CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 9 March 8, 2012

The Chalice

Give Up Negativity
This Lent we have decided to explore the gifts of God and instead of giving something up, we might take something on. Our study of the movie, Chocolat, has led many to see that true preparation for Easter may involve enjoying the blessings of God and seeing the beauty that is all around us, maybe even indulging in a little chocolate. However, if you have decided to give something up, that is just fine. There are many things that we need to give up in our lives and disciplining yourself is not a bad thing to do. I do have a suggestion. I just read an article on a minister in Kansas City, Rev. Will Bowen, who had an epiphany in the shower. He decided that too many people in his church were complaining. He said they were complaining about trivial things like what was being served at the coffee bar, the color of the new pew pads and the song they sang in service last week. Hed had enough. So he ordered some little purple bracelets with No-Complaints written on it and invited members of his church to take a pledge: to swear off complaining,

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Associate Minister

criticizing, gossiping or using sarcasm for 21 straight days. People who signed up agreed to wear the bracelets as a reminder and if they catch themselves complaining, they had to switch the bracelet to the other wrist and start all over again. Sounds easy, right? Not really. Rev. Bowen said it took him three and one-half months to complete his 21 days. Some have taken over seven months. It seems that stopping the complaints is much harder than we thought. Right away the bracelets became a hit. They have sold over 126,000 of them. Rev. Bowen believes that stopping the complaining is similar to anger management. You catch yourself not articulating these negative thoughts that are in your head and because theres no place for that flow, they tend to dry up. An intriguing thought. I wonder what our lives would look like if we intentionally gave up all of the negativity that we generate. I tried for just a few hours today to see how many negative thoughts enter my headand Im not proud of how many there were. Perhaps we need to fill ourselves with the joy and love of Christ and crowd out the negative. Im not sure Im ready for a 21-day challenge, but being aware of my dark side is a great reminder to let Gods love flow through me. A good reminder for this Lenten season. Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend! Be sure to set your clocks an hour ahead before you go to sleep on Saturday night so you make it to church on time this Sunday, March 11!

This year, we are exploring a Lenten study, Chocolate for Lent. Come experience the season of Lent and see that it is more than just giving up something. This study uses the film Chocolat, coupled with scriptures, to create a space for deeper insights into self-discipline, self-giving, conversion and accepting the stranger. You can still join the ongoing Chocolate for Lent study with one of the following classes: 9:30 am: Challengers (Rm 116) 9:30 am: Seekers (Rm 113) 10:00 am: Christian Issues (Rm 125) 10:00 am: Compadres (Rm 117) 10:00 am: Cornerstones (Rm 220) 10:00 am: Knot-Nots (Rm 130) 10:00 am: Pioneers (Rm 114) This Lenten study will run from February 26 - March 25.

Chocolate for Lent Sermon Series

March 11 Getting wise - the possibility of change March 18 Getting real - the power of acceptance March 25 Growing up - the process of change

Seeking Intentional Faith Development

Opening our Minds through Adult Education
By Margaret Hall, Moderator of Education
When have you experienced significant faith formation? What contribution do you see yourself making to the church as you grow spiritually? What type of learning environment best suites your personal faith development? These are a few of the questions to be discussed at the Adult Education Dinner, Sunday, March 25th at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. While we each have different ideas and ways of learning and growing outside of worship, like Don mentioned last week, as Christians, no matter what form it takes, we grow together in community. We seek together and through being intentional, or putting forth a deliberate effort and purposeful action, we grow in our knowledge and love of God. Here are some thoughts on personal faith development and the direction of Adult Education: Through the years, First Christian Church has sponsored visiting speakers and experts on comparative religions. I believe learning about different cultures and faith traditions is not only interesting, but can also help us be more effective Christians. Learning how other people think helps us understand our own beliefs better and makes us more accessible to those who may need our help. - Scott Kinnaird I believe the church can play a vital role in educating adults in creative and thought-provoking ways to nurture our Open Minds. I would love to see guest speakers followed by round table discussions as well as retreats and workshops centered around social and biblical issues. Phillips Theological Seminary has a wealth of resources to facilitate these kinds of events as well as others in our own church, Edmond, and Oklahoma City communities. - Christin Adkins Teaching can be an art, and every teacher has their own way of approaching a subject. How many of you had a teacher that made a difference in your life? We realize that an effective teacher can make learning enjoyable. What can we do to discover, nurture and support these types of people in our church? - Kelly VanOsdol Please join us as we seek involvement, direction, intentional faith development and growth through Adult Education at First Christian Church of Edmond. All are welcome to join the search! Mark your calendars and please RSVP by March 22 to Don Wiechmann at DWiechmann@ bokf.com or call Iris Muno Jordan at 341-3544.

Celebrate Memories of Loved Ones with an

Dates Set for

Packing Parties
for Operation Christmas Child
Join the fun in Fellowship Hall: March 15, April 19 and May 17 The packing parties begin at 9 am and last until just after lunch or when the work is done for the day. Come and go as you need. Drop in for an hour or a few minutes. Bring your lunch drinks will be provided! Also, please feel free to bring in small items, empty shoeboxes, wrapping paper or tape...anything you may have saved and thought, I meant to give this to Operation Christmas Child last year. Because of people like you, OCC sent out over 8 million boxes last year. FCC of Edmond packed and collected 2,156 boxes in 2011! Check out www.samaritanspurse.org and click on OCC for more info. Join us for a time of fun and blessings! Questions? Contact Michelle Schlough at (405) 844-3214.

Easter Lily

Bring the beauty of Easter into our worship spaces with beautiful white Easter lilies! These beautiful flowers symbolize new life and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Honor the memory of a loved one by sharing a lily with your church family. Each plant is $15 and lilies will be available for purchase through April 1.

There are three ways you can order an Easter lily:

1) Complete an online form at www.fccedmond.org/lilies 2) Complete an order form found in worship bulletins, or, 3) Contact Iris Muno Jordan at 341-3544, ext. 110. Sales of Easter Lilies help fund youth summer mission trips and other youth projects. Thanks for your support!

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Joan Grant, Parcway Rehab THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Charlie Young, Vernon Conaway, Jim Hays, Deneen Gambrell, Linda Burke, Bob Bennett, Edna Blunk, Loretta Parks, Tommy Atchison, Temple Thigpen (Teddi Owens daughter), Roy Jackson, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciaks mom) OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Sue Archer & Family on the passing of her husband, Bob. Services were held on March 7 at FCC AND to David Hill & Family on the passing of his wife, Patricia. Services were held on March 7 at FCC AND to Roger & Kathy Stilwell on the passing of Rogers step-mother, Nadine Stilwell. Services were held on March 3 in OKC.

Happy Birthday!
3/11 3/12 3/13 3/14 3/15 Barbara Pope, Rachel VanOsdol, Pat Wathen Florine Shirley Brad Bowers, Bill Parks Edna Blunk, Addy Bowers, Wayne Haigler, Karl Holliman Ashley Bernhardt, Becky Hurst, Timi Moffatt, Taylor Mullins, Tracie Rivera, Sydney Snow Kandi Pate, Chris Shorow, David Watts, Isabelle Young Stacy Luton Ura Lee Denson, Shirley McClain, Steve Suarez

3/16 3/17 3/18

We would be pleased if you would join us for a Wedding Shower honoring:

Ms. Sarah Penland

fiancee of

Mr. Dane Wilber

Sunday, March 11th, 2012, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Fellowship Hall
Hosted by Trish Thomas, Christi Eischeid, Janet Caldwell, Jamie Gable, Jenny Shipley, Robbi Kinnaird, Tana Stufflebean and Charla Allison

Save the Date!

June 11-14, 2012
Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it! This years VBS theme: Babylon: Daniels Courage in Captivity. Again this year, VBS will be held in the evenings Monday through Thursday. Registration begins in May.

Come on a Trip to

Crystal Bridges
with The Classics!
Thursday, March 29
Take a trip to Bentonville, Arkansas, with The Classics! We will eat a lunch and take a tour of the Crystal Bridges Art Museum - a modern art museum that was gifted to Northwest Arkansas by the Alice Walton and the Walton Family. We will arrive in time to have lunch in the museum restaurant, Eleven. Following lunch, you have a choice of a guided tour or a self-guided tour of the museum and its grounds. The trail and observation deck offer a great overview of the grounds as well as provide a continuation of the blending of architecture, art and nature. We will depart back to Oklahoma City late afternoon on the same day, returning early evening. The price is $89.00 and includes transportation, lunch and a guided tour. Reserve your spot now by contacting Winnie Hall at 341-4297.

Calling All Pancake Chefs... We Need You!

Help us with our annual Easter breakfast by signing up to make pancakes! Contact Amanda Stuke to sign up at 285-2937 or email amstuke@fsamail.com

Summer Church Camp - the Place To Be!

Worship
March 11, 2012 3rd Sunday in Lent

at 8:15, 9 & 11am

Find the warmth of God at Summer Church Camp! Summer Camp is filled with fun activities, Bible study, and adventure that will build close friendships, create warm memories that will last a lifetime, and strengthen spirits to withstand lifes storms.

The following camps are available:

Chi Rho 1 (grades 6-8) Discovery (grades 1-3) CYF (grades 9-12) June 4-9 June 22-24 June 25-30 Junior 1 (grades 4-5) Junior 2 (grades 4-5) Chi Rho 2 (grades 6-8) June 4-8 June 25-29 July 9-14

Message: Rev. Greg Bunton Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: Getting Wise: The Possibility of Change Scripture: Matthew 12:1-12

March 18, 2012 4th Sunday in Lent

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: Getting Real: The Power of Acceptance Scripture: John 4:4-26

First Christian offers partial scholarships to campers that are members. Campers register for camps based on GRADE COMPLETED by June 2012. To learn more, including camp prices, early bird discounts, registration dates, and for a camper registration form, go to www.fccedmond.org/camp

Summer Interships Available

By Greg Bunton & Anna Lisa Stanley
Four internship spots are available to college students that grew up at First Christian Church of Edmond and participated in our Childrens and Student Ministries programs. The Childrens Education Committee is hiring one intern, and Student Ministries is hiring three interns for the summer. Read more and apply online by Sunday, March 25, 2012 at www.fccedmond.org/internship. All interns will be selected and notified by Sunday, April 15. Get your application in now!

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

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