ANNOUNCING COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing for Older Adults‌

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! Seymour Center2551 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill Friday, January 15; 10 am – 1 pm Passmore Center 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough Friday, January 22; 10 am – 2 pm 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

Christmas Worship Service – December 24, 2020

The Light of Christ shine on you today and every day! Christmas blessings! Here is the full Christmas worship liturgy with Christmas Carols to print out: Christmas Liturgy with Christmas Carol Lyrics (NOTE>>IF it shows up on your YouTube, by clicking the “CC” on the Video, you may also see the words of the service in Close Captioning on your screen.) CCLI Streaming License Number 20410877

Christmas Presentation – Luke 2:1-20

Here is the Christmas Story presented by artists at Advent Lutheran and Grace Lutheran-Durham! Here is the Link to the Christmas Presentation! https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jJWTN9rFCYKI–tLhTjkEnPy0gT9vS3/view Many blessings this Christmas and always!

Christmas Eve Service will be VIRTUAL ONLY this year. Keep an eye out on Christmas Eve for an email to be sent with the link to our YouTube Channel with this year’s Christmas Eve Worship Service.

Here is the link: Advent’s YouTube Channel

Many blessings this Christmas and always!

Roof repairs will 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.

Here is the Worship Service for December 13, 2020.

If you haven’t voted, VOTE NOW! – North Carolina Executive Order 173 allows us to vote by e-mail using a ballot. (This order is an extension of prior executive orders on remote shareholder/non-profit meetings during the CoVid-19 state of emergency.)

That said, our elections run during the summer for Church Council candidates stands.

The Advent Church Council has approved the below roof project and recommends a “Yes” vote. Please vote “Yes” or “No” for the project listed below, and return your vote to krobortel@gmail.com

This past January at the Voters’ Meeting where the Budget was discussed, we talked about the church roof and the fact that it was near the end of its life. The time has indeed come to replace it. After discovering a new leak in the Ladies’ room, we asked several roofing companies to submit bids, and in the inspections that followed, we have learned that God has been generous with us that we have not had more problems up until now. We have photographic proof that there are popped nails, gaps, rotten wood, leaky flashing and brittle shingles. Check out Roof Pictures here.

Thankfully, Advent budgets for years 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.

We are asking the congregation to approve the use of the extra savings required to get the roof replaced. The Council members all received detailed info from one of the bidding companies that can be forwarded to anyone who would like to learn more, and questions about the roof condition or bids should be directed to Paul Simis Paul’s email or 919-621-2200. Questions about financing should be directed to our treasurer Jennifer Simis’s email or 919-621-8777.

Communion Service – December 16!

Join us for Communion! On December 16, Advent will have a live/in-person communion service. The services will be at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., so there are multiple opportunities to sign-up. 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.) -Additionally, we ask that you would not congregate to have reunion discussions in the building. (Remember distancing and masks!) -We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. -We will be keeping these Communion Services at 15 minutes to less the amount of exposure for people. -The 7 p.m. services can only be signed-up for one time per attendee/family for all the dates provided. -Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper. -Sign-ups are needed prior to the services. Members and Friends of Advent, get a hold Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email, if you have questions or you wish to sign-up.

Face to Face Voters’ Meeting for Sunday, December 6, 2020, has been cancelled.

North Carolina Executive Order 173 allows us to vote by e-mail using a ballot. (This order is an extension of prior executive orders on remote shareholder/non-profit meetings during the CoVid-19 state of emergency.)

That said, our elections run during the summer for Church Council candidates stands.

The Advent Church Council has approved the below roof project and recommends a “Yes” vote. Please vote “Yes” or “No” for the project listed below, and return your vote to krobortel@gmail.com

This past January at the Voters’ Meeting where the Budget was discussed, we talked about the church roof and the fact that it was near the end of its life. The time has indeed come to replace it. After discovering a new leak in the Ladies’ room, we asked several roofing companies to submit bids, and in the inspections that followed, we have learned that God has been generous with us that we have not had more problems up until now. We have photographic proof that there are popped nails, gaps, rotten wood, leaky flashing and brittle shingles. Check out Roof Pictures here.

Thankfully, Advent budgets for years 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.

We are asking the congregation to approve the use of the extra savings required to get the roof replaced. The Council members all received detailed info from one of the bidding companies that can be forwarded to anyone who would like to learn more, and questions about the roof condition or bids should be directed to Paul Simis Paul’s email or 919-621-2200. Questions about financing should be directed to our treasurer Jennifer Simis’s email or 919-621-8777.

Again, there will be NO Live/In-person meeting on Sunday, December 6th.

Communion Services – December 9 and 16!

Join us for Communion! On December 9 and 16, Advent will have live/in-person communion services. The services will be at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., so there are multiple opportunities to sign-up. 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.) -Additionally, we ask that you would not congregate to have reunion discussions in the building. (Remember distancing and masks!) -We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. -We will be keeping these Communion Services at 15 minutes to less the amount of exposure for people. -The 7 p.m. services can only be signed-up for one time per attendee/family for all the dates provided. -Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper. -Sign-ups are needed prior to the services. Members and Friends of Advent, get a hold Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email, if you have questions or you wish to sign-up.

Christmas Project – Get involved now! DUE DECEMBER 12th!

In 2011, Advent created an illustrated slide show of Luke 2:1-20 for our Christmas Eve service. This year we are going to make another slide show for Christmas time. (We are still working on the possibility of a Christmas Service.)

Who?

Everyone! All ages and all friends or members of Advent and Grace Lutheran-Durham are invited to participate! No artistic experience needed!

How?

• Select a verse from Luke 2:1-20. Please sign-up here.
• Illustrate it. You can use any medium you want – paint, crayons, digital tools, chalk, whatever you want!
• Take a digital photo of your finished piece and send it to Carolyn Walker. 

-You can send it by text to 919-724-6970

-Or by email to carolyn.walker814@gmail.com

-Or if digital photos are not your thing, contact Carolyn for other options.

When?

Now! Please complete your project by December 12, so we will have time to put the pieces together.

Thank You!

Many of you know our quiet, mild-mannered IT and Sound Guy Rick Heizler…

Unfortunately – For us – Rick Heizler has now moved to Texas and we’ll miss him. Rick will now be the IT and sound system technician at the following church:
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 130 Luther Lane, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156

Rick wishes to say “Thank You” for the support and well-wishes he has received from Advent.

You may contact Rick at St. Peter or contact Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email for Rick’s home information.

We have recently found out that North Carolina Law states the following:

North Carolina law does not provide for remote meetings of members of not-for profit corporations – N.C. Gen. Stat. 55-7-09.

In other words, a Zoom (Etc.) or Call-in vote is not allowed for not-for profits, per NC Law.

Therefore, we will have a live/in-person/”face to face” Congregational Voters’ Meeting in the PARKING LOT on Sunday, December 6 at 1 p.m. Physical distancing and face-masks will be required if one gets out of their vehicle.

The urgency of this meeting is twofold: To Elect members of our Church Council, and due to a necessary roof repair.

Here are the Candidates:

Vice president —————–No candidate

Treasurer————————Jennifer Simis

Fellowship (co-chairs)———Lois Durr & Maryanne Warne

Outreach (co-chairs)———-Carolyn Jones & Lydia Berrong

Worship————————-Peggy Earnhardt

Education————————Cliff Mather

Also, there is a recommendation for the roof. 

This past January at the Voters’ Meeting where the Budget was discussed, we talked about the church roof and the fact that it was near the end of its life. The time has indeed come to replace it. After discovering a new leak in the Ladies’ room, we asked several roofing companies to submit bids, and in the inspections that followed, we have learned that God has been generous with us that we have not had more problems up until now. We have photographic proof that there are popped nails, gaps, rotten wood, leaky flashing and brittle shingles. Check out Roof Pictures here.

Thankfully, Advent budgets for years 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.

We are asking the congregation to approve the use of the extra savings required to get the roof replaced. The Council members all received detailed info from one of the bidding companies that can be forwarded to anyone who would like to learn more, and questions about the roof condition or bids should be directed to Paul Simis Paul’s email or 919-621-2200. Questions about financing should be directed to our treasurer Jennifer Simis’s email or 919-621-8777.

Again, we will be Voting on the Candidate Slate and the Roof Issue at a PARKING LOT Congregational Meeting on Sunday, December 6th at 1 p.m., so that we maintain CoVid-19 protocols for safety.

Communion Services – December 2, 9, 16!

Join us for Communion! On December 2, 9 and 16, Advent will have 3 live/in-person communion services on each of these dates. The services will be at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., so there are multiple opportunities to sign-up. 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.) -Additionally, we ask that you would not congregate to have reunion discussions in the building. (Remember distancing and masks!) -We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. -We will be keeping these Communion Services at 15 minutes to less the amount of exposure for people. -The 7 p.m. services can only be signed-up for one time per attendee/family for all the dates provided. -Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper. -Sign-ups are needed prior to the services. Members and Friends of Advent, keep an eye out for a Sign-up Genius email. Should you have additional questions, contact Pastor Scott at Pastor’s Direct Email.

Christmas Project – Get involved now!

In 2011, Advent created an illustrated slide show of Luke 2:1-20 for our Christmas Eve service. This year we are going to make another slide show for Christmas time. (We are still working on the possibility of a Christmas Service.)

Who?

Everyone! All ages and all friends or members of Advent and Grace Lutheran-Durham are invited to participate! No artistic experience needed!

How?

• Select a verse from Luke 2:1-20. Please sign-up here.
• Illustrate it. You can use any medium you want – paint, crayons, digital tools, chalk, whatever you want!
• Take a digital photo of your finished piece and send it to Carolyn Walker. 

-You can send it by text to 919-724-6970

-Or by email to carolyn.walker814@gmail.com

-Or if digital photos are not your thing, contact Carolyn for other options.

When?

Now! Please complete your project by December 12, so we will have time to put the pieces together.

Thank You!

Communion Services – December 2, 9, 16!

Join us for Communion! On December 2, 9 and 16, Advent will have 3 live/in-person communion services on each of these dates. The services will be at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., so there are multiple opportunities to sign-up. Due to CoVid-19 challenges, the following are important to note: -We will have limitations on the number of people attending, so there is space for physical distancing. -The 7 p.m. services can only be signed-up for one time per attendee/family for all the dates provided. -Masks will be required until you receive the Lord’s Supper. -Sign-ups are needed prior to the services. More details, and a Sign-up Genius email will be sent out next week.

Christmas Project – Get involved now!

In 2011, Advent created an illustrated slide show of Luke 2:1-20 for our Christmas Eve service. This year we are going to make another slide show for Christmas time. (We are still working on the possibility of a Christmas Service.)

Who?

Everyone! All ages and all friends or members of Advent and Grace Lutheran-Durham are invited to participate! No artistic experience needed!

How?

• Select a verse from Luke 2:1-20. Please sign-up here.
• Illustrate it. You can use any medium you want – paint, crayons, digital tools, chalk, whatever you want!
• Take a digital photo of your finished piece and send it to Carolyn Walker. 

-You can send it by text to 919-724-6970

-Or by email to carolyn.walker814@gmail.com

-Or if digital photos are not your thing, contact Carolyn for other options.

When?

Now! Please complete your project by December 12, so we will have time to put the pieces together.

Thank You!

Christmas Project – Get involved now!

In 2011, Advent created an illustrated slide show of Luke 2:1-20 for our Christmas Eve service. This year we are going to make another slide show for Christmas time. (We are still working on the possibility of a Christmas Service.)

Who?

Everyone! All ages and all friends or members of Advent and Grace Lutheran-Durham are invited to participate! No artistic experience needed!

How?

• Select a verse from Luke 2:1-20. Please sign-up here.
• Illustrate it. You can use any medium you want – paint, crayons, digital tools, chalk, whatever you want!
• Take a digital photo of your finished piece and send it to Carolyn Walker. 

-You can send it by text to 919-724-6970

-Or by email to carolyn.walker814@gmail.com

-Or if digital photos are not your thing, contact Carolyn for other options.

When?

Now! Please complete your project by December 12, so we will have time to put the pieces together.

Thank You!

ACTS Team In-Person Worship Update – In our last update to the congregation, (See the Link to the August Letter below), the ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group was cautiously optimistic for planning to meet in-person. At that point, trends were moving downward, and we wanted to see that continue. The major trends the committee tracts (number of daily cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and percentage of people testing positive) are on a significant upward climb since September. Also, contact tracing has not been very successful. While North Carolina has advanced to Phase 3, the number of cases, hospitalizations, deaths and percentage of positive tests are the highest since the public became aware of CoVid-19 in March, 2020. These numbers are continuing to trend upward. The majority of deaths from the virus happen to people 60 or older who have an underlying health condition.

North Carolina announced that religious gatherings were one of 3 leading causes of CoVid-19 cases (1040+) so far this year. Since a large portion of Advent members and friends are in the high-risk category, the ACTS group has been conscious to develop an environment where the virus is less likely to be transmitted. We have worked through the procedures necessary to have an in-person worship service when trends head in the right direction.

In the interim, Pastor Scott, the Elders (present and past), and the Worship Committee are exploring safe procedures for us to offer communion and programs to reach out to our congregation. Pastor will continue to provide on-line worship service and will begin to record some additional YouTube videos on a variety of CoVid-19 issues such as fatigue, stages of grief, faith, and God’s relation with us during this pandemic. For more information, click here for the August Letter from the ACTS group.

Caring for Those in Need During CoVid-19 – Needs are increasing during this time. Therefore, we continue to reach out with PORCH (People Offering Relief for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Homes), Inter-Faith Council and Orange Congregations in Mission.
PORCH Website
IFC Website – IFC has updated their grocery list.
Downloadable Grocery List – IFC
OCIM Website
Let’s keep caring for our community in the Lord’s name.

Verse/Passage of the Day –

***

ACTS Team In-Person Worship Update – In our last update to the congregation, (See the Link to the August Letter below), the ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group was cautiously optimistic for planning to meet in-person. At that point, trends were moving downward, and we wanted to see that continue. The major trends the committee tracts (number of daily cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and percentage of people testing positive) are on a significant upward climb since September. Also, contact tracing has not been very successful. While North Carolina has advanced to Phase 3, the number of cases, hospitalizations, deaths and percentage of positive tests are the highest since the public became aware of CoVid-19 in March, 2020. These numbers are continuing to trend upward. The majority of deaths from the virus happen to people 60 or older who have an underlying health condition.

North Carolina announced that religious gatherings were one of 3 leading causes of CoVid-19 cases (1040+) so far this year. Since a large portion of Advent members and friends are in the high-risk category, the ACTS group has been conscious to develop an environment where the virus is less likely to be transmitted. We have worked through the procedures necessary to have an in-person worship service when trends head in the right direction.

In the interim, Pastor Scott, the Elders (present and past), and the Worship Committee are exploring safe procedures for us to offer communion and programs to reach out to our congregation. Pastor will continue to provide on-line worship service and will begin to record some additional YouTube videos on a variety of CoVid-19 issues such as fatigue, stages of grief, faith, and God’s relation with us during this pandemic. For more information, click here for the August Letter from the ACTS group.

Caring for Those in Need During CoVid-19 – Needs are increasing during this time. Therefore, we continue to reach out with PORCH (People Offering Relief for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Homes), Inter-Faith Council and Orange Congregations in Mission.
PORCH Website
IFC Website – IFC has updated their grocery list.
Downloadable Grocery List – IFC
OCIM Website
Let’s keep caring for our community in the Lord’s name.

ACTS Team In-Person Worship Update – In our last update to the congregation, (See the Link to the August Letter below), the ACTS (Advent Coronavirus Team of Safety) group was cautiously optimistic for planning to meet in-person. At that point, trends were moving downward, and we wanted to see that continue. The major trends the committee tracts (number of daily cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and percentage of people testing positive) are on a significant upward climb since September. Also, contact tracing has not been very successful. While North Carolina has advanced to Phase 3, the number of cases, hospitalizations, deaths and percentage of positive tests are the highest since the public became aware of CoVid-19 in March, 2020. These numbers are continuing to trend upward. The majority of deaths from the virus happen to people 60 or older who have an underlying health condition.

North Carolina announced that religious gatherings were one of 3 leading causes of CoVid-19 cases (1040+) so far this year. Since a large portion of Advent members and friends are in the high-risk category, the ACTS group has been conscious to develop an environment where the virus is less likely to be transmitted. We have worked through the procedures necessary to have an in-person worship service when trends head in the right direction.

In the interim, Pastor Scott, the Elders (present and past), and the Worship Committee are exploring safe procedures for us to offer communion and programs to reach out to our congregation. Pastor will continue to provide on-line worship service and will begin to record some additional YouTube videos on a variety of CoVid-19 issues such as fatigue, stages of grief, faith, and God’s relation with us during this pandemic. For more information, click here for the August Letter from the ACTS group.

Caring for Those in Need During CoVid-19 – Needs are increasing during this time. Therefore, we continue to reach out with PORCH (People Offering Relief for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Homes), Inter-Faith Council and Orange Congregations in Mission.
PORCH Website
IFC Website – IFC has updated their grocery list.
Downloadable Grocery List – IFC
OCIM Website
Let’s keep caring for our community in the Lord’s name.