An Announcement from Julie Hagen (May 16, 2012)

After lots of prayer and with mixed feelings I want to inform you that I will be leaving Advent Lutheran Church as of June 14 th to pursue an opportunity at a congregation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This has been a difficult decision because I have such a deep love and gratitude for the many friends and families that have been a part of my life here in New York City over the past 6 years.

How can I put into words the blessings I've received and the memories, joys, and challenges we have walked through together? It seems like just yesterday this small town Minnesotan, fresh out of Seminary, began working in the Big Apple. I will never forget how quickly I was welcomed into the Advent family. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry and your work in raising children in the Christian faith. Together we are the body of Christ and I give God thanks for the opportunity to walk with your families as we support and encourage one another. I want to thank the teachers, staff, and volunteers who have graciously shared their time, love, and talents. From singing the Hippo Song during Sunday school, Advent Festivals to Easter breakfasts, wild Middle School Nights and high school mission trips, I can confidently say that God is alive and at work in the lives of children, youth, and families. We have come a long way and I know you will move forward, continuing to be involved, and be welcoming of others who will serve as leaders in this ministry.

I especially want to thank Pastor Brown for her incredible leadership and guidance. It has been a blessing to be part of the staff and a member of a congregation that confidently looks outwards. My prayer is that you keep welcoming young people into your midst. Get to know them, listen to their stories, let them share their gifts and most importantly, pray for them.

Advent will always have a special place in my heart. I am sad to say good bye but I am excited about the next chapter in my life. I hope to share all of these blessings with my new congregation and I am, above all, confident that God is and will continue to do amazing things here at Advent.

God's Blessings, Julie Hagen

The Advent Sunday School meets every Sunday from 10 to 10:50am in the downstairs fellowship hall for all children ages 3-9.

Each Sunday we present the Bible story through drama, art, music, cooking, movie, and active play. We focus on the Gospel - what God is doing in and through us - and we teach that all we do in Jesus' name, we do with the courage, strength and love of Jesus. We emphasize grace and forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice on the cross and a life of service and community based on Christ's teachings.

Young people in Grades 4-6 are welcome to join us in the loft from 10-10:50 on Sunday mornings as we explore Scripture and our faith through creative games, movies, music and interactive bible studies.

Parents are welcome to join the Adult Education class which also gathers in the church basement from 10-10:50am.

Young people enrolled in Grades 7-8 are welcome to join us in the Conference Room on Sunday mornings from 10-10:50. Each week is a different topic to help us learn and discuss important issues in the world today

Parents are welcome to join the Adult Education class which also gathers in the church basement from 10-10:50am.

Bible Explorers

Bible Explorers is Advent's after-school Christian education ministry with children and families. We meet on Wednesdays from, 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. (All children ages 3 through 8 are welcome. Children discover the meaning of Bible stories through active lessons, grow in friendships and develop a deeper relationship with Jesus.

The suggested donation for the spring session of Bible Explorers is $250.

Please download a registration form here and return it to the church office or contact Julie Hagen for more information: julie@adventnyc.org.

Advent's Confirmation program is for youth ages 12 and up. It is a time of faith formation that allows baptized young people to explore what it means to be a Christian. Confirmation is a historic part of the Lutheran tradition. Advent's program consists of classes at church where we explore the Old Testament, New Testament and Lutheran traditions, community visits, social gatherings and a week of Confirmation Camp in the summer at Camp Koinonia in Highland Lake, New York.

If you are interested in registering your son or daughter for the Confirmation program at Advent, please download the information and registration form here and return it to the church office or contact Julie Hagen at julie@adventnyc.org with questions.

Advent's Middle School Ministry is for all young people in Grades 6-8. We meet one Friday a month from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Advent's Youth Group is a lively and dynamic group of teens who are exploring their faith together through study, service, fellowship and fun. They meet regularly to talk about the big issues, make regular mission trips in service to others (most recently to Pittsburgh, PA and Burlington VT). We have worked with the Pittsburgh Project, Ronald McDonald House, World Vision, Habitat for Humanity and are regular contributors to Advent's worship life.

Our Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries is Julie Hagen. She grew up in Minnesota and completed her undergraduate degree at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She recently received her Masters of Arts in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and while at Seminary, also became an Associate in Ministry and is now a Rostered member (Associate in Ministry) of the ELCA.

Julie has a passion for working with young people and exploring how the church interacts in our world today. She has served in congregations in Fargo, North Dakota and Forest Lake, Minnesota. Julie is excited to join the Advent community and is looking forward to getting to know all of the families at Advent. In her free time Julie enjoys music, running, being outdoors, watching sports, a good book and the theatre.

You may contact Julie Hagen at julie@adventnyc.org or 212.665.2504.