3232 S. Cooper St. Arlington, TX 76015
817.465.6793 / www.alctx.org
April 5, 2016
THOUGHTS FOR THE JOURNEY
“Getting Older”
I had a crash course with reality a
few weeks ago. Literally. I was doing a
young man’s sport with my14 year-old
son, and I crashed. Again, literally. I
fell skiing with Caleb a couple of times
the first day out – landing once on my
shoulder and once on my hip. Neither
hurt more than a couple of hours later,
but about a week after I started to have
intense hip pain. Of course, this was after coming home and
running probably 30 miles the week I got back. No wonder it
hurt. I had a hairline fracture of my hip and a torn labrum (for
all non-doctors: the labrum is the ring of cartilage that
follows the outside rim of the socket of the hip, much like a
rubber seal or gasket, that holds the thighbone securely within
the hip socket). My wife broke her leg the last time we went
skiing and now it seems to be my turn. I’m getting older.
The last week of doctor visits, x-rays, MRI’s, pain pills and
crutches has given me a keen appreciation for those of you
who are getting older (who isn’t?) and who have started to
have more limited mobility and more aches and pains. Up to
this point, I’ve been blissfully unaware of what the passage of
time inflicts upon us gradually but steadily. I think I understand
more now.
How that affects my everyday life is what’s really
important. I now realize the frustration of members and friends
of Advent who just can’t get ready to be here at 8:30 AM
Sundays, as much as they would like to be here. It takes me
twice as long to get ready every day now. I now understand
those who have to use walkers, canes, crutches, etc. to get
around and how many choose just NOT to get around because
its easier to stay home rather than get out. I’ve felt that way
too, and I realize how quickly that makes me feel isolated from
my parish and my friends at Advent.
I’ve also come to understand that medications and pain
have a strange way of taking over your entire life. It really
becomes the major consideration in every thing that one does
or doesn’t do. Pain meds are very limiting in that they
sometimes make you goofy or very sleepy, and pain shuts
down almost every other impulse, even eating, which I have
not done near enough of over the last few weeks.
I’m fortunate. I will heal from this injury and probably have
another good 10 to 20 years to do most of what I want to do
physically. But the time will come for me, as for you, when
physical limitations will take center stage. I say all of this for
one reason: when we experience limitations, the Christian
community becomes a lifeline to the outside world. Advent
members are particularly good at helping each other through
limitations and giving a window to the outside to those who
can’t or won’t get out there anymore because of physical
limitations. One of the things I’m most proud of with this
congregation is the care they show each other. The past
couple of weeks, during my own recovery, I have come to
appreciate that gift of community even more.
Peace,
Pastor Joel
THANK YOU!
A special "THANK YOU!" to all the musicians, worship leaders,
volunteers, and teams who helped to make worship possible
during our Lenten Season, Holy Week and Easter.
Your hard work and dedication to excellence is apparent.
It's so great to work with groups of people who always go
above and beyond the call.
April 5, 2016
PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY
HEALING: Vivian Jacobson, Pr. Joel, Allen Sowle, Stan Sanders, Dee Riggleman, Doris Heikkinen, Ron Ryason, Jared Barnes, Lila Hedrick,
Louise Cooper, Luise Horn, Cambri Collins, Merrill Nelson, Dave Lindell, Susan Wong, John Staehle, Gil Ginn
WISDOME, STRENGTH, GUIDANCE: Lynn Courtney & family
LONG-TERM CARE: Louise Cooper (Brookdale City View Nursing/FW), Joann Kelley
MILITARY: Jeff Horn, Jr., Ben Bailey, Casey Durst
NON-MEMBER FRIENDS, RELATIVES
HEALING: Janine Cook, Sailor, Pst. Robert, Scott, Kay King, Sandi White, Ruth Dittmar, Mr. Gibson, Anna Kate Aper, Pam Hall, LeRoy,
Jeff Metcalf, Robert Denton, Sabastian Smith, Sandy DeClassis, Amy Bickle, Gaelynn, Wally Sundet, Dorman Nelson
COMFORT/WISDOM/STRENGTH/GUIDANCE/SAFETY: Bob Kountz, Lance Barnett & family, John Winborn (stationed in Brussels), Brian Wazac
MILITARY: Ben Reswick, Andrew Musfeldt, Travis Guidry, Matt Dennis
PRAYER PARTNER: Green Oaks School, Darren Vercruysse, APD, Malaika Children’s Orphanage Foundation, UTA Lutheran Student Center
RUN FOR THE ROSES GALA/AUCTION
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Briarwood Retreat Center will sponsor the
2016 Gala and Auction Saturday, May 15,
5:30 PM at the Euless Texas Star Conference Center. Briarwood is also seeking
donations from ministry groups such as
men’s, women’s, music and/or youth
groups for the auction. All donors will be acknowledged in writing
at the gala. Donations and the funds from the auction will allow
Briarwood to provide scholarships for summer camp/retreats, and
continue to make camp/retreat ministry affordable to the thousands
of children, youth, young adults, and adults who use Briarwood.
A table may be purchased for $1250, or get a group of 10 together
to represent Advent at this fun, entertaining and beneficial event. If
you have questions, talk to Pastor Joel or Pastor Marc.
There will be a Celebration of Life Wake for Doug Courtney
(husband of Lynn, Advent Business Manager) this
Friday, April 8, 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Lake Arlington Activities
Room (6300 W. Arkansas Ln., Arlington). Members and friends of
Advent are invited to attend and show support for Lynn and her
family. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
NT-NL MISSION AREA CELEBRATES
BISHOP KEVIN & BILLYE JEAN KANOUSE!
As a part of NT-NL Mission Assembly Saturday, April 23, 7:00
PM at the Arlington Convention Center, there will be a
Celebration Banquet to honor and thank Bishop Kevin & Billye Jean
for their 16 years of ministry as Bishop and Spouse.
Included will be special entertainment and appreciations. All are
invited and tickets are $45 and can be purchased at this link:
https://ntnl.org/2016-mission-assembly-registration/
2016-mission-assembly-extra-meal-tickets/
Let's have wonderful Advent support and gratitude at the
Banquet for our former Pastor and (almost former)
Bishop and the forever Billye Jean!
DEJU VU ALL OVER AGAIN
Remember when we were working in the Sanctuary and had to
move to Luther Hall for worship? We will need to do that again
due to more construction/restoration. Phase I will replace the altar
floor. Phase II will replace the Sanctuary carpeting which means
the room will be unusable. So we will worship in Luther Hall.
As always, we appreciate your patience!
THANK YOU!
On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all my dear friends at
Advent for their prayers over the years, the cards and warm
condolences for Kris' passing and for the generous donations
many made to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory. Thanks
also the people who put on the wonderful meal following her
memorial service April 2. God has blessed us with so many caring
friends. Thank you all! ~ Denny Herbranson
YOUTH MINISTRY
April 17, Mineral Wells State Park for some
outdoor ROCK CLIMBING: We encourage participants to attend
early service that day, then gather for a short devotion
during the Disciple Life hour, and leave 10:15-ish.
Lunch at the park, climb, and back around 6:00 PM.
Spring is nature’s way of saying,
“Let’s party!”
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April 5, 2016
SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:45 – 10:45 AM EVERY SUNDAY
Children study the same story or them for three weeks rotating through
different workshop to explore the story in a new way each week. Workshops include
Science, Movies, Computers, Drama, Crafts, Cooking and Games.
JAM (JESUS AND ME!)
Preschool - 2nd grade. Meets in the CGC the first and third Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-8:00 PM.
Upcoming dates - *April 6 and 20
FLASH (FOLLOWING, LOVING, AND SERVING HIM!)
3rd-5th grade. Meets in the gym on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, 6:30-8:00 PM.
Upcoming dates - *April 6 and 20
*FAMILY SKATE NIGHT - April 6, 6:30-8:00 PM Meet at Arlington Skatium (5515 S. Cooper St)
$1.99 + tax Admission / $1.00 +tax Basic Skate Rental / $3.00 +tax Inline Skate Rental
Jr. & Sr. High students may be dropped off and picked up. However, we are asking the parents of elementary-aged
kids to stay with your child.
BRAILLE SERVICE PROJECT
Needed: 7-9 people (3rd grade and up only), plus parents, to make Braille Bible books. It’s fun, easy, and gives the blind a
chance to study the Bible. Sign-up on the YOUTH bulletin board in the gym.
If you can't help this month, sign-up for another month. We will make Braille books the fourth Wednesday of the month,
6:30-8:00 PM.
Upcoming dates - April 27 and May 25.
COMMUNION TRAINING FIELD TRIP - April 10, 12:45-3:00 PM Cost - $5
You must sign-up on the bulletin board in the CGC by April 3. To go along with our Communion Training at DiscipleLife, all
children preschool—5th grade, and a parent, will meet at Dottie Lynn Park (3200 Norwood Lane, 76013 ) at 12:45 for lunch
(pizza) until 1:50 PM. Then we will caravan to Creative Hands (2225G West Park Row, 76013) where each child will pick a
ceramic Christian symbol to paint. Children in 5th grade will paint a chalice. Many will be able to take their creations home
with them. However, those that need to be fired (chalices) will be available for pick-up two weeks later at DiscipleLife.
GONE FISHING (preschool—2nd grade only), Sunday, April 24, 12:30-2:00 PM Cost—$5
You must sign up on the bulletin board in the CGC by April 17. Kids should bring their lunch, be dropped off and picked up
at Mary & Jimmie Hooper Park (2303 Pleasant Ridge Road 76015.)
If you have any questions about these or other activities for children, please give me a call or send an email.
Greta DeWitt on her cell 817-996-7381/ [email protected]
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April 5, 2016
REMINDER: Senior-Led Active Ministry - S.L.A.M
Please mark your calendars
for the upcoming events.
All Advent Senior Adult members 65-ish can be a part of the upcoming activities.
Please see the activities for April and May. More news will follow with additional details.
Carpooling can be arranged. You will be given an opportunity to sign up soon.
Saturday, April 9 – “Field Trip”
UTA Planetarium – Show (with option for group lunch)
Lunch: Meet at Advent to carpool at 12:15 OR meet at
the Mellow Mushroom
(200 North Center Street, Arlington, 76011) at 12:30 PM
For Show: Meet at Advent to carpool at 1:30 PM OR meet at
UTA at 2:00 PM in time to purchase tickets - $4.00 each.
From the website: We invite you to experience From Earth to the Universe.
Directed by the young Greek filmmaker Theofanis N. Matsopoulos, and featuring a sweeping soundtrack from
Norwegian composer Johan B. Monell, viewers can revel in the splendor of the various worlds in the Solar
System and the ferocity of the scorching Sun. From Earth to the Universe then leaves our home to take the
audience out to the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars, and still further out, beyond the Milky Way, to the unimaginable immensity
of a myriad galaxies. Along the way, the audience will learn about the history of astronomy, the invention of the telescope, and today’s giant
telescopes that allow us continue to probe ever deeper into the Universe. SHOW BEGINS: SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2:30
Chemistry Physics Building · 700 Planetarium Place · Arlington, TX 76019
817-272-1183 · Email: [email protected]
https://youtu.be/tXZhMLyP7RA (see the trailer at this link)
Coming in May: Tuesday Evening Meal with an informative topic,
May 10, 6-8:00, at Advent – invitation is to the entire congregation (free will offering)
Senior Living Specialists, Donna Elliott, Family Liaison
From their website: All too often families are confronted with the overwhelming situation of having to place a loved one
in a senior living community or residential care home with no pre-determined plan in place. Stress levels are high,
a result of uncertainty and no prior experience. Doing the research, reading online reviews and health department surveys
can be overwhelming with over 900 choices in the DFW area. All this leads to more confusion and frustration.
Senior Living Specialists can help!
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Free Advisory Service – no obligation
First local company to start in DFW – Established in 2008; helped over 2000 families
Personalized - Not a franchise or national placement company
Current knowledge of day to day operations in facilities
Licensed Medical Social Worker on Team - Member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers)
Featured on CBS News, 1080 KRLD, 98.7 FM and Dallas Morning News
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April 5, 2016
FREE SIMULCAST OF DALLAS OPERA AT THE AT&T STADIUM
Open to all Advent members! Would you like to join a group at the AT&T Stadium, Saturday, April 23, to see and hear the simulcast of
the Dallas Opera presentation of Show Boat?
The doors open at 6:00 PM, and pre-opera begins at 6:30 PM with the production at 7:30 PM. This should be a great production. More like a Broadway
Musical than a classic opera.
Dave Lindell has secured 40 free tickets for anyone who would like to share
this great experience. He suggests getting there at 6:00 PM for group seating
(all General Admission). You will need to contact Dave to let him know you
want tickets OR you may sign up on the Connection Card. Dave will advise
you when he has the tickets in hand. Let Dave know if you would like to
carpool. More information is available at http://dallasopera.org/simulcast/
OR contact Dave Lindell: [email protected]
From the website: Join us for an evening of free opera at AT&T Stadium! The Dallas Opera, in partnership with AT&T Stadium and with
support from our founding sponsor, The Dallas Foundation, is extremely proud to announce the company’s fifth stadium simulcast - and the
thirteenth free Dallas Opera simulcast since 2010—scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX,
home of the Dallas Cowboys!
The action begins at 6:30 PM co-hosted by KLUV Radio’s legendary on-air personality, Jody Dean! Fun activities include a special
cartoon screening, interviews with the cast and crew, and trivia for Opera Swag! Parking is Free! Doors will open at 6:00 PM.
The curtain time for that evening’s live performance of Show Boat is 7:30 PM.
Patrons will be able to enjoy this landmark live simulcast on the world’s largest high-definition video board structure, comprised of four
massive viewing screens (the largest, 72 feet tall and 160 feet wide) suspended directly above the playing field.
Dave suggests: park in lot 7 on the south side and enter Gate F (see diagram below).
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