ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE NC
Weekly News and Prayers

(Submission Deadline:  Noon Wednesdays to Officeadm@adventlu.org)      





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YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte







WORSHIP AND STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

Please join us ONLINE
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 
10am -- June 7, 2020  
1st Sunday after Pentecost -- Readings:  Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 8
Live-streamed
Through the Advent website and You-Tube

To access the worship service:  
1.  Go to  adventlu.org and click on the link for the worship service on the home page.
Bulletin available prior to worship on the website.
OR
2.  Click this link to take you to the YouTube channel for Advent without going to the website (bulletin available only on website)

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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - SUNDAY 11am via ZOOM
All are welcome!

"Faces of Faith" 
This devotion-based study on some of the lesser-known stories of the Bible that have shaped our faith continues.    There are many heroes of the faith, people we admire and wish to be like. However, there are even more ordinary people of faith -- those doing what they can with what they have to make a difference.  We are about half-way through the series but you are still invited to join us.  We are using visual art and prompts for reflection as we hope to dig deep into the worlds of these characters, entering their stories with curiosity and openness to what they might teach us.

To connect:  Go to adventlu.org  ---  click on About Us --- Member Dashboard -- zoom links -- look for Sunday School and click there

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WEDNESDAYS --  LUNCH AND LEARN 12 noon via ZOOM

"ENCOUNTERING GOD IN TYRANNICAL TEXTS"
Started June 3 --  All are welcome

This will be a study in which we struggle together with some of the biblical references to women and how we are to interpret them in a faithful manner. To be clear, this is not a women's study - Pastor Ward is planning to join us as well. The description of the book and one of the reviews is below. Like any book, we are prepared, as students, to hear the voice of the author and then wrestle with it to our own conclusions. 

The Bible includes any number of texts that have proved to be profoundly problematic; among them are Pauline texts that have circumscribed the lives and ministries of women throughout Christian history. What are people who honor Scripture to do with such texts, and what does it mean to speak of biblical authority in their presence? In "Encountering God in Tyrannical Texts", Frances Taylor Gench provides strategies for engaging such texts with integrity- that is, without dismissing them, whitewashing them, or acquiescing to them-and as potential sources of edification for the church.

To connect:  Go to adventlu.org   ---  click on About Us --- Member Dashboard -- zoom links -- look for Wednesday Spiritual Development Class and click on that link.
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THURSDAY WEEKLY PRAYER AND DEVOTION 
June 4th time is 1pm   

Each week, we will have a devotion and community prayer on Thursdays.  The thought prompt for the week, as well as time for the week, will be posted on the Adventlu.org website by end of day on Wednesdays but you don't need to read ahead to join.   (When you go to the website, scroll down on the home screen to Weekly Devotion) 

To connect:  Go to adventlu.org  ---  click on About Us then Member Dashboard then Zoom links -- look for Thursday Weekly Prayer and Devotion and click

If you have a devotion you would like to share with the community, email Carol Schierlmann at spiritualdev@adventlu.org. 
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FOR THE CHILDREN   --  "Advent Children's Corner" 
Found on the main screen of the adventlu.org website
Left side under weekly devotion info
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 RADICAL LOVE ENDEAVOR PODCASTS

New podcasts continue to be added to our programming.    Be sure to check regularly for new ones.  

Listen on your phone
OR
Listen through the Advent website.
Go to adventlu.org >> Click Connections >> click Advent Podcasts 
Scroll down to the middle of the screen to to red and tan Radical Love Endeavor block.   A list of available links to our podcasts is listed.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Our prayer list will continue to be updated and prayers shared in the Sunday morning recordings.
Please send any new requests to either Pastor Ward ( thepastor@adventlu.org) or to Pam Rhynes ( officeadm@adventlu.org).
Look for prayer updates in the Prayers Requested section at the bottom of this and all eNEWS publications.

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JUNE:  MORE FRUIT, PLEASE!!

For the month of June, we are extending the request for packs of individual fruit cups of peaches, applesauce, pineapple, and fruit cocktail. The marvelous teens who formerly made egg salad sandwiches each week are still putting together "grab & go" bags for Urban Ministry, now known as Roof Above. Thanks for your efforts in caring for the hungry, even when church is not in session. Items may be dropped off in the kitchen or left on the chairs just inside the office entrance of the church (through the double red doors).

Thank you for your efforts in caring for the hungry.    
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LEO'S 95TH BIRTHDAY DRIVE-BY!  



Sunday was a beautiful day to celebrate Leo Peeler's 95th birthday with a loooonnnngggg  parade of cars and trucks!   Leo was smiling and waving to everyone from under the tent with his family.  There were many decorated vehicles, people were shouting "happy birthday", and a joyous feeling as we were able to see other Advent families.   

In the event you weren't able to participate, here are some photos taken by Barb Blish and others.



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OUR LITTLE FREE PANTRY IS NOW IN THE RIGHT PLACE FOR ACTION!!!

As reported last week, our Little Free Pantry was moved to a new location at the Wubben-Smith House and it is now seeing some action!    Esther Abdel-Hameed told us that as they were setting it up at the WSH some neighbors stopped by who were interested in our project.  After hearing about it and that it would benefit those in need of food, they reached into their pockets and donated $5!   What an unexpected gift!  During this week, as food was taken, other food was added by neighbors.  At one point, there was so much food being given that it was placed at the base of the pantry. The most unusual gift was a fresh banana, shown here in the photo!  The City Engagement Neighborhood Grant provided $150 to stock the pantry for eight weeks.  We plan for it to be an ongoing outreach of Advent, serving our neighbors in the community.  
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INVITATION FROM ADVENT'S MICAH 6:8 (SOCIAL ADVOCACY) SMALL GROUP

Advent is honored to host a presentation entitled

"How Charlotte Got Segregated"

Tom  Hanchett is t he retired staff historian for Levine Museum of the New South and author of "Sorting out the New South City, Race, Class, and Urban Development in Charlotte, 1875-1975".  His presentation is so vital in today's environment.   This event was originally planned to be a "Lunch and Learn" but because of the limitations brought about by this pandemic, will be offered through a Zoom event.

Please mark your calendars now so you can join us for what promises to be a very enlightening conversation.

Date/Time:   Sunday, July 12, at 2:00 pm
Meeting ID: 854 2331 4226      Password: 673411

RSVP requested but not required to dwassum@bellsouth.net.
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WE'RE PASSING THE VIRTUAL HAT FOR WORLD HUNGER AND SANDWICHES!!!

At our Advent worship services, we normally pass the hat (really a basket shaped like a hat) on the first Sunday of the month for World Hunger and on the third Sunday of the month for sandwich making.     We have not had the opportunity to do that for almost 3 months now.    Some donations have continued to come in but not at the same pace as what they are when we are actually in the sanctuary.    Thank you to those who have sent in offerings for both of these (and some gave very generously for sandwiches when we were striving for the ELCA $500 match).   

Just a reminder that if you would like to donate to either or both of these ministries each month, just add the offering to your regular checks that you mail to the church.   Be sure to indicate on the memo line how much of your offering is intended to which fund.    Both World Hunger and Sandwiches are options available when using the Online Giving tool. as well.    Your donations to World Hunger will help feed the hungry throughout the world and donations to Sandwiches help provide supplies for the PB&J sandwiches that are now being made and supplies for the grab-and-go bags being prepared by our youth and Social Ministry.      
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In Case You Missed it Before!!
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THEY DO US PROUD!!!  THANK YOU!!!

This dedicated group of Advent teens  has taken the lead over the last two months in making Grab and Go Lunch bags for unhoused neighbors and others in need. They've put together over 600 lunches for distribution, all with a meat (such as Vienna sausage), fruit, crackers or chips, a dessert and a bottle of water.

And the kindness continues! 

 If you want to help, consider donating supplies. You can leave single serve lunch items in or outside the kitchen  or outside the red entry door at Advent. You may also contact Kera Hebert ( emjamommy@gmail.com) for pick-up of items.

NEW INFO: if you want to order online and have above food items shipped to Advent, then Sharon Thrower, Esther Abdel-Hameed, or Abby Bostian will check each day.

Thank you to Cornelius Black, Emily Hebert, Ben Boystun, James Hebert, Trevor Gazda, Kyle Benkendorf and to Momma Kera Hebert for always opening her heart and her home to this group!

Disclaimer: photo of the teens is from an earlier, non-social distancing time!

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This year's CROP Hunger Walk is more important than ever! The entire world has been impacted by COVID-19 and Church World Services is here to help! 

This year's walk will be a little different. It will be a Virtual Walk on Sunday, October 11th, 2020. That does *not* mean a walk on your computer! It means that everyone will still walk...  just not all together on a charted course!  Still working on ideas of how to make sure that we all feel connected that day so expect updates soon. 

In the meantime, the website is set up to sign up and start fundraising now.  Go to 

If you have any fun and exciting ideas for this year, or if you want to help, please contact Jennie Henderson at  jhendersonfit@gmail.com.

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HONORING ADVENT'S HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Graduation from high school is a huge event for students after 13 years of non-stop school.   Sadly, the 2020 class will miss out on many of the usual events accompanying graduation so this year we are adding some additional ways we are honoring and lifting up Advent's graduating seniors.

Our seniors will be honored during each Sunday's worship service.  So far, we have honored Callie Thrower, Allyssa Schrader, Ella Grace Misenheimer, Trevor Gazda, Emily Hebert, Cornelius Black.  This will continue through the remainder of the 8 seniors.

Our 2020 seniors are:
Ella Grace Misenheimer              Callie Thrower
Trevor Gazda                               Desiree Hall                        
Cornelius Black                            Emily Hebert
Allyssa Schrader                          Cole Vincent

We also want to honor our graduates with showers of love from the congregation.  This is open to the entire congregation.    See below for recommendations but you are free to honor them as you so wish.    If you need addresses for the students, please contact Brooke at   youthandmilestones@adventlu.org.

Week of June 1st:    Tag their yard!  Leave a sign in their yard showing your love and support!  Example, poster board or chalk their driveway/sidewalk.

Week of June 8th :  Pray over our graduates as they enter into the next phase of their lives.

Cards are always welcome!   If you need addresses, reach out to Brooke or contact Pam.
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WE'RE STILL HOPING FOR THAT  TRIP TO THE HOLY LAND AND WANT YOU TO JOIN US!

We're excited to invite you to a special Holy Land ADVENTure, January 19-29, 2021!

Journey into the stories of our faith, walking where Jesus walked, boating along the Sea of Galilee, quietly sitting   where crowds listened to Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. The itinerary is outlined in  this brochure, but you'll be amazed at how the story of faith will come alive in new and exciting ways.

Please contact Esther Abdel-Hameed,  esther_uae@hotmail.com, for more information or to let her know you're interested.   You are also invited to talk to former pilgrims, who traveled to the Holy Land in 2019: Pastor Ward, Jim Hintz, Susan and Dwight Hartsell, Sonya and Dale Tyson, Natalie Eklund, and Chris Connelly.

We hope you will join us.
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GIVING DURING THIS TIME OF LIMITED CHURCH OPERATIONS
Any ongoing help and support will be greatly appreciated during these times  
  1. You may mail a check to the church at 8840 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213. All offerings received will go to General Fund unless otherwise designated on the memo line.
  2. You may use bill pay through your personal bank or credit union.
  3. You may use Online Giving.   See the info below for details on using this tool. 
  4. If you have a FOB and want to bring your offering by the church, please place it on the counter near the door to Pastor Ward's office.
Using Online Giving:
  1. You may make a one-time gift through Online Giving or you may set up recurring donations which you can modify or cancel at any time.
  2. This tool allows you to use a credit card, debit card, or bank checking or savings account payment.
  3. The church does pay a small fee for payments made through cards and American Express is not permitted because their fee is too costly.   The tool asks if you'd like to add a small amount to offset our cost.
  4. You can also designate where you want your gift to go.... General Fund for operating expenses or other special fund. A number of special funds are built into the tool already but if your choice is not listed, you can choose OTHER and type the name of the fund you want to get credit. You can do multiple donations in one entry.
  5. To use this tool you can go to the Advent website (adventlu.org) and click on GIVE in the upper right-hand corner of the main screen, OR you can click on the icon here in this note, or you can click on the GIVE symbol that is in each weekly eNEWS.  
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WAYS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY
Social Ministry has provided a document with a number of ways we can serve our neighbors during this "Stay At Home" time of Coronavirus. 
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MAKING FACE MASKS AT HOME
Instructions for making face masks is available but the file is too large to post here.   If you would like the instructions, please send a request  to  officeadm@adventlu.org.



 



CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Office closed because of the Shelter in Place mandate.  T he church office normally would be open 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.  Contact staff by email or phone as both are being monitored by staff from home.

CALENDAR REMINDER
Making plans for an event at Advent, are you the leader of a small group or ministry leader with monthly meetings?  Whatever the event or gathering  (even zoom meetings) be sure to let the church office know the date, time, and room or space.  Doing so is a big help in keeping the church online calendar current while communicating Advent activities and avoiding the possible mishap of overbooking a particular area.   Call us at 704-549-1555 or email Harriett ( churchadministrator@adventlu.org) or Pam  ( officeadmin@adventlu.org ).    Thanks, we appreciate your help.



 







Spiritual Development 

LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ?
Come and join the Advent Book Club.   Meeting  normally at  6pm  at University Panera on dates specified BUT BECAUSE OF STAY AT HOME MANDATE, WILL BE ZOOMING AS LONG AS NECESSARY.   See connection info below.  All are welcome. Contact  Jennie Henderson ( jhendersonfit@gmail.com ). 

June 12, 6pm - details coming soon -- via Zoom                

PRAYER AND MEDITATION OF THE DAY
If you are interested in receiving short daily prayer and devotions, please email  spiritualdev@adventlu.org  with the name, cell phone# and email or you may sign up online at  www.adventlu.org under the Prayer of the Day tab.

ADVENT PODCAST UPDATE  
There are more Radical Love podcasts available.  Please take some quiet time to listen to these messages that have been created as a labor of love from your Spiritual Development and Worship Teams.  You can find a link to the podcasts on the website or you can access via ITunes or your podcast app on android phones. Feedback is welcome.  


Nurture, Support & Fellowship 

ADVENT SMALL GROUPS
"A great way to connect with people"
"I love applying the Bible to my daily life"

NOTE:   Small groups can continue to meet using the church subscription to Zoom.  Contact the church office to make your request and schedule the day/time on the church calendar.

For men:  What does it mean to be a man in contemporary American society?  This group meets one Tuesday night a month in the evening and will discuss current events, read books and consult the ancient texts as they seek each other's wisdom and friendship.  See Pastor Ward for more info.

Theology on Tap:  This group meets with new friends from Newell Presbyterian Church monthly at the Armored Cow Brewery in the Sam's University parking lot at 7pm to discuss contemporary topics.  Upcoming schedule is as follows:  March 24, April 28, May 26.  Please see Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann with questions.

Micah 6:8 Ministry (new name for Social Justice group):  This group focuses on issues of racial and social justice.   They take advantage of local opportunities to learn about and advocate for social justice.   Meeting dates and times are at 7pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month.   Beginning book study of "America" Original Sin" by Jim Wallis.  Contact is Diane Wassum.

Bible in Action:  This group will study the Bible together utilizing many different platforms.    Contact is Pastor Ward. 



 
COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT: 
Join the closed "Advent Friends" Facebook group to stay abreast of events and see photos.

If you would like to receive occasional important Advent news via text message on your phone, please text 'Advent' to 96362 or scan the QR code on the notices posted around the building. 
(Please note:  you must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the program.  You may receive up to five (5) text messages per month for which you may be charged by your mobile phone carrier.  You may opt out of this service at any time by texting 'stop' to 96362 or by emailing  churchadministrator@adventlu.org

USE "SMILE" WHEN SHOPPING ON AMAZON.COM 
Don't forget - when shopping on Amazon, access the site through http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-1182420 , and simply do all of your Amazon on-line ordering through Smile.Amazon.   Amazon will donate 0.5% of what you buy to Advent - not much, but if you're shopping anyway with Amazon, why not use Smile.  Every penny will be used in service to God and His people.

BENEFIT ADVENTURE PRESCHOOL
If you shop at Harris-Teeter, be sure your VIC card is linked to our Adventure PreSchool ...  we are group #5494.

GIVING ENVELOPES IN THE PEWS
Advent appreciates all gifts, but we also want to give credit where credit is due! If you give cash using the blank envelopes in the pews or if you drop offerings by the church, please put your name on the envelope so we can properly record your donation. If you want part or all of your gift to go to any special fund other than the General Fund, please note that on the envelope also.
Outreach

USING YOUR VOICE TO SHAPE LEGISLATION
Your US Representative is determined by which district you live in. To find yours, use this link and key in your zip code:   https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
The same goes for your NC state Senator and Representative. To locate yours, go to this site and key in your full address:    https://www.ncleg.gov/RnR/Representation

Some may prefer contacting local level leaders such as city council, county commissioners, and school board members. Here are sites at which to find such information. Mecklenburg County:   https://charlottechamber.com/public-policy/elected-officials-contact-information/


SOCIAL ADVOCACY
In our world of constant turmoil, we as Lutherans may be assisted in our mission to follow Christ by studying the ELCA's guidance on "Addressing Social Concerns".

As Scripture teaches, faith is active in love, and love calls for justice in the relationships and structures of society. Our grateful response to God's love and grace motivates us to live lives that demonstrate our responsibility for the well-being of society, communities and the environment.

In response to the ELCA call for working for social justice our Advent Social Ministry Board is expanding our mission to more intentionally support our congregation and our community in addressing social justice issues.  We now have a small group dedicated to that initiative called Micah 6:8.   If you are interested in getting regular updates on what's going on with social ministry/social justice initiatives in our church and in our community please join our AAA Google Group (Advent Advocacy Activities). You can join the Google Group by contacting Shannon Homesley at  ShannonHomesley@gmail.com .


 
If you wish to financially aid those devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, Lutheran Disaster Response will directly reach the victims.  To donate, make your donation payable to Advent with disaster relief in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with any others received.   

Youth at Advent         



Check out the new "Advent Children's Corner" 
Found on the main screen of the adventlu.org website
Left side under weekly devotion info


GODLY PLAY --  7 FACES
Available by link on the  Adventlu.org  website 
Go to Connections and select YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Scroll to the video


To stay "in the know" about our Youth, please join our new Remind App by signing up here:

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS

Vacation Bible School 2020
Sadly, plans for the in-house VBS program scheduled for August have been cancelled to protect the safety of our youth and leaders.  Spiritual Development is working on a take-home curriculum to be used every Wednesday of the month of July based on Sparkhouse ReNew VBS curriculum.  More information to follow in the next couple of weeks.

CONTACTS:   CAROL SCHIERLMANN OR BROOKE SUMMEROUR



Prayers Requested 
  
Before adding someone to our prayers, please be sure you have the person's permission.  Please let us know when prayers may no longer be needed.  Names will be removed from the list after two months unless updates are received.  An asterisk (*) after a name means an update is needed.    Please contact the church office with updates ( officeadm@adventlu.org or  churchadministrator@adventlu.org)

Illness or Other Needs

Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Freddie Bridges, mother of Michelle Hagle 
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Freda Christ, member 
Thomas Clement, uncle of Jennie Henderson
Daryl Creswell, brother-in-law of Bobbi Larson
Carol DiRe, member
Harriett Easley, Advent staff member
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of the McKittrick's daughter 
William Ensley, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Ann Farabee, sister of Abby Bostian
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jennifer Gazda, member  
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen 
Michelle Griffin, friend of Jennifer Canipe 
Consuella Harge, friend of Marie Cochran 
Dwight Hartsell, member
Billy Johnson, son of co-worker of Jennifer Canipe 
Jeannie Jones, former Preschool teacher & friend of Marie Cochran 
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Bobbi Larson, member
Phyllis Lester, mother of Sharon Thrower 
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Hilda Mertz, mother of Diane Jowers
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Rick Messina, member
Ward Misenheimer, Pastor and member
Dick Moser, the uncle of Sharon Thrower 
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son
Jesse Priser, member
Doug Robertson, brother of Anne Brown 
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Schwarzer family, family of Tanya DeGrace 
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Myra Steele, sister-in-law of Jennifer Frisina
Wylee Stephens, grandson of Harriett & Darrell Easley
Cheri Strickland, member 
Mary Faith Strickland, member
Dale Trabilsy, grandson by marriage of Peg Buckstad 
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Harold Twitty, member
Connie Van Brunt, mother of Ayisha McMillan-Cravotta
Herbert Watson, member
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace
Gerry Wisner, brother of Terry Wisner

Celebrations

Deaths  -- We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, e specially ....

Lauren Bradshaw, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger's family on May 11
Bill Aldred, friend Marylou & Dick Kuklentz on May 16
Jon Furr, extended family of Dot Furr


Always keep ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith in your prayers.  

  
For additions or updates to this listing:
Please contact Pastor Ward at ThePastor@adventlu.org, or 704-549-1555 ext. 102
or Harriett Easley at ChurchAdministrator@adventlu.org, or 704-549-1555 ext. 101 or Pam Rhynes at officeadm@adventlu.org ext 103