the adventure - 2020 advent lutheran church · 1 our mission – faithful in the word + to gather...

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OUR MISSION – FAITHFUL IN THE WORD

+ To gather as God’s people and nurture one another + To know the Word of God + To grow in faith, love, and service

+ To go into the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ

ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor Josephine Wright 2nd Street Pike & Worthington Mill Rd. P. O. Box 840, Richboro, PA 18954

215-355-2529 web: www.adventrichboro.org

e-mail: [email protected]

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FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT - MARCH 1

8:00 am Traditional Holy Communion 9:00 am Adult Bible Study Fellowship 9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion Sunday School - ages 4 to gr. 8 10:30 am Fellowship time: Jeanne Gryszka 10:45 am Adult Bible Study

SPRING AHEAD MARCH 8

Daylight Savings time begins! Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour ! !

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT - MARCH 8

8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 9:30 am Contemporary Holy Communion Sunday School - ages 4 to gr. 8 10:30 am Fellowship time: Open 10:45 am Church Council Meeting

SOUP & DEVOTIONS

7:00 PM WEDNESDAY

MARCH 11 & 25

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT - MARCH 15

8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion Sunday School-ages 4 to gr. 8 10:30 am Fellowship Time: Open 10:45 am Adult Bible Study

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT - MARCH 22

MARCH 22

8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 9:30 am Contemporary Holy Communion Sunday School - ages 4 to gr. 8 10:30 am Fellowship time: Jennifer McQuiggan 10:45 am Adult Bible Study

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT - MARCH 29

8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Adult Bible Study 9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion Sunday School-ages 4 to gr. 8 10:30 am Fellowship Time: Open 10:45 am Adult Bible Study

THE ADVENTURE - 2020

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The Pastor Ponders

It’s all about forgiveness!

This month we are especially focusing on repentance and forgiveness. We

remember that Jesus was all about forgiveness. Because of His life and His death and resurrection we have forgiveness for all our sins. Thanks be to God!

In the prayer He taught His disciples we pray, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive

those who trespass against us”. Not only are we forgiven through Jesus, but we are cautioned to forgive as we have been forgiven. We are all guilty of sin, yet God in His goodness sent His Son to live and die on earth so that we might be forgiven. We remember Jesus’ suffering and the fact that even in the darkest hours of torture and death, He was all about forgiveness as he said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”.

Let us examine ourselves in this season of Lent and as the psalmist says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23, 24) and we further pray as we sing in our worship service, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10.) Throughout the psalms we find pleas of forgiveness and beliefs in that forgiveness. (Psalm 130:1-7) Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If You, O LORD, should mark iniquities O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. May this season of Lent reassure us of God’s love and forgiveness. Amen.

Your servant in Christ, our Lord,

Pastor “Mama Jo’ Wright

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Advent Lutheran Church March 2020 Newsletter Update on Call Process

An update on the call process for a new pastor was provided at Advent’s Annual Congregational meeting on Sunday, February 23, 2020. The process is moving forward, to include completion and submission of required documents (e.g., Ministry Site Profile, job description, external reference) to the Synod office, which is responsible for overseeing the call process. Once Advent’s 2019 Financial Audit is completed and submitted, which is anticipated in the near future, the process will proceed with candidate names/information being forwarded to the Call Committee for confidential consideration. Do not hesitate to contact a member of the call committee (Jeanne Gryszka, Jennifer McQuiggan, Karen Matlack, Mike Sitler, and Linda Weaver) with any questions you may have concerning the call process. Please keep Church Council, the Call Committee, and the congregation in your prayers throughout the call process. Update Provided by Mike Sitler, Call Committee Chair

SPRING AHEAD

Daylight Savings time begins March 8, 2020. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour ! !

TO CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE You can call the office (24/7) 215-355-2529 leave a message and we will return your call.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SOUP-WORSHIP Two Wednesday nights, March 11 and 25 are scheduled for Soup

and Worship together as part of our Lenten Walk this year. The confirmands will be a part of the worship service. We encourage you to join us and to support our confirmation class. Please consider signing up to bring your favorite soup or dessert.

PACKAGING OF TRAYS FOR CARING FOR FRIENDS - MONDAY, MARCH 9 The packaging of the food trays for February will take place on Monday, March 9 at 10 a.m. (weather permitting). All help is appreciated.

MEN’S BREAKFAST Advent’s men’s group will hold its monthly breakfast and fellowship on Saturday, March 14 at 8:30 am. All men of the congregation are invited to attend. For more information please speak with Men’s Group Coordinator, Dave Shearer.

HEALING SERVICE SUNDAY, MARCH 29 During the worship service, there will be a healing session. At that time you are invited, if you wish, to come forward and speak privately with the pastor who will lay hands on you and pray for you. If you want, you may ask for a healing for body, mind, spirit or strength for a problem. Please allow space between persons for individual privacy. During this time our organist will play quietly and we ask those not wishing to come forward to pray at their seats.

JESUS LOVES US

Thanks go to our Sunday School students for

sharing the love of Jesus on February 9 while

distributing Valentines they had made for

members of our congregation following both

services!

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BILL MONAGHAN CONCERT The Bill Monaghan & Some Assembly Required Band concert at on Saturday February 8th was enjoyed by over 33 persons in attendance. Bill Monaghan is an award winning singer, songwriter, composer, teacher, and musician from Bucks County. We have enjoyed his music each time he has served as guest pianist at Advent. SOCIAL MINISTRY During March, Social Ministry will be collecting non-perishable food to benefit the Warminster Food Cupboard. All foods are greatly appreciated. This month, we are focusing on protein items i.e. canned tuna, chicken, beans, milk in boxes, etc. Again, many thanks for your continued support of this local community outreach.

EASTER EGG HUNT AT ADVENT Advent is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, 1:00

- 2:00 p.m. (rain date: April 5). Ages 10 and under. Included with the hunt for eggs there will be games, refreshments and Photo Op with the Easter Bunny. SAVE THE DATE: APRIL 12, 2020 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE 6:30 AM

Informal (come as you are) Sunrise service begins at 6:30 a.m. in front of the church on Second Street Pike.

Following a brief service we will enter Fellowship Hall for hot chocolate, coffee, donuts and fellowship.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Our Vacation Bible School will be held at Advent on August 10 - 14 from 9 a.m. until noon. We invite children age 4 through completion of grade 6 for a fun week of Bible lessons,

music, outdoor play, games and crafts with friends. Set your calendar! Registration forms will be available in the narthex and on the website starting March 1. We’ll see you at VBS!

FELLOWSHIP TIME

Refreshments will be provided between services at 9:00 am and 10:45. This is a time for fellowship with members and guests. If possible please sign up and bring refreshments, homemade or otherwise. The sign-up sheet thru March, is on the fellowship table. Advent supplies hot beverages (i.e. coffee & tea) and all paper products.

Out of respect, please do not bring food or drink into the service.

PRAYER CHAIN AT ADVENT Advent has a prayer chain for anyone who would be in need of prayer. If you would like to either join as a prayer partner, or if you have a name to be prayed for please see the four ways to access the prayer chain: FOUR WAYS TO ACCESS THE PRAYER CHAIN 1. Give your prayer request in person to either Bob or Karen Matlack. 2. Email your prayer request. ([email protected]) 3. Text only your prayer request (Karen 215-932-1283; Bob 267-357-9368). 4. Call Fran Zanis at the office 215-355-2529.

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THANK YOU TO THE ADVENT FAMILY I would like to thank you for your prayers, cards, and good wishes for a successful surgery and recovery. I deeply appreciate your kindness. Janice Hoffmann FILL FOOD TRAYS FOR CARING FOR

FRIENDS

Aluminum trays are available in the narthex. Sections include entree, vegetables & fruit. Once assembled, please label and freeze at home, then bring to the church freezer. For further information, please check https://caringforfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/Caring-for-Friends-Cooking-Tips.pdf or Hannah McCollum, our Caring for Friends Advent coordinator, Thank you for helping. STITCH CLUB ITEMS AVAILABLE If you would need anything throughout the year from the Stitch Club for babies or the elderly i.e. blankets, etc., please contact Hanna McCollum at 215-962-9032 or Jeff Jobes at 215-355-4149. They can have them available on Saturdays or Sundays.

The Stitch Club meets on Saturdays at 10 am. All are welcome to join. DRIVE in and DROP off FOOD COLLECTION If you have food for the Warminster Food Pantry that you or your friends would like to donate and the church is not open, just drive in and drop off the food under the seat of the bench. You may still bring food into the church narthex during church and office hours. A list of the pantry's most needed items is attached to the bench or in the narthex. Thank you.

CARING FOR FRIENDS MEALS Advent thanks Hanna McCollum, Pat Brown, Jeanne Gryszka, Elizabeth Gracey, Joyce

Heiss, Helen Shearer and Linda Weaver for their help on February 10, in preparing 50 meals. The meals will be taken by Tony Gryszka to the Caring for Friends center.

NURSERY ROOM AVAILABLE Children are always welcome to participate in worship. However, should your child need a break, there is a nursery available next to the sanctuary. There, you can hear the service while your child has some quiet time apart.

HAVE YOU REMEMBERED ADVENT IN YOUR WILL? Those who have faithfully supported Advent through their regular offerings can also support the church by including it in your will. Gifts can be designated for the endowment fund, mortgage reduction or to support the regular expenses of the church. Remembering your church in your will can help Advent through the difficult economic times. Please speak with a member of the finance or endowment committee for more information. They are Janice Hoffmann, Mike Sitler and Tony Gryszka

THREE SPECIAL WAYS TO GIVE Did you know that there are three ways to give an offering to Advent Lutheran Church? 1. Offering envelope. (If you are going away on vacation you can mail your offering to the church office. 2. Simply Giving. This is an automatic deposit from a checking account into Advent Lutheran Church account that occurs every month. If you are interested in setting this up or for more information please contact me at 215-968-2675 3. Online giving. This option is with a credit card. Log on to our website www.adventrichboro.org. click “Give Now” button. Respectfully, Karen Becker, Financial Secretary.

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FINANCIAL UPDATE

2019 2020 January $16,402.14 January $15,812.69 February $36,565.98* February March $16,826.93 March April $19,926.93 April May $29,790.34* May June $18,227.93 June July $16,007.93 July August $14,065.48 August September $18,297.18 September October $16,335.93 October November $14,501.92 November December $35,991.67* December *February 2019 total includes $10,000 in matching funds *May 2019 total includes $15,000 special gift *December 2019 total includes $10,000 special gift INCOME FOR JANUARY 2020

Benevolence (LWR, Mission Support, etc.) $ 455.00 General Fund $11,566.51 Mortgage Fund $ 3,830.50

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ADVENT’S BIRTHDAY CORNER MARCH BIRTHDAYS

5 Justin Segal 7 Jake Benjamin Welwood 9 Lauren Ciurley Brooke Creighton 10 David Breig

11 Deborah Creighton English 13 Donna Duffy 18 Andy Stirzel 20 Andrew Sclight

22 Arielle Segal 23 Shane Hansen 28 Tom Herbert 30 Rachael McQuiggan

Please contact the church office if you or someone you know has been omitted from the list. Thank you.

THE ARMED FORCES

Please keep in your prayers all our service men and women and especially those related to our congregation: US Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew Frey is the Senior Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs, stationed at the Pentagon. US Air Force Major Fred Gouse is a pilot and instructor stationed at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. US Army Colonel (Ret.) Jeff Williams is serving in Dubai, UAE as a military advisor. Please see our Armed Forces Display in the corridor leading to the ramp down to the fellowship hall. If there are any errors or omissions, please notify the church office. Thank you.

NUEVA CREACION LUTHERAN CHURCH

Please keep Pastor Lyzette Rios Sanchez and our mission congregation Nueva Creación Lutheran Church in your prayers. Your mission support gifts help them to minister in a very impoverished area of Philadelphia.

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SERVING OUR LORD IN WORSHIP

MARCH SCHEDULES

LAY READERS

3/01 8:00 am Nancy Hill 9:30 am Lynn Roccograndi 3/08 8:00 am Karen Becker 9:30 am Benicia Meyers 3/15 8:00 am Dave Shearer 9:30 am Jennifer McQuiggan 3/22 8:00 am Karen Becker 9:30 am Ken Meyers 3/29 8:00 am Dave Shearer 9:30 am Gail Oines

WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 3/01 8:00 am Dave Shearer 9:30 am Tony Gryszka 3/08 9:30 am Karen Matlack 3/15 9:30 am Jennifer McQuiggan 3/22 9:30 am Gail Oines 3/29 9:30 am Tony Gryszka

FELLOWSHIP TIME

3/01 Jeanne Gryszka 3/08 Open 3/15 Open 3/22 Jennifer McQuiggan 3/29 Open

ALTAR FLOWER DISTRIBUTION 3/01 Audrey Savchuck 3/08 Donna Duffy 3/15 Audrey Savchuck 3/22 Nancy Sclight 3/29 Kathryn Urbaniak

USHERS 1st 8:00 am Jeff Jobes, Dave Shearer 9:30 am Ray Heiss, Bob Matlack 2nd 8:00 am Jeff Jobes, Dave Shearer 9:30 am Tom Herbert, Bob Holford 3rd 8:00 am Jeff Jobes, Dave Shearer 9:30 am George Henry, Mike Sitler 4th 9:30 am Tony Gryszka 5th 8:00 am Jeff Jobes, Dave Shearer 9:30 am Ray Heiss, Bob Matlack ALTAR GUILD 3/01 8:00 am Hanna McCollum 9:30 am Donna Duffy 3/08 9:30 am George Henry 3/15 9:30 am Bob Matlack 3/22 9:30 am Kathy Sitler 3/29 9:30 am Gail Oines

MONEY COUNTERS

1st Tony Gryszka 2nd Cindy Frey, Bob Holford 3rd Ray & Joyce Heiss 4th Tony Gryszka

5th Gail Oines

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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st Sunday in Lent

8:00 AM Traditional Holy Communion

9:00 AM Adult Bible Study

Fellowship Time

9:30 AM Traditional Holy Communion

Sunday school ages4 - gr. 8

10:30 AM Fellowship: Jeanne Gryszka


2 7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

3 7:00 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

4 Choir Practice

6:30 PM Praise

Team

7:00 PM Vocal

Choir

7:30 PM Bell

Choir

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6:30 PM Finance Committee Mtg.

7:30 PM A.A. Topic Group

6 7:30 PM A.A. Step Mtg.

7 10:00 AM Stitch Club

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nd SUNDAY IN LENT

8:00 AM Traditional Worship.


Fellowship Time

9:30 AM Contemporary Holy Comm.

Sunday school ages 4 - gr. 8

10:30 AM Fellowship: Open

10:45AM Church Council

Meeting

9 10:00 AM Caring for Friends

Assembling food trays

7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

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11 6:00 PM

Soup & Devotions

12 7:30 PM A.A. Topic Group

13 7:30 PM A.A. Step

Mtg.

14 8:30 AM Men’s Breakfast

10:00 AM Stitch Club

15 3

rd SUNDAY IN LENT



Fellowship Time

9:30 AM Traditional Holy Comm.



10:45AM Adult Bible Study

14 7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

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18

Choir Practice

6:30 PM Praise

Team

7:00 PM Vocal

Choir

7:30 PM Bell

Choir



22 4th SUNDAY IN LENT

8:00 AM Traditional Worship


Fellowship Time

9:30 AM Contemporary Holy Comm.

Sunday school ages 4 to gr. 8

10:30 AM Fellowship: Jennifer

McQuiggan



Meeting

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25

6:00 PM

Soup & Devotions

26

7:30 PM A.A. Topic Group



29 5th SUNDAY IN LENT

Service For Healing



Fellowship Time

9:30 AM Traditional Holy Comm.





Meeting

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the adventure - 2020 advent lutheran church · 1 our mission – faithful in the word + to gather...

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