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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: The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, James Tissot, late 1800s
SERMON PREVIEW
Scripture: Luke 9: 10 – 17
Sermon Title: Feeding the Hungry (Part 2)
This Sunday, we continue our four‑week journey into the question at the heart of our “Land of Plenty” conversations: How do we ensure that everyone has the food they need to live and thrive? Last week, we began by listening to Matthew’s account of Jesus feeding a hungry crowd, a story that reminded us of God’s deep compassion and God’s desire that all people be cared for.
This week, we turn to Luke 9:10–17, a version of the feeding story that highlights something different. In Luke’s telling, Jesus places the responsibility for feeding the crowd directly in his disciples’ hands. When they suggest sending the people away to find food elsewhere, Jesus responds with a challenge that still echoes across the centuries: “You give them something to eat.”
In this second sermon of our series, we will explore what it means to hear those words today. Luke shows us a Jesus who not only cares about hungry people but also calls his followers to participate in the work of feeding, organizing, and sharing, trusting that God can do more with our offerings than we imagine. As we continue our honest conversations about food insecurity, access, stewardship, and community, Luke invites us to consider how God might be asking us to take part in the miracle.
Join us as we listen again to Jesus’ call, reflect on our role as his disciples, and continue discerning how our congregation can help ensure that all our neighbors have enough. Come ready to think, to pray, and to imagine what God can do through us. We look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday, in person or online.
This Sunday is also Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. You are encouraged to wear red to worship this Sunday in celebration of Pentecost!
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STARTING THIS SUNDAY: “HONEST CONVERSATIONS” DISCUSSIONSOver the next several weeks, we will address the question, “How should we ensure that people have the food they need?” in a process called “Honest Conversations.” We will begin our discussion of the issue during the Sunday school hour this week, and will continue for the next 5 Sundays (through June 28).
We need everyone’s voices as part of this discussion! We won’t always agree, and that’s ok. Our goal is to learn how to listen respectfully, share our different perspectives, and find core values we share as Christians. You are invited to participate, even if you don’t usually attend Sunday school. We will use an issue brief from the National Issues Forum Institute called “Land of Plenty” to help us discuss the issue. Print copies of the issue brief are available in the gathering space on Sunday. If you would like an electronic copy, you can find it at https://nifi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NIF-Land-of-Plenty.pdf. We look forward to sharing this important discussion with you.
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PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERINGThe prophet Micah reminds us what God asks of us: “To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Not just to believe. Not just to gather. But to live in ways that bring healing and hope. Because faith without justice is empty — and justice, at its heart, is love in action.
Here in Georgia, that love is in action as new Disciples churches are being planted and existing churches are being revitalized and growing. A contagious Spirit of enthusiasm is spreading that will help transform our churches and the people in them!
That is the Spirit of the Pentecost Offering, which helps support the efforts of the Disciples New Church Ministry to train, equip, assist, and multiply emerging and affiliating congregations and their leaders. Half of this offering stays in our own Georgia Region, supporting churches in formation such as One Church Fellowship in Jonesboro, GA, and Disciples of the Way in Hephzibah, GA, and the renewal of existing congregations in Georgia.
You are invited to be part of the Spirit that is growing Disciples churches in Georgia and throughout the United States and Canada by giving to the Pentecost Offering. Your offering will help Georgia Disciples continue to start new worshipping communities and support existing congregations as they rediscover health and growth through discipleship development, technological updates, stewardship guidance, and innovative outreach ideas. Please give generously to the Pentecost Special Offering on May 24.
The Georgia Disciples New Church Team has created a video that celebrates this ministry across the state. Click here to watch the video.
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Image: Alexander Campbell, founder of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), oil painting by James Bogle, 1859
FIFTH SUNDAY: PEOPLE, PLACES, AND THINGS OF THE DOCJoin us for a special 5th Sunday service on May 31st as we take a look at our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) heritage. We will use resources found in the Chalice Hymnal to enhance our worship as we explore some of the important “People, Places, and Things of the DOC”.
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SAVE THE DATE: CAMP COMMISSIONING ON JUNE 7On Sunday, June 7, we will commission our campers, CITs, counselors, and directors for camp, and send them off with our love and prayers. All those planning to be at Camp Christian this summer are invited to participate. Feel free to wear a camp shirt to worship that day!
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WELCOME TO LFCC, LINDA!Linda Kellman officially joined Lawrenceville First Christian Church on Sunday by transfer of membership. Linda is the sister of Ada Mullinax. We’re so excited to welcome her into our family, and look forward to our shared ministry together!
You can send a note of welcome to Linda at
2300 Grayfield Dr.
Grayson, GA 30017
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YMCA PROGRAM CELEBRATIONOn Friday, May 15, the YMCA early learning program held their year-end celebration and graduation. All of the children in the program received at least one of the books we donated. Thanks to all who helped make our YMCA book drive a success!
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TRUCK AND TAP FUNDRAISER
Impact46 is proud to partner with Truck & Tap and the Lawrenceville Police Department for a community fundraiser on May 21, benefiting the FIRST Housing Center and the LPD Co-Responder Unit.
This event is an opportunity for the community to come together in support of two initiatives working directly to strengthen stability, safety, and support services for individuals and families throughout Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County. The FIRST Housing Center continues to provide critical housing support and resources for residents experiencing hardship, while the LPD Co-Responder Unit works alongside public safety personnel to connect individuals in crisis with mental health services, housing assistance, and community-based support systems.
Through this partnership, community members will have the opportunity to support meaningful local impact while connecting with residents, community leaders, and partner organizations committed to collaborative solutions and community care.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Truck & Tap Lawrenceville
Benefiting: FIRST Housing Center & LPD Co-Responder Unit
A portion of all proceeds from the evening will directly support programming, outreach efforts, and essential services provided through both initiatives.
We are grateful to our partners at Truck & Tap, the Lawrenceville Police Department, and everyone helping make this event possible. We look forward to seeing the community come together to support impactful work happening right here in Lawrenceville.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY
Sunday, May 24
9:30 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school – Honest Conversations
11 am: Worship
Sunday, May 31
9:30 am: Choir
10 am: Sunday school – Honest Conversations
11 am: Worship – Fifth Sunday
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: Rev. Teresa Bensch
Elders: Brian Ballew and Libby Ballew
Deacons: Hoyt Huff and Jeanie Morgan
Communion Preparation: Libby Ballew
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 MAY 24 AND MAY 31
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.
May 24, 2026 (Pentecost Sunday)
- Acts 2:1-21
- Numbers 11:24-30
- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b1 C
- 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
- John 20:19-23
- John 7:37-39
May 31, 2026
- 1 Samuel 2:1-10
- Psalm 113
- Romans 12:9-16b
- Luke 1:39-57
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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 co-op reports that food donations have been down about 25% over the last few months. When summer starts, more people rely on the co-op for food because children no longer have access to free breakfast and lunch at school. Please help the co-op feed our hungry neighbors! Over the past month, LFCC donated 222 pounds of food to the co-op.
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Cereal
- Snacks for summer lunch
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Corn
- Rice
- Macaroni and cheese
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.
Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Celebrations
- Congratulations to the Worrel family on the birth of Lelia Wren Worrel on Monday. Chris and Meaghan Worrel are the proud parents. Bruce Worrel, Connie’s youngest son, is the proud papa. Rev. Teresa is excited to be a great-aunt, and Connie is a great-grandma.
- Debbie Huff’s birthday was May 18
- Ada Mullinax’s birthday was May 18
- Tadd & Debbie Huff celebrate their anniversary on May 21
- Josué & Pamela Evatt-Machado celebrate their anniversary on May 24
- Matt & Barbara McElhanon celebrate their anniversary on May 24
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Diane Bales and Rev. Teresa Bensch
- For our Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon
- For our Honest Conversations sermon and discussion series, that it may help us talk and listen to each other more fully as we discuss food security as a faith issue
- 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 Hugh Cook (Lynn Lane’s brother, who died Wednesday morning)
- Sharon Carter (suffering from intense skin condition)
- Patty Plaster (friend of Connie and Teresa, who went through an amputation of her leg due to a cancerous tumor)
- Chris Harrison (Anna Harrison’s son; co-worker’s fiancé injured in a car accident and scheduled for brain surgery)
- Rev. Molly Goodrich (Rev. Diane’s friend and former church camper, recovering after complications from surgery)
- Will St. Fleur (Lawrenceville neighbor; asked for prayers for healing and health concerns)
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
- Dorrie and Tom Toth and family (health and family issues)
- Neva Maffett (Eva Krahwinkel’s twin sister; 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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