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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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The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, Bartholomeus van Bassen, circa 1620
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Luke 16: 19- 31
Sermon Title: The Price of Wealth
Throughout the gospels, Jesus warned his followers about the dangers of wealth and the challenges of prioritizing financial security over service to neighbor. In this gospel story, Jesus used a vivid parable of reversals to illustrate to the Pharisees the dangers of wealth. A rich man and a poor man both died. The poor man was carried by angels into the arms of Abraham, while the rich man was sent to Hades because he failed to feed the poor man when he was in need. The message reminds us that how we use our earthly resources, including our wealth, is very important. In worship on Sunday, we will explore this parable, and talk about what it means in our lives today. See you Sunday morning, in person or online.
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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. We need volunteers to help clean up and put away tables and chairs after the reception; please plan to stay if you can help out! You can read Gerald’s obituary here.
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DIVINE DISCIPLES DINING
A group of 34 people from Lawrenceville First Christian Church, First Christian Church of Winder, Union Christian Church, and Watkinsville First Christian Church gathered at El Real in Bethlehem for our first “Divine Disciples Dining.” If you were not able to join us, we hope you will plan to come to the next event in February. Details to come! Here are some photos of the fun we had.
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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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PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH IN OCTOBER
In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) October is Pastor Appreciation month. This is a time to express thanks for the service and faithfulness of our pastors. At this time we say “Thank You” to both Rev. Diane Bales and Rev. Teresa Bensch for your presence in our congregation and the ministry you provide. Send them a note of thanks this month or give them an expression of love and appreciation when you see them. Both would appreciate a doughnut or special treat sometime. What an important role they provide in the life of our congregation.
Now is a great time, also, to think of our staff that helps keep our congregation going. Kim Peeples has been our Choir Director for over 35 years. Jimmy Peeples, James Gibson, J.T. Clements keep our sound, zoom, Facebook, website, publicity and much more operating and up to date. Many thanks to all of these that play such an important part of our ministry!
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OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALKOut of the Darkness Walks take place in cities nationwide to raise awareness and funds to send the message that suicide can be prevented, and that no one is alone. The Northeast Georgia walk will take place on Sunday, October 19 at First Christian Church of Winder. Check-in begins at noon, and the walk starts at 1:30 pm. You can sign up to walk here. |
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
Thursday, Sept. 25
LifeLine Screening at the church
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: Libby Ballew
Scripture: Mabel Simmons
Communion Meditation: Rev. Hoyt Huff
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 28 AND OCTOBER 5
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 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
October 5, 2025
- Lamentations 1:1-6
- Lamentations 3:19-26
- Psalm 137
- Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
- Psalm 37:1-9\
- 2 Timothy 1:1-14
- Luke 17:5-10
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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
- 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.
Revelation 3:20: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Celebrations
- Tadd Huff’s birthday is TODAY (Sept. 24)
- Kevin Hopkins’s birthday is TODAY (Sept. 24)
- Mary Jo Alvord’s birthday is Sept. 25
- Willis Ramirez’s birthday is Sept. 26
- Rev. Teresa Bensch’s birthday is Sept. 27
- Al Taylor’s birthday is Sept. 28
- Mary Kate Westbrook’s birthday is Sept. 28
- Hyejin Yoon’s birthday is Sept. 28
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 our upcoming Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 26; we pray all of the children and families attending are safe and enjoy themselves
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Family and friends of Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother)
- Taylor Harper (Elizabeth Sloane’s daughter; surgery next week)
- 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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