Saturday, April 20, 2024 Advent Book Club 3:00 PM in Welcome Center
Sunday, April 21, 2024 Fourth Sunday of Easter 10:00 AM - Worship with Holy Communion
11:30 AM - Special Congregational Meeting
12:00 PM - Council Meeting
We give thanks for those assisting with worship:Pastor - The Rev. Alex Stall, Jr.; Assisting Minister - Gerry Fuller; Altar Guild - Esther Day; Greeter - Esther Day; Usher - Jones Day; Cantor - Nancy Jairrels; Organist - Eric Sparks; Videographer - Shane Gainer; Social Hour Hosts - Kemar & Katie Oakley; Counters - David Falksen and Nancy Jairrels.
Advent Book Club will discuss The White Mosque by Sofia Samatar on Saturday afternoon. Come for a time of fellowship and conversation, whether you read the book or not.
Special Congregational Meeting follows Sunday worship. All voting members are encouraged to attend. Afterward, the Church Council will meet in the Fellowship Hall.
From the Pastor's Desk - Week of April 15
The 4th Sunday of Easter is called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Every year, on this Sunday, we read Psalm 23, “The LORD is my shepherd.” This year, our gospel text is John 10:11-18, where Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep by name and willingly lays down his life for them. The work of a shepherd is demanding, physically and mentally, and sometimes dangerous. It is fitting that Jesus uses the image of a shepherd when talking about his love for God’s children – because he risks all and gives all for us. In that image is our calling as followers of Jesus. This week, we are reminded that we are known, loved, and cherished by the Good Shepherd who leads us with grace and who walks with us in every season of life. Knowing that God knows and loves each of us, we serve God gladly. God’s love causes us to care for and love each other, as we also care for God’s creation.
Because of the timing of Advent’s “business year,” Good Shepherd Sunday also gives us as a congregation an opportunity to reflect on how we shepherd and support one another through our stewardship of the gifts we have been given. As I write this, the Finance Committee is hard at work drafting Advent’s 2025 budget. While our situation has improved over the past couple of years, it is difficult to allocate resources to important activities of ministry because there is so much else that we need to do. Our building needs repairs and improvements to ensure that this is a safe and welcoming space for members and visitors alike. It is also important that we be active in our evangelism and outreach so that we can bring more people into our space. We will continue to make whatever tradeoffs are needed in order to sustain our mission, but our thriving will depend on us working together.
Our challenge is to step out in faith – to stretch as much as we can to be present as a community of faith to our neighborhood. We continue to ask for your joyful and prayerful support. Your generosity in sharing gifts of time, talent, and treasure is more important than ever. Advent Lutheran Church has much to offer!
The following prayer is adapted from a daily devotional book called Love and Serve, by Lutheran Pastor Ross L. Worch:
Lord God, help us to be the shepherds you would have us be. May we live
justly, simply, wisely, and well. Forgive our neglect and abuse of your gifts and
help us care for our church, your people, and your universe
just as you care for us. Amen.
Grateful always, Pastor Alex
Sunday-Morning-Team Refresher!
The Sunday Morning Team includes greeters, ushers, assisting ministers, cantors, altar guild, communion assistants, and videographers. Our team is mighty but too small! If you are already serving in one (or more) of these positions, or would consider joining the team, PLEASE attend the Refresher session on Sunday, May 5 after social hour. No prior experience is necessary for any position -- you'll be a starter in no time!
The Ten Commandments
On Sunday, April 28, we conclude our study of the Ten Commandments with "coveting." That's not a word much used today. What does it really mean and why is it wrong? We live in a culture that constantly encourages us to want more, to be more. Is that wrong? Then, as a summary and review, we'll look at Luther's conclusion to his discussion of the Ten Commandments in the Large Catechism.
Host Social Hour after Worship!
Coffee Hour is, in many ways, a continuation of our service. We gather to enjoy refreshments, check in with one another after a busy week, and extend our hospitality to visitors. Pick a Sunday to host this after-worship tradition and sign up in the Welcome Center.
Church vitality coach, Jim Griffith, will lead a workshop on Saturday, May 18, where congregational teams will learn six things that new people should experience the first time they interact with your worshipping community. The workshop is interactive and will include time for rostered ministers and leaders to work together to create an action plan for their congregation. Rostered ministers are required to bring a team of lay leaders with them to the workshop. Learn more and register to attend through the link below.
Advent members interested in attending should talk to Pastor Alex or President Marianne H.