View this email in your browser What's Happening at Advent! Sunday, January 26, 2025 Third Sunday after Epiphany 10:00 AM - Worship with Holy Communion LIVESTREAM BULLETIN We give thanks for those assisting with worship: Pastor - The Rev. Alex Stall, Jr.; Assisting Minister - Cheryl Beversdorf; Altar Guild - Shelly Haar; Greeter - Marianne Hawn; Usher - Dennis Siebert; Cantor - Shelley Stall; Organist - Rhonda Rose; Videographer - Shane Gainer; Social Hour Host - Ray Batz; Counters - David Falksen and Nancy Jairrels.   Week of January 20, 2025 This has been a week full of news – and much of it has been difficult and disturbing. Proclamations have been made ending abruptly attempts to create environments where all individuals feel respected, valued, and able to fully contribute. Inaccurate and harmful orders have been issued denying the very existence of human beings who do not fall into narrowly defined binaries of sex and gender. Reaction against (and for) these and other actions is rampant and overwhelming. Personally, I feel anger and helplessness in the face of this storm. Where do we turn? What can I do? What can we do?   I recall Jesus’s words from Luke, in the last days of his life, when he is teaching the disciples about “the end.” He tells them that there will be wars, famine, plagues and “the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 28:26, NRSVUE). What Jesus describes in those days is the kind of stuff that has gone on from time immemorial! In just the generations alive today in this congregation, we have experienced assassinations, war, riots, pandemics, violence, and fear. It can truly be overwhelming and vastly worrying. But Jesus also offers this, “Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28, NRSVUE). He tells his followers that in the midst of violence and fear, they are to stand up, remember who they are, and continue to live out the good news. “Be who you are,” he says, don’t give in to the noise and the turmoil.   Whatever happens in the coming days, we are called to live as followers of Jesus. Beloveds, take care of yourselves – focus on your own resilience and find your joy. Remember the beauty of the natural world, and try to soak it in. As individuals and as a community, we must remember our own mission and the communities we serve, then remain focused on them. We cannot lose ourselves in every noise, every event, or every news report.   I want to close this week’s article with a prayer written by Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, asking God’s help in focusing on what we can: Dear God, All I can think to say this morning, is please guide my attention to that which is worthy of it. When I am overwhelmed by everything that has to get fixed in this broken down world, show me what is MINE to do then please give me the strength to do it and the humility to rest afterwards. Open my eyes to behold that which is hopeful and lovely and to know that the terrifying and malicious will always be there and that looking away for a moment is not callous, it’s calculating. Guide my attention to that which is worthy of it: making art, cooking food, loving people, noticing birds, petting dogs, contacting friends, and doing the work that is mine to do. And when I am scrolling through meaningless videos, once again wasting more precious moments on this Earth than I realize, snap me out of it, Lord and help me just go for a walk or something. In your holy name, Amen.   Siblings in Christ, we will find our own voices; we will learn to do what we can and must to help the vulnerable and the marginalized; we will meet violence with peace, and we will answer hatred with love.   Grateful always, Pr. Alex Council Orientation & Training Advent is encouraging current council members, and anyone interested in serving on church council to attend an in-person Leadership Academy with Bishop Ortiz and synod staff designed to help Church Councils become more effective for their congregations. During this session, participants will walk through church leadership best practices, constitution & bylaw processes, and answer any questions you may have about your leadership role on Saturday, February 8, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, VA. Interested? Talk to Marianne or Pr. Alex! AGENDA & REGISTRATION Feed the Hungry Donate to Souper Bowl of Caring We are collecting non-perishable food for the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) throughout the month of February. Our goal is to collect 2,000 cans of food! You can help. Bring your items on Saturday or Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM, or during office hours. If you are available to greet our neighbors and collect donations on Saturday or Sunday, please add your name to the signup sheet via the link below or in the Fellowship Hall. SOUP BOWL VOLUNTEERS Join the Book Club in reading ... Black Pill: How I Witnessed the Darkest Corners of the Internet Come to Life, Poison Society, and Capture American Politics by Elle Reeve for February. “This tour de force of investigative journalism - in the vein of The Next Civil War and Why We’re Polarized - reveals how the battle between the right and left is spilling out from the darkest corners of the internet into the real world with often tragic consequences.” - Amazon. Join the discussion on Saturday, February 15, at 3 pm in the lounge. Everyone is welcome!   SYNOD & ELCA News All Metro D.C. Synod lay and rostered members are invited to a virtual Town Hall with Bishop Ortiz next Thursday, January 30, as she shares her personal insights and experiences in the role of bishop ahead of the upcoming bishop election at the Synod Assembly on June 6–7. This is a unique opportunity for all synod members to hear directly from Bishop Ortiz, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of this important role and the transition process. Hosted by the Bishop Election/Transition Team, this event will be held on Zoom from 7:00 PM–8:30 PM. Please register to attend via the button below. TRANSITION CONVERSATION Discover how faith can transform the world with internationally renowned theologian Dr. Diana Butler Bass! Known for her insight, wit, and warmth, Dr. Bass brings fresh perspectives on Christianity in the 21st century.   On Saturday, February 22, kick off with a 60–90 minute lecture by Dr. Bass, complete with a Q&A session, followed by a book signing and reception. Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on what it means to live out Christian values in times of change.   This event is open to all - church members, neighbors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of faith today. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Groups of 10+ receive a $5 discount per ticket. Childcare is available at no extra charge. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of America’s leading voices in modern spirituality and discover a renewed sense of purpose. The Advent Book Club read and discussed Dr. Bass' book, Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks, in December. REGISTRATION & DETAILS On Friday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7, the 2025 Synod Assembly will be held at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Hyattsville, MD. This Assembly will include the election of a new Bishop of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod. Registration opens on Saturday, February 1. Three Advent members may attend as voting members. If you are interested in attending, please let Pastor Alex or Marianne know by Sunday, February 2. Your registration fee will be paid, and financial assistance is available for overnight accommodation if needed.  Living Lutheran Print Edition Returns Living Lutheran will return as a quarterly print publication in 2025, appearing again in your mailboxes with four seasonal issues. Click the button below to subscribe to the print edition or follow the link on that page to get free e-digest stories delivered to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE Facebook Website Email Office Email Pastor Alex Support Our Ministry Copyright © 2025 Advent Lutheran Church, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via completion of a Visitor's Card or our website. Our mailing address is: Advent Lutheran Church 2222 S. Arlington Ridge Road Arlington, Va 22202 Add us to your address book Office Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 11 am - 3 pm Phone - 703-521-7010