Both Mike and Laurie Johnson attended/belonged to Lutheran churches as children and later as a married couple. Their family grew after they adopted a son and daughter from Korea. When their kids were in middle school, they started attending the Korean Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn Center. Laurie said worshipping at the Korean Church was a great experience! They met lovely people and it was interesting to be in the minority. The first service every Sunday was spoken in Korean and the second service was spoken in English. Mike recalled that there was only one service on Christmas. He said it was interesting to hear the Christmas hymns sung in English and Korean languages at the same time.
When Mike and Laurie’s children had finished school and were no longer living at home with them, they decided to again find a Lutheran church. Laurie visited Advent several times and when Mike’s work schedule permitted, he joined her. Laurie especially appreciated Pastor Tim’s sermons and attended Bible study. They worshipped at Advent about five years before seeking membership. Both Laurie and Mike joined the Blue Worship Support Team and have been faithful ushers ever since. Mike is currently also a member of the church council. His work on the council has provided him insight into the programs at Advent.
Laurie senses a wonderful feeling of community at Advent. She has become acquainted with people by serving as an usher on the Blue Worship Support Team. She enjoys the fellowship time after worship and said it is a great opportunity to visit with people she hasn’t previously known. Before the Covid pandemic, Mike and Laurie were members of the Advent Dining Group. They said being part of that dining group was a good way to meet people, as the members of the groups alternated every month. They are hoping the dining groups will be restarted. The consistency of the Christmas and Easter services bring back good memories and feelings for Laurie and she enjoys when her son and daughter join Mike and her for worship during the holidays.
We appreciate all of our volunteers who help build community here at Advent and we are always looking for more people, of all ages, to get involved! If you are interested in organizing a new dining group, please talk with Betsy Cardinal.
