Advent’s accompanist of more than 25 years has retired — and we’re seeking a musician to take his place! The following details are from our recent online ad:
WHO: Pianist for Advent’s worship services
WHAT: A paid accompanist position (digital piano)
WHEN: Position open now. The accompanist is usually needed three Sundays a month at 10:00 a.m., with a substitute available when needed.
WHY: Lutherans sing a lot.
WHO: Write to Evelyn Fogg in the church office via the form on our contact page.
Join us Saturday, September 23 for a daylong celebration of the 500th anniversary of a bold act by a German monk named Martin Luther. In 1517, his stand against the church authorities of the day ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation. As a member church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we here at Advent claim Martin Luther as our founder. He is recognized by all Protestants today as one who took an important and enduring stand against paying our way into God’s graces.
The free festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with a Medieval-Renaissance Children’s Faire. Design your own “fair maiden” hat, knight’s shield, or jewelry. Engage in a little swordplay. “Nail” your own statement of beliefs to our Wittenburg Door. Sample homemade root beer made by the Advent Kids. Enjoy grilled hot dogs and silly 
desserts like a “Diet of Wurms” treat at the food stall. Take a photo with Martin and Katie and some of their contemporaries (including Mr. and Mrs. Magellan and a certain astronomer with pretty wild hair).
Each child attending is invited to “shop” for a free book at the Ye Olde Booke Stall in honor of Martin Luther’s love of books and his contribution to literacy. And everyone is encouraged to stop by the rescue dog meet-and-great area we’re hosting in honor of Martin’s love of dogs. Watch the tails wag as you say hello to local dogs in foster care and learn more about animal rescue, fostering, and adoption.
Prizes will be awarded for best costume of the period — monks, pirates, knights, royalty, jousters, jesters, nuns… We’ve actually heard that a pope may be there! Even your favorite canine can get compete for a prize. Winners in each catagory — adult, child, and dog — will be announced at 1:30 p.m.
Our Traditional Biergarten opens at 2:00 p.m., with German pretzels and Wachusett Brewing Company’s Octoberfest ale available for purchase. Heartier fare will be sold from 4:00-6:30 p.m. (including grilled bratwurst and sides, traditional German desserts homemade by Advent bakers). We will continue offering free hot dogs to kids only until supplies run out.
Robert Leustek, the beloved husband of Advent member Gloria Leustek, died unexpectedly this past Tuesday, August 15. Advent’s congregational family is praying for God’s peace to Gloria and to all touched by this loss, and we are standing ready to support Gloria in the months to come.
A farmer and beekeeper, Robert owned and operated Porcupine Acres LLC in Winchester, N.H., with Gloria – in addition to working at Wiggin Hydroseed Landscaping in Northfield, Mass., and as a fuel-delivery driver during the winter.
Robert epitomized the idea of “civic involvement.”
Advent Lutheran Church invites you to join us next Saturday, April 8, 2017 for Martin’s Table, a free community dinner launching our year-long celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. (Due to the surprise snowstorm, the dinner’s original date of today has been changed.) Homemade soups, stews, chili and breads, plus salads, desserts, and Good Lutheran Coffee will be served from 4:30-6:30 p.m. There might even be a photo op with Martin and the lovely Katarina Luther!
The Advent kids broke ground last Saturday for their new climbing mountain, the first piece of playground equipment to be installed at what they have named their ADVENTurers Park on the West side of the church property. The kids have been raising 100% of the money for the nature-inspired play area for almost two years now.
The playground crew worked all last weekend as well as Tuesday evening to dig the two four-foot holes with concrete footings necessary for the mountain. Another two work days are necessary before the climbing mountain will be installed and ready for play. Follow their progress in the ADVENTurers Park photo gallery!