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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: Woman under yoke carrying wicker baskets in Don Det, Si Phan Don, Laos. Photo by Basile Morin
SERMON PREVIEW
Sermon Title: Grace, Humility, and the Yoke and Burden of Jesus
Scripture: Matthew 11: 16 – 19, 25 – 30
As you know, Teresa and I usually preach from the Revised Common Lectionary, which gives us a sequence of scriptures for the different seasons of the church year. Some of the lectionary scriptures are familiar stories that are enjoyable to retell and connect to our lives of faith. At other times, the lectionary pushes us out of our comfort zone and into passages that are perplexing, or hard to understand.
That’s definitely the case this week. The gospel reading from Matthew begins with Jesus addressing a crowd who have been criticizing both him and John the Baptist. He uses the image of children to shine a light on the failings of Jewish society. In a prayer to God, he reminds all who are listening that those who understand God are not the leaders or the powerful or the well-educated, but the lowly and innocent who trust in God. And then he closes his preaching with a passage of comfort: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
That last passage has been misunderstood over the ages. It’s not a promise of an easy Christian life. As we know, living out our faith can be difficult, especially when others fail to understand or challenge our reasons for following the example of Jesus. Instead, Jesus is promising that those who follow him will be freed from onerous work that they are not well-suited for, and instead will find meaningful work that fulfills them.
So how does this connect to our lives today? It’s a promise of God’s grace, and also a call to find ways to use our own skills and interests and passions to create a world where God’s kingdom is realized and God’s grace is extended to everyone. We will dig into this confusing and challenging passage, and see how it can guide us as a church. Hope you will join us in person this Sunday.
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HONEST CONVERSATIONS: THOUGHTS AND LESSONS LEARNED
As we conclude our Honest Conversations series, we’ve reflected on Isaiah’s call to “share your bread with the hungry” and “repair the breach.” The Land of Plenty framework helped us see that faithful responses to hunger happen on three levels. Lawrenceville Christian Church is already living these options through the ministries we support.
“Share your bread with the hungry.”
Our partnership with the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry directly meets urgent food needs for families in Lawrenceville and Dacula.
Co‑Op Weekly Volunteer Opportunities
- Monday: Sort donations; fill orders for 5–7 p.m. distribution
- Tuesday: Receive donations; sort/stock; pack Wednesday orders
- Wednesday: Food distribution 9 a.m.–noon; pantry stocking
- Thursday: Receive donations; pack Friday orders
- Friday: Food distribution 9 a.m.–noon; pantry stocking
LFCC supports the Co‑Op with food donations and a monthly $100 contribution.
“Offer your food to the hungry.”
This option reminds us that food is about community, dignity, and shared life.
Family Promise of Gwinnett
- Helps families experiencing homelessness one household at a time
- Families stay 60–90 days
- Our property hosts the Family Promise Day Center
- At Promise Haven, families share meals around a common table
- LFCC serves twice this year in partnership with New Hope Christian Church
Other Community‑Building Ministries
- YMCA Early Childhood Program meets in our building twice weekly during the school year
- Scouts use our building on Wednesday evenings
These ministries nourish minds, families, and futures.
“Loose the bonds of injustice.”
Our Honest Conversations series itself was an act of Option 3—naming barriers, exploring solutions, and imagining new possibilities.
Ideas our group identified for future consideration:
- A Little Free Food Pantry on our property
- Offering our building for education or community services
- Continuing strong support for the co‑op, Family Promise, YMCA, Scouts, and Compassionate Friends
- Collecting snacks for local schools
- Beginning with special promotions for the co‑op as a realistic first step
These are not commitments—just faithful possibilities.
Thank you, church, for the thoughtful, prayerful, and faithful way you engaged in our Honest Conversations—through your Sunday school reflections, your worship participation, and the care you brought to every discussion.
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VIRTUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLYIt’s not too late to register for the 2026 General Assembly, taking place online July 10–11. Join Disciples from across the United States and Canada as we gather around the theme BEYOND: Love Surpassing. Hear from featured preachers Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hall of First Christian Church in North Hollywood and General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens, and take part in worship, learning, fellowship, and discernment. Register today at https://bit.ly/2026onlineGA for $30 per person and be part of this historic gathering from the comfort of your own home.
If you are considering attending, LFCC has space for 3 voting delegates who will help make decisions that move the church forward. Please reach out to Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa ASAP; the deadline to register delegates is this Friday, July 3.
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DISCIPLES WOMEN MEETINGThe next Disciples Women meeting will be on Tuesday, July 14 at 1 p.m. Please join us at the church for Bible study and fellowship. We will continue planning for the annual Ice Cream Social on August 16.
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UPDATED CHURCH DIRECTORYThe church directory has been updated. If you would like an electronic copy of the updated directory, please email Rev. Diane (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org) or Rev. Teresa (teresa@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org).
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN JUNE AND JULY
Sunday, July 5
No choir practice
No Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, July 6
6:30 pm: Congregational Care and Connect Team on Zoom
Tuesday, July 7
11:30 am: TONTO at Jeanie Morgan’s house
Sunday, July 12
No choir practice
No Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Tuesday, July 14
1 pm: Disciples Women meeting at the church
Sunday, July 19
No choir practice
No Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, July 20
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Tuesday, July 21
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at Sonny’s BBQ
Sunday, July 26
No choir practice
No 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.
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THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Karen Jensen
Scripture: Elizabeth McElhanon
Communion Meditation: Rev. Teresa Bensch
Elders: Rod Baker and Beth Thompson
Deacons: Molly Ballew and Rev. Hoyt Huff
Communion Preparation: Rev. 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 AND ANNOUNCEMENT GUIDELINES
We welcome e-gram article submissions up to four weeks in advance. Please send your e-gram 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.
If you have a time-sensitive update or urgent prayer request to share on Sunday morning, 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 JULY 5 AND JULY 12
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.
July 5, 2026
- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
- Psalm 45:10-17
- Song of Solomon 2:8-13
- Zechariah 9:9-12
- Psalm 145:8-14
- Romans 7:15-25a
- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 12, 2026
- Genesis 25:19-34
- Psalm 119:105-112
- Isaiah 55:10-13
- Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
- Romans 8:1-11
- Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
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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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LAWRENCEVILLE CO-OP NEEDS NEW ROOFThank you for your support of the Lawrenceville Co-op as they feed our neighbors in Lawrenceville and Dacula. Today, the co-op is facing a challenge that puts their hard work at risk: the co-op building needs a new roof. Want to be part of the solution? Join the “Raise the Roof” Campaign! The total cost of the roof is around $230,000. The co-up has been blessed with a $50,000 matching grant; their goal is to raise the $50,000 match in the next days for a total of $100,000. This isn’t just about a building. It’s about making sure families continue to receive the food they need, children and seniors have a safe place to turn, and our community always has somewhere to go in times of crisis. Go to www.lawrencevilleco-op.org and click the “Add Match” link to help the co-op continue caring for our neighbors. As of June 26, the co-op had raised 68% of the matching goal toward the new roof!
SUMMER FOOD NEEDS School is out and they need your help! Food donations have been down about 25% over the last few months, and in summer client numbers typically go up as they feed more children who no longer have access to free breakfast and lunch at school. Just last week the number of people requesting food at the co-op went up around 20%. Please continue to help feed our hungry neighbors!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Pasta
- Instant potatoes
- Canned fruit/applesauce
- Cereal
- Snacks for summer lunch
- Corn
- Rice
- Canned chicken
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 1, 2, and 5 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.
Romans 15:5-6: “Live in harmony with one another….so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Celebrations
- Congratulations to Mike and Andy Bales (Rev. Diane’s parents), who celebrated their 60th anniversary last weekend
- Rafael Evatt-Machado’s birthday is July 4
- Nelly Ruiz’s birthday is July 4
- Bob Hanson’s birthday is July 6
- Fred & Vicki Van Horn’s anniversary is July 4
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For our Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon and our General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens
- For our virtual General Assembly in July, that it may be a time of worshipping and learning together with Disciples from around the country
- For peace in the world, and for all of us to find ways to communicate safely and effectively
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Family and friends of Debbie Huff’s cousin John
- Family and friends of Betty Dawson (Rev. Diane’s adopted family)
- Bob Hanson (grieving death of railroad friend from Jacksonville)
- Jim Cook (long-time Camp Christian counselor; stent placed this week)
- Mark Dawson (Rev. Diane’s adopted family; recovering from quadruple bypass)
- Hazel Magner (Rev. Diane’s friend; recovering from triple bypass)
- Dove Gevedon (Rev. Diane’s long-time family friend; in hospice care for liver failure)
- Dorrie and Tom Toth (health issues)
- Sharon Carter (still suffering from intense skin condition)
- Nancy and Jim Welty (health and family challenges)
Ongoing Needs
- Our country and our world
- Our members and friends at home, including 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 (Eva Krahwinkel’s twin sister; health challenges)
- Patty Plaster (friend of Connie and Teresa, recovering after amputation)
- Brenda Sizemore (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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