Caring and Sharing the Warmth Coat Drive: NEW DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 3. The weather is changing, so this is a good time to review cold weather items in our closets and share with others in need. Please bring clean, gently-used coats, jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves AND/OR donate money to help purchase items needed and put them in the box in the narthex. We welcome both adult and children’s sizes. We will work with key contacts in schools to help identify recipients. A Thrivent Action Grant has been approved for this project. You can check out the project page here. Outreach contacts:  Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Trunk or Treat: TOMORROW, October 26, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Check your email for a message from Pastor Scott with details.

Installation Service: The Rev. Dr. David H. Brooks will be installed as the Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, 824 North Buchanan Blvd, Durham on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. A reception will follow. Members of Advent, you are invited..

Daylight Savings Time ends November 3, 2018. Turn clocks back one hour when going to bed on next Saturday, November 2.

Save the Date: On Saturday, November 16 at 9:00 a.m. there will be an outside yard clean-up to prepare the grounds for winter. Lunch will be served. See Paul Simis for more information.

Adult Bible Class Leaders: Oct. 27 – John Cangelosi, Nov. 3 – Joe Schradie, Nov. 10 – John Stow

Readings for Sunday, Oct. 27, Observation of Reformation Day: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Rev. 14:6–7, Psalm 46, Rom. 3:19–28, John 8:31–36 or Matt. 11:12–19

The Son of God Has Set Us Free from Sin and Death by His Grace: “Wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19), and the true Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus, the incarnate Son, justifies us by His deeds. He prepares His way by the preaching of repentance, but He has suffered the violence of the Law and voluntarily handed Himself over to violent men, that we might eat and drink with Him in His Kingdom and “remain in the house forever” (John 8:35). For He is “a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Matt. 11:19), and He has rescued us by His grace from the slavery of sin and death. By the proclamation of His eternal Gospel “to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people” (Rev. 14:6), “the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law” (Rom. 3:21), “that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Rom. 3:26). And by hearing the Gospel of Christ Jesus, “whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith” (Rom. 3:25), “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Caring and Sharing the Warmth Coat Drive: The weather is changing, so this is a good time to review cold weather items in our closets and share with others in need. Please bring clean, gently-used coats, jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves AND/OR donate money to help purchase items needed and put them in the box in the narthex. We welcome both adult and children’s sizes. We will work with key contacts in schools to help identify recipients. DEADLINE: OCTOBER 27. Outreach contacts:  Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Team World Vision: Pastor and Gina’s daughter, Courtney, is in the process of training for a half marathon with Team World Vision on October 20. Courtney is not a runner, however, she has a heart for people, especially children, and is compelled to help in any way possible. In Courtney’s words, “My ultimate goal in running this is to help provide clean water to kids and communities in need around the world. Through World Vision, just $50 provides clean water to 1 person. If you would consider donating to support me in this mission, that would be amazing!” Her goal is $3,000. If you feel moved to help, here is the link to her donation page.

Helping Our NC Neighbors impacted by Hurricanes: Since 2017, we have been working to help our neighbors in the Lumberton NC area who were affected by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. Check out the Outreach page of our website for details about everything we have been doing.

Adult Bible Class Leaders: Oct. 20 – Bob Serpas, Oct. 27 – John Cangelosi, Nov. 3 – Joe Schradie, Nov. 10 – John Stow

Readings for Sunday, Oct. 20 (Prop. 24), 19^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Gen. 32:22–30, Psalm 121, 2 Tim. 3:14—4:5, Luke 18:1–8

Faith Clings to the Word and Promises of God and Perseveres in Prayer: “Left alone,” Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until the Lord blessed him. At times, we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. So Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus speaks of “a judge who neither feared God nor respected man” and of a widow “who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary’” (Luke 18:2–3). Because of her persistence, the judge agreed to “give her justice” (Luke 18:5). Our Lord dispenses justice generously and swiftly, giving “justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (Luke 18:7). He does so according to the Gospel. Therefore, His ministers are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2).

PORCH: Upcoming sort dates – October 14, November 18, December 16. Please bring non-perishables and canned goods. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area.

Outreach Event: On Saturday, October 26 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Advent will host a Trunk or Treat! Neighbors, friends and members are invited. We want to continue to make Jesus known to those around us who may not know of His love. A volunteer sign-up sheet is in the Narthex. Please contact Gina Lohman if you have further questions.

Caring and Sharing the Warmth Coat Drive: The weather is changing, so this is a good time to review cold weather items in our closets and share with others in need. Please bring clean, gently-used coats, jackets, gloves, hats, and scarves AND/OR donate money to help purchase items needed. We welcome both adult and children’s sizes. We will work with key contacts in schools to help identify recipients. DEADLINE: OCTOBER 27. Outreach contacts:  Carolyn Jones and Lydia Berrong.

Celebrating You: Please check the “Celebrating You” bulletin board in the hallway and help us update lists of your birthdays and anniversaries. Add names and dates and make corrections on the posted sheets. As you know, we also like to recognize our Advent veterans and the veterans in our extended families in November. Information about veterans will also be posted for your review and edits.  Questions: contact Carolyn Jones

Advent Security: At Council’s direction, a team of volunteers has been researching ways to improve security and safety for people while in the church building. A number of ideas will be implemented in the next few months. See this Advent Security  write-up or more details.

Team World Vision: Pastor and Gina’s daughter, Courtney, is in the process of training for a half marathon with Team World Vision on October 20. Courtney is not a runner, however, she has a heart for people, especially children, and is compelled to help in any way possible. In Courtney’s words, “My ultimate goal in running this is to help provide clean water to kids and communities in need around the world. Through World Vision, just $50 provides clean water to 1 person. If you would consider donating to support me in this mission, that would be amazing!” Her goal is $3,000. If you feel moved to help, here is the link to her donation page.

Adult Bible Class Leaders: Oct. 13 – Pastor Scott, Oct. 20 – Bob Serpas, Oct. 27 – John Cangelosi, Nov. 3 – Joe Schradie, Nov. 10 – John Stow

Readings for Sunday, Oct. 13 (Prop. 23), 18^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Ruth 1:1–19a, Psalm 111, 2 Tim. 2:1–13, Luke 17:11–19

Faith Returns Thanks to God and Worships Him in the Person of Christ Jesus: Jesus comes in mercy and, by His Word, heals you in body and soul. “Go and show yourselves to the priests,” for you are cleansed (Luke 17:14), and you are granted access to the Lord’s temple. It is “at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks” (Luke 17:16), that you worship God, for Christ Jesus is your great High Priest; His body is the true temple. In Him, you “find rest, each of you in the house of her husband” (Ruth 1:9), for the Lord has “visited his people and given them food” (Ruth 1:6). The person of Jesus Christ lodges Himself in holy food — bread and wine for believers to eat and drink. You lodge where Jesus lodges; His Father is your God, His people are your people. Death cannot part you from Him because His death and resurrection are eternally yours through Holy Baptism. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead” (2 Tim. 2:8). As surely as death could not hold Him, so surely “the word of God is not bound” (2 Tim. 2:9). His Gospel is entrusted “to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2), so that you “may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:10). Such is the confession of faith for all the saints, who believe, teach and confess the one Lord and Savior — Jesus Christ.

Walk His Way: SED Jr. High Gathering: November 15-17, 2019, Virginia Beach, VA. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity for Junior High youth to meet others from all over our district. Along with incredible speakers, youth will enjoy activities like Gaga ball, laser tag, service projects, worship, dance party, talent show and much more. We hope you will join us in this annual Jr. High District youth event! Look for more information and register on the District Website: or contact DCE Wesley Spottiswood or DCE Beth Agner at 919-554-8109. Early registration rates are available through Oct. 9, 2019.

Adult Bible Class Leaders: Oct. 6 – Dave Neely, Oct. 13 – Pastor Scott, Oct. 20 – Bob Serpas, Oct. 27 – John Cangelosi, Nov. 3 – Joe Schradie, Nov. 10 – John Stow

Readings for Sunday, Oct. 6 (Prop. 22), 17^th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Hab. 1:1–4; 2:1–4, Psalm 62, 2 Tim. 1:1–14, Luke 17:1–10

We Walk by Faith, and Not by Sight, in the Peace of Christ’s Forgiveness: We are surrounded by “destruction and violence” (Hab. 1:3) because the Law “is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth” (Hab. 1:4). In fact, the Law cannot rescue us from our enemies; it is our fiercest enemy of all. Therefore, not by sight, experience or feeling, nor by works, “the righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4). “Temptations to sin are sure to come” (Luke 17:1), but as often as we sin, the Lord rebukes us, turns us to repentance and forgives us. We pray that He would thus “increase our faith” (Luke 17:5). And indeed, He does! Though we are His “unworthy servants” (Luke 17:10), He prepares His Supper for us, dresses us properly and gives us His body and blood to eat and drink. He appoints pastors for us, “by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:1).For the Gospel brings “life and immortality to light” (2 Tim. 1:10). This we believe. Therefore, “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard,” by which He guards you “in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13).