“Thy Will Be Done” – Lenten Season Worship Series: “Not as I will, but as you will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lenten and Easter season as we seek to do God’s will in our lives.

March 25, Palm Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – God’s Will When We Are Not Willing: In this service for Palm Sunday, we remember that we are not always willing to do what God asks of us, but in His Palm Sunday entry into Jerusalem, Christ reveals to us that even tough roads are worth traversing for the good of the Kingdom. Note that for this service we will gather in the Fellowship Hall and Narthex with our palms to begin worship. All will process into the sanctuary during the opening hymn. Please write any prayer requests on the Prayer Request sheet in the narthex before the service begins.

March 29, Maundy Thursday, 7:00 p.m. – God’s Will and Joyful Service: In this service for Maundy Thursday, we remember that Christ asks His disciples to wash one another’s feet, as He has washed theirs, for the joy that was set before him. Serving one another with joy is a tribute to Him who is the Servant of All.

Good Friday, March 30, 7:00 p.m. – God’s Will is Done

Easter Sunday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. – God’s Will for the New Creation. Please join us for a potluck brunch at 9:15 a.m. Bring a brunch dish to share; beverages will be provided. Family and friends are welcome. Any questions please contact Lois or Maryanne. 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.

Choir Rehearsal: Thursday, March 29 immediately after the Maundy Thursday service. We plan to sing on Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Please join us whenever you can. Music is available if you can’t make it to rehearsals but want to sing with us for services. Practice files are available here.

Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study has completed its interesting study of “Finding I AM.” We are in recess until after Easter.

Tuesday evening Men’s Bible Study will not meet on March 27. On April 3 our study will be Joseph: Carpenter of Steel.

Women’s Evening Bible Study is moving to Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. beginning April 3. The current study is “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle.

Lumberton Area Activities

Lumberton High School “Storm Support”:Our invitation to Advent members and friends to help LHS students with cap and gown fees and prom ticket costs brought in a total of $950 in gifts! Mr. Hammonds, LHS Guidance Counselor, sent the following email message of thanks: “Your gift is already in use. I actually had a family who had their house burn down (they are not “storm students”, but I wanted to help them anyway and knew you would not mind), so I provided some immediate help for them. We have purchased some prom tickets. -Prom is next week. We are now working on offering to pay for our “storm students” who are Juniors and Seniors to take the SAT or ACT. We will also use the funds to purchase caps and gowns. So a large THANK YOU to our fellow brothers and sisters, and may God continue to bless you.” Sharing gifts is a blessing for the recipient AND the giver.

Volunteer Work Crews: On March 15, four members of Advent joined other workers in Lumberton to help repair and restore homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew, a demonstration of how God uses us for His good works. The workday was one of a series of events organized by Pastor Puls, Hope Lutheran, Winston Salem. Want get involved? Contact Pastor Scott or Dave Neely.

Pastors Send Their Thanks: Your notes to the three pastors who led us during the search process were warmly received. Pastor Lineberger told Pastor Scott he was pleasantly surprised by all the cards, notes, and thanks – and amazed – he had never had such an outpouring of thanks! He sends his thanks to all. Pastor Williamson sent a message to thank the Advent family for your notes to him. Pastor said he “was humbled by the kind words. It was a pleasure to serve you.” He sends his greetings to all.

Lenten Services

Sunday Worship, March 18 –This Sunday we will “Return to the Lord Who Does Not Change.”

March 21, Mid-Week 5 – God’s Will and My Response: In this service, we remember that Lydia followed the will of God by responding in faith and hospitality when the Gospel message of Christ’s sacrifice was preached to her. We follow the will of God by responding in love and service to one another in return for what Christ has done for us. Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday, March 25, 10:30 a.m. – God’s Will When We Are Not Willing. Note that for this service we will gather in the Fellowship Hall with our palms to begin worship. All will process into the sanctuary and to our seats during the opening hymn. Please write any prayer requests on the Prayer Request sheet in the narthex before the service begins.

Maundy Thursday, March 29, 7:00 p.m. – God’s Will and Joyful Service

Good Friday, March 30, 7:00 p.m. – God’s Will is Done

Easter Sunday, April 1, 10:30 a.m. – God’s Will for the New Creation. Please join us for a potluck brunch at 9:15 a.m. Bring a brunch dish to share; beverages will be provided. Family and friends are welcome. Any questions please contact Lois or Maryanne. 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: Collection date is Monday, March 19 so the last Sunday to bring donations is March 18. We need a volunteer to assume the duty of collecting and delivering Advent’s donations to PORCH. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Choir Rehearsal: Wednesday, March 21 immediately after the mid-week service. We plan to sing on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Please join us whenever you can. Music is available if you can’t make it to rehearsals but want to sing with us for services. Practice files are available here.

Lansana Sheref Family Designated Fund: A fund has been created to help Lansana obtain F2A visas for his wife Doris, their son Joe Antony, and a child on the way. If you would like to contribute to help bring the family to Chapel Hill, you may put cash (in an envelope) or checks in the offering plate, hand to Judy Neely, or mail to the church (Attn: Judy Neely). Please note “Lansana Family Fund” on the envelope or in the memo line of your check. Checks should be made payable to Advent Lutheran Church. Any questions, contact John Stow.

Work Days at Lumberton: Volunteers from Hope Lutheran in Wake Forest will be working at homes affected by Hurricane Matthew and would love to have others participate on any or all of the following dates: Thursday, April 12 and Saturday, April 28. Please let Bill Jay (bjay1826@gmail.com) or Pastor Wayne Puls (wpuls@hopelutheranwf.org) know if you can make it on any of these dates and they will get back to you with details.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Mar. 18 – Dave Neely

Lenten Services

Sunday Worship, March 4 –This Sunday we will “Return to the Lord Who Will Restore You.”

Wednesday, March 7, Mid-Week 3 – God’s Will and My Identity: In this service, we remember that Mary dutifully accepted the role God had given her to become the mother of our Savior. That Son would later accept his role, faithfully following the path his Father had in mind for him to save us all. Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal will resume on Wednesday, March 7 immediately after the mid-week service. We plan to sing on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Please join us whenever you can. Music is available if you can’t make it to rehearsals but want to sing with us for services.

Spring Support for Lumberton High School Students: We have another opportunity to support the “storm students” at Lumberton HS. This time your donations will help 13 seniors pay cap and gown fees ($65) and 25 juniors and seniors get prom tickets ($35). Gifts of cash or checks in any amount are welcome. FYI, checks made out to “Lumberton High School” (memo line: Storm Support) are tax deductible. Look for the big white “Sharing Basket” in the narthex on March 4. Questions? Contact Carolyn Jonesor Lydia Berrong.

Work Days at Lumberton: Volunteers from Hope Lutheran in Wake Forest will be working at homes affected by Hurricane Matthew would love to have others participate on any or all of the following dates: Saturdays, March 3 and April 28; Thursdays March 15 and April 12. Please let Bill Jay (bjay1826@gmail.com) or Pastor Wayne Puls (wpuls@hopelutheranwf.org) know if you can make it on any of these dates, and they will get back to you with details.

PORCH: We need a volunteer to assume the duty of collecting and delivering Advent’s donations to PORCH. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Mar. 4 – John Stow, Mar. 11 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 18 – Dave Neely

“Thy Will Be Done” – Lenten Season Worship Series: “Not as I will, but as you will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lenten season as we seek to do God’s will in our lives. Lenten Mid-Week Services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through March 21. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m.

February 28, Mid-Week 2 – God’s Will and My Dreams: In this service, we remember that, anointed by God to rule in Israel, King David followed God’s will to shepherd his people, but often failed to live up to God’s dream for him. We welcome the Good Shepherd into our lives who fulfills God’s dream perfectly to gather his wandering sheep into the sheepfold of heaven.

Lenten Sunday Worship – In addition to the “Thy Will Be Done” series which will be during our Midweek Services, on the weekends we will concentrate on our Return to the Lord. This Sunday we’ll look at “The Lord Who is Gracious.”

Liturgy Questions

Why do we respond to the Pax Domini with “Amen” instead of “And also with You?” The Preface, the first part of Communion Liturgy or Service of the Sacrament, begins with a dialog between the officiant and congregation. The congregation replies to the officiant’s greeting, “The Lord be with you,” with, “And also with you.” (2 Tim. 4:22) Later in this part of the liturgy just after the consecration of the elements, the Pax Domini or “The peace of the Lord be with you always” is offered as a blessing. The response of the congregation, receiving this blessing as though it comes from the mouth of God, would be “Amen” meaning “may it be so.” (John 20:19)

Why don’t we use ‘Alleluias’ during Lent? During Lent, the Church’s worship assumes a more penitential character. The color for the season is purple, a color often associated with penitence. The “Hymn of Praise” is omitted from the liturgy as well as the word “Alleluia.” By not using the alleluia – a joyful expression meaning “Praise the Lord” – until Easter, the Lenten season is clearly set apart as a distinct time from the rest of the year. Additionally, it forms a powerful contrast with the festive celebration of Jesus’ resurrection when our alleluias ring loud and clear.

Thank You Notes to Pastors: There is still time for you to write thank you notes to Pastors McDaniels, Lineberger and Williamson. Note cards and a collection basket are in the Narthex. We will collect and mail your notes this Sunday, February 25.

Spring Support for Lumberton High School Students: We have another opportunity to support the “storm students” at Lumberton HS. This time your donations will help 13 seniors pay cap and gown fees ($65) and 25 juniors and seniors get prom tickets ($35). Gifts of cash or checks in any amount are welcome. FYI, checks made out to “Lumberton High School” (memo line: Storm Support) are tax deductible. Look for the big white “Sharing Basket” in the narthex on February 25 and March 4. Questions? Contact Carolyn Jonesor Lydia Berrong.

Work Days at Lumberton:Volunteers from Hope Lutheran in Wake Forest will be working at homes affected by Hurricane Matthew would love to have others participate on any or all of the following dates: Saturdays, March 3 and April 28; Thursdays March 15 and April 12. Please let Bill Jay (bjay1826@gmail.com) or Pastor Wayne Puls (wpuls@hopelutheranwf.org) know if you can make it on any of these dates, and they will get back to you with details.

PORCH: We need a volunteer to assume the duty of collecting and delivering Advent’s donations to PORCH. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Abundant Joy Spring Groups: Check out the website: www.abundantjoycwm.com to find out more about spring group sessions and to register. Contact Peggy Earnhardt if you have questions.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Feb 25 – John Cangelosi, Mar. 4 – John Stow, Mar. 11 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 18 – Dave Neely

“Thy Will Be Done” – Lenten Season Worship Series: “Not as I will, but as you will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lenten season as we seek to do God’s will in our lives. Lenten Mid-Week Services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through March 21. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m.

February 21, Mid-Week 1 – God’s Will and My Inadequacy: In this service, we remember that Moses did not think he could free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt at first. But God gave him confidence to set his people free. God sent his Son to do his will and set all people free from the slavery of sin.

Lenten Sunday Worship – In addition to the “Thy Will Be Done” series which will be during our Midweek Services, on the weekends we will concentrate on our Return to the Lord. We’ll look at the Lord Who is Gracious; Who Has Redeemed You; Who Will Restore You; Who Will Raise You Up; Who Does Not Change; Who Does Not Tire of Calling You.

Women’s Morning Bible Study: Tuesday, February 20, 10:30 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. We are studying “Finding I Am” by Lysa TerKeurst which examines the seven I AM statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. We invite all interested women to join us. Please let Maryanne Warne know if you plan to attend. Cost of study book $13.

Men’s Evening Bible Study meets on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 7:00 p.m. We are studying a series that focuses on the Lenten Mid-Week topic, “Thy Will be Done.”

Work Day at Lumberton – Thursday, February 22, 2018: Hope Lutheran, 3525 Rogers Road, Wake Forest, will have volunteers working at a home affected by Hurricane Matthew. Workers will leave Hope Lutheran at 6:30 a.m. to arrive at the worksite at 8:30 a.m. The work will be sheetrock installation, and volunteers should bring a sack lunch, extra water, tools for installing sheetrock (battery powered drill/screw guns, utility knives, measuring tapes, 48″ T-square, jab saw, push broom, gloves, etc.). Workers will leave the site about 4:00 p.m. to return to Hope by 6:00 p.m. Additional work dates will be in March and April. Please contact Pastor Wayne Puls at Hope so that he can forward the February 22 worksite info and a medical consent/liability release form. Pastor’s email is wayne.puls@gmail.com.

Thank You Notes to Pastors: There is still time for you to write thank you notes to Pastors McDaniels, Lineberger and Williamson. Note cards and a collection basket are in the Narthex. We will collect and mail your notes on Sunday, February 25.

PORCH: We need a volunteer to assume the duty of collecting and delivering Advent’s donations to PORCH. The Ackermans can provide more details about what is involved. Contact: Carolyn Jones

Abundant Joy Spring Groups: Check out the website: www.abundantjoycwm.com to register for spring group sessions:

• Grieving with Hope (8 weeks beginning February 20)
• Seamless – Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story (7 weeks beginning March 27)
• Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life (9 weeks beginning April 17)
• Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World (6 weeks beginning April 26)
• The Quest – An Excursion Toward Intimacy with God (6 weeks beginning May 2)
• Journey for Joy (1 session May 19).

Contact Peggy Earnhardt (pjearnhardt@triad.rr.com) if you have questions.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:Feb. 18 – Joe Schradie, Feb 25 – John Cangelosi, Mar. 4 – John Stow, Mar. 11 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 18 – Dave Neely

“Thy Will Be Done” – Lenten Season Worship Series: “Not as I will, but as you will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lenten season as we seek to do God’s will in our lives. Each service in the series will focus on a different aspect of God’s will at work among us. Biblical characters provide insightful reference points each week to guide us in following our Lord more nearly day by day.

Ash Wednesday Service, February 14, 7:00 p.m. – In the service for Ash Wednesday, we remember that by faith, Abraham trusted the will of God when he promised that a son would be born to him. God’s will was done when that son, Isaac, was born, and God’s will was done when his Son, Jesus, came into the world to redeem his people. The service will include the Imposition of Ashes and Communion.

Lenten Mid-Week Services will be on Wednesdays, February 21 through March 21 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to bring food for the meals, sign-up sheets are in the narthex. The Fellowship Committee appreciates greatly your help in providing items needed for these meals!

Women’s Evening Bible Study will be in recess during the Lenten Season and resume in April. If there are any questions, please see Karen Baker.

Women’s Morning Bible Study will resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, in the Fellowship Hall. We will begin a six-week study entitled “Finding I Am” by Lysa TerKeurst which examines the seven I AM statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. We invite all interested ladies to join us. Please let Maryanne Warne know if you plan to attend. Cost of study book $13.

Men’s Evening Bible Study meets on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7:00 p.m. We will study a series that focuses on the Lenten Mid-Week topic, “Thy Will be Done.”

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Feb. 11 – Dave Neely, Feb. 18 – Joe Schradie, Feb 25 – John Cangelosi, Mar. 4 – John Stow, Mar. 11 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 18 – Dave Neely

“Thy Will Be Done” – Lenten Season Worship Series: “Not as I will, but as you will,” Jesus prayed to his Father the night before he went to the cross for our salvation. That is our prayer as well this Lenten season as we seek to do God’s will in our lives. Each service in the series will focus on a different aspect of God’s will at work among us. Biblical characters provide insightful reference points each week to guide us in following our Lord more nearly day by day.

Ash Wednesday Service, February 14, 7:00 p.m. – In the service for Ash Wednesday, we remember that by faith, Abraham trusted the will of God when he promised that a son would be born to him. God’s will was done when that son, Isaac, was born, and God’s will was done when his Son, Jesus, came into the world to redeem his people. The service will include the Imposition of Ashes and Communion.

Choir will be in recess until Wednesday, March 7. Xavier will be traveling to France for a few weeks. When he gets back we will begin prepping for Holy Week. Pray for safe travels for Xavier!

Thank You Notes: You are invited to write thank you notes to Pastors McDaniels, Lineberger, and Williamson for their service to Advent during the Call process. We were truly blessed to have had these wonderful and caring shepherds to guide us! Post your thank yous on the bulletin board in the hallway and we will send them to the pastors. Note cards are available on the credenza in the Narthex. If you want to recognize a fellow Advent member, note cards will be available on the “Thank You” bulletin board so you can write and post your thoughts and thanks.

Next week at Advent:

• Sunday, February 4, 10:10 a.m. – Choir rehearsal for singing Sunday morning
• Tuesday, February 6, 7:00 p.m. – Men’s Evening Bible Study
• Wednesday, February 7, 7:00 p.m. – Women’s Evening Bible Study
• Thursday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. – Women of Advent Valentine’s Girls Night Out will be held in the Fellowship Hall on We will again share “A Few of Our Favorite Things.” Join us for fun and delicious desserts. For detailed information see the poster and flyers in the church narthex. Questions? See Maryanne Warne.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Feb. 4 – Bob Serpas

Installation Service: Thank you to everyone who helped with or participated in Pastor Scott’s Installation Service on Sunday. As stated in the bulletin for the service, your patience and continual prayers over the past 16 months demonstrated your strong faith, knowing that everything was in God’s hands and that He had already chosen Advent’s next Pastor. God’s blessings to everyone as we start our new and faithful journey serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with Pastor Scott as our shepherd.

Voters Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28 after the worship service. We be voting on the 2018 Budget, 2017 Mission Funding, and delegates to the May 2018 SED Convention.

Men’s Evening Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. We are working on a four-part study of Noah.

Women’s Evening Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Our current topic is “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle based on 2 Cor. 1:3-7. No home work. Please just come and join us for a sharing bible study.

Women of Advent’s annual Valentine’s Girls Night Out will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, February 8, at 7:00 p.m. We will again share “A Few of Our Favorite Things.” Join us for fun and delicious desserts. For detailed information see the poster and flyers in the church narthex. Questions? See Maryanne Warne.

Women’s Morning Bible Study will resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, in the Fellowship Hall. We will begin a six-week study entitled “Finding I Am” by Lysa TerKeurst which examines the seven I AM statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. We invite all interested ladies to join us. Please let Maryanne Warne know if you plan to attend. Cost of study book $13.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Jan 28 – John Stow, Feb. 4 – Bob Serpas

Hope everyone has survived this winter weather!

Pastor Scott arrived in Chapel Hill late yesterday afternoon. The rest of his family was due to arrive last night and this morning. Praise God for safe travels.

Installation Service: The installation service for Pastor Scott Lohman will be this Sunday, January 21, 4:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Note that because reception planners will need time that morning to set up, we will not provide refreshments after worship on that Sunday morning.

Voters Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 28 after the worship service. We be voting on the 2018 Budget and 2017 Mission Funding.

Women’s Evening Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. Our current topic is “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle based on 2 Cor. 1:3-7. No home work. Please just come and join us for a sharing bible study.

Men’s Evening Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. We are working on a four-part study of Noah.

Women of Advent’s annual Valentine’s Girls Night Out will be held in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, February 8, at 7:00 p.m. We will again share “A Few of Our Favorite Things.” Join us for fun and delicious desserts. For detailed information see the poster and flyers in the church narthex. Questions? See Maryanne Warne.

Women’s Morning Bible Study will resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, in the Fellowship Hall. We will begin a six-week study entitled “Finding I Am” by Lysa TerKeurst which examines the seven I AM statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. We invite all interested ladies to join us. Please let Maryanne Warne know if you plan to attend. Cost of study book $13.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Jan. 21, Pastor Scott Lohman – Jan. 28

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Jan. 21 – John Cangelosi, Jan 28 – John Stow, Feb. 4 – Bob Serpas

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.