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A Message from the Pastor
Throughout my entire three years of seminary education in Kentucky, I served a small rural Disciples congregation in Mercer County. They were a patient, loving group of Christians who had been calling student pastors for many years prior to my arrival. It was a great symbiotic relationship--area congregations provided wonderful field settings for students wanting experience in the pastorate (and some income to live on). The seminary provided a steady stream of eager developing pastors who were not expecting full-time work or compensation.
I was always eager to put my seminary learning into practice in the church. But I remember one Sunday when I got a bit too ambitious and tried to incorporate lots of worship changes and experiments at once. At my next Pastoral Support Committee meeting, they let me have it! They told me in no uncertain terms that they found the experience unsettling and confusing. It did not feel at all like a time of worship. So I learned to introduce new ideas and new worship elements much more slowly, and with better communication.
I was thinking about this experience and how "green" I was in the ministry at that time. Rev. Ed Snider was to me the very opposite of this--patient, wise, thoughtful, compassionate and experienced. We were so fortunate to have Ed, a retired pastor, among us at RRCC while he lived in Austin. I am grateful that his children drew him to this area after his wife Joyce died, so that we could be blessed with his presence and his gifts--singing in the choir, praying in Caring Hearts, and talking about his faith in the "Upper Room" Sunday School class. I will miss him.
Peace in Christ,
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Worship ZOOM Link/Meeting ID and Password Has Changed
Our new Meeting ID and passcode are:
Meeting ID: 864 8287 2175
Password: 273770
The new link is:
Dial by your location: 1 346 248 7799
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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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Upcoming Events
There will be no events/meetings held in the RRCC facility until further notice.
Many RRCC activities and events have been cancelled until further notice. Some are continuing online.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020
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10:00 a.m.
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- Pastoral Support Meeting
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1:00 p.m.
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, November 19, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Shall We Pray" Small Group Study (via ZOOM) Link HERE | | 12:30 p.m. | - Landscaping Meeting Link HERE |
Friday, November 20, 2020
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- Vision Advisory Team Meeting
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Saturday, November 21, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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Sunday, November 22, 2020
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Thanksgiving
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Offering
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9:45 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.
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Evening
| - Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site) |
Monday, November 23, 2020
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Malachi 3:10
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Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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Dr. Edward R. Snider, Sr. (Ed), a retired Disciples of Christ minister, died of complications from vascular dementia on November 10, 2020 at the age of 84 in Austin, Texas. Ed is survived by his children, Edward Snider, Jr., Mary Snider and James Snider; his brother, Fred Snider; and his sister, Frances Kuhn.
Ed was born in Gladstone, Missouri on September 28, 1936 to Frank and Edna Snider. He graduated from William Jewel College in Liberty, Missouri with a degree in Social Work. After working as a social worker for a short time, he graduated from Phillips University Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma. After several years as a minister, he received his Doctor of Ministry from Phillips University Seminary. He ministered at several churches during his career including Bethany Christian Church in Miami, Oklahoma, Memorial Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and First Christian Church in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Upon retirement, Ed and Joyce moved back to Tulsa where they had raised their family during their time at Memorial Christian Church.
While Ed was in seminary, he met the love of his life, Joyce Watson, who was attending a year of seminary as a requirement to become a missionary overseas. During their courtship, daily poems Ed wrote while he was away from Joyce for a short time convinced her that he was the one for her. Later, after they had settled into marriage, Joyce and Ed fostered, then adopted a son, James. On July 21, 1967 and May 22, 1970 respectively, they welcomed another son, Edward, and a daughter, Mary. His family was the most important part of his life.
Besides being a devoted father, Ed was a word lover. He read voraciously, wrote many sermons for his congregations and theological articles for magazines, worked crossword puzzles, and never tired of talking about his favorite authors. Every summer he'd round up the family to take the trip by car to Branson, Missouri to visit Silver Dollar City. Ed was known for his kindness, calming quiet, dad jokes, and wit.
Ed was passionate about helping others as evidenced by his strength in pastoral counseling and in building a strong church community wherever he pastored through activities like vacation bible school, holiday parties at the parsonage and church, and many church potluck dinners. He also volunteered in the prison system to give books to prisoners and visit with them.
Moore Funeral Homes and Crematory in Tulsa is in charge of the arrangements -- moorefuneral.com A closed graveside service will take place today, November 17th, 2020 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Rev. Mitchell Maxted officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Inside Books Project, an organization that sends free books and educational materials to prisoners in Texas, at https://insidebooksproject.org/donate. We will carry your memory in our hearts.
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Congregational Meeting Recap
In Case You Missed It:
Annual Congregational Meeting Recap
Moderator, Linda Glover opened the annual meeting of the congregation following morning worship Sunday, November 15. She noted that the day marked the beginning of the 36th week of services of worship, meetings, study, fellowship, and prayer groups held since mid-March via zoom.
State of the Congregation:
- Provided brief wrap-up of 2020 Board goals, in four categories: 1) evangelism [2021 elder plans], 2) personal growth (multiple spiritual enrichment series presented online), 3) campus beautification [library restoration, sanctuary media upgrades and UV light purification of air conditioning units, and landscape restoration],4) governance [new format this year that includes policy, finance, trustees, personnel, property and elder representation], and 5) youth [task force on hold until return to campus). She explained that the challenges of the year place them as goals met, works in progress, or planning for 2021.
- Presented significant financial milestones:
- Reached to special dedicated fund balances:
- Accumulated Reserves [set aside of funds of near seventy thousand dollars, equivalent to three months operating expenses],
- Replacement Reserves [set aside funds of sixty thousand dollars for major property replacement/ renovation]
- Initiated online giving
- Met payroll, paid 100% of budgeted outreach, continued property upkeep & upgrades
- Received all monthly rental fees from Shalom 7th Day Adventists even though they have not used the building
- Anticipate ending the year in the black
- Recognized the fellowship of believers of Round Rock Christian who have remained faithful in attendance in worship, in small-group prayer, study and fellowship, and monetary support.
- Recognized the extraordinarily dedicated staff: Pastor Mitch, Randy, Jimmy, and Molly, along with dedicated lay leadership in ministries, elders, and governing board.
- Paralleled the challenges and uncertainty of the early church, reading from the apostle Paul writing to the church in Philippi in Philippians 4:6-8.
Business:
- Election of the 2021 leadership: Susan Kessler, Chair of Nominating Committee, on behalf of the committee (Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, Susan Kessler, Kent Toomey and ex-officios Rev. Mitch Maxted, Sr. Minister and Linda Glover, Moderator) presented the slate of leadership for vote which the membership approved by acclamation (see article in this newsletter)
- Gary Collier, Treasurer on behalf of the ad hoc Budget Review Committee (Lisa Breeding, Gary Collier, Darlia Hunt, Irene Jenkins, , Kent Toomey, Gary Tucker, and ex-officios Rev. Mitch Maxted, Sr. Minister, and Linda Glover, Moderator), presented the motion "Accept the proposed 2021 budget as presented," which was approved by the congregation.
- Report of the Reopening Task Force : Perry Mouser, Chair announced:
- Developed a decision matrix which was approved by the Guiding Board, based upon what many national, state, and municipal governments utilize to determine what actions are allowed by monitoring infection and hospitalization rates.
- Developed procedures for gathering at the church and sanitizing spaces after use.
- Installed a camera system to broadcast services both now and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Began staging aspects of worship in stages, beginning with only 3 people in the sanctuary.
Rev. Mitch Maxted, Sr. Minister:
Expressed gratitude to Linda Glover for her exceptional leadership this year, during this unprecedented time of change due to the pandemic and closed the meeting with prayer.
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Your Guiding Board.....
...Congratulates the 2021 slate of leadership approved at the annual congregational meeting. (see article in this newsletter).
...Commends the commitment of our nine elders, Mildred Adair, Jackie Switzer, Katherine Cratin, Judy Jocoy, Tasha York, Barbara Barnett, Anna Marie Blair, Steven Glover, and head elder, Gary Tucker for the many behind the scenes work that they perform as our spiritual leaders. In addition to serving at the table they maintain contact and pray for each person in their Agape group, write the weekly newsletter prayer corner, and meet monthly for study.
....Appreciates our music ministry leaders-Randy Preston, Jimmy Horowitz, and Rod Walker as they provide extraordinary music and continue to meet with the choir weekly for fellowship and plan for 2021.
....Gives thanks for the dedicated members of the Caring Hearts Prayer Warriors who meet virtually each week Wednesday at 1:00 PM to pray for the special needs of our church family and others.
...Extends gratitude for the community outreach by the Handcrafters group led by Bea Whitley, as they continue to create baby blankets and caps at home and meet virtually the second Saturday of each month. Prior to delivering these gifts to the hospital they have a social distancing meet-to bless each gift with prayer.
...Gives a shout-out to Tricia and Perry Mouser for their hours of work on many property projects at the church, especially this month placing five coats of wax on the gym floor.
....Values the continued association with the Shalom and Manantial de Vida congregations who share our campus and our love of the Lord.
...Is appreciative of the work of Anna Marie Blair, master gardener and Perry Mouser, property chair as they plan the restoration of our landscape and lead the corps of volunteers who will beautify our church property.
...Prays for our university students-Jacob Barker, Mary Collier, Abbie Hardt, and Robert Jenkins, and seminary student, Vanessa Harmel as they study online and on campus this semester.
....Suggests that members check out the Members Resources pull-down menu on the RRCC website. The website offers opportunities to review monthly reports from Pastor Maxted and the Treasurer, as well as the minutes of the Board, the church calendar, and many other sources of information. Each newsletter provides a link to the website. If you are uncertain of the Members Resources password, contact Molly via email.
...Meets next on December 14. Should you have concerns or questions of the Guiding Board please contact moderator, Linda Glover.
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RRCC Landscaping Project Update
We are so blessed. After a long summer when, for several reasons, we hardly tended the church landscape, except we owe our thanks to those who kept up with the mowing and to the one who kept the planters and one small newly-planted shrub watered. Now we are about to really make a difference.
On Saturday, November 21, several of our faithful workers, mostly from the men's breakfast fellowship group, will gather starting at 9:00 a.m. to prepare beds, take out some plants, and replace others. They mean to show up with shovels, hoes, wheelbarrows, soil, mulch and plants. We need to pray for their willingness, that all go well, and that we so appreciate the work they do.
We should also take the opportunity to drive through the campus in the following week to admire their work. It will look like we're at home to worship and welcome others to join us. When you do so, please tell someone how pleased you are. Should you have a suggestion or concern about what you observe, please let Anna Marie know so that it can be addressed.
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DWM (Disciples Women's Ministry) UPDATE During this time of physical separation, our monthly Zoom meetings have been a welcome opportunity to share joys, concerns, family updates, and to celebrate the importance of our sisterhood. Our November 9 meeting was a chance to grow together in our faith as we reviewed and discussed the last three months' studies of the Old Testament books of Ruth and Esther. We heard updates for ongoing programs: - College student outreach
- Handcrafters
- Birthday Bags.
New business: - Anna Marie Blair gave an update on landscaping plans for the church property and invited interested members to join in a work day at 9:00am Saturday, November 21.
- Nominating: Susan Kessler was re- elected president for 2021. Election of other officers will be done in December.
- Holiday Adoption is underway. RRCC provides Christmas gifts from identified students at Union Hill Elementary School (12 students) and Hopewell Middle School (8 students). Gifts were purchased from the Outreach budget this year; donations are not being solicited from the congregation. Six volunteers will wrap the Union Hill gifts.
Remember that our special guest speaker, Venessa Harmel, will join us at our regular meeting time on Monday, December 14, to bring an update on her journey in seminary and her ministry with the Juliette Fowler Communities. All RRCC members are welcome to join that Zoom meeting. Remember to include DWM in your monthly check or online giving to RRCC!
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Some members have asked about this year's
Keep Round Rock Warm, a program of the Round Rock Area Serving Center for children within the RRISD who need a coat for the winter. In past years, the Serving Center has placed coat collection barrels in the community for donated coats. This year, because of the pandemic, only new coats will be distributed. These are funded through donations and the "Coins for Coats" collection cans placed each year in RRISD school libraries. Donated coats and other gently-worn clothing items are always welcome, and are placed in the Center's "Treasures" thrift store.
Remember to include your monetary donations for the Serving Center's Food Pantry and other services in your regular donations to Round Rock Christian Church.
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"Shall We Pray" Study is Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM
Katherine Cratin is leading these class sessions, which will continued to be held
on Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m. through December 17th (of course no class on Thanksgiving Day--November 26).
Those interested in this series please let Katherine know via text (281) 728-6448 or email [email protected].
You can still participate.
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Disciples Mission Fund Special Day Offerings provide an opportunity to highlight specific ministries as part of our faith celebrations. There are four Disciples Mission Fund Special Day Offerings received each year during Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons.
From the very beginnings of the movement, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning, encouraging students in their intellectual pursuits. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education.
On November 15 and 22, Disciples churches across the US and Canada will collect the Thanksgiving Offering, supporting 15 Disciples colleges and universities and 7 seminaries and theological institutions. Three are in Texas: Brite Divinity School, Jarvis Christian College, and Texas Christian University. This year, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges. Even as they work diligently to ensure safe and healthy learning environments, the financial realities faced by many of our schools bring added stress to students, faculty and staff. They need our support now, more than ever.
This November, please give generously to this year's Thanksgiving offering, continuing our tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the Church. Your gifts make a world of difference as Disciples continue our legacy of supporting education and our institutions of higher learning.
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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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CYF Fall Rally Registration
 Mission South and Disciple Oaks are happy to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for CYF Fall Rally, "Finding the Chaos Within," which will be held December 4-6, 2020. Registration deadline is November 20, 2020 (4115) You can register on our website. For a copy of the flyer you can download it hereIf you need the CampDoc Registration Instructions you can download them here
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Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM 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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November 18
| - Jennifer Kienzle | |
November 19
| - Janie Simmank | |
November 22
| - Roger Cratin
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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)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Mary Acree -- making a good recovery from recent fall and injuries
2. Barnett, Barbara -- heart cath went well; no stents needed
3. Davis, Marilyn
4. Glover, Linda -- pain management; also her cousin John McDonald died last week--prayers for his wife Carolyn and the whole family
5. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia is healing well from hip replacement surgery. Her father, Harold Hubbard, is receiving hospice care from HospiceAustin
6. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
7. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) now in skilled care facility for continued recovery
8. Jackson, Gwen -- nausea
9. Jett, Susan family -- husband Dennis and children Sarah and Merry. Susan died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday.
10. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
11. Mouser, Tricia -- rheumatoid arthritis
12. Nichols, Martha -- daughter Tamara Rodenberg (heart valve); granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
13. Plough, Paul
14. Chris Pollock CT scan
15. Myra Schuchardt -- blood sugar fluctuations
16. Sherry, Bea
17. Snider, Rev. Ed family -- Ed's graveside service is today in Tulsa, Oklahoma
18. Walker, Lisa (awaiting the results of a kidney biopsy)
19. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker, radiation treatments end this week
20. Kathleen Vercellino's daughter-in-law April, who is recovering from a stroke. Now at home.
21. Wilson, Garvid -- had lung biopsy yesterday
OTHER
1. All who don't know Jesus
2. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
3. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that are struggling
4. That our election process will proceed safely, lawfully, and without hindrance or interference 5. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world
6. Our military personnel and families
7. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges
8. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible
9. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans; that pre-existing health conditions not be a barrier to securing health insurance coverage
10. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings
11. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents. Our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School.
12. A safe and strong transition of leadership in Washington
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[There will be no Sunday School classes at the church 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
(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 The Cherry Log Sermons by internationally recognized preacher and accomplished teacher Rev. Fred Craddock . "These sermons on a variety of topics and texts show Craddock's deft use of storytelling, an astounding ability to interpret the biblical text for our day, and a keen pastoral sensitivity to the everyday needs of listeners." ALL ARE WELCOME! Link HERE
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Explorers (mixed adults) - 10:00 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
In searching for the right message to share this week I ran across this devotional by Thea Leunk. Her words forced me to think about people who are struggling to see what they have to be thankful for. I hear so many talking about the pandemic, there is so much fear and misunderstanding. During this time of year, we think we should be spreading Thanksgiving for our many blessings yet so many are finding it difficult to be thankful while being full of worry. After reflecting on this devotional, I felt the nudge to share it with you all.
Scripture Reading - Psalm 34
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. - Psalm 34:8
"Try it; you'll like it."
That's what David is urging us to do. He is inviting us to experience what he has discovered: the goodness of God's salvation. David is celebrating that God has rescued him from his fears and troubles.
Psalm 34 is a song of gratitude we can all sing when God brings us out of a "close call" situation. But David's joy is only a foretaste of the future redemption God will bring to all who trust in him, to all whom God will redeem through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God promises great blessings to his people. God will deliver, guard, supply, listen, and redeem all who trust in his power to save. God himself also gives us the ability to believe and trust in him. And in response we seek to honor him in all things, speak truthfully, seek peace and justice, and humbly serve our God.
"Taste and see that the Lord is good." This psalm is an invitation to take God at his word, to trust in the Lord and experience his goodness firsthand, to know God personally, realizing that he loves us more than we can imagine.
The invitation is ours to receive, but it is also ours to extend. What opportunities has God given us to share his invitation with others? Whom would God ask us to include in his rescue and deliverance?
Prayer: Jesus, bread of life, living water, thank you for the hearty taste of salvation and new life. Help us to share your invitation with others so they may know of your promise and feel your grace. In your name we pray. Amen.
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