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A Message from the Pastor
For my Children's Message on Sunday I told the youth about a high school teacher I especially appreciated. His name was Stan Doerr. I related to the kids how Mr. Doerr took the time to compliment me one day after class about a shirt I was wearing. He made a point of letting me know that he liked the uniqueness of the shirt, and how he respected the fact that I was willing to wear something different from everyone else. At the time, I remember feeling both surprised and very affirmed that I was being noticed in a positive way. And I remember feeling a sense of power and support, because in high school everyone seems to work so hard at fitting in.
Mr. Doerr taught Speech, English and Drama at Marshalltown High School. I don't remember which class I had with him, nor do I remember the grade I received. But I certainly do remember those kind words he said to me that day.
He died just a few years after I graduated. It hurt my heart to learn that he and his wife had died in a double suicide at their home. According to the obituary, "The house was left immaculately clean, and notes to relatives along with their wills and the specific funeral arrangements" were laid out in the home. The couple, along with their three pets, all died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The obituary said that local law enforcement was told that Mrs. Doerr was in failing health. A large portion of the obituary listed their work histories and their involvement in community theater, with words of affection and sadness from school colleagues, students, and theater friends.
Knowing that Stan and Jo Doerr died so young makes me sad for their family and friends. When I think about it I become confused and discouraged that a man with such a kind and compassionate heart could reach the conclusion, with his wife, that dying was their best option. Perhaps mental illness played a significant role in the decision-making process.
What I know for sure is that Stan Doerr made high school a little bit better for me, and I'm glad his path in life crossed mine.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
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STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN
September 18 Deadline to Submit Surveys and Giving Cards
Have you thought about what your role will be in the year 2021, in the life of the church known as Round Rock Christian?
Are you thinking, "I'm not sure what 2021 will bring? What about my health, my ability to move about more freely? Will I be able to worship with others in our sanctuary at 22 Chalice way?"
 There is a reminder for us today from Paul's letter to the church in Rome, where he writes of God's eternal, unfailing purpose. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Are you ready to say, "Hear am I Lord?" Putting on the armor of God requires giving...giving of your talent, your time, and your monetary means. Now is the time to begin 2021 planning with prayer. Ask the Lord for direction. If you have not done so already, open the stewardship packet that you received in the mail last week. Fill in the strategies survey by initialing those areas that you are willing to step up to the plate to grow in the faith, to worship our Lord, and serve by offering your gifts of time, talent, and treasures.
Make the commitment by returning your strategies survey and your estimate of giving card in the stamped, addressed envelope. YOU, called by God for His purpose, are part of our congregation's first steps in planning for next year-you help lay the foundation by offering yourself for what Round Rock Christian Church can stand upon.
Our vision is......"To be a relevant center that strengthens and feeds our neighborhood community spiritually and physically through our passion for God and God's people." Each of us, as members, are called to place ourselves in that vision as we embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love with the absolute best we have to offer.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29: 11 Remember you are the first step in the 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.
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 of "Embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love."
"For we are co-workers in God's service;
you are God's field, God's building."
I Corinthians 3:9
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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 Continues for the Next Two Thursdays
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 class 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 will be 96 on 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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Notes from our September 14, 2020 Fall Kick-off Meeting
Our DISCIPLES WOMEN'S MINISTRY held its monthly meeting on Monday, September 14, via Zoom. Thirteen ladies shared fellowship, prayer, and a great lesson on the Book of Ruth led by Mildred Adair. We approved minutes, financial reports, and the proposed 2021 budget. Updates from ongoing projects included:
* Rainbow Room: DWM has given a total of $371 plus about $125 in items to support this Round Rock resource for children in protective custody. We are exploring the possibility of a "drive-by" donation time where items can be collected at the church, then delivered to the Rainbow Room.
* Handcrafters: Bea Whitley will pick up fleece from the hospital for baby blankets. A time will be determined to gather, bless, and deliver baby blankets and caps that have been made.
* Care cards and outreach to college students continue.
* Birthday bags, firefighter meals, church beautification, and Alma's Secret Garden event are on hold.
We renewed awareness of the issue of human trafficking, and learned about the Moses Law that provides a safe place for abandoned newborn babies.
We shared prayer requests, and discussed the possibility of forming a "driving pool" of individuals who are willing to provide transportation to those in need for appointments, errands, voting, etc. This will be shared with the Congregational Care team.
DWM's next meeting will be October 12 at 9:30 am. All women in the church are welcome and encouraged to join us!
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RRCC Yard Crew Hard at Work
Thank you, men, for tending to the RRCC lawns!
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"Shall We Pray" Zoom Small Group Study
 After determining a level of interest, we will be offering a series on Prayer. The series entitled, "Shall We Pray" was written by Katherine Cratin. It is ten weeks long. 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, please send a text to (281) 728-6448 or an email to katecratin@yahoo.com. You also could contact the church. Once we determine the number interested we will set a day and time to begin the study. We may offer the study in the evening if that is what would work best. It will be a Z00m study. Materials will be sent out to each interested party.
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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!
ATTENTION 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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CCSW Disciples Men FREE Online Event - THIS SATURDAY
On September 19, 2020, the Disciples Men of the Southwest Region will CONNECT via ZOOM to come together as we have done for many years in the month of September!! Although the "distancing" concerns have caused us to cancel the Annual Retreat at Lake Brownwood that was scheduled for September 18-20, 2020, we can still CONNECT and FELLOWSHIP by ZOOMing with other Disciples Men from across the Southwest Region. The theme is "What Will Be Your Beatitude?". The ZOOM meeting will last about two and a half hours and include:
· Keynote Address from Rev. Don Wilson, FCC Arlington
· Mission Project Report for 2020 and 2021
· Roundtable Discussion on "Doing Ministry in a Covid-19 World"
· "State of the Region" Report from our Regional Minister Dr. Rev. Andy Mangum
Do NOT let the date slip by without CONNECTING with Disciples Men you might have been able to meet or those men you only see once a year at Brownwood!!!
You will be able to donate to the 2021 Mission Project via credit card during the registration process!
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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 18
| - Lisa Breeding | |
September 18
| - Rhiannon Jenkins |
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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. 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
11. The newly-formed nominating committee: Susan Kessler (chair), Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, and Kent Toomey
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Blair, Anna Marie (brother Hank Terrell recovering from open heart surgery)
2. Boles, Gayle - hip bursitis
3. Davis, Marilyn
4. Greene, Emmiline (has moved to Georgetown; sister-in-law Matilda Dunn is hospitalized)
5. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia had hip replacement surgery on Sept. 3. Her father, Harold Hubbard, fell and broke his collar bone.
6. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
7. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) hospitalized in Ohio
8. Malone, Betty -- has moved to Sugar Land, TX
9. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
10. Mouser, Tricia -- treatment and management of rheumatoid arthritis
11. Murray, Mary -- had eye surgery tomorrow last week
12. Nichols, Martha -- niece Sandy Slawson battling advanced cancer
13. Plough, Paul
14. Pollock, Paula -- plantar fasciitis
15. Rodenberg, Tamara -- heart tests (Martha Nichols' daughter)
16. Schuchardt, Myra -- recently moved back to Round Rock after more than a year's absence
17. Sherry, Bea
18. Snider, Rev. Ed
19. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
20. 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. 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.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Re-Opening Task Force meeting (zia ZOOM) Link HERE | |
7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, September 16, 2020
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11:00 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 17, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
- "Gracious Presence" Class (via Zoom) Link HERE | | 1:00 p.m. | - Book Group (via Zoom) Link HERE | | 7:00 p.m. | - Book Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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Friday, September 18, 2020
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- When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
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Saturday, September 19, 2020
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8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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9:00 a.m.
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- Disciple Men of the Southwest Region Presents: "What Will Be Your Beatitude?"
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Sunday, September 20, 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, September 21, 2020
Tuesday, September 22, 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
Playing It Safe
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Gen. 18:14 NKJV
We are confronted with all manner of an uncertain future these days. We face very uncertain hopes for the future. Unwilling to move mountains, we fret over mole hills. We tend to focus on what seems to be unfair and uncertain. We fail all too often to be trusting God completely and all too frequently we take timid baby steps when God is leading us to trust Him to take leaping giant strides. The reassuring words of 1st John 5:4 remind us that when we accept God's grace, we overcome the passing hardships of this world and rely on His strength, love, and promise of eternal life.
Today, we need to ask God for the courage to trust Him as He guides us in this uncertain time.
Prayer:
Lord God,
We thank you for your undying love and direction. Give us the courage and humility to trust you at all times.
In Christ's name.
Amen
Portions from Woman of Faith
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