SERMON PREVIEW
Sermon Title: Living in Community with Grace
Scripture: Matthew 18: 15 – 20
This Sunday we turn to Matthew 18:15–20, a passage where Jesus speaks honestly and tenderly about the real work of living in community. It’s a text that meets us right where life happens, when relationships are strained, when misunderstandings arise, and when we’re unsure how to move forward with grace. Jesus offers a way that is both courageous and compassionate, reminding us that His presence is found not only in our worship, but also in the hard conversations that shape us into a people of love.
We hope you’ll join us as we explore what it means to be a church where reconciliation is possible, where truth is spoken with humility, and where Christ stands among us even in our most vulnerable moments. This message is for anyone longing for deeper connection, healing, and hope within the body of Christ. Come be part of the journey; your presence matters, and your voice enriches our shared life of faith.
REGIONAL MISSION TRIP TO CHRISTMOUNT
We have been invited to participate in a regional mission trip to Christmount Christian Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina June 13-18, 2027. The trip is for youth (6th grade and up) and adults. The cost is $425 per person, which includes lodging and all meals (Sunday dinner through Friday breakfast). At this point, the Region is simply trying to gauge what kind of interest there is. If you think you might be interested in attending, please reach out to Rev. Diane (diane@lawrencevillechristianchurch.org or 706-207-0252) by Monday, Sept. 7. You don’t have to commit right now; we are just trying to figure out if there’s enough interest to hold the mission trip.
HIS LAST DAYS PASSION DRAMA
Celebrate 43 years of telling the good news. Join Chris Klimshuk and others for this outdoor reenactment of Jesus’ life on Saturday, Sept. 5 & Sunday, Sept. 6 on Scenic Rt. 15 in Tallulah Falls, GA. Learn more at hislastdaysdrama.com.
WEDDING SHOWER FOR RILEY BALLEW AND RYAN CHIMERA
James and Diane’s cat Max, who will be blessed in a photo (definitely not in person!)
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.
DISCIPLES WOMEN UPDATES
Fall Retreat
The Georgia Disciples Women Fall Retreat will take place September 25-27 at Epworth by the Sea at St. Simon’s Island. Sign up now for an enriching weekend. You can find more information, including a registration link and details about accommodations, at https://www.gadisciples.org/gadisciples-women-fall-retreat-2026. The registration deadline is Sept. 11.
Gift Cards for Silent Auction
The Fall Retreat will include a silent auction to help fund Georgia Disciples Women’s ministries. The LFCC Disciples Women are putting together a gift card display for the silent auction. If you would like to contribute, we are collecting $10-$25 gift cards to Target, Wal-Mart, gas stations, Lowe’s, Barnes and Noble, Marshall’s, Amazon, restaurants, fast food outlets, and other businesses. Please give any gift cards to Karen Jensen or Betty Higdon.
Blessing Boxes
Blessing Box Sunday will be September 13. Please place your blessing box offerings in the box on the table at the front of the church. Checks can be made payable to Lawrenceville First CWF/DW. We need to receive all blessing box offerings by September 20. Thank you for supporting this offering.
DONATE TO THE LITTLE FOOD PANTRY
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31
Our Little Food Pantry is going strong! It’s a simple, 24/7 expression of Christian hospitality. Located on our grounds, the pantry offers dignified, no barrier access to food for neighbors facing food insecurity. Anyone may take what they need, and anyone may give as they are able.
How It Works
Volunteers will refill the pantry 2–3 times per week and monitor cleanliness and safety. This ministry strengthens community trust, increases visibility, and provides immediate help to neighbors in need. If you would like to help fill the pantry on Sundays, please let Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa know.
What to Donate
The Little Food Pantry needs your donations. There is a large blue donation bin in the gathering space where you can put your items. Please bring 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 Avoid
Please do not 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 outreach rooted in Christ’s love.
How It Works
Volunteers will refill the pantry 2–3 times per week and monitor cleanliness and safety. This ministry strengthens community trust, increases visibility, and provides immediate help to neighbors in need. If you would like to help fill the pantry on Sundays, please let Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa know.
What to Donate
The Little Food Pantry needs your donations. There is a large blue donation bin in the gathering space where you can put your items. Please bring 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 Avoid
Please do not 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 outreach rooted in Christ’s love.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
Thursday, Sept. 3
6:30 pm: Worship team meeting on Zoom
Sunday, Sept. 6
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Tuesday, Sept. 8
1 pm: Disciples Women meeting at the church
Sunday, Sept. 13
9 am: choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Wedding shower for Riley Ballew and Ryan Chimera
Monday, Sept. 14
6:30 pm: Outreach Team meeting on Zoom
Tuesday, Sept. 15
6:30 pm: Let’s Eat! at Papi’s Cuban Grill
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.
HELP THE CO-OP FEED HUNGRY KIDS
1 in 10 Gwinnett County Students are food insecure. Many times they will go without a hot meal or food until they return to school for Monday morning breakfast. You can help! Every weekend, volunteers from Village of Hope deliver food to local schools with students in need of weekend food bags. We are stocking up for their needs. Items like ramen cups, microwave rice packets, easy mac n cheese, microwave pasta and soup, Pop Tarts, granola bars, and individual cereals are all needed. Over the past month, LFCC donated 186 pounds of food to the co-op.
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!