1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

News from Advent Lutheran Church
June/July 2015
STAFF
Rev. Jason Peterson
Rev. Andrea Peterson
Pastors
Ginny Sweeton
Director of Music/
Admin. Assistant
COUNCIL
Mary Filpus-Luyckx
President
Scott Fiegen
Secretary
Heather Herrmann
Vice President
Debbie Merzlak
Treasurer
Ann Simon
Member At-Large
“...this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: “In the last days it will
be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons
and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and
your old men shall dream dreams. (Acts 2: 16-17)
On May 24th 2015, Pentecost Sunday, we, along with the whole Christian
church, celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit. We heard the wonderful story
of how the Holy Spirit blew into the lives of the first disciples, and forever
fueled their direction and passion for ministry. The Holy Spirit filled the room where the disciples were sitting; divided tongues, as of fire, rested on their heads, and they themselves were filled with the Spirit. They
began to speak in other languages God’s deeds of power, so that everyone who witnessed these things were
amazed and astonished. In response to the people’s bewilderment, Peter called those around him to remember the words of the prophet Joel, where God promised to send His Spirit upon all flesh, and in response
the people prophesied, saw visions, and dreamed dreams.
At our last ministry night we welcomed Pastor Gary Soop, our conference representative on the Southeastern Synod Council. Pastor Soop made a presentation on behalf of the synod and asked us here at Advent:
“How are we the Church?” and “How can we be Church together for the sake of the world?” Scott Fiegen,
our Church council secretary, took notes from that meeting based upon these questions. You will find the
answers those present offered on the next page.
As we move into the summer months and we pause to take some time for rest and renewal, let us also use
that time to dream, and to envision the future God has in store for us at Advent. Take some time to read the
responses given and discern how you might have answered. Think about how we can build on our responses
to these great questions as the Holy Spirit fuels and directs our mission and ministry in this place and community.
Then take some time to explore how you prophesy about what God is doing in your life. What visions do you
have in your life and in the life and ministry of Advent Lutheran Church? What dreams do we have for this
generation and generations to come?
Let us wrestle with these questions this summer. Then, on August 4th, let us come back together for ministry
night and explore together how we can be Church together for the sake of the world.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Andrea and Pastor Jason
Ministry Night Question and Answer
What is going well for Advent?
1.
Spirit leadership provided by the pastors
2.
Stephen Ministry is growing—6 new Stephen Ministers will be installed may 24
3.
Seven youth going to Detroit for Rise Up
4.
Reach out to community
5.
Both contemporary and traditional worship services
6.
Just a big family
What energizes/excites you about God’s work here at Advent?
1.
Many opportunities to serve God
A.
Trans-generational
2.
Welcoming of all people
3.
Try new things
4.
Opportunity to learn more about God
A.
Prayer ministries
What is Advent known for?
1.
Our yellow shirts
A.
God’s Work/Our hands
2.
Welcoming
What are two or three concerns for the current ministry?
1.
Keeping youth involved
A.
Technology up-to-date for the younger people at church
2.
Age of the congregation
3.
How do we bring the “nones” back to church
How can the Southeastern Synod help?
1.
Ideas as to how to attract the “nones”
2.
Shared best practices
A.
Example: shared youth training opportunities
How might Advent be a helpful resource to other congregations?
1.
Improved communications
2.
Shared fellowship ideas
Do you have questions for Pastor Gary Soop/Synod?
1.
Bring in the “nones”
A.
Website
B.
Neighbors inviting neighbors
C.
Worship needs to be engaging
D.
Other types/times of services, i.e., Saturday night candlelight supper
with a reading and service
June Worship Schedule
Sunday, June 7
2nd Sunday of Pentecost
Pastor Glander, guest pastor
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Sunday, June 21
4th Sunday of Pentecost
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Sunday, June 14
3rd Sunday of Pentecost
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Sunday, June 28
5th Sunday of Pentecost
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Nursery Volunteer Needed: Brandi will not be able to be in the nursery on June 14th, June 21st, or July 12th. If you would be able to volunteer, please contact the church office.
July Worship Schedule
Sunday, July 5
6th Sunday of Pentecost
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Sunday, July 12
7th Sunday of Pentecost
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Sunday, July 19
8th Sunday of Pentecost
Pastor Boliek, guest pastor
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Sunday, July 26
9th Sunday of Pentecost
Pastor Boliek, guest pastor
Worship & Holy Communion 9:15am
Fellowship
& Events
Fellowship Coffee Hour
We will continue throughout the summer with coffee only, unless you decide to bring some goodies to
share. Join us following the 9:15am worship service in the Fellowship Hall!
Advent Women’s Breakfast
The women of Advent will provide breakfast on Father’s Day, June 21st, and will resume in the Fall on
the first Sunday of each month.
Men’s Fellowship Breakfast
There will not be a Men’s Pancake Breakfast during the months of June or July.
Catch the Spirit Dinner
There will not be a “Catch the Spirit” Dinner in June or July. Enjoy your summer!
Book Club
Advent’s Book Club will not be meeting during Summer months. Enjoy your summer!
Family Promise (Interfaith) - June 14-20.
This month we come upon another chance to serve homeless families through our commitment to
Family Promise/Interfaith. There is a sign-up board in the Narthex if you can help. Many times it
only involves 1/2 to 1 hour, such as helping to set up, unloading the truck on Sunday afternoon, or
helping to make up the beds for the families. It is easy to bring things like cereal, eggs, milk, bread, or
fruit ahead of the Sunday they arrive. We have dinners divided into preparing the meal or dessert.
Overnight involves a little more time, but it is so needed. Many people helping make the load lighter.
Southeastern Synod Assembly
Members of the congregations from Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama & Mississippi
will gather for the annual assembly of the synod starting on Friday, June 5th,
and continuing through Sunday, June 7th in Birmingham, AL. Those attending from Advent
are Pastor Jason & Pastor Andrea, as well as Scott Fiegen and Jared Fischer. Please
remember them and all those attending this annual assembly. Pray for safety in travel, and
for a wise, cooperative, and mission minded spirit for this gathering.
The latter half of May was a busy time for our ministry—on May 31st we recognized our Sunday
School teachers with a thank you for their service and dedication, and for their willingness to return
next year to continue their teaching ministry. We also recognized our high school graduates: Nikki
Fiegen, Noah Smith, Bryce Boeke, and Angela Pravato.
There will be no Sunday School classes, Confirmation, or Pastor’s Bible Study for June and July.
Kudos to the Banner Team!
Advent now has new banners for Lent, Easter, and The Day of Pentecost, and plans are underway
for the Ordinary Time (green). This is the longest season of the church year, so we plan to create two
pairs of banners with different symbols for this season in the church year. And we will continue to
add to the existing banners to ensure there are appropriate banners for all seasons, High Festivals,
and celebrations throughout the year. In the future, some older banners will be “retired” through
donation to mission congregations through the ELCA.
If you created one of the handmade banners in the closet, let us know. An important step that we
don’t want to overlook for historical interest is documentation of these gifts to Advent. So we will
affix a label with our church name and location, date and creator(s) of all banners.
If you have ideas or comments, or have admired a banner in your travels, we would like to hear from
you. And, if you want to share your crafting skills and have fun playing with fabrics and paint, come
join us.
Linda Jaath, Banner Ministry
Congratulations to our newly commissioned Stephen Ministers: Paris
Fiegen, Di Hamilton, Carol Billings,
Marcy Jimenez, and Jackie Voss and
Ann Simon (not pictured)
Property Ministry
The Property Ministry meets on a monthly basis, the first Saturday of the month at
9:00am. After a short meeting, needed projects are done by members of the board.
On Saturday, June 6th we will meet to wash the roof of the church. We will begin
work at 7:00am in order to avoid being on the roof during the heat of the day.
Gary Lawrence, Property Ministry Chair
Hosting an International Student
New Oasis International is looking for host families for students for the next 10 months. Two
existing students, Mark and Lisa, will be in the 10th grade next year. Both are very reserved,
studious, and make very good grades. Mark is very well-versed in computers, and Lisa would
like to learn to play tennis. Kelly Myers, the International Coordinator, is trying to find a home
before the beginning of June. If anyone is interested in hosting an international student,
please contact Kelly Myers at 706-267-9302 or [email protected]. See the bulletin
board in the Narthex for more information.
Di Hamilton
Prayer Ministry
Pray for Healing & Provision
Dee Alderson, Marge Rahn, Edgar Bollinger, Ruth Neumann, Ericka Blanchard, Ann Furlong,
Art Suprek, Tania Hayes, Ron Ricklefs, Virginia Reedstrom, Joe Pravato, Elizabeth Smith, Myron
Burditt, Kay Carmona, Sandy Ham, Gertrude Dix, Carole Hope, Ed Heusinger, Sheila Eastman,
Laura & Danny Moran, Hilda Sullivan, Jerry Tinney
Pray for Our Deployed Military
Peggy Martin, Aaron Hanes-Dodd, Kristofer Nichols, Phil Lewis, Jim Coffman
Pray for Comfort in Time of Grief
Jackie & Ken Voss on the death of their daughter, Lisa Stodola
Chris Rasmussen on the death of her sister, Candy Rogers
Advent Youth
Affirm 2015 is June 14-19, 2015. Three Advent youth will join other Southeastern
Synod young people at Berry College for a week living in a Christian community. Affirm is centered on small groups, where participants experience spiritual and emotional growth in a positive and affirming environment of grace. Youth will develop
discipleship and leadership skills while learning that they are special children of God
who can have fun being a Christian. Please pray for a faith-filled week for Nikki
Fiegen, Niki Whitaker, and Jeff Fiegen.
Vacation Bible School needs you! June 22-26, 9am—11:30am. Sign up to
be a VBS helper!
ELCA Youth Gathering, July 15-19, 2015, in Detroit, MI. The Youth Gathering
is an opportunity for high school-age youth to engage with peers from across the U.S.
who share a common commitment and faith in Christ. The Gathering is a five-day
event about faith formation, worship, study, fellowship, service, and play. Young people rotate through a variety of learning experiences where they will explore and
strengthen their faith by studying God’s word, serving their neighbor, sharing bread
and wine in worship, and participating in lively faith discussions. The theme for the
2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, Rise Up Together, reflects that we were meant to be together, and we are a church that believes God is calling us into the world together.
Young people and adults will gather together to share their unique stories and to experience the larger story that makes up the ELCA. We will gather to be inspired, encouraged, strengthened, connected, and sent out to do God’s work in the world together. Please pray that Brent Billings, Nikki Fiegen, Jamie Jimenez, Samantha
Jimenez, Ina Prescott, and Niki Whitaker will have an encounter with Jesus that energizes their faith and helps them discover their call to serve locally and globally. Please
keep leaders, Sam and Marcy Jimenez, in your prayers as they guide the youth on this
trip.
Summer Music
Calling all musicians! The Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir will be on a
well-deserved vacation during this summer. Thanks for all of their hard
work! But I would still like to have special music each Sunday
during the summer. And that's where you come in. If you would be interested in singing a solo, a duet, or playing an instrument, please let me
know. I would like to work out a schedule so that we have some kind of
anthem/solo/instrumental piece each Sunday this summer. This is the
time to use your talents for God's glory! Please contact me at the church
office.
~Ginny
Advent Lutheran Church
June 22 - 26, 2015
9:00am to 11:30am
3232 Washington Road
Augusta, GA 30907
Register at: www.adventaugusta.org
Planning for VBS—”Everest”—has begun. Heather Herrmann and Jamie Sadenwasser have been very busy getting sponsors and volunteers, organizing Saturday
work days to paint props, gathering supplies. Etc. Come join us—it will be an awesome week! If you are unable to come for the morning VBS, come help with the
Saturday painting sessions—also great fun! Check the calendar for dates.
A New Road 33
Coping with Grief Seminar—October 2-4, 2015
A weekend of support for men and women who have been widowed within the past three
years is being offered at Camp Kinard near Batesburg-Leesville, SC on October 2-4, 2015.
A New Road 33 is sponsored by The Community Engagement Table: Community Outreach
Network of the SC Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church and is assisted in funding by friends
and former participants of A New Road weekends. The seminar is designed for participants
to receive help with the transition to a new way of living.
Professional counselors and presenters will be available with information on financial and
coping skills. Ruther Strait-Ellis, Grief and Trauma Counselor, will speak on “Keys to Coping
for Adults and Children” and other grief related topics. James Caulder, Informed Decisions,
Inc., will share information on Social Security and Financial Issues. Attorney Matthew J.
Myers will present a session on Wills, Trusts, and Probate.
The Reverend Tommy Lineberger, Jr., Head Chaplain, will present a session on “The Healing
Element of Sharing our Stories.” Jane and Craig Duensing will share “Songs for the Journey.” There will be a series of panel discussions that include young adults, who at various
ages, experienced the death of a parent. Another panel consists of team members discussing “Plan B for My Life.” Other chaplains include The Reverends David Coffman, Lisa Isenhower, Hank Moody, Christine Stoxen and Andrea Rice.
Dee Snelgrove Camp and Ann Simon (co-facilitators) and Carol Ann Green (founder) are
assisted by many other team members who have attended previous A New Road weekends.
For more information and a brochure, please contact by email [email protected] or
[email protected] or by phone (864) 706-6596 or (706) 910-7534 or (803) 892-2556.
Please visit our website at www.anewroadtogriefrecovery.com and our Facebook page.
Registration deadline for A New Road 33 is September 1.
Donations are appreciated and can be mailed to: Paul Grantham, ANR Treasurer, 1344
Royal Oak Drive, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466.
S
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Worship & Holy Communion
Sundays at 9:15am
1
2
AA 8-9am
7
8
3
AA 8-9am
4
5
6
Property 7am
VBS Decorating
9:00am
AA 8-9am
9
10
Stephen Minis-
AA 8-9am
11
AA 8-9am
12
13
Women’s Small
Group 9:30am
Week 9
try Supervision
6:30
9:15am Worship
AA 8-9am
14
15
AA 8-9am
16
AA 8-9am
17
AA 8-9am
18
AA 8-9am
19
20
Chinese
Fellowship
9:15am Worship
21
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
22
24
Stephen Minis- 24
AA 8-9am
25
26
try Supervision
6:30
9:15am Worship
28
9:15am Worship
AA 8-9am
29
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
30
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
27
Assistant Ministers
6/7 Francesca Furlong
6/14 Ingrid Zamecnik
6/21 Bobby Bisbee
6/28 Mary Filpus-Luyckx
Lectors/Lay Readers
6/7 Anita Fiedler
6/14 Scott Fiegen
6/21 Ken Furlong
6/28 Tim Sadenwasser
Communion Assistants
6/7 Dee Glander
6/14 Di Hamilton
6/21 Patty Williams
6/28 Daisy Morgan
Acolytes
6/7 Max Van Bladel
6/14 Stormi Hubble
6/21 Kate Peterson
6/28 Niki Whitaker
Crucifers
6/7 Sophie Van Bladel
6/14 Zachary Hubble
6/21 Holly Sadenwasser
6/28 Ina Prescott
Eternal Candles
*Sign up in the Narthex*
Ushers
*Joe Pravato 706-447-4308*
*Steve Merzlak 706-855-8006*
6/7 Eric Jablonski, Jim Plumley
6/14 Don Plueger, Linda Lawrence
6/21 Scott Fiegen, Nikki Fiegen
6/28 Steve Merzlak, Bobby Bisbee
Greeters
*Ron Ricklefs 706-738-2166*
6/7 Carole Hope, Patty Williams
6/14 Gary & Linda Lawrence
6/21 Shirley Chipman,
Alice Glisson
6/28 Julie Fillgrove, Judy
McQueen
Altar Flowers
*Sign up in the Narthex*
6/7
6/14
6/21Carole Hope in memory of
Gene Cast
6/28
Hospital/Shut-In Visitor
*Martha Ostendorff 706-736-8673*
6/7 Gayle Ricklefs
6/14 Jackie Voss
6/21 Danny Moran
6/28 Patty Williams
Visitor of Visitors
*Ron Ricklefs 706-738-2166*
6/7 Linda Lawrence,
Shirley Chipman
6/14 Donna Meisner,
Patty Williams
6/21 Di Hamilton
6/28 Scott & Paris Fiegen
Fellowship Coffee Hour
6/7 Coffee only
6/14 Coffee only
6/21 Advent Women
6/28 Coffee only
Missionary Support
*Sign up in the Narthex*
Altar Guild
*Maria Pravato 706-447-4308*
(Saturday) Maria Pravato
(Late) Heather Herrmann
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2
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3
4
10
11
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
5
6
7
AA 8-9am
12
13
8
AA 8-9am
9
AA 8-9am
14
15
Stephen Minis-
AA 8-9am
16
AA 8-9am
17
try Supervision
6:30
AA 8-9am
19
20
AA 8-9am
26
27
AA 8-9am
21
AA 8-9am
28
AA 8-9am
18
Chinese
Fellowship
AA 8-9am
22
AA 8-9am
29
AA 8-9am
23
AA 8-9am
31
Stephen Ministry Supervision
6:30
AA 8-9am
Women’s Small
Group 9:30am
Final Class—
Bring a breakfast item
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
AA 8-9am
24
AA 8-9am
25
Assistant Ministers
7/5 Heather Herrmann
7/12 Pam Tipler
7/19 Mary Filpus-Luyckx
7/26 Karen Smith
Lectors/Lay Readers
7/5 Jamie Sadenwasser
7/11 Diana Perry
7/19 Paris Fiegen
7/26 Paul Filpus-Luyckx
Communion Assistants
7/5 Maria Pravato
7/12 Gayle Ricklefs
7/19 Maggie Heaney
7/26 Gayle Ricklefs
Acolytes
7/5 Jamie Jimenez
7/12 Stormi Hubble
7/19 Jamie Jimenez
7/26 Kate Peterson
Ushers
*Joe Pravato 706-447-4308*
*Steve Merzlak 706-855-8006*
7/5 Jim Williams, Art Rahn
7/12 Steve Merzlak, Sam Jimenez
7/19 Bobby Bisbee, Joe Pravato
7/26 Dieter & Ulrike Beck
Visitor of Visitors
*Ron Ricklefs 706-738-2166*
7/5 Don & Mable Plueger
7/12 Ron & Gayle Ricklefs
7/19 Jim & Barbara Plumley
7/26 Linda Lawrence,
Shirley Chipman
Greeters
*Ron Ricklefs 706-738-2166*
7/5 Gary & Linda Lawrence
7/12 Angie Hubble, Carole Hope
7/19 Patty Williams, Robin Keller
7/26 Maria Pravato, Jim Plumley
Fellowship Coffee Hour
*Sign up in the Narthex*
7/5 Coffee only
7/12 Coffee only
7/19 Coffee only
7/27 Coffee only
Altar Flowers
*Sign up in the Narthex*
7/5 Lynn Reed in memory of
George & Jane Janson
7/12
7/19
7/26
Missionary Support
*Sign up in the Narthex*
Hospital/Shut-In Visitor
Crucifers
7/5 Nikki Fiegen
7/12 Zachary Hubble
7/19 Samantha Jimenez
7/26 Holly Sadenwasser
Eternal Candles
*Sign up in the Narthex*
*Martha Ostendorff 706-736-8673*
7/5 Martha Ostendorff
7/12 Hilda Sullivan
7/19 Alice Glisson
7/26 Gayle Ricklefs
Altar Guild
*Maria Pravato 706-447-4308*
(Saturday) Diane Aizcorbe
(Late) Julie Fillgrove
6-1
6-2
6-5
6-6
6-9
6-12
6-15
6-16
6-17
6-18
6-19
6-20
6-22
6-25
6-26
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Darla Summers
Janice Richardson
Di Hamilton
Dieter Beck
Candy Jablonski
Zachary Hubble
Pastor Jason
Ramona Galloway
Dylan Anderson
Donna Meisner
Helen Schuneman
Frank Easton
Kim Aiello
Donna Carlson
Emma Fischer
Robert Rankin
Mary Suprek
Tania Hayes
Pastor Andrea
Eric Jablonski
Dawn Bowers
Amy Boeke
7-2
7-4
7-5
7-7
7-8
7-10
7-11
7-12
7-13
7-15
7-17
7-23
7-24
7-26
7-30
3232 Washington Road
Augusta, GA 30907
Phone: 706-860-0439
Web: adventaugusta.org
Email: [email protected]
DATED MATERIAL
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Final Deadline For
August Newsletter
Entries is July 24rd!
Jeff Keller
Emily Jimenez
Taylor Cromer
Terrie Beacham
Steve Merzlak
Scott Boeke
Lee Hoops
Barbara Plumley
Jeff Fiegen
Edgar Bollinger
Ann Simon
Aaron Zamecnik
Vanessa Miller
Patrick Hoops
Jackie Shouse
Karleen Fillgrove
Robert Bisbee
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
6-6 Scott & Amy Boeke
6-8 Fred & Anita Fiedler
6-23 Sister Barbara Lee’s life
profession anniversary
6-25 David & Kara Roth
6-26 Art & Mary Suprek
Jim & Barbara
Williams
7-5 Tim & Jamie
Sadenwasser
7-8 Dieter & Ulrike Beck
7-10 Rick & Lynn Reed
7-12 Eric & Candy Jablonski