We give thanks for those assisting with worship:Pastor - The Rev. Alex Stall, Jr.; Assisting Minister - Debbie Lewis; Altar Guild - Marilyn Falksen; Greeter - Ingrid Berdahl; Usher - Nancy Cox Jairrels; Cantor - David Falksen; Organist - Rhonda Rose; Videographer - Shane Gainer; Social Hour Hosts- Shelly & Chris Haar; Counters - Rensford Lovell and David Falksen.
From the Pastor's Desk - Week of May 06
It was wonderful to sit down with folks this past Sunday to talk about serving on the Sunday Morning Team here at Advent. We are grateful for those who play a part in making our Sunday worship a meaningful experience for those who are with us. It is truly “God’s work, our hands!” There are many opportunities to serve this congregation – whether it be part of the Sunday Morning Team, through the Engagement Team, in support of our facilities and landscaping efforts, or as a member of Congregation Council. There are many opportunities to serve here at Advent – to participate as we “be church, together” in this community!
These latter days of the Easter Season are eventful ones for us. Thursday of this week (May 9, the day this newsletter is sent out) is the commemoration of the Ascension of Our Lord. In scripture, the author of both Luke’s Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles tells us, “After his suffering [Jesus] presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3, NRSV). The feast of the Ascension is exactly 40 days after Easter Sunday, and always falls on a Thursday. This Ascension marks the culmination of Christ's earthly ministry and holds profound meaning for those who follow Jesus. At the time he is taken away to be with God, Jesus makes the promise that he will always be with us, and he commissions those who would follow him to be witnesses to his life, death, and resurrection. He also tells them that they are to share the good news of salvation all around the world. The call is not simply to share written words – followers of Jesus are to strive to embody the love and grace of Christ in their communities where they live, wherever they live.
This Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day. We will, as a congregation, give thanks for mothers and those who provide motherly care at service this week. We will also hold in our hearts and prayers those for whom it is a difficult or complicated day.
We also celebrate the 7th Sunday of Easter, the final Sunday of the Easter Season, this week. Our Gospel text from John, still part of the events of Maundy Thursday, is the middle part of the great prayer of Jesus at the very end of the Last Supper (John 17:6-19). Jesus speaks with the Father, as the disciples listen in, and says, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Jesus does not ask that his followers be taken to someplace where their faith and their courage will be safe and secure. Jesus knows that we live in this world, carrying the good news wherever we live. He knows we will be tempted and challenged, so he asks God to be with his followers – to help them remain focused on the mission to be God’s hands and feet in the here and now. This week, we continue to reflect on what it means to be a follower of Jesus in light of Christ’s resurrection and his ascension, even as we prepare for the great celebration of Pentecost (May 19)!
Grateful always, Pr. Alex
Coming Up Next Week!
Advent Book Club | 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 18. The club is reading fiction this month - Wish You Well by David Baldacci. "Following a family tragedy, siblings Lou and Oz must leave New York and adjust to life in the Virginia mountains--but just as the farm begins to feel like home, they'll have to defend it from a dark threat in this New York Times bestselling coming-of-age story."- Amazon.com. Meeting and fellowship is open to everyone - whether you read the book or not!
Council Meeting | 11:30 am, Sunday, May 19. Work on the annual meeting and a vote on the proposed budget is on the agenda. Meetings are open to everyone - just bring your coffee and snacks to the Fellowship Hall. See you there!
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Mark your calendars for this important annual meeting and look for additional information via email in the coming weeks.
Proposed Bylaw Amendment
At its April meeting, the Council voted to recommend the following amendment to Advent's Bylaws. This proposed amendment will be on the agenda for the congregational meeting on June 9.
Section II. Officers
Item 4. The congregation shall elect the president and vice-president at its annual meeting, and they shall serve for one year or until their successors are elected. Any member of this congregation who has been a member of the congregation council for at least one year is eligible to serve as president or vice-president. Their terms shall begin on July 1 or the beginning of the congregational year. The president and vice-president shall be eligible to serve no more than (two) FOUR full terms consecutively.
Rationale for the change: Council members are eligible to serve two two-year terms consecutively – for a total of four consecutive years. The reason(s) for restricting the President and Vice President to two one-year terms is/are not obvious, other than to encourage more people to serve in the role or to force a change in leadership.
June 9th, following the annual meeting.
Look for more information in the coming weeks.
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.
The synod would like to see a team from each congregation in attendance, to make the development of action plans easier and more collaborative. Advent has two members signed up but more are welcome. Talk to Pr. Alex or Marianne if you're interested in joining the team!
The Metro D.C. Synod RIC Team is participating in the D.C. Pride Parade on Saturday, June 8, and hosting a booth at the D.C. Pride Festival on Sunday, June 9. There are several ways to get involved and everyone is invited to come out and help spread the message of God’s Radical Love for ALL,
For those interested in learning more about how to engage, what language to use, what to wear, etc., the RIC Team is providing a training session on Sunday, May 19, at 4:00 PM on Zoom. Click the button below to learn more and sign up.