Chalice News
 
Round Rock Christian Church


Embracing our neighbors with Christ-like love 
November 3, 2020
In This Issue
This Sunday in Worship -- November 8, 2020

The 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

"Keep Watch!"
Matthew 25:1-13

Our sermon text for this Sunday is the parable of the ten young bridesmaids. The story emphasizes preparedness, much like the contrasting of two foundations in Matthew 7 (rock and sand). 

A Message from the Pastor


My prayer for our church, our neighborhood, our country and our world is that people will love one another and take care of each other. On this Election Day 2020, I'm praying for safety, good-will, and justice. May God's will be done through our votes. 

I have a physician friend in Wisconsin. He has been taking care of people throughout the pandemic, and a couple of weeks ago contracted COVID-19 himself. After making a good recovery, he returned to work. Today, he's volunteering at the polls for the first time. He reported via facebook earlier today: "Polls have been busy all morning.  Whenever a person comes in voting for the first time, they ring a big old school bell and everybody claps!"

That encourages me. In spite of all the anxiety and stress, anger and threats, there are good people across our great land who are celebrating their opportunity to vote. They are celebrating one another's participation in democracy. And that is good!

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
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 


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, November 3, 2020
Election
Day
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)

Wednesday, November 4, 2020
1:00 p.m.
- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
7:00 p.m.
- Chancel Choir (via ZOOM) Link HERE

Thursday, November 5, 2020
11:00 a.m.
- "Shall We Pray" Small Group Study (via ZOOM) Link HERE

Friday, November 6, 2020
4:00 p.m.
Moponic Monthly Church Cleaning

Saturday, November 7, 2020
8:00 a.m.
- Shalom Congregation (live stream)

Sunday, November 8, 2020  
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.
- Worship with us (via Zoom) Link HERE
Evening
- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)

Monday, November 9, 2020 
9:30 a.m.
- DWM via zoom Link HERE

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 
7:00 p.m.
- Shalom Congregation (off site)

Events and details can be viewed on the RRCC Calendar
DWM
 
DISCIPLES WOMEN'S MINISTRY MEETING NOVEMBER 9
Your Invitation to Fellowship, Bible Study & More
 
Ladies, mark your calendar for Monday, November 9, at 9:30 AM, for the next meeting of the Disciples Women's Ministries. In September Mildred Adair shared the story of Ruth and in October Jackie Switzer introduced the story of Esther.

As the only books in the bible named for women they each hold valuable lessons for us today. Each is a historical account vital to the history of the nation of Israel.

The book of Ruth is read by Jews at the Feast of Pentecost, while the book of Esther is read at the Feast of Purim. Recall that Ruth was a Gentile woman from a pagan country who married a Hebrew, while Esther was a young Jewish girl who married a pagan Gentile king. God had a plan for both women.

Facilitator this month, Anna Marie Blair, asks that we come to the meeting with bibles in hand to continue the themes found in these two Old Testament books. The narratives speak to us today through the lives of these two extraordinary women. There is no study guide this month.

Expect a zoom invitation link this week from DWM president, Susan Kessler. We will fellowship from our individual homes via zoom to learn plans for holiday activities and share in this outstanding bible study.
Annual Congregational Meeting

Mark Your Calendar:

Annual Congregational Meeting
Following the Morning Worship, November 15, 2020
 

The annual meeting of the Congregation on November 15, will offer several opportunities to look into 2021 life of Round Rock Christian, beginning with a brief state of the Congregation from moderator, Linda Glover. The agenda includes two especially important votes, that of the elected leadership and the annual budget for the coming year.
 
The slate of leadership will be presented for vote by Susan Kessler who chaired the Nominating Committee that included Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, Kent Toomey with the moderator and senior minister as ex-officios. The slate of leaders includes members of the Guiding Board as well as the assistant financial secretary, the assistant treasurer, four incoming elders, and twelve incoming deacons. Nominations may be presented as "write in" via email to Mrs. Kessler, providing the person nominating has secured the approval of the nominee.
 
The proposed budget will be presented by treasurer, Gary Collier on behalf of the ad hoc Budget Review Team who served with Gary, including Darlia Hunt, Irene Jenkins, Lisa Breeding, Dan Knight, Kent Toomey and Linda Glover, ex-officio. This balanced budget for vote includes continuing set asides of three months operating expenses and replacement reserves.
 
Perry Mouser, chair of the Reopening Task Force will provide current plans for returning to the sanctuary. Pastor Mitch Maxted will conclude the meeting with prayer.

PLEASE NOTE: The proposed slate of officers and proposed budget for vote on November 15, is posted in the Members Resources tab of the website in a special file named November 2020 Congregational Meeting
Nominations

ELECTION OF 2021 LEADERS - NOVEMBER 15      
    
The following slate of RRCC leaders for 2021 will be presented to the congregation at its November 15 annual meeting.  The slate has been endorsed by the Guiding Board.  Many thanks to all who are willing to serve, and to the Nominating Committee:  Mildred Adair, Diane Breeding, Kent Toomey, Susan Kessler (chair), Rev. Mitch Maxted (ex officio) and Linda Glover (ex officio).  It is traditional to offer the membership the opportunity to offer write-in candidates providing the person whose name is being suggested has been contacted, and is eligible and willing to serve in the specific office.  Should you wish to nominate a person please forward the name and office to Susan Kessler, chair of nominating committee, prior to Friday, November 13.

Moderator: Dan Knight                               
Vice Moderator: Gary Tucker                             
Treasurer: Gary Collier                              
Assistant Treasurer: Darlia Hunt                               
Financial Secretary: Irene Jenkins                           
Assistant Financial Secretary: Phyllis  Wilson    
1st year Trustee (through 2022): Kent Toomey        
2nd year Trustee (through 2021): Melba Claymon  
Property Chair: Perry Mouser                           
Personnel Chair: Steve Osteen     

Deacon (through 2022): Mildred Adair
Jean Bell
Emmiline Greene
Bob Jenkins  
Carolyn Mehlow
Roger Cratin
Jennifer Kienzle
Liz Maybaum
Paul Maybaum
Deborah Roberts
Amy Tucker
Charles Whitley      
Elders and year term ends: Pam Knight (2023)
Steve Osteen (2023) 
Jill Toomey (2023)
Linda Glover (2022) 

Deacon (through 2021): Gary Tucker 
(filling unexpired term)

Junior Deacons (through 2021): Andrew Hardt
Kameron Kienzle
Justin Pollock     
                         

CONTINUING POSITIONS:

Elder (through 2021): Katherine Cratin
Tasha York
Elder (through 2022): Barbara Barnett 
Steven Glover


Deacons
(through 2021):


1. Diane Breeding
2. John Claymon
3. Melba Claymon
4. Edie Heuss
5. Jim Kessler
6. Susan Kessler 
7. Mike Kelley
8. Sally Kelley
9. Tara Pollock 
10.Kent Toomey

DELIVERING A SOCIAL DISTANCE HUG...

Community Outreach News

Over the past few weeks, the RRCC Outreach team delivered small care packages to the teachers and staffs of the two schools in our church neighborhood: Union Hill Elementary and Hopewell Middle Schools. Also, student incentive gift cards were delivered for the Hopewell Counselors to provide to select students as part of a student incentive program for improvement. A hand-crafted "Christian Note Card" was enclosed for the Principal and Counselors with the scripture of Psalm 32:8: "Relax and let me lead you through this day."

The enthusiastic staffs said they miss seeing RRCC members in the schools, and wish everyone well. Throughout the year, Round Rock Christian Church supports these schools in many ways, including reading with at-risk second grade students, providing student incentive gift cards, participating in the Holiday Student Adoption program, and more. In past years, many church members have helped bake and serve breakfast to the staffs. Since an in-person event isn't possible these days, we created small individual packages that were delivered to the schools to be placed in each staff member's mailbox.

Last week we included photos of Hopewell Middle School Principal, Lynda Garinger, along with Pastor Mitch, Tricia Mouser and Tara Pollock. Below you can see some of the items that RRCC prepared and delivered. The Union Hill Elementary School secretary, Berna Miranda, is also pictured. 

  
   
"Shall We Pray" Study is Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. via ZOOM
 
Katherine Cratin is leading these class sessions, which will continued to be held
 on Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m. through December 17th (of course no class on Thanksgiving Day--November 26).

Those interested in this series please let Katherine know via text (281) 728-6448 or email katecratin@yahoo.com

You can still participate.
Thanksgiving Offering
 

Disciples Mission Fund Special Day Offerings provide an opportunity to highlight specific ministries as part of our faith celebrations. There are four Disciples Mission Fund Special Day Offerings received each year during Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving, and Christmas seasons.
 
From the very beginnings of the movement, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning, encouraging students in their intellectual pursuits. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education.
 
On November 15 and 22, Disciples churches across the US and Canada will collect the Thanksgiving Offering, supporting 15 Disciples colleges and universities and 7 seminaries and theological institutions. Three are in Texas: Brite Divinity School, Jarvis Christian College, and Texas Christian University. This year, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges. Even as they work diligently to ensure safe and healthy learning environments, the financial realities faced by many of our schools bring added stress to students, faculty and staff. They need our support now, more than ever.
 
This November, please give generously to this year's Thanksgiving offering, continuing our tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the Church. Your gifts make a world of difference as Disciples continue our legacy of supporting education and our institutions of higher learning.
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!
CYF Fall Rally Registration
Mission South and Disciple Oaks are happy to announce that registration is NOW OPEN for CYF Fall Rally, "Finding the Chaos Within," which will be held December 4-6, 2020. Registration deadline is November 20, 2020 (4115) 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
Chancel Choir
 
Chancel Choir will be meeting via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
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

 
November 4
- Mark Jackson
November 5
- Gary Tucker
November 6
- Liz Maybaum
November 9
- Jean Bell
November 9
- Charlie Monroe
Prayer Needs

LEADERSHIP
1. Our Guiding Board, Ministries Council, Elders, Deacons, Ministries and Teams 
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 "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
6. Our Caring Hearts Prayer Group
7. Our Stephen Ministries (Care Receivers and Caregivers)
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. Our stewardship campaign and upcoming Congregational Meeting on November 15th.

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS 
1. Mary Acree -- fell and injured her hand and tailbone
2. Barnett, Barbara -- recent hospitalization and cardiologist consult
3. Davis, Marilyn
4. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia is healing well from hip replacement surgery. Her father, Harold Hubbard, is receiving hospice care from HospiceAustin
5. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
6. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) moved to rehab hospital for continued recovery
7. Jackson, Gwen -- cousin Georganna (Adams) Sonnenberg released from the hospital, recovering at home
8. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
9. Mouser, Tricia -- rheumatoid arthritis
10. Nichols, Martha -- daughter Tamara Rodenberg (heart valve); granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
11. Plough, Paul 
12. Pollock, Paula -- toe infection
13. Myra Schuchardt -- blood sugar fluctuations
14. Roberts, Sheila -- breast cancer (Susan Kessler's daughter Erica's mother-in-law)
15. Sherry, Bea
16. Snider, Rev. Ed -- failing health 
17. Walker, Lisa (siblings Connie and Dale with significant health issues)
18. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker, radiation treatments end this week
19. Kathleen Vercellino's daughter-in-law April, who is recovering from a stroke

OTHER
1. All who don't know Jesus
2. COVID-19 (the ill, their families, medical professionals, essential workers, treatment and vaccine researchers)
3. Those who have lost jobs during the pandemic; businesses that are struggling
4. That our election process will proceed safely, lawfully, and without hindrance or interference 
5. All people who are persecuted for their faith throughout the world 
6. Our military personnel and families
7. International cooperation in responding to climate change challenges
8. Development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible 
9. For all efforts toward affordable health care for all Americans; that pre-existing health conditions not be a barrier to securing health insurance coverage
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. Our neighborhood schools: Union Hill Elementary School and Hopewell Middle School.
Sunday School Classes
.
[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
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
 
As we come to the end of the 2020 Elections, I know that many are fearing how the next few days are going to go.  What should we be doing during this time of fear and uncertainty?  Luke 10 says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;" and, "love your neighbor as yourself."  If everyone could love their neighbors as themselves, then maybe there would be less fear and more peace.
 
Carrie Underwood sings a song "Let There Be Peace." It is my hope that we can join together in Prayer for all the people of our country and that there can be Peace on Earth.
 

"Let There Be Peace" 
(This is not the whole song - but the lyrics have not been changed).
 
Let there be peace
Peace to every nation
Let there be hope
For all the world to see
Let there be love
And joy to all the children
Let there be peace on earth
For you and me
 
If I had one wish
There'll be
No more tears for crying
No more wars for fighting
And every mother's child would have enough to eat
 
So when I get down on my knees to pray
I ask the Lord above to light the way

When I look in the mirror
All I want to see
Is true compassion looking back at me
I wanna, I wanna love my neighbor
And be the hands and feet
Of Jesus
Take His love
To the least of these
 
All I'm asking is to be the change
When I get down on my knees I say
 
Let there be peace
Peace to every nation
Let there be hope
For all the world to see
Let there be love
And joy to all the children
Let there be peace on earth
For you and me



Prayer:
Oh Merciful Lord Jesus, please be with us all during this time of uncertainty and fear. Help us show all those we encounter your love and it gives them a sense of peace. It is my prayer that as we live through the next few days and months that we never forget that you are always with us and you have a plan for us. As long as we believe and have faith everything will be alright.  This I pray in your most holy name, Amen