The heavy rain and wind should’ve put a damper on Advent’s Community Picnic this past summer, but to Kevin and Linda Meissner, it just showed how fun, welcoming and committed to service the people of Advent are.
Linda and Kevin had attended a large church with Kevin’s brother and his wife for years in Eden Prairie. When COVID hit, they began watching services online but knew they were missing the fellowship of attending in person. This past January, Linda made a new year’s resolution to find a new church closer to their home in Osseo.
Linda and Kevin’s son suggested they try Advent. Their son has been attending AA meetings at Advent for years, and through interactions with Ted and other members, their son thought they would enjoy it. The first Sunday they attended, Pastor Elizabeth personally welcomed them both. They noticed the Spirit of God was solid in the message and with the people.
Both Kevin and Linda come from very musical families and having good music is very important to them. Kevin and his 4 brothers would all sing tenor together, and many of them made careers in music. Linda’s dad was a pastor, and her mom would play piano in the churches where he served. After Advent’s inspiring Easter service, they met choir members during fellowship time who encouraged them to join the choir. They had not been in a choir since they sang in the Bethel College Choir in 1976. Colette and the choir members have made them feel right at home. It is important to serve, and Linda shared over that being involved in the music at Advent has given her the opportunity to live out her parents’ legacy.
“We never felt plugged in when we attended a mega church,” Kevin shared. “People at Advent want to know who you are.” He found singing with the children’s choir extremely moving and special. They really enjoy the inter-generational opportunities here and that life experiences are being taught. Linda added, “This is the kind of church I’ve been looking for all my adult life! It teaches the Word of God, cares about the world and what’s going on in it.”
The verse from Psalms “The earth is full of your love, oh Lord” is a favorite of the Meissners. They love to hike and see God’s handiwork and enjoy looking for the good things in life with people they love. Advent values connecting with our local community, and that is possible through your generosity. Thank you for being an important part of this ministry.
