Merger Unites Two Brevard Lutheran Churches

By  //  May 1, 2013

Suntree, Melbourne Beach Parishioners Combine

BREVARD COUNTY • SUNTREE, FLORIDA – Two Lutheran churches on the Space Coast are uniting to better serve parishioners . 

David Jahn is the pastor for Advent Lutheran Church in Suntree which will merge with Grace Lutheran Church in Melbourne Beach on July 1, becoming one congregation in two locations. (Image courtesy of Buzz Biz Public Relations)
David Jahn is the pastor for Advent Lutheran Church in Suntree which will merge with Grace Lutheran Church in Melbourne Beach on July 1, becoming one congregation in two locations. (Image courtesy of Buzz Biz Public Relations)

Advent Lutheran Church in Suntree and Grace Lutheran Church in Melbourne Beach will merge their resources to become a single church July 1.

The two Lutheran churches hope to benefit from economies of scale through operational efficiencies, officially becoming one congregation in two locations.

The church at 7550 North Wickham Road will continue to be led by Sr. Pastor David Jahn.

Incoming Associate Pastor Marie Duquette will be the primary pastoral presence at the Melbourne Beach church at 1805 Oak Street.

Pastor David Jahn explains the decision to bring the churches together.

“Advent and Grace have had a long history together,” said Jahn. “When Advent was first getting started, Grace was the much larger, thriving congregation and was a great help to Advent in the beginning of its ministry.”

Changing economic times and population shifts proved too difficult for Grace to weather, however.

With no paid staff and few financial resources to help turn things around, Grace Lutheran representatives met with David Jahn to discuss remedies.

He suggested a possible merger to take advantage of efficiencies.

Since then, the congregations of both churches have voted overwhelmingly for the union.

“When merged with Advent, Grace will have a full staff and significant financial resources,” Jahn said. “And with the addition of Pastor Marie this summer, Grace will again become a thriving outpost for mission and a strong witness to the Gospel. I am very fired up about what God is doing in our midst.”

For more information, visit www.AdventSuntree.com or call 321-259-8515.