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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: St. Timothy, artist unknown
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Undeserved Grace
Sermon Topic: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
This Sunday, we reflect on Paul’s powerful testimony in 1 Timothy—a passage that pulses with gratitude and awe. Once a persecutor of the faith, Paul now writes as a servant of Christ, deeply aware that his transformation was not earned but gifted through divine mercy. We’ll explore how Paul’s past fuels his passion for mentoring the next generation of church leaders, and how his story invites us to move from shame to service. It is only through the mercy of God—who saves sinners and entrusts them with sacred purpose—that we find the courage to lead, love, and live with gratitude. Join us as we gather to celebrate the grace that makes all things new.
See you Sunday, in person or online.
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DIVINE DISCIPLES DININGLawrenceville First Christian Church and First Christian Church of Winder are co-hosting an area gathering of Disciples churches on Sunday afternoon September 21 at 4:30 pm at El Real in Bethlehem GA. Join the area churches for “Divine Disciples Dining” – a time of fun, food, and fellowship!
If you plan to attend, please sign up in the gathering space by this Sunday (Sept. 14), and let us know if you are willing to drive others or would like a ride with others. You can also sign up by contacting Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa by text or email. See you there!
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BLUE CHRISTMAS PLANNING MEETINGChristmas is a time of celebration, but it’s not always joyful for everyone. This December, we will provide space for reflection for those who find the holidays challenging, or who want a quiet time to remember those who are no longer with us. We will hold our first planning meeting this Sunday, Sept. 14 immediately after worship in the conference room. If you would like to be part of the planning, feel free to join us. More details to come about this special service, which will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, December 14.
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BLESSING BOX OFFERINGS
Blessing Box offerings will be collected during the next two Sundays, September 14 and 21. We will dedicate the blessing box offerings during worship on September 21 so they can be taken to the Disciples Women Retreat.
Blessing boxes are funds you personally collect in thanksgiving for the blessings you receive throughout the year, and are a great way to support the ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Half of blessing box donations support International Disciples Women Ministries, while the other half supports Disciples Mission Fund.
If you have blessing box offerings to contribute, please bring them to worship on or before September 21 and place them in the offering plate at the front of the sanctuary. You can also write a check to Disciples Women and indicate “blessing box” in the memo area.
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LIFELINE SCREENING SEPT. 25September is PAD and Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of irregular heartbeat and is a leading risk factor for stroke. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a vascular condition related to heart disease and stroke. Both are detectable with simple, painless screening.
This is why First Christian Church of Lawrenceville is hosting Life Line Screening on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The screenings provided focus on vascular disease, including atrial fibrillation and peripheral arterial disease. Screenings are fast, painless and affordable. There are tests for blocked carotid arteries, atrial fibrillation, and high blood pressure (the three leading stroke risk factors) and also for abdominal aortic aneurysms, PAD, and bone density screening. To schedule an appointment, call 800-324-9458, go to https://llsa.social/habc
or text circle to 216-279-1607.
Rod Baker has certificates for up to $85 toward a screening. Please reach out to Rod to claim a certificate before making your appointment.
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RECEPTION AFTER GERALD KERSEY’S MEMORIAL SERVICEThere will be a reception following Gerald Kersey’s memorial service, which is September 28 at 2:30 pm in the sanctuary. If you would like to help provide food, please let Karen Jensen or Betty Higdon know. We already have pimento cheese sandwiches, mini cupcakes, fruit and cheese, cookies, deviled eggs, and drinks. Other suggestions include chicken salad sandwiches, a veggie tray, nuts, or other finger foods.
You can read Gerald’s obituary here. (This is a slight revision of the version shared last week, with some details updated.)
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E-GRAM AND ANNOUNCEMENT GUIDELINES
Each week, our e-gram newsletter helps us stay connected, informed, and inspired. Whether you have a ministry update or an upcoming event, your voice helps shape our shared story.
Submitting to the e-gram
We welcome article submissions up to four weeks in advance. To be included, please send your content by Tuesday at 5:00 PM via email to both Diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org and Teresa@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org. E-gram submissions may include:
• Ministry updates
• Event announcements
• Community celebrations or milestones
Sunday Morning Announcements
Announcements shared during worship are drawn primarily from the e-gram. If you have an additional announcement to share, please email it by Friday at 5:00 PM to the same email addresses as above.
Sunday announcements may include:
• Time-sensitive updates
• Last-minute event reminders
• Urgent prayer requests or pastoral care needs
Thank you for helping us build a vibrant, informed, and spiritually grounded community.
With gratitude,
Teresa & Diane
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NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS ON WORLD RELIGIONS
The new Sunday school class on Adam Hamilton’s Christianity and World Religions is happening now, but it’s not too late to join.
The class is exploring the world’s major religions through a Christian lens and reflecting on how we can live faithfully in a diverse world. Paperback copies of the book are still available for $15.00 from Rev. Teresa. Whether you’re seeking clarity, compassion, or connection—this class opens the door. Let’s come together to ask bold questions, share insights, and grow in grace.
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UPDATED CHURCH DIRECTORY
The church directory has been updated. If you would like an electronic copy, please email Kim Peeples at kim_peeples@comcast.net.
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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. To book a room, follow these steps:
- Click on https://www.epworthbythesea.org/reservations.php.
- Scroll down to register with your group.
- A screen will “pop up” asking for your user name and password.
- Enter “groups” as your username and “1865” as your password.
- When the reservation page pops up, scroll down to GA Disciples of Christ and click on the blue link to the right.
- You will now be on the reservation page.
The deadline to register for retreat is September 12.
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
Sunday, Sept. 14
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Blue Christmas Planning Meeting
Monday, Sept. 15
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
Thursday, Sept. 18
6:45 pm: Salt and Light Circle (Children/Youth Fellowship) Planning Meeting on Zoom
Sunday, Sept. 21
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
4:30 pm: Divine Disciples Dining at El Real in Bethlehem (with other area Disciples churches)
Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 28
Disciples Women retreat at Epworth by the Sea
Sunday, Sept. 28
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
2:30 pm: Memorial service for Gerald Kersey
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: Nancy Groves
Communion Meditation: Frank Hawkins
Elders: Frank Hawkins and Marilyn Parks
Deacons: Jeanie Morgan and Dennis Higdon
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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LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR SEPTEMBER 14 AND SEPTEMBER 21
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.
September 14, 2025
- Numbers 21:4b-9
- Psalm 98:1-5
- Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
- John 3:13-17
September 21, 2025
- Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
- Psalm 14
- Exodus 32:7-14
- Psalm 51:1-10
- 1 Timothy 1:12-17
- Luke 15:1-10
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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. The Co-op still needs food to meet the everyday needs of their clients. We appreciate anything you can donate!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Canned fruit
- Canned beans (red, kidney, pinto)
- Green beans
- Canned chicken
- Pasta sauce
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.
Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Celebrations
- Congratulations to Amanda Baker, who was named Teacher of the Year at Central Gwinnett High School
- We continue to celebrate the cooler weather
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
- For the success of our first Divine Disciples Dining event with other churches
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Greg Fowler (father-in-law of Candace Richardson’s daughter; recovering from heart attack)
- Neva Maffett (hospitalized)
- Sue Ragsdale (Jeanie Morgan’s friend; recovering from serious fall)
- Bob Hanson (recovering from shoulder surgery)
- Jeanie Morgan (recovering at home after recent hospitalization)
- Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother, rehab)
- Gene Pusen (Connie Thompson’s father) and the Thompson/Pusen families, as they care for Mary Ann and Gene
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)
- Grace Aguwa
- Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s newborn great-grandson, home from hospital but needs continued prayer)
- Brenda Sizemore (health issues)
- Chris Klimshuk and her sister Ronnie (Ronnie is having health challenges)
- 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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