Easter Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. – “A God Who Rises” (Isaiah 65:17–25; 1 Corinthians 15:19–26; John 20:1–18 or Luke 24:1–12): Jesus’ resurrection is a very physical act for the life of the man Jesus. “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again,” Jesus had said (John 10:18). So now He does. The very good news is that Jesus’ resurrection is not just for His sake. As His death was for those of us who in our bodies are dying as the fair consequence for our sins, so now His resurrection is for those of us over whom death was thought to have the final word. Jesus rose bodily, body and soul knit back together eternally. And He promises not some disembodied rest for our souls with Him but a complete resurrection to follow where He has led the way. As we sing in the hymn refrain, “Jesus has risen and we shall arise: Give God the glory! Alleluia!” (LSB 474).

Easter Sunday Brunch: Please plan to attend the annual Easter potluck bunch at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 21. Bring a brunch dish to share; beverages will be provided. Family and friends are welcome. There is a sign-up sheet in the church narthex. There will be an Easter egg hunt after the service. If you are participating and are able, please bring a dozen (or more) filled, plastic eggs to hide.

Easter Egg Hunt: The Easter Egg Hunt will take place after the Worship Service. Gather in the Fellowship Hall for further instructions.

Women of Advent Retreat: We had such a wonderful turnout for the WOA’s retreat on Saturday April 13th. Thank you all who were able to come out. I especially want to thank Maryanne, Lois, Peggy, Carolyn J, Judy, Bill and Laurene. I don’t know what I would have done without your help! Thank you for helping me make the women’s retreat something special. Gina

Men’s Weekday Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. Please note the new time. We’ll be starting a new study entitled ” Christianity and the Competition.” Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.

Women’s Evening Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. We will be studying “Experiencing God’s Presence” from Jesus Calling Bible Studies. No homework. Come and enjoy an hour of bible study, focusing on direction of Jesus. Contact Karen Baker for more information.

Mission Outreach: there are service opportunities in Lumberton and Jacksonville, NC following the Hurricanes. Contact Pastor Scott or John Cangelosi if you would like to help.

Refrigerator Needed: The church is looking to replace one of the refrigerators in the kitchen, ideally with an ice maker. If you know of one available, please let Paul Simis or Clay Wriedt know.

Readings for Sunday, April 21 (Easter Sunday): For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Isaiah 65:17–25; Psalm 118:15-24; 1 Corinthians 15: 19–26; John 20:1–18

Holy Week Services: “Behold the man!” was Pontius Pilate’s short, yet most profound, sermon. Our endeavor this Lententide and Easter Sunday is to behold the man, God in human flesh, Jesus. He knew all that real bodies experience; He suffered, wept, bled, ate, and hoped. He lived this physical life in order to be nailed to a cross. So we are truly preparing for the celebration of His real, bodily, flesh-and-blood resurrection. Without that, our faith and our preaching are all in vain. Behold the man, who has led the way for us through death to our own physical resurrection! Please join us this Lenten and Easter season as we “Behold the Man.”

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Loves” (Exodus 12:1–14; 1 Corinthians 11:23–32; John 13:1–17, 31b–35): On the night when He will be betrayed, the One who has every power of God, “having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end” (John 13:1). He picked up a bowl of water, wrapped Himself in a towel, and used His divine hands to scrub the dirt from the feet of His disciples. A new commandment He gives. Love like this, He commands. Love with hands, not hearts. Love with actions, not feelings. Love by dying. As I have loved you.

Good Friday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Bleeds, a God Who Dies” (Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9; John 18–19): Why has God become man? Why does God have flesh? Why does God have a heart that beats, lungs that breathe, a brain with synapses that fire? For this: to die. His heart beats so that it can stop beating. His lungs draw in breaths and exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide so that they can fill with fluid and stop taking in breath. His brain conducts an electro-chemical symphony so that it can stop abruptly before the final act. His eyes see so that they can be blind. His ears hear so they can be deaf. His hands work so they can be pinned to a wooden cross. His blood courses through His veins so it can flow in rivulets down the post of a torture device and leave a crimson stain in the dirt at a place named “Skull.” God is man so that He can die. For you.

Women of Advent Retreat: Tomorrow, Saturday April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church. Gina Lohman will guide us through this opportunity to “Shatter the lies: Remembering who we are.” Be prepared to break your bondage to Satan and revel in the freedom of God through small groups, crafts, personal reflection time with your Lord, as well as worship and praise. Lunch will be provided.

Easter Sunday Brunch: Please plan to attend the annual Easter potluck bunch at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, April 21. Bring a brunch dish to share; beverages will be provided. Family and friends are welcome. There is a sign-up sheet in the church narthex. There will be an Easter egg hunt after the service. If you are participating and are able, please bring a dozen (or more) filled, plastic eggs to hide.

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates are April 15, May 20, June 17. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: April 14 – Pastor Scott, April 28 – Joe Schradie, May 5 – Pastor Scott, May 12 – Dave Neely.

Readings for Sunday, April 14, Palm Sunday: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 32:36–39, Psalm 118:19–29, Phil. 2:5–11, John 12:12–43

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, April 10 – “A God Who Thirsts” (Psalm 22:12–18; John 19:28–30): We recall that the man Jesus said on the cross, “I thirst.” As a true man, He had become dehydrated, though earlier in His life He had used water to save a wedding, He had promised eternally thirst-quenching water to the woman at the well, and He had even walked on the water of the sea. But as true God, He had another thirst: not for Himself but for the salvation of all people.

Women of Advent Retreat: Ladies, please register for the Retreat on the Sign-up Sheet in the church narthex. Invite a friend! Gina Lohman will guide us through this opportunity to “Shatter the lies: Remembering who we are” on Saturday, April 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Advent. Be prepared to break your bondage to Satan and revel in the freedom of God through small groups, crafts, personal reflection time with your Lord, as well as worship and praise. Lunch will be provided.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: April 7 – Bob Serpas, April 14 – Pastor Scott, April 28 – Joe Schradie, May 5 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, April 7, The Fifth Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 43:16–21, Psalm 126, Phil. 3:(4b–7) 8–14, Luke 20:9–20

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, April 3– “A God with a Mother” (Revelation 12:1–6; John 19:25–27): We recall that the man Jesus had to be born and grow in the body of, and under the care of, His mother. But Mary is also His disciple, given to another, John, at the foot of the cross. And in our human relationships, we are all, parents and children, disciples of the man Jesus.

Easter Lilies: This year, the Easter Lilies will be purchased with monies currently in the flower fund. However, you will have the opportunity to ‘sponsor’ an Easter lily. Donations from sponsorships will be sent to Lumberton, NC, for the hurricane relief fund. On March 31, there will be a bulletin insert that will let you fill out your Easter Lily Sponsor donation in honor or memory of your loved ones. The sponsorships will then be listed in the bulletin as usual.

Field Notes: Check out the latest newsletter from Shauen and Krista Trump, missionaries in Eastern and Southern Africa

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott, April 7 – Bob Serpas, April 14 – Pastor Scott, April 28 – Joe Schradie.

Readings for Sunday, March 31, The Fourth Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 12:1–6, Psalm 32, 2 Cor. 5:16–21, Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, March 27 – “A God Exposed” (Genesis 3:7–21; John 19:1–5, 23–24): We recall that the man Jesus, after being clothed in mock royal robes, had His own garments taken from Him in order to shame Him. But, unlike every other human, He had nothing to hide. His clothes were taken from Him; but we are given the robe of His own righteousness!

Women of Advent Retreat: Ever since the fall of man we have lived in a world full of sin and lies. Come join the Women of Advent for a Women’s Retreat where we “Shatter the lies: Remembering who we are,” on Saturday April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church. Be prepared to break your bondage to Satan and revel in the freedom of God through small groups, crafts, personal reflection time with your Lord, as well as worship and praise. Lunch will be provided. Sorry no childcare.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, March 24, The Third Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Ezek. 33:7–20, Psalm 85, 1 Cor. 10:1–13, Luke 13:1–9

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, March 20– “A God Beaten” (Isaiah 52:13–53:12; John 18:19–24): We recall that the man Jesus was struck in the home of the high priest, although He was our great High Priest. He was struck according to God’s will; He was beaten for us!

Easter Lilies: This year, the Easter Lilies will be purchased with monies currently in the flower fund. However, you will have the opportunity to ‘sponsor’ an Easter lily. Donations from sponsorships will be sent to Lumberton, NC, for the hurricane relief fund. On March 31, there will be a bulletin insert that will let you fill out your Easter Lily Sponsor donation in honor or memory of your loved ones. The sponsorships will then be listed in the bulletin as usual.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing angels. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, March 16, The Second Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 26:8–15, Psalm 4, Phil. 3:17—4:1, Luke 13:31–35

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 10. Remember to set clocks ahead one hour when retiring on Saturday.

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, March 13 – “A God Who Prays” (Hebrews 7:20–28; John 17): We remember how the man Jesus prayed to His Father and ours. He is our great High Priest, who even now prays for us!

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates are March 11, and April 15. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Men’s Evening Bible Study: The Men’s Bible Study is in recess until after Easter. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing demons. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Mar. 10 – Joe Schradie, Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, March 10, The First Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 26:1–11, Psalm 91:1–13, Rom. 10:8b–13, Luke 4:1–13

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing dreams. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Mar. 3 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 10 – Joe Schradie, Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Lenten Services: “Behold the man!” was Pontius Pilate’s short, yet most profound, sermon. Our endeavor this Lententide and Easter Sunday is to behold the man, God in human flesh, Jesus. He knew all that real bodies experience; He suffered, wept, bled, ate, and hoped. He lived this physical life in order to be nailed to a cross. So we are truly preparing for the celebration of His real, bodily, flesh-and-blood resurrection. Behold the man, who has led the way for us through death to our own physical resurrection!

Ash Wednesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. – “A God Who Hungers” (Joel 2:12–19; 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10; Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21): We remember how the man Jesus fasted for forty days, refusing to eat—the direct opposite to our first parents, who ate the forbidden fruit in their rebellion. Eating and fasting were very physical actions for Jesus; His body needed sustenance. In the Sermon on the Mount (today’s Gospel), Jesus doesn’t command fasting, once a hallmark of Lent; rather, He says, “When you fast.” Whether we individually fast or not, our elder Brother does give us what we need for every aspect of our lives: Himself, in, with, and under the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of sins.

Lenten Mid-Week Services will be on Wednesdays, March 13 through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Readings for Sunday, March 3, The Transfiguration of Our Lord: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 34:1–12, Psalm 99, Heb. 3:1–6, Luke 9:28–36

Church Potluck: Plan to brighten a cold February day by attending the Fellowship Potluck Lunch after the church service this Sunday, February 24. See you there! Questions? Contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Preparing for Worship, by Max Lucado: Do you prepare for church worship? We’re sadly casual when it comes to meeting God. Suppose you were invited to a Sunday morning breakfast at the White House? How would you spend Saturday night? Would you think about your questions and requests? Should we prepare any less for an encounter with the Holy God? Come to worship prepared to worship. Pray and read the Word before you come, and come expecting God to speak. Then you’ll discover the purpose of worship—to change the face of the worshiper. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18 “Our faces, then are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like him.” God wipes away our tears, softens our furrowed brows and touches our cheeks. He changes our faces as we worship.

Thank you to our card makers: Thank you to the children who shared cards they made on February 10! Most of the cards have been mailed to members with “thinking of you” or “get well” messages. Each card included a note that it had been made by a child at Advent and listed the maker’s name. You have brightened someone’s day!

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing near-death experiences. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Feb. 24 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 3 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 10 – Joe Schradie, Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Lenten and Easter Services: “Behold the man!” was Pontius Pilate’s short, yet most profound, sermon. Our endeavor this Lententide and Easter Sunday is to behold the man, God in human flesh, Jesus. He knew all that real bodies experience; He suffered, wept, bled, ate, and hoped. He lived this physical life in order to be nailed to a cross. So we are truly preparing for the celebration of His real, bodily, flesh-and-blood resurrection. Without that, our faith and our preaching are all in vain. Behold the man, who has led the way for us through death to our own physical resurrection! Please join us this Lenten and Easter season as we “Behold the Man.”

Ash Wednesday: March 6, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Hungers

Lent Wednesdays: Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m.

March 13 – A God Who Prays
March 20– A God Beaten
March 27 – A God Exposed
April 3– A God with a Mother
April 10– A God Who Thirsts

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Loves
Good Friday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Bleeds, a God Who Dies
Easter Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. – A God Who Rises

Readings for Sunday, February 24, The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 45:3–15, Psalm 103:1–13, 1 Cor. 15:21–26, 30-42, Luke 6:27–38

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing mystical experiences. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Feb. 17 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 24 – John Cangelosi.

Church Potluck: Plan to brighten a cold February day by attending the Fellowship Potluck Lunch after the church service on Sunday, February 24. See the poster in the church narthex for information and sign-up sheet. See you there! Questions? Contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Readings for Sunday, February 17, The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 17:5–8, Psalm 1, 1 Cor. 15:(1–11) 12–20, Luke 6:17–26