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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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August 11, 2020
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This Sunday in Worship -- August 16, 2020
T H E E L E V E N T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T
Genesis 45:1-15
"God Can Still Use It, Somehow"
Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers.
They are terrified at the revelation, recalling how they've mistreated him.
Joseph reassures them, but how hard it must have been to believe that their evil deeds
could have played a role in reaching this blessed outcome.
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A Message from the Pastor
You probably don't know that I served as a college football student manager for a season. It wasn't a job that I was particularly interested in, but it was one of the few "work study" type employment options that my college could offer me. And so for the late summer and fall of 1982, I worked with the Central College "Dutch" football team. "Student Manager" may sound somewhat impressive, but in reality, 95% of the time I was (along with one other student) collecting, washing, and re-distributing smelly uniforms and undergarments, or standing on the sidelines of the practice field, ever ready to help move equipment, hold clipboards, cut up oranges, etc.
I remember being surprised by how grateful and considerate the players were (they knew who was doing their laundry), and what callous jerks the coaches could be! I also remember calculating at the end of the season that I had worked for less than a dollar an hour over the course of the three months. One thing that I do clearly remember from the locker room speeches of head coach Ron Schipper (he had led the Dutch to the Division III national championship in 1974), was his message of "dress for success." He absolutely insisted on spotless uniforms on game day, and paid particular attention to their shoes. We always had plenty of black (visitor) and white (home) shoe polish on hand in the locker room on game day. I was reminded of these football days and Coach Schipper as I was reading some back-to-school guidelines for students opting for online instruction. Just because kids are studying at home doesn't mean there aren't some dress code and behavior expectations. No hats, no sun glasses, no pajamas, no lying down...you get the idea. This makes sense to me for students of all ages. Does it make sense for our online worship experiences as well? Does "come as you are" mean we should work at not allowing ourselves to be distracted by non-essentials? Does our body posture and/or clothing affect our ability to worship? Does it say anything about how much importance we give to the worship hour? Can our appearance and body language impact the worship experience of others? Does giving our best to God include attention to clothing, alertness, attitude, and expectation? Maybe those old locker room speeches have something to teach us today about "giving our all" to what matters in life, even when the format makes us just a small rectangular panel in a zoom room.
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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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Promotion of our Youth who are moving into new classes will be announced during our zoom church meeting this Sunday, August 16.
Sunday School has not been in session for our young people during the summer, but discussion is ongoing as to the nature of our classes this fall. We are looking to provide meaningful connections on a weekly basis for them, while staying sensitive to their not being overwhelmed by zoom meetings. A tough call, but we will get there!
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Book Groups Scheduled for this Thursday, August 13th
Book Groups will be meeting via ZOOM this month.
If you have any questions, please contact your group facilitator.
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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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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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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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What's New in the Bluebonnet Area/Capital Cluster?
Hope United Church, Georgetown -- This past Sunday, August 9th, the congregation put together a nice farewell sendoff for Rev. Ron Trimmer and his sons, Ben and Aaron. Ron is Hope United's founding pastor and served the congregation for 10 years. Ron's wife Jan passed away in June of 2019. The family heads for Missouri this weekend. Ron has been called to Lake Ozark Christian Church in Lake Ozark, Missouri. In the new location, Ron and boys will be much closer to Ron's parents and sisters in western Illinois. May God bless and guide the Trimmers and the two congregations.
University Christian Church, Austin -- Rev. Kristin Galle's final Sunday as Interim Senior Minister will be August 23rd. The new called Senior Minister, who will begin on August 24th, is Rev. Megan Peglar. Thank you, Rev. Galle; and welcome, Rev. Peglar!
United Christian Church (0n Parmer Lane in Austin) -- United is currently being served by two interim ministers. Rev. Nikki Stahl and Rev. Anna Humble are the "co-bridge pastors" of the congregation, and their licensed minister of pastoral care is Carl Schwartz-King. The congregation has suspended their search and call work for now as they continue to work through a variety of interim tasks. May God guide and encourage them through this extended transition time.
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Continuing our success with mid-week studies, RRCC is pleased to offer a new three-week workshop beginning Thursday, September 10. "A Gracious Presence: How to Accompany Those We Love Through Illness, Death, and Grief" will be led by Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie - daughter of our own Fern Chester and the late Rev. Ray Chester. Nancy has been director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services for Hospice Austin for nearly 20 years. The book How to be a Friend to a Friend who is Sick by Letty Cottin Pogrebin will also be part of this study. The book costs $10.79 on Amazon or $16 at Barnes and Noble. Used copies may be found at Abebooks.com for under $5 and free shipping, if you would like to order your own used copy.
 Here's what Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie says about
A GRACIOUS PRESENCE: HOW TO ACCOMPANY THOSE WE LOVE THROUGH ILLNESS, DEATH, AND GRIEF:
"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. My hope is that we can read that book and draw from it, and you can use it as a continuing resource for yourself."
Classes will be held via Zoom on Thursdays at 11:00am on September 10, 17, and 24, 2020.
If you would like to participate, please contact Janette: (jnttjhnston@gmail.com)
or text 512-876-1010 by August 19 with the following information:
1. I will participate. Please order a book for me from Amazon at a cost of $10.79 (reimburse the church, indicating it is for "Hospice Class").
2. I will participate, but will buy my own book.
This class is open to all. If you have friends who would like to participate, they are welcome.
Be sure to let Janette know that they are joining so that we can provide them the Zoom links and reminders.
We are looking forward to Zooming with you again for another stimulating study!
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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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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 12
| - Jackie Culbertson | |
August 14
| - Carolyn Mehlow | |
August 15
| - Garvid Wilson
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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 (next meeting is this evening 8/11/20)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Acree, Mary (wound care)
2. Bell, Jean (son Chris ongoing cancer treatments)
3. Davis, Marilyn (swallowing difficulties)
4. Graham, Marty (hospitalized)
5. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold. Cynthia had defibrillator repaired; hip replacement next
6. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
7. Hardt, Andrew (passed out at band camp)
8. Kelley, Sally -- pinched nerve in back
9. Maybaum, Katie -- recovering from broken ankle
10. Maybaum, Liz --fell and broke shoulder
11. Maybaum, Paul -- cousin Steve Buchwalter's sudden and unexpected death
12. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
13. Plough, Paul
14. Pollock, Paula
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; rehab in Round Rock)
19. Snider, Rev. Ed
20. Tucker, Amy (eye surgery last week went very well)
21. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
22. York, Tasha (mother Peggy Massey fell recently)
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. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents, as all have to make important decisions. 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.
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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7:00 p.m.
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- Re-Opening Task Force Meeting (via Zoom) Link HERE |
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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10:00 a.m.
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1:00 p.m.
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
2:30 p.m.
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- Ministerial Evaluation Meeting (via Zoom)
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7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, August 13, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Christianity, Cults, and Religions" small group study (via Zoom) Link HERE | | 1:00 p.m. | - Book Group (via Zoom) Link HERE | | 7:00 p.m. | - Book Group (via Zoom) Link HERE |
Friday, August 14, 2020
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1 John 4:1-4
| - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world. 4 Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. |
Saturday, August 15, 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 16, 2020
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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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1:00 p.m.
| - Elders Meeting (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
Evening
| - Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site) |
Monday, August 17, 2020
Tuesday, August 18, 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
You can say prayers in your mind but doubt in your heart. At times God will answer such prayers as He did when Peter was in prison, scheduled for execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to free him, so they prayed. When God released Peter, their reaction revealed the doubt in their hearts. They argued that Peter could not possibly be free, even as he stood outside knocking on the door!
Is it possible to be a "person of prayer" and yet not have faith? Is it possible to fool yourself into believing that because you ask God for help, you have faith in His ability to meet your needs? Is your faith so weak that you are surprised when God answers your prayer? As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious?
Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith.
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