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Sundays, May 6, 13, 20: 8 & 10:30 AM—Services of Holy Communion, Celebrating 50 days of Easter rejoicing. 9:15 AM—Sunday School, rehearsals (6

th & 13

th )

and last day party (20th). Junior High youth meet

with “Professor” Chip Carlson, Sr. High Youth are invited to “hang out” with Ellen. 9:30 AM—Adult Learning Forum in the Church Library led by Dana Bischoff will not meet on May 6. It will meet on May 13 & 20 to wrap up the current study. May 6:

CINCO DE MAYO BREAKFAST in between services. Build your own egg or sausage burrito. There

will be a piñata for the kids, too. This fundraiser helps support youth participation in events like the ELCA Youth Gathering, Confirmation Camp, Leadership Lab, and more. Pastor David Hofer of Lincoln will preside over the Worship Services. May 13:

SUNDAY SCHOOL MUSICAL “Legends At Camp Garner Creek” during the 10:30 AM Worship Service. Pastor Ruth Kaden of Glasford will preside over the Worship Services. See Page 9 for details.

May 16: LUNCH BUNCH is going to The Mercantile in Congerville on Wednesday, May 16.

Meet at the church to carpool at 11:00 AM. Lunch at 11:30 AM. Sign up on the kiosk in the entryway. May 20:

PENTECOST SUNDAY Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirt, who enlightens, enlivens, empowers and sends God’s people OUT to do and be Jesus. In observance of Armed Forces Day, the Adult Choir will present a “Salute to the Armed Services” music medley at 10:30

AM. Geraniums will be on display. Pastor David Hofer of Lincoln will preside over the Worship Services. May 26 & 27:

THE HOLY TRINITY FIRST WEEKEND OF SUMMER WORSHIP: Saturday 5:00 PM and Sunday, 9:00 AM Worship Service of Word, Song, and Prayer,

and a special song and Memorial Moment for Memorial Day Weekend. Ellen Koester will lead the Worship Services.

Here’s What’s Happening at Advent in MAY . . .

2018

ADVENT LUTHERAN’S MISSION STATEMENT: NURTURE our congregational family

SPREAD God’s Word SERVE the identified needs of the wider community.

O’BRIEN’S OBSERVATIONS “For all that has been THANKS, to all that will be YES!” That little aphorism expresses beautifully how this old pastor is feeling! The worship service, lunch and “retardement” program last Sunday only reinforced for me, yet one more time, how BLESSED I WAS to be called to serve and live among God’s people at Advent, and what an amazing community God has gathered here at Advent!. The past 11 years have certainly been challenging and at times discouraging. We continue to struggle with how to make a bold witness for Jesus in our communities and more engaging and assertive in our welcome and care for outsiders and newcomers. Along the way we have shared so many blessed and joyous times of worship, fellowship, study and shared work!!! For ALL that has been these 11 years THANKS, thanks to God who brought it all about and made it happen, and THANKS to you for sharing the journey and blessing my life!. To all that will be YES! Now we all look ahead. Do we know what the future holds, absolutely not! Should that fill us with foreboding and anxiety. Absolutely NOT. I think of God’s word to Joshua as he was about to lead the people of Israel into the promised land: “I hereby command you, be strong and very courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. As I enter the “rigors” of retirement and being Lydia’s full-time Pop Pop, and you move into a time of transition, discernment and waiting, may those words guide and sustain us all. When God promises us that he will be with us WHEREVER we go, and WHATEVER the road ahead may bring, what a waste it is, a terrible waste, to worry and fret. How about we allow the faith, hope and love we have nurtured and practiced with and for one another be our companions during the changes and adjustments ahead. And know through it all that Pastor Dennis’ love and prayers will be asking God’s blessing upon each and all of you, and the ministry you share at Advent – each and every day! Thank you for the love, generosity, gratitude and good humor shared last Sunday (Teresa, where on earth did you get that idea that PD is a packrat!). Thank you for allowing God to make you the amazing faith family which is Advent! People have asked about getting in touch with me. I will be back and forth between Minneapolis and Morton for the next several months, so mail can be sent to my Morton address: 140 Cedar Ave. In MPLS, I will be staying with Marika and Lydia. That address is: 101 E. 25

th St., Minneapolis, MN 55406. I will continue to keep and

use my Advent email address, unless another Pastor Dennis at another Advent fights me for it! My personal email is revdmo@gmail.com. FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN THANKS! TO ALL THAT WILL BE, YES!

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Judy STEGMAIER struggles with pain from her chronic leg wound and arthritis. Tom DOUGHTERY’s hip replacement surgery on April 10 went fabulously well. Tom was back at home in 2 days and has made steady progress. His recovery is made especially sweet by the arrival of a granddaughter on April 22nd! Doris HODGE, Jeannette Anderson’s mother, was hospitalized for multiple abdominal infections in early April and spent over two weeks at OSF. She is currently in a rehab program at Lutheran Hillside Village Short Reach Center. We wish her WELL! Anna WESNER had knee replacement surgery on April 9 and is recovering well! Gina ROBINSON will be having spinal surgery in the near future for complications of her MS. Barb WILLIAMSON breathing issues and fatigue, and continues medical tests. Todd ABNEY continues his recovery from hip and leg injuries from an auto accident. He will also be facing some significant legal issues arising from that accident. Ed ENGLER, Ann Sandoz’s brother, continues a several month regimen of chemo and radiation therapy for cancer. Walt ANDERSON, Ruth Rohweder’s brother, recovering well from hip replacement surgery at Snyder Village. Jean HENDERSON, Brenda’s mom, is struggling with dementia issues. She did enjoy her 92nd birthday celebration on April 17, however. Bev FRAIM still dealing with shoulder pain and recurrent Vertigo. It has been a long process! Prayers are DEEPLY appreciated! Amber WALKER dealing with migraines and some other significant medical issues. Norma PROBASCO struggles with breathing issues and back pain.

Glenn MAGNUSON continues treatment for severe back, muscle and joint pain and some financial issues. Shirley CONE is still recovering from severe respiratory problems. Marilyn REIMERS, Shirley’s sister, is in hospice care at her home in Hot Springs, AR. Harvey WELCH, friend of Rachel Tuhy, is in hospice for congestive heart failure. Arlene PARR continues a long but steady recovery from a fall late last year. Tippy BACH, still recovering from a MRSA eye infection. Thank you for your prayers!!! GOD’S PEACE AND COMFORT: To the family of Susie JOPLIN, sister of Patti Shiflett. Susie has been critically ill most of the last year with kidney disease, infections associated with her dialysis, and other medical issues. She died at a care center near Atascadero, CA on April 23. WELCOME TO GOD’S FAMILY: Baptized on April 8 during the 8 AM service, ELIJAH HORN, son of John and Lynne Horn. What a joy to welcome Elijah, who has been such a special part of Sunday School and worship for the last year. His extended family includes aunts Ruth Abney and Sharon Unsicker and great grandmother, Judy Stegmaier.

Please include these individuals in your PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL PRAYER

PRAYER does make a difference!

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO ARE HOMEBOUND OR ARE IN OTHER

LIMITING CIRCUMSTANCES

Aerienne Reibert Rosewood Care Center, Rm. 210 900 Centennial Dr. E. Peoria, IL 61611 Tippy Bach Apostolic Restmor 1500 Parkside Dr. Room 614E Morton, IL 61550

Ralph Walker Apostolic Restmor 1500 Parkside Dr. Room 204A Morton,IL 61550 Doris Hodge 511 Pennsylvania Ave. Morton, IL 61550 Carole Petonke 315 Magnolia Ave. Morton, IL 61550

Joshua Tuhy Wagner House 2407 Wagner Lane Peoria, IL 61605 Danny Schmutz 702 N.E. Madison Peoria, IL 61603 Natalie Welty Colony South Apts. 1240 S. Main St. Apt. 103A Morton, IL 61550

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Cards, notes, and phone calls are a wonderful way to let them know we care.

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THIS CHANGES

EVERYTHING

Lutheran Outdoor

Ministry Center

Summer, 2018

LOMC has another wonderful summer of camping experiences for children, youth, and families at its 640 acre site just south of Oregon, Illinois. Camps begin the week of June 5 and continue through the first full week of August. Children entering 1

st through 5

th grade can come for 3-day, 2-nite,

“Exploring or Experiencing Camp”. Those entering 3rd

grade and above have a host of 5 day programs to choose from. There are 3 weeks of FAMILY CAMP, when families come for 5 days of Faith-building, Fun, fellowship and food!!!. Check it all out on www.LOMC.org or call (815)732-2220.

LUTHERAN HILLSIDE ANNUAL MEETING

The LHV annual meeting was held April 3, 2018. Attendees representing Advent were Pastor Dennis O’Brien, John and Joyce Opem, and Dean and Ruth Rohweder. Various communications and reports were presented on Board member elections, Treasurer’s financial statement, and by the LSS Chief Operating Officer. LHV Executive Director Shelly Heiden and LHV Foundation Director Phil King also reported on their areas. Retiring Board members were recognized. A set of handouts from the meeting is available in the narthex for further examination. -John Opem

* * * * *

The annual Lutheran Hillside Village (LHV) covenant congregation delegate meeting was held at LHV on Tuesday, April 3 at 6:00 p.m. A delicious meal was served followed by a business meeting. The LHV offers a full range of services to its residents and is classified as a “life plan community” – one in which the residents can live regardless of their financial situation. For many years, Advent has been one of some 23 covenant congregations that support the LHV through prayer, volunteerism and charitable giving to the Benevolent Fund – which helps the LHV defray the cost of care for those nursing home residents who outlive their resources. We encourage our Advent members to continue to include the LHV in our annual benevolence budget. -Dean & Ruth Rohweder

Pastor O’Brien’s Retirement Celebration Sunday, April 29, 2018

God’s love was surely “in the house” Sunday, April 29, as we celebrated Pastor Dennis’s retirement. There had to be close to 200 people at the church service, and 190 at the luncheon. Pastor’s love and compassion for all was the theme of the day. I think Advent should be very proud of our send-off for Pastor. He and the Director of LOMC were honored and amazed at your generosity. As your Council President, I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH! There were so many ways you helped. All the ladies who came to fold and prepare the information letters to be mailed out. For all those flower vases Jill arranged. To those who came and put all the tablecloths on and flowers out. To Muggs collecting all the letters, cards and money. To the group of guys who set up all those tables and chairs and then took them down. To the Majors for getting chairs welded. For the cake cutting ladies (huge job). To Bev and Becky for passing out programs. To Amber for the terrific slide show and mints. To Dean Rohweder for videoing the church service. To Scott Ward for all the photos he was taking. To the Church Council for helping make all those decisions on food, decorations, gifts, etc. etc. To Glenn for his great song. To Jolynn and the choir and our special kids choir. To Barb W. for getting special ushers, greeters, and communion assistants. And, last but not least, to those who participated in the program: Pastor Barb Ziah, John Opem, Craig McLauchlan, Teresa Johnson, Johnna Maragos, Lizbeth Taylor, Judy Stegmaier, Chip Carlson, Heather McLauchlan, Scott Ward, Amber Walker, Muggs Major and Ellen Koester. Now, let’s keep that love, friendship and loyalty going as we enter into our next chapter at Advent. This is God’s plan and our journey. Please be patient and see where He leads us! YOU ARE SPECIAL!!! God’s Blessings to you all. Becky Gillette

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TIME TO ORDER 2018

PENTECOST GERANIUMS

Order forms for the geraniums will be available on the table in the sanctuary May 6 & 13. They will be displayed on Pentecost Sunday, May 20. Your completed forms can be put in the offering plates or brought to the church office. The deadline to order is Wednesday, May 16. Plants are $6.00 each. Members can take their plants home after the 10:30 AM service if they wish.

FAITH FORMATION STAFF ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS UP AND RUNNING!

One of the congregation’s mandates in the Director of Faith Formation work agreement is that the congregation provides an Advisory Committee. This committee is to be a CONFIDENTIAL forum of congregational members, who provide the DFF with feedback, sounding board for new ideas, care and support, and to serve as a vehicle for congregational members to give input to that staff person.

The committee had its first gathering on April 11. Members are: Scott Ward, Chairman; Teresa Johnson, Secretary; Dean Rohweder, Marty Hanson, Amy Keenan and Judy Stegmaier. The group plans to meet monthly through the Summer. Copies of the committee’s job description can be obtained by contacting Ellen or the Church Office. Thanks and many thanks to those who have agreed to serve!

HONORING 50 YEARS TOGETHER AT ADVENT A milestone for this group honoring their 50th anniversary together was celebrated in worship on April 22. In 1968 a group of young mothers initiated a Bible study at Advent. Over time, the group evolved and added a prayer time and then sending cards and fellowship. Leaders have included Barb Branahan, Anita Heffernan, and Shirley Cone. Current members include Ruth Smith, Bev Fraim, Joanne Stover, Sally Ferko, Phyl Beebe, and Amy Keenan.

MONDAY MORNING READERS PROGRAM

WHEN: Mondays June 4-July 23, 2018 TIME: 9:30 AM—10:30 AM WHERE: Morton Public Library WHAT: A program to assist children going into 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade who are reading below grade level. No tutoring skills needed—just a friendly listening ear. CONTACT: Lori Daniel at lorid@mortonlibrary.org.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S LIFE!

We are very thankful for each and every gift to Carol House of Hope at the Center for Prevention of Abuse. We are constantly amazed at the generosity and support of our community as we work to end abuse in our area. Our program and services help build a safe and peaceful community. Your generous donation of $1,820.00 will help us continue our efforts. We appreciate your continued support and friendship. In Peace, Carol Merna Executive Director

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CHURCH OFFICE REPLACEMENT Our Church Secretary, Linda Samp, will be having hip replacement surgery on July 5. Linda will be off work for possibly 6 weeks. We will be in need of a replacement for Linda. Please contact the office if you have any interest. We would be happy to have a couple people who are willing to job share.

NEW REVISED

Advent Lutheran Church

People Directory

Available in the entryway, or can be emailed to you as an attachment. Contact the church office if you would like a copy or an email.

Peanut Butter Jelly Hamburger Helper Instant Mashed Potatoes Rice Side Dish Noodle Side Dish Soup-Progresso type Crackers

Cold Cereal Oatmeal Pancake Mix Spaghetti Noodles & Sauce Canned Meat Personal Hygiene Items

A huge thanks to the congregation for their generous donation to We Care. We think this photo shows about three weeks of donations. ITEMS NEEDED:

The ANNOUNCER and

WEEKLY BULLETINS are online at:

adventmorton.org

Please stop by the bulletin boards in

the information hallway to see more

about upcoming meetings and gatherings.

May 22 Church Council

6:45 pm

May 8 Executive Committee

6:30 pm

MAY MEETINGS

May 1 Property Committee

7:00 pm

WHAT HAPPENS IN MAY The Church Council met on Tuesday, April 24. There was great discussion about hiring an Interim Pastor. The Synod has presented a candidate, and everyone seemed to be very positive about this possible choice. Becky Gillette will be having a phone conversation soon with the candidate and will report back to the Church Council. If this choice is approved, the Interim

Pastor would begin here at Advent on June 1. After all things are finalized, the Council will share all the details with the Congregation and answer any and all of your questions. In the meantime, supply Pastors have been hired for three Sundays in May (6, 13, 20). Our preachers for May will be: May 6: Pastor David Hofer of Lincoln May 13: Pastor Ruth Kaden of Glasford May 20: Pastor David Hofer of Lincoln May 27: Ellen Koester - Becky Gillette

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Would you give Paulina another chance? Paulina was born in Chicago, one of 11 children. She grew up in a three bedroom apartment, where she was sexually molested by three of her older brothers. Her best friend was another brother, younger than Paulina by just 10 months. When they were both 11 years old, her brother accidentally drowned. That was the first time Paulina was officially diagnosed with depression. Paulina’s father was an alcoholic who allowed his five daughters to drink at home, saying it wasn’t respectable for girls to drink in public. Paulina started drinking at her 8th grade graduation, and then quickly moved to smoking marijuana. She became pregnant at 16; by 18 she was smoking crack. As an adult, Paulina’s life stabilized. Her mother owned the building where Paulina and several of her siblings lived in separate apartments. She married a man with a good job who supported her and five children. But by this time Paulina, along with her four sisters, were addicted to heroin. In Paulina’s world this was not unusual. She grew up in a family with a history of substance abuse. She lived in a neighborhood where drugs were readily available and addiction was common. She was in and out of detox centers many times, but always returned to her old environment and familiar behaviors. Substance abuse was a normal part of life for Paulina. In 2014, Paulina was arrested, and charged with possession. She was sentenced to jail and a 120-day, in-patient treatment program. During her incarceration, Paulina’s mother died of cancer. Despite that loss, Paulina remained clean for a full year after she got out of jail. But then her husband of 15 years was diagnosed with lung cancer and died shortly thereafter. As she said to me, “When he died, I died. I just wanted to die.” Having never worked outside the home, Paulina had no references or experience to help her get a job. She had a place to live but her survivor’s benefit was only a few hundred dollars each month. The grief and stress proved too much; she relapsed into heroin use again. “One day I just decided I was going to kill myself. I sat in the park and hoped the gang bangers would shoot me. When that didn’t happen I walked to the Lake Street el and planned to jump in front of the train. I almost jumped, but then my heart was thumping and I panicked and froze. People probably thought I was crazy. They would ask me if I was alright and I didn’t say anything.” Paulina was still intent on killing herself when her cell phone rang. It was Nora, a caseworker from LSSI. Nora had met Paulina during a detox stay at a Chicago hospital and she was calling to follow up. Paulina didn’t agree to go into treatment right away, but Nora kept calling every day until she finally said yes. “Nora was like an angel to me. I spent 7 days in med-detox and made up my mind that I was going to go into whatever program she could find for me.” Paulina went straight from LSSI’s medication-assisted detox unit to our 28-day, in-patient treatment center in Elgin. Nora not only made the arrangements for Paulina’s admission, she personally drove Paulina out to Elgin, some 40 miles away. “I loved it. I was doing something for 16 hours a day so there was no time to be bored. I loved the structure so much I didn’t want to leave!”

Of course, at the end of the 28-day program Paulina had to leave. But this time the outcome would be different from all of her previous treatment experiences: she didn’t have to go back to her old apartment, her old neighborhood, and her old friends. Paulina came to live at LSSI’s Healthy Start Recovery Home in Chicago. Here she can stay for up to eighteen months as she participates in peer-led support groups and learns new skills to maintain her sobriety.

Her new life also has come with some significant losses. She is no longer able to spend time with her four sisters, who are still using heroin. “I go to every meeting possible. I need to take care of myself and love my family from a distance. It’s sad because we were a close family.” That hope is what you have to offer the people LSSI serves. There are many more “Paulinas” who still need the unique kind of services LSSI has to offer. This is just one example of the IMMENSE GOOD that comes through our support of OUR social ministry partner, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. We at Advent support LSSI in a variety of ways – through our regular Benevolence giving; a variety of material and in kind gifts for the Peoria based “Intact Families” program, and through our individual gifts. Giving brochures are available in the entry area of the sanctuary, or check out www.lssi.org.

Advent’s Seminary Scholarship Fund Raising up and training pastors and deacons is a collective endeavor of the whole ELCA.

Advent’s Seminary Scholarship Fund is one way we support both a specific candidate Ella Vandervlugt as well as candidates across the church.

Thank you to all who support this effort. Our goal for 2018 is once again $10,000 divided equally.

Offering envelopes are available in the entry area.

Thank you to Craig and Heather McLauchlan for overseeing this program during 2018.

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ADULT LEARNING

FORUM

May 13 & 20 9:30 AM

In the Library

We return to our previous DVD Study of “We Must Plant the Church’ exploring the history of Lutheranism in North America .

Thursday Morning Bible Study is now going to meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday at 10:00 AM. Ellen will be leading the first two sessions. For the month of May they will meet May 3 and 17. We are looking for new members—men and women welcome!! Come for Bible study, fellowship, coffee and treats!!

Wednesday, May 16 Carpool 11:00 AM—Lunch at 11:30 AM

Please sign up on the kiosk by the library.

Busy Hands Quilters will be meeting Tuesday, May 8, at 9:00 AM in the library. We are in need of enthusiastic quilters!! Please join us in completing some beautiful quilts! Quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief and some local ministries.

Those words greet us as we gather for worship. They grace a large sign above the entry doors to the sanctuary. It was gifted to Advent by our music director, Jolynn Lottman. The words come from John 12:20. Here is Jolynn’s commentary on what those words mean to her, and why: “I hope you have noticed the new banner over the sanctuary door! I was inspired to share this by the plenary speaker at the ALCM conference last summer. Is this not WHY we come to worship? We are an assembly of believers and draw strength and assurance from each other, but our INDIVIDUAL faith journey begins and ends with our relationship with Jesus. This message should help shape our worship experiences, regardless of the Church year or season. The physical building provides a PLACE for the Assembly of Advent Lutheran to gather. The "We Wish to See Jesus" banner provides us with a reminder of WHY we gather, WHOSE we are, and WHAT we want the greater community to see in our lives and actions. They are a fitting way for us to begin our “Sabbath” worship.”

We Wish to See Jesus

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

HIGHLIGHTS!

The highlight during May is the SPRING SUNDAY SCHOOL MUSICAL, “Legends At Camp Garner Creek” , which is being presented on May 13, Mother’s Day, during the 10:30 AM worship service. Kids and leaders meet to rehearse during the Sunday

School hours on May 6 and13, and at 9:30 AM on Saturday, May 12. Pizza will be served at 11:30 AM. May 20 is an end-of-the year celebration during the Sunday School hour, and special activities during the 10:30 AM worship service. If you have questions, or would like to help, call Melanie Carpenter, 531-1300, or talk to Ellen at the church office.

It's hard to believe that the scheduled music year is coming to an end. I

want to extend a heartfelt, "THANK YOU", to all our Advent musicians who faithfully shared their gifts with the Advent Family! Mark your calendars for the end of the year special music: May 13th - The Small But Mighty Sunday School will present, "Legends at Camp Garner Creek", 10:30 AM. Rehearsals are May 12 - 9:30-11:00, and a pizza lunch May 13th during the Sunday School hour. May 20th - The Adult/HS Choir will honor our Veterans during the 10:30 service. Tuesday, May 15 - Choir Party at Jolynn's house, 6:30 PM. NO rehearsals after May 9th. PLEASE consider sharing special music during the summer months!! With One Voice, Jolynn Lottman

Make a Joyful Noise! May, 2018

Thank you to everyone who diligently served fellowship hour this past year! Your willingness to serve is much

appreciated. April 22 was the last “official” fellowship hour; however, you are more than welcome to gather any time after worship services. We will resume scheduled gatherings in September.

Join us for Christian Day at the Ballpark presented by Thrivent Financial on Sunday, June 3rd at 1:15 p.m. when the Cardinals face the Pirates! This year's featured post-game speaker is fan-favorite Cardinals Hall of Famer Willie McGee - long-time outfielder, former NL MVP, and member of the 1982 World Series Champion Cardinals. Current Cardinals players and Manager Mike Matheny will also participate in the post-game program. Groups of 20 or more can call 314-345-9000.

RIDE NEEDED We have several households who need weekly or occasional rides to and from weekend worship. Please talk to Becky Gillette for more information.

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ADVENT ADVENTURES

By Ellen Koester

Happy Birthday, Church On the liturgical (church calendar) this year, May 20 is Pentecost. This is one of the 5 major festivals of the Church year (along with Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, and Ascension). Pentecost celebrates the sending of the Holy Spirit to the disciples 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection (and 10 days after the Ascension). Prior to Pentecost, Jesus’ followers remained huddled in fear. With the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit, the disciples were emboldened to share the good news of what God had done through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. (This is why some refer to Pentecost as the birthday of the Church) And so, in the words of Luke- Acts, the good news of Jesus spread from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth. And to us. We receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in baptism. Many congregations celebrate confirmation (also known as Affirmation of Baptism) on Pentecost. A prayer often used for confirmation echoes one of the prayers frequently used in baptism: “Stir up in _____ the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in our presence, both now and forever.” (ELW p. 236) Pentecost reminds us that God’s Spirit moves among us still today. While the color of the season of Pentecost is green, the color for the day of Pentecost is red. We will be collecting donations the first 2 Sundays of May for red geraniums for the sanctuary on Pentecost Sunday, and everyone is encourage to wear red that day. Come, Holy Spirit, stir us. Amen.

Favorite Hymns Hymns make our hearts sing, comfort us, inspire us, and so much more. Advent will be highlighting members' favorite hymns at services on May 6 and 27. On May 6, we will sing "I Love to Tell the Story." It is one of Sharon Unsicker's favorite hymns. On May 27, we will sing "This is My Father's World." It is a favorite of Anna Blank. About the hymn she says, "Helps praise the fact that this world is of God's creation. I love nature and like remembering His presence in the world around us."

Do you have a favorite hymn you would like to share? Forms are available on the table as you enter the sanctuary. You can give the completed form to Ellen or place it in her mailbox in the office. Sing on!

Shepherd of Souls All are invited to explore the next level of the Vibrant Faith Frame and what it means for Advent by becoming part of a book study this summer. Pastor David Anderson of Milestones Ministry has recently published Shepherd of Souls, and it is designed for group study. Those unfamiliar with the Vibrant Faith Frame will learn about its purpose and implementation, and those who have been through the previous studies like Frogs Without Legs will have the opportunity to take it to the next level. Contact Ellen Koester (ekoester94@gmail.com or 919-792-7300) by May 20 if you would like a copy of the book.

Blessings, Ellen Koester

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HAPPY MAY BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAY

HAPPY MAY BIRTHDAY

Michael Smith 05/03 Linda Sheldon 05/04 Landon Kaiser 05/04 Leland Post 05/05 Becky Gillette 05/10 Gary Sidell 05/10 Bev Potts 05/11 James Rohweder 05/13 Bella Robinson 05/14 David Gillette 05/16 Samantha Nason 05/16 Spencer Nason 05/16 Andy Blank 05/18 Aimee Hungate 05/20 Ruth Smith 05/24 Tom Abney 05/26 Jennis Egan 05/26 Connor McDonald 05/29 Tyler McDonald 05/29 Grant Johnson 05/31 Ron Ferko 05/31 Joyce Gettys 05/31 Ann Sandoz 05/31

Chuck Dirst 05/01 David Gillette 05/01 Deb Simmons 05/01 Becky Gillette 05/01 Norma Probasco 05/04 Paige Sutter 05/04 Mark Brodahl 05/07 Chad Hovey 05/08 Jillian Carpenter 05/08 Joshua Tuhy 05/10 Judy Stegmaier 05/10 Kortney Atchley 05/11 Matt Hovey 05/11 Dalton Oakman 05/11 Cheryl Carlson 05/13 Aaron Unsicker 05/15 John Ziah 05/22 Barb Ziah 05/22 Barb Williamson 05/23 Michael Smith 05/25 Melissa Allen 05/25

IMPORTANT DATES

MAY 6 Ride for Danny: Parrs 8:00am Greeters: Alton & Ann Davis Ushers: Alton & Ann Davis Lector: Bruce Simmons Acolyte: Lilya Keenan Communion Helpers: Bruce Simmons & Marty Hanson Nursery: Seffern Family 10:30am Greeters: Ron & Roxanna Taylor Ushers: Mark & Tamra Brodahl Lector: Dave Nason Acolyte: Kyleigh Carpenter Communion Helper: Melanie Carpenter Nursery: Nason Family

MAY 13 (Mother’s Day) Ride for Danny: Veskaufs 8:00am Greeters: ? Ushers: Carl & Karen Kaufman Lector: Art Herm Acolyte: ? Communion Helpers: ? Nursery: ? 10:30am Greeters: Natalie Welty Ushers: Mark & Tamra Brodahl Lector: Amber Walker Acolyte: Kyleigh Carpenter Communion Helper: ? Nursery: ?

MAY 20 Ride for Danny: Hansons 8:00am Greeters: Ted & Linda Stahler Ushers: ? Lector: Art Herm Acolyte: ? Communion Helper: ? Nursery: Keenan Family 10:30am Greeters: Gary & Gloria Sidell Ushers: Larry & Barb Williamson Lector: Larry Williamson Acolyte: ? Communion Helpers: Larry & Barb Williamson Nursery: Hungate Family

MAY 26 (Saturday)

Ride for Danny: 5:00 pm Greeters: ? Ushers: Larry & Mugs Major Lector: Mugs Major Acolyte: ? Communion Helpers: ? Nursery: ?

WORSHIP HELPERS—May, 2018 Altar Guild:

Mary Bartholomew & Lori Prichard

MAY 27 (Sunday) Ride for Danny: Carlsons 9:00am Greeters: Ron & Sally Ferko Ushers: ? Lector: Heather McLauchlan Acolyte: ? Communion Helpers: ? Nursery: Terri Hartseil

Carl & Karen Kaufman 05/02 Tim & Stephanie O’Brien 05/03 Leland & Lois Post 05/07 John & April Wright 05/07 Paul & Rosemary Schwarzentraub 05/16 Alton & Ann Davis 05/17

Larry & Barb Williamson 05/19

Bill & Beverly Hungate 05/20 Matt & Becky Taylor 05/20 Charles & Carol Pollow 05/27 Andy & Cathy Worlow 05/30

HAPPY MAY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

We still have a few openings for volunteers on

our list of Worship Helpers for this

month.

Please contact Barb Williamson at

(309) 840-2814 if you would like to

volunteer.

Advent Lutheran Church 1211 S. Main Street Morton, Illinois 61550-2449 309-266-5883 adventmorton@gmail.com www.adventmorton.org

Ellen Koester, Dir. Of Faith Formation

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays May 6, 13, 20:

8:00 AM & 10:30 AM 9:15 AM Sunday School

Summer Worship Schedule

May 26—Sept. 2

Saturdays 5:00 PM Sundays 9:00 AM

God’s Blessings to Pastor Dennis as he begins his Retirement!