TOGETHER AT ADVENT

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

“It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor… I’ve always wanted to have a neighbor just like you… please won’t you be my neighbor?” - Mr. Rogers

JOIN us for some beautiful neighborhood walks! Gather with others from Advent to casually walk the surrounding blocks and meet those who live around us. Come greet those who share our wonderful community! Come as a family, come alone, come with friends, and kids are welcome to bring bikes or scooters. This is also a great time to get to know your fellow Advent congregants a bit better.

We are not recruiting members or handing out any information, we are just showing our friendly faces! We will gather in the fellowship hall right after coffee time (around 11:15 am) to take a short walk so bring comfortable shoes and water. When we have a lot of people, we will break into smaller groups.

MARK your calendars for the following Sundays:

• May 21
• June 25
• July 16
• August 20
• September 17

We will announce any changes due to conflicts or weather.

Advent would like to reach out and show what a loving and friendly place we are! We hope that you will join us on one or all of these Sunday walks!

Contact Kay Swanson: Graceandme7356@aol.com or

Cheri Johnson: cherirae@frontier.com for more information. Looking forward to spending time with you!   

We appreciate our Advent volunteers every day, but we will host a special coffee hour to honor them following worship Sunday, May 21. We will offer treats and prize drawings.

Please join us in thanking and celebrating our many volunteers who make Advent the warm community it is. 

UPDATE: Anyone who attends this planning session will be entered into a drawing for a free copy of this book! Don't miss it!

Join Jenny Larson and Sue Hein for an introductory meeting for "Surprised by Joy" book group 

Who: People who love to converse about books, want to explore joy, and are curious about exploring faith and faith journeys.

What:  An opportunity to share faith journey stories spurred by discussing Surprised by Joy authored by C.S. Lewis, one of the inspirations for Pastor Elizabeth’s upcoming sabbatical.

When: Sunday, May 21 after worship, 10:45 am

Where: The Cornerstone room

Why: To shape the book club experience starting in June and ending in August

Book bans, anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, lack of safe spaces for trans youth … many young people in our country are facing a dangerous and coordinated effort to erase their identity.

But at Avenues for Youth, these young people find a completely different community. Here, doors are open for all youth. 

The number of youth who need Avenues support is escalating, especially since Minnesota is a refuge amidst states with anti-LGBTAI+ laws and practices.

A donation to Avenues, Advent's Gift of Love for the spring, helps continue this fine work.

You may give online, or by check or cash (please note "Avenues for Youth" on your form of payment). Thank You.

Check out their website Avenues for Youth for more information.

PORTICO UPDATE

The portico continues to be under construction. Concrete has been poured and the drive-thru is becoming a reality!



The main entrance will be closed for the foreseeable future. We will update everyone when we have firm dates for the next phase.



During this time, please enter through the back entrance. Thank you for your patience!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2023 

June 26-29  9 am – Noon 

For children currently three years old through fourth grade, anyone older may volunteer!

Join us for an action-packed and fun journey filled with stories, games, science, crafts, and of course FOOD!  

There is no charge for Vacation Bible School! Donations are accepted to subsidize the cost of this ministry and if you would like to donate online please use this link: eservicepayments.com.

More information or to register here: ROAD TRIP: Go with God!

Receive a FREE VBS T-shirt if registered by Friday, May 19! 

VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Volunteering for VBS is EASY and FUN!

(PLUS you get a free cool VBS T-shirt!)

Volunteer for one day or all four - it's up to you!

Youth 9 – 12 grade (completed) and adults are needed to be Crew Leaders, Workshop Leaders, and Assistant Leaders.

5 – 8 graders (completed) are needed to assist in workshops, crews, and more!

Sign up to volunteer HERE

Prayer

Prayer is our personal connection with God and guides us individually and as a church. It is a vital part of our faith life, and an important way we can continue to minister to one another. We know that God hears our prayers and will empower us to see God’s will in our lives! 

Pray for our church and our world this week, for our community as we come together for worship each week and seek ways to live justly and safely together, and for all people on our weekly prayer list:

Jan N., Mary B., Pettie B., Sherry B., Barb H., Roxanne A., Bob T., Larry M., Alice W., Marshall W., Margaret, Brian P., and for all to be blessed by the Holy Spirit's faith.

We ask God to provide comfort to those who are struggling with health concerns, grieving the loss of a loved one, and/or experiencing difficulty in their home. 

Pray for those who serve in the military, including Advent members Erik Strootman, Maren Strootman, and Luke Wallin. 



(Due to privacy concerns and internet safety protocol, we cannot publish last names.) For confidential prayer requests, please e-mail our Prayer Chain leaders.

Thrivent Choice Dollars

In April we received $134 from members who directed their dollars to Advent. Choosing to have Advent Lutheran to receive your Thrivent Choice Dollars directly affects worship, programming, and ministry. Thank you!

How to Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to Advent

Pastoral Care

In the case of an emergency:

** Call the church office.

** In the event the church office is closed, please call 763-425-4243, and you will be directed to a way to contact a pastor.

Bible Study Opportunities

• Pastor-led Bible Study Wednesdays at 11 am. In person and via Zoom Zoom link to Bible Study This study will focus on the upcoming Sunday's gospel lesson. Pastor-led Bible Study will meet on Wedneday, May 24.

• Thursday Morning Women’s Bible Study Thursdays at 9:30 am in the Good Shepherd Room. 

Women's Bible Study will resume in the Fall.

If you would like more information, please contact Jan Christofferson, 763-493-8578. Knowledge of the Bible is not required - we are enjoying learning together the joy of the Lord as we study God's Word.

• Men's Bible Study - Mondays at 6 pm over ZOOM - If you have any questions or would like an invite please contact Derick Larson (dericklarson@gmail.com) or Don Douglas (douglas0826@gmail.com).