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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: Transfiguration of Jesus, Gerald David
SERMON PREVIEW
Scripture: Matthew 7:21-29
Sermon Title: From Hearing to Doing…to Seeing
This Sunday, we stand between two mountains in Matthew’s Gospel. Over the past weeks, we’ve listened as Jesus brought the Sermon on the Mount to his disciples, reminding us that true discipleship is more than hearing his words. It is putting those words into practice. Matthew paints a picture of faith that engages the whole self: head, heart, and will woven together in a life that trusts God and serves others.
Before we leave that first mountain, Matthew invites us to follow Jesus into the valleys and villages where his teaching becomes action—action that heals, restores, feeds, and forgives. And then, just as the disciples begin to grasp who he is, Jesus leads them up another mountain. There, in the mystery of the Transfiguration, his identity shines with a clarity that both humbles and strengthens them for the journey ahead. Join us this Sunday as we trace this movement from hearing to doing to seeing, and as we listen again for the voice that calls us to follow. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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SOUPER BOWL OF CARING UPDATEThanks to everyone who has donated soup and crackers to the co-op during our Souper Bowl of Caring collection. As of last Sunday, we have collected a total of 132 cans of soup and boxes of crackers. We will continue to collect canned soups and crackers for the rest of February. The co-op really appreciates your generous donations!
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LEADERSHIP COUNCIL PLANNING MEETINGThe Leadership Council will meet after worship this Sunday (Feb. 15) to plan for the rest of 2026. Thanks to everyone who volunteered to bring food for lunch that day. We will wrap up no later than 2 pm.
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Image: 2025 Valentine’s Day lunch
VALENTINE’S DAY LUNCHJoin your church family and friends for a fun celebration of Valentine’s Day. We will meet at Lavender Asian Bistro (1195 Scenic Highway) on Saturday, Feb. 14 at noon. for good food and fellowship. The entire church family is invited to celebrate God’s love together on Valentine’s Day! Please call or text Anna Harrison (404-441-4844) by Friday evening to RSVP. Hope to see you there.
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ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICEAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days (plus Sundays) before Easter. We will gather together for an Ash Wednesday service next Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6 pm. We will reflect and prepare our hearts and spirits for Lent, and will conclude the service with the imposition of ashes. Please join us for this special service of contemplation.
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NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDY STARTS THIS WEEKThe Adult Sunday School class will begin a new study this week using An Unlikely Lent by Rachel Billups. This engaging and accessible book invites us to explore the unexpected ways God shows up in ordinary lives, surprising places, and unlikely people. If you would like to join the study and have not yet received a book, please contact Rev. Teresa. All are welcome as we begin this journey together, even if you have not attended Sunday school before.
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DIVINE DISCIPLES DININGOur next Divine Disciples Dining gathering of Disciples from northeast district churches will take place on Sunday afternoon, February 22 at 4 pm at El Real Mexican Grill in Bethlehem, GA. We had a great time at our fall gathering – hope you will join us in February! Please sign up in the gathering space or talk to Rev. Teresa so we will know how many to expect from our church.
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REGISTER FOR REGIONAL ASSEMBLYRegistration is now open for the 172nd Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Georgia, at Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur, GA on April 23-24, 2026. “Walking in CommUNITY – Arise, Awake, and Activate!!!” is the theme for the Assembly, grounded in our focal scripture from Isaiah 43:18-19a:
“Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
You will not want to miss this gathering of Georgia Disciples and special guests. Highlights include:
- Rev. Terri Hord Owens, Disciples General Minister and President, will open the Assembly on Friday, April 24, at 1 pm, as the keynote speaker.
- Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon, Georgia’s Regional Minister, will be installed and preach during Friday evening worship.
- Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, Senior Pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church, will lead Bible study on Saturday morning.
- Other Saturday events include a business session, lunch and fellowship, an all-Assembly service project, and closing ceremony.
Regional Assembly is not just for ministers. Everyone in the congregation is invited! You can learn more and register at https://www.gadisciples.org/regional-assembly-2026.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
Saturday, Feb. 14
12 pm: Valentine’s Day lunch at Lavender Asian Bistro
Sunday, Feb. 15
9 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Leadership Council planning meeting
Monday, Feb. 16
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Wednesday, Feb. 18
6 pm: Ash Wednesday service
Sunday, Feb. 22
9 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
4 pm: Divine Disciples Dining at El Real in Bethlehem
Monday, Feb. 23
2:30 – 6:30 pm: Red Cross Blood Drive at the church
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: Lynn Lane
Scripture: Mabel Simmons
Communion Meditation: Betty Higdon
Elders: Rod Baker and Beth Thompson
Deacons: Dorrie Toth and Elizabeth McElhanon
Communion Preparation: Elizabeth McElhanon
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 FEBRUARY 15 AND FEBRUARY 22
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.
February 15, 2026
- Exodus 24:12-18
- Psalm 2
- Psalm 99
- 2 Peter 1:16-21
- Matthew 17:1-9
February 22, 2026 (First Sunday in Lent)
- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
- Isaiah 58:1-12
- Psalm 51:1-17
- 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
- Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
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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. Food donations are needed more than ever as we move through the winter months!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Pasta sauce
- Canned corn
- Canned fruit
- Applesauce
- Shelf stable milk
- Canned tuna/chicken
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.
Matthew 6:8: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Celebrations
- Al Groves’ birthday was February 10
- Rebecca Thompson’s birthday is February 15
- Eleanor McElhanon’s birthday is February 17
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For our general and regional church, for our Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon, and for the success of this spring’s Regional Assembly
- For all of us, as we seek ways to communicate safely and effectively as we work through the issues that divide us as a country
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Mary Jo Alvord (hospitalized)
- Neva Maffett (Eva’s twin sister; ongoing health problems)
- Pamela Turner (Rev. Diane’s friend, grieving death of her brother)
- Elizabeth (Rev. Diane’s friend, recovering from surgery)
- Gail Johnston (Jimmy Peeples’ sister, recovering at home)
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
- Howard and Joanne White (Bob Hanson’s neighbors)
- Ada Mullinax and her sister Linda Kellmann (health challenges)
- Nancy Welty (health challenges)
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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