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Like us on Facebook! (Advent Lutheran Church ELCA - Charlotte)
ADVENT FACEBOOK GROUPS
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Advent Friends
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Advent Youth K-4th
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| Advent Youth 5th-6th |
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| Advent Youth 7th-8th |
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Advent Youth 8th-12th
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Advent Room in the Inn
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Advent 50th Jubilee Page
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We are Advent Lutheran Church. As diverse children of God, we strive to be the embodiment of that which God wants all people on earth to be. We love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We love our neighbor as ourselves, and express this love in service to others. By accepting God's gift of grace through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God forever.
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Worshipping at 10am Sundays
Sunday School Offerings 9-9:45am
Children & Youth ages 4 through 4th grade: Godly Play Room
Grades 5-12 and Confirmation: Wubben-Smith House
Adults: Parlor - DVD and lively, relevant discussion about "Life and Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer"
Adults: Campus Center -- through February 23 -- "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer --
Beginning March 1 through April 5 -- "Entering the Passion of Jesus" by Amy-Jill Levine
Other Opportunities for Study
Wednesdays 11:45am, through February 26, room 136 --
"Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Beginning March 4 through April 8 "Entering the Passion of Jesus" by Amy-Jill Levine
"ENCOUNTERED BY CHRIST" is our theme for the upcoming Lenten season
February 26 is Ash Wednesday with our service at 7pm.
For the next 5 Wednesday nights after that, Advent will again have a meal from 5:30-6:15pm, followed by a Lenten service from 6:30-7pm.
Be sure to sign the pew pads indicating how many people from your family will attend the meal each week.
April 5 is Palm Sunday
April 9th is Maundy Thursday
April 10th is Good Friday
April 12th is the celebration of our risen Lord!
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Details of events are found in this newsletter (marked with *)
Thursday nights @ 7pm -- YogaFaith in Orinson Hall
Saturday mornings @ 10:30am -- Family Yoga in Orinson Hall
Wednesdays through February 19 -- 11:45-12:45 Room 136 -
Lunch & Learn - Bonhoeffer's "Life Together
Wednesdays March 4-April 8 -- 11:45-12:45 Room 136 - Lunch & Learn -- "Entering the Passion of Jesus" by Amy-Jill Levine
February 20 -- Adventurers 12 noon in Gathering Space *
February 22 -- Family Yoga begins on Saturdays at 10:30
February 23 -- Women of the Bible study in Parlor after Worship
February 25 -- Theology on Tap at Armored Cow Brewery, 7pm *
February 25 -- Micah 6:8 (Social Justice) small group - Parlor 7pm
February 26 -- Ash Wednesday service at 7pm in sanctuary
February 29 -- Snow tubing for youth
March 4 -- Lenten meal at 5:30; worship at 6:30pm
March 7 -- "Developing Culturally-sensitive Leaders" Training @ Cross & Crown Lutheran Church -- 9am-4:30pm *
March 7 -- Wine and game night, 6:30pm *
March 11 --
Lenten meal at 5:30; worship at 6:30pm
March 14 -- "One Community: We all Belong" @ Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte, 7-8:30pm *
March 18 --
Lenten meal at 5:30; worship at 6:30pm
March 21 -- Spring Advent Mission Immersion Event *
March 25 --
Lenten meal at 5:30; worship at 6:30pm
April 1 -- Lenten meal at 5:30; worship at 6:30pm
April 5 -- Palm Sunday
April 9 -- Maundy Thursday Service
April 10 -- Good Friday Service
April 12 -- Our Lord is Risen! Easter Sunday Services -- Youth Breakfast at 9am!
April 25 -- Lutheran Men in Mission Chicken BBQ
May 16 -- Tables Extraordinaire, 11am *
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NEEDED FOR UPCOMING LENTEN SERVICES:
5 - 28 inch high wooden round bar stools
Will need February 25 25th thru end of March
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BECAUSE OF THE CROSS OUR PRAYERS CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS
During the Lent season, Advent's PRAYER TEAM provides an opportunity for the Advent community to be in intentional prayer for others.
Look for the wooden "Prayer" Cross which will be in the Narthex starting Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.
This cross is covered with purple and white crocheted Prayer Squares. The purple color represents the Lent season and the white color represents Easter.
The squares have an attached tag containing names of members of our congregation, extended family members or friends who are on our prayer list.
Please take a square or 2 OR more, home with you and pray for those folks. You can rotate the squares throughout these 6 weeks of Lent. Prayers for many, by many!
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ADVENT BIBLE STUDY
Both offerings are for 6 weeks
9:45am on Sundays in the Campus Center
11:45am on Wednesdays in Room 136
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WE'RE IN THE HOME STRETCH NOW ... BUT WE STILL NEED YOU!!!
Below is the "Sign-up Genius" page that lists the slots for upcoming Room In The Inn nights during March. There were some cancellations so more people are needed to finish out this season. Please check for what isn't covered for upcoming weeks and sign up if you are available. Here is the link:
Click here to view openings and sign up!
NEEDS:
March 3 -- AM driver & clean-up person for Tuesday morning
March 9 -- sleepover person, cleaning on Tuesday morning
March 16 -- sleepover person, cleaning on Tuesday morning
March 24 -- AM driver on Tuesday morning
March 30 -- sleepover person & clean-up person for Tuesday morning
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INVITATION TO ADVENT FAMILY
Mecklenburg Ministries Invitation
Open Tables Dinner and Dialogue:
ONE COMMUNITY: WE ALL BELONG
Saturday, March 14th
, 7:00pm-8:30 pm
The Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte
7025 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28215
These events create space for diverse congregational members to build meaningful relationships with one another through fellowship and food. Focused on set of questions related to the importance of welcome and belonging, we'll share personal stories and enjoy learning about both the distinctives and commonalities of our faiths.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Shannon Homesley at shannonhomesley@gmail.com for information on how to register.
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On Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 9:00am to 4:30pm join the North Carolina Synod for a day long training that will empower all to grow as culturally aware leaders and agents for change and racial reconciliation. The training will be held from 9:00am to 4:30pm at Cross & Crown Lutheran Church in Matthews. Lunch is provided and there is no cost for this training. For those who participated in Advent's Lunch and Learn on the ELCA Apology to people of African Descent, this is an excellent next step towards a better awareness of cultural diversity.
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The 2020 Annual Stewardship Appeal began February 16 and will culminate with Stewardship Sunday on March 29 when we will present our Statements of Intent during the worship service. Watch for more information in the coming weeks.
Please prayerfully consider how your generosity demonstrates your gratitude to God and contributes to all that Advent Lutheran does in response to God's call to us.
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FEBRUARY ADVENTURERS GATHERING
Advent Adventurers group will gather on Thursday, February 20th, 12 noon, for our monthly meal and fellowship. Soup, sandwiches, and desserts will be provided by a select group of folks. Come out and join us in the Gathering Space. We will view another Nooma tape and discuss it and will have devotions and communion. Hope to see you there!
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THE CENSUS IS COMING!
As caring and involved followers of Christ, the Advent Advocacy Activities group knows that it is important that we look out for the common good. No doubt you have heard that there is a 2020 Census. The official Census Day is April 1, 2020, and we are spreading the word about how important the census is to Mecklenburg County. Why? Because the census brings valuable resources to our community, such as federal funding for things like healthcare, education and transportation. The census is convenient, safe and required. In the weeks leading up to Census Day, you will receive a letter from the census asking you to respond online. It only takes a few minutes to ensure you and your family are counted. Everyone counts - from newborns to senior citizens! To learn more, visit
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RESULTS OF VITALITY SURVEY
In late October/early November the congregation was asked to participate in a Vitality Survey. We had 146 surveys completed which was a great response. Thank you! These surveys were sent to Baylor University, who tallied the results and sent them to the NC Synod, the sponsor of the survey. In January we received the results and on January 26 held a meeting after worship to hear from Pastor Danielle DeNise who reviewed our results with us. Now the work begins to discern where God is leading us with the results.
Over the next few months planning sessions will begin discussions.
Meanwhile, a number of people have expressed interest in seeing the results and below are the charts that we received from the Synod. Most are fairly explanatory if you study the chart. Feel free to share comments with council members if you wish; however, keep in mind that we are all just in the beginning steps of discernment. You are encouraged to participate in any future meetings as they are announced. Please click on the links below to access the results.
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2020 ADVENT MISSION IMMERSION EVENT
 Join the Advent community as we continue our mission immersion! Open to all adults and youth 6th grade and over in the congregation, this mission day is designed to bring us together as we serve the community. On Saturday, March 21, we meet at Advent at 9:00 am. After an opening prayer, we will head to the Galilee Center to learn about all the work they do to support the refugee population in Charlotte. Depending on weather, we will participate in some of the following projects:
Work in the community garden
Bake dessert for community-wide lunch
Paint a mural to beautify the outdoor storage
Take a prayer walk and we pick up litter in the area
Walk a labyrinth
The day will conclude at Galilee at 3:30 with a service of reflection.
To sign up yourself, your young person OR to volunteer as chaperone/driver, see the website link to Sign Up Genius or see Brooke or Carol.
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FEBRUARY FOOD: Canned Fruits
Did you know a can of pineapples or peaches can make someone smile? Canned fruits make an excellent and healthy finish for an otherwise lackluster meal, the type of fare many people experience on a daily basis. Please help fill our food pantry with all kinds of canned fruits as well as plastic jars of applesauce to give a little lift to the meals of our hungry neighbors.
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WINE AND GAME NIGHT AT ADVENT
Please join Nurture and Fellowship for a wine and game night at Advent on Saturday, March 7th at 6:30pm.
Adults only. Advent members, visitors and guests are welcome!!
Wine tasting and various game tables. More details to follow. Sign Ups will take place on future Sundays. Contact Amy Dodson or Mona Ingolia with questions.
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Members are encouraged to utilize the grassy area behind the church on Sunday morning, if possible, in order to free up spaces in the parking lot for visitors. Please park straight in on the grass in a single row and ensure your car is completely out of the roadway.
T
he church office will be open 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.
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, 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
CHURCH AND WUBBEN SMITH HOUSE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
Please be sure to return thermostats to the proper setting when leaving the building. This is especially important when using one of the classrooms heated or cooled by the remote-controlled wall units.
ELECTRONIC 'GIVERS' PARTICIPATE IN WORSHIP
Electronic givers can find special cards in the pews that can be used when the offering plate is passed if desired. .
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Worship Schedule for February 23rd
Transfiguration Sunday
Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18
Gospel:
Matthew 17:1-9
Lay Assistant
Chris Rasmussen
Usher Captain
John Lewis
Reader
Jennifer Frisina
Greeters
Barb Blish & Pat O'Rourke
Acolytes
Meredith & Emma Tunnell
Altar Guild
Velia Watson & Susan Hartsell
Counters
James & Charlene Bakke
Bread
Marylou Kuklentz
February 26th - Ash Wednesday
Lesson: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Lay Assistant
Jennifer Frisina
Usher Captain
Andy Goerke
Reader
Pam Rhynes
Greeters
Andrea & Addison Hankins
Acolytes
Michael Goerke & Ashley Watson
Altar Guild
Barb Blish & Susan Casper
Bread
Carol Wisner
March 1st - First Sunday of Lent
Lesson: Exodus 24:12-18 Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11
Lay Assistant
Jennifer Frisina
Usher Captain
Ed Efird
Reader
Debra Efird
Greeters
Tim Caldwell & Charlene Bakke
Acolytes
James Hebert & Ashley Watson
Altar Guild
Lisa Droste & Cathy Bolen
Counters
Don Hagerman & Andy Hagle
Bread
Ruth Refsnider
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Quick Links
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Spiritual Development
Come and join the Advent Book Club. Meeting at
6pm
at University Panera on dates specified. All are welcome. Contact Jennie Henderson (
jhendersonfit@gmail.com
).
March 13 -- "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
April 17 -- "The Soul of an American President: The Untold Story of Dwight D. Eisenhower's Faith" by Alan Sears.
May 15 -- "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury
June 12 -- "Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery" by Scott Kelly
(Note: Book titles are subject to change)
YOGAFAItH
Meets Thursday nights
at7pm and 10:30am on Saturday mornings (family yoga), in the gym. Our instructor is Darlene Kendrick. New people are invited to join at any time. Just show up with a mat and $5!
For questions, contact Brooke at
youthandmilestones@adventlu.org
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 3 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.
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Nurture, Support & Fellowship
ADVENT SMALL GROUPS
"A great way to connect with people"
"I love applying the Bible to my daily life"
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.
World Wisdom: This group feels called to explore what it means to be part of the whole human race. For this fall they plan to work together to bring comfort and welcome to immigrants who are passing through Charlotte. They will do this with the assembling of snack and hygiene bags. Contacts are Toni Hagerman and Esther Abdel-Hameed.
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: February 25, 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, 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.
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Outreach
USING YOUR VOICE TO SHAPE LEGISLATION
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.
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Youth at Advent
To stay "in the know" about our Youth, please join our new Remind App by signing up here:
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
OUR MILESTONE AND YOUTH GROUPS AT ADVENT
KIDS 4 CHRIST
The Kids 4 Christ youth group is for children Kindergarten through 4th grade. This group celebrates several milestones, including First Communion and Blessing of the Backpacks. We meet once a month on the first Sunday immediately after worship for lunch, fellowship, and Bible study. Sunday School for this group meets in the Godly Play Room from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/Route 56
The Middle School youth group is for youth 5th and 6th grade and prepares students for entering confirmation. We celebrate our Mission and Service Milestone. This group also meets once a month on the first Sunday immediately after worship for lunch, fellowship, and Bible study. Mission work and BYG-er camp is included with this group. Sunday School for this group meets in the Wubben Smith House from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
CONFIRMATION
This group meets throughout the year for two consecutive years as they learn about what it means to be a Christian and a Lutheran. They explore the Bible, Christian history and faith development. Sunday School for this group meets in the Wubben Smith House from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
HIGH SCHOOL
This group ranges from fellowship to mission trips. We have a dynamic schedule to accommodate busy high school students grades 9
th
-12
th
. Sunday School for this group meets in the Wubben Smith House from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
SALTY SUNDAYS
For 6th grades through 12th grade -- This group meets at the church 2 Sundays each month following worship for fellowship, fun, and study.
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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
Bill Aldred, friend Marylou & Dick Kuklentz
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Laurie Berger, friend of Harriett Easley
Lauren Bradshaw, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Freddie Bridges, mother of Michelle Hagle
Peggy Buckstad, member
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Freda Christ, member - has now returned to Charlotte to continue recovery
Marie Cochran, member
Carol DiRe, member
Angel Duggins, sister to Laurie Stimac's daughter-in-law
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of the McKittrick's daughter
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
Chris Jackson,frequent visitor
Billy Johnson, son of co-worker of Jennifer Cannipe
Mark Johnson, co-worker of Jennifer Canipe
Christian Jones, grandson of co-worker (no member name provided)
Jeannie Jones, former Preschool teacher & friend of Marie Cochran
Bill Kirkpatrick, friend of Gene Reid
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Bobbi Larson, member
Gerald Lee, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Richard & Phyllis Lester, parents of Sharon Thrower
Nancy Lowndes, daughter-in-law of Dawn Schaeffer
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Mertz Family, family of Diane Jowers
Angelina Messina, mother of Rick Messina
Rick Messina, member
Misenheimer Family, members
Stephen Moeller, son of Joe and Joan Moeller *
Dick Moser, the uncle of Sharon Thrower
Charlotte Nodine, Mother-in-law of Sarah Beth Mortensen Nodine
Chip Priser, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Doug Robertson, brother of Anne Brown
Donald Roth, nephew of Kalvin Roberson
Eric Sanburg, former member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Myra Steele, sister-in-law of Jennifer Frisina
Dale Trabilsy, grandson by marriage of Peg Buckstad
Daniel Veit, son of Don and Joyce Veit
Marie Von Seggern, mother of Karl Von Seggern
Herbert Watson, member
Leah Weist, niece of friend of Diane Jowers
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Lisa Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace
Our RITI guests on February 17th:
Pamela, Dorothy, Steven, Melea, Melanie, Theresa, Kari, Jerry, Ashley, Aquaius, Equasia, Ramya, Imani, Terrica
Births
Owen Sibilia, son of Nilza and Peter Sibilia, grandson of Dale & Sonya Tyson, on January 31st
Celebrations
Deaths -- We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially ....
Drew Boggess, nephew of Toni Hagerman, on January 31
Barbara Reid, aunt of Susan Lewis, on January 31
Always keep ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith in your prayers.
For additions or updates to this listing:
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Weekly Publication
