Site Navigation   Calendar of Events   Christian Education   Colors of the Liturgical Season   Directions to Advent   Health & Wellness   Home Page   Internet Resources   Pastors Corner   Spiritual Renewal Summit   WELCA   Worship Opportunities Advent Lutheran Church, ELCA 7985 Munson Road Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: (440) 257-5565 Fax: (440) 257-3935 Pastor Phil Kunder, Interim Pastor

Pastor Philip Kunder was born on June 12, 1953, in Queens, New York.   He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology/ Sociology.   He served a one year internship at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church--Smyrna, Indiana.   His Clinical Pastoral Education was at Fresno Community Hospital in Fresno, California.   Three years of his theological education was at Christ Seminary-Seminex.    He completed his seminary education at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California on May 20, 1984. Pastor Phil, was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament on July 17, 1985.   He has served congregations as a pastor both in regular calls and by Bishop appointments/ calls to serve as a Specialized Interim pastor (9 years experience).   His pastoral ministries have been in congregations in Montana, Washington State, Idaho, California, Alaska, Ohio, and Florida in addition to being an Internship Supervisor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fresno, California.   Pastor Phil, has been a clergy advisor to the synodical LYO board in the Northeastern Ohio Synod for 4 years; was primarily responsible for the Synodical Youth Gathering in 1996 and presided at the Eucharist at the Synodical Youth Gatherings.   He served on the synodical worship committee for 3 years, was the comaster of ceremonies at the Installation of the new Bishop, and master of ceremonies for Synod assemblies.    He has also served on a hospice board and involved in a community YMCA during seminary internship.    Pastor Phil has had special education experience in: Mission Developer training, Evangelism consultant on Word & Witness, Cell group training, invited speaker on Spirituality, and workshops on Death and Dying.   Attended a Multiple Staff workshop and is a Prepare/Enrich counselor.   Continuing Education interests have included books on spirituality, Russian Orthodox Spirituality (Icons), self care, youth ministry, music, Cell Group ministry, Healthy Congregations Workshops 1-3, Lab 1 Skills for Calling-Caring Ministries and Prepare/Enrich Counselor.   In 1995, a life-long dream became reality, when he spent two weeks in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Suzdal, Vladimir, Zagorsk). His interests include being a well established freshly roasted coffee enthusiast (Peet’s & Starbucks), classical music, water gardens/ponds, plants, bonsai’s, and a proud loving godfather to two godsons and one goddaughter.    A beloved "Sis" who is dying of cancer, who lives in California.   He has a three year old female Golden Retriever named Starbuck.