ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
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Weekly News and Prayers on April 22, 2021
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YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte
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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
OUTDOOR WORSHIP -- Sunday, April 25, 2021 - 10am
(In case of rain, service available through online only)
If you are joining us from home, please have your communion elements ready to participate in Holy Communion with the congregation.
See important tips below for outdoor worship
4th Sunday of Easter --- Readings are Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18
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.
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IMPORTANT TIPS FOR OUTDOOR WORSHIP SERVICES
Advent will hold outdoor services at 10am for each of the Sundays in April and May, weather permitting and will be livestreamed from our website. If weather necessitates the cancellation of the outdoor service, only an online worship service will be available. Additionally, if weather forces cancellation of the outdoor service, a notice will be placed on the Advent website by 8am on Sunday.
We are continuing to see the best possible set up for the service. When we have wet weather, we will definitely be on the asphalt. As it gets much warmer, we will also be on the asphalt as there is more shade. While the weather is still very mild and dry, we will try different configurations on the grass. Please be patient with us. This is new territory for all of us.
In some situations there will be orange lines painted on the grass. In that case please line your chairs up on the lines but space yourself out from the next family/person please. When we are on the asphalt, there will be chairs in a line space 6 feet apart. Please line your chair up with those red chairs and again, space yourself from the next family/person.
When you arrive at the church on Sunday morning, try the main entrance first but if there are cones across it, you'll need to enter from the rear of the church as the service will be on the asphalt.
When we know the service is going to be on the asphalt, we will attempt to block off the parking lot on Saturdays so if you come to the church before Sunday and the lot is closed off, please park at the kitchen and come in that door or plan to park on the parking lot side near the woods. The only entrance that will be open on Sunday morning will be in the rear of the church.
Here are some OTHER important tips for our outdoor services. Please review so that you will have all necessary information.
· Masks are required at all times except during the time we celebrate Holy Communion. NO EXCEPTIONS! Please be sure to return your mask to the proper place as soon as you finish Communion.
· Social distancing is also required. Families should spread out from other families. No hugging, please.
· If the service is cancelled because of weather, a notice will be published on the adventlu.org website by 8am on the day of worship.
· We will add your name to the roster as you come in an entrance. Be prepared to give your name if we have different people handling this responsibility because it can be difficult to recognize people with their masks sometimes. The primary purpose of this is for contract tracing.
· Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to service start time. This gives time to park and get situated with your chairs.
· Bring your chairs; however, if you forget or don't have one, we will have some red ones available.
· Those who wish to stay in their car for the service will be able to tune in to FM station 91.1 to hear the service better. Those cars will park facing the grass or the SEATING AREA, depending on the location of the service. There is room for only 7 vehicles when we are on the asphalt so others will have to be further back. Please do not park in any of the spaces inside the cones or any of the spaces around the grass unless you're planning to stay in your car.
· Dress comfortably for whatever type of weather we are having.
· There will be a table with an offering box for those who wish to bring offerings to the services. There will also be some extra bulletins and communion kits on the table.
· We will continue to have special musicians and vocalists who will maintain a safe distance from the gathering when they are singing.
· With outdoor services, there are always more challenges to getting the livestreamed service started. Please be patient. If you are watching from home and there are delays, it may be necessary for you to close out your browser and go back into the church website to access the service. Please be sure to try this if you're having problems after 10am.
It has been wonderful to see so many of our Advent family in person! We look forward to seeing many others during these upcoming weeks!
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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 4/25 -- Will resume 5/2
To connect:
Meeting ID: 824 6793 5162 Password: 967619
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MONDAYS -- DEVO 2.0
12 noon via Zoom -- Remaining sessions are 4/26 and 5/10
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 7:30PM via Zoom
"Justice or Just Us?" -- discussion and videos
All are invited to participate!
To connect:
Meeting ID: 853 1322 3733 Passcode: 405710
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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 4/28 -- Will resume 5/5
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/XLJmLWy1t98
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Full details of these events elsewhere in this email
Wednesdays -- B3 Boomwackers, Bells, Beats 6:45-7:15pm
Saturday, April 24 -- 4-6pm LMM BBQ pick-up
Sunday, April 25 -- 10am Outdoor Worship
Sunday, April 25 -- 11:30am via Zoom Sharing the Joy, Power, & Freedom of Gospel Music
Monday, April 26 -- 12 noon DEVO "Love is the Way"
Saturday, May 1 -- 1-3pm Robinsdale May Day Celebration
Sunday, May 2 -- 10am Outdoor Worship
Monday, May 10 -- 12 noon DEVO "Love is the Way"
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Drive-Thru and Pick Up Your Delicious BBQ Chicken
Please print & bring a copy of your Confirmation Email with you to the pick-up.
Pickup will be between 4PM & 6PM Saturday April 24th.
Enter at the Mark Twain Road entrance (front).
All proceeds for this BBQ event will be used for Lutheran Men Outreach which funds various outreach projects for the church community.
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THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 11:30AM
TOTAL PRAISE
SHARING THE JOY, POWER, AND FREEDOM OF GOSPEL MUSIC
Presented by Dr. Tiffany Little & Fernando Little for Advent Lutheran Church
Sunday, April 25, at 11:30 am via Zoom
Meeting ID: 859 4677 0033 Passcode: 112344
This promises to be a very spirit-filled exploration of the meaningful and deep-rooted origins of gospel music. To read full details, click on this link.
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DONATE AN ICE CREAM CONE FOR ROBINSDALE
May Day celebration for Robinsdale Community is from 1 to 3pm on Saturday, May 1 – and we need ice cream cones!! Bucks Ice Cream Truck will be on site at Margie Ann Drive serving ice cream. Sponsor an ice-cream cone – or several! – through this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d4ca5a929a75-donate Ice Cream is around $3 per cone but you can donate four for $10. We expect at least 100 cones to be given away, and probably many more.
Can you provide hands-on help? Contact Sharon Thrower at PreschoolDirector@adventlu.org if you want to help with serving, crafts, treats or activities.
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On Tuesday evening a special eNEWS was sent out announcing the formation of a new Advent ministry titled "Our Neighbors' Plate. If you haven't done so yet, we invite you to take a few minutes to review that eNEWS.
Plans are heavily underway for the first meal to be served on May 6th and continuing for at least 6 weeks. We need the hands of many folks to help make this a success as Advent continues to address food insecurity in our community. and we hope you will be a participant.
Please click on the Sign-Up Genius link below to see how you might help. If there are questions, you may contact Carol Schierlmann at spiritualdev@adventlu.org.
Sign-up Genius:
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NEED NAMES FOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE
CONGREGATIONAL PARTICIPATION NEEDED!!!
It's that time of the year when we need for the congregation to submit 6 names of people who would be good candidates for serving on the Nominating Committee for a two year term beginning July 1. Each year we have 3 people rotate off after serving 2 years and we replace them with another 3 people. In order to give everyone a chance to participate, we are having to do this "pandemic style" this year.
The top 3 vote getters who agree to serve will be listed on the ballot at the congregational meeting that will be held June 27. The Nominating Committee is charged with finding members to serve on council and in other various positions.
This Sunday, April 18, lists of eligible members to serve on this committee will be distributed to the congregation at the outdoor service, asking them to circle 6 names. For those of you at home who might not attend the worship service, we would like you to take a moment to review the list of names found by clicking here and then send a brief note to officeadm@adventlu.org with your 6 names. We ask that you send these names no later than end of day April 28. You should only submit names ONE time. If you do it online, then please don't fill out a sheet on Sunday and vice-versa.
Thank you!
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LOOKING FOR PLASTIC TAKE-OUT UTENSILS!
Starting in May, Advent will venture into a new ministry, offering take-out dinners once a week to our College Downs and UNCC neighbors – more details on this to come! In an effort to recycle unused items, we are asking the Advent Community to check your kitchens for plastic utensils (Fork, Knife, Spoon and Napkin in a wrapper) that you are willing to donate so we can provide if requested with the meals. If you have one or 9 and won’t be using them, please drop them off the next time you are at Advent. Please leave them in a bag on the door of Carol & Brooke’s office. if easier, you may leave them by the mailboxes for Caroline Grubb.
If you have questions, ask away. You may contact Caroline Grubb at grubb@pipeline.com. Thank you for your help.
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THE GIFT OF GRAB & GO
Social Ministry, along with the support of our Advent family, has always been involved in feeding operations, from our relatively recent ongoing Little Free Pantry project to our longstanding Sandwich-Making mission. You may have been wondering how Sandwich-Making is being accomplished in these days of Covid.
Instead of gathering in the church kitchen to assemble 400 egg salad sandwiches, we have been coordinating with a very special group of teens who assemble individual “Grab & Go” bags for Roof Above. (This is a separate ministry from Caroline Grubb’s recent sign-ups which covered the months we’d have usually participated in Room In The Inn.) These zip-lock bags are filled with only non-perishable items: Vienna sausages, fruit cups, chips, sweets, water bottles, and napkins. The “Grab & Go” bags cost approximately $1.30 each, which makes this ministry more expensive than our egg salad sandwiches were.
How can the entire congregation help with this ministry? There are several ways at this time:
One: We always welcome financial contributions toward these items. On your check or through Online Giving, be sure to put ‘sandwiches’ on the memo line.
Two: You can purchase some of the needed items yourself. We especially need cans of easy-open meat items such as Vienna sausage and cases of bottled water. Leave them on the marked table in Orinson Hall. Please contact Abby Bostian (abostian@carolina.rr.com) for pick up at your home or at Advent.
Three: Volunteers are needed to drive the bags to Roof Above every other week. Please contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com if you are willing to join her crew of deliverers, who enjoy the flexibility of delivery days/times since all is nonperishable.
Thanks for always helping the hungry, whose numbers and needs are greater than ever.
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PLEASE REMEMBER OUR LITTLE FREE PANTRY !!
Just a reminder, Advent Family .... Our Little Free Pantry is always in need of items to be able to keep it fully stocked. There are several ways you can help:
- Bring non-perishable food items and place them directly into the Little Pantry which sits in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House.
- Bring non-perishable items to the church and place them inside the red doors.
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Go to Amazon and access the Wish List that has been established for supplying items. The link is https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/MNHZQ6F3AYHH?ref_=wl_share . Remember to select the shipping option that says "Sharon Thrower's Gift Registry Address". This is to facilitate delivery since the church is still closed.
Sharon is the contact from the Social Ministry Board for the Little Free 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.
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RESCHEDULE OF GERMANY TRIP / PASSION PLAY IN OBERAMMERGAU
If you are interested in participating in the Living Saviour trip to Germany, September 1-12, 2022 to visit significant places on the "Luther Road" as well as other sightseeing and fellowship experiences and to attend the Passion Play in Oberammergau, please contact Barbara Avard of Living Saviour Lutheran Church (bja1949@bellsouth.net) with questions and to start the registration process.
Detailed information and the itinerary can be found at www.reformationtours.com. Go to "current tours" and scroll to the tour "Renewed in Faith: Luther, Oberammergau, and You". Barb Blish (blishdb@aol.com,
1-703-431-0585 is Advent's contact for this trip.
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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 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!
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HOW YOU CAN GIVE!!!
- 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.
- You may use bill pay through your personal bank or credit union.
- You may use Online Giving. See the info below for details on using this tool.
- 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.
- This tool allows you to use a credit card, debit card, or bank checking or savings account payment.
- 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.
- 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.
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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.)
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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.
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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:
April 23 -- Check in
May 7 -- "If You Ask Me (and, Of Course You Won't)" by Betty White
May 21 -- Check in
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 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.
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Nurture, Support & Fellowship
ADVENT SMALL GROUPS
"A great way to connect with people" "I love applying the Bible to my daily life"
For Men: If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Ward for more info.
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.
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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
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.
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Outreach
USING YOUR VOICE TO SHAPE LEGISLATION
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.
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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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UPCOMING PLANS FOR CONFIRMATION GROUP
Confirmation Zoom meetings:
Meeting ID: 815 6245 3705 Passcode: 765488
Remaining Schedule:
April 25 – Meet at Frank Liske Park for a lesson on Baptism
May 2 – Zoom at 1:00 to discuss ways to plug in to Advent’s ministries
May 3, 4- Zoom with Pastor Ward and Carol to check in on Faith Projects
May 22 – Afternoon of Honor from 3:00 – 4:30
May 23 – Confirmation at Sunday Service (Pentecost Sunday)
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SALTY SUNDAYS
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
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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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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
Charlie Anderson, friend of Pastor Ward
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Kathleen Basilice, mother of John Basilice
Trevor Basilice, member
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
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
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz
Eileen Folkerth, mother of Susan Goerke
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
MaryJo Gouge, friend of Janet Rasmussen
James Hall Family, cousin of Tim Caldwell
Marla Hamilton, cousin of Janet Rasmussen
Richard Henderson, nephew of Sharon Thrower
Linda Hoffman, friend of Peg BuckstadDonn
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Chris Jackson, friend of Teresa Ledford
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
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
Judy Murphy, mother of John Schierlmann
Anita Ortiz, mother-in-law of Herbert & Lenore Watson's Son
Leo Peeler, member
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Joan Readling, step-mother of Carol Schierlmann
Kalvin 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
Velia Watson, member
Beverly Williams, member
Lewis Williams, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace
Celebrations - We celebrate with these people and their families ...
For the marriage of Rachel Hagerman and Thomas Moran on April 10.
Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Mike Spillars, brother-in-law of friend of Jennifer Canipe on April 2
Frank Tirro, friend of Pastor Ward
Always keep ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith in your prayers.
For additions or updates to this listing:
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