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Welcome to our weekly e-gram! Read on to discover what’s happening in our church family this week and beyond.
Church News
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SUNDAY WORSHIP PREVIEW: THE EMPTY TOMBScripture: Luke 24: 1 – 12
Special Reading: “Drummer Boy: An Easter Story”
Early on Sunday morning, when the women arrived at the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with spices, they found the stone rolled away — and two men in dazzling clothes who told them that the Son of Man would rise again on the third day. This Sunday, we will celebrate the mystery and wonder of the resurrection. Rev. Diane and Rev. Teresa will share a special reading, recounting the experience of the Little Drummer Boy who witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection as an adult. The choir will sing two selections, and Sanford Thompson will sing a very special solo. We will also bring back the Alleluias, which have been sleeping during this season of Lent. Please invite your friends and neighbors to join us for this very special worship service!
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WORSHIP WITH US ON MAUNDY THURSDAYOn Maundy Thursday, we will gather for a solemn service to commemorate the events of the Last Supper. During the service, we will observe the act of hand washing, remembering Jesus’s humble gesture of washing His disciples’ feet. We will celebrate Communion in remembrance of Jesus’s last meal with His followers. The service will include a Tenebrae observance, where candles will be gradually extinguished, symbolizing the darkness that fell over the world as Jesus approached His crucifixion. You are invited to join us for this meaningful and reflective service as we honor the themes of humility, sacrifice, and the profound love of Christ.
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EASTER SUNDAY PANCAKE BREAKFASTYou are invited to a pancake breakfast on Easter Sunday morning between 9:30 and 10:30 am. Come enjoy pancakes, coffee, juice, and conversation as we share the joy of the resurrection together. Thanks to the men of the church for coordinating and cooking breakfast.
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BIBLE PASSAGES FOR REFLECTION DURING HOLY WEEKAs we continue our journey through Holy Week, we invite you to immerse yourself in the powerful words of scripture that remind us of Christ’s sacrifice, love, and resurrection. Take a moment each day to reflect on these passages that highlight His final days, such as the accounts of His passion, the Last Supper, and His glorious triumph over death. Let these sacred texts guide your heart and deepen your understanding of the true meaning of this holy season.
- Wednesday, April 16 – Mark 12: 1 – 11 (The Great Commandment)
- Thursday, April 17 – Mark 14: 12 – 26 (The Last Supper)
- Friday, April 18 – Mark 15: 16 – 47 (The Crucifixion)
- Saturday, April 19 – Matthew 27: 62 – 66 (The guards sent to the tomb)
- Sunday, April 20 – Mark 16: 1 – 20 (The Empty Tomb)
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EASTER OFFERING: ASTONISHMENT. AWE. WONDER.At the break of dawn, the women came to the tomb, expecting to find the lifeless body of Jesus. Inside the tomb, the story takes an unexpected turn and invites us inside the story. In the solemn silence where death was presumed to dwell, the disciples instead encounter awe — a wonder that stirs their hearts and shifts their understanding. The resurrection ignites in us that same wonder, the wonder that gripped the first witnesses of the empty tomb — the wonder of love that conquers death, of hope that defies despair, and of a risen Christ whose presence transforms the world forever.
We will receive the Easter Offering on April 13 and 20. The Easter Offering provides vital support for the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to equip college students for leadership, strengthen global mission partnerships, sustain health and social service ministries, support the formation of new congregations, care for pastors and chaplains, and so much more. Your gift has the power to transform lives and extend the love of Christ around the world. You can place your Easter Offering in the plate at the back of the sanctuary, give on the church website, or mail a check to the church. Thank you for making a difference.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: BLESSING OF PETS ON APR. 27On Sunday afternoon, April 27 at 2 pm, we will gather in the church parking lot for our annual Blessing of Pets service. You are invited to bring your pets if they travel and interact with others well, or you can bring photos of your pets to be blessed. (The Bales-Gibson cats will definitely NOT be there in person!)
As we prepare for the pet blessing, we will be collecting (old) towels, pet toys, and pet treats to be donated to the local animal shelter. Collection boxes are in the gathering space for your donations. If you have questions about donations, talk to Andrew Jensen. Thanks for your support!
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DISCIPLES WOMEN UPDATESWe are invited to the Women’s Luncheon at New Hope Christian Church on Saturday, May 17 from 11:00-1:00. New Hope Christian Church is at 1982 Old Norcross Road in Lawrenceville. There is no charge for this event. You are invited to fellowship with other women in the region. Please let Karen Jensen or Marilyn Parks know if you plan to attend.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN APRIL
Thursday, April 17
7 pm: Maundy Thursday service
Sunday, April 20
Easter Sunday
9 am: Choir practice
9:30 – 10:30 am: Drop-in Easter breakfast
11 am: Easter Worship
Tuesday, April 22
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at Oyster Bay Seafood Cafe
Sunday, April 27
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Special Sunday school presentation – Josiah Vega
11 am: Worship
2 pm: Blessing of Pets
Check the calendar of events on our church website at https://lawrencevillechristianchurch.org/calendar/ to stay updated on what’s happening in our church community.
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THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Jeanie Morgan
Scripture: Elizabeth McElhanon
Communion Meditation: Libby Ballew
Elders: Lee Thompson and Connie Thompson
Deacons: Dennis Higdon and Jeanie Morgan
Communion Preparation: Hoyt Huff
If you are interested in serving as a worship leader or greeter, please contact Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa.
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E-GRAM DEADLINE
Thanks for all your contributions to the e-gram. Please email any information for next week’s e-gram to Rev. Diane (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org) no later than Tuesday at 5 pm. Please send e-gram information by email rather than text; it may get lost in incoming text messages.
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LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR APR. 20 AND APR. 27
The Revised Common Lectionary is a three-year cycle of weekly readings used by many mainline Protestant churches in Canada and the United States. The lectionary readings will shape much of our preaching, and may be helpful in your own Bible study and devotional life.
April 20, 2025 (Easter Sunday)
- Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
- Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
- John 13:1-17, 31b-35
April 27, 2025
- Acts 5:27-32
- Psalm 118:14-29
- Psalm 150
- Revelation 1:4-8
- John 20:19-31
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ZOOM LINK FOR WORSHIP AND CHURCH MEETINGS
For Sunday worship and other online meetings, use this link:
https://zoom.us/j/6284633067?pwd=YzVMN0EwQUVrb0FRM1phVkZEUjZFQT09
For those who DIAL IN, Call (646) 558-8656
Zoom Meeting ID: 628 463 3067
Password: 1234
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SUPPORT THE LAWRENCEVILLE CO-OP
As always, the Lawrenceville Co-op needs our donations of money, food items, and personal care items to help those in need in Dacula and Lawrenceville. According to the co-op, “Lent lasts 40 days and 40 nights so we challenge as many of you as possible to collect and donate 80 cans/packets of food. This week we are asking you to focus on rice and potatoes! Canned potatoes and sweet potatoes, instant potatoes, bags and boxes of rice are all staples in many of our client’s pantries. Help us keep them well stocked.” Over the past month, LFCC donated 151 pounds of food to the co-op. Thank you for your generous donations that help keep this vital ministry running.
Most Needed Food Items
- Macaroni and cheese
- Instant potatoes
- Canned meat
- Canned fruit
- Potatoes
- Rice
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 3 and up diapers
- Feminine pads
- Adult diapers size S-XL
- Laundry pods
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DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
REGIONAL AND GENERAL CHURCH NEWSKeep up with the latest news going on in our region and our general church. Click the links below to find the latest news within the Disciples!
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Each Monday at 6 pm, wherever you are and whatever way is comfortable for you, we pause and pray for our church. If you have conflicts with this time, whatever time is comfortable for you, pause and pray for your church. Below is the church’s prayer list you can use. You are welcome to make up your own prayer list as you pray.
Matthew 12:20: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.”
Celebrations
- Bessie Kirby’s birthday was yesterday
- Chris Klimshuk’s birthday was yesterday
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For our Maundy Thursday service, that we may connect more closely to the Last Supper and crucifixion
- For our upcoming celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday, that joy and hope overflow in our Easter celebration, and that our hearts may be touched and transformed by the good news of Jesus’ love
- For our Easter Sunday pancake breakfast, that itmay bring joy to all who attend
- For the Regional Minister Search Committee and their prayerful work
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Connie Worrel (hip replacement surgery this Thursday, Apr. 16)
- Jeanie Morgan (surgery on Monday, Apr. 21)
- Pam Van Dusen (camp co-director and friend of Marilyn Parks, hospitalized)
Ongoing Needs
- Our country and our world
- Our members and friends at home, including Mary Jo Alvord, Odessa Adams (hospice care), Gen Ashby, David Chamberlain, Bessie Kirby, Eva Krahwinkel, Neva Maffett, Ada Mullinax, Bill Phyfer, Bob Powell, and Jimmy and Patricia Saturday
- Our family and friends with ongoing health challenges
- Teresa Bensch (recovering from knee replacement surgery)
- Grace Aguwa (health issues)
- Bessie Kirby (moved to rehab)
- Eva Krahwinkel and Neva Maffett (facing transitions in living situation)
- Kerry Bensch (recovering from hip replacement surgery)
- Phillip Maffett (Neva Maffett’s son)
- Suzy Santoro (Anna Harrison’s daughter)
- Chris Klimshuk and her sister Veronica
- Carrie Toth (Dorrie Toth’s daughter)
- Connie Worrel’s sister Pat
- Rev. Peggy Edge (Anna Harrison’s sister)
- Sadie Severt (Harrison family friend)
If you have an update to the prayers and concerns, please let Rev. Diane know (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org).
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That’s all we have for this week. Please pray for the church and everyone in it, that we continue to follow God’s plan as we share the Good News. God bless you all!
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