CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 46 November 20, 2012

The Chalice

So Much To Be Thankful For

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
It is that time of year when we are thankful. The only problem I have with Thanksgiving is that I hope we dont save our thankfulness for only one time of the year. Our blessings are so full that I think its appropriate to be thankful every day. In an effort to remind myself how much there is for which to be thankful, heres my list: Im thankful for the wonderful staff here at our church. They are dedicated and dont see their work here as a job, but as a ministry. Their strong faith and great personalities make this a welcoming placeand a great place to work! Im thankful for great lay leadership in our church. From the Board down to committees, and in all aspects of our church, we are truly blessed with committed Christians who take seriously their calling from Christ. Im thankful for special projects like Operation Christmas Child, a great ecumenical effort spearheaded by Michele Schlough. Seeing all of the volunteers and work that goes into reaching out to needy children in our world is inspiring. Im thankful for our volunteers who faithfully serve at Bradford Village. We have a great core of folks who offer wonderful fellowship and worship every Sunday to all of the residents at Bradford Village. Their dedication is moving. Im thankful for our Child Care Center. Walking the halls of the church and seeing all of the children who are served by our caring team of teachers reminds me of our call to serve children and families in our neighborhood. God bless them and their work. Im thankful for the stewardship of this church family. We are making progress toward our budget this year and the generosity of our members helps me know that Christs message of joyful giving is understood here at FCC. Im thankful for the ministry of Tom Jewell, our Regional Minister. Tom is retiring at the end of the year and several of us attended a worship service this weekend celebrating his ministry of almost twenty years. Im thankful for those in our church who are participating in the prayer triads. I have heard many people tell of how inspired they have been by their participation in these groups. Im thankful were praying together and listening for Gods direction in our lives. There are many other things for which I am thankfultoo many to list. Why dont you try your own list this Thanksgiving, I think youll be amazed at Gods blessings. And for that matter, continue your thankfulness throughout the year.

Discover First Christian

Sunday, December 2 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall - North

Looking For a Place to Spend Thanksgiving?

Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 22, 11 am to 3 pm University of Central Oklahoma Ballroom

This shared meal is for anyone, but provides a special sense of community for singles, college students, those far from family members, and others.

Have you been thinking about becoming a member of First Christian? We invite you to join members of our staff & the church for an informal gathering. Join us for coffee, juice & donuts and learn about First Christian Church... its history, its mission and its ministries! Contact Iris Muno Jordan at 341-3544 to sign up or for more information.

The Advent season is a time to ready ourselves for the true gifts that Christ brings to us: hope, peace, love and joy. We invite you to join us this Advent as we journey Back to Bethlehem and recover the simple gifts of the season. Take part in any of the following special programs and worship experiences. Invite a friend to journey with us as we experience hope, peace, love and joy!

Advent Schedule

Hanging of the Greens & Tasting Party

Sunday, December 2 - 6:30 pm Our student ministries annually prepares this unique service which shares the meaning of traditional symbols of the holidays: wreaths, garlands and Christmas trees as we sing classic carols, and hear Gods word. Younger children will have the opportunity to help decorate our Childrens Christmas tree during part of this familyoriented service. Our annual Tasting Party, hosted by Membership Ministries, follows the service. Bring a favorite holiday dessert, candy or appetizer to share.

the spirit lead you back to Bethlehem to experience the miracle of the childs birth, the joy of the shepherds, the mystery of the star and the ones who followed it. After the cantata, please joinus for a reception with our friends from Peace Lutheran Church. (Nursery provided)

Childrens Christmas Eve Service

Monday, December 24 - 5:30 pm The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, familyoriented worship service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3 through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate in the Nativity story!

Youth Snowball Celebration

Snowball 2012 - Christmas in Candyland Friday, December 7 - 6 to 10 pm All FCC students, 6th through 12th grade, are invited to the 17th annual Snowball Celebration event! Tickets are $15.00 and you need to register by December 2 at fccedmond.org/snowball

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services

Childrens Christmas Musical

Once Upon a Christmas Light Sunday, December 9 - 6:30 pm Join the All-Star cast of First Christian as the children present the musical Once Upon a Christmas Light. It is the very first Christmas Eve ever when Super Nova and Grandioso, the heads of Galaxy Productions, appear and make an announcement. They have heard on the Greatest Authority that this is the night our Holy Savior will be born. They launch a star search to determine which star is worthy of lighting the sky above the manger. After dramatic twists and turns, we all learn we can be the brightest and the best through Gods love & light. Enjoy this Christmas gift from the children of First Christian, and stay for cookies & milk! (Nursery provided)

Monday, December 24 - 7 and 11 pm Join us as we anticipate the day of our Saviors birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve service will feature beautiful music, scripture 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 bells tolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day. (No nursery on Christmas Eve)

Christmas Cantata

Sunday, December 16 - 6:30 pm The cantata, Lead Me Back to Bethlehem by Pepper Choplin, will be performed by our own FCC Chancel Choir along with Peace Lutheran Church. Through this cantata may

Prayers of the People

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Nita Shipley (Kathy Kerrs mom), Samantha Branscum (Michelle Fritzs sister), Jerry Jones, Joan Grant, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-inlaw), Lori Snider (Loretta Parks daughter), Terra Conlin (Sid & Thadda Grooms daughter), Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Rose Marie McKee, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO Mark & Kaci Taylor in the death of Kacis grandmother, Patricia Isbell, on November 16. Services will be on Wednesday, November 21 at 12:30pm in the chapel of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church - Edmond. CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Judah Miles Henthorn born November 16 to Matt & Monica Henthorn of Morrison, IL. Great Grandparents are Bob & Barbara Henthorn.

Happy Birthday!
11/25 Linda Breslin, Blake Greenhaw, Eric Jennings, Darla Smith 11/26 Mitch Holliman, Charlanne Johnson, Alice Musser, Ann Wilson 11/27 Travis Christensen, Sharon Cutter, Opal McGough, Garrett OMeara, Derek Price, Jo Ann Prince, Thomas Spurrier 11/28 Gerry Baker, Shirley Cox, Diana Frank, Barbara Hall, Ibiera Tienabeso 11/29 Bill Cather 12/1 Robert Hall, Louis Brigham, George Wilkinson 12/2 Pat Coker, Sharon Mullins, Niles Jackson, Kaitlyn Wood, Sharie Wilkin, Martha Puryear

Dear Church Family: We want to thank everyone for your prayers, cards, visits, meals and friendships during the last six weeks. You are all very special to us and we appreciate all that youve done more than you could ever know. We love each of you and you are and have been such a blessing to us. - Thank you so much, Tim and Donna Clark

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 ways to place your order: 1) Order forms in worship bulletins through Sunday, December 9 2) Order online at www.fccedmond.org/poinsettia 3) Call Iris Jordan at 341-3544 Orders must be received by Sunday, December 9. If you purchase poinsettias to take home, you may pick them up on Sunday, December 16. All proceeds benefit the youth mission fund.

Purchase Poinsettias Help Decorate for Advent!

Thanks to Our Bradford Village Angels By Greg Hall, Moderator of Elders

For a number of years a worship service has been conducted for the residents of Bradford Village (formerly the Oklahoma Christian Home) every Sunday morning. Many of the residents there are unable to leave and attend worship services at a local church, so this is the only opportunity they have to participate in worship on a regular basis. The Elders and Deacons of our church support this activity by leading in providing communion during these services, and more recently in delivering the message each Sunday morning. It is a very satisfying responsibility that the Elders and Deacons enjoy sharing weekly with those who attend these services. But an even more dedicated and faithful core of individuals are the glue which holds this wonderful gift together. Elaine Warner. Gladys Dronberger and Mark Parkhurst regularly lead the music and other elements of each service. Jerri and Terry Dillon, Bob Decker and C.J. expressions of gratitude on behalf of our congregation and the residents of Bradford Price are the evangelists that (among other duties) help to gather the people who Village. Please take the opportunity to express your personal appreciation to these attend the services who are unable to get there on their own. Melva Davis prepares folks as you see them for their labor of devotion to a very appreciative group of the worship bulletin each week and assists in other ways, and Margaret Kysar and Kay Christian brothers and sisters. Sullins are frequently available to participate as necessary to make the services meaningful. At the regular meeting of the Elders on Sunday, November 18, these Bradford Village Angels were honored and thanked for their faithful service. They were presented certificates Bradford Village Angels are: Gladys Dronberger, Margaret Kysar, of appreciation and a Mark Parkhurst, Terry & Jerry Dillon, C.J. Price, Bob Decker & daily devotional book as
Kay Sullins (not pictured: Melva Davis & Elaine Warner)

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
November 25, 2012

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Bruce Jackson Scripture: Luke 14:12-14 Theme: Welcoming the Stranger

December 2, 2012
First Sunday of Advent
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Greg Bunton Scripture: Luke 1:67-79 Theme: Hope

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

One of the most common traditions of the Christmas season is the giving and receiving of gifts. Each year, millions of dollars are spent fulfilling the wishes of young and old alike. From toys to clothes, to the latest electronic gadgets; we spend in hopes of giving the perfect gift to that someone we love. And for many, finding the right gift means crowded shopping malls and long checkout lines, and the busyness of the Christmas season often leads to increased financial anxiety and personal stress. Isnt it ironic how unpeaceful the season of peace can be? This year, the Outreach Ministry Team of First Christian Church of Edmond invites you to simplify your Christmas giving by going Back to Bethlehem and sharing the true gifts of Christmas hope, joy, peace, and love. With an Alternative Christmas gift, you honor you loved ones and make a difference in the lives of people around the world at the same time. Alternative gifts dont get returned because the recipient already has one. Theyre 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 benefit of your generosity. And there are no crowded malls or long checkout lines! Its stress free, the way Christmas should be! So take a break from Black Friday and use your Thanksgiving holiday as a time with family and friends. Following the example of the wise men, we will offer three simple gifts - sheep, goats, and blankets. These gifts remind us of Jesus humble birth in a stable; surrounded by animals and wrapped in bands of cloth. And these gifts bring hope to the world! Sheep and goats will be sent through World Vision, while blankets will be sent to people in need through Church World Service. (Gifts available for purchase starting Dec. 2 - look for more details in next weeks newsletter!)

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