CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 24, June 21, 2012

The Chalice

On Being Thankful
By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister
Its early. Its quiet. Ive showered and dressed. The toast is satisfying and the coffee is hot. A new day is dawning. In just a few moments, my commute will begin. And the day will soar into the business of phone calls, visits, research, writing, consulting, and meeting. But for now, in these few moments, I am still. Pondering. Waiting. Listening. Listening for the voice of God in the sounds of my silence. And I am thankful. Thankful for these moments. Thankful for this home. Thankful for my family and friends. Thankful for good health. And thankful for the people with whom I am privileged to work. For our church is a focused, energized, and committed people. Ready to serve. Ready to help. In last weeks Vacation Bible School, Amy Peters and Desi Stout led a team of 109 volunteers and more than 140 children on a journey to ancient Babylon. Babylon, where the people of Judah were exiled. Babylon, where they felt abandoned. And yet, Babylon where God was with them. With them in times of unprecedented change, anxiety, fear, and loneliness. And times when they could be thankful. Thankful for the profound lessons of life and new insights about God. So, thank you Anna Lisa, Amy, Desi, and all of the wonderful VBS volunteers. Your ministry and work was simply awesome! Now, its mission week. Youth are

serving. Homes are being cleaned, built, and missions are the work of the day. Sponsors are leading. And God is touching. Touching lives and changing perspectives. Bless those of you who are today the hands, feet, voice and presence of God in Wichita, KS! And thank youGreg, Mark, sponsors, and youth for giving. And next week, its Family Camp. Off we go into the Rockies, which today could rather ironically and unfortunately be called the Smokies. Its to be a week of hiking, fishing, golfing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, crafting, and pondering pondering the magnificence of Gods great landscape. Pondering life and the deep mystery that is God. Thank you Susan and Brian Huffer for orchestrating yet another week of fun, relaxation, renewal, and prayerful reflection. And thank you, dear church family, for being part of my life and allowing me to be part of yours.

On Sunday, July 1, 2012, we will host a unique celebration for our church family. Reflecting on our freedoms, and especially the freedom of religion, we will gather as a thankful people in a common time for Sunday School followed by a unified worship and a church wide, indoor picnic. There will be lots of chicken, potato and pasta salads, beans, desserts, and plenty of Open Armsi.e., time together as a community of faith. Then, in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the Edmond Liberty Fest Parade held on Wednesday, July the 4th, 2012, we will celebrate Freedom Fest with the free distribution of hot dogs, chips, water, and watermelon to parade attendees. This wonderful event affords us the perfect opportunity to partner with our community and demonstrate our commitment to Open Doors and the practice of radical hospitality. So mark both dates on your calendar and plan to join us for these celebrations. Let them be days of national patriotism, community, and faith in action. Sign-up at the table display in the rotunda or online at fccedmond.org/freedomfest to serve with us and/or make donations for either event. Thank you! Your Evangelism and Membership Ministry Teams

Let Freedom Ring!

2012 Golf Tournament Results By Bob Stafford

The 13th Annual First Christian Church Benefit Golf Tournament was a success and lots of fun for all of the participants. The Tournament was played on June 15, 2012 at the Kickingbird Golf Course. Forty five golfers teed it up under sunny skies. Everyone enjoyed the day of good golf, food, and fellowship. The final numbers are being tabulated, but we raised approximately $2,500.00 from the tournament. The funds are planned to be used toward the updating of the Rotunda. The Golf Tournament Committee would like to thank all of the contributors, participants, volunteers and especially the church staff; Shelley, Jennifer, Karla, and Jeff that helped make the tournament a success. The winners in this years tournament included the Championship Flight winners: Dyke Moffatt, Wes Moffatt, Chelsey Matthews, and Jackson Moffatt with a score of 55. That is 15 under par! The First Flight was won by Dr. Duane Hanson, Pat Nichols, Nolan Fritz, and Mike Fritz with a score of 63. The putting contest was won by Allen Clark who received a golf lesson from Brian Sorensen, Kickingbird Golf Course head pro. Chelsey Matthews and Wes Moffatt won the long drive contests and Chelsey Matthews and Jeff Williams won the closest to the pin contests. This tournament would not have been successful without the donations from our many sponsors and contributors. Please be sure to thank them when you have the opportunity for their valuable support. These generous tournament supporters include the following: Hole Sponsors: Howell Stone Insurance and Order Matic Merchandise and Services were Donated by: Alvarados Mexican Restaurant, Brian Soerensen (Kickingbird Golf Course Head Professional), Delta Caf, Flatire Burgers, Interurban Restaurant, Kickingbird Cinema, Larry Griffin, Lottinvilles Restaurant, River Oaks Golf Club, Todd Ward, U S Foods, WalMart Supercenter (Danforth and Sante Fe), Charlestons Restaurant, Sams Club, and Scott Peters. The Golf Committee members for this years tournament were Reta Clopton, Clint Stone, Mickey Stufflebean, Tana Stufflebean, Jeff Williams, and Bob and Jackie Stafford. The Committee would like to especially thank John Earnheart, Mark Mades, Tana Stufflebean, and Jackie Stafford for volunteering their help on the day of the tournament. The golf tournament would not have been as successful without all of these volunteers.

Prayers of the People

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Jamie Gable, Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Leinda Parson (Linda Dunlaps daughter), Judy Joy, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Jim Hays, Haynes Phillips (Anna Lisa Stanleys dad), Warren Hill, Jerri Jones, Bart Rodr, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Carolyn Gilbreath & Family in the passing of her husband, George Gilbreath, on June 13. Services were held June 18 at FCC AND TO Revs. Kyle & Debi Maxwell AND Scott Powell in the passing of their granddaughter, Grace Camden White, on June 14. Private services were held on June 18.

Happy Birthday!
6/24 Joe Biby, Ann Cather, Linda Hall, Bev Schmoyer 6/25 Molly Haley, Susan Lide, Emily Sarani, Don Wiechmann 6/26 Bennett Stone 6/27 Jaxon Helzer, John Helzer, Rachel Parks, Dylan Scott, Jordan Spence 6/28 Hulda Hamilton, Glenn Neal 6/29 Maggie Brumback, Nick Carson, Jim Hays, Roy Jackson, Jim Little 6/30 James Beason, Glenn Blunk, Brian Jones, Mike OMeara 7/1 Wendy Conaway, Alyssa Danley, Pat Farley, Jennifer Hunt

Welcome Summer Interns!

Meet our new summer intern for Student Ministries: Tyler Gibson! Tyler goes to UCO and has just completed his sophomore year. Lets learn more about Tyler: In your opinion, what is the most important part of ministry to students? I think the most important part of ministering to students is the part where you spread the word of God to students, and having them engage in your lesson. While growing up at FCC, what was most important to you? I believe meeting new people was the most important part in growing up at FCC. I always enjoy meeting with new adults to new classmates in the small group during Wednesdays. Why do you want to be a summer intern? I have always wanted to be a summer intern when I found out on my last mission trip that we could be interns. I believe it will be amazing and heartwarming to spread the word of God to the middle/high school students and probably learn more about ministry. What leadership skills do you possess that you feel would benefit you in this position? I am really honest; I enjoy listening to people when they speak; and I love to lead Bible studies. What is your favorite flavor of Jelly Bean? Blueberry. Welcome to FCC Student Ministries Tyler!

Tyler Gibson & Addy Bowers

Meet our new summer intern for Childrens Ministries: Addy Bowers! Addy has just completed her freshman year at OSU. Lets learn more about Addy: In your opinion, what is the most important part of ministry to children? Childrens ministries should be an environment where the children feel welcomed and comfortable; it is an important transition as they grow in their faith and should be one where they become active and involved. While growing up at FCC, what was most important to you? The most important part of growing up at FCC was being a part of a family that could help me grow in my faith. Why do you want to be a summer intern? Building on my faith has always been a major part of me. I want to be able to give back to the church who started me on my journey; I want to be someone who is able to encourage others or join others as they begin their journey as well. What leadership skills do you possess that you feel would benefit you in this position? I joined a leadership position in my hall government at OSU that allows me to collaborate with others in making decisions that benefit our community. I also enjoy being a swim instructor. It has given me an opportunity to take leadership in building childrens swimming skills as well as keeping a positive and happy morale for my students and their parents. Welcome to FCC Childrens Ministries Addy!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
June 24, 2012
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Greg Bunton Theme: God is With You During Thankfulness Scripture: I Chronicles 16:28-34

Financial Report

July 1, 2012 Freedom Sunday

Through May of Budget Year 2012, our general fund revenues remain good. Year-to-date pledge giving is 108.3% of year-to-date pledge budget and year-todate non-pledge giving is 123.4% of year-to-date non-pledge budget. General fund expenses are 96.0% of year-to-date budget. Year-to-date building fund pledge giving is 85.9% of year-to-date building fund pledges. The 2012 Year-to-Date (YTD), through May 31, 2012, Revenue and Expenses are as follows: General Fund YTD Actual $488,663.18 $453,233.08 $35,430.10 Building Fund YTD Actual $97,100.45 $113,646.40 ($16,545.95)

from the Finance Committee

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Loyalty Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:13-17

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

Revenue Expense Excess/(Shortfall)

Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts you want your contribution credited. Thank you!

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