Pastor Scott is on medical leave. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by, Pastor McDaniels on September 8 and Pastor Williamson on September 15. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.

Rally Day is this Sunday, September 8. Most activities will resume after summer break including:

Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 8, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 8 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 15 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 22 – Joe Schradie; Sept. 29 – John Stow

Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.

Women’s Evening Bible Study – The Women’s Group continues to meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Contact Karen Baker for further information.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

Readings for Sunday, September 8 (Prop. 18), 13^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 30:15–20, Psalm 1, Philemon 1–21, Luke 14:25–35

Christ Jesus Has Paid the Cost of Discipleship for You: A disciple of Jesus Christ will “bear his own cross” (Luke 14:27) and follow the Lord through death into life. Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all that he has” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple disavows “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26), in deference to Christ. That way of the cross is impossible, except that Christ Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and good, death and evil” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him” (Deut. 30:19–20). To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord” (Philemon 14).

Pastor Scott is on medical leave. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by, Pastor Lineberger on September 1, Pastor McDaniels on September 8, and Pastor Williamson on September 15. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.

Rally Day will be on Sunday, September 8. Most activities will resume after summer break including:

Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 8, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 8 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 15 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 22 – Joe Schradie; Sept. 29 – John Stow

Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.

Women’s Evening Bible Study – The Women’s Group continues to meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Contact Karen Baker for further information.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

Sunday School Help Needed: Teachers and assistants are needed for the K-2nd grade classes. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Struckmeyer or Carolyn Walker. We also need a teacher for the teenage class as Jonathan has departed for college. Please pray on this as growing and feeding young minds is what Jesus would have us do. Thank you.

Readings for Sunday, September 1 (Prop. 17), 12^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Prov. 25:2–10, Psalm 131, Heb. 13:1–17, Luke 14:1–14

We Are Humbled and Exalted by the Cross of Christ: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,” Jesus proclaims, but “he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). For your hope is in the name of the Lord, who humbled Himself unto death on the cross and was exalted in His resurrection. So, are you humbled by His cross, and “at the resurrection of the just,” He will say to you, “Friend, move up higher” (Luke 14:10, 13–14)? By His grace, the King will honor you “in the presence of a noble,” where your eyes will gaze upon the Prince, His dearly beloved Son (Prov. 25:7). As He has dealt so graciously with you, “do not neglect to do good and to share what you have” (Heb. 13:16) and “do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Heb. 13:2). Humble yourself and exalt your neighbor.

Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery was successful and he is recovering at home. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Greg Williamson on August 18 & 25, Pastor Lineberger on September 1, and Pastor McDaniels on September 8. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow. Please continue to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, and the family in your prayers.

Circuit Seminar: TriangleFaith.Org seminar at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary will feature Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, President of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Aug. 25-26, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. His topic is “And All Find Fresh Hope and Purpose.”

Great Small Churches: “God has given His church (both large and small congregations) the biggest greatest vision of all – to make disciples and to love our neighbors. Every church – small or large – can be the church that way!” Check out this article on Great Small Churches.

Readings for Sunday, August 18 (Prop. 15), 10^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 23:16–29, Psalm 119:81–88, Heb. 11:17–31 (32–40); 12:1–3, Luke 12:49–53 (54–56)

Christ’s Suffering and Death Bring Division: The Lord Jesus causes fear and trembling and division because His Word is “like fire … and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces” (Jer. 23:29). His Law puts us all to death, whereas only His Gospel can bring us to life. He has fulfilled that Word for us by His cross and in His resurrection from the dead. He undergoes such a distressing baptism, accomplished by His death, in order to open the way for us through our Holy Baptism into His cross and resurrection. So, then, if we are able “to interpret the appearance of earth and sky” (Luke 12:56), let us mark this sign of His cross — recognizing that this world is subject to death, but knowing that Christ Jesus also has conquered death and obtained life everlasting for us. Let us fix our eyes on “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1–2).

Community Volunteers: Please help us update our list of Advent’s members/friends volunteer work in the community by this Sunday, August 11. Fill out the form here or on the paper form in your bulletin on Sunday.

Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery was successful and he is recovering at home. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Greg Williamson on August 11, 18, & 25, Pastor Lineberger on September 1, and Pastor McDaniels on September 8. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow. Please continue to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, and the family in your prayers.

Women’s Evening Bible Studycontinues to meet on Tuesday’s at 7pm at Advent. On August 13, we will be starting a new study from Concordia Publishing House, “Enough for Now: Unpacking God’s Sufficiency,” by Sharla Fritz. Please join us for an hour of study of God’s Word. No homework. Come when you can. Contact Karen Baker if you have questions.

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates – August 12, September 16, October 14. Please bring non-perishables and canned goods. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Readings for Sunday, August 11 (Prop. 14), 9^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 15:1–6, Psalm 33:12–22, Heb. 11:1–16, Luke 12:22–34 (35–40)

The Lord Is Surely Coming to Give You His Kingdom: The Lord Himself was Abraham’s shield and great reward. For “the word of the Lord came to him” and sustained the patriarch’s faith in the face of death (Gen. 15:4). By divine grace, Abraham “believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Gen. 15:6), on account of the holy Seed, Christ Jesus. To that one old man, the Lord granted “descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore” (Heb. 11:12). The Lord is likewise faithful to you. It is His glad desire “to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). Therefore, “do not be anxious about your life,” but instead “seek his kingdom” (Luke 12:22, 31). Set your heart on that treasure. “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning … for the Son of Man is coming” (Luke 12:35, 40).

Community Volunteers: Per the discussion at the Voters meeting, we’ll be updating our list of Advent’s members/friends volunteer work in the community. We’ll be gathering this information on-line (fill out the form here) or by having you fill in an information sheet located in the narthex. Examples of volunteer work include helping build homes with Habitat for Humanity, helping serve food at a soup kitchen, helping distribute food at CORA, etc. Please respond by Sunday, August 11.

Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery was successful and he is recovering at home. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. Gina will provide updates through the Caring Bridge website. Give thanks to God for His mercy endures forever. Please continue to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, and the family in your prayers.

In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Greg Williamson on August 4, 11, 18, & 25. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.

Men of Advent’s Bible Study Retreat is scheduled for Nov. 1-3, 2019. We have currently reserved 10 rooms for 20 attendees at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC. We also encourage anyone to invite friends to join the retreat. The weather should be excellent on the Carolina coast this time of year! If you plan to attend or have any questions, please talk to Bill Ackerman, Dave Neely, or John Stow.

Readings for Sunday, August 4 (Prop. 13), 8^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Eccl. 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–26, Psalm 100, Col. 3:1–11, Luke 12:13–21

Faith in Christ Is Rich toward God: To live for earthly things “is vanity and a striving after wind,” and work that is driven by such vanity “is an unhappy business” (Eccl. 1:13–14). The man who lives like that has nothing to show for “all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun … all his days are full of sorrow” (Eccl. 2:22–23). So, too, your “covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col. 3:5), makes a god out of that which cannot give you life or happiness. For “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). But “Christ who is your life” (Col. 3:4), in giving you Himself, gives you all the wealth of heaven. Instead of striving to lay up treasures for yourself, be “rich toward God” in Him (Luke 12:21).

Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery was successful and he is recovering at home. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. Gina will provide updates through the Caring Bridge website. Give thanks to God for His mercy endures forever. Please continue to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, and the family in your prayers.

In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Larry Lineberger on July 28 and Pastor Greg Williamson on August 4, 11, 18, & 25. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.

Field Notes: Check out the latest newsletter from Shauen and Krista, missionaries in Africa which includes Shauen’s presentation to 2019 LCMS National Convention.

Men of Advent’s Bible Study Retreat is scheduled for Nov. 1-3, 2019. We have currently reserved 10 rooms for 20 attendees at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC. We also encourage anyone to invite friends to join the retreat. The weather should be excellent on the Carolina coast this time of year! If you plan to attend or have any questions, please talk to Bill Ackerman, Dave Neely, or John Stow.

Community Volunteers: Per the discussion at the Voters meeting, we’ll be updating our list of Advent’s members/friends volunteer work in the community. We’ll be gathering this information on-line (fill out the form here) or by having you fill in an information sheet located in the narthex. Examples of volunteer work include helping build homes with Habitat for Humanity, helping serve food at a soup kitchen, helping distribute food at CORA, etc.

Readings for Sunday, July 28 (Prop. 12), 7^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 18:(17–19) 20–33, Psalm 138, Col. 2:6–15 (16–19), Luke 11:1–13

Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery was successful and he is recovering at Duke Hospital. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. Gina will continue to provide updates through the Caring Bridge website. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Larry Lineberger on July 21 and 28 and Pastor Greg Williamson on August 4, 11, 18, & 25.If pastoral assistance is needed, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.

Prayer Vigil: We thank all who participated in the Thursday prayer vigil. God heard our prayers and provided a successful outcome. Give thanks to God for His mercy endures forever. Please continue to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, the family, and the medical team in your prayers.

Meals for Pastor Scott and Gina: Would you like to help by bringing a meal for the Lohman’s after Pastor Scott’s surgery? There are still a few open slots. Sign up and get more details here.

Readings for Sunday, July 21 (Prop. 11), 6^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 18:1–10a (10b–14), Psalm 27:(1–6) 7–14, Col. 1:21–29, Luke 10:38–42

Pastor Scott’s Heart Surgery is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2019 starting around 6:00 a.m. He will be on medical leave through September 8, 2019. In his absence, Advent Worship will be led by Pastor Larry Lineberger July 21 & 28 and Pastor Greg Williamson August 4, 11, 18, & 25. If pastoral assistance is needed, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.

Prayer Vigil: We would like to hold Pastor Scott, Gina, the family, and the medical team in our prayers throughout the surgery on that day. The church will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You are invited to spend as much time as your schedule allows in prayer and meditation – either at the church or wherever you may be. Suggested prayers are included here: Walking Together in Prayer July 2019. Through these or your own prayers, you can ask God to guide and protect Pastor Scott as he faces surgery and healing.

Caring Bridge Site: Gina will be providing updates through the Caring Bridge website. When you visit the site, you can select an option to receive an email when there are any new postings by clicking on the ‘Following’ button to the right of the picture. From the notification that pops up, you can also click on the link to get text alerts.

Meals for Pastor Scott and Gina: Would you like to help by bringing a meal for the Lohman’s after Pastor Scott’s surgery? The meals can be delivered to the church on Sunday when you’re there for services. Meals should be for 2 people and should include main dish, side/salad and dessert. Consider including breakfast or snack items and sending your meal in a disposable container that doesn’t need to be returned. Sign up and get more details here.

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates – July 15, August 12, September 16, October 14. Please bring non-perishables and canned goods. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Readings for Sunday, July 14 (Prop. 10), 5^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Lev. (18:1–5) 19:9–18, Psalm 41, Col. 1:1–14, Luke 10:25–37

Meals for Pastor Scott and Gina: Would you like to help by bringing a meal for the Lohman’s after Pastor Scott’s surgery? The meals can be delivered to the church on Sunday when you’re there for services. Meals will be for 2 people and should include main dish, side/salad and dessert. Consider including breakfast or snack items and sending your meal in a disposable container that doesn’t need to be returned. Sign up and get more details here.

SED ROC: The Southeastern District Reaching Others for Christ Conference (formerly the Tending the Flame Conference) will be held July 26 & 27 in Roanoke, VA. Find out more here.

Readings for Sunday, July 7 (Prop. 9), 4^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 66:10–14, Psalm 66:1–7, Gal. 6:1–10, 14–18, Luke 10:1–20