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A Message from the Pastor
RRCC congregational life has happened, to a great extent, through zoom teleconferencing during these months of the COVID-19 health crisis.
We have all encountered our own unique challenges while using this technology. Most of us in the congregation had never even heard of the zoom meeting tool prior to pandemic times. Now we're six months into worshiping via zoom and most of us are not nearly as intimidated by this technology as we used to be. Though we still encounter plenty of glitches and challenges worshiping this way, we've adapted well.
One of the most important things each worshiper does is staying aware of whether he/she is muted or unmuted. It can be embarrassing to realize you're not muted when your dog suddenly barks, your phone rings, or your microwave beeps. And of course it's just as embarrassing to be told in the middle of your heartfelt, beautifully delivered prayer, "You're still muted...!"
There is one automatic message that zoom sends me which I love to receive. It reassures me. During the music videos, when I begin to sing, this notification pops up immediately:
"You are muted. Press Alt+A to unmute your microphone, or press and hold the SPACE key to temporarily unmute."
That gives me the go-ahead to sing my little heart out, knowing that only God and I can hear it. What would be really great is if zoom would send me a notification if I start singing without having muted myself. That would be a really cool feature. It could send me a message something like this:
"You are unmuted. Are you sure you want to be? Our sensors are detecting something that sounds like an attempt at singing. Is this something you want to inflict upon the congregation? To provide an immediate blessing, hit the mute button or shut your mouth."
I know the Psalmist says, "Make a joyful noise to the Lord..." (Psalm 100:1) but sometimes that noise shouldn't be given a wide audience.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
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Pet Blessing in Worship This Sunday!
You may have noticed that during our zoom worship services, a number of pets have been joining us in offering God thankful praise! Rev. Maxted plans to include a special prayer of blessing for all of our RRCC "extra family members" this Sunday during worship. So be sure to bring all of your treasured furry (or feathered, or scaled...) friends to worship with you this Sunday, September 27th. The blessing will be offered early in the service.
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Stewardship Campaign
Strategies Surveys and Giving Cards Due
Are your Personal Strategies survey and Estimate of Giving card in the mail? If not, please respond this week. Returning these two commitments gets the ball rolling for us to thrive and carry forth our vision in 2021, "To be a relevant center that strengthens and feeds our neighborhood community spiritually and physically through our passion for God and Go's people."
Remember you are the first step in preparation process for 2021, when you drop your survey and giving card in the mail. Following that, please keep in prayer the work of those creating the budget, filling the slate of officers for leadership, and planning the activities of each ministry. On Sunday, November 15, the proposed budget, and candidates for will be presented for vote.
Thank you to each of you, good and faithful servants, for your commitment to our congregation with your time, talent and financial commitment, as together we fulfill our mission to "Embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love."
"For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field,
God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9
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Splinters from the Board
Your Guiding Board.....
...Received a proposal from the Worship Ministry, and approved their plan, to utilize the virtual services of worship that are available free of charge from Phillips University Seminary.
....Is grateful for the continued commitment of RRCC members for their tithes and offerings, and to our sister-congregation, Shalom Seventh Day Adventists for their faithful payment of rent each month we have been away from Chalice Way.
...Commends the Reopening Task Force as they continue to monitor and lay plans reopening our campus. The Board approved moving into Stage 3 on the matrix which allows limited used of the building of ten or fewer people within a group. This approval will provide a skeleton crew to stream services from the sanctuary.
...Extends gratitude to members for their work on extra responsibilities this month as teams put the Stewardship campaign in motion--Vision Team, along with Molly; the Nominating Committee-Susan Kessler-chair, Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding and Kent Toomey and ex-officios moderator & sr. minister; and the Financial Team-Gary Collier, Darlia Hunt, Irene Jenkins & Lisa Breeding, as they prepare the proposed budget.
...Congratulates Anna Marie Blair and Julian Grant on their applications to continued service as Commissioned Ministers in 2021. The Board approved these applications that will be forwarded to the Christian Church of the Southwest. Julian is Commissioned Minister for Christian education at RRCC, and Anna Marie is Commissioned Minister of Outreach to the First Christian Church in Richland Springs where she preaches each Sunday. She also will resume work with the Lockhart unit of Texas Department of Corrections where she serves as executive volunteer of services to women, when health restrictions are lifted.
...Reminds all who have not returned their 2021 Strategies to Worship, Service, and Grow survey and Estimates of Giving card to put them in the mail this week.
...Suggests that members and friends Google our Round Rock Christian Church account on YouTube to enjoy the Sunday zoom services that have been recorded each week and remain for you to watch at your leisure.
....Gives a shout out to Gary Tucker for his work on behalf of the Library Task Force for oversight of preliminary work orders.
....Gives thanks for the devotion of members who continue to provide labor for building and grounds upkeep and technology modification and installation. Thank you Gary Collier, Dan Knight, Jim Kessler, Mike Kelley, Gary Tucker, Pastor Mitch, and Perry Mouser.
....Suggests that members check out the Members Resources pull-down menu on the RRCC website. The website offers opportunities to review monthly activities on a calendar format, reports from Pastor Maxted and the Treasurer, as well as the minutes of each meeting of the Board, and many other sources of information. Each newsletter provides a link to the website. If you are uncertain of the Members Resources password, contact Molly via email. A new addition on the opening page allows members, friends, and newcomers to click on the Sunday services of worship without logging in to Members Resources.
...Meets next on October 19. Should you have concerns or questions of the Guiding Board please contact moderator, Linda Glover.
...Gives thanks and praise each day to Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are alive in each of us, as together we seek to make Round Rock Christian Church a relevant center that strengthens and feeds our neighborhood community spiritually and physically through our passion for God and God's people.
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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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"Gracious Presence" Study Concludes This Thursday, September 24th
During the months of the pandemic, RRCC has offered several online small group studies.
The current one is led by Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie, Director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Hospice Austin. This is a 3-session study on the beauty and importance of supporting friends during difficult times in their lives, including accompanying them on their final days' journey.
The class is making use of Letty Cottin Pogrebin's book How to be a Friend to a Friend Who's Sick.
Here is the link: Link to "Gracious Presence" Study Feel free to join us, even if you missed the first two classes and/or don't have a copy of the book. You'll still be blessed by participating.
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NOMINATING COMMITTEE FORMED FOR PROPOSED 2021 LEADERSHIP
Membership Invited to Present Suggestions to Committee
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS BEFORE OCTOBER 1st...
In accordance with the bylaws of Round Rock Christian Church, a Nominating Committee has been appointed to identify leaders for our church for 2021. The committee welcomes congregational input. Whether you want to suggest someone that you believe God has prepared to serve in one of these roles, or you feel called to serve yourself, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee not later than October 1. The list of nominees will be presented to the Guiding Board on October 19, then to the Congregation at its annual meeting on November 15. This is a vital part of our responsibility as Disciples of Christ.
Your input is valuable and appreciated.
2021 Positions Open for Election/Re-election
 - Moderator
- Vice Moderator
- Treasurer
- Assistant Treasurer
- Financial Secretary
- Assistant Financial Secretary
- Trustee (2 year term)
- Property Chair
- Personnel Chair
- 3 Elders (3 year term, through 2023)
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12 Deacons (2 year term, through 2022)
Committee Members: Mildred Adair Diane Breeding Susan Kessler (chair) Kent Toomey Linda Glover (ex officio) Rev. Mitch Maxted (ex officio)
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Paul Plough is our oldest member and is 96 today, September 22nd.
Rev. Ed Snider will be 84 on the 28th and has been isolated in his care facility throughout the pandemic.
Marilyn Davis will join the nonagenarian club (90) on September 29th. Let's shower these treasured friends with cards!
Paul Plough
3104 Like Oak Street
Round Rock, TX 78681
Ed Snider
Park Bend Health Center, #212A
2122 Park Bend Drive
Austin, TX 78758
Marilyn Davis
1102 Parkway Street
Georgetown, TX 78628
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On Sunday, September 6, Pastor Mitch remotely blessed the backpacks (and computers) of our school children and the adults who are guiding them through this difficult first few weeks of school. The blessing cards were included with Promotion Certificates and mailed to our students. The extra blessing cards are available in the church Welcome Center for others who would like to drop by to pick one up. Email Molly at rrcc-office@rrdisciples.org if you plan to stop by so she can have one ready for you to pick up.
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It has been 20 years since the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) proclaimed our anti-racist and pro-reconciliation identity. On September 27 and October 4, we will receive the special offering for Reconciliation Ministry in congregations.
The Rocks Are Crying Out: Speak Up, Show Up, Stand Up, based in Luke 19:36-40, reminds us, that like those first century disciples following Jesus into Jerusalem, we must lift our voices to break the silence of oppression and suppression of human dignity based on the color of a person's skin or their nation of origin.
We are compelled to...
'Speak up,' naming the conditions that unjustly impact poor, black, and brown communities.
'Show up' in peaceful protests to affirm equitable treatment by law enforcement and to affirm human dignity for ALL.
'Stand up' to witness to Christ's profound love on behalf of those who are without hope because of historic economic oppression and wealth disparities in our communities.
Your generosity to Reconciliation Ministry strengthens the work and witness of congregations to be the vicarious presence of Christ where we serve. It promotes programs that provide anti-racism and pro-reconciliation education and resources. It promotes inclusive worship and relationship-building, and funds grants that fuel connect congregations to community needs.
Reconciliation is one of the six Special Day Offerings supported by RRCC each year as an important part of our Outreach ministry. Four of the six are connected to holidays:
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Special Day Offering
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Calendar
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Ministry Supported
| | Week of Compassion | February | Disciples' Relief, Refugee, and Development Mission Fund
| | Easter | March/April | General Ministries of our Denomination
| | Pentecost | May/June | Disciples New Church Development
| | Reconciliation | September/October | Anti-Racism and Pro-Reconciliation Ministries
| | Thanksgiving | November | Disciples Colleges, Universities, and Seminaries
| | Christmas | December | Regional Ministries (Christian Church in the Southwest)
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You may give online at www.rrdisciples.org (designated for Reconciliation), or by check mailed to Round Rock Christian Church, 22 Chalice Way, Round Rock TX 78665. Thank you in advance for your generous giving on Sunday, September 27 and Sunday, October 4 to Reconciliation Ministry!
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"Shall We Pray" Small Group Study Begins October 8th
The series is called "Shall We Pray" and was written by Katherine Cratin, who will lead the class sessions. It is ten weeks long. Sessions will be Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m., from October 8th until December 17th (no class on Thanksgiving Day--November 26).
Rev. Cratin writes, "The first week we will be looking at why societies all over the world have some form of prayer in their histories. Recognizing that these forms are from all types of traditions, we will study the primary methods of prayer based on the Christian experience. We will also look at things in their lives that drive people to pray. The hope is that through the lens of prayer we can begin to get an understanding of its many benefits both for the person being prayed for and the person praying."
If you think you would be interested in this series and haven't let Katherine know yet, please send a text to her at (281) 728-6448 or an email to katecratin@yahoo.com. You can also contact the church office to sign up. Materials will be sent out to all who plan to participate.
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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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Regional Assembly -- Saturday, October 10, 2020 (and pre-assembly events on Friday)
This is an online event, and it is FREE!
The theme for Assembly this year is "Crossing the Threshold", Deuteronomy 6:4-9. We are living through challenging times but we know as the Christian Church in the Southwest Region, that together we can Cross the Threshold.
This is an ONLINE event so you can participate from the comfort of your own home, or wherever is easiest for you! On October 10th, there will be a total of 12 workshops- two of the workshops will be in Spanish and one with Spanish Interpretation available, a business meeting, and closing worship service.
Did we mention that this is a FREE EVENT? Everyone is welcome and invited to participate in all that is happening during assembly. Don't worry if this is your first time, or your 100th time - you are welcome and are an important part of the Region.
Click here to learn more about the speakers, how to register, a daily schedule, and more!
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Call for Worship Leaders!
Thanks, those of you who signed up for the Worship Leader spots.
There is only ONE spot left
for 2020!
The following dates are available to sign up for 2020 are:
| October 4-FILLED! | October 11-FILLED!
| November 1-FILLED! | | November 8-FILLED! | November 29-FILLED! | December 27 |
Please consider taking this final spot. Thanks!
The Worship Team
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Mission South & Disciple Oaks 2021 Summer Camp Dates
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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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CYF Fall Rally Registration
Mission South and Disciple Oaks are happy to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for CYF Fall Rally which will be held December 4-6, 2020. You can register on our website. For a copy of the flyer you can download it here
If you need the CampDoc Registration Instructions you can download them here
Hope to see all of you soon!
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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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 With all of the uncertainty and conflicting information surrounding voting options and procedures for the coming general election, some churches are offering to do all they can to help ensure their members have the opportunity to vote, in person or by mail ballot. Please contact Rev. Maxted if you need assistance with registering to vote or with help navigating the county website, wilco.org which has lots of helpful information.
All registered voters 65 years and older are eligible to vote by mail. RRCC has a large percentage of congregants who are in that age bracket, and who may prefer a mail-in ballot to avoid the risk of COVID-19 exposure. Here is the link where you will find the application and instructions:
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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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September 22
| - Katherine Cratin | |
September 22
| - Paul Plough | |
September 28
| - Harrison Osteen | |
September 28
| - Edward Snider | |
September 29
| - Marilyn Davis |
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with your request. Please specify whether you would like to receive your statement through snail mail or email and provide the corresponding address.
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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. "Reopening" Task Force--Perry Mouser (chair), Gary Tucker, Gary Collier, Mildred Adair, Amy Tucker, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tricia Mouser, Pastor Maria Rosario of Manantial de Vida, Omar Roque, Juan Pena, and Carlos Cortez of Shalom, Pastor Mitch Maxted, and Linda Glover
4. Our Elders as they continue their evangelism study Unbinding the Gospel (concludes in October)
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. Nominating Committee: Susan Kessler (chair), Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, and Kent Toomey. Linda Glover and Mitch Maxted, ex officio.
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Boles, Gayle - hip bursitis
2. Davis, Marilyn (90th birthday next Tuesday)
3. Greene, Emmiline -- has moved to Georgetown; sister-in-law Matilda Dunn with health challenges
4. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia had hip replacement surgery on Sept. 3. Her father, Harold Hubbard, fell and broke his collar bone.
5. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
6. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) hospitalized in Ohio
7. Malone, Betty -- has moved to Sugar Land, TX
8. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
9. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
10. Murray, Mary -- recovering well from eye surgery
11. Nichols, Martha -- niece Sandy battling advanced cancer; granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
12. Plough, Paul -- BIRTHDAY TODAY (96!)
13. Pollock, Paula -- plantar fasciitis
14. Rodenberg, Tamara -- consulting for treatment of heart valve issue (Martha Nichols' daughter)
15. Schuchardt, Myra -- recently moved back to Round Rock after more than a year's absence
16. Sherry, Bea
17. Snider, Rev. Ed (birthday this coming Monday)
18. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
19. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker, has been diagnosed with cancer and will start treatments next week
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. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 5. Our military personnel and families 6. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges 7. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible 8. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S. 9. All who don't know Jesus 10. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings 11. All teachers, administrators, students, and parents, as all have to make important decisions with schools opening up to in-person learning. 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.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
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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
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Wednesday, September 23, 2020
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10:00 a.m.
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- Pastoral Support Committee Meeting
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11:30 a.m.
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- Nominating Committee Meeting (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
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, September 24, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Gracious Presence" Class (via Zoom) Link HERE |
Friday, September 25, 2020
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- You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!
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Saturday, September 26, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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Sunday, September 27, 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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Evening
| - Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site) |
Monday, September 28, 2020
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2 Timothy 3:12-17
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- Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
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Tuesday, September 29, 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
OFFERING THANKS
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"
1st Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Today, begin making a list of your blessings. You most assuredly will not be able to make a complete list, but pause and think about the many joys and blessings you have received. We all too often do not stop and thank our Creator for the many gifts He has showered all around us. Too frequently, that neglect may cause our suffering because of our misplaced priorities. I know our lives can become complicated, demanding, and frustrating because of those misplaced priorities. But, if we can take a few precious moments and give our God the gratitude and thanks for all the amazing gifts He as showered all around us, what a blessing, joy, and peace that will be.
Our God is the giver of all good things and His love for us is eternal as are His gifts. It is never too soon or too late to offer God your gratitude. Prayer: Today, Lord, let me count my many blessings with joy and thanksgiving. To you, Oh Lord, I give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Christ's name, Amen. Portions from Woman of Faith
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