Monthly Newsletter from Pastor Dawn
April 2026
Greetings Advent Lutheran Church Family,
We raised a Hosanna last Sunday and this week we celebrate Holy Week and Easter. I pray this season has been nourishing for you. Lent is often not a comfortable time, yet we understand that in the Christian walk pruning is a necessary thing if we are to experience a new blooming of ourselves. Come Sunday, we again expect to experience renewal and a refreshed spiritual walk.
Last month we celebrated a unique and special occasion. We were able to gift the wooden pulpit that sat inside the entry (no longer in use by us). This non-use precedes my arrival and was a decision by the worship/council committees as Advent was creating a “blended” worship style in Fall 2024. A few of you said you “didn’t know this was happening.” I would like to invite you to the monthly Council meetings (after worship, 3rd Sunday) as these meetings are open to everyone in the congregation. Minutes are also posted in the ENews (thanks, Deb!). It was shared that last Fall (2025) the Council overwhelmingly approved the gifting of the pulpit to help start a new (Episcopal) church near Memphis. Turns out, they “love the Lutherans” because a few other churches gifted pews and office equipment.
The Gospel is shared in many ways, and gifting furniture we have outgrown is one way to make a permanent statement in the ministry of Jesus. (And yes, albeit sentimental, it is a piece of furniture. It was collecting dust in our entry which is not respectful, so gifting it brings new life.) There is a letter of giving and receiving attached to this Inkblot Newsletter along with photos (also shared previously in the ENews). I pray you enjoy knowing you were part of this blessed event and that you join in celebrating how Advent participates in the wider Gospel mission of Jesus Christ. It is our Christian walk.
This month, as we begin to slow down, I ask your prayers for our Senior Ministry. Over the years this group has dwindled due to a variety of reasons. It is an imperative that we honor our elders, so I have committed myself to learning more about their needs and desires as faithful members of the Advent family. If you have a desire to serve this population, please reach out to me personally to share your interests. I am working to plan a luncheon (hopefully this month) that will help us jumpstart the energy around this important and long-needed ministry.
Finally, there are 4 open seats on the Council. Please pray about your ability and interest to serve. Talk to a current Council member and read the SOP of each position for more details.
- Open Seat / Contact: Exec Secretary (Catherine Burnette)
- Open Seat / Contact: Joanne Jobe (Worship Committee)
- Open Seat / Contact: Faith Formation (Pastor Dawn)
- Open Seat / Contact: Youth/Young Adult (Keila Wegmeyer)
Advent’s Council is not a bore or a chore. We have revitalized and worked hard to organize (Thanks, Tim!). We cannot do this work alone. Open seats cause the rest of us to guess at what you desire.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Dawn
