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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: Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, Johannes Vermeer
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Luke 10: 38-42
Sermon Topic: Mary and Martha
We all know the story of Martha and Mary – the two sisters Jesus visited. Martha invited Jesus in and shared hospitality by fixing a meal. Her sister Mary sat quietly at Jesus’s feet, with the disciples. This story is often presented as an “either/or” – which one did the right thing? Are you a Martha or a Mary? But what if there’s no right one and wrong one in this story? There are important things we can learn from both of these sisters, about hospitality and listening and putting God above all else. We will explore these themes in worship this week. See you Sunday, in person or online.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO A WEDDING SHOWER THIS SUNDAY!You are invited to help us celebrate the upcoming marriage of Annie Ballew to Gabe Heiderscheit. The shower will be this Sunday, July 20, 12:00-2:00 in the church fellowship hall. Everyone is invited! Annie and Gabe are registered at Amazon.
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SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVECan you believe the start of school is less than a month away? That means it’s time for our annual school supply drive. We are collecting school supplies for Cedar Hill Elementary School, Richards Middle School, and Central Gwinnett High School.
We are working to get lists of needed supplies from the schools. In the meantime, here are some of the items we have collected in past years:
- Composition books
- Pencils (pre-sharpened are especially useful!)
- Crayons
- Washable markers
- Child-safe scissors
- Copy paper
- Construction paper
- Dry-erase markers and erasers
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Hand sanitizer
Please bring all donations to the church by Sunday, July 27. We will deliver supplies to the schools the week of July 28, so they can be distributed as needed when school starts. The first day of school for Gwinnett County students is Monday, August 4.
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IT’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY! LFCC is planning to host our Live Nativity event again this Christmas on Sunday, December 21 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
In order for the Live Nativity to happen, we need a number of people to participate as characters in the nativity scene. You don’t have to be an actor or say any lines. All you have to do is dress in costume and learn where you need to stand. Everything will happen on Sunday, December 21 with a rehearsal at 4:00 p.m. so you know what to do. A light dinner will be provided at 5:00, and at 5:30 there will be volunteers available to help you get into your costumes.
We are starting early this year to make sure we have enough volunteers! We need:
- Mary and Joseph
- Angels of all ages (girls, boys, women, and men)
- Shepherds of all ages (boys, girls, men and women)
- Wise Men (there can be more than 3, and they can be women)
Volunteers do not have to attend our church. If you want to invite someone to participate with you, please do; friends and family are welcome. Children do need to have an adult with them at the event.
If you would like to volunteer to be in the Live Nativity, please talk to Beth Thompson or Kim Peeples by August 1. We want to be sure we have enough volunteers to make the nativity happen this year!
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JOIN US IN AUGUST FOR AN ICE CREAM SOCIALThe Disciples Women’s Ice Cream Social and Blanket Sunday will be on August 17 at noon. Donations for Church World Service blankets and emergency services can be placed in a basket. Our Ice Cream Social will be a potluck with light lunch items, finger foods, and of course…ice cream! So far, people have signed up to bring pimento cheese sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, chilled asparagus, 7 layer salad, hot dogs, buns and condiments, fruit, and ice cream.
You are not required to bring food but if you do, please let Betty Higdon or Karen Jensen know what you plan to bring. Here are some suggestions:
- Deviled eggs
- Chicken salad sandwiches
- Vegetables
- Chips
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Pound Cake
- Ice Cream Toppings, such as chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, chopped nuts, Redi Whip, M&M’s, etc.
We will have a sign up sheet at church this Sunday. Thanks for your support of the ice cream social.
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DISCIPLES WOMEN RETREATGeorgia 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. The deadline is September 12.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN JULY
Sunday, July 20
No choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Wedding shower for Annie Ballew and Gabe Heiderscheit
Tuesday, July 22
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at Grandma’s Pizza and Pasta, 911 Duluth Highway
Saturday, July 26
1 pm: Called Regional Assembly in Macon (to meet and vote on the Regional Minister candidate)
Sunday, July 27
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.
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THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Libby Ballew
Scripture: Lynn Lane
Communion Meditation: Libby Ballew
Elders: Tadd Huff and Elizabeth McElhanon
Deacons: Elizabeth Anders and JT Clements
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 DEADLINE
Thanks for all your contributions to the e-gram. Please email any information for next week’s e-gram to Rev. Diane (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org) no later than Tuesday at 5 pm. Please send e-gram information by email rather than text; it may get lost in incoming text messages.
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LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR JULY 20 AND JULY 27
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 20, 2025
- Amos 8:1-12
- Psalm 52
- Genesis 18:1-10a
- Psalm 15
- Colossians 1:15-28
- Luke 10:38-42
July 27, 2025
- Hosea 1:2-10
- Psalm 85
- Genesis 18:20-32
- Psalm 138
- Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)
- Luke 11:1-13
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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 summer food program! As the summer winds down and the start of school approaches, the Co-op still needs food to meet the everyday needs of their clients. We appreciate anything you can donate!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Fruit
- Dry pasta
- Rice
- Corn
- Mixed vegetables
- Canned meat
- Pork and beans
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 3 and up diapers
- Feminine pads
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DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
REGIONAL AND GENERAL CHURCH NEWSKeep 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.
Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply alI your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Celebrations
- Ralph and Elizabeth McElhanon celebrate their anniversary TODAY (Wednesday, July 16)
- Brian and Libby Ballew’s anniversary is July 17
- Dorrie and Tom Toth’s anniversary is July 18
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For the Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Georgia next weekend, when we will meet and vote on a candidate for Regional Minister
- For the Regional Minister Search Committee, as they complete their worshipful work by bring a candidate for Regional Minister to the Regional Assembly
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s newborn great-grandson, back in hospital on feeding tube)
- Jane Moore, mother-in-law of Suzanne Cole Wages (recovering from surgery)
- Reginald Sailor (local neighbor; requests prayers for legal issues and a car to start over)
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
- Family and friends of Patricia Saturday
- Family and friends of Larry Roberts
- Elizabeth McElhanon (recovering from pneumonia)
- Connie Worrel (health issues)
- Chris Klimshuk and her sister Ronnie (Ronnie is having health challenges)
- Brenda Sizemore (health issues)
- Ms. Davis (church neighbor; requested prayers because her house burned down)
- 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).
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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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