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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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SERMON PREVIEW: PALM SUNDAYSermon Title: An Emotional Rollercoaster
Scripture: Luke 19: 28-40
Luke 19: 28–40 captures the moment Jesus enters Jerusalem, often celebrated as Palm Sunday. It’s a scene of joy, anticipation, and prophetic fulfillment. As Jesus rides a colt into the city, crowds of followers lay down their cloaks and praise Him, declaring, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Luke 19:38). The excitement in the air is unmistakable—people recognize Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. Yet, woven into this moment of celebration is the tension leading up to the crucifixion. Join us this Sunday as we ride the coaster of ups and downs and prepare for many emotions as we walk the path to the resurrection. See you Sunday, in person or online.
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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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BIBLE PASSAGES FOR REFLECTION DURING HOLY WEEKAs we 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.
- Sunday, April 13 – Mark 11: 1 – 11 (Palm Sunday)
- Monday, April 14 – Mark 11: 12 – 19 (The fruitless fig tree)
- Tuesday, April 15 – Mark 11: 20 – 33 (The wilted fig tree/by whose authority)
- 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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GIVING TREE FOR CAMP CHRISTIANThe giving tree for Camp Christian will continue this Sunday, April 13. The goal is to raise money to purchase water bottles for campers and staff and to purchase new grills for camp. There are envelopes for camp giving tree donations on the table in the gathering space. You can put your donation in the envelope and return it to her, or place it in the offering plate. Thank you for your loyal support of Camp Christian.
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HOYT’S STAINED GLASS PRESENTATION
During Sunday school on March 30, Rev. Dr. Hoyt Huff took us through the history of the people who donated the stained glass windows to the church. If you missed it, or just want to listen again, you can find a recording of his presentation at https://youtu.be/_40HqFyRtFM.
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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 will be in the gathering space for your donations starting this week. 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
Sunday, April 13
Palm Sunday
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, April 14
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom
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: Chris Klimshuk
Scripture: Marilyn Parks
Communion Meditation: Anna Harrison
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. 13 AND APR. 20
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 13, 2025 (Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday)
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
- Psalm 31:9-16
- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Luke 19:28-40
- Luke 22:14-23:56
- Luke 23:1-49
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
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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 soup! Canned soups, stews, and even Ramen are many times the only meal are clients get in a day. Help us keep their bellies full.” 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
- Canned soup
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 18:2: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Celebrations
- Rose Williams has a birthday TODAY (April 9)
- Scott Britt’s birthday is April 11
- Bessie Kirby’s birthday is April 15
- Chris Klimshuk’s birthday is April 15
- Stephen & Meredith Westbrook will celebrate their anniversary on April 14
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For our upcoming Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday worship services, that they may add to our experience of this season of Lent
- For our Easter Sunday pancake breakfast and service of worship, that they may 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 on Apr. 16)
- Jeanie Morgan (upcoming surgery)
- Teresa Bensch (recovering from knee replacement surgery)
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
- Grace Aguwa (health issues)
- Bessie Kirby (moved to rehab)
- Eva Krahwinkel and Neva Maffett (home from the hospital; facing transitions in living situation)
- Kerry Bensch (still recovering from hip replacement surgery; fracture in thigh bone is healing and will not require additional 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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