CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 5 February 9, 2012

The Chalice

Gush and Mush

As so many of you know, I dislike having my life, generosity, and acts of thoughtfulness dictated by the likes of Hallmark, Hersheys Chocolate, florists, and jewelers. Its not that I rue their right to make a buck. Thats a good thing. In fact, its important to the economy and me personally. When business does well, money flows, the stock market moves up, and my investments improve. Thats a good thing. And its not the character of the people who own and run these businesses that bothers me either. I know some of them, just as you do. They are wonderful, hard working people making significant contributions to society and our way of life. What then is the issue? Its having the market place tell me when Im supposed to be thoughtful and giving. Forbid that I should leave someone out on one of these occasions. Its graduation, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Grandparents Day,

By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, New Years, and oh yeah, Valentines Daythe time when Im supposed to gush and mush on cue. There are literally so many programmed moments for thoughtfulness in our culture that there is little room left for me to be spontaneous. But in all fairness, we in the church tend to replicate that model, dont we? We program our entire year around Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and a host of other favorites. Our order becomes so busy and redundant that it too obscures the spontaneous and natural; the sudden, un-programmed response of the heart to the sweet love story that is older than the sea; the simple truth about the love God gives to you and me. So, heres a thought. Maybe we can learn with our Lenten emphasis this year that it isnt so much what we give up as what we give out. Maybe its just about writing God a love note and putting it in the offering plate on Sunday. Or better yet, writing one with our lives and giving it out spontaneously and naturally. Our thought for this week: God is love (I John 4:16). Happy Valentines!

for Lent

January 9 2012

for Lent

Film Viewing, Sunday Feb. 12

What comes to mind when you think of the church season of Lent? Maybe giving something uplike chocolate? Lent isnt just a season of selfdenial, nor is it about short-term ritual changes that dont impact our lives after Easter. And its certainly not about just giving up chocolate! Lent is a 40-day season for growth and exploration. Its a time of preparation for a change to the post-resurrection life. We invite you to join us for a unique study and sermon series calledChocolate for Lent to explore a Lenten season thats about more than what you give up. The study will be offered through some of our Sunday school classes Feb. 26 through April 1. Rev. Chris Shorow will lead a noon discussion group on Wednesdays, Feb. 29 through March 28. So take up Chocolate for Lent and explore a sweet season of self-disciplne, giving, conversion, acceptance and change.

To prepare for our 5-week sermon series and study Chocolate for Lent we will offer an all-church viewing of the film Chocolat on Sunday, February 12 at 4pm. This 2000 Academy Award nominated film tells the story of a single mother and her daughter who move to a repressed and isolated French village and open a chocolate shop across the street from a church during Lent. The mother proceeds to transform the lives of all she meets. The Cornerstone Sunday school class will host the movie afternoon and provide us with popcorn, beverages and some delicious chocolate. Childcare available by reservation for children 5th grade and younger. Ages 3 and over will be viewing the 1971 version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! Make childcare reservations online at www.fccedmond.org/lent

Sermon Series

February 26 Giving up - the prelude to change March 4 Giving out - the power of a gift March 11 Getting wise - the possibility of change March 18 Getting real - the power of acceptance March 25 Growing up - the process of change

Week of Compassion, through its partnerships, responds to human needs around the world. Disciples bring hope to situations of natural disaster, war and famine. Please share generously! Experience joy!

Ash
Wednesday
Imposition of Ashes - 6:45pm - February 22

Week of Compassion Offering

Taken Sunday, February 19

By Frank Gresh, Board Moderator and Robbi Kinnaird, Board Moderator-Elect

While we think bad things would never happen in our church, the facts, stories and statistics show that institutions of faith are experiencing loss and face the same dangers as other areas of our culture. And we are no exception. In recent weeks, we have had two thefts and have become aware of other potential concerns. So now our church is moving forward in faith with some new and responsible procedures:

Providing a Sense of Security

Our main entry front doors (facing Second Street parking lot) have cameras for electronic monitoring and controlled intercom
access during weekday business hours. When you arrive, push the outside call button to gain access. A volunteer or staff person will acknowledge your presence and release the door latch from their desk.

A key fob entry system has been installed on the east door directly across the sidewalk from the west side of our Family Life
Center. This door is now limited by fob access during child care center hours (6:30 am-6 pm, Monday-Friday). These steps will ensure someone on staff has knowledge of people entering the facility. While this creates additional work and a potential inconvenience, we believe these measures are reasonable, prudent, and a natural progression to ensure safety for the children of the child care center, our staff and our membership.

Security is the Responsibility of All

Each of knows that we have a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure environment at the church. Here, however, are some fundamental reminders: Lock car doors before coming into church and secure valuables out of sight. Keep an eye on purses or other valuables, regardless of location. Dont leave a purse, bag, or item of value sitting alonenot even for a few minutes. If anyone has to leave something in a room, make sure it is locked in a safe place. Dont think stashing the item in a cabinet will go unnoticed!

Be vigilant and sensitive, especially to the unusual. Always identify the closest exit for any emergency. Whenever possible, enter and exit the church in groups, especially at night. There is safety in numbers. If one should encounter a door that does not seem to latch properly, see something that appears to be broken, or find something that seems out of place, please report it immediately to one of our volunteer security personnel, a church leader, or a member of the staff. With a facility this large and this many access points, it is difficult to be everywhere, see everything, and know when something has just broken. So please help keep everything safe and functional.

Security through Friendliness

Finally, please remember that when someone means us harm or wants to take advantage of what we have, they probably dont want a warm welcome. They would rather be unnoticed. They dont want people looking them in the eye and shaking their hand. They seek targets, not companionship. So, please join our greeters, deacons, and gracious members in extending the most extravagant hospitality! If we make the genuine effort to reflect the love of Christ, greet the stranger, and shake hands with both the familiar and the unfamiliar, we will not only be exercising a profoundly important biblical practice, but perhaps even, deterring the worst of intentions.

Prayers of the People

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Cooper Kious, 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 Dean & Jennifer Shipley and Family on the passing of Jennifers mom, LoRee Stubbs, on February 6. Services held Thursday, February 9 at FCCEdmond AND to Mack & Sandy Mitchell on the passing of Sandys mom, Peggy Thies, on February 6. Services will be at FCC-Salina, KS, on Saturday, February 11. Memorials may be made to the Heart Association Fund in honor of Peggy Thies AND to John & Karly Meadows and Family on the passing of Karlys grandfather, Gerald Kennedy, on January 21. Services were held on January 26.

Happy Birthday!
2/12 2/13 Zach Hanson, Emily Overocker, Kyle Vazquez Marisue Haigler, Grace King, Margaret Kysar, Sara OHagan, Carter Raines, Sara Raines, Zane Raines, Desi Stout Hallie Hanna, Kathy Kerr, Alaina Morton, Linda Speegle, Bill Womble Janet McCain, Helen Myers, Steve Novakowski, Paul Stuke, Randy Thomas Sarah Douthitt, Laura Harris, Barbara Lea, John Stone Tommy Atchison, Trevor Gibson, Isaac Hast, Tana Stufflebean Nancy Goosen, Asher Jewell, Kelsey Murray, Adaya Price, Lily Stuckey, Kacy VanOsdol Tara Baker, Al Jantz

2/14 2/15 2/16 2/17

Experience the Warmth of God at

2/18 2/19

Summer Camp

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

Thank You, Troop 479!

A huge Thank You to Troop 479 for the wonderful 50 year celebration of your Scouting mission with First Christian Church. A special thanks to Bruce Jackson for his wonderful sermon, Larry Ball for his service at the Table, Mike OMeara for giving the Pastoral Prayer, Alan Simpson and Jack Smith for their work in contacting former Eagle Scouts and Scout Masters from the past 50 years, and the Scouts of Troop 479 for recognizing the vision and energy of Gifford Parkhurst some 50 years ago. It was a terrific celebration and a great moment for acknowledging the dynamic partnership between church and scouting in community. Thank you!

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

First Christian offers partial scholarships to member campers. 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

Come to FCCs Annual Family Camp in Estes Park, Colorado!

Join us this Summer in beautiful Estes Park Colorado June 24 thru June 30th for Family Camp. Come experience what everyone is talking about! There is something for everyone. Whether your family is one or ten you are welcome to join the fun. The activities at Family Camp are endless: hiking, white water rafting, golfing, crafting, tennis, skateboarding, fishing, rock climbing, star gazing ,and horseback riding. There is also a chance to zip line 800 ft through the mountains. In the evenings, we go to movies, shop and, of course, join one another for a friendly game of Nerts and other games. To learn more you can pick up an information packet from the Family Camp table in the rotunda, or download a pdf from our website at www.fccedmond.org/family camp If you have any questions, please contact Susan Huffer at 623-2185.

Souper Bowl of Caring collections were $1,180.75. Thank you to all who helped the Cornerstone Sunday School Class TACKLE HUNGER! All donations will support Breakfast on Boulevard!

Summer Internships Available!

Worship
February 12, 2012
Message: Rev. Greg Bunton Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Love: Gods Love Is... Scripture: 1 John 4:7-16

One for Childrens Education & Three for Student Ministries

By Greg Bunton & Anna Lisa Stanley
The Childrens and Youth Education Committees are pleased to announce two programs for summer internships...offering a total of four internship spots! Childrens Ministries (ages birth through 5th grade) is offering one spot while Student Ministries (grades 6 through 12) is offering three spots. These internships are open to college students that grew up at First Christian Church of Edmond and participated in the Children and Youth programs.

February 19, 2012

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Greg Bunton Theme: Compassion Scripture: Mark 6:30-44

The purpose of the internships is as follows:

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

1. To provide our college students the opportunity to give back to the church and the program that nurtured them as children and teenagers 2. To provide the opportunity to be a positive role model to our children and youth, and to the life of our Children and Student Ministries. 3. To provide the opportunity for our college students to hone their leadership skills as they help to plan and implement various programs and ministries. The Childrens Education Committee will be hiring one intern for the summer, and the Youth Education Committee will be hiring three interns for the summer. If you are interested in finding out more information, or if you would like to apply, please go to www.fccedmond.org/internship and complete the online process. The application deadline is Sunday, March 25, 2012. Interns will be selected and notified by Sunday, April 15, 2012.

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