During the General Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa last month, I attended three workshops. The first one focused on the economic challenges and implications of bi-vocational ministry. The workshop room was full of bi-vocational ministers! It was interesting to hear their stories, and how each of them saw the advantages and disadvantages of being a bi-vocational minister. They paired their ministries with a variety of secular jobs. There was a big reaction of agreement in the room when one of the attendees loudly stated, "Some have the nerve to call it part-time!"
"Telling Our Story" was another workshop. In it, the panelists spoke about doing evangelism in a different way--that is, telling our stories in a different way--"Churches that tell true stories save lives." Some might call that "testimonies," but that word can connote, "I once was lost, but now I have it all figured out!" Instead, stories that are more real and more inviting might sound like, "I used to be a wreck. I'm still kind of a wreck, but . . ."
The final workshop was on Mental Health: Creating an Effective Congregational Mental Health Ministry. It was led by Rev. Hector J. Hernandez Marcial, from nbacares.org Church can be the first line of defense when there are struggles in the area of mental health, but unfortunately often chooses to be blind to mental health needs. We live in a broken world and a broken society and we will ALL deal with mental health challenges in our circles of family and friends.
I look forward to sharing more about these workshops, and other subjects, during the 2nd of two General Assembly feedback sessions, which will happen tomorrow (Wednesday) from 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Bring some lunch with you!
Peace in Christ,
--Pastor Mitch
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Minister Annual Performance Review
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 no later than August 23. Committee members, as defined in the bylaws, are: Tricia Mouser (current moderator), Susan Kessler (immediate past moderator), Mildred Adair (Elder rep), and Ilene Kiser (chair, Pastoral Support Committee). We welcome your input as we work together to provide constructive encouragement to Pastor Mitch!
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The Lunch Bunch will meet at
Pit BBQ
Sunday after Worship.
All are welcome!
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Let's Talk About the General Assembly!
If you are interested in hearing more about the 2019
General Assembly from Pastor Mitch, he will hold an informal feedback session at the church
tomorrow,
Wednesday, August 14th
.
We'll meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bring a lunch with you!
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Blessing of the Backpacks, Promotion Sunday, and Teacher Appreciation
A Blessing of the Backpacks will be held on Sunday morning, August 18, in conjunction with
Sunday School Promotion. If you have a backpack that you carry to work or school, bring it into the sanctuary
THIS SUNDAY, August 18, to receive a blessing from the pastor and a token to attach to it to remind you that
you are a special child of God.
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...to
Jacob Barker and Abbie Hardt on their acceptance into college!
Each of them applied for some monetary help from RRCC
and each received a small gift of $200 from the congregation
during worship this past Sunday.
These gifts (one time per degree program) are offered to RRCC high school graduates every year.
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TODAY, Tuesday, August 13th
RRCC is taking advantage of a special opportunity to assist at Hopewell Middle School by handing out class schedules at the beginning of the school year. The annual "Swarm the Hive" event is today!
Coordinator Anna Marie Blair has assembled a wonderful team of helpers for today's event! At Hopewell Middle School we are:
"Embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love"
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Does anyone recognize these glasses? (the cup has been claimed)
If they are yours, you can pick them up at the Welcome Desk!
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Would you like a hard job that takes a lot of your time and effort?
No, you say?
What about an easy job that doesn't take a lot of time and effort?
Well, there is such a job and enrollment is easy.
Sign up to be a greeter or a deacon.
These jobs are easy and requires very little time and effort. Furthermore, it is a way to
serve
our LORD.
You will make Him smile!!
If you don't know how to sign up or know the duties, ask Pastor Mitch to whom you need to talk and find out this information.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
The 2019 DWM Area Retreat will take place at Camp Gonzales Friday evening, September 20 until noon on Sunday, September 22.
Make plans now to attend! Registration and the $110 fee is due by 9/6/19. Scholarships are also available through DWM.
If you are interested in "rooming" together, please mail your registrations together, if possible.
The registration form for the 2019 Area Retreat is found on the following link: BBA/LRGVD Women's Retreat: "Come and Rest" or you can pick up a form in the Welcome Center.
There will be a Silent Auction this year, so plan to bring silent auction items! We will also have Bingo again. The Kerrville ladies will be hosting a craft class at our afternoon break on Saturday on how to make Embroidered Greeting cards. I know you will love the bags and all the goodies this year. Don't miss it! Please share and COMMUNICATE!!!
"Come and Rest" Mark 6:31
Rosemary Faris
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Safe Talk is a half-day training session to increase suicide awareness. First United Methodist Church is hosting a training workshop on Saturday, September 14
th
, 8:30 to 1:00 pm. This is open to all in our congregation. The course is designed to develop suicide alert helpers, which translate to a" suicide-safer" community. There is a $15.00 fee to cover the cost of materials.
Those who are interested in participating in this community event, please contact:
This is an endeavor to make our community a "suicide - safer" community.
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These are your Stephen Ministers (L to R): 
Jean, Jackie, Darlia, Ilene, and Gayle
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Singapore Math Classes to Continue Through Academic Year
Our wonderful, versatile church and fellowship space are used
not only by RRCC, but also for the benefit of our two partnering congregations Shalom and Manantial de Vida, as well as the Texas Heat Youth Volleyball Club, Tuesday Mom's Club, and more.
Ms. Lee-ling Chew, who lives in our church neighborhood and was looking for space to conduct Singapore Math Camps during the summer, contacted RRCC this past spring. Happily, we were able to work out an arrangement. The Singapore Math program used our classrooms in the sanctuary building throughout the summer.
Beginning on Saturday, August 24th, Lee-ling will teach weekly math classes in upstairs room #5 (east end) in the gym building.
The class will meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
We look forward to having Lee-ling and the math students in our facilities on Saturdays throughout the academic year! Welcome!
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Box Tops for Education
Many companies such as Pillsbury, Progresso, Totino's and some Betty Crocker products have made the difficult decision to no longer participate in the Box Tops for Education program. They have been long-time participants and over the years have done much to help schools get what the need. The participating products list on the website has been updated to reflect these changes. Just visit
www.btfe.com and search "participating products" or download the complete list of participating products.
All Box Tops clips are valid through the expiration date noted on each. Participation in the Box Tops for Education program may vary among individual products and package sizes. We have new products that now have points available on them as well, such as: Larabar Kid, Paper Mate, Annie's, Lysol, and Nature Valley, just to name a few. This program will soon be going digital. We will reevaluate our participation at that time.
Current progress for Union Hill Elementary School 2018-2019 earnings: $357.70.
for special offers, coupons, and to track the progress of the school.
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TCU Campus Visit and Football Game
Mission South Invades TCU - Join us for a campus visit
and football game at TCU on Labor Day Weekend.
This event is for those who have completed the 5th to 12th grade and adult sponsors.
For more information check out the attached flyer. Online Registration with CampDoc.
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Pantry Focus for August: Canned Tuna
"THOSE WHO ARE GENEROUS ARE BLESSED, FOR THEY SHARE THEIR BREAD WITH THE POOR." -Proverbs 22:9
This is "Canned Tuna Month" at RRCC. Let's load our food pantry tub in the Welcome Center to overflowing each Sunday! Your donations of canned tuna (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.
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News From Round Rock Area Serving Center
As one of the founding churches of the Round Rock Area Serving Center, RRCC has a special interest in that community organization. If you are interested in volunteering, in donating goods or money, or in finding out about assistance services the RRASC provides, check out their newly-launched web site:
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Serving With You This Sunday, August 18
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Worship Leader:
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Susan Kessler
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Greeters:
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Linda and Steven Glover
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Sunday Treats:
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Jennifer Kienzle |
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Elders:
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Steve Osteen
(Offering) and Tasha York (Communion)
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Deacons:
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Barbara Barnett, Jean Bell, Emmiline Greene, Edie Heuss
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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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August 14
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- Carolyn Mehlow |
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August 15
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- Garvid Wilson |
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Prayer Needs
OUR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1.
Rev. Mitch Maxted
2.
Guiding Board, Admin Team, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Committees
3. Our Christian Education program, including our children's Sunday School classes and adult Bible Study groups
4. Personnel, Admin, and Youth Leader search teams as they work to fill needed book keeping and youth leadership positions
5. Volunteers who are helping through this transition time
6. Shut-In Servers & Caring Hearts Prayer Group
7. Our re-vitalized Stephen Ministries program
8. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz.
9. Enable us to develop a passion for praying and increase our tithes and offerings
10. Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario)
11. All ministries that take place at Camp Gonzo (Disciple Oaks)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Bell, Jean (her son Chris's chemotherapy treatments)
2. Breeding, Diane (torn meniscus)
3. Davis, Jason (gall bladder surgery yesterday--extended Maxted family)
4. Davis, Marilyn
5. G., Darlene (upcoming surgery this week -- friend of Kesslers)
6. Graham, Marty (cancer treatments at Mayo Clinic)
7. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold
8. Krop, Carleigh (6-yr-old great granddaughter of thee Whitleys--upcoming medical tests)
9. M., Scott and Nancy, as they navigate challenging life transitions
10. Maybaum, Liz (platelet count)
11. Mehlow, Carolyn & Leroy (Leroy's recent hospitalization; Carolyn's knee replacement surg. on 8/20; the joy of a family visit happening now)
12. Offord, Liz (health issues)
13.
Plough, Paul
14. Pollock, Paula
15.
Sanford, Collin
16. Whitley, Letha (Charles Whitley's mother, hospitalized)
OTHER
1. People who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world
2. Students and teachers heading back to school. Prayers for safety and smooth transitions especially for Abbie Hardt (Abilene Christian University) and Jacob Barker (Texas A&M) as they move to campus this coming weekend
3. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible
4. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S.
5. All who don't know Jesus
6. For all who are looking for employment or struggling in their jobs
7. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings
8. Our military personnel and families
9. Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda now battling a prolonged Ebola outbreak; local militias are making that battle more difficult
10. Reaching out to our neighborhood families through the schools: a. Hopewell gift cards b. Adopt-a-Child ministry at Union Hill and Hopewell (blessing to all the children and youth who received gifts, and their families) c. Literacy Partners at Union Hill d. Staff Appreciation Breakfasts e. school supplies for Hopewell Middle School (will be delivered tomorrow!) f. Hopewell "Swarm the Hive" back to school event TODAY! g
. Our neighborhood welcoming events such as Trunk n Treat, Breakfast with Santa, and Hop into Easter
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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)
-
(
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
An Altar in the World.
Explorers (mixed adults) - Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying the gospel of Luke 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 have joined the 21st Century! What is your favorite social media site? Check us out on your apps!
We can be found on:
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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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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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Upcoming Events
Check for event details on the RRCC Website Calendar!
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8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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- "Swarm the Hive" back to school event @ Hopewell MS |
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6:30 p.m.
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- Nominating Committee |
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation
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Wednesday, August 14, 2019
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11:30 a.m
.
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- Pastor Mitch General Assembly Review
|
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1:00 p.m.
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-
Caring Hearts Prayer Group
|
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2:00 p.m.
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- By Laws Revision Committee |
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7:00 p.m.
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- Chancel Choir Rehearsal
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Thursday, August 15, 2019
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RRISD
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First Day of School
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7:00 p.m.
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- Praise Band Rehearsal |
Friday, August 16, 2019
Saturday, August 17, 2019
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalo
m Congregation
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12:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Event in Fellowship Hall |
Sunday, August 18, 2019
| 9:30 a.m. |
- Sunday School |
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10:30 a.m.
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- Fellowship and Coffee
|
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11:00 a.m.
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- Worship |
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12:15 p.m.
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- Elders Meeting |
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12:15 p.m.
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- Lunch Bunch at Pit BBQ |
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4:00 p.m.
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- Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida
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Monday, August 19, 2019
| 7:00 p.m. |
- Guiding Board Meeting |
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
|
7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation |
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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Messag
e
Forget Me Not
In an old scrapbook, a woman looked at a withered flower with a pretty pink ribbon tied around it. Below the dried flower was these words, "Forget Me Not Bouquet 1983." Many years had passed and whoever it was that had given the forget me not bouquet had indeed been forgotten.
The woman gently touched the flower and closed the book shut. Even though the giver was not remembered, the woman had warm thoughts of a kind person who had remembered her with what she was sure was once a beautiful gift. The flower whose giver was forgotten was itself once again put away and forgotten.
Most of us have received many gifts through the years from kind people who have now for the most part been forgotten. The gifts may still be tucked away somewhere in an old book. The memories may still be tucked away somewhere in our minds. But in reality, most gifts given by man do stop giving as the gifts and memories of the giver wither away with time.
No man can give a perfect gift, but God can. James tells us every good and perfect gift is from the Father of lights. The Bible speaks of many gifts that the Father gives each of us. Eat and drink, riches and wealth, grace, righteousness, justification of life are a few things that the Word specifically calls a gift from God.
Of course, the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ Himself who also sent the Holy Ghost. The Bible tells us to forget not the benefits of God. Are there any gifts God has given that you have forgotten and hidden? Forget not the gift, nor the Giver.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits
Psalm 103:2
Prayer:
Dear God, As thankful as we are for all of the gifts given to us by our family and friends, we are so much more thankful for the gifts given to us by you. Jesus is the greatest gift of all. Thank-you. Amen
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