Due to the likelihood of severe winter weather, Advent will NOT be open for Sunday School, Bible Class, or Worship Services tomorrow (Sunday, December 9, 2018.) Stay safe and warm! We pray for God’s protection for all who will be affected by this storm.
You can watch Sunday morning services by googling ‘live stream church services lcms’. A few options are available here at 8:00 a.m. or here at 11:30 a.m. or at kfuo.
Poinsettias: Order your poinsettias to decorate the church by this Sunday, December 9. Print and use this form or pick one up at church.
PORCH: The winter sort dates are December 10, January 14, and February 11. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.
Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Check out this great video on the outreach page of our website about current needs and relief efforts in Lumberton from the SED featuring Pastor Williamson.
Hope Buckets: Thank you to all who donated cleaning supplies and helped pack “Hope Buckets” for families working to recover from flood damage in Lumberton. Your thoughtfulness and generosity make a real difference. The buckets were delivered to a distribution center in Lumberton on November 28.
Christmas Sharing Tree: Thank you for sharing with children in Lumberton. Please wrap your gift, attach the name tag you’ve chosen, and bring it to Advent by Sunday, December 16 to ensure delivery by Christmas. We encourage you to include a message to the recipient and sign your name as ‘A Friend from Advent’.
Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.
Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Wednesday, December 12: Our Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11): God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to his heart.
Sunday, December 16: Children’s Program during worship “Starry, Starry Night“
Wednesday, December 19: Our Living Branch (Isaiah 11:1): God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life.
Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Monday, December 24 – Pre-service Music 6:45 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. The prophet Isaiah foretold, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Join us for Christmas Eve to celebrate the great Light that has come into our world to dispel the darkness of sin forever. Candlelight, carols, Scripture, a homily and prayers reveal the Good News that our Great Light has dawned: Jesus Christ is born; let us rejoice!
Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 9 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely
Readings for Sunday, December 9, Second S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Mal. 3:1–7b, Psalm 66:1–12, Phil. 1:2–11, Luke 3:1–14 (15–20)
Policy for canceling worship due to inclement weather or other emergency: The Pastor will confer with the President, the Chair of the Board of Worship, and an Elder to reach a decision about cancellation of a Worship service or other event. If the event is cancelled, the congregation will be informed by email no later than two hours before the event is scheduled to begin. The office manager will set up a phone tree to call all members who do not use email as soon as the decision is made and will notify local ABC & NBC television stations. The announcement will also be posted on the Advent website and Facebook as soon as possible. If a service is not cancelled and someone feels unsafe driving, they are encouraged to stay home.
Women of Advent: Ladies, please join us for the Women of Advent’s Annual Christmas Breakfast Buffet tomorrow, December 1, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Carolyn Hinkle, 185 Saxapawhaw Run, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. RSVP to Carolyn (919-967-3609 or cbhinkle@msn.com.)
Condolences to Beth Benham whose father, Leonard Wachsmuth, passed away on November 20. You can read his obituary here. Beth’s home address: 6699 Quail Lake, Mason OH 45040
Commitment Cards: Thanks to all who returned their 2019 commitment cards. They are helpful for planning next year’s budget. If you haven’t returned one, it’s not too late. Bring it to church this Sunday or mail it to the church.
Poinsettias: Order your poinsettias to decorate the church by Sunday, December 9. Print and use this form or pick one up at church.
Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Wednesday, December 5: Our Potter (Isaiah 64:8): God is with us as our Potter, who shapes according to his will.
Wednesday, December 12: Our Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11): God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to his heart.
Sunday, December 16: Children’s Program during worship, “Starry, Starry Night“
Wednesday, December 19: Our Living Branch (Isaiah 11:1): God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life.
Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.
Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Check out this great video on the outreach page of our website about current needs and relief efforts in Lumberton from the SED featuring Pastor Williamson.
Hope Buckets: Thank you to all who donated cleaning supplies and helped pack “Hope Buckets” for families working to recover from flood damage in Lumberton. Your thoughtfulness and generosity make a real difference. The buckets will be delivered this week.
Christmas Sharing Tree: Pastor Williamson and Mr. Hammonds, a Guidance Counselor at Lumberton HS, are working together to give us a list of younger children to help at Christmas time. We hope to share that list soon.
Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.
New Praise and Worship Band: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Love to sing? Love to play instruments? Love to worship the Lord? Then we are looking for you! Contemporary worship at Advent is starting up. Make plans to join The New Praise and Worship Band. All musicians are welcome to join: singers, instrumentalists, computer-based musicians, sound techs, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, piano, flute, violin, cello, saxophone, etc. Please let Pastor Scott know how you would like to help. Don’t forget to ask your friends, family, and neighbors too! They may know someone who might be interested.
Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 2 – John Stow; Dec. 9 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely
Readings for Sunday, December 2, First S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 33:14–16, Psalm 25:1–10, 1 Thess. 3:9–13, Luke 19:28–40 or Luke 21:25–36
Cards Requested: Evie Casto, who has been attending Advent with her mom, Anne, has been hospitalized. Cards and notes of encouragement can be sent to: Evie Casto, Pediatric Unit, Strategic Behavior Center, 2050 Mercantile Drive NE, Leland, NC 28451.
Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Reminder: Plan to help the children pack the buckets this Sunday, November 25 after the worship service. We will also continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of each month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong
Christmas Decorating: The Sanctuary will be decorated for Christmas on Friday, November 30, at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to help.
Women of Advent: Ladies, please join us for the Women of Advent’s Annual Christmas Breakfast Buffet on Saturday, December 1, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Carolyn Hinkle, 185 Saxapawhaw Run, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Enjoy a morning of delicious food and warm Christian fellowship. Bring your favorite brunch dish and a small wrapped gift for your Secret Sister on which you reveal your identity. If you do not have a Secret Sister, please bring a small wrapped gift to exchange with others who do not have a Secret Sister. RSVP to Carolyn by November 26 (919-967-3609 or cbhinkle@msn.com) to let her know the food item bringing. A printed flyer and directions to Carolyn’s will be in the church narthex Sunday. (Note: Park on the opposite side of street in front of her house. To avoid the steep front steps, you can drive to back of house to back porch entrance but no parking is allowed on the back street.)
Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 5: Our Potter (Isaiah 64:8): God is with us as our Potter, who shapes according to his will.
Wednesday, December 12: Our Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11): God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to his heart.
Wednesday, December 19: Our Living Branch (Isaiah 11:1): God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life.
Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.
New Praise and Worship Band: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Love to sing? Love to play instruments? Love to worship the Lord? Then we are looking for you! Contemporary worship at Advent is starting up. Make plans to join The New Praise and Worship Band. All musicians are welcome to join: singers, instrumentalists, computer-based musicians, sound techs, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, piano, flute, violin, cello, saxophone, etc. Please let Pastor Scott know how you would like to help. Don’t forget to ask your friends, family, and neighbors too! They may know someone who might be interested.
Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Nov. 25 – Joe Schradie; Dec. 2 – John Stow; Dec. 9 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely
Readings for Sunday, November 25, Last S. of the Church Year: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 51:4–6 or Dan. 7:9–10, 13–14, Ps. 93, Jude 20–25 or Rev. 1:4b–8, Mark 13:24–37 or John 18:33–37
Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 21. Please join us to thank God for everything he has given us.
Stewardship: The final week of our stewardship emphasis focuses on love. God expects that the unshakeable love He gives us will naturally flow out of us into others. Christian stewardship should never consist of only occasional activities or three-week studies. It is a steady and increasing outflow that shares God’s love in us with others. By grace, our giving, helping, and serving are joyful expressions of gratitude motivated by love because of what God has given to us and done for us through Jesus. Sunday is the day to return your 2019 estimate of giving card. It is our hope that you will reflect on our God’s enormous love, be in awe of it, and renew your commitment to serve Him with the gifts, abilities, and opportunities He gives you.
Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Reminder: This Sunday, November 18 is the deadline to bring the cleaning supplies you chose for “Hope Buckets” from the Thanks-Giving-Tree in the narthex. We will gather your donations and determine what additional items we may need to purchase. Plan to help the children pack the buckets on Sunday, November 25.
We will also continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of each month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong
Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:Nov. 18 – John Cangelosi; Nov. 25 – Joe Schradie; Dec. 2 – John Stow; Dec. 9 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely
Readings for Sunday, November 18, Twenty–sixth S. after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Dan. 12:1–3, Ps. 16, Heb. 10:11–25, Mark 13:1–13 and, from the Stewardship Series, 1 Chronicles 29:1-21a; 1 John 4:7-5:3; John 12:1-8
Memorial service will be held for Dwain Warne at Advent today, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Advent Lutheran Church and a note on the memo line “Dwain Warne Memorial.” The family plans to forward all donations to the Lumberton Hurricane Relief effort. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Yard Clean-up at Advent: Tomorrow, Saturday, November 10 at 9:00 a.m. Please join us if you can. Lunch will be provided.
Stewardship: This Sunday’s stewardship focus turns our attention towards faith, the most precious gift anyone can receive from God. We will hear that stewardship is faith in action and is a whole-life response to God’s acts of creation and redemption. We look forward to your joining us for both Bible study and worship.
Sympathies: Former Advent member Arthur Anderson passed away this week. His memorial service will be held Sunday, Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chapel Hill. Please remember his wife Jan and family in your prayers.
PORCH: The next PORCH sort date is November 12. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.
Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: We are collecting Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of each month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. In November, help us gather cleaning supplies for “Hope Buckets.” Check the “Thanks-Giving-Tree” in the narthex for information about how you can help. Return items by 11/18 and help the children pack the buckets on 11/25.
Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:Nov. 11 – Dave Neely; Nov. 18 – John Cangelosi; Nov. 25 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 2 – John Stow; Dec. 9 – Joe Schradie; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely
Readings for Sunday, November 11, Twenty–fifth S. after Pentecost: 1 Kings 17:8–16, Ps. 146, Heb. 9:24–28, Mark 12:38–44 and, from the Stewardship Series, Romans 3:21-31, Luke 7:1-10.
Daylight Savings Time ends November 4, 2018. Turn clocks back one hour when going to bed on Saturday, November 3.
Stewardship: This Sunday we begin our 3-week stewardship emphasis, “Transformed by Grace, Faith, and Love.”As God’s people, we have been given the high honor of being his stewards, called to manage faithfully all that we’ve been given according to God’s will and benefit. Because of God’s generous gifts of grace, faith, and love, we can accomplish all that God asks us to do. Join us for Bible study and worship this week as we focus on grace. Using the attached Stewardship Devotions will lead us to understand that it is not what we do, not what we give, not how we serve –but what God does, what God gives, how God serves.
Sympathies: It has pleased Almighty God to summon from this vail of tears the soul of Dwain Warne. A memorial service will be held for Dwain at Advent on Friday, November 9, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Advent Lutheran Church and a note on the memo line “Dwain Warne Memorial.” The family plans to forward all donations to the Lumberton Hurricane Relief effort. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Pastor Greg Williamson is helping coordinate SED hurricane response efforts in Lumberton. We will collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards (or cash) each Sunday through December and send your donations to Pastor Williamson at the end of each month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. In November, help us gather cleaning supplies for “Hope Buckets” to send to Lumberton families working to get back in their homes. Check the “Thanks-Giving-Tree” in the narthex for information about how you can help. Return items by 11/18 and help the children pack the buckets on 11/25.
Readings for Sunday, November 4, Observation of All Saints’ Day: Rev. 7:(2–8) 9–17, Ps. 149, 1 John 3:1–3, Matt. 5:1–12; Readings for Stewardship Series – Grace: Genesis 22:1-14, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, John 1:1-2, 14-18
Advent’s 30th Anniversary and Reformation will be celebrated this Sunday, October 28 with a potluck lunch after the worship service. Please bring a dish to share – all food items are welcome. Suggestion – bring one of your favorite German foods such as German potato salad, red cabbage, brats, Black Forest cake, German chocolate cake, or strudel. Apple cider, lemonade, and coffee will be provided.
Helping Our Neighbors in Lumberton: Pastor Greg Williamson is helping coordinate SED hurricane response efforts in Lumberton. Gift cards for Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement are especially helpful as he works with families right now. (There are no fees on store cards as there are on Visa cards). We will collect gift cards (or cash) each Sunday through December and send your donations to Pastor Williamson at the end of each month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. We will keep you informed as we confirm other ways to help. Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong, Outreach
Thrivent Hurricane Relief: In addition to relief efforts your church may be involved with, Thrivent members and others can help hurricane victims in the following ways:
Visit the Disaster Response page on Thrivent.com for details on these opportunities and to see the list of organizations included in the match
Honoring Advent Veterans: Please help us update our list of Advent’s veterans. The current list is posted on a bulletin board across from the mailboxes.
Women’s Evening Bible Study will be starting “Experiencing God’s Presence” from the Jesus Calling Bible Study Series on Tuesday, October 30, 7:00 p.m.
Readings for Sunday, October 28, Observation of Reformation Day: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Rev. 14:6–7, Ps. 46, Rom. 3:19–28, John 8:31–36 or Matt. 11:12–19
Advent’s 30th Anniversary and Reformation will be celebrated on Sunday, October 28 with a potluck lunch after the worship service. Please bring a dish to share – all food items are welcome. Suggestion – bring one of your favorite German foods such as German potato salad, red cabbage, brats, Black Forest cake, German chocolate cake, or strudel. Apple cider, lemonade, and coffee will be provided. If you plan ahead or want more ideas, a sign-up sheet will be in the church narthex. Any questions contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.
Helping Our Neighbors in Lumberton: Pastor Greg Williamson is helping coordinate SED hurricane response efforts in Lumberton. Gift cards for Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement are especially helpful as he works with families right now. (There are no fees on store cards as there are on Visa cards). If you would like to contribute, please bring your gifts cards to church and look for a collection spot in the narthex. We will keep you informed as we confirm other ways to help. Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong, Outreach
A Lament for Hurricane Victims: From ancient times, God’s people have turned to lament to give voice to their grief, to call upon a seemingly silent God. In the Bible, acrostic laments help organize grief and structure sorrow. More importantly, they give us words when all speech seems to fail us. Here is a lament written especially for victims of hurricanes.
Readings for Sunday, October 21, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Eccl. 5:10–20, Ps. 119:9–16, Heb. 4:1–13 (14–16), Mark 10:23–31
Sermons: Missed the Sermon last Sunday? Read it here and check out recordings from previous Sundays as well.
Helping Our Neighbors in Lumberton: Pastor Greg Williamson is helping coordinate SED hurricane response efforts in Lumberton. He tells us that gift cards for Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement are especially helpful as he works with families right now. (There are no fees on store cards as there are on Visa cards). We will start collecting gift cards on Sunday, October 14. We will keep you informed as we confirm other ways to help. Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong, Outreach
Hurricane Relief: Continue to check the SED and the Thrivent Disaster Response pages for updates and for information on how you can help. Please continue to pray for all those affected by the hurricanes including many in our area who may be without power for several days.
Advent’s 30th Anniversary will be celebrated on Sunday, October 28 with a potluck lunch after the worship service. Watch for more details.
Readings for Sunday, October 14, 21st Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Amos 5:6–7, 10–15, Ps. 90:12–17, Heb. 3:12–19, Mark 10:17–22.