Men’s Gathering: TONIGHT, Friday, October 5. The gathering will kick off with a catered pulled pork meal at 6:00 p.m. followed by a program/presentation by Pastor Scott, ending approximately 9:00 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $11.00 per person for the meal. Any excess amount received will go to Hurricane Florence victims. Bring a friend, but let us know, so we can plan on enough food!!! Questions? Contact John Stow, Dave Neely, Bill Ackerman.

Touched by Grace: TOMORROW, Saturday October 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The primary need is for Advocates to guide the guests through the clinic experience. Also needed are persons with bilingual skills, English and Spanish. More info here. If you were unable to attend the training, Grace will have a quick training prior to the event on October 6.

Reformation readings: As we approach the 501st anniversary of the Reformation, you and your family can read every day during October selected readings from the Book of Romans—a book that greatly influenced Martin Luther. Copies of the calendar will be available in the narthex on Sunday, October 7.

Advent’s 30^th Anniversary will be celebrated on Sunday, October 28 with a potluck lunch after the worship service. Watch for more details.

Grocery and Shopping Bags: The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service in Chapel Hill needs grocery and shopping bags to help clients who come to them for groceries and other staples. Look for a donations box in the narthex.

Hurricane Relief: Continue to check the SED and the Thrivent Disaster Response pages for updates and for information on how you can help.

Readings for Sunday, October 7, 20th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 2:18–25, Ps. 128, Heb. 2:1–13 (14–18), Mark 10:2–16

Thank You Advent: We received a letter from Pastor Scott’s father thanking Advent for a ‘wonderful display of Christian service’ helping Pastor Scott, Gina, and Jonathan move into their new home.

AND Thank you to the many volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to help the Sheref family move to their new home in Durham. You are appreciated!

Men’s Retreat – PLEASE READ FULLY!: The Men’s retreat, previously scheduled for Oct 5-7 has been cancelled due to the storm damage at Salter Path. We are, however, planning a men’s gathering on Friday, October 5. The gathering will kick off with a catered pulled pork meal at 6:00 p.m. followed by a program/presentation by Pastor Scott, ending approximately 9:00 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $11.00 per person for the meal. Any excess amount received will go to Hurricane Florence victims. Bring a friend, but let us know, so we can plan on enough food!!! We hope this is a fun filled, fellowship time and hope you can attend. Any questions/concerns, let us know:  John Stow, Dave Neely, Bill Ackerman.

Touched by Grace is a clinic designed to serve the medical, physical, and spiritual needs of guests who attend. This will be held at Grace Lutheran Church-Durham on Saturday October 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Many helpers are needed to make Touched by Grace a success. The primary need is for “Advocates” – helpers who guide the guests through the clinic experience, eat a snack or meal with the guests, engage in prayer with guests and, most importantly, show the love of Christ through their actions. Also needed are persons with bilingual skills, English and Spanish, as many who participated last year are of Hispanic background. You can sign up to help and find out more info on training, etc. here. If you are unable to attend one of those training times, Grace will have a quick training prior to the event on October 6.

Reformation readings: As we approach the 501st anniversary of the Reformation, you and your family can read every day during October selected readings from the Book of Romans—a book that greatly influenced Martin Luther. Copies of the calendar will be available in the narthex on Sunday, October 7.

Grocery and Shopping Bags: The Inter-Faith Council for Social Service in Chapel Hill needs grocery and shopping bags to help clients who come to them for groceries and other staples. Look for a donations box in the narthex.

Hurricane Relief: At this time, we are asking the congregation to pray for all of those in need and to give us His direction on our course of action. As relief organizations get a better understanding of the immediate and long term needs we will form a plan of action. To stay up to date on status and for information on how you can help, check out  the disaster relief info from the SED and the Thrivent Disaster Response page.

Readings for Sunday, September 30, 19th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Num. 11:4–6, 10–16, 24–29, Ps. 104:27–35, James 5:(1–12) 13–20, Mark 9:38–50

We the Church: The follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer will be held after worship this Sunday, September 23 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

The Sherefs will be moving into their new home and could use assistance on Monday, September 24. Please contact Dave Neely or John Stow if you are available to help.

Men’s Retreat: The Men of Advent retreat is scheduled for October 5-7 at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC but may be rescheduled due to storm damage. To see how the center fared, visit their website or facebook page.

Hurricane Relief: The council has discussed what direction our Disaster Response should take. At this time, we are asking the congregation to pray for all of those in need and to give us His direction on our course of action. As relief organizations get a better understanding of the immediate and long term needs we will form a plan of action. To stay up to date on status and for information on how you can help, check out the disaster relief info from the SED and the Thrivent Disaster Response page.

Missionaries: We support LCMS missionaries Shauen and Krista Trump. Check out what they are doing in Field Notes, their monthly newsletter.

Touched by Grace: Grace Lutheran Durham will have their annual event on Saturday, October 6. You can sign up to help and find out more info on training, etc. here.

Readings for Sunday, September 23, 18th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Jer. 11:18–20, Ps. 54, James 3:13—4:10, Mark 9:30–37

We WILL be having Sunday School and Bible Class at 9:15 a.m. and Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, September 16. The “We the Church” meeting will be postponed until next week, September 23 at noon.

Please take care and do not put yourselves in harm’s way by taking unnecessary risks. As the Church we are a place of refuge, but if you feel uncomfortable driving – due to the weather, wet roads, downed branches, etc. – you are encouraged to stay home.

You can watch Sunday morning services by googling ‘live stream church services lcms’. One option is available here. Other options are also listed at kfuo.org.

Be safe, and may God protect!

Praying that everyone is safe and dry and still has power! We will continue to keep an eye on the storm and inform you about Sunday services.

We the Church: There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer. The meeting will be held after worship this Sunday, September 16 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

PORCH: The next PORCH sort date is September 17. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area. FeedingAmerica.org indicates that 15.4% of North Carolinians are challenged with food insecurities; so about 1 in every 6-7 people don’t have enough food. Let’s keep helping!

Council Meeting: Thursday, September 20, 7:00 p.m.

Readings for Sunday, September 16, 17th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Is. 50:4–10, Ps. 116:1–9, James 3:1–12, Mark 9:14–29.

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.

With the potential for power outages due to Hurricane Florence, services may need to be cancelled this Sunday, September 16. As soon as we know for sure, and provided internet or cell phone service is available, we will post information on our website and on facebook and will update our voice mail message at 919-590-5931. Please see below for our inclement weather policy.

The LCMS Disaster Response Resources website offers valuable information, including links to recommended Government Preparedness Websites. See LCMS-SED disaster response and relief efforts for more info. If you need help preparing or know of someone who does, please call (919-590-5931) and leave a message or email (AdventLutheranCH@gmail.com).

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.

We pray for God’s protection for all in the path of this storm.

Rally Day will be this Sunday, September 9. Most activities will resume after summer break including:

• Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 9, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 9 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 16 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 23 – John Stow; Sept. 30 – Joe Schradie
• Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be starting a 12-session series on Lutheran Liturgy. 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. They are studying “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle. Contact Karen Baker for further information.
• Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

We the Church: There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer. The meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, September 16 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

Jaw-Dropping Stats and Some Hope! Are your neighbors “unclaimed”? And what can YOU do? Read about it here. And learn more about the resources available from the Center for U.S. Missions (an LCMS partner).

Opportunity to Share: A member of our Advent Family needs help setting up housekeeping in a small apartment. If you have furnishings or other household items to share or if would like to donate money to help purchase items, please contact Carolyn Jones.

Readings for Sunday, September 9, 16th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Deut. 4:1–2, 6–9, Ps. 119:129–136, Eph. 6:10–20, Mark 7:14–23

Rally Day will be on Sunday, September 9. Most activities will resume after summer break including:

• Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 9, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 9 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 16 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 23 – John Stow; Sept. 30 – Joe Schradie
• Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be starting a 12-session series on Lutheran Liturgy. 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. They are studying “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle. Contact Karen Baker for further information.
• Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

Opportunity to Share: A member of our Advent Family needs help setting up housekeeping in a small apartment. If you have furnishings or other household items to share or if would like to donate money to help purchase items, please contact Carolyn Jones.

We also have two other opportunities to help. The Lohmans will be moving into their new home TOMORROW and the Sherefs will be moving into their new home after they close (we’ll send out the date when the move is finalized). Please contact Dave Neely or John Stow if you can help.

We the Church: There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer. The meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, September 16 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

Home Visits: Would you like to visit our homebound members? Pastor Scott and the elders are already visiting them, but they would welcome visits or calls from other members as well. If you are interested, please put you name on the sign-up sheet in the narthex or contact Pastor Scott, John Cangelosi, or John Stow. We will give you a little background and contact information.

Readings for Sunday, September 2, 15th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Deut. 4:1–2, 6–9, Ps. 119:129–136, Eph. 6:10–20, Mark 7:14–23

Opportunity to Share: A member of our Advent Family needs help setting up housekeeping in a small apartment. If you have furnishings or other household items to share, please contact Carolyn Jones.

We also have two other opportunities to help. The Lohmans and the Sherefs will be moving into new homes. Please contact Dave Neely or John Stow if you can help with either of these moves.

Birthdays and Anniversaries: Help us update our lists of birthdays and anniversaries. Please review and revise lists posted on a bulletin board in the hallway.

Thanks from Pastor Williamson:Pastor sends his sincere gratitude for all the well wishes, cards, prayers, and encouragement from the folks at Advent. “And, thanks, too, for the anniversary card—so thoughtful.” Pastor and Jackie had a good visit with his mom (89) and family in MN. He is eager to start the new school year at Lumberton High School.

LWML NC District Convention: Carolinas District LWML District Convention is Sept. 14 and 15, 2018 at Lake Junaluska, NC. See Maryanne Warne for more information.

Readings for Sunday, August 26, 14th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Is. 29:11–19, Ps. 14, Eph. 5:22–33, Mark 7:1–13

Men’s Retreat: The Men of Advent look forward to another great weekend of fellowship, studying God’s Word and growing together in Christ in 2018! We have currently reserved 10 rooms, which hold up to 20 men double occupancy, at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC from October 5-7. The costs for the Men’s Retreat are: $184 per person (two per room); $224 (single); the cost includes 2 nights and all meals dinner Friday through breakfast Sunday. Let Dave Neely, Bill Ackerman or John Stow know if you can attend.

PORCH is an all-volunteer, grassroots hunger relief organization. They collect food and cash donations through monthly food drives, then distribute food to hundreds of at-risk families in our community through: FOOD FOR PANTRIES – Stocks the shelves of 12 Orange County pantries with non-perishable items; FOOD FOR FAMILIES – Provides fresh food to hundreds of families with young children attending our public schools; FOOD FOR SCHOOLS – Delivers healthy snacks to 19 public schools and 3 after-school programs in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Find out more here. The fall sort dates are Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

Readings for Sunday, August 19, 13th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Josh. 24:1–2a, 14–18, Ps. 34:12–22, Eph. 5:6–21, John 6:51–69