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 Like us on Facebook! (Advent Lutheran Church ELCA - Charlotte, NC)
Advent's Vision
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.
Jubilee Visitor Sunday, March 3: Pr. Richard Little.
Were you at Advent that Pentecost when the red balloons at the altar showed us "balloons belong in church"?
Or when Pr. Dick danced in the aisles?
When the love from the people of Advent turned a break-in and church destruction into a ministry of support for the mentally ill?
Or when we held our first Room in the Inn in our new Orinson Hall?
On March 3, we will celebrate God's work at Advent from 1986-2008, with Pastor Richard Little, our pastor during that time, as our special guest. Pr. Dick will preach at both services and will join all of us at our final "Pastries With the Pastor" event from 9:45am until 10:45am, so plan to attend the entire time. A photo will be taken at 10:30 of all who joined Advent during Pr. Dick's time with us. Meet near the '50' at the end of Orinson!
Join the entire Advent family at this event to see exhibits from those years, to meet with former members, and to enjoy food and stories. Everyone will also receive a special keepsake gift from our prayer team.
Follow Our Holy Land ADVENTure!
Pr. Ward and other Advent members and friends left Tuesday, Feb. 12 and are returning Thursday evening, Feb. 21. Please continue to pray for their safe return. There are lots of wonderful photos on the Holy Land Facebook page. If you haven't viewed them as yet, click
on this link to join and enjoy:
Holy Land ADVENTure Facebook page
Read our Advent Lore Blogspot for interesting history of our church!
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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Adventurers - February 21st, 12 noon
Anyone finding themselves available on 2/21 at 12noon is invited to join Adventurers for our monthly meal and program in the Gathering Space. Bring a dish to share if you are able. Betsy Dailey is going to join us and share lots of photos and stories from her trip to the Creches in India during the fall. You won't want to miss it! Come, bring friends!
Wild Women Space Available
Been thinking about going to Wild Women at Lutheridge and thought it was too late? You have another chance!
Several women from Advent are going to Wild Women the weekend of March 8-10, and due to last-minute medical cancellations, we have two or three openings. Theme for this weekend is "Seasons of the Spirit," discovering help from nature, scripture and each other for every season of our lives. The weekend starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, and ends after brunch on Sunday morning. Many of us leave early on Friday so we can have dinner together, and we will organize a carpool from Charlotte. Cost is $223 per person including Saturday meals and Sunday brunch, lodging, materials and lots of fun! Interested? Contact Abby Bostian at [email protected] as soon as possible!
'A Season for Love'
Don't limit love and romance to Valentine's Day! Join the Community Singers of Lake Norman on Saturday, February 23rd, for an hour of romantic songs, dessert, and fellowship. Bring your sweetheart, your spouse, a friend, or come by yourself. Who knows? Cupid's arrow may find your heart.
The doors open at 6:30 pm and entertainment starts at 7:00 pm. The event is being hosted in the Family Life Center, Bethel Presbyterian Church
, 19920 Bethel Church Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031. Free admission. Donations accepted.
Souper Bowl Thank You
Thank you so much on behalf of the Kids 4 Christ and Mustard Seeds Youth Groups. We were able to raise $352 from your generous contributions. It will be used to purchase items for the Advent Has Heart Bags and the Advent Pantry. This annual project has been meaningful, not only to those who we serve but to the younger youth who are learning about hunger in our own backyard. Again, THANK YOU for supporting this worthy cause.
Room in the Inn
Our homeless neighbors have been able to have a warm bed and good food for the past 11 Mondays (and 1 extra night) but there are 6 to go. It has been an amazing time and we would like you to share in the remaining weeks. There are still white squares on the sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space and this means we need your help in those places. Please take a look and sign up for any of the openings you are available to assist. Your help is greatly needed. Have Questions? See or contact Caroline 704-608-8474, Esther 727-614-6063, or Abby 704-598-9080.
Assistance Needed for February 27th Wednesday Night Dinner for Confirmation and "Enter the Story"
We still have need for assistance with the February 27th Wednesday night meal for Confirmation and "Enter the Story" class. Won't you consider helping? This is also a
time of fellowship and we are offering a meal. Do you have organizational skills OR cooking skills? This could be handled 2 ways - get a confirmed count each week, take an order for take out, pick up the food and handle the money OR get the count, get the groceries, prepare the meal and handle the money. This could be a great way to plug in your gifts to contribute nourishment to your Advent family.
Have a musical ear and are tech savvy??
The property board is 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.
Read our Advent Lore Blogspot for interesting history of our church!
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!
Niner United sponsor Loy Witherspoon Award Reception on February 21st:
Please honor us with your presence at the Annual Loy Witherspoon Award reception. The award celebrates the vibrancy of campus ministry at UNC Charlotte. This will be held at Advent Lutheran Church on February 21st at 7pm. No RSVP is needed.
Please also consider our 2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage which is open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Niner United.
More information here
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Readings
February 24th, 2019
The Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Genesis 43:3-11, 15
Luke 9:28-36
Serving this week and March 3, 2019
February 24, 2019:
Lay Assistant
8:30am Joe Moeller
11am James Bakke
Usher Captain
8:30am Gene Reid
11am Pam Rhynes
Reader
8:30am Peter Christ
11am Deb Efird
Greeters
8:30am Barb Blish & John Lewis
11am Keith & Diane Wassum
Acolytes
8:30am Emma & Meredith Tunnell
11am Colin Heberlig & James Hebert
Altar Guild
Velia Watson & Susan Hartsell
Counters
James & Charlene Bakke
Bread
Marylou Kuklentz
MARCH 3, 2019:
Lay Assistant:
8:30am Chris Rasmussen
11am Marylou Kuklentz
Usher Captain:
8:30am John Lewis
11am Ed Efird
Reader
8:30am Lenore Watson
11am Eric Heberlig
Greeters
8:30am Tim Caldwell & Joyce Veit
11am Dick Kuklentz & Jon Eklund
Acolytes
8:30am Abby & Brooke Hibbeler
11am Michael Goerke & Julie Estrella
Altar Guild
Lisa Droste & Connie Searing
Ash Wednesday: Barb Blish
Counters
Mary Carriker & Esther Abdel-Hameed
Bread
Carol Wisner
(Ash Wednesday: Ruth Refsnider)
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Advent Album
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Week 45:
Though you hear a lot about youth through their exciting mission trips and the reaching of religious milestones, Advent values its older members, too! Back in 1999, Advent formed a JOY (Just Older Youth) group under the leadership of MaryLou Kuklentz and Cathy Brown, though they could hardly have been considered "old" at that point! For a long period of time, it seemed that Advent had very few elderly members, but the years have swirled by and now the pews are filled with people sporting gray hair. Led by Pam Rhynes, Carolyn Osborne, and Barb Blish, today's group is called Adventurers and it's inclusive-meaning you don't have to be "old." Though composed of mostly retirees, anyone who is available during the daytime hours is welcome. They meet monthly, on the 3rd Thursdays, enjoying speakers or outings such as visiting Old Salem at Christmastime, touring the Billy Graham Library, going to movies, and enjoying restaurant as well as potluck meals. The Adventurers also provide financial support for outings designed for the elderly of Alto Cayma, Peru, and have also filled bags with simple toiletry items for them. So, "old" or not, if you want a monthly adventure, here's your group!
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Quick Links
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Spiritual Development
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
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 |
| Feb 27 |
Wed |
6:00-8:00 |
Tabernacle - Enter the Story |
Orinson |
| Mar 13 |
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 |
| 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 |
Adult Sunday School - Parlor Class
February schedule for Advent's Parlor Class (all are invited - class starts at 10 a.m.):
Feb 24 - Max Lucado, "Unshakable Hope"
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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
Niner United trip to Holy Land:
Please also consider our 2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage which is open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Niner United.
More information here
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 i
f 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!
Hot Dogs and Homework has kicked off!
The second semester tutoring ministry with our Robinsdale neighbors kicked off with a dinner and orientation session on Sunday, Jan. 27. To volunteer contact Jennie Henderson at
[email protected] or Abby Bostian at
[email protected].
February: Meats & Pastas
Think canned chicken, beef, corned beef, beef stew, Spam, sardines, tuna, ravioli, spaghetti, and beefaroni! Please ensure items have pull tabs for ease in opening as many food pantry visitors do not have can openers. Basket is in Gathering space. Thank you for your contributions!
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Youth at Advent
Summer Reading
Crazy right? The weather just turned chilly and I am talking about summer. Hear me out. Next summer,we would like to have a summer reading program for the kids and youth. Consequently, we would like to start building a library for them. So....when your school has a book fair or when you are cleaning out your book shelves and find a few gems that your kids have outgrown, think of the Advent Library! If we start now, by June we should have a nice selection.
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
BYG Camp is getting close!
If you are planning on going, make sure you pay your deposit to either Brooke or Laura. More details on the trip will be emailed closer to the March 29-31 weekend. Camp is at Camp Agape and is for 3rd-5th grade. Cost to hold spot is $65 deposit.
Next meeting for Mustard Seeds and Kids 4 Christ - April 7
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
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
Ray Clayton, Janet Rasmussen's cousin *
Bettye Connelly, wife of Chris Connelly
Steve Currin, Janet Rasmussen's cousin *
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
Barbara Gillet, Linda Miller's friend
Consvella Harge, friend of Marie Cochran
Dwight Hartsell, member *
Brody James, friend of Andy & Lisa Robinson
Dean Jarrett, Carol Schierlmann's uncle *
John Keller
Jasmin Kivett, friend of Harriett Easley
Dick Kuklentz, member *
MaryLou Kuklentz, member
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
Jesse Priser, member
Margaret Rader, Michelle Hagle's aunt *
Denny Refsnider, member
Andy & Lisa Robinson
Richard Schulz, Dan & Jan Otolski's brother-in-law
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
Deb Walton, cousin of Laura Williams *
Ware Washam, friend of Sarah Sue Hardinger
Herbert Watson, Member
Helen Webb, Mary Lou Kuklentz' family member *
Robin Whitley
Beverly Williams,member
Bob Williams, uncle of Mike Williams *
Lewis Williams, member
Renaté Wilson, Tanya DeGrace's mother
Manohar
Births
Deaths
We remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died, especially
- Marilyn Kettlewell, mother of Don Hagerman
- Hanni Braun, member, mother of Heinz, Hanns, Harry, Heidi
- Walther Hartshorne, uncle of Debbie Poovey
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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