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 October 28, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 

Readings:
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Jeremiah 31:31-34 and John 8:31-36

Come join us !!
ADVENT WORSHIP

Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
REFORMATION SUNDAY -- Wear Red!
*MASKS REQUIRED*
Service will also be livestreamed at Adventlu.org

Why do we wear red on Reformation Sunday?
Red is the liturgical color of the day which represents the Holy Spirit and it also reminds us of those who have been martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ.

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 - Marylou Kuklentz
Reading - Debra Efird
Altar Guild - Lynn McKittrick
Counters - Dick Kuklentz & Dale Tyson
Chair set-up prior to 10/31 service -- Joe Palumbo & Larry Brown



Flowers for October 31st are given Leo Peeler in memory of Cora Mae Peeler

ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES


ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
11:30am via Zoom and in person -- Study of the Gospel of John

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 897 8747 4111 Passcode: 057876
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MONDAYS -- Lunch & Learn "The Book of Joy"
12 noon - 1pm via Zoom -- two Mondays a month -- Next session is November 8

To Join Zoom Meeting, Click on the Link Below:
Meeting ID: 868 0588 4776 Passcode: 188417
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PARLOR CLASS -
Sundays 9-10am in person in the Campus Center or via Zoom

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 815 2973 3680 Passcode: 130747
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WEDNESDAYS -- "Wednesday Word" -- Gospel of John
12 noon Wednesdays via zoom

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 822 6833 4593 Passcode: 097392

Full details of these events elsewhere in this email



Saturday, October 30 -- 4-6pm LMM Fall Pork BBQ -- drive-thru - preorders required!
Sunday, October 31 -- 10am Worship
Sunday, October 31 -- 11:30-12:15 Sunday School for 7th-12 grades
Sunday, November 7 -- 2am TIME CHANGE -- FALL BACK
Sunday, November 7 -- 10am Worship - All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 7 -- 11:30-1 Confirmation
Sunday, November 7 -- Crop Walk at Memorial Stadium
Sunday, November 14 -- 4:30 REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners) via zoom
ANNUAL FALL PORK BBQ  -- Saturday, October 30, 2021 
BRING YOUR ONLINE CONFIRMATION!
A Drive-Thru Pick-Up Event Only 
 
This is the week for that delicious meal!

  • Please Print & Bring a Copy of Confirmation Email with you to the pick-up.  
  • Pickup will be between 4pm & 6pm Saturday, October 30th. 
  • Enter at the Mark Twain Road entrance (front) and exit onto Sandburg.  
  • If you encounter any problems, please don’t hesitate to contact Joe Palumbo, Keith Wassum or Russ McKittrick. 
 
All proceeds will be used for Lutheran Men Outreach which funds various outreach projects for the church community. Treat bags will be distributed to cars with children.
CARD MINISTRY NEEDING 2 OR 3 MORE VOLUNTEERS

Advent’s Card Ministry needs a few more Card Ministers to fill in gaps in the calendar. Could you be one of them? This ministry requires a minor time commitment and is quite fulfilling. Don’t let the long list of names on the Prayer List scare you away. Our policy is to send cards only to members. Names of card recipients are assigned by the coordinator each week. Each Card Minister serves a 2-week stint per year and typically sends 8-15 cards during that time although many Card Ministers have volunteered to be called upon twice a year – how much you serve is up to you. You will be expected to purchase your own cards (dollar store!) and postage, but these can be reported as “Gift by Receipt” if you so choose.

Please contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com or text or call 980-621-1283 if you're interested in serving.  
ROOM IN THE INN IS COMING BACK!!!

Final planning is underway for Advent to do Room in the Inn again this year after the pandemic forced the suspension of it in March 2020. There will be a number of changes because the virus is still with us; however, we will be able to provide a warm place for those to sleep who have no homes. Watch for more detailed news coming in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, please pray for guidance in how you can help.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS WANTED

It can be hard to take that first step to research community volunteer opportunities, find a spot in our schedules, go through the hoops to sign up then actually follow through. We know the need is out there but just don’t know where to start. If you are interested in volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, Crisis Assistance Ministries, or The Galilee Center, please contact Diane Wassum (dwassum@bellsouth.net) to let her know. Opportunities at these non-profits range from sorting food/clothing to meal preparation, to garden maintenance. None require any previous experience .... just show up and instructions will be given in what to do. Once Diane has a group of folks interested in volunteering, she will come up with available dates and match them with the volunteer opportunities. Diane can also be reached by text at 704-301-5630.
FLOWERS FOR WORSHIP HAVE RESTARTED

We are again offering to our families the opportunity to place flowers in the church for Sunday morning worship. If you are interested in ordering a beautiful arrangement in memory or honor of someone or of an event, please sign up on the flower chart that will be on the table at the doors from the Gathering Space to Orinson Hall. The cost of the arrangement is $40. The flowers will be placed on the stage for Sunday morning worship and then you may take them home to enjoy throughout the coming week. You will be contacted as we near your reserved date for particulars on colors or any details for what you would like published regarding the arrangement. For questions, please contact Pam Rhynes (officeadm@adventl.org).

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP ADVENT FEED THE HUNGRY!!!

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.

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. NOTE: ONP will end for the fall with the meal served on November 11th. It will resume in the spring time. Meanwhile, please give consideration to joining in the spring.

Sandwich Making: This long-honored tradition for Advent has returned. If you are interested in helping, please contact debra_efird@yahoo.com or text at 980-621-1283. There are 5 areas in which you can help.
. Sandwich Makers -- Tuesdays at 3pm for approximately one hour of work while standing.
. Deliverers -- Wednesday mornings between 8-10am to Roof Above in uptown Charlotte.
. Bread Buyers/condiment buyers --  can purchase ahead of time.
. Egg Buyers -- 10-lb containers of boiled peeled eggs at Chef Central on Eastway Drive and can pick up eggs ahead as long as strict attention to the date of the product is followed.
(Note: All purchases mentioned above can be reimbursed as desired.) 
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, World Hunger, Our Neighbors' Plate (ONP) by adding to your regular offering and mark appropriately on the memo line of your check or add to the "other" category in on-line giving.)
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.
MAILING ADDRESS FOR COMPLETED WUBBEN AWARD APPLICATIONS
Completed applications for Wubben education, outreach, and spiritual development awards should be emailed to wubbendistribution@gmail.com.
Spiritual Development Offerings For Adults
MONDAY LUNCH & LEARN SCHEDULE THROUGH DECEMBER 6th
Meets Mondays as listed below from 12noon until 1pm via Zoom. For questions, contact Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org).

Class Outline:
November 8 Pages 203-239
November 22 Pages 241-275
December 6 Pages 277-304

Meeting ID: 868 0588 4776 Passcode: 188417
STUDY OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
The fall a study of the Gospel of John will be offered on Wednesdays and Sundays with the same material covered on Sunday that is covered on the prior Wednesday.  

Wednesday class, led by Carol Schierlmann and Pastor Ward, from 12noon until 1:15pm.  
Sunday class, led by Carol and Eric Heberlig, from 11:30am until 12:45pm.

For questions, please contact Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org). 
PARLOR CLASS SUNDAY SCHOOL
Meeting on Sundays at 9 a.m. with an option to meet in person (in the Campus Center) or via Zoom.  The class will begin with a study called “Belong,” about Christian Community, particularly relevant during this time of COVID.

To join by zoom, click the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81529733680?pwd=cUcxUVpLd2NHYWtaYmRVWUpuV2hkZz09 Meeting ID: 815 2973 3680 Passcode: 130747.     

All are welcome to join this group Sunday at 9am, either masked and face to face, or on Zoom. 
LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ? COME JOIN THE ADVENT BOOK CLUB!
Meets twice a month on Fridays, 6pm, on Zoom per the schedule below. All are welcome. Contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com).

Upcoming dates and suggested books:
November 5 -- Check in - will pick 2022 books
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
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 4:30pm via Zoom. Upcoming meeting dates are November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.
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: 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!

The Exiles: This group meets 2 times a month on Tuesdays. For information, contact Carolyn Osborne at caosborne98@yahoo.com or Pastor Ward at thepastor@adventlu.org.

For anyone: Racial Justice Teams -- 3 different focus areas and contacts:: Action (Brooke Watson-Summerour or Caroline Grubb); Partnership (Arlene Cash or Jim Hintz); Education & worship (Carol Schierlmann or Pastor Ward).
FREE VIRTUAL STRETCHING CLASSES VIA ZOOM
Regular stretching through zoom, lead by our own Jennie Henderson, an ACE CertifiedPersonal Trainer. 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.

Classes are Mondays at 5pm; Wednesdays at 3pm; and twoThursdays a month with those dates posted on Advent Friends Facebook page. Anyone not having access to Facebook, should contact Jennie directly to be put on an email list.

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 ... group #5494.
Outreach

ELCA DISASTER RELIEF -- 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    
DIGITAL KID'S CORNER -- NEW THIS YEAR!!!
PreK through 2nd grade

What is this, you ask??? It's an interactive computer-based program complete with videos, Bible stories, songs and crafts. New programs will be released twice a month and the link will be provided here as well as on the home page of the adventlu.org website in the "Kid's Corner" section (lower left corner). The link will be good for the entire month. Here is the link for October: https://prezi.com/view/UNalw3AS3CYGKTG4cg8R/.
TOUCH ZOOM FOR PRE-K THROUGH 2ND GRADE

Also new this year will a 15-minute touch zoom gathering for this age group led by Pastor Ward and the Spiritual Development team. The gatherings will be 2 times a month on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. The schedule is as follows: November 10, November 17, December 1, December 15. To join the zoom gathering click on this link:
Meeting id: 863 6903 6290 Passcode 266120



OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR YOUTH
GRADES 3 - 6 SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:30am-12:15pm in person on these dates: October 31; December 12
GRADES 7-12 SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:30am-12:15pm in person on these dates: October 31; December 12.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES 11:30am-1pm in person on these dates: November 7, 21; December 5, 19.
GRADES 10-12 SALTY SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP 11:30am-1pm in person on these dates: November 7, 21; December 5, 19.
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
Val Allred, friend of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Ashton Family, daughter and grandchildren of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Scott Barger, friend of Mona Ingolia
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Michael Corbin, godson of Susan Hartsell
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of Kathryn McKittrick Eleazer
Gabriella Estrella, member
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Dwight Hartsell, member
Doug Hodge, friend of Gary Moe
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Mark Hough, husband of member
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
John Kivett, friend of Harriett and Darrell Easley
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Bobbi Larson, member
Teresa Ledford, member
Susan Lewis, member
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Vickie McCombs, friend of the VDC Community
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Gilbert Naber, uncle of Gloria Strickert
Mark Navtaril, stepfather of Tony Poovey
Leo Peeler, member
Jacita Petway, friend of Lenore Watson
Ron Pittman, member
Joyce Quigley, grandmother of Jennie Henderson
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Bobby Reed, brother-in-law of Pam Rhynes
Sherry Rengstorf & family, friends of Fred & Gloria Strickert
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Penny Short, cousin of Caroline Bunn
Rashaad Sinclair, family friend of Caroline Bunn
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Lynda Stellenberg. friend of Jennie Henderson
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Joyce Veit, member
John Vick, brother-in-law of Caroline Bunn
Herbert Watson, member
Velia Watson, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace
Carol Wisner, member

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Blanche Pennington, aunt of Pat Kelly on October 11
June Vincent, mother of Chip Vincent on October 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 Pam Rhynes at Officeadm@adventlu.org or 704-549-1555 ext 105