Chalice Connection December 3 2009

The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034

Vol. 1 No. 23

December 3, 2009

Seeking Peace by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister Our Advent themes of hope, peace, joy and love continue for the season and this Sunday we celebrate peace. It is somewhat strange to be celebrating peace when there are thousands of soldiers overseas fighting for us at this very moment. Most of us know someone, or have a loved one, who is in Iraq or Afghanistan for whom peace is a dream. Or is it? Certainly peace is not coming to that area tomorrow, but the peace we

Edmond Community Chorale Christmas Concert Saturday, December 5 - 7:30pm ECC will be performing Mass of the Children by John Rutter, Czech Carols, and other holiday favorites. Featuring the Sequoyah Middle School Chorus, and the Jubiliate Singers from Young Chorus of Central Oklahoma. Those singing from FCC will be: Betsy Jones, Mark Parkhurst, Carla & Randy Clark, Terry Earnheart, Devione Harris and Beverly Schmoyer. Reception following. Free admission ~ love offering taken. Children’s Christmas Musical Sunday, December 6 - 6:30pm Join the children of First Christian as they present “Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior” by Ed Kee. Shepherds may have been at the bottom of the social ladder in Bethlehem, but God chose them to be the first ones to see the Savior. This is their story - what they heard and what they saw that marvelous night when God came to dwell with men. Enjoy this gift to you from the children of First Christian, and stay for cookies & hot chocolate afterwards. (Nursery available)

celebrate at Christmas time is a different sort of peace. Followers of Jesus rarely have seen peace in our world. But the peace of God that passes all understanding can still reside in our souls. The world outside may be full of sorrow and pain, but we can know God’s peace. We know that kind of peace from the first Christmas. After Jesus’ birth, Herod ordered all children under the age of two in the area around Bethlehem be killed. Surely a move like that would destroy any prospect of peace. It did not. Jesus’ birth brought a new-found sense of peace that stilled the souls of even the most disturbed. Today, many are hurting in our world. Lost jobs and a tough economy are filling

Breakfast on Boulevard and increasing the demands for assistance from our church. We have helped many, but there are many more to help, even in our own congregation. Our Minister’s Discretionary Fund allows us to reach out in Christ’s name to those who are hurting this season. The fund is running low, so if you have an extra blessing to share this season, please give your gift to Karla in the church office and mark it down for the Minister’s Discretionary Fund. Your gift will bless others this season. If you are searching for peace, come and join us on Sunday to hear God’s message of peace in the midst of turmoil. It is a wonderful gift to receive this Christmas.

Youth Snowball Celebration “A Night At The Oscars” Saturday, December 12 - 6 to 10pm All FCC Youth 6th thru 12th grade are invited to the 14th annual Snowball Celebration dinner and dance. Tickets $15 on sale thru Dec. 6.

Candlelight Service of Remembrance Sunday, December 20 - 6:30pm Advent also reminds us of the “in between times,” when we’re stuck and not sure where to go. For many this is a difficult season of the year, especially if you have lost a loved one. But there is hope in the midst of darkness. Come, light a candle of remembrance, or simply bathe yourself in the warm glow of God’s love. Our healing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.

Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 13 - 6:30 pm The Chancel Choir, along with Peace Lutheran Church, invite you to celebrate the miracle of Christmas as they present the cantata “Season of Wonders” by Joseph M. Martin. When we ponder the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, we discover in abundance the lavish character of God’s love. In the experience of this work, may you draw close to the manger and open your heart to the unexpected glories of this season of wonders. Enjoy the cantata and stay for a reception with our friends from Peace Lutheran afterwards. (Nursery available)

Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24 Children’s Christmas Eve Service 5:30pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Services 7 and 11pm (Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)

Prayers of the People OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Ed Berry in Oklahoma Heart; Madge Goodrich in Edmond Specialty OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Eric Koegel, Will Harris, Wayne Warner, Terry Cronkite (Glenda Adams’ brother), Louise Weeden (Judy Bennett’s mom), Jim Roberts (Jeri Dillon’s dad), Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother),Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother) OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Rose Marie McKee in the death of Jack McKee, who passed away November 24. Services held Friday in Buffalo, OK, with a memorial in Edmond on Monday. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Bernie & Joyce McNickle in the death of their daughter-in-law’s brother, Terry Judd, who passed away November 24. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Clint & Anne Stone in the death of Anne’s sister, Margaret Basso, who passed away on November 28. Services were held on Tuesday in Kansas City, MO.

Happy Birthday! 12/6 Ryan Bratcher, Adam Clark, Marj Pizer, Sandy Prewitt, Audra Stone 12/7 Maggie Ford, Julie Holliman, Foster Johnson, Dana Theobald 12/8 Matthew Rahhal 12/9 Barbara Boggs, Cindy Enix, Marsha Gray, Sue Sestak 12/10 Joshua Jones, Kimberly Kerr, Logan Turner 12/11 Robbie Shaw 12/12 Sue Fram, Megan French 12/13 Terry Bernard, Clarity Farrah, Gary McGann, Colby Myrick

Notice of Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 6 Held immediately following each worship service Purpose: To vote on the proposed slate of 2010 nominted leadership and 2010 proposed budget.

You Can Still Purchase Poinsettias! We have extras! Drop by the table in the rotunda and purchase a poinsettia for your home, office or a friend for just $15 and help support student ministries.

Come to Discover First Christian! Sunday, December 6 at 10am Fellowship Hall-West Have you been thinking about becoming a member of First Christian? Would you like to learn ways you can get connected and make a difference? We invite you to join members of our staff and members of the church for an event we call “Discover First Christian.” This informal gathering provides an opportunity for us to get to know you, and for you to get to know a little more about us. Whether you’re brand new or have been attending a while, we’d love to have you join us. We’ll have coffee, juice and some donuts for you, too!

Many In Need ~ Lots of Opportunities to Sponsor Families This Christmas Over 400 familes have applied for assistance with Christmas through the HOPE Center this year. If you, your Sunday School class, or your small group would be willing to sponsor a family, contact the HOPE Center at 348-1340.

Invite a Friend We gather each week for many reasons, but within the solitude and celebration of worship, our lives are changed. They are enriched. As we rush around this Christmas season shopping for the perfect gift, let us give the gift that keeps on giving. Invite a loved one, a friend, or that new acquaintance to share with us in the worship experiences of Advent and Christmas!

The “Holiday Heroes” thank you again First Christian! With your help and beautiful handmade stockings, 492 boxes were packed and sent to our troops. I know they will be thrilled to open something from home for Christmas. Merry Christmas and have a Blessed New Year. from the Blue Star Mothers of Edmond and Becky Winn

The Parish Nurses will be offering a

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UP Sunday, December 6 from 9am to 11am in Fellowship-Hall

Congress Authorizes IRA Gifts by Donors Over Age 70½ On October 3, 2008, as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, new Federal tax legislation took effect permitting donors over age 70½ to make charitable distributions from their IRAs. This is the same law in effect since 2006 which allowed many seniors to use unneeded distributions from their IRAs to make charitable donations. Up to $100,000 can be given in this manner. Donors save taxes on IRA distributions to qualified charities as gift amounts are not included in the donor’s income. (Because of this benefit, no charitable income tax deduction is available.) These gifts can take the place of required minimum distributions that would otherwise be taxed. Such gifts can also relieve tax penalties that affect high income taxpayers, including loss of AMT exemptions and reductions in itemized deductions and personal exemptions. In some cases IRA gifts may reduce income taxes on Social Security benefits. Please consult your tax advisor for more information. by Rob Ryland, Stewardship Education Moderator

at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am

December 6 2nd Sunday of Advent “The Light of Peace” Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Matthew 2:16-23

December 13 3rd Sunday of Advent “The Light of Joy” Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6 NOTE: There Will Be ONE COMBINED Worship Service Sunday, December 27 at 10AM

The Chalice CONNECTION Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] submit or read news online @ fccedmond.org/news

First Christian Church celebrates the publishing of another fine children’s book by “our own,” Cherrie Steele! Children and their parents are invited to attend a reading of her new book: A Mouse in God’s House during Sprouts Children’s Worship on Sunday, December 13 during the 9:00 and 11:00 worship services. "Pushing books off a desk, nibbling on cookie crumbs, and playing hide and seek are all in a day's work for Bartholomew the church mouse. Bartholomew wants to serve God, but just can't seem to get it right—or so he thinks. Adventures abound as Bartholomew learns that serving God may be just a blessing away, when a young girl discovers A Mouse in God's House. You can pre-order a personalized copy of the book on Sunday, December 6th through Children’s Minister Carol Schwabe. Please make checks payable to Cheryl Steele. All pre-ordered copies will be distributed on December 13 in time for Christmas giving! Reach Carol Schwabe at [email protected]. Order forms are available at the Welcome Center in the rotunda. Cherri will deliver books on December 13, during Sprouts Children’s Worship. Gift wrap is available!

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Worship

Celebrating “A Mouse in God’s House” by FCC’s Own Cherri Steele!

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