Photos Wanted!

Updates!

Members of the Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety (ACTS) have been carefully monitoring the results of in-person worship since we started back up May 2.

The following decisions were made (And approved by Church Council as well):

Worship Services

We will continue with two services for at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sign-Up will still be requested.

Masks and physical distancing will be required at the 9 a.m. service.
Masks are currently asked to be worn at the 10:30 a.m. service. We also ask that people continue physical distancing. Please recognize that many will feel more comfortable wearing masks, which is completely fine. We ask that we not make this about our positions on vaccines or masks or any of the ways that could threaten to divide us.

Virtual Services will continue, and when possible, one of the live services recorded on a particular weekend will be added.

Holy Communion

Communion is being provided at the end of the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Tables with the host and wine will be set up in front of the altar. After communing, the blessing will be given and the communicants and family will be dismissed.

Musician/Piano Player

We have have now named a new church musician, and Lynn will begin in September. Should you have questions, please contact Pastor Scott Pastor’s Direct Email or Peggy Earnhardt Peggy’s Direct Email. 

SignUp Genius

Here is the link for September Sign-Ups:

Sign-Up Genius Link for Services in September!

Virtual Setting – In addition to live/in-person worship, services will be available under the “Worship” tab on this website or Click Here for Advent’s YouTube Channel.

Services on Sundays are at: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Our ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group, as well as the Church Council have agreed that we would resume worship services with some adjustments, which are noted below. We are continuing to meet to discuss how things are going with these services.

ADDITIONALLY, we did meet after the latest CDC guidelines have come out. We are assessing these, as well as considering North Carolina guidelines, NC trends and local trends.

***
Please read this Memo!

A Sign-Up Genius email (as well as some phone calls) has been sent out to Members and Friends, and Sign-Ups are needed for tracking, and so that we don’t have too many people in the building at the same service. Sign-ups will be needed for now, every week.

An important note about the Sign-Ups: Checkmark which service you wish to attend, then click “Submit and Sign up.” After that, put the number of attending people, your name and email, and then click “Sign Up Now.”

Other things to note due to CoVid protocols are the following:

-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a few moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate or fellowship.)

-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. This is why a second service has been added.

-Masks will be required at the 9:00 a.m. service and are asked to be work at this time for the 10:30 a.m. service.

-ALSO, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

We WANT things to return to some normalcy, however, to continue to love our neighbor, things will look and be different for a time:

*There will be no Sunday School or Bible Class at this time. (See below for an Adult Zoom Bible Class opportunity. Youth Events continue to take place. And our Education Committee will continue to look at Christian education opportunities for younger grades.)

*There will be no Fellowship Hour or Fellowship within the Church Building. However, people may gather in the parking lot or under the front patio at an appropriate physical distance.

*Virtual Services will continue.

*Any verbal responses should be spoken lightly, to not spread the disease.

*Singing will be done by a singer, and folks may only “whisper” sing, and with masks on. It has been determined that robust singing is dangerous from perspective of spreading the virus.

*There will not be handshakes, hugs or passing of the peace at this time.

*There will not be a processional/recessional at this time.

*There will be no bulletin or hymnals. Words will be up on screen.

*Much of the church is closed and we ask that you don’t go to or use those areas.

*Restrooms will be available, but we ask that you attempt to limit the usage if possible.

*Pastor will be available after service outdoors to bring pastoral concerns, however he will have limited time after the 9:00 a.m. service.

And, once again, Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

Contact Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email if you have other questions or concerns.

We hope you understand the reasoning behind all these changes, and we certainly look forward to seeing you again in the Lord’s House!

***

Join us for Virtual Bible Class on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. We are consistently illuminated by the Light of the World found in Scripture, and we are now looking at the Old Testament Book of 2 Samuel to see God at work around 1000 BC, and comparing how He is at work now. Let His Light Shine!

Join Zoom Meeting

Zoom – Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Meeting ID: 879 0248 4098

Password: Contact Pastor
Pastor’s Direct Email

Continue to lift up our world, our nation, our leaders, our medical personnel, our church, our family, our friends, etc., in prayer during this time.

Updates!

Members of the Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety (ACTS) have been carefully monitoring the results of in-person worship since we started back up May 2. At a recent meeting, the following subjects were discussed: written and telephone surveys; masks; social/physical distancing (6 feet); two worship services or one; Communion; and a musician.

The following decisions were made (And approved by Church Council as well):

Worship Services

We will continue with two services for July and August at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sign-Up will still be requested.

Masks and physical distancing will be required at the 9 a.m. service.
Masks will be OPTIONAL for those vaccinated at the 10:30 a.m. service, but we will continue physical distancing. Please recognize that many will feel more comfortable wearing masks, which is completely fine. We need to recognize that there are reasons why people will continue to wear masks – even if vaccinated – and it will take time for all of us to adjust to a world without masks. We ask that we not make this about our positions on vaccines or masks or any of the ways that could threaten to divide us.

Virtual Services will continue, and when possible, one of the live services recorded on a particular weekend will be added.
We are looking to see about returning the fabric chairs soon also.
We have a hopeful goal of returning to one service at 10:30 a.m. on September 12, 2021 along with Sunday School and Adult Bible Class.

Holy Communion

Beginning on July 11, communion will be provided at the end of the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services. Communion will be administered as we did during the Advent and Lenten seasons. Tables with the host and wine will be set up in front of the altar. After communing, the blessing will be given and the communicants and family will be dismissed.

Musician/Piano Player

We have begun the search for a church musician. In the interim, recorded music will continue to be provided. If you are aware of someone interested in serving as a church musician, please contact Pastor Scott Pastor’s Direct Email or Peggy Earnhardt Peggy’s Direct Email. 

SignUp Genius

Here is the link for July Sign-Ups:
Sign-Up Genius Link for Services in July!

God’s Continued Blessings!

Live/In-Person Worship has resumed!

Two Worship Services Continue for June, July and August.

We continue with Live/In-Person Services on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Our ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group, as well as the Church Council have agreed that we would resume worship services with some adjustments, which are noted below. We are continuing to meet to discuss how things are going with these services, as well as considering the latest CDC, NC and Local guidelines and trends.

We are discussing Mask/Distancing Requirements, Communion Practices, and Searching for an Organist.

We understand that people are at different comfort levels, so we want to continue this process as caringly and lovingly as we can.
FOR NOW, we’ll continue with the following restrictions indicated below, and Sign-Ups, for everyone’s safety!

It is also important to note that Surveys are continuing during June to review our progress on our return to worship thus far, as we look to more normalcy in the future.
Blessings!

***

Please read this Memo before Attending In-Person Worship!

A Sign-Up is needed for tracking and to keep the numbers of people in the building at a manageable level. FOR NOW, Sign-ups will be needed every week.

Here is the link for June Sign-ups:
SignUp Genius Link for Services in June!

An important note about the Sign-Ups: Checkmark which service you wish to attend, then click “Submit and Sign up.” After that, put the number of people attending, your name and email, and then click “Sign Up Now.”

Other things to note due to CoVid protocols are the following:
-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a few moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate or fellowship.)
-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. This is why a second service has been added.
-Masks will be required.

-ALSO, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
We WANT things to return to some normalcy, however, to continue to love our neighbor, things will look and be different for a time:
*There will be no Communion during these services. (Contact Pastor for private communion. We’ll also be looking to add midweek Communion services again.)
*There will be no Sunday School or Bible Class at this time. (See below for an Adult Zoom Bible Class opportunity. Youth Events continue to take place. And our Education Committee will continue to look at Christian education opportunities for younger grades.)
*There will be no Fellowship Hour or Fellowship within the Church Building. However, people may gather in the parking lot at an appropriate physical distance.
* Services will be about 45 minutes in order for cleaning between worship services and to allow for the most amount of people.
*Virtual Services will continue.
*Any verbal responses should be spoken lightly, to not spread the disease.
*Singing will be done by a singer, and folks may only “whisper” sing, and with masks on. It has been determined that robust singing is dangerous from the perspective of spreading the virus.*There will not be handshakes, hugs, or passing of the peace at this time.
*There will not be a processional/recessional at this time.
*There will be no bulletin or hymnals. Words within the service will be up on screen.
*You will be ushered in, so that we keep airflow in order and so that we are distanced. That said, you likely won’t be in your normal, chosen seat. We also ask that people remain in their seats as much as possible.
*Vinyl padded chairs will be used so that we can clean these after services.
*Much of the church is closed and we ask that you don’t go to or use those areas.
*Restrooms will be available, but we ask that you attempt to limit the usage if possible.
*Pastor will be available after service outdoors to bring pastoral concerns, however he will have limited time after the 9:00 a.m. service.
*And, once again, Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

Contact Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email if you have other questions or concerns.

We hope you understand all these changes, and we certainly look forward to seeing you again in the Lord’s House!

We have resumed live/in-person worship!

Services on Sundays are at: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Our ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group, as well as the Church Council have agreed that we would resume worship services with some adjustments, which are noted below. We are continuing to meet to discuss how things are going with these services.

ADDITIONALLY, we did meet after the latest CDC guidelines have come out. We are assessing these, as well as considering North Carolina guidelines, NC trends and local trends.

***

Please read this Memo!

A Sign-Up is needed for tracking and to keep the numbers of people in the building at a manageable level. FOR NOW, Sign-ups will be needed every week.

Here is the link for May 23rd and 30th:
SignUp Genius Link for May 23 and May 30!

An important note about the Sign-Ups: Checkmark which service you wish to attend, then click “Submit and Sign up.” After that, put the number of people attending, your name and email, and then click “Sign Up Now.”

Other things to note due to CoVid protocols are the following:

-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a few moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate or fellowship.)

-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. This is why a second service has been added.

-Masks will be required.

-ALSO, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

We WANT things to return to some normalcy, however, to continue to love our neighbor, things will look and be different for a time:

*There will be no Communion during these services. (Contact Pastor for private communion. We’ll also be looking to add midweek Communion services again.)

*There will be no Sunday School or Bible Class at this time. (See below for an Adult Zoom Bible Class opportunity. Youth Events continue to take place. And our Education Committee will continue to look at Christian education opportunities for younger grades.)

*There will be no Fellowship Hour or Fellowship within the Church Building. However, people may gather in the parking lot at an appropriate physical distance.

* Services will be about 45 minutes in order for cleaning between worship services and to allow for the most amount of people.

*Virtual Services will continue.

*Any verbal responses should be spoken lightly, to not spread the disease.

*Singing will be done by a singer, and folks may only “whisper” sing, and with masks on. It has been determined that robust singing is dangerous from the perspective of spreading the virus.

*There will not be handshakes, hugs, or passing of the peace at this time.

*There will not be a processional/recessional at this time.

*There will be no bulletin or hymnals. Words within the service will be up on screen.

*You will be ushered in, so that we keep airflow in order and so that we are distanced. That said, you likely won’t be in your normal, chosen seat. We also ask that people remain in their seats as much as possible.

*Vinyl padded chairs will be used so that we can clean these after services.

*Much of the church is closed and we ask that you don’t go to or use those areas.

*Restrooms will be available, but we ask that you attempt to limit the usage if possible.

*Pastor will be available after service outdoors to bring pastoral concerns, however he will have limited time after the 9:00 a.m. service.

*And, once again, Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

Contact Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email if you have other questions or concerns.

We hope you understand all these changes, and we certainly look forward to seeing you again in the Lord’s House!

Sunday, May 2nd, we will return to live/in-person worship!

Services will be at: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Our ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group, as well as the Church Council have agreed that we are now ready to resume worship services for the time being, but there are many adjustments noted below. We will continue to meet to discuss how things are going with these services, and should numbers go back up in North Carolina, we’ll re-assess where we are at with worship.

***
Please read this Memo!

A Sign-Up Genius email (as well as some phone calls) will be sent out to Members and Friends beginning this week, and these are needed for tracking, and so that we don’t have too many people in the building at the same service. Sign-ups will be needed for now, every week.

Other things to note due to CoVid protocols are the following:
-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a few moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate or fellowship.)
-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. This is why a second service has been added.
-Masks will be required.

-ALSO, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

We WANT things to return to some normalcy, however, to continue to love our neighbor, things will look and be different for a time:

*There will be no Communion during these services. (Contact Pastor for private communion. We’ll also be looking to add midweek Communion services again soon.)

*There will be no Sunday School or Bible Class at this time. (See below for an Adult Zoom Bible Class opportunity. Youth Events continue to take place. And our Education Committee will continue to look at Christian education opportunities for younger grades.)

*There will be no Fellowship Hour or Fellowship within the Church Building. However, people may gather in the parking lot at an appropriate physical distance.

* Services will be about 45 minutes in order for cleaning between worship services and to allow for the most amount of people.

*Virtual Services will continue.

*Any verbal responses should be spoken lightly, to not spread the disease.

*Singing will be done by a singer, and folks may only “whisper” sing, and with masks on. It has been determined that robust singing is dangerous from perspective of spreading the virus.

*There will not be handshakes, or passing of the peace at this time.

*There will not be a processional/recessional at this time.

*There will be no bulletin or hymnals. Words will be up on screen.

*You will be ushered in, so that we keep airflow in order and so that we are distanced. That said, you likely won’t be in your normal, chosen seat. We ask that people remain in their seats as much as possible.

*Vinyl padded chairs will be used so that we can clean these after services.

*Much of the church is closed and we ask that you don’t go to or use those areas.

*Restrooms will be available, but we ask that you attempt to limit the usage if possible.

*Pastor will be available after service outdoors to bring pastoral concerns, however he will have limited time after the 9:00 a.m. service.

-And, once again, Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

Contact Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email if you have other questions or concerns.

We hope you understand the reasoning behind all these changes, and we certainly look forward to being back in the Lord’s House to worship Him!

Roof Repairs are nearly completed! (Photos below.)

With clear weather most of this past week, the roof is nearly done!

With the exception of some fascia-type work, the roof repairs are nearly completed!

Again, if you are at church this week, please be careful of workers and materials.

THANK YOU TO PAUL, BILL, JENNIFER, DAVE AND JUDY for your work on this!

Should you wish to discuss the roof repair, please contact Paul Simis at Paul’s email or 919-621-2200.

Here are some pictures!

Lenten Communion Services have begun!

During Lent we will have live/in-person communion services on each of these dates:

3/3/2021 – 3pm, 7pm
3/17/2021 – 3pm, 7pm
4/1/2021 – 10am, 3pm, 7pm(Maundy Thursday)

Check out the Video Walk-thru for more information!

PLEASE READ>>In addition, due to CoVid-19 challenges, the following are important to note:

-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a couple of moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate.)

-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing.-Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper.

-Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

Contact Pastor Scott for the Sign-up information or any other questions: scott_lohman@sbcglobal.net

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Roof repairs should begin this coming week. Please be mindful if you plan to be at church this week.

Lenten Communion Services Beginning on Ash Wednesday!

During Lent we will have live/in-person communion services on each of these dates:

2/17/2021 – 10am, 3pm, 7pm(Ash Wednesday)
3/3/2021 – 3pm, 7pm
3/17/2021 – 3pm, 7pm
4/1/2021 – 10am, 3pm, 7pm(Maundy Thursday)

Unfortunately due to CoVid, we won’t be able to have the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Check out the Video Walk-thru for more information!

PLEASE READ>>In addition, due to CoVid-19 challenges, the following are important to note:

-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a couple of moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate.)

-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing.-Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper.

-Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

Contact Pastor Scott for the Sign-up information or any other questions: scott_lohman@sbcglobal.net

Lenten Communion Services Beginning on Ash Wednesday!

During Lent we will have live/in-person communion services on each of these dates:

2/17/2021 – 10am, 3pm, 7pm(Ash Wednesday)
3/3/2021 – 3pm, 7pm
3/17/2021 – 3pm, 7pm
4/1/2021 – 10am, 3pm, 7pm(Maundy Thursday)

Unfortunately due to CoVid, we won’t be able to have the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday.

Check out the Video Walk-thru for more information!

PLEASE READ>>In addition, due to CoVid-19 challenges, the following are important to note:

-We ask that people remain in their vehicle until just a couple of moments prior to the service they attend. (In other words, unfortunately, we ask that you not come into the church 10-15 minutes early to pray/meditate.)

-We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing.-Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper.

-Sign-ups are needed prior to the services.

A Sign-up Genius email will be forthcoming.

Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety (ACTS) Updates

Our ACTS Team met this week.

The consensus among our Team remains that as an act of love to our neighbors:
-Worship will continue to be Virtual for now. (See Website or contact Pastor for more info. Pastor’s Direct Email)
-Bible Class will continue to be Virtual as well (See more information below.).
-We are continuing to explore opportunities for Lenten Communion Services, and more information will follow on this.

While some numbers with the Virus are beginning to go down, and with Members and friends beginning to get the Vaccine, we are consistently monitoring where we are with going back to in-person worship.

Unfortunately, our state remains as a Red Zone, and we hit our highest daily case total of 11,581 on January 9th.

Additionally, it is important for us to note that the Virus is continuing to affect more and more of us on a daily basis and is coming closer and closer. Resurrection Lutheran (Cary) has temporarily halted Worship Services in-person due to numbers in Wake County increasing. Grace Lutheran (Durham) has halted in-person Worship Services as well at this time. At least 7 members got the virus following the January 3rd Worship Service where worshipers removed masks to sing robustly.

Sadly, we have also just learned that a 46 year-old LCMS Pastor in Hickory, NC, recently collapsed (Dec. 27th) with a severe bout of CoVid-19, as well as other medical issues, and on Wednesday, January 13th, he passed into eternal glory. Our prayers go with his family.

Truly we WANT to get back to in-person worship as soon as we can, but we also must do so safely.

God continue to be with during this time.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

CoVid-19 Vaccine Info and Testing Info:

Individuals 75+ are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine
Orange County Health Department Prepares to Move into Phase 1B of COVID Vaccine Effort 

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. January 7, 2021 ―North Carolina has moved into Phase 1b Group 1 of COVID vaccine distribution, meaning individuals 75 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. There is no requirement to have certain qualifying chronic conditions.  

If you are 75 or older, please follow the three-step process: 

1.    Complete the Vaccine Interest Form (VIF)at https://redcap.link/OCHDvaxCall 919-913-8088 if you don’t have access to a computer or would like help filling out the form. Foreign language interpreters will be available. We are anticipating very high call volume. Please be patient for a return call if you decide to leave a voicemail. 

2.    Register for the vaccine. You will receive an email with a link to an online registration form to enter your data into the COVID-19 Vaccine Management System (CVMS). It will take several minutes to complete. It is only available in English, but county staff are available to help register in other languages besides English by calling 919-913-8088. 

3.    Schedule your vaccine appointment. When an individual is eligible to receive a vaccine, you will receive another email from the Orange County Health Department to schedule an appointment.  

“Due to limited availability of vaccine, Orange County may not be able to schedule appointments for everyone who is eligible right away,” said Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart. “Please be patient as we work through this process.” 

To reduce the number of phone calls, residents in subsequent phases will be asked to register later. Eventually, the CVMS system will allow residents to register themselves. The complete list of the vaccination plan’s phases may be found on the NCDHHS website.  

Read the full Orange County Health Department press release and learn more about the vaccination plan at orangecountync.gov/GetYourShot.

———-

Remember if your are 75 years or older, follow the 3-step process above, starting with completing the Vaccine Interest Form at redcap.link/OCHDvax. Please, Get Your Shot!

FREE COVID-19 Testing Event for ages 60+Piedmont Health is offering COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing events at both senior centers for adults 60+. The events will be primarily drive-thru testing, with a capacity for walk-ups as well. Receive test results in 3-5 business days Testing available with/without insurance at NO COST!

Attendees can preregister for testing by calling (919) 545 3452. Preregistration is not required, but highly encouraged to secure an appointment slot, expedite testing, & ensure that you are in the system.

Please have on a mask prior to driving or walking up. If you do not have masks, one will be provided.

For more details, download and share the COVID Testing flier (pdf) available in English and Spanish.

———-

Who Should Get Tested? North Carolina is focused on rapidly increasing testing of people who may not currently have symptoms, but may have been exposed to COVID-19. For information on testing in Orange County, and for additional testing sites available for for all ages, please visit the Orange County Health Department COVID-19 Testing website.

Copyright 2020 Orange County (N.C.) Government. All Rights Reserved.300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Roof Repairs to Begin Soon!

In case you were not aware, we have been blessed that this roof has lasted as long as it has. However, the time has come for us to replace shingles and have some boards/plywood, and other areas replaced and repaired.

Check out Roof Pictures here.

Thankfully, in our budget, we have been allocating money to our Capital Fund for just such a purpose and we currently have $28,000 to dedicate to a new roof. The bids we have received have been in the $31,000-$33,000 range with probably a bit more needed to cover any repairs necessary once the old roof is removed. We do have savings outside of the Capital Fund that would cover the extra needed.

With the Congregational vote, you have approved using extra savings (above what is presently in the Capital Fund) so that we are able to take care of the roof.

Should you wish to discuss the roof, please contact Paul Simis at Paul’s email or 919-621-2200.

Or if you would like to discuss the financing of this project further, please contact our treasurer, Jennifer Simis at Jennifer’s email or 919-621-8777.