What to expect when you visit Advent

ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

“With joy and thanksgiving we commit Advent Lutheran Church to be the Welcome Place, where through God's Grace, we Gather, Forgive, Grow, and Care."

WELCOME TO ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

Visitors are Welcome!
What to expect when you visit Advent on Wednesday Evening

Since visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating, we've put together the following information that we hope will answer your questions and reduce any anxiety that you may have about what to expect when you visit Advent. To learn more, just browse around the rest of the site, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.


	Getting Situated You can check out our map for directions before you head out Wednesday evening, and once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including handicapped spaces in front of the church and the Friendship Hall. Both buildings are fully wheelchair-accessible. During the school year, activities begin in the Friendship Hall and move to the church. During the summer, worship takes place in the church.

	What happens on Wednesday Nights? During the school year we meet at 5:30 for dinner in the Friendship Hall (off the top parking lot, the two story building to the right of the church). A free will offering basket is available. At 6:15 we break out into classes for all ages (notice our cow theme). Wee K.O.W.s (Kids on Wednesday): Grade KG & Under gather for stories, songs, games and crafts Happy K.O.W.s : Grades 1 - 6 gather for Hands On games, crafts and cooking OR Moosical K.O.W.s: structured music curriculum including music reading skills, rhythm, piano keyboard awareness (not piano lessons), and vocal development Holy C.O.W. (Confirmation on Wednesday): The 7th and 8th graders meet for Confirmation preparation The Bullpen : The High School Youth gather for a variety of informal activities ranging from informal games to light discussion and Bible studies. The Pasture: The Adults meet for workshops and Bible Studies At 7:00 we all head to the church for a family friendly, contemporary worship with a band, communion and a message to help in everyday life. (The worship changes pace during Advent and Lent.) The choir practices from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. During the summer we meet at 7:00 for W.O.W. (Worship on Wednesday) a family friendly, contemporary worship with a band, communion and a message to help in everyday life. After worship we enjoy dessert on the patio (or in the air conditioned Narthex or lobby).

	What should I wear? Dress is casual on Wednesdays! Kids come in what they've worn to school and adults come in whatever they happened to be wearing to work or at home.

	What about the offering? After the prayers you may come forward to place your offering in the offering basket. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the basket, though you are welcome to if you like. You may fill out one of our information cards, found in the pews, and place it in the basket, if you would like us to contact you with more information.

	Will I be able to follow along with the service? Each service consists of songs, a Bible reading, a message, prayers, offering, communion and more songs. All of the words to the songs are projected on our screens - no bulletins or hymnals to hold!

	Can I take Communion, and how does it work? We have an open table fellowship at Advent. All Christians are welcome to commune believing in the real presence of Jesus Christ in, with, and under the elements of bread and wine/grape juice. Those not communing are invited to come forward for a blessing (please fold your hands across your chest to indicate your desire for a blessing). After the pastor prepares the table, the assistants come forward. If you choose to participate, join the lines in the center isle whenever you are ready. When you reach the front, there will be communion by intinction. The pastor will hand you a piece of bread and say "The body of Christ, given for you." Take the bread and dip it in a chalice. The communion assistant will say, "the blood of Christ, shed for you." The blue chalice contains wine; the white chalice marked with a cross pendant contains grape juice.