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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: John 3: 1-17
Sermon Title: Anticipation of Another Life
When Jesus met with Nicodemus, a secret supporter, Jesus told him that nobody could see the kingdom of God unless they were born from above. Nicodemus misunderstood the comment; he did not know what “born from above” meant. This Sunday, we will explore the question of how we are born from above. See you Sunday, in person or online.
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JOIN GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORSHIP LIVESTREAM
Every evening during General Assembly, we will gather for worship as a whole church. If you are not attending Assembly in person, you can still participate in livestreams of the worship services at https://disciples.org/general-assembly-livestream/. All worship services are from 8:00 – 9:30 pm Georgia time (7:00 – 8:30 pm Memphis time).
Here’s the lineup of preachers:
Saturday: Bernice King, CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
Sunday: Rev. April Lewton, Vice President of Development and Marketing at the National Benevolent Association & Rev. Brian Kirk, Pastor at First Christian Church, St. Joseph, Missouri
Monday: Dr. Stephen Cady, President, Brite Divinty School
Tuesday: Terri Hord Owens, Sharon Watkins, Dick Hamm, and John Humbert, Current and Former General Minister and Presidents, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Learn more about the preachers at https://ga.disciples.org/preachers/.
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PRAYER FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Throughout this week, the Disciples denomination invites the whole church to join together in prayer leading up to the General Assembly. As we prepare to gather, let us center ourselves in prayer — for the church, for our regional clusters, and for the world around us. May these days of prayer draw us closer to God and to one another, creating space for unity, renewal, and wholeness in our shared ministry.
Together we pray for:
Day 4 – July 9
Southeast Regional Fellowship (SERF) – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama/NW Florida, Tennessee and Virginia regions
Day 5 – July 10
Heartland – Illinois/Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Kansas, Mid-America, Greater Kansas City and Upper Midwest regions
Day 6 – July 11
Northeast Inter- Regional Fellowship (NIRF) – Ohio, Pennsylvania, Northeast, West Virginia, Michigan, Canada and the Capital Area regions
Day 7 – July 12
General Assembly in the United States and Canada
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LIFELINE SCREENING AT LFCC ON JULY 10LifeLine Screening is coming to LFCC this Thursday, July 10 from 9 am – 5 pm. They have a special screening package available for $129. Rod Baker also has three free certificates available for $85 toward the cost of any scan. You must have a screening appointment to use the certificate. If you are interested, reach out to Rod (rbaker1023@gmail.com) and he will email you the certificate code. Information on scheduling an appointment is on the flyer above.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO A WEDDING SHOWERYou are invited to help us celebrate the upcoming marriage of Annie Ballew to Gabe Heiderscheit. The shower will be on 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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NEED VOTING REPRESENTATIVES FOR CALLED REGIONAL ASSEMBLYThere will be a special called Regional Assembly on Saturday, July 26 at 1 pm in Macon. The purpose is to meet the candidate for Regional Minister and to vote on this person. The candidate has been unanimously approved by the Regional Board.
Everyone in the church is invited and encouraged to attend. As a congregation, we can send three voting representatives to the regional assembly (in addition to our ordained ministers). If you would like to represent the church as a voting representative, please reach out to Tadd Huff (tadd1@att.net) or Rev. Diane (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org) so we can notify the credential committee by the deadline.
Please plan to attend the called Regional Assembly to be a part of this important moment for our region!
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SENDING NOTES TO OUR CAMP ATTENDEESWe are lucky enough to have a large group of campers, counselors, directors, keynoters, storytellers, and other supporters attending Camp Christian this summer. You are invited to send notes of encouragement to our campers and camp staff. The last camp of the season is Oasis Day Camp, which is July 14 – 18. Please bring your notes for our CITs Molly Ballew and Makayla Davis to church by this Sunday, July 13. Thank you for your ongoing support and words of encouragement – our campers and staff really appreciate them!
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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
Saturday, July 11 – Tuesday, July 15
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Assembly in Memphis
Sunday, July 13
No choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Monday, July 14
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom
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 BiBa’s Italian Restaurant, 4850 Sugarloaf Parkway
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: Jeanie Morgan
Scripture: Marilyn Parks
Communion Meditation: Connie Thompson
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 13 AND JULY 20
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 13, 2025
- Amos 7:7-17
- Psalm 82
- Deuteronomy 30:9-14
- Psalm 25:1-10
- Colossians 1:1-14
- Luke 10:25-37
July 20, 2025
- Amos 8:1-12
- Psalm 52
- Genesis 18:1-10a
- Psalm 15
- Colossians 1:15-28
- Luke 10:38-42
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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-OPSummer is upon us, and many students will be hungry without their school breakfast and lunch! Each summer the Lawrenceville co-op partners with Village of Hope to make sure those students in our area who are in need of food get the support they need. Last year, they served 11 neighborhoods and handed out almost 2,000 bags in the 8 weeks we distributed food. The co-op is collecting food for this program and could use your help.
Summer Lunch Program Needs
- Individual macaroni and cheese
- Individual packets of oatmeal
- Vienna sausages
- Pop Tarts
- Individual cereals
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- 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.
Psalm 150:6: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!”
Celebrations
- Congratulations to Amanda Baker, who received the Goodheart-Willcox Outstanding Service Award from HOSA-Future Health Professionals as the outstanding advisor in the Eastern Region
- Congratulations to Kaeden Carter and Kassidy Litchfield on their engagement
- Jeanie Morgan’s birthday is July 9
- Nancy Moss’s birthday is July 10
- Flo Carroll’s birthday is July 12
- Karen Jensen’s birthday is July 15
- Ralph and Elizabeth McElhanon celebrate their anniversary on July 16
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales, as they travel to General Assembly this week
- For the meeting of the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, Tennessee this week, and for all those attending
- For the Regional Minister Search Committee, as they bring a candidate for Regional Minister to the Regional Assembly for a vote on July 26
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Family and friends of Charlotte Kersey Fitzgerald (Gerald Kersey’s sister, who died last week after an extended illness)
- 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)
- Family and friends of Patricia Saturday
- Family and friends of Larry Roberts
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
- 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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