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A Message from the Pastor
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the Lord!"
As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. Psalm 40:16-17
In yesterday's Advent devotional message from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (see "Free Devotional Resources for Advent" below), PTS alumna Rev. Alyssa Bell reflects on Psalm 40. In particular, she focuses on the plea in verse 17: "Do not delay, O my God."
 I think we can all relate to this feeling of urgency and impatience as 2020 comes to an end. It feels as though our lives have been "delayed" in so many ways--plans we've made have had to be postponed or cancelled or changed. Family life as we have known it has been put "on hold" in many ways during the pandemic.
Advent is always a season of waiting and anticipation. But this year it seems that we're waiting specifically for the freedom to be among people without being terrified of making them sick or getting sick from them. We're anticipating family reunions, casual neighborly conversations, human contact, and news broadcasts that aren't filled with scary reports of rampant illness and growing numbers of dead. We are eager to be glad and rejoice in our Savior.
Do not delay, O my God!
In Christ's love, |
Free Devotional Resources for Advent
If you're looking for some devotional resources for Advent that you don't have to pay for or print, but rather can simply download and view on your computer or tablet, here are three options for you. Let Rev. Maxted know if you have any trouble accessing any of them.
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary offers an Advent devotional in pdf form (36 pages) that you can download for free. This year it is called "Singing Our Advent Joy." Faculty members of APTS share messages of inspiration based on sacred music.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary offers an Advent devotional in pdf form (22 pages) that you can download for free. The devotions in this resources are written by alumni of PTS.
The Vanderbilt Divinity Library of Vanderbilt University offers an Advent devotional in the form of four PowerPoint slide shows. After clicking on the link, you'll see a section called DAILY SLIDESHOWS FOR THE ADVENT SEASON. Here you can click on each of the four weeks of Advent for a PowerPoint slide show.
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Worship ZOOM Link/Meeting ID and Password
Our Meeting ID and passcode are:
Meeting ID: 864 8287 2175
Password: 273770
The link is:
Dial by your location: 1-346-248-7799
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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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Year-End Giving Opportunity
THE ROUND ROCK CHRISTIAN PERMANENT FUND
The Permanent Fund of Round Rock Christian was established several years ago through the Christian Church Foundation to expand witness and mission of Jesus Christ and to serve the human needs in our community and around the world. It provides a means to invest by giving gifts and bequests that enable RRCC to expand ministry beyond the general budget.
The account is managed is by a team of five members who hold the positions of immediate past senior trustee, the two current trustees, treasurer, and financial secretary as well as the moderator and senior minister who are ex-officio members. This team reports to the Guiding Board, which is the managing entity on how funds from this account will be withdrawn for ministry.
The Christian Church Foundation planned giving investment program includes two separate entities: congregational and personal (family or individual). In early 2020, the Permanent Fund Task Force reviewed and revised the operating policy and procedure for the fund and planned to host a planned giving seminar to provide information for church members to set up their personal account.; however, it has been postponed until 2021.
Our RRCC account has grown more than two thousand dollars this year by giving by members and reinvesting in a higher yield account to a current balance of over eight thousand dollars.
Prayerfully consider your 2020 gift to this fund. Each of us may contribute to the congregation's account via online giving or by mailing a check to our church, 22 Chalice Way, RR, 78665, attn. Financial Secretary, with memo: RRCC Permanent Fund. As with other giving these gift amounts are confidential and are included on members annual statement of giving.
Should you need more details please contact trustee, Patricia Mouser.
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Your Guiding Board.....
....Commends the extraordinary Sunday Worship Team who operate independently as they prepare their component, and together deliver each well-orchestrated service via zoom each week, including:
....Minister: Pastor Mitch Maxted
....Administrative: Molly Salzwedel
....Technical: Gary Collier, Tara Pollock Rod Walker, and Katy Maybaum
....Musicians: Randy Preston, Jimmy Horowitz, and Rod Walker with recordings of the Chancel Choir and Praise Band
....Worship Leaders: Anna Marie Blair, Katherine Cratin, Linda Glover, Julian Grant, Judy Jacoy, Susan Kessler, Dan Knight, Liz Maybaum, Tricia Mouser, Amy Osteen, Steve Osteen, Jackie Switzer, and Gary Tucker
....Elders: Mildred Adair, Barbara Barnett, Anna Marie Blair, Katherine Cratin, Steven Glover, Judy Jacoy, Jackie Switzer, and head elder, Gary Tucker
....Financial Counting: Irene Jenkins each Sunday, along with rotating assistants Lisa Breeding, Jim Kessler, Susan Kessler, and Phyllis Wilson
....Attendance: Susan Kessler
So then, obey the commands that I have given you today; love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart. Deuteronomy 11:13
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Staff Love Offering
Annual monetary love gifts of appreciation for our senior minister and staff are a tradition at Round Rock Christian Church. Serving with Pastor Mitch are Molly Salzwedel - Administrative Assistant, Randy Preston - Director of Music Ministries, Jimmy Horowitz - keyboard, and Katie Maybaum - nursery. Each person will receive a portion of the giving.
With all of the changes we have experienced this year, we are especially grateful for the extra creativity and effort our faithful staff has contributed to our worship and church life.
Contributions may be sent in two ways: If you have registered to use the online offering link at rrdisciples.org just click on the "Give Here" button at the top of the home page. Indicate in the "Other-1" comment box "staff love offering." Or you can mail your check with "staff love offering" indicated on the memo line to:
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Financial Secretary
Round Rock Christian Church
22 Chalice Way
Round Rock, TX 78665
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Please complete your love offering so that it is received
no later than December 15, 2020.
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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, December 1, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (via Zoom)
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Wednesday, December 2, 2020
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1:00 p.m.
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, December 3, 2020
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11:00 a.m.
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- "Shall We Pray" Small Group Study (via ZOOM) Link HERE |
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CYF
| Fall Rally | |
10:00 a.m.
| - Vision Advisory Team | |
4:30 p.m.
| - Moponic Monthly Church Cleaning |
Saturday, December 5, 2020
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CYF
| Fall Rally | |
8:00 a.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (live stream)
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CYF
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Fall Rally
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9:45 a.m.
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- Explorers Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
9:45 a.m.
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- Open Circle Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE | |
11:00 a.m.
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1:30 p.m.
| - Ministries Council Meeting Link HERE | |
Evening
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- Manantial de Vida Congregation (off site)
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Micah 5:2
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- But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.
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Tuesday, December 8, 2020
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7:00 p.m.
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- Shalom Congregation (off site)
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Some members have asked about this year's Keep Round Rock Warm, a program of the Round Rock Area Serving Center for children within the RRISD who need a coat for the winter. In past years, the Serving Center has placed coat collection barrels in the community for donated coats. This year, because of the pandemic, only new coats will be distributed. These are funded through donations and the "Coins for Coats" collection cans placed each year in RRISD school libraries. Donated coats and other gently-worn clothing items are always welcome, and are placed in the Center's "Treasures" thrift store.
Remember to include your monetary donations for the Serving Center's Food Pantry and other services in your regular donations to Round Rock Christian Church.
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"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 [email protected].
You can still participate.
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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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Chancel Choir meets via ZOOM Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.:
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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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December 1
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- Martha Nichols
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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)
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
1. Mary Acree -- recovering well from injuries, but continuing fall concerns
2. Barnett, Barbara -- fatigue and BP challenges
3. Cratin, Katherine -- recent sinus surgery; recovery is going well
4. Davis, Marilyn
5. Glover, Linda -- pain management
6. Guilbeau, Rick & Cynthia. Cynthia's father, Harold Hubbard, is receiving hospice care from HospiceAustin
7. Habtemariam, Solomon and Meaza
8. Heeney, Mary (mother of Brenda Heeney Collier) now in skilled care facility for continued recovery
9. Maybaum, Liz --recovering from broken shoulder
10. Mouser, Tricia -- rheumatoid arthritis infusion treatments and side-effects
11. Nichols, Martha -- daughter Tamara Rodenberg (heart valve); granddaughter Lanae injured in horse accident
12. Plough, Paul
13. Pollock, Chris -- recent CT scan of heart was normal
14. Rilda and Charles Scarborough -- friend Joe Aleman is ill with COVID-19
15. Myra Schuchardt -- blood sugar fluctuations
16. Sherry, Bea
17. Shrader, James (husband of Patti) -- femoral artery bypass surgery on Thanksgiving--now home; Patti's older sister was critically ill and on a ventilator, but now off the ventilator
18. Family of Rev. Ed Snider
19. Terry Tucker, brother of Gary Tucker -- cancer treatments
20. Walker, Lisa (awaiting the results of a kidney biopsy; her brother Dale is hospitalized with brain bleeding)
21. Wilson, Garvid -- various medical tests this week; consult with oncologist this Friday
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. A transition of power in Washington that is marked by good communication and good will5. 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.
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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.]
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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 :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
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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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Elder's Prayer Corner/Closing Message
"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God,
who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
A preacher, invited to attend a men's breakfast, asked one of the impressive older farmers to say grace before their meal.
The old farmer stood, everyone bowed their heads and the old farmer began.....
"Lord, I hate buttermilk," he said. The preacher opened one eye and wondered where this was going.
Then the farmer loudly proclaimed, "Lord, I hate lard!" Now the preacher was really worried.
The farmer persevered, "Lord, you know I don't care much for raw white flour." The preacher was ready to stand and stop everything but the farmer continued. "But, Lord, when you mix 'em all together and bake 'em up, I do love fresh biscuits."
So remember, when things come up we don't like, when life gets hard, when we just don't understand what the Lord is telling us, we need to relax and wait until He is finished mixing.
Prayer: Lord, There are so many things happening in these times that we don't understand. Please help us trust in Your divine plan and take every opportunity to do our part even when we can't clearly see the outcome or our purpose. Help us realize that even though our journey through the season of advent may be more challenging than ever before and things might be different, we will still celebrate the birth of our Saviour. Amen.
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