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The Chalice
A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034
 Vol. 1 No. 21 November 19, 2009
by Rev. Chris Shorow Senior Minister
Hats off to Our Habitat Heros
Each year, several churches in Edmondcombine efforts to host a CommunityThanksgiving Dinner. This shared mealis for anyone, but provides a specialsense of community for singles, lonelycollege students, homebound, those farfrom home and others. Last year, over3000 meals were served.
 Join The Festivities!
Thursday, Nov. 26, 11am to 3pmat the University of CentralOklahoma in theGeorge Nigh Center We are still seeking donations tooffset food costs. Checks may bemade payable to First Christian, with the note “CommunityThanksgiving Dinner”on the memo line.If you are still interested involunteering, please callas online volunteer registration hasended.Questions?
Contact Sherrye VanOsdol,Outreach Ministry Moderatorat 478-5287.
I’m proud of ourcongregation. Wehave so many peoplethat are so dedicatedto reaching out intothe heart of ourcommunity andmaking a difference.We have made a difference, not onlythrough our church, but individually as well.Today I celebrate all of those who work sohard for the Central Oklahoma Habitat forHumanity. Last year we were thrilled as JWMichael received the 2008 Inspiration Awardat the Annual Banquet for Habitat. He’sworked on the Board of Habitat for over 15years while serving as their treasurer. Thisyear, at the 2009 banquet, Larry Ballreceived the Inspiration Award. Larry hasbeen on the Board and is the legal advisorfor Habitat. His work goes above andbeyond being on the Board to helping out inmany different areas. Two years in a rowof Inspiration Awards coming to our churchfamily. That is exciting! At the same banquet, Jack Smithand John Earnheart were recognized for theirdedicated efforts. They lead the Thursdaycrew that builds new houses for Habitat.Most recently they were very involved withthe new house built by a combinedCampbell-Stone tradition group, meaning theChristian Churches in all three manifestations(Disciples, Independent and Churches of Christ) came together to make this happen.The house was built in the Hope Crossingneighborhood, a new community of Habitathouses. If you have not been by there,please check it out—it is quite inspirational.Congratulations to all of theseindividuals for their awards. But moreimportantly, thanks for their dedicatedefforts. Without volunteers like them, Habitatwould never work. And here is to all of theunsung heroes of our church family, whowork to further God’s Kingdom. Thank you.
“The Lightsof Christmas”
Kid’s Annual Advent Art Project
It’s not too late for children to join our annualtradition of drawing art for the Advent season. Children through 5th grade have until Sunday,November 22 at noon to log on to
 www.fccedmond.org/adventart
print the art entrytemplate form and create artwork to represent “The Lights of Christmas” or Hope, Peace, Joyor Love. Children through 5th grade may submit their color artwork on white paperstock.Please include first and last name plus age or grade, on the art entry template.From the entries received, we will select some as cover art for our worship bulletins and specialservices during the season of Advent. If your child’s art entry is selected as an Advent bulletincover, you will be notified of the artwork selection during the week of November 23. Originalartwork will be placed on display in the Fellowship Hall through January 3 and may be picked upafter that time. Contact Carol Schwabe, Children’s Minister at cschwabe@fccedmond.org withany questions.
 
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the
Light of the World.
As Christians, we prepare for the coming of Christ during the season calledAdvent. It is a time “set apart” to wait, listen, get in touch with God, and prepare ourlives and hearts for Jesus’ coming. For speeded up, stressed out people this is anintriguing invitation.Our theme during this Advent will be
“The Lights of Christmas.” 
Ourmessages will focus on the lights of hope, peace, joy and the greatest of these – love.Come hear the voice of God in scripture, and join your voices with God’s peoplearound the earth as we pray together for the brilliant light of Christ’s love to warmthe hearts and lives of humankind.At First Christian we have several times “set apart” to worship, reflect, andgather with our family. We invite you to join us for one or more of the events you’llfind listed here. Come as we bless each other with reminders of what this Adventseason is about—expectation that God is going to be among us to help us in the workof transforming ourselves and our communities with Light.As we prepare, anticipate and hope may this Advent be for us, a time of prayer for the light of Christ to fill the darkest corners of our world.~ Rev. Chris Shorrow
AdventAdventAdventAdventAdvent
Activities 2009
Hanging of the Greens& Tasting Party
Sunday, November 29 - 6:30pm
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas at our annual Hanging of theGreens! The youth groups of FCC willshare the meaning of traditional symbolsof the holidays: wreaths and Christmastrees as we sing classic carols, and hearGod’s word. Younger children may helpdecorate our Children’s Christmas treeduring part of this family-oriented service.Our annual Tasting Party follows theservice. Bring your favorite holidaydessert, candy or appetizer to share withyour church family in the fellowship hall.
Edmond Community ChoraleChristmas Concert
Saturday, December 5 - 7:30pm
ECC will be performing Mass of theChildren by John Rutter, Czech Carols,and other holiday favorites. Featuring theSequoyah Middle School Chorus, and theJubiliate Singers from Young Chorus of Central Oklahoma.Those singing from FCC will be: BetsyJones, Mark Parkhurst, Carla & RandyClark, Terry Earnheart, Devione Harrisand Beverly Schmoyer.Reception following. Admission is free – alove offering will be takenwww.edmondcommunitychorale.org
Children’s Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 6 - 6:30pm
Join the children of First Christian as theypresent their Christmas musical “Shep-herds, Sheep and a Savior” by Ed Kee.Shepherds may have been at the bottomof the social ladder in Bethlehem, but Godchose them to be the first ones to see theSavior. This is their story - what they heardand what they saw that marvelous nightwhen God came to dwell with men.Enjoy this gift to you from the children of First Christian, and stay for cookies & hotchocolate afterwards.
 Youth Snowball Celebration“A Night At The Oscars”
Saturday, December 12 - 6 to 10pm
All FCC Youth 6th thru 12th grade areinvited to the 14th annual SnowballCelebration dinner and dance. Tickets $15- on sale thru Dec. 6.
Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 13 - 6:30 pm
The Chancel Choir, along with PeaceLutheran Church, invite you to celebratethe miracle of Christmas as they presentthe cantata “Season of Wonders” byJoseph M. Martin. When we ponder themiracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, wediscover in abundance the lavish characterof God’s love. In the experience of thiswork, may you draw close to the mangerand open your heart to the unexpectedglories of this season of wonders. Enjoythe cantata and stay for a reception withour friends from Peace Lutheran after-wards.
(Nursery available)
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
Sunday, December 21 - 6:30pm
Advent also reminds us of the “in betweentimes,” when we’re stuck and not surewhere to go. For many this is a difficultseason of the year, especially if you havelost a loved one. But there is hope in themidst of darkness. Come, light a candle of remembrance, or simply bathe yourself inthe warm glow of God’s love. Ourhealing prayer ministers will be on handto fashion a prayer for your needs, andRev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.
Thursday, December 24
Children’s Christmas Eve Service5:30pm
The Gospel will come alive with the helpof our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated,family-oriented worship service includesfamiliar Christmas hymns. Children (ages3 through 2nd grade) may select acostume at 5pm and participate in theNativity story!
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services7 and 11pm
Join us as we anticipate the day of ourSavior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eveservice will feature beautiful music,scripture readings, and the lighting of theChrist Candle. The 11pm service willfeature a serene, simplified candlelightservice with carols, the Chancel Choir, andscripture. The service ends in candlelightwith the bells tolling the midnight hour,marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
(Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)
AdventAdventAdventAdventAdvent
Activities 2009
 
A Report from theFinance Committee
Through October General Fund has a positive Year toDate balance (+$20,426.38) with Revenues at 99.3%of Year to Date Budget and Expenses at 96.9% of  Year to Date Budget. The monthly October mortgagepayment was made, plus Finance Committee autho-rized an additional lump sum $59,000.00 principal payment. The principal payment wasthe result of a gradual Building Fund build up over the last 22 months.
General Fund YTDBuilding Fund YTD ActualActualRevenue
$833,079.91$224,434.06
Expense
$812,653.53$227,292.80
Excess/(Shortfall)
$ 20,426.38 ($2,858.74)Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which church accountsyou want your contribution credited. Or enroll now in automatic giving.
 Want to Get MoreInvolved? Come to
Discover FirstChristian!
Sunday, December 6 at10am - Fellowship Hall-West
Have you been thinking aboutbecoming a member of First Christian?Would you like to learn ways you canget connected and make a difference?Join us for “Discover First Christian” aninformal gathering, where you canmeet some of our staff and membersand have questions answered. Whetheryou’re brand new or have beenattending a while, we’d love to haveyou join us for coffee, juice, donutsand fellowship.
Tea Rings & SwirlPastries Have Arrived
Just in time for the holidays. You maypick-up your orders of frozen tea rings& swirl pastries on Sunday morning,November 22, in the church rotunda.Thank you to all who helped supportthis important youth fundraiser!
Prayers of the People
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Ed Berry in Oklahoma Heart; Madge Goodrich in EdmondSpecialty
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER 
Will Harris, Wayne Warner, Terry Cronkite (Glenda Adams’ brother), Louise Weeden (Judy Bennett’s mom), Jim Roberts (Jeri Dillon’s dad),Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother), Margaret Basso(Anne Stone’s sister), Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother)
WE CONGRATULATE
Bernie & Joyce McNickle as they celebrate their 64th weddinganniversary on November 22.
Happy Birthday!
11/22
Dallas Billing, Marcella Halliday
11/23
Marjorie Ferguson
11/25
Eric Jennings, Debi Powell Maxwell,Darla Smith, Pierce Winters
11/26
Mitch Holliman, Randy Smith
11/27
Travis Christensen, Sharon Cutter,Dale Hampton, Opal McGough, GarrettO’Meara, Derek Price, Jo Ann Prince
11/28
Shirley Cox, Diana Frank, BarbaraHall, Ibiera Tienabeso
11/29
Bill Cather
Norman Rockwell paints a lovely portrait of the family thathas gathered around a Thanksgiving Dinner table. As wemake our plans to gather, let us not forget that we are familyand that many guests will join us during this season aroundthe Lord’s table to share in the meal of thanksgiving Christhas prepared for us. Let us make our church home warm andwelcoming. Let us embrace our guests with a friendly smile,a warm hand shake, and a spirit of gratitude.
The Parish Nurses will be offering a
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK 
-UPSunday, December 6Stop by Fellowship-Hallfrom 9am to 11am to be informed!
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