Voices of Faith
Advent Lutheran Church Marks 100 Years with Music and Reflection
Event Details Provided By George Freestone from Advent, West Lawn
In 2025, Advent Lutheran Church in West Lawn is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a congregation. To begin this yearlong commemoration, Advent hosted the Kutztown University Choral Program on March 9th for the first of three special concerts planned throughout the year. This remarkable concert marked the beginning of a milestone celebration for the church, which has faithfully served the community for a century.
The evening was filled with the extraordinary talents of the Kutztown University Choral Program, whose voices filled the sanctuary with breathtaking harmonies. The performance not only showcased the technical brilliance of the singers but also highlighted the deep emotional resonance that made this concert a moment of spiritual reflection. The concert was a visual and auditory feast, with a special 100-year anniversary banner on display in the sanctuary, creating a fitting backdrop for the event.
The presence of God was particularly felt in the beauty of the choral voices, which allowed those in attendance to experience divine beauty and grace through music. For many, this event offered an opportunity to reflect on how God's presence has been felt throughout Advent’s 100 years of worship and service. It also prompted reflections on the challenges the church will face in the coming years, including the declining membership, the need to engage younger generations, and the financial challenges many congregations are grappling with.
However, despite these challenges, the concert provided a moment of hope, offering all who attended the uplifting effects of spectacular music. The event became more than just a concert; it was a sacred gathering that fostered community and connection. Conversations between attendees, musicians, and church members were filled with expressions of gratitude and reflection.
For those present, it was a chance to connect deeply with one another, with the music, and with the church's history, as well as a reminder of the importance of continuing to build a thriving faith community for the next 100 years.
This concert allowed members and guests to reflect on the successes of the past and encouraged them to keep focused on what needs to be done for a vibrant future. As the final notes of the performance faded, the congregation left the event with renewed energy, ready to face the next chapter of Advent Lutheran Church’s century-long journey.
For those who were unable to attend, a collection of video clips from the concert, authorized for sharing by the KU Choral Program Director, is available on YouTube here.
Thank you, Advent Lutheran Church, for your story
Advent, West Lawn
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