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The Chalice
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK
Vol. 3 No. 37 October 13, 2011
CONNECTION
Continuing the JourneyBy Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate
Minister
Our sabbatical summer may
be over, but our re:NEW
journey has only begun. As the
Gospel lesson from last weekso clearly affirms, we have
been to the mountain, stood
in the presence of God, voiced
dreams, and been dramatically
transformed. But our work in
the valleys of life awaits.
Because of our June discoveries, we know that which
in our life and mission is true, honorable, just, pure,
pleasing, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise
(Philippians 4:8). This has given us a tremendous kind of
confidencenot arrogance, but confidence. It has definedus and
given us energy and purpose. Thats why we can
so eagerly and passionately make our pledges to God
on heart cards and commitment cards. And thats why we
can so enthusiastically continue the mission of being the
presence of Christ in this community.
Like Peter, James, and John, we are coming down
from the mountain, but moving with Jesus into the val-leys of
life. Like Elijah, we are going out and standing
before the Lord and the Lords people. Like Peter and th
disciples, we are using our gifts to reach down and lift up
the needy. Like Moses, we are overcoming temerity and
leading Gods people through the wilderness of life into
the Promised Land. Like the disciples, we are overcomin
real, human fears so that we can be the hands, feet, body
and voice of God. We are innovating, creating, and serv-
ing.
Join us throughout October and November as we
continue the journeylistening to the voice of God, overcoming
our limitations, making a difference, and prepar-
ing for the Wonder of Christmas.
The youth of First Christian Church ahosting a Fall Festival for
the childreof FCC on Sunday, October 30 fro4:30-6:30 p.m. It is
being held at MitcPark - the big pavilion on the we
side, just north of the senior centeChildren are invited to wear
their cotumes (and adults too) and come readfor some fun! Our youth
will be offeing games and activities, as well as hdogs, chips, and
drinks. Try your hanat the ring toss or toilet paper throwwin a
prize at the duck pond, or mayba cake at the cake walk. Dont miss
thsack races...and more! Come join us f
this fun family event.
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The Braids are Back!
Just Two Weeks to Order Your Butter BraidsThe FCC youth are
selling yummy Butter Braids, Tea Rings & Swirlsnow through
October 23rd for $12.00 each in a variety of flavors. To placyour
order for holiday delivery, see a youth at the Rotunda Table on
Sundaymornings or contact Diane Ball at [email protected] or
341-3544.
Butter Braids are frozen pastries which bake up warm and fluffy
withyummy fruit fillings.They make great holiday gifts and
excellent morning treatsNEW FLAVORS!Braids in these yummy flavors:
Chocolate Cream, Cinna-mon Strawberry Cream Cheese, Cream Cheese,
and Cherry. New Tea Ring
Flavors! Blueberry or Raspberry Cream Cheese. And we also have
Caramel Sticky Swirls! Delivery the week ofNovember 14 through 17.
All proceeds benefit the FCC youth mission fund. And, as always, if
you dont want to
purchase but still want to support our efforts, donations are
gladly accepted.
In spite of the fact that the Bible is replete with
commission-like exhortations to give and serve generously, many
of us, like Moses, are still reluctant. We tend to live only
unto ourselves; comfortable and safe from expectation, want,or
need. And some of that is understandable. Life and work are
demanding, and many of us are spent. For others, itis the
misperception that all ministry is public, and we dont do public.
We are private and reserved. Then for others, itis about
confidenceor the lack thereof. Some of us just cant see how we can
do anything significant for the glory ofGod. So our reticence is
self-preservation. It isnt that we dont care. We do. But, we are so
cautious that we ignore ouGod-given gifts and cocoon.
What we fail to grasp, is the wondrous insight of Ralph Waldo
Emerson: It is one of the most beautiful compensations in life that
no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.
The very substance of this observa-tion is at the heart of Jesus
grand pronouncement: Those who want to save their life will lose
it, and those who losetheir life for my sake, and for the sake of
the gospel, will save it (Mark 8:35). These were not empty words.
They werehis life. Serving then, enables us, like Christ, to become
the people God longs for us to behappy, purposeful, giving,and
fulfilled.
Beginning this Sunday and continuing over the next five Sundays,
table displays in the Rotunda will reveal won-derful ministry
opportunities through which we can lose ourselves, use our God
given gifts, find ourselves, and fulfillthe deepest longing of Gods
heart. These are opportunities to enable and inspire Open Doors,
Open Arms, the OpenTable, Open Minds, and Open Hands; to move
beyond the cocoon, touch others, and find the real meaning to
life.
Please take advantage of these Sunday displays to learn more
about the ministries of our church and the selflessways in which
each of us can make a difference in the lives of others and in that
of our own. Rev. Jerry Black
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An Updatefrom theFinance CommitteeThree-quarters of the way
through the year,General Fund Revenues are 102.4% of year-to-date
budget and General Fund Expenses
are 97.8% of year-to-date budget. 2011 Pledged offering
continues to bestrong at 105.7% of year-to-date budget. September
General Fund Revenueswere less than the normal average we have been
receiving, and SeptemberGeneral Fund Expenses were higher than
normal due to completing a num-ber of Property improvements. The
Building Fund shortfall increased in Sep-
tember, because of a $10,000.00 principal payment in addition to
the normalmortgage payment. The year-to-date (YTD), through
September 30, 2011,Revenue and Expenses are:
General Fund Building FundYTD Actual YTD Actual
Revenue $799,391.46 $214,632.39Expense $787,054.43
232,563.52Excess/ $12,337.03
Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which
church
accounts you want your contribution credited.
Prayers of the PeopleTHOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Lorene Wilkinson,
Will Harris,
Bob Gallop, J.W. Michael, Ed Berry, Bart Rodr, Eldred
Jennings(Janet Helms dad), Kathy Badger (Julie Buntons
mom),LuraWilson (Paula Baileys mom), Alice Birdsong (Charlanne
Johnsons mom), Joe Samuels, Joan Grant, Bill & Mary Lou
Womble, Roy Jackson, NitaWilliams (Jeff Williams mom), Naomi Bell
(Karen Walenciaks mom), Barbara Hall
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Bart & Jennifer Rodr in the
passing of Jennifers mom,Sandra Ashley, in North Carolina on
October 4. Services will be held at a later date ANDto Wayne &
Sandy Prewitt and family in the passing of Waynes dad, Aris T.
Prewitt, onOctober 4. A memorial service was held at FCC on October
7.
Happy Birthday!10/16 Gene Burleson, Belinda Davis,
Sarah Juhl, George Winters
10/17 Martha Fields, Jake Hicks, MaxineKerr, Shelley Ryland,
Jerry Tipton
Paul Walters
10/18 Marcy Williams
10/19 Brenda Dodson
10/21 Sue Archer, Carter Cain, Gary
Cauthen, Ann Crandall, Nancy
Gallop, Mark Nash10/22 Mike Felice, Keith Moeller, Kay
Sullins, Lane Tompkins, LindaWeddle
10/23 Ali Haley, Jenni Hast, NathanWilburn
MINISTRY First Christian Churchof Edmond, OK
Christmas CantataRehearsals Underway!
Do you love to sing? Come learnthis years Christmas Cantata,
Tapestry of Light by Joseph M. Martin. Join the Chancel Choir
forthis short time commitment. We rehearse Wednesdays at 7:30pm in
thesanctuary. Questions? Contact Diane Ball at [email protected]
or341-3544, ext. 115.
Bring Your PetSunday, October 30
All CreaturesGreat and Small
Pet BlessingBy Shirley Brown
Our pets give us glimpses of God
through their complete trust, joy in
being with us, unconditional love, a
faithfulness. Join us Sunday, Octob30th for our Pet Blessing, at
2:30 PM
front of the Family Life Center. Plea
put your pet on a leash or in a carri
During the blessing there will b
Time of Remembrance for those wh
have experienced loss of a pet. Plea
put your name and the pets name
piece of paper and put it in Iris Jord
mailbox in the workroom or email h
at [email protected] no la
than Friday, October 28.
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The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, [email protected] News Online
@ fccedmond.org/newsSubmit Articles to
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Worship8:15, 9 & 11am
October 16, 2011Message: Rev. Chris Shorow &
Rev. Dr. Jerry BlackTheme: Hearing Gods Word -Elijah After Mt.
CarmelScripture: I Kings 19:1-10
October 23, 2011Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black &
Rev. Chris ShorowTheme: Hearing Gods Word -Miracle After
PentecostScripture: Acts 3:1-10
Childrens Disaster Services, a ministry of Church of the
Brethren, is a partner ministry
Week of Compassion. CDS works in shelters under the umbrella of
Red Cross and FEM
to care for children while adults address emergency needs after
a disaster.
When disasters occur, families are displaced from their homes
and children ne
a safe and nurturing environment in which to play and learn
while their parents cope w
their new reality. To fill this need, more volunteer childcare
givers are needed.
Myrna Jones, retired director of admissions, Phillips
Theological Seminary, an
member of Bethany Christian Church in Tulsa statesIve been
privileged to serve as a
volunteer caregiver for CDS after floods in Georgia and the
Joplin tornado. Few exper
ences in my life have given me the deep personal satisfaction
and sense that I was mee
ing a tangible need as providing a calm, safe, and reassuring
presence for these young
children and their families.
Do you have a warm heart, patience, team spirit, a sense of
adventure, and tim
to give? If you are looking for a meaningful way to help
children and families after disa
ters perhaps becoming a Childrens Disaster Services Volunteer is
a good option for yo
If you are interested in becoming a CDS volunteer, a
comprehesive training
workshop will be held in Tulsa on November 4-5, 2011, 5:00 p.m.
Friday till 7:30 p.m
Saturday. You will learn to provide comfort and encouragement
for children impacted
by traumatic events. For more information, contact Myrna Jones
at 918.749.6612 or
918.688.0240; [email protected]
Childrens Disaster Services Volunteer WorkshopNovember 4-5,
Bethany Christian Church, Tulsa
