I understand that back in the late 60’s Advent was faced with an important decision. The idea was born that perhaps this ministry should relocate north of the city of Cedarburg and build a new church facility to accommodate future growth and outreach even as Cedarburg itself was growing.

After much debate a vote was taken and the majority of Advent members decided against such a plan. “We believe God placed us right in the middle of Cedarburg for a reason. The community itself is our parish, and we are here to serve anyone who needs our ministry.” A wise move as it turns out.

Have you taken the time to get to know our neighbors who also decided to stay in the heart of our community? I have. As I walk through the door I am met with an odor that takes me back to my childhood and the neighborhood general store.

I don’t quite know what it is, but I like it. I step on the squeaky hardwood floor that has received the touch of many a shoe over the years. Its color is warm of hue and in spite of its age still firm and strong. I glance up to see three, now four smiling faces that greet me with familiar grace. “Hello Janis, how are you?” The words ring true as if they really care. I know they do. “I’m fine, thanks. Another Baptism to celebrate. What do you have available?”

“Come along,” John Armbruster says as we walk around to the other room. On the shelf are several silver baptism gifts. A car, a helicopter, a merry-go-round. All of the silver piggy banks shimmer in the late afternoon sun. I like the race car best of all and I buy it. I have it engraved with the baby’s name and baptismal date. But I don’t leave the store just yet. We have some conversation to take care of first.

“How’s your father doing John?” And how did the Special Olympics go?” And after several minutes have passed I realize that shopping at Armbruster’s in Cedarburg is so much more than buying something. It is experiencing what has sadly been lost in so many cities across America. Life in this great nation was born and grew within communities. People who respected and cared for one another, and also, when needed, did business with each other.

Our fast-paced modern society has somehow lost this precious gift, exchanged it for the lowest price, the latest bargain. We need to get it back. And if you live in Cedarburg, you are fortunate indeed.

You don’t need to get it back because here you already have it. Recently Beyer’s True Value of Cedarburg planted thousands of American flags throughout our community to remind us of what really makes this nation good. And for the last two winters they provided Advent Lutheran Church with over 900 sleeping bags at cost for the homeless in Milwaukee.

After French writer Alexis de Tocqueville visited America back in 1831, he wrote that he sought the greatness of the United States in its vast beauty, its commerce; rich mines, public school system, democratic Congress and matchless Constitution, and he could not find it there.

Indeed, it was when he visited the churches of America where the citizens gathered for worship, supported each other, respected each other, cared, for each other that he found what makes this country great. In a word, community.
He wrote, “America is great, because America is good.” What makes America good is the way this country grew…small community by small community. Farm by farm with a fierce patriotism that embraces rather than excludes those who are different.

Cedarburg still embodies these core values, and they are yours if you care to participate. Take a walk, stop in and say hello to John Armbruster and his wonderful staff. It will brighten your day!

Hope your summer is both relaxing and rewarding with time to reflect as well as experiencing new adventures.

As always, our love,

Pastor Janis, Aina and our girls.