Our Ministries

Cleaning Ministry

The Cleaning Ministry is responsible for the interior cleanliness of Advent. Although the ministry operates “behind the scenes,” the evidence of service is clearly seen by those who enter the church. These dedicated volunteers can be found every Saturday at 12noon. Please feel free to join with them and/or offer heartfelt thanks to them for all that they do in keeping Advent clean.

Chairperson: Chynia Dickerson

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Dance and Sign Ministry

The Dance and Sign Ministry exists to bring people closer to God through the physical demonstration of a spiritual connection, discipline and appreciation of dance and sign interpretation. The Dance and Sign Ministry is open to everyone ages four and older. Although experience is not required, the ministry welcomes those who have a genuine desire to minister to God in this expression of art and to show that there are multiple ways to please God. Dance and Sign meets on Thursdays at 7pm.

Chairperson: Robyn Robinson

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Fruits of E.S.T.H.E.R.

Fruits of E.S.T.H.E.R. is Advent’s Women’s Ministry. Although the acronym E.S.T.H.E.R. can be viewed as a tribute to an ancient biblical character, this acronym is inspired by Psalm 68:11:
Encouraging
Strengthening
Teaching
Helping
Empowering and
Reaching women
Fruits of E.S.T.H.E.R. meets twice every month on the first and third Mondays at 7:30pm.

Chairperson: Dr. Cynthia Tyson
Co-Chairperson: Davida Haywood

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Health and Wellness Ministry

The Health and Wellness Ministry is charged with promoting the awareness of health issues that plague the African American community. Current initiatives for accomplishing this task is through the Health Corner, a section in the Written Word Bookstore, dedicated to providing written materials on pertinent health topics for our community and the 2009 release of the Health and Wellness Cookbook. Interested persons should contact the Chair for meeting dates and times.

Chairperson: Jennifer St. Clair

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Marketing Ministry

The Marketing Ministry exists to generate ideas, identify resources and develop strategies to promote the mission of Advent and the vision of the Senior Pastor. Current initiatives include:
• Creating a new tagline for Advent’s marketing: “Where Love IS the Difference;”
• Redesigning and launching Advent’s website;
• Creating a MySpace page for Advent;
• Designing and printing “hot cards” for advertising and
• Audio taping Bible studies for future podcasting
Interested persons should contact the Chair for meeting dates and times.

Chairperson: Deneen Day

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Media Ministry

The Media Ministry is responsible for:
• Setting up the many microphones for use in all services;
• Making sure that all equipment is on and functioning properly;
• Operating the sound board to get optimal sound quality;
• Audio recording sermons and Bible studies;
• Preparing recorded sermons for radio broadcasts;
• Processing the purchases of recordings and
• Keeping an accurate account of all revenues and expenditures relating to the purchase of services and sales of recordings.
The amazing people that work in this ministry welcome all interested persons. Contact the Chair for meeting dates and times.

Chairperson: Dana Scarlett

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Men's Ministry

Advent’s Men’s Ministry exists to provide leadership, support and encouragement to men and older teenaged males. In addition to conducting their own Bible Study, these amazing men take care of the church’s exterior and grounds. The men of Advent invite all interested men to come and join them as they seek to become more visible and viable at Advent. Contact the Chair for meeting dates and times.

Chairperson: Demetrius Al-lateef

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Music Ministry

Along with the inspired preaching of Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith, Advent’s music ministry is the lifeblood of the church. Anchored by the award-winning Voices of Advent, our dynamic choir, the music of Advent ushers the congregation into the presence of God through worship and edifies the worshippers through praise. Unlike some award-winning choirs that require auditions for participation, the Voices of Advent accepts all singers and relies on the Spirit of God to make the difference where raw talent is lacking. Interested singers and musicians are invited to join them on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. 

Minister of Music: Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith

Musicians: Reyguel Nious, Band Leader and Keyboardist; Charles Vann, Guitarist; Hildred “PJ” Perry, Drummer.

Voices of Advent: Dr. Judy Alston, Choir Director; Diane Gordon, Choir President.

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Outreach

Holiday Baskets: For more than 17 years, Advent has fed 100 families through the gift of holiday baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Complete with a large turkey and all the trimmings, this ministry continues to demonstrate the love of God to those families it serves. Gift certificates and non-perishable food items may be donated at any time for this very worthy cause.

Chairperson: Mable Williams

Sandwich Makers: is Advent’s ministry to the homeless. Self-supported by the “faithful few,” this group of six people meets every fourth Saturday morning of the month to cook and serve a hot breakfast to the transient population at Friends of the Homeless. Interested persons should contact the Chair for meeting dates and times.

Chairperson: Deacon Romona Hurt

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Social Justice

The ministry of Social Justice is designed to go outside the walls of Advent to address societal ills and give voice to those who have no voice. Partnered with BREAD (Building Responsibility, Equity and Dignity), the ministry of Social Justice worked to:
• pass legislation that brought an end to the exorbitant interest rates of payday lenders and
• establish and increase the number of community drug courts, effectively keeping many men and women from prison by sending them to rehabilitation facilities.
Other initiatives include advocating for safer communities by addressing the youth crime problem during the hours of 3pm and 7pm. Interested persons may contact the Chair for meeting dates and times.

Chairperson: Joycelyn Henderson
Co-Chairperson: Pastor Susan K. Smith

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Ujaama

Ujaama is Advent’s ministry to increase the church’s “streams of revenue” by creating innovative ways to raise funds. Like most churches, Advent is financially dependent upon the generosity of its congregants. Ujaama exists to lessen the financial burden and provide the needed revenue for Advent to continue its mission to reach out to the “least of these.”

Chairperson:

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Usher Board

The Usher Board is charged with greeting and welcoming everyone that enters the doors of Advent. In addition to serving on Sunday mornings, ushers also serve at special events and functions. Examples of special events and functions include, but are not limited to: concerts, revivals and funerals. As the first faces of Advent, these “doorkeepers” have a simple goal: to share the love of God with everyone that enters the doors. Please contact the Chair for meeting dates and times if interested in becoming a part of this very important ministry.

Chairperson: Lillie Lindsay

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Whosoever Ministry

The Whosoever Ministry is Advent’s ministry to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) populations, their families and friends (allies). Whosoever exists to:
• Provide a safe and sacred space for LGBT Christians to claim or reclaim and grow their relationships with God and
• Embolden LGBT people and their allies to create opportunities to work for justice and equality within the church and society.
All are welcome to attend the monthly meetings of this dynamic ministry, held on the third Saturdays of every month at 10:00am.

Chairperson: Dr. Judy Alston

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Youth Ministry

Officially part of Christian Education, the Youth Ministry is designed to meet the needs of Advent’s youth and young adult populations, ages 12-25. Currently in reorganization meetings, the advisors and liaisons envision a ministry that is dynamic and effective and working hard to make plans to implement their vision. Interested persons are invited to join the leaders on the first Thursdays of the month at 7pm.

Liaisons: Pastor Susan K. Smith and Dr. Cynthia Tyson

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