ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Weekly News and Prayers on March 11, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 
BE SURE TO CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS ON SATURDAY NIGHT!!!
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WORSHIP AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP -- March 14, 2021 
OUTDOOR WORSHIP THIS WEEK WITH COMMUNION!!!
Also livestreamed at 10am from adventlu.org

Fourth Sunday in Lent
Theme: Again and Again: God Loves First!
Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 3:14-21

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.


OUTDOOR SERVICE REMINDERS:
Masks are required at all times.
Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to the start of the service.
Bring chairs for lawn sitting.
Spaces will be available for those who wish to participate from their car; the service can be heard on FM radio station 91.1.
Please enter the parking lot from Mark Twain (beside the church).


No Zoom communion on 3/14 or 3/28 as it will be included in the outdoor services on those dates. If you are viewing from home, we encourage you to have your elements ready to share at the point the congregation shares.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - SUNDAYS 11am via ZOOM
Begins at 12:30pm on 3/14!
 Isaiah for Everyone by John Goldingay -- Final Lesson

To connect:  
Meeting ID: 824 6793 5162  Password: 967619
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MONDAYS -- DEVO 2.0
12 noon via Zoom on these scheduled dates:  March 15, 29; April 19; May 3
 Discussion of "LOVE IS THE WAY " by Bishop Michael Curry

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
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MONDAYS -- PARLOR CLASS 7PM via Zoom
"Sermon on the Mount -- A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven"

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 5263 1572   Passcode: Parlor
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WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN 11:45am via ZOOM
Study of Isaiah -- Final Lesson

To Connect:
Meeting ID: 828 0443 8239   Passcode: 043459
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COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

We offer Godly Play and other videos to our families with children. They are made with love and we hope you enjoy sharing a close time with God and your family through these offerings right in your own home. 
 
You can access these videos in several ways: 1) From the home screen of the Adventlu.org website in the lower left side; 2) from the Advent Lutheran Church Charlotte ELCA YouTube channel; 3) or by clicking directly on this link: 





Full details of these events elsewhere in this email

Wednesdays -- B3 Boomwackers, Bells, Beats 6:45-7:15pm 
Sunday, March 14 -- Outdoor worship at 10 with communion (streamed live also)
Sunday, March 14 -- REAP - Racial Equality Action Partners at 4:30 via Zoom 
Monday, March 15 -- DEVO class at 12 noon
Tuesday, March 16 -- 6:30-8:30pm New Members' Class via Zoom (see below)
Tuesday, March 16 -- 6:30pm Lutheran Men in Mission via Zoom
Wednesday, March 17 -- 6:30pm Online Wednesday Lenten Service
Thursday, March 18 -- 1pm Adventurers via Zoom
Sunday, March 21 -- 10am Online worship
REMINDER -- COMING UP THIS SUNDAY!!

We invite you to join us this Sunday at 4:30 via Zoom for the next REAP meeting (Racial Equality Action Partners). REAP is a part of the racial justice team of Advent Lutheran Church and our mission is to advocate for policies, people, and programs that highlight racial justice for POC. All are welcome. Please contact Brooke Watson-Summerour or Caroline Grubb for more information.  

To connect:
Meeting ID: 852 2410 1722  Passcode: 237019
NEW MEMBERS INFORMATIONAL CLASS 
TUESDAY, MARCH 16 -- 6:30-8:30PM VIA ZOOM

Pastor Ward would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is interested in learning more about Advent to join him on Tuesday, March 16th, from 6:30-8:30 via Zoom. This will be a great evening to learn more about the Advent community, talk about the Lutheran faith, and lots more. If you have been a frequent visitor, are brand new to our church, or you found us online and want to know more, we invite your participation. To sign up for this event, please email Sharon Thrower at preschooldirector@adventlu.org.

We are looking forward to having you in the class.  Here is the zoom link to connect to the class:
 Meeting ID: 899 9325 1234   Passcode: 521606
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ADVENT'S LUTHERAN MEN INVITES YOU TO THEIR MONTHLY MEETING

All Advent men are invited to join our Lutheran Men in Mission for their monthly meeting via Zoom on Tuesday, March 16, 6:30pm.  Please join us for fun and fellowship!

To Connect:
 Meeting ID: 841 9150 9272    Passcode: 764884
ADVENTURERS MONTHLY MEETING

The Advent Adventurers Group will meeting via zoom for their monthly gathering on Thursday, March 18, 1pm.  Everyone is invited who finds themselves available at that day and time.  It will be a "virtual pinch those who don't wear green" time! Our program will be a sharing of Esther's trip to Africa in 2017 which promises to be very enlightening for those of us who have only dreamed of going to that continent.  Hope you will join in.

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 878 5005 2658    Passcode: 462757

FINANCIAL NEWS

Sharing wonderful news with all of you!  Advent was approved for the 2nd round of the Payroll Protection Program. Total award is $88,001.16 which will go towards the church staff payroll and to those APS teachers who are still unemployed or not drawing federal unemployment.  This is another wonderful blessing which will help us in the shortfall of income for the church.  God is good!  All the time, God is good!
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 PLEASE REMEMBER OUR LITTLE FREE PANTRY !!

Just a reminder, Advent Family ....  Our Little Free Pantry is always in need of items to be able to keep it fully stocked.  There are several ways you can help:
  • Bring non-perishable food items and place them directly into the Little Pantry which sits in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House.
  • Bring non-perishable items to the church and place them inside the red doors.
  • Go to Amazon and access the Wish List that has been established for supplying items.  The link is https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MNHZQ6F3AYHH?ref_=wl_share . Remember to select the shipping option that says "Sharon Thrower's Gift Registry Address". This is to facilitate delivery since the church is still closed.
Sharon is the contact from the Social Ministry Board for the Little Free Pantry.   If you have questions or ideas about the pantry, including donations and how to become more involved, feel free to contact her at PreschoolDirector@adventlu.org. Our Little Free Pantry is located on Bonnie Lane in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House.
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HOW YOU CAN OFFER A HELPING HAND AS 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 Hintz (hintzes3@aol.com).  Jim coordinates groups of Advent folks interested in serving. We have lots of ways you can serve.  Click this link to access the document with additional listings
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HOW YOU CAN GIVE!!!
  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: 
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.
  1. This tool allows you to use a credit card, debit card, or bank checking or savings account payment.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:  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.)      
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
All church office staff continue to work remotely.  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.  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:
March 19 -- Check in
April 9 -- "The Answer is ...: Reflections on my Life" by Alex Trebek
April 23 -- Check in
May 7 -- "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens (free on kindle)
May 21 -- Check in
June 4 -- "If You Ask Me (and, Of Course You Won't)" by Betty White
June 18 -- Check in
July 9 -- "The Last Year of the War" by Susan Meissner
July 23 -- Check in
August 6 -- "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
August 20 -- Check in
September 3 -- "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes
September 17 -- Check in
October 8 -- "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
October 22 -- Check in
November 5 -- Check in
November 19 -- "The Chocolatier" by Jan Moran (currently on sale on Kindle for $5.99)
December 3 -- "The Light Between Oceans: A Novel" by M. LO. Stedman
December 17 -- Check in

Meeting ID: 854 3805 8321    Password: 388838        

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 continue to meet using the church subscriptions to Zoom. Contact officeadm@adventlu.org or churchadministrator@adventlu.org to make your request and schedule the day/time on the church calendar.

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.  

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
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. via Zoom. 
Meeting ID: 847 4089 4973   Passcode: 382321 wdz09

 
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.
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.
   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
   For 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/    Cabarrus County:  https://www.cabarruscounty.us/elected-officials
 
ELCA DISASTER
It seems there is always a natural disaster somewhere in the world that is very tragic. The ELCA is well known for assisting victims of hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. The team and the funds contributed directly reach victims. To donate at any time, make your donation payable to Advent with "ELCA disaster relief" in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with others received.  We also typically ask the Wubben Distribution Board to match any offerings made by the congregation.
Youth at Advent    
COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

We offer Godly Play and other videos to our families with children. They are made with love and we hope you enjoy sharing a close time with God and your family through these offerings right in your own home. 
 
  You can access these videos in several ways: 1) From the home screen of the Adventlu.org website in the lower left side; 2) from the Advent Lutheran Church Charlotte ELCA YouTube channel; 3) or by clicking directly on this link:     https://youtu.be/yTYsJIwqwb0

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UPCOMING PLANS FOR CONFIRMATION GROUP

March 14  --  In-person meeting at 11:00 right after the outdoor service. We will introduce the Faith Projects, and talk about how to choose focus Bible verses.

March 31 at 5pm -- A Zoom meeting to introduce faith statements. At-home assignment with parents will be to write a faith statement which will be included in the faith boxes they receive at Confirmation. To connect to meeting via zoom:  
Meeting ID: 815 6245 3705    Passcode: 765488
 
April -- Focus on baptism and hopefully an outdoor event near water at the end of the month. There will be a Zoom meeting as well.
 
May -- Completion of Faith Projects.   Evening of Honor on May 22nd and Confirmation on May 23rd Pentecost Sunday.  
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SALTY SUNDAYS
EVERY 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY 4-5pm
6th - 12th graders

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.
Wednesday nights 6:45-7:15pm -- Social distancing and masks required
Contact Natalie Eklund (neklund13@gmail.com) OR Laura Torrence (lctorrence@ctc.net)

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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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ADVENT YOUTH INSTAGRAM PAGE at adventluyouthctl
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
Lizzie Akins, former Spiritual Development intern for Advent
Kathleen Basilice, mother of John Basilice
Trevor Basilice, member 
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Regina Bressler, sister of John Lewis
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Carol DiRe, member
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Jennifer Gazda, member
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen 
Marla Hamilton, cousin of Janet Rasmussen
Linda Hoffman, friend of Peg Buckstad
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Peggy Merritt, mother-in-law of Peg Buckstad's son
Hilda Mertz, mother of Diane Jowers
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Robert & Kathryn Mertz, nephew and grand-niece of Diane Jowers
Rick Messina, member
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son 
Pattie Quigley, mother 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
Mary Faith Strickland, former member
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Stephanie Vincent, member
Herbert Watson, member
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Celebrations

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Fran Whitaker, friend of Karen Schwartz on February 9
Tanya Wilmore, cousin of Herbert Watson on February 23
Paul Coleman, friend of Advent's Via da Cristo community on March 4

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