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A Message from the Pastor
Our denomination's Global Ministries offers weekly prayers from around the world
through a link on the disciples.org website. For the current week, the prayer comes from Violeta Rocha, serving in Nicaragua. Not surprisingly, COVID-19 is the primary prayer focus there, just as it is here in the U.S.
Oh Father...today, like Jesus, we too look from afar at the burials of our beloved dead because of the pandemic. We look from a distance, we cannot even live the human and cultural ritual of saying farewell to our deceased. As in our world, so also in Nicaragua, we ask for health, for medicines and health equipment, and for sufficient care centers in the face of this pandemic, and we also ask in prayer for the medical personnel who are exposing their lives. We beg for the indigenous and black Nicaraguan populations, for their more distant communities, that they might be able to be reached by health care personnel and receive what they need for the affirmation of life in abundance.
Oh Father, you teach us that in sharing what we have with others, solidarity grows. With your blessing, love is multiplied in order to satisfy us with the bread of peace and of justice in this threatening economic situation and unemployment. Thank you for reminding us daily to show your image and likeness in this world from which we clamor for unity in your church, in order to multiply our actions together to attend to the needy. Amen!
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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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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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RRCC Saturday "Gatherings"
Disciple Mens Breakfast (via ZOOM)
B.Y.O.B, (Bring Your Own Breakfast!)
Handcrafters Meeting (via ZOOM)
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Mark your calendars!
You're invited to the CCSW Regional Assembly on October 9 & 10, 2020.
This will be an Online Event so you can participate fully from right where you are!
We are busy working out all the details, planning amazing worship experiences, creating educational opportunities, and fine tuning the technology.
But don't worry, we will be sharing more information with you soon - keep a look out for that information. Don't forget to save the date!
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Encouragement from a Member of RRCC
I thank Pastor Mitch for his sermon and his prayer Sunday morning. We do "long for the break of dawn" with this coronavirus that has changed our lives in so many ways.
As mentioned in the communion moments, we are "in a wilderness" and seeing the pictures of our altered sanctuary makes it real! But, and there is a but, "there will be a new day." Amen? Amen!
The reopening committee has worked so hard to make sure when the new day comes, we will do it right and within guidelines set for our safety.
Until that day, let's worship in Zoom!
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In accordance with RRCC's bylaws, a committee has been formed to provide our senior minister with an annual performance review prior to September 1.
All church members are invited to provide input to be included in the process.
Please give your comments in writing to any member of the committee. Committee members, as defined in the bylaws, are: Tricia Mouser (immediately past moderator), Linda Glover (moderator), Katherine Cratin (Elder), and Steven Glover (chair, Pastoral Support Committee). We welcome your input as we work together to provide constructive encouragement to Pastor Mitch!
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Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie has been Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services for Hospice Austin for nearly 20 years. Beginning Thursday, September 10, she will present for RRCC a three-week class (via Zoom) entitled "A Gracious Presence: How to Accompany Those We Love Through Illness, Death, and Grief."
Nancy says, "The gift of being with people at these very tender, significant times in their lives is a gift of presence, compassion, and time like no other. It's such an important thing to be able to do, and to do well. I'm also aware that being with people who are in great pain can take a toll on us - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. And so in the class we'll be talking about all of that - how to provide really good care. How to get out of our own way. How to build in resilience and fortitude for this important work that we're called to. So I hope you'll join us. I think it will be engaging, I think we'll have lively, even fun discussions. I look forward to what you will bring - the wisdom and experience that each of you has. I am in the process of choosing a book; my hope is that we can read that book and draw from it, and you can use it as a continuing resource for yourself."
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General Convention in Louisville Countdown
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Call for Worship Leaders!
ATTENTION WORSHIP LEADERS!
Thanks, those of you who signed up for the Worship Leader spots.
There are EIGHT spots left for 2020.
The following dates are available to sign up for 2020 are:
| August 23 | August 30
| September 6
| | October 4-FILLED! | October 11
| November 1 | | November 8 | November 29
| December 27 |
Please consider taking one or two of the empty spots.
Thank you
We need you to please go to sign up genius and pick out a date or two that you would so graciously serve as worship leader.
We appreciate your leadership in this capacity.
Thank you.
Worship Team
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Hopewell Middle School Supply Drive
The 2020-2021 school year is just around the corner, and although no one knows exactly what "schooling" will look like this fall, the  Hopewell Principal has indicated that many students will still need help with supplies (which can be used at school and/or home). Hopewell Middle School has requested the continued support of RRCC in providing much needed student school supplies, to begin the school year.
The Principal and Counselors have met to discuss the most needed items and also provided an approximate quantity needed and the Outreach Team has decided to purchase the supplies rather than request donations of supplies from RRCC members, due to the social distancing measures which continue to be in place. Although we do have a budget for Outreach to expense on events and supplies, we are providing an opportunity for additional donations, should anyone be interested in contributing to this worthy cause.
In the three years since we began this project in 2017, we have donated school supplies valued at over $2,000 to the students at Hopewell who need supplies. This year, more than ever, it is important the students have the supplies that they need and are engaged academically and know that they are supported by the community. It will be a school year like never before.
Please consider making a contribution to this project with a check or online contribution
marked (Hopewell School Supplies) during any week in July.
Thank you for your help in supporting the students of Hopewell Middle School, with school supplies, in our on-going effort to "embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love"!
The Outreach Team
Janette Johnston, Susan Kessler and Tricia Mouser
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Re-Opening Task Force Conducts "Practice Walk-Through"
of New Worship Procedures to Re-Open
The RRCC Re-Opening Task Force met Tuesday, 6/23/20 at the church to "walk through" the new steps that will be needed to maintain social distancing, once the church building re-opens for in-person worship. No date has yet been set for a return to our campus.
Special thanks to Task Force members for their on-going work on this effort; Perry Mouser (Chair), Mildred Adair and Amy Tucker (Worship), Pam Knight and Amy Osteen (Christian Ed), Gary Collier (Treasurer), Gary Tucker (Vice-Moderator and Elders), Tricia Mouser (2 nd Year Trustee), Randy Preston (Choir Director and Worship Team), and ex-officio members Mitch Maxted (Minister) and Linda Glover (Moderator).
The meeting at the church was a stark reminder that although the church doors will be open, it will be with a very limited capacity and six foot distances between family units, to be safe... VERY DIFFERENT!
The best way to visualize the process and distances needed, is to be very visual, through pictures. Please click on the link below to see additional pictures of the 10 members of the team who were present.
A short description of the "New Worship Process" follows:
1. Congregants will be asked to "register" for worship via sign-up genius, so that we will know the number to expect and not exceed the capacity of the sanctuary (which is 30-40)
2. Congregants will enter from the back parking lot (with exceptions as needed to use the porte-cochère ) and observe the taped markers for six foot distancing on the sidewalk and in the church.
3. Upon entering the Welcome Center, a gloved Deacon will direct families to the table with the hand sanitizer and face masks (if needed) and families will take the number of communion packets needed, in addition to a zip lock bag to hold their trash following communion.
4. Families will then enter the Sanctuary through the West doors and follow the marked arrows, six feet apart, along the west wall. They will indicate to the first gloved Deacon the number of chairs needed for their family unit (1 finger held up for one, 2 fingers held up for 2, etc)
5. There will be 3 rows of chairs in the sanctuary and the first families inside will be seated on the front row, by a second gloved Deacon who will move chairs together as needed to accommodate the family. The second gloved Deacon will then distance the next group of chairs six feet away.
7. The order of Worship will be similar to recent services, with families taking communion using the disposable packets. The trash should be placed in the zip lock baggie and held to be placed in the trash can at the back of the sanctuary. The offering plate will not be passed, but will be located on the table at the back of the sanctuary for offering placement upon entering or exiting the sanctuary.
8. Following worship, Deacons will direct congregants to exit through the East doors, beginning with the back row, then the second row and finally the front row. Families may visit in the parking lot, following social foot distancing.
9. In the event the restroom is needed for use; the door must be propped open and the "IN USE" sign placed on the door. There is only 1 person allowed in the restroom at a time.
10. There will be several signs placed throughout the church to indicate the flow of traffic and remind people of the need for safe practices and social distancing.
While we are all excited about the prospect of being with our "Church Family" again, it is extremely important to realize that the current pandemic is not subsiding and we must maintain vigilance in being cautious and safe. We will continue to host weekly worship services on Zoom and also plan to "live-stream" services from the sanctuary once they are reinstated.
Virtual Hugs to Everyone!
The Re-Opening Task Force
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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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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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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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August 4
| - Mildred Adair | |
August 4
| - Chris Pollock | |
August 7
| - Parker Knight
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August 8
| - Elizabeth Long
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August 8
| - Victoria Long
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August 10
| - Mary Murray
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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. Ad Hoc Youth Programming Team and youth director search
4. Our Elders as they continue their evangelism study Unbinding the Gospel
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. "Reopening" Task Force--Perry Mouser (chair), Gary Tucker, Gary Collier, Mildred Adair, Amy Tucker, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tricia Mouser, Mitch Maxted, and Linda Glover
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Acree, Mary (wound care)
2. Adams, LaVerne (Gwen Jackson's sister-in-law) COVID-19
3. Bell, Jean (son Chris ongoing cancer treatments)
4. Davis, Marilyn (swallowing difficulties)
5. Graham, Marty (hospitalized)
6. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold. Cynthia had defibrillator repaired; hip replacement next
7. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
8. Kelley, Sally -- pinched nerve in back
9. Maybaum, Katie -- recovering from broken ankle
10. Maybaum, Liz --fell and broke shoulder
11. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
12. Plough, Paul
13. Pollock, Paula
14. Sanford, Collin and Sonya
15. Scarborough, Rilda (giant cell arteritis -- a vascular inflammation that can compromise eyesight)
16. Sherry, Bea
17. Shinomura, Kazuko (Kumi's mother) recent back surgery
18. Shrader, James (heart bypass surgery last month; moving to Round Rock for continued rehab)
19. Snider, Rev. Ed
20. Tucker, Amy (eye surgery today)
21. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
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. Innocent people and businesses caught in waves of destruction when demonstrations are sabotaged by criminal activity
5. Law enforcement officers attempting to protect people and property in the midst of large groups of frustrated, angry, grieving people
6. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 7. Our military personnel and families 8. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges 9. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible 10. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S. 11. All who don't know Jesus 12. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings 13. 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) - 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Studying Searching for Sunday, by Rachel Held Evans . 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.
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via ZOOM)
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Wednesday, August 5, 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, August 6, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Christianity, Cults, and Religions" small group study (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
Friday, August 7, 2020
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Isaiah 46:4
| - ...even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. |
Saturday, August 8, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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8:30 a.m.
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- Disciple Mens Breakfast (via ZOOM) Link HERE | |
9:30 a.m.
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Sunday, August 9, 2020
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9:45 a.m.
| - Explorers Sunday School (via ZOOM) Link HERE | |
10:00 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, August 10, 2020
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Galations 6:9
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- Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
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Tuesday, August 11, 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
The greatest commandments in the Bible are to love the Lord our God, and then to love others.
When we love the Lord with our heart, soul, mind, and strength, our passion for Him grows on a daily basis. We yearn to be in His presence. We long to hear His Word. We can't get enough of who He is.
That love and passion will bubble up and spill over like a beautiful fountain onto the people around you. When you truly love God, you can't help but love the people around you. Yes, even the obnoxious, annoying, and trying people around you.
God loves all of us the same. Despite our flaws. Despite our sin. Despite our shortcomings. Despite our annoying traits. Isn't that encouraging? To know the God of the universe cares about each one of us so very much? That He loves you and me, quirks and all?
That's an incredible portrait of love. We need to go return that love to Him and praise Him for all He's done. And then we need to follow His commandments: Love the Lord, your God, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Prayer:
Lord, you love us so much. Fill us with that love to overflowing. Give us a compassionate heart. Lead us to the concern You would like us to champion for You, whether it be working in a soup kitchen, helping the homeless, or adopting a missionary couple. Lead us in prayer as we go down on our knees and intercede for others in distress. Amen
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