Chalice News
 
Round Rock Christian Church


Embracing  our  neighbors 
with  Christ-like  love 
July 20, 2021
In This Issue
This coming Sunday in worship -- 
July 25, 2021

THE NINTH SUNDAY 
AFTER PENTECOST

 "Boy Five Two"
John 6:1-21

A Message from the Pastor

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

What a blessing it has been to be able to gather in-person in our sanctuary for worship this month! We encourage one another with our presence in worship, both in-person and online. We "build up each other."

For the first three Sundays back (July 4, 11, & 18) RRCC has participated in worship approximately 70% in-person and 30% online. Those who have continued to worship via zoom have done so for a variety of reasons--geographic distance from Round Rock, recovery from surgery or illness, an immuno-compromised condition, and a high (COVID) risk environment at work are some of those reasons. 

Though it may be too early yet to know for sure, RRCC probably has lost a few members because of the pandemic. While our church sanctuary went unused for more than a year (for safety reasons), some of our congregants perhaps found a new church home--one that had re-opened earlier than ours. Still others chose not to take advantage of the online worship connection we have offered since March of 2020 and maybe are now simply out of the habit of Sunday worship. 

If RRCC had re-opened earlier, would people have been as enthusiastic to return? Would they have felt ready to return? If we decided now to drop the mask requirement for all activities inside our church building, would more people want to come, or fewer? 
These are questions that spring from a focus on worship attendance numbers and a desire to return to "normalcy." RRCC made a decision at the beginning of the pandemic to place more importance on questions that spring from a focus on science and safety--especially the question, "How many people are being admitted to the hospital, locally, because of COVID-19 symptoms?" 

There are no easy answers. There are no answers that will satisfy all of our congregants. But know that your Re-Opening Task Force and your Guiding Board are doing their best to prayerfully discern the best path, just as they have been for the past 15 months. 

Your congregational leaders continue to monitor the ever-changing situation and to makes changes when appropriate. They appreciate your prayers and your perspectives--please keep good lines of communication open.

I encourage you to read the update from our Guiding Board Moderator Dan Knight in the next text block.

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
"Splinters" from the Board -- An Important Update from the Guiding Board

Monday evening 7/19 (last night) the Guiding Board heard a report from the Re-opening Task Force and discussed the latest information regarding COVID-19 in the area. Numbers have increased dramatically, but the spread appears to be about 99.5% among unvaccinated persons. The RRCC congregation has self-reported to be above a 90% vaccination rate even a couple months ago. Shalom reports they were over 70% vaccinated (generally herd immunity) at that time. RRCC, Shalom and Manantial de Vida are all conscientiously observing protocols while in our sanctuary building. The Texas Heat Volleyball program has resumed use of the gym only, under strict guidelines.

The decision by the Guiding Board last night was to keep in-person worship in place, with existing safety protocols, with another review at the August 16 Guiding Board meeting. Sunday School and other activities are scheduled to resume in-person on August 22. In the meantime, the Re-opening Task Force will continue to monitor data and recommend any adjustments or updates to the guidelines if needed. They will also continue to monitor and make any minor adjustments week to week.

Those who are compromised, are in high-risk environments, or do not feel ready to return can still worship via zoom. If anyone feels ill, or is unvaccinated, please use the zoom option.
 
The first three Sundays back in the sanctuary have been heartening and great occasions! Isn't it amazing how many blessings we don't even realize we have until they're gone? The Guiding Board offers great thanks to all who have persistently and faithfully led through this unprecedented and trying time.

Dan Knight, Moderator
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
Upcoming Events 



Tuesday, July 20, 2021
11 a.m. & 7 p.m.
The Color of Compromise Book Study
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat Volleyball
7:00 p.m.
- Iglesia Adventista Shalom (off site)

Wednesday, July 21, 2021  
10:00 a.m.
- Pastoral Support Committee Meeting
1:00 p.m.
- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat Volleyball
6:30 p.m.
- Chancel Choir rehearsal - IN PERSON

Thursday, July 22, 2021  
5:00 p.m.
- Texas Heat Volleyball
7:00 p.m.
- Praise Band rehearsal

Friday, July 23, 2021
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.

Saturday, July 24, 2021   
8:00 a.m.
- Iglesia Adventista Shalom

Sunday, July 252021    
9:15 a.m.
- Open Circle Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE
9:30 a.m.
Explorers Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE
11:00 a.m.
- Worship (in-person and via Zoom)   Link HERE
Evening
- Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida

Monday, July 26, 2021
Matthew 24:24
For false Christ's and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Tuesday, July 27, 2021
11 a.m. & 7 p.m.- The Color of Compromise Book Study
5:00 p.m. - Texas Heat Volleyball
7:00 p.m.
- Iglesia Adventista Shalom (off site)

ZOOM MEETING LINKS, events and details can be viewed on the RRCC Calendar
Notice of Annual Senior Minister Evaluation

According to the Bylaws of Round Rock Christian Church, a committee representing the Board, Pastoral Support Group, Elders and the immediate past moderator will convene to conduct a competency-based evaluation of the senior minister, annually prior to September 1.

The purpose of the Evaluation Committee is to assess performance annually with emphasis on development opportunities for ministerial growth and service. The 2021 Committee is composed of the current moderator, Dan Knight, chair of the Pastoral Support Group, Charles Whitley, Elder representative, Katherine Cratin, and past moderator, Linda Glover, chair.
The evaluation instrument is based upon sixteen competencies expected of ordained and commissioned clergy within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with congregational committee edits as deemed essential. In July 2020, the committee, along with Pastor Maxted, agreed to use this denominational instrument, and added two competencies - 1. Communicating our RRCC Vision, and 2. Ability to "de-role" and care for self and family. The latter inclusion was made because of the extremely imposing responsibilities garnered by the Covid pandemic.

This committee encourages feedback from members of the congregation. Those wishing to participate may forward comments in writing to any member of the committee, preferably prior to August 1. Should you have questions please contact chair, Linda Glover.
New Small Group Book Study Has Begun

RRCC is offering a new small group study. Jemar Tisby's book The Color of Compromise is the subject of the study. Though we've already begun, it is not too late to join this study. Contact Rev. Maxted if you'd like to know more about how to participate. We plan to meet every Sunday (zoom) through Sept. 28. 

Here is the description on the back cover:

"In The Color of Compromise, Jemar Tisby takes readers back to the roots of sustained racism and injustice in the American church. Filled with powerful stories and examples of American Christianity's racial past, Tisby's historical narrative highlights the obvious ways people of faith have actively worked against racial justice, as well as the complicit silence of racial moderates. Identifying the cultural and institutional tables that must be flipped to bring about progress, Tisby provides an in-depth diagnosis for a racially divided American church and suggests ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment among God's people."
What Does God Have to Say About That?!

RRCC men are encouraged to prayerfully consider being a part of a new class. The Wired WORD provides adult Bible Study material perfect for group discussions that link current events to appropriate scriptures. 

There is no book to buy. The church has purchased a one-year subscription. The weekly lessons will be emailed to you on Thursdays. The weekly emails will include:
  • An introduction to the lesson from the teacher (Rev. Maxted)
  • A summary of a current event that is prominent in the news
  • Some big questions for consideration or discussion about the topic
  • Scripture references to help confront the news with hope
  • Additional group discussion questions
  • Suggestions for responding to the news
  • A closing prayer
One class has already formed and has begun to meet (11 a.m. on Thursdays at a restaurant). Rev. Maxted is interested in getting a second class started if there is interest. If you think you might be interested, or just want to know more, please contact him via email, text, or phone call. If there are a few who would be interested in forming a second class, we'll work together to make it fit with the participants' schedules. It could be a weekday breakfast meeting or lunch meeting, or even a traditional class format during the Sunday School hour. Rev. Maxted would like to keep the groups small in number to foster great discussions and more meaningful sharing and prayer time together. 
Chancel Choir


Chancel Choir Rehearsals are held in the sanctuary
 on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. 
Masks must be worn. 
Hopewell Middle School Supply Drive

Please consider making a contribution to RRCC for Hopewell School Supply Drive 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
Up Coming Events 

Disciple Oaks Youth 2021 Summer Camps - Talk to Pam Knight for more details.

DWM Retreat in October - Talk to Susan Kessler for more details.

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!
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.

Upcoming Birthdays

 
July 30
- Ty'lia Collier
Prayer Needs

LEADERSHIP
1. Our Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams. Our Elders are discerning how to share "40 Days of Prayer & Faith Sharing" with the whole congregation. The Guiding Board is working with the Re-Opening Task Force to prayerfully discern the best way to move forward with our in-person worship services (safety measures, expectations, etc).
2. Our staff: Jimmy, Mitch, Katie, Randy, and Molly
3. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz
4. Our tech team: Gary Collier, Tara Pollock, Katie Maybaum, Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Dan Knight
5. Our Caring Hearts Prayer Group
6. Our Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
7. Our partnership with Iglesia Adventista Shalom & Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario) 
8. Reverends Andy Mangum (CCSW Regional Minister and President, and Rev. Alfred Walker, the newly called Community Regional Minister (CRM) for Reconciliation and Anti-Racism. We look forward to hosting Rev. Walker and his family in worship on Sunday, September 12th

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS 
1. For all who are grieving the loss of a loved one
2. For all who have been ill with COVID-19, and their families
3. Acree, Mary -- moving to Assisted Living at Franklin Park
4. Breeding, Diane -- granddaughter Janelle and her husband Travis welcomed baby boy Eli into their family; Eli is hospitalized and will have procedures to drain extra fluid from his brain
5. Chester, Fern -- back at the Buckner Villas after rehab following a fall
6. Claymon, Melba -- sister Sue Anderson awaiting rehab; had bypass surgery in May
7. Cratin, Katherine -- friends Don  and Jeanie Quick both passed away in recent weeks
8. Fennimore, Nancy -- friend's son recently diagnosed with kidney cancer
9. Glover, Linda -- had finger surgery last Friday
10. Guilbeau, Cynthia -- her aunt Carol Gracedel passed away; the memorial service will be this Saturday in Bay City, TX
11. Jackson, Gwen -- brother Patrick Adams dealing with spine and neck issues
12. Jenkins, Bob -- Bob's sister Janet is receiving treatments for melanoma
13. Jocoy, Judy -- finished radiation treatments and is now in skilled nursing; will have further oncology treatments in the near future; Judy has brain cancer and there are other parts of her body affected; please no calls or visits at this time, but sending a card to her home would be great 
14. Kelley, Sally and Mike -- continued prayers for niece Tracy Chambers, battling cancer
15. Kessler, Jim -- home from the hospital  but will continue to receive IV antibiotics for the next several weeks
16. Malone, Betty -- sister Carolyn receiving hospice care
17. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) experiencing some neuropathy from cancer treatments
18. Mouser, Tricia -- grandson David Grillos had some complications following his brain shunt replacement procedure, but is doing better now
19. Murray, Mary -- step-grandson Griffin dealing with intestinal issues
20. Preston, Randy and Linda -- Randy's sister-in-law Laurie Preston died suddenly and unexpectedly last night; prayers for her husband Robert and for the whole family
21. Tucker, Gary & Amy -- Gary's brother Terry scheduled for an MRI today; cancer is suspected in multiple parts of his body
22. Walker, Lisa -- receiving dialysis treatments 3x per week
23. Wilson, Garvid -- hospice care and pain management; Phyllis had surgery twelve days ago for a ruptured disc and is doing well
24. York, Tasha -- Tasha and siblings caring for mother Peggy Massey

OTHER
1. Our summer church camp program at Disciple Oaks; Katie Maybaum is there this week
2. All who don't know Jesus
3. COVID-19 (continuing efforts to reach "herd immunity" in the U.S. and around the world)
4. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that continue to struggle
5. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 
6. Our military personnel and families
7. Pressing immigration concerns at our border, development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible; cooperation and communication with Mexico and Central American countries
8. Developing policies and education programs to battle systemic racism in all of its forms
9. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans
10. For all efforts to make voting safe, simple, and easily accessible for all in our country; and to oppose recent voter suppression legislation
11. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of mass shootings in schools, places of work, etc.
12. A restful, rejuvenating summer for all teachers, administrators, students, and parents in our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School
Sunday School Classes
.
[There will be no Sunday School classes in the church building 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) - 9:15 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, studying The Prodigal God by Rev. Timothy Keller
ALL ARE WELCOME!  Link HERE
 .
Explorers (mixed adults) - 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, facilitator is Mildred Adair; have recently begun a study of Paul's letter to the church at Rome.  Link HERE
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 submitted 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 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.
Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message


Turn On the Light

I Corinthians 2:10, 12, 13"For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things even the depths of God. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words."

 I am sure that at some time in your life you have entered an unfamiliar place that was pitch black.  Since you have not made that journey before or entered that home before you many find yourself searching for the light switch.  All of us who are sighted individuals like to see around us.  We want to know where we are and where we are heading.  So we seek out the light.  We long for its illumination.  We long for its brightness.  When we can see, we can make progress. In the Bible, the Holy Spirit is often referred to as oil.  He is the light that will open up our spiritual eyes to truths that we have not yet seen.  He turns the light of God's love onto God's children.  He leads them and directs their path.  He is our Spiritual Oil.  He keeps us running smoothly.  He opens doors for us.

The Spirit generates light within us through the oil that He blesses us with.  He refills us with oil on a daily basis.  This Oil empowers us to cry out to God and wait for His reply.  Christ called His disciples and their children's children a lamp.  The lamp burns on Oil and it is that light that draws others to Christ.  That Oil empowers us to press on even if we do not see a lot of headway.  It may seem at times as if we are spinning our wheels, but the Holy Spirit keeps us well oiled and ready when the time is needed for us to obey our Savior and Lord.  He brings to our remembrance the Word of the Lord to encourage or strengthen us. He will also get us ready for the arrival of Our Lord.  One day we shall rise to meet our Savior and Lord.  

Prayer: 
Dearest Heavenly Father, Thank You so much for the love that You have so wondrously poured into our lives.  Thank You for the gift of Your Precious Holy Spirit that keeps us filled with oil overflowing.  May our lives reflect Your Presence in all things and in all ways.  Thank you for the goodness you have bestowed upon us.  Help us to do what You have commanded us to do.  We love You so much.  In Jesus' Sweet Name,  Amen.