Advent works hard to ensure that our congregation has the opportunity to grow and develop as caring individuals, especially when it comes to cultural competency and racial equity. This is one of the reasons Scott and Kim Tiesma love Advent.
Kim has positive memories of attending confirmation and helping with VBS at Advent when she was a teenager. Scott began attending Advent with her before they were married. Their kids, Hayden and Laurel, have grown up being involved at church and attend confirmation and church school. Hayden played baby Jesus on Christmas Eve in 2011. Laurel is the only person to “drive” into the church when she drove a battery powered toy car to promote our Road Trip VBS this past summer.
Kim and Scott know it’s important for their kids to volunteer and hope their family serves as a role model for others. Hayden helps the tech team with slides and Laurel likes to help with communion. Both usher and help in the kitchen. Scott shared that there are many rewards when you give of your time. “I wish more people volunteered.”
Because of what is shared during the sermons, the Tiesma family has important discussions about social justice, racial equity and how love is love. They know that this is important for Christians to discuss. They appreciate how Pastor Elizabeth will talk about these topics in her sermons. “You walk away with thoughts you can carry with you through the week,” Kim stated, and Scott added, “We are happy with the stance our church is taking on social justice and racial equity – it’s welcoming and loving to all…we are encouraged to have conversations about love.” Our Minneapolis Synod is focused on social justice and Kim and Scott hope Advent participates more in social justice and racial equity. Their dream is for Advent to become a Reconciled in Christ congregation.
Thank you, people of Advent, for supporting our leaders to discuss important topics and for being willing to grow through difficult conversations.
