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

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ADVENT FACEBOOK GROUPS

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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

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YOUTH AND MILESTONE MINISTRIES NEWSLETTER
Starting in August Advent families will begin receiving a monthly newsletter with the focus on our youth activities and milestones of the current month along with "save the date" for upcoming important events.  One or two of our youth will be featured each month.  We are a community and we want to lift up special tidbits about our family. 

The newsletters will be available through multiple sources.   Please check your church mailbox, email, eNews, and website for the newsletters.    Click here for the first edition of this newsletter.



LUNCH AND LEARN:   ELCA SOCIAL STATEMENT AND HEALTHCARE
"We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have an enduring commitment to work for and support health care For all people as a shared endeavor".  This is a quote from the ELCA Social Statement on "Caring for Health, Our Shared Endeavor". 

Come join us on Sept 15 at 11:00 for a Lunch and Learn to learn more about this ELCA social statement  and to view the film "Fix It- Healthcare at the Tipping Point". For Details contact Diane Wassum: dwassum@bellsouth.net.
 

ADVENT  B A S I C  TRAINING
Are you interested in becoming a member of Advent?  Or... are you just interested in learning more about what it would mean to be a member of Advent?

If so, please consider joining our BASIC class which will meet both Tuesday, September 10th, and Tuesday, September 17th.  Our BASIC class really means "Building Advent Servants In Christ".  There is no obligation to join Advent if you attend the class although we certainly hope those who attend will want to join us.   The sessions will be 6:30-8pm in either the Gathering Space or the Parlor.   If interested, please let Pastor Ward (ThePastor@adventlu.org) or Sharon Thrower (PreschoolDirector@adventlu.org) know.
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GOD'S WORK OUR HANDS
Advent's Big Day of Service will be held on Saturday, September 7, beginning at 8:30am and running throughout the day until we are finished with our work. We are hosting a Potato Drop! That means we will bag 40,000 pounds of potatoes into 10 pound bags and then load them onto vehicles that will take them to food pantries and soup kitchens all over the Charlotte area.  

This will be a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to experience Advent in action! We will offer activities for children and youth and refreshments. The work will be appropriate for volunteers of all ages. Look for invitation cards in the narthex that you can use to invite others to join us. 
Also, there will be a special Tater-themed congregational lunch on Sunday, September 8.  Look for more details on that soon.  

Needs for the Potato Project
If you have tarps or pop-up tents that you would be willing to lend to the church for our Day of Service on September 7, please leave them in the designated area of the Gathering Space. We need at least 9 tents to provide shelter for the volunteers and 18 small or 9 large tarps to protect the potatoes from the elements. Make sure your name is clearly marked on your items.  Thank you!



ADVENTURERS LUNCH -- THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
Plan to come to the Harrisburg Family House Restaurant on Highway 49, just 10 minutes from Advent, in Harrisburg NC.  This is a favorite place to eat -- where you'll enjoy good, home-style meals.  They have daily specials at reasonable prices.   Be sure to save room for dessert as they make some delicious pies!    
We will meet at the restaurant at noon on Thursday, August 22nd.   NOTE:  This is the 4th Thursday of the month!  The address is:  5429 Highway 49, Harrisburg, NC 28075; phone 704-455-3525.

Please email Carolyn Osborne ( caosborne98@yahoo.com)  if you plan to attend so that we can give the restaurant an estimate of the number for table seating.    Hope to see you there!


AUGUST FOOD ITEM:  Canned Meat (and Potatoes?)
For August, our food pantry is asking for canned meat - chicken, beef, ham, salmon, and tuna. Hmm, meat to go with all the potatoes that you're going to be hearing about soon! No, please just stick to canned meat this month. We appreciate your generosity in providing this somewhat costly source of protein for our hungry neighbors.




SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
The 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 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.  .

 








Worship Schedule for August 25th
WORSHIP TIME IS 10am
11th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Isaiah 58:9b-14 and
    Luke 13:10-17

Lay Assistant
   Chris Rasmussen
Usher Captain
   Abby Bostian switch from Pam Rhynes
Reader -- Isaiah 58:9b-14
   Freda Christ
Greeters
   Pat O'Rourke & Barb Blish
Acolytes
   Abby & Brooke Hibbeler
Altar Guild
   Lynn McKittrick, Connie Searing, & Mary Carriker
Counters
   Don Veit & Marc Jensen
Bread
   MaryLou Kuklentz


Worship Schedule for September 1st
WORSHIP TIME IS 10am
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Proverbs 25:6-7
  and Luke 14:1, 7-14

Lay Assistant
   Lenore Watson
Usher Captain
   Mark Large
Reader -- Proverbs 25:6-7
   Lenore Watson
Greeters
   Michelle Hagle & John Lewis
Acolytes
   James Hebert & Ashley Watson
Altar Guild
   Lynn & Russ McKittrick
Counters
   Don Hagerman & Andy Hagle
Bread
   Carol Wisner


Quick Links




Flowers for your special occasion can be ordered.  Cost is $40.  Sign up on sheet in Narthex.



Spiritual Development 

LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ?
No Book Club gathering in August.   Next meeting is September 13, 6pm
at University Panera.  "The Little Drummer Girl" by John le Carre will be discussed.  All are welcome. Contact  Jennie Henderson ( jhendersonfit@gmail.com )
 
YOGAFAItH 

YOGAFAItH on Thursday nights at 7pm in the gym.   Donation of $5 requested and bring your own mat.   Open to members and friends!   For questions, contact Brooke at
youthandmilestones@adventlu.org

PRAYER AND MEDITATION OF THE DAY
We have been praying together via text message for over a month and I have heard positive feedback from many of you. In August, the Prayer of the Day will take the form of a meditation. This will allow for a broad range of material to keep us growing in our relationship with God. If you have not yet signed up or know someone who would like to receive these short messages every day, you can email 
spiritualdev@adventlu.org with the name, cell phone# and email or 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 SD and Worship Team.  You can find a link to the podcast on the website or you can access via ITunes or your podcast app on android phones. Feedback is welcome.  



Nurture, Support & Fellowship 
   
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. 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         

                       
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS

  
 
UPCOMING YOUTH AND MILESTONE EVENTS:
August 25th  Blessing of the Backbags -- bring your bookbag to the 10am worship service

September 6th  7-10pm  First Friday Confirmation and Senior High Water Balloon Olympics

September 7th  8:30am-???  God's Work our Hands One Potato Two Potato Three Potato Four (all ages)

September 15th 9-9:45am  Spiritual Development Kick-off Breakfast and Program

September 22nd  9am-9:45am  First Day of Sunday School


OUR MILESTONE AND YOUTH GROUPS AT ADVENT
 
KIDS 4 CHRIST
The Kids 4 Christ youth group is for children Kindergarten through 2nd grade.  This group celebrates several milestones, including First Communion and Blessing of the Backpacks.  We meet once a month to learn and enjoy the fellowship of others in our group.  
 
MUSTARD SEEDS
The Mustard Seeds youth group is for children 3rd grade through 5th grade and also meets once a month.  We celebrate our 3rd grade Bibles milestone.  In addition to monthly meetings, there are other opportunities throughout the year including BYG camp and Youth Quake. 
 
MIDDLE SCHOOL/Route 56
The Middle School youth group is for youth 5th grade through 6th grade and prepares students for entering confirmation. We celebrate our Mission and Service Milestone.  This group includes fellowship, study, mission and BYG-er camp.  
 
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. 
 
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 .

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*
Lemont Bell, Gene Reid's friend
Arlene Bostian, Phil Bostian's mother  
Lauren Bradshaw, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger 
Sharon Charity, visitor
Ida & James Chisolm, members  
Renee Cox, Niece of Brenda Reid  
Tanya DeGrace, member
Carol DiRe, member
Kailyn Douglas, cousin of Lisa & Andy Robinson 
Mary Jane Falls, Friend of Betsy Dailey 
Eileen Folkerth, Susan Goerke's mother
Michael Funke, nephew of Barb Blish
Jennifer Gazda, member   
Consvella Harge, friend of Marie Cochran 
Ann Hess, wife of former Advent Pastor Bernie Hess
Dean Jarrett, Carol Schierlmann's uncle 
Jeannie Jones, former Preschool teacher and friend of Marie Cochran 
Bill Kirkpatrick, friend of Gene Reid
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Jeff Larson, son of Bobbi Larson
Susan Ledford, former Advent member and mother of Jordan Sheldon
Richard & Phyllis Lester, Sharon Thrower's parents 
Pastor Dick Little
Ray Matthews, Jesse Priser's father 
Vicki McCombs, Friend of VDC community 
Justin Mertz, Diane Jowers' nephew
Mertz Family, Diane Jowers' family    
Rick Messina, member
Mary Helen Miller, mother of Betsy Dailey
Matthew Moeller, grandson of Joe and Joan Moeller
Robert Moeller, son of Joe and Joan Moeller
Stephen Moeller, son of Joe and Joan Moeller
Elizabeth Nolan, daughter of Annette Nolan
John Nolan, husband of Annette Nolan
John & Alice Olenchuk, friend of Lisa Robinson 
Chris Ringwald, brother-in-law of Staci Noel
Richard Schulz, Dan & Jan Otolski's brother-in-law 
Debbie Shownes, friend of Susan Hartsell
Pam Simyon, Mary Lou Kuklentz' daughter-in-law
Rob Simyon, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz 
Myra Steele, sister-in-law of Jennifer Frisina
Bill Toman, friend of Andy Robinson
Debbie Trumpf, friend of Bobbi Larson
Daniel Veit, son of Don and Joyce Veit
Blythe Veit-Lightsey, grand-daughter of Don and Joyce Veit
Joshua Waits, friend of Lisa Robinson
Ware Washam, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Herbert Watson, Member
Helen Webb, Kuklentz' daughter-in-law  
Beverly Williams,member  
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, Tanya DeGrace's mother
Christopher Woolen, NC State Trooper paralyzed from neck down after accident on 7/22/19

Births

Celebrations

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

Edna Wagschal, the mother of former member Karen Montaperto and frequent Advent visitor, who died on July 29, 2019

All the victims of the recent mass shootings in Dayton, El Paso, and Gilroy.  May their families be surrounded by your love, peace, and strength.

Nancy Varger, the aunt of Mona Ingolia, who died on August 1, 2019


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. 101  
or Harriett Easley at ChurchAdministrator@adventlu.org 
or 704-549-1555, ext. 100