We WILL be having Sunday School and Bible Class at 9:15 a.m. and Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, September 16. The “We the Church” meeting will be postponed until next week, September 23 at noon.

Please take care and do not put yourselves in harm’s way by taking unnecessary risks. As the Church we are a place of refuge, but if you feel uncomfortable driving – due to the weather, wet roads, downed branches, etc. – you are encouraged to stay home.

You can watch Sunday morning services by googling ‘live stream church services lcms’. One option is available here. Other options are also listed at kfuo.org.

Be safe, and may God protect!

Praying that everyone is safe and dry and still has power! We will continue to keep an eye on the storm and inform you about Sunday services.

We the Church: There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer. The meeting will be held after worship this Sunday, September 16 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

PORCH: The next PORCH sort date is September 17. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area. FeedingAmerica.org indicates that 15.4% of North Carolinians are challenged with food insecurities; so about 1 in every 6-7 people don’t have enough food. Let’s keep helping!

Council Meeting: Thursday, September 20, 7:00 p.m.

Readings for Sunday, September 16, 17th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Is. 50:4–10, Ps. 116:1–9, James 3:1–12, Mark 9:14–29.

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.

With the potential for power outages due to Hurricane Florence, services may need to be cancelled this Sunday, September 16. As soon as we know for sure, and provided internet or cell phone service is available, we will post information on our website and on facebook and will update our voice mail message at 919-590-5931. Please see below for our inclement weather policy.

The LCMS Disaster Response Resources website offers valuable information, including links to recommended Government Preparedness Websites. See LCMS-SED disaster response and relief efforts for more info. If you need help preparing or know of someone who does, please call (919-590-5931) and leave a message or email (AdventLutheranCH@gmail.com).

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.

We pray for God’s protection for all in the path of this storm.

Rally Day will be this Sunday, September 9. Most activities will resume after summer break including:

• Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 9, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 9 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 16 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 23 – John Stow; Sept. 30 – Joe Schradie
• Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be starting a 12-session series on Lutheran Liturgy. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.
• Women’s Evening Bible Study – The Women’s Group continues to meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. They are studying “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle. Contact Karen Baker for further information.
• Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

We the Church: There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer. The meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, September 16 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

Jaw-Dropping Stats and Some Hope! Are your neighbors “unclaimed”? And what can YOU do? Read about it here. And learn more about the resources available from the Center for U.S. Missions (an LCMS partner).

Opportunity to Share: A member of our Advent Family needs help setting up housekeeping in a small apartment. If you have furnishings or other household items to share or if would like to donate money to help purchase items, please contact Carolyn Jones.

Readings for Sunday, September 9, 16th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Deut. 4:1–2, 6–9, Ps. 119:129–136, Eph. 6:10–20, Mark 7:14–23

Rally Day will be on Sunday, September 9. Most activities will resume after summer break including:

• Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 9, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 9 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 16 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 23 – John Stow; Sept. 30 – Joe Schradie
• Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. We’ll be starting a 12-session series on Lutheran Liturgy. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.
• Women’s Evening Bible Study – The Women’s Group continues to meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. They are studying “The God of All Comfort” by Donna Pyle. Contact Karen Baker for further information.
• Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!

Opportunity to Share: A member of our Advent Family needs help setting up housekeeping in a small apartment. If you have furnishings or other household items to share or if would like to donate money to help purchase items, please contact Carolyn Jones.

We also have two other opportunities to help. The Lohmans will be moving into their new home TOMORROW and the Sherefs will be moving into their new home after they close (we’ll send out the date when the move is finalized). Please contact Dave Neely or John Stow if you can help.

We the Church: There will be a follow-up meeting to discuss the implications for us evident in the “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers” video we viewed earlier in the summer. The meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, September 16 at noon. We have all been given a mission to spread the gospel and reverse the trend of shrinkage in the church. Let’s talk about what we can do to accomplish it as a church and as individuals.

Home Visits: Would you like to visit our homebound members? Pastor Scott and the elders are already visiting them, but they would welcome visits or calls from other members as well. If you are interested, please put you name on the sign-up sheet in the narthex or contact Pastor Scott, John Cangelosi, or John Stow. We will give you a little background and contact information.

Readings for Sunday, September 2, 15th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Deut. 4:1–2, 6–9, Ps. 119:129–136, Eph. 6:10–20, Mark 7:14–23

Opportunity to Share: A member of our Advent Family needs help setting up housekeeping in a small apartment. If you have furnishings or other household items to share, please contact Carolyn Jones.

We also have two other opportunities to help. The Lohmans and the Sherefs will be moving into new homes. Please contact Dave Neely or John Stow if you can help with either of these moves.

Birthdays and Anniversaries: Help us update our lists of birthdays and anniversaries. Please review and revise lists posted on a bulletin board in the hallway.

Thanks from Pastor Williamson:Pastor sends his sincere gratitude for all the well wishes, cards, prayers, and encouragement from the folks at Advent. “And, thanks, too, for the anniversary card—so thoughtful.” Pastor and Jackie had a good visit with his mom (89) and family in MN. He is eager to start the new school year at Lumberton High School.

LWML NC District Convention: Carolinas District LWML District Convention is Sept. 14 and 15, 2018 at Lake Junaluska, NC. See Maryanne Warne for more information.

Readings for Sunday, August 26, 14th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Is. 29:11–19, Ps. 14, Eph. 5:22–33, Mark 7:1–13

Men’s Retreat: The Men of Advent look forward to another great weekend of fellowship, studying God’s Word and growing together in Christ in 2018! We have currently reserved 10 rooms, which hold up to 20 men double occupancy, at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC from October 5-7. The costs for the Men’s Retreat are: $184 per person (two per room); $224 (single); the cost includes 2 nights and all meals dinner Friday through breakfast Sunday. Let Dave Neely, Bill Ackerman or John Stow know if you can attend.

PORCH is an all-volunteer, grassroots hunger relief organization. They collect food and cash donations through monthly food drives, then distribute food to hundreds of at-risk families in our community through: FOOD FOR PANTRIES – Stocks the shelves of 12 Orange County pantries with non-perishable items; FOOD FOR FAMILIES – Provides fresh food to hundreds of families with young children attending our public schools; FOOD FOR SCHOOLS – Delivers healthy snacks to 19 public schools and 3 after-school programs in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Find out more here. The fall sort dates are Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

Readings for Sunday, August 19, 13th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Josh. 24:1–2a, 14–18, Ps. 34:12–22, Eph. 5:6–21, John 6:51–69

PORCH: The next PORCH sort date is August 13. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area. FeedingAmerica.org indicates that 15.4% of North Carolinians are challenged with food insecurities; so about 1 in every 6-7 people don’t have enough food. Let’s keep helping!

Continuing Education at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary, NC: Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz is giving two evening seminars (focused on laity). Permitting people to learn firsthand some of the great work being done for our church through the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Evening Seminars (Designed for Lay Audience) Sunday, August 12: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Two Kingdom Engagement of the Culture for the Sake of the Mission of the Church. Monday, August 13: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Religious Liberty in America: Concerns, Trends, Victories and Engagement.

Readings for Sunday, August 12, 12th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read 1 Kings 19:1–8, Ps. 34:1–8, Eph. 4:17—5:2, John 6:35–51

From Fear to Hope – Engage: In May, an LCMS Mercy Medical Team traveled to Sierra Leone for the first time, bringing physical healing and the Word of God. For the seven-person team, work and challenges were ahead. It was, as one team member said, “mercy for those who know no mercy.” By God’s grace, their efforts helped people, and they hoped the effect might be eternal. Read about them here.

The Kingdom Grows: Sometimes smaller congregations think they can’t be involved in church multiplication, or hope that when they grow larger or have more funds available, they will be able to start thinking about multiplication. The fact is that God has programmed multiplication into every congregation – regardless of size! He invites you and me to partner in the growth of His Kingdom. What’s your role? Read more here.

Readings for Sunday, August 5, 11th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 145:10-21, Eph. 4:1–16, John 6:22–35.

Retirement Celebration for Pastor Bryan Chestnutt of Grace Lutheran Church in Durham. The celebration will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham on Saturday, August 4th at noon. St. Paul’s (ELCA) partners with Grace in the Duke Lutheran Campus Ministry. Please RSVP by this Sunday, July 29th with the RSVP form online or by phone at 919-682-6030. The celebration will include a cookout themed lunch.

Worship – Why What We Sing Matters: God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us an instrument of worship that deepens our understanding of Him and helps us recall what we know about His goodness and grace every time we use it, … Our worship must focus on Jesus and tell the story of the gospel. Our songs must give us language to use in our response of worship. And the praise coming from the believers gathered in worship must be more than listening; it must engage the people of God to join in the celebration of Him. Read more here.

Readings for Sunday, July 29, 10th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Gen. 9:8–17, Ps. 136:1–9, Eph. 3:14–21, Mark 6:45–56.