ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Weekly News and Prayers on June 24, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org) 


5th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Lamentations 3:22-33 and Mark 5:21-43



ADVENT WORSHIP

COME JOIN US !!!!
Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
Service will also be livestreamed at Adventlu.org

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.

Serving this week:
Lay Assistant - Lenore Watson
Reading - Susan Hartsell
Hosts - Pam Isacks and Pam Rhynes
Slides -- Michael Goerke
Altar Guild - Connie Searing
ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Now on summer break - will return in September
____________________________________
MONDAYS -- DEVO 2.0
12 noon via Zoom -- normally 1st & 3rd Mondays -- Next session is June 28
"LOVE IS THE WAY " is complete but discussions still ongoing; stay tuned for info on next study

To connect:
 Meeting ID: 863 8714 4586   Passcode: 484478
_________________________
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!
____________________________
WEDNESDAYS -- LUNCH AND LEARN
Now on summer break -- will return in September

Full details of these events elsewhere in this email


Thursday, June 24 -- 7:30pm "Faith on Tap" at Armoured Cow
Sunday, June 27 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, June 30 -- Deadline for Wubben Educational Awards for Fall semester
Sunday, July 11 -- Congregational meeting following worship
Sunday, July 11 -- 4:30pm REAP meeting
NOTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING -- July 11, 2021

Our annual congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, July 11, following the 10am service. At this meeting we will vote on nominees for open council positions, Wubben Distribution, and Wubben Endowment. Additionally, we will vote on the 2021-2022 Financial Plan of Ministry for the church and for Adventure PreSchool. Names of candidates for the open positions will be provided in eNEWS for July 1st as well as links to the financial information.

If you are in town that weekend, please attend worship and the congregational meeting. Voting in person will be the only means of receiving your vote.
GREETINGS FROM YOUR PROPERTY BOARD AND REGATHERING TASK FORCE

The Covid-19 pandemic has been quite challenging for everyone, and we want you to know that we have been doing and will continue to do several things for the health and well-being of the church. Last year most of our HVAC systems had UV air purifiers installed in them which allows the air that flows through the building to be cleaned of 99% of all airborne particles. As full reopening approaches, we will have all our units serviced and add the same UV air purifiers in each of the classrooms on the Sunday School wing. Hands-free paper towel, hand soap, and hand sanitizer dispensers have also been installed in various locations throughout the church and more may be installed as time passes.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Property Board or the Regathering Task Force.
NEW MEMBERS JOIN ADVENT ON JUNE 13

Please welcome these new members into the Advent family at your first opportunity.

Left to right they are:
Caroline Bunn
Holly von Seggern
Karl von Seggern
(Sharon Thrower in middle talking)
Gloria Strickert
Fred Strickert
INVITATION TO COLLEGE DOWNS NEIGHBORHOOD BARBECUE

The church recently received the following invitation from the College Downs Neighborhood Association. Pastor Ward and some others from the "Our Neighbors' Plate" are planning to attend and if you'd like to attend as well, please let Pastor Ward know (thepastor@adventlu.org):

Reconnect! Reunite! Reconnect! Reunite! Reconnect! 
Meeting! BBQ! Meeting! BBQ! Meeting! BBQ!
 
On Sunday, July 11, 2021 we will have a chance to see each other again in person. The CDCA will hold a community meeting at 1:00 with updates that include what is happening in the community and what has changed. We will also discuss future plans. As usual, the meeting will be at Crosspoint Worship Center.
 
At around 2:00, after the meeting and also at Crosspoint, the CDCA will hold a BBQ picnic. Bring your family and your appetite. The BBQ will give you a chance to reunite and reconnect with neighbors you may not have seen in months.
 
In line with corona virus protocols, you do not have to wear a mask if you have been fully vaccinated. However, because we expect children at the picnic, if you have not been vaccinated, you will have to wear a mask to protect other unvaccinated folks.
WUBBEN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL SEMESTER

Advent's Wubben Distribution Board is now accepting Educational Scholarship Applications for the fall semester. Applications can be found on the member dashboard at the adventlu.org website under the Wubben Downloads section. All completed applications (along with most recent grades and Fall enrollment verification) can be e-mailed to: WubbenDistribution@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is June 30th.
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 had both my first and second vaccines- Moderna. I believe it was the best thing I have ever done (even though I am afraid of needles and usually avoid them at all costs). I felt that I needed to get my vaccine because it was necessary to help protect the community, as well as my family and co-workers. I also needed to protect myself. I felt it was the most responsible thing I could do to help stop the spread of the virus." Jazmin Caldwell
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 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
‌
1 - Ida Chisolm
3 - Stephanie Vincent
6 - Karla Jensen
6 - Debbie Poovey 
6 - Karen Schwartz 
7 - Skyla Caldwell 
8 - Chris Rasmussen 
9 - Krispen Jackson 
9 - Ruth Refsnider




10 - Raymond Peters
11 - Logan Basilice
11 - Julie Estrella
12 - Rook Thiemann
16 - Lynn McKittrick
19 - Esther Abdel-Hameed
20 - Jazmin Caldwell
21 - Eric Summerour
23 - Caroline Bunn
24 - Debra Park
25 - John Basilice
27 - Don Veit
31 - Charles Vincent
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!
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 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:
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.  

For anyone: "Exiles" small group that reads and discusses books or videos. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Contact Pastor Ward or Carolyn Osborne.

Faith on Tap: Meeting Thursday, June 24, 7:30pm at Armoured Cow.
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.

Mondays and Fridays at 10am; Wednesdays at 5:30pm
To join click this link:
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
Taking a summer vacation -- we'll be back soon!!!
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
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Dee Dunlap, member
Deborah DuBose, friend of Abby Bostian
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Natalie Eklund, member
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Jennifer Frisina, member
Marguerite Heming, aunt of Bonnie Berger
Linda Hoffman, friend of Peg Buckstad
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Andrew Hunt, brother of George Hunt
Linda Kelly Family, family of Sarah Sue Hardinger's son-in-law
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Teresa Ledford, member
GiGi Logan, friend of Harriett Easley
Elsie Mason, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Lynn McClurkin, sister of Russ McKittrick
Susan McCoy, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
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
Carol Morton, sister of Ruth Refsnider
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Chris Musial, friend of Peg Buckstad's daughter
Leo Peeler, member
Noel Petrea, 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
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Joyce Veit, member
Herbert Watson, member
Naomi Watson, grandmother of Brooke Watson-Summerour
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

For Praise and Thanksgiving!
Birth of Hailey Anne McCombs, grand-daughter of Jon and Natalie Eklund born on June 21.
News from Rick Messina's doctor that his cancer is now in remission!

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
H. L. Propst, uncle of Debra Efird on June 14
Chris Jackson, frequent visitor at Advent on June 15

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