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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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SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Jeremiah 8:18–9:1
Sermon Title: Hope Grows Here
“My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick.”
The prophet Jeremiah doesn’t hold back. His words are heavy with sorrow, echoing the pain of a people who feel lost, wounded, and unsure where healing might come from.
And yet—beneath the tears, something sacred begins to grow. Jeremiah’s lament reminds us that grief isn’t a sign of failure. It’s a sign of love. When we mourn what’s broken, we’re also longing for what could be healed. That longing is holy. It’s the soil where hope takes root.
In our own lives, we may carry grief—for people we’ve lost, for dreams deferred, for a world that feels fractured. But scripture doesn’t ask us to hide those feelings. It invites us to name them, to weep if we must, and to trust that God meets us there. There is a balm in Gilead. There is healing ahead.
And it begins with honest sorrow and the quiet courage to hope again. So let’s be a community that doesn’t rush past grief. Let’s hold space for it. And let’s believe—together—that even in the most barren seasons, God is still planting seeds. 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 and have not already signed up, please contact Rev. Teresa (teresa@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org) before Friday so we can include you in the count. See you there!
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PLANNING MEETING THURSDAY FOR CHILDREN’S/YOUTH FELLOWSHIPWe are looking for new ways to get children and youth involved here at LFCC. Rev. Teresa and Rev. Diane are kicking off a youth fellowship group called “Salt and Light Circle.” We are starting by bringing together young people connected with our congregation in some way (because they are related to a church member, because they’ve visited regularly, because they’ve registered for camp or youth assembly through LFCC.)
Before we begin our group meetings, we really need input from the families of the young people who might participate, and from the adults who might be willing to help out. We are holding a planning meeting this Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:45 pm on the regular church Zoom link. Please join us if you have ideas or are interested in being involved!
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BLESSING BOX OFFERINGS
The Disciples Women will receive and dedicate Blessing Box offerings this Sunday, 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 this Sunday and place them in the box 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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GERALD KERSEY’S MEMORIAL SERVICEGerald Kersey’s memorial service will be held in the LFCC sanctuary on September 28 at 2:30 pm, with a reception in fellowship hall afterward. If you would like to provide food for the reception, please sign up in the gathering space. You can read Gerald’s obituary here.
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NOTE OF THANKS FROM BOB HANSONTo my church family,
Thank you for the cards and phone calls I received while recovering from my recent surgery, and for the wonderfully warm “Welcome back!” I received on my return. You gave new meaning to the term “church family.
God bless,
Bob
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NEW ADDRESSNeva Maffett has a new address. She would love to receive notes and cards! Please update your directory.
Neva Maffett
1155 Lawrenceville Highway, Apt. 217
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
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: Candace Richardson
Scripture: Sharon Carter
Communion Meditation: Jimmy Peeples
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 21 AND SEPTEMBER 28
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 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
September 28, 2025
- Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
- Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
- Amos 6:1a, 4-7
- Psalm 146
- 1 Timothy 6:6-19
- Luke 16:19-31
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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
- Pork and beans
- Ramen
- Canned fruit
- Canned chicken
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.
Psalm 84:1-2: “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord.”
Celebrations
- Congratulations to Rebecca Thompson and Colin Strickler on their engagement!
- We are happy that Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s great-grandson) is off the feeding tube and doing well
- Neva Maffett (transition to new home)
- 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 this coming Sunday
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother, entering hospice care)
- Gene Pusen (Connie Thompson’s father) and the Thompson/Pusen families, as they care for Mary Ann and Gene
- Greg Fowler (father-in-law of Candace Richardson’s daughter; recovering from heart attack)
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
- Sue Ragsdale (Jeanie Morgan’s friend; recovering from serious fall)
- Bob Hanson (recovering from shoulder surgery)
- Jeanie Morgan (recovering at home after recent hospitalization)
- 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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