A Message from Rev. Maxted
Warm greetings, Round Rock Christian Church family!
I pray this newsletter finds you and your family doing well. In addition to keeping our own selves healthy, I know we are all concerned about the physical and mental well-being of our family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Like many of you, Kumi and I have immediate family members who live very far away, and the distance feels even greater in a time such as this.
We are all having to make a variety of adjustments to the ways we go about our daily lives. Social and travel restrictions are increasing, and will increase further tonight here in Williamson County (see next piece). Perhaps in recent days you've tried, for the first time, using special services like curbside pick up or home delivery of your groceries. Our family had groceries delivered to our front porch yesterday for the first time, and it went very smoothly. Was it a bit more expensive? Yes. Did we get all the item and brands we requested? No. But we were in text contact with our assigned shopper as he was shopping, and he did his best with what was available at the store. Soon the groceries were on our front porch. We never saw the deliverer. Then it was just a matter of wiping everything down with soapy water and storing it away.
Also, I have found it helpful to keep the television turned off most of the time. I don't need to be told 24 hours a day that there is a pandemic and that it is going to get worse in the U.S. before it gets better. And I definitely don't need to see pictures of spring breakers partying on the beach and ignoring social distancing guidelines. Their recklessness and selfishness will likely worsen the outbreak and eventually result in more deaths. Moreover, I've found that it's not healthy for me to witness the ongoing politics that seem only to delay our federal government's response to this emergency, when the guidance of expert scientists and doctors is urgent and available.
So for me, the anxiety, anger, and frustration that result from too much news exposure are not helpful. (Actually, all of these feelings have been stirred up again through writing this article!).
It's good to be informed. We can't bury our heads in the ground. But in the midst of all the alarming and discouraging news, God wants to be heard too! In 1 Peter 5:7 we read, "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." God is eager for us to turn to him with all of our difficulties. The words of Joseph Scriven's beloved hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" are true:
Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
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Stay Home Stay Safe Ordered by Williamson County Judge, Begins Tonight at Midnight
This order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 (today). Although this is soon, do not panic. This order does allow people to conduct "essential activities" outside of their residences. "Essential activities" are spelled out in detail in the 21-page Stay Home Stay Safe order document.
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Sunday Morning Worship Via Video Conference Is a First For Round Rock Christian Church
On Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m., RRCC "gathered" by way of Zoom video conference for worship. This particular type of online gathering, though it may not "look" like worship, allows for interaction by all who participate. Tricia Mouser, our regularly scheduled Worship Leader for the day, was still able to lead our Call to Worship and other elements of the service. Randy Preston sang. Gary Collier shared some information about how to continue to give to RRCC. Elders Jackie Switzer and Anna Marie Blair offered prayers. Deacon Susan Kessler took attendance and reports that approximately 60 people participated. At the end of the service, we all enjoyed a few minutes of fellowship, as audio capabilities were open to everyone.
Throughout the entire service, people also have the opportunity to write comments by way of a "chat" option. This allows for prayer requests, tech questions, etc.
Of course, the main advantage to "meeting" online is that we're keeping everyone safe!
Sunday's service was recorded. Would you like to watch it on YouTube? The following link will take you there. You'll notice that there are three videos, since there were minute restrictions per video. Also notice that the videos are labeled PART 1, PART 2, and PART 3 so that you can watch them in order.
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Do You Need Help With Zoom?
Some of our members have attempted to join a zoom meeting or worship and have been unable to fully participate. We apologize for this inconvenience and we want to help you overcome these difficulties.
For most people, simply clicking on the provided link takes the person where they need to go. But people use different devices with different capabilities, so each person's ability to participate varies. If you need some technical help with Zoom, please don't hesitate to reach out to Gary Collier, Rod Walker, Randy Preston, or Rev. Maxted with your questions.
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Stay tuned for information on how you can give to RRCC via the internet ... detail to follow soon!
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Ministries Council Will Meet Via Zoom This Sunday
Ministries Council was scheduled to meet this Sunday,
and the meeting is still on. However, we will meet at 1:00 p.m instead of the scheduled 12:15 p.m., to allow you time to have some lunch after worship.
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FOOD PANTRY FOCUS
Because you won't be bringing food items to the church for the foreseeable future, you might consider making a monetary donation to the Round Rock Area Serving Center in the amount of what you would have spent on your monthly food donations.
"...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)
We understand that we are reaching out to you during uncertain times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please know, despite the unknown future, that the Round Rock Area Serving Center remains committed to helping families in need in our community, no matter what life throws at us.
As the hours pass, a scary reality for us is emerging: We are experiencing a drop in gifts that support our food pantry and service programs, on top of losses from our closed thrift store and furniture store.
Your monetary donation will help us keep our food pantry stocked during these difficult times. Donate. The best way you can help fuel our emergency response is by making a monetary donation.
Take care of your bodies and hearts.
For over 30+ years the Round Rock Area Serving Center provides basic needs to 1,100 households every month with a food pantry, clothing, furniture, and financial assistance for rent, utilities, and prescriptions. Program services include the food pantry, Keep Round Rock Warm coat distribution project, community gardens, Computers for Kids, clothing and furniture vouchers, charity resale store, The Volunteer Center, and financial assistance toward rent, utilities, transportation, temporary lodging, and prescriptions.
Please share this message with co-workers, friends and family!!
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"Table Talk" Launch Delayed
The RRCC Congregational Care Team has announced that the new Table Talk fellowship ministry, originally scheduled to begin soon, will be delayed until further notice.
We look forward to starting this new ministry at RRCC when it is safe to do so, and we are excited about all who have signed up to participate already.
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Alma's Secret Garden
[Though this event may eventually be cancelled, for now we will continue to share the information.]
Ladies' Brunch
With the charge "to provide a lovely event for all women of the church for fellowship and to feed the woman's spirit," a task force of the Disciples Women's Ministry met last week and has news to share! Thanks to Darlia Hunt, Susan Kessler, Pam Knight, Martha Nichols, Linda Preston for a great brainstorming session, and to Jean Bell and Anna Marie Blair for also serving on the task force. Here is the new, streamlined, updated "ladies' tea"!
FOR ALL LADIES OF RRCC:
You are cordially invited to join us for
ALMA'S SECRET GARDEN
Ladies' Brunch
Saturday, June 6, 2020
11:00am
$10 per person
Tickets on sale April 19
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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 B
irthdays
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March 25
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- Abbie Hardt |
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March 27
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- Jim Kessler |
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March 30
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- Bobby Jenkins |
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March 30
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- Kathleen Vercellino |
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Prayer Needs
OUR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1. Our pastor and staff
2. Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams
3. Ad Hoc Youth Programming Team and youth director search
4. Our Elders as they focus on evangelism this year
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. All ministries that take place at Camp Gonzo (Disciple Oaks)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Bell, Jean (son Chris has made great progress with infusions to combat cancer)
2. Davis, Marilyn
3. Fennimore, Nancy, (husband Gene and sister Joan--health issues; daughter-in-law Brittney's grandmother passed away)
4. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold
5. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
6. Kessler, Jim and Susan (safely returned from Ecuador)
7. Krop, Carleigh (great granddaughter of the Whitleys--heart surgery postponed due to coronavirus adjustments)
8. Markytan, Debra (daughter of Darlia Hunt--oral surgery postponed due to coronavirus adjustments)
9. Maxted, Mana (mononucleosis)
10. Maybaum, Liz (platelet count)
11. Plough, Paul
12. Pollock, Paula
13. Rowland, Lucy (former member now living near Atlanta, GA--in rehab following a recent stroke)
14. Sanford, Collin and Sonya
15. Sherry, Bea
16. Snider, Rev. Ed
17. Stalder, Mac (prayers for pain reduction and healing from recent surgery--Tasha York nephew)
18. Toomey, Kent (shoulder surgery postponed due to coronavirus adjustments)
19. York , Skyler David (future grandson of Tasha and future adopted son of TJ and Heather York. Pregnancy complications.)
OTHER
1. All affected by the COVID-19 (coronavirus) around the world (those who are ill, their families, health professionals)
2. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world
3. Our military personnel and families
4. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges
5. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible
6. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S.
7. All who don't know Jesus
8. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings
9. Reaching out to our neighborhood families through the schools: a. Hopewell gift cards b. Adopt-a-Child ministry at Union Hill and Hopewell c. Literacy Partners at Union Hill d. Staff Appreciation Breakfasts e. school supplies for Hopewell Middle School f. Hopewell "Swarm the Hive" back to school event g. Our annual neighborhood welcoming events such as Trunk n Treat, Breakfast with Santa, and Hop into Easter
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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 the STAY HOME STAY SAFE order.]
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) - Studying
Searching for Sunday, by Rachel Held Evans
.
Explorers (mixed adults) - Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying a gospel of Luke resource by John MacArthur.
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Pastor Mitch and Office Emails
info@rrdisciples.org
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pastormitch@rrdisciples.org
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rrcc-office@rrdisciples.org
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bookkeeper@rrdisciples.org
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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 s
ubmitted 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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RRCC Newsletter Deadlines
Please submit your Tuesday newsletter articles
and pictures
before
10:00 a.m. on Mondays.
Thank you!
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Upcoming Events
Many RRCC activities and events have been cancelled until further notice. Some are continuing online.
Please check the calendar below for a daily Lenten Bible passage
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Isaiah 42:16
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I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
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Wednesday, March
18, 2020
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Luke 1:26-31
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In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for consciously or not, Saul knew in his spirit that this encounter was with the one true God. Ultimately, we all know the voice of God. If we persist, we can find our way to our God. Unlike many of us, we see but often refuse to seek help and support, even when needed. Ask yourself, "How has God led me today?" 20 you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.
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Thursday, March 19, 2020
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Psalm 130: 1-2 NIV
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Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. |
Friday, March 20, 2020
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Psalm 130: 1-2 KJV
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Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. |
Saturday, March 21, 2020
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Psalm 130:3-4
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Lord, if you kept a record of sins who could stand? But with you, there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
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Sunday, March 22
,
2020
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11:00 a.m.
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- Worship with us via ZOOM |
Monday, March 23
,
2020
| 1 Kings 17:17-18 |
Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. She said to Elijah, "What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?" |
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
| Ephesians 2:1-5 |
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.
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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Messag
e
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.
Psalms 94:19 NKJV
God asks us to live above anxieties and to live by faith in Him and not in fear. We must trust God completely especially when we are faced with challenges and anxiety as we are going through at this time. We must give those over to Him. God can and will handle it.
PRAYER FOR A PANDEMIC
Cameron Wiggins Bellm
May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.
May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.
May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making the rent.
May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those that have no options.
May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.
May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.
May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.
As fear grips our country, let us choose love during this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbor.
Amen
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