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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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SUNDAY PREVIEW: PALM SUNDAY
Scripture: Matthew 21: 1 – 11
Sermon Title: The Triumphant Journey to the Cross: Welcoming Christ with Hope and Sorrow
A Cheering, Chanting, Dizzy Crowd
(by Thomas H. Troeger; Chalice Hymnal #193)
A cheering, chanting, dizzy crowd
Had stripped the green trees bare,
And hailing Christ as king aloud,
Waved branches in the air.
They laid their garments in the road
And spread his path with palms
And vows of lasting love bestowed
With royal hymns and psalms.
When day dimmed down to deep’ning dark
The crowd began to fade
‘Till only trampled leaves and bark
Were left from the parade.
Lest we be fooled because our hearts
Have surged with passing praise,
Remind us, God, as this week starts
Where Christ has fixed his gaze.
Instead of palms a winding sheet
Will have to be unrolled,
A carpet much more fit to greet
The king a cross will hold.
This Sunday, as we celebrate Palm Sunday, our worship experience is crafted to draw us into the narrative of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a moment filled with both celebration and profound spiritual significance. We will hear about the experience from two bystanders watching the events of Holy Week unfold. We’ll explore the layers of meaning behind the waving of palms and the cries of “Hosanna,” connecting these ancient symbols to our contemporary lives and faith journeys.
Join us as we anticipate the richness of our Palm Sunday worship and are invited to this meaningful celebration of faith, identity, and hope. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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HOLY WEEK EVENTS
- Sunday, March 31: Palm Sunday worship at 11 am
- Wednesday, April 1: A Time to Pray with Disciples worldwide at 8 pm (more information in the regional and general church news below)
- Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday worship at 7 pm
- Communion
- Service of Tenebrae (shadows/darkness)
- Friday, April 3: Good Friday service at the Salvation Army at 6:30 pm
- Sunday, April 5: Easter Sunday
- Pancake breakfast: 9:30 – 10:30 am
- Easter worship: 11 am
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EASTER SPECIAL OFFERINGThe 2026 Easter Offering theme, “This Day: When Love Answers,” invites us to reflect on the resurrection promise found in John 20:18, and to celebrate the ways God’s love continues to bring hope and new life. The Easter Offering provides vital support for the General Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Your generous gift helps equip college students for leadership, strengthens global mission partnerships, sustains health and social service ministries, supports the formation of new congregations, cares for pastors and chaplains, and so much more. We will receive the Easter offering on March 29 and April 5.
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CAMP CHRISTIAN GIVING TREEThis year, LFCC continues our tradition of supporting summer camp with donations to make sure all campers and counselors receive water bottles.
You can include your giving tree donations with your regular offering; just note the amount for the giving tree on your envelope or check memo line. We will continue collecting giving tree funds through the end of March. Thank you for supporting Camp Christian!
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FAMILY PROMISE DINNERS IN APRILLFCC will be joining with New Hope Christian Church the week of April 12 in being dinner hosts for Family Promise at their Promise Haven house. LFCC serving days will be the evenings of Monday, April 13, Wednesday, April 15, and Friday, April 17. We have three entrees decided: shepherd’s pie, pulled pork, and meatloaf. We will have a sign-up sheet for volunteers to prepare sides and desserts for those days. You can sign up in the gathering space, or talk to Anna Harrison, Beth Thompson, or Karen Jensen if you want to provide food. Thanks for your support of Family Promise!
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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?
We are looking for volunteers to serve as delegates from Lawrenceville First Christian Church. Please talk to Rev. Teresa, Rev. Diane, or Tadd Huff if you are planning to attend.
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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CAMP CHRISTIAN REGISTRATION NOW OPENRegistration is now open for 2026 Summer Camp at Camp Christian Conference Center. Students from kindergarten through high school are invited to participate in our Disciples summer camp program. Camp sessions for all ages — Genesis, Chrysalis, Junior, Chi Rho, and CYF — will explore the theme of “In the Wilderness,” guiding campers to discover the sacred in each person and all creation. To learn more and register, go to https://www.gadisciples.org/summer-camp-2026.
If you are interested in working as a Counselor or Counselor in Training at one of our camps this summer, please contact Libby Ballew (campdirectors@gadisciples.org).
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MARY JO’S NEW ADDRESSMary Jo Alvord has moved. Here is her new address; please drop her a note or card when you get a chance. (We will share her phone number when we receive it.)
Mary Jo Alvord
Azalea Senior Care
2130 Azalea Dr., Room 4
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
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SOUP LUNCH THANKSThanks to all who brought soup, cornbread, crackers, sandwiches, and desserts for our soup lunch last Sunday. Our campus ministry guests enjoyed themselves and remarked on our wonderful hospitality. The food was delicious, and a good time was had by all!
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN MARCH
Sunday, Mar. 29
Sixth Sunday in Lent
Palm Sunday
Easter Special Offering
9 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Thursday, Apr. 2
7 pm: Maundy Thursday service
Sunday, Apr. 5
Easter Sunday
Easter Special Offering
9:30 – 10:30 am: Pancake breakfast (no Sunday school)
10:30 am: Choir
11 am: Worship
Monday, Apr. 6
6:30 pm: Congregational Care and Connect Team on Zoom
Tuesday, Apr. 7
11:30 am: TONTO meeting at the church
Sunday, Apr. 12
9 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Monday, Apr. 13
LFCC dinner for Family Promise
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom
Tuesday, Apr. 14
1 pm: Disciples Women meeting at the church
Wedneday, Apr. 15
LFCC dinner for Family Promise
Friday, Apr. 17
LFCC dinner for Family Promise
Sunday, Apr. 19
9 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, Apr. 20
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Tuesday, April 21
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat!
Sunday, Apr. 26
9 am: Choir
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: Lynn Lane
Scripture: JT Clements
Communion Meditation: Anna Harrison
Elders: Frank Hawkins and Marilyn Parks
Deacons: Riley Ballew and Tadd Huff
Communion Preparation: Marilyn Parks
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 MARCH 29 AND APRIL 5
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.
March 29, 2025 (Palm/Passion Sunday)
- Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
- Matthew 21:1-11
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
- Psalm 31:9-16
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Matthew 26:14-27:66
- Matthew 27:11-54
April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday)
- Acts 10:34-43
- Jeremiah 31:1-6
- Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
- Colossians 3:1-4
- Acts 10:34-43
- John 20:1-18
- Matthew 28:1-10
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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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NEWS FROM THE LAWRENCEVILLE CO-OPThank you for your support of the Lawrenceville Co-op as they feed our neighbors in Lawrenceville and Dacula. The time has changed and the days are longer, so the co-op is concentrating on breakfast items this March. This week they are asking for help with breakfast/granola bars. These staples are not only breakfast items but snacks for many clients. Bring a box or two by this week!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Snacks, including granola bars, peanut butter crackers, individuals chips, etc. (desperate need)
- Ramen noodles
- Shelf stable milk
- Canned tuna/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.
A Time to Pray
As we face Jerusalem during Holy Week, we invite the whole church to pause and gather in prayer on April 1, 2026 at 8:00 pm EST. Join Disciple pastors, elders, young adults, and the General Minister and President as we lift up our hopes and concerns for God’s people amid turbulent times around the world. The prayer gathering will be hosted on Zoom (registration required) and will also be streamed on Facebook and YouTube. Learn more at https://disciples.org/office-of-the-general-minister-and-president/a-time-to-pray/.
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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.
I Corinthians 11:1: “Follow my example, just like I follow Christ’s.”
Celebrations
- Molly Ballew’s birthday is March 30
- Joshua Yoon’s birthday is March 30
- Joey & Amanda Baker’s anniversary is TODAY (Wednesday, March 25)
- Kerry & Teresa Bensch have an anniversary on March 23
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For all of us during Holy Week, that we may find ways to connect to God as we remember Christ’s journey to the cross
- For peace in the world, and for those who find themselves in a place of fear because of armed conflict and political upheaval
- 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 in the U. S., 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)
- Mike Bales (Rev. Diane’s father, still hospitalized but should go to rehab this week)
- Howard White (Bob Hanson’s neighbor, whose wife Jo died last week)
- Earl Shaw, Amber and Joseph (Earl’s wife died last week)
- Family of Jimmy and Sunita McDaniel Bradley (Sunita was a classmate of Marilyn Parks since first grade)
- Mary Jo Alvord (new residence)
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
- Rev. Teresa Bensch (recovering from knee replacement surgery)
- Dorrie and Tom Toth and family (health and family issues)
- Neva Maffett (Eva Krahwinkel’s twin sister; ongoing health problems)
- Ada Mullinax (health challenges)
- Nancy Welty (health challenges)
- 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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