Monthly Newsletter from Pastor Dawn
October 2026
Greetings Advent Lutheran Church Family,
Congratulations Church! We are officially a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. If you
have not seen the certificate hanging in the Narthex, take a gander as you enter/exit the glass doors. And
thank you to Evelyn Hofferth for the lovely artwork that accompanies.
I have noticed the weather is cooling down (finally!) Yet, as I look around the parish, we are still
forging ahead with a heat as we grow and expand our ministries and outreach. A huge thank you to you
who supported our female students at Hobgood Elementary school. This partnership has been so
lifegiving for the students and faculty at the school and I hope you are enjoying the opportunity to
support this great group of folks doing the Lord’s work in a different way. Be on the lookout for your
next opportunity as we begin the transition to collecting hats, gloves, and mittens for the students. I
expect this will be a welcomed gift as Tennessee prepares for what is expected to be a colder and wetter
winter than usual.
As Autumn approaches, you may want to know early, that we have moved our Fall Festival to a
Spring Fling. Fret not, there will be plenty to be involved in that will provide ways to enjoy life here at
Advent. One thing you may have missed: I have begun teaching Adult Sunday School the last week of
the month. I hope you’ll consider staying; I began this teaching at the request of the Adults of the church
(hint! hint!).
Finally, we have about six weeks left in the season of Pentecost, the time of the Church when the
Spirit is most active in new growth. As we begin Q4 and look toward the end of 2026, I invite you to
take a look around your life and take an inventory of this season of your spiritual growth.
Are there things still on your faith bucket list? Have you accomplished some of what you hoped
for? Are there still things you would like to tend to? Now is the time. There is no time like the present to
call on God’s name (however it is that you call “God”) and come into a deeper partnership with the
sacred within you, around you, and that which awaits you.
Beloveds, you are a special bunch of folks. I hope you know that. I sure do.
Be good to yourselves this month, and find at least one other person to be good to. It brings on
joy and helps prepare you for the season of Advent, arriving soon.
Stay in touch and if you have any questions or want to chat or visit, c’mon over.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Dawn