ADVENTure eNews
     Weekly Publication
from Advent Lutheran Church
Charlotte, North Carolina
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays)


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Advent's Vision

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 --    March 1 through April 5 -- "Entering the Passion of Jesus" by Amy-Jill Levine

Other Opportunities for Study
Wednesdays Lunch & Learn
 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! -- services at 8:30 & 11am with Youth breakfast at 9am

 
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 29 -- Snow tubing for youth 
March 4 -- Lenten meal 5:30-6:15; 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 5:30-6:15; worship at 6:30pm
March 14 --  "One Community:  We all Belong" @ Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte, 7-8:30pm *
March 18 --  Lenten meal meal 5:30-6:15; worship at 6:30pm
March 21 -- Spring Advent Mission Immersion Event *
March 25 --   Lenten meal 5:30-6:15; worship at 6:30pm
April 1 --  Lenten meal 5:30-6:15; worship at 6:30pm
April 5 -- Palm Sunday Worship at 10am
April 9 -- Maundy Thursday Service at 7pm
April 10 --  Good Friday Service at 7pm
April 12 --  Our Lord is Risen!  Easter Sunday Services at 8:30am & 11am --  Youth Breakfast at 9am!
April 25 --  Lutheran Men in Mission Chicken BBQ
May 16 --  Tables Extraordinaire, 11am *
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Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 15th when Pastor Danielle Denise from the ELCA Synod Office will lead Advent in a Values Assessment Exercise. This is a follow up step to build on what we learned from the Congregational Vitality Survey. For this exercise to accurately reflect the values of the whole congregation - we need YOU to attend! Your voice is important as we formulate ways to make our community grow in love and mission in the future.
 
A Potluck Lunch will be served directly after the sermon in Orinson Hall. After lunch, the interactive values exercise will take approximately one hour. Child care will be provided for young children through fourth grade.
 
Members are asked to bring side dishes or salads for the meal.   Desserts and the main meat will be provided.


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THERE IS STILL A NEED!!!

NEEDED FOR UPCOMING LENTEN SERVICES:  
5 - 28 inch high wooden round bar stools
Will need February 25th thru end of March
Contact Karla Jensen @ karlaj@carolina.rr.com
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LENTEN MEAL 5:30-6:15 ON MARCH 4!!   Nurture & Fellowship is hosting our first Lenten Meal.  Sloppy Joes are on the menu.   It is our tradition to provide these meals with a free-will offering that will benefit a program chosen by the host group.  Nurture & Fellowship has indicated their proceeds will go towards the Table Extraordinaire event planned for May.  The meal if followed by the Lenten service follows at 6:30pm.
 
Be sure to sign the pew pads indicating how many people from your family will attend.  
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"MEAT" THE NEED FOR MARCH

             Food pantries always need canned meat due to it typically being more expensive than vegetables and beans. With the exception of the vegetarians out there, meat forms the basis for most meals and provides needed protein. Please bring canned chicken, pork, beef stew, beefaroni, Spam, and Vienna sausages. Sardines, tuna, and salmon are also quite welcome!
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WE STILL NEED Y-O-U !!!    
            

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 9 --   sleepover person, cleaning on Tuesday morning
March 16 -- sleepover person, cleaning on Tuesday morning
March 24 -- cleaning on Tuesday morning
March 30 - 2nd driver on 3/30; sleepover person  & clean-up person for Tuesday morning
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IF YOU ENJOY HAVING COFFEE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU

The Nurture and Fellowship Board is asking for your help. We need volunteers to take part in our Hospitality Ministry by making coffee at the beginning of the Sunday School Hour or cleaning up after the worship service. Coffee is a GREAT WAY to welcome our Visitors and enjoy fellowship with each other, but we need volunteers to make it happen.
We are seeking a group of members who can rotate on dates of their choice to set up/make coffee or clean up.
Want to know more about what's involved? Contact Janet Rasmussen by email, janrasmussen@carolina.rr.com or give her a call at (704) 201-3213. Or contact any member of the Nurture and Fellowship Committee. Thank you for helping to continue this ministry.

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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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CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE STUDY FOR LENT


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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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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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.
 
   
Click here to enroll in "Developing culturally-sensitive leaders" training 

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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.

Please contact Brooke Watson-Summerour at  youthandmilestones@adventlu.org or Carol Schierlmann at spiritualdev@adventlu.org  for questions. Sign up requested by February 22nd.  
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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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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SUNDAY MORNING PARKING
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.

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
T he church office will be open 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.

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, 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.

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.  .

 




 





March 1st - First Sunday of Lent
Lesson: Genesis 2:15-17   
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 & Connie Searing
Counters
   Don Hagerman & Andy Hagle
Bread
   Ruth Refsnider

 
March 8th - 2nd Sunday of Lent
Lesson:  Genesis 12:1-4a    Gospel:  John 3:1-17
 
Lay Assistant
    Joe Moeller
Usher Captain
    Abby Bostian
Reader 
     Jeff Hibbeler
Greeters
    Don Hagerman & Joyce Veit
 Acolytes
    Abby & Brooke Hibbeler
Altar Guild
   Connie Searing
Counters
    Pam Rhynes & Dee Dunlap
Bread
    Karla Jensen
 



Quick Links
 
 
Watch for opportunity to reserve lilies or other annuals for Easter Sunday.   Coming soon!





Spiritual Development 

LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ?
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.  



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.

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         



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.


 
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
Dick Moser, the uncle of Sharon Thrower 
Charlotte Nodine, Mother-in-law of Sarah Beth Mortensen Nodine
Chip Priser, member
Dolores Reid, daughter-in-law of Gene and Brenda Reid
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 24th:   Jackie, Melea, Evan, Belvenie, Chiane, Angela, Clarence, Leroy, Adrienne, Sherraunda, Jaylyn, Amanda, Raub, Immanuel
 
Births

Celebrations

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



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