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A Message from the Pastor
While taking some time off to get our oldest son moved from Ohio to Texas, we worshiped online with First Christian Church of Macon, Missouri. A seminary classmate of mine has been pastor there for a number of years. It was an uplifting service, streamed from their sanctuary, which is gorgeous. It reminded me that many Christians are missing being able to worship in their church's sanctuary.
And then immediately after that service concluded, I watched one of our recorded zoom worship services on YouTube. To my own surprise, the zoom service felt more like "the real thing" to me! Seeing the beauty of a church sanctuary is nice, but seeing people is much better. We often say, "The church is not the building, it's the people." Also, it makes more sense to say "we're having church" than to say, "we're going to church."
As I watched our service, I couldn't help but think that it looked more like the church described in the book of Acts than a sanctuary service ever could. The first followers of Christ met in small groups in people's homes and brought whatever they had available for worship and communion. Fellowship, support, and encouragement were of utmost importance.
I'm excited that our plans for RRCC include elements of both zooming from home and streaming from the sanctuary. Gary Collier, Tara Pollock, and Randy Preston and others have been instrumental in making our online services happen, and they will continue to work with the ongoing evolution of our online presence in worship and beyond. We are blessed!
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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Stewardship Campaign
Strategies Surveys and Giving Cards
The return response to the 2021 Personal Strategies survey and Estimate of Giving card has been a great show of commitment by members to Round Rock Christian. THANK YOU to each person who took the time to complete the Strategies Survey and Estimate of Giving card.
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If you have misplaced your packet, do email the office ([email protected]) to have another packet sent to your home address.
"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field,
God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9
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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, October 20, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, October 21, 2020
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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, October 22, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Shall We Pray" Small Group Study (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
Friday, October 23, 2020
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| First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
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Saturday, October 24, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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Sunday, October 25, 2020
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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, October 26, 2020
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Romans 13 1-2
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Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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50th Wedding Anniversary
Hello. My name is Jenny (Duncan) Gosse. My parents - Jim & Susan Duncan - were members of your church for a number of years (prior to moving back to Iowa).
They're going to be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on October 31. As you can imagine in the midst of this global pandemic, there unfortunately won't be opportunity to safely gather among friends and loved ones. Instead, I'm trying to contact as many people as possible to help me "shower" them with cards. I'm hoping you can help me spread the word among your congregation members who may remember them?
Their address is:
Jim & Susan Duncan
2006 Erik Road
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Thank you so much & God bless, Jenny Gosse
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Splinters From the Board
Your Guiding Board.....
...Extends gratitude and love to our pastor especially during this annual Clergy Appreciation Month. Pastor Maxted, your love of the Lord, commitment to proclaiming the gospel, and dedication to all things Round Rock Christian is a blessing to all who know you. Job well done, good and faithful servant.
...Commends each member and regular guest who are faithful in their attendance at Sunday worship, men's, and women's fellowship, behind the scenes labor, study groups and monetary support. We are the church, alive and well, in Round Rock during these unprecedented times.
....Appreciates Treasurer Gary Collier and the Budget Review team of Darlia Hunt, Lisa Breeding, Gary Tucker, Dan Knight, and Kent Toomey for their review of the proposed 2021 Budget that will be brought before the congregation for vote on November 15.
....Gives thanks to Rev. Katherine Cratin as she leads the study Let Us Pray and to all participants who grow in the faith as they strengthen their prayer life.
...Extends gratitude to the Nominating Committee, composed of Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, Kent Toomey, and Susan Kessler-chair for completing their task to produce the 2021 leadership ballot that will be presented to the congregation for vote on November 15.
...Gives a shout-out to Mildred Adair and Amy Tucker for their work to provide special worship services during the time away for Pastor Maxted. And, to Rev. Katherine Cratin, who preached the outstanding sermon, "Be Still," on October 18. We were blessed.
....Values the continued association with the Shalom congregation as their leaders plan with our leaders for the safe return to 22 Chalice Way, and for their monetary support.
...Is grateful for the work of the Reopening Task Force as they continue to plan for our return to the church campus. This team, chaired by Perry Mouser, meets often to review the greater Austin area metric of data supplied by area and state entities, and for setting standards for our safety.
...Is appreciative of the work of Trustees, Patricia Mouser and Dan Knight, along with the Property Team, as they secured multiple quotes for the 2021 church insurance. Thank you for the laborious endeavor.
...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 November 16. Should you have concerns or questions of the Guiding Board please contact moderator, Linda Glover.
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DWM
Fifteen RRCC sisters Zoomed to our monthly meeting on October 12 with lots of warm fellowship, a wonderful Bible lesson, and updates on ongoing service projects. We were especially glad to welcome some who had been unable to attend in the past.
 Highlights included:
- An in-depth, historical look at the Book of Esther, complete with fascinating facts and photos. Thanks to Jackie Switzer for this memorable, meaningful presentation!
- Handcrafters: Bea Whitley reported that she has delivered 29 baby blankets, 56 baby caps, and seven hospice blankets to Seton Williamson Hospital. These items were collected from individual crafters, and blessed on behalf of DWM prior to delivery. Thanks to Bea for continuing to lead monthly Handcrafters meetings via zoom, and for all her good work coordinating the program.
- Our December 14 meeting will feature guest speaker Venessa Harmel, who will share information about her journey in seminary and her work with the Juliette Fowler Communities.
- Human Trafficking: We reviewed some past projects to support the International DWM emphasis on the issue of human trafficking, including a 5K fun run to benefit the local Allies Against Slavery; a presentation by Cbloe Scarborough, who experienced ministry in this area; hosting an Eternal Threads event, and more. Everyone was encouraged to carry the NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE: 1-888-373-7888 to report suspicious activity. More information is available here: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
Our next regular meeting will be Monday, November 9. All women in the church are welcome to attend! Come and bring a friend!
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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).
If you think you would be interested in this series and haven't let Katherine know yet, please send a text to her at (281) 728-6448 or an email to [email protected]. You can still participate.
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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 which will be held December 4-6, 2020. You can register on our website. For a copy of the flyer you can download it here
If you need the CampDoc Registration Instructions you can download them here
Hope to see all of you soon!
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Disciple Oaks
Mission South & Disciple Oaks present 2020-2021 RALLY & RETREAT DATES
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Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
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With all of the uncertainty and conflicting information surrounding voting options and procedures for the coming general election, some churches are offering to do all they can to help ensure their members have the opportunity to vote, in person or by mail ballot. Please contact Rev. Maxted if you need assistance navigating the county website, wilco.org which has lots of helpful information.
Also, if you need transportation to your polling place to vote, please be in touch with Rev. Maxted. A number of RRCC members have said they are willing to help with this.
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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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October 22
| - Jim Jocoy | | October 23 | - Rod Walker |
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Prayer Needs
OUR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1. Our staff--Jimmy, Mitch, Katie, Randy, and Molly
2. Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams
3. "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
4. Our Elders as they continue their evangelism study Unbinding the Gospel (concludes this month)
5. Caring Hearts Prayer Group
6. Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
7. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz
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. Nominating Committee: Susan Kessler (chair), Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, and Kent Toomey. Linda Glover and Mitch Maxted, ex officio.
11. Our stewardship campaign
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
2. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia is healing well from hip replacement surgery. Her father, Harold Hubbard, is receiving hospice care from HospiceAustin
3. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
4. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) health issues
5. Jackson, Gwen
6. Maxted, Katsuo -- seeking new employment opportunities
7. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
8. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
9. Nichols, Martha -- niece Sandy Slawson passed away; granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
10. Plough, Paul
11. Pollock, Paula -- plantar fasciitis
12. Rodenberg, Tamara -- consulting for treatment of heart valve issue (Martha Nichols' daughter)
13. Sherry, Bea
14. Snider, Rev. Ed -- failing health
15. Switzer, Jackie -- brother Troy Taylor passed away. Memorial service is this Friday in Michigan.
16. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
17. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker, radiation treatments end this week
18. Kathleen Vercellino's daughter-in-law April, who is in ICU following a stroke
OTHER 1. All Who Don't Know Jesus 2. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
3. The many newly unemployed; businesses that are struggling
4. The many who are resolutely trying, through peaceful means, to effect positive change in a society that undervalues people of color, especially African Americans5. 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 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. RRCC is delivering incentive gift cards to Hopewell this week.
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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
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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 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
"The joy of the Lord is our strength" is one of the most powerful scriptures in God's Word. Joy in God strengthens us and gives us the courage to press on when things may be getting too hard to handle. Someone said to me, "People are getting pretty testy," and I completely understood her comment. Sometimes we tend to wear our feelings on our sleeves or like a chip on our shoulder. We seem to be just waiting for someone to brush our chip, giving us an excuse to behave in a manner that is completely un-Christianlike. In a time of differing opinions and differing, we need to take care to stay filled with the Word of God and the love of God. Both of these are available to us and will equip us to face a time of difficulty or stress.
Consider Eeyore, Piglet's reluctant companion, in the Winnie the Pooh stories. Eeyore just loved being miserable so much that he looks for people to gripe and complain about. It is a cute way to show a child that griping all of the time is not appreciated by anyone except those who truly love you. Never underestimate the power of God's Word, as it can speak peace to a troubled soul and encouragement to someone who is a bit like Eeyore.
This time that we are experiencing is difficult to manage. We want so much for it all to be behind us so that we can go on with our lives. It is amazing how pouty adults can become when their lives are not what they like. The freedom to do as we please has made some of us spoiled babies. Let us take our eyes off of ourselves and look at once to the many who are struggling around us. How hard it must be for those whose employment has disappeared because of closures of once good businesses. How many have the threat of losing their residence because of a lack of money to pay the mortgage much less buy food and other essentials?
Prayer:
Open our eyes, Sweet Lord, to see the world as You see it. Thank You that You care for us and that You daily provide us with benefits. As we look about, let us see that there are so many who are in a worse situation. We appreciate the love that you have sent our way. Give us a right attitude and a heart for prayer. Help us to turn away from feeling sorry for ourselves and turn our thoughts to those who are suffering all around us. Help us Lord to see the world as You see it. Look through our eyes, think through our minds and give us the mind of Christ. May Your grace and love fill every part of our being. Thank You for loving us even when we are not lovable. Help us to do better as Your children. In Jesus Precious Name I pray. Amen.
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