Council Meeting: Thursday, May 17, 7:00 p.m.

Choir will continue through June 10, Confirmation Sunday. We plan to sing on, May 13, May 27, June 3, and June 10. 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 will be uploaded to our website here as they are available.

PORCH collection date is Monday, May 14 so please bring your donations by this Sunday, May 13.

Lutheran Early Response Team Disaster Recovery Training will be hosted by Hope Lutheran Church in Wake Forest on Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit their website for more information and to register.

Greensboro Tornado: As parts of Greensboro recover from the recent tornado, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro is supporting residents by collecting donations of the most urgently-needed items such as construction materials and recruiting volunteers to assist with the cleanup efforts. Going forward, what people will need most are financial contributions to support finding a new home or home repairs. A list of organizations, how you can help, and links to websites are available here.

If you would like to contribute school supplies for Guilford County Schools, see the GCS-StormRecovery flyer. Please do what you can and we will get supplies to the proper place.

Readings for Sunday, May 13, observing Ascension: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: May 13 – Pastor Scott; May 20 – John Cangelosi; May 27 – Bob Serpas; June 3 – Dave Neely

Prayer Requests: If you have any prayer requests that you would like included in the Sunday morning prayers, please write them on the prayer request sheet on the table in the narthex or email them to adventlutheranch@gmail.com.

PORCH collection date is Monday, May 14 so please bring your donations by Sunday, May 13.

Advent Missions and Ministries Show and Tell: Join us in the fellowship hall after the service this Sunday, May 6, 2018 to learn about the current missions and ministries of Advent. Council members will be present to answer questions about the responsibilities of each board and will be happy to discuss anything from mission funding and card ministry to budgeting and ongoing and planned outreach efforts. Come learn more about how the church works, find opportunities to become involved, and help us determine the direction of Advent by sharing any ideas you have; we are eager to hear them.

LCEF at Advent, Sunday, May 6: This year’s theme, “Grounded in Faith” will highlight the partnerships that LCEF makes possible by investors just like you. Learn more about LCEF on Sunday, May 6. Dave Neely, LCEF Advocate, will be available to provide additional details at the LCEF display.

Lutheran Early Response Team Disaster Recovery Training will be hosted by Hope Lutheran Church in Wake Forest on Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit their website for more information and to register.

Seven Words for Us Meddling Christians: “What is that to you? Follow me!” Those seven words would make a world of difference in the church. And come to think of it, they’d also make a church of difference in the world. And that’s even better. Read more here.

Greensboro Tornado: As parts of Greensboro recover from the recent tornado, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro is supporting residents by collecting donations of the most urgently-needed items such as construction materials and recruiting volunteers to assist with the cleanup efforts. Going forward, what people will need most are financial contributions to support finding a new home or home repairs. A list of organizations, how you can help, and links to websites are available here.

If you would like to contribute school supplies for Guilford County Schools, see the GCS-StormRecovery flyer. Please do what you can and we will get supplies to the proper place.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:May 6, 13 – Pastor Scott; May 20 – John Cangelosi; May 27 – Bob Serpas; June 3 – Dave Neely

Readings for Sunday, May 6, the Sixth Sunday of Easter: For those who wish to prepare for the lessons, please read Acts 10:34–48, Ps. 98, 1 John 5:1–8, John 15:9–17

Prayer Requests: If you have any prayer requests that you would like included in the Sunday morning prayers, please write them on the prayer request sheet on the table in the narthex or email them to adventlutheranch@gmail.com.

Thank you for your prayers for Cooper Stow (John and Cathy’s grandson). If you would like to follow his progress, visit their Caring Bridge site.

Choir will continue through June 10, Confirmation Sunday. We plan to sing on April 29, May 13, May 27, and possibly June 3 and/or June 10. 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 will be uploaded to our website here as they are available.

Greensboro Tornado: As parts of Greensboro recover from the recent tornado, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro is supporting residents by collecting donations of the most urgently-needed items such as construction materials and recruiting volunteers to assist with the cleanup efforts. Going forward, what people will need most are financial contributions to support finding a new home or home repairs. A list of organizations, how you can help, and links to websites are available here.

Abundant Joy Center for Women’s Ministries will be offering two evening Bible studies in May and June and one in July. Beth Moore’s study “The Quest: An Excursion Toward Intimacy with God” will be held Wednesday evenings May 2 – June 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lysa TerKeurst’s “Finding I AM: How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of Your Heart” will be held Tuesday evenings June 26 – July 31, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and on Tuesday mornings July 24 – August 28, 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Pre-registration is required. To register, please e-mail abundantjoycwm@gmail.com, call to register at or 919-943-0789, or register online. Any questions, please contact Peggy Earnhardt.

Advent Missions and Ministries Show and Tell: Join us in the fellowship hall after the service on Sunday, May 6, 2018 to learn about the current missions and ministries of Advent. Council members will be present to answer questions about the responsibilities of each board and will be happy to discuss anything from mission funding and card ministry to budgeting and ongoing and planned outreach efforts. Come learn more about how the church works, find opportunities to become involved, and help us determine the direction of Advent by sharing any ideas you have; we are eager to hear them.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:April 29 and May 6, 13 – Pastor Scott; May 20 – John Cangelosi; May 27 – Bob Serpas; June 3 – Dave Neely

Readings for Sunday, April 29, the Fifth Sunday of Easter: For those who wish to prepare for the lessons, please read Acts 8:26–40, Ps. 150, 1 John 4:1–11 (12–21), John 15:1–8

Greensboro Tornado: We have been in contact with Pastor McDaniels about the damage from the recent tornado in Greensboro. He said the fallen trees have been removed and the city is applying to FEMA for money for other repairs. The churches in the community that have kitchens are preparing meals for those in the neighborhood. The major need is for can goods and nonperishable food items for the church pantries. Also, there are four schools in the area that have been closed for the remainder of the school year and the children will be relocated to different schools next week. School supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, etc. are needed. Watch for info about how you can help.

Lumberton 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. The next work day is April 28.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:April 29 and May 6, 13 – Pastor Scott; April 22 – John Stow; May 20 – John Cangelosi; May 27 – Bob Serpas; June 3 – Dave Neely

Readings for Sunday, April 22, the Fourth Sunday of Easter: For those who wish to prepare for the lessons, please read Acts 4:1–12, Ps. 23, 1 John 3:16–24, John 10:11–18

PORCH: collection date is Monday, April 16 so the last Sunday to bring donations is April 15. We need a volunteer to assume the duty of collecting and delivering Advent’s donations to PORCH. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Center for Women’s Ministries: A letter was recently received from the headquarters of the Center for Women’s Ministries, Inc. in Bloomington, Indiana, advising that Advent has been nominated by the volunteers at the Abundant Joy Center for Women’s Ministries as “Friends of the Ministry” for Advent’s significant support for the work of the Center over the years. A certificate recognizing Advent’s special contributions to the ministry in the Durham/Chapel Hill area will be awarded in May. If you have questions, please contact Peggy Earnhardt.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: April 15, 29 and May 6, 13 – Pastor Scott; April 22 – John Stow; May 20 – John Cangelosi; May 27 – Bob Serpas; June 3 – Dave Neely

Readings for Sunday, April 15, the Third Sunday of Easter: For those who wish to prepare for the lessons, please read Acts 3:11–21, Psalm 4, 1 John 3:1–7, Luke 24:36–49

Easter Thanks: Thank you to the Fellowship Committee and those who worked to plan, set up, clean up and take down the tables and chairs for the Easter Brunch; to those who brought food; to those who donated Easter Lilies to decorate the church (please take your lilies home after church on Sunday); and to those who planned and participated in the worship service. It was truly a glorious morning celebrating our risen Lord and Savior. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Alleluia!

Tuesday Evening Bible Studies – 7:00 p.m. The Men’s Group is studying “Joseph: Carpenter of Steel.” The Women’s Group is studying “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle.

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.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: April 8, 15, 29 – Pastor Scott; April 22 – John Cangelosi

Readings for Sunday, April 8, the Second Sunday of Easter: For those who wish to prepare for thes lessons, please read Acts 4:32-35, 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31

A blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter to all!

 “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 30, Good Friday Tenebrae Service, 7:00 p.m. – God’s Will is Done: In this service for Good Friday, we remember that on the cross Christ followed through with the will of God, crying out, “It is finished” as He breathed His last. This ultimate sacrifice serves as a model to look at our lives as a holy sacrifice to Him.

This service is a version of the ancient Tenebrae (meaning “darkness”) used by the church for centuries to impress upon the hearts and minds of believers the awful consequences of sin and the magnitude of Christ’s suffering love for us. Toward the end of the service, as we draw near to remembering the death of our Lord, the church is darkened. The extinguishing of the lights signifies the flight of the disciples and the darkness which covered the earth at the death of Christ. The removal of the Christ candle symbolizes the death of Jesus and its return points ahead to His resurrection. The noise of the closing of the Bible acknowledges that the Lamb of God’s sacrifice is complete – the Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled.

April 1, Easter Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – God’s Will for the New Creation: In this service for Easter Sunday, we remember that when Christ rose from the tomb, He opened the door to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. God’s will for us is to fix our eyes on the new creation of perfect paradise prepared for us in heaven.

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. 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.

Tuesday evening Men’s Bible Study will meet 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 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.

“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