|
Welcome to our weekly e-gram! Read on to discover what’s happening in our church family this week and beyond.
Church News
|
|
|
SERMON PREVIEW
Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-8, 11-13
Sermon Title: “This Ain’t No Dress Rehearsal”
What does it mean to “lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” especially when unexpected challenges can knock you off course? How do you as a follower of Jesus, and we as Disciples, understand AND answer the call? How do we accept and share the gifts of God’s grace? Guest preacher Rev. Bonnie Osei-Frimpong will explore these questions during Sunday worship. See you Sunday, in person or online.
|
|
|
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE ENDS THIS SUNDAYCan 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. Cedar Hill Elementary School has posted lists of needed school supplies online at https://cedarhilles.gcpsk12.org/parents/school-supply-lists. Please note that each grade level has a different list.
If you want more ideas, here are some of the items we have collected for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms 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 this 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.
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
JOIN THE CHOIR!The Chancel Choir will start back their regular practices on Sunday morning, August 3, 9:00-9:55. See Kim if you are interested in joining.
|
|
|
NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS BEGINNING AUG. 17
Explore Faith. Embrace Understanding. Deepen Your Journey. Join us Sunday, August 17th at 10:00 AM for the start of our engaging new Sunday School study: Adam Hamilton’s Christianity and World Religions—featuring both book and DVD insights.
In this thoughtful exploration, we’ll look at the world’s major religions through a Christian lens and reflect on how we can live faithfully in a diverse world. Paperback copies available for $15.00 from Rev. Teresa.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, compassion, or connection—this class opens the door. Let’s come together to ask bold questions, share insights, and grow in grace.
|
|
|
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, chips, ice cream, and ice cream toppings.
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
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Pound Cake
We will have a sign up sheet at church this Sunday. Thanks for your support of the ice cream social.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS IN JULY
Saturday, July 26
1 pm: Called Regional Assembly in Macon (to meet and vote on the Regional Minister candidate)
Sunday, July 27
No Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Called Board meeting (to discuss parking lot)
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.
|
|
|
|
THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Candace Richardson
Scripture: Anna Harrison
Communion Meditation: Jimmy Peeples
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR JULY 27 AND AUGUST 3
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 27, 2025
- Hosea 1:2-10
- Psalm 85
- Genesis 18:20-32
- Psalm 138
- Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)
- Luke 11:1-13
August 3, 2025
- Hosea 11:1-11
- Psalm 107:1-9, 43
- Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23
- Psalm 49:1-12
- Colossians 3:1-11
- Luke 12:13-21
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Hebrews 12:1: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Celebrations
- Joey Baker’s birthday is July 25
- Bruce and Karla Johnson’s anniversary was July 22
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For the Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Georgia this 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)
- Grace Aguwa (recovering from sprained ankle)
- Teresa Nolen (Rev. Teresa’s high school friend, grieving the death of her mother)
- 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).
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
