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Chalice News
Round Rock Christian Church
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Embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love
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September 29, 2020
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This Sunday in Worship -- October 4, 2020
THE 18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
World Communion Sunday
World Communion Sunday offers congregations a distinctive opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith. The first Sunday of October has become a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. On that day, they remember that they are part of the whole body of believers. Whether shared in a grand cathedral, a mud hut, outside on a hilltop, in a meetinghouse, or in a storefront, Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations. globalministries.org
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A Message from the Pastor
World Communion Sunday, the first Sunday in October, serves as a wonderful opportunity to be reminded that God's church can be found all around the globe. Just as our Regional Assembly (a week from this Saturday) reminds us of our fellow Disciples throughout Texas and New Mexico, World Communion Sunday blesses us with a celebration of the Lord's Supper that knows no national or denominational boundaries.
The health crisis of 2020 has already made us much more aware of other countries and how they are doing in the battle to keep their citizens safe from COVID-19. India, the 2nd most populated country in the world, has suffered more COVID-19 deaths than any country aside from the United States and Brazil. I found the following article on our Global Ministries website and share it with you, and I invite you to include the Dalit Christians in your prayers. --Pastor Mitch
The 2000-year-old Indian Church still grapples with being a transparent, just, and inclusive entity. Indian society is caste-based, where Dalits constitute around 20% of the total of the population of 1.3 billion. Heinous forms of untouchability practices of exclusion and deprivation have been unleashed against Dalits. They are economically exploited, socially ostracized, politically powerless, and remain as daily wagers and migrants, living in abject poverty, inadequate housing, illiteracy, and health hazards.
The Indian Church is denominationally varied as Roman Catholics and mainline protestants like Syrians, Mar Thomas, Orthodox, Methodists, CSI, CNI, Lutherans, Presbyterians, and Baptists. The non-Dalits brought the caste system into the Church and exercise hegemony by suppressing Dalit Christians, who form a majority. Dalit Christians struggle to gain their dignity, equality, rights, and space as non-Dalit Christians take the lion's share in the hierarchy, managing assets and administering institutions. Inter-caste marriages and sharing graves in common cemeteries remain a distant dream for Dalit Christians.
More than Covid-19, the unthoughtful and hasty announcement of lockdowns forced Dalits and Dalit Christians to undergo untold miseries. With many being poor migrants, they underwent an ordeal for the next meal and shelter together with their children, aged, and otherwise abled. The much-publicized governmental relief and protective measures were inadequate, besides not reaching them on time. They were pushed between the devil and the dead sea.
The Church involved itself in feeding the hungry and providing relief materials. But it grossly failed to locate and help this vulnerable community as a priority, which amounts to sheer exclusion and unjust practice.
Since Covid-19 has further intensified the misery of Dalits and Dalit Christians, the Church needs to revisit its conscience and attempt to be 'inclusive and just' in its interventions, especially in the post Covid-19 scenario. It has to reflect with whom Jesus lived!
Rev Dr. Vincent Manoharan
Convenor-National Dalit Christian Watch
New Delhi
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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 Due
Are your Personal Strategies survey and Estimate of Giving card in the mail? If not, please respond this week. Returning these two commitments gets the ball rolling for us to thrive and carry forth our vision in 2021, "To be a relevant center that strengthens and feeds our neighborhood community spiritually and physically through our passion for God and Go's people."
Remember you are the first step in preparation process for 2021, when you drop your survey and giving card in the mail. Following that, please keep in prayer the work of those creating the budget, filling the slate of officers for leadership, and planning the activities of each ministry. On Sunday, November 15, the proposed budget, and candidates for will be presented for vote.
Thank you to each of you, good and faithful servants, for your commitment to our congregation with your time, talent and financial commitment, as together we fulfill our mission to "Embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love."
"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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HANDCRAFTERS CONTINUE TO GIVE...
Throughout the pandemic, RRCC's Handcrafters have continued to crochet edgings for fleece baby blankets and hospice care blankets, and to create baby caps and caps for cancer patients. Last week, Seton Williamson Hospital began accepting those items again. Members of our Handcrafters group met in the church driveway (masks on!) to transfer all finished items to Bea Whitley's car for transporting to the hospital staff. As is our tradition, we offered a prayer of blessing for those whose loving hands created the items, and for those who will receive them. The delivered items include:
29 baby blankets
56 baby caps
7 Hospice Care blankets
Large bag of adult caps for cancer patients
We also continue to make and hold extra blankets, prayer shawls, and lap robes for use as needed within our church family.
Handcrafters meet the second Saturday of each month at 9:30 am, currently via Zoom, for fellowship and to share current projects. All are welcome to join, whether or not you are "crafty"! Lessons will be available when we're back together in person.
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Thank You, Handcrafters!
Please read the following "thank you" note received in the mail for the Prayer Shawl ministry. It is from a member's dear friend who lost her husband last week. (She called just after receiving it in the mail and said that the colors and artistry are simply beautiful, and she feels the warmth and comfort of our prayers when wrapped in it.):
"To the DWM Handcrafter/Prayer Shawl Ministry;
A very special "thank you" to the women's group for the beautiful prayer shawl. I received the beautiful shawl you created and the meaning and message behind the creation. What a wonderful ministry!"
Thank you, Prayer Shawl Ministry/Handcrafters for the special care you show to others, on behalf of Round Rock Christian Church,
Love in Christ,
Tricia
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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
 - Moderator
- Vice Moderator
- Treasurer
- Assistant Treasurer
- Financial Secretary
- Assistant Financial Secretary
- Trustee (2 year term)
- Property Chair
- Personnel Chair
- 3 Elders (3 year term, through 2023)
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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)
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Rev. Ed Snider turned 84 yesterday and has been isolated in his care facility throughout the pandemic.
Marilyn Davis joins the nonagenarian club (90) today, September 29th. Let's shower these treasured friends with cards!
Ed Snider
Park Bend Health Center, #212A
2122 Park Bend Drive
Austin, TX 78758
Marilyn Davis
1102 Parkway Street
Georgetown, TX 78628
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It has been 20 years since the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) proclaimed our anti-racist and pro-reconciliation identity. On September 27 and October 4, we will receive the special offering for Reconciliation Ministry in congregations.
The Rocks Are Crying Out: Speak Up, Show Up, Stand Up, based in Luke 19:36-40, reminds us, that like those first century disciples following Jesus into Jerusalem, we must lift our voices to break the silence of oppression and suppression of human dignity based on the color of a person's skin or their nation of origin.
We are compelled to...
'Speak up,' naming the conditions that unjustly impact poor, black, and brown communities.
'Show up' in peaceful protests to affirm equitable treatment by law enforcement and to affirm human dignity for ALL.
'Stand up' to witness to Christ's profound love on behalf of those who are without hope because of historic economic oppression and wealth disparities in our communities.
Your generosity to Reconciliation Ministry strengthens the work and witness of congregations to be the vicarious presence of Christ where we serve. It promotes programs that provide anti-racism and pro-reconciliation education and resources. It promotes inclusive worship and relationship-building, and funds grants that fuel connect congregations to community needs.
Reconciliation is one of the six Special Day Offerings supported by RRCC each year as an important part of our Outreach ministry. Four of the six are connected to holidays:
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Special Day Offering
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Calendar
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Ministry Supported
| | Week of Compassion | February | Disciples' Relief, Refugee, and Development Mission Fund
| | Easter | March/April | General Ministries of our Denomination
| | Pentecost | May/June | Disciples New Church Development
| | Reconciliation | September/October | Anti-Racism and Pro-Reconciliation Ministries
| | Thanksgiving | November | Disciples Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
| | Christmas | December | Regional Ministries (Christian Church in the Southwest)
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You may give online at www.rrdisciples.org (designated for Reconciliation), or by check mailed to Round Rock Christian Church, 22 Chalice Way, Round Rock TX 78665. Thank you in advance for your generous giving on Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 to Reconciliation Ministry!
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"Shall We Pray" Study Begins October 8th
The series is called "Shall We Pray" and was written by 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).
Rev. Cratin writes, "The first week we will be looking at why societies all over the world have some form of prayer in their histories. Recognizing that these forms are from all types of traditions, we will study the primary methods of prayer based on the Christian experience. We will also look at things in their lives that drive people to pray. The hope is that through the lens of prayer we can begin to get an understanding of its many benefits both for the person being prayed for and the person praying."
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 also contact the church office to sign up. Materials will be sent out to all who plan to 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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Regional Assembly -- 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!
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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
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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
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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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Preparing to Vote Safely
You must be registered to vote by October 5th!
 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 with registering to vote or with help 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:
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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.
This is a more efficient way to access past newsletters and Friday "Reminders" than to hunt back through old emails.
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Find a Place to Serve Here at RRCC
 Here are the ways you can contribute to Sunday Morning Worship:
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Upcoming Birthdays
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September 28
| - Edward Snider | |
September 29
| - Marilyn Davis | |
September 30
| - Melba Claymon | |
October 3
| - Darlia Hunt | |
October 4
| - Ethan Knight | |
October 5
| - Braxton Twomey |
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If you would like a personal year to date giving statement, please email the financial secretary at [email protected]
with your request. Please specify whether you would like to receive your statement through snail mail or email and provide the corresponding address.
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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 in October)
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.
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Boles, Gayle - hip bursitis has greatly improved
2. Davis, Marilyn (90th birthday is today!)
3. Greene, Emmiline -- has moved to Georgetown; sister-in-law Matilda Dunn with health challenges
4. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia had hip replacement surgery on Sept. 3. Her father, Harold Hubbard, fell and broke his collar bone.
5. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
6. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) health issues
7. Jackson, Gwen -- sister Joyce Cooper died last Thursday. Her funeral will be this coming Saturday, 10/3 in Richland Springs (visitation the day before in San Antonio)
8. Malone, Betty -- has moved to Sugar Land, TX
9. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
10. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
11. Murray, Mary -- recovering well from eye surgery
12. Nichols, Martha -- niece Sandy battling advanced cancer; granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
13. Plough, Paul
14. Pollock, Paula -- plantar fasciitis
15. Rodenberg, Tamara -- consulting for treatment of heart valve issue (Martha Nichols' daughter)
16. Schuchardt, Myra -- recently moved back to Round Rock after more than a year's absence
17. Sherry, Bea
18. Snider, Rev. Ed (birthday was yesterday)
19. Switzer, Jackie -- brother Troy passed away last week
20. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
21. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker, has been diagnosed with cancer and will start treatments next week
OTHER 1. COVID-19 (the ill, 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.
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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.]
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
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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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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, September 29, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, September 30, 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 1, 2020
| 7:00 p.m. |
- Re-Opening Task Force Meeting (in person)
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Friday, October 2, 2020
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- Vision Advisory Team Meeting (via ZOOM) Link HERE | |
4:30 p.m.
| - Moponic Church Cleaning |
Saturday, October 3, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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Sunday, October 4, 2020 WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
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Reconciliation
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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 5, 2020
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Daniel 2:44
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- During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor its sovereignty left in the hands of another people. It will shatter and crush all of these kingdoms, and it will stand forever.
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Tuesday, October 6, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
Constant Praise
"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks, to His name." Heb. 13:15 NASB
God's word to us is very clear; it says to praise God. All too often we become so busy and preoccupied with our daily lives that we forget to tell God "Thank You."
Worship and praise should be part of what we do every day to be worthy and faithful servants to our loving faithful God. This should be a priority in our lives every day. Otherwise, we can lose our perspective and fall prey to the demands of the moment. Take time each and every day to thank Him, praise Him for all the blessings we have been given.
If we are truly sincere in our desire to be a worthy and faithful servant to the God who has given us eternal love and life, then we praise Him! We praise Him all day long, every day for as long as He gives us life on this earth and then for all eternity.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You. Dear Lord, knowing that with You as my Protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank You, Lord, for Your grace, for Your love, and for Your son. In Jesus's precious name, Amen.
Portions from Woman of Faith
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