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A Message from the Pastor
Do you have Austin FC fever? Major League Soccer's newest team is FC Austin.
On Saturday evening the team played their first home game, at Q2 stadium (near The Domain), after starting their season with 8 road games.
There was a lot of build up to this game, and the energy at the stadium was incredible. I was happy to be able to view the game on a TV station that I can receive through an antenna--the CW.
The team's colors are bright green (verde), black, and white. Before the game began, actor Matthew
McConaughey, dressed in verde, used a drum and led the spectators in several chants to get them even more hyped for the game. McConaughey is a minority owner of the team.
The game ended in a 0-0 draw. If it were a basketball game, the teams would have played an overtime period to determine a winner. If it were baseball, the teams would go into extra innings until one team came out on top. In tennis, there are tie-breakers. But in a regular season soccer match, a tie is allowed as an outcome.
We want winners and losers in our sporting events. Perhaps we look at life in general that way as well. Nobody wants to be seen as a "loser" with all of the pain and shame that goes with that word. But life is more complicated than dividing people into two opposite categories. Nobody "wins" all the time, just as nobody "loses" all the time. Everyone has ups and downs.
The next time you're tempted to judge someone--or yourself--as unworthy (a loser!), just remember that you are made in the image of God. And remember that sometimes just making it through the day is a kind of victory. After all, in soccer, both of the teams who play to a tie receive a point in the league standings.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
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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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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
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The Reopening Task Force recommended to the Guiding Board to reopen for in-person Sunday worship, including music, with certain guidelines in place, on July 4th; and also recommended that in-person Sunday School and other activities resume on August 22 (the first Sunday after Round Rock schools begin classes). The online option for worship will continue to be offered, even after we begin to gather on the church campus.
The recommendations have been approved by the Guiding Board. Our two sister congregations may also resume their pre-pandemic schedules July 4th, using the sanctuary only. Tonight, the Task Force will meet in the sanctuary to work out the details on the safety measures that will be in place as we again begin to worship in person. Many heartfelt thanks to the Task Force for detailed and diligent work through this truly historic time. You've kept us safe and we appreciate that!
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Study Opportunity -- Discussion on Tuesday, June 29th
I would like to invite you to view and discuss with me and others the documentary 13th, which takes a look at the historical roots of systemic racism in the United States. Netflix has made this movie viewable for free on YouTube. If you're interested in participating, please view the documentary on YouTube at your convenience, then join me for a group discussion via zoom on Tuesday, June 29th at either 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. There is a study guide that I would be happy to email you if you are interested. Just let me know. --Pastor Mitch
Here's a bit of background on the documentary, from rogerebert.com: "When the 13th amendment was ratified in 1865, its drafters left themselves a large, very exploitable loophole in the guise of an easily missed clause in its definition. That clause, which converts slavery from a legal business model to an equally legal method of punishment for criminals, is the subject of the Netflix documentary "13th." Director Ava DuVernay's takes an unflinching, well-informed and thoroughly researched look at the American system of incarceration, specifically how the prison industrial complex affects people of color. Her analysis could not be more timely nor more infuriating. The film builds its case piece by shattering piece, inspiring levels of shock and outrage that stun the viewer, leaving one shaken and disturbed before closing out on a visual note of hope designed to keep us on the hook as advocates for change."
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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, June 22, 2021
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5:00 p.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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7:00 p.m.
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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5:00 p.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, June 24, 2021
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5:00 p.m.
| - Texas Heat Volleyball
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7:00 p.m.
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation
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10:00 a.m.
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- CCSW Disciples Women Event - Online
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CYF
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Conference Begins
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9:45 a.m.
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- Explorers Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
9:45 a.m.
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- Open Circle Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
11:00 a.m.
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1:30 p.m.
| - Ministries Council Link HERE | |
Evening
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- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)
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Monday, June 28, 2021
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
| 11:00 a.m. | - Discussion of Documentary "13th" via Zoom Link HERE | |
7:00 p.m.
| - Discussion of Documentary "13th" via Zoom Link HERE
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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ZOOM MEETING LINKS, events and details can be viewed on the RRCC Calendar.
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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.
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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
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 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.
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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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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.
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Upcoming Birthdays
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June 25
| - Tasha York | |
June 26
| - Andrew Hardt
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June 28
| - Brenda Collier
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June 28
| - Cynthia Guilbeau
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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 and our Worship Ministry as they make detailed preparations for in-person worship beginning July 4th
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 -- at home following a heart attack, hospitalization, and rehab; still dealing with falling issues
4. Breeding, Diane -- granddaughter Janelle and her husband Travis are expecting; the baby is having some medical issues; they live overseas; labor likely to be induced towards the end of this month
5. Cratin, Katherine -- friend Jeannie Quick is in hospice care
6. Fennimore, Nancy -- sister Joan Heckford died on Monday, May 31 in Indiana; her memorial service was held on June 9th
7. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Cynthia's father, Harold Hubbard, died 5/22; family memorial service was held in Port Lavaca
8. Heeney, Brenda (Collier) -- funeral for her father, JD Heeney, was 5/29 in Cincinnati
9. Jenkins, Bob -- Bob's sister Janet is receiving treatments for melanoma
10. Johnston, Janette -- granddaughter Izzy had heart valve surgery and pacemaker surgery but is now home
11. Kelley, Sally and Mike -- continued prayers for niece Tracy Chambers, battling cancer
12. Kessler, Jim -- continued recovery from heart valve surgery
13. Malone, Betty -- sister Carolyn receiving hospice care
14. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) experiencing some neuropathy from cancer treatments
15. Mouser, Tricia -- grandson David experiencing symptoms from failing shunt in his brain
16. Smith, Lonnie -- friend of Jackie Culbertson, who lost both legs in an accident; please pray for his healing physically, spiritually, and emotionally
17. Walker, Lisa -- receiving dialysis treatments 3x per week
18. Wilson, Garvid -- managing pain; also, Phyllis is experiencing leg issues due to a ruptured disc
19. York, Tasha -- Tasha and siblings caring for mother Peggy Massey
OTHER
1. All who don't know Jesus
2. COVID-19 (continuing efforts to reach "herd immunity" in the U.S. and around the world)
3. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that continue to struggle
4. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 5. Our military personnel and families 6. 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 7. Developing policies and education programs to battle systemic racism in all of its forms 8. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans 9. For all efforts to make voting safe, simple, and easily accessible for all in our country; and to oppose recent voter suppression legislation 10. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of mass shootings in schools, places of work, etc. 11. A restful, rejuvenating summer for all teachers, administrators, students, and parents in our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School
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[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.]
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Early Childhood Class (ages 4-7) -Taught by Lisa Walker
Intermediate Class (3rd - 5th grade) - Taught by Jennifer Kienzle
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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.")
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CYF Class (9th - 12th grade)
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Open Circle (primarily adult women) - 9:45 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, s tudying Gospel Medicine by Barbara Brown Taylor. ALL ARE WELCOME! Link HERE
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Explorers (mixed adults) - 9:45 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
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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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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
Where is Your Heart?
The Bible tells us that as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. We can walk around a home and get some insight into the nature or interest of a person. The things we think about are generally what we speak about. It is primarily through our speaking that we reveal what is inside as the Bible calls it "the hidden man of the heart". It is through this that we can come to know ourselves and others around us. For some individual who are Christians can say things like "why should we support the widow and the orphan." I worked hard all of my life and these people get a pass." When we hear remarks such as that we must ask the question "where is your heart?" when we witness negative and ungodly attitudes. When we can see no evidence of the fruit in the Spirit such as patience, goodness, faith, gentleness, kindness, love, joy, peace, and none of the fruit of the Spirit in operation in our lives. When we hear language that is not very Christ like, criticism of others and the way they may be living out their salvation experience, we have to think "where is your heart?" There will always be those we meet who practice their faith in God differently. If however, these people really try to let Christ into their lives and determine to serve Him, we should encourage and teach where possible. It is important that we search our own hearts and life to be sure we are setting a godly example. Patience with new believers can assure them of a more positive experience with God. It will also encourage new believers to grow and mature into strong Christians who share their salvation experience with others. The secret to keeping our hearts in the right place is letting Christ be the determining figure in our life. We need to have daily prayer times and Bible study. This will keep us strong and help us help others.
Prayer:
Dearest Heavenly Father I come before You in the name of Your precious Son my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You for all You have done in my life. Help me to check out my spiritual man and make sure that I am living in Your will and according to your word. Thank You for lovingly guiding me as I walk through this life. May the "hidden man" of my heart be filled with Your redeeming love and gratitude for all You have done in my life. Help me to be filled with the fruits of the spirit. In Jesus precious name I pray. Amen|
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