z Vol. 44 No. 6 June July August Sundays, through September 4: Worship one Sunday worship service 9:30 AM Learning opportunity or sermon conversation 11:00 AM Month of June: complete a Let Your Faith Show form (enclosed) and return it to Advent in the Sunday offering plate or drop it off in the church office June 12 Safe Community Training 1:00 PM June 17 BIG Big Band From Sweden at Advent 7:00 PM June 20-25 CMT Session 1: Sinchi Sacha 9:00 AM 3:00 PM June 25 Sinchi Sacha performance - free and open to the public 7:30 PM July 4 Interfaith group invites Advent s participation in Morgan Hill s July 4 Parade look for details to come July 10 SCORE teams meet to begin work on the strategic process: 11:00 AM everyone is invited to be a part of one of the five teams July 11-16 CMT Session 2: Spirit of the Universe 9:00 AM 3:00 PM July 16 Spirit of the Universe performance - free and open to the public 7:30 PM
2 FROM THE PASTOR S DESK By Pastor Karen Perkins To all God s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:7) This is how Paul greets the church in Rome when he writes to introduce himself. Of course, I am not Saint Paul, nor am I about to write a 16-chapter discussion of theology. Even so, these words capture the essence of how I hope to meet you. To you, all God s beloved at Advent: Regardless of the capacity in which you serve, regardless of how we will have an opportunity to share ministry, regardless of where you are on your journey this summer, I am looking forward to meeting you. Who are called to be saints: I am grateful to have an opportunity to serve among you. I ask God to open my eyes and heart to learn from you and grow with you, as from all the saints before and following this time. Grace to you and peace: Could one wish anything greater for another? I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. I served in Hawaii from 2005 to 2012 as pastor and vicar of two neighboring congregations, one Lutheran and one Episcopalian. From there, my husband and I moved to Bangkok for his work. After returning to the United States, we moved to Auburn, CA, near my father-in-law. In several ways, Morgan Hill feels like my comfort zone, though I ve never actually lived here. Before going to seminary, I worked as a corporate trainer, facilitator and manager at AAA. Other work was in education and childcare. I love to preach and teach, and am excited to be able to use those skills this summer. I also work with the San Francisco Night Ministry as an assistant night minister with my dog, Cooper, and as a crisis counselor. Ministry passions include evangelism, ecumenism and social justice work in the areas of mental health and poverty. For pleasure, I tiedye clothing, make jewelry, click endless links on Wikipedia, reminisce about riding my motorcycle and talk with anyone who is willing. I know we will have fun together. I hope that the sabbatical time is renewing for Pastor Anita, for Advent and for me. Again quoting Paul s letter to the Romans: To all God s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 16:27) From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: This is the source of all that we are, and the reason for all that we do. It is my prayer that we may encounter each other with the confidence that we are siblings in one holy community.
3 TITLE: SCORE NEEDS YOU! http://advent-lutheran.org/wp- content/uploads/2016/02/5200- letyourfaithshow.pdf Kris A. is heading up the team of the five SCORE group leaders. They are: Sustaining Strengths: Grant L. Capabilities: Bill M. Outreach: Valerie S. Resources: Janel J. Engagement: Mark G. The Transforming Church Vision Report went very well on Sunday, May 22. Kevin Graham Ford of TAG, The Armstrong Group, discussed the Discovery process and reviewed the work Advent's Visioning retreat team completed. Most importantly, he revealed Advent's newly identified Core Values and our 3-5 year strategic focus: Growing The Beloved Community in South County through service and the creative arts. Many of the visioning retreat attendees discussed the role they played in the process and the importance of the work that came out of it. Copies of the slide presentation can be found on the SCORE table in the church lobby. It was also emailed to members on Monday, May 23rd. Five leaders from the retreat team spoke about the part they are playing going forward. Following the meeting, the attendees had a chance to chat with the leaders and sign up to be part of a SCORE group (outlined below). They also passed out Let Your Faith Show surveys so the congregation can update them. The form is online if you would like to print it and send it in to the church office. Lots of exciting plans were discussed, like offering scholarships to Voices students to attend CMT, anti-racism workshops, and having Food and Fellowship events with the Interfaith Council of South County. The first SCORE group meetings will be on July 10th following worship. Each group will meet in a different room and they need YOU!! Please sign up for the group you are most interested in and help us bring Advent's vision to light. The sign-up sheets will remain in the lobby until the meetings. Teens are encouraged to join a group as well. We will have extended childcare for the meetings so spouses and partners can attend groups together while the kids have fun. Our goal is to keep meetings brief and take action quickly. For more information on The Beloved Community, please visit: http://www.thekingcenter.org/kingphilosophy#sub4 More will be discussed in the coming weeks so stay tuned!
4 APPROACHING DEATH WITHOUT FEAR DISMANTLING RACISM WORKSHOP California Lutheran University Congregational Relations invites you to tune into a live stream presentation of "Approaching Death Without Fear" by esteemed speaker, Dr. Barry Kerzin. Friday, June 17, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Free Tickets for the in person event Watch the event Live and On Demand at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/cluadmin/ and join the conversation with #CLUfaithculture on the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/177069439 359009/ For more California Lutheran University news: Cal Lutheran Calling May 2016 Newsletter at http://us10.campaignarchive1.com/?u=eb440393c2478f1702311308 4&id=8c14e5d271 Sponsored by the Racial and Ethnic Mission Strategies Discipling Team Saturday, June 25, 2016 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Christ Lutheran Church 780 Ashbury Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530 Registration Fee: $20 Go to http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eve nt?oeidk=a07ecqe3t75355b261b&llr=zoeaptcab to register or get the link forwarded to you from our church office. Changed Lives Changing Lives Through Christ's Love
5 SAFE COMMUNITY TRAINING OFF-THE-RECORDS Baptisms June 12 1:00 to 3:00 PM This is required training for all adults and youth who work with children and youth. See Advent s Safe Community Policy at http://advent-lutheran.org/wpcontent/uploads/2016/02/safe_community_polic y.pdf= May 22, 2016 Baptism: Adele Faith C. daughter of Dan and Emily C. Sponsors: T.J. and Patti J. and Dave and Chris P. NAME BADGES FOR SUMMER Starting May 29 and going until Sept. 4, Advent's 9:30am Sunday worship services will bring together the 8am and 10:45am folks, summer visitors and travelers, and Advent's sabbatical interim pastor - Pastor Karen Perkins. So to add to our friendly, welcoming atmosphere, please wear your name badge each Sunday this summer.
6 Christian Music Theatre (CMT) is for children entering kindergarten through 9th grade. Children of all faiths are invited to participate. Session I "Sinchi Sacha" 6/20 through 6/25 Session II "Spirit of the Universe" 7/11 through 7/16 On Saturday evening we perform a full-length musical play! EVERY child is in the performance! CMT uses the performing arts to: cultivate respect for others communicate human values increase concern for our planet grow in relationship with God. Program/Artistic Director Marc Northcott SCHEDULE Each six-day camp runs daily from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Saturday. Dress rehearsal: Friday night, 7:00-8:30 PM, performance: Saturday night 7:30 PM COST $250 per session, second child - $225 per session, each additional child: - $175 per session Scholarships are available REGISTRATION www.advent-lutheran.org Questions? cmtreg@advent-lutheran.org or church office at 408-779-3551 Location: Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
7 For more information call 408-779-3551 The BIG Big Band From Sweden is coming to Morgan Hill. This outstanding 63-person band will appear at 7 PM, June 17, 2016 at Advent Lutheran Church 16870 Murphy Ave. Morgan Hill Advent Lutheran Church welcomes the entire community to this unique concert. This group s big band sound will appeal to young and old. The BIG Big Band From Sweden includes young people in their late teens right through to members who have played in the band for more than 40 years! Band members come from several small villages in the Southern province of Sweden called Skåne the Swedish province closest to Denmark. The band includes teachers, doctors, engineers, farmers, professors, high school and university students and homemakers. The band was begun by Christian music teacher, Erik Karp, in 1955 as a way to reach neighborhood youth with the Gospel message. For the past 30 years, Erik s son, Ingemar, has directed the band. Sixty-seven years after the band was begun, this outstanding group has performed all over Scandinavia, northern Europe and America. They have played for television specials on Swedish Television. In Sweden the band is known as Röke Blas or Röke Musikkår, and it is the biggest big band in the world! The Swedish word blås means blow and musikkår means music corp. Coming with the band on their 2016 tour is Vincent Nilsson, a band alum, who now is one of the most renown jazz trombonists in the world. Vincent has been a featured artist with Copenhagen s famed Tivoli Garden s Big Band and he is a member of the Royal Danish Radio Big Band. The band s 2016 California/Arizona tour will include 16 concerts. Band members will be overnight guests in over 400 homes. A free-will offering will be received at the concert which benefits the Shepherd s Canyon Retreat ministry (www.shepherdscanyonretreat.org).
8 FOOD N FELLOWSHIP NEWS: JUNE/JULY 2016 For the 16th year in a row our Food n Fellowship Group sponsored our Annual BBQ/Silent Auction fund raiser with 80-85 people in attendance on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. BASH FOR TRASH CASH recycle/waste fund raiser raised $2979.35 at our BBQ/Silent Auction event on May 15, 2016 after expenses of $670.32 we have a total of $2309.03 to begin our recycle/waste area remodel. All my Happy Helper/Worker Bees arrived at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. to get things ready for the BBQ/Silent Auction to be ready at 4:00 p.m. Happy Cooker Brad B. worked his BBQ magic with help from Teryl P. to grill up some of the best Tri-tip around. Set-up guys Wil L., David C., Dennis H., Pete M. and Rick S. set up quickly so that the Auction Ladies Doris S., Linda C. and Rosemary P. had their tables ready for them to put their treasures on display for all to see and shop. Marilyn L. created and made the recycle centerpieces with help from Sheila W.. Lucky us to have such an efficient team for Kitchen Prep!...Newcomer Valerie C. worked like she has been with us through the years alongside Cathy B., Virginia H. and Nancy S.. Don and Pat S. picked up the cakes and had it on the table ready to be cut by Ellie Q. and Alice W.. Grilled meats all ready to be sliced by Wil L., Bob Q..and Mary H. even brought her own meat slicer to get the job done quicker! Buffie Servers Ellie Q., Nancy S., Sherry K. and longtime server Elena M. were all ready with their rubber gloves on and serving utensils in their hands and a smile on their faces heaping up delicious food on everyone s plates! Kitchen Clean-Up crew with veteran Mary H., Liz P. and newcomer Sharon P. worked hard to get the kitchen sparking clean. So many folks came forward to help Wil L. and his team Bill H., Arne K., Dave P. Take Down and put away all the tables n chairs so quickly that they were asking me.. What else do you want me to do? Money Counters Ruthie J. and Floyd S. diligently counted and recounted the money to give us a final total at the end of the event. I was happy to have met Daniel W. (age 14) the son of Heidi F. to shadow Wil and myself to give us as much help as we needed before, during and after our event. he did a very good job!... this was part of his community service for school.. so I would say this was a win/win situation for all.. and I made a new young friend in the process! May I extend a huge THANK YOU to ALL you Happy Helpers for a job well done! May I extend a huge THANK YOU to ALL who participated with donations and in your attendance! Peace, Blessings n Bon Appetite, Nancy L. Coordinator
9 Each week a different Ministry or group at Advent Lutheran is recognized both in the bulletin and during service. The members are asked to bring the Communion elements to the altar along with the offerings for the day and receive a thanksgiving prayer and blessing by Pastor Warner. This recognition came about after careful review of the Cottage Meeting survey results, particularly question # 18; I tell stories of how this congregation makes a difference in the lives of others. These ministries and groups do make a difference and we wanted to share them with you. Here are their stories. May 1, 2016 Pastoral Partners Pastoral Partners are members of Advent who offer caring support and encouragement, to those in our church family who may have suffered the loss of a family member, a job or had a life experience that has been difficult. The Pastoral Partners Program is under the Community Connections umbrella. Pastoral Partners was started around 2005 with the leadership of Ellie Q.. Currently each of the 26 pastoral partners supports 2 to 6 family units, with the goal of the ministry to have a pastoral partner for each member of Advent. These caring people offer support to those who may be struggling with problems that were going unnoticed. They also support new members by walking with them through their spiritual journey, encouraging them however they can. Pastoral partners meets at 2:00 PM on the last Monday of every other month. At each of our meetings we attempt to offer a program that will provide a new awareness to our members to a particular issue. On March 31 st Susana Gal a representative from the Consumer Mediation Unit of Santa Clara County District Attorney s Office spoke on Consumer Protection and Scams. The congregation as well as Pastoral Partners were invited to attend. If you are interested in being part of this ministry, please speak with Cathy B. or Ellie Q. at church or contact them through the church office. May 8, 2016 Great and Great-Great Grandmothers There are things we look forward to, as we get on in years. Our children get married, raise children of their own, through all the sweat and tears. Before you turn around, grandchildren grow up and make their way. Along comes a young man, or woman and a marriage takes place, one day. Time passes and you get a call. What they're about to say to you, is the happiest news of all. As you listen with intent, you're hearing all about the blessed event. Tears, well up in your eyes and your heart, is jumping for joy. You're so elated, you don't care if it's a girl or boy. It's the most wonderful feeling to know, you've come this far. Now, you're going to become a great grandparent and you realize, how very fortunate, you are! Audrey Heller poet
10 May 15, 2016 Confirmation Youth and Family Adults Today we celebrate the families of confirmation youth, parents and grandparents who support their participation in learning, community and service as they grow in faith in Christ. Confirmation is an important time in one s life and faith journey where they can focus on what it is they believe, histories and traditions, Bible study, ask the tough questions, and wrestle with the answers they may find. Traditionally, students have already been baptized prior to confirmation classes. With this being so, Confirmation becomes a time for them to reflect on what baptism means, how it affects their lives, and how they want to continue living as a new creation in Christ Jesus. Confirmation is mainly about discipleship. Through the confirmation process students will discover for themselves how their faith is calling them to be disciples of Christ in the world. The confirmation process ends with a worship service where the 3rd year students are confirmed and share their personal statements of faith with the congregation. Confirmation at Advent usually begins in 7th grade and ends in 9th grade. However, faith is a journey and a process in itself. Not everybody was baptized as an infant or brought up in a community of faith. It is not unusual to have students in the confirmation classes who have not yet been baptized. There is room to be flexible with the confirmation process. God meets us where we are so that means it won t always be at the same place in life for everybody. If you are interested in exploring the faith journey in a safe community with others, at any age, please speak with the Pastor. May 22, 2016 Food n Fellowship Worker Bees For more than a decade, the Food & Fellowship Ministry has hosted a fundraiser and Barbeque. Funds raised through this fun and much needed event are poured back into improving the church facility and benefiting the many ministries at Advent. This year s Food n Fellowship BBQ/Auction fundraiser, Bash For Trash Cash was another success, raising $2,309.03 to improve the trash area on the south side of the building. The event took place last Sunday, May 15 th from 4:00 until around 6:00. Dinner included a tri-tip dinner (some chicken will be available), salad, beans, garlic bread, dessert and a silent auction. A free will offering is all that is asked for this delicious meal and attendees were thoughtful with their giving. May 29, 216 Lay Eucharistic Ministers Lay Eucharistic Ministers share Holy Communion with people who are unable to attend worship services at Advent because they are ill, recovering from surgery, or homebound. The first Sunday of the month, the pastor and congregation offer a blessing prayer for those who will be sharing communion together in homes, hospitals and nursing care centers in the coming weeks.
11 If you are aware of someone who could benefit from this ministry, please contact Pastor Warner at the church office. pastorw@adventlutheran.org or 408-779-3551 All current, past and future Eucharistic ministers are invited to bring the communion elements to the altar for a blessing from Pastor Warner and to celebrate your stewardship at Advent Lutheran. On the inside of the tri-fold brochure used at the Cottage Meetings in 2009 were all of the ministries at Advent. When members were asked to open the brochures, most were astounded at the scope of what is offered at Advent. We literally have and will continue to celebrate a different ministry each week. We hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about what Advent Is and Does and the next time someone asks you, What does your church do to make a difference in the lives of others? you can say Let me tell about my church, Advent Lutheran, and the wonderful things were are doing here. You ll have a great story to tell. Your Gifts and Participation Make a Difference! FOOD OF THE MONTH JUNE - CANNED DAIRY (Non-perishable) JULY - JUICE However, you can donate other nonperishable foods as well. When you shop, pick up two of something, and put one in a bag for church. Then leave it by the door or stick it in your car so when you are running late for church, you haven't forgotten your food bag. Many people in south county need our help. This is a simple way we can make a difference. If you are interested in helping others find food: - Make sure they have a picture I.D. - Call the Food Information Hotline at 1-800-984-3663. - Give the zip-code of where the person lives and nearby zip-codes. From Your Stewardship Committee
12 DAILY BIBLE READINGS JUNE - 2016 June 19-25 Continued Mon Jeremiah 26:1-12 Jeremiah prophesies against Jerusalem Tues Jeremiah 38:1-13 Jeremiah imprisoned and released Wed Matthew 10:5-23 Jesus speaks about persecutions Thu Micah 7:1-7 The corruption of the people Fri Revelation 2:1-11 Enduring patiently Sat Psalm 6 Prayer for deliverance June 1-11 Wed Luke 4:31-37 Healing the man with an unclean spirit Thu Isaiah 56:1-8 God welcomes the foreigner and eunuch Fri Acts 3:1-10 Healing the crippled beggar Sat Psalm 5 God s favor like a shield Sun Hosea 5:15-6:6 God desires steadfast love Psalm 50 Romans 4:13-25 The salvation of God The promise to those of Abraham s faith Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 Christ heals a woman and raises a girl Mon Hosea 8:11-14;10:1-2 God rejects Israel s sacrifices Tues Hosea 14:1-9 God will be merciful to Israel Wed Matthew 12:1-8 Mercy, not sacrifice Thu Lev 15:25-31; 22:1-9 Those bleeding or dead are impure Fri Hebrews 13:1-16 Sacrifices pleasing to God Sat Psalm 40:1-8 Christ heals a woman and raises a girl June 12-18 Sun Exodus 19:2-8a The covenant with Israel at Sinai Psalm 100 We are God s people Romans 5:1-8 While we were sinners, Christ died for us Matthew 9:35-10:8 [9-23] The sending of the Twelve Mon Joshua 1:1-11 God calls Joshua Tues 1 Samuel 3:1-19 God calls Samuel Wed Luke 6:12-19 Jesus chooses the apostles Thu Proverbs 4:10-27 Choosing the way of wisdom Fri 2 Thess 2:13-3:5 The life of those chosen by God Sat Psalm 105:1-11, 37-45 God saves the chosen people June 19-25 Sun Jeremiah 20:7-13 The prophet must speak Psalm 69:7-10, 16-18 Draw near to me Romans 6:1b-11 Buried and raised with Christ in baptism Matthew 10:24-39 The cost of discipleship June 26-30 Sun Jeremiah 28:5-9 The test of a true prophet Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18 I sing of your love Romans 6:12-23 No longer under law but under grace Matthew 10:40-42 Welcome Christ in those he sends Mon 1 Kings 21:1-16 Ahab and Jezebel sin against Naboth Tues 1 Kings 21:17-29 The prophet Elijah confronts Ahab Wed Matthew 11:16-24 Jesus prophecies against the city Thu Jeremiah 18:1-11 Jeremiah at the potter s wheel Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, wehave peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And weboast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 1-8
13 DAILY BIBLE READINGS JULY - 2016 July 1-9 Fri 1 John 4:1-6 Testing the spirits Sat Psalm 119:161-168 Loving God s law Sun Zechariah 9:9-12 The king comes in peace Psalm 145:8-14 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion Romans 7:15-25a The struggle within the self Matt 11:16-19, 25-30 The yoke of discipleship Mon Jeremiah 27:1-11, 16-22 Jeremiah wears the evil yoke Tues Jeremiah 28:10-17 Hananiah breaks Jeremiah s yoke and dies Wed John 13:1-17 Jesus washes the disciples feet Thu Jeremiah 13:1-11 Jeremiah s loincloth Fri Romans 7:1-20 The law and sin Sat Psalm 131 I rest like a weaned child on God July 10-16 Sun Isaiah 55:10-13 The growth of the word Psalm 65:9-13 Your paths overflow with plenty Romans 8:1-11 Living according to the Spirit Matthew 13:1-9 The parable of the sower and the seed Mon Leviticus26:3-20 The rich and poor harvest from God Tues Deuteronomy 28:1-14 The blessings of obedience Wed Matthew 13:10-17 The purpose of parables Thu Proverbs 11:23-30 The fruit of righteousness Fri Ephesians 4:17-5:2 The old life, the new life Sat Psalm 92 The wicked as grass, the righteous a tree July 17-23 Sun Isaiah 44:6-8 There is no other God than the LORD Psalm 86:11-17 God s sovereignty Romans 8:12-35 The revealing of the children of God Matt 13:24-30, 36-43 The parable of the weeds Mon Nahum 1:1-13 The wrath and the mercy of God Tues Zephaniah 3:1-13 The wicked convert to God Wed Revelation 14:12-20 The harvest at the end of time Thu Daniel 12:1-13 The righteous will shine Fri Galatians 4:21-5:1 The allegory about those saved Sat Psalm 75 God s judgment July 24-31 Sun 1 Kings 3:5-12 Solomon s prayer for wisdom Psalm 119:129-136 Your word gives light and understanding Romans 8:26-39 Nothing can separate us from God s love Matt 13:31-33, 44-52 Parables of the reign of heaven Mon 1 Kings 3:16-28 Solomon s wisdom in judgment Tues 1 Kings 4:29-34 God gave Solomon wisdom Wed Mark 4:30-34 Jesus use of parables Thu Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-33 The call of wisdom Fri Ephesians 6:10-18 The allegory of the armor Sat Psalm 119:121-128 Give me understanding Sun Isaiah 55:1-5 Eat and drink that which truly satisfies Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 You open wide your hand Romans 9:1-5 The glory of God s people in Israel Matthew 14-21 Jesus feeds 5000 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145: 8-14
14 "MARY & MARTHA CIRCLE" ADVENT WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY "Treasures in Clay Jars" from Gather Magazine Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:7 Wednesday, June 8, 2016 We meet July 6, 2016. TBD Fellowship:10:00 am Bible Study: 10:30 am