|
|
|
Chalice News
Round Rock Christian Church
|
|
Embracing o
ur neighbors
with Christ-like love
|
July 21, 2020
|
|
|
|
This Sunday in Worship -- July
26, 2020
T H E E I G H T H S U N D A Y
A F T E R P E N T E C O S T
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
"The Kingdom of Heaven is Like . . ."
Jesus compares the kingdom to a mustard seed, yeast,
hidden treasure, a merchant, and a net.
It takes time for us to recognize Christ's work in our midst.
|
|
|
A Message from the Pastor
I ask you to be in prayer for the group of people who will participate in the upcoming six-week small group study,
Christianity, Cults, and Religions.
This is a DVD-based study with lecturer Paul Carden. For more than 30 years, Carden has been a leading researcher of religions, cults, a
nd new religious movements. Today he is the executive director of the Centers for Apologetics Research, an organization that monitors and researches religions and cults around the world.
Katherine Cratin is facilitating the study, which will happen through
zoom video conferencing.
What do we understand by the word "cult"? Carden, in the Participant Guide to the study, offers three definitions in the opening chapter:
"An ideological organization held together by charismatic relationships and demanding total commitment."
Benjamin Zablocki, quoted in Herbert L. Rosedale and Michael D. Langone,
"On Using the Term 'Cult'"
)
''A religious group originating as a heretical sect and maintaining fervent commitment to heresy."
Robert M. Bowman, Jr.,
Orthodoxy and Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment
; Baker, 1992; p. 115)
A cult of Christianity would be "a group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrinal system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which [system] denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith."
(Alan Gomes as quoted in Ron Rhodes,
The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions
; Zondervan, 2001; p. 22)
Thank you for your prayers. We hope to become more informed and articulate about our own faith, discerning in how Christianity differs from other groups, and compassionate in our outreach to all people.
Peace in Christ,
|
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
|
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!
|
Your Guiding Board.....
...Commends Commissioned Ministers Anna Marie Blair and Julian Grant for their continued effort to attend training and pursue their chosen fields of service. Endorsed by the Board, the commissioned ministers make a report to the Board semi-annually. Look for an article soon about their pursuits.
...Extends gratitude to theReopening Task Forceas theymeet to determine necessary precautions for when we return to the sanctuary for worship. They are not ready to set a date; however, they continue to explore methods of caution and safety.
....Approved the purchase of an UV air filter system that will be installed on the main building air-conditioners of the church. The Board is grateful for the expertise of Steve Osteen (SOS Mechanical) for his professional advice and long-time service to Round Rock Christian.
....Approved the purchase of choir microphones that will enhance the musical components of worship services.
....Appreciates the Library Renovation Task Force as they plan for our new library to be a welcoming place for reading, meditation, counseling, and special group meetings.
....Gives thanks for the dedication of the Elders Ministry as they reach out to and pray for every member of our congregation via their individual Agape groups. These nine servants of the Lord, and Pastor Maxted, come together each month for study, prayer, and fellowship.
....Looks forward to the arrival of a newly purchased camera that will provide webcasting capability for services of worship.
....Suggests that members check out the Members Resources pull-down menu on the RRCC website. The website offers opportunities to review monthly reports from Pastor Maxted and the Treasurer, as well as the minutes of the Board, the church calendar, 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.
...Meets next on August 17. Should you have concerns or questions of the Guiding Board please contact moderator, Linda Glover.
|
Mark your calendars!
You're invited to the CCSW Regional Assembly on
October 9 & 10, 2020.
This will be an Online Event so you can participate fully from right where you are!
We are busy working out all the details, planning amazing worship experiences, creating educational opportunities, and fine tuning the technology.
But don't worry, we will be sharing more information with you soon - keep a look out for that information.
Don't forget to save the date!
|
New Small Group Study Begins This Thursday
Have you ever wondered why people get involved in various types of religions? Starting this week, the church is offering a study called
Christianity, Cults and Religions.
The first class is on Thursday, July 23rd, and others will be every Thursday at 11:00 a.m. until the end of August for a total of six weeks. Each session (via zoom video webcasting) will last approximately one hour. Our instructor (video) is Paul Carden and Katherine Cratin will serve as the leader.
Please pray for those who have signed up for this class. The information that is shared is intended to strengthen the participant's commitment to Christ and to prepare him/her to witness in a loving and informed way. The groups we will look at are "Missionary Groups." All of us have at sometime encountered one or more of these at our door.
|
Library Renovation Has Begun
Do you recognize this room?
Years ago, when we were a one-building church, this was the kitchen. Over the years it morphed into a library and then a catch-all space. With approval of the Guiding Board, a Library Task Force has formed and includes members from Christian Ed, Daytime Book Club, Property & Worship
. Gary Tucker chairs this Task Force.
This room is on its way to becoming a quiet and inviting space for reading or meditation, small group meetings or counseling. Stay tuned for the progress on this project.
|
Call for Worship Leaders!
ATTENTION WORSHIP LEADERS!
Thanks, those of you who signed up for the Worship Leader spots.
There are NINE spots left for 2020.
The following dates are available to sign up for 2020 are:
| August 23 |
August 30
|
September 6
|
| October 4 |
October 11
|
November 1 |
| November 8 |
November 29
|
December 27 |
Please consider taking one or two of the empty spots.
Thank you
We need you to please go to sign up genius and pick out a date or two that you would so graciously serve as worship leader.
We appreciate your leadership in this capacity.
Thank you.
Worship Team
|
Hopewell Middle School Supply Drive
The 2020-2021 school year is just around the corner, and although no one knows exactly what "schooling" will look like this fall, the  Hopewell Principal has indicated that many students will still need help with supplies (which can be used at school and/or home). Hopewell Middle School has requested the continued support of RRCC in providing much needed student school supplies, to begin the school year.
The Principal and Counselors have met to discuss the most needed items and also provided an approximate quantity needed and the Outreach Team has decided to purchase the supplies rather than request donations of supplies from RRCC members, due to the social distancing measures which continue to be in place. Although we do have a budget for Outreach to expense on events and supplies, we are providing an opportunity for additional donations, should anyone be interested in contributing to this worthy cause.
In the three years since we began this project in 2017, we have donated school supplies valued at over $2,000 to the students at Hopewell who need supplies. This year, more than ever, it is important the students have the supplies that they need and are engaged academically and know that they are supported by the community. It will be a school year like never before.
Please consider making a contribution to this project with a check or online contribution
marked (Hopewell School Supplies) during any week in July.
Thank you for your help in supporting the students of Hopewell Middle School, with school supplies, in our on-going effort to "embrace our neighbors with Christ-like love"!
The Outreach Team
Janette Johnston, Susan Kessler and Tricia Mouser
|
What's New in the Bluebonnet Area/Capital Cluster?
Rev. Ron Trimmer of Hope United Church in Georgetown has accepted a call to serve Lake Ozark Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Lake Ozark, Missouri. August 9th will be Ron's last Sunday at Hope United, where he has served since helping start the church in 2009. May God bless Ron, his sons Ben and Aaron, and the two churches during this transition period.
Rev. Megan Ammann Peglar has been called to serve as the Senior Minister of University Christian Church in downtown Austin. Rev. Peglar comes to Austin from Brite Divinity School, with previous ministerial service in Fort Worth, Euless, Kansas City, and Irving. She will begin on August 24th.
|
DON'T BE FOOLED!
Some RRCC members have been receiving emails from an unknown source, claiming to be Pastor Mitch. The email address(es) being used by the scammer are similar to the correct one.
Please be sure to check the exact email address of the sender.
Remember, your pastor's correct email address is pastormitch@rrdisciples.org
His address is correctly listed in our most recent church directory (June 2019).
|
Re-Opening Task Force Conducts "Practice Walk-Through"
of New Worship Procedures to Re-Open
The RRCC Re-Opening Task Force met Tuesday, 6/23/20 at the church to "walk through" the new steps that will be needed to maintain social distancing, once the church building re-opens for in-person worship. No date has yet been set for a return to our campus.
Special thanks to Task Force members for their on-going work on this effort; Perry Mouser (Chair), Mildred Adair and Amy Tucker (Worship), Pam Knight and Amy Osteen (Christian Ed), Gary Collier (Treasurer), Gary Tucker (Vice-Moderator and Elders), Tricia Mouser (2 nd Year Trustee), Randy Preston (Choir Director and Worship Team), and ex-officio members Mitch Maxted (Minister) and Linda Glover (Moderator).
The meeting at the church was a stark reminder that although the church doors will be open, it will be with a very limited capacity and six foot distances between family units, to be safe... VERY DIFFERENT!
The best way to visualize the process and distances needed, is to be very visual, through pictures. Please click on the link below to see additional pictures of the 10 members of the team who were present.
A short description of the "New Worship Process" follows:
1. Congregants will be asked to "register" for worship via sign-up genius, so that we will know the number to expect and not exceed the capacity of the sanctuary (which is 30-40)
2. Congregants will enter from the back parking lot (with exceptions as needed to use the porte-cochère ) and observe the taped markers for six foot distancing on the sidewalk and in the church.
3. Upon entering the Welcome Center, a gloved Deacon will direct families to the table with the hand sanitizer and face masks (if needed) and families will take the number of communion packets needed, in addition to a zip lock bag to hold their trash following communion.
4. Families will then enter the Sanctuary through the West doors and follow the marked arrows, six feet apart, along the west wall. They will indicate to the first gloved Deacon the number of chairs needed for their family unit (1 finger held up for one, 2 fingers held up for 2, etc)
5. There will be 3 rows of chairs in the sanctuary and the first families inside will be seated on the front row, by a second gloved Deacon who will move chairs together as needed to accommodate the family. The second gloved Deacon will then distance the next group of chairs six feet away.
7. The order of Worship will be similar to recent services, with families taking communion using the disposable packets. The trash should be placed in the zip lock baggie and held to be placed in the trash can at the back of the sanctuary. The offering plate will not be passed, but will be located on the table at the back of the sanctuary for offering placement upon entering or exiting the sanctuary.
8. Following worship, Deacons will direct congregants to exit through the East doors, beginning with the back row, then the second row and finally the front row. Families may visit in the parking lot, following social foot distancing.
9. In the event the restroom is needed for use; the door must be propped open and the "IN USE" sign placed on the door. There is only 1 person allowed in the restroom at a time.
10. There will be several signs placed throughout the church to indicate the flow of traffic and remind people of the need for safe practices and social distancing.
While we are all excited about the prospect of being with our "Church Family" again, it is extremely important to realize that the current pandemic is not subsiding and we must maintain vigilance in being cautious and safe. We will continue to host weekly worship services on Zoom and also plan to "live-stream" services from the sanctuary once they are reinstated.
Virtual Hugs to Everyone!
The Re-Opening Task Force
|
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
|
Disciple Oaks
Mission South & Disciple Oaks present 2020-2021 RALLY & RETREAT DATES
|
Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
https://zoom.us/j/99642443406?pwd=TWJST2YrRlRvMmJaakMvU3MxQmpYUT09
|
Did You Miss a Newsletter?
Past newsletters
dating back to mid-March 2020 are currently archived under the "ABOUT US" tab on the RRCC Website.
This is a more efficient way to access past newsletters and Friday "Reminders" than to hunt back through old emails.
|
Find a Place to Serve Here at RRCC
 Here are the ways you can contribute to Sunday Morning Worship:
|
Prayer Needs
OUR CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP
1. Our staff--Jimmy, Mitch, Katie, Randy, and Molly
2. Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams
3. Ad Hoc Youth Programming Team and youth director search
4. Our Elders as they continue their evangelism study Unbinding the Gospel
5. Shut-In Servers & Caring Hearts Prayer Group
6. Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
7. Our music ministries and their leaders: Randy Preston, Rod Walker, and Jimmy Horowitz
8. Our partnership with Shalom Seventh Day Adventist & Manantial de Vida congregations (and their pastors Edy Rosa Paez and Maria Rosario)
9. Reverends Christal Fisher (South Texas) and Andy Mangum (CCSW)
10. "Reopening" Task Force--Perry Mouser (chair),
Gary Tucker, Gary Collier, Mildred Adair, Amy Tucker, Pam Knight, Amy Osteen, Tricia Mouser, Mitch Maxted, and Linda Glover
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Acree, Mary (wound care and other health challenges)
2. Bell, Jean (son Chris ongoing cancer treatments; sister Margie broke hip in fall--total replacement done last week)
3. Blair, Anna Marie -- safe travels as she preaches at FCC in Richland Springs, TX
4. Davis, Marilyn
5. Glover, Linda (pain management procedures)
6. Graham, Marty (hospitalized for a couple of weeks; improving)
7. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia; Hubbard, Harold. Cynthia had defibrillator repaired; hip replacement next
8. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
9. Maybaum, Katie -- recovering from broken ankle and surgery
10. Maybaum, Liz (platelet count)
11. Plough, Paul
12. Pollock, Paula
13. Sanford, Collin and Sonya
14. Scarborough, Rilda (giant cell arteritis -- a vascular inflammation that can compromise eyesight)
15. Sherry, Bea
16. Shrader, James (heart bypass surgery last week; in rehab now in Austin
)
17. Singer, Merle (Tara Pollock's family -- advanced cancer)
18. Snider, Rev. Ed
19. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
OTHER
1. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
2. The many newly unemployed; businesses that are struggling
3. The many who are resolutely trying, through peaceful means, to effect positive change in a society that undervalues people of color, especially African-Americans
4. Innocent people and businesses caught in waves of destruction when demonstrations are sabotaged by criminal activity
5. Law enforcement officers attempting to protect people and property in the midst of large groups of frustrated, angry, grieving people
6. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world
7. Our military personnel and families
8. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges
9. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible
10. For all efforts toward universal, affordable access to health care here in the U.S.
11. All who don't know Jesus
12. U.S. lawmakers and community leaders to work together to solve the problem of frequent, deadly mass shootings
13. Our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School.
|
|
[There will be no Sunday School classes at the church for the foreseeable future. Some classes will be meeting via Zoom during this time of social distancing.]
Early Childhood Class (ages 4-7) - Taught by Lisa Walker
Intermediate Class (3rd - 5th grade) - Taught by Jennifer Kienzle
Chi Rho Class -
(6th - 8th grade)
-
(
studying the book, "Middle School TalkSheets" for ages 11-14.
"These TalkSheets present every aspect of Jesus' life in a way that young teens can connect with as they learn to apply the lessons to their own lives.")
CYF Class (9th - 12th grade)
Open Circle (primarily adult women) -
10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Studying
Searching for Sunday, by Rachel Held Evans
.
Explorers (mixed adults) - 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings via ZOOM, Facilitator is Mildred Adair; studying a gospel of Luke resource by John MacArthur.
|
Follow us on Social Media!
We can be found on:
|
Submitting a photo? Awesome!
We love pictures of congregational life!
Please remember to include
identification
(who, what, when, where, why)
for each photograph s
ubmitted to the office.
Also, please indicate
where
you would like the photo to be used (RRCC website,
social media, weekly newsletter, etc.)
|
|
Mondays:
|
9
:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
|
Tuesdays:
|
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
|
|
Wednesdays:
|
9
:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
|
Thursdays:
|
9
:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
|
Fridays:
|
9
:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
|
|
Upcoming Events
There will be no events/meetings held in the RRCC facility until further notice.
Many RRCC activities and events have been cancelled until further notice. Some are continuing online.
|
7:00 p.m.
|
- Shalom Congregation (via ZOOM)
|
|
10:00 a.m.
|
- Pastoral Support Committee (via ZOOM)
|
|
1:00 p.m.
|
- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via ZOOM)
|
|
7:00 p.m.
|
- Chancel Choir (via ZOOM)
|
Thursday, July 23, 2020
| 11:00 a.m. |
-
"Christianity, Cults, and Religions" small group study (via ZOOM)
|
Saturday, July 25, 2020
|
8:00 a.m.
|
- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
|
Sunday, July 26
,
2020
|
9:45 a.m.
|
- Explorers Sunday School (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
|
10:00 a.m.
|
- Open Circle Sunday School (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
|
11:00 a.m.
|
|
|
Evening
|
- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site) |
Monday, July 27
,
2020
|
Jeremiah 29:12
|
-
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
|
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
| 7:00 p.m. |
- Re-opening Task Force (via ZOOM) |
|
7:00 p.m.
|
- Shalom Congregation (off site)
|
|
Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Messag
e
Let it Go
In the Disney movie "Frozen", the song entitled "Let it Go" gained in popularity and probably was a large part of the reason the movie did so well. The goofy snowman, Olaf, who desired to live in warmer climes was also endearing. The idea of letting something go in our lives is really a step to healing. The Apostle Paul had to let go of the Christians he murdered. He had to deal with the distrust of the other Christians who were unsure of him because of his past. People's memories generally are not that great but the devil will always have someone around to remind you of the pain or grief you put upon others. He loves to drag out our dirty laundry for all to see. This is why putting our past under Christ's precious blood is so vital in a would be healthy Christian life. All of us have said or done things we regret. Some wear their feelings on their sleeves in hope that someone will knock them off. Forgiveness is so powerful and one of the things we must do after making amends is to forgive ourselves. Christ gave us that power at Calvary. He forgave us so we must let go of those things that drag us down. We must forgive ourselves. We must allow God to wrap His healing arms around us and say, "let it go."
Prayer:
Dearest Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I ask that You would forgive me for wrongs I have done things I remember or things that I was completely unaware of. Please wash away all of the hurts and pain in my life and cover me completely under Your precious blood. I let those things go and cast them into the sea of forgetfulness never to be remembered anymore. In Jesus lovely Name I pray. Amen
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
