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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. 24 December 10, 2009
Don’t Lose Your Christmas Spirit
by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
Christmas Cantata “Season of Wonders”
Sunday, December 13 6:30 pm
The Chancel Choir, along with Peace Lutheran Church,invite you to celebrate the miracle of Christmas as theypresent the cantata “Season of Wonders” by Joseph M.Martin. When we ponder the miracles surrounding thebirth of Jesus, we discover in abundance the lavishcharacter of God’s love. In the experience of this work,may you draw close to the manger and open yourheart to the unexpected glories of this season of wonders. Enjoy the cantata and stay for a receptionwith our friends from Peace Lutheran afterwards.
(Nursery available)
I spoke with amember of ourcongregation lastweek and she toldme that she losther Christmasspirit one day. It was a frustratingday, dealing with the holidaypressures, the crowds, the traffic andrude people who are in a hurry. A woman stepped in front of her in aline and my friend, quiteuncharacteristically, snapped at her.Immediately, she was embarrassedand looked around to see if anyonehad witnessed this mishap.Fortunately, only the offending partyheard her rant.It can be all-too-easy to lose yourChristmas spirit at this time of year.Ironically, it is supposed to be thetime of year to be happy, jolly andcheerful. Often it is not. Financialpressure, crowds and highexpectations can all conspire to makethis a less than happy time.Let me offer some advice for thoseof us who find our Christmas spiritsliding away. First, focus on thethings that give you new life. Thingsthat help you to see God in our world.The joy of children. The excitementthey have for this time of year. Here’sa helpful hint—if you need to, comeand borrow my 2-year-old for a fewhours. The wonder and joy that hesees all around him constantlyreminds me of the blessings that Itake for granted. Although I getfrustrated, every decoration that hepulls off of our Christmas tree is a joyto him. Every Christmas carol that Ihave heard for the past forty years isnew, fresh and exciting. Theanticipation of Christmas gifts. Theexcitement of seeing Santa Claus—allof it is a new wonder.Surround yourself with upliftingpeople. Some people do getcrabby this time of year. Bearound those people who rechargeyour batteries and help to giveyou new life.Take time out for solitude,reflection and prayer. If there isany time that we need to feelcloser to God, it is now. Takeintentional time out to prayerfullyapproach God and to hear whatGod says to you. You will feel andneed God’s support this season.My friend said she got herspirit back. She went to theMayor’s Lighting Servicedowntown and basked in the joyof the season. I was happy toknow that she could reclaim thepeace of Christ this season. Myprayer is the same for you.
 
Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Thursday, December 24 5:30pm
The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrativere-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, family-orientedworship service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate inthe Nativity story!
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
Sunday, December 20 - 6:30pm
For many this is a difficult season of the year, especially if youhave lost a loved one. But there is hope in the midst of darkness.If you are hurting, we invite you to come light a candle of remembrance during this service designed to comfort you. Ourhealing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer foryour needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.
Children - Come Hear
“A Mouse in God’s House” 
during SPROUTS Children’s Worship on Sunday, December 13
First Christian Church celebrates the publishing of another fine children’s book by “our own,” Cherrie Steele!Children and their parents are invited to attend a reading of her new book:
 A Mouse in God’s House 
during Sprouts Children’s Worship this Sunday, December 13 during the 9:00 and 11:00 worshipservices.
"Pushing books off a desk, nibbling on cookie crumbs, and playing hide and seek are all in aday's work for Bartholomew the church mouse. Bartholomew wants to serve God, but just can't seem toget it right—or so he thinks. Adventures abound as Bartholomew learns that serving God may be just ablessing away, when a young girl discovers A Mouse in God's House.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
Thursday, December 24 ~ 7 and 11pm
Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pmChristmas Eve service will feature beautiful music, scripture readings,and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The 11pm service will featurea serene, simplified candlelight service with carols, the ChancelChoir, and scripture. The service ends in candlelight with the bellstolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
(Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)
Combined Worship Sunday, December 27
Everyone is invited to dress Christmas-casual in slacks and sweaters, bring your friends and family, and join us for
one Combined Worship Service at 10am on Sunday, December 27.
Rev. Jerry Black will conclude ourLights of Christmas sermon series with his message “Our Response to the Light” based on Luke 2:15-20. Comeat 8:30 for coffee and fellowship, followed by Sunday school for all ages at 9am.
 
Now Hiring 
10 hrs/week (Primarily Sundaymornings and Wednesday evenings)
The Nursery Coordinator, while primarilyresponsible for arranging Sunday morningnursery care for children of infant andtoddler ages, ultimately arranges care forchildren through age 10 during any churchfunction. The Nursery Coordinator worksclosely with church Nursery Staff in training,creating monthly schedules, maintainingpayroll records as well as paperwork onchildren and visiting families. The NurseryCoordinator is also responsible for greetingparents and children as well as creatingage-appropriate activities for children. TheNursery Coordinator is under the directsupervision of the Children’s Minister andmust have current CPR certification.
Interested applicants should sendcover letter with resume to: jobs@fccedmond.org Application deadline:December 20, 2009
Seven Minutes
Church growth studies confirm that it takes just seven minutes, the time to move from theparking lot into the sanctuary, for guests to decide if they like what they see and want toreturn to participate with us in church life. Hard to believe, isn’t it? But, it’s true. So, what canwe do to encourage their return? Make a concentrated effort to—

Be warm and welcoming (everyone likes to feel a sense of belonging)

Be genuine (sincerely embrace and treat all participants as dear friends; as special gifts)

Be knowledgeable (answer questions & share with guests what you love about ourchurch)

Be considerate (park in distant spaces so that both guests and those physicallychallenged won’t have far to walk, and don’t park in drop off zones)Seven minutes. Let’s make the most of these seven minutes!
Prayers of the People
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Ed Berry in Mercy; Judy Joy in Baptist
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER 
Rose Marie McKee,Roger Cole, Ed Penland, Amber Jones, Eric Koegel, Will Harris, Wayne Warner, TerryCronkite (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),Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother)
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS 
to the family and friends of 
 
Madge Goodrich whopassed away December 6. Services were held on Wednesday at FCC.
CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE 
Evan Wade Foster, born December 3 toJ.B. & Amy Foster. Proud grandparents are Sally and Kevin Leonard.
Happy Birthday!
12/13
Terry Bernard, Clarity Farrah, GaryMcGann, Colby Myrick 
12/14
Martina Dowell, Abigail Kerr, LucyMecoy, Madison Murphy, Lisa Weaver
12/15
Maria Azary, Hayden Ball, JerryBlack, Christina Hansen, Scott Peters,Marietta Stone
12/16
Evan Beasley, Jim Burke, BrandyKing, Linda Matlock, Russell Patton, LaurieSimpson, Cody Ward
12/17
Craig Adkins, Lu Bratcher, BrittneyHendricks, Mary Ellen Shepherd, CarlitaWalters
12/18
 AJ Berepele, Tyler Burleson, JerriDillon, Neal Hunt, Ted Perrin, Gwen Shaw,Tracey Smith
12/19
Chris Clark, Mark Shaw
12/20
Greg Cunningham, Allison Ernst,Jeanne Larimore, Pat Warner
Dear friends, Yesterday, when I left the Hope Center there were still 122 families that had not beenadopted for Christmas. The very latest for sponsors to request to sponsor families isFriday, Dec. 18, but families were told that they should hear from their sponsors by the14th of Dec. That is less than a week away. Last year, I put out a similar plea and fromyour response and the forwarding on of this email, Christmas was saved for the childrenof those families. I’m asking the same this year. Please consider contacting the HopeCenter at 348-1340 to adopt a family. The website iswww.hopecenterofedmond.comwhere you can find out more information about what is involved. It is so rewarding andinvolves very little for us but means so much to the children!Thanks for passing this on and hopefully, adopting a family.Merry Christmas! ~ Kay Mades
Many In Need ~ Lots of Opportunities to Sponsor Families This Christmas
Holiday Fun For College Students
Hey college students! Going to be home for the holidays and looking for something todo? Then join us for a night out on the town. Tuesday, December 22 we are meetingat Chelino’s in Bricktown for dinner, and then heading over to Red Pin for some bowling.This will be a great time to catch up with your FCC buds! And here is the best part - it’sFREE! Just RSVP to Greg at gbunton@fccedmond.org by Sunday, December 20 so weknow how many to expect. Then meet us at Chelino’s on December 22 at 6:30pmHow easy is that? Hope to see you there!Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries
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