The Chalice

The Chalice

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

Vol. 1 No. 21

November 19, 2009

Hats off to Our Habitat Heros by Rev. Chris Shorow Senior Minister I’m proud of our congregation. We have so many people that are so dedicated to reaching out into the heart of our community and making a difference. We have made a difference, not only through our church, but individually as well. Today I celebrate all of those who work so hard for the Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity. Last year we were thrilled as JW Michael received the 2008 Inspiration Award at the Annual Banquet for Habitat. He’s worked on the Board of Habitat for over 15 years while serving as their treasurer. This year, at the 2009 banquet, Larry Ball received the Inspiration Award. Larry has been on the Board and is the legal advisor for Habitat. His work goes above and beyond being on the Board to helping out in many different areas. Two years in a row

of Inspiration Awards coming to our church family. That is exciting! At the same banquet, Jack Smith and John Earnheart were recognized for their dedicated efforts. They lead the Thursday crew that builds new houses for Habitat. Most recently they were very involved with the new house built by a combined Campbell-Stone tradition group, meaning the Christian Churches in all three manifestations (Disciples, Independent and Churches of Christ) came together to make this happen. The house was built in the Hope Crossing neighborhood, a new community of Habitat houses. If you have not been by there, please check it out—it is quite inspirational. Congratulations to all of these individuals for their awards. But more importantly, thanks for their dedicated efforts. Without volunteers like them, Habitat would never work. And here is to all of the unsung heroes of our church family, who work to further God’s Kingdom. Thank you.

“The Lights of Christmas” Kid’s Annual Advent Art Project It’s not too late for children to join our annual tradition of drawing art for the Advent season. Children through 5th grade have until Sunday, November 22 at noon to log on to www.fccedmond.org/adventart print the art entry template form and create artwork to represent “The Lights of Christmas” or Hope, Peace, Joy or Love. Children through 5th grade may submit their color artwork on white paperstock. Please include first and last name plus age or grade, on the art entry template. From the entries received, we will select some as cover art for our worship bulletins and special services during the season of Advent. If your child’s art entry is selected as an Advent bulletin cover, you will be notified of the artwork selection during the week of November 23. Original artwork will be placed on display in the Fellowship Hall through January 3 and may be picked up after that time. Contact Carol Schwabe, Children’s Minister at [email protected] with any questions.

Each year, several churches in Edmond combine efforts to host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This shared meal is for anyone, but provides a special sense of community for singles, lonely college students, homebound, those far from home and others. Last year, over 3000 meals were served.

Join The Festivities! Thursday, Nov. 26, 11am to 3pm at the University of Central Oklahoma in the George Nigh Center We are still seeking donations to offset food costs. Checks may be made payable to First Christian, with the note “Community Thanksgiving Dinner” on the memo line. If you are still interested in volunteering, please call as online volunteer registration has ended. Questions? Contact Sherrye VanOsdol, Outreach Ministry Moderator at 478-5287.

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 will be “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 you’ll find listed here. Come as we bless each other with reminders of what this Advent season is about—expectation that God is going to be among us to help us in the work of transforming 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

Advent

Activities 2009

Children’s Christmas Musical 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.

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 www.edmondcommunitychorale.org

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.

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.

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)

Candlelight Service of Remembrance

Sunday, December 21 - 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 The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, family-oriented worship service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3 through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate in the Nativity story! Candlelight Christmas Eve Services 7 and 11pm Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve service will feature beautiful music, scripture readings, and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The 11pm service will feature a serene, simplified candlelight service with carols, the Chancel Choir, and scripture. The service ends in candlelight with the bells tolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day. (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 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) WE CONGRATULATE Bernie & Joyce McNickle as they celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary on November 22.

Happy Birthday! 11/22 Dallas Billing, Marcella Halliday 11/23 Marjorie Ferguson 11/25 Eric Jennings, Debi Powell Maxwell, Darla Smith, Pierce Winters 11/26 Mitch Holliman, Randy Smith 11/27 Travis Christensen, Sharon Cutter, Dale Hampton, Opal McGough, Garrett O’Meara, Derek Price, Jo Ann Prince 11/28 Shirley Cox, Diana Frank, Barbara Hall, Ibiera Tienabeso 11/29 Bill Cather

A Report from the Finance Committee

Through October General Fund has a positive Year to Date balance (+$20,426.38) with Revenues at 99.3% of Year to Date Budget and Expenses at 96.9% of Year to Date Budget. The monthly October mortgage payment was made, plus Finance Committee authorized an additional lump sum $59,000.00 principal payment. The principal payment was the result of a gradual Building Fund build up over the last 22 months.

Revenue

General Fund YTD Actual $833,079.91

Building Fund YTD Actual $224,434.06

Expense

$812,653.53

$227,292.80

Excess/(Shortfall)

$ 20,426.38

($2,858.74)

Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts you want your contribution credited. Or enroll now in automatic giving.

Norman Rockwell paints a lovely portrait of the family that has gathered around a Thanksgiving Dinner table. As we make our plans to gather, let us not forget that we are family and that many guests will join us during this season around the Lord’s table to share in the meal of thanksgiving Christ has prepared for us. Let us make our church home warm and welcoming. Let us embrace our guests with a friendly smile, a warm hand shake, and a spirit of gratitude.

The Parish Nurses will be offering a BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UP Sunday, December 6 Stop by Fellowship-Hall from 9am to 11am to be informed!

Tea Rings & Swirl Pastries Have Arrived Just in time for the holidays. You may pick-up your orders of frozen tea rings & swirl pastries on Sunday morning, November 22, in the church rotunda. Thank you to all who helped support this important youth fundraiser!

Want to Get More Involved? 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? Join us for “Discover First Christian” an informal gathering, where you can meet some of our staff and members and have 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.

Homecoming: the return to a particular place by a group of particular people who shared a particular experience; especially an annual celebration for alumni at a particular college, university or institution of higher education.

Worship at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Luke 14:34-35

November 29 1st Sunday of Advent “The Light of Hope” Message: Rev. Jerry Black Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16 The Chalice CONNECTION Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] submit or read news online @ fccedmond.org/news

Homecoming is a process that starts for Disciples students with your gifts to the 2009 Thanksgiving Offering, benefiting our 17 colleges and universities and 10 seminaries and divinity houses. For decades now, Disciples, like you, have been providing resources to further the education of Disciples students at Disciples institutions of Higher Education.

The following First Christian members are current students at Disciples insitutions: Sarah Combs, Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt Velia Deal, Phillips Theological Seminary Hayden & Marni Fuller, Texas Christian University Anna Regan, Drury University Emily Taylor, Texas Christian University The 2009 Thanksgiving Offering provides the way for more Disciples to have that shared experience, with a particular group of people. Please give generously to the 2009 Thanksgiving Offering and let us support ALL Disciples student at OUR schools!

(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

November 22

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360