Our Staff
Pastor Joel Burkholder, Senior Pastor
Joel graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI after attending a Mennonite school for two years in his home state of Indiana. Joel played professional tennis for a short time before coming to his senses and answering his call to ministry. Joel has a master’s degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and is presently finishing a doctorate from Princeton University. Joel has served congregations in Illinois, California and Texas. He and his wife, Nicole, who is a para-legal for a large Dallas based law firm, are the proud parents of Caleb and Bear, the family dog. Joel began the Call to Advent in November 2005.
Contact Pastor Joel at prjoel@alctx.org or click on his picture.
Pastor Marc Hander, Education & Evangelism Pastor
Marc is native Texan and a graduate of Texas Lutheran University (Seguin, TX) and Luther Seminary (St. Paul, MN). He served as Youth Director prior to seminary and most recently served as Pastor in Greenville, TX. Marc plays piano and guitar, and enjoys singing and health awareness, as well he has served in various capacities with Habitat for Humanity in Texas. With his wife (Jerilyn, a Washington State native) and three children (Gabriel, Selah, and Levi), Marc cherishes family time and adventures. Marc began the Call to Advent as Pastor of Evangelism and Education in August 2009.
Contact Pastor Marc at prmarc@alctx.org or click on his picture.
Noralyn Carpenter, Worship & Music Minister
Noralyn has music degrees from the University of North Texas (BM Ed) and Sam Houston State (M.M.) as well as long term continuing education at Perkins School of Theology. Noralyn grew up in the DFW metroplex. Noralyn has been a full time church musician since 1983 and at Advent since 1999. She is the proud mother of Susanne, who is a resident in general surgery.
Contact Noralyn at noralyn@alctx.org or click on her picture.
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Lynn Courtney, Finance & Facilities Minister
Lynn has been a member of Advent since 1989 and has been on the staff since 1997. Originally from the mid-west she has lived in Arlington since 1978. Lynn and her husband Doug are the proud parents of Chris, Jenn and Drew. The family is rounded out by the true rulers of the household, Holly and Buddy, their two beagles.
Contact Lynn at lynn@alctx.org or click on her picture.
Donetta Ludwick, Small Groups & Volunteers Minister
Donetta has a passionate spirit for Jesus and for all to believe and followhim! Donetta’s key phrase: “No pew sitters!”
Contact Donetta at donetta@alctx.org or click on her picture.
Terry Mader, Office Manager
Terry has been an Arlington resident since 1990. Raised as a military brat, she has traveled extensively. Terry attended Northern Arizona University. In her spare time, Terry is very active with animal rescue.
Contact Terry at terry@alctx.org or click on her picture.
Carol Kocher, Organist
Carol has been the Advent’s Organist since 1989. She has been a Lutheran church organist since she was 16. Originally from Pennsylvania, but she has lived in many parts of the country. Carol has 3 sons and 8 grandchildren.
Contact Carol through the church office: adventlc@alctx.org
Adeline Brewer, Contemporary Worship & Music Minister
Born in Malaysia, Adeline has lived in the United States since 1998. Adeline has a Master of Music in Composition and Piano Pedagogy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth TX. She also holds a Master Certification in Producing from Berklee School of Music, Boston. Besides working at Advent she teaches in her private piano studio. She and husband, Jeremy, are talented musicians who have added much to our music program.
Contact Adeline at chiengyinling@hotmail.com or click on her picture.
Thane McCann, Interim Youth Director
A “child of the congregation” and a dedicated disciple with our youth ministry and Mexico mission trips, Thane has served as Advent’s Interim Youth Director since March 2009.
Contact Thane at thane@alctx.org or click on his picture.