CORONAVIRUS—COVID-19—UPDATES, as of March 27, 2020

CANCELLATIONS/CLOSURES – Church will remain closed until at least April 1.

After deliberation, education/reading, reviewing orders, prayer, discussion, and the like—as we lift to Almighty God EVERYONE, due to this world-wide virus—Advent will continue to be closed until at least April 1 at this time. Our leadership will continue to assess this and keep people informed through email. There will be NO IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE FOR THE NEXT WEEK. THIS INCLUDES NOT MEETING FOR WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, MARCH 29, OR HAVING A MIDWEEK WORSHIP SERVICE ON APRIL 1.  

HOWEVER, we will continue to produce weekly reflection services. Later this weekend, another email from Advent will be entitled “Pastor Scott’s Message for the Week…,” and will be forthcoming. This is an abbreviated online worship service for you to view at your leisure, by clicking on the link. The readings for Sunday, the fifth Sunday in Lent, are Psalm 130; Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:1-11; John 11:1-45.

Again, let’s all keep looking out for one another and think of ways to help each other, as needs may arise.

May God continue to bless us all!

For Your Listening Pleasure – John Stow came across this one, as the Nashville studio singers give this beautiful, stirring rendition of It Is Well With My Soul/When Peace Like a River during their social distancing. Check it out!

https://www.wsmv.com/news/a-group-of-nashville-studio-singers-perform-an-epic-cell/article_2245fbf8-6eb2-11ea-9be3-db6cec04c8f3.html

Wish Esil well – Unfortunately, due to the virus, Esil, our accompanist, has had to head back home to California for the remainder of this school year. Wish her well, by sending her an email, at esil@live.unc.edu.

Other Closures – In light of COVID-19, Abundant Joy Center for Women’s Ministries will be closed until at least April 1st.

Lutheran Hour Ministries – CoVid-19 – During this critical period, Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has free resources available online for you! The Lutheran Hour delivers sermons every Sunday morning that are relevant and share truth. The sermon is available to listen to online and as a podcast. LHM Learn is an online learning platform that has free courses on many different topics. Take some classes while you have some extra time on your hands. Gospel Adventures provides kids and adults a way to take a mission trip, from your living room! And, don’t forget the daily devotions, available as a mobile app or via email! Visit https://www.lhm.org/covid-19/ to find these resources and more!

Worship Anew: (formerly Worship for Shut-Ins) – Unable to attend worship on a Sunday morning? Watch a Christ-centered, Lutheran-oriented worship service on TV at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday morning on WRAY Channel 5 Chapel Hill (Spectrum Channel 30) or on the computer anytime at www.worshipanew.org.

Other Resources regarding CoronaVirus –

https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/health-ministry/pandemic

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

www.adventlutheranch.org

HELP NEEDED! – We need someone who is tech savvy to keep the ADVENT WEB PAGE updated. Information will be provided with no writing or editing required. All that needs to be done is to enter it into the Advent web page to keep it current. Also FACEBOOK! Help keep the Advent Facebook page up-to-date with upcoming events. No writing or editing required—just place it on the page. This would be a good family project to take on—spend a few hours a month and keep our two sites current. Thanks for your consideration. Contact Pastor Scott  at scott_lohman@sbcglobal.net or Dave Neely at dave.neely@hotmail.com for more information.

KFUO Radio – A media ministry extension of LCMS Congregations, shares Christ for you anytime, anywhere on www.KFUO.orgviaworship services, Bible and theology studies, practical talk programs, and sacred music. You can find programs on demand at kfuo.org and wherever you get your podcasts! Also, find them on social media: @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

CORONAVIRUS—COVID-19—UPDATES, as of March 20, 2020 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

CANCELLATIONS – Please note, that due to the CoronaVirus, Advent will continue to be closed until at least March 25 at this time. Our leadership will continue to assess this and keep people informed through email. That said, there will be NO IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 22, AND NO LENTEN MIDWEEK WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25.

Keep an eye out this weekend for another email from Advent that will be “Jesus and Coffee – Reflection Service.” This will be an abbreviated online worship service for you to view at your leisure, by clicking on the link. The readings for Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent, are Isaiah 42:14-21; Psalm 142; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-7, 13-17, 34-39.

As we are all homebound during this time, let’s please keep an eye out for how we love our neighbors. If someone who is connected to our church family (Members, friends, neighbors, etc.), needs help, how can we provide it? Shopping? Rides? Food? Picking up medicine?

Again, keep trusting and keep praying. And as always, may our Almighty Lord: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever!

Wish Esil well – Unfortunately, due to the virus, Esil, our accompanist, will need to head back home to California for the remainder of this school year. Wish her well, by sending her an email, at esil@live.unc.edu.

Other Closures – In light of COVID-19, Abundant Joy Center for Women’s Ministries will be closed until April 1st.

Lutheran Hour Ministries – CoVid-19 – During this critical period, Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) has free resources available online for you! The Lutheran Hour delivers sermons every Sunday morning that are relevant and share truth. The sermon is available to listen to online and as a podcast. LHM Learn is an online learning platform that has free courses on many different topics. Take some classes while you have some extra time on your hands. Gospel Adventures provides kids and adults a way to take a mission trip, from your living room! And, don’t forget the daily devotions, available as a mobile app or via email! Visit https://www.lhm.org/covid-19/ to find these resources and more!

Worship Anew: (formerly Worship for Shut-Ins) – Unable to attend worship on a Sunday morning? Watch a Christ-centered, Lutheran-oriented worship service on TV at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday morning on WRAY Channel 5 Chapel Hill (Spectrum Channel 30) or on the computer anytime at www.worshipanew.org.

Other Resources regarding CoronaVirus –

www.adventlutheranch.org

http://se.lcms.org/resources/the-covid-19-coronavirus/

https://blogs.lcms.org/2020/resource-helps-congregations-plan-for-widespread-illnesses/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

HELP NEEDED! – We need someone who is tech savvy to keep the ADVENT WEB PAGE updated. Information will be provided with no writing or editing required. All that needs to be done is to enter it into the Advent web page to keep it current. Also FACEBOOK! Help keep the Advent Facebook page up-to-date with upcoming events. No writing or editing required—just place it on the page. This would be a good family project to take on—spend a few hours a month and keep our two sites current. Thanks for your consideration. Contact Pastor Scott at scott_lohman@sbcglobal.net or Dave Neely at dave.neely@hotmail.com for more information.

KFUO Radio – A media ministry extension of LCMS Congregations, shares Christ for you anytime, anywhere on www.KFUO.orgviaworship services, Bible and theology studies, practical talk programs, and sacred music. You can find programs on demand at kfuo.org and wherever you get your podcasts! Also, find them on social media: @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This week on KFUO.org, begin the book of Revelation on Thy Strong Word with Rev. AJ Espinosa and guest pastors (weekdays at 11:00 a.m. CT). Hear about gossiping on The Coffee Hour with Pastor Chris Hull (3/24 at 9:00 a.m. CT), and study Matthew 24-25 on Sharper Iron’s All Righteousness Fulfilled (weekdays at 8:00 a.m. CT). Find these programs on demand again at www.KFUO.org!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Coronavirus-COVID-19 – Updates, as of March 13, 2020 –In Deuteronomy 31:6, it tells us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

As you know, we are in challenging, uncertain times now due to this pandemic virus. After much deliberation, with travelers and at-risk people in our fold, we are CANCELLING WORSHIP and all events (Bible Class, Sunday School, Meetings, Midweek Worship, Etc.) from March 15-25 with the hope of returning to a regular schedule on March 29.

Please understand that the cancellation of services and events is not due to a fear of the virus, but rather it is an attempt to be a responsible part of our community by doing our part to slow the spread of the virus.

I urge you to be safe and use common sense everywhere you go, and it is encouraged that at-risk folks will avoid large crowds. When Worship resumes, if you have symptoms, or safety/illness concerns, you are encouraged to stay home.

In an effort to keep ahead of things, we need to be able to communicate effectively with members and friends of the Congregation. If your email or phone has changed, please contact the office at 919-968-7690 or email us at advent_lutheran@bellsouth.net to keep us informed of changes. Also, let us know if a friend, family member or neighbor is the best contact. Email announcements and the website www.adventlutheranch.org will have updates.

As matters progress during this time, let’s be watchful for opportunities to serve, including possibly helping those who may need someone to shop for them so they avoid crowds.

Keep trusting and keep praying. And as always, may our Lord God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you now and forever!

Resources regarding Coronavirus –

www.adventlutheranch.org

https://blogs.lcms.org/2020/resource-helps-congregations-plan-for-widespread-illnesses/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/guidance-community-faith-organizations.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/science/coronavirus-curve-mitigation-infection.html?smtyp=cur&smid=fb-nytimes&fbclid=IwAR1IdARlVn4p6L4h2uTtnLE8y49zinjHem-Wdfer21LmdPpAiAaH92ckwbU

 

Lenten Worship: Lenten Mid-Week Worship is on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. The Lenten theme is “Living Among the Bible’s Trees.”

These services will hopefully resume on April 1. Then, we would worship during Holy Week on Palm Sunday, April 5 at 10:30 a.m.; Maundy Thursday and Good Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Easter Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (Unfortunately, we will not have a Seder Meal or Easter Breakfast this year due to the virus.)

Readings –Our readings for Sunday, March 15, 3^rd Sunday in Lent, are Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:1-8, 13-17; John 3:1-17. The readings for Sunday, March 22, 4^th Sunday in Lent, are Psalm 142; Isaiah 42:14-21; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41.

Women’s Evening Bible Study – In recess during Lent, and resuming April 21. Contact Karen Baker for further information.

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – 9:15 a.m. Classes are offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study leader: March 8 Pastor Scott.

Pastor is leading the adult Bible class. It features an online, video-based curriculum called GodConnects developed by Lutheran Hour Ministries and hosted by Rev. Greg Seltz (former Lutheran Hour speaker). This program includes plain language and helpful illustrations presenting God’s work of salvation in a concise manner. The series is ideal for those of us who have questions about sin, judgment, redemption, Jesus, the believer’s life, the end times, witnessing and more. Please join me Sunday! Pastor Scott

Men’s Bible Study – March 10 at 10:00 a.m. We are studying the Gospel of Matthew. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.

Women’s Evening Bible Study – In recess during Lent. Contact Karen Baker for further information.

Reminder – Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday March 8. Remember to set your clock ahead 1 hour. Spring forward.

                                        Lenten Worship: Lenten Mid-Week Worship is each Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Lenten theme is “Living Among the Bible’s Trees.”

Lenten Midweek 3, March 11 – Oak at Ophrah – Ps. 78; Jud. 6:1-40; Matt. 12:38-42.

Lenten Midweek 4, March 18 – Jesse’s Tree – Ps. 80:8-18; Isa. 6:1-13; 10:33-11:16.

Lenten Midweek 5, March 25 – Tree of the Lord’s Planting – Ps. 104:10-18; Eze. 17:1-24; Mk. 4:30-32.

Lenten Midweek 6, April 1 – Good Trees Bearing Good Fruit, Bad Trees Bearing Bad Fruit – Ps. 148; Gal. 5:1, 13-25; Matt.7:15-20.

Maundy Thursday; April 9 – (Seder Meal and Communion) Fig Trees – Ps. 105:23-25; Luke 13:1-9; Mark 11:12-25.

Good Friday, April 10 – Tree of the Cross – Ps. 74; Deu. 21:22-23; Gal. 3:1-14.

Easter Sunday, April 12 – Tree of Life – Acts 10:34-43; Ps. 52; Eze. 47:1-12; Rev. 22:1-20; Matt. 28:1-10.

Lenten Devotional Book – “By His Wounds We Are Healed” is the title of the devotional book for Lent. Pick up your copy on the credenza in the Narthex.

Readings – For those who wish to prepare for Sunday, March 8, 2^nd Sunday in Lent, please read Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:1-8, 13-17; John 3:1-17.

Advent/Grace Youth – The combined Advent / Grace Youth Group is sponsoring a service project which is ongoing now. We will be creating food bags for TABLE which is a non-profit in Carrboro that provides food for children with food insecurities in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. You can support the project by bringing in some of the following items: We are collecting clean plastic grocery bags, one pound bags of rice, one pound bags of pinto beans, cans of tuna or chicken, juice boxes, and individually packaged snacks like granola bars, crackers, raisins, or trail mix. We will be packing the food bags on March 15 after worship service.

HELP NEEDED! – We need someone who is tech savvy to keep the Advent web page updated. Information will be provided with no writing or editing required. All that needs to be done is to enter it into the Advent web page to keep it current.

FACEBOOK! – Same as above!!! Help keep the Advent Facebook page up-to-date with upcoming events. No writing or editing required—just place it on the page.

This would be a good family project to take on—spend a few hours a month and keep our two sites current. Thanks for your consideration. Contact Pastor Scott or Dave Neely for more information.