CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 50 December 20, 2012

The Chalice

Proclaim Gods Love

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister The Mayan calendar tells us that the end of the world is coming. In fact, its this Friday, December 21. Kind of spoils Christmas this year, doesnt it? Actually, the Mayan calendar does not predict the end of the world on that day, it simply stops there. Whether they ran out of space, had a second stone calendar we havent found yet, or simply intended to scare a few folks in the future, we dont know. What we do know is that we are in Gods hands and God will be with usin good times and bad. Predicting the end of the world is nothing new. Its been happening for ages. Predictions have come and gone, from Christians and Mayans, to Assyrians, Greeks and Romans. So far, none have been very accurate. It seems that these predictions are hard to make. Just ask Jesus, who said that we cannot know the time. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come. (Mark 13:32-33) So Im not too worried about Friday. I havent changed my plans and Im still planning on going to Clark and Williams basketball games on Saturday. What is more concerning to me is those parents in Newtown who will not be able to attend their childrens basketball games. Or their parties at school. Or their graduations. I know that all of our hearts ache for those involved. A senseless and unimaginable tragedy. This is what I believe. Gods heart breaks for all of those involved. Watching

humans beings act with such hatred and sickness toward one another tears us, and God up. And God is working right now to bring some kind of resurrection, some kind of hope, some kind of love out of this tragedy. That is the way God works. Where there is death, God brings new life. Where there is despair God brings hope. And that is the message of this Christmas season. A Savior has been born into our lives to bring the Good News of God to all of us who so desperately need to hear it. So let us give our children an extra hug today and thank God for another day of life. Let us give thanks for those brave teachers who risked, and in some cases, gave their lives for those children. And let us give thanks for those teachers that have taught and guided each of us through our lives. The only proper response to such an insane act of terror is to proclaim Gods love and come together as Gods people, looking for hope and resurrection. Hopefully I will see you on Sunday.

C hristmas Eve
Monday, December 24
The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This family-oriented service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3 2nd grade) can select a costume at 5 pm and join in the Nativity story! Join us as we anticipate the day of our Saviors birth! The 7 pm service features beautiful music, scripture readings, and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The 11 pm service features serene candlelight with carols, the Chancel Choir, and scripture. The service ends with bells tolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day. (No nursery.)

Three Services on

Childrens Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 pm

Candlelight Christmas Eve Services, 7 and 11 pm

Sunday December 30 10:45 am

There will be no Sunday School and no Children Worship & Wonder.

Unified Worship Service

Join us on Wednesday nights during the school year for food,

fellowship, learning and fun! Adults, children and youth - can UNITE for a delicious, reasonably-priced meal, share meaningful conversation and experience faith development in one of our classes or small groups. UNITE is a place to grow in your faith and form lasting relationships...in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Join us for dinner at 6 pm - everyone is invited!

Come UNITE with us beginning Wednesday, January 9

Sign up for UNITE in the Rotunda - or - online at www.fccedmond.org/unite

Winter/Spring Dates
January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27 (Unite 2/13 - Ash Wednesday ) March 6, 13, 27 (No Unite 3/20 - Spring Break) April 3, 10, 17, 24

Meal Payment Options

$3.50 per person/weekly $50.00 per semester/per person $12.50 weekly (family of 4+) $180.00 semester (family 4+)

Students Schedule

Evening Options for Adults:

Students will to read The Story (Teen Edition) by Max Lucado (a condensed version of the entire Bible): www.fccedmond.org/thestory 5:30 Girls Ensemble 5:45 Dinner 6:30 Worship 7:15 Small Group Bible Study 8:00 Done!

5:00 - 6:00 Adult Bible Study Group, led by Rev. Chris Shorow - Room 116 6:20 - 7:15 After the New Testament Study, led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black - Room 116

Childrens Schedule

In this course, we will use 30 minute lectures by Bart D. Ehrman to examine early writings and their impact on the church. Note: This class will begin at 6:20, allowing interested choir members to watch the 30 minute video lectures prior to choir beginning at 7. Class discussion & content clarification will follow. 7:00 - 8:15 Chancel Choir: led by Diane Ball - Sanctuary Our Chancel Choir offers musical gifts throughout the year in the 11 am worship service and on special occasions. Come share your gift of song! (Nursery/Childcare Available)

Children ages 3 to 5th grade will experience three great themes this Spring: (1) Heroes (Bible Heroes) (2) Treasure Island (Giving/ Stewardship) & (3) Spelunkers (Bible Skills) 5:00 Music/Instruments (K-5th) (Rm 113) 5:30 Cherub Choir (PreK) (Rm 115) 6:00 Check-In/Dinner 6:30 Large Group (Sanctuary) 7:00 Small Groups 7:30 Check-Out/Pick up

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. Our Alternative Gift Market will be open one last time this Sunday morning, Give Love Joy Hope Peace December 23. With an Alternative Christmas gift, you honor your loved ones and make a difference in the lives of people around the world at the same time. Alternative gifts are 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! 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 the charity World Vision, while blankets will be sent to people in need through Church World Service. So avoid the malls and share hope, joy, peace and love this Christmas.

Last Chance For A Great Gift That Gives Back!

GIFT MARKET

ALTERNATIVE

Back to Bethlehem
2012

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Loree Rice, Presbyterian THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Russell Kious, Larry Dodd, Tom Cowling, Warren Hill, Samantha Branscum (Michelle Fritzs sister), Joan Grant, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Lori Snider (Loretta Parks daughter), Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO Terry & Kathy Kerr and Family in the death of Kathys mom, Juanita Shipley, on December 17. Services will be held on Friday, December 21 at 11am in Bartlesville at the Stumpff Funeral Home AND TO Jack & Elaine Warner and Family in the death of their daughter-in-laws mother, Sue Driskill, on December 18. Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 21 at 3pm at Gracelawn Cemetery AND TO Paul & Amanda Stuke in the death of Pauls grandmother, Merrylin Moen, on December 17. Services were held in Minnesota AND TO Dollie Smith in the death of her son, Troy Smith Jr., on December 12. Services were held on December 16. CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Max Daniel Vazquez born December 12 to Kyle & Crystal Vazquez. Grandmother is Karen Baldridge.

Happy Birthday!
12/23 Andrea Deal, Cora Deal, Jennifer Cain 12/24 Sarah Lindley, Wendy Fine-Thomas, Martha Roach 12/25 Andrew Harris 12/26 Betty Winn, Shirley Hopper, Diana Lee 12/27 Dylan Fieth, Genny Adamson, Ann Baccus, Wendy Hanson, Drew Thornton, Sally Leonard 12/28 Clint Stone, Brenda Spence 12/29 Jake Privette, Lisa Lunsford, John T. Stone, Melva Davis, Haden Ayers, Bob Steele 12/30 Jessica Goldman, Kody VanOsdol, Alan Shepard 12/31 Carol Schwabe, Roger Quinn, Jordan Thomas, Velia Deal 1/1 Michele Schlough, Tatum Fondren, June Francis, Sharron Suarez 1/2 Charmei Coleman, Jeff Fritz, Madi Huffer 1/3 John Mabry, Kathi DeSpain, Will Carson, Gary Bartley 1/4 Emri Lindley, Judy McKinley 1/5 Shirley Michael, Jennifer Rodr, R.D. Neal, Judy Joy 1/6 Jimmy King

by Scott Peters, Stewardship Moderator, & Bernie McNickle, Church Member

Earlier this month we began sharing an exciting opportunity to have year-end gifts matched and reduce our debt significantly. Our Finishing Faithful Challenge combines your gifts with matching funds to reduce our mortgage. In the first ten days of the challenge we have received gifts totaling $41,625 - that means over $83,000 will be paid towards our mortgage balance! The Finishing Faithful Challenge asks for gifts over and above your giving to our normal operating budget. Please consider: * Making a one-time gift towards reducing or eliminating our debt * Making a gift of $1,000, $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 or whatever amount God may lay on your heart and you can responsibly give * Please do not reduce your current giving or future commitment to our annual budget in order to share in this challenge This matching opportunity will extend into January 2013. We understand that some may benefit more from donations in 2012, while others may receive more tax benefits in 2013. The extention of our matching challenge into January will allow you to give to best fit your situation. If you are ready to make a gift for the Finishing Faithful Challenge we encourage you to do so this week or next. Designate your gifts as FF Challenge and forward them to the church office. These remain confidential, and will be seen only by our Business Administrator, Karla Mahan. You can read more details about our mortgage, debt balance of $666,775 and the matching fund opportunity at www.fccedmond.org/finishing-faithful-challenge

Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting

Sunday, January 6, 2013
following each worship service Purpose: To vote on 2013 nominated leaders and budget, along with proposed modifications to our bylaws. Log on to www.fccedmond.org/meeting to preview the leader ballot, budget ballot and bylaw revisions. Questions? Contact Frank Gresh, Board Moderator, at 844-9120, or Robbi Kinnaird, Board Moderator Elect, at 340-2427.

Save a Life - Donate Blood!

Sunday, December 30 8:30 am to 12 pm in Fellowship Hall Come & donate blood!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

Check Out The Quilts On Display!

During our One Gift Touches Many Hearts campaign, we decorated quilt squares to be assembled and donated to Newborns in Need. These quilt squares, hand-decorated by our children, were then sewn together, and are now on display in the rotunda for the next few weeks! Stop by and enjoy the beautiful handiwork. We will be giving these quilts to the Newborns in Need charity during our 40 Days of Compassion campaign during the Lenten season - more details to come soon! Many thanks to Janet Helms who showed us the true meaning of One Gift Touching Many Hearts through this beautiful project.

at First Christian
December 23, 2012 Fourth Sunday of Advent
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Greg Bunton Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

December 30, 2012 10:45AM Unified Worship

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Scripture: Luke 2:21

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

5th Graders - Get Ready For Pastors Class! Parent Information Meeting
If your 5th grader is interested in being involved in the 2013 Pastors Class, please let us know as soon as possible! There is a Parent Information Meeting on January 13 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 116. Questions? Call 341-3544, or, email: Rev. Greg Bunton at gbunton@fccedmond.org or Michelle Fritz at mfritz@fccedmond.org

Sunday, January 13 at 4:00 pm - Room 116

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