The Chalice
A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034
Vol. 1 No. 22
November 25, 2009
The Light of Hope by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister
Among the most common metaphors are those that refer to our senses of touch, taste, sight, hearing and smell. Those I relish the most have something to do with light. “You light up my life,” or “That’s a bright idea,” or “That sure throws a new light on the subject,” or that which is closely related and beginning to be all too relevant for me— “My memory is a bit cloudy.” Light metaphors are also common to the Bible. In 2 Samuel 22:29, as part
of David’s song of thanksgiving, he celebrates: “Indeed, you are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord lightens my darkness.” In the longest of the Psalms, the Psalmist says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” And in the sermon given by Jesus on the mountain, he poses: “You are the light of the world.” During this season of Advent, we gather to celebrate The Lights of Christmas—the lights of hope, joy, peace, and love. We begin the journey this Sunday with The Light of Hope. Join us, and celebrate with us the wonderful light that comes to us in Jesus, and at first, as a baby.
2009 Advent Activities Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As Christians, we prepare for the coming of Christ during the season called Advent. It is a time “set apart” to wait, listen, get in touch with God, and prepare our lives and hearts for Jesus’ coming. For speeded up, stressed out people this is an intriguing invitation. Our theme during this Advent is “The Lights of Christmas.” Our messages will focus on the lights of hope, peace, joy and the greatest of these – love. Come hear the voice of God in scripture, and join your voices with God’s people around the earth as we pray together for the brilliant light of Christ’s love to warm the hearts and lives of humankind. At First Christian we have several times “set apart” to worship, reflect, and gather with our family. We invite you to join us for one or more of the events as we bless each other with reminders of what this Advent season is about—expectation that God will be among us to help us in the work of transforming both ourselves and our communities with Light. As we prepare, anticipate and hope may this Advent be for us, a time of prayer for the light of Christ to fill the darkest corners of our world. ~ Rev. Chris Shorrow
Looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving?
Come to the Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday, Nov. 26 11am to 3pm at the University of Central Oklahoma in the George Nigh Center
Hanging of the Greens & Tasting Party Sunday, November 29 - 6:30pm Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas at our annual Hanging of the Greens! The youth groups of FCC will share the meaning of traditional symbols of the holidays: wreaths and Christmas trees as we sing classic carols, and hear God’s word. Younger children may help decorate our Children’s Christmas tree during part of this family-oriented service. Our annual Tasting Party follows the service. Bring your favorite holiday dessert, candy or appetizer to share with your church family in the fellowship hall.
Children, wear your PAJAMAS to Hanging of the Greens! 2009 Advent Events continued inside~
Prayers of the People
Happy Birthday!
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Jack McKee in Mercy; Ed Berry in Oklahoma Heart; Madge Goodrich in Edmond Specialty
11/29 Bill Cather 12/1 Louis Brigham, Robert Hall 12/2 Pat Coker, George Jackson, Martha Puryear, Sharie Wilkins 12/3 Allen Booher, Tyler Gibson 12/4 Alba Duller, Gil Fleshman 12/5 Rodney Cave, Jason Juhl 12/6 Ryan Bratcher, Adam Clark, Marj Pizer, Sandy Prewitt, Audra Stone
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), Margaret Basso (Anne Stone’s sister), Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother) OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Marilynn Brown in the death of Marilynn’s mother, Mildred Brown, who passed away November 20. Services were held Tuesday. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Bernie & Joyce McNickle in the death of Bernie’s sister-in-law, Ramona McNickle, who passed away on November 22.
Sunday, December 6 Held immediately following each worship service Purpose: To vote on the proposed slate of 2010 nominted leadership and 2010 proposed budget.
The Parish Nurses will be offering a FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UP Sunday, December 6 from 9am to 11am in Fellowship-Hall
2009 Advent Activities at First Christian 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. Admission is free – a love offering will be taken
Children’s Christmas Musical
Notice of Congregational Meeting
Continued from Page One
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)
Sunday, December 6 - 6:30pm Join the children of First Christian as they present their Christmas musical “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)
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
Youth Snowball Celebration
Christmas Eve Services
“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.
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.
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)
Want to Get More Involved? Come to
Worship at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am
November 29 1st Sunday of Advent “The Light of Hope” Message: Rev. Jerry Black Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16
December 6 2nd Sunday of Advent “The Light of Peace” Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Matthew 2:16-23
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. It’s a great place to have your questions answered. Whether you’re brand new or have been attending a while, we’d love to have you join us for coffee, juice, donuts and fellowship. Let us know you are coming. Contact Iris Jordan at
[email protected] or 341-3544, ext. 20.
(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks of New Year's Day and Christmas Day). Periodicals postage paid by First Christian Church, 201 E. Second, Edmond, OK 730344561. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chalice CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083
The Chalice CONNECTION Shelley Regan, Editor
[email protected] submit or read news online @ fccedmond.org/news
Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360