ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Weekly News and Prayers on May 27, 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



Holy Trinity Sunday -- Readings are Isaiah 6:1-8 and John 3:1-17




ADVENT WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

OUTDOOR WORSHIP -- Sunday, May 30, 2021 - 10am
Service will be livestreamed at Adventlu.org
(In case of rain, service available through online only -- Check website if in question)

EXCITING NEWS!!! We will return to indoor worship on June 6. Please watch for full details in note from Pastor Ward by May 30th!!!!

To access the online 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.
ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - SUNDAYS via ZOOM at 11:30am
Study of the book of Mark - lead by Pastor Ward and Carol Schierlmann
No Class on May 30th!!! Resumes June 6th!

To connect:  
Meeting ID: 824 6793 5162  Password: 967619
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MONDAYS -- DEVO 2.0
12 noon via Zoom -- 1st & 3rd Mondays -- Next session is June 7
"LOVE IS THE WAY " is complete; stay tuned for info on next study

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
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MONDAYS -- PARLOR CLASS -- 7:30PM
The Parlor Class is taking a break and will return in late June. Watch for dates, times, and discussion topics for this group which is open to all!
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WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN 11:45am via ZOOM
Study of the book of Mark - lead by Pastor Ward and Carol Schierlmann
No Class on June 2; resumes June 9th

To Connect:
Meeting ID: 828 0443 8239   Passcode: 043459
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COLORFUL WORSHIP FOR FAMILIES

Colorful worship will begin a new series in the early fall. Meanwhile, you may enjoy previous videos of Godly Play 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/XLJmLWy1t98


Full details of these events elsewhere in this email

Thursday, May 27 -- 4-6pm 'Our Neighbor's Plate'
Thursday, May 27 -- 7:30pm Faith on Tap resumes at Armoured Cow
Sunday, May 30 -- 10am Outdoor Worship
Sunday, June 6 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Hall (the gym)
June 6 -- 4-5pm final Salty Sunday for this academic year
Monday, June 7 -- 12noon DEVO study
Wednesday, June 9 -- 7:30-8:30pm first session of "White Fragility" via Zoom
Sunday, June 13 -- 4:30 REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners) via Zoom
Thursday, June 17 -- UNCC/Advent Blood Drive 9am-3pm in Orinson Hall
LAST REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF INTENT!

Sunday, May 30, will be the last day to turn in 2021-22 Statements of Intent if you have not done so already. We appreciate all those returned; however, the response has been very low. You may print the form available here , scan it and email it to financialsecretary@adventlu.org. You may also bring your completed form to church on Sunday and drop it in the basket that will be on the offering table. Forms may also be mailed completed to the church at 8840 University City Blvd, Charlotte 28213. Please mark it to the attention of Claude Ingolia.
SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION FOR OUR GRADUATES!!!

It's that time of the year when we prepare to honor our graduating members and your help is needed to be able to do this adequately.

First: Each year we ask for volunteers to "adopt" a high school graduate. This means that for the next year to stay in close touch with that graduate to check on them and to pray for them. It also involves the purchase of an already assembled "survival kit" for $30 that will be presented to the graduate in June. This year we have 2 high school seniors, Donavan Hankins and Carlene Smith. If you're willing to adopt one of these two wonderful young adults, please let Brooke know by June 6 at youthandmilestones@adventlu.org.

Second: We would like to recognize all our higher education college graduates. If you know anyone in our congregation of any age who is graduating with a degree or certificate, please send their name, degree, and school to Brooke at youthandmilestones@adventlu.org by June 6.
SEVEN NEW CONFIRMED YOUNG PEOPLE!!!
Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost and confirmation of 7 of our young people. We are so proud of them and invite you to join in welcoming them as full members of Advent. They are (left to right in the photo): Lily Vincent, Michael Goerke, Meredith Tunnell, Brooke Hibbeler, Etta Noel, Amber Gazda, and Marvelous Dwanah. That's Carol Schierlmann under the hat and behind the sunglasses and that fella on the far left is Pastor Ward!

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVENT

Pastor Ward has received an invitation from the Pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church here in Charlotte to join them and several other NC Synod congregations in a 6-week study of the book, “White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism” by Robin Diangelo. The author helps us understand racism as a practice not restricted to “bad people and moves our discussions forward with new ‘rules of engagement'.
 
The class times are: June 9, June 16, June 23, June 30, July 7 and July 14 from 7:30-8:30pm via Zoom. There will be breakout groups to facilitate conversation.

Pastor Ward plans to attend this series and invites each of you to join him. Please register HERE if you would like to participate. 
THIS IS A MESSAGE TO OUR ADVENT COMMUNITY FROM THE HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM:

How does it feel, now that you’ve had the vaccine?
  I feel great. I have control of my life and am so thankful that I could see my son and grandchildren on Mother’s Day.  I’m beginning to plan trips to see family in Texas and Arizona. The COVID-19 vaccine has given me freedom to socialize with friends who are vaccinated. Hooray!   From Carolyn Osborne

ADVENT HOSTS SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE – GIVE LIFE THIS SUMMER
 
As you may know, during this pandemic the demand for blood is as high as ever and there continues to be a shortage. Advent is teaming up with the Red Cross and UNC Charlotte to host a summer blood drive in Orinson Fellowship Hall from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday June 17th. We had a great turnout from Advent last summer and hope for the same this summer. 

The Red Cross has established enhanced protocols to ensure the safety of donors, staff, and volunteers. All donated blood will be tested for coronavirus antibodies with results available in 7-10 days. Also, all donors will receive a digital $5 Amazon Gift Card to be emailed after your donation.  
 
Please click MAKE A RESERVATION now. You can also go to the Red Cross website and in the donate blood section type in UNCC, the sponsor code for this drive. Walk-in donations will be welcomed too, of course, but a reserved time shortens the wait and helps our host better plan for the number of donors.  Participants are encouraged to use Rapid Pass on the day event to shorten the on-site registration process. See https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html for details.
 
Thanks in advance for your consideration.  For questions please contact Keith Wassum (knwassum@bellsouth.net) or 704-301-5629)
 
Help make a difference by helping someone who needs your blood donation!
"Our Neighbors' Plate" continues after a 3rd successful week. Many hands are needed for this ministry to function smoothly. Please consider helping. To volunteer, go to the Sign-Up Genius below to see what is available and what the roles are. Contact for questions is Carol Schierlmann at spiritualdev@adventlu.org.
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 4:30 via Zoom . Upcoming meeting dates are June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THOSE BORN IN JUNE!!

1 - Leo Peeler
4 - Anita Gallagher
7 - Tony Poovey
7 - Rebecca Sabo
8 - Andy Thiemann
9 - Andy Hagle
10 - Donavan Hankins


12 - Amy Dodson
12 - Pam Isacks
13 - Brooke Summerour
13 - Riley Torrence
19 - Angie Martin
20 - Dan Brown
20 - Marie Cochran
21 - Ella Grace Misenheimer
26 - Steve Casper
26 - Wayne Miller
27 - Carol DiRe
29 - Jennifer Frisina
29 - Pam Williams
30 - Tim Havens
ADVENT IS FEEDING THE HUNGRY
HOW YOU CAN HELP!

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.

Grab and Go Bags for Roof Above: 
Financial support needed – add ‘sandwiches’ on the memo line of checks or select in Online-Giving.
Volunteers needed to drive bags to Roof Above every other week. Contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com.
Purchase easy-open cans of viennas or cases of bottled water. Leave on marked table in Orinson Hall.
Have viennas and bottled water picked up at your home – contact Abby Bostian (abostian@carolina.rr.com).
 
Our Neighbors’ Plate:  Needs volunteers on Wednesday/Thursdays or to provide desserts. Use Sign-Up Genius (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b45acac2ea7f49-ourneighbors) to volunteer.  Also needs financial support for supplies. Add “Our Neighbors’ Plate” on memo line of checks or add as fund in Online Giving.
HOW YOU CAN OFFER A HELPING HAND AS A VOLUNTEER  
              
 If you are interested in doing volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank 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 for more ways to serve!

SHARING YOUR OFFERINGS!!!
  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.
  5. If you have no fob, you can drop an envelope containing your offering into 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 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:
June 4 -- "Tortilla Flat & Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck
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 PODCASTS  
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:  If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Ward for more info.  

Faith on Tap: This group meets with friends from Newell Presbyterian Church monthly to discuss contemporary topics.  Please see Pastor Ward or Carol Schierlmann with questions. Resumes May 27 at 7:30 at Armoured Cow, 8821 J.W. Clay Blvd.

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 through 5/21 and then will switch to morning classes that will begin in June. Let Jennie know your preference for day/time if you participate in these classes or are interested in participating.
Meeting ID: 847 4089 4973   Passcode: 382321 
 
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

ELCA DISASTER
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

Colorful worship will begin a new series in the early fall. Meanwhile, you may enjoy previous videos of Godly Play 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/XLJmLWy1t98
SALTY SUNDAYS FOR 6TH-12TH GRADERS
EVERY 1st AND 3rd SUNDAY 4-5pm
Takes a vacation for the summer after June 6 meeting

Zoom link to join:
Meeting ID: 843 9148 4685     Passcode: 866800
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
Augustin Aragon, father of Mercedes Aragon
Ashton Family, daughter and grandchildren of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Lee Chandler, friend of Dwight and Susan Hartsell
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Carol DiRe, member
Jordan Doctor, son-in-law of Abby and Phil Bostian
Dee Dunlap, member
Deborah DuBose, friend of Abby Bostian
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Natalie Eklund, member
Linda Foley, grandmother by marriage of Sarah Sue Hardinger's daughter
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
James Hall Family, cousin of Tim Caldwell
Richard Henderson, nephew of Sharon Thrower
Linda Hoffman, friend of Peg BuckstadDonn
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Houston family, friends of Sarah Sue Hardinger's daughter
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Chris Jackson, friend of Teresa Ledford
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Teresa Ledford, member
Amy Leonard, friend of Harriett Easley
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Lynn McClurkin, sister of Russ McKittrick
Billy Mercer family, cousin of Vanessa Caldwell
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
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Chris Musial, friend of Peg Buckstad's daughter
Charlotte Nodine & Wanda Cook, mother-in-law and aunt of Sarah Beth Mortensen
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son 
Leo Peeler, member
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
Spillars and Dunn families, friends of Jennifer Canipe
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Herbert Watson, member
Naomi Watson, grandmother of Brooke Watson-Summerour
Velia Watson, member
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

Praise and Thanksgiving
Adam Carriker and Kayla O'Neill for their marriage on May 21
For our 7 newly-confirmed members on May 23 -- Marvelous Dwanah, Amber Gazda, Michael Goerke,
Lily Vincent, Meredith Tunnell, Etta Noel, Brooke Hibbeler

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Linda Merry, former member of Advent on April 23
Delsey Maples, friend of Jennifer & Vince Frisina on May 18
Ralph Weis, father of Karen Taylor on May 22

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