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A Message from the Pastor
Holy Week begins this Sunday, Palm Sunday. The Palm Sunday event, when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, is a remarkable story that can be understood in many ways. We like to think that it was a joyous occasion, with the popular teacher and healer arriving amid victorious shouts of "Hosanna!" But we also know that there was a whole lot more going on among the people of Jerusalem that day. Besides those waving palms, there were also many who were wringing their hands and gnashing their teeth at this man who threatened the status quo. And undoubtedly there were many in the crowd that day who had heard some rumors about Jesus and were merely curious and wanted to catch a glimpse of him. What was Jesus' demeanor that day? Did he look peaceful? Triumphal? Fierce and determined?
Presbyterian pastor and seminary professor Carlos Wilton invites us to look at the big picture of Jesus' ministry to better understand this man riding into Jerusalem on a donkey:
Do you know who it is you're cheering, this day?
Maybe you believe you're cheering that auburn-haired young man, meek and mild, a ray of sunlight beaming over hi shoulder, whom you remember from the Sunday school picture. This same man is the one who will take a whip of cords and drive the moneychangers from the temple.
Maybe you believe you're applauding the one who gently said, "Let the children come to me." This same man is the one who proclaims, "I come to bring not peace, but a sword."
Maybe you believe you're welcoming the one who is always on your side to do your bidding -- the one you signed on with years ago, and who, ever since, you've felt was with you. This same man is the one who will wake you from sleep one night and ask, "Could you not watch with me one hour?"
Maybe you believe you're cheering the one who "will come on the clouds of heaven, and all the angels with him," and will separate the sheep form the goats, blasting the evildoers who confound your life. This same man is the one who tells tales of a self-centered runaway whose father welcomes him home with open arms, and of field-workers who are paid the same wage at the end of the day, no matter how many hours they've been working.
He's a man of contradictions and complexity...one who defies every attempt to place him into logical pigeonholes or psychological categories...one whose spirit, living today, "blows where it will and you know not where it comes from or whither it goes." Yet he is also the one whose teaching is so simple, it can be boiled down to a single sentence: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."
They thought they knew who he was back in old Jerusalem, too. How wrong they were!
--Carlos Wilton
Wilton reminds us that our Lord was complex, mysterious, powerful, intense, and gentle. He is our beautiful Savior who brings reconciliation and wholeness. It is time for us to remember his suffering, death, and resurrection.
Today is the 29th day of the 40 days of Lent. Our journey is nearing an end. I pray you will join us for our Holy Week worship experiences and for the annual Good Friday Prayer Vigil (see the block below for the link to sign up for a time slot).
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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Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday Worship [zoom] March 28, 2021, @11:00 a.m.
Maundy Thursday Worship [zoom] April 1, 2021, @7:00 p.m.
Good Friday Prayer Vigil [at home] April 2, 2021, @6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Good Friday Worship [zoom] April 2, 2021, @7:00 p.m.
Easter Worship [zoom] April 4, 2021, @11:00 a.m.
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RRCC will hold our annual Good Friday Prayer Vigil on Friday, April 2nd, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. We hope that many will participate in this special Holy Week event. Beginning this Friday, March 19th, you will be able to sign up for one or more 30-minute prayer slots during the 12-hour vigil. SIGN UP HERE
Our Prayer Vigil this year will not take place in the church sanctuary. Participants will be encouraged to pray from home.
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Williamson County COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist Sign-Up
Williamson County continues to encourage people to get registered for their COVID-19 vaccine waitlist. Use the link at the bottom of this box to take you to the county's registration form. There are now 5 categories under which you may register:
- Category 1a Front-line healthcare workers and residents at long-term care facilities
- Category 1b People 65+ or people 16+ with a health condition that increases risk of severe COVID-19 illness
- NEW Category TC (people working with children) On March 3, DSHS received a letter from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services directing states to expand eligibility to include people who work in school and child care operations. The federal directive defined the people eligible as "those who work in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff, and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers." This action does not change the other groups prioritized for vaccination in Texas.
- NEW Category 1c People 50 - 64 years of age
- NEW Category Other (all others)
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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, March 23, 2021
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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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Wednesday, March 24, 2021
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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7:00 p.m.
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Thessalonians 4:14
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For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
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John 14:6
| Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation
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P A L M
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S U N D A Y
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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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Evening
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- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)
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Monday, March 29, 2021
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Revelation 1:17b-18a
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Don't be afraid! I am the First and Last. I am the living one. I died, but look--I am alive forever and ever!
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Tuesday, March 30, 2021
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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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2021 Worship Leader Sign-Up
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 The 2021 Worship Leader Sign-Up is available to view! Click here to reserve your date to serve:
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Saturday Work Crew
Many thanks to the men who did some tree trimming at the church on Saturday morning. Our Property Team chair, Perry Mouser, organized the work project, and Bob Jenkins and Mitch Maxted helped.
All of the trees in front of the church have now been trimmed, which allows for a much better view of our buildings from Chalice Way.
There will be more opportunities in the future to participate in work projects for the beautification of our church campus grounds.
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Explorers Sunday School Class Begins New Study Series April 18
Following studying the four gospels, the Explorers are currently winding up their informal study of the ACTS of the Apostles and have elected to next study the book of Romans beginning April 18.
The group will continue to use the John MacArthur Bible Studies series, Romans: Grace Truth, and Redemption.
Following the four gospels and the Acts (of the Apostles), this epistle is named for its first intended audience, the church in Rome. The author, Paul, was a Roman citizen who was converted on his way to Damascus in 33-34 AD where he (had) planned to arrest Christians in the city. Rather, Paul immediately began to proclaim the gospel, traveling for three years preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
He was a learned man who spoke several languages. Born, Saul (Hebrew name), Paul (Greek name) was born close to the time of the birth of Jesus, in Tarsus in Asia Minor (today, Turkey) of Greek parentage. As his father, Paul was a member of the Pharisees, a strict Jewish sect. He studied in Jerusalem under the rabbi, Gamaliel. More than any other man of his day, Paul was relentless in his mission to spread the gospel through much of the Roman Empire during his three missionary journeys around the Mediterranean Sea.
The Explorers class invites all men and women to join them in this journey to explore with Paul and one another. We usually number from eight to twelve each Sunday at 9:45 AM for forty-five minutes of fellowship and study. Mildred Adair facilitates the class. Should you like a study guide, contact Linda Glover to have the book mailed to your home ($10).
We look forward to YOU joining us each week.
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Mission South and Disciple Oaks Summer Camps 2021
Mission South and Disciple Oaks is happy to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for Summer Camps 2021. You can register online here. You can also register on our 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. Information will also be mailed to all churches soon.
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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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CHANCEL CHOIR ZOOM FELLOWSHIP
Chancel Choir meets via ZOOM on 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.
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Upcoming Birthdays
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March 23
| - Steve Osteen
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March 23
| - Randy Preston | |
March 25
| - Abbie Hardt | |
March 27
| - Jim Kessler | |
March 30
| - Bobby Jenkins | |
March 30
| - Kathleen Vercellino
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Prayer Needs
LEADERSHIP
1. Our Guiding Board, 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 Reopening Task Force--Perry Mouser (chair), Gary Tucker, Gary Collier, Mildred Adair, Amy Tucker, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tricia Mouser, Pastor Maria Rosario of Manantial de Vida, Omar Roque, Juan Pena, and Carlos Cortez of Shalom, Pastor Mitch Maxted, and Linda Glover
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 Christal Fisher (South Texas) and Andy Mangum (CCSW)
10. Rev. Alfred Walker, the newly called Community Regional Minister (CRM) for Reconciliation and Anti-Racism. Rev. Walker plans to move to Pflugerville. He officially begins the second week of April. Welcome, Rev. Walker!
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. For all who are grieving the loss of a loved one in recent weeks:
- Gayle Boles' cousin Warren Dale Boles lost his wife Linda following a major stroke
- Marty Graham's family -- wife Beth and children Lorellye, Lukas, and Andrea
- Paul Plough's family -- daughter Martha and sons Mark and Scott and their families
- Perry Mouser -- his aunt Elsie Poindexter died; also, his sister-in-law lost her brother
- Rod and Lisa Walker and family. Rod's mother, Billie, died
- Steve and Amy Osteen and family. Steve's aunt, Judy, died
- Family of Rev. Eric Elder -- died March 6. Eric had served as Associate Pastor at Hyde Park CC in Austin and counselor at Disciple Oaks. The (virtual) memorial service will be this Sunday, 3/28 at 4 p.m. local time.
2. For all who have been ill with COVID-19, and their families
3. Acree, Mary -- fell at home again, tests showed no fractures, she is at home
4. Barnett, Barbara -- her cousin Thomasue's husband, Rick, will have extensive jaw surgery on March 24th (tomorrow) in Ft. Worth
5. Cratin, Katherine -- sister Marietta and brother-in-law Frank, both with serious health issues; also niece Amber W.
6. Fennimore, Nancy -- sister Joan Heckford in North Carolina consulting for her ALS
7. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Cynthia's father, Harold Hubbard
8. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
9. Johnston, Janette -- mother Billie is awaiting surgery in Alabama
10. Knight, Pam -- had outpatient surgery on 3/18 for a detached retina--recovering at home
11. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) experiencing some neuropathy from cancer treatments
12. Mouser, Tricia -- rheumatoid arthritis infusion treatments and side-effects
13. Sherry, Bea
14. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker -- continues to recuperate after two recent surgeries
15. Wilson, Garvid -- chemo/immunotherapy treatments
16. York, Tasha -- mother Peggy Massey released from Encompass and now living with family
OTHER
1. All who don't know Jesus
2. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers, the logistics of distributing and administering the vaccine safely and efficiently)
3. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that are struggling
4. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 5. Our military personnel and families 6. Those who have had property damage due to the recent winter storms 7. The growing immigration crisis of children at our border, development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible 8. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans 9. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of mass shootings in schools, places of work, etc. 10. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents. Our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School.
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Dear Friends of RRCC,
I was so pleased and surprised to get a birthday card from you. I have been gone from RRCC for over 4 years! It was so nice to be remembered.
I still use the Advent devotional booklet that we made when I was a member there. Each year when I read those devotionals I remember the persons who wrote them, and how much I enjoyed my time at RRCC.
 Thank you for the pretty birthday card. I am 87 years old now.
Yours in Christ, Lucy
[Lucy now lives in Peachtree City, Georgia] .
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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, Studying Gospel Medicine. ALL ARE WELCOME! Link HERE
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Explorers (mixed adults) - 9:45 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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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say -- "Father, save me from this hour"? No it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.
-- John 12:27
We have grown confused as to what gives life meaning and purpose. We have confused "self-fulfillment" with "self-aggrandizement." To be true to oneself is not always to pleasure oneself or even to protect oneself. When some Greeks came to Philip and said, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (v. 21). Jesus begins to talk about the sacrifice that the faith requires. He speaks of a grain of wheat that must die before it bears fruit and that "those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (v. 25). When Jesus faced the possibility of suffering and death, he chose not to escape it. He recognized that to do so would violate the very meaning of his life.
It is a mistake to focus our energies on either pleasure or security, even though both are pleasant blessings in life. There is within us a self to which we must be true even when that requires much sacrifice. Sometimes life faces us with hard choices that include the risk of pain and suffering. We may cry out to God for help in such times and discover that he responds to the true center in us. God may permit us to suffer so that we may discover how much we have built a false shell that hides the true self. When Jesus cried out to God to glorify himself, he was praying that the image of God within him might be revealed.
Prayer: Father God, who has provided your Son to live and die as a man and be resurrected that we might be saved, Allow us dear God, to indulge our thoughts and cares in your cause rather than our own. Help us to know that your strength and protection are available to us for choosing to follow you. In the name of the one you sent. Amen.
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