CHURCH COUNCIL

The group that oversees the ministry of the congregation in-between Advent's Annual Meetings (in early June). The Church Council consists of the pastor and 6-8 members who oversee all aspects of the congregation’s ministry (including finances, maintenance, administration, worship, safety, etc.). Meetings typically last between 1 ½ and 2 hours.  Unless stated otherwise, Church Council meetings are open to the public. 

WORSHIP & MUSIC

A group that reviews and coordinates the worship and music ministries of the congregation. The meetings are attended by the committee chairperson, pastor, music director, representatives of the praise band, altar guild, greeters, ushers, etc. Meeting minutes are being shared with all members of the committee right after the end of the meeting.  Committee meetings are open to the public. 

ALTAR GUILD

The Altar Guild is organized in teams, led by a team captain.  Each team is responsible for setting the altar for Holy Communion and picking the appropriate paraments for the Sunday.

USHERS

The Usher Ministry oversees the physical and safety aspects of the congregation during worship services - handing out bulletins, directing people to the worship space, guiding the worship participants during communion, and attending to potential safety, health, and security issues on Sunday mornings and other worship events.  The usher ministry also conducts an annual safety drill during worship.

EDUCATION & YOUTH

Individuals in the congregation who are passionate about the intergenerational and educational activities of the congregation. During the group's monthly meetings, educational and fun activities are being planned and special worship projects discussed. Christian Ed/Youth Committee meetings are open to the public. The Committee tends to meet via Zoom. 

OUTREACH & EVANGELISM

The Outreach Coordinator acts as liaison between the Church Council and the various outreach social ministries of the congregation.

The Evangelism Committee oversees the public witness and marketing efforts of the congregation.

ADVENT H.A.R.T.

Acts as liaison between the Board of Citrus Heights HART (Homeless Assistance Resource Team) and the congregation. Leaders of the group organize the annual Winter Sanctuary at Advent and sponsor other events.

MATIMBA PARISH, RWANDA

A group of Advent members who stay in touch with the pastor of our  sister congregation, Matimba Parish, in North-East Rwanda, near the border with Tanzania.  Our sister congregation was founded in 2007. It is located in Matimba, a trading center with a main road from Kigali to the Ugandan border.   Currently, Matimba Parish is served by Pastor George Twesigye. Pastor George and his wife have are the adoptive parents of 3 orphans (Mugarura Geoffrey, Murungi Justin, and Mwebaze William).

FINANCE

Oversees the financial business of the congregation. Meetings are attended by the Finance Committee chairperson, Treasurer, bookkeeper, Financial Secretary, Church Council President, and pastor. While Finance Committee meetings are open to the public, it is recommended that you contact the Chair of the Finance Committee prior to the meeting you wish to attend. These days, the Committee tends to meet via Zoom. 

PROPERTY

A groups that attends to the property needs of the congregation - inventory, repairs, maintenance contracts, etc.  On a weekly basis, minor repairs and maintenance is carried out by the "Tuesday Crew," a group of guys who fix things around the Advent campus, both indoors and outdoors. Past projects have included lawn mowing, weeding, sprinkler repairs, light fixture maintenance, pressure washing, or minor plumbing repairs.  For repair or maintenance projects that exceed their expertise, the group solicits bids from outside vendors.  Most weeks, the group socializes over coffee, donuts, and lunch.

ENDOWMENT FUND

Oversees the congregation’s Endowment Fund is being conducted (monitoring of contributions and investments, discussion of grant applications, etc.). The meetings are attended by the five elected members of the committee, the Church Council President, and the pastor. While Endowment Fund Committee meetings are open to the public, it is recommended that you contact the committee chairperson prior to the meeting you hope to attend. 

AUDIT

Audits Advent's finances, policies, 

and procedures annually.

WOMEN OF ADVENT (WELCA)

The "Women of Advent," Advent's branch of the Women of the ELCA (WELCA) sponsors a monthly Bible Study, social events, and service projects.

FELLOWSHIP

Advent’s largest committee, the Fellowship Committee sponsors picnics, barbeques, breakfasts, games, and the receptions after memorial services. Their meetings typically take place at a local pizza parlor with the option to eat and socialize before the business part of the meeting.

PERSONNEL

A committee convened only if and when the congregation is recruiting staff or when staff evaluations need to be conducted.

NOMINATING

An elected committee that recruits members for leadership position suitable to their gifts and the needs of the congregation.