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The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

CONNECTION

RemembrancesBy Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister

Vol. 4 No. 1 January 12, 2012

It seems that

we have

had a rash

of deaths,

funerals, and

memorialsservices in

recent weeks.

So, weve

been more

than

saddened by loss. And yet, weve also

been treated to some unbelievable

celebrations of life. While grief hurts and

hurts to the very core of our being, Gods

incredible gift of memory and grace

heals. Im awed by both.

The wonderful remembrances of thefamilies touched so personally by these

grief momentsespecially grandchil-

drenhave been rich and meaningful,

heavy and light, funny and sad. But

they have also been filled with promise

and joy.

I dont know how many picturesIve seen privately and publically of

grandchildren adorning the lap of a

grandparent. I cant even begin to

recount the stories Ive heard of visit-

ing, fishing, celebrating birthdays and

holidays, enjoying home-made cook-

ies or pies, playing games, swimming,

boating, or traveling. They are just too

voluminous to captureand too won-

derfulespecially for one who has so

few memories of his own grandparents.

There are none for my paternal grandfa-ther or my maternal grandmother. For

First Christian Church will partner with Holy Temple Baptist Church and Edmond Trinity Christian Churchin a Worship Service for Martin Luther King Day. The service will be held Monday, January 16 at 6 p.m.

at Holy Temple Baptist Church, 1540 NE 50th St, Oklahoma City.Rev. Don Heath will preach from Amos 5:18-24 and on the issues of poverty and war,

as Dr. King saw those at the two great moral issues confronting society in his later years.Our own Will Mecoy will be offer a reading from Dr. King, Paxton and William Shorow will offer

their gifts of music, and Rev. Dr. Jerry Black and Rev. Shorow will join Rev. Heath and

Rev. Dr. George Young in worship leadership. Please join us for this meaningful service.

the other two, only vague recollection

There is a part of me that is genuinely

sad. I feel cheated.

So, Im finding myself wanting to

spend more time with my own grand

children. I want their stories to be like

so many of yours and I want to make

some wonderful stories with them. I

want both our remembrances to beworth celebrating.

This Sunday, we are focusing on

the call that comes from God to each

and everyone of us; for just as we are

one body embraced by the love of G

so also are we one body called to ser

We gather at the Table where all are

welcomed, and leave to serve where

many are in need. And I seriously do

we can do anything better than replic

the love of God for each other and fo

those beyond our immediate family

creating stories worth remembering acelebrating. Amen.

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Sleeping Bags, Coats and Homemade Hats

Are Providing Warmth This Winter!By Rev. Greg Bunton for Outreach MinistriesOn behalf of the Outreach Ministries team of First Christian Church,I would like to thank Randy Thomas and Dorothy Griffin forcoordinating the Sleeping Bag and Coat Drive to benefit the homelessof OKC. I also would like to thank the congregation for their supportand generous donations of sleeping bags and coats. On Monday,December 12, Randy, Dorothy, and the Pioneers Sunday school classdistributed 40 sleeping bags, 65 coats, and 50 handmade hats

(made by Dorothy) to the homeless through Refuge Fellowship, a new Disciple church start for thehomeless in Oklahoma City. They also participated in worship, as well as provided and serveddinner. The remaining coats were donated to B.O.B. and to the HOPE Center of Edmond to bedistributed as needed. Because this project was so well received by our congregation, Refuge

Fellowship, and the homeless of OKC, we plan to do it again next year! Thanks FCC for yourgenerous support and ongoing compassion for those in need!

Thank you for Sharing the Wonder!By Anna Lisa Stanley, Director of Childrens MinistryMany, many thanks to those of you that purchased Gifts of Wonder from the alternative gift marketduring the Christmas season. Because of your generosity, Childrens Ministry will be able to purchaseALL of the necessary materials to bring Children Worship and Wonder to the children at First Chris-tian Church! What a blessing for the children AND adults of the church.

Children Worship and Wonder will take the place of Sprouts beginning this Fall during the 11:00service, and hopefully during the 9:00 service. We invite you to read more about Children Worshipand Wonder by visiting our website at www.fccedmond.org/cww where you can learn more about thisnew ministry we are offering later this year. If you are interested in becoming a storyteller or greeter,please contact Anna Lisa Stanley at 341-3544, ext. 106.

Christmas Offering

Shared With B.O.B andHOPE Center!

The offering you shared at ourChristmas Eve Services was over

$7,600.00! These funds were sharwith Breakfast on Boulevard and t

HOPE Center of Edmond. Durinthese difficult economic times, oucollective generosity and missionto care for those in need is even

more important. Thank you for yoextravagant generosity!

Practicing Extravagant Generosity and Risk Taking Mission and Service

Please Join Us!Sunday, January 29, 2012, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the

sanctuary, for A Celebration of Musicpresented in honor our retiring organist, Chris Westhof. The celebration will

feature six accomplished organ recitalists and our own

Chancel Choir presenting a unique blend of the hymns,

anthems, the nest organ music, a special duet, and a few

surprises! The celebration will be followed by a reception

featuring nger foods and desserts in the Fellowship Hall.

Connections Womens Bible StudyCovenant: Gods Enduring Promises by Kay Arthur

Trust issues develop because people fail us. But Gods Word neverfails. Women of all ages are invited to join us for Kay ArthursCovenant: Gods Enduring Promises. This 8-session Bible studywill teach you seek and find, and come to appreciate the exciting,encouraging and lifechanging truths of the covenants of God.

Monday Evenings

7:00 to 9:00pm,Beginning January 30

ORThursday Mornings9:30 to 11:30amBeginning January 26.

Books $17(supports costs of class DVD)

Sign up and pick up books from IrisMuno Jordan in Pastoral Office -Room 127 or contact JennyWiechmann at 340-3816 (for Mon.

evenings) or Tana Stufflebean at 341-4742 (for Thurs. mornings).

A Celebration Of

First Christian Church of Edmond Presents

Upon the Retirement ofChris J. Westhof III, Organis

4:00pm Sunday, January 29

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FCC 2011 End of Year FinancesReport from the Finance CommitteeOur December General Fund offering, $133,457.14, wassignificantly ahead of normal monthly contributions (i.e.58% greater than the average offering for the first eleven

months.) This resulted in end of year General Fund revenues being 105% of our projectedbudget and created a 2011 General Fund surplus.

End of year General Fund expenses were 101% of our projected budget. DecemberBuilding Fund offerings were also significantly greater than average and created a positivebalance at the end of year. Thank you for your generous 2011 gifts!

General Fund, 2011 Building Fund, 2011*Actual Actual

Revenue $ 1,117,935.74 $317,078.68Expense $1,084,298.46 $308,451.36Excess/(Shortfall) $33,637.28 $8,627.32*The balance due on our Mortgage at the end of 2011 is $955,018.13.PLEASE NOTE: It is important to always note on your checks or envelopes to which churchaccounts you want your contribution credited.

Were getting geared upfor Pastors Class!If your 5th grader is interested in beinginvolved in Pastors Class, please let usknow ASAP! There is a Parent InformaMeeting on January 22nd at 4:00 p.m.Room 116. Questions? Contact Anna LStanley at 341-3544.

As 2012 Stewardship Moderator, I hopeto communicate with you frequentlywhat stewardship means at First ChristianChurch. Stewardship is about managing

Gods resources and that begins withputting God first. I have to be honest withyou, there was a time in my life that I wasa reluctant giver, didnt manage Godsresources very well and certainly didnt putGod first.

In Pauls letter to the Corinthians(2 Corinthians 8), Paul speaks of the churchin Macedonia and how they gave them-selves first to God. The Macedonians werenot a church of great wealth, actually theywere quite poor, but gave out of their pov-erty in rich generosity. They had great joy in

their poverty and were freely

willing to follow God. Rich or poor, God isfar more interested in the giver than the gift.He wants your heart in line with his. Onceyou put God first, giving becomes second

nature.Too often money becomes the central

core of our lives. Think about it, we go towork, perform our required tasks, put in our40 hours a week and at the end of the payperiod were given a paycheck. For many,that paycheck represents ones worth. Theworlds perception of our worth, or ourmoney couldnt be further from Gods per-ception of our worth. The Macedonians hadit right, if they first gave themselves to God,everything else would fall into place.

What we do first with our money shows

what we value most. Jesus Christ was Gods

tithe to us. God gave his first and best to uand he did it on faith. Giving the first partour paycheck to God immediately focuseour attention on him. When we give our f

to God, he blesses the rest. Heres an idethe next time you get paid, write that firstcheck to God. Give God your first and yobest.

We also receive Gods guarantee, hisfinancial promise to us. In Chapter 9, it saGod is able to make all grace abound toyou, so that in all things at all times, havinall that you need, you will abound in evergood work.

Amy and I feel so blessed to be a parof this churchs ministry and outreach.We will always be grateful to this church,

because it is here where our daughter Ale

Putting God FirstBy Scott Peters, Stewardship Ministry Moderator

Prayers of the PeopleTHOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Dale Hampton, Peggy Thies(Sandy Mitchells mom), Kathy Badger (Julie Buntons mom),

Temple Thigpen (Teddi Owens daughter), Roy Jackson, RoseMarie McKee, Florine Shirley,Judy Joy, Bart Rodr, VirginiaONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill &

Mary Lou Womble, Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciaks mom)

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Jeff & Tanya Williams on the passing of Jeffs mom,Nita Williams, on January 7. Services will be Friday, January 13 at 11am at the First Churchof the Nazarene in Tahlequah AND to Dr. Henry Pearce and Family in the passing of hiswife, Barbara Pearce, on January 7. Services were held on January 11 at First ChristianAND TO Greg & Lu Cunningham and Family on the passing of Gregs dad, William BillCunningham, on December 26. Services were held December 31 at FCC AND to Jim & JudyFarley and Family on the passing of Judys dad, Walter Jackson, on January 2. Services wereheld January 7 at First Christian.

Happy Birthday!1/15 John Werhun, Kayla Allison1/16 Seth OHagan, Jo Jackson, Emily

Tompkins1/17 Carole Fields, Willa Hill1/18 Stephanie Anderson, Lyndsay

Parks, Justin Hoppe, Joy Quinn1/19 Amy Hepler, Charles Beason,

Natalie Rycheecky, Luanne HoweKaren Perrin

1/20 Arvil Flippin, Kathy Stilwell, MariBates, Teresa Finley

1/21 Garry Dowell, Amber Jones

Girls Night Out!Join us for the January Disciples WomMary Group Girls Night Out at TedCafe Escondido, 801 East DanforthRoad in Edmond on Thursday, Janu19th at 6:30 pm. Invite your friends alets begin Mary 2012 with great frienfood and fun!!!!

Please RSVP to Leah Danley atleahdanleycounseling@gmail.com byJanuary 17th.

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The Chalice CONNECTION

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International Affairs Seminar and Bean DinnerThe Tradition Continues!Join us Sunday, January 22 for BeansThe International Affairs Seminar, otherwise known as I.A.S., is a study trip to Washington D.C. andNew York City that exposes student participants to a larger worldview and challenges them to gain understanding of their responsibility as Christians in our world today. It is a trip where faith, politicsand global issues come head to head, igniting deep discussion and transforming lives. I.A.S. openseyes, changes minds, and touches hearts!

Each year we host the annual IAS Bean Dinner to raise funds to financially support our youtparticipants in this awesome ministry. This year we have 4 students attending the trip. Allyson Cain

Hallie Ball, Josh Biby, and Trevor Gibson will be traveling to D.C.and New York during the week oMarch 17-24, and they will be joined by sponsors Greg and Julie Bunton. The study theme for the this year is Bullying.Due to the generous donations of our church community, traditionally the BeDinner has raised between $600 and $1900.

Please join us anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22 forbeans, cornbread, slaw and fellowship, and know that you are part of sustaining a very speciaevent in the life of the youth of First Christian of Edmond! Thank you!

WorshipJanuary 15, 2012Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black

Rev. Greg Bunton

Theme: Disciples Heritage -The Priesthood of All BelieversScripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

January 22, 2012Message: Rev. Chris Shorow

Rev. Dr. Jerry BalckTheme: Disciples Heritage -Education/Faith FormationScripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Super Bowl Subs - On Sale Again!The Youth of First Christian Church are selling Sub Sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday once againFrom now until February 5, students will be taking orders for 6-inch submarine sandwiches for $6 apiece, available for pick up the morning of the BIG GAME.

Be sure to stop by the rotunda to place your order and sandwich preference. As in the past, thewill be a choice of ham, turkey, roast beef, cheese, and all the fixingsplus a bag of chips, a canned soda, and a delicious homemadebrownie. Proceeds from the sale will support ongoing youth missiontrips and activities. If you miss the sign up in the rotunda, you canalways stop by during the week and fill out an order form, or youcan order online at www.fccedmond.org/subsales

As always, the support and prayers from the church family areinstrumental in all the youth endeavors. Its teamwork that makes for awinning team!

okdisciples.org OR call 528-3577.

Cultivating Congregations for the 21st CenturyLeadership Training School February 4thCome and be a part of the Regional Churchs20th Annual Leadership Training Schoolon Saturday, February 4th at First ChristianChurch, Oklahoma City. LTS begins at 8:30am and ends at 12:45 pm.

This is the 20th year of the LeadershipTraining School, which was founded by Rev.Coy Parsley, a member here at FCC Edmond!

Leadership Training School providesa wide variety of classes in two 1 hoursessions. Congregational leadership, pastors,

Sunday school teachers, those who work withchildren and youth will find class subjects thatwill help them in their work.

Rev. Dr. Richard Hamm former GeneralMinister and President of the Christian Church(Disciples of Christ) will give the keynoteaddress as part of the LTS opening worshipat 9:00 am. Dr. Hamm will teach two classesand will speak at a luncheon at 1:00 p.m.following LTS. Luncheon reservations arerequired and must be in by January 23rd.

First Christian has paid registration foranyone from our congregation who wishes toattend. (If you choose to attend the lunch, thcost is $10).

Nursery and childcare will be providedfor infants-5th grade. Childcare will also beavailable during the luncheon. See the Regitration Form for details.

To see a complete list of classes, log onto our website at www.fccedmond.org/ltsOR visit the Regional Church website: www.