ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Weekly News and Prayers on July 8, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 
Follow us on Twitter!  (@AdventCLT)  Instagram! (adventlutheranclt)
YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte


7th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Amos 7:7-15 and Mark 6:14-29



ADVENT WORSHIP

COME JOIN US !!!!
Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
Service will also be livestreamed at Adventlu.org

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING FOLLOWING WORSHIP

To access the online 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.

Serving this week:
Lay Assistant - Jake Dailey
Reading - Anne Brown
Hosts - Grubbs and Pam Rhynes
Altar Guild - Velia Watson
ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Now on summer break - will return in September
____________________________________

MONDAYS -- Lunch & Learn (previously called Devo)
12 noon - 1pm via Zoom -- normally 1st & 3rd Mondays -- Next session is August 30
"The Book of Joy" is beginning August 30 (see article below for details)

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
_________________________

PARLOR CLASS -- Resumes Tuesday, July 20, 7pm
Will gather at the Wine Vault for devotions and discussion -- this will be ongoing for several weeks
Everyone invited to join!
____________________________

WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN -- new name "Wednesday Word"
Now on summer break -- will return in September with study of John

Full details of these events elsewhere in this email



Sunday, July 11 -- 10am Worship in Orinson AND Congregational meeting following worship
Sunday, July 11 -- 4:30pm REAP meeting
Thursday, July 15 -- 11:30am Adventurers at IHOP
Thursday, July 15 -- 7pm LMM at Kannapolis Cannon Ballers game
Sunday, July 18 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Hall
Tuesday, July 20 -- 6:30pm Lutheran Men at Armoured Cow
Tuesday, July 20 -- 7pm Parlor Class at the Wine Vault
Sunday, August 1 -- "Christmas in July" supplies deadline for returning donations


CONGREGATIONAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY!!

This Sunday, July 11, is our annual congregational meeting and will follow the 10am service. At this meeting we will vote on nominees for open council positions, Wubben Distribution, Wubben Endowment, and the Nominating Committee. Additionally, the 2021-2022 Financial Plans of Ministry for the church and for Adventure PreSchool will be presented, followed by a vote. There will be an update on the Jubilee Capital Campaign and other information of interest shared.

The following people have agreed to serve if elected:
  • Social Ministry Council Liaison -- Esther Abdel-Hameed
  • Advocacy Council Liaison -- Anne Brown
  • Welcome & Witness Council Liaison -- Mary Christ
  • Youth Council Liaison -- Ashley Watson
  • Stewardship Council Liaison -- Jim Hintz
  • Council Secretary -- Jennifer Canipe
  • Treasurer -- Pam Rhynes
  • Council Vice President -- Eric Heberlig (elected by Council per the Bylaws but will be affirmed at congregational meeting)
  • Wubben Investment Board -- Ed Efird
  • Wubben Distribution Board -- Russ McKittrick
  • Nominating Committee -- Tim Caldwell, Alex Christ, Barb Blish, Jon Eklund

If you are in town this weekend, please attend worship and the congregational meeting. Voting in person will be the only means of receiving your vote.
A D V E N T U R E R S  

The Adventurers' group will gather for brunch/lunch on Thursday, July 15th, at 11:30am at IHOP located at 230 East W. T. Harris Blvd. This is in the shopping center next to Walgreens at the corner of N. Tryon Street and Harris Blvd. If you are interested in attending and haven't responded yet that you plan to attend, please let Pam Rhynes know as soon as possible (pamrhynes@carolina.rr.com) so we can have an adequate number of seats for our group. Hope to see you there!!!
L U T H E R A N  M E N  I N  M I S S I O N

Advent's Lutheran Men in Mission are planning a night at the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers ballgame on Thursday, July 15th at 7pm. This will replace their regular monthly meeting. Tickets are $10 each and includes $2 for use at the concession stands. All men and boys of Advent are invited to participate and other male friends and family are also welcome.

If you would like to participate, please contact Keith Wassum (knwassum@bellsouth.net) as soon as possible so he can ensure enough tickets are reserved.

Sounds like a fun evening! Come join in!
BE GOOD TO YOURSELF!
 
Hot weather has come to Charlotte. We all need to hydrate. Here are a few important benefits of drinking water:
  • Anti-aging effects on the skin
  • Improved physical performance
  • Weight management
  • Increased energy levels
  • Improved digestion
“Live Abundantly”  .... from your Advent Health Ministry Team
CHRISTMAS IN JULY STARTED JULY 4TH!

Once again, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas has provided to us a list of children needing help with bookbags and supplies for the coming year. Look for the list of names as well as the bookbag on the table in the Gathering Space. Supplies should be purchased and turned in by August 1st..

This year, there are 32 children on the list. Backpacks have been purchased for all of them through an award from the Wubben Endowment. A suggested list of basic supplies will be provided at the tree but you are welcome to exceed the basics.  

If you are unable to shop, please drop a check in the plate or contribute online with “Christmas in July” in the subject line. We will find a shopper for you!
MONDAY LUNCH AND LEARN -- ALL ARE WELCOME!

The Book of Joy
Two spiritual giants; one timeless question.
 
Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet.
In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering?
 
We will begin a study of this book in our Monday Lunch & Learn Class (formerly called DEVO) on August 30th. This class will run from 12:00 – 1:00 on Zoom so that more folks can join. Our Lunch & Learners often bring their food to “class” so they can get back to their busy lives right after we finish. Please email Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org) if you plan to attend. If you are interested in this book but cannot make this day/time, email and let me know what day/time would work for you. If there is enough interest, we will offer it twice.
CALLING ADVENT WOMEN (AND FRIENDS)
ARE YOU READY FOR A WILD WOMEN WEEKEND AT LUTHERIDGE???

The theme is: “CREATED & CALLED…for a time such as this” 

Through the stories of women in the Old Testament, we will explore how God works in us through trying seasons. Bring with you your struggles, your hopes, and your joys from this challenging season of life we have all been in to be supported, heard, and reflected in the stories of these Wild Women of Faith. Where is God in the midst of the overscheduled days and sleepless nights? How can you be a wild woman of faith in this world? Where is a community that can walk with you and Jesus at this time?

When: September 24th-26th
Cost: $279 for a single room and $234 for a double

If you would like to go on this Advent-ure, contact Abby Bostian (abostian@carolina.rr.com) or Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org). 
INVITATION TO COLLEGE DOWNS NEIGHBORHOOD BARBECUE

The church recently received the following invitation from the College Downs Neighborhood Association. Pastor Ward and some others from the "Our Neighbors' Plate" are planning to attend and if you'd like to attend as well, please let Pastor Ward know (thepastor@adventlu.org):

Reconnect! Reunite! Reconnect! Reunite! Reconnect! 
Meeting! BBQ! Meeting! BBQ! Meeting! BBQ!
 
On Sunday, July 11, 2021 we will have a chance to see each other again in person. The CDCA will hold a community meeting at 1:00 with updates that include what is happening in the community and what has changed. We will also discuss future plans. As usual, the meeting will be at Crosspoint Worship Center.
 
At around 2:00, after the meeting and also at Crosspoint, the CDCA will hold a BBQ picnic. Bring your family and your appetite. The BBQ will give you a chance to reunite and reconnect with neighbors you may not have seen in months.
 
In line with corona virus protocols, you do not have to wear a mask if you have been fully vaccinated. However, because we expect children at the picnic, if you have not been vaccinated, you will have to wear a mask to protect other unvaccinated folks.
RACIAL EQUALITY ACTION PARTNERS MEETING

The Advent Family is invited to join REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners on the 2nd Sunday of each month (unless announced otherwise) at 4:30 via Zoom . Upcoming meeting dates are July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.
‌
1 - Ida Chisolm
3 - Stephanie Vincent
6 - Karla Jensen
6 - Debbie Poovey 
6 - Karen Schwartz 
7 - Skyla Caldwell 
8 - Chris Rasmussen 
9 - Krispen Jackson 
9 - Ruth Refsnider




10 - Raymond Peters
11 - Logan Basilice
11 - Julie Estrella
12 - Rook Thiemann
16 - Lynn McKittrick
19 - Esther Abdel-Hameed
20 - Jazmin Caldwell
21 - Eric Summerour
23 - Caroline Bunn
24 - Debra Park
25 - John Basilice
27 - Don Veit
31 - Charles Vincent
ADVENT IS FEEDING THE HUNGRY
HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Little Free Pantry:   Add non-perishable food inside the Little Free Pantry in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House or bring to church and place inside red doors. Food supplies can also be ordered from Amazon wish list https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MNHZQ6F3AYHH?ref_=wl_share. Select Sharon Thrower Registry address.  Contact is Sharon Thrower preschooldirector@adventlu.org.

Grab and Go Bags for Roof Above: 
Financial support needed – add ‘sandwiches’ on the memo line of checks or select in Online-Giving.
Volunteers needed to drive bags to Roof Above every other week. Contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com.
Purchase easy-open cans of viennas or cases of bottled water. Leave on marked table in Orinson Hall.
Have viennas and bottled water picked up at your home – contact Abby Bostian (abostian@carolina.rr.com).
 
Our Neighbors’ Plate:  Needs volunteers on Wednesday/Thursdays or to provide desserts. Use Sign-Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b45acac2ea7f49-ourneighbors) to volunteer.  Also needs financial support for supplies. Add “Our Neighbors’ Plate” on memo line of checks or add as fund in Online Giving.
HOW YOU CAN OFFER A HELPING HAND AS A VOLUNTEER  
              
 If you are interested in doing volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank 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 for more ways to serve!
GIFTS FOR GOD FROM THE PEOPLE OF GOD!!!

To make your gift, you may:
  1. Bring your offerings to Sunday worship.
  2. 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.
  3. Use bill pay through your personal bank or credit union.
  4. Use Online Giving.  See the info below for details on using this tool. 
  5. Bring your offering by the church and leave it on the counter near the door to Pastor Ward's office.
  6. Drop an envelope containing your offering into the slot of the US Postal box at the corner of our parking lot near the office entrance.

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:
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 PODCASTS  
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:  If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Ward for more info.  

For anyone: "Exiles" small group that reads and discusses books or videos. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Contact Pastor Ward or Carolyn Osborne.

Faith on Tap: Meets 2 Thursday nights in the month at Armoured Cow. If interested in attending, please contact Pastor Ward or Andy Goerke.
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.

Mondays and Fridays at 10am; Wednesdays at 5:30pm
To join click this link:
Meeting ID: 847 4089 4973   Passcode: 382321 
______________________________
 
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

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

Colorful worship will begin a new series in the early fall. Meanwhile, you may enjoy previous videos of Godly Play 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/XLJmLWy1t98
SALTY SUNDAYS FOR 6TH-12TH GRADERS
EVERY 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY 4-5pm
Taking a summer vacation -- we'll be back soon!!!
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
Augustin Aragon, father of Mercedes Aragon
Ashton Family, daughter and grandchildren of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Lee Chandler, friend of Dwight and Susan Hartsell
Willie Chatman, friend of Gene and Brenda Reid
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Deborah DuBose, friend of Abby Bostian
Dee Dunlap, member
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Natalie Eklund, member
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Jennifer Frisina, member
Chery Gossett, co-worker of Andy Goerke
Linda Hoffman, friend of Peg Buckstad
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Andrew Hunt, brother of George Hunt
Linda Kelly Family, family of Sarah Sue Hardinger's son-in-law
Marylou Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Bobbi Larson, member
Teresa Ledford, member
GiGi Logan, friend of Harriett Easley
Elsie Mason, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Susan McCoy, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Hilda Mertz, mother of Diane Jowers
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Robert & Kathryn Mertz, nephew and grand-niece of Diane Jowers
Carol Morton, sister of Ruth Refsnider
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Chris Musial, friend of Peg Buckstad's daughter
Leo Peeler, member
Noel Petrea, member
Jacita Petway, friend of Lenore Watson
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Penny Short, cousin of Caroline Bunn
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Wylee Stephens, grandson of Harriett Easley
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Joyce Veit, member
Herbert Watson, member
Naomi Watson, grandmother of Brooke Watson-Summerour
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Marguerite Henning on June 14, aunt of Bonnie Berger
Cody Gossett on July 2, co-worker of Andy Goerke

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 Pam Rhynes at Officeadm@adventlu.org or 704-549-1555 ext 105