Chalice News
 
Round Rock Christian Church


Embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love 
October 6, 2020
In This Issue
This Sunday in Worship -- October 11, 2020

THE  19th  SUNDAY  AFTER  PENTECOST
 

Sunday, October 11 Morning Worship Zoom Service
A Note from the Worship Team

This Sunday, October 11, the worship service will be a little different. Well, quite different. To celebrate our pastor during Minister Appreciation month, and as a thank you to the incredible work of musicians Randy Preston and Jimmy Horowitz, RRCC has given Pastor Mitch the week off as our gift. Randy and Jimmy were given this day off as well, to show our appreciation for the gift of music they provide.

Much of the service will be a video from Philips University Seminary. This video was offered as a gift to ministers. Thanks to Anna Marie Blair for letting us know this was available, to the Board for approving, and to Gary Collier for his expertise in technology! Homefront inclusions will comprise of welcome and announcements, passing the peace, joys and concerns and the pastoral prayer, as well as our Elders at the communion table and our Round Rock Christian fellowship. Zoom worship with us on the Lord's day.
A Message from the Pastor

Regional Assemblies take place in even-numbered years and are held in various locations around the Region. Two years ago we met at Central Christian Church in Austin. In 2016, Northway Christian Church in Dallas was the Assembly host.  

This year, due to the health emergency, our Assembly will be online. First Christian Church of McKinney has helped to organized and "host" the event, but Assembly-goers will participate online from their comfort of their own homes. Though this makes the Assembly different, it will still feature the worship services, workshops, business, and fellowship opportunities that one would experience at an in-person Assembly. 

Registration is free! The theme is "Crossing the Threshold." See the article below to find out how to register. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of this year's Assembly. Here are the workshops that will be offered on Saturday. 

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch



Regional Assembly -- This Saturday, October 10, 2020 (and pre-assembly events on Friday)

This is an online event, and it is FREE!    

 
The theme for Assembly this year is "Crossing the Threshold", Deuteronomy 6:4-9. We are living through challenging times but we know as the Christian Church in the Southwest Region, that together we can Cross the Threshold.

This is an ONLINE event so you can participate from the comfort of your own home, or wherever is easiest for you! On October 10th, there will be a total of 12 workshops- two of the workshops will be in Spanish and one with Spanish Interpretation available, a business meeting, and closing worship service.

Did we mention that this is a FREE EVENT? Everyone is welcome and invited to participate in all that is happening during assembly. Don't worry if this is your first time, or your 100th time - you are welcome and are an important part of the Region.

Click here to learn more about the speakers, how to register, a daily schedule, and more!
RRCC Online Giving

Even though we are unable to meet in person,
RRCC has three ways you can still give your tithe:
  1. Go to the RRCC website rrdisciples.org and click on the "GIVE HERE" button at the top of the main page. Or use the link at the top of each newsletter. It will take you to the same place.
  2. Use your bank's electronic bill pay feature to have a check mailed directly from your bank to RRCC.
  3. Mail your check directly to RRCC.

     
Address your envelope to:
Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665

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.

If you have misplaced your packet, do email the office (rrcc-office@rrdisciples.org) 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
DWM

DISCIPLES WOMEN'S MINISTRY MEETING OCTOBER 12
Your Invitation to Fellowship, Bible Study & More
 
How long has it been since you read the book of Esther? The October DWM study is the second in a series on women of the Old Testament who have a book named for them. This month the focus is on Esther. Facilitator Jackie Switzer shares that the book of Esther is a romantic, patriotic tale. The theme is that God is working behind the scenes. Jackie requests that you use the attached link to get the study guide for this book. Questions are included in the guide.

The September meeting will be held on Monday, October 12, at 9:30 AM. Expect a zoom invitation link from DWM president, Susan Kessler. We will visit from our individual homes via zoom to learn plans for fall activities and share in this outstanding bible study using the book of Esther as our text.
You may download the study guide link here.
Men's Breakfast and Handcrafters

Disciples Men's Breakfast
Saturday, October 10, 2020
9:30 a.m.
via ZOOM



HANDCRAFTERS 
Saturday, October 10, 2020
9:30 a.m.
via ZOOM
Nominating Committee

Membership Invited to Present Suggestions to Committee
 
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS BEFORE OCTOBER 1st...
In accordance with the bylaws of Round Rock Christian Church, a Nominating Committee has been appointed to identify leaders for our church for 2021. The committee welcomes congregational input. 

Whether you want to suggest someone that you believe God has prepared to serve in one of these roles, or you feel called to serve yourself, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee
not later than this Thursday, October 1st.  
The list of nominees will be presented to the Guiding Board on October 19, then to the Congregation at its annual meeting on November 15. This is a vital part of our responsibility as Disciples of Christ. 
Your input is valuable and appreciated.

2021 Positions Open for Election/Re-election
  1. Moderator
  2. Vice Moderator
  3. Treasurer
  4. Assistant Treasurer
  5. Financial Secretary
  6. Assistant Financial Secretary
  7. Trustee (2 year term)
  8. Property Chair
  9. Personnel Chair
  10. 3 Elders (3 year term, through 2023)
  11. 12 Deacons (2 year term, through 2022) 

Committee Members:
Mildred Adair
Diane Breeding
Susan Kessler (chair)
Kent Toomey
Linda Glover (ex officio)
Rev. Mitch Maxted (ex officio)
Paul Plough receives drive-by parade!

  

World War II and Korean veteran Paul Plough got a special surprise for his 96th birthday. Click on the link below to read the letter from Paul's son Scott, which appeared in the Austin American-Statesman last week. The letter describes the happy surprise and Paul's reaction.

"Shall We Pray" Study Begins This Thursday, October 8th
 
This week on October 8th we will begin our first class on "Shall We Pray?"  I hope that you have signed up, if not it is not too late.  The course  is ten weeks but each lesson can stand on its own.  If for some reason you have to miss a class, you can go on to the next lesson.  The book contains handouts, prayers and poems.  These are to be a source of information and of inspiration.  Our first lesson in entitled "An Introduction to Prayer".  We discuss where prayer started and what benefit it can bring into our lives.  It is hoped that the discussion will encourage us to spend more time exercising a gift that God has placed in the hearts of each of us.  The class begins at 11:00 am and will conclude at 12:00 pm.  Please plan to attend if you would like.  The class is offered via ZOOM.  Tara Pollock has graciously consented to be our Host.   I have the books available at my home.  You may call for further information.  The books are free of charge.    I will have the ZOOM  link sent via email the morning of each class.

-Katherine Cratin

Katherine Cratin, who will lead the class sessions. It is ten weeks long. Sessions will be Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m., from October 8th until December 17th (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 katecratin@yahoo.com. Materials will be sent out to all who plan to participate.
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!
Mission South & Disciple Oaks 2021 Summer Camp Dates


CYF Conference (completed 10th-12th grades) - June 27-July 3, 2021
Eighter's Camp (completed 8th-9th grades) - July 4-10, 2021
JYF Camp (completed 2nd-4th grades) - July 20-24, 2021
Chi Rho Camp (completed 5th-7th grades) - July 25-31, 2021

 
RRCC Welcomes All!

Here at Round Rock Christian Church we welcome
and celebrate diversity! Inclusion is rooted in our understanding of God, the Creator who made all humanity in God's own image. 

Just as Jesus loved all humanity, our congregation and 
our denomination--The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)--welcome the breadth of human life into membership and ministry. 

Our Lord's all-encompassing love challenges us today 
to confront our own prejudices and manifest inclusion 
in our congregations and personal lives.
 
--Inclusiveness statement adopted by the RRCC Guiding Board, December 2018
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!
Disciple Oaks

Mission South & Disciple Oaks present 2020-2021 
RALLY & RETREAT DATES


Chancel Choir



Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
Preparing to Vote Safely

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. 

All registered voters 65 years and older are eligible to vote by mail. RRCC has a large percentage of congregants who are in that age bracket, and who may prefer a mail-in ballot to avoid the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Here is the link where you will find the application and instructions:
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.
This is a more efficient way to access past newsletters and Friday "Reminders" than to hunt back through old emails.
Find a Place to Serve Here at RRCC


Here are the ways you can contribute to Sunday Morning Worship:
 





Upcoming Birthdays

 
October 6
- Carrol Scarborough
October 6
- Linda Preston
October 8
- Emily (Hardt) Case
October 10
- Sterling Leavitt
October 11
- Perry Mouser
Giving Statements

If you would like a personal year to date giving statement, please email the financial secretary at financialsecretary@rrdisciples.org 
with your request.  Please specify whether you would like to receive your statement through snail mail or email and provide the corresponding address. 
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. Shut-In Servers & 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 
1. Davis, Marilyn
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 -- sister Joyce Cooper's funeral was last Saturday, 10/3 in Richland Springs
6. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
7. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
8. Nichols, Martha -- niece Sandy Slawson has died; granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
9. Plough, Paul 
10. Pollock, Paula -- plantar fasciitis
11. Rodenberg, Tamara -- consulting for treatment of heart valve issue (Martha Nichols' daughter)
12. Salzwedel, Molly -- granddaughter Luna Rey Wilmoth was born yesterday in North Dakota. The parents are Alice and Brogan Wilmoth.
13. Sherry, Bea
14. Snider, Rev. Ed -- failing health 
15. Switzer, Jackie -- brother Troy Taylor passed away. Memorial service later this month in Michigan
16. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
17. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker, cancer treatments

OTHER
1. COVID-19 (the ill, including President and Melania Trump, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
2. The many newly unemployed; businesses that are struggling
3. The many who are resolutely trying, through peaceful means, to effect positive change in a society that undervalues people of color, especially African-Americans
4. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 
5. Our military personnel and families
6. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges
7. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible 
8. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S.
9. All who don't know Jesus
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.
Sunday School Classes

[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.]
 
Early Childhood Class (ages 4-7) - Taught by Lisa Walker

Intermediate Class
(3rd - 5th grade) - Taught by Jennifer Kienzle 
 
Chi Rho Class - (6th - 8th grade) (studying the book, "Middle School TalkSheets" for ages 11-14.  "These TalkSheets present every aspect of Jesus' life in a way that young teens can connect with as they learn to apply the lessons to their own lives.")
 
CYF Class (9th - 12th grade)  
 
Open Circle (primarily adult women) - 9:45 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Studying 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
 
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
RRCC is on Social Media

Follow us on Social Media!

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

Submitting a photo? Awesome! 
We love pictures of congregational life!
Please remember to include
identification(who, what, when, where, why) 
 for each photograph submitted to the office.  
Also, please indicate where you would like the photo to be used (RRCC website, social media, weekly newsletter, etc.)

Please email photos to the church office: info@rrdisciples.org
RRCC Office Hours

Mondays:
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesdays:
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays:
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays:
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fridays:
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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 6, 2020
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)

Wednesday, October 7, 2020
1:00 p.m.
- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
7:00 p.m.
- Chancel Choir (via ZOOM) Link HERE

Thursday, October 8, 2020
7:00 p.m.
- "Shall We Pray" Small Group Study (via ZOOM) Link HERE
1:00 p.m.- Book Group (via ZOOM) Link HERE
7:00 p.m.- Book Group (via ZOOM) Link HERE

Friday, October 9, 2020
9:00 a.m. 
- CCSW Regional Assembly (pre-Assembly events)

Saturday, October 10, 2020
8:00 a.m.
- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
8:30 a.m.
 - Disciple Men's Breakfast (via ZOOM) Link HERE
9:00 a.m.
- CCSW Regional Assembly
9:30 a.m.
- Handcrafters Ministry (vial ZOOM) Link HERE

Sunday, October 11, 2020 
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.
- Worship with us (via Zoom) Link HERE
Evening
- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)

Monday, October 12, 2020  
9:30 a.m.
DWM Meeting (via ZOOM) Link HERE

Tuesday, October 13, 2020
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (off site)

Events and details can be viewed on the RRCC Calendar
Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
 
              
Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and trapped especially with the COVID Virus snapping at our heels.  I want you to know that no matter what is going on around you.  You are never alone.  God is with you in whatever circumstance you may find yourself in.  He loves you and always knows what is facing you around the next corner.  Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and you will never be disappointed.  Some would say, I did trust in the Lord when my spouse was attacked by cancer.  I prayed and prayed for them and they still died.  Why does God heal some people but does not heal my spouse?  Just as a toddler must learn to walk with several trips and falls, so must we learn to ask God for the outcome we desire but realize that whatever happens He has our best interest at heart.  If the toddler refused to get up after one fall, he would probably never walk.    A walk with God can begin in an unsteady manner.  There may be trials that overcome even the strongest believer.  Faith must be tried just as gold is put through the fire.  We, also, have our faith tested.  

So when you feel overwhelmed or trapped, remember what  I Peter 6,7 says.  "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable even though tested by fire may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
 
Prayer:  
Dearest Heavenly Father, I thank you that even though I am going through some very hard places I know that I am not alone.  You are with me and I trust that the outcome will be one that pleases you and brings glory to you.  Help me to not focus so much on me but begin to think of others and their particular circumstances.  I want to please you with my life.  Please fill my mouth with your praise and put joy within my heart during these hard times.  I want to be a good example of who you are.  In Jesus name,  Amen.