SERMON PREVIEW
Sermon Title: Understanding Compassion
Scripture: Matthew 20:1–16
Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires workers throughout the day—some early, some late—and then pays everyone the same wage. The early workers complain, believing they deserve more, but the landowner reminds them that his generosity toward others does not lessen his faithfulness to them. Jesus concludes, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.”
This story invites us to see God’s grace differently. In God’s kingdom, reward isn’t earned by hours worked or status held. It is given freely, abundantly, and without comparison. Some come early, some come late, but all are welcomed with the same love. The parable calls us to celebrate God’s generosity—both in our own lives and in the lives of others. Hope you’ll join us for worship, in person or online!
Teresa’s dog Gracie, who will be blessed in person (we hope!)
PET BLESSING ON SEPT. 27
On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 27, we will hold a blessing of pets service in the church parking lot at 2 pm. You are welcome to bring (well-behaved) pets, or you can bring a photo of your pet to be blessed. We will remember pets who have died, and will celebrate the contribution that all of our pets make to our lives. Join us for this fun celebration!
As part of our pet blessing, we will collect old towels, pet treats, and pet toys to donate to the animal shelter. Please put all donations in the boxes in the gathering space.
As part of our pet blessing, we will collect old towels, pet treats, and pet toys to donate to the animal shelter. Please put all donations in the boxes in the gathering space.
BLESSING BOXES AND GIFT CARDS FOR DISICPLES WOMEN
The Georgia Disciples Women Fall Retreat is September 25-27. This Sunday, Sept. 20 is the last Sunday to bring gift cards for the LFCC Disciples Women’s gift card display for the silent auction. Please give any gift cards to Karen Jensen or Betty Higdon by Sunday.
If you did not bring your blessing box offerings last Sunday, please give them to Kim Peeples this Sunday. You can make checks payable to Disciples Women and put blessing box offering in the memo line. Thanks for your generous support of the blessing box project, which helps fund Disciples Women programming.
DONATE TO THE LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
Our Little Food Pantry is going strong! It provides 24/7, no-barrier access to food for neighbors facing food insecurity. People can take what they need and give what they can. Volunteers are refilling the pantry about twice a week, If you would like to help fill the pantry, please let Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa know.
We need your donations to keep the pantry stocked. Please place all donations in the large blue donation bin in the gathering space. We need non-perishable, easy-open items, including:
• Pull tab canned meals, vegetables, beans
• Pull-tab canned chicken, tuna, or Vienna sausages
• Protein or granola bars
• Fruit cups or applesauce cups
• Instant oatmeal or noodle bowls
• Microwave ready rice or pasta
• Shelf stable milk or juice boxes
(Note: While the weather is hot, we will not put out meats, fruits, juices, or milk that will spoil. We will save those items for when the weather cools off.)
Please don’t donate perishable items, food that is not in a sealed package, or anything that melts or freezes easily. Thank you for supporting this simple, high-impact community outreach project.
We need your donations to keep the pantry stocked. Please place all donations in the large blue donation bin in the gathering space. We need non-perishable, easy-open items, including:
• Pull tab canned meals, vegetables, beans
• Pull-tab canned chicken, tuna, or Vienna sausages
• Protein or granola bars
• Fruit cups or applesauce cups
• Instant oatmeal or noodle bowls
• Microwave ready rice or pasta
• Shelf stable milk or juice boxes
(Note: While the weather is hot, we will not put out meats, fruits, juices, or milk that will spoil. We will save those items for when the weather cools off.)
Please don’t donate perishable items, food that is not in a sealed package, or anything that melts or freezes easily. Thank you for supporting this simple, high-impact community outreach project.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
Sunday, Sept. 20
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
Monday, Sept. 21
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team meeting on Zoom
Sunday, Sept. 27
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
2 pm: Pet Blessing in the parking lot
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.
SEPTEMBER IS HUNGER ACTION MONTH
September is Hunger Action Month. 1 in 6 Georgians face hunger every day and 1 in 5 children are impacted. Your small act can make a difference. Donate a can, a dollar, or an hour!
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
Co-op’s Most Needed Food Items
- Rice
- Black beans
- Corn
- Instant potatoes
- Canned fruit/applesauce
- Canned tuna
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 1, 2, and 5 and up diapers
- Feminine pads
Learn more about the work of the co-op at https://lawrencevilleco-op.org/.
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH DISCIPLES AT THE REGIONAL AND GENERAL LEVELS
Keep 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.
General Church News: https://disciples.org/
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!