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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 PREVIEWScripture: Luke 12:49-56
Sermon Title: Kindled by the Gospel
This week’s sermon draws from one of Jesus’ most unsettling declarations: “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). These words challenge our assumptions about peace, unity, and the nature of Christ’s mission. Far from offering comfort alone, Jesus confronts us with the transformative power of the gospel—a fire that purifies, divides, and reveals. We’ll explore how this passage fits within the full arc of the gospel story, from incarnation to resurrection, and how it speaks to the tension between God’s divine purpose and the realities of human history. What does it mean to live in the light of resurrection when the world still clings to the shadows of “what was”? Join us as we wrestle with the challenge of “what is,” and discover how the gospel continues to kindle truth, hope, and holy disruption in our lives today. See you Sunday, in person or online.
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NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS BEGINS THIS WEEK
Explore Faith. Embrace Understanding. Deepen Your Journey. Join us Sunday, August 17th at 10:00 AM for the start of our engaging new Sunday School study: Adam Hamilton’s Christianity and World Religions—featuring both book and DVD insights.
In this thoughtful exploration, we’ll look at the world’s major religions through a Christian lens and reflect on how we can live faithfully in a diverse world. Paperback copies available for $15.00 from Rev. Teresa.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, compassion, or connection—this class opens the door. Let’s come together to ask bold questions, share insights, and grow in grace.
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JOIN US NEXT SUNDAY FOR AN ICE CREAM SOCIALThe Disciples Women’s Ice Cream Social and Blanket Sunday will be on August 17 at noon. Donations for Church World Service blankets and emergency services can be placed in a basket. Our Ice Cream Social will be a potluck with light lunch items, finger foods, and of course…ice cream!
You also have the opportunity to donate to the Church World Service blanket project at the ice cream social. Donations for blankets cannot be combined with donations to the church, because the DWF account is separate from the church account. If you want to done, please make a check out to CWF or DWF for blanket donations or give cash. There will be a designated area near the food to place the Church World Service blanket donations.
The Disciples Women will need help to take down tables and chairs after the ice cream social. Please stay and help out if you are able. Your help is appreciated.
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AUGUST SPECIAL SUNDAY SCHOOL SPEAKER
The Outreach Team will host Rev. Lainie Jenkins, Director of Disciples Women’s Ministries for the Christian Church in Georgia (DOC) during the Sunday School hour on August 24. Rev. Lainie will also participate in the morning worship.
Several opportunities are coming up in August and September to give to the mission projects of our local Disciples Women, and Rev. Lainie will be sharing information about those as well as the larger Disciples Women’s ministry at the Regional and General church. Please come and welcome her!
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
The next LFCC blood drive is Monday, Aug. 25 from 2:30 – 6:30 pm. There is a Critical Need for Blood Donors. Happiness happens when you do good! Come give blood Aug. 1-28 and the Red Cross will say thanks with a $15 e-gift card to your choice of merchant. If you are available to help out at the canteen that afternoon, talk to Rod Baker.
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UPDATED CHURCH DIRECTORY
The church directory has been updated. If you would like an electronic copy, please email Kim Peeples at kim_peeples@comcast.net.
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DISCIPLES WOMEN RETREATGeorgia Disciples Women are heading to Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons, GA, for a 2025 Fall Retreat, September 26-28. We shared our stories at our February retreat at Ocmulgee State Park; now let’s share our gifts!
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the “varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” With that as our focus scripture, the weekend will include relaxation, fellowship, and spiritual growth as we return to the beautiful coastal setting of Epworth by the Sea to explore “Spiritual Gifts: What is Your Fragrance?” The retreat will feature some new opportunities, including Friday evening vespers, additional workshops, and crafting choices, as well as familiar favorites like Bible study, Sunday worship, our signature silent auction, a service project with Amity House, and ample time to explore Saint Simons, GA. This year, we are excited to also feature Georgia Disciples Women t-shirts for sale!
You can register for retreat and sign up for housing and meals at Epworth by the Sea https://www.gadisciples.org/gadisciples-women-fall-retreat-2025. To book a room, follow these steps:
- Click on https://www.epworthbythesea.org/reservations.php.
- Scroll down to register with your group.
- A screen will “pop up” asking for your user name and password.
- Enter “groups” as your username and “1865” as your password.
- When the reservation page pops up, scroll down to GA Disciples of Christ and click on the blue link to the right.
- You will now be on the reservation page.
The deadline to register for retreat is September 12.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN AUGUST
Sunday, August 17
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Disciples Women ice cream social and Blanket Sunday
Monday, August 18
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Sunday, August 24
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Special Sunday school – Rev. Lainie Jenkins, Georgia Disciples Women
11 am: Worship
Sunday, August 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.
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THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Jeanie Morgan
Scripture: Jeanie Morgan
Communion Meditation: Anna Harrison
Elders: Rod Baker and Beth Thompson
Deacons: Julie Thompson and Joey Baker
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 AUGUST 17 AND AUGUST 24
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.
August 17, 2025
- Isaiah 5:1-7
- Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
- Jeremiah 23:23-29
- Psalm 82
- Hebrews 11:29-12:2
- Luke 12:49-56
August 24, 2025
- Jeremiah 1:4-10
- Psalm 71:1-6
- Isaiah 58:9b-14
- Psalm 103:1-8
- Hebrews 12:18-29
- Luke 13:10-17
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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-OPThank you for your support of the Lawrenceville Co-op as they feed our neighbors in Lawrenceville and Dacula. As school starts, the Co-op still continues to need food to meet the everyday needs of their clients. We appreciate anything you can donate!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Green beans
- Fruit
- Dry pasta
- Corn
- Mixed vegetables
- Canned meat
- Pork and beans
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 4 and up diapers
- Feminine pads
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WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH DISCIPLES AT THE REGIONAL AND GENERAL LEVELS?
Changes Ahead for General Assembly
At the 2025 General Assembly, the church approved some important changes to the structure and operations of our Church in GA-2517 – Amendments to The Design – changes that will encourage more church participation in the general church. The biggest change is a move to a 3-year meeting cycle of the General Assembly, with two years of virtual meetings followed by a triennial in-person/virtual meeting. Our congregation will have the opportunity to elect 3 voting delegates, with one rotating off and a new one joining each year. Read more about the changes!
Keep Up with the Regional and General Church
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.
Georgia Region: https://www.gadisciples.org/news
General Church: https://disciples.org/
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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.
John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Celebrations
- Fred Van Horn’s birthday is August 14
- Gabriel Williams’s birthday is August 19
- Sanford Thompson’s birthday is August 20
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Diane Bales and Rev. Teresa Bensch
- For the new Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Georgia, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon
- For the success of the ice cream social and Blanket Sunday collection this week
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Gerald Kersey (hospitalized with critical illness)
- Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother, hospitalized after multiple injuries from a fall)
- Gene Pusen (Connie Thompson’s father, struggling with stress of Mary Ann’s absence)
- Connie, Lee, and Rebecca Thompson and Connie’s sister Sandy Wilson and brother Mark Pusen, as they care for Mary Ann and Gene
- Neva Maffett and Eva Krahwinkel (living transitions)
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 Saturday
- Our family and friends with ongoing health challenges
- Grace Aguwa
- Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s newborn great-grandson, home from hospital on feeding tube)
- Reginald Sailor (local neighbor; requests prayers for legal issues and a car to start over)
- Chris Klimshuk and her sister Ronnie (Ronnie is having health challenges)
- Suzy Santoro (Anna Harrison’s daughter)
- 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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