Pastor’s Message

In today’s world, we face despair, war, hate, revenge and disappointment. Yet, with God, there is joy, peace, love, forgiveness and hope. The congregation of Advent Lutheran Church exists to worship, invite, nurture and serve. By gathering for worship and service, we respond to the challenges of today’s world, providing a community for people to share the joys and sorrows of life. Children and adults grow at Advent, experiencing God’s love as they learn and live out a purpose for their lives in God’s good creation. Together, we are able to accomplish far more than we could alone. We are a positive force in strengthening individuals and families as well as our community. Come share the Spirit at Advent, where all are truly welcome. Discover or rediscover your God-given gifts and abilities. Hear the promise of God’s love again or for the very first time and experience a truly loving and nurturing community of faith. Why do people go to church? I invite you to come to Advent and find out.

I am an active member of the West Chester Rotary, reading at Penn Wood Elementary School every second week. I also greatly enjoy serving as one of two volunteer chaplains for the Westown-East Goshen Regional Police Department.

I grew up in Brookhaven, PA, and graduated cum laude from Drexel University, Philadelphia with a dual degree in finance and economics, after participating in co-op employment with Cigna Insurance Company and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Before serving Advent, I served St. Mark Lutheran in Clifton Heights, PA for nearly 17 years. I enjoy gardening, travel, sports, and I am hosting my 17th exchange student in the fall of 2024 as he attends his Junior year at Rustin High School.

P.S.  To "join" Advent as a member, simply worship here at least once, in person or online.  Have a discussion or meeting with me.  During worship you will be asked to make a shared profession of faith using the Apostle's Creed.  Membership at Advent is a great way to continue your faith journey as part of the body of Christ here.  Jesus did not require his first century followers to go to classes to join him and neither do we!

Christopher J. Franz, Pastor