Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, April 3– “A God with a Mother” (Revelation 12:1–6; John 19:25–27): We recall that the man Jesus had to be born and grow in the body of, and under the care of, His mother. But Mary is also His disciple, given to another, John, at the foot of the cross. And in our human relationships, we are all, parents and children, disciples of the man Jesus.

Easter Lilies: This year, the Easter Lilies will be purchased with monies currently in the flower fund. However, you will have the opportunity to ‘sponsor’ an Easter lily. Donations from sponsorships will be sent to Lumberton, NC, for the hurricane relief fund. On March 31, there will be a bulletin insert that will let you fill out your Easter Lily Sponsor donation in honor or memory of your loved ones. The sponsorships will then be listed in the bulletin as usual.

Field Notes: Check out the latest newsletter from Shauen and Krista Trump, missionaries in Eastern and Southern Africa

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott, April 7 – Bob Serpas, April 14 – Pastor Scott, April 28 – Joe Schradie.

Readings for Sunday, March 31, The Fourth Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 12:1–6, Psalm 32, 2 Cor. 5:16–21, Luke 15:1–3, 11–32

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, March 27 – “A God Exposed” (Genesis 3:7–21; John 19:1–5, 23–24): We recall that the man Jesus, after being clothed in mock royal robes, had His own garments taken from Him in order to shame Him. But, unlike every other human, He had nothing to hide. His clothes were taken from Him; but we are given the robe of His own righteousness!

Women of Advent Retreat: Ever since the fall of man we have lived in a world full of sin and lies. Come join the Women of Advent for a Women’s Retreat where we “Shatter the lies: Remembering who we are,” on Saturday April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church. Be prepared to break your bondage to Satan and revel in the freedom of God through small groups, crafts, personal reflection time with your Lord, as well as worship and praise. Lunch will be provided. Sorry no childcare.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying the “Lessons of the Day.” Please join us to learn how the Sunday Worship Service revolves around the readings appointed for the day. Leaders: Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, March 24, The Third Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Ezek. 33:7–20, Psalm 85, 1 Cor. 10:1–13, Luke 13:1–9

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, March 20– “A God Beaten” (Isaiah 52:13–53:12; John 18:19–24): We recall that the man Jesus was struck in the home of the high priest, although He was our great High Priest. He was struck according to God’s will; He was beaten for us!

Easter Lilies: This year, the Easter Lilies will be purchased with monies currently in the flower fund. However, you will have the opportunity to ‘sponsor’ an Easter lily. Donations from sponsorships will be sent to Lumberton, NC, for the hurricane relief fund. On March 31, there will be a bulletin insert that will let you fill out your Easter Lily Sponsor donation in honor or memory of your loved ones. The sponsorships will then be listed in the bulletin as usual.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing angels. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, March 16, The Second Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 26:8–15, Psalm 4, Phil. 3:17—4:1, Luke 13:31–35

Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 10. Remember to set clocks ahead one hour when retiring on Saturday.

Lenten Mid-Week Services are on Wednesdays through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Lent Wednesday, March 13 – “A God Who Prays” (Hebrews 7:20–28; John 17): We remember how the man Jesus prayed to His Father and ours. He is our great High Priest, who even now prays for us!

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates are March 11, and April 15. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Men’s Evening Bible Study: The Men’s Bible Study is in recess until after Easter. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing demons. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Mar. 10 – Joe Schradie, Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Readings for Sunday, March 10, The First Sunday in Lent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 26:1–11, Psalm 91:1–13, Rom. 10:8b–13, Luke 4:1–13

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing dreams. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Mar. 3 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 10 – Joe Schradie, Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Lenten Services: “Behold the man!” was Pontius Pilate’s short, yet most profound, sermon. Our endeavor this Lententide and Easter Sunday is to behold the man, God in human flesh, Jesus. He knew all that real bodies experience; He suffered, wept, bled, ate, and hoped. He lived this physical life in order to be nailed to a cross. So we are truly preparing for the celebration of His real, bodily, flesh-and-blood resurrection. Behold the man, who has led the way for us through death to our own physical resurrection!

Ash Wednesday, March 6, 7:00 p.m. – “A God Who Hungers” (Joel 2:12–19; 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10; Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21): We remember how the man Jesus fasted for forty days, refusing to eat—the direct opposite to our first parents, who ate the forbidden fruit in their rebellion. Eating and fasting were very physical actions for Jesus; His body needed sustenance. In the Sermon on the Mount (today’s Gospel), Jesus doesn’t command fasting, once a hallmark of Lent; rather, He says, “When you fast.” Whether we individually fast or not, our elder Brother does give us what we need for every aspect of our lives: Himself, in, with, and under the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of sins.

Lenten Mid-Week Services will be on Wednesdays, March 13 through April 10 at 7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served each week at 6:15 p.m. If you would like to contribute any of the food items needed for the meals, please see the sign-up sheets in the church narthex. We thank you for helping make the meals delicious. We have many good cooks at Advent! Any questions about the dinners, please contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Readings for Sunday, March 3, The Transfiguration of Our Lord: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 34:1–12, Psalm 99, Heb. 3:1–6, Luke 9:28–36

Church Potluck: Plan to brighten a cold February day by attending the Fellowship Potluck Lunch after the church service this Sunday, February 24. See you there! Questions? Contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Preparing for Worship, by Max Lucado: Do you prepare for church worship? We’re sadly casual when it comes to meeting God. Suppose you were invited to a Sunday morning breakfast at the White House? How would you spend Saturday night? Would you think about your questions and requests? Should we prepare any less for an encounter with the Holy God? Come to worship prepared to worship. Pray and read the Word before you come, and come expecting God to speak. Then you’ll discover the purpose of worship—to change the face of the worshiper. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:18 “Our faces, then are not covered. We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like him.” God wipes away our tears, softens our furrowed brows and touches our cheeks. He changes our faces as we worship.

Thank you to our card makers: Thank you to the children who shared cards they made on February 10! Most of the cards have been mailed to members with “thinking of you” or “get well” messages. Each card included a note that it had been made by a child at Advent and listed the maker’s name. You have brightened someone’s day!

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing near-death experiences. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Feb. 24 – Bob Serpas, Mar. 3 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 10 – Joe Schradie, Mar. 17 – Pastor Scott, Mar. 24 – Dave Neely, Mar. 31 – Pastor Scott.

Lenten and Easter Services: “Behold the man!” was Pontius Pilate’s short, yet most profound, sermon. Our endeavor this Lententide and Easter Sunday is to behold the man, God in human flesh, Jesus. He knew all that real bodies experience; He suffered, wept, bled, ate, and hoped. He lived this physical life in order to be nailed to a cross. So we are truly preparing for the celebration of His real, bodily, flesh-and-blood resurrection. Without that, our faith and our preaching are all in vain. Behold the man, who has led the way for us through death to our own physical resurrection! Please join us this Lenten and Easter season as we “Behold the Man.”

Ash Wednesday: March 6, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Hungers

Lent Wednesdays: Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m.

March 13 – A God Who Prays
March 20– A God Beaten
March 27 – A God Exposed
April 3– A God with a Mother
April 10– A God Who Thirsts

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Loves
Good Friday, April 19, 7:00 p.m. – A God Who Bleeds, a God Who Dies
Easter Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. – A God Who Rises

Readings for Sunday, February 24, The Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 45:3–15, Psalm 103:1–13, 1 Cor. 15:21–26, 30-42, Luke 6:27–38

Sunday Adult Bible Study: We are studying “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing mystical experiences. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of some mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Feb. 17 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 24 – John Cangelosi.

Church Potluck: Plan to brighten a cold February day by attending the Fellowship Potluck Lunch after the church service on Sunday, February 24. See the poster in the church narthex for information and sign-up sheet. See you there! Questions? Contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Readings for Sunday, February 17, The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 17:5–8, Psalm 1, 1 Cor. 15:(1–11) 12–20, Luke 6:17–26

Valentines Craft Session: After worship on Sunday, February 10, children are invited to make Valentine cards and/or gifts for family AND for Advent shut-ins. All materials will be provided. Parents of little ones (and other interested adults) are encouraged to participate and help. Contact: Carolyn Jones

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates are February 11, March 11, and April 15. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Church Potluck: Plan to brighten a cold February day by attending the Fellowship Potluck Lunch after the church service on Sunday, February 24. See the poster in the church narthex for information and sign-up sheet. See you there! Questions? Contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Inspiring Scriptures and Hymns: It is hard to name one favorite scripture and/or hymn. You are invited to tell us some that mean the most to you. Please take a sheet with hearts (instructions included) from the bulletin board in the office hallway, write about your favorites and post them to share with your Advent Family.

Sunday Adult Bible Study: A new study is starting titled “The Unexplained Miracles, Mysteries and More.” This week we will be addressing miracles. Future classes will discuss angels, dreams, demons, etc. Please join us for this Bible series and get understanding of these mysteries of life from God’s perspective. Leaders: Feb. 10 – Dave Neely, Feb. 17 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 24 – John Cangelosi.

Readings for Sunday, February 10, The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 6:1–8 (9–13), Psalm 138, 1 Cor. 14:12b–20, Luke 5:1–11

Choir Rehearsal will be resuming on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

Women of Advent: It is that time of year – Women of Advent’s Valentine’s Girls Night Out, “A Few of Our Favorite Things,” plus fun and delicious desserts all on one night: Thursday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us for this fun evening. Information flyers and sign-up sheet are in the church narthex. Questions? Contact Maryanne Warne.

Valentines Craft Session: After worship on Sunday, February 10, children are invited to make Valentine cards and/or gifts for family AND for Advent shut-ins. All materials will be provided. Parents of little ones (and other interested adults) are encouraged to participate and help. Contact: Carolyn Jones

Church Potluck: Plan to brighten a cold February day by attending the Fellowship Potluck Lunch after the church service on Sunday, February 24. See the poster in the church narthex for information and sign-up sheet. See you there! Questions? Contact Lois Durr or Maryanne Warne.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Pastor Scott will be leading Bible study on February 3 and 17 and will be addressing possible topics for future studies. We encourage you to join us! Feb. 3 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 10 – Dave Neely, Feb. 17 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 27 – John Cangelosi.

Readings for Sunday, February 3, The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 1:4–10 (17–19), Psalm 71:1–6 (7–11), 1 Cor. 12:31b—13:13, Luke 4:31–44

Lenten Devotional: For this year’s Lenten Devotional, entitled, “Journey to the Cross,” I am excited to ask YOU, the members and friends of Advent Lutheran to prayerfully consider contributing to our devotional booklet by writing the devotionals! Please check out the Writing Guide and the ‘Journey to the Cross’ Devotional Interest Sign-Up Sheet here or in the Narthex. Blessings, Pastor Scott

Women of Advent: It is that time of year – Women of Advent’s Valentine’s Girls Night Out, “A Few of Our Favorite Things,” plus fun and delicious desserts all on one night: Thursday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us for this fun evening. Information flyers and sign-up sheet are in the church narthex. Questions? Contact Maryanne Warne.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Pastor Scott will be leading Bible study on February 3 and 17 and will be addressing possible topics for future studies. We encourage you to join us! Jan. 27 – Joe Schradie, Feb. 3 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 10 – Dave Neely, Feb. 17 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 27 – John Cangelosi.

Readings for Sunday, January 27, The Third Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Neh. 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10, Psalm 19:(1–6) 7–14, 1 Cor. 12:12–31a, Luke 4:16–30