Chalice News

R
ound Rock
Christian Church

Embracing Our Neighbors
with Christ-like Love
May 15, 2018
In This Issue
Stephen Ministry Training to Begin in September
   
Training for new Stephen Ministers will begin 7th and 8th of September. There is a need in our congregation for trained lay people to walk beside their brothers and sisters in Christ, support them through difficult times, and be a reminder that they do not have to face their trials alone.  
 
Applicants must have a high degree of integrity, be able to maintain complete confidentiality, and be willing to complete the extensive training course. Stephen Ministers will meet monthly for support and direction.  
 
Details available from Jackie Switzer. New Stephen Ministers will be commissioned about March after completing training. 
~ At RRCC We WORSHIP... ~
This Sunday at RRCC

 
Don't forget to wear your Pentecost Red this Sunday as we gather to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and birth of the church!  Also, our service will include the Rite of Christian Baptism, which you won't want to miss. The scripture reading will be Luke's account of that first Pentecost day, as found in Acts 2:1-21.
BBA/LRGVD Assembly

(Pictured are Pastor Mitch Maxted, Mildred Adair, Rev. Dr. Andy Magnum (Regional Minister) and Anna Marie Blair)

The 2018 Bluebonnet Area/LRGVD Assembly at Hill Country Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) last Saturday was a blessing! Mildred Adair, AnnaMarie Blair, Gayle Boles, and I represented Round Rock Christian Church at the Assembly.  If you were a part of last year's Assembly, which we hosted, you will have a good idea of the atmosphere and the flow of the proceedings.  Hill Country Christian Church is a simple, beautiful facility set amid a grove of live oaks. Their sanctuary has large windows on three sides, and one of those sides opens up onto a large, covered porch, which serves as their "fellowship hall." It all feels very open and natural and relaxed.

Upon arriving and receiving our name tags, we enjoyed some fruit, baked goods and coffee before their Praise Band got us going into a spirit of worship. Following a message by our Regional Minister, Rev. Dr. Andy Mangum, and our offering for the Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries headed by Feliberto Pereira, we broke out into workshops. A total of 8 different workshops were offered--4 during session 1 and then 4 during session 2. Workshops focused on things such as being able to tell your church's (and your own) Jesus Story, helping community members prepare for employment, responding to domestic violence problems--even in the church, congregational renewal, improving the use of social media and church websites, being prepared to respond to various natural disasters, developing a culture of stewardship, and strategic planning.  

After a delicious BBQ lunch and cake on the porch and under the trees, we reconvened in the sanctuary for our annual Area business meeting. A large portion of that meeting was devoted to an explanation of the changing structure of the Southwest Region, which was led by Rev. Christal Fisher, our Interim Regional Connection Minister (you probably remember Rev. Fisher from her visit with us at RRCC two Sundays ago--she was our 5th Sunday Disciples Heritage speaker). To wrap up the Assembly, Dr. Mangum and Hill Country Christian Church leaders prepared Christ's table and we shared the Lord's Supper in loving fellowship. Assembly-goers were back on the road to their home communities by 3 p.m.

Mark Saturday, May 4th, 2019 on your calendar now! Our next Area Assembly will be held at First Christian Church, Corpus Christi on that day. It would be great to take a group from our church down to Corpus for that gathering!

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
~ At RRCC We SERVE... ~
Plant Sharing

Those who enjoy growing plants often share and exchange.  While I don't propose a scheduled church plant swap, I do offer to serve as a clearinghouse for those who care to be involved from time to time. Right now I have pink oxalis such as is currently blooming beneath the stairwell near the outer door to our fellowship hall, the one closer to the kitchen.  Also, there are plenty of lovely little violets near the entry to the Welcome Center which are to be removed. I have two small, very pretty rose bushes that need a new home or will be composted.

You may have any number of plants to offer, especially if they are taking over an area you have designated for them. Your church landscaping team might be able to use something you have to offer. Someone may appreciate an opprtunity to start something new at home.

Ifsomething you have should be divided, but you lack time or energy or both, a possible recipient might arrange to come to you.

Suggested offerings are overgrown plants, seeds, seedlings, cuttings, and pups. Houseplants can be offered too.

I'm  more familiar with native plants than the usual ornamentals. Also, I  try to  use botanical rather than common names. So, unless you know its Latin name, perhaps you could tell me its common name and send a picture as well as size and other helpful information. 

If this works, I'll develop a wish list among those who care to participate.  Maybe this could grow into our sharing plants with those new to RRCC.  I know that I  always choose a houseplant to turn my next residence into my home.

Anna Marie Blair 
417 543 5432
May Food Pantry Focus - Canned Veggies

"...for I was hungry and you gave me food. Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:35, 40)

This month is "CANNED VEGGIES MONTH" at RRCC. Let's load our food pantry shelves in the Welcome Center to overflowing each Sunday!  Your donations of Canned Veggies (or cash or check designated for the Round Rock Area Serving Center) will help stock empty shelves and feed hungry neighbors in our community.
 
Mark your grocery list every week for the Round Rock Area Serving Center.
Serving With You This Week ...

Worship Leader:  Liz Maybaum 
 
Greeter:  Susan Kessler 
 
Sunday Treats:   Jennifer Kienzle  
 
Elders:  Judy Jocoy, Martha Nichols 
 
Deacons:  Anna Marie Blair, Sally Kelley, Mike Kelley 
Find a Place to Serve here at RRCC

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


 
Upcoming Birthdays 
 

Ilene Kiser - May 15th
Julie Wood - May 21st
Round Rock Christian Church Prayer List

OUR CHURCH, RRCC
Let the Holy Spirit be with us & guide us
  • Pastor Mitch Maxted (leadership)
  • Rev. Barry Smith (RRCC Timothy) and his ministry with Micah 6 Austin
  • Lay Leaders, Guiding Board, Elders, Vision Team,
  • Shut-In Servers & Caring Hearts Prayer Group
  • Randy Preston & choir
  • Rod Walker and Jimmy Horowitz w/ Praise Team & Cut Bait
  • Christina and all she does with Youth Group, & Office
  • Enable us to develop a passion for praying and increasing our tithes & offerings
  • Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Eddy Rosepaez and Maria Rosario)
  • Our efforts as a congregation to embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love.
  • All ministries that take place at Camp Gonzo; praise for the recent work camp to improve facilities.
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
  • Acree, Mary (recovery from outpatient back surgery on 4/4/18
  • Barnett,
  • Blair, Anna Marie
  • Christina & Crispin (tria)
  • Davis, Lloyd & Marilyn
  • Glover, Linda (lower back ablation) and Steven (slow surgery recovery)
  • Grillos, David - VNS surgery on 4/30 (grandson of Tricia Mouser)
  • Guilbeau, Cynthia (pain relief for back) TYL
  • Guilbeau, Rick & Hubbard, Harold
  • Guzman, Christopher (baptism prep)
  • Jackson, Gwen
  • Kiser, Ilene (knee replacement surg. 5/9)Went well
  • Maxted, Mana (dizziness, ongoing tests)
  • Maybaum, Paul (continued recovery from fall)
  • Maxus (great grandson of Ilene Kiser-assessing his communication disability)
  • Mehlow, Carolyn & Leroy (Leroy home again)
  • Plough, Paul & Margaret
  • Pollock, Bob (Paula's husband, Hospice Care at Sagebrook SN Health Center, Cedar Park)
  • Sanford, Collin (Emmiline's son-in-law, now at rehab at St. David's Hospital in Georgetown.)
  • Savage, Raylan-severe epileptic seizures great-nephew of Phyllis & Garvid Wilson)
  • Snider, Ed
  • Recent visitors and seekers at RRCC, including Chan/Wong, Kristie Squyres family, and Pete and Marisol Ceballos family
  • Vercellino, Kathleen elbow healing; assisting the Guilbeaus
OTHER  
  • Our military personnel and families
  • Pray for persecuted Christians throughout the world
  • Congregations doing risk assessment and active shooter workshops
  • How we relate to hostile governments such as N. Korea, Russia, and Iran
  • Failure of all terrorist groups
  • Peace and justice
  • President Trump, Congress
  • For all efforts to ensure all Americans can have access to health care
  • All who don't know Jesus
  • Our neighborhood schools, Union Hill Elementary and Hopewell Middle School
~ At RRCC We GROW ~
Online Town Hall Meetings to Discuss Restructure of Region
 
The Christian Church in the Southwest has scheduled four Online Town Hall Meetings to continue the discussion concerning the Restructure of the Region. These will occur at different times and different days of the week.

Monday, May 21, 7 pm Central/6 pm Mountain 
Tuesday, June 5, 8 pm Central/7 pm Mountain 
Wednesday, June 20, 12 pm Central/11 am Mountain 
Thursday, July 12, 1 pm Central/12 pm Mountain
 
To join the meeting participants will go to  www.freeconferencecall.com  > select "online meetings" and then enter the meeting ID:  ccsw.  Voice only participants can call or email the Regional Office (817) 926-4687 or  ccsw@ccsw.org  and receive call-in information.
Cave Quest Vacation Bible School
Monday, June 11th through Thursday, June 14th!



VBS is coming soon!  We will be providing young children with Bible lessons and fun through the Cave Quest theme, " Following Jesus:  The Light of the World."

More details will be coming soon; for now, mark your calendars to join us June 11th through 14th here for fun, music, crafts and the joy of Jesus!
SAVE THE DATE!

 

CCSW Regional Assembly
Friday-Sunday, November 2-4, 2018
Central Christian Church, Austin, Texas
  

The Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in the Southwest will be hosted by Central Christian Church in Austin, Texas, on the weekend of November 2-4, 2018. We encourage all congregations to make plans to be represented at this event for educational opportunities and to be a part of making decisions about the restructure of the Southwest Region.

Two Healthy Boundaries for Clergy training courses will be offered on Friday, November 2, from 9 am to 4 pm, with one presented in English and one presented in Spanish. A workshop for commissioned ministers will be presented on Friday, November 2, from 9 am to 4 pm. Saturday's schedule will include a selection of workshops for both laity and clergy as well as the Southwest Region business meeting.

Regional Assembly 2018 updates will be posted on the website so bookmark that page (ccsw.org/ra2018) to find the latest info.
Sunday School Classes

Please, join us!
 
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) - Taught by Pam Knight
 
CYF Class (9th - 12th grade) - Taught by Christina Harmel; studying Women of the Bible.
 
The Seekers (primarily adult male) - Led by Julian Grant; studying the book "No god but God" by Reza Aslan.  

Open Circle (primarily adult women) - Led by Jackie Switzer and Anna Marie Blair; studying, "The Preaching Life" by Barbara Brown Taylor.
 
Explorers (mixed adults) - Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying a book titled, "Matthew." 
Upcoming Events

Tuesday, May 15, 2018
5:30pm - Texas Elite Volleyball
7:00pm - Shalom Congregation

Wednesday, May 16, 2018
1:00pm - Caring Hearts Prayer Group
5:30pm - Texas Elite Volleyball
7:00pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm - Overcomers Bible Study

Thursday, May 17, 2018
1:00pm - Pastoral Support Committee Meeting
5:30pm - Texas Elite Volleyball
7:00pm - Praise Band Rehearsal

Friday, May 18, 2018
1:00pm - Oil Painting Class
5:30pm - Texas Elite Volleyball

Saturday, May 19, 2018
8:00am - Shalom Congregation
10:00am - Elders Retreat

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Pentecost!

9:30am - Sunday School
10:30am
- Fellowship
11:00am - Worship
12:15pm - Lunch Bunch at Pokey Joe's
3:00pm - Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida

Monday, May 21, 2018
7:00pm - Guiding Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 22, 2018
7:00pm - Shalom Congregation

Wednesday, May 23, 2018
1:00pm - Caring Hearts Prayer Group
7:00pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
7:00pm - Overcomers Bible Study

Saturday, May 26, 2018
8:00am - Shalom Congregation

Sunday, May 27, 2018
9:30am - Sunday School
10:30am
- Fellowship
11:00am - Worship
12:15pm - Lunch Bunch
3:00pm - Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida
Elders Prayer Corner/Closing Message



God Will Help You

 
God has been showing me that we need to be aware of His present provisions now, and not just in the future. In Psalm 28:7, David said of God...I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him. He did not say, "I will be helped."

Wait on God, because God's help will strengthen you to behave in a godly way all day long if you trust in Him. Even while you wait on God to manifest His plan, your heart can greatly rejoice in His presence. Tell someone something good that God has done for you, and then watch Him move in the presence of your praise.

Prayer Starter: Father, You are the great "I am," and I thank You for being with me...right here, right now. Help me today to recognize Your goodness and begin expecting You to show up in my life in mighty ways. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Connect With Us!