September 3, 2009 Newsletter

The Chalice

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

Vol. 1 No. 10

September 3, 2009

Significant Numbers Minister’s Message by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister

Numbers are often significant in scripture. Three is big. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Three days in the tomb. Seven is a number of perfection. Seven days in the week. 40 also appears many times in scripture. 40 days of rain, 40 years in the wilderness, 40 days of temptation. When a number appears, it usually signifies something important. Many in the ancient world were very superstitious about numbers. For that matter, many folks today are superstitious. Just ask the baseball player who obsesses over statistics and won’t change his socks during a hitting streak. I enjoyed an elevator ride with my children in a hotel in St. Louis this

Disciples Women September Gatherings

summer. As we were going up, they noticed that the hotel did not have a 13th floor. They were astounded to find out that many (most?) buildings do not have a 13th floor. They are now on a mission to find out which buildings have a 13th floor. All because of superstition? That is why I’m going to enjoy my son, William’s, upcoming birthday. He was born on Sept. 9, 2000, or 9/9/00. So, on 9/9/09 he will turn 9. I guess that would be a numerologist’s dream! We’re going to have a big “nine” celebration. We’ve had fun trying to think of all things “nine” for that day. About the only scripture I can think of with nine in it is from Acts, on the day of Pentecost, when Peter said that the disciples were not drunk, because it was only 9 o’clock in the morning. Not exactly a fitting scripture.

Is there a basis to superstition over numbers? I seriously doubt it. I think the importance of numbers in scripture is to remind us of God’s faithfulness throughout the ages. Whether 3, 7, 40— or even 9!, God walks with us every step of the way.

Cornerstones Sunday School Class Continues Study of “Deadly Sins” Starting September 13 for 10 weeks, the Cornerstones Sunday School Class is continuing their study of the Seven Deadly Sins. This is a historical look of each sin and how they became known as deadly. Adults interested in the topic, or searching for a class are welcome to join us in Room 115 at 10:00am anytime during this series. Questions? Contact Kelly VanOsdol @ 478-5287

All women are invited to join our September Disciples Women general gathering on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm. Come, bring a friend, and a salad to share with the group. Our featured speaker will be Erma Stewart, impersonating Eleanor Roosevelt. Erma was a librarian at Edmond Memorial High School for 22 years. She has presented Eleanor in cities from coast to coast. She comes to us with high recommendation.

Other Disciples Women Meetings in September Include: Deborah DW Group will meet on Thursday, September 3 @ 1:30pm in the home of Margaret Hostetter Hope DW Group will meet on Wednesday, September 9, at 9:30am in the home of Ann Maxwell. Mary DW Group will be joining the General group gathering on Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm.

UNITE BEGINS SEPT 9 On Wednesday evenings during the school year, we UNITE for dinner, learning and fellowship. In a culture that is increasingly individualistic, personal and private, we are called as Christians to connect, grow, serve and care together. Come UNITE with us this fall! Register now @ fccedmond.org/unite

Options for Adults

Fall 2009 UNITE Calendar

Before Dinner with Chris

Join Rev. Chris Shorow for a look at the theology of Paul. In all of Paul’s letters, he only speaks twice about the life and ministry of Jesus (in the communion passages). Most of his focus is on the risen Christ. However, Luke’s gospel is the story of Jesus’ earthly life. Luke then goes on to write Acts, telling the story of Paul and the early church. How have these two differing theologies affected the church? How do they relate to one another? We’lll look at Paul’s letters compare them to the gospel of Luke, all the while thinking about how we see Paul’s message today.

5:00-6:00pm

Adult Bible Study led by Rev. Chris Shorow Rm 125 (NOTE: First Session - September 16)

• • • •

September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 21, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9

KIDS (Pre-K – 5th grade) “Studio Go! Game Show” Together we’ll meet leaders from the Bible who teamed up with God and decided to GO for it!

6-6:30 Community Dinner - Fellowship Hall

After Dinner with Jerry Join Rev. Jerry Black for a 12-week survey of the Old Testament. We will look at biblical origins, primeval and patriarchal history, the exodus, law and sacrifice from the wilderness to the conquest. As well as, the early monarchy, the divided kingdom, eighth century prophets, prophets of the collapse and exile, postexilic literature, and the writings. We will use the Bible (any translation) and Celia Brewer Marshall’s, A Guide Through the Old Testament.

6:30-7:30pm

An Introduction to the Old Testament led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black - Rm 116

Pre-Registration is required: fccedmond.org/unite Cost $15

Kid’s Schedule 5-5:30 Cherub Choir (preschool) 5-6:00 Kids Choir (elementary) 6-6:30 Dinner in Fellowship Hall 6:30-7:30 Kids Small Groups 7:30-8:00 Kid’s Extended Session (for families with older children in the youth program)

Finish the Evening with Diane Our Chancel Choir offers musical gifts throughout the year in worship services and on special occasions. We would love to have you sing with us! Share your gift.

7:30–8:45 Chancel Choir led by Diane Ball Sanctuary (Nursery Available)

Could You Help With UNITE? We need volunteers for dinner preparation, dinner set-up, dinner clean-up, home baker, children’s small group leader, children’s crafts, children’s games. Let us know if you can help. Sign up on your connection form in worship, or online @ fccedmond.org/unite

STUDENTS (6th-12th grade) This year we will be taking a serious look at the life of Jesus by “Walking In His Footsteps.” Bring your bibles; you are going to need them!

Students Schedule 5:30 5:45 6:30 7:15

Choir in Chapel Dinner in FLC Worship in Chapel Small Groups

Engaging The Next Generation in Making A Difference by Shelley Regan, Communications Director

One of the greatest feelings we can experience is knowing we have made a difference in the life of another. There are numerous ways to do this, but the results are the same. You feel wonderful to have impacted a person’s life in a positive way. Look around and you can’t help but see the trend in society. Much of it is being led by young people, getting involved in practical ways to make a difference in their community, whether by volunteering in their local neighborhoods, nursing homes, or soup kitchens. Organizations like (RED), Ethos Water and The Greater Good have recognized people have a natural desire to contribute to the greater good. A recent study of young adults, ages 18-30 conducted by the Pew Research Center shows the growing trend towards greater social responsiblity among the next generation. Consider these statistics:  66 percent rated the opportunity to meet the needs of others (locally and globally) as extremely important in their lives  72 percent believed churches were irrelevant if they were not serving others in tangible ways These young people are clearly aware there is something bigger than their personal world. They desire to take part in something that makes a difference. One quote from an interviewee is striking: “Wow me, befriend me, and let’s make a difference.”

First Christian’s 2010 Annual Campaign theme is “Making A Difference.” Over the past month as we’ve been making plans for the 2nd Annual “Gratitude Celebration” I’ve caught sight of a few ways people are making a difference at FCC. Ten women gathered in a home to brainstorm and make dinner plans ideas flying! Eagerness to create a delightful atmosphere to celebrate the ways FCC is making a difference! Two women preparing and launching fall Bible studies for over 100 women. Men and women organizing a school supply drive and block party for children who have far less than most of us.

One woman tidying a kitchen, taking inventory of a pantry and building a grocery list, so that another person can shop for food to feed many through Breakfast on Boulevard. The “Making A Difference” sermon series begins September 13. You’ll be invited to consider the difference FCC is making, the impact you make, and the difference we can make in the future. As you think about the future remember there is a generation that wants to make a difference. We must blaze the trail of social responsibility and community impact if they are to find the church relevant. God has made a difference in us. Because of that difference we are empowered to make a difference God’s world!

Join us for our 2nd Annual

Gratitude Celebration Sunday, September 20 at 5:00pm Allow us to say “Thank You!” for all the ways YOU Make A Difference As We Celebrate How First Christian Is Making A Difference in God’s World FREE Dinner Following Our Program & Children’s Activities

Sign-up online by September 13 @ fccedmond.org/gratitude-celebration

Prayers of the People OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOPITAL Ed Berry in Mercy; Betty Winn in Bone & Joint; Ron Davis in Baptist OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Grady Freeman (Les & Tracy Hastings’ grandson) Nita Johnson (Robert Hall’s mom), Bart Rodr, Hannah O’Meara, Charlie Young, Kathy Lee, Roger Banks (Jennifer McGrew’s dad), Barbara Hall, Ed Penland, Dana Shadid, Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Nita Williams (Jeff Williams’ mom), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother), Hurshell Wright (Patrick Wright’s dad), Margaret Basso (Anne Stone’s sister), Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother), Eric & Penny Koegel, Alyssa Baker OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Terri Dunn in the death of Terri’s stepmom, Miller Hamilton, who passed away on August 29. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Kathi DeSpain in the death of Kathi’s uncle, D.K. Hart, who passed away on August 29.

Student Ministries

get connected@ fccedmond.org/students

Happy Birthday! 8/30 JoDahl Creech, Leah Danley, Carol Hawkins 8/31 Dot Hammond, Gayle Smith 9/1 Kelly Beall, Kathrynn Cavanaugh, Max Speegle 9/2 Rodney Helms, Marc Pate, Paula Umphers 9/3 Jan Cowling, Laura Kysar, Jim Turner 9/4 Taylor Grant, Traci Sarani 9/5 Jay Biby, Peyton Mabry, Lindy Rahhal, John Timmons, Jim Williams 9/6 John A. Hammond, Matthew Mitchell, Aidan Polk, Kimberly Woods

Ways YOU Can Make A Difference! Come help fill shoeboxes for

 Sunday, September 6 10:00am Youth Café & Classes – FLC

 Thursday, September 10 Lunch Memorial Freshman Academy

 Wednesday, September 9 5:30pm UNITE - See p 2 for details

 Friday-Sunday, September 11-13 Fall Fest @ Central Christian Camp

“Operation Christmas Child” Sept. 17 10-1pm Give Blood - Sept. 27 8-Noon CROP Walk/Fight Hunger Oct. 4 @ 2pm at Mitch Park

Classics Plan Fall & Holiday Branson Trips Monday, September 21 the Classics will repeat of last spring’s Stillwater trip (tours of the police station and the new OSU Athletic facilities with lunch at Eskimo Joe’s. Then on Tuesday, October 13, the Classics will 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. If you wish to reserve a spot for these trips, call Winnie Hall at 341-4297. The yearly Classics Branson Trip will be December 3-5. The exciting itinerary includes the first nights dinner and show featuring the Miracle of Christmas, where you not only can enjoy the story of Christmas but can interact with the characters and animals of the Nativity story as well. A trip to Branson must include some shopping time, and on December 4, after the continental breakfast at the hotel, the Classics will be shopping the stores of Branson Landing and Branson Old Town. The afternoon will be spent at The Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theater with Six Amazing Brothers. Then the evening will include dinner and show with the Twelve Irish Tenors. Then it’s back to Edmond by late afternoon on December 5. The cost of this exciting trip 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. Travel insurance is available. Premium is age-based--please call for quote. For information and reservations call Winnie Hall, 341-4297, or Ellen Chitwood, 341-2859.

FCC FOLLIES and Chili Cook-Off

at First Christian September 6 - 8:15, 9 & 11 Labor Sunday/Thank You Sunday Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

September 13 - 8:15, 9 & 11 “Making A Difference” Season Begins Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: John 2:13-22 The Chalice CONNECTION Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected]

Fun for the Whole Family!

Get out your old tap shoes, blow the dust off of your horn, brush up on your jokes, because a new star is sure to be born! We are making plans for our 3rd annual FCC FOLLIES and CHILI COOK-OFF, on October 4. Join us for an evening of food, fun and fellowship for the whole family! We will with an old fashioned chili cook-off at 5:30 pm. If you don't have a famous chili recipe, then please bring your favorite finger food or dessert to share. Our variety show will kick off at 6:30 pm. We would love to find hidden talents (or the lack there of) and have participation from every group in the church. Would your Sunday school class like to do a skit? Do you have a secret past as a circus juggler or a flamenco dancer? Do you tell a good story, play the harmonica, swallow fire, or do all three at the same time? We want all types of acts, but remember to keep them to a 3 minute maximum.

Register online @ fccedmond.org/follies or in person at the Follies display in the Rotunda. Deadline to register your act and/or chili is Sunday, September 27. Questions? Contact Diane Ball @ [email protected] , or any of the FOLLIES Committee: Dana Theobald, Darcy Biby, Frank Gresh, Sherry Parks, Mark Nash, or Gary Owen

(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

October 4

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360