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A Message from the Pastor
Small group study/fellowship opportunities are greatly appreciated during these challenging pandemic months. RRCC has offered two studies by Rev. Matt Rawle -- The Grace of Les Miserables and The Faith of a Mockingbird. Right now we are in the middle of a six-week study called Christianity, Cults, and Religions. And next up, beginning on Thursday, September 10th, will be a three-session class led by Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie (see class description in separate article). Nancy is Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Hospice Austin.
As a pastor, I have witnessed the important ministry of Hospice throughout my years of serving congregations. What I've seen repeatedly is that families often wish they'd taken advantages of Hospice care sooner. Hospice care is for patients who have chosen to focus on maximizing their quality of life and who have a life expectancy of up to six months, if the illness runs its expected course. Of course, every situation is unique. Patients may stay on hospice care longer than six months or be discharged if their condition improves. Often, your doctor is the person who refers you. However, anyone - you, a family member or a friend - can make a referral for an evaluation.
To accompany a loved one or friend during their final days is a sacred honor. This final stage of earthly life can be a time of great growth and relationship deepening. I look forward to hearing from Rev. McCranie and reading the text that she has suggested for us.
Finally, I look forward to seeing you in our zoom worship service this Sunday. In the meantime, don't forget to practice "THE THREE Ws" -- Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distances. Our teachers, medical professionals, and other essential workers are counting on our help to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus.
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Even though we are unable to meet in person,
RRCC has three ways you can still give your tithe:
- Go to the RRCC website rrdisciples.org and click on the "GIVE HERE" button at the top of the main page. Or use the link at the top of each newsletter. It will take you to the same place.
- Use your bank's electronic bill pay feature to have a check mailed directly from your bank to RRCC.
- Mail your check directly to RRCC.
Address your envelope to:  Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665
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Record of Giving
Do you need a record of giving for 2020?
If you would like a personal year-to-date giving statement,
please email the financial secretary at
with your request. Please specify whether you would like to
receive your statement through snail mail or email and
provide the corresponding address.
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General Assembly Canceled
In a special called meeting of the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) via zoom on Sunday, July 19, 2020, the board voted to cancel the 2021 General Assembly originally scheduled for July 31-Aug. 4, 2021, in Louisville, KY.
This was not a decision that was made lightly...[to continue reading, click the link below:]
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A Conversation with the Moderators and the GMP
Due to the cancellation of next year's General Assembly, you are invited to participate in a special webinar. Join General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens, along with Moderator Belva Brown Jordan, First Vice Moderator Stephanie Kendell, Second Vice Moderator Nestor Gomez, and Moderator-Elect Clyde Hunt for a conversation about the process by which this decision was made and the opportunities it presents.
There is no cost to participate in this webinar, which will take place tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at 7 pm Texas time.
The following link will take you to the registration page:
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Our Regional Assembly Is Still On Schedule for Friday and Saturday, October 9 & 10
You're invited to the CCSW Regional Assembly on October 9 & 10, 2020.
This will be an Online Event so you can participate fully from right where you are!
We are busy working out all the details, planning amazing worship experiences, creating educational opportunities, and fine tuning the technology.
But don't worry, we will be sharing more information with you soon - keep a look out for that information. Don't forget to save the date!
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Your Guiding Board.....
...Received the report of the Sr. Minister Annual Performance Review. Congratulations to Pastor Mitch Maxted for a stellar review. The past five months have been exceedingly demanding on all clergy. Thank you, good and faithful servant, for your leadership and devotion to our Lord and His Round Rock Christian flock through these unprecedented times. Abundant blessings to each of the Maxteds.
...Commends the Personnel Team (Kent Toomey (chair), Barbara Barnett, Dan Knight, and Pastor Maxted, ex-officio for their timely and efficient annual performance reviews of our staff.
...Extends gratitude to the faithful, extraordinary service of our staff who recently completed annual performance reviews, all with flying colors. Each week many hours of behind the scenes work produce beautiful music, administrative coordination, bookkeeping, and technical know-how. Molly Salzwedel, Randy Preston, Jimmy Horowitz, and Katie Maybaum thank you from the depths of our hearts. We love each of you and look forward to the time we are together again as a church family.
...Congratulates elder Anna Marie Blair, one of our commissioned ministers, on her call to serve our sister Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation in Richland Springs, Texas, where she will preach each Sunday.
...Suggests that members and friends Google our Round Rock Christian Church account on YouTube to enjoy the Sunday zoom services that have been recorded and remain for you to watch at your leisure.
....Approved the formation of the annual ad hoc Nominating Committee. Members are Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, Kent Toomey, and Susan Kessler-chair. The moderator and sr. minister also serve ex-officio. They will begin their work in mid-September.
....Approved the Gathering Guidelines of the Reopening Task Force. This matrix presents stages of reopening the church building and conducting services. It is based upon US/Texas guidelines and a greater Austin matrix of hospital admissions. It progresses from total restriction-Stage 5, to the ultimate no restrictions on social distancing, face coverings, gathering size, cleaning required, worship services, Sunday school, social activities, and office staff and visitors on site which in Stage 1. We are currently in Stage 4, which allows only essential staff and volunteers to work in the building periodically. The Task Force will continue monthly reports to the Board, updating conditions that lead the current stage of reopening. By Task Force design the Board must approve each stage.
....Appreciates the work of the Finance Team (Gary Collier, Irene Jenkins, Darlia Hunt and Lisa Breeding) as they begin to produce the proposed 2021 budget for congregation approval in November .
....Gives thanks for the dedication of the Elders Ministry as they reach out to, and pray for, every member of our congregation via their individual Agape groups. These servants of the Lord, and Pastor Maxted, come together each month for study, prayer, and fellowship.
.... Endorsed the plan of the annual Stewardship Campaign. Expect to receive in your USPS mailbox on or about September 3, your 2021 stewardship packet. It will contain: a letter from the Pastor, a Personal Strategies survey--your planner for how you will worship/serve/grow in the coming year to fill out and return, an estimate of giving and covenant card for you to return signed, and a stamped, addressed return envelope.
....Thanks to Gary Collier and Dan Knight for their long hours of work preparing for multiple, new, enhanced audio/video capabilities for worship both in the sanctuary and at home.
....Suggests that members check out the Members Resources pull-down menu on the RRCC website. The website offers opportunities to review monthly activities on a calendar format, reports from Pastor Maxted and the Treasurer, as well as the minutes of each meeting of the Board, and many other sources of information. Each newsletter provides a link to the website. If you are uncertain of the Members Resources password, contact Molly via email.
...Meets next on September 21. Should you have concerns or questions of the Guiding Board please contact moderator, Linda Glover.
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RRCC Newsletter Deadlines
Please submit your
Tuesday Newsletter articles and pictures
before 10:00 a.m. on Mondays.
and your Friday Reminders articles and pictures
before 12:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Thank you!
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What's New in the Bluebonnet Area/Capital Cluster?
Central Christian Church, Austin -- Rev. Janet Maykus, Senior Interim Minister, has invited the congregation to take time each evening at 7 p.m. to pray for one another.
She writes, "In the face of the current bad news of rising infection and death rates, I invite all of you to join with me in a project for the church. In Biblical numerology, the number 7 symbolizes perfection. To that end, I ask that every day at 7 we all pause and say a prayer for one another and then think of something that makes you laugh. Let's practice daily prayer for one another as a life affirming spiritual discipline. And let us laugh as a reminder that no form of evil or despair will ever prevail."
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Continuing our success with mid-week studies, RRCC is pleased to offer a new three-week workshop beginning Thursday, September 10. "A Gracious Presence: How to Accompany Those We Love Through Illness, Death, and Grief" will be led by Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie - daughter of our own Fern Chester and the late Rev. Ray Chester. Nancy has been director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services for Hospice Austin for nearly 20 years. The book How to be a Friend to a Friend who is Sick by Letty Cottin Pogrebin will also be part of this study. The book costs $10.79 on Amazon or $16 at Barnes and Noble. Used copies may be found at Abebooks.com for under $5 and free shipping, if you would like to order your own used copy.
 Here's what Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie says about
A GRACIOUS PRESENCE: HOW TO ACCOMPANY THOSE WE LOVE THROUGH ILLNESS, DEATH, AND GRIEF:
"The gift of being with people at these very tender, significant times in their lives is a gift of presence, compassion, and time like no other. It's such an important thing to be able to do, and to do well. I'm also aware that being with people who are in great pain can take a toll on us - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And so in the class we'll be talking about all of that - how to provide really good care. How to get out of our own way. How to build in resilience and fortitude for this important work that we're called to. So I hope you'll join us. I think it will be engaging, I think we'll have lively, even fun discussions. I look forward to what you will bring - the wisdom and experience that each of you has. My hope is that we can read that book and draw from it, and you can use it as a continuing resource for yourself."
Classes will be held via Zoom on Thursdays at 11:00am on September 10, 17, and 24, 2020.
or text 512-876-1010 by August 19 (tomorrow) with the following information:
1. I will participate. Please order a book for me from Amazon at a cost of $10.79 (reimburse the church, indicating it is for "Hospice Class").
2. I will participate, but will buy my own book.
This class is open to all. If you have friends who would like to participate, they are welcome.
Be sure to let Janette know that they are joining so that we can provide them the Zoom links and reminders.
We are looking forward to Zooming with you again for another stimulating study!
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Call for Worship Leaders!
ATTENTION WORSHIP LEADERS!
Thanks, those of you who signed up for the Worship Leader spots.
There are FIVE spots left for 2020.
The following dates are available to sign up for 2020 are:
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August 23-FILLED!
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August 30-FILLED!
| September 6-FILLED! | | October 4-FILLED! | October 11
| November 1 | | November 8 | November 29
| December 27 |
Please consider taking one or two of the empty spots.
Thank you
We need you to please go to sign up genius and pick out a date or two that you would so graciously serve as worship leader.
We appreciate your leadership in this capacity.
Thank you.
Worship Team
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Re-Opening Task Force Conducts "Practice Walk-Through"
of New Worship Procedures to Re-Open
The RRCC Re-Opening Task Force met Tuesday, 6/23/20 at the church to "walk through" the new steps that will be needed to maintain social distancing, once the church building re-opens for in-person worship. No date has yet been set for a return to our campus.
Special thanks to Task Force members for their on-going work on this effort; Perry Mouser (Chair), Mildred Adair and Amy Tucker (Worship), Pam Knight and Amy Osteen (Christian Ed), Gary Collier (Treasurer), Gary Tucker (Vice-Moderator and Elders), Tricia Mouser (2 nd Year Trustee), Randy Preston (Choir Director and Worship Team), and ex-officio members Mitch Maxted (Minister) and Linda Glover (Moderator).
The meeting at the church was a stark reminder that although the church doors will be open, it will be with a very limited capacity and six foot distances between family units, to be safe... VERY DIFFERENT!
The best way to visualize the process and distances needed, is to be very visual, through pictures. Please click on the link below to see additional pictures of the 10 members of the team who were present.
A short description of the "New Worship Process" follows:
1. Congregants will be asked to "register" for worship via sign-up genius, so that we will know the number to expect and not exceed the capacity of the sanctuary (which is 30-40)
2. Congregants will enter from the back parking lot (with exceptions as needed to use the porte-cochère ) and observe the taped markers for six foot distancing on the sidewalk and in the church.
3. Upon entering the Welcome Center, a gloved Deacon will direct families to the table with the hand sanitizer and face masks (if needed) and families will take the number of communion packets needed, in addition to a zip lock bag to hold their trash following communion.
4. Families will then enter the Sanctuary through the West doors and follow the marked arrows, six feet apart, along the west wall. They will indicate to the first gloved Deacon the number of chairs needed for their family unit (1 finger held up for one, 2 fingers held up for 2, etc)
5. There will be 3 rows of chairs in the sanctuary and the first families inside will be seated on the front row, by a second gloved Deacon who will move chairs together as needed to accommodate the family. The second gloved Deacon will then distance the next group of chairs six feet away.
7. The order of Worship will be similar to recent services, with families taking communion using the disposable packets. The trash should be placed in the zip lock baggie and held to be placed in the trash can at the back of the sanctuary. The offering plate will not be passed, but will be located on the table at the back of the sanctuary for offering placement upon entering or exiting the sanctuary.
8. Following worship, Deacons will direct congregants to exit through the East doors, beginning with the back row, then the second row and finally the front row. Families may visit in the parking lot, following social foot distancing.
9. In the event the restroom is needed for use; the door must be propped open and the "IN USE" sign placed on the door. There is only 1 person allowed in the restroom at a time.
10. There will be several signs placed throughout the church to indicate the flow of traffic and remind people of the need for safe practices and social distancing.
While we are all excited about the prospect of being with our "Church Family" again, it is extremely important to realize that the current pandemic is not subsiding and we must maintain vigilance in being cautious and safe. We will continue to host weekly worship services on Zoom and also plan to "live-stream" services from the sanctuary once they are reinstated.
Virtual Hugs to Everyone!
The Re-Opening Task Force
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RRCC Welcomes All!
Here at Round Rock Christian Church we welcome
and celebrate diversity! Inclusion is rooted in our understanding of God, the Creator who made all humanity in God's own image.
Just as Jesus loved all humanity, our congregation and
our denomination--The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)--
welcome the breadth of human life into membership and ministry.
Our Lord's all-encompassing love challenges us today
to confront our own prejudices and manifest inclusion
in our congregations and personal lives.
--Inclusiveness statement adopted by the RRCC Guiding Board, December 2018
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Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
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Did You Miss a Newsletter?
Past newsletters dating back to mid-March 2020 are currently archived under the "ABOUT US" tab on the RRCC Website.
This is a more efficient way to access past newsletters and Friday "Reminders" than to hunt back through old emails.
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Find a Place to Serve Here at RRCC
 Here are the ways you can contribute to Sunday Morning Worship:
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Upcoming Birthdays
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August 26
| - Charles Scarborough | |
August 26
| - Jimmy Horowitz |
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Prayer Needs
OUR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1. Our staff--Jimmy, Mitch, Katie, Randy, and Molly
2. Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams
3. Ad Hoc Youth Programming Team and youth director search
4. Our Elders as they continue their evangelism study Unbinding the Gospel
5. Shut-In Servers & Caring Hearts Prayer Group
6. Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
7. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz
8. Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario)
9. Reverends Christal Fisher (South Texas) and Andy Mangum (CCSW)
10. "Reopening" Task Force--Perry Mouser (chair), Gary Tucker, Gary Collier, Mildred Adair, Amy Tucker, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tricia Mouser, Mitch Maxted, and Linda Glover (see recent update in "Splinters" article)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Acree, Mary (wound care)
2. Bell, Jean (son Chris ongoing cancer treatments)
3. Blair, Anna Marie -- sister-in-law Gwen Terrell doing better after a long bout with AFib
4. Boles, Gayle -- hip bursitis
5. Davis, Marilyn (swallowing difficulties)
6. Graham, Marty
7. Greene, Emmiline -- smooth transitions as she moves to Georgetown
8. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold. Cynthia will have hip replacement surgery in two weeks
9. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
10. Kelley, Sally -- pinched nerve in back -- rehab is helping
11. Knight, Dan & Pam -- daughter Emily Riordan asks for prayer for AFD lieutenant Donny Caldwell, with COVID-19 (friend Michelle's husband)
12. Maybaum, Katie -- recovering from broken ankle
13. Maybaum, Liz --fell and broke shoulder
14. Maybaum, Paul -- cousin Steve Buchwalter's sudden and unexpected death
15. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
16. Plough, Paul
17. Pollock, Paula
18. Scarborough, Rilda (giant cell arteritis -- a vascular inflammation that can compromise eyesight)
19. Sherry, Bea
20. Shinomura, Kazuko (Kumi's mother) recent back surgery
21. Shrader, James (heart bypass surgery last month; returned home from rehab last Friday)
22. Snider, Rev. Ed
23. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
OTHER 1. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
2. The many newly unemployed; businesses that are struggling
3. The many who are resolutely trying, through peaceful means, to effect positive change in a society that undervalues people of color, especially African-Americans
4. Innocent people and businesses caught in waves of destruction when demonstrations are sabotaged by criminal activity
5. Law enforcement officers attempting to protect people and property in the midst of large groups of frustrated, angry, grieving people
6. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 7. Our military personnel and families 8. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges 9. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible 10. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S. 11. All who don't know Jesus 12. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings 13. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents, as all have to make important decisions. Our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School. Tomorrow we will deliver school supplies to Hopewell!
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[There will be no Sunday School classes at the church for the foreseeable future. Some classes will be meeting via Zoom during this time of social distancing.]
Early Childhood Class (ages 4-7) - Taught by Lisa Walker
Intermediate Class (3rd - 5th grade) - Taught by Jennifer Kienzle
Chi Rho Class - (6th - 8th grade) - (studying the book, "Middle School TalkSheets" for ages 11-14. "These TalkSheets present every aspect of Jesus' life in a way that young teens can connect with as they learn to apply the lessons to their own lives.")
CYF Class (9th - 12th grade)
Open Circle (primarily adult women) - 9 :45 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Studying The Cherry Log Sermons by internationally recognized preacher and accomplished teacher Rev. Fred Craddock . "These sermons on a variety of topics and texts show Craddock's deft use of storytelling, an astounding ability to interpret the biblical text for our day, and a keen pastoral sensitivity to the everyday needs of listeners." ALL ARE WELCOME! . Link HERE
Explorers (mixed adults) - 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying the New Testament Book of Acts, using the resource by John MacArthur. Link HERE
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Follow us on Social Media!
We can be found on:
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Submitting a photo? Awesome!
We love pictures of congregational life!
Please remember to include
identification(who, what, when, where, why)
for each photograph submitted to the office.
Also, please indicate where you would like the photo to be used (RRCC website, social media, weekly newsletter, etc.)
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Mondays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Tuesdays:
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2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Wednesdays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Thursdays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Fridays:
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9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Upcoming Events
There will be no events/meetings held in the RRCC facility until further notice.
Many RRCC activities and events have been cancelled until further notice. Some are continuing online.
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, August 19, 2020
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1:00 p.m.
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, August 20, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Christianity, Cults, and Religions" small group study (via Zoom) Link HERE |
Friday, August 21, 2020
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John 9:39
| - Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." |
Saturday, August 22, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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Sunday, August 23, 2020
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9:45 a.m.
| - Explorers Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
9:45 a.m.
| - Open Circle Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
11:00 a.m.
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1:00 p.m.
| - Ministries Council (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
Evening
| - Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site) |
Monday, August 24, 2020
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Matthew 12:6-8
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- I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
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Tuesday, August 25, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
The Certainty of God's Supply
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
This verse is one of the most practical we will ever encounter in the Bible. Every one of us faces needs in our lives; at times, they are beyond our own means. Those are not the times to become anxious or to panic. Nor should we give up in defeat. Is it at these times that God wants to draw from His unlimited storehouse to meet our need as only He can.
Do you believe God can meet the needs of your finances? Your health? Your children? Your parents? Your church? Scripture says you will never face a need for which God's provision is not more than adequate. This promise appears over and over again in the Scriptures (Ps.116:6; Heb. 4:16; Matt 6:8; Ps.69:33). If you are not experiencing God's beautiful provision, what is the problem? Is the difficulty with God? Or could it be that you do not really believe that God stands ready to meet your every need?
Every resource of God is available to any child of God who will believe Him. No one has ever exhausted God's supply nor suffered a shortfall when trusting Him. Unfortunately, some Christians live as if God's abundant resources were not available to them. They are children of the King, but they live like beggars! Would the people close to you affirm that your life gives evidence of an unwavering belief that God will do what He said?
PRAYER:
Dear God, we thank you for every resource available to us and thank you blessing us with them. Amen
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