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


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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

                                                 Sunday School Offerings 9-9:45am
Children & Youth ages 4 through 4th grade:   Godly Play Room
Grades 5-12 and Confirmation:   Wubben-Smith House
  Adults:  Parlor -   Resumes January 5th with discussion of the lectionary and discussion of future topics
Adults:  Campus Center -- starting January 19 through February 23 --  "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (see details in news section below)

Other Opportunities for Study
Wednesdays beginning January 15, 11:45am, through February 26, room 136 --   "Life Together" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (see details in news section below)
Sunday, January 19th -- in Campus Cente r immediately after Worship -- Christian Contemplative Life



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A QUICK LISTING OF SCHEDULED EVENTS AT ADVENT
Details of most events are found in this newsletter (marked with *)


J anuary 7 - Men's small group - Wubben-Smith House 6:30-8pm
January 8 - Lunch & Learn - last session of fall Bonhoeffer study - Room 136 11:45am -12:45
January 9 -  Movie night - "The Mission -- Parlor  6-8pm *
January 9 - YogaFaith resumes in Orinson - 7pm *
January 11 - Snowtubing for youth *
January 11 - Council/Board Chair Retreat - Orinson Hall  10am
January 12 - Confirmation meets in Orinson -- 11:15am-1pm
January 15 - Lunch & Learn - Bonhoeffer's "Life Together (ongoing through February 19) - Room 136 11:45-12:45 *
January 16 - Adventurers January Event - Gathering Space 12 noon 
January 17 - Advent Book Club - Panera University 6pm *
January 19 - Adult Sunday School in Campus Center - Bonhoeffer's "Life Together (through February 23) - 9-9:45am
January 19 - Lunch & Learn --  video and discussion of the ELCA's  "Apology to people of African Descent" - 11:15-1 in the Gathering Space *
January 19 - Contemplative Practices - Campus Center immediately following Worship
January 21 - Lutheran Men monthly event - 6:30pm location tbd
January 23 - Micah 6:8 (Social Justice) small group - Parlor 6:30 
January 25 - UNCC basketball @ 4pm followed by chili supper at 6pm at church *
January 25 - June & Mabel Porter Annual Chili Supper - Orinson Hall 6pm
January 26 - Council 11:45am
February 1 - Saturday morning YogaFaith starts in Orinson at 10am - ongoing *
February 2 -- Semi-annual Congregational Meeting following Worship
February 6-9 - Storytelling Event at Advent and Cross and Crown *
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NEWS FROM ADVENT 
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!

You've heard about it and now it's almost here!   See the flyer below.   All congregational members are invited to participate in the Storytelling Event either by registering as a participant or attending the sharing of the stories on February 6th at Advent.  To register as a full participant, see Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann.


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        FILMING EXPERIENCE NEEDED
FOR STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

Do you have experience filming events?  Do you have a camera that takes high quality video?  If you can answer "Yes" to either or both of those questions, then we need your help with the Storytelling Event..  We need 2 evening events filmed at Advent on February 6th and 8th, and a sermon filmed at Cross & Crown Lutheran on February 9th.  Please reach out to Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann asap if you are able to help.  Thank you.
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FREE TICKETS TO BUILD, REMODEL, & LANDSCAPE EXPO

The church has received a quantity of tickets to the Build, Remodel, & Landscape Expo, January 10-12, at the Charlotte Convention Center.  If you are interested in attending, pick up a ticket from the small table beside main entrance door in narthex.  First-come, first serve while supply lasts!
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Check this out!!!  A "Sign-up Genius" page has been set up for slots for upcoming Room In The Inn nights.  Please bookmark this page so you can regularly check for what isn't covered for upcoming weeks and sign up if you are available.  Here is the link:   
 

Need sleepover on January 6 and someone to drop off laundry on January 7 please

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LUNCH & LEARN IN HONOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the Social Ministry board is hosting a Lunch and Learn on January 19 immediately after worship to view the video of the ELCA's recent "Apology to People of African Descent" which took place June 2019. We will view the video and allow time for reflection and group discussion, facilitated by Lenore Watson. RSVP not required but requested to dwassum@bellsouth.net to assure plenty of food!

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YOGA-FAITH NEW OFFERINGS



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NEW CONGREGATIONAL BOOK STUDY

Beginning January 15th there will be 2 offerings for a study of the book by Dietrich Bonhoeffer entitled "Life Together"

The first offering will be during the Sunday School hour, 9-9:45am in the Campus Study January 19-February 23.
On Wednesdays, January 15-February 19, 11:45-1pm, Room 136, the same material will be covered.  Come to the one you prefer.

The book is available on Amazon.

To sign up or for questions, please see Carol Schierlmann,

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JANUARY MOVIE NIGHT AND DISCUSSION

The congregation is invited to join Pastor Ward in the Parlor on Thursday night, January 9th, at 6pm, to view the movie, "The Mission".   Discussion will follow.   Popcorn will be provided and attendees may feel free to bring their own dinner.

In this movie, a Jesuit priest enters the Guarani lands in South America with the purpose of converting the natives to Christianity. He soon builds a mission, where he is joined by a reformed slave trader seeking redemption. When a treaty transfers the  land from Spain to Portugal, the Portuguese government wants to capture the natives for slave labor. Mendoza and Gabriel resolve to defend the mission, but disagree on how to accomplish the task.                                          

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SUPER SOUP FOR JANUARY

           
Winter chills have us heading to the soup bowl for warmth and hearty nourishment. When you're stocking up on your favorite canned soups, please remember to bring a few for the Food Pantry. The pop-top types are especially welcomed by those who might have access to a microwave but no can opener.

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JANUARY 25TH IS AN ADVENT DOUBLEHEADER! 
ANOTHER ADVENT TRADITION!

What an opportunity!   On Saturday, January 25th, Advent's Lutheran Men will sponsor their annual family basketball outing at 4pm at UNC Charlotte Halton Arena with the 49ers versus Florida International University.  Friends and family are welcome!   

Immediately following the game, around 6pm, the annual June and Mable Porter Chili Dinner will take place at the church.  Proceeds from the free-will offering at the meal will go to support our Room in the Inn program.  

Tickets for the game are $5 each.  Go directly to the UNC campus for the game.   Parking is free and convenient.   The Advent group will sit together.    Deadline to purchase tickets is January 19th but for planning purposes, it would be helpful to purchase them early!  Payment for tickets must be made at time of sign-up.

For more information, see Keith Wassum in the Gathering Space after service on January 5th, 12th, and 19th or call him at 704-597-1174.
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                 PHOTO OF JOHN SPENCER'S ORDINATION

Pastor Ward shares this photo of John Spencer at his ordination on December 7th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Dallas, NC, where he has been called as Senior Pastor.  Congratulations to Pastor John.   Our Advent congregation presented him with a stole in honor of this wonderful occasion.



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SUNDAY MORNING PARKING
Members are encouraged to utilize the grassy area behind the church on Sunday morning, if possible, in order to free up spaces in the parking lot for visitors.   Please park straight in on the grass in a single row and ensure your car is completely out of the roadway.

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.

CHURCH AND WUBBEN SMITH HOUSE HEATING AND 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 January 5th
2nd Sunday of Christmas
Readings:  Jeremiah  31:7-14   John 1:[1-9] 10-18
      
Lay Assistant
   Joe Moeller
Usher Captain
   Gene Reid
Reader  
   Lenore Watson
Greeters
   Charlene Bakke & Pat O'Rourke
Acolytes
   Meredith & Emma Tunnell
Altar Guild
   Cathy Bolen & Connie Searing
Counters
   Don Hagerman & Andy Hagle
Bread
   Ruth Refsnider


Worship Schedule for January 12th
Sunday of Epiphany
Readings:  Isaiah 60:1-6  Matthew 2:1-12

We are entering the season of Epiphany.  January 12th is recognized as the Christian feast day celebrating the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ.  The word "Epiphany" comes from Greek and means to show Jesus revealed to the world.

Lay Assistant
   Mona Ingolia
Usher Captain
   Abby Bostian
Reader 
   Jeff Hibbeler
Greeters
   Jon Eklund & Connie Searing
Acolytes
   Andi Honeycutt & Donavan Hankins
Altar Guild
   Connie Searing & Lynn McKittrick
Counters
   Marc Jensen & Don Veit
Bread
   Carol Wisner




Quick Links


See the 2020 flower sign-up to request flowers beginning January 5th.



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 ). 

January 17 --  "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett
February 14 -- "Educated:  A Memoir" by Tara Westover
March 13 -- "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
April 17 -- "The Soul of an American President:  The Untold Story of Dwight D. Eisenhower's Faith" by Alan Sears.
May 15 -- TBD (a classic ... suggestions are welcome)
June 12 -- "endurance:  A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discovery" by Scott Kelly

YOGAFAItH

YOGAFAItH  has a new instructor and a new offering!   Thursday  night classes will resume in the gym on January 9 at 7pm.  Beginning February 1st, a Saturday morning class will be held at 10am.   Our instructor will be Darlene Kendrick.  New people are invited to join at any time.  Just show up with a mat and $5!   
For questions, contact Brooke at  youthandmilestones@adventlu.org 

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"

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.  Meeting January 7 and 21 in Wubben-Smith House, 6:30-8pm.   Led by Pastor Ward.

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 will join with new friends at Newell Presbyterian Church and will meet at various breweries in the area to discuss contemporary topics.  January date and location to be announced soon.

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.   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. 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         

Sunday School -- Sundays 9am-9:45am 


To stay "in the know" about our Youth, please join our new Remind App by signing up here:

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
 



CONFIRMATION MEETS JANUARY 12TH -  Meeting in Orinson Hall at 11:15 


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.  Sunday School for this group meets in the Godly Play Room from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
 
MUSTARD SEEDS
The Mustard Seeds youth group is for children 3rd and 4th grades 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.  Sunday School for this group meets in the Godly Play Room from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
 
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.  Sunday School for this group meets in the Wubben Smith House from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
 
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. Sunday School for this group meets in the Wubben Smith House from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
 
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 .  Sunday School for this group meets in the Wubben Smith House from 9-9:45 each Sunday.

 
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
Laurie Berger, friend of Harriett Easley
Lauren Bradshaw, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger 
Freddie Bridges, mother of Michelle Hagle 
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Freda Christ, member - recovering in NY from fall and pneumonia
Marie Cochran, member
Carol DiRe, member
Angel Duggins, sister to Laurie Stimac's daughter-in-law 
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of the McKittrick's daughter 
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Vinnie Frisina, member
Jennifer Gazda, member  
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Consuella Harge, friend of Marie Cochran 
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
Richard & Phyllis Lester, parents of Sharon Thrower 
Nancy Lowndes, daughter-in-law of Dawn Schaeffer
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Mertz Family, family of Diane Jowers
Rick Messina, member
Stephen Moeller, son of Joe and Joan Moeller 
Dick Moser, the uncle of Sharon Thrower 
Leo Peeler, member
Chip Priser, member
Ruth Refsnider, member
Pam Rhynes, member
Donald Roth, nephew of Kalvin Roberson
Eric Sanburg, former member
Carmen Santiago, friend of Adventurers group
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Jeannie Sherrill, member 
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Myra Steele, sister-in-law of Jennifer Frisina
Stacy Thompson, nephew of Ed Efird
Daniel Veit, son of Don and Joyce Veit 
Herbert Watson, member
Helen Webb, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Olivia & Benjamin Whaley, infant twins, friends of Ruth & Denny Refsnider 
Beverly Williams, member
Gladys Willams, the aunt of Lisa Williams
Lewis Williams, member
Lisa Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Our RITI guests on December 23rd and 24th:  Thomas, Willie, Jeffrey, Ruben, Nygil, Kareem, Charlenna, Ross, Ontonie, Melanie, Randall, Debbie, Hope, Dominick, Marvin, Marian, Henry, Kimberly, Maureen, Gerald & Gerald, Shereese, Wailon, Tynasia, Jada, Makayla, Leroy, Adrienne

Our RITI guests on December 29th:  Lawrence, Michael, LaVanda, Unique, Jeffrey, Dennis, Diane,  Shereese, Wailon, Tynasia, Jada, Makayla, Leroy, Adrienne
 
Births

Tillman William Eleazer, son of Katherine & Michael Eleazer and grandson of Lynn & Russ McKittrick, born December 19

Celebrations

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

       Dean Jarrett, Uncle of Carol Schierlmann, on December 13
        Joe Welsh, Father of Debbie Poovey , on December 20 
Joyce Huffman, Aunt of Debra Efird, on December 16   
       


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