~~CONNECTIONS~~ Volume 110 Issue 1

July, 2015

MINISTER’S MESSAGE One of my favorite writers is a man named Bob Benson, of whom you’ve probably never heard. Benson was (he died a couple of decades ago) a warm and funny speaker and a warm and funny and emotional writer. Some might call him sappy or maudlin, but hey, I can like whichever writers I want to, can’t I? Anyway, Benson was a great one for finding spiritual lessons in the smallest, most overlooked things. He would find a deep truth in an old peanut butter jar, or a baloney sandwich. He wrote in short bursts, and even put some of his writing in the form of poetry. One of his poems is called “Skipping Rocks.” He was working repairing some kind of wall beside a lake when his Grandson, Patrick came down and asked if he’d teach him how to skip a rock on the water. Benson was building the wall and so he said, “in a little while”. The boy waited for a bit, got tired of it, and went back to the house. Later that day his grandson got sick with a fever, and most of the others in the household got it too, and when they’d all recovered Benson remembered his grandson’s request and wrote his poem about it. Here is the way his poem ends: There have been other days And other chances to skip rocks with Patrick. But I still see him trudging up that hill— A long pull for short legs

And I’m reminded that you never know They’re coming back— There aren’t any guarantees And the only time you really know You can skip rocks Is when you’re saying “in a little while.” I am quite sure that this all has extra meaning to me because of the recent and unexpected passing of my father. He lived nearby and came to visit often, and we saw each other and talked regularly. But if I had a do-over, I’d call more and go more. I’m sure you can relate. We have parents. We have children. We have siblings. We have friends. We have brothers and sisters in Christ. That thing we’ve always wanted to do...or say...”in a little while” is unnecessary most of the time, isn’t it? Many of the walls I’m building can wait. Yours?

The Bible says, “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”(Psalm 118:24) Today is the day to tell God we love Him, and to tell and show others what they mean to us, too. Every day is a gift! Thank You, Lord, for today. I love all of you and look forward to seeing you and your family on Sunday— Tony

LCC Staff: Tony Dyer, Senior Minister [email protected] Dwayne Wylds, Minister of Music [email protected] Shane Hankinson, Youth Minister [email protected] Robyn Hudson, Children’s Director [email protected] Lynn Akins, Financial Secretary [email protected] Church Office: [email protected]

LCC Elders: Jim Gurr: William Renshaw: Paul Bengtson: Richard Morgan : Sherman Wade:

770-925-8680 770-736-9460 770-875-9170 770-338-9081 404-867-6101

Editor: Kandy Davidson Photographer: Pam Straughan

Please email articles to [email protected] by the 23rd of each month!!

SERMON SERIES Mission Trip to Lilburn

July Messages “Rejoice: A Refrigerator Full of Philippians”, continues July 5: “The Greatest Thing in All My Life”, Philippians 3:7-14 Golden Text: I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8 July 12: “Changed to Be Like Him”, Philippians 3:17-4:1 Golden Text: (He) will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:21 July 19: “Learning to Get Along”, Philippians 4:2-3 Golden Text: I plead...be of the same mind in the Lord. Philippians 4:2 July 26: “Rejoice in the Lord Always”, Philippians 4:4 Golden Text: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Clark Cregger, preaching

Wednesday Menu There will be no meals provided during July. Wednesday night meals, Bible studies and activities for all ages, and Choir and Orchestra rehearsals resume August 5!

Goodfriends is not just for the ‘older folks’! We invite anyone who is available on any of our scheduled dates to join us for our outings! We encourage you to come and hang out with us…rather you are Young, or Not-So-Young, Young at Heart or Young in Spirit… It doesn’t matter if you are 30+ or 80+, we’ve got something you will enjoy…

We have some kind of outing each month September thru July. You can pick up a copy of the Goodfriends calendar at the Welcome Center in the sanctuary foyer. We had 12 Goodfriends take the Peachtree Trolley Tour of Atlanta on June 18th. The trolley was named the Phoenix (since Atlanta rose from its ashes). Here are some of the highlights of our hour and a half drive thru Atlanta: Skyview Ferris Wheel, Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, CNN, Phillips Arena, Georgia Dome, Fulton County Court House, City Hall, Capital building, Olympic Rings and Flame, Olympic Stadium (the Ted), Grant Park, Atlanta Zoo, Cyclorama, Oakland Cemetery, better view of the Capital gold dome, Church of Immaculate Conception, The Underground, Woodruff Park, Auburn Avenue, MLK historical district, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Freedom Hall, birth place of Martin Luther King, Peachtree Center, Georgia Terrace Hotel, Fox Theater, Margaret Mitchell House, Federal Reserve, Woodruff Art Center, High Museum, Rhodes Hall, Ansley Park, Piedmont Park, TBS and Georgia Tech. Our tour guide was very informative and entertaining.

Cast

After our tour, we walked across the street and enjoyed some great food and conversation at Twin Smokers Bar-B-Q.

Cast

Our last event for this season is the 3rd Thursday of July, 7/16. We will have our annual planning session and sandwich lunch. Please bring your ideas, newspaper articles or other information about places you would like to go. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Meet in FLC at 10:30 am. We will also discuss the possibility of joining Mt. Carmel for some events. Any questions see Rosie Bengtson, Glenda Middleton, Janet Curtiss or Betty Hubbard.

Interested?

Goodfriends is a group for people age 50+ and their friends (young or not-soyoung, young at heart or young in spirit).

Any questions can be directly to Rosie Bengtson 770-978-7774 or 404-403-5765; Glenda Middleton 770-614-5972; Betty Hubbard 678-446-7926; or Janet Curtiss 540-819-3846.

“EVEREST” Ending Report We were successful!!! Lilburn Christian Church created an environment where children were safe and could feel loved while hearing the message of God’s mighty power. We learned that God has the power to provide, comfort, heal, forgive and love us forever. We had 146 children attend our VBS last week with approximately 100 Crew Members serving each night. We raised $1,339.00 for North GA Christian Camp and celebrated reaching our Mission’s goal by watching Ms. Robyn do the zip line and then end up summersaulting into the kiddie pool full of ice water. Congratulations to the Fox and Chapman families for winning the “Bring-A-Buddy” drawing. We can’t wait to see pictures of your climbing expedition at Adrenaline Climbing in Suwanee. We had nearly 300 people join us for our “Everest Ending” Friday night. Thanks to those who manned the activities that night, especially Kym & Jason Chapman and Gerald & Randal Hudson who worked so hard in the heat that day to get all the stations ready. Thank you to EVERYONE who contributed in one way or another to make VBS a success. Thanks to those who worked each night, those who shared or donated supplies or food, to those who helped prep crafts ahead of time, to those who helped with set-up or tear-down and to those who contributed financially. PLEASE HELP US THANK OUR PATRONS for their contributions. Neighboring business support is vital, and we want them to know we are grateful.

Agavero Cantina Alessio’s Sam’s Club Wendy’s Flower’s Baking Co. Home Depot Sherwin Williams Adrenaline Climbing Kroger Chick-Fil-A Pinnacle Foods Staples Stone Creek Pizza & Yogurt

“Everest” VBS 2015

Sisters of Grace 2015 Women’s Ministry Calendar (Please note that additions and/or corrections can be made through the year) Summer Book Club ...... July 13, 20, 27, 6:30 p.m. Gals Getaway....(We’re headed to the Beach)....October 9th through 11th Ladies Christmas Party......Location, Date & Time TBD

B.A.S.H. – BOOK AND SALAD HOUR June Bug believed everything her daddy told her. That is, until she walked into Walmart and saw her face on a list of missing children. The discovery begins aa quest for the truth about her father, the mother he rarely speaks about, and ultimately herself. A modern interpretation of Les Miserables, the story follows a dilapidated RV rambling cross-country with June Bug and her father, a man running from a haunted past. Forces beyond their control draw them back to Dogwood, West Virginia, down a winding path that will change their lives forever.

Date & Location: July 13, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Priscilla Moseley.

What would cause an eighteen-year-old high school homecoming queen and senior class president to drop everything and move to Uganda to live with some of the poorest people in the world? Only love, and a desire to follow Jesus wherever He leads, could make a young woman choose this path. And Katie Davis did just that, forgoing a college education , disappointing her parents and boyfriend, to teach and care for children half a world away. In Kisses from Katie, Katie Davis shares her journey of radical love that lead her from a shortterm missions trip in 2006, to adopting 13 Ugandan girls and starting a ministry that feeds and teaches hundreds of children every day. It hasn't always been an easy choice for Katie, but the joy of serving the people of Uganda brings a deeper sense of fulfillment. Her remarkable story will inspire you to believe that every life is precious and you can make a difference wherever you are.

Date & Location: July 27, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Janet Curtiss. (Notice date change)

There is a sign-up sheet in the Church foyer. If you need a book, please contact Cathy Wade.

Gal’s Getaway We’re going to Pawley’s Island (south of Myrtle Beach, SC). The cost for the 2-night retreat is $175.00. If you would like to go, please see one of the members of the Women’s Ministries’ Team for registration information ASAP.

If you are interested in the Women’s Ministries or even if you’re just curious, call: Lynn Akins 770-923-6413 Priscilla Moseley 404-227-1846 Pat Ferguson 770-466-5212 Betty Hubbard 678-446-7926 Pam Morgan 404-697-4293 Cathy Wade 404-867-6102

UPCOMING EVENTS: Get a CAYAC Summer Calendar or contact Shane for more details July 6 July 8 July 10 July 13 July 15 July 18

Cooking Class 11am-1pm Art Day 9am-noon High School Blitz 5pm –midnight Lunch and a Movie 11am Beach Day 10am-6pm Service Project 10am-noon

On July 20th the Haiti Team will be traveling to Port Au Prince, Haiti Pastor Diogenne (Dio) will meet us at the airport and take us on a 8 hour dusty and bumpy ride up into the mountains of Tricotte. That will be home for 10 days. Our work days will be divided between building benches and pouring concrete floors in the two churches we have built over the last two years. As you can imagine, the congregations of these churches will greatly benefit from sitting on benches and walking on flat floors. We will also be a part of a week long evangelistic crusade in Trou Codon where pastors from other churches will all come to spread the good news to the people of Trou Codon. Thank you for the investment you’ve made in advancing God’s kingdom to the voodoo cultures of Haiti. We cannot begin to imagine the far reaching affects the Gospel will have for generations to come in this area. Please be in prayer for our team. Jason Chapman Ernest Linen Cole Chandler Julian Newman Isaac Hankinson Shane Hankinson

LCC Music Ministry “Reaching the World for Jesus One Note at a Time” Lilburn Christian Church Choir and Orchestra were involved in "Four" worship ministries on 6/7/15! We had our 9:00 am practice to get our hearts focused. Our privilege to be leaders in our Worship Service at 11:00. Dave Wilson along with Eddie and Teresa Herring lead Worship at LifeCare of Gwinnett at 2:30. We had a Concert at Delmar Gardens 3:30 to 4:30. Broke down for the next group to head to Gwinnett County Correctional at 5:30 for a 7:00 Service. Philippians 4:13 comes to mind. With "Him" we can do this and "All of This" is "For Him!" Future events include LCC C&O along with some members of other churches. 8/23 9/13 10/4

Whistleville Christian Church at 6:00 pm LCC Special Concert at 6:00 pm Ekklesia at Galilee Christian Church at 6:00 pm

Delmar Gardens

Gwinnett Co. Correctional Facility

*********************************** Goodfriends Trolley Tour & Luncheon

Prayer Requests

Prayer Needs Geraldine Coleman Sami Lyew Donna Anderson Donna Hill Bob Collier Jim Gurr Barbara Johnson Sherman Wade Sandy Amrhein Russ Burchfield

Gary Korb Genie Hartman Donna Drake Minnie Stubblefield Donna Stamm Dotty Fulgham K’dahl Wilson Dyer Family Delores Harrison Jim Moore

If any of these listed on our prayer list need to be taken off, please contact the church office. We appreciate your help.

Prayer Beepers: We have 2 prayer beepers given out at this time. Please continue to send up prayers on their behalf, and then send them a ‘beep’ so they are surrounded by our love and prayers. They don’t know who is praying for them at any given moment and they say the prayer beeper goes off at all hours, but they still appreciate every one of them…. Dotty Fulgham 770-929-5114 Donna Stamm 770-929-2008

Lilburn Team Trip to Haiti We would like to focus our thoughts and prayers with Shane and the team traveling to Haiti. We pray for their safety and success, as well as the families of those they leave behind during this trip. The LCC Mission Team is proud to be a part of this endeavor and pray the Lord's blessings on these individuals.

Ifeoma Ana 6/14/15

UPCOMING EVENTS

AUGUST

JULY 3 4 6 8 10 13 15 16

Office Holiday Independence Day CAYAC Cooking Class 11 am – 1 pm CAYAC Art Day 9 am – Noon CAYAC High School Blitz 5 pm – Midnight CAYAC Lunch and a Movie 11 am CAYAC Beach Day 10 am – 6 pm Goodfriends Annual Planning Session in FLC at 10:30 am followed by lunch 18 CAYAC Service Project 10 am – Noon 20-31 Haiti Mission Trip

5

Walton Co. schools start back; Wednesday night activities begin 8 C&O at Medieval Times 9 “Back to Church” Sunday Breakfast (no Sunday School); AHG meeting in Chapel 2-4 pm 10 Gwinnett Co. schools start back 22 Ministry Team Leader meeting at 9:30 pm in Ladies classroom 23 C&O at Whistleville Christian Church at 6:00 pm; AHG meeting 2-4 pm in Chapel.

Every Week Sunday: 9:30 am Sunday School Classes, KUC Breakfast 9:45 am KUC Sunday School 10:15 am Coffee & Fellowship 11:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am KUC Children’s & WEE Worship Monday: 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 509 Tuesday: 9:45 am Ladies Bible Study 7:00-8:00 Cub Scout Den Meeting

Summer is upon us and many will be taking vacations to enjoy the great weather or may go escape the heat. The Lilburn Cooperative will not be taking a vacation, and unfortunately, the needs are larger as school is on vacation, and the school lunch program isn’t there to help. Please keep the Cooperative in mind when you are at your favorite grocery store. Speaking of school, believe it or not, it starts again in August, just a short time from now. The Cooperative has an annual school supply drive in July. Their goal is to get 300 kits made up for needy children in the area. Their needs are: backpacks, colored pencils, washable colored markers, glue sticks, scissors (Fiskar’s are school preferred.), wide ruled marble composition books, plastic folders with prongs and pockets, highlighters, dry erase markers, white lined index cards, soft pencil cases, ink pens (red, blue and black), notebook paper, 3x3 post it notes, 8 pack dividers. It is a long list, and I would love some ideas on how we can help this drive. If there is anyone with ideas on how we can support this, please call Steve Perry at 678-717-9818.

Lilburn Christian Church 314 Arcado Road Lilburn, GA 30047 Phone: 770-921-2993 Fax: 770-921-6569

“Mission Trip to Lilburn - 2015”