CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 39, October 7, 2012

The Chalice

The Gospel: Keep it Simple

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
There was an interesting article in The Christian Century, a great religious publication, a few weeks ago. David Heim wrote an article entitled, The Gospel in Seven Words or Less. In the article he cites one of my favorite books (Ill write later on my top ten books for all Christians to read!), Brother to a Dragonfly, by Will Campbell. Will is a Baptist minister who was a great leader in the civil rights era and always has intriguing, if not controversial, things to say about the church and our faith. Campbell recalls how his friend, P. D. East had badgered him for a succinct definition of Christianity. East did not want a long or fancy explanation. Im not too bright, he told Campbell. Keep it simple. In ten words or less, whats the Christian message? Campbell obliged his friend: Were all jerks (not the actual word he used, but Ill let you figure that one out!), but God loves us anyway. Ever try to sum up the Gospel in seven words or less? I think Will did a pretty good job. Other thinkers were invited to give it a shot. Here are some of the better ones: God, through Jesus Christ, welcomes you anyhow. Divinely persistent, God really loves us. In Christ, Gods yes defeats our no. We are the Church of Infinite Chances. God was in Christ, reconciling the world. I think one of the best was in Jesus own words Love your neighbor as yourself. Since reading this article, Ive asked some other folks what they think. One of my friends who has overcome much in his past said, Through Christ, I am a new creation. Fits his life very well. Another who was dealing with a terminal disease said, I experience new life through Jesus Christ. Another good fit. The truth for me is that my seven word definition probably changes many times in my life. As I experience joys, sorrows and life-changing experiences, I find Gods love to be a constant. It touches me in so many ways that my seven words must continually evolve. My understanding of Jesus and his saving grace grows throughout my faith journey. However, I must say that one phrase rings true for me every day Jesus loves me, this I know. And, as Walter Brueggemann said (about that phrase), I used only six words; I rested on the seventh.

Everyone Ready? Its SHOWTIME!

6th Annual FCC Follies & Chili Cook-Off

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
Dont miss our old-fashioned chili cookoff and Follies talent show - its tasty and entertaining fun! If you didnt sign up to bring chili, simply bring a finger food or favorite dessert to share and join us in Fellowship Hall for dinner at 5:30 pm. The talent show will be held in the Sanctuary, starting at 6:30 pm, and feature some of the best talent in Edmond...our own FCC members! Come and enjoy an evening of FREE entertainment and fun - see you there!

First Things First

by Randy and Trish Thomas

REEL

THEOLOGY

Instilling in our children what is important in life is difficult considering all the media inducements to spend money and the never-ending cycle of wanting more. As we write this article, many individuals are scrambling to be the first to purchase the new IPhone 5! Chasing the latest, greatest and fastest item on the market. As parents, it is becoming more and more challenging to convey to children the value of wealth and what that looks like. Growing up, our boys, with the help of Dad, had a mowing business. Through the Thomas Brothers Mowing Service, the boys learned the value of responsibility, hard work, time management, and the importance of priorities. We encouraged them to set money aside for spending, saving for special items on their wish list (i.e. golf clubs, compound bows, designer shoes, etc.) and most importantly giving to God and others. It wasnt always easy but it gave us the platform to begin discussing money issues, what it means to be successful, and what matters most in life. We pray they have learned through the years that real wealth and happiness comes from family and friends, helping others and their faith in the Lord. First Christian Church has given our children multiple opportunities to serve others and their community and played a vital role in shaping them into caring young men. Yes, they were blessed and hopefully, the seeds were sown to guard their faith in Jesus Christ and their relationship to Him, giving freely all that was given to them!

exploring faith in film

Sunday, October 7 10:00 a.m. - Fellowship Hall
As we continue our Extravagant Generosity: One Gift Touches Many Hearts series in worship, we are offering an optional faith forum during the Sunday School hour called REEL Thelology: Exploring Faith in Film. Last weeks forum was a hit! If you missed last week - you have another chance this week! Larry and Sharon Mullins will again lead the forum and will pair this weeks worship theme to film clips. This Sunday, October 7, to illustrate the power of touch and reaching out to others, we will discuss film clips from such classics as Ghandi. The lesson will be interactive, engaging, and provocative - join us! An optional faith forum for adults. Sunday School classes are welcome, or they may meet as scheduled.

Praying for Extravangant Generosity

Contemplative Prayer in the Upper Room
Visit our Upper Room (above the chapel) as a quiet, contemplative prayer space. It is open on Sunday mornings for this purpose. A printed prayer guide book is available, to lead you in prayer for our campaign, church leaders, staff and our core values that make such an impact on our church and community. Thank you to Linda Quade, Tana Stufflebean and Jackie Stafford for updating the Upper Room!

by Janet Helms For this years Annual Campaign, we are planning a quilting project for the church. We are asking for donations - pieces of scrap fabric material (any color fabric) to be used in the making of quilts which will then be donated to the Newborns in Need charity. You may put donations in the box in the workroom. Thank you!

Donation Request: Quilting Project

Did you experience our Praying in Color workshop last Sunday? On Sunday, October 7, we will be offering an interactive prayer space in Room 117 where you can practice this simple, fun, and creative form of prayer. Even if you didnt come to the first workshop, you are welcome. You can read more online at www.prayingincolor.com or just drop in and give it a try! The space is open to children, youth, adults - individuals and families alike - everyone is encouraged to come on Sunday mornings to pray for our core values, church leaders, and an ever more abundant culture of generosity among our people!

A place to pray using the Praying in Color Method!

Interactive Prayer Space in Room 117

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law) in OU Medical Center, Bart Rodr in Integris Baptist, Donna Clark in OK Spine Hospital, Roy Jackson in Mercy THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Wayne Warner, Debbie Gragg, Vivienne Bare (Richard & Terry Bernards grandaughter), Barbara Shaw, Neal Hunt, Patsy Corrigan, Jim Hays, Bob Jennings, Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Jerri Jones, Rose Marie McKee, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Fletcher Drew Harris born September 30 to Andrew & Cyone Harris. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO Bennett & Lori Fuller in the death of Bennetts mother, Rita St. Claire Fuller, on September 29. Services will be on Saturday, October 6 at 10am at the Vondel Smith North Chapel in OKC AND TO Virginia ONiel, in the death of her brother-in-law, Bob Stringer, on September 29. Services were held on October 4 in Perry, OK.

Happy Birthday!
10/7 Kyle Malzahn, Staci Nash, Benjamin Stafford, Amanda Stuke, Isaac VanOsdol 10/8 Ashley Cavanaugh, Bob Crull, Gary Owen, Conner Schmitz, Cooper Sulley, Danielle Sulley 10/9 Barry Black, Quinton Conaway, Matthew Farley, Conner Kious, Coy Parsley, Patsy Ruble, Glenn Sulley 10/10 Emily Gresh, Abi Haley, Saeed Sarani, Mikayla Schwabe 10/11 Amber Griffin, Steve Hanson, Beth Anne Kinnaird 10/12 Mitchem Ernst, Karen Walenciak 10/13 Samantha Hoppe 10/14 Wayne Davis, Judy Griffis, Averi Haley, Jennifer Humphrey, James Justice, Ann Maxwell, Mark Parkhurst, Glen Smith

Fight The Flu! Get Your Flu Shot!

Visiting Nurses Association will be giving Flu Shots on Sunday, October 7, in the rotunda from 8am to noon. The cost is $25 or we can file Medicare for you if you have Part B, just be sure to bring your medicare card! Protect yourself and those you love.

Are You Considering Membership at FCC? Join Us For...

You are Invited To Come Sing With Us!

Childrens Christmas Musical
Parents & Grandparents: If your child, or grandchild, would like to participate in this years childrens musical Once Upon A Christmas Light, please be sure that they come to rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:00 pm during Unite. Rehearsals have begun!

Sunday, October 14 10:00 AM Fellowship Hall

Come meet some of our staff and members, learn about our history, our mission and our ministries and have your questions about First Christian Church answered in a casual setting. We look forward to seeing YOU!

Discover First Christian

Christmas Cantata

Do you love to sing, but dont have time to sing with the adult choir every Sunday? Come learn this years cantata, Lead Me Back To Bethlehem by Pepper Choplin. Join the Chancel Choir for this short time commitment. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, October 10th, at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. Questions? Contact Diane Ball at (405) 341-3544 or at dball@fccedmond.org

Save the Date! Annual Pet Blessing

We invite you to bring your pet and join us for our Pet Blessing on the front lawn of the church. Please put your pet on a leash or in a carrier.

Sunday, October 14 2:00 PM

Travel to Branson With the Classics!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

October 23-25, 2012

at First Christian
October 7, 2012
Consecration Sunday
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Greg Bunton Scripture: Mark 5:25-34 & Acts 4:32-35 Theme: The Power of the Touch

This trip includes three great shows: 3 Red Neck Tenors, The Duttons, and the musical production Joseph; and, two great dinners at The Great American Chicken House and the Keeter Center. Come join the Classics for a fun-filled trip! The cost is $389 (2-person occupancy) and includes transportation, two nights lodging, plus all meals and attractions listed on the itinerary. Spots will fill up fast - reserve your spot early! For information and reservations, call Winnie Hall at 405-341-4297 or Ellen Chitwood at 405-341-2859.

October 14, 2012

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14 Theme: Future with Hope

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

Stockings for Our Troops

Many of our troops will not be home for Christmas, so, the Blue Star Mothers of Edmond would like to send them a special gift - a Christmas Stocking! The goal is 100 Christmas Stockings for our troops by December 1. Can you help? If you can sew or if you are able to purchase stockings, contact Becky Winn at 405-532-5150. God Bless!

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