The Chalice

CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

Vol. 2 No. 48 December 2, 2010

A Gift That Doesn’t Break?

Knowing We Are All Children of God
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
As we
continue
the Advent
journey
into
Christmas,
we focus
on our
theme in
worship, Gifts That Won’t Break.
I invite you to think about those lasting
gifts we give to one another, not just at
Christmas, but throughout the year.
November 29 was a special day.
It was the feast of Dorothy Day on the
Catholic calendar. Dorothy Day has
always been a favorite of mine as she
was a true social revolutionary
through the 20th century. Born in
1897, Day was a tireless worker for
the poor and outcast until her death
(on Nov. 29) in 1980.
Founder of the Catholic Worker
movement, one of the major
contributions of this movement was
the establishment of houses for the
poor and needy. Begun in the midst
of the Depression, these community
homes were soon overflowing with
those who needed food and shelter.
And Day invited them to stay in these
homes for as long as they needed to
be there with no questions asked. This
type of open invitation drew much
criticism from those around her.
“These weren’t the ‘deserving
poor,’ it was sometimes objected, but
drunkards and good-for-nothings. A
visiting social worker asked Day how
long the ‘clients’ were permitted to
stay. ‘We let them stay forever,’ Day
answered with a fierce look in her eye.
‘They live with us, they die with us,
and we give them a Christian burial.
Once they are taken in, they become
members of the family. Or rather they
were always members of the family.
They are our brothers and sisters in
Christ.’” This quote came from Jim
Forest, writing on the Catholic Worker
website. You might want to get a copy
of Day’s autobiography, The Long
Loneliness. It is an inspiring and very
honest account of a life inspired by
Jesus and his ministry to the “least of
these.”
Day’s vision of reaching out to
embrace those in need has been
carried on by many, including our own
Breakfast on Boulevard. I’m not sure
that Day inspired this ministry, but
I am sure that it continues reaching
out to many with no questions asked,
realizing that we are all children of
God. A true gift that doesn’t break!

Ministry Opportunity Discover First Christian!

Share Your Smile!
A personal greeting is a vital part of every worship event at First
Christian Church. But Christmas Eve worship is such a special
experience, that we usually have a significant number of first time
guests. Your Evangelism Ministry Team invites you to participate
in greeting and welcoming these guests to our Christmas Eve
celebration. On this special night, we provide three opportunities
for worship: a 5:30 pm children’s worship, a 7 pm candle light
service and an 11 pm candle light service. Contact Darcy
Biby at DBiby@lancome-usa.com or Jerry Black at 341-3544
or jblack@fccedmond.org. Thank you for sharing in this vital
ministry and for providing a positive, first impression of our First
Christian faith family. ~ Your Evangelism Ministry Team
Sunday, December 5 at 10am in Room 113
Have you been thinking about becoming a member of First
Christian? We invite you to join members of our staff and
members of the church for an event we call
“Discover First Christian.” This informal gathering
provides an opportunity for us to get to know you, and for
you to get to know a little more about us. It’s a great place to
have your questions answered. So 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.
Please let us know you are coming. Contact Iris Jordan at
ijordan@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 20.
As Christians we are called to prepare for the coming of Christ during the season called Advent. It is a time of preparation, and for slowing
down. This Advent we will be focusing our worship on the “Gifts That Won’t Break.”
What are those gifts? They are those gifts that cannot be lost, that never go out of style, and that are independent of the chances and
changes of life. They are the gifts that have been graciously given by God. The gifts we share which bring hope, joy, love and peace to fam-
ily, community, and world. These true gifts of the Advent season - hope, joy, love, and peace- have a permanence that speaks to genera-
tions of children past, present, and future.
We invite you to join us for one or more of the events you’ll find listed here. Bring your family, and friends and 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 trans-
forming ourselves and our communities with hope, joy, love and peace. Rev. Chris Shorow

Children’s Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 5 - 6:30pm
Join the “All-Star” cast of First Christian as
the children present their musical “Star
of Wonder” created by Dave Clark and
Jayme Thompson. Along the way to
witness the Star of Wonder, you’ll meet
such luminaries as Super Star, Shooting
Star, Lucky Star, Falling Star, Rock Star,
the North Star, and a constellation of
stars as they anxiously watch the biggest
announcement in history unfold – the birth
of Jesus! Enjoy this Christmas gift to you
from the children of First Christian, and
afterwards stay for a reception of cookies
and hot chocolate. (nursery provided)
Community Chorale
Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 11 - 7:30pm
Edmond Community Chorale performing
the first three parts of Christmas Oratorio
(Weihnachts-Oratorium), by Johann
Sebastian Bach. Dr. Karl Nelson, Artistic
Director of the Edmond Community
Chorale and Director of Choral Studies
at the University of Central Oklahoma
conducting. They will be joined by the
University of Central Oklahoma Concert
Chorale, Cantilena Women’s Chorus and
a full orchestra. Soloists: Barbara Streets,
Roxane LaCombe, Nicholas Saverine, Mark
Lundholm, and Kevin Eckard. The work
will be performed in its original language,
German, and English supertitles will be
projected. This masterwork celebrates the
birth of Jesus Christ through the music of J.
S. Bach. Admission is free, donations will
be accepted. There is a reception following.
FCC members singing: Betsy Jones and
Mark Parkhurst
Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 12 - 6:30pm
The cantata, “Night of the Father’s
Love” by Pepper Choplin, skillfully guides
the listener through the Christmas story as
though hearing it again for the first time.
Join the Chancel Choir, along with the
choir from Peace Lutheran, to revisit the
mystery, awe and excitement of the night
of Christ’s birth that happened so long
ago. This cantata expresses the essence of
Christmas as well as the ultimate gift that
won’t break: the gift of the Father’s love.
We will share a reception with our friends
from Peace Lutheran Church afterwards.
(nursery provided)
Candlelight Service of
Remembrance
Sunday, December 19 - 6:30pm
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, and
experience God’s love at our Service of
Remembrance. Our healing prayer ministers
will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your
needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a
meditation.
Children’s Christmas Eve
Service Friday, December 24 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 Friday, December 24 - 7 & 11pm
Join us as we anticipate the day of our
Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve
service will feature beautiful music, scrip-
ture 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.
(No nursery on Christmas Eve)
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
12/5 Rodney Cave, Jason Juhl
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Jeff Stephens, OU Medical Center 12/6 Adam Clark, Audra Stone, Jamie
Werhun
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Betsy Jones, Bart Rodr, Eunice 12/7 Julie Holliman, Foster Johnson,
Wilson, Belinda Davis, Barbara Henthorn, Joyce McNickle, London Carrington, Eric Koegel, Dana Theobald
Bob Stafford, Teddi Long-Owen, Ralph Eastwood (Jackie Stafford’s dad), Ann Douthitt
12/8 Matthew Rahhal
(Duke Douthitt’s mom), Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s cousin), Ed Berry, Hank Thomas
(Randy Thomas’ brother) 12/9 Cindy Enix, Sue Sestak
12/10 Joshua Jones, Kimberly Kerr, Logan
CONGRATULATIONS To Lyn and Astrid Rice on their marriage on November 19th. The Turner
couple resides in New York. Parents of the groom are Earl and Loree Rice. 12/11 Gina Baldridge, Robbie Shaw
12/12 Sue Fraim
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Sherry Parks in the recent passing of her brother, Terry
Trout, in Georgia. Services are pending.
Notice of Annual
Children’s Musical Dress Rehearsal Congregational Meeting
Parents please don’t forget the mandatory dress rehearsal for “Star of Wonder” is Sunday, December 12
Saturday, December 4th, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. If your child has a speaking part and needs following each worship service
to put on a microphone, or needs to put on a costume other than the “star” t-shirt, please
arrive at 9:15 so that we can begin our rehearsal on time.) Questions? Contact Diane Ball Purpose: To vote on nominated
at 341-3544, or dball@fccedmond.org. leaders and budget for 2011,
ATTENTION PARENTS: There is a cookie reception following the musical. Please bring
along with proposed
TWO DOZEN cookies (homemade or store bought) to share with the congregation. You
can leave them in the Fellowship Hall prior to the performance, or drop off on Saturday modifications to our bylaws.
morning. Thanks so much! Log on to
www.fccedmond.org/meeting
to preview the leader ballot,
Donate your gently used coats and give budget ballot and
the gift of warmth! revisions to bylaws.
If you have an extra coat or jacket hanging in your closet, Questions? Contact Billy Harrison,
please consider donating it for Breakfast on Boulevard Board Moderator at 348-6898.
patrons. We are accepting coats for all ages and all sizes.
Bring them to the main workroom of the church offices,
and we will pass them along to someone in need. Thank
you for your generosity. Breakfast on Boulevard coordinators Our Gratitude For
Your Support!
Did You Forget Your Butter Braids? I want to thank everyone who
If you ordered Butter Braids but have not picked them up, they are labeled and stored participated in helping with
in the Kids Club freezer in the church kitchen. Questions? Contact Robbi Kinnaird at the Edmond Community
robbi@kinnaird.com or 340-2427.
Thanksgiving Dinner, whether
it was through prayer, financial
Christmas Cookie Exchange support, donating food, or
The Mary Group of Disciple Women will meet at the volunteering to help serve. I was
home of Debi Taylor for a Christmas Cookie overwhelmed by the outpouring of
Exchange, Thursday, December 9 from 5:30-7:00pm. love our church has. You are truly
Bring 2-3 dozen homemade or store-bought cookies and the “hands and feet of Christ.
join us for light appetizers as we ENCOURAGE one an-
other during this joyous holiday season. Contact Debi
at 340-5956 for directions. Hope to see you there! Steve Allison
Outreach Ministry Moderator
 Give Something That Lasts
Peace, Hope, Love and Joy!
Worship Are you seeking a way to simplify your Christmas gift giving, and share gifts that
at First Christian honor the birth of Christ? If you would like to share gifts that continue the work of
8:15, 9 & 11am Christ in our world, we invite you to give “Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break.”
2nd Sunday of Advent Our Outreach Ministry is offering an “alternative gift market” providing you with
December 5, 2010 alternative gifts that truly bring Hope to the world! With an Alternative Christmas gift,
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow you honor your loved ones and make a difference in the lives of people around the
Theme: Joy world at the same time. Alternative Christmas Gifts don’t get returned because the
Scripture: Luke 2:15-20 recipient already has one. They’re perfect for the person who has “everything” and
are sure to bring smiles to the gift recipient and to the faces of those who receive the
3rd Sunday of Advent benefit of your generosity.
December 12, 2010
Stop by the gift market table in the rotunda and look through the gift catalog.
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Inside you will find hope-giving projects such as Infant Crisis Services, Refuge
Theme: Love
Scripture: Luke 2:1-14 Fellowship, and Global Ministries. When you purchase a gift you will receive a
greeting card and envelope to give to your gift receipients. Inside the card there will
be a message conveying the gift of hope and details of the goodness you have done
The Chalice CONNECTION in their name. So join us in responding to the needs of the world, by giving your
Shelley Regan, Editor friends - and those in
sregan@fccedmond.org need - “Christmas
Read News Online Gifts That Won’t
@ fccedmond.org/news Break!”
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news@fccedmond.org

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