ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE NC
Weekly News and Prayers for September 17, 2020

(Submission Deadline:  Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 
 


Follow us on Twitter!  (@AdventCLT)   Follow us on Instagram! (adventlutheranclt)
YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte

  
Click here for the September 15th edition of Synod News
Includes Synod's updated guidelines for re-opening

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 


 
WORSHIP AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Please join us ONLINE thru the Advent website
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 10am -- September 20, 2020 
Next communion service on September 27, 2020


This is the 16th Sunday after Pentecost 
Readings:  Jonah 3:10-4:11   and   Matthew 20:1-16

Zoom link for communion on 9/27/20 at 10:45 is:
Meeting ID: 844 5059 5049    Passcode: 274189


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.

To view all older recordings of our worship services, there are 2 ways from the Advent website:  1) select CONNECTIONS and then "YouTube Videos" from there and you can view any service back to the March time frame (or) 2) if you  want to have the bulletin as well: go to the Worship & Music tab at the top and then "Ways to Worship".  So, if you miss us at 10am on Sundays, you can still view the service.
____________________________

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - SUNDAY 11am via ZOOM
"Interrupting Silence"  by Walter Brueggemann

To connect:  Go to adventlu.org  ---  click on About Us --- Member Dashboard -- zoom links -- look for Sunday School and click there
_________________________________

WEDNESDAYS --  LUNCH AND LEARN 11:45am via ZOOM
Continuing with "Faces of Our Faith" through September 30th

Join Pastor Ward and Carol starting October 7 for an in-depth study of  Isaiah which is one of the foundational books of our faith.    We will begin with an overview of the book and the historical context and then jump into the study of the entire book.  
If you are interested in participating in this class and you are not already on Carol's mailing list, please contact her so she can share the necessary materials with you (spiritualdev@adventlu.org)

To connect: to the class:  Go to adventlu.org  ---  click on About Us --- Member Dashboard -- zoom links -- look for Wednesday Spiritual Development Class and click on that link.
______________________________  

THURSDAY WEEKLY PRAYER AND DEVOTION at 1pm
(each Thursday except the 3rd Thursday)
RESILIENCY:  SETTING FREE OUR LAMENT

(Note that each week is stand alone - no problem if you miss one!)

To connect:  Go to adventlu.org  ---  click on About Us then Member Dashboard then look for Thursday Weekly Prayer and Devotion and click Zoom link.
Contact is Carol Schierlmann spiritualdev@adventlu.org.
_______________________________

FOR THE CHILDREN   -- "Advent Children's Corner" 
Found on the HOME screen of the adventlu.org website -- Left side under weekly devotion info
 _________________________________

 Plarn Extravaganza & River Clean-up
Coming up this Sunday, September 20th
GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS 2020  


What is "Plarn"?
Over the past few years, you donated more than 100,000 plastic bags which were turned into 250 beds for unhoused people in Charlotte.  The steps between bag and bed are (1) cutting the bags into plastic yarn (Plarn) and (2) crocheting the Plarn into mats.

One of our 2020 GWOH projects is to have our Advent families take those plastic bags, make as much Plarn as possible by October 11 and roll it into GIANT balls.  We will teach you to make Plarn balls on Sunday, September 20.  A Zoom or video will be available if you can't be there in person.    Reserve your minute space now on this sign-up genius:     https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f4aaba82aa3fe3-gods

We will wear masks, socially distance, be outside if possible, and will clean between sessions.   You should bring with you:
  • a pair of scissors for your family, testing first that the scissors can easily cut the bags 
  • all the plastic bags you can collect
  • a 10-mm crochet hook if you also want to learn to crochet the beds
We need thousands of bags!!!   Each mat requires 300-500 bags.   Bring them on the 20th or leave them at the church anytime.   If you need someone to pick the bags up, contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com).

What's the River Sweep?
Our second GWOH project is with the Catawba River Sweep.    This is a one-day initiative of pulling trash out of the rivers, lakes, and tributaries that feed into the Catawba River.  We are confirming a date so watch for information in future eNEWS.   For more information, you may visit their website at https://catawbariversweep.org/.
Both projects are also part of Advent's Radical Love Endeavor - Creation Care week.   Stay tuned for more information on that endeavor.
____________________________

ALL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS!!!!

Blessing of bookbags or online technical device!
Celebrating 3rd grade Bible milestone!
Coming up Saturday, September 26!!!

__________________________________

BE HEALTHY
"Live Abundantly" ..  a message from Advent's Health Ministry

Did you know this about mask wear and care?
  1. Not all cloth masks are providing protection because 1) the mask is not double thickness; 2) the mask is not worn properly (it must be covering the mouth and nose) with no gaps at the sides; 3) the mask has become moist; 4) the mask needs to be clean (it should be washed in hot water before reusing.
  2. Surgical masks are intended for one-time use and then you should throw it away!
  3. When removing your mask you should do the following:  1) untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops;  2) handle the mask only by the ear loops or ties;  3) fold the outside corners together;  4) place your mask in the washing machine;  4) wash your hands with soap and water.
What you should know about the upcoming flu season: 
  1. Flu symptoms are similar to Covid19 symptoms.
  2. More testing will be needed to determine if you have the flu or Covid19.
  3. The number of flu cases may be fewer this year because 1) more people are working remotely;  2) there is more hand washing than in the past;  3) wearing masks and social distancing are now the "norm";  4) no hand-shaking
  4. Immunizations for the flu are available now -- don't wait -- the cost of flu shots is covered by most health plans.
___________________________




REGATHERING TASK FORCE UPDATE -- September 9, 2020

The task force shares a video featuring Sandy Torrence demonstrating one of the pieces of equipment that has been secured to help us safely re-gather for worship at the appropriate time.  Click this link to view:    
___________________________

ADVENTURERS' ZOOM MEETING - SEPTEMBER 17

You are invited to participate in a Zoom gathering with the Adventurers' group on Thursday, September 17, 1pm.

Zoom connection information:  
Meeting ID: 886 3255 3654       Passcode: 143012
____________________________________________

SEPTEMBER FOOD ITEM:   PASTA TIME!
During the month of September, we'd like to fill hungry stomachs with pastas and sauce, macaroni and cheese boxes/packets, and canned pasta meals such as Beefaroni, SpaghettiOs, etc. Flip-top cans are ideal, but we'll accept any! These foods will be placed in Advent's regular food pantry and the Little Free Pantry. 

Please set food items inside the entrance near the offices.  If you do not have a means of entry, please contact Abby Bostian at abostian@carolina.rr.com regarding your donation.    Thanks!
____________________________________________

LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE
Lots of need in this country and in the world!!!

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust'"
 (Psalm 91:1-2).
Imagine you're home and you hear a knock at the door. An official tells you to pack your essentials and evacuate, as a wildfire is speeding toward you. This is the situation many of our neighbors in the western part of the country are facing right now.

Fueled by a heat wave and unfavorable winds, devastating wildfires are raging across California, Oregon, Washington and other western states. At least 20 people have died, hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders and more than 3.5 million acres have burned across the three states. Some evacuees face the difficult decision of whether to stay in a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the ELCA disaster response to the devastating wildfires, they also bring God's hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by other disasters in the U.S. and around the world.  When the dust settles and the headlines change, LDR stays to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.   Currently, LDR is responding to:
  • Recent hurricanes
  • Wildfires in the western U.S.
  • Derecho storm in the midwest
  • Covid-19
  • and more ....
If you would like to make a donation to Lutheran Disaster Response, you can make a donation to Advent either by check or through Online Giving.   Just be sure to write Disaster Response on the memo line of the check or fill it in on the OLG screen.   All offerings received for this will be sent to the ELCA and we will ask Wubben to match donations made by members.
____________________________________
 
 
Virtual Walk is on Sunday, October 11th, 2020.  You can sign up now to walk and start fundraising.  Go to:  https://www.crophungerwalk.org/charlottenc/Team/View/131734/Advent-Lutheran .  Please contact Jennie Henderson at jhendersonfit@gmail.com if you have any fun and exciting ideas for this year or if you want to help!
            __________________________

HOW YOU CAN OFFER A HELPING HAND    

WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER?
If you are interested in doing volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank or at Med Assist, please contact Jim Hintz (hintzes3@aol.com).   Jim coordinates groups of Advent folks interested in serving.    

We have lots more listings for opportunities to serve.
                                 
__________________________

GIVING DURING THIS TIME OF LIMITED CHURCH OPERATIONS
Any ongoing help and support will be greatly appreciated during these times  
  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, or you can click on the GIVE symbol that is in each weekly eNEWS.  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
Office closed because of the Shelter in Place mandate.  The church office normally would be open 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday and closed on Fridays.  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 every 2 weeks through October, on Fridays, 6pm.

September 18 - Book Club Check-in
October 2 - "Wrong Place, Wrong Time:  Trauma and Violence in the Lives of Young Black Men" by John Rich
Upcoming suggested books:
For November - "The Sandcastle Girls" by Chris Bohjalian
For December - "Finding Chika" by Mitch Albom
For January - "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee
For February - "Half Broke Horses" by Jeanette Walls
For March - "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd

Connection info: 
Click here for zoom link to book club meeting!      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 can continue to meet using the church subscription to Zoom or to WebEx.  Contact officeadm@adventlu.org or churchadministrator@adventlu.org to make your request and schedule the day/time on the church calendar.

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.

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.   Please see Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann with questions.

Micah 6:8 Ministry:  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. 


FREE VIRTUAL STRETCHING CLASSES with Jennie Henderson -- NEW SCHEDULE COMING
Jennie has a job opportunity so needs to rearrange the schedule.   She is contacting regular participants individually with the times coming for weeks of 9/21 and 9/28 and a new schedule will be published here as soon as it is available.
Mondays 10am-11am
Meeting ID: 821 6403 3901 Passcode: 792778  
Meeting ID: 825 5020 8645 Password: 592797


 
COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT:
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 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.

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

 
If you wish to financially aid those devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, Lutheran Disaster Response will directly reach victims.  To donate, make your donation payable to Advent with "ELCA disaster relief" in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with others received.   
Youth at Advent       

Check out the new "Advent Children's Corner" 
Found on the main screen of the adventlu.org website
Left side under weekly devotion info
- - - - - - - 
GODLY PLAY --  Available by link on the Adventlu.org website 
See main screen in lower left corner under the Advent Children's Corner    or
Go to Connections and select YOUTUBE VIDEOS -- Scroll to the video
- - - - - - - - 

Zoom link to join:
Meeting ID: 843 9148 4685         Passcode: 866800

- - - - - - - - 
Stay up to date with youth communications!!!
Grades 6-12 are invited to join Brooke Summerour on GroupMe at
 https://groupme.com/join_group/59713917/yuqG4Sxd
 "Advent LUTHERAN CTL 6th-12th" 
- - - - - - - -  
Also we have a Advent Youth Instagram page
You can find our page on Instagram 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
Ashton Family, daughter and family of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Liam Ashton, grandson of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsey Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Sheryl Belk, friend of Betsy Brown
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Abby Bostian, member
Freddie Bridges, mother of Michelle Hagle 
Anne Brown, mother of Teleah Amaker
Tim Caldwell, member
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Freda Christ, member 
Thomas Clement, uncle of Jennie Henderson 
Paul Coleman, friend of Advent VDC community
Carol DiRe, member
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of Katherine McKittrick Eleazer
William Ensley, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Antonio Estrella, former member of Advent
Ann Farabee, sister of Abby Bostian
Emma Fettig, member
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen 
Consuella Harge, friend of Marie Cochran 
Dwight Hartsell, member
Richard Henderson, nephew of Sharon Thrower
Jeannie Jones, former Preschool teacher & friend of Marie Cochran 
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Phyllis Lester, mother of Sharon Thrower 
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Hilda Mertz, mother of Diane Jowers
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Rick Messina, member
Dick Moser, the uncle of Sharon Thrower 
Clyde Mullis, brother-in-law of Dwight Hartselll
Tyler Oddman, friend of Harriett Easley
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son 
Nadine Osborne, daughter-in-law of Gerry & Carolyn Osborne
Dot Park, mother of Dave Park
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Mark Steele, brother of Jennifer Frisina
Myra Steele, sister-in-law of Jennifer Frisina
Kirby Strickland & family, members
Mary Faith Strickland, former member
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Dan Trabilsy, grandson by marriage of Peg Buckstad
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Linda Ann Wassum, sister-in-law of Keith & Diane Wassum
Herbert Watson, member
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Lisa Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace
Gerry Wisner, brother of Terry Wisner
Terry & Carol Wisner, members
Jeff Woods, uncle of Carol Schierlmann

Celebrations
Thanksgiving for the marriage of Ian and Breanna Stimac on September 5th
Thanksgiving for the birth of Kristopher Swiger, born September 7, grandson of Lisa & Elliott Swiger and son of Kristopher & Shannon Swiger

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Nell Clayton, aunt of Janet Rasmussen on August 31
Eric West, husband of Tammy Jones West on September 10
Jessie Amaker, grandmother of Teleah Amaker on September 13

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