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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: Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, stained-glass window at Strasbourg Cathedral
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Luke 13: 10-17
Sermon Topic: Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath
In Chapter 13 of Luke’s gospel, we encounter the first of two healing miracles on the Sabbath. Jesus was teaching in the synagogue when he noticed a woman who was stooped over from a long-time disability. Jesus called the woman to him and healed her. But this is more than just another story of Jesus healing someone. The fact that the person healed was a woman, that she did not ask for healing, and that Jesus healed her on the Sabbath (in violation of the normal rules) make this a story that teaches us about noticing people who are marginalized, recognizing and embracing the gifts of women, and prioritizing healing over bureaucratic rule-following. Come explore this story and the ways it touches our lives today. See you Sunday, in person or online.
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SPECIAL SUNDAY SCHOOL SPEAKER THIS WEEKThe 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 this Sunday, 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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IN MEMORY OF GERALD KERSEYOur dear friend and LFCC member Gerald Kersey died on Friday, August 15 at the age of 90. We will miss Gerald’s presence among us, his wonderful smile, his kindness, his insightful contributions to Sunday school discussions, and his thought-provoking communion meditations, among many other things. Please keep Gerald’s children David and Lori and the rest of the family and friends in your prayers during this time of grief, as we celebrate a life well-lived. We know that God has welcomed our beloved family member, Gerald, into the Eternal Kingdom to join the great cloud of witnesses that surround us. We will have sympathy cards for Gerald’s son and daughter in the gathering space on Sunday for everyone to sign.
A celebration of Gerald’s life is tentatively scheduled for Sunday afternoon, September 28 at 2:30 pm in the LFCC sanctuary. More information to come. We will also share Gerald’s obituary when it is published.
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NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ON WORLD RELIGIONS
The new Sunday school class on Adam Hamilton’s Christianity and World Religions started this past Sunday, but it’s not too late to join.
The class will 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 of the book are still 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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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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ICE CREAM SOCIAL THANKSThank you to all who prepared food, set up, made labels, cleaned up after the Ice Cream Social and donated to Church World Service. There was a vast variety of delicious foods and homemade ice cream. The total amount collected for blankets and emergency supplies was $868! You can still donate this Sunday by giving cash or a check made out to DWF and giving it to Kim Peeples.
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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 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: Karen Jensen
Scripture: Lynn Lane
Communion Meditation: Rev. Lainie Jenkins
Elders: Rod Baker and Beth Thompson
Deacons: Nancy Groves 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 24 AND AUGUST 31
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 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
August 31, 2025
- Jeremiah 2:4-13
- Psalm 81:1, 10-16
- Sirach 10:12-18
- Proverbs 25:6-7
- Psalm 112
- Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
- Luke 14:1, 7-14
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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
- Canned beans (red, kidney, pinto)
- Green beans
- Canned chicken
- Pasta sauce
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 LEVELSKeep 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 62:8: “Trust in him at all times, people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”
Celebrations
- Sanford Thompson’s birthday is TODAY (August 20)
- Vicki Van Horn’s birthday is August 22
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 Rev. Lainie, as she travels to present and worship with us this Sunday
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Family and friends of Gerald Kersey
- 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)
- The Thompson/Pusen families, as they care for Mary Ann and Gene
- Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s newborn great-grandson, back in hospital with respiratory and reflux 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 Saturday
- Our family and friends with ongoing health challenges
- Neva Maffett and Eva Krahwinkel (living transitions)
- Grace Aguwa
- 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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