|
Welcome to our weekly e-gram! Read on to discover what’s happening in our church family this week and beyond.
Church News
|
|
Image: Jesus Discourses with his Disciples, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
SERMON PREVIEWScripture: Luke 14: 25 – 33
Sermon Topic: Cost of Discipleship
This Sunday, we will take a look at another challenging statement from Jesus. He was traveling toward Jerusalem, with large crowds following, when he turned to them and announced, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple.” Harsh words – but did Jesus really expect us to hate our families, ourselves, and our own lives in order to follow him? The cost of discipleship is high – but luckily not quite that high. We will explore this strange statement in worship this week. See you Sunday, in person or online.
|
|
|
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, please sign up in the gathering space, and let us know if you are willing to drive others or would like a ride with others. You can also sign up by contacting Rev. Diane or Rev. Teresa by text or email. See you there!
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
GERALD KERSEY’S OBITUARY
Gerald Kersey’s obituary has been published in the Gwinnett Forum online. Here’s one paragraph that captures Gerald well:
“Gerald had a friendly, loving, and welcoming nature that was evident to all who knew him. In his later years he cherished his daily walks and conversations with neighbors, family and friends. He was a man of many interests, including being an avid reader and a proponent for healthy eating and exercise. He also enjoyed carpentry and was always eager to learn and to connect with others. He enjoyed playing board games with his family when everyone was together, especially enjoying the many sidebar conversations. Gerald enjoyed life and being connected to others.”
Read the entire obituary at https://www.gwinnettforum.com/2025/09/r-gerald-kersey/
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
DISCIPLES WOMEN RETREATGeorgia Disciples Women are heading to Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons, GA, for a 2025 Fall Retreat, September 26-28. We shared our stories at our February retreat at Ocmulgee State Park; now let’s share our gifts!
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the “varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” With that as our focus scripture, the weekend will include relaxation, fellowship, and spiritual growth as we return to the beautiful coastal setting of Epworth by the Sea to explore “Spiritual Gifts: What is Your Fragrance?” The retreat will feature some new opportunities, including Friday evening vespers, additional workshops, and crafting choices, as well as familiar favorites like Bible study, Sunday worship, our signature silent auction, a service project with Amity House, and ample time to explore Saint Simons, GA. This year, we are excited to also feature Georgia Disciples Women t-shirts for sale!
You can register for retreat and sign up for housing and meals at Epworth by the Sea https://www.gadisciples.org/gadisciples-women-fall-retreat-2025. To book a room, follow these steps:
- Click on https://www.epworthbythesea.org/reservations.php.
- Scroll down to register with your group.
- A screen will “pop up” asking for your user name and password.
- Enter “groups” as your username and “1865” as your password.
- When the reservation page pops up, scroll down to GA Disciples of Christ and click on the blue link to the right.
- You will now be on the reservation page.
The deadline to register for retreat is September 12.
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
Sunday, Sept. 7
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
6 pm: Leadership Council on Zoom
Monday, Sept. 8
6:30 pm: Outreach Team on Zoom
Tuesday, Sept. 9
1 pm: Disciples Women meeting at the church
Sunday, Sept. 14
9 am: Choir practice
10 am: Sunday school
11 am: Worship
12 pm: Blue Christmas Planning Meeting
Monday, Sept. 15
6:30 pm: Finance and Facilities Team on Zoom
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
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.
|
|
|
|
THIS SUNDAY’S WORSHIP LEADERS
Greeter: Beth Thompson
Scripture: Anna Harrison
Communion Meditation: Lee Thompson
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.
|
|
|
|
LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES FOR SEPTEMBER 7 AND SEPTEMBER 14
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 7, 2025
- Jeremiah 18:1-11
- Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
- Deuteronomy 30:15-20
- Psalm 1
- Philemon 1:1-21
- Luke 14:25-33
September 14, 2025
- Numbers 21:4b-9
- Psalm 98:1-5
- Psalm 78:1-2, 34-38
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-24
- John 3:13-17
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
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
- Canned fruit
- Canned beans (red, kidney, pinto)
- Green beans
- Canned chicken
- Pasta sauce
Most Needed Personal Care Items
- Size 4 and up diapers
- Feminine pads
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Jeremiah 29:11: “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Celebrations
- We 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
Immediate Needs (names in bold are newly added or updated)
- Neva Maffett (hospitalized)
- Sue Ragsdale (Jeanie Morgan’s friend; recovering from second serious fall in 6 months)
- Bob Hanson (recovering well from shoulder surgery)
- Tadd Huff (recovering from surgery at home)
- Jeanie Morgan (recovering at home after recent hospitalization)
- Mary Ann Pusen (Connie Thompson’s mother, rehab)
- Gene Pusen (Connie Thompson’s father) and the Thompson/Pusen families, as they care for Mary Ann and Gene
- Hunter Baxter (Jeanie Morgan’s newborn great-grandson, home from hospital but needs continued prayer)
- Brenda Sizemore (health issues)
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
- 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).
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
