ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Weekly News and Prayers on May 13, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at [email protected]) 
7th Sunday of Easter --- Readings are Acts 1:5-17 & 21-26 and John 17:6-19

ADVENT WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

OUTDOOR WORSHIP -- Sunday, May 16, 2021 - 10am
Service will be livestreamed at Adventlu.org
(In case of rain, service available through online only -- Check website if in question)
If you are joining us from home, please have your communion elements ready to participate in Holy Communion with the congregation.

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.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR OUTDOOR WORSHIP SERVICES
 
To view the tips and guidelines for outdoor worship CLICK HERE!
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

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 (No 5/17 session)
"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 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

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


Full details of these events elsewhere in this email


Thursday, May 13 -- 4-6pm 'Our Neighbor's Plate'
Sunday, May 16 -- 10am Outdoor Worship
Sunday, May 16 -- 4pm Salty Sunday Gathering
Tuesday, May 18 -- 6:30pm LMM at Armoured Cow
Thursday, May 20 -- 11:30am Adventurers Picnic at Frank Liske Park
Thursday, May 20 -- 4-6pm 'Our Neighbor's Plate'
Sunday, May 23 -- 10am Outdoor Worship & Confirmation
Sunday, 5/23 -- 4:30pm REAP via Zoom
Monday, June 7 -- 12noon DEVO study
Consecration Sunday is May 16th!
 
 
You recently received a letter from Pastor Ward along with a Statement of Intent for you to indicate your intended support for Advent’s 2021-22 Plan of Ministry. We ask that you prayerfully consider what you can do to further the ministry and mission of Advent. Be assured that your financial support – whatever amount – will help empower the extraordinary work of sharing the Gospel as we live into the challenging and exciting season ahead of us. 
 
Please bring your completed Statement of Intent on Consecration Sunday, May 16, to present for the annual stewardship appeal. You may also mail your intent form to the church office (address the envelope to Claude Ingolia, Advent Lutheran Church, 8840 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213) or you may complete the form and scan it to Claude Ingolia at [email protected]. Please return your form no later than May 17. A blank Commitment form is available here as well.
 
May we continue to witness how the Holy Spirit’s power transforms our ordinary gifts into tangible signs of God’s extraordinary love.
"Our Neighbors' Plate" served their first meals on May 6th and those working with the ministry consider it a huge success. A total of 50 meals were handed out/delivered. Participants were some Robinsdale families, residents of the nearby apartments, neighbors from College Downs, and some drive-through participants! The meal consisted of grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, salad, and homemade desserts. The group is aiming to feed 60 people each week so they were very close for this first time!!! This pilot program will continue for another 5 weeks. Enjoy the photos below from the first week.

Our Advent family is invited to participate with this ministry. The hands of many folks are needed to make this a success as Advent continues to address food insecurity in our community. We hope you will join in.

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 [email protected].

Sign-up Genius:
A D V E N T U R E R S  Picnic May 20th

The Adventurers group is gathering for a picnic at Frank Liske Park on Thursday, May 20th, 11:30am. This will be in the HomeBuilders Shelter of the park. We are excited to be together in person for the first time since the pandemic started!!!! If you want to attend and have not confirmed your attendance as yet, please do so immediately by sending a note to [email protected].
L U T H E R A N  M E N  I N  M I S S I O N on May 18th!!!

Our Lutheran men will gather on Tuesday, May 18th, at 6:30pm IN PERSON at Armoured Cow, 8821 JW Clay Blvd #1, Charlotte. This is located at Shoppes At University Place in the parking lot in front of the newly relocated Office Depot. First time in person since the pandemic started!!! If you've never participated in these group meetings, come on out. There's a lot of fun and fellowship!!! Joe Palumbo, [email protected] is LMM President.
RACIAL EQUALITY ACTION PARTNERS MEETING

The Advent Family is invited to join us on the 2nd Sunday of each month (unless announced otherwise) at 4:30 via Zoom for the REAP (Racial Equality Action Partners. Meeting dates are May 23 (rescheduled because of Mother's Day), June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.
THE GIFT OF GRAB & GO

Advent has so many ways we are trying to feed the hungry. Would you like to help with the GRAB & GO ministry? This is the preparation of bags to be distributed to Roof Above each week. We have a group of Advent teens who have been assembling these bags for over a year now but they can use some help.

How can the entire congregation help with this ministry? There are several ways at this time:

One: Financial contributions for the purchase of items for the bags are always welcome. Be sure to put ‘sandwiches’ on the memo line.

Two: You can purchase some of the needed items yourself. Especially needed are 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 ([email protected]) 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 [email protected] 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.
 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.
  • 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 [email protected]. Our Little Free Pantry is located on Bonnie Lane in the side yard of the Wubben-Smith House.

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 ([email protected]).  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!

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.)      
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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 ([email protected]) or Pam ([email protected]).  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 ([email protected]).  Group will be meeting twice a month on Fridays, 6pm, per the schedule below.

Upcoming dates and suggested books:
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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.  

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 [email protected].

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.
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

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:
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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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 [email protected] or [email protected]) to provide updates.

Illness or Other Needs
Lizzie Akins, former Spiritual Development intern for Advent
Augustin Aragon, father of Mercedes Aragon
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
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
Deborah DuBose, friend of Abby Bostian
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Linda Foley, mother-in-law of Sarah Sue Hardinger's daughter
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
Sam van Houston, friend 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
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

Deaths - We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Dent Goodyear, friend of Jennie Henderson on May 4

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 [email protected], or 704-549-1555 ext. 102
or Pam Rhynes at [email protected] or 704-549-1555 ext 105