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A Message from the Pastor
I've heard the Holy Scriptures compared to a gem mine. You can read the Bible daily, and some days you'll make more "discoveries" than other days. Some days you'll feel rich, with a wealth of new insights. Other days, you'll leave the mine feeling unsatisfied.
Whether your Bible reading results in the uncovering of an amazing "gem" or simply leaves you feeling confused or even disinterested depends a lot on the circumstances of you the reader. How open are you to the leading of the Holy Spirit? Are you intentionally searching the scriptures to fill a need or get some answers? Are you asking God to open your heart to the message you need to hear?
This week in The Wired WORD, we will be looking at how our circumstances can open our ears to God's word in ways applicable to our lives right now. I am looking forward to the discussion.
I also love the dynamics of Bible study in a group, because each person brings a wealth of experiences and insights to be shared with others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the study creates meaningful fellowship, and this fellowship in turn encourages deeper insights.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Mitch
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RRCC Continuing to Offer In-Person Worship Option
During their July meeting last week, the Guiding Board made the decision to keep in-person worship in place, with existing safety protocols, and to revisit the situation at the August 16 Guiding Board meeting. Sunday School and other activities are scheduled to resume in-person on August 22. In the meantime, the Re-opening Task Force will continue to monitor data and recommend any adjustments or updates to the guidelines if needed. They will also continue to monitor and make any minor adjustments week to week.
Those who are compromised, are in high-risk environments, or do not feel ready to return can still worship via zoom. If anyone feels ill, or is unvaccinated, please use the zoom option.
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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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Upcoming Events
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11 a.m.
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- The Color of Compromise Book Study
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1:00 p.m.
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- Minister Evaluation Committee
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5:00 p.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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7:00 p.m.
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- Iglesia Adventista Shalom (off site)
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- Caring Hearts Prayer Group (via Zoom) Link HERE
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5:00 p.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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6:30 p.m.
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- Chancel Choir rehearsal - IN PERSON
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Thursday, July 29, 2021
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5:00 p.m.
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- Texas Heat Volleyball
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7:00 p.m.
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Colossians 2:8
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See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
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Saturday, July 31, 2021
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8:00 a.m.
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- Iglesia Adventista Shalom
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9:15 a.m.
| - Open Circle Sunday School (via Zoom) Link HERE
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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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Evening
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- Ministerio Internacional Manantial de Vida
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Monday, August 2, 2021
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Isaiah 9:16
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For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.
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Tuesday, August 3, 2021
11 a.m.
| - The Color of Compromise Book Study | | 5:00 p.m. | - Texas Heat Volleyball | |
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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2021 Disciples Virtual Gathering
Dear Disciples,
What is the Disciples Virtual Gathering? We are glad you asked! It's a one day event on August 7 where Disciples from across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in United States and Canada will gather virtually to:
- Hear Bible lectures with dynamic teachers
- Worship together, celebrating that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God
- Attend interactive and engaging workshops on relevant leadership and ministry topics
- Engage in a virtual exhibit hall that is informative and interactive
- PLUS a virtual lounge where participants can connect and chat with each other
You can see the full line up of speakers and a schedule on our website. It's all happening live on August 7, but you will have access to the exhibit hall and platform a few days early so you can browse, get a feel for the experience and prepare for a day of reflection, study, worship and learning. We can't wait to see you there and celebrate that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God!
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 What a blessing it is to be a part of such a wonderful group of readers! The afternoon book group had the delight of meeting in person for lunch at Kerbey Lane on Thursday, July 8, 2021. We all had lots of fun.
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Notice of Annual Senior Minister Evaluation
According to the Bylaws of Round Rock Christian Church, a committee representing the Board, Pastoral Support Group, Elders and the immediate past moderator will convene to conduct a competency-based evaluation of the senior minister, annually prior to September 1.
The purpose of the Evaluation Committee is to assess performance annually with emphasis on development opportunities for ministerial growth and service. The 2021 Committee is composed of the current moderator, Dan Knight, chair of the Pastoral Support Group, Charles Whitley, Elder representative, Katherine Cratin, and past moderator, Linda Glover, chair.
The evaluation instrument is based upon sixteen competencies expected of ordained and commissioned clergy within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with congregational committee edits as deemed essential. In July 2020, the committee, along with Pastor Maxted, agreed to use this denominational instrument, and added two competencies - 1. Communicating our RRCC Vision, and 2. Ability to "de-role" and care for self and family. The latter inclusion was made because of the extremely imposing responsibilities garnered by the Covid pandemic.
This committee encourages feedback from members of the congregation. Those wishing to participate may forward comments in writing to any member of the committee, prior to August 1. Please direct questions to Linda Glover.
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New Small Group Book Study Has Begun
RRCC is offering a new small group study. Jemar Tisby's book The Color of Compromise is the subject of the study. Though we've already begun, it is not too late to join this study. Contact Rev. Maxted if you'd like to know more about how to participate. We plan to meet every Tuesday at 11 a.m. (zoom) through September 28.
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What Does God Have to Say About That?!
RRCC men are encouraged to prayerfully consider being a part of a new class. The Wired WORD provides adult Bible Study material perfect for group discussions that link current events to appropriate scriptures.
There is no book to buy.
One class has already formed and has begun to meet (11 a.m. on Thursdays at a restaurant). Rev. Maxted is interested in getting a second class started if there is interest. If there are a few who would be interested in forming a second class, we'll work together to make it fit with the participants' schedules. It could be a weekday breakfast meeting or lunch meeting, or even a traditional class format during the Sunday School hour. Rev. Maxted would like to keep the groups small in number to foster great discussions and more meaningful sharing and prayer time together.
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Chancel Choir Rehearsals are held in the sanctuary
on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Masks must be worn.
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Disciple Oaks Youth 2021 Summer Camps - Talk to Pam Knight for more details.
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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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 prayerfully discern the best way to move forward with our in-person worship services (safety measures, expectations, etc).
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 have been ill with COVID-19, and their families
3. Acree, Mary -- now living at Franklin Park (assisted living) in Teravista
4. Breeding, Diane -- granddaughter Janelle and her husband Travis welcomed baby boy Eli into their family; Eli will have a shunt to drain extra fluid from his brain
5. Chester, Fern -- back at the Buckner Villas after rehab following a fall
6. Fennimore, Nancy -- friend's son recently diagnosed with kidney cancer
7. Glover, Linda -- recuperating from finger surgery
8. Guilbeau, Cynthia and Rick -- Cynthia's aunt Carol Gracedel's memorial service was Saturday in Bay City, TX
9. Jackson, Gwen -- brother Patrick Adams dealing with spine and neck issues
10. Jenkins, Bob -- Bob's sister Janet is receiving treatments for melanoma
11. Jocoy, Judy -- finished radiation treatments and is now in skilled nursing; is expecting chemo or immunotherapy to begin soon
12. Kelley, Sally and Mike -- Funeral for niece Tracy Chambers was yesterday in Rockdale; prayers for Tracy's two sons and for her parents
13. Kessler, Jim -- home from the hospital but will continue to receive IV antibiotics for the next several weeks
14. Malone, Betty -- sister Carolyn receiving hospice care
15. Maybaum, Paul and Liz -- Paul's sister-in-law Nancy has been hospitalized and dealing with some significant health issues, including a serious infection
16. Miller, Chris -- (son of Jean Bell) experiencing some neuropathy from cancer treatments
17. Mouser, Tricia -- grandson David Grillos continues to recuperate following brain shunt replacement
18. Murray, Mary -- step-grandson Griffin dealing with intestinal issues
19. Pollock, Paula -- on a heart monitor to check possible atrial fibrillation
20. Pollock, Tara -- brother-in-law Michael Tucker will have back surgery
21. Preston, Randy and Linda -- Randy's sister-in-law Laurie Preston died suddenly and unexpectedly last week prayers for her husband Robert and for the whole family
22. Tucker, Gary & Amy -- Gary's brother Terry continues to consult with doctors about his cancer; recent MRI results wee mostly encouraging
23. Walker, Lisa -- receiving dialysis treatments 3x per week
24. Wilson, Garvid -- hospice care and pain management; Phyllis had surgery twelve days ago for a ruptured disc and is doing well
25. 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. Pressing immigration concerns at our border, development of an immigration policy for the U.S. that is fair, just, and responsible; cooperation and communication with Mexico and Central American countries 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. A restful, rejuvenating summer for all teachers, administrators, students, and parents in our 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; have recently begun a study of Paul's letter to the church at Rome. 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
God's Favorites
Can you have more than one favorite? I was one of three daughters. I was in the middle between two boys. One daughter was the oldest and the other daughter was the youngest yet all three knew that we were each one our Dad's favorites. Having favorites with children especially girls can be challenging. My Dad understood his children boys and girls. He listened to us and remembered what we said. My Dad was a godly man and one of the most humble persons I have ever known. He managed to keep peace in our home and we knew who was in charge. Not only that, he also was a take charge person who made us feel loved and protected. He was harder on the boys than the girls. He understood in that time and society the roles of men and women were very separate. My Dad wanted us to understand that we all mattered. We are all important to him.. He got into the kitchen and helped clean up. He assigned each of us a task designed to ease the demands on our Mom. As I matured, I realized that Dad made all of us important. We were all part of our family. I am thankful to have had an earthly Father like my Dad. He lived what he taught and it was a powerful, loving and wise role.
Of course there is no one like our heavenly Father. His precious Son shed His life's blood to free us from the weight of sin. Jesus did this for us. We are all His favorites. If you were the only person left on earth, Jesus' love would have reached way down for you. When I see the body of Christ in our praying, preaching, worship, I am so glad I had a living example to look at. Realize my dear friend how important you are to God. He has our names engraved in the palms of His hands. He reaches out to each of us and tries to lead us gently in the right path. If you can't see Him turn around He is back where you left Him waiting for you. His love and grace are boundless. 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path."
Prayer:
Dearest Heavenly Father I come to You in the name of Your precious Son, my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Your love for me has healed many wounds in my life. At times I have thought that I did not deserve Your love and grace and could have never deserved it. You Dear Lord make me feel that I am precious in Your sight. There is no greater gift than the one You willingly gave by laying down Your Holy life for me. You are the most precious gift anyone could have. In Your loving Eyes, we are all special, all favorites. Thank You loving Father. Thank You Sweet Lamb for Your amazing love. Amen
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