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We are Advent Lutheran Church. As diverse children of God, we strive to be the embodiment of that which God wants all people on earth to be. We love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We love our neighbor as ourselves, and express this love in service to others.
By accepting God's gift of grace through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God forever.
YOUTH SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH -- ONE SERVICE ONLY AT 10AM FOLLOWED BY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Join in worship on March 17th at 10am as our youth lead us in a message about how the love of God impacts each of us. This will be a great opportunity for the entire Advent family to worship together as we fulfill the promises we make to support and uplift our young people in their journey of faith. Both Mars and Annette will be leading our youth and the congregation in music to compliment the messages of the day. Mark your calendars and come experience God's word through the voices of Advent's young people.
At the conclusion of the worship service, we will move to a brief congregational meeting. We have two items to address: 1) nominations to fill 4 vacancies on the Nominating Committee for the 2019-21 term, and 2) discussion and voting on a proposal from the Stewardship Board for the Wubben Endowment Fund to match donations to the Jubilee Capital Appeal 1:1 over the 2 year term of the appeal. The details of the Jubilee Capital Appeal were initially shared at the services on February 24th and also in an informational flyer available for all interested members in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach
out to Don Hagerman at church or at 704-252-0446.
Ash Wednesday and Lenten Services
Each of the 6 Wednesday nights during Lent, beginning with March 13, different groups will host a meal before the Worship Service. Meals will be 5:30-6:15pm. Worship will be 6:30-7pm. Bible Study and Choirs will meet after the worship service.
Social Ministry will be sponsoring the Lenten meal on Wednesday March 20th , they will be serving tacos.
The meal is from 5:30-6:15. Please sign the pew pads on Sunday to let us know you are coming.
All free-will offerings for the meals will go the area designated by the meal sponsors.
Palm Sunday -- Walk with Jesus: An Easter Event for Families.
Where: Harrisburg United Methodist Church 4560 Highway 49 South 28075
When: Palm Sunday, April 14 2-5pm
Travel to Jerusalem, Sit Down for the Last Supper, Pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, Discover the sacrifice of God Friday, Celebrate freedom from sin at the empty tomb.
Jersey Mike's Fundraiser for Youth Missions March 17th
Support our Youth from 12-4 at the University Jersey Mike's off JW Clay! We are Wilmington bound this summer!
Need your directory information!!
It has been a long time since we've undertaken an effort to update all the personal info the church has for our members. Phone numbers and emails especially have changed. Please look for the paper in your mailbox requesting information about your family and complete and return it as soon as possible. You may place completed copies in the basket on the big table in the Gathering Space, or fold it and put it in the offering plate, or leave it in the office. Once we have the updates, a printed copy of the Directory will be placed in each mailbox. Thank you!
Jubilee Capital Appeal
As part of our annual stewardship appeal during Lent, we are including a Capital fund appeal which focuses on much needed improvements to sustain our aging facility and improve our ability to worship and be active in outreach ministry. The Jubilee Capital Appeal goal is $160,000.
Last week at worship Tony Poovey spoke about the needed repairs and replacements. If you were not able to attend worship to hear about these facility needs, please click on this [link] to read the message that was distributed to those in attendance.
Each Sunday during the Advent for Life appeal (March 10-April 7)you will hear more about Advent's plans for ministry in 2019-20.
Stewardship for all Seasons Steering Committee
Annual Stewardship Appeal
Advent for Life
is our stewardship theme for this year during Lent. Just as Jesus promises, "I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly," we believe that Advent is the place where we experience the abundant life of Jesus.
Our focus will be on three 'congregational life' areas:
- To sustain ministry excellence
- To improve communication inside and outside of Advent
- To enhance the worship experience
Last Sunday at worship you heard the message on the topic: "Sustaining Ministry Excellence." If you were not able to attend worship to hear about this initiative, please click on this [link] to read the flyer that was distributed to those in attendance.
Each week during the Advent for Life appeal(March 10-April 7)you will learn more about Advent's plans for ministry in 2019-20.
Stewardship for all Seasons Steering Committee
Need your directory information!!
It has been a long time since we've undertaken an effort to update all the personal info the church has for our members. Phone numbers and emails especially have changed. Please look for the paper in your mailbox requesting information about your family and complete and return it as soon as possible. You may place completed copies in the basket on the big table in the Gathering Space, or fold it and put it in the offering plate, or leave it in the office. Once we have the updates, a printed copy of the Directory will be placed in each mailbox. Thank you!
Annual Stewardship Appeal
Advent for Life
is the theme for our annual stewardship appeal during Lent. The campaign will begin on March 10. Keep an eye out for a letter being mailed to your home which will give you a better idea of the plans for ministry at Advent in 2019-20.... Stewardship for all Seasons Steering Committee
Electronic 'Givers' Participate in Worship
So that all who give by an automated means can participate in worship, we are providing a special card in the pews that you can use when the offering plate is passed. Members are encouraged to take a moment to give thanks before placing the electronic giving card into the offering plate.
"Because we are designed in God's image, we are happiest and most fulfilled when serving and giving." - Dave Ramsey
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Because of the CROSS our prayers can move mountains
During the Lent season, Advent's PRAYER TEAM provides an opportunity for the Advent community to be in intentional prayer for others.
Look for the wooden "Prayer" Cross which will be in the Narthex starting Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday.
This cross is covered with purple and white crocheted Prayer Squares. The purple color represents the Lent season and the white color represents Easter.
The squares have an attached tag containing names of members of our congregation, extended family members or friends who are on our prayer list.
Please take a square, or 2, OR more, home with you and pray for those folks. You can rotate the squares throughout these 6 weeks of Lent. Prayers for many, by many!
Easter Sunday our Cross will have a special display
representing our Risen Christ and faithful prayers.
Note of thanks and gratitude from Pastor Dick:
We recently received a lovely letter of gratitude from Pastor Dick for the Jubilee Sunday event. Read the letter at this link:
Altar Guild seeking to grow
Ever wonder what the Altar Guild does? Well, they are the behind-the-scene gals or guys that prepare the sanctuary for worship services each week. They are in need of additional volunteers. If you are interested in learning more, please attend a short session on Sunday, March 17th at 9:30, in the sanctuary.
Adventurers Gathering March 21st
All are invited to the monthly gathering at 12 noon on 3/21 in the Gathering space. Lasanga, salad, and dessert will be provided. We will experience the Holy Land tour through the photos and conversations of some of our group who participated in the trip. Please come join us.
Save the date -- Room in the Inn Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Monday, April 1st, 6:30 for everyone who has helped in any capacity. Come join us for a celebration of the 2018-19 season and let us serve you. Please RSVP to Caroline by 3/25
Welcome Spiritual Development Interns:
The Spiritual Development team would like to welcome our two new interns, Allison Cummings and Luke Thrower. We are thrilled to have them at Advent. These positions are funded by a grant from the NC Synod.
This coming summer,we would like to have a reading program for the kids and youth here at Advent. Consequently, we need to build a library for them. So....if you have books around your house that perhaps your kids (or grandkids) have outgrown, think of the Advent Library! We hope to have a nice selection by June. See Carol Schierlmann for donations.
Have a musical ear and are tech savvy??
The property board is still looking for someone to be a dedicated sound technician every Sunday for both services and for special events. Professional training will be offered and a close working relationship with current volunteers would start this position.
Contact Sandy Torrence or Pastor Ward for further details.
March: Mad About Fruit
It's March Madness Month, so march right into the grocery store and load up on canned fruit for the food pantry, please! Canned fruits make a pleasant dessert or side dish, giving bland meals even more zing than watching basketball stars race across the court. If foods were bracketed like sports teams, vegetables would always lose out to peaches, pears, mandarin oranges, fruit cocktail, and plastic jars of applesauce - winners all!
Journey to a Healthier You
You are invited to a Diabetes Awareness Event : Thursday, March 21, 2019 - 11:30am-1:30pm at the Cabarrus County Senior Center (331 Corban Ave SE Concord, NC).
Did you know that one in three American adults has pre-diabetes, and 9 out of 10 do not know it?
Come learn how to prevent and manage diabetes at a FREE event which includes:
- Diabetes prevention & management education
- Screenings
- Live cooking and exercise demonstrations
- Snacks & lunch
For more information or to reserve your space, contact (704)920-1279, (704)920-1362 or,
Learn if you are at risk and what local resources are available to help
you prevent or manage diabetes!
Advent Health Ministry Team
Read our Advent Lore Blogspot for interesting history of our church! Read it here:
Advent Blogspot
Dream Big, Believe Even Bigger!
Look for our new website to roll out in early March as a result of your commitments to generously support our Dream Big, Believe Even Bigger appeal last year!
Hosting families wanted for French students this summer
Terre des Langues is seeking church families to host 10 French boys and girls, ages 15-16, and one language teacher, between June 13 and July 7. The French students attend the private Lycee Saint Marc located near Lyon. They will share their language and culture while improving their own language proficiency in English.
Host families will simply provide daily activities in their home. They will also be able to travel with their student on excursions. Host families are responsible for food and shelter for the French students who will bring their own spending money and are fully insured. For more information and an application, please contact Professor Frederic Fladenmuller at [email protected] or call Terre des Langues at 252-754-2136.
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Readings
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Serving this week March 17th:
Youth
Usher Captain:
Youth with Tim Taylor
Reader:
Youth
Greeters:
Youth
Acolytes:
Youth
Altar Guild:
Youth
Counters:
Don Hagerman & Andy Hagle
Bread:
Youth
Serving March 24, 2019:
Lay Assistant
8:30am Andy Hagle
11am James Bakke
Usher Captain
8:30am Mark Large
11am Pam Rhynes
Reader
8:30am Peter Christ
11am Susan Hartsell
Greeters
8:30am Michelle Hagle & Barb Blish
11am Charlene Bakke & Jon Eklund
Acolytes
8:30am Emma & Meredith Tunnell
11am James Hebert & Michael Goerke
Altar Guild
Velia Watson & Susan Hartsell
Counters
Keith & Diane Wassum
Bread
Diane Jowers
Upcoming Lenten Events:
Each Wednesday through April 10th, we will have the Lenten Meal from 5:30-6:15pm. Worship will follow from 6:30-7pm. Other regular events will take place at 7pm.
March 20th 5:30-6:15pm Meal. Taco bar sponsored by Social Ministry. Worship at 6:30pm. Please indicate your plans to attend on the pew pads.
March 27th 5:30-6:15pm Meal. Worship at 6:30pm.
April 3rd 5:30-6:15pm Meal. Worship at 6:30pm.
April 10th 5:30-6:15pm Meal. Worship at 6:30pm.
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Advent Album
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Week 48:
Our church earns a gold star for inviting people in the community to cross our threshold, and not just for worship, but also for a multitude of diverse activities. For the very young set, we have Adventure Preschool to provide an invigorating multicultural environment. Then there are the UNC-Charlotte students, whom we're always trying to lure across the street to our Campus Ministry wing. Our city's homeless sleep at Advent through the Room In The Inn program. Both members of Advent and others in the community have been involved in our Brownie & Girl Scouts, Cub & Boy Scouts, book clubs, quilting, bridge, line dancing, yoga, and others. Numerous Bible Study groups have begun here, plus other small groups focusing on racism, environment, etc. Our doors have opened to community-related groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, divorce support, and basketball coaching. Blood drives through the Red Cross and Christmas parties for Open Door (a mental health facility) have taken place at our site. And of course there's the involvement with Robinsdale that was covered in last week's album note. It seems if it's happening at all, it's happening at Advent!
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Quick Links
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Spiritual Development
Youth Sunday Schedule:
Youth Sunday is March 17th -- one service at 10am
Practice Times for Youth Sunday:
March 16th 1-3pm -- dress rehearsal
March 17th -- Showtime!! Youth should be here by 9am to run one more dress rehearsal. One service at 10am!
Advent Youth Groups / Advent Girl Scout Mission Service Project for Room in the Inn on March 25th:
Our Advent Youth Groups and Advent Girl Scout troop are hosting Room in the Inn on Monday night, March 25th. Times will be 4pm until 8pm, For food, plan for 25-30 guests. We are looking for help from all youth groups and the Girl Scouts to assist with preparing, serving, and cleaning up and then to attend the RITI worship service at 7pm.
Please go to sign-up genius and sign up where you can help. Many hands mean lots of easy work. Contact Andy Goerke for Youth Groups or Connie Searing for Girl Scouts. Go to Sign-Up Genius
Looking for a good read?
2018 Advent Book Club - all welcome
*We meet at the University Panera at 6pm on dates below:
March 8 6pm - The Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel by Amor Towles -- RESCHEDULED TO
Friday, March 15, 6pm
April 5 6pm - The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers
May 3 6pm - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
June 7 6pm - The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places on Earth by Eric Weiner
July 12 6pm - The Woman in the Window: A Novel by A.J. Finn
August 2 6pm- The Library by Susan Orlean or The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of A Terrorist, A Train, and Three American Heroes
September 13 6pm - The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carre
October 11 6pm - The Perfect Nanny: A Novel by Leila Slimani
Eugene Peterson, translator of The Message, writes: "Stories are the most prominent biblical way of helping us see ourselves in 'the God story,' which always gets around to the story of God making and saving us." What better way to continue growing in your relationship with God than immersing yourself in the sacred stories of the Bible! Starting in January, we will facilitate Enter the Story, which is a hands-on, fully participatory, multisensory opportunity to experience the biblical story through 7 interconnected lessons. The class is designed for adults and high school youth. Please contact Carol Schierlmann or Pastor Ward to let us know you would like to participate.
| Month |
Day |
Time |
Activity |
Location |
| Mar 27 |
Wed |
5:30-6:30 |
Lenten Meal |
Orinson |
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6:30-7:00 |
Lenten Service |
Sanctuary |
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7:00-8:30 |
Journey to the Cross - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
| Apr 10 |
Wed |
5:30-6:30 |
Lenten Meal |
Orinson |
| |
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6:30-7:00 |
Lenten Service |
Sanctuary |
| |
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7:00-8:30 |
Restoration - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
Girls Scouts camp opportunities
Do you love Girl Scouts, the outdoors, working with kids, or all? If so, Girl Scouts Hornets' Nest Council is looking for summer staff starting at 16 years old. Day Camp and Overnight Camp opportunities are available with seasonal summer, volunteer and internship positions. Please contact
Camp Agape Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Please click this link to read about upcoming events and opportunities at Camp Agape for this spring and summer. Registration is also available through the link. Click here to access:
Camp Agape Upcoming Events & Opportunities .
Adult Sunday School - Parlor Class
March schedule for Advent's Parlor Class (all are invited - class starts at 10 a.m.):
Mar 24 - Max Lucado, "Unshakable Hope" m-- No class 3/17 -- One service at 10am.
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Nurture, Support & Fellowship
Communicate and Connect:
Join the closed "Advent Friends" Facebook group to stay abreast of events and see photos.
If you would like to receive occasional important Advent news via text message on your phone, please text 'Advent' to 96362 or scan the QR code on the notices posted around the building.
(Please note: you must be at least 16 years of age to participate in the program. You may receive up to five (5) text messages per month for which you may be charged by your mobile phone carrier. You may opt out of this service at any time by texting 'stop' to 96362 or by emailing
[email protected]
When shopping on Amazon.com, use "SMILE"
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 Smile.Amazon. 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 - re-link your Harris Teeter VIC cards - #5494
Germany - Passion Play 2020
Living Saviour Lutheran Church is planning a trip in September 2020 to the German town of Oberammergau and some Luther-related sites. The Oberammergau Passion Play is given every 10 years in response to a vow made during the plague in 1633. The Pastor of Living Saviour, Angela King Powell, is the tour host for this 12 day tour from September 1 thru 12, 2020. The cost is $3899 per person for the land portion of the tour. Airfare is to bedetermined, as it cannot be booked this far in advance. A deposit of $350 is required with your reservation, which should be made soon, to guarantee a place in this tour. Other payments will be required later in 2019 and in 2020. For details of the itinerary, see documents on the Gathering Space table or Barb Blish at 1-703-431-0585 or
[email protected]. Barb has picture books of a past visit to Oberammergau.
Giving envelopes in the pews
Advent appreciates all gifts, but we also want to give credit where credit is due! If you give cash using the blank envelopes in the pews, please put your name on the envelope so we can properly record your donation. If you want part or all of your gift to go to any special fund other than the General Fund, please note that on the envelope also.
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Outreach
If you wish to financially aid those devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, Lutheran Disaster Response will directly reach the victims. To donate, go to
www.elca.org/disaster
.....
or if you prefer, make your donation payable to Advent with disaster relief in the memo line, and we will send your contribution in with any others received.
You can donate to provide aid in the area of greatest need or to a need you specify.
50 Hours of Service
Social Ministry has a vision: brightly colored hands throughout the Gathering Space reflecting the 50 Hours of service from each member during our Jubilee year.
What do you do?
* Give God, your church, your fellow humans an hour of service.
* Select a colorful hand from tables in the gathering space,
* Record each hour of service on a finger - When you have five hours (one on each finger), tape the hand in the Gathering Space. Write your name on the hand or remain anonymous
* Continue recording each hour of service until you have posted 10 hands (five per hand for 50 hours).
* There are NO service police! If it is service to you, it's service to God.
Watch our hand collection grow!
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Youth at Advent
Summer Reading
This coming summer,we would like to have a reading program for the kids and youth here at Advent. Consequently, we need to build a library for them. So....if you have books around your house that perhaps your kids (or grandkids) have outgrown, think of the Advent Library! We hope to have a nice selection by June. See Carol Schierlmann for donations.
Music with Mars
Youth and Children of all ages are invited to spend a musical hour each Friday evening with Mars and Pastor Ward! This will take place every Friday at 6:30 in the Sanctuary. All that is required is a willing heart (no musical skills necessary)! Please email them at
[email protected] and
[email protected] if you would like to attend.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
Youth Sunday -- March 17th -- one service at 10am
Asheville Mission Trip for Pre-Confirmation -- April 5-7
Summer Mission Trip to Wilmington NC -- June 23-29
MILESTONE AND YOUTH GROUPS AT ADVENT
KIDS 4 CHRIST
The Kids 4 Christ youth group is for children Kindergarten through 2nd grade. This group celebrates several milestones, including First Communion and Blessing of the Backpacks. We meet once a month to learn and enjoy the fellowship of others in our group.
Next meeting on April 7th.
MUSTARD SEEDS
The Mustard Seeds youth group is for children 3rd grade through 5th grade and also meets once a month. We celebrate our 3rd grade Bibles milestone. In addition to monthly meetings, there are other opportunities throughout the year including BYG camp and Youth Quake.
Next meeting on April 7th.
MIDDLE SCHOOL/Route 67
The Middle School youth group is for youth 6th grade through 7th grade and prepares students for entering confirmation. We celebrate our Mission and Service Milestone. This group includes fellowship, study, mission and BYG-er camp.
CONFIRMATION
This group meets throughout the year for two consecutive years as they learn about what it means to be a Christian and a Lutheran. They explore the Bible, Christian history and faith development.
HIGH SCHOOL
This group ranges from fellowship to mission trips. We have a dynamic schedule to accommodate busy high school students grades 9
th
-12
th
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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.
Illness or Other Needs
Steven Ashton, son-in-law of Esther Adbel-Hameed
Lemont Bell, Gene Reid's friend
Ron Benton, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Abby Bostian, member
Arlene Bostian, Phil Bostian's mother
Claudia Brizzaoara
Michelle Butts, daughter of Harriett Easley
Ida & James Chisolm, members
Bettye Connelly, wife of Chris Connelly
Carole Daley, cousin of Carol Osborne
Carol DiRe, member
Kailyn Douglas, friend of Lisa Robinson
Eileen Folkerth, Susan Goerke's mother
Dot Furr, member
Sarah Gainey, friend of Lisa Robinson
Jennifer Gazda, member
Consvella Harge, friend of Marie Cochran
Pastor Bernie Hess, former Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church
Phuong Huynh, niece of Ann Schado
Brody James, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Dean Jarrett, Carol Schierlmann's uncle *
Jeannie Jones, Advent preschool teacher
John Keller
Jasmin Kivett, friend of Harriett Easley
Beth Knapp, sister of Barb Blish
Dick Kuklentz, member
MaryLou Kuklentz, member
Jacqueline Landrum, friend of Janet Rasmussen
Teresa Ledford, member
Richard & Phyllis Lester, Sharon Thrower's parents
Ray Matthews, Jesse Priser's father
Justin Mertz, Diane Jowers' nephew
Mertz Family, Diane Jowers' family
Rick Messina, member
Joe Moeller, member *
Jason, Renee & Maxwell Moore, friend of Elizabeth Clark
Catherine Mosier, mother of Ben Boydstun
Dee Niehaus
John & Alice Olenchuk, friend of Lisa Robinson
Carolyn Osborne, member
Jesse Priser, member
Denny Refsnider, member
Andy & Lisa Robinson
Richard Schulz, Dan & Jan Otolski's brother-in-law
Lori Shownes, friend of Susan Hartsell
Pam Simyon, Mary Lou Kuklentz' daughter-in-law
Rob Simyon, grandson of Dick & MaryLou Kuklentz
Rev. Brian Spahr, Pastor friend of Andy & Michelle Hagle *
Ted Thiemann, Andy Thiemann's brother *
Doug Tilden
Harold Twitty, member
Joshua Waits, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Martin Waits, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Todd & Janine Waits, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Ware Washam, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Herbert Watson, Member
Helen Webb, Mary Lou Kuklentz' family member
Eddie Weaver
Robin Whitley *
Beverly Williams,member
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, Tanya DeGrace's mother
Manohar *
Births
Deaths
We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially
- Linda Layton, mother of Scott Thrower
- Danny Pittman, brother of Ron Pittman
- Margaret Radar, aunt of Michelle Hagle
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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