ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555

Weekly News and Prayers on January 21, 2021

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


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

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP -- January 24, 2021 
Livestreamed at 10am from adventlu.org
with Communion via Zoom at 10:45am at

Sermon Series by Pastor Ward:  "Jesus, Man of Mystery"


3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Readings:   Jonah 3:1-5, 10   and   Mark 1:14-20


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.
Any technical delays will be posted on the website under the link for worship.

Communion by Zoom on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 10:45am
Next date:    January 24, 2021

To connect for communion between 10:30 and 10:45am:
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - SUNDAYS 11am via ZOOM
 Isaiah for Everyone by John Goldingay 

To connect:  
Meeting ID: 824 6793 5162   Password: 967619
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MONDAYS -- DEVO 2.0
1st and 3rd Mondays -- 12 noon via Zoom
(next date is February 1)

Informal discussions on "food for thought" topics
(topic published on website each week)
All are welcome

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586    Passcode: 484478
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MONDAYS -- PARLOR CLASS 7PM via Zoom

"Sermon on the Mount -- A Beginner's Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven"

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 5263 1572    Passcode: Parlor
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WEDNESDAYS --  LUNCH AND LEARN 11:45am via ZOOM
Study of Isaiah 

To Connect:
Meeting ID: 835 6174 4544   Password: 549160
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COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES
These videos are made with love and we hope you enjoy bringing God into your home.  Look for these videos on our YouTube channel and our website or by clicking this link:     https://youtu.be/yTYsJIwqwb0
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FOR THE CHILDREN   -- "Advent Children's Corner" 
Found on the HOME screen of the adventlu.org website -- Left side under weekly devotion info
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Full details of these events elsewhere in this email

Wednesdays  -- B3 Boomwackers, Bells, Beats 6:45-7:15pm (cancelled through January)
Thursday, January 21 -- Adventurers via Zoom at 1pm
Sunday, January 24 -- Online worship @ 10am through website with communion at 10:45 via zoom
Sunday, January 31 -- Online worship @ 10am through website
Sunday, January 31 -- Confirmation meeting by Zoom (see Youth Section for link)
Sunday, January 31 -- deadline for signing up for Epiphany stars
Thursday, February 1 -- next DEVO class at 12 noon
Sunday, February 7 -- Salty Sunday at 4pm
Wednesday, February 17 -- Ash Wednesday (plans are forthcoming)
Sunday, February 21 -- REAP - Racial Equality Action Partners at 4:30 via Zoom (normally 2nd Sunday of month)
Sunday, February 21 -- Salty Sunday at 4pm
Sunday, February 28 -- Confirmation meeting via Zoom

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EPIPHANY STAR FOR YOU

Our Spiritual Development team is again providing Epiphany stars to members who are interested in receiving one.    If you recall, way back last year before the pandemic hit, those bright yellow stars were distributed in worship.   Many people have commented they would like to do this again this year as well.

This year you may have your star placed in your church mailbox or mailed to your home.  Please sign up by January 31st for your star using the sign-up genius link below.  You will be able to indicate in sign-up genius how you want to receive your star.  

When you open your envelope with your Star Gift, we invite you to reflect on this word for the coming year.  Ponder what significance this word might have in your life, and how God might be speaking to you through that simple message.  God always gives first, and then we are invited to respond with our gifts and ourselves.  

DO YOU STILL NEED YOUR 2021 GIVING ENVELOPES

Envelopes will be available on a table set up either right outside the doors to the narthex (weather permitting) or inside the narthex for pick up anytime between 9:45 and 10:45.    This arrangement is planned for January 24, 31, and February 7th.   Just stop by and get yours.
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Dear Advent Family,
    We miss seeing and worshipping, in person, with you every Sunday and look forward to the day we can all be together again!  Hopefully soon! 
    Mary, Alex, and I wish to thank you for the many prayers, cards, letters, phone calls, emails, and texts after our Mom, Freda Christ, passed away in November.  It reminds us that we are part of a Christian Community that is full of people that love and care for one another!  Due to the pandemic, we are unable to plan a service to celebrate Mom's life but hope to do so soon. 
     Mom and Dad moved to Charlotte in 2006, but even before that would attend service with us at Advent whenever they came to visit.  They, too, loved Advent especially the warmth, caring, and diversity of the members, and as we come together To Love God and Serve Neighbors!                    Love, Mary, Peter, and Alex
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SHARED WITH YOU BY ADVENT'S HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM......

Webinar:   Living Independently Longer in Your Home & Your Community

When:   Thursday, February 4, 2021 from 10-11am via Zoom

Brought to you by Centralina Area Agency on Aging www.centralinaaging.org
Description of webinar:   This session will discuss....
  • Tips to keep you living independently longer.
  • Make your home safer for under $10!
  • Advice on how to get around town with less fear of being in a severe crash.
  • Beneficial exercises that don't require you to leave your couch!
This webinar will share real world example of changes that can be made to reduce risk of falling and crashing... the two leading causes of severe and life ending injuries for people age 50 and over.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT LAST WEEK!!!!
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ADVENTURERS MONTHLY GATHERING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1PM VIA ZOOM

Our Adventurers group will gather via Zoom on Thursday, January 21, at 1pm.   All members and friends are invited to join us.   In recognition of Martin Luther King's birthday, Arlene Cash will bring us a wonderful presentation on Dr. King.   Hope to see you there!

To Connect:
Meeting ID: 878 5005 2658       Passcode: 462757
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OPERATION LUNCH AND COOKIE MAKING 
FEBRUARY 1st IS COMING SOON -- WE NEED SOME SANDWICHES AND SNACK DESSERTS FOR THAT DATE!!!
 Delivery 1/4/2021

Beginning December 1 Advent has been providing sandwiches, cookies/snacks, and fruit/fruit cups for 130+/- of our houseless neighbors at the Men's Shelter.   The need has been broken down into easy-to-work-with preparations but your help is needed to meet our commitment.   Still openings beginning February 1 and all the way through March.

Please take a look at the sign-up genius link below and commit to whatever you can provide.   Each person participating brings their items to the Advent kitchen and others make the delivery to the Men's Shelter.   

We are all blessed so we can be a blessing to others.   Won't you help?
You may also contact Caroline Grubb with questions (grubb@pipeline.com). 
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ONGOING NEED:    FOOD FOR OUR LITTLE FREE PANTRY
... TO THIS!
FROM THIS...

Our Little Free Pantry always need more donations!  All types of non-perishable foods are needed.  You can also put food directly in the pantry which is located in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House on Bonnie Lane or bring it to the church and put it in the admin wing area on or near the chairs.   If you have no fob into the church, contact abostian@carolina.rr.com to let her know you have food and arrange a time for you to bring it.             ____________________

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, at Med Assist or at Classroom Central, please contact Jim Hint

If you are interested in doing volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank, at Med Assist or at Classroom Central, please contact Jim Hintz (hintzes3@aol.com).   Jim coordinates groups of Advent folks interested in serving. We have lots of ways you can serve.   Click this link to access the document with the listings                   
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HOW YOU CAN GIVE!!!
  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:  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:
January 22 -- Check In
For February 5 - "Half Broke Horses" by Jeanette Walls
For February 19 -- Check in
For March 5 - "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd
March 19 -- 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.

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 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 Men: 
The Men's Group has started reading How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and is meeting via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Ward for more info.  The current schedule is 7:15 on November 9, November 23, December 8, and December 21.

Theology on Tap:  This group meets with new friends from Newell Presbyterian Church monthly to discuss contemporary topics.   Please see Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann with questions.

Tattoos on the Heart (formerly known as "Bible in Action"
This small group has reading and discussing Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless by Gregory Boyle. This small group is meeting on Zoom. Please contact Pastor Ward for more information.

 

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.
 

Classes are currently held on Tuesdays & Fridays at 3pm. via Zoom.
Meeting ID: 847 4089 4973     Passcode: 382321 wdz09

 
COMMUNICATE AND CONNECT THROUGH ADVENT FRIENDS ON FACEBOOK:
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 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.

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

 
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       

Check out the "Advent Children's Corner" 
Found on the main screen of the adventlu.org website
Left side under weekly devotion info
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UPCOMING PLANS FOR CONFIRMATION GROUP

January  -- No in-person meeting this month.  Assignment for the parent-confirmand project will be discussed at a Zoom meeting on January 31 at 1:00pm.   Zoom link to join is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81981536252?pwd=ZE5YTy9tL3J5Z1N1RTV0QnY3L2JTQT09
Meeting ID: 819 8153 6252   Passcode: 573273
 
February --  Please make plans to attend the Ash Wednesday service February 17th with a response assignment to be given out afterwards.  Zoom meeting - February 28th at 4:00 pm. exploring different denominations and religions.
 
March  --  Introduction to the Faith Projects, choose focus Bible verses and begin writing statements of faith. There will be an in person and a zoom meeting with date to be determined.  
 
April -- Focus on baptism and hopefully an outdoor event near water at the end of the month.  There will be a Zoom meeting as well.
 
May -- Completion of Faith Projects.   Evening of Honor on May 22nd and Confirmation on May 23rd Pentecost Sunday.  
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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
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Our online Colorful worship for our Advent Families is available. These videos are made with love and we hope you enjoy bringing God into your home.  Look for these videos on our YouTube channel and our website or you may click on this link:   https://youtu.be/yTYsJIwqwb0
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4-5pm via Zoom


EVERY 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY 4-5pm
Zoom link to join:
Meeting ID: 843 9148 4685         Passcode: 866800


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B3 - BOOMWACKERS, BELLS, and BEATS!
CANCELLED THROUGH END OF JANUARY BECAUSE OF COVID!

For children 4th-7th grade who want to learn a new instrument and have some fun.
Wednesday nights 6:45-7:15pm  -- Social distancing and masks required
Contact Natalie Eklund (neklund13@gmail.comOR Laura Torrence (
 
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Stay up to date with youth communications!!!
Grades 6-12 are invited to join Brooke Summerour on GroupMe at
 "Advent LUTHERAN CTL 6th-12th" 
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ADVENT YOUTH INSTAGRAM PAGE 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
Lizzie Akins, former Spiritual Development intern for Advent
Trevor Basilice and Faith Hunt, member & partner
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Bethann Bluder, sister-in-law of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Cannon family -- Jennifer, Toney, & Taylor -- family of Phyllis & Steve Bowers
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Paul Coleman, friend of Advent VDC community
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Carol DiRe, member
Deborah Dubose, friend of Advent at Robinsdale
Inez Easley, mother-in-law of Harriett Easley
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
William Ensley, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Jennifer Frisina, member
Herbert Goerke, father of Andy Goerke
Susan Goerke, member
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen 
Donnell Horton, former member and daughter of Leo Peeler
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Robert Williams Lewis, brother of Donald Williams
Pat Logan, friend of Harriett Easley
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Peggy Merritt, mother-in-law of Peg Buckstad's son
Hilda Mertz, mother of Diane Jowers
Justin Mertz, nephew of Diane Jowers
Rick Messina, member
Joe Moeller, member
Moser Family -- Brad, Heather, & Lily -- cousin and family of Sharon Thrower
JL & Faith Moser, Aunt and Uncle of Sharon Thrower
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son 
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Will Rhynes, brother-in-law of Pam Rhynes
Kalvin Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Mary Faith Strickland, former member
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Pat Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Herbert Watson, member
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Celebrations

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Joseph Obah, friend of Shannon Roberson on January 2
Dick Moser, uncle of Sharon Thrower on January 11
Rev. Edwin Cochran, father of Chris Cochran on January 12
Emma Fettig, member on January 14

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