Chalice News
 
Round Rock Christian Church


Embracing  our  neighbors 
with  Christ-like  love 
July 6, 2021
In This Issue
This coming Sunday in worship -- 
July 11, 2021

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY 
AFTER PENTECOST

 "The Word of God is a Threat to Human Power"
Mark 6:14-29

THERE WILL BE A BRIEF "MID-YEAR UPDATE" CONGREGATIONAL MEETING IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SERIVCE

A Message from the Pastor

We worshiped together in the sanctuary on Sunday! It was the first time for us to be together, in-person for worship in 15 and half months. What an exciting day for RRCC!

Leaders from the congregation met following worship to share feedback and discuss possible modifications to safety procedures and worship.  They decided to make a few modifications. Beginning this Sunday, July 11th:

No temperature checks upon entry into the church building.

No health questions upon entry into the church building.

Worshipers will be able to seat themselves.

Due to these modifications, it will be even more important that individuals evaluate their own health before heading for the church building on Sundays. Also, we will continue to ask people to practice good social distancing, before, during and after worship. 

Masks will still be required at all times while inside the church building--before, during, and after worship. There are two exceptions to this--1. those who are leading worship are allowed to be unmasked while they are leading their part; 2. you will unmask to take communion.  

For the time being, we will not use printed worship bulletins and prayer cards. 

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch

I was glad when they said to me, 
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
Psalm 122:1
RRCC Online Giving

Even though we are unable to meet in person,
RRCC has three ways you can still give your tithe:
  1. 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.
  2. Use your bank's electronic bill pay feature to have a check mailed directly from your bank to RRCC.
  3. Mail your check directly to RRCC.
Address your envelope to:
Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665
Upcoming Events 



There will be no events/meetings held in the RRCC facility until further notice.  
Some RRCC activities and events have been cancelled until further notice. 
Most are continuing online via zoom.


Tuesday, July 6, 2021
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat
7:00 p.m.- Elders Meeting
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (off site)

Wednesday, July 7, 2021  
1:00 p.m.
- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat
6:30 p.m.
- Chancel Choir rehearsal - IN PERSON

Thursday, July 8, 2021  
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat
7:00 p.m.
- Book Group

Friday, July 9, 2021
1:00 p.m.
- Book Group

Saturday, July 10, 2021   
8:00 a.m.
- Shalom Congregation
8:30 a.m.
- Disciples Men's Breakfast (Tio Dan's)
9:30 a.m.
- Handcrafters Ministry (via ZOOM) Link HERE

Sunday, July 112021    
9:30 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.
- Worship (via Zoom) and brief mid-year update immediately following the service   Link HERE
1:30 p.m.
- Ministries Council Link HERE
Evening
- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)

Monday, July 12, 2021
9:30 a.m.
- DWM
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat Volleyball

Tuesday, July 13, 2021
5:00 p.m. - Texas Heat Volleyball
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation

ZOOM MEETING LINKS, events and details can be viewed on the RRCC Calendar
Book Groups


The Book Groups will meet Thursday and Friday this week, July 8 & 9:

THURSDAY  7:00 p.m. - Evening Book Group
FRIDAY  1:00 p.m. - Day Time Book Group
New Small Group Book Study to Begin Soon

RRCC is offering a new small group study. Jemar Tisby's book The Color of Compromise will be the subject of the study. Please text, email, or call Pastor Mitch if you're interested in participating. It will be offered twice on Tuesdays--11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.--July 20 through September 28th (11 Tuesdays). When you contact the pastor, please let him know whether you want the church to order you a book. The cost of the book is approximately $12. Please contact Pastor Mitch by next Monday (July 12) if interested. Here is the description on the back cover:

"In The Color of Compromise, Jemar Tisby takes readers back to the roots of sustained racism and injustice in the American church. Filled with powerful stories and examples of American Christianity's racial past, Tisby's historical narrative highlights the obvious ways people of faith have actively worked against racial justice, as well as the complicit silence of racial moderates. Identifying the cultural and institutional tables that must be flipped to bring about progress, Tisby provides an in-depth diagnosis for a racially divided American church and suggests ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment among God's people."
Saturday Events for July 10, 2021


Disciples Men's Breakfast
8:30 a.m. at Tio Dan's

Handcrafters
via ZOOM
9:30 a.m.

DWM


DWM will meet this Monday, 
July 12, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.


Chancel Choir


UPDATED INFORMATION:
CHANCEL CHOIR ZOOM FELLOWSHIP

Chancel Choir Zoom will take place for the remaining Wednesdays in June at 7pm.

Chancel Choir Rehearsals will resume IN THE SANCTUARY
 on Wednesday, July 7, at 6:30pm. 
Masks must be worn. 
Hopewell Middle School Supply Drive

The 2021-2022 school year is just around the corner, and although no one knows exactly what "schooling" will look like this fall, the Hopewell Principal has indicated that many students will still need help with supplies (which can be used at school and/or home). In fact, the enrollment this fall has been projected at 1350 students, which is more than 100 over last year! Hopewell Middle School has requested the continued support of RRCC in providing much needed student school supplies, to begin the school year. 

The Principal and Counselors have provided a list of the most needed items and the Outreach Team will purchase the supplies rather than request donations of supplies from RRCC members, due to the social distancing measures which continue to be in place. Although we do have a budget for Outreach to expense on events and supplies, we are providing an opportunity for additional donations, should anyone be interested in contributing to this worthy cause.
 
In the four years since we began this project in 2017, we have donated school supplies valued at over $2,300 to the students at Hopewell who need supplies. This year, it is important the students have the supplies that they need and are engaged academically and know that they are supported by the community. Last year was a school year like never before, and this year will surely have its challenges.
 
Please consider making a contribution to this project with a check or online contribution marked (Hopewell School Supplies) during any week in July. 
Thank you for your help in supporting the students of Hopewell Middle School, with school supplies, in our on-going effort to "embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love"!
 
The Outreach Team
Janette Johnston, Susan Kessler and Tricia Mouser

Mission South and Disciple Oaks Summer Camps 2021


Church camp changes lives! You can register online here.  You can also register on the Disciple Oaks website. For a copy of this flyer you can download it here For a copy of the Mission South Summer Camp 2021 Fees download it here For a copy of the CampDoc Registration Instructions download it here More information can be found at our website, link above. 

2021 Summer Camp Dates:
CYF Conference: June 21-July 3, 2021
Eighter's Camp: July 4-10, 2021
JYF Camp: July 20-21, 2021
Chi Rho Camp: July 25-31, 2021

Online Registration opens March 15, 2021
DWM Retreat

  The BBA/LRGVA Disciples Women will be meeting live and in person at Disciple Oaks camp in Gonzales - OCTOBER 2-3, 2021. Mark your calendar NOW for October 2-3, 2021.  If you think you might attend, please let Susan Kessler know ([email protected])

Early registration is $80 due by August 1; late registration is $90, due by September 1.  The Retreat will officially begin at 10am Saturday; if you'd like to arrive on Friday night, the cost is $100 and you can enjoy local Gonzales eateries for Friday dinner and Saturday breakfast. 
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!
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.

Upcoming Birthdays

 
July 1
- Rick Guilbeau
July 1
- Hannah Jackson
Prayer Needs

LEADERSHIP
1. Our Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams. Our Elders discern how to share "40 Days of Prayer & Faith Sharing" 
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 Reopening Task Force as they continue to re-evaluate and adjust safety measures for our in-person worship services
6. Our Caring Hearts Prayer Group
7. Our Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
8. Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario) 
9. Reverends Andy Mangum (CCSW Regional Minister and President, and Rev. Alfred Walker, the newly called Community Regional Minister (CRM) for Reconciliation and Anti-Racism. We look forward to hosting Rev. Walker and his family in worship on Sunday, September 12th

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS 
1. For all who are grieving the loss of a loved one
2. For all who have been ill with COVID-19, and their families
3. Acree, Mary -- still recuperating from heart attack; moving to Assisted Living at Franklin Park near the end of this month
4. Breeding, Diane -- granddaughter Janelle and her husband Travis are expecting a baby today; they live overseas and there are some concerns about the baby's health
5. Claymon, Melba -- sister Sue Anderson again hospitalized; had bypass surgery in May
6. Cratin, Katherine -- friend Jeanie Quick passed away last month; service was 6/29
7. Fennimore, Nancy -- friend's son recently diagnosed with kidney cancer
8. Hunt, Darlia -- sister Diana's husband Bill passed away; funeral last week in Enid, OK
9. Jackson, Gwen -- brother Patrick Adams dealing with spine and neck issues
10. Jenkins, Bob -- Bob's sister Janet is receiving treatments for melanoma
11. Jocoy, Judy -- receiving radiation treatments for brain cancer and will begin chemo soon; please no calls or visits at this time 
12. Kelley, Sally and Mike -- continued prayers for niece Tracy Chambers, battling cancer
13. Kessler, Jim -- procedure today to remove fluid from lung lining
14. Malone, Betty -- sister Carolyn receiving hospice care
15. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) experiencing some neuropathy from cancer treatments
16. Mouser, Tricia -- grandson David Grillos had successful brain shunt replacement surgery this morning
17. Murray, Mary -- step-grandson Griffin dealing with intestinal issues
18. Scarborough, Rilda -- continues to recuperate from leg infection
19. Smith, Lonnie -- friend of Jackie Culbertson, who lost both legs in an accident; please pray for his healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally
20. Walker, Lisa -- receiving dialysis treatments 3x per week
21. Wilson, Garvid -- hospice care and pain management; Phyllis will have surgery on Thursday for a ruptured disc
22. York, Tasha -- Tasha and siblings caring for mother Peggy Massey

OTHER
1. Our summer church camp program at Disciple Oaks; Caleb Plank Grant and Rudy Camarillo are at Eighter's Camp this week
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. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that continue to struggle
5. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 
6. Our military personnel and families
7. Pressing immigration concerns at our border, development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible; cooperation and communication with Mexico and Central American countries
8. Developing policies and education programs to battle systemic racism in all of its forms
9. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans
10. For all efforts to make voting safe, simple, and easily accessible for all in our country; and to oppose recent voter suppression legislation
11. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of mass shootings in schools, places of work, etc.
12. A restful, rejuvenating summer for all teachers, administrators, students, and parents in our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School
Sunday School Classes
.
[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) - 9:45 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, studying Gospel Medicine by Barbara Brown Taylor.  ALL ARE WELCOME!  Link HERE
 .
Explorers (mixed adults) - 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, facilitator is Mildred Adair; have recently begun a study of Paul's letter to the church at Rome.  Link HERE
RRCC is on Social Media

Follow us on Social Media!

We can be found on:
Twitter as @ChurchRound
Instagram as rrccdisciples
Photo Submissions

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.)
.
Please email photos to the church office: [email protected]
RRCC Office Hours


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

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

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

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

Fridays:
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message


Tender Mercy
 
The mother who angrily rescues a child after a fall displays both love and anger. She had repeatedly told the child not to pursue the activity that the child had stubbornly set his head upon. When the child persists and falls down the mother doesn't know if she should punish him for not listening or gather him up in her arms because he seems to be okay. It is a dilemma that mothers and fathers of young children often face. As I contemplated the irony of these tests of a mother's love, I had to sadly understand the problem she faced. She loved her child but was frustrated because he foolishly persisted in things that were not only annoying to her but could have easily shortened the boy's life. I think at times that Jesus will try to call our attention to something that is not bringing about real spiritual growth in our lives. He will try to reach us through His Word. The Pastor may preach a sermon that the member needs to hear but quickly rejects it thinking that it is probably for Bro. Bob. Regardless of the excuse, God endeavors to get our attention and put us on the right path if we will let Him. Generally, we are the ones who hinder our own spiritual growth. That relationship with God is so powerful and meaningful that God will try many different ways to get our attention. There will be many times when we blow right through God's leadership and direction and like the little boy end up hurting ourselves. God's tender mercy or love for us is immeasurable. He does collect us like a mother hen. He warns us of pitfalls and bad choices if we would only listen. When we don't, He is there to pick up the pieces of our broken and disappointed life. In His tender mercy, He forgives and promptly forgets the foolish mistakes and even the deliberate wrongs that we have done if we repent with a sincere heart. Your Word is rich in Your love. 1 John 1:8 "God is love." Not only is He tender in loving us, He is love itself.

Prayer: 
Dearest Heavenly Father thank You so much for the tender mercy that You pour into my life. Forgive me for rushing through life without checking with You. Help me to understand that You are ready to give me good counsel if I will just listen. I cannot thank You enough for Your immeasurable love. The depths of which I will never be able to comprehend until I reach the other side. I love You. Amen.