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ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH
8840 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28213
704-549-1555
Website: adventlu.org
YouTube channel -- Advent Lutheran Church ELCA Charlotte
Weekly News and Prayers on September 26, 2021
(Submission Deadline: Noon Wednesdays to Pam at Officeadm@adventlu.org

18th Sunday after Pentecost
Readings: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 and Mark 9:38-50



ADVENT WORSHIP

COME JOIN US !!!!
Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 10am in Orinson Hall
*MASKS REQUIRED*
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


Serving this week:
Lay Assistant - Gloria Strickert
Reading - Lenore Watson
Altar Guild - Lynn McKittrick
Bread -- Ruth Refsnider
Counters -- Esther Abdel-Hameed & Pam Rhynes
Chair set-up prior to 9/26 service -- Claude Ingolia & Gerry Osborne


ADVENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES



ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Returns September 26 at 11:30am for a study of the Gospel of John

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 897 8747 4111 Passcode: 057876
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MONDAYS -- Lunch & Learn "The Book of Joy"
12 noon - 1pm via Zoom -- two Mondays a month -- Next session is September 27

To Join Zoom Meeting, Click on the Link Below:
Meeting ID: 868 0588 4776 Passcode: 188417
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PARLOR CLASS -
Sundays 9am - 10am in person in the Campus Center or via Zoom

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 815 2973 3680 Passcode: 130747
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WEDNESDAYS -- "Wednesday Word" -- Gospel of John
12 noon Wednesdays via zoom

To Join Zoom Meeting, click on link below:
Meeting ID: 822 6833 4593 Passcode: 097392


Full details of these events elsewhere in this email


Sunday, September 26 -- 9am Parlor Class in Campus Center or by zoom
Sunday, September 26 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Hall
Sunday, September 26 -- 11:30am Adult Sunday School resumes with Study of Book of John
Sunday, September 26 -- 11:30am-1pm Confirmation and Salty Sunday youth groups in person
Sunday, September 26 -- 1pm Church Council via zoom
Sunday, September 26 -- 5pm Evening with Emmaus
Sunday, September 26 -- next release of interactive program for PreK-2nd grade
Monday., September 27 -- 12 noon Lunch & Learn "The Book of Joy"
Wednesday, September 29 -- 12noon Wednesday's Word
Wednesday, September 29 -- 7pm Youth Touch Zoom
Sunday, October 3 -- 9am Parlor Class
Sunday, October 3 -- 10am Worship in Orinson Hall
Sunday, October 3 -- 11:30am-12:15pm Sunday School for all children and youth 3rd grade through high school in person
Sunday, October 3 -- 11:30am Adult study Book of John
Sunday, October 3 - - 1pm Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 10 -- 4:30pm Next REAP meeting via Zoom
Sunday, October 10 -- 9am Parlor Class
Sunday, October 10 -- 10 Worship in Orinson Hall
Sunday, October 10 -- 11:30 Adult study Book of John
Sunday, October 10 -- 11:30-1 Confirmation and Salty Sunday youth groups in person
October 17 -- 10am and later -- Worship/memorial service for Cheri Strickland followed by Advent's crop walk through College Downs
Sunday, November 7 -- Crop Walk at Memorial Stadium

In keeping with the guidelines issued by the NC Synod and the CDC, we will continue gathering for worship in Orinson Fellowship Hall for the foreseeable future and masks will continue to be required. Besides being a larger space than the sanctuary, the fellowship hall allows for more members and visitors to worship safely, offers more flexibility for social distancing with the spacing of chairs, and provides the physical gift of “hospitality” to those families with small children (not yet eligible for the COVID vaccine) to gather for weekly worship safely.
 
Having introduced our fall worship service that includes a sung Communion service, the congregation is encouraged to sing together while still wearing our masks. While not ideal, the joy of knowing we are singing together (even muffled) is uplifting and a reminder that the church will continue to “sing on” during joy and sorrow and through happiness and difficulties.
 
We continue to pray that the numbers for this virus will soon decrease, and we will be able to return to the sanctuary for worship. Meanwhile, if you have not attended worship, I encourage you to join us online every Sunday at 10:00am or watch the recorded service later. As always, we recommend that all persons get their vaccinations if they have not done so yet. Pastor Ward
PARLOR CLASS SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES

The Parlor Class will regather starting Sunday, September 26, at 9 a.m. with an option to meet in person or via Zoom.   In-person participants will meet in the Campus Center and those joining by Zoom will use this link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81529733680?pwd=cUcxUVpLd2NHYWtaYmRVWUpuV2hkZz09 -- Meeting ID: 815 2973 3680 Passcode: 130747.  The church has new technology called “The Owl” which enables us to share meetings in a hybrid environment.  

The class will begin a study called “Belong,” about Christian Community, particularly relevant during this time of COVID.  The first unit is on “hospitality” and how the Bible shows that we all belong to God, even those who are viewed as outsiders.  

The following is a link to information about the book on which this class is based: https://www.cokesbury.com/Adult-Bible-Studies-Fall-2021-Student.  Purchase of the student’s book is not required as the leader will summarize the session's themes and allow time for lots of discussion. 

All are welcome to join this group Sunday at 9am, either masked and face to face, or on Zoom. 

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Pastor Ward will hold a "Blessing of the Animals" on Sunday, October 3, at 1pm. Feel free to bring any pets you wish to be blessed.
CROP WALK -- ADVENT STYLE!!!

As announced earlier, the official Charlotte Crop Walk will be November 7th at Memorial Stadium. Since they are offering the option of a virtual Crop Walk, that gave Advent the opportunity to do some special things for our participation.

In true Advent fashion, we are going to do a virtual Crop Walk through College Downs on Sunday, October 17th. This will be a very special day for Advent as we are also honoring the memory of our much beloved Cheri Strickland who died in July of 2020. Cheri's family, husband Kirby, and their 3 children and their families will join us for worship that day and Pastor Ward will weave a memorial to Cheri in with the worship service.

For those who do not know, Cheri and Kirby were long-time members of Advent as well as in charge of Advent's participation in the Crop Walk for many years. In 2019 they moved to Blowing Rock to be near to their children. This was a huge blow for Advent as both of them were also instrumental in Advent's participation in Room in the Inn. What a sad time it was for us to learn of Cheri's unexpected passing on July 1, 2020. Because of Covid restrictions, the family opted to wait until a later time for a memorial service for Cheri. What better way to remember Cheri and honor her memory than at this time and in conjunction with the program she was so instrumental in organizing for so many years.

There will be lots of activities that day so mark your calendars now to participate. Our team will be named "Cheri's Team". We invite as many members and friends to walk as possible. If you can't walk, then please sponsor someone or contribute to the fundraising. To do so go to this website:

As we get closer to the October 17th date, more announcements will be made of events for that date. Just mark your calendars now!!

We will also be having a book discussion on "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park. We are so fortunate to have access to clean water, but many around the world do not. This book gives us a first-hand account of how that affects villages. Advent purchased many copies of the book and we will set up a discussion time once we can distribute the books. Please contact Jennie Henderson if you would like to join in the discussion.

Volunteers are needed to help make this day truly special. Please contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com) or Pastor Ward if you would like to help with the organizing. 





BEAUTIFUL QUILT .. HAPPY MEMBER!

Recently the Quilting Group presented this lovely quilt to Raymond Peters who is a resident at Brookdale Concord. We received this photo from his daughter, Gloria Peters, who said her Dad really loves the quilt. What a beautiful quilt it is, too, and a perfect way to display it! Thank you, Quilting Group!!!
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR LEWIS AND BEVERLY WILLIAMS

A memorial service will be held for Lewis and Beverly Williams on Saturday, October 9, at Advent. Because of covid concerns, the service will be private for family only. Below are links to the published obituaries for both of these dear people.
To access the obituary for Lewis, please click here..
To access the obituary for Beverly, please click here.
SANDWICH MAKING RETURNS AND NEEDS MORE VOLUNTEERS!!!
Many hands make light the load!

Super Sandwich News!!  Social Ministry has transitioned from Grab & Go bags back into slapping together our beloved egg salad sandwiches for Roof Above. With this fresh start, we’d like to involve as many interested Advent members as possible. Tasks are varied: there will be something that is the perfect fit for you! Read on for the tasks and requirements.
 
Sandwich Makers must be available on Tuesdays at 3pm for approximately one hour of work while standing.
Deliverers must be able to take sandwiches to Roof Above in uptown Charlotte on Wednesday mornings between 8-10am. 
Bread Buyers can purchase several days ahead. 
Condiment Buyers can purchase ahead and place the mayo, mustard, and relish in the kitchen refrigerator. 
Egg Buyers can pick up eggs ahead as long as strict attention to the date of the product is followed. Currently we purchase 10-lb containers of boiled peeled eggs at Chef Central, located near the corner of Eastway Drive & Central Avenue. All purchases mentioned above can be reimbursed!  

We are looking forward to maintaining this long-time tradition that meets the hunger needs of our community. Won’t you get on the calendar to be a part of this ministry? We will supply you with all the needed details. Another way to help is by directing financial contributions to Sandwich Making Ministry or adding a few bucks to the Little Red Man on the Gathering Space table. 

If you are interested in any of the above jobs – listed in bold print – please contact Debra Efird at debra_efird@yahoo.com or text at 980-621-1283. 
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 4:30pm via Zoom. Upcoming meeting dates are October 10, November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12. Click this zoom link to join:

Meeting ID: 832 7471 0159 Passcode: 060475.
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.

Our Neighbors’ Plate:  Needs volunteers on Thursdays to help prepare meals and serve and we also need volunteers to provide desserts. Use Sign-Up Genius ( https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b45acac2ea7f49-ourneighbors ) to volunteer.  Financial gifts for supplies are very much appreciated.. Add “Our Neighbors’ Plate” on memo line of checks or add as fund in Online Giving.
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.
MAILING ADDRESS FOR COMPLETED WUBBEN AWARD APPLICATIONS
Completed applications for Wubben education, outreach, and spiritual development awards should be emailed to wubbendistribution@gmail.com.
Spiritual Development For Adults
MONDAY LUNCH & LEARN SCHEDULE THROUGH DECEMBER 6th
(previously known as DEVO)

Meets Mondays as listed below from 12noon until 1pm via Zoom. For questions, contact Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org).

Class Outline:
September 27   Pages 67-100 November 22 Pages 241-275
October 11      Pages 101-157 December 6 Pages 277-304

To connect:
Meeting ID: 868 0588 4776 Passcode: 188417
STUDY OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
 
The fall a study of the Gospel of John will be offered on Wednesdays and Sundays with the same material covered on Sunday that is covered on the prior Wednesday.  You are invited to participate in either of the classes as desired.
 
The Wednesday class, led by Carol Schierlmann and Pastor Ward, will begin September 22, from 12noon until 1:15pm.  The Sunday class, led by Carol and Eric Heberlig, begins September 26 and will be from 11:30am until 12:45pm.
 
The book for the classes will be the “Interpretation Bible Study Guide” and is available from Amazon and other book outlets. We will also read the gospel all the way through. Study units will be about 10 pages each - not a heavy reading assignment.  
 
If you are interested in participating in either class, please notify Carol at spiritualdev@adventlu.org so she can ensure you have the latest information about the classes.
LOOKING FOR A GOOD READ? COME JOIN THE ADVENT BOOK CLUB!

Group meets twice a month on Fridays, 6pm, per the schedule below. All are welcome. Contact Jennie Henderson (jhendersonfit@gmail.com).

Upcoming dates and suggested books:
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        
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 anyone: Faith on Tap: Meets 4th Thursday night of the month at Armoured Cow at 7:30pm. This is a joint group of Newell Presbyterian and Advent. Anyone is welcome! Just show up!

The Exiles: This group meets 2 times a month on Tuesdays. For information, contact Carolyn Osborne at caosborne98@yahoo.com or Pastor Ward at thepastor@adventlu.org.

For anyone: Racial Justice Teams -- 3 different focus areas and contacts:: Action (Brooke Watson-Summerour or Caroline Grubb); Partnership (Arlene Cash or Jim Hintz); Education & worship (Carol Schierlmann or Pastor Ward).
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.

Changing schedule:
For the entire month of September, classes will be Tuesday & Thursday at 5:30
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 RELIEF -- ASSISTING HAITI AND RECENT HURRICANE/FLOODING VICTIMS
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    
COMPLETE SCHEDULES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GATHERINGS FOR FALL 2021 (Revised 9-15-21 to remove 3rd-6th grades youth group)
 
Please click on this link to take you to the document with full details of the offerings.

For questions on any youth offering, please direct them to Carol Schierlmann (spiritualdev@adventlu.org) or Brooke Watson-Summerour (youthandmilestones@adventlu.org).
DIGITAL KID'S CORNER -- NEW THIS YEAR!!!
PreK through 2nd grade

What is this, you ask??? It's an interactive computer-based program complete with videos, Bible stories, songs and crafts. New programs will be released twice a month and the link will be provided here as well as on the home page of the adventlu.org website in the "Kid's Corner" section (lower left corner). The link will be good for the entire month. Here is the link for September: https://prezi.com/view/DtC9xkzj1R8xlhQdWdFC/. Watch for the October link soon!
TOUCH ZOOM FOR PRE-K THROUGH 2ND GRADE

Also new this year will a 15-minute touch zoom gathering for this age group led by Pastor Ward and the Spiritual Development team. The gatherings will be 2 times a month on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. The schedule is as follows: September 29, October 13, October 27, November 10, November 17, December 1, December 15. To join the zoom gathering click on this link:
Meeting id: 863 6903 6290 Passcode 266120



OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR YOUTH
GRADES 3 - 6 SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:30am-12:15pm in person on these dates: October 3, 17, 24, 31; November 14; December 12

GRADES 7-12 SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:30am-12:15pm in person on these dates: October 3, 17, 31; November 14, December 12.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES 11:30am-1pm in person on these dates: September 26, October 10; November 7, 21; December 5, 19.

GRADES 10-12 SALTY SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP 11:30am-1pm in person on these dates: September 26, October 10, November 7, 21; December 5, 19.
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
Ashton Family, daughter and grandchildren of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Amanda Bainbridge, sister-in-law of Deloris Bainbridge
Josh Baker, nephew of Abby Bostian
Lindsay Baker, niece of Abby Bostian
Lemont Bell, friend of Gene Reid
Peg Buckstad, member
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Dallas Collins, family member of co-worker of Gloria Peters
Alpha Omega Curry, friend of Lenore Watson
Charliese Eichler, sister of Marylou Kuklentz 
Keri Eichler, niece of Marylou Kuklentz
Mike Eleazer, father-in-law of Kathryn McKittrick Eleazer
Jan Frick, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Dwight Hartsell, member
Colette Hishon, member
Doug Hodge, friend of Gary Moe
Donnell Horton, former member of Advent and daughter of Leo Peeler
Nylah Howard, member of Advent's brownie troop
Linda Kelly Family, family of Sarah Sue Hardinger's son-in-law
Marylou Kuklentz, member
Waylon Kuklentz, grandson of Dick & Marylou Kuklentz
Bobbi Larson, member
Teresa Ledford, member
Ray Matthews, father of Jesse Priser
Susan McCoy, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Lucy Mullis, sister of Dwight Hartsell
Mark Navtaril, stepfather of Tony Poovey
Dave Park, member
Leo Peeler, member
Noel Petrea, member
Jacita Petway, friend of Lenore Watson
Ron Pittman, member
Pattie Quigley, mother of Jennie Henderson
Kalvin Roberson, member
Shannon Roberson, member
Richard Schulz, brother-in-law of Dan & Jan Otolski
Penny Short, cousin of Caroline Bunn
Rashaad Sinclair, family friend of Caroline Bunn
Pam Simyon, daughter-in-law of Dick & Mary Lou Kuklentz
James Smith, friend of Jennie Henderson
Lynda Stellenberg. friend of Jennie Henderson
LouAnn Tolson, friend of Mona Ingolia
David Townsend, friend of Esther Abdel-Hameed
Laura Tucker, friend of Marylou Kuklentz
Joyce Veit, member
John Vick, brother-in-law of Caroline Bunn
June Vincent, mother of Chip Vincent
Herbert Watson, member
Renate Wilson, mother of Tanya DeGrace

DeathsWe remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially..
Bettie McLain, mother of Dennis McLain, on September 12
Alan Church, friend of Jennie Henderson, on September 12
Emma Powell, former member, on September 13
Peter Hammerling Sr., grandfather of Laura Torrence, on September 17

Praise and Thanksgiving
Birth of August Thomas Calamari on September 5, grandson of Ed and Debra Efird
Birth of Cameron West Thurow on September 20, grandson of Mark and Diane Large

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