Church Staff
Ward Misenheimer
704-549-1555 (x101)
My first day at Advent Lutheran was Sunday, November 5, 2006. It was All Saints’ Sunday and I was being installed as the new Associate Pastor for this Lutheran community in the University City of Charlotte. I’d only been ordained for three years and boy was I “green.” In fact, when I decided to go to seminary, I had no plans of being an ordained pastor. My goal was to study New Testament, complete seminary with a master’s degree, and then apply to PhD programs. I had my sights set on teaching at the college level, perhaps at a small Lutheran college like my alma mater, Lenoir-Rhyne.
I never imagined being ordained (I’m sure it was a shock to many others, too!), much less serving as a pastor at Advent for almost 13 years! But, now I can’t imagine being anywhere. This congregation has watched me grow as a pastor and extended much grace to me when I’ve completely dropped the ball. We have celebrated together when goals have been attained. They have loved me in the midst of the ups and downs of life. And I hope that I’ve shared as much grace and love with them as I have experienced.
Advent is not a perfect community, and I’m not a perfect pastor. So, it’s a perfect match! Advent is a real community that’s not afraid to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ by welcoming all people (and the “all” means ALL), walking the difficult paths together, rejoicing in the grace-filled moments together, and reaching out to the community and to the world with tangible signs of God’s love.
There are many wonderful things about being a pastor at Advent; at the top of my list is the people of this community. They have given me the room to grow. They have entrusted themselves to me as the one who has been called to preach, teach, baptize, celebrate Holy Communion, and to stand with them as we grieve the death of those we dearly love. Having given me room to grow, Advent has also encouraged me to stay “green” and to always be ready for what the Holy Spirit will be doing next!
Thanks be to God!
Harriett Easley
704-549-1555 (x 100)
Harriet has worked at Advent Lutheran as the Church Administrator since December of 2018. She is married and has 5 children and 10 grandchildren! Harriet enjoys machine embroidering, sewing, gardening, and computer graphics. She is the go to person here at the church.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always dreamed of being an architect.
What is your favorite place in the world?
At home with my family.
Annette Nolan
Annette has worked at Advent Lutheran Church for over 10 years as the Director of Music Ministries. In her college years, she earned a BA and a Master’s degree in English Literature and Piano Performance. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and even working! She has been married to her husband, John, for over 25 years.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a “star” with a microphone singing before a packed house with a mezzanine tier. Generally, in my mind’s eye I would wear a red organza dress with a glittery sash. My shoes were black patent.
Carol Schierlmann
Carol has worked at Advent Lutheran Church since April 2018 as the Director of Spiritual Development. She has a Master of Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary, a BA in Journalism and an MBA from the University of South Carolina. She loves to cook and share meals and recipes with friends and family. She is married to John and they become empty nesters this fall when their youngest of 4 kids begins college.
Sharon Thrower
704-549-1202
Sharon has worked at Advent Lutheran Church over 17 years as the Preschool Director. She attended Mitchell Community College as well as CPCC’s Early Childhood Development program. Favorite hobby? Shopping! She has been married to her husband, Scott, for over 25 years and has 3 children (Jake, Luke, and Callie}.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Home with all of my family!
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Teacher
Brooke Watson-Summerour
Brooke has worked at Advent Lutheran Church since May of 2018 as the Director of Youth and Milestone Ministries. Before accepting this position, she was a Preschool teacher at Advent for 5 years. She earned a BS in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Brooke enjoys reading historical fiction, traveling, decorating, and cooking. She is married to her husband, Eric, and has three children (Ashley, Peyton, and Bryant). Their family also includes two cats and a dog!
Where is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place in the world is anywhere I can hold a newborn baby. The pure innocence of this tiny human is soul warming.
Jake Thrower
Jake attended Vance High School and has worked at Advent for over 6 years as the Caretaker. The son of Sharon and Scott Thrower, he has two siblings, Callie and Luke.
Jake enjoys drawing, volunteering at church, and watching YouTube videos.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Jake says he is known as the Baby Whisperer
What is your favorite place in the world?
The beach!
Pam Rhynes
Pam began working at Advent Lutheran Church as an Administrative Assistant in January of 2019. She is widowed and the mother of 2 grown children and the grandmother to seven grandchildren! In her time away from Advent, she enjoys reading and traveling.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Caribbean beaches!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I would love the ability to be in 2 places at one time.
SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor Ward Misenheimer
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Chris Cochran
SECRETARY OF COUNCIL
Jennifer Canipe
COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT
Gary Martin
TREASURER
Pam Rhynes
COUNCIL LIAISON PROPERTY
Wayne Miller
COUNCIL LIAISON SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Deloris Bainbridge
COUNCIL LIAISON WORSHIP
Arlene Cash
COUNCIL LIAISON SOCIAL MINISTRY
Toni Hagerman
COUNCIL LIAISON WITNESS
Charlene Bakke
COUNCIL LIAISON YOUTH
Donavan Hankins
COUNCIL LIAISON STEWARDSHIP
Anne Brown
COUNCIL LIAISON NURTURE & FELLOWSHIP
Esther Abdel-Hameed