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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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SUNDAY PREVIEW: CHRISTMAS CANTATAThe Chancel Choir will present the cantata, “A Child Is Born…All Is Well” by Russell Mauldin, during the morning worship this Sunday. Please join us as we tell the Christmas story in song. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY
There is a congregational meeting immediately after worship this Sunday (December 14). The congregation will approve the 2026 church budget and slate of officers. Please plan to stay for this short but important meeting.
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ADVENT BIBLE STUDY CONTINUES TONIGHT!Our Advent Bible study continues this evening (Wednesday, December 10)! This Advent Bible Study will take place on Zoom each Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. We are using a curriculum that explores the names for Jesus from The Messiah, written by American theologian Walter Brueggemann. The remaining Bible study sessions will be on December 10 and December 17. Join us for any or all sessions as your schedule allows.
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BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE SUNDAYThe holiday season is full of cheer for many — but for some people, the holidays can be full of sadness, pain, or grief. We will hold a Blue Christmas service this Sunday, December 14 at 3 pm. The service will provide a safe space for those who are isolated or struggling, and will provide space to acknowledge that sorrow and joy can coexist. We will reflect together, share communion, and find ways to hold on to hope and light in the midst of sorrow. We hope you will join us for this special service of contemplation. If you cannot come in person, the service will also be broadcast on the regular church Zoom link.
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CHRISTMAS SPECIAL OFFERING: THE WORK OF CHRISTMASDuring this season of Advent, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will collect the Christmas Special Offering on December 10 and December 17. This offering is vital to the Christian Church in Georgia, because 100% of gifts remain in the Region. Please consider a generous gift to the Christmas Offering. Your support will make all the difference in the resources and ministries we are able to provide to Georgia Disciples; God is at work among us! Here is some of what the region has done in the past year.
- Georgia Disciples Youth deepened faith and friendships at the annual Regional Youth Assembly at Epworth
- 80 Georgia Disciples Women were spiritually nourished at the 2025 Fall Retreat
- 127 children and youth grew their faith at summer camp programs at Camp Christian Conference Center
- 9 Disciples Churches are in formation in Georgia including the newest “Disciples of the Way” in metro Augusta, GA
- Disciples on Campus are growing in faith and fellowship as part of the ecumenical group, The Table at UGA
- 130 + Georgia Disciples clergy access workshops, resources, connections, and support through the Christian Church in Georgia
- Hundreds of Georgia Disciples participated in retreats, assemblies, and workshops in 2025 that enlarged their view of the church and God’s work among us.
Thank you for the many ways you and your ministry are part of God’s work among us here in the Christian Church in Georgia!
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LIVE NATIVITY INFORMATIONThe Live Nativity will take place Sunday evening, Dec. 21, with performances at 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 pm. Please invite your friends and neighbors to stop by for this special celebration.
The Live Nativity is our gift to our community, and it takes everyone to make this happen. Here are some volunteer opportunities if you want to help out:
- Donate cookies for the hospitality tent. If you would like to help out, please let Libby Ballew know.
- Provide food for a light dinner for the cast and crew. If you would like to help out, please let Anna Harrison know.
Live Nativity Cast Members and Crew, please be sure to check your email for your information and the evening schedule. If you have any additional questions, please contact Beth Thompson or Kim Peeples.
It takes all of you to make this happen! We appreciate all of our awesome volunteers!
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DISCIPLES WOMEN CHRISTMAS PARTYThe annual Disciples Women Christmas potluck luncheon was held on Tuesday, December 9, with delicious food and fun fellowship. Thanks to all who participated!
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ANGEL TREE THANKSThanks to your generosity, Lawrenceville First Christian Church delivered gift cards totaling $1,550 to help families at Cedar Hill Elementary School buy Christmas gifts for their children. Thank you to everyone who contributed; the school really appreciates our donation.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN DECEMBER
Wednesday, Dec. 10
6:30 pm: Advent Bible Study on Zoom
Sunday, Dec. 14
Third Sunday of Advent
8:45 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship – Christmas Cantata
12 pm: Congregational meeting
3 pm: Blue Christmas service
Tuesday, Dec. 16
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at Papi’s Cuban Grill
Wednesday, Dec. 17
6:30 pm: Advent Bible Study on Zoom
Sunday, Dec. 21
Fourth Sunday of Advent
9:30 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6:30 – 8 pm: Live Nativity
Wednesday, Dec. 24
5 pm: Christmas Eve service
Sunday, Dec. 28
No choir practice; choir be in loft by 10:45 am
No Sunday school
11 am: Worship – Christmas Carol Sing
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: Julie Thompson
Communion Meditation: Elizabeth McElhanon
Elders: Connie Thompson and Lee Thompson
Deacons: Dorrie Toth and Riley Ballew
Communion Preparation: Julie Thompson
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 AND ANNOUNCEMENT GUIDELINES
Each week, our e-gram newsletter helps us stay connected, informed, and inspired. We welcome e-gram article submissions up to four weeks in advance. Please send your content by Tuesday at 5:00 PM via email to both Diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org and Teresa@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org. E-gram submissions can include ministry updates, event announcements, community celebrations or milestones, and prayer requests.
Announcements shared during worship are drawn primarily from the e-gram. If you have a time-sensitive update or urgent prayer request to share, please email it by Friday at 5:00 PM to the same email addresses as above. Thank you for helping us build a vibrant, informed, and spiritually grounded community.
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LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 21
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.
December 14, 2025
- Isaiah 35:1-10
- Psalm 146:5-10
- Luke 1:46b-55
- James 5:7-10
- Matthew 11:2-11
December 21, 2025
- Isaiah 7:10-16
- Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
- Romans 1:1-7
- Matthew 1:18-25
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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. The co-op’s hard work continues in December. Here’s a message they shared recently:
As we enter into the Advent season, we remember the hope the Messiah brought into our world. One of the most important things we can provide our clients is hope when times are tough. Our new appointment system is enabling us to spend more time with them and let them know they are loved and cared for by not only us but God. This Holiday season, will you pray for our ministry to continue providing for all of our clients’ needs – not just food but hope and love?
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Applesauce
- Shelf stable milk
- Canned tuna/chicken
- 12 count or 18 count egg cartons
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.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Celebrations
- Julie Thompson’s birthday was Dec. 9
- Stephen Westbrook’s birthday is Dec. 12
- Elizabeth Anders’s birthday is Dec. 14
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Diane Bales and Rev. Teresa Bensch
- For our general and regional church, and for our new Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon (who will visit our church in January)
- For the Advent season, that it may prepare us for the coming of the Christ child
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Bill Carter (medical procedure yesterday)
- Brenda Sizemore (health challenges)
- The Lee family (John, Julie, Kayla and Jana), who are grieving the recent death of John’s mother
- Nancy Welty (health challenges)
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
- Eva Krahwinkel and Neva Maffett (transitions and health concerns)
- McKenzie Harper (Elizabeth Sloane’s daughter; recovering from surgery)
- Nancy Moss (cancer; requests prayers)
- Suzy Santoro (Anna Harrison’s daughter)
- Peggy Edge (Anna Harrison’s sister, recovering from recent car accident)
- Maggie Harrison Copeland (Anna Harrison’s sister-in-law)
- Toby Severt (Anna Harrison’s daughter’s boyfriend)
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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