Image: Josef and his brothers, Gerbrand van den Eeckhout, 1657
SERMON PREVIEW
Sermon Title: Reconciliation
Scripture: Genesis 45: 1 – 15
This Sunday, we will step back into the Old Testament to take a look at part of the story of Joseph and his brothers. This passage comes near the end of Joseph’s story, when his brothers come to Egypt to beg for food, and discover Joseph is Pharaoh’s second in command, leading Egypt’s efforts to overcome the famine that has been gripping the country for two years.
If you remember Joseph’s story, you might expect that he wouldn’t be very happy to see his brothers – after all, they sold him into slavery, and then told their father he had died. But Joseph is not angry or resentful. He doesn’t ask the brothers to explain their actions, or apologize. Instead, he greets them with tears of joy, and shares a surprising revelation: that God has used his life and enslavement to bring life to his family and the people of Egypt.
This powerful story of reconciliation may help us consider how we stay in relationship with people who have treated us less than well, and how God uses even difficult circumstances to bring about good in the world. We will dig into this story of brothers reconciling with each other in worship this week. Join us, in person or online, this Sunday.
INTRODUCING OUR LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31
Our church is launching a Little Food Pantry as a simple, 24/7 expression of Christian hospitality. Located on our grounds, the pantry offers dignified, no barrier access to food for neighbors facing food insecurity. Anyone may take what they need, and anyone may give as they are able.
How It Works
Volunteers will refill the pantry 2–3 times per week and monitor cleanliness and safety. This ministry strengthens community trust, increases visibility, and provides immediate help to neighbors in need. Thanks to Frank Hawkins for building the pantry box, and to Frank and Andrew Jensen for installing it on our grounds.
What to Donate
The Little Food Pantry needs your donations. There is a large blue donation bin in the gathering space where you can put your items. Please bring non-perishable, easy-open items, including:
• Pull tab canned meals, vegetables, beans
• Pull-tab canned chicken, tuna, or Vienna sausages
• Protein or granola bars
• Fruit cups or applesauce cups
• Instant oatmeal or noodle bowls
• Microwave ready rice or pasta
• Shelf stable milk or juice boxes
Please Avoid
Please do not donate perishable items, food that is not in a sealed package, or anything that melts or freezes easily.
Thank you for supporting this simple, high impact outreach rooted in Christ’s love.
How It Works
Volunteers will refill the pantry 2–3 times per week and monitor cleanliness and safety. This ministry strengthens community trust, increases visibility, and provides immediate help to neighbors in need. Thanks to Frank Hawkins for building the pantry box, and to Frank and Andrew Jensen for installing it on our grounds.
What to Donate
The Little Food Pantry needs your donations. There is a large blue donation bin in the gathering space where you can put your items. Please bring non-perishable, easy-open items, including:
• Pull tab canned meals, vegetables, beans
• Pull-tab canned chicken, tuna, or Vienna sausages
• Protein or granola bars
• Fruit cups or applesauce cups
• Instant oatmeal or noodle bowls
• Microwave ready rice or pasta
• Shelf stable milk or juice boxes
Please Avoid
Please do not donate perishable items, food that is not in a sealed package, or anything that melts or freezes easily.
Thank you for supporting this simple, high impact outreach rooted in Christ’s love.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE ON AUG. 24
The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the church on Monday, Aug. 24 from 2:30 – 6:30 pm. To schedule your appointment to donate, please visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: fccl. Please eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids prior to your donation. We also need volunteers to help at the canteen. If you are available, talk to Rod Baker.
Note: The need for blood donations is great. The Red Cross has issued a nationwide appeal for blood donations, for only the second time in their history.
Note: The need for blood donations is great. The Red Cross has issued a nationwide appeal for blood donations, for only the second time in their history.
FAMILY PROMISE NIGHT WITHOUT A BED
This August, help raise awareness and funds for homeless children and their families. Spend a night without a bed to provide a bed for a child in need—it’s a powerful way to show your support and make a tangible impact.
Family Promise is sponsoring Night Without a Bed on Sunday, Aug. 29. The event will begin with a cookout at 6 pm on the Day Center lawn (directly behind our church). Everyone is invited, whether or not you’re spending the night without a bed.
If you would like to participate in NWAB by sleeping outside for a night, learn more and register at the Family Promise Gwinnett website. You can also make donations to support Night Without a Bed on that page.
Family Promise is sponsoring Night Without a Bed on Sunday, Aug. 29. The event will begin with a cookout at 6 pm on the Day Center lawn (directly behind our church). Everyone is invited, whether or not you’re spending the night without a bed.
If you would like to participate in NWAB by sleeping outside for a night, learn more and register at the Family Promise Gwinnett website. You can also make donations to support Night Without a Bed on that page.
WEDDING SHOWER FOR RILEY BALLEW AND RYAN CHIMERA
DISCIPLES WOMEN’S RETREAT REGISTRATION AND GIFT CARDS
The Georgia Disciples Women Fall Retreat will take place September 25-27 at Epworth by the Sea at St. Simon’s Island. Sign up now for an enriching weekend. You can find more information, including a registration link and details about accommodations, at https://www.gadisciples.org/gadisciples-women-fall-retreat-2026. The registration deadline is Sept. 11.
The Fall Retreat will include a silent auction to help fund Georgia Disciples Women’s ministries. The LFCC Disciples Women are putting together a gift card display for the silent auction. If you would like to contribute, we are collecting $10-$25 gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, gas stations, Lowe’s, Barnes and Noble, Marshall’s, Amazon, restaurants, fast food outlets, and other businesses. Please give any gift cards to Karen Jensen or Betty Higdon.
The Fall Retreat will include a silent auction to help fund Georgia Disciples Women’s ministries. The LFCC Disciples Women are putting together a gift card display for the silent auction. If you would like to contribute, we are collecting $10-$25 gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, gas stations, Lowe’s, Barnes and Noble, Marshall’s, Amazon, restaurants, fast food outlets, and other businesses. Please give any gift cards to Karen Jensen or Betty Higdon.
NOTE OF THANKS
On behalf of Odessa Adams’ entire family, Anna Harrison extends the gratitude of the whole clan for the love, care, concern and kindnesses shown during and after her hospice experience, especially the lovely celebration of life service and family meal on July 30.
Odessa Adams with daughters Anna and Peggy at the church
UPCOMING EVENTS IN AUGUST
Sunday, Aug. 16
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Disciples Women Ice Cream Social
Monday, Aug. 17
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team meeting on Zoom
Tuesday, Aug. 18
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at Lavender Asian Bistro
Sunday, Aug. 23
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, Aug. 24
2:30 – 6:30 pm: Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, Aug. 25
Election Run-off at church
Saturday, Aug. 29
6 pm: Family Promise Night Without a Bed cookout
Sunday, Aug. 30
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship – Fifth Sunday
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.
NEWS FROM THE CO-OP
As summer vacation draws to a close for most families and school starts for the fall, the co-op continues their ministry of feeding our neighbors. If we all come together, we can make a difference!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Snacks
- Instant potatoes
- Canned fruit/applesauce
- Cereal
- Canned tuna
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 1, 2, and 5 and up diapers
- Feminine pads
Learn more about the work of the co-op at https://lawrencevilleco-op.org/.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH DISCIPLES AT THE REGIONAL AND GENERAL LEVELS
Keep 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.
General Church News: https://disciples.org/
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!