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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 source: Pharisee and Publican, Anonymous, c. 1551
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Luke 18: 9 – 14
Sermon Title: The Pharisee, The Tax Collector, Righteousness, and Repentance
This Sunday, we will consider a familiar parable of Jesus, about the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the Temple to pray. We’ve heard the story so many times that we think we understand everything about it – it’s bad to be like the Pharisee and good to be like the tax collector? But what if the actual parable is more complex than that? What if the Pharisee was not really bragging, but praying in the way he was taught? What if thinking we’re like the tax collector actually makes us more like the Pharisee? We’ll take a deeper look at this parable and its context this week, as we explore what it means to be righteous and to repent. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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FALL APPLE TRIPEveryone is invited to join us TOMORROW (Thursday, October 23) for the annual apple trip to Jaemor Farms. Plan to meet at the church at 10 am. We will leave at 10:15, stop for lunch at Mickey Pigg’s BBQ, and then head to Jaemor Farms for apples, fried pies, homemade goodies, and whatever else we might find. Please let Hoyt Huff or Marilyn Parks know if you plan to join us.
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TRUNK OR TREAT IS SUNDAY!Trunk or Treat is this Sunday from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, with some added fun activities to engage children and families. If you have volunteered your trunk (or still want to), plan to be at the church by 4 pm for set-up. f you would like to donate candy for the event, please bring it to the gathering space on Sunday morning.
We need your help publicizing Trunk or Treat. Please invite children and families you know to join us for this fun event on Sunday afternoon!
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PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH IN OCTOBER
In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) October is Pastor Appreciation month. This is a time to express thanks for the service and faithfulness of our pastors. At this time we say “Thank You” to both Rev. Diane Bales and Rev. Teresa Bensch for your presence in our congregation and the ministry you provide. Send them a note of thanks this month or give them an expression of love and appreciation when you see them. Both would appreciate a doughnut or special treat sometime. What an important role they provide in the life of our congregation.
Now is a great time, also, to think of our staff that helps keep our congregation going. Kim Peeples has been our Choir Director for over 35 years. Jimmy Peeples, James Gibson, J.T. Clements keep our sound, zoom, Facebook, website, publicity and much more operating and up to date. Many thanks to all of these that play such an important part of our ministry!
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SIGN UP TO HELP WITH HARVEST MEALThe annual Harvest Meal fundraiser will be on Sunday, November 2, after the All Saints Sunday worship service. The Disciples Women need contributions for the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Please sign up to bring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish or dessert on the sign-up sheet in the gathering space this Sunday. We also need help setting up, receiving food, and cleaning up after the meal. Thank you for your support of Disciples Women.
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NOTE OF THANKSTo the wonderful people of LFCC,
Words can only begin to express our appreciation for the love you had for our dad and for all you have done for us in his passing. Thank you for the many cards, texts, and calls – and for the beautiful reception after his celebration. Daddy would have felt honored and loved, as we did.
Your love, care, and friendships helped him carry on after our mother died, and added much meaning to his life these past many years. We appreciate you and have much love for you.
In Christ, Lori McCane and David Kersey and our families
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WORKSHOP ON CONTEMPLATION FOR OLDER ADULTSThe National Benevolent Association, the health and social services general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is hosting a series of webinars for older adults in October and November.
Enrich your spiritual life and that of others by following the contemplation resource, “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.” It will be our guide to a different topic each week. An image, scripture verse, meditation reflection, and prayer will be shared. Then participants will be invited to explore discussion prompts. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region, has been a participant in contemplative meditation circles in earnest for a decade and will lead our discussions. He practices daily meditation either alone, with his family, or with an online community. He has written, with other Disciples, “Looking Over God’s Shoulder: A Contemplation Guide for Older Adults.”
This is a four-part webinar series taking place each Wednesday between October 29th and November 19th. Each webinar takes place at 12:00pm ET.
- Wednesday, October 29
- Wednesday, November 5
- Wednesday, November 12
- Wednesday, November 19
The webinars are free, but registration is required. If you’re interested, register here.
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS IN OCTOBER
Sunday, Oct. 26
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
4 pm: Trunk or Treat
Tuesday, Oct. 28
6 – 8 pm: Safe Trick or Treat at Central Gwinnett High School
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: Frank Hawkins
Elders: Hoyt Huff and Jimmy Peeples
Deacons: Candace Richardson and Dorrie Toth
Communion Preparation: Julie Thompson
If you are interested in serving as a worship leader or greeter, please contact Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa.
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LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR OCTOBER 26 AND NOVEMBER 2
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.
October 26, 2025
- Jeremiah 31:27-34
- Psalm 119:97-104
- Genesis 32:22-31
- Psalm 121
- 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
- Luke 18:1-8
November 2, 2025
- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
- Psalm 119:137-144
- Isaiah 1:10-18
- Psalm 32:1-7
- 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
- Luke 19:1-10
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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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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 year the co-op has also started a legacy campaign, “Friends of the Co-Op,” to ensure we can serve our neighbors for years to come. If you are looking for a way to make a difference, consider donating to this fund today. A generous donor will match up to $25,000 between now and the end of the year. Please mark Legacy or Friends of the Co-Op on your payment to ensure it gets to the right account.
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Applesauce
- Canned tuna
- Soup/stews
- Pork and beans
- Canned fruit
- Canned chicken
- 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.
New Regional Minister Starts
Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon started his position Monday, October 20 as the new Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Georgia. Learn more about Dr. Harmon here and join with Disciples congregations across Georgia in prayer for our shared ministry.
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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.
Ephesians 5:1-2: “Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Celebrations
- Taylor Harrison’s birthday was October 19
- Rod Baker’s birthday is October 23
- Clayton Moss’s birthday is October 24
- Eva Krahwinkel and Neva Maffett’s birthday is October 25
Weekly Prayers
- For our co-ministers, Rev. Teresa Bensch and Rev. Diane Bales
- For the new Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Georgia, Rev. Dr. Adam Harmon, who began his ministry with our region on October 20
- For our upcoming Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 26; we pray all of the children and families attending are safe and enjoy themselves
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Nancy Welty (health concerns)
- Nancy Moss (cancer; requests prayers)
- Nancy Harrison (Anna Harrison’s mother-in-law; recovering from burns)
- McKenzie Harper (Elizabeth Sloane’s daughter; recovering from surgery)
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
- Neva Maffett and Eva Krahwinkel (living transitions)
- Family and friends of Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother)
- Sue Ragsdale (Jeanie Morgan’s friend; recovering from serious fall)
- Greg Fowler (father-in-law of Candace Richardson’s daughter; recovering from heart attack)
- Chris Klimshuk and her sister Ronnie
- 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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