ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Website: adventlu.org
YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte
Weekly News and Prayers on September 16, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 

17th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Jeremiah 11:18-20 and Mark 9:30-37



ADVENT WORSHIP

COME JOIN US !!!!
Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
*MASKS REQUIRED*
Service will also be livestreamed at Adventlu.org


To access the online worship service:  
 Go to adventlu.org and then click on the link for the worship service on the home page


Serving this week:
Lay Assistant - Teleah Amaker
Reading - Peter Christ
Altar Guild - Lisa Droste
Chair set-up prior to 9/19 service - Tim O'Rourke & Scott Evans
Chair set-up prior to 9/26 service -- Claude Ingolia & Gerry Osborne


ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES



ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Returns September 26 at 11:30am for a study of the Gospel of John

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 897 8747 4111 Passcode: 057876
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MONDAYS -- Lunch & Learn "The Book of Joy"
12 noon - 1pm via Zoom -- two Mondays a month -- Next session is September 27
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PARLOR CLASS
Will resume gathering September 26th -- Watch for more info
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WEDNESDAYS -- "Wednesday Word" (previously Lunch & Learn)
Returns September 26 at 12 noon with study of Gospel of John

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 822 6833 4593 Passcode: 097392

Full details of these events elsewhere in this email


Thursday, September 16 -- 11:30am Adventurers picnic
Sunday, September 19 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Hall
Sunday, September 19 -- 11am Rally Day Events after worship service
Tuesday, September 21 -- 6:30pm LMM at Armoured Cow
Wednesday, September 22 -- 12 noon Study of Book of John
Sunday, September 26 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Hall
Sunday, September 26 -- 11:30am Adult Sunday School resumes with Study of Book of John
Sunday, September 26 -- 11:30am-1pm Confirmation and Salty Sunday youth groups in person
Sunday, September 26 -- 5pm Evening with Emmaus
Sunday, September 26 -- next release of interactive program for PreK-2nd grade
Monday., September 27 -- 12 noon Lunch & Learn "The Book of Joy"
Sunday, October 3 -- 11:30am-12:15pm Sunday School for all children and youth 3rd grade through high school in person
Sunday, October 10 -- 4:30pm Next REAP meeting via Zoom
Sunday, October 10 -- 11:30-1 Confirmation and Salty Sunday youth groups in person
Sunday, November 7 -- Crop Walk
CHRIST HAS NO HANDS BUT YOURS!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the God's Work, Our Hands service event last weekend. We were able to accomplish so much through our efforts to Love God, by Serving our Neighbors. Advent has participated in this annual denominational-wide service event for the past 7 years. This year we were especially sensitive to COVID-19 concerns--the service events offered were either outside or ones we could do on our own with our own "bubbles". One unique part of Advent's GWOH event included work done by sister ministries in Peru led by Advent council member, Jim Hintz! (Click here for the full story of GWOH in Alta Cayma.)
 
  • 2 picnic tables were stained and added to the Advent outdoor space
  • 8 bags of trash were collected at the UNCC greenway (plus a tire and 2 bicycle wheels!)
  • 16 service hours were given in caring for newly planted trees in the Mujeres con Esperanza settlement (Peru)
  • 17 casseroles were lovingly prepared to be shared with Advent community in times of crisis
  • 18 service hours were given by college students mentoring school-age kids (Peru)
  • 52 service hours were given in cleaning a 3-story service center in the Mujeres con Esperanza settlement (Peru)
  • 100 goody bags were prepared for teachers and staff at Newell Elementary School
  • 480 cookies were shared with medical centers and first responders on 9/11
  • Unmeasured yards of mulch were spread on the Adventure Preschool playground and in walking paths of the College Downs neighborhood (which is adjacent to Advent)
  • Uncounted canned and boxed goods were donated by church members to stock Advent's 
  • "Little free pantry"
 
At least 77 church members participated.
 
Thanks to all of the members who "captained" these service projects and invested their time, talent and treasure. And thanks to Nurture and Support for the sweet treats offered following worship on Sunday in celebration of the event.
 
May this event inspire us to even greater service of our neighbors in the coming year!
COMING UP THIS SUNDAY!!!
RALLY DAY 2021 -- LOVE THY NEIGHBOR! September 19th
 
Join your Spiritual Development Team Sunday, September 19th, right after the worship service to learn all about this fall’s activities. There will be corn hole, giant jenga, a group art project, and more! We are working on something yummy to eat so stay tuned for details on that front. We will be outdoors with a tent to cover us from sun or rain and keep us in Covid safety protocol 😊
 
There will be information on fall offerings for kids and adults of all ages. We are hoping to get the parent information forms on an electronic format for you and plan to have a QR code you can scan and then fill out and return via email.
 
Did you like the masks we gave out to the kids for Blessing of the Backpacks and want one of your own? You are in luck... they will be for sale as a youth fundraiser so be sure to bring $5. 
 
We look forward to seeing 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 will gather on Tuesday, September 21, 6:30pm at Armoured Cow for their monthly meeting. All men of the church are invited to attend this time of fun and fellowship. For questions, please contact Joe Palumbo (jjpalumbo@hotmail.com). Armoured Cow is located at 8821 J. W. Clay Blvd (at University Shoppes).
COLLEGE STUDENT UPDATE!


The Hankins family asked that we share the following note with our Advent family!

Donavan is doing well. He is settling into college life and a routine that allows him to enjoy being able to fly at least twice a week. We are thankful for this Church family and appreciate your continued prayers and support for our future pilot.

Donavan’s mailing address:
DONAVAN HANKINS
ECSU - University Towers #404A
1704 Weeksville Road
Elizabeth City, NC 27909


EMMA POWELL

The funeral for Emma Powell will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 18, at Christ Lutheran Church, 203 S. Main Street, Stanley, NC. The family will receive visitors from 10:30-11am. Here is a link to Emma's obituary found on the website of the funeral home.
SANDWICH MAKING RETURNS!!! 

Super Sandwich News!!  Social Ministry has transitioned from Grab & Go bags back into slapping together our beloved egg salad sandwiches for Roof Above. With this fresh start, we’d like to involve as many interested Advent members as possible. Tasks are varied: there will be something that is the perfect fit for you! Read on for the tasks and requirements.
 
Sandwich Makers must be available on Tuesdays at 3pm for approximately one hour of work while standing.
Deliverers must be able to take sandwiches to Roof Above in uptown Charlotte on Wednesday mornings between 8-10am. 
Bread Buyers can purchase several days ahead. 
Condiment Buyers can purchase ahead and place the mayo, mustard, and relish in the kitchen refrigerator. 
Egg Buyers can pick up eggs ahead as long as strict attention to the date of the product is followed. Currently we purchase 10-lb containers of boiled peeled eggs at Chef Central, located near the corner of Eastway Drive & Central Avenue. All purchases mentioned above can be reimbursed!  

We are looking forward to maintaining this long-time tradition that meets the hunger needs of our community. Won’t you get on the calendar to be a part of this ministry? We will supply you with all the needed details. Another way to help is by directing financial contributions to Sandwich Making Ministry or adding a few bucks to the Little Red Man on the Gathering Space table. 

If you are interested in any of the above jobs – listed in bold print – please contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com or text at 980-621-1283. 
2021 CROP WALK -- Save the Date!

This year the Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk will be held on Sunday, November 7th, at Memorial Stadium AND we will also have a Virtual Advent Walk on another date.

You may sign up for either or both by going to this website: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/team/advent-lutheran-4.

2021 t-shirts are $3 and can be ordered here: https://www.charlottecropwalk.org/tshirts 

Please contact Jennie Henderson if you have any questions: jhendersonfit@gmail.com.
A D V E N T U R E R S  

The Adventurers group will gather on Thursday, September 16, 11:30am, at Frank Liske Park, HomeBuilders Shelter, for their monthly gathering. A hot dog picnic will be provided. All Advent members and friends are welcome but confirmation is needed that you will be attending to pamrhynes@carolina.rr.com so proper planning for food can take place. Masks will be required except when eating. If you are interested in attending and have not responded as yet, please do so asap.

Hope to see you there!
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 date is October 10. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.
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.

Our Neighbors’ Plate:  Needs volunteers on Thursdays to help prepare meals and serve and we also need volunteers to provide desserts. Use Sign-Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b45acac2ea7f49-ourneighbors) to volunteer.  Financial gifts for supplies are very much appreciated.. Add “Our Neighbors’ Plate” on memo line of checks or add as fund in Online Giving.
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.
MAILING ADDRESS FOR COMPLETED WUBBEN AWARD APPLICATIONS
Completed applications for Wubben education, outreach, and spiritual development awards should be emailed to wubbendistribution@gmail.com.
Spiritual Development 
MONDAY LUNCH & LEARN SCHEDULE THROUGH DECEMBER 6th
(previously known as DEVO)

Meets Mondays as listed below from 12noon until 1pm via Zoom. For questions, contact Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org).

Class Outline:
September 27   Pages 67-100 November 22 Pages 241-275
October 11       Pages 101-157 December 6 Pages 277-304

Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
STUDY OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
 
The fall a study of the Gospel of John will be offered on Wednesdays and Sundays with the same material covered on Sunday that is covered on the prior Wednesday.  You are invited to participate in either of the classes as desired.
 
The Wednesday class, led by Carol Schierlmann and Pastor Ward, will begin September 22, from 12noon until 1:15pm.  The Sunday class, led by Carol and Eric Heberlig, begins September 26 and will be from 11:30am until 12:45pm.
 
The book for the classes will be the “Interpretation Bible Study Guide” and is available from Amazon and other book outlets. We will also read the gospel all the way through. Study units will be about 10 pages each - not a heavy reading assignment.  
 
If you are interested in participating in either class, please notify Carol at spiritualdev@adventlu.org so she can ensure you have the latest information about the classes.
LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ? COME JOIN THE ADVENT BOOK CLUB!

Group meets twice a month on Fridays, 6pm, per the schedule below. All are welcome. Contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com).

Upcoming dates and suggested books:
September 17 -- "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes
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        
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 anyone: Faith on Tap: Meets 4th Thursday night of the month at Armoured Cow at 7:30pm. This is a joint group of Newell Presbyterian and Advent. Anyone is welcome! Just show up!
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.

Changing schedule:
For the entire month of September, classes will be Tuesday & Thursday at 5:30
To join click this link:
Meeting ID: 847 4089 4973   Passcode: 382321 
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COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT THROUGH ADVENT FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK:
Join the closed "Advent Friends" Facebook group to stay abreast of events and see photos.
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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.
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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 RELIEF -- ASSISTING HAITI AND RECENT HURRICANE/FLOODING VICTIMS
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    
SCHEDULES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GATHERINGS FOR FALL 2021 (Revised 9-15-21 to remove 3rd-6th grades youth group)
 
This fall, 2021, continues to offer many challenges for planning Christian Education for everyone and especially for our children and youth. Recently the Spiritual Development team hosted conversations with parents and in consultation with other respected educators, developed plans by age group.  If there are any questions, please direct them to Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org) or Brooke Watson-Summerour (youthandmilestones@adventlu.org).
 
Please click on this link to take you to the document with full details of the offerings.
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
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
Ashton Family, daughter and grandchildren of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Amanda Bainbridge, sister-in-law of Deloris Bainbridge
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Peg Buckstad, member
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Keri Eichler, niece of Marylou Kuklentz
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of Kathryn McKittrick Eleazer
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Dwight Hartsell, member
Colette Hishon, member
Doug Hodge, friend of Gary Moe
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
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
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Susan McCoy, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Mark Navtaril, stepfather of Tony Poovey
Dave Park, member
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
Rashaad Sinclair, family friend of Caroline Bunn
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
James Smith, friend of Jennie Henderson
LouAnn Tolson, friend of Mona Ingolia
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Joyce Veit, member
John Vick, brother-in-law of Caroline Bunn
June Vincent, mother of Chip Vincent
Herbert Watson, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Lewis Williams, member, on September 1
Beverly Williams, member, on September 4
Rachell Navtaril, mother of Tony Poovey, on September 4
Betty McLain, mother of Dennis McLain, on September 12
Alan Church, friend of Jennie Henderson, on September 12
Emma Powell, former member, on September 13

Praise and Thanksgiving
Birth of August Thomas Calamari on September 5, grandson of Ed and Debra Efird

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