For more than four decades, Augsburg University has ushered in the Advent and Christmas seasons with Advent Vespers, a magnificent experience of music and liturgy focusing on the theme of preparation and culminating in the joyful celebration of the Incarnation.
View the recording of the 43rd Annual Advent Vespers service, along with many others, on our University Archives Advent Vespers Collection playlist. For a few individual selections from the service, take a look through the Augsburg Music Department Advent Vespers playlist.
event details
We invite you to join us in the celebration of the Incarnation at the 44th annual Advent Vespers services.
Dates and Times
- Friday, December 1, 2023 — 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 — 2:00 p.m. (This service will be live-streamed)
- Saturday, December 2, 2023 — 5:00 p.m.
Location
Central Lutheran Church
333 South 12th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Cost
Advent Vespers is free to the public with a suggested donation of $30 per person.
Reservations
Seating envelopes are required for entry and may be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon on Monday, October 23, 2023. Reserve your seats:
- Online, Link coming soon!
- In-person at the Augsburg Music Office in Anderson Music Hall
Parking
Parking is free at Central Lutheran Church with proof of your Advent Vespers order. You may show your order confirmation or your seating envelopes upon arrival at the parking lot. There will be signs and people with flags to guide you to each of the various entrances. Visit Central Lutheran’s “Getting Here” webpage for more information.
Support Vespers
During this unique Advent Season, we invite you to consider giving to one, or all of following funds:
Advent Vespers Fund
Augsburg University’s Advent Vespers services are funded solely by generous individual contributions. Your donation today will directly support the students in continuing this majestic tradition!
Augsburg Central Health Commons Fund
The Augsburg Central Health Commons (ACHC) is the first health commons location started by Augsburg University’s Department of Nursing in 1992. The ACHC is made possible due to an ongoing partnership with Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. This nurse-led drop-in center is focused on meeting people where they are to respond to any expressed felt need of those who visit, especially as it pertains to health. Basic supplies are needed to continue to serve those most displaced with the crises upon us. Your donation will be used to purchase new adult socks and underwear, soap, toothpaste, diapers (size 5 or 6), Band-Aids, or other simple items to promote health.
Donate Now to the Health Commons
volunteeR
Interested in volunteering at this year’s Advent Vespers? We would love for any Augsburg staff, alumni, or current students to help support in handing out programs, collecting seating envelopes, and greeting guests as they arrive for each of the services.
Please fill out the form below or email Advent Vespers Producer Ryan Borden at borden@augsburg.edu with any questions.
Vespers Volunteer Sign-up Link coming soon!
Advent Vespers Archives
Enjoy some past Advent Vespers Service at the links below.
- The Augsburg University Archives is a searchable website of photos, articles or recordings with content from Advent Vespers
- To watch videos of past Advent Vespers, visit The Augsburg University Archives YouTube Advent Vespers Playlist
- The most recent video recordings are located on the department’s Youtube Channel – Check it out!
Learn more
Contact any of the production team members:
- Dr. Kristina Boerger, choral music director
- Dr. Rafael Rodriguez, orchestral music director
- Pastor Babette Chatman ‘06, liturgical director
- Pastor John Schwehn, liturgical director
- Mark Sedio, university organist
- Ryan Borden, producer
Send general inquiries to vespers@augsburg.edu or contact the Music Department directly at 612-330-1265