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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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Image: The Miraculous Draught of Fish by James Tissot
SERMON PREVIEW: A POST-RESURRECTION APPEARANCEScripture: John 21: 1-19
Sermon Title: Leaping and Holding Steady
John 21:1-19 recounts a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. After a fruitless night of fishing, Jesus appears on the shore and instructs the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculous catch of fish. Recognizing Jesus, Peter, in his characteristic impulsiveness, jumps into the water to reach Him quickly, while the other disciples stay in the boat, bringing the net full of fish to shore.
This contrast highlights Peter’s eagerness and emotional response compared to the practical approach of the others. Both actions—Peter’s leap and the disciples’ steady work—demonstrate different ways of responding to Jesus’ presence, each contributing to the moment’s significance. Join us online or in person as we remind ourselves that there are times to leap and times for holding steady.
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DONATE TO YMCA BOOK DRIVEOn Sundays, April 27 and May 4, LFCC will support the YMCA early learning program that meets at our church each week. The children in the program are between 3 and 5 years old and Spanish is their first language. The leaders of the Y program gave a presentation last year during our Sunday School information series about Outreach Projects for LFCC.
Our current project is to donate age-appropriate books to the children in the program. Our goal is to raise enough money to buy 30 books. There will be a display of the selected ten books in the gathering area. If we reach our goal, we will donate three copies of each book to the program. The books recommended by the teachers range in price from $5 to $15. We are averaging the price, so you may donate one book for $10, two books for $20, etc. The Outreach Team already has $90 toward a goal of $260. If you would like to donate, a basket will be available for your donation of cash or check. Make all checks payable to the church.
The graduation for this year’s group of students is on May 14, and we will be giving each of the students a book of their own to take home as a graduation gift. Any additional books will be used in the classroom.
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FUN AT BLESSING OF PETS!On Sunday afternoon, April 27, we gatherd in the church parking lot to bless a large number of pets. Three dogs and one cat were present with us; many more were represented by names and photos. We had several members of the community join us for this special blessing service.
Over the next week, you have one more chance to contribute (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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FUN AT LET’S EAT!A group of LFCC members and friends gathered on Tuesday, April 20 for dinner and fellowship at Oyster Bay Seafood Cafe. A good time was had by all!
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VOLUNTEER HOSTS NEEDED FOR COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS MEETINGSThe Gwinnett Chapter of The Compassionate Friends meets at our church on the third Thursday of each month. We need a volunteer host for the upcoming meetings on July 17, August 21, and September 18. The time commitment is 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Volunteers need to have a key and alarm code to the church. If you have a key and are willing to volunteer, please reach out to Rev. Diane (706-207-0252 or diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org) to sign up. If you would like to read more about the work of The Compassionate Friends, go to https://www.compassionatefriends.org.
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SUMMER CAMP NEWSRegistration is now open for summer camps at Camp Christian. The theme this summer is “Another Way.” The deadline to register campers and to apply as counselors is May 16. Use this link for more information both camper registration and adult volunteer information: https://www.gadisciples.org/summer-camp-2025
Please make sure to submit your fees to the church prior to May 16 so a check can be sent to the region. Contact Marilyn Parks if you have questions.
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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.
The next Disciples Women meeting will be on Tuesday, May 13 in the conference room. All women are welcome for Bible study and fellowship.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN APRIL AND MAY
Sunday, April 27
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Special Sunday school presentation – Josiah Vega
11 am: Worship
2 pm: Blessing of Pets
Sunday, May 4
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Monday, May 5
6:30 pm: Congregational Care and Connect Team on Zoom
Tuesday, May 6
11:30 am: TONTO
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, May 12
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom
Tuesday, May 13
1 pm: Disciples Women at the church
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Wednesday, May 15
9 am: YMCA Early Learning Program graduation
Sunday, May 18
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Board meeting on Zoom
Tuesday, May 20
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! (location TBA)
Sunday, May 25
Celebration of Graduates
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Thursday, May 29
6:30 pm: Worship Team on Zoom
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: Brian Ballew
Scripture: Beth Thompson
Communion Meditation: Hoyt Huff
Elders: Frank Hawkins and Anna Harrison
Deacons: Lynn Lane and Andrew Jensen
Communion Preparation: Lynn Lane
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 MAY 4 AND MAY 11
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.
May 4, 2025
- Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
- Psalm 30
- Revelation 5:11-14
- John 21:1-19
May 11, 2025
- Acts 9:36-43
- Psalm 23
- Revelation 7:9-17
- John 10:22-30
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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
Summer is coming and many students will be hungry without their school breakfast and lunch! Each summer the Lawrenceville co-op partners with Village of Hope to make sure those students in our area who are in need of food get the support they need. Last year, they served 11 neighborhoods and handed out almost 2,000 bags in the 8 weeks we distributed food. The co-op is starting to collect food for this program and could use your help.
Summer Lunch Program Needs
- Individual packets of oatmeal
- Vienna sausages
- Pop Tarts
- Individual cereals
- Microwaveable rice or pasta packets
- Canned pasta
- Canned tuna and chicken
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Snack items
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Macaroni and cheese
- Instant potatoes
- Canned meat
- Canned fruit
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.
Psalm 29:4: “The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.”
Celebrations
- Libby Ballew’s birthday is TODAY (April 30)
- Matthew Britt’s birthday is May 1
- Gabriel Evatt-Machado’s birthday is May 1
- Lynn Lane’s birthday is May 5
- Diane Bales and James Gibson’s anniversary is May 3
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For our continued celebration of the resurrection during this season of Eastertide, that our hearts may be touched and transformed by the good news of Jesus’ love
- For the Regional Minister Search Committee and their prayerful work
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Connie Worrel (hospitalized)
- Al Groves (recent hospital stay)
- Jeanie Morgan (recovering from surgery)
- Pam Van Dusen (camp co-director and friend of Marilyn Parks, health issues)
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 and Kerry Bensch (recovering from surgery)
- Grace Aguwa (health issues)
- Bessie Kirby (moved to rehab)
- Neva Maffett (Eva Krahwinkel’s twin sister)
- 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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