CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 3 No. 40 November 10, 2011

The Chalice

Reflecting on New Life

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
As we go through life, I am thankful for the ministry of a church family especially this church family. On Sunday, my nephew, Bart Charles Braughler, was born in Washington, DC, to Beths brother, Matt, and his wife, Sarah. Actually, Matt texted me during the 9:00am service. I always tell people to turn off all electronic devices or face the wrath of God (or Chris!), but I couldnt help but look at this message because I was so excited. Sorry, there are some events that call for a sneak peak. This incident caused me to reflect on all of those life passages that happen within a church family and how we minister to one another. I think of Shirley Strasburg who has just received new life through a new kidney from her son-in-law, Ron Brumback and the blessing that each have been to the other in their lives. They are doing well and feeling blessed. I think of the wonderful news that John Werhun just received at his consultation at MD Anderson in Houstonthe chemo is working and his cancer has shrunk miraculously. I think of Bart Rodr who is undergoing surgery to replace his heart pump. It is another long procedure, but one that will give him new life. Its not a fun process, but one that is a blessing. All of us are celebrating new life in one form or another. And we are celebrating Gods presence in our lives, most vividly pointed out by the presence of others in our lives. What would we do without one another? Let us be thankful for our common ministry as we journey through life together.

Helping the Homeless - Sharing Warmth!

Colder weather is here, especially at night! We are blessed to have the right clothing to keep us warm, and homes with blankets to sleep in at night. But there are many on the streets of Oklahoma City who are vulnerable to the dangerous, colder temperatures. So Randy Thomas and Dorothy Griffith, the goal is to collect 100 sleeping bags and as many coats as possible. We will distribute these to the homeless of OKC through our partnership with Refuge Fellowship Church in December. If you have a coat or sleeping bag you are no longer using, please consider donating it to help keep the homeless warm! And if you have an extra pillowcase, we would love that as well so we can make nap sacks for the sleeping bags. You can drop your coats, sleeping bags, and pillowcases in the box youll see this Sunday at the Ministry Fair table, or in Fellowship Hall until Sunday, December 11.

How can you help?

1) Look in your garage. Do you have an extra sleeping bag you arent using any more? Bring them to the church! 2) Take a peek in your coat closet. Do you really wear all of those coats? Chances are, you probably have a coat (or two) that you bought a few years ago and you never wear anymore. Bring them to the church! 3) Do you have any extra pillowcases? We would love those too so we can mak nap sacks for the sleeping bags! May those of us who are blessed to have shelter and the right clothing to keep us warm, share with open hands! Questions? Contact Rev. Greg Bunton at gbunton@fccedmond.org or 341-3544.

Advent Art Workshop

Wednesday, November 16
This year our Childrens Advent Art project will be a family affair! On Wednesday, November 16, from 6:30 7:30 p.m., we will host an advent art workshop for children and their families. They will have the opportunity to create Chrismons and Advent wreaths. (this activity will take the place of our regularly scheduled UNITE programming and is open to all) The Advent wreaths can be taken home to help guide your Advent journey as we anticipate the wonder of celebrating our Saviors birth. The Chrismons will be displayed on a tree in our sanctuary during Advent. The word Chrismon comes from Christ (Chris) and Monogram (mon). Early Christians used these as a symbol of faith. Each year we decorate an evergreen tree (symbol of Gods constancy) in our sanctuary with gold and white Chrismons instead of other ornaments of color and only white lights. It becomes an almost perfect Christmas tree reflecting the true meaning and spirit of the season. Children will learn the meaning behind the symbols, and it will be a wonderful way for them to take part in decorating our worship space for the season. Questions? Contact Anna Lisa Stanley, Director of Childrens Ministries at astanley@fccedmond.org or 341-3544.

Help Receive Shoe Boxes for Operation Christmas Child!

Local volunteers have been busy filling empty shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, and hygiene items to send to children around the world and brighten their Christmas! Its the worlds largest project of its kind - Operation Christmas Child. As the year-round project comes to its peak, First Christian will serve again as a collection location during National Collection Week, November 14-21. FCCs Coordinator for the project, Michele Schlough, is looking for a few volunteers to help greet, sign in and receive packed shoe boxes Nov. 14-21. Pick a time from the list below and come help us warmly welcome people as they share their gifts! Monday through Friday, November 14 - 18, 12pm to 6pm Saturday, November 19, 9am to 2pm Sunday, November 20, 11am to 2pm Monday, November 21, 12pm to 6pm
Contact Michele with questions at 570-6134. Learn more at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ

Thursday, Nov. 24 11am to 3pm University of Central Oklahoma George Nigh Center
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, those far from family members, and others. The 2011 dinner will be held Thursday, November 24 from 11am to 3pm at the University of Central Oklahoma in the George Nigh Center. This year First Christians leadership role is to coordinate all volunteers from throughout the community! And of course we will continue to collect food items.

Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Ways YOU Can Help!

1) Donate food items (list of items needed in rotunda) 2) Contribute money to purchase food 3) Volunteer to work prior to the event, or on Thanksgiving 4) Telephone callers to make contact with the volunteers to verify information and assign roles. 5) Telephone callers to remind volunteers before Thanksgiving Day of their shift and job. 6) Be a greeter/dispatcher at the event/check in volunteers and send them out. 7) Be a volunteer runner at the event to escort volunteers to their work areas. Drop by the display table in the rotunda this Sunday and sign up! Questions? Contact Mike OMeara, Outreach Ministry Moderator at mikeomeara@sbcglobal.net or 249-4004.

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Dorothy Bryan & Mel Jackson, at Mercy; Bart Rodr at Baptist Integris THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Shirley Strasburg, John Stone, Loree Stubbs (Jennifer Shipleys mom), Virginia ONiel, Ron Brumback, Barbara Thornton, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), J.W. Michael, Ed Berry, Joan Grant, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Nita Williams (Jeff Williams mom), Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciaks mom), Barbara Hall CONGRATULATIONS To Rick & DeAnn Henthorn on their marriage on October 31. Parents of the groom are Bob & Barbara Henthorn.

Happy Birthday!
11/13 Gary Wallace, Lorelle Watts 11/14 Demaris Burleson, Sherilyn Clark, Courtney Enix, Jill Ferrell, Winnie Hall, Joyce McNickle, Todd Ward 11/15 Mark Taylor 11/16 Carrie Akin 11/17 Andrew Anderson, John Rahhal 11/18 Judy Bennett, Roger Enix, Kathy Lee 11/19 Linda Burke, Colin McGann, Carson Mullins 11/20 Ellen Chitwood, Reta Clopton, Earlee Daniel, Scott Powell

THE BUTTER BRAIDS ARE COMING! THE BUTTER BRAIDS ARE COMING!
If you ordered a Butter Braid Pastry, please plan to pick up your order between 5:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. on Tuesday, November 15th in the Rotunda. These will arrive frozen, so it is imperative that you pick up your pastries before they thaw. Questions? Please contact Diane Ball at dball@ fccedmond.org or 341-3544 ex.115.

Your gift of time and service makes ministry a reality! Do you know all the ways you can serve here at FCC? This Sunday, November 13 Outreach Ministries and our Child Care Center will display ways you can help us extend Open Hands through Mission and Service.

Classics Take Holiday Day Trip!

Purchase Poinsettias

Join the Classics on Sunday, December 4, as they travel to Bristow for the Hometown Holiday Performance! Filled with Christmas cheer, holiday music and lots of laughter, this show is held at the Freeland Theater in Bristow. The show stars pianist Jerry Jordan and comedian Willamae. This fun-filled event is a guaranteed hit as he tickles the ivories and she tickles your funny bone. After an entertaining afternoon we will appease our hearty appetites at Freddies Steak House. They have a reputation for delicious entrees, comfortable atmosphere, generous portions and world famous tabouli. A perfect spot for our INCLUDED dinner! Oooohs and aaaaahs will ripple throughout the motor coach as we travel Hwy 75 toward home. Paragon Industries and Honey Valley Nursery of Sapulpa have covered eight frontage acres of buildings and trees with Christmas attire. Join us for this holiday adventure and return home with fond memories of the good fun, good food and good fellowship! Price: $69 per person Includes: Transporation, Hometown Holiday Performance, One meal Full payment due with reservation. For information or reservations contact Winnie Hall at 341-4297 or Ellen Chitwood at 341-2859.

Help Decorate For Advent!

Each year we decorate our worship spaces for Advent with beautiful poinsettias. For just $15 you can purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. There are three simple ways to place your order: 1) Order forms in worship bulletins through Sunday, December 4 2) Order online at www.fccedmond. org/poinsettia 3) Call Iris Jordan at 341-3544 Orders must be received by Sunday, December 4. If you purchase poinsettias to take home, they will be available for pick up on Sunday, December 11. All proceeds benefit the FCC youth mission fund.

Worship
8:15, 9:00 and 11:00am

November 6, 2011

Message: Rev. Greg Bunton & Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Finding Your Passion Dont Let Fear Hold You Back Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

November 13, 2011

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow & Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: Finding Your Passion Gifts Weve Been Given Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

One of the best parts of our Extravagant Generosity season this fall was the sharing of Heart Cards. As the cards come down from the walls of Fellowship Hall, we thought it would be nice to share these with a wider audience. One of the favorite Heart Cards asked the question Whose generosity in our church family has made a profound difference in your life? Here are some of the names shared: Jane Nay, Carol Roberts, Kay Mades, Bernie & Joyce McNickle, The Schmoyers, Elizabeth Jones, Frank and Debby Gresh, Billy Harrison, Glo Rehrig, Womens Disciple Group, Bill & Mignon Denyer, Steve Theobald, Randy Thomas, Jeff Fine-Thomas, Don MeCoy, Don Barnes, Tana & Mickey Stufflebean, Chris Shorow, Martha Fields, Robbi Kinnaird, Margaret Hostetter, Bill and Suzann Allison, Bob Henthorn, James & Kim Kerr, Kathy & Bob Thomas, Margaret Hall, Joyce Werhun, Greg & Julie Bunton, Sherry Parks, Susan Huffer, Marilyn Brown, John & Marietta Stone, Rev. Black, Carol Roberts, Roy Valla, Orvis Risner, Lynn Holzberlein, Our Staff, The Sabbatical/Renewal Task Force, Shirley Brown

The Chalice CONNECTION

Shelley Regan, Editor sregan@fccedmond.org Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to news@fccedmond.org

(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks of New Years Day and Christmas Day). Periodicals postage paid by First Christian Church, 201 E. Second, Edmond, OK 73034-456 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chalice CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360