September 24, 2009 Chalice Connection

The Chalice

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

Vol. 1 No. 13

September 24, 2009

Thank You for Making A Difference! Minister’s Message by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister

Sunday night’s Gratitude Celebration was a fantastic event. It was designed to say “Thank you” to all the members of First Christian Church for all that you do in the world. And you do so much. It was obvious from much of the feedback I received from so many of you that many of our people are unaware of just how much we do. The numbers of volunteers and volunteer hours we have donated in the last year were staggering. The number of lives that have been affected by what our church does is amazing. First Christian Church is truly a witness for Jesus Christ and his compassionate love to the world. Thank you. But I would be sadly mistaken if I did not take the time to thank all of

those who worked so hard to make this event a spectacular success. The Gratitude Celebration was a model for how we do events here at the church. First, you have wonderful leadership. From Dave Watts, Bob Steele and Erin Robertson, who are leading the Annual Campaign, to Trish Thomas and Lori Fuller, who virtually lived here at the church preparing for the event. And then there is the wonderful staff support from all of those who work so hard here in the offices. Those of you in attendance may not have seen all of the work that went into this occasion, but you certainly enjoyed the fruits of their labors. All of this goes to say not only “Thank you” to our congregation, but “Thank you” to all who helped to make our Gratitude Celebration a success. God bless you!

YOU made the difference in our

“Making a Difference!” I add my profound thanks to all of the volunteers, committee members and staff who worked so hard to make this year’s Gratitude Celebration such a profound, fun, and wondrous evening. There is simply no way to adequately express how much your dedication, hard work, and creativity meant to the success of this critical event. Comments of affirmation just keep pouring in. So, thank you! Thank you all. Jerry Black, Associate Minister

Join the Staff! Part Time Support Specialist Sought This position (12-15 hours weekly) will help support student and children’s ministries by coordinating e-mailings & mailings and tracking registrations. You will also answer phones and assist with information & calendar updates on the web. Ideal candidate will have at least 3 yrs experience, creative design skills, experience coordinating volunteers & ability to prioritize. Adobe & Microsoft software preferred. Submit resume & salary requirements to FCC Attn: Shelley Regan, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083 or [email protected] by September 27. Questions may be directed to Search Committee: Marcy Williams Moderator, Cole Stanley, Marilyn Noles. Ex-officio: Loree Rice - Personnel Representative, Jerry Black & Shelley Regan, Staff Liaisons

Flu Shots Available October 4 The Parish Nurse Health Ministry has arranged for the Visiting Nurse Association to give Flu Shots on October 4 from 8:30am to 12:30pm. The cost is $25.00 for the Flu shot and $55.00 for the Pneumonia shot unless you have Medicare Part B. (They will file your Medicare, bring your card). Flu mist will also be available for $30.00 for those 2 years old to 49 years old. Shingles, Meningitis, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B can be arranged by calling Donna Clark at 413-1954 in advance.

UNITY Build

“Great Communion” Service Launches

September 26-October 17

UNITY Build

FCC Edmond is partnering with other Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of Christ and Independent Christian Churches for a Habitat UNITY Build.

Meet Stacy, Craig & Grace Lasley

Our Habitat UNITY Build Home Recipients! Have you met the Lasley family? If you attended our 2009 Gratitude Celebration, you might have. Stacy, Craig & Grace were participants in our Parade of Stories during the program. Stories of people who have been impacted by some of the ways First Christian is “Making A Difference” in the world. Stacy works for the City of Edmond Municipal Court as a cashier and has been there 3 years. She is excited to own a home and set an example for her children Craig age 8 and Grace age 5. Craig, is extremely shy and Grace, is on the opposite side of the spectrum. Stacy is excited to paint her own walls and finally have a yard for her kids. Stacy attends People’s Church just a little north of Hope Crossing. She has completed two years of study at Cameron University in Lawton.

8:30am - Saturday 9/26/09 704 N.E. 84th, OKC in the Hope Crossing Neighborhood Come experience a brief but meaningful service to honor the 200th anniversary of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration & Address calling us to UNITY.

Join the Build and Make A Difference! A sign up board with dates and specific building projects in the rotunda. Questions? Contact Jack Smith at 341-1357. Let’s all make a difference by providing a quality, affordable home for Stacy, Craig and Gracie.

Many lives are touched through the various ministries of our church. I know First Christian Church makes a difference in the lives of our members through many channels. One is through our Sunday School program. I invited Paul Gaines to share how FCC has touched many lives through one of those classes, the Challengers. ~ Rev. Chris Shorow

“We Are Family” by Paul Gaines “We Are Family” was a hit record in the seventies. It became a theme song for Willie “Pops” Stargell and the World Champion Pittsburg Pirates in 1979, probably too long ago for many FCC members to remember. Unless, of course, you moved here from Pittsburg. I’m happy to say that the Pointer Sisters’ “We Are Family” is alive and well in the hearts of the Challengers’ Sunday School class. I hope you’ll forgive me if I brag, but we have been a part of First Christian’s most successful projects. Our consistent contributions – both man/woman power and finances – to Breakfast on Boulevard is a fine example, but there are many more. Every aspect of life here at First

Christian has been touched by one or more members of our class. We are grateful for the facilities the church has provided us and for Don Wiechmann, who leads our class. The Challengers prayerfully support both with glad hearts. To the Challengers, weekly prayer requests are not a ritual but an important part of our service as Christians. Our prayers extend not only to class members and the greater church body, but to every part of the world in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to donating our gifts to a variety of causes throughout the year, this last Christmas, the Challengers donated more than a thousand dollars to three deserving local families and to B.O.B. If you asked any Challenger, they would tell you that it is the very spirit of our class association – a devotion to each other – that inspires us to serve

others. We are a family. While one of our members underwent a recent surgery, ten Challengers sat in the hospital waiting room in support. Such compassion is not the exception. When any member is ill, fellow members rush forward with offers of assistance. Food is scheduled to arrive on a regular basis; various members volunteer to drive the ailing class member to medical appointments. They sit with them when their presence is useful and pray with and for them throughout. At the funeral of one of our members this past summer, three pews in the sanctuary were occupied by our surviving family of Challengers…our friend’s extended, loving family. Newcomers are welcomed into our Challengers family with enthusiasm. Nancy and I were welcomed into this family about eight years ago, and we have been blessed.

Prayers of the People OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Ron Davis in Baptist and Jim Roberts (Jerri Dillon’s dad) in Baptist OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Jessica Cape (Sarah & Duke Douthitt’s niece), Ruthanne Love (Carol Schwabe’s mom) Doris Wilson (Steve Wilson’s mom), Doris Dowell, Neal Hunt, Ed Berry, Bart Rodr, Betty Winn, Ed Penland, Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Nita Williams & Bootsie House (Jeff Williams’ mom & aunt), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother), Margaret Basso (Anne Stone’s sister), Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother), Eric & Penny Koegel OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Bernie & Joyce McNickle in the death of Bernie’s sister, Virgina Unruh, who passed away September 18. Services were held in Ponca City, OK. AND TO the family of Michael & Megan Sanford in the death of Michael’s grandmother, Faye Sanford, who passed away September 20. Services were held in Mayesville, OK. CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Colton Gene Walls, born September 20 to Ronny & Bethany Walls. Proud great-grandparents are Will & Laura Harris.

Come and join the Choir for the

Christmas Cantata

The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsals for the Christmas cantata on Wednesday, October 7th from 7:30 – 8:15 pm in the sanctuary. Come and join us for this short time commitment. Questions? Contact Diane Ball at [email protected]

Make A Difference - Save A Life!

Give Blood This Sunday, September 27 Since 1977 when the Oklahoma Blood Institute opened, First Christian Church of Edmond has been donating lifesaving blood. Over 2200 units have been given, making a difference to many lives. Won’t you join the tradition? Questions? Contact Sherrye VanOsdol, Blood Drive Coordinator, 341-0922.

Make A Difference to Someone Who is Hungry!

Participate in CROP Walk 2009 Oct. 4 @ 2pm at Mitch Park

Church World Service CROP Hunger Walks give people who care a way to express their concern through action. CROP Walks raise awareness about hunger issues, and raise money to help end hunger. Adults, children and families can participate together. Even little children can make a difference in the lives of the hungry! Twenty-five percent of CROP funds stay right here in Edmond to benefit grassroots efforts such as Breakfast on Boulevard. Please pick up your Walker registration packet from the church. Questions? Contact Sherrye VanOsdol, Outreach Ministry at 341-0922.

Happy Birthday! 9/27 Lori Beasley, Karly Meadows, John Osburn, Missy Voegeli 9/28James Larrison, Randel Shadid, Matt Williams 9/29Jane Nay, Alan Simpson 9/30 Dallas Ayers, Shirley Brady, Foy Hurst, Paige Lagasse, Dean Shipley, Corey Timmons 10/2 Taylor Clark, Cooper Coil, Loretta Dodd, Barbara George, Kelly Jackson, Lorene Wilkinson 10/3 Christin Baker, Paxton Shorow 10/4 Aubrey Hammond, Erica Hannah, Meredith Sanford, Dorothy Sisson

Offertory Envelopes From the Finance Committee

As our Church moves forward, items we have become accustomed to may be discontinued or changed. The Finance Committee believes our present Offertory Envelopes fall into the category of being ready to be discontinued. We plan to discontinue these envelopes starting with the 2010 Calendar Year. If you have strong feelings about discontinuing the Offertory Envelopes, please contact us at the Church with a note: Attention: Finance Committee or contact Randy Clark at 348-0893.

Buy Groceries To Make A Difference! Breakfast on Boulevard feeds the hungry of Edmond a free breakfast and sack lunch Monday through Friday mornings each week. We are seeking a new volunteer to join our B.O.B. grocery shopping team. Shoppers share responsibility with others and typically cover a shopping trip every 5 to 6 weeks. You are provided a list of what is needed that week, a check and Sam’s card to do the shopping. If interested in serving in this vitally important role, please contact Mickey Stufflebean at 341-4742 to learn more.

Have You Got “YOUR ACT TOGETHER” for the 3rd Annual FCC FOLLIES & CHILI COOK-OFF?

at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am

“Making A Difference!” Series

September 27 Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Consecration Sunday October 4

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Mark 10:13-16 The Chalice CONNECTION Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] submit or read news online @ fccedmond.org/news

Two fun trips are being planned for the Classics. Tuesday, October 13 we’ll Go West on Route 66. They will visit a Wind Farm and Watermelon Farm, tour the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford and enjoy lunch at the White Dog restaurant. The yearly Classics Branson Trip will be December 3-5. The itinerary includes the first nights dinner and show featuring the Miracle of Christmas, shopping at Branson Landing and Branson Old Town, The Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theater with Six Amazing Brothers, dinner and show with the Twelve Irish Tenors. The cost is $359/pp and includes transportation, two nights lodging, meals and attractions as indicated by itinerary. A $50/pp deposit is due with reservation, and final payment is due November 3, 2009. For information and reservations call Winnie Hall, 341-4297, or Ellen Chitwood, 341-2859.

(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 73034-4561. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chalice CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083

Worship

It’s not too late to sign up and join the fun on Sunday, October 4 as we hold our old fashioned chili cook-off and Follies talent show. The chili cookoff begins at 5:30 in the fellowship hall. Fabulous prizes will be awarded for the best, hottest, and most original pot of chili. No chili recipe? No problem! Bring a finger food or dessert to share. At 6:30, we move into the sanctuary for a FREE evening of entertainment featuring some of the best talent in Edmond…..our own FCC members! The deadline for registering your Follies act and your pot of chili is this Sunday, September 27th!! Register online @ fccedmond.org/follies or in person at the Follies display in the Rotunda. Questions? Contact Diane Ball at 341-3544 ex. 25; [email protected] , or any of the FOLLIES Committee members: Dana Theobald, Darcy Biby, Frank Gresh, Sherry Parks, Mark Nash, or Gary Owen.

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360