Rev. 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. Contact Pastor Joel at prjoel@alctx.org
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Rev. Marc Hander, 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 prior to Advent served as Pastor in Greenville, TX. Marc enjoys music 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 2008. Contact Pastor Marc at prmarc@alctx.org
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Noralyn Carpenter, Director of Music Ministries
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 here in the DFW metroplex. Noralyn has been a full time church musician since 1983 and has been serving at Advent since 1999. Contact Noralyn at noralyn@alctx.org
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Director of Children & Family Ministries
Aaron, born and raised in Texas around the DFW area, joined our staff in March 2011. He has been involved with the Lutheran Youth Organization for many years. He is also the founding member of the LYO Band “Scattered Seeds,” in which he plays drums, sings, and is attempting to learn the guitar. He is a bit of a technophile, and has an odd thing for gnomes (check his office for proof). Contact Aaron at aaron@alctx.org.
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Thane McCann, Director of Youth Ministries
Thane is a “child” of Advent and has been on staff since 2008 serving as part-time Director of Youth Ministries. Contact Thane at thane@alctx.org.
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- Adeline Brewer, Contemporary Music Minister
Adeline holds a Master of Music in Composition and Piano Pedagogy at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and completed my Master Certification in Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. She is a member of Fort Worth and Arlington Piano Teacher Association and CWWW published composer. Besides serving as part-time associate music minister position at Advent, she teaches private piano lessons. Contact Adeline at chiengyinling@hotmail.com
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- Carol Kocher, Organist
Carol has been the Parish 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.
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Lynn Courtney, Director of Finance & Facilities
Lynn has been a member of Advent since 1989 and 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
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Joyce Rearick, Financial Secretary
Joyce and her husband have been members or Advent since 1986. Joyce has served Advent as Financial Secretary since 1990. Originally from Chicago she has been in Texas since 1966. Son Alfred and family are also members of Advent.
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Terry Mader, Office Manager
Terry has been an Arlington resident since 1988 and serves Advent as Office Manager. Terry was raised as a military brat, and 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
Noralyn Carpenter, Dir. of Worship & Music
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 here 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 student at the Texas A&M School of Medicine. Contact Noralyn at noralyn@alctx.org
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Adeline Brewer, Contemporary Worship Leader
Adeline is the newest member of the staff. Born in Malaysia, she has lived in the United States since 1998. She and husband, Jeremy, are talented musicians who have added much to our music program.
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