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Round Rock Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

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Embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love

January 18, 2022

This coming Sunday in worship --

January 23, 2022

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Rev. Bobby Hawley, Guest Preacher

Matthew 20:1-16

"Grumbling About God's Generosity"

From the Pastor

Last month, an historic tornado outbreak caused damage in multiple states, with the greatest impact in Western Kentucky. Several Disciples congregations have been directly affected.

Some have asked how they might make a monetary gift to help the affected congregations. Week of Compassion is coordinating with the Region, congregations, and ecumenical partners to provide relief. You can give to Week of Compassion at any time, using the same app that we have for all of our online giving to and through RRCC. Week of Compassion is listed among all of the special day offerings. Though you can give at any time, the annual emphasis for Week of Compassion is in February. This year, the emphasis Sundays are February 20 and 27.

Following a natural disaster, the impact of which has been well-communicated, there is often a large outpouring of help. While that's wonderful, the real beauty of Week of Compassion's ministry is that they have funds in place and can therefore respond immediately when there is need, even as they continue to receive more gifts for that need, and for future needs. If you designate gifts for "U.S. Storms and Fires," 100% of your donation will go to local responses.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mitch

As the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of

the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Week of Compassion

works with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world.

An Invitation for You

Dear Members of Round Rock Christian Church,

I want to invite you to participate in a special opportunity. I’d like for you to come hear the Reverend Bobby Hawley, a Disciples minister and representative of the Christian Church Foundation. The Foundation serves as the trust department arm of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and provides assistance in the areas of planned giving and stewardship of permanent funds (see next article). He is coming to Round Rock Christian Church at the invitation of our congregation’s financial leadership and myself.

Why? Because in all my years of ministry, I have had experiences that tell me, many of our members need basic inheritance information. They need it from someone (a) they can trust, (b) who understands the importance of the church and finally (c) someone that is not trying to sell something. Too many make decisions from an uninformed position; I want you to be informed.

I also know that too few people have a legal will – one that directs affairs the way they want. Without one, the State directs how things happen. I know many of us do not like thinking about such things but, instead, think of how you can plan now to take care of your family and your cherished causes in the manner you desire. When you do, you may be able to save yourself significant tax dollars!

That is why I have invited Bobby to meet with us. RRCC has invited Bobby to speak informally during the Sunday School hour, and to preach during our worship service. Expect to receive both information and inspiration! Bobby wants to help equip us with the basic tools to help us know what questions to ask concerning the development of our estate.

The Christian Church Foundation has been very helpful to ministers and churches around the country, and it does not cost a thing. Hundreds of congregations and thousands of church members have benefited by using their services through the years.

Please come and hear Reverend Hawley this Sunday, January 23rd, at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. At 9:30 he will speak more informally (in lieu of our regular adult Sunday School classes), and wilI take any questions we may have. During the 11:00 a.m. worship service he will preach on faithful Christian stewardship. I am sure it will be time well spent. I hope to see you there. As with our worship service, Bobby's presentation during the Sunday School hour can also be accessed via zoom. You can access the link through this newsletter, through our Friday "Reminders" or also on our church website calendar.

Let’s WORSHIP, SERVE, and GROW together in 2022!

In Christ’s peace,

Rev. Mitchell J. Maxted

Christian Church Foundation

The Christian Church Foundation was established in 1961 as a way to encourage, receive and invest bequests and special gifts to perpetuate the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). At this time, the Foundation is responsible for over $850 million of the church’s money. Distributions from permanent funds held by the Foundation benefit local congregations, regional ministries and general units of the church.

The mission statement of the Foundation is:

The Christian Church Foundation helps Disciples

make a difference forever and discover the joy of serving Christ through sharing their resources.

Services that the Christian Church Foundation offers include:

providing seminars on inheritance planning, tax laws and charitable giving;
training clergy about the role of planned giving and the need for sound permanent fund policies;
working with congregational leaders and trustees in developing permanent fund policies;
helping congregations manage their permanent funds over the long term, providing an opportunity for growth of principal while distributing dollars for ministry.

In our region, our Foundation representative is Dr. Bobby Hawley. He joined the Foundation in November 1998 after serving nine years as senior minister at Bethany Christian Church, El Paso, TX. Bobby earned his master of divinity degree from Brite Divinity School and his doctor of ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Bobby will be with us during the Sunday School Hour (9:30-10:30am) and in worship with us on Sunday to offer a message on Christian stewardship, the ministry of the Christian Church Foundation and how the Foundation can work in partnership with our congregation. He would welcome the opportunity to discuss how you can make a difference in your favorite Christian Church ministries. He can be reached at (817) 923-0422.

Online Giving

RRCC has three ways you can 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

Free COVID Test Kits Mailed to Your Home!

Did you know that every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests? The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Ordering is quick and simple. Just visit covidtests.gov

Here is the LINK

RRCC Survey Summary

At the conclusion of worship on the last two Sundays in November (November 21 and 28, 2021), RRCC congregation members were asked to fill out a survey pertaining to our congregational and personal responses to the health crisis of the past two years. You may recall that the surveys were on light blue paper. Those who were not at the church to worship in person on those two Sundays received the surveys via U.S. mail, along with a stamped, church-addressed envelope in which to return the completed surveys.

We are grateful for your input! 47 people filled out the survey at the church, and 13 more mailed them in from home. 60 total responses is excellent for a congregation our size. Thank you so much! We have collected and combined all of your responses and comments into one document. Here are some of the highlights. Please note that response numbers don't always add up to 60, as people didn't always respond to every question. Also note that the comments listed here are only about half of all that we received.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SUMMARY

or find it on the RRCC website home page at

rrdisciples.org

Upcoming Events

Check for event details and ZOOM MEETING LINKS

on the RRCC Website Calendar.

Texas Heat Volleyball meets in the gym throughout the week.

Please check our website calendar for their latest schedule.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

11:00 a.m. - "Caste" Discussion Class Link HERE

7:00 p.m. - Elders Meeting Link HERE

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

10:00 a.m. - Pastoral Support Committee

1:00 p.m. - Caring Hearts Prayer Group Link HERE

6:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, January 20, 2022

11:00 a.m. - Wired WORD Class

6:00 p.m. - Praise Band Rehearsal

7:00 p.m. - Vacant Lot Task Force Meeting

Friday, January 21, 2022

He hushed the storm to a gentle whisper, so that the waves of the sea were still. Psalm107:29

Sunday, January 23, 2022

9:30 a.m. - Rev. Bobby Hawley presentation Link HERE

9:30 a.m. - Open Circle Sunday School no class today Link HERE

9:30 a.m. - Explorers Sunday School no class today Link HERE

11:00 p.m. - Worship Link HERE

12:00 p.m. - Lunch Bunch at Mighty Fine (near IKEA)

3:00 p.m. - Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida

Monday, January 24, 2022

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper,

proclaim on the housetops. Matthew 10:27

Future Events

Stay tuned for upcoming events....

New Small Group Study Opportunities

Two new small group discussion classes will be offered in the coming months. These are one-hour classes that meet via zoom on Tuesday mornings from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Both of these books aim to bring the reader to a greater level of understanding of racial justice issues in the United States. New Kid, a graphic novel, will be discussed for three weeks in February, and How to Be An Anti-Racist will be our study during the six Tuesdays of Lent.

If you're interested in participating, or just want more information, please contact Rev. Maxted by email or phone.

Feb. 8, 15, 22 New Kid by Jerry Craft
Mar. 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12 How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

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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January 26 - Christopher Guzman

Lunch Bunch

Everyone is invited to this week's Lunch Bunch gathering at

Mighty Fine Burgers after worship on Sunday....whether you're worshiping in person or via zoom, all are invited.

Text or call Tasha York (512-567-8770) for more information.

Elders, there are still 11 available slots to fill!

2022 RRCC Sign Ups:

Elder Responsibilities Sign Up

Weekly Worship Leader Sign Up

Sunday Worship Deacons Sign Up

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Prayer Needs

LEADERSHIP

1. Our new and continuing Guiding Board members, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams.

2. Our staff: Jimmy, Mitch, Katie, Randy, and Molly

3. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz

4. Our tech team: Gary Collier, Tara Pollock, Katie Maybaum, Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Dan Knight

5. Our Caring Hearts Prayer Group

6. Our Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)

7. Our partnership with Iglesia Adventista Shalom & Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario)

8. Reverends Andy Mangum (CCSW Regional Minister and President, and Rev. Alfred Walker, our Community Regional Minister (CRM) for Reconciliation and Anti-Racism.

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

1. For all who are grieving the loss of a loved one

2. For all who are or have been ill with COVID-19, and their families

3. Acree, Mary -- improving now following an infection

4. Camarillo, Rudy -- prayers for Rudy's cousin Norma, whose husband Mike Castillo died of complications from COVID

5. Cueva, Rafael and Deb -- Rafael's mother Gladys is hospitalized in ICU in Peru, but has been moved out of the COVID section of ICU, for which the family is grateful; the rest of Rafael's family has recovered from COVID

6. Fennimore, Nancy -- niece is undergoing radiation treatments for cancer

7. Glover, Linda -- knee replacement surgery scheduled for January 24

8. Jenkins, Bob -- Bob's sister Janet is receiving treatments for melanoma

9. Jocoy, Jim -- recovering from back surgery; praying for a continued reduction in pain

10. Kessler, Jim -- continued recovery from heart surgery and a back injury

11. Knight, Pam -- sister-in-law Bonnie Cook-Cassens recently began immunotherapy treatments

12. Maybaum, Katie -- recent sinus infection and blood sugar challenges

13. Maybaum, Liz -- tested positive for COVID-19; mild symptoms thus far

14. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) doing well with his cancer treatments

15. Nichols, Martha -- son Chris has reduced function in his one kidney; Martha's sister Barbara is recovering from COVID

16. Osteen, Amy and Steve -- brother-in-law Mike Murphy being treated for pancreatic cancer

17. Pollock, Paula -- another recent fall (no broken bones)

18. Preston, Randy -- sister Rita broke her leg in multiple places in a fall--has had two surgeries

19. Scarborough, Carrol -- waiting to be scheduled for cataract surgery

20. Sherry, Bea -- living at Franklin Park in Teravista

21. Jill Toomey - ankle surgery 1/5 went well; will use knee scooter as she recovers

22. Tucker, Gary and Amy -- grandson James (13) seriously injured in an auto accident in Wisconsin; making strong progress

23. Walker, Lisa -- trying to get on a kidney transplant list

24. Whitley, Bea -- hand surgery scheduled for January 26

25. York, Tasha -- her son, Rev. T.J. Shoop-York, has tested positive for COVID

OTHER

1. All events at Disciple Oaks

2. All who don't know Jesus

3. COVID-19 (continuing efforts to reach "herd immunity" in the U.S. and around the world)

4. For all who have struggled physically, emotionally, and spiritually during these nearly two years of the pandemic--a long-term trauma

5. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world

6. Our military personnel and families

7. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible

8. Courage for teachers and administrators to resist efforts to censor the teaching of parts of our American history, no matter how ugly they might be

9. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans

10. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents of our two neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School

Sunday School

[There will be no Sunday School classes in the church building 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) - 9:15 a.m. Sunday mornings in person and via ZOOM, studying Love Without Limits. ALL ARE WELCOME! Link HERE

Explorers (mixed adults) - 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying Paul's letter to the church at Corinth. Link HERE

The Wired WORD (adult men) - 11:00 a.m. Thursday mornings. Led by Rev. Maxted, this class looks at what the scriptures have to say about important current events and issues.

Office Hours

Mondays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Tuesdays: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fridays: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Elders Prayer/Closing Message

What does God look for in a leader? I tried to think of men and women in the Bible. What made each of them rise to the occasion? Was it their winning personalities and smiles? Was it their long history of successes and experiences? Was it their educational or social economics backgrounds? All those are important. But on God’s checklist, I wonder where those qualities score?

When I look around I can’t help but believe that God uses unlikely men and women for His leaders. Men and women who depend on Him because they know by themselves they will not make it. God has a way of choosing men like Gideon. When God called him to lead the nation of Israel out of bondage, he exclaimed, “oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? Behold my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Jud. 6:15) When Saul was selected to be king, his reply was “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then then speakest thou so to me (1 Sam. 9:21). Saul also considered himself little in his own eyes. (1 Sam. 15:17)

Even Solomon when he began his reign said “And now, O Lord my God, thou has made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out or come in.” (1 Kings 3:7)

Do you remember from scripture who said ”For I am the least of the apostles, that am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.”? (1 Cor. 15:9) It was the Apostle Paul.

God uses men and women who need him! Being a Godly leader has nothing to do with a position or title. Our need for God qualifies us. And, by the way, having a servant attitude comes easy when you realize you are the least, the smallest, the last, the neediest. God uses the unlikely!

This week may the cry of our hearts be “God I will serve you right where I am and God I need you!” Amen

Contact Us

Round Rock Christian Church

(Disciples of Christ)

22 Chalice Way

Round Rock, TX 78665

(512) 244 3260