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 August 26, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 

14th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2 & 6-9 and Mark 7:1-8 14-15 21-23




ADVENT WORSHIP

COME JOIN US !!!!
Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
*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 - Mona Ingolia
Reading - Susan Hartsell
Altar Guild - Cathy Bolen
Counters: Marc Jensen & Don Veit (8/29)


ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES



ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Now on summer break - will return September 26 for a study of the Gospel of John
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MONDAYS -- Lunch & Learn (previously called Devo)
12 noon - 1pm via Zoom -- normally 1st & 3rd Mondays -- Next session is August 30
Study of the "The Book of Joy"

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
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PARLOR CLASS
Will resume gathering September 26th
Watch for more info
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WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN -- new name "Wednesday Word"
Now on summer break -- will return September 22 for a study of the book of John

Full details of these events elsewhere in this email


Sunday, August 29 -- 10am worship in Orinson Hall -- Masks required
Sunday, August 29 -- 11:30am-1pm Confirmation
Sunday, August 29 -- 4-6pm conversations with parents of Advent youths
Sunday, August 29 -- 5pm Evening with Emmaus
Monday, August 30 -- 12 noon Lunch & Learn resumes via zoom
Friday -- Sunday, September 10-12 -- God's Work Our Hands weekend
Sunday, September 12 -- Worship at 10am followed by picnic at the church
Sunday, September 12 -- 4:30pm REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners)
Sunday, September 12 -- 5pm Evening with Emmaus
Wednesday, September 22 -- Study of Book of John
Sunday, September 26 -- 11:30am Adult Sunday School resumes with Study of Book of John
Sunday, September 26 -- 5pm Evening with Emmaus
Sunday, November 7 -- Crop Walk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ADVENT PARENTS OF YOUTH PRE-K THROUGH 12th GRADES
 
August 29th Parental Conversations for Fall Spiritual Development Planning
 
The Spiritual Development Team would like to hold brief 30-minute conversations on August 29th with the parents of our youth via Zoom to receive your input as we move forward with planning safe options amid the pandemic for the fall 2021 spiritual education for our youth. Please join us in these important conversations based on the timeframe for the ages of your children. If you have children in multiple age groups, you may pick any one session and we will ask you the questions needed for all of your children.
 
For parents of Pre-K through 3rd grades: August 29th from 4-4:30pm
For parents of 4th  through 6th grades:  August 29th from 4:30-5pm
For parents of 7th through 12th grades:  August 29th from 5-5:30pm
 
Here is the zoom link for each of the conversations:
 
For any questions, please contact Brooke Summerour (youthandmilestones@adventlu.org).
MONDAY LUNCH & LEARN RESUMES AUGUST 30th
(previously known as DEVO)

The Monday Lunch & Learn class kicks off with a study of "The Book of Joy" on August 30th at 12:00. This class will normally meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday's in the month and is open to all. Please read the Invitation through page 24 in preparation for the first class. If you find you do not have time to get the reading in for this or any of the classes, please join us anyway. You will be able to participate, contribute, learn and share either way. For questions, contact Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org).

Class Outline:
August 30         Invitation – page 24
September 13   Pages 27-64
September 27   Pages 67-100
October 11       Pages 101-157
October 25       Pages 159-201
November 8      Pages 203-239
November 22    Pages 241-275
December 6      Pages 277-304

Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478

NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR COMPLETED WUBBEN AWARD APPLICATIONS

Please note that completed applications for Wubben education, outreach, and spiritual development awards should be emailed to wubbendistribution@gmail.com. Thank you.
Each year Advent participates in God's Work, Our Hands, an ELCA service-focused event held in the fall. This year our service will primarily be held the weekend of September 10-12 and will focus on the needs near and around Advent in University City. 

All of the Advent service opportunities were planned to include as many congregational members as possible. There are outdoors opportunities and ones you can do on your own with your own family. (All COVID-sensitive!) There are activities that are especially appropriate for children, senior adults, and everyone in between! It is our goal that every single member of our community find some way to plug into the God's Work, Our Hands service event. 

For more info or to suggest an additional service opportunity, please contact Toni Hagerman (hagermanic@gmail.com). 

Here is the link to use to sign up.  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0D4DAAAD23A6F94-gods
MORE GOD'S WORK OUR HANDS!!!

On Sunday, September 12th, after the morning service, we will have a picnic style potluck to celebrate the work completed by our members over the God’s Work, Our Hands weekend. We are looking for families or individuals who can help with sides. 
 
We ask each person who signs up, to bring enough of their side to feed 8-10 people please. We are looking for 24 volunteers -- 8 volunteers for each of 3 dishes. We are planning for 64-80 people, hoping for more.
 
Please email Amy Anzia-Dodson at anziadodson@gmail.com if you can bring one of the following (again to feed 8-10 people )
 
  • 8 cole slaws
  • 8 baked beans
  • 8 macaroni and cheese
 
We will be providing the main dish and desserts.
 
Because of Covid uncertainties, we pland to eat outside, picnic style. Food will be kept cold if needed and served inside, to be eaten outside. We look forward to picnicking with you as we celebrate all the good works done together, in mid-September. 
EVENINGS WITH EMMAUS STARTS AUGUST 29

The Advent congregation is invited to join Emmaus Charlotte for their weekly worship services beginning on Sunday, August 29, at 5pm to be held at Our Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church, 8200 McClure Circle, Charlotte 28216. Services will continue each Sunday at that time. Emmaus is a recent start-up congregation of the North Carolina Synod and has been established to contribute to the spiritual, social, and educational empowerment of the West Charlotte Community. Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson is Pastor.

In the near future there will be some joint activities between Emmaus and Advent. Talks are underway now between Pastor Ward and Pastor Shanitria to make these plans.  Meanwhile, feel free to join them for their worship services at Our Mighty Fortress…. Sundays at 5pm.
ELCA DISASTER RELIEF APPEAL FOR HAITI

A devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwest Haiti on Saturday morning. Over 1,400 people were killed, and that number is expected to increase as search-and-rescue efforts continue. Blocked roads are delaying the delivery of vital supplies to hospitals, which are overwhelmed with more than 6,900 injured people. At least 26,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, but the full extent of damage is still unknown. Haiti is also suffering through a political crisis and was hit by Tropical Storm Grace on Monday night, which caused severe flooding in communities already damaged by the earthquake.

For over two decades, the ELCA has maintained a presence in southern Haiti through support for agricultural and sustainable development work. To continue our engagement with those communities, Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with partner organizations in the communities to meet relief needs, including food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelter. In the future, other areas of support will include psychosocial care, water and sanitation, and creating sustainable livelihoods through agriculture and livestock. We also stand with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti as it assesses damage and impacts on churches and church life.


Together, as church, we can be there for our neighbors in Haiti.

Click here to give directly to the ELCA or you may give to Advent through OLG-click here (put 'Haiti Crisis' in the field for 'other') or via check and add 'Haiti crisis' in the memo line. All donations that come in through Advent, will be requested to be matched through the Wubben Endowment.
THE COVID DELTA VARIANT  

This new strain of Covid-19, the Delta Variant, is spreading rapidly. 
 
Unvaccinated people are at risk:  8 times more likely to get sick and 25 times more likely to go to the hospital or die from COVID than those who are vaccinated. 
 
Vaccinated people who get the COVID Delta variant can spread it to others. This is different from earlier variants. This is why you should follow the CDCs 3Ws when outside of your home: 
  • Wear a mask 
  • Watch your distance (6 feet) 
  • Wash your hands  
 
Vaccination is the best way to protect our friends, family, and ourselves. The longer it takes to get more people vaccinated, the more likely we will see more variants. This will also cause more people to get sick and die.  
 
Counties with lower vaccination numbers are seeing more COVID cases! Mecklenburg is at 50% and Cabarrus County is at 41%. Those statistics are for fully vaccinated people who are eligible (ages 12 years and older) as of 8/10/21.** The goal for North Carolina is to reach 75% fully vaccinated.  
 
Keeping our family and friends healthy is a Team Sport:  it takes all of us.  
• Do not go out if you are sick  
• Follow the 3Ws  
 
If you, or a loved one, are not vaccinated, please get vaccinated now. Vaccinations for Covid-19 are free, readily available and SAFE! 
 
** covid19.ncdhhs.gov/dashboard/vaccinations 
                              “Live Abundantly” Advent Health Ministry Team 
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 September 12, October 10. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.


ADVENT'S AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!!!!
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 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.
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:
September 3 -- cancelled
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        

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

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: No class on 8/27/21
For weeks of 8/30 and 9/6, 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
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
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
Darren & Wendy Benge, friends of Mona Ingolia
Peg Buckstad, member
Willie Chatman, friend of Gene and Brenda Reid
Ida & James Chisolm, members
USMC Hagan Colbert, brother of a friend of Chris Connelly
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Troy Dane, friend of Lisa Williams
Deborah DuBose, friend of Abby Bostian
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
Dave Park, member
Leo Peeler, member
Noel Petrea, member
Jacita Petway, friend of Lenore Watson
Jesse Priser, member
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Kassidy Sechler, young Rowan County teenager who collapsed during ball game on July 17
Susan Severance, sister of Anne Brown
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
Wylee Stephens, grandson of Harriett Easley
LouAnn Tolson, friend of Mona Ingolia
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Dale & Sonia Tyson, members
Joyce Veit, member
John Vick, brother-in-law of Caroline Bunn
Herbert Watson, member
Naomi Watson, grandmother of Brooke Watson-Summerour
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Praise and Thanksgiving - We rejoice with these folks!
Dick and Marylou Kuklentz at the birth of their great-grandson, born on August 10
Patrick and Samantha Hough, married August 21 - son of Barbara Hough

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke - on August 7
Deborah Miller, mother of Esther Abdel-Hameed's son's fiancee - on August 8
Derek Poole, friend of Kera Hebert - on August 9
Bill Horne, Vice President of the ELCA - on August 14
Brew Benge, friend of Mona Ingolia - on August 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 Pam Rhynes at Officeadm@adventlu.org or 704-549-1555 ext 105