Mid-week Advent Service: Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 20, for a light supper at 6:15 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. In this year’s series, Together in Advent, we celebrate together as the family of God the coming of his Son for our salvation. Each week in the series focuses on a different activity for our “to-do list” that is centered on giving and sharing instead of on materialism. The theme for Week 3 is Share Joy. In this time when we share cookies and other treats with one another, we share joy with those around us that they might taste and see that the Lord is good to us through the birth of his Son.

Worship Question: Why is there one pink candle in the Advent wreath? Answer: The third Sunday in Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, meaning “rejoice” in Latin, and comes from the Introit (entrance prayer) of the day – Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” This Sunday the Struckmeyer family will light two blue candles and one rose (pink) candle. The rose candle is called the Candle of Joy – reminding us of the JOY the angels proclaimed to the shepherds that the promised Messiah is coming soon. More info about the Advent Season and the Advent wreath is available here.

Do you have other worship or liturgy related questions that you would like to see addressed? Email them to adventlutheranch@gmail.com.

Worship and Christian Education Schedule:

Sunday, Dec. 17
9:15 a.m.  Adult Bible Class, Children’s program rehearsal.
10:30 a.m.  Worship Service with Children’s program

Sunday, Dec. 24
No Sunday School, Confirmation Class, or Adult Bible Study
10:10 a.m.  Choir rehearsal
10:30 a.m.  Worship Service (4^th Sunday in Advent)
6:30 p.m.  Choir rehearsal
6:45 p.m.  Pre-service music
7:00 p.m.  Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – “Be the Light”

Monday, Dec. 25
No Christmas Day Service (area churches that will have services – Grace, Durham 10am; Our Savior, Raleigh 11 am; Resurrection, Cary 10am)

Sunday, Dec. 31
No Sunday School, Confirmation Class, or Adult Bible Study
10:30 a.m.  Worship Service

Thank you for your response to the “Sharing Tree” – Your generosity enabled us to send 34 Visa gift cards for deserving students at Lumberton HS! Mr. Hammonds, a guidance counselor who coordinates student support activities at LHS, tells us that Advent’s gift has made it possible to meet the goal of giving each “storm kid” a gift for Christmas. He sends heartfelt thanks. Blessings and gratitude from Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong, Outreach Co-Chairs

Christmas Cards to Your Advent Family: You are invited to bring (or send) a Christmas card to your Advent Family and post it on a bulletin board on the hallway. We will make sure push pins are available.

Call Committee: Save the date! Pastor Scott Lohman will be arriving sometime the week of January 15. The installation service will be on Sunday, January 21, 4:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. John Denninger, President of the Southeastern District, will be preaching for the installation service. Please continue to pray for Pastor Scott and his family as they plan their transition from Chicago to Chapel Hill.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels –Dec. 20 and 24, Jan. 14 and 21 Pastor Greg Williamson – Dec. 31; Pastor Larry Lineberger – Dec. 17, Jan. 7.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 17 – Bob Serpas, Jan. 7 – Dave Neely

Mid-week Advent Service: Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 13, for a light supper at 6:15 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. In this year’s series, Together in Advent, we celebrate together as the family of God the coming of his Son for our salvation. Each week in the series focuses on a different activity for our “to-do list” that is centered on giving and sharing instead of on materialism. The theme for Week 2 is: Send Peace. Beyond sending cards to loved ones this Advent season, we do all we can as the family of God to send peace to one another because the Prince of Peace is on his way.

Liturgy Questions: Why do we respond to the Pax Domini with “Amen” instead of “And also with you?” Answer: The first part of the Communion Liturgy or Service of the Sacrament, the Preface, 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, the Pax Domini, “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)

Helping Our Neighbors: A Christmas “Sharing Tree” We want to share a Christmas wish from Mr. Hammonds, School Counselor and advocate for the “storm kids” at Lumberton Senior High School: give each of the 50 students in the program a $25 Visa gift card for Christmas so they can buy a gift for themselves or for others in their families. Please bring gift cards this Sunday, December 10 so we can get them to the school before Christmas break. If you didn’t get an envelope from the “Sharing Tree” last week, they will be available on Sunday.

PORCH collection for this month will be on Monday, December 11.

Christmas Cards to Your Advent Family: You are invited to bring (or send) a Christmas card to your Advent Family and post it on a bulletin board on the hallway. We will make sure push pins are available.

Host for Pastor and Janis McDaniels: December 24 is on a Sunday this year. We will celebrate the 4^th Sunday in Advent at our morning worship service and Christmas Eve that evening at 7:00p. Pastor McDaniels is currently scheduled to lead those services. We are looking for someone to host him and Janis between the services and overnight. If you are interested, please talk with Peggy Earnhardt or Dave Neely.

Call Committee: Save the date! Pastor Scott Lohman will be arriving sometime the week of January 15. The installation service will be on Sunday, January 21, 4:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. John Denninger, President of the Southeastern District, will be preaching for the installation service. Please continue to pray for Pastor Scott and his family as they plan their transition from Chicago to Chapel Hill.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Dec. 10, Dec. 24, and Advent Mid-Week Services; Pastor Greg Williamson – Dec. 31; Pastor Larry Lineberger – Dec. 17.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Dec. 10 – John Stow
Dec. 17 – Bob Serpas
Dec. 24 – Dave Neely

Mid-week Advent Service: Please join us on Wednesday, Dec. 6, for a light supper at 6:15 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. In this year’s series, Together in Advent, we celebrate together as the family of God the coming of his Son for our salvation. Each week in the series focuses on a different activity for our “to-do list” that is centered on giving and sharing instead of on materialism. The theme for Week 1 is Be Present. Instead of spending all our time in Advent buying presents, we in God’s family set aside space to be present for one another, as Christ is coming to be present with us.

Call Committee: Save the date! Pastor Scott Lohman will be arriving sometime the week of January 15. The installation service will be on Sunday, January 21, 4:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. John Denninger, President of the Southeastern District, will be preaching for the installation service. Please continue to pray for Pastor Scott and his family as they plan their transition from Chicago to Chapel Hill.

Stewardship: If you were unable to return your estimate of giving card last week, please put it in the offering plate on Sunday or mail it to the church office in the envelope provided.

Helping Our Neighbors: A Christmas “Sharing Tree” We want to share a Christmas wish from Mr. Hammonds, School Counselor and advocate for the “storm kids” at Lumberton Senior High School: Give each of the 50 students in the program a $25 Visa gift card for Christmas so they can buy a gift for themselves or for others in their families. You are encouraged to take an envelope from the “Sharing Tree” in the Narthex and return it with a $25 gift card tucked inside. Please return your gifts by Sunday, December 10 so we can get them to the school before Christmas break. We are grateful to Rev. Greg Williamson for helping us connect with Lumberton SHS. After Hurricane Matthew last year, school coordinators at LSHS reached out to students in need of basic personal supplies. The school’s outreach program this year is focused on school-related events that will encourage students to stay in school, to learn and achieve and to look to the future with confidence. In the spring, we will share information about upcoming events and other ways we can help support these students. Outreach Co-Chairs: Lydia Berrong and Carolyn Jones

Host for Pastor and Janis McDaniels: December 24 is on a Sunday this year. We will celebrate the 4^th Sunday in Advent at our morning worship service and Christmas Eve that evening at 7:00p. Pastor McDaniels is currently scheduled to lead those services. We are looking for someone to host him and Janis between the services and overnight. If you are interested, please talk with Peggy Earnhardt or Dave Neely.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Dec. 10, Dec. 24, and Advent Mid-Week Services; Pastor Greg Williamson – Dec. 3, Dec. 31; Pastor Larry Lineberger – Dec. 17.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Dec. 3 – John Cangelosi
Dec. 10 – John Stow
Dec. 17 – Bob Serpas
Dec. 24 – Dave Neely

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all of you!

Stewardship: If you were unable to return your estimate of giving card last week, please put it in the offering plate today or mail it to the church office in the envelope provided.

Advent/Christmas Decorating: The sanctuary will be decorated for Advent/Christmas on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 am. Everyone is invited to help. The Men of Advent will be asked to take out the boxes and set up the tree after worship on November 26.

Hymns of Martin Luther Organ recital and hymn sing at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Durham, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd., on Sunday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. See the bulletin board in kitchen hallway for more details.

Liturgy during Worship: Starting Sunday, December 3, we will be using Divine Service Setting Four, which begins on page 203 in our hymnals. We used the second half of this setting for many years. We will be learning a new Kyrie and Alleluia Verse, but there is no chanting and the Hymn of Praise/Gloria is omitted during Advent.

Advent Services: The theme for Advent mid-week and December 24 morning (Fourth Sunday in Advent) will be “Together in Advent: Week 1 – Be Present, Week 2 – Send Peace, Week 3 – Share Joy, and December 24 morning – Wrap in Love.” Mid-week Advent services will be December 6, 13, and 20 at 7:00 p.m. after a light supper at 6:15 p.m. The choir will rehearse after the mid-week services.

Host for Pastor and Janis McDaniels: December 24 is on a Sunday this year. We will celebrate the 4^th Sunday in Advent at our morning worship service and Christmas Eve that evening at 7:00p. Pastor McDaniels is currently scheduled to lead those services. We are looking for someone to host him and Janis between the services and overnight. If you are interested, please talk with Peggy Earnhardt or Dave Neely.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Nov. 26, Dec. 10, Dec. 24, and Advent Mid-Week Services; Pastor Greg Williamson – Dec. 3; Pastor Larry Lineberger – Dec. 17.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Nov. 26 – Joe Schradie
Dec. 3 – John Cangelosi
Dec. 10 – John Stow
Dec. 17 – Bob Serpas
Dec. 24 – Dave Neely

Bearing Fruit for Jesus: Our stewardship focus continues this week with an emphasis on “Fruitful Use of Talents.” God has blessed each of us with unique talents and placed us within a fellowship of believers where we are to use our gifts to bring God glory and to serve one another. Please bring your Estimate of Giving for 2018 to church this Sunday and place it in the offering plate during the service.

Thanksgiving Baskets: Thank you to everyone who plucked a feather from our turkey to provide Thanksgiving dinner items for families from the Chapel Hill – Carrboro School District. Please bring your item(s) to church this Sunday, November 19.

Advent/Christmas Decorating: The sanctuary will be decorated for Advent/Christmas on Tuesday, November 28 at 10:00 am. Everyone is invited to help. The Men of Advent will be asked to take out the boxes and set up the tree after worship on November 26.

Liturgy during Worship: Starting Sunday, December 3, we will be using Divine Service Setting Four, which begins on page 203 in our hymnals. We used the second half of this setting for many years. We will be learning a new Kyrie and Alleluia Verse, but there is no chanting and the Hymn of Praise/Gloria is omitted during Advent.

Advent Services: The theme for Advent mid-week and December 24 morning (Fourth Sunday in Advent) will be “Together in Advent: Week 1 – Be Present, Week 2 – Send Peace, Week 3 – Share Joy, and December 24 morning – Wrap in Love.” Mid-week Advent services will be December 6, 13, and 20 at 7:00 p.m. after a light supper at 6:15 p.m. The choir will rehearse after the mid-week services.

Outreach: Helping Our Neighbors: Operation Christmas Child has been an enjoyable and effective way for Advent to send gifts and messages about God’s love to needy children around the world. This year, however, we have made a commitment to focus our resources closer to home. Pastor Greg Williamson teaches in Robeson County, one of the North Carolina communities still struggling to recover from last year’s Hurricane Matthew. Carolyn and Lydia will be visiting Lumberton SHS today, where Pastor Williamson will introduce them to caring individuals who will explain what students and families there need and how Advent can help. We look forward to sharing with you. Outreach Co-Chairs: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Nov. 26, Dec. 10, Dec. 24, and Advent Mid-Week Services; Pastor Greg Williamson –Nov. 19 and Dec. 3; Pastor Larry Lineberger – Dec. 17.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Nov. 19 – Dave Neely
Nov. 26 – Joe Schradie
Dec. 3 – John Cangelosi
Dec. 10 – John Stow
Dec. 17 – Bob Serpas
Dec. 24 – Dave Neely

Call Committee: Pastor Lohman has requested and was granted a two-week extension on making his decision regarding the Call to Advent. He will let us know by November 19 whether he will accept or return the Call. Please continue to pray for the Lohman family, their current congregation, and Advent.

Grounds Clean-up: We will be meeting tomorrow, Saturday, November 11 from 8:00 a.m. to Noon to clean up the church grounds. Lunch will be provided. Please join us as your schedule allows. If you have any questions, including what equipment may be needed, contact Paul Simis.

Bearing Fruit for Jesus: This year’s stewardship theme is Bearing Fruit for Jesus: His Grace and Power at Work Within You. Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) Fruit characterizes the life of the Christian steward. Christ living in us enables us to bear fruit. Join us Sunday as we continue to learn how to be faithful and fruitful stewards. Commitment Sunday will be November 19. Please return your Estimate of Giving for 2018 during worship that day.

Thanksgiving Baskets: Members of Advent once again will have the opportunity to provide Thanksgiving dinner items for two families from the Chapel Hill – Carrboro School District. Please choose a feather (or two or three!) from the turkey this Sunday, November 12 and bring the item(s) back to church the following Sunday, November 19.

PORCH collection for this month will be on Monday, November 13.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Nov. 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 10, Dec. 24, and Advent Mid-week Services; Pastor Greg Williamson –Nov. 19 and Dec. 3.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Nov. 12 – Bob Serpas
Nov. 19 – Dave Neely
Nov. 26 – Joe Schradie
Dec. 3 – John Cangelosi
Dec. 10 – John Stow
Dec. 17 – Bob Serpas
Dec. 24 – Dave Neely

Change the World One Life at a Time: Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Dorton Arena on the NC State Fairgrounds. The worship service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Check our website for all the details.

Note that we will NOT be having classes or services at Advent this coming Sunday. Grace Lutheran, 824 North Buchanan Blvd, Durham will be having their 8:30 a.m. service.

Daylight Savings Time ends November 5, 2017. Turn clocks back one hour when going to bed on Saturday, November 4.

Call Committee: Thank you to everyone who helped with and attended any part of the Lohman’s visit last week. Please keep Pastor Scott, his family, his current congregation, and Advent in your prayers that the Lord might lead them to a clear decision as to where He wants them to serve. Pastor Scott will decide whether to accept or return the call by Sunday, November 5. We will update you via email, bulletin announcements, and our website whenever we have new information.

Veterans: Help us prepare to recognize and honor veterans in our Advent Family. Take a moment to review and edit the list of veterans posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. You are invited to add yourself, your parents and siblings, and your children and grandchildren who have served or are serving. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Thanksgiving Baskets: Members of Advent once again will have the opportunity to provide Thanksgiving dinner items for two families from the Chapel Hill – Carrboro School District. Please choose a feather (or two or three!) from the turkey next Sunday, November 12 and bring the item(s) back to church the following Sunday, November 19.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Nov. 12, Nov. 26; Pastor Greg Williamson –Nov. 19.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Nov. 5 – 500th Reformation at Dorton Arena
Nov. 12 – Bob Serpas
Nov. 19 – Dave Neely

Call Committee: Thank you to everyone who helped with and attended any part of the Lohman’s visit this week. Please keep Pastor Scott, his family, his current congregation, and Advent in your prayers that the Lord might lead them to a clear decision as to where He wants them to serve. Pastor Scott will decide whether to accept or return the call by Sunday, November 5. We will update you via email, bulletin announcements, and our website whenever we have new information.

Time and Talent Request: This week we are working on schedules for November and December. Please contact Carolyn Jones ASAP if you have “do not schedule” dates.

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis hosts a 500th Anniversary Reformation Service: Join us for a celebration of the promise of God’s Word at, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. The service will be structured around Martin Luther’s “three solas,” with meditations planned for each of the three teachings central to the Reformation: Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone) and Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone). The service is will be live streamed at www.csl.edu/live.

Change the World One Life at a Time: Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Dorton Arena on the NC State Fairgrounds. The worship service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Check our website for all the details including information about the event and volunteering.

Note that we will NOT be having classes or services at Advent that day. We are in the process of arranging transportation to Raleigh for anyone who needs it. Grace Lutheran, 824 North Buchanan Blvd, Durham will be having their 8:30 a.m. service.

Art Show: Students from across the region are asked to submit their artwork for display at Dorton Arena. All of the submitted artwork will be displayed behind the main stage on the floor of Dorton Arena. Parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors can come to visit the pieces of art that have been entered for the art show. Submissions are due by Oct. 31. The submission form and more info on our website.

Veterans: Help us prepare to recognize and honor veterans in our Advent Family. Take a moment to review and edit the list of veterans posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. You are invited to add yourself, your parents and siblings, and your children and grandchildren who have served or are serving. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Nov. 26; Pastor Greg Williamson –Nov. 19.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Oct. 29 – Joe Schradie
Nov. 5 – 500th Reformation at Dorton Arena
Nov. 12 – Bob Serpas
Nov. 19 – Dave Neely

Call Committee: Pastor Scott and Gina Lohman and their son Jonathan will be visiting Advent and the area from the evening of Wednesday, October 25 through the morning of Saturday, October 28. The Council and Call Committee will meet with them on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Advent. The congregation is invited to join us at 7:30 p.m. for dessert. These will be casual gatherings to allow them time to ask questions and get to know us better. Please keep Pastor Scott, his family, his current congregation, and Advent in your prayers that the Lord might lead him to a clear decision as to where He wants him to serve. He will decide whether to accept or return the call by Sunday, November 5. We will update you via email, bulletin announcements, and our website whenever we have new information.

Change the World One Life at a Time: Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Dorton Arena on the NC State Fairgrounds. The worship service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Check our website for all the details including information about the event and volunteering.

Art Show: Art has shaped society and motivated people for centuries. When Rev. Martin Luther created his small catechism he made sure it was printed with art that demonstrated and taught people about God’s will for their lives. To encourage the arts and continue in the spirit of the Reformation, students from across the region are asked to submit their artwork for display at Dorton Arena. All of the submitted artwork will be displayed behind the main stage on the floor of Dorton Arena. Parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors can come to visit the pieces of art that have been entered for the art show. The submission form and more info is available here.

Note that we will NOT be having classes or services at Advent that day. We are in the process of arranging transportation to Raleigh for anyone who needs it. Grace Lutheran, 824 North Buchanan Blvd, Durham will be having their 8:30 a.m. service.

Veterans: Help us prepare to recognize and honor veterans in our Advent Family. Take a moment to review and edit the list of veterans posted on the bulletin board in the hallway. You are invited to add yourself, your parents and siblings, and your children and grandchildren who have served or are serving. Contact: Carolyn Jones.

Worship Leaders: Pastor Larry Lineberger, Oct. 22; Pastor James McDaniels – Oct. 29, Nov. 12; Pastor Greg Williamson –Nov. 19.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:

Oct. 22 – John Stow
Oct. 29 – Joe Schradie
Nov. 5 – 500th Reformation at Dorton Arena
Nov. 12 – Bob Serpas
Nov. 19 – Dave Neely

Call Committee: Please plan to stay for a few minutes after the service this Sunday for an update regarding the call.

The Coalition of Lutherans in Black Ministry (COLIBM) Registration for the event begins at 7:00 p.m. tonight, October 6. The theme for this meeting will be “Let’s Talk About the Pastor!” We all are invited and encouraged to attend the sessions on Friday night and Saturday. We will be watching the LCMS produced video “The First Rosa,” a film about Rosa J. Young, this evening. Please join us!

Change the World One Life at a Time: Sunday, November 5, 2017 at Dorton Arena on the NC State Fairgrounds. The worship service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Check our website for all the details including information about the event and volunteering.

Note that we will NOT be having classes or services at Advent that day. We are in the process of arranging transportation to Raleigh for anyone who needs it. Grace Lutheran, 824 North Buchanan Blvd, Durham will be having their 8:30 a.m. service.

Worship Leaders: Pastor James McDaniels – Oct. 8 and 29, Nov. 12; Pastor Greg Williamson – Oct. 15, Nov. 19; Pastor Larry Lineberger, Oct. 22.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders:
Oct .15 – John Cangelosi
Oct. 22 – John Stow
Oct. 29 – Joe Schradie
Nov. 5 – 500th Reformation at Dorton Arena
Nov. 12 – Bob Serpas
Nov. 19 – Dave Neely