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

Weekly News and Prayers on February 18, 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
        
BE SURE TO GO TO THE BOTTOM OF THE NEWSLETTER TO SEE A STORY ABOUT ADVENT'S LITTLE FREE PANTRY!!!

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WORSHIP AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP -- February 21, 2021 
Livestreamed at 10am from adventlu.org

First Sunday in Lent
Theme:  Again and Again:  God Meets Us
Readings:  Genesis 9:8-17  and  Mark 1:9-15


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:    February 28, 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
12 noon via Zoom on these scheduled dates:  March 1, 15, 29; April 19; May 3

 Discussion of "LOVE IS THE WAY " by Bishop Michael Curry

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: 828 0443 8239     Passcode: 043459
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COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

We offer Godly Play and other videos to our families with children.  They are made with love and we hope you enjoy sharing a close time with God and your family through these offerings right in your own home. 
 
You can access these videos in several ways:  1) From the home screen of the Adventlu.org website in the lower left side; 2) from the Advent Lutheran Church Charlotte ELCA YouTube channel; 3) or by clicking directly on this link: 
    https://youtu.be/yTYsJIwqwb0
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Full details of these events elsewhere in this email

Wednesdays  -- B3 Boomwackers, Bells, Beats 6:45-7:15pm 
Thursday, February 18 -- Adventurers at 1pm via Zoom
Sunday, February 21 -- Online worship at 10am
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
Wednesday, February 24 -- Mid-week Lenten Service online at 6:30pm
Sunday, February 28 -- Online worship at 10; communion at 10:45
Sunday, February 28 -- Confirmation meeting via Zoom
Sunday, February 28 -- via Zoom at 7pm, discussion 
"The Anesthetizing Security of Stained-Glass Windows:  Black and White Churches and Social Justice"
Monday, March 1 -- DEVO class at 12 noon

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A G A I N ! ! !

Please be aware that there seems to be a whole new series of scam notes going to our congregation that appear to be from Pastor Ward.  Generally, they are notes that contain a link to something he wants for you to see or it is asking for your help but doesn't give details.    Usually those end up asking for gift cards or money.  The latest says that he is trying to do something special for staff and to keep it a secret (they are getting smart!).

If you look at the full sender's address on such notes, it contains part of his correct email address but there is always something different.   His correct email is ThePastor@adventlu.org.    

You should never ever click on a link in a note that you do not recognize.   This can be deadly to your computer!    And, remember that Pastor Ward has always said that if he needs such help, he will not request it in some cryptic email such as these.     You should just delete such emails but if you are in doubt, reach out to him by phone or text or contact a staff member.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE !!!

Advent's Racial Justice team invites you to participate in a zoom discussion on Sunday, February 28 at 7pm which will be lead by Eric Heberlig, Advent member and Professor in UNC Charlotte's Department of Political Science.

The topic of this discussion is "The Anesthetizing Security of Stained-Glass Windows:  Black and White Churches and Social Justice".   

Martin Luther King observed the tendency of white churches to "be more cautious than courageous", remaining "silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained-glass windows".  In contrast, the black church has taken a much more prominent role not only in the civil rights movement but many other social justice causes as well.  Why? We worship the same God and read the same Bible.  Is it different theology?  Is it different people sitting in the pews?  Is it different roles of the church in the black and white communities? How much has changed since Martin Luther King's 1963 critique?

Hope you will join us at the following Zoom link on February 28th.   
Meeting ID: 891 0792 0902      Passcode: 530811
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OUR FIRST OUTDOOR ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE!!!

Two firsts for this 2021 Ash Wednesday ....  even in the midst of the pandemic!   First, 
 
we are having 2 services for the first time ... one at 12 noon for those who don't like to drive at night or who want to take advantage of solar warmth ...  and one at 6:30pm.    Secondly, we are holding these services outdoors.    

Thank you, God, for the blessing of nice weather today sandwiched between 5 days of rain and the promise of an ice storm on Thursday, and thank you, God, for the technology that allows us to broadcast like this.    

Included here is a photo from the noon service.    By the time you read this eNEWS, hopefully you've either attended one of the services are you watched it live.   If you missed it, you should still be able to link it from the adventlu.org website.
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2021 DRIVE-THROUGH CHILI DINNER
 

Another first for Advent and highly successful.   Many thanks to Pat and Patrick Kelly for their cooking and baking of the delicious food, to Keith Wassum for donating bottles of his hot sauce, and many thanks to all those from Social Ministry who planned this and then braved the cold and wet to work the car pick-up line!!  Pandemic or not ....   we STILL had our annual Chili event!!!!   Many thanks to all of you for your donations!    103 quarts of chili and 656 muffins went to your homes along with some of Keith's  hot sauce!!!  A total of $1159 has been  raised so far and will go to Second Harvest Food Bank and other food ministries in the community who are feeding our brothers and sisters.
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LENT THROUGH EASTER SERVICE SCHEDULE
LINK TO PRINT
 
If you would like to print the schedule for Lent through Easter that was published in the special eNEWS of February 14th, you may click on this link.
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SEE ADVENT'S LITTLE FREE PANTRY IN THE SYNOD ENEWS!!!

 Each week the link to the latest eNEWS from the North Carolina Synod is published at the top of our Advent eNEWS.   Be sure to click on this week's link and scroll towards the bottom to see our Little Free Pantry spotlighted!
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT BEFORE !!!
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LITTLE FREE PANTRY UPDATE

Our Little Free Pantry has become immensely popular for both our neighbors in the College Downs neighborhood and for our members.  Sharon Thrower has agreed to be the Social Ministry Board lead person for our pantry.  If you have questions or ideas about the pantry, including donations and how to become more involved, feel free to contact her at PreschoolDirector@adventlu.org.  Our Little Free Pantry is located on Bonnie Lane in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House.

And the first order has already come!  Thank you, Karen & Tim Taylor!!!
An Amazon Wish List has also been set up for those who would like to purchase items for the Little Free Pantry and our Advent Food Pantry.  Because of delivery issues at the church, it has been set up for the items to be shipped to Sharon Thrower's address; however you MUST select the shipping option that says "Sharon Thrower's Gift Registry Address".   Many items have been set up in the wish list and will be used to stock Advent's Pantry.  You may click on this link to take you directly to the page to order.

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ADVENTURERS GROUP FEBRUARY MEETING

Our Advent Adventurers Group will meet via Zoom on Thursday, February 18, at 1pm.  All Advent members and friends are invited to join us and we hope to see many of you.    Here is the link to join:
To connect:
 Meeting ID: 878 5005 2658    Passcode: 462757
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An updated church directory is available.  For the safety of our families, we cannot include the link here in eNEWS; however, if you would like to receive one, send an email to Pam at officeadm@adventlu.org.    Specify if you would like one sent to you via email or printed and placed in your mailbox at church.
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NEW STUDY OFFERING FROM SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
STARTS FEBRUARY 15 BUT IT'S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!

It is still not too late to join the Devo class for a book study, "Love is the Way" from Bishop Michael Curry.  The group gathers by Zoom at 12 noon on March 1, 15, 29, April 19, and May 3 and will tackle 2 chapters a week until the book is completed.  The zoom link appears above under the entry for Monday, DEVO class.
About "Love is the Way" ....
Walk the path of love with one of the warmest, most beloved spiritual leaders of our time, and learn how to put faith into action.
As the descendant of slaves and the son of a civil rights activist, Bishop Michael Curry's life illustrates massive changes in our times. Much of the world met Bishop Curry when he delivered his sermon on the redemptive power of love at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle. Here, he expands on his message of hope in an inspirational roadmap for living the way of love, illuminated with moving lessons from his own life, through the prism of his faith, ancestry, and personal journey, 
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FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH!!

Focusing on heart health has never been more important. People with poor cardiovascular health are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, but by taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease and also improve your overall health and well-being. 

Here are a few things you can do:
· Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked
· Choose heart-healthy foods
· Aim for a healthy weight
· Manage stress
· Quit smoking

To learn more about how to take care of your heart click on this link: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month
                                     Live Abundantly ....  Your Advent Health Ministry
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OPERATION LUNCH FOR THE MEN'S SHELTER

(He pulled his mask down for the photo!)


We only need 2 families to volunteer to bake 52 cookies each for March 29 and we will have ALL slots covered through the end of the season!!

Go to 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.   

Many thanks to those who have been supporting this ministry!!!
You may also contact Caroline Grubb with questions (grubb@pipeline.com). 
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HOW YOU CAN OFFER A HELPING HAND AS 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 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 additional 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:
For February 19 -- Check in
For March 5 - "The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd
March 19 -- Check in
April 9 -- "The Answer is ...: Reflections on my Life" by Alex Trebek
April 23 -- Check in
May 7 -- "Bleak House" by Charles Dickens (free on kindle)
May 21 -- Check in
June 4 --  "If You Ask Me (and, Of Course You Won't)" by Betty White
June 18 -- Check in
July 9 -- "The Last Year of the War" by Susan Meissner
July 23 -- Check in
August 6 -- "Caste:  The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson
August 20 -- Check in
September 3 -- "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes
September 17 -- Check in
October 8 --  "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
October 22 -- Check in
November 5 -- Check in
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

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. 
FOR WEEK OF 2/22 THESE ARE THE DAYS TIMES:  2/24 AT 10AM AND 2/26 AT 10AM.   SAME ZOOM LINK AS SHOWN HERE.
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       


COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

We offer Godly Play and other videos to our families with children.  They are made with love and we hope you enjoy sharing a close time with God and your family through these offerings right in your own home. 
 
  You can access these videos in several ways:  1) From the home screen of the Adventlu.org website in the lower left side; 2) from the Advent Lutheran Church Charlotte ELCA YouTube channel; 3) or by clicking directly on this link:      https://youtu.be/yTYsJIwqwb0

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UPCOMING PLANS FOR CONFIRMATION GROUP

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.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81981536252?pwd=ZE5YTy9tL3J5Z1N1RTV0QnY3L2JTQT09    Meeting ID: 819 8153 6252   Passcode:  573273
 
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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4-5pm via Zoom


EVERY 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY 4-5pm
6th - 12th graders
Zoom link to join:
Meeting ID: 843 9148 4685         Passcode: 866800

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B3 - BOOMWACKERS, BELLS, and BEATS!

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, member 
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Regina Bressler, sister of John Lewis
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Paul Coleman, friend of Advent VDC community
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Carol DiRe, member
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Jennifer Frisina, member
Herbert Goerke, father of Andy Goerke
Stephanie Gonzalez, preschool teacher
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen 
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Dick Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Robert Williams Lewis, brother of Donald Williams
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
Robert & Kathryn Mertz, nephew and grand-niece of Diane Jowers
Rick Messina, member
Joe Moeller, member
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son 
Leo Peeler, member
Pastor Raymond Peters, member
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
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
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Stephanie Vincent, member
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..
David Nance, grandfather of Samuel and Ella Misenheimer on January 31
Charles Barrett, father of Charlene Bakke on January 27
Chrisy Mertz, niece of Diane Jowers on February 6
Fran Whitaker, friend of Karen Schwartz on February 9

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