope to provide boots as well as the backpacks which have

been so well received. The backpacks contain socks, sunglasses, a rain poncho, sunscreen, mosquito

repellent, flashlight. and assorted toiletries. Please consider any financial contribution toward our outreach

project. This campaign runs from March 12-26. Use your envelope and mark it Backpack Outreach. Thank you

for your support.

Family Promise 5KFamily Promise 5K Do you like walking, running or supporting a good cause? If so, Advent has created a team to walk/run the

"There is No Place Like Home" 5K on March 10 2017 at 6:00 PM benefitting Family Promise of Brevard. The race

is $25 (if you register before March 9) or $30 (if you register day of the race) and if you register by Feb. 24 you

get a race t-shirt! $18 of each registration goes to Family Promise of Brevard. If you would like to join our

Advent team please go to https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-347213?raceId=39559 and

contact Joyce Cowart or Stefanie Canjar!

THANK YOUTHANK YOU Many thanks to all the folks that bring in the pop tops for Ronald McDonald House, Coupons for Education,

eye glasses for the needy and empty prescription bottles. They are all very much appreciated. Please keep

them coming. Thank you!

The Ruth Circle in Melbourne Beach ResumesThe Ruth Circle in Melbourne Beach Resumes The Ruth Circle at the Melbourne Beach is resuming its study of The Story of Ruth by Sr. Joan Chittister on the

last Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. They meet in the small chapel office off of the fellowship hall. The next

meeting will be March 30th. All women are invited to join in the lively discussion of this delightful book. You do

not need the book to join in the fun. We hope you will be able to attend this group led by Georgia Van

Hoesen.

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If we have missed your special day, please contact the office.

CLARK, Jack & Kristine (3) 03/02

LANOUE, Dick & Phyllis (48) 03/08

BORCHERS, Bob & Lynn (54) 03/09

PIPER, Bill & Shirley (50) 03/11

SNELLMAN, Roj & Patricia (35) 03/20

SYMONS, JR., Ron & Christine (12) 03/26

MICHELA, Fred & Jan (56) 03/29

COUCH, Betty Jo & Russ (39) 03/31

PULVER, Josh & Kathryn (23) 03/31

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UPDATES ENCOURAGED!

If our prayers for comfort and healing have been answered, please contact the office to let us know so that we can move

your loved ones to the section of “Prayers of Thanks!”

*If a member is in the hospital or rehab and is not listed above, please call the office to let us know. Thank you!

Please direct all concerns for member/attendee and extended family & friends

to Carol Stanton (321-576-3330). The prayer cards are in the pew racks. Fill one

out and place it in the Prayer Box located next to the door as you exit the

Narthex (lobby).

Please pray for the following people:

Our Prayers for God’s peace go out to the following families:

. . . Condolences

To Sue Kiebler and family on the death of her husband Richard.

. . . for those who are ill or recovering from surgery

Elaine Bartells Betty Brosseau Diane Ford

Eugene Keller Dij Pacarro Bette Porada

Evelyn Welker Carole & Earl Wilen

. . . for those who are homebound, in a progressive care or in an assisted living facility

Joyce Chinn Betty Gordon Susie Jahn Bill Kilbourne

Kay Malito Miriam Parsons Joan Phillips Deb Ridel

Jo Smith Mary Wilgeroth Laura Wunder

. . . for those who are serving overseas

Brian Balogh Torin Blumhagen Larry Talento

If you would like to be removed from the prayer list, please contact the office at 321-259-8515 ext. 223

The following people have donated in memory of loved ones: In memory of Evelyn Lester: Susan Altier, Carolyn Boyken, Caryl Collier, Edgar &

Sharon Kettles, Lars & Jean Larson, Susan Osting, Carl & Jean Ott, Allan & Dorothy

Schilling, Jr., Thais Wright, Fred & Lucile Zimmerman

Reformation Quote

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CHURCH STAFF

Office Telephone 259-8515

Senior Pastor Suntree Campus David Jahn, ext. 0222

Parish Administrator Carol Stanton, ext. 0221

Director of Family Ministry / Pastoral Care Rick Funk,

Director of Youth Ministry Stefanie Canjar,

Property Manager Pam Miller, ext. 0228

Melbourne Beach Administrative Assistant Patty Cooper, ext. 0321

Bookkeeper Courtney McMahan, ext. 0224

Worship Media and Publications Cathy Guilford, ext. 0223

Director of Choirs / Organist Betty Jo Couch,

Worship Leader / D13 Band Leader Lois Koepke,

Head Nursery Attendant Angela Canjar,

Custodians Pete Jolly, Don Mitchell, ext. 0221

PRESCHOOL STAFF Suntree Campus

Director Chris Quavillon, ext. 0230

Melbourne Beach Campus

Director Deb Hogan, ext. 0330

ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN AT SUNTREE

President Carol Wilson,

Secretary Betty Symons,

Treasurer Ella Holub,

Bible Study Leader Betty Symons,

Comfort Quilts Dij Pacarro,

SERVING ON SUNDAY SCHEDULERS OR LEAD PERSON

Suntree Campus

Assisting Minister (Sat 5:00 pm & Special Services) Karen Hagen,

Assisting Ministers, Readers, Acolytes,

& Communion Assistants (9:00 am) David Moyer,

(11:00 am) Richard Lanoue,

Altar Guild Chair Carol Marshall,

Counters Li Klein,

Fellowship Scheduler (9:00 am) Carol Stanton, ext. 0221

(11:00 am) Ursula Aamodt,

Flower Delivery Li Klein,

Ushers & Greeters (Sat 5:00 pm) Joanna Spina,

(9:00 & 11:00 am) TBD

Welcome Center (9:00 & 11:00 am) Carol Stanton, ext. 0221

Sound System, Projection & Multi-Media David Moyer,

Melbourne Beach Campus

Assisting Ministers, Readers, Communion Assistants

Ushers & Greeters Pat Ferris,

IF YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT:

Baptisms Carol Stanton, ext. 0221

Bread Ministry Ron Klein,

Building Use Pam Miller, ext. 0228

Christian Service Shirley Piper,

Pat Vandegrift,

Communion Bread Baking Alberta-Jo Parker,

Congregational Life HelenAnn Bower,

Evangelism TBD

Fellowship Ann Peterson,

Home & Hospital Visits Carol Stanton, ext. 0221

Men’s Ministry at Suntree Don Hagen,

Memorial Garden Carol Stanton, ext. 0221

Music - Suntree Campus - Chancel Choir Betty Jo Couch,

Hand Bell Choir Betty Jo Couch,

Worship Band Lois Koepke,

Music - Melb. Beach Campus - Chancel Choir Betsy Stansifer,

Newsletter, The Advocate Editor Cathy Guilford, ext. 0223

Personnel Committee David Holub,

Diane Marks,

Prayer Chain HelenAnn Bower,

Prayer Chapel Pam Miller,

Preschool - Suntree Campus Chris Quavillon, ext. 0230

Preschool - Melbourne Beach Campus Deb Hogan, ext. 0330

Property Tom Hawk,

Quilts for Comfort and Care Dij Pacarro,

Small Groups TBD

Stephen Ministry Pastor David Jahn, ext. 0222

Stewardship Bill Johnson,

Sunday School Kate Reed,

Technology Jon Arnold,

Women’s Ministry at Suntree Carol Wilson,

Worship & Music Karen Hagen,

Youth Ministry Chris Dickman,

OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Suntree)

Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm

(Melbourne Beach)

(It’s always best to call before stopping by!)

Chapel hours (Suntree):

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

or call the office

Suntree Campus office telephone 259-8515

Fax 259-4752

Melbourne Beach Campus office telephone 727-1724

Suntree Preschool 254-7139

Melbourne Beach Preschool 728-4709

E-mail address: info@adventbrevard.org

Website address: www.adventbrevard.org

To submit articles for publication, please email

AdminAssistant@AdventLutheranBrevard.org

by the 20th of each month.

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SUNTREE CAMPUS

Telephone: 321-259-8515

Fax: 321-259-4752

MELBOURNE BEACH CAMPUS

Telephone: 321-727-1724 E-Mail: info@adventbrevard.org

Web: www.adventbrevard.org

Advent Lutheran Church

7550 N. Wickham Road

Melbourne, FL 32940

AND

1805 Oak Street

Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

The AdvocateThe Advocate March 2017March 2017

STAFF

Senior Pastor: David Jahn

Director of Family Ministry: Rick Funk

Parish Administrator: Carol Stanton

Director of Youth Ministry Stefanie Canjar

Melb. Beach Administrative Asst.:Patty Cooper

Property Manager: Pam Miller

Bookkeeper: Courtney McMahan

Director of Choirs / Organist: Betty Jo Couch

Organists: Lori Jahn & Betsy Stansifer

Accompanist: Cindy Read

Worship Leader / D13 Leader: Lois Koepke

Worship Media & Publications: Cathy Guilford

Suntree Custodian: Pete Jolly

Melbourne Beach Custodian: Don Mitchell

Suntree Preschool Director: Chris Quavillon

Melb. Beach Preschool Director: Deb Hogan

Head Nursery Attendant: Angela Canjar

Wednesday Service: 6:00 pm - The Word - Worship Service with Bible Study

Saturday Service: 5:00 pm - Informal Traditional

Sunday Services: 9:00 am - Contemporary*

11:00 am - Traditional*

Sunday Services: 9:00 am - Traditional

6:00 pm - Contemporary

Worship Services in March 2017Worship Services in March 2017

SUNTREE CAMPUS

MELBOURNE BEACH CAMPUS

Holy Communion is offered at every service.

*Nursery care is available!

MARCH GOSPEL READINGMARCH GOSPEL READINGSS

March 5, 2017

First Sunday in Lent – Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

March 12, 2017

Second Sunday in Lent – John 3:1-17

March 19, 2017

Third Sunday in Lent – John 4:5-42

March 26, 2017

Fourth Sunday in Lent – John 9:1-41

“We are followers of Jesus Christ for the sake of the world.” “We are followers of Jesus Christ for the sake of the world.”