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WORSHIP AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP -- December 13, 2020
Holy Communion via Zoom at 10:45am (see link below)
Third Sunday in Advent
Theme is "Those who hope sow joy!"
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and Luke 1:46-55
To access the worship service:
Go to adventlu.org and then click on the link for the worship service on the home page. Bulletin available prior to worship on the home page of the website.
Any technical delays will be posted on the website under the link for worship.
Holy Communion on 2nd and 4th Sundays via Zoom at 10:45am
December 13 Holy Communion Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 844 5059 5049 Passcode: 274189
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - SUNDAY 11am via ZOOM
Isaiah for Everyone by John Goldingay
To connect:
Meeting ID: 824 6793 5162 Password: 967619
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MONDAYS -- PARLOR CLASS 7PM via Zoom
November 30 - December 21
Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent
This study dives deeper into the biblical texts that surround the birth of Jesus. Read full details under new news below.
Click here to connect:
Meeting ID: 863 5263 1572 Passcode: Parlor
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WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN 11:45am via ZOOM
Study of Isaiah
To Connect:
Meeting ID: 835 6174 4544 Password: 549160
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 Colorful Worship is back on online for our Advent Families. These videos are made with love and we hope you enjoy bringing God into your home. Look for these videos on our youtube channel and our website. Enjoy by clicking the link below. Thanks from your Spiritual Development team at Advent.
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FOR THE CHILDREN -- "Advent Children's Corner"
Found on the HOME screen of the adventlu.org website -- Left side under weekly devotion info _________________________________
Full details of these events elsewhere in this email
Wednesdays -- B3 Boomwackers, Bells, Beats 6:45-7:15
Thursday, December 10 - Signups begin for Christmas Eve services
Friday, December 11 -- free concert from National Lutheran Choir at 9pm ET
Sunday, December 13 -- online worship at 10am with communion by Zoom at 10:45
Sunday, December 13 -- deadline for Robinsdale gift cards
Sunday, December 13 -- 6-7pm how affordable housing, advocacy, and racial justice intersect via zoom
Monday, December 14 -- 7pm Light of the World study session 3 via Zoom
Monday, December 14 -- provide 260 cookies to Men's Shelter
Tuesday, December 15 -- 6:30pm LMM Christmas via Zoom
Tuesday, December 15 -- deadline for gifts cards for Robinsdale Christmas
Thursday, December 17 -- 1pm Adventurers monthly gathering via Zoom
Sunday, December 20 -- Online worship at 10am
Monday, December 21 -- 7pm Light of the World study final session via Zoom
Christmas Eve -- Outdoor candlelight services at 3, 5 and 7pm weather permitting
Sunday, December 27 -- online worship at 10am
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GIVING TREE GOES VIRTUAL!  NEED JUST 6 MORE CARDS!
We are almost to our goal of providing a gift card and stocking to every resident at Robinsdale for Christmas 2020! Thank you to the many who have made donations so far. As of December 9, we still need 6 more cards of the 76 total needed!
If you haven't signed up to participate as yet and want to or if you feel called to increase your cards, please contact Abby Bostian directly at abostian@carolina.rr.com and commit to a $25 gift card from Walmart, Target, or Food Lion. Abby is even willing to do the shopping for you if you are not comfortable going out in the crowd.
Additionally, all cards that have been purchased but not turned in to Abby or to Debra Efird as yet, must be given to them no later than December 15 as the plan is to deliver the cards and stockings next week.
Thank you, Advent, for being such wonderful neighbors!!!
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COMING EVENT DECEMBER 13TH AT 6PM
HOW AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ADVOCACY, AND RACIAL JUSTICE INTERSECT
Please join us we as Advent hosts a Zoom event on Sunday evening, December 13th from 6:00 -7:00pm with guest speaker Ryan Carter, Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region.
Ryan will discuss affordable housing concerns in Charlotte, impact of our new housing bonds, and where we can plug in to advocate for affordable housing for our neighbors.
Click here to join:
Meeting ID: 898 4991 1428 Passcode: Housing
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ADVENT'S LUTHERAN MEN CHRISTMAS GATHERING
Our Lutheran Men will gather by Zoom on Tuesday, December 15, at 6:30pm. The link is below. Each year the Men have their annual gift swap and it is generally a gag gift; however, this year they will be doing a thoughtful gift exchange (hey, everything else is different this year!!!). Please spend no more than $10-$15.
If you wish to participate in the gift swap, please take your gift to the church before the 15th and put it in the youth room on the wall against the hallway. There should be a note on the wall or on the floor where they should be left. Now wait excitedly for a new and unique way to exchange gifts .... virtually!!!!
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 841 9150 9272 Passcode: 764884
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ADVENTURERS CHRISTMAS GATHERING
Advent's Adventurers will gather by Zoom on Thursday, December 17, at 1pm, for conversation, jokes, games, music, and devotions. Any Advent member (or guest) can join us.
Here is the link to the gathering:
Meeting ID: 886 3255 3654 Passcode: 143012
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ADVENT'S FIRST-EVER OUTDOORS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING!
It was a perfect day for a tree lighting ... cool, cloudy and with lots of Christmas enthusiasm in the air. We are excited to have this additional way to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Pastor Ward, Carol Schierlmann, and Brooke Summerour took us through the meaning of the tree, the stars, angels, and bells and then our children and youth added some special ornaments to the tree.
 Spiritual Development was able to add $262 to their Love Endeavor fund thanks to the many people who provided and purchased the cookie tins before and after the tree lighting. ___________________________________
THANK YOU FROM OPERATION LUNCH AND COOKIE MAKING
Wow! What a fantastic response to our effort to provide lunches, fruit, and cookies to the Men's Shelter! All slots have been filled up to the January 11th date! Thank you!!! In order to keep our planning moving along smoothly, please continue to monitor the sign-up genius link given below to sign up for January 11 and beyond. 
On December 1st we made our first delivery as seen in the photo attached to this story. All this is part of assisting the reworked Room in the Inn program for this year which has been forced by Covid to find other avenues for sheltering our houseless neighbors for 2020-21. Advent has volunteered to provide assistance with lunches a number of times through March.
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 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT BEFORE!!!
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HOW TO MAKE LUMINARIES
NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
We would love to have everyone add their light to the grounds at Advent for the  Christmas Eve service. Each of us shines the light of Jesus; together, our light grows luminous and beautiful beyond measure. Click on this link
Click on this link to get instructions for making a luminary. The guide includes instruction for a paper luminary or a more complex glass one. Bring them to your service of choice to share and take back home when you leave as you carry your Christ-light back out into the world.
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AN INVITATION FOR YOU FROM THE NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR!
NOTE THAT THIS IS 9PM EST!!!
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ONGOING NEED: FOOD FOR OUR LITTLE FREE PANTRY
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Our Little Free Pantry has been a big hit with our neighbors, and we
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want to be sure to keep it well-fed. All types of non-perishable foods are needed. You can also put food directly in the pantry which is located in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House on Bonnie Lane or bring it to the church and put it in the admin wing area on or near the chairs. If you have no fob into the church, contact abostian@carolina.rr.com to let her know you have food and arrange a time for you to bring it.
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DIVE DEEP INTO THE HISTORY OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
NEW 4-WEEK BIBLE STUDY
STARTS NOVEMBER 30TH, 7PM, VIA ZOOM
LINK TO CONNECT:
Meeting ID: 863 5263 1572 Passcode: Parlor
Advent is not only the perfect time to read the story of the birth of Jesus; it's also a great  time to dive deeper into the biblical texts that surround the event. In Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent, author, professor, and biblical scholar, Amy-Jill Levine, shows how the Gospel narratives connect to the Old Testament; highlights the role of women in first-century Jewish culture; and emphasizes the importance of Mary's visitation, the census, the stable, the star of Bethlehem, and the flight to Egypt.
You are invited to join the Parlor Class for this exciting study November 30, December 7, December 14, and December 21.
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HOW YOU CAN OFFER A HELPING HAND
 WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER?
If you are interested in doing volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank, at Med Assist or at Classroom Central, please contact Jim Hint
If you are interested in doing volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank, at Med Assist or at Classroom Central, please contact Jim Hintz (hintzes3@aol.com). Jim coordinates groups of Advent folks interested in serving. We have lots of ways you can serve.
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GIVING DURING THIS TIME OF LIMITED CHURCH OPERATIONS
Any ongoing help and support will be greatly appreciated during these times
- 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.
- You may use bill pay through your personal bank or credit union.
- You may use Online Giving. See the info below for details on using this tool.
- 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:
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.
- This tool allows you to use a credit card, debit card, or bank checking or savings account payment.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Click here to access Online Giving now
(Remember to give to sandwiches and World Hunger -- Just add to your regular offering and mark appropriately on the memo line.)
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All church office staff continue to work remotely. Contact staff by email or phone as both are being monitored by staff from home.
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.
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Spiritual Development
Come and join the Advent Book Club. WE WILL BE ZOOMING AS LONG AS NECESSARY. See connection info below. All are welcome. Contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com). Group will be meeting twice a month on Fridays, 6pm, per the schedule below.
Upcoming dates and suggested books:
December 18 -- Check in
For January 8 - "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee
January 22 -- Check In
For February 5 - "Half Broke Horses" by Jeanette Walls
For February 19 -- Check in
For March 5 - "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd
March 19 -- Check in
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.
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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:
The Men's Group has started reading How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and is meeting via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Ward for more info. The current schedule is 7:15 on November 9, November 23, December 8, and December 21.
Theology on Tap: This group meets with new friends from Newell Presbyterian Church monthly to discuss contemporary topics. Please see Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann with questions.
Tattoos on the Heart (formerly known as "Bible in Action" This small group has reading and discussing Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless by Gregory Boyle. This small group is meeting on Zoom. Please contact Pastor Ward for more information.
FREE VIRTUAL STRETCHING CLASSES VIA ZOOM
 During these stressful times, it's important to take care of ourselves and our bodies in particular. Regular stretching releases stress and tension in our body. Jennie Henderson, an ACE CertifiedPersonal Trainer, is leading some stretching sessions for the Advent Family through Zoom. All skill levels are welcome. Modifications are offered. All you need is a water bottle, a chair, a space to lay down, and a resistance band/long towel. Any questions can be directed to jhendersonfit@gmail.com. Classes are currently held on Tuesdays & Fridays at 3pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT THROUGH ADVENT FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK:
Join the closed "Advent Friends" Facebook group to stay abreast of events and see photos.
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 Amazon Smile. 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.
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Outreach
USING YOUR VOICE TO SHAPE LEGISLATION
If you wish to financially aid those devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, Lutheran Disaster Response will directly reach victims. To donate, make your donation payable to Advent with "ELCA disaster relief" in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with others received.
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Youth at Advent
Check out the "Advent Children's Corner"
Left side under weekly devotion info
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See main screen in lower left corner under the Advent Children's Corner or
Go to Connections and select YOUTUBE VIDEOS -- Scroll to the video
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We are very excited to welcome back our online Colorful worship for our Advent Families. These videos are made with love and we hope you enjoy bringing God into your home. Look for these videos on our youtube channel and our website. Because of technical difficulties, we are just now getting the October 18 video available. Enjoy by clicking the link below. Thanks from your Spiritual Development team at Advent.
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EVERY 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY 4-5pm
Zoom link to join:
Meeting ID: 843 9148 4685 Passcode: 866800
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 B3 - BOOMWACKERS, BELLS, and BEATS! For children 4th-7th grade who want to learn a new instrument and have some fun. Come, join B3 -- the new Youth Band! Meets Wednesday nights 6:45-7:15pm (Social distancing and masks required)
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Stay up to date with youth communications!!!
Grades 6-12 are invited to join Brooke Summerour on GroupMe at
"Advent LUTHERAN CTL 6th-12th"
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Also we have a Advent Youth Instagram page
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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 officeadm@adventlu.org or churchadministrator@adventlu.org) to provide updates.
Illness or Other Needs
Laura Angell, friend of Jennie Henderson
Ashton Family, daughter and family of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Fred Bridges, father of Michelle Hagle
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Thomas Clement, uncle of Jennie Henderson
Paul Coleman, friend of Advent VDC community
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Carol DiRe, member
Inez Easley, mother-in-law of Harriett Easley
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of Katherine McKittrick Eleazer
William Ensley, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Emma Fettig, member
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Susan Goerke, member
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Colleen Graven, sister of Richelle Draper
Dwight Hartsell, member
Cindy Henderson, sister of Sharon Thrower
Claude Ingolia, member
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
Dick Moser, the uncle of Sharon Thrower
Tyler Oddman, friend of Harriett Easley
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son
Leo Peeler, member
Barney Quigley, uncle of Jennie Henderson
Kalvin Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Kirby Strickland, former member
Mary Faith Strickland, former member
Bill Toney, former member
Eva Toney, mother of Bill Toney
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Herbert Watson, member
Jenny Weems, friend of Astrid McLendon
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace
Celebrations
Birth of London Kathleen Rose Basilice, daughter of Trevor Basilice and Faith;
grand-daughter of John & Kristen Basilice
Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Freda Christ, member on November 19
Grady Leopard, grandfather of Sandy Torrence on November 18
Clyde Mullis, brother-in-law of Dwight Hartsell on November 26
Fred Lichtenstadter, father of Kristen Basilice on November 27
Bobby Short, uncle of Caroline Bunn on December 1
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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