From the Pastor
Quite a few of our RRCC folks have been a part of this congregation since it began in 1983. They've been through the whole process of getting organized, finding various temporary places to meet and worship, planning and supporting the various stages of building construction, and continued involvement in congregational life here at 22 Chalice Way in Round Rock.
I greatly respect the courage and faith of all who helped get this congregation started, including the visionary clergy leadership of Rev. Dr. Ray Chester, RRCC's first settled minister. It was truly a leap of faith to bring a Disciples of Christ church to Round Rock 36 years ago.
When we began to build on this site, there was no neighborhood. There wasn't much of anything close by. Now, we are nestled in a large neighborhood, with dozens of new homes currently being built just a few blocks away. Our mission is focused on the neighborhood--"embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s quote about stepping out in faith is one of my favorites: "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." This is exactly what a group of people did back in the autumn of 1983.
As God continues to realize God's vision for RRCC, which steps will we be asked to take? Are we able to picture the staircase even when we can't see it?
Peace in Christ
Mitch
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ALL ARE WELCOME!
here at Round Rock Christian Church
During the past year (beginning in January), the Guiding Board approved the committee of Julian Grant, Tasha York and Pastor Maxted, to discuss and gather input from church members, information regarding two questions:
1. What are we doing to embrace our neighbors with
Christ-like love?
2. How can we better communicate our openness/hospitality
to all people?
This fall, the committee met with four groups from the church to receive their input regarding these two questions. Then the Guiding Board reviewed and discussed the input. A very common response at the meetings was that we at RRCC are welcoming to all. It was also a common belief that we do a great deal for the families in our neighborhood and the schools that our neighborhood children attend.
The Guiding Board is appreciative of the input received and the time and effort of the committee that worked to meet with church groups and develop a recommendation. As a result of their recommendation, the following statement was approved at the December Guiding Board Meeting, and it should be incorporated into our website and printed literature, either in full or in part:
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.
Additionally, a new church banner has been purchased for display at our community events, which states: "Come Worship with Us". Please be practicing your "elevator pitch" (your own personal, simple description of your love of Jesus and our congregation) so the next time the opportunity arises you can invite someone to our church, based on your own testimony of your need for the church and that we need others! Our members are our best resources for welcoming others into Christ's love.
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Christmas Decoration Removal
The Worship Committee will be taking down Christmas decorations immediately following our church luncheon this Sunday, January 13th.
We would appreciate all that are able to stay and assist in this process.
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Disciples Women's
Ministry
Monday, January 14, 2019,
9:30 a.m.
All women at Round Rock Christian Church are extended a special invitation to gather on Monday, January 14, at 9:30 AM, for fellowship over refreshments, the bible study and a business meeting of the Disciples Women's Ministries.
The 2018-2019 study theme, Called For God's Purpose, focuses primarily on the lives of women in the bible who responded to God's call. The January lesson, however, features the well-known story of Jeremiah, the prophet. Through scripture, contemporary application, and discussion, we will explore how Disciple women today continue to celebrate, embrace, and respond when we hear the call of service in God's world. Susan Kessler will facilitate the January lesson.
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Peanut Brittle - What a Success!
Many thanks to all of our members and guests who supported our Peanut Brittle Drive to raise money for future church building needs. We received $900 dollars in donations, which means that 90 bags of peanut brittle were given away to participants. The cost of ingredients were $188.10 so a net to the fund was $711.90.
Thank you all for your continued support!
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Mr. Charley Scarborough's Shut-In Server Notebook is missing. Please let him know if you run across it.
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Elders Meeting
Elders Meeting
Sunday, January 20 -
12:15 p.m., after worship
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Box Top for Education
Bring your Box Tops to benefit our community's children at Union Hill Elementary School. Several people have said they forget to bring the box tops in. Put them somewhere you will remember - like on top of the items you have for the Serving Center. Don't forget they expire, so you want to get them in ASAP.
The school can use the money for anything it needs! Computers, books, and playground equipment are just some of the ways schools have chosen to use the funds raised through Box Tops for Education.
for special offers, coupons, and to track the progress of the school. Please look for the labels on all items you buy and don't forget to bring them to church and place in the collection box each week. Thank you!!
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New Adult Sunday School Study
The Open Circle adult Sunday School class has begun a new study: An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor. All are welcome to join the class or to drop in any Sunday! We meet in the downstairs classroom at the west end of the Fellowship Building.
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Fellowship Luncheon
You don't want to miss this week's Fellowship Luncheon, Sunday, January 13, right after the worship service. This Sunday's menu includes fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad, rolls and several yummy desserts!
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Ministries Council Meeting
The Ministries Council will meet after worship on
Sunday, January 27.
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Disciple Oaks Camp and Retreat Summer Internships
Disciple Oaks Camp & Retreat is recruiting for five eleven-week spots in 2019 for summer interns to have an exciting summer! Interns are integral to the success of our camping ministry. They are often the behind-the-scenes servant leaders who make camp run smoothly. The positions offer room, board, and salary. To be eligible an individual must be age 19 or over; plus, out of high school for one year, during the summer camp season. Hours can be very long, and physical work is often necessary, but the summer is very rewarding!
We invite you to prayerfully consider spending the summer with us on Holy Ground. If interested you can download the application
here
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Scott Miller
Camp Director
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Pantry Focus for January: Soup!
"...for I was hungry and you gave me food. Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me
." (Matthew 25:35, 40)
This month is "Soups Month" at RRCC. Let's load our food pantry tub in the Welcome Center to overflowing each Sunday! Your donations of Soups (or cash or check designated for the Round Rock Area Serving Center) will help stock empty shelves and feed hungry neighbors in our community.
Mark your grocery list every week for the Round Rock Area Serving Center.
Every can of soup is needed and will make a difference to someone in need. Soup is a warm and filling meal during these colder months!
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Commissioning
of RRCC's 2019 Leaders
Join us this Sunday, January 13,
as we commission our 2019 leaders during worship.
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Serving With You This Sunday, January 13
Worship Leader: Jackie Switzer
Greeters: Jean Bell & Mildred Adair
Sunday Treats:
Tricia Mouser
Elders:
Gary Tucker
(Offering), Mildred Adair (Communion)
Deacons:
Jim and Susan Kessler, Amy Tucker, and Debbie Roberts
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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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January 10
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- Vanessa Harmel
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January 20
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- Russ Collins
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January 28
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- Jared Prince
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January 28
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- Pam Knight
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Prayer Needs
OUR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1.
Rev. Mitch Maxted
2.
Guiding Board, Admin Team, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Committees
3. Personnel and Admin Team as they work to fill needed book keeping and youth leadership positions
4. Volunteers who are helping through this transition time
5. Shut-In Servers & Caring Hearts Prayer Group
6. Jackie Switzer and RRCC's reviving Stephen Ministries program; RRCC members training to become Care Givers
7. Agape Group leaders
8. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, Jimmy Horowitz
9. Enable us to develop a passion for praying and increase our tithes and offerings
10. Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario)
11. Our Vision Advisory Committee and our efforts as a congregation to embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love. Strengthening our strategies:
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Davis, Marilyn (adjusting to The Oaks)
2. Greene, Emmiline (recent hospitalization)
3. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold
4. Maxted, Mana (seizure specialist appointment)
5. Maybaum, Liz - continued monitoring and doctor consultations
6. Mehlow, Carolyn & Leroy
7. Plough, Paul & Margaret (adjusting to Elan Southpark Meadows)
8. Pollock, Paula
9. Sanford, Collin (Emmiline's son-in-law, ongoing rehab following a stroke)
10. Scarborough, Rilda (recovery from broken hip and surgery)
11. Shinomura, Kazuko (Kumi's mother) recovering from ankle surgery
12. Snider, Rev. Ed
13. Wilson, Garvid (had eye surgery Dec. 26; back surgery in the future)
OTHER
1. Persecuted Christians throughout the world
2. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible
3. The empowerment of national political leaders who will work to bring people together, not divide and erect barriers
4. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S.
5. All who don't know Jesus
6. Our military personnel and families
7. Reaching out to our neighborhood families through the schools: 1. Hopewell gift cards 2. Adopt-a-Child ministry at Union Hill and Hopewell (blessing to all the children and youth who received gifts, and their families) 3. Literacy Partners at Union Hill
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 Please, join us!
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) - Studying
An Altar in the World.
Explorers (mixed adults) - Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying the gospel of Matthew.
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CYF Spring Rally at Disciple Oaks
CYF Spring Rally Registration
is now OPEN and will close on February 15, 2019.
Please sign up with CampDoc. If you already have a profile (account) from either the summer or fall please use that profile.
There have been a few minor
changes to the forms for 2019,
please read all the instructions
so you know what has changed.
If you have any problems or questions please call or e-mail
Scott at camp.
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Upcoming Events
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6:30 p.m.
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- Vision Advisory Committee
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation
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1:00 p.m.
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group
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5:30 p.m.
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- Texas Elite Volleyball |
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7:00 p.m.
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- Chancel Choir Rehearsal
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Thursday, January 10, 2019
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6:00 p.m.
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- Texas Elite Volleyball
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7:00 p.m.
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- Book Group
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Saturday, January 12, 2019
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalo
m Congregation
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8:30 a.m.
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- Disciples Men's Breakfast |
| 9:30 a.m. |
- Handcrafters Ministry |
Sunday, January 13, 2019
| 9:30 a.m. |
- Sunday School |
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10:30 a.m.
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- Fellowship
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11:00 a.m.
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- Worship |
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12:15 p.m.
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- RRCC Fellowship Luncheon |
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1:15 p.m.
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- Taking down Christmas decorations |
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4:00 p.m.
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- Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida
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Monday, January 14, 2019
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9:30 a.m.
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- Disciples Women's Meeting and Bible Study |
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5:30 p.m.
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- Texas Elite Volleyball
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6:30 p.m.
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- Admin Team Meeting |
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation
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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
I have a sign that says, "When life gets too hard to stand, kneel." This is so true. I know for me there have been many times over the years that kneeling in prayer was the only way I could unload my burden. Why wait until it gets too hard to stand? God is available 24/7. He listens and He sends messages to us IF we listen. Meeting with God anyplace is possible, but meeting with Him when you are still and know to Whom you are speaking, makes it even more special. "Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10), He tells us. He cares about what is eating away at our time and our thoughts. As the song says, "Take it to the Lord in prayer..."
For since the world began no one has seen or heard of such a God as ours, who works for those who wait for him! (Isaiah 64:4)
Yes, I am the Vine, you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can't do a thing. (John 15:5)
These are just a couple of reminders from Isaiah and John to let us know what a good deal we have if we spend time with our God.
Almighty God, forgive us when we try to live our lives apart from you. Teach us to be still and know that your Everlasting Arms are around us as we unload our burdens. Thank you for so many blessings. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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