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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: La distruzione del tempio di Gerusalemme, Francesco Hayez
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Luke 21: 5 – 19
Sermon Title: The Courage to Testify
This Sunday, we journey with Jesus from the joyful welcome of Zacchaeus to the trembling warnings of Luke 21: 5–19. As the temple’s stones shimmer and the disciples marvel, Jesus speaks of collapse, wars, earthquakes, famine, and persecution. But in the midst of upheaval, he offers a radical promise: you will have the opportunity to testify.
This is not a call to fear, but to faithful presence. When the earth trembles beneath us and we are forced to account for ourselves, Jesus reminds us that our witness matters. Even in the face of betrayal and suffering, God’s Spirit will give us words and wisdom. Come ready to explore how sacredness is redefined, not in what stands firm, but in how we stand faithful. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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ANGEL TREE FOR CEDAR HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
As the holiday season approaches, our minds and hearts reach out to those families who struggle to provide holiday gifts for their children. We will be working with the Cedar Hill Elementary School counselors to provide gift cards so families can buy gifts for their children. If you would like to help out, you can buy $25 gift cards from either Target or Walmart. Rod Baker will collect the cards starting this Sunday, November 16. Please bring all gift cards to church by Sunday, December 7. If you would rather give cash, Rod will happily receive it and use it to purchase gift cards. Thanks for your support of our neighborhood children and families.
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THANKSGIVING SPECIAL OFFERINGDuring this Thanksgiving time of year, we are grateful that since its beginning, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has prioritized support of higher education, currently helping to fund 15 colleges and universities, and 7 seminaries and divinity houses, all of which are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering, received on November 16 and 23, 2025, helps nurture this long history of Disciples higher education. From Texas Christian University, to Jarvis College, Lynchburg University, Lexington Theological Seminary, Christian Theological Seminary, and many more, your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps educate students and form leaders who are making a difference in the world. You can learn more about these institutions here.
You can give to the Thanksgiving Special Offering in the regular offering plate or by mailing a check to the church. Be sure to mark your offering “Thanksgiving Offering” so we will know where to direct it. You can also donate online at the Disciples Mission Fund site, or by scanning the QR code in the image above. When giving, select “Thanksgiving Offering” and be sure to indicate your congregation’s name. Your gift is enhancing the education of thousands of students in Disciples colleges, universities, seminaries, and divinity houses. Thank you for giving generously!
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ADVENT BIBLE STUDYThis Advent, we will hold a Bible Study on Zoom each Wednesday from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. We will use a curriculum that explores the names for Jesus from The Messiah, written by American theologian Walter Brueggemann. The Bible study sessions will be held on November 26, December 3, December 10, and December 17. Join us for any or all sessions as your schedule allows.
If you did not pick up your packet of Bible study materials last Sunday, we will have more copies in the gathering space this week. If you would rather have an electronic copy, please email Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa and we will send it to you.
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HANGING OF THE GREENS ON NOV. 30On Sunday, November 30, we will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with a Hanging of the Greens Service. During this special service, we will hear more about the meaning of different decorations in our sanctuary as we place the final decorations during worship. We need volunteers to help carry in and set up specific decorations that morning. If you are willing to help out, please talk to Rev. Diane.
We will prepare the sanctuary for Hanging of the Greens after worship on Sunday, November 23. Many hands are needed to help decorate the Chrismon tree, set up the Advent wreath and nativity scene, place the poinsettias, and more. Please plan to stay after worship that Sunday to help us prepare.
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SERVING SCHEDULE UPDATE FOR ELDERS AND DEACONS
It will soon be the new year and we are in the process of creating the rotation schedule for Elders and Deacons serving at The Table during Sunday worship. Kim Peeples is coordinating the list. She will have it with her in worship for the next few weeks. Please let her know either on the next few Sunday mornings which month(s) ARE NOT good months for you in 2026. Do not worry if something comes up that you don’t know about now, you can always trade with someone. You can also send Kim a text or email if you prefer.
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SAVE THE DATE: LIVE NATIVITYThe Live Nativity will be held at the church on Sunday, December 21. Save the date and plan to join us for this special event. If you would like to participate or help out behind the scenes, please reach out to Beth Thompson or Kim Peeples.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
Sunday, Nov. 16
Thanksgiving Special Offering
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, Nov. 17
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 18
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at BiBa’s Italian Restaurant
Sunday, Nov. 23
Thanksgiving Special Offering
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Decorating the church for Advent
Wednesday, Nov. 26
6:30 pm: Advent Bible Study on Zoom
Sunday, Nov. 30
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship – Hanging of the Greens
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: Elizabeth McElhanon
Communion Meditation: Hoyt Huff
Elders: Elizabeth McElhanon and Tadd Huff
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 AND ANNOUNCEMENT GUIDELINES
Each week, our e-gram newsletter helps us stay connected, informed, and inspired. We welcome e-gram article submissions up to four weeks in advance. Please send your 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.
Announcements shared during worship are drawn primarily from the e-gram. If you have a time-sensitive update or urgent prayer request to share, 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 NOVEMBER 16 AND NOVEMBER 23
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.
November 16, 2025
- Isaiah 65:17-25
- Isaiah 12
- Malachi 4:1-2a
- Psalm 98
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
- Luke 21:5-19
November 23, 2025
- Jeremiah 23:1-6
- Luke 1:68-79
- Psalm 46
- Colossians 1:11-20
- Luke 23:33-43
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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 Lawrenceville Co-op as they feed our neighbors in Lawrenceville and Dacula. This October, help the co-op “leaf hunger behind!” Fall is upon us, but our food needs are climbing! Can you help by picking up an extra item or two at the grocery store? The co-op truly appreciates anything you can donate.
This November, Chick Fil A in Lawrenceville is supporting the co-op with a food drive and a percentage day. Here are the details:
- From November 10 – 15, bring 3 non-perishable items to the Pike Street or Sugarloaf/Hwy 316 location and receive a coupon for a free food item
- This Friday, November 14, order from the CFA app at either of the above locations. Put “Hunger” in the Community Cares event app code and the co-op will receive 10% back.
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Shelf stable milk
- Applesauce
- Canned tuna/chicken
- Soup/stews
- Canned fruit
- 12 count or 18 count egg cartons
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 4 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.
John 6:11: “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.”
Celebrations
- Malachi Williams’s birthday is TODAY (Wednesday, November 12)
- Bill Phyfer’s birthday is November 18
- Dorrie Toth’s birthday is November 18
- Don & Meredith (McElhanon)
Bell’s anniversary is November 14
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For our general and regional church, and for our new Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon (who will visit our church in January)
- For our upcoming Advent worship services and Bible study
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Family and friends of Judy Kennedy (Jeanie Morgan’s sister)
- Peggy Edge (Anna Harrison’s sister, recovering from recent car accident)
- Bill Carter (recovering from recent hospitalization)
- Maggie Harrison Copeland (Anna Harrison’s sister-in-law)
- Toby Severt (Anna Harrison’s daughter’s boyfriend)
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
- Eva Krahwinkel and Neva Maffett (transitions and health concerns)
- Nancy Welty (health concerns)
- McKenzie Harper (Elizabeth Sloane’s daughter; recovering from surgery)
- Nancy Moss (cancer; requests prayers)
- Suzy Santoro (Anna Harrison’s daughter)
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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