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Chalice News
Round Rock Christian Church
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Embracing our neighbors
with Christ-like love
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August 17, 2021
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This coming Sunday in worship --
THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST
Rev. Barry Smith
will preach while Rev. Maxted
takes a Sunday off.
Rev. Smith, a Timothy from RRCC, is currently serving as the Executive Director of Micah 6 of Austin. Micah 6 of Austin is a network of faith communities in the University of Texas campus area that work together to answer the call of Micah 6:8. We welcome him to the pulpit this Sunday!
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Report from the Re-Opening Task Force
Reopening Task Force Communications
for the week of August 8, 2021
A. The RRCC Reopening Task Force held its 15th meeting August 3, 2021 to discuss current Covid levels and to determine whether the current "Gathering Guidelines" for use of the church facility need to be modified. There was consensus that with Covid cases increasing and Austin-Travis County having moved into "Stage 5" guidelines, we need to conduct weekly communications to stay abreast of current changes and determine whether current practices need to be revised. Memo for the week of 8/8/21:
B. Government data/recommendations:
i. Local data 8/9: The 7 day hospitalization average for Austin-Travis County is 83 and for 8/9 is 74. The 7 day confirmed cases average is 383 and as of 8/9 is 445. The percentage testing positive is 14.5%
ii. CDC data: Masking is encouraged for all activities for both vaccinated and un-vaccinated
iii. RRCC "Gathering Guidelines": The task Force voted to modify current "Gathering Guidelines" to be in sync with changes made last week by the local health authorities. This should be in place as of the August Guiding Board meeting. The Task Force also had consensus to continue to provide "in person" worship, with all wearing masks.
C. The following remains in place until the Task Force and/or Guiding Board announces otherwise:
i. Sunday morning Worship Service (wearing masks)
ii. Use of the building by sister congregations (wearing masks)
iv. Use of the building by groups renting facilities (wearing masks)
D. Initial plans to open the building for Sunday School Classes effective August 22 are being postponed for the time being, as are any small group meetings. Decisions regarding church fellowship lunches and other gatherings in the building will be made on a week-to-week basis and communicated in the weekly church newsletter.
Members of the Task Force/Guiding Board and Ministries Council are encouraged to share suggestions and ideas to assist in improving the combined "zoom" and "in-person" worship experience as well as changes needed to meet the needs of the changing environment. Please communicate your individual ideas to any of these members, to help in providing the best possible worship experience:
Reopening Task Force:
Perry Mouser, Chair
Mildred Adair, Linda Glover, Jennifer Kienzle, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tara Pollock, Randy Preston, Amy Tucker, Gary Tucker, Dan Knight (ex-officio), and Mitch Maxted (ex-officio)
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A Message from the Pastor
During my invitation to communion on Sunday I referenced how the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss's book The Lorax occured simultaneously with the release of the United Nations report on climate change. The sobering message of the well-known children's book seems almost tame compared to the actual climate crisis that has been unfolding for many years.
A Reuters news release on August 9th says "humans are 'unequivocally' to blame, the report from the scientists of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said. Rapid action to cut greenhouse gas emissions could limit some impacts, but others are now locked in." For example, I learned that humanity has pumped enough greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to cause the disastrous weather we've been experiencing to continue, and to worsen, for at least the next 30 years. That's the "locked in" part. If we act now to curb emissions, we can stabilize the damage and halt the upward trend in global temperatures. Here is the link to a podcast on this topic from NYT's The Daily.
What does it mean for humankind to have "dominion" over God's created world? What does sacred stewardship of creation look like? It must be very different from what we are currently doing. Do we have the will to make the changes needed? Is it possible to get all nations on board with this effort? How different will the world be for our children and grandchildren?
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
Then God said, "Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." Gen. 1:26 (NRSV)
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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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Our friend and brother in Christ, Mr. Garvid Homer Wilson, Jr. went to be with Jesus on Friday evening, August 6, with loving wife Phyllis by his side.
Both the visitation and the funeral will take place at Austin-Peel & Son:
Visitation -- Today, August 17th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral -- Wednesday, August 18th at 10:00 a.m.
Face coverings and social distancing are strongly recommended by Peel & Son when in their facility.
Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home
607 East Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
Phone: 512-419-7224
Email: austinpeel@sbcglobal.net
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Hopewell Middle School Staff Appreciation Breakfast
EMBRACING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL
Early this morning (Tuesday, August 17--the day before Round Rock Schools begin!), teachers and staff at Hopewell Middle School were greeted with a "Grab n Go" breakfast of gourmet muffins, orange juice and mandarin oranges from RRCC. Since this day was a professional development day, the foods were left for their enjoyment all day long.
Included in the goodies were pens and bottles of water with RRCC labels, and sacks with appreciation notes attached. A lovely hand-painted potted plant was provided for the door prize drawing. Thanks to Perry and Tricia Mouser and JW and Lucas Mowers for baking and wrapping muffins and gathering and delivering supplies so that RRCC could welcome instructional staff back to school with a small token of our appreciation and words of appreciation for what these folks do for our neighborhood children.
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|  | | JW and Lucas Mowers wrap the gourmet muffins. | |
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| | Lucas and JW Mowers, Tricia and Perry Mouser with their inviting breakfast spread! |
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Upcoming Events
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9:00 a.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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11:00 a.m.
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- The Color of Compromise Book Study
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7:00 p.m.
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- Iglesia Adventista Shalom (off site)
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Wednesday, August 18, 2021
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9:00 a.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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10:00 a.m.
| - Garvid Wilson funeral at Austin-Peel & Son | |
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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6:30 p.m.
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- NO Chancel Choir
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Thursday, August 19, 2021
| 8:00 a.m. |
- Texas Heat Volleyball
| 11:00 a.m.
| - The Wired WORD | |
5:00 p.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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Luke 12:2
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There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
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Saturday, August 21, 2021
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8:00 a.m.
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- Iglesia Adventista Shalom
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9:15 a.m.
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9:30 a.m.
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- Explorers Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
11:00 a.m.
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12:00 p.m.
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- Lunch Bunch
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3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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- Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida
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11:00 a.m.
| - The Color of Compromise Book Study
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7:00 p.m.
| - Iglesia Adventista Shalom (off site) |
ZOOM MEETING LINKS, events and details can be viewed on the RRCC Calendar.
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Everyone is invited to this week's Lunch Bunch gathering at Mighty Fine Burgers (near IKEA) after service....whether you're worshiping in person or via zoom, all are invited!
Text or call Tasha York (512-567-8770) for more information.
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Edie Heuss has moved to the Texas panhandle town of Canyon. She begins coursework in graduate school at West Texas A. & M. this month toward a master's degree in history. Congratulations and Godspeed in this new journey, Edie. Your Round Rock Christian family misses you!
Edie Heuss 2620 11th Avenue Canyon, Texas 79015
Ph (512) 924-4259
Email: 1977EMH@gmail.com
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Notary Services
Notary services are now available at RRCC. Contact Molly at rrcc-office@rrdisciples.org at least 24 hours ahead of time to schedule your appointment to have documents notarized. This service is free of charge.
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DWM Retreat in October - Talk to Susan Kessler for more details.
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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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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.
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Upcoming Birthdays
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August 26
| - Jimmy Horowitz
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August 26
| - Lucas Mowers | |
August 26
| - Charley Scarborough |
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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 keep people safe during this latest COVID surge.
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 are or have been ill with COVID-19, and their families
3. Acree, Mary -- now living at Franklin Park (assisted living) in Teravista
4. Jackson, Gwen -- brother Patrick Adams back surgery this week
5. Jenkins, Bob -- Bob's sister Janet is receiving treatments for melanoma
6. Jocoy, Judy -- has begun immunotherapy treatments
7. Kessler, Jim -- home from the hospital and receiving a new antibiotic treatment
8. Maybaum, Paul and Liz -- Paul's sister-in-law Nancy is now in a new long-term rehab facility
9. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) experiencing some neuropathy from cancer treatments
10. Osteen, Amy and Steve -- brother-in-law Mike Murphy has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer
11. Pollock, Paula -- awaiting results of recent heart monitor study
12. Pollock, Tara -- Tara's CT scan last week was normal; brother-in-law Michael Tucker will have back surgery on August 18
13. Tucker, Gary & Amy -- Amy to have hip replacement surgery 8/24
14. Walker, Lisa -- receiving dialysis treatments 3x per week
15. Family of Garvid Wilson (see funeral arrangements, above)
16. York, Tasha -- Tasha and siblings caring for mother Peggy Massey
OTHER
1. Our summer church camp program at Disciple Oaks
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. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible; for Haitians who are suffering from the recent earthquake; for Afghanis seeking safety and stability in the midst of regime change 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. First day of classes for local schools is tomorrow, August 18th; all teachers, administrators, students, and parents of our two neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School
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[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.]
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Early Childhood Class (ages 4-7) -Taught by Lisa Walker
Intermediate Class (3rd-5th grade) - Taught by Jennifer Kienzle
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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.")
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CYF Class (9th - 12th grade)
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Open Circle (primarily adult women) - 9:15 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, studying The Prodigal God by Rev. Timothy Keller.
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Explorers (mixed adults) - 9:30 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying Paul's letter to the church at Rome. Link HERE
The Wired WORD (adult men) - 11:00 a.m. Thursday mornings. Led by Rev. Maxted, this class looks at what the scriptures have to say about important current events and issues.
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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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12:00 p.m. - 4:00 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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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
Pray then in this way: Father in heaven, hallowed by your name. Matthew 6:9
Jesus taught his disciples to pray. His instructions were clear and direct. Pray in secret. Don't practice your piety before others. Don't offer wordy, effusive prayers. Pray simply. Trust that God knows what you need before you speak, but pray anyway. Always pray for forgiveness, and put your prayer into action by forgiving others. For Jesus, prayer should be intimate and concise, and prompt us to deal with others as we have requested that God deal with us. This might all be a way of saying to his disciples-and to us all-don't over think, just pray.
How do you pray?
Lord. Let your will be done in my life and in your world. Provide for my needs. Forgive me, and help me to forgive others. Encourage me when I am tempted to falter in my faith. In Jesus' name, I pray. AMEN.
UCC daily bulletin: May 2021
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