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 IN THE ADVENT WAY DURING DIFFICULT TIMES!

Sunday morning worship, March 22, 10am 
Available live at 10am on Facebook Live  https://tinyurl.com/advent-friends
 and
on YouTube (search for Advent Lutheran Church Charlotte) shortly thereafter.  
Will be posted to http://adventlu.org website on Monday mornings if 
not before.

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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Beginning March 22, will be at 11am by Zoom.  
This is a continuation of "Entering the Passion of Jesus".   
Carol will communicate with those who normally attend with details on how to connect online through Zoom.  
If you would like to join the group for the first time, contact her at Spiritualdev@adventlu.org .   See article below on Congregational Lenten Book Study for description of book.

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WEDNESDAY LENTEN PROGRAMS
Beginning March 18th 
Available on Facebook Live by 12 noon on Wednesdays 
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WEDNESDAY LUNCH AND LEARN
Wednesday 'Lunch and Learn' will now be 'Zoom and Learn' beginning March 18, at 11:45.  
Carol will communicate with those who normally attend with details on how to connect online through Zoom.  
If you would like to join the group for the first time, contact her at Spiritualdev@adventlu.org.   
See article below on Congregational Lenten Book Study for description of the book.

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Plans are underway for doing a children and youth Sunday School online.  More information coming when available.

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PRAYER REQUESTS
Our prayer list will continue to be updated.
Please send any new requests to either Pastor Ward ( thepastor@adventlu.org) or to Pam Rhynes ( officeadm@adventlu.org).
Look for prayer updates in the Prayers Requested section at the bottom of the eNEWS publications.

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PROVIDING HELP TO OUR ADVENT FAMILIES DURING THIS TIME

We are developing plans to provide assistance to our families who may need help during the coming weeks.

If you have a need, do not hesitate to contact the church office (emails and phone extensions are listed at the top of this eNEWS).

Those in the risk group should adhere to the guidelines provided by the government and health officials.  Let someone else help you with the shopping or errands or other needs.   We will find someone to do it for you.   Your health and well being are our main concern.  Call the church office or reach out by email to one of the staff.

If you would like to be a part of our family that provides the help requested, please send an email or call one of the staff listed above.

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STAY IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER BY PHONE OR EMAIL OR TEXT!!!

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GIVING DURING THIS TIME OF LIMITED CHURCH OPERATIONS

  1. You may drop a check by the church.   Generally the office is open from 9am-7pm Monday through Thursday. I would suggest you call first. The office phone is 704-549-1555. All offerings will go to the General Fund unless you designate otherwise on the memo line of the check or attach a note indicating where you want it to go.
  2. You may mail a check to the church at 8840 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213. Again, see the note above about designating where you want your offering to go.
  3. You may use bill pay through your personal bank or credit union.
  4. You may use Online Giving.   See the info below for details on using this tool.
Using Online Giving:
  1. 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.
  2. This tool allows you to use a credit card, debit card, or bank checking or savings account payment.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.  
Your ongoing help and support will be greatly appreciated during these times.  

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CONGREGATIONAL BIBLE STUDY FOR LENT

All the congregation is invited to participate in a congregational Lenten Bible Study that is underway covering the book "Entering the Passion of Jesus".   If you miss a session, you will still be able to participate in other weeks.    The book is available on Amazon or other bookseller.   The 6 chapters of this book are being discussed.  They are:
Jerusalem, Risking Reputation
The Temple:  Risking Righteous Anger
Teachings:  Risking Challenge
The Fist Dinner:  Risking Rejection
The Last Supper:  Risking the Loss of Friends
Gethsemane:  Risking Temptation


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BECAUSE OF THE CROSS OUR PRAYERS CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS
(Come when the church is open or use your Fob)
                       
 
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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"MEAT" THE NEED FOR MARCH
(This will continue to be a great need during this time)

             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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TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH THE CHURCH CLEAN-UP ON SATURDAY, MARCH 14!!!!





 



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.



 






 
 


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 ). 

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)

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"

NOTE:   Small groups can continue to meet using the church subscription to Zoom.  Contact the church office to make your request and schedule the day/time.

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:  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



AUGUST 4-7, 2020     9AM-NOON
REGISTRATION FORMS AND VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS SOON TO FOLLOW.
CONTACTS:   CAROL SCHIERLMANN OR BROOKE SUMMEROUR

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EASTER BREAKFAST SIGNUPS FOR YOUTH AND PARENTS
(In hopes that church restrictions are lifted by Easter, please continue to sign up for this)

Youth and parents ....   we need your help!!!  Please sign up for a time slot that best fits your family.   This is always an amazing fellowship and time of service for both the youth and their families.    For any questions, please contact Laura Torrence or Brooke Summerour.

  Click here to sign up for a time slot:   Link for signing up (signupgenius)
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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
Lauren Bradshaw, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger 
Freddie Bridges, mother of Michelle Hagle 
Peggy Buckstad, member
Lynn Butts, extended family of Harriett Easley
Steve Cheyney, Campus Pastor
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 
Harriett Easley, Advent staff member
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
Phyllis Lester, mother of Sharon Thrower 
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Matamba Mbayabu, friend of Advent
Hilda Mertz, mother of Diane Jowers
Justin Mertz, nephew 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
Schwarzer family, family of Tanya DeGrace
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
Harold Twitty, member
Herbert Watson, member
Leah Weist, niece of friend of Diane Jowers
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Our RITI guests on March 9:  Cheryl, Nicole, Gio, Dorothy, Ivy, Kimberly, Rashaad, Amanda, Raub, Immanuel, Tiffany, Emerson, Tracy


Celebrations

Birth of Lily Grace Stimac, born February 29, daughter of Jesse & Jasmine Stimac, grand-daughter of Laurie Stimac
Praise and thanksgiving for God's mercies to the Mertz family


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

Isaac Friday, son of Nancy Friday - former members of Advent, on February 25
Tobias Schwarzer, cousin of Tanya DeGrace on February 14
Richard Lester, father of Sharon Thrower on March 3
Marie von Seggern, mother of Karl von Seggern on March 9
Richard Graven, father of Richelle Draper on March 13
Victims of devastating tornadoes in Tennessee recently



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