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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: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Sermon Title: A Vision of Peace
As we move through the season of Advent, we are waiting and anticipating our celebration of the arrival of the Christ child. This Sunday, we will light the candle of peace. We will explore a familiar prophecy from Isaiah, a vision of a coming king from the line of David, who will rule with peace and bring justice for the weak. The prophecy includes a description of an ideal world of peace – where predators and prey sleep together, and where children can play safely among poisonous snakes. It was a deeply held hope for a Messiah, written long before the angels predicted the birth of Jesus. And it’s a vision that still resonates today, in a world that desperately needs peace. Come explore this passage and see how it connects to the hope of Advent. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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ADVENT BIBLE STUDY BEGINS TONIGHT!Our Advent Bible study continues this evening (Wednesday, December 3)! 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 3, December 10, and December 17. Join us for any or all sessions as your schedule allows.
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ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: GROUNDED IN GRACEThe Advent devotional, “Grounded in Grace,” is available for you to pick up in the gathering space this Sunday. The devotional was written by Amanda Henderson, Director of the Institute for Religion, Politics, and Culture at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. The devotional is a great way to guide your personal reflections as we move through the season of Advent. Here is the description of the devotional from Chalice Press:
In seasons when uncertainty, instability, and disorder abound, it’s easy to feel lost, overwhelmed, or stuck in a rut of sadness and doubt. The onset of winter can bring a sense of dread for long, dark, and cold days ahead, reflecting the deeper anxieties of a world grappling with conflict, division, and existential dilemmas. You might find yourself in a “sleep-awake state,” going through the motions, or feeling disconnected from what truly matters. What can you reach for? What can you hold onto?
Grounded in Grace offers a profound invitation to discover stability, connection, and purpose amidst life’s complexities. This Advent journey is designed to help you find grounding in what matters most: your tie to God and one another through Christ. It’s a path to active waiting and quiet transformation, preparing you for the days ahead and fostering resilience.
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ANGEL TREE FOR CEDAR HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
As the holiday season approaches, our minds and hearts reach out to those families who struggle to provide holiday gifts for their children. We are working with the Cedar Hill Elementary School counselors to provide gift cards so families can buy gifts for their children. If you would like to help out, you can buy $25 gift cards from either Target or Walmart. Rod Baker will collect the cards on Sunday mornings. Please bring all gift cards to church by Sunday, December 7. If you would rather give cash, Rod will happily receive it and use it to purchase gift cards. Thanks for your support of our neighborhood children and families.
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DISCIPLES WOMEN CHRISTMAS PARTYThe annual Disciples Women Christmas potluck luncheon will be on Tuesday, December 9 at 12:30 in Fellowship Hall. All women from the church are invited to come. Food items being brought thus far are turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans, bing cherry congealed salad, cranberries, rolls, cookies, and chocolate cake.
If you are coming to the luncheon, please bring an ornament to decorate a small tree. It is not for an ornament exchange so you can take it home afterwards. You are also invited to bring canned foods and other needed items for the Lawrenceville Co-op. Please let Betty Higdon, Marilyn Parks, Elizabeth McElhanon or Karen Jensen know if you plan to attend and what food you will bring.
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BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICEThe holiday season is full of cheer for many — but for some people, the holidays can be full of sadness, pain, or grief. On Sunday, December 14 at 3 pm, we will hold a “Blue Christmas” service. 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.
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TONTO CHRISTMAS PARTYThe TONTO group met on Tuesday, Dec. 2 for a Christmas party that included delicious food, good conversation, and a fun gift exchange. Thanks to everyone who helped make it successful, and special thanks to our favorite chef, Charlie Alvord!
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN DECEMBER
Wednesday, Dec. 3
6:30 pm: Advent Bible Study on Zoom
Sunday, Dec. 7
Second Sunday of Advent
8:45 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Monday, Dec. 8
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom
Tuesday, Dec. 9
12:30 pm: Disciples Women Christmas party at the church
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
Scripture: Julie Thompson
Communion Meditation: Beth Thompson
Elders: Sanford Thompson and Julie Thompson
Deacons: Elizabeth Anders and JT Clements
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 7 AND DECEMBER 14
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 7, 2025
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
- Romans 15:4-13
- Matthew 3:1-12
December 14, 2025
- Isaiah 35:1-10
- Psalm 146:5-10
- Luke 1:46b-55
- James 5:7-10
- Matthew 11:2-11
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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
- Canned fruit
- 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.
Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Celebrations
- Andrew Jensen’s birthday is TODAY (Wednesday, Dec. 3)
- Julie Thompson’s birthday is Dec. 9
- Leigh and Scott Britt’s anniversary is Dec. 7
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- 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)
- The Lee family (John, Julie, Kayla and Jana), who are grieving the death of John’s mother last week
- Nancy Welty (health challenges)
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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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