August 27, 2025

LFCC E-Gram (8.27.25)
Welcome to our weekly e-gram! Read on to discover what’s happening in our church family this week and beyond.

Church News

SUNDAY PREVIEW
Scripture: Colossians 3:1, 12, 16-18
Sermon Title: Hymns that Stand the Test of Time

Join us Sunday to sing some of the “oldies”. We will explore hymns that have been around longer than any of us, yet they remain a vital part of worship. What makes these hymns “Stand the Test of Time”? Come and find out during morning worship, August 31, 2025. See you Sunday, in person or online.
DIVINE DISCIPLES DINING
Lawrenceville First Christian Church and First Christian Church of Winder are co-hosting an area gathering of Disciples churches on Sunday afternoon September 21 at 4:30 pm at El Real in Bethlehem GA. Join the area churches for “Divine Disciples Dining” – a time of fun, food, and fellowship!

If you plan to attend, please sign up in the gathering space, and let us know if you are willing to drive others or would like a ride with others. You can also sign up by contacting Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa by text or email. See you there!
E-GRAM AND ANNOUNCEMENT GUIDELINES
Each week, our e-gram newsletter helps us stay connected, informed, and inspired. Whether you have a ministry update or an upcoming event, your voice helps shape our shared story.

Submitting to the e-gram
We welcome article submissions up to four weeks in advance. To be included, please send your content by Tuesday at 5:00 PM via email to both Diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org and Teresa@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org.  E-gram submissions may include:
• Ministry updates
• Event announcements
• Community celebrations or milestones

Sunday Morning Announcements
Announcements shared during worship are drawn primarily from the e-gram. If you have an additional announcement to share, please email it by Friday at 5:00 PM to the same email addresses as above. 
Sunday announcements may include:
• Time-sensitive updates
• Last-minute event reminders
• Urgent prayer requests or pastoral care needs

Thank you for helping us build a vibrant, informed, and spiritually grounded community. 

With gratitude,
Teresa & Diane
WELCOME (BACK) TO THE WELTYS
Jim and Nancy Welty have been members of Lawrenceville First Christian Church for a long time, but have been away for several years. They are back with us, and have officially re-activated their membership. Welcome back, Nancy and Jim! We look forward to worshipping and working with you.  

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.
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. 


DISCIPLES WOMEN RETREAT
Georgia 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.


UPCOMING EVENTS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

Sunday, August 30
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship – Fifth Sunday

Tuesday, Sept. 2
11:30 am: TONTO
6:30 pm: Congregational Care and Connect Team on Zoom

Sunday, Sept. 7
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom


Monday, Sept. 8
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom

Tuesday, Sept. 9
1 pm: Disciples Women meeting at the church


Sunday, Sept. 14
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship

12 pm: Blue Christmas Planning Meeting

Monday, Sept. 15
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom

Thursday, Sept. 18
6:45 pm: Salt and Light Circle (Children/Youth Fellowship) Planning Meeting on Zoom

Sunday, Sept. 21
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
4:30 pm: Divine Disciples Dining at El Real in Bethlehem (with other area Disciples churches)

Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 28
Disciples Women retreat at Epworth by the Sea

Sunday, Sept. 28
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship


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. 
THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Lynn Lane
Scripture: Elizabeth McElhanon
Communion Meditation: Rev. Dr. Hoyt Huff

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.
LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR AUGUST 31 AND SEPTEMBER 7
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 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
September 7, 2025
  • Jeremiah 18:1-11
  • Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
  • Deuteronomy 30:15-20
  • Psalm 1
  • Philemon 1:1-21
  • Luke 14:25-33
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
Community News

SUPPORT THE LAWRENCEVILLE CO-OP
Thank 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 fruit
  • Canned beans (red, kidney, pinto)
  • Green beans
  • Canned chicken
  • Pasta sauce
Most Needed Personal Care Items
  • Size 4 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.
Prayers and Concerns
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 94:18: “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.”

Celebrations
  • Congratulations to Gabe and Annie Ballew Heiderscheit, who were married in our sanctuary on Saturday
  • Harley McElhanon’s birthday is TODAY (Aug. 27)
  • Marilyn Parks has a birthday on Aug. 29
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 our first Divine Disciples Dining event with other churches
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
  • Bob Hanson (shoulder surgery on Aug. 28)
  • Tadd Huff (recovering from surgery at home)
  • Jeanie Morgan (recovering at home after recent hospitalization)
  • Family and friends of Gerald Kersey
  • Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother, moved to rehab)
  • Gene Pusen (Connie Thompson’s father) and the Thompson/Pusen families, as they care for Mary Ann and Gene
  • Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s newborn great-grandson, home from hospital but needs continued prayer)
  • Brenda Sizemore (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 Saturday
  • Our family and friends with ongoing health challenges
  • Neva Maffett and Eva Krahwinkel (living transitions)
  • Grace Aguwa
  • 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). 
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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First Christian Church of Lawrenceville (Disciples of Christ)
3495 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
Church email: lgafcc@gmail.com
Church phone: (770) 963-9922
Rev. Dr. Diane Bales, Co-Minister (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org)
Rev. Teresa Bensch, Co-Minister (teresa@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org)
Kim Peeples, Music Director
J.T. Clements, Communications Coordinator