Chalice News
 
Round Rock Christian Church


Embracing o ur neighbors
with Christ-like love 
July 7, 2020
In This Issue
This Sunday in Worship -- July  12, 2020

T H E    S I X T H    S U N D A Y  
A F T E R   P E N T E C O S T
 
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 
"Nurturing Good Growing Conditions"

How can we partner with God, the great sower, to position seeds 
for maximum growth and productivity?

 
A Message from the Pastor

During this time of uncertainty and change, I think it is wonderful that our General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, makes herself available to pray with all of us across the denomination. She is utilizing social media for this. 

Each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. local time, she hosts a live prayer meeting via her  facebook page. Just click the link below at that time.  Of you can simply search Terri Hord Owens while on facebook.

This Thursday, July 9th, marks the 3rd anniversary of Rev. Hord Owens' calling to head the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the U.S. and Canada. The General Assembly, meeting in Indianapolis in July of 2017, called her to lead the denomination.

I realize that not everyone uses facebook. If you are unable to join the prayer meeting, you can view other messages and videos from Terri on the YouTube channel "Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)."

Peace in Christ,
Disciples Men's Breakfast

Saturday, July 11, 2020 -- 8:30 a.m.

Disciples Men will me et this Saturday morning via zoom for their monthly fellowship breakfast. Grab your coffee and your grub and zoom on in via your device. 

The link will be emailed to you on Thursday morning. Feel free to share the link with others. The more the merrier!

 

Handcrafters Ministry

Saturday, July 11, 2020 -- 9:30 a.m.

It's time once again for the women to get together via zoom for their monthly Handcrafters meeting. Look for your email with the zoom link.

"A Stitch and a Prayer 
to Embrace our Neighbors with Christ-like love!"



RRCC Online Giving

Even though we are unable to meet in person,
RRCC has three ways you can still give your tithe:
  1. 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.
  2. Use your bank's electronic bill pay feature to have a check mailed directly from your bank to RRCC.
  3. Mail your check directly to RRCC.
Address your envelope to:
Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665


DWM
FOR ALL RRCC LADIES - JOIN US ON MEMORY LANE!
 
Join us on Monday, July 13, at 10:00am for a "just for fellowship" get-together via Zoom. And because we're in the midst of summer, it'll be fun to share some of our favorite summertime memories.
 
Join Our Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88027763361?pwd=eFJVM1BTbUtDWTZFUmVhM1RMTi9ZUT09

Meeting ID: 880 2776 3361
Password: 999864
 
Whether or not you usually join us for our monthly DWM meetings, you are a Disciples Woman and we'd love to see you on Zoom on July 13!
New Small Group Study Opportunity

Have you ever wondered why people get involved in various types of religions? Starting this month, the church is offering a study called Christianity, Cults and Religions.  
The first class is on Thursday, July 23rd, and others will be every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. until the end of August for a total of six weeks.  Each session will last approximately one hour.  Our instructor (video) is Paul Carden and Katherine Cratin will serve as the leader. The information that is shared will strengthen your commitment to Christ and better help your witness when you encounter people who come to your door.  The groups we will look at are "Missionary Groups".  All of us have at sometime encountered one or more of these at our door.  Please join us.  It will be carried out through zoom.  

To order your book, click on the link below. If you would like the church to order your book for you, please contact Susan Kessler as soon as possible. 

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
Call for Worship Leaders!

ATTENTION WORSHIP LEADERS!

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

SCAM ALERT!

Some RRCC members have been receiving emails from an unknown source, claiming to be Pastor Mitch.  The email address(es) being used by the scammer are similar to the correct one. 

Please be sure to check the exact email address of the senderRemember, your pastor's correct email address is pastormitch@rrdisciples.org
His address is correctly listed in our most recent church directory (June 2019). 

Re-Opening Task Force

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
Book Groups Scheduled for this Thursday, July 9th


Book Groups will be meeting via ZOOM this month.
If you have any questions, please contact your group facilitator.

Daytime (1:00 p.m.) Book Group:


Jesus Christ Died for 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. 

Ju st 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
Disciple Oaks
Mission South & Disciple Oaks present 2020-2021 RALLY & RETREAT DATES


Chancel Choir



Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:

https://zoom.us/j/99642443406?pwd=TWJST2YrRlRvMmJaakMvU3MxQmpYUT09

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.
Find a Place to Serve Here at RRCC


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





Upcoming B irthdays

 
July 8
- Katie Maybaum
July 10
- Mitch Maxted
July 11
- Gary Collier
July 11
- Patti Shrader
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 and other health challenges)
2. Bell, Jean (son Chris ongoing cancer treatments)
3. Davis, Marilyn 
4. Glover, Linda (lumbar nerve ablation recently) 
5. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold. Cynthia defibrillator decisions
6. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
7. Jackson, Gwen (recent treatment for AFib)
8. Krop, Carleigh (monitoring fluid around heart) -- great granddaughter of the Whitleys
9. Maybaum, Katie -- recovering from broken ankle and surgery
10. Maybaum, Liz (platelet count)
11. Plough, Paul
12. Pollock, Paula
13. Sanford, Collin and Sonya
14. Sherry, Bea
15. Shrader, James (upcoming heart bypass surgery)
16. Singer, Merle (Tara Pollock's family -- advanced cancer)
17. Snider, Rev. Ed
18. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
19. Whitley, Charles -- Charles' mother Letha died June 22

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.
Sunday School Classes

[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 .
 
Explorers (mixed adults) - 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying a gospel of Luke resource by John MacArthur.
RRCC is on Social Media

Follow us on Social Media!

We can be found on:
Twitter as @ChurchRound
Instagram as rrccdisciples
Photo Submissions

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.)

Please email photos to the church office: info@rrdisciples.org
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!
RRCC Office Hours

Mondays:
9 :30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuesdays:
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesdays:
9 :30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays:
9 :30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fridays:
9 :30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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.


Tuesday, July 7 , 2020
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (via zoom)

Wednesday, July  8, 2020
1:00 p.m.
- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via zoom)
4:30 p.m.
- Birthday Drive-Thru for Katie Maybaum (porte-cochère)
7:00 p.m.
- Chancel Choir (via zoom)

Thursday, July 9, 2020
1:00 p.m.
- Daytime Book Group (via zoom)
2:00 p.m. - Ministerial Candidate Congregational Care Committee Mock Interview (via zoom)
7:00 p.m.  - Evening Book Group (via zoom)

Friday, July 10, 2020
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Saturday, July 11, 2020
8:00 a.m.
- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
8:30 a.m.
- Disciple Men's Breakfast (via zoom)
9:30 .am.
- Handcrafters (via zoom)

Sunday, July 12 , 2020 
9:45 a.m.
Explorers Sunday School (via zoom)
10:00 a.m.
- Open Circle Sunday School (via zoom)
11:00 a.m.
- Worship with us (via zoom)
Evening
- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)

Monday, July 13 , 2020  
9:30 a.m.
- DWM Meeting (via zoom)

Tuesday, July 14, 2020
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (off site)

Events and details can be viewed on the  RRCC Calendar
Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
 
Independence Day was last weekend. As I think about the Fourth of July, I find it to be one of our most celebrated holidays. It features parades, fireworks displays, music, speeches, barbeques and other activities that are focused to remind us of how our forefathers cast off the tyranny of a distant government that had little understanding of how the new world worked. When I think of the struggles that abounded in that time, I really do admire the efforts made to set us free. The government expected the colonies to submit to their burdensome laws even though they made a difficult life even more painful and hard to survive. The government demanded submission. People realized that to submit to such a harsh set of laws would make their lives unbearable.

In our lives today there is one who wants us to submit to his control so that we can never be spiritually free. He began working on us from the time we were just innocent children. He paints submission by a broad brush. He lies and tells us we don't need God. He tells us that God doesn't really care about us. He points to every mistake we have ever made and says you're not good enough to be a Christian. His goal is to whip us into submission. Jesus stands on the helm of our lifes boat and declares "those whom the Son has freed are free indeed." "Submit yourself therefore unto the Lord, resist the devil and he will flee from you." We do have to submit to Christ but He is the good shepherd. "He lay down His life for His sheep."

 
Prayer: 

Dearest Heavenly Father, We are so very thankful for your love, grace and tender mercies. They pour into our lives like a gentle rain soaking the innermost part of our beings. Help us to always be submissive to Your call upon our lives. May we listen with love, knowing that You Precious Lamb always have our best interest at heart. In Jesus, sweet name. Amen.