SERMON PREVIEW
Sermon Title: Actions Louder than Words
Scripture: Matthew 21: 23 – 32
This Sunday, we will take a look at another of the parables of Jesus. The day after entering Jerusalem on a donkey to shouts of “hosanna,” and turning over the money changers’ tables in the temple, Jesus returned to the temple to teach. The chief priests and elders, the political leaders of the day, challenged his authority to teach. Jesus turned their question back on them, and they could not answer.
Jesus then told a simple parable, of a man who instructed his two sons to go work in the vineyard. One agreed, but never showed up. The other said no, but then repented and did the work. It’s a powerful reminder that being a follower of Jesus brings with it the responsibility to act, and that our words without actions mean nothing. We will explore words and actions in worship this Sunday. Hope you’ll join us, in person or online!
James and Diane’s cat Cecelia, who will be blessed in a photo (definitely not in person!)
PET BLESSING THIS SUNDAY
This 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 are collecting 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 are collecting old towels, pet treats, and pet toys to donate to the animal shelter. Please put all donations in the boxes in the gathering space.
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS!
Thanks to those who contributed to the Disciples Women Blessing Box collection. The ladies attending retreat this weekend will deliver our collection of $1062.00.
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.
RECONCILATION SPECIAL OFFERING: BEYOND RESTORATION
This year’s Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering invites us to move beyond restoration to hope in action. Psalm 85:6–11 reminds us that God’s vision is more than repairing what is broken. It is creating a future where love and faithfulness meet, righteousness and peace flourish, and communities experience new life.
Your gift puts hope into action by supporting education, programming, and grants that equip congregations, camps, conferences, and General Ministries to dismantle racism, strengthen relationships, and build beloved community. Half of each gift remains in the region where it is received. We will receive the reconciliation offering on Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4.
Your gift puts hope into action by supporting education, programming, and grants that equip congregations, camps, conferences, and General Ministries to dismantle racism, strengthen relationships, and build beloved community. Half of each gift remains in the region where it is received. We will receive the reconciliation offering on Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4.
OUT OF DARKNESS WALK FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. To prevent suicide, we need to understand it first.
The Out of Darkness walk raises funds for suicide prevention. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Northeast Georgia Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across GA. Register today and you’re taking the first step to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. It’s free, quick, and easy to make a real impact. You can register at https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/NEGeorgia or by scanning the QR code below.
The Out of Darkness walk raises funds for suicide prevention. Funds raised at the Out of the Darkness Northeast Georgia Walk directly support research, advocacy efforts, and educational programs in schools, workplaces, and communities across GA. Register today and you’re taking the first step to help save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. It’s free, quick, and easy to make a real impact. You can register at https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/NEGeorgia or by scanning the QR code below.
FUN AT LET’S EAT!
A group of LFCC members and friends met at Papi’s Cuban Grill on September 15 for food and fellowship. Please plan to join us for the next Let’s Eat! on Tuesday, Oct.20 at the Diner at Webb Gin.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27
Disciples Women retreat at St. Simons Island
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, 1- or 2-pound bags (critical need!)
- Snacks
- 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!