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 of Inspiration Awards coming to our church

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
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 Each year, several churches in Edmond
neighborhood, a new community of Habitat combine efforts to host a Community
houses. If you have not been by there, Thanksgiving Dinner. This shared meal
please check it out—it is quite inspirational. is for anyone, but provides a special
Congratulations to all of these sense of community for singles, lonely
individuals for their awards. But more college students, homebound, those far
importantly, thanks for their dedicated from home and others. Last year, over
efforts. Without volunteers like them, Habitat 3000 meals were served.
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. Join The Festivities!
Thursday, Nov. 26, 11am to 3pm
at the University of Central
Oklahoma in the

“The Lights George Nigh Center

We are still seeking donations to

of Christmas” offset food costs. Checks may be
made payable to First Christian,
Kid’s Annual Advent Art Project with the note “Community
Thanksgiving Dinner”
It’s not too late for children to join our annual on the memo line.
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 If you are still interested in
template form and create artwork to represent “The Lights of Christmas” or Hope, Peace, Joy volunteering, please call
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. as online volunteer registration has
ended.
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 Questions? Contact Sherrye VanOsdol,
cover, you will be notified of the artwork selection during the week of November 23. Original Outreach Ministry Moderator
artwork will be placed on display in the Fellowship Hall through January 3 and may be picked up at 478-5287.
after that time. Contact Carol Schwabe, Children’s Minister at cschwabe@fccedmond.org with
any questions.
 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.

Advent
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

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
Activities 2009
Children’s Christmas Musical Candlelight Service of
Sunday, December 6 - 6:30pm
Remembrance
Sunday, December 21 - 6:30pm
Join the children of First Christian as they
Advent also reminds us of the “in between
present their Christmas musical “Shep-
times,” when we’re stuck and not sure
herds, Sheep and a Savior” by Ed Kee.
Shepherds may have been at the bottom
where to go. For many this is a difficult
season of the year, especially if you have
of the social ladder in Bethlehem, but God
lost a loved one. But there is hope in the
chose them to be the first ones to see the
midst of darkness. Come, light a candle of
Savior. This is their story - what they heard
remembrance, or simply bathe yourself in
and what they saw that marvelous night
the warm glow of God’s love. Our
when God came to dwell with men.
healing prayer ministers will be on hand
Enjoy this gift to you from the children of
to fashion a prayer for your needs, and
First Christian, and stay for cookies & hot
Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.
chocolate afterwards.
Thursday, December 24
Youth Snowball Celebration Children’s Christmas Eve Service
“A Night At The Oscars” 5:30pm
Saturday, December 12 - 6 to 10pm The Gospel will come alive with the help
All FCC Youth 6th thru 12th grade are of our children in a narrative re-telling of
invited to the 14th annual Snowball the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated,
Celebration dinner and dance. Tickets $15 family-oriented worship service includes
- on sale thru Dec. 6. familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages
3 through 2nd grade) may select a
Christmas Cantata costume at 5pm and participate in the
Nativity story!
Sunday, December 13 - 6:30 pm
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
The Chancel Choir, along with Peace
7 and 11pm
Lutheran Church, invite you to celebrate
Join us as we anticipate the day of our
the miracle of Christmas as they present
Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve
the cantata “Season of Wonders” by
service will feature beautiful music,
Joseph M. Martin. When we ponder the
scripture readings, and the lighting of the
miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, we
Christ Candle. The 11pm service will
discover in abundance the lavish character
feature a serene, simplified candlelight
of God’s love. In the experience of this
service with carols, the Chancel Choir, and
work, may you draw close to the manger
scripture. The service ends in candlelight
and open your heart to the unexpected
with the bells tolling the midnight hour,
glories of this season of wonders. Enjoy
marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
the cantata and stay for a reception with
(Nursery for infants available during 7pm
our friends from Peace Lutheran after-
wards. (Nursery available) service only)
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
11/22 Dallas Billing, Marcella Halliday
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
11/23 Marjorie Ferguson
Ed Berry in Oklahoma Heart; Madge Goodrich in Edmond
11/25 Eric Jennings, Debi Powell Maxwell,
Specialty
Darla Smith, Pierce Winters
11/26 Mitch Holliman, Randy Smith
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Will Harris, Wayne Warner, Terry Cronkite (Glenda
11/27 Travis Christensen, Sharon Cutter,
Adams’ brother), Louise Weeden (Judy Bennett’s mom), Jim Roberts (Jeri Dillon’s dad),
Dale Hampton, Opal McGough, Garrett
Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother), Margaret Basso
O’Meara, Derek Price, Jo Ann Prince
(Anne Stone’s sister), Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother)
11/28 Shirley Cox, Diana Frank, Barbara
WE CONGRATULATE Bernie & Joyce McNickle as they celebrate their 64th wedding Hall, Ibiera Tienabeso
anniversary on November 22. 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 Tea Rings & Swirl
payment was made, plus Finance Committee autho-
rized an additional lump sum $59,000.00 principal payment. The principal payment was Pastries Have Arrived
the result of a gradual Building Fund build up over the last 22 months. Just in time for the holidays. You may
pick-up your orders of frozen tea rings
General Fund YTD Building Fund YTD
& swirl pastries on Sunday morning,
Actual Actual
November 22, in the church rotunda.
Revenue $833,079.91 $224,434.06
Thank you to all who helped support
Expense $812,653.53 $227,292.80 this important youth fundraiser!
Excess/(Shortfall) $ 20,426.38 ($2,858.74)
Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts Want to Get More
you want your contribution credited. Or enroll now in automatic giving.
Involved? Come to

Norman Rockwell paints a lovely portrait of the family that

Discover First
has gathered around a Thanksgiving Dinner table. As we
make our plans to gather, let us not forget that we are family
Christian!
and that many guests will join us during this season around Sunday, December 6 at
the Lord’s table to share in the meal of thanksgiving Christ 10am - Fellowship Hall-West
has prepared for us. Let us make our church home warm and Have you been thinking about
welcoming. Let us embrace our guests with a friendly smile, becoming a member of First Christian?
a warm hand shake, and a spirit of gratitude. 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
The Parish Nurses will be offering a meet some of our staff and members
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UP and have questions answered. Whether
Sunday, December 6 you’re brand new or have been
Stop by Fellowship-Hall attending a while, we’d love to have
you join us for coffee, juice, donuts
from 9am to 11am to be informed!
and fellowship.

Worship
at First Christian
8:15, 9 & 11am
November 22
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
sregan@fccedmond.org
submit or read news online @
fccedmond.org/news
USPS 210-360
Edmond, OK
Postage Paid
Periodicals
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.
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!
CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083
4561. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chalice
First Christian Church, 201 E. Second, Edmond, OK 73034-
Year's Day and Christmas Day). Periodicals postage paid by
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