Voter’s Meeting will be this Sunday, January 20, 2019 following worship. We will vote on the 2019 Congregational Budget and discuss other important matters of Advent Lutheran Church.

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

Christmas Eve Service 2018: Did you miss the service this year? Or do you just want to see and hear it again? Check out the video on our youtube channel.

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! The revised schedule: Jan. 20 – John Stow, Jan. 27 – Joe Schradie, Feb. 3 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 10 – Dave Neely, Feb. 17 – Pastor Scott, Feb. 27 – John Cangelosi.

Readings for Sunday, January 20, The Second Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 62:1–5, Psalm 128, 1 Cor. 12:1–11, John 2:1–11

I Go to Sing: “Singing together still brings home, the we-ness of worship, the not-alone-ness of life in God, the best of all we have to offer each other.” Check out this blog about singing in church.

PORCH: The winter sort dates are January 14, and February 11. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Voter’s Meeting will be on Sunday, January 20, 2019 following worship. We will vote on the 2019 Congregational Budget and discuss other important matters of Advent Lutheran Church.

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 in the Narthex. Blessings, Pastor Scott

Christmas Sharing Tree: Your gifts for children in Lumberton were delivered. Thank you for your generosity! Pictures and more information will be on a bulletin board in the office hallway.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Jan. 13 – Bob Serpas, Jan. 20 – John Stow, Jan. 27 – Joe Schradie, Feb. 3 – Dave Neely.

Readings for Sunday, January 13, The Baptism of Our Lord/First Sunday after the Epiphany: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 43:1–7, Psalm 29, Rom. 6:1–11, Luke 3:15–22

Happy New Year!

Offering envelopes for 2019 will be in your church mailbox.

PORCH: The winter sort dates are January 14, and February 11. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Christmas Sharing Tree: Your gifts for children in Lumberton were delivered on Tuesday, December 18. Thank you for your generosity! Pictures and more information will be posted in the Narthex.

Abundant Joy Winter/Spring 2019 Groups: Check out the website at http://www.abundantjoycwm.com/offerings.html to register or email abundantjoycwm@gmail.com.

• January 17 – April 4 (12 weeks), Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – Noon
  ‘Search for Significance’ by Robert McGee
• February 5 – April 9 (10 weeks), Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  ‘So Long Insecurity’ by Beth Moore
• February 5 – March 20 (7 weeks), Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – Noon
  ‘Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story’ by Angie Smith
• April 3 – June 12 (11 weeks), Wednesdays 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  ‘It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way’ by Lysa TerKeurst
• April 11 – June 6 (9 weeks), Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – Noon
  ‘A Praying Life’ by Paul Miller

Basic Peer Counseling Training (BPCT) begins January 17. BPCT equips volunteers to serve a peer counseling volunteer for one-on-one counseling and/or to facilitate small groups. If you are interested, contact Lynn Trogdon at lynntrogdon.abundantjoycwm@gmail.com. or call 919-943-0689.

New Praise and Worship Band: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Love to sing? Love to play instruments? Love to worship the Lord? Then we are looking for you! Contemporary worship at Advent is starting up. Make plans to join The New Praise and Worship Band. All musicians are welcome to join: singers, instrumentalists, computer-based musicians, sound techs, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, piano, flute, violin, cello, saxophone, etc. Please let Pastor Scott know how you would like to help. Don’t forget to ask your friends, family, and neighbors too! They may know someone who might be interested.

Men’s Evening Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, January 8 at 7:00 p.m. with an 8-session study of the Lord’s Supper portrayed in Old Testament sacrifice titled “Eating God’s Sacrifice.”

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Jan. 6 – John Cangelosi, Jan. 13 – Bob Serpas, Jan. 20 – John Stow, Jan. 27 – Joe Schradie, Feb. 3 – Dave Neely.

Readings for Sunday, January 6, The Epiphany of Our Lord: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Is. 60:1–6, Psalm 72:1–11(12–15), Eph. 3:1–12, Matt. 2:1–12

Sunday, December 30: There will be NO Sunday School or Bible Class this Sunday. Pastor Jonathan Frusti will be leading the service. Pastor Frusti is a retired Navy Chaplain and served as Senior Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Winterhaven, Florida until 2015.

Offering envelopes for 2019 will be in your church mailbox.

Poinsettias: Thanks to all who donated Poinsettias to beautify the Sanctuary this Christmas season. Please take your Poinsettia home after the service this Sunday, December 30.

Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors:

Christmas Sharing Tree: Your gifts for children in Lumberton were delivered on Tuesday, December 18. Thank you for your generosity! Pictures and more information will be posted in the Narthex.

Gift Cards: This is the last Sunday for bringing Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash for Lumberton. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Readings for Sunday, December 30, First S. after Christmas: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Ex. 13:1–3a, 11–15, Psalm 111, Col. 3:12–17, Luke 2:22–40

Wishing all of you a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 23 – Bob Serpas. Note that there will be NO Sunday School or Bible Class on Sunday, December 30.

Thank you from Wilmington: We received a lovely thank you note from the Marshall family in Wilmington. We have included this family in prayers on Sunday since Hurricane Florence. A close friend of a member of the congregation wrote the note on behalf of her parents who lost their home and all their belongings during hurricane Florence. Donations received at the Men of Advent Retreat were used to purchase gift cards and the Care Committee also contributed a gift card. Thank you! Your generosity is making a difference in people’s lives.

Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Monday, December 24 – Pre-service Music 6:45 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. The prophet Isaiah foretold, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Join us for Christmas Eve to celebrate the great Light that has come into our world to dispel the darkness of sin forever. Candlelight, carols, Scripture, a homily and prayers reveal the Good News that our Great Light has dawned: Jesus Christ is born; let us rejoice!

Christmas Day Services: We will not be having a Christmas Day service. Area Lutheran churches that will be having services include:Grace, Durham – 10am; Our Savior, Raleigh – 11 am; Resurrection, Cary – 10am.

Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors:

Christmas Sharing Tree: Your gifts for children in Lumberton were delivered on Tuesday, December 18. Thank you for your generosity! Pictures and more information will be posted in the Narthex.

Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Continue a Christmas Card Tradition: You are invited to bring (or send) a Christmas card to share with your Advent family. We will hang your cards on the “Sharing Tree” in the Narthex.

Readings for Sunday, December 23, Fourth S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Isaiah 2:1-5, Ephesians 4:1-6, John 14:1-6.

May the HOPE of salvation, Jesus Christ, shine through you.
May God’s PEACE be made known in you and in our world.
May the JOY of knowing Jesus be in the words you speak, the songs you sing.
And, may the LOVE of God overflow in your heart.

Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas!

Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Sunday, December 16: Children’s Program during worship “Starry, Starry Night“
Wednesday, December 19: Our Living Branch (Isaiah 11:1): God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life.
Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Monday, December 24 – Pre-service Music 6:45 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. The prophet Isaiah foretold, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Join us for Christmas Eve to celebrate the great Light that has come into our world to dispel the darkness of sin forever. Candlelight, carols, Scripture, a homily and prayers reveal the Good News that our Great Light has dawned: Jesus Christ is born; let us rejoice!

Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors:

Christmas Sharing Tree: Thank you for sharing with children in Lumberton. Please wrap your gift, attach the name tag you’ve chosen, and bring it to Advent by this Sunday, December 16 to ensure delivery by Christmas. We encourage you to include a message to the recipient and sign your name as ‘A Friend from Advent’.

Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Continue a Christmas Card Tradition: You are invited to bring (or send) a Christmas card to share with your Advent family. We will hang your cards on the “Sharing Tree” in the Narthex.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 16 – Dave Neely, Dec. 23 – Bob Serpas

Readings for Sunday, December 16, Third S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Zeph. 3:14–20, Psalm 85, Phil. 4:4–7, Luke 7:18–28 (29–35)

We WILL be having our mid-week Advent service at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, December 12, but will NOT be having a supper before the service. Hope to see you there.

Choir will rehearse after the service.

Due to the likelihood of severe winter weather, Advent will NOT be open for Sunday School, Bible Class, or Worship Services tomorrow (Sunday, December 9, 2018.) Stay safe and warm! We pray for God’s protection for all who will be affected by this storm.

You can watch Sunday morning services by googling ‘live stream church services lcms’. A few options are available here at 8:00 a.m. or here at 11:30 a.m. or at kfuo.

Poinsettias: Order your poinsettias to decorate the church by this Sunday, December 9. Print and use this form or pick one up at church.

PORCH: The winter sort dates are December 10, January 14, and February 11. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Check out this great video on the outreach page of our website about current needs and relief efforts in Lumberton from the SED featuring Pastor Williamson.

Hope Buckets: Thank you to all who donated cleaning supplies and helped pack “Hope Buckets” for families working to recover from flood damage in Lumberton. Your thoughtfulness and generosity make a real difference. The buckets were delivered to a distribution center in Lumberton on November 28.

Christmas Sharing Tree: Thank you for sharing with children in Lumberton. Please wrap your gift, attach the name tag you’ve chosen, and bring it to Advent by Sunday, December 16 to ensure delivery by Christmas. We encourage you to include a message to the recipient and sign your name as ‘A Friend from Advent’.

Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Wednesday, December 12: Our Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11): God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to his heart.
Sunday, December 16: Children’s Program during worship “Starry, Starry Night“
Wednesday, December 19: Our Living Branch (Isaiah 11:1): God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life.
Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: Monday, December 24 – Pre-service Music 6:45 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. The prophet Isaiah foretold, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Join us for Christmas Eve to celebrate the great Light that has come into our world to dispel the darkness of sin forever. Candlelight, carols, Scripture, a homily and prayers reveal the Good News that our Great Light has dawned: Jesus Christ is born; let us rejoice!

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 9 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely

Readings for Sunday, December 9, Second S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Mal. 3:1–7b, Psalm 66:1–12, Phil. 1:2–11, Luke 3:1–14 (15–20)

Policy for canceling worship due to inclement weather or other emergency: The Pastor will confer with the President, the Chair of the Board of Worship, and an Elder to reach a decision about cancellation of a Worship service or other event. If the event is cancelled, the congregation will be informed by email no later than two hours before the event is scheduled to begin. The office manager will set up a phone tree to call all members who do not use email as soon as the decision is made and will notify local ABC & NBC television stations. The announcement will also be posted on the Advent website and Facebook as soon as possible. If a service is not cancelled and someone feels unsafe driving, they are encouraged to stay home.

Women of Advent: Ladies, please join us for the Women of Advent’s Annual Christmas Breakfast Buffet tomorrow, December 1, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Carolyn Hinkle, 185 Saxapawhaw Run, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. RSVP to Carolyn (919-967-3609 or cbhinkle@msn.com.)

Condolences to Beth Benham whose father, Leonard Wachsmuth, passed away on November 20. You can read his obituary here. Beth’s home address: 6699 Quail Lake, Mason OH 45040

Commitment Cards: Thanks to all who returned their 2019 commitment cards. They are helpful for planning next year’s budget. If you haven’t returned one, it’s not too late. Bring it to church this Sunday or mail it to the church.

Poinsettias: Order your poinsettias to decorate the church by Sunday, December 9. Print and use this form or pick one up at church.

Advent Services: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us)” Matthew 1:23. Join us for our Advent worship series, “God with Us.” Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah and will reveal how Christ continues be present with us even now. Light Supper at 6:15 p.m., Worship Service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Wednesday, December 5: Our Potter (Isaiah 64:8): God is with us as our Potter, who shapes according to his will.
Wednesday, December 12: Our Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11): God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to his heart.
Sunday, December 16: Children’s Program during worship, “Starry, Starry Night“
Wednesday, December 19: Our Living Branch (Isaiah 11:1): God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life.
Sunday, December 23: Our Guide (Isaiah 2:3): God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word.

Hurricane Relief – Helping Our Neighbors: Check out this great video on the outreach page of our website about current needs and relief efforts in Lumberton from the SED featuring Pastor Williamson.

Hope Buckets: Thank you to all who donated cleaning supplies and helped pack “Hope Buckets” for families working to recover from flood damage in Lumberton. Your thoughtfulness and generosity make a real difference. The buckets will be delivered this week.

Christmas Sharing Tree: Pastor Williamson and Mr. Hammonds, a Guidance Counselor at Lumberton HS, are working together to give us a list of younger children to help at Christmas time. We hope to share that list soon.

Gift Cards: We continue to collect Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement gift cards or cash each Sunday through December and will send your donations to Pastor Williamson in Lumberton at the end of the month. Look for a collection spot in the narthex. Contacts: Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

New Praise and Worship Band: There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Love to sing? Love to play instruments? Love to worship the Lord? Then we are looking for you! Contemporary worship at Advent is starting up. Make plans to join The New Praise and Worship Band. All musicians are welcome to join: singers, instrumentalists, computer-based musicians, sound techs, guitar, bass, drums, percussion, piano, flute, violin, cello, saxophone, etc. Please let Pastor Scott know how you would like to help. Don’t forget to ask your friends, family, and neighbors too! They may know someone who might be interested.

Sunday Adult Bible Study Leaders: Dec. 2 – John Stow; Dec. 9 – Bob Serpas; Dec. 16 – Dave Neely

Readings for Sunday, December 2, First S. in Advent: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Jer. 33:14–16, Psalm 25:1–10, 1 Thess. 3:9–13, Luke 19:28–40 or Luke 21:25–36