Leadership & Staff |

Pastor John Fiene

(Retired 5/31/2018) The Rev. Dr. John Fiene is a graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary (CTS) in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was ordained in the Office of the Ministry in 1980. After serving congregations in Minnesota, Utah and Connecticut, he was called to be the pastor/mission developer of Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church (originally named “Zionsville Lutheran Mission”) in 1993. He has served in various capacities within the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod – most recently as Vice President of the Indiana District

Raised in Minnesota and Colorado, Pastor Fiene did his undergraduate studies at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota and Arizona State University. He has done post-graduate work at the University of Utah, Fordham University and Concordia Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity and Masters of Sacred Theology). Pastor Fiene was awarded a Doctorate of Divinity – Honoris Causafrom Concordia Theological Seminary in 2009. He serves as an adjunct professor of Concordia Theological Seminary and has taught and lectured for Lutheran churches in Russia, Haiti and Kenya. In 2008 he was granted the Alumnus of the Year Award by Concordia Theological Seminary.

It is Pastor Fiene’s great joy and delight to serve his flock as an under-shepherd of Christ. He loves the work of teaching children and adults the great truths of God’s Word. The Lord has richly blessed his ministry with wonderful and supportive laymen who are resolute in bringing the Gospel to the communities within the greater Indianapolis area — as well as the world beyond.

James Grady

Assistant Pastor

James is a lifelong Lutheran who, after an eighteen year career as a critical care nurse, left to answer a call to the ministry. “Jim” finished his studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne in 2017 and was recently installed as Advent Lutheran’s Assistant Pastor.

In addition to his Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Indiana University, he was ordained in August 2017 as a general Pastor in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Jim and his wife Debbie live in Noblesville, IN. They have been married twenty six years and have two daughters, Megan and Natalie, who are in Noblesville Schools.

Phil Spray

Music Director

Phil is a long-ago product of the Lutheran school system. He holds music degrees from Indiana University. Phil works closely with Pastor Fiene to direct Advent’s worship through music, particularly through the music that is the Lutheran Church’s rich heritage. He leads the adult choir, arranges and composes.

Phil is a regular performer on baroque period instruments with choirs and orchestras throughout the United States. He is co-founder of the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra and founding director of Musik Ekkelsia, a period instrument ensemble dedicated to bringing sacred music of the baroque period to contemporary sacred spaces. He has produced and recorded Lutheran baroque music with Concordia Publishing House, the international label Sono Luminus, Seraphic Fire and Indie Baroque.

He and his wife of 35 years live in Indianapolis, IN.

Deb Trewartha

Assistant Music Director
Preschool Director

Deb has been involved in church work since 1988 when she left her position of 7 years as director of the Zionsville High School Choral Department to start a family while accepting the position of Music Director at Messiah Lutheran Church in Indianapolis.

She began her work at Advent in 1997 as the Director of Youth Music. In 2000, when Advent decided to open a Preschool, Deb was hired into the position of Preschool Director as well. Her experience in administration and education as well as her love of children and years in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod made the job a perfect fit.

Deb holds a Bachelors Degree in Vocal Music Education from Depauw University and a Master’s Degree from Butler University . She and her husband Kevin have 3 children and reside in Zionsville , IN.

Phil Lehman

Organist

After serving other churches in Indianapolis and South Carolina, Phil returned to Advent in 2007. In addition to playing for services, he assists Deb Trewartha with the youth, accompanies the choirs, and is our dedicated wedding organist. He also applies his computer skills by recording and posting services on the church website. Phil is active in the American Guild of Organists and other organizations, and has earned many credentials in the areas of piano, theory, organ performance, liturgy, worship and choral music.

Church Leadership

The leadership of Advent Lutheran Church consists of lay men and women who give of their time, talent, and treasure to assist with the spiritual needs of the congregation. Through their oversight of educational programs, fellowship, mission work, and other works of compassion – done in thanksgiving to Christ who has saved us by grace through faith – we pray we share that same message of forgiveness with our neighbors and to the far reaches of the world.

As Christ’s Church, until he come again, we still must operate in the kingdom of the left and must pay bills, maintain facilities, manage bank accounts and mortgages, and plan for the future on this side of creation. We are blessed with leaders who share their time, talent and treasure for these needs as well.

We give thanks to God for blessing us with these people and ask that you would pray for His guidance, wisdom, and mercy upon them as they serve our congregation.

Officers of Advent

Chuck Long, Chair
Eric Hubert, Vice Chair
Diane Sturek, Treasurer
Brittney Shea Herbert, Secretary
Rick Cramer, Financial Secretary

Boards & Committees

Board of Elders – Monte Weimer, Chair
Board of Trustees – Mark Harris, Chair
Board of Evangelism –
Board of Education – Cathy Middaugh, Chair
Board of Missions
Board of Fellowship – Co-Chairs
Board of Stewardship – Adam Cmejla, Chair
School Board
Tech Committee Lead – Jim Dowling

Elders

- Tom Casciani
- Craig Dykstsra
- Mark Halvorsen
- Larry Irving
- Mark Meyer
- Craig Phillips
- Monte Weimer