CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 3 No. 37 October 13, 2011

The Chalice

Continuing the Journey

By 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 week so 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 defined us 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 valleys of life. Like Elijah, we are going out and standing before the Lord and the Lords people. Like Peter and the 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 overcoming real, human fears so that we can be the hands, feet, body, and voice of God. We are innovating, creating, and serving. Join us throughout October and November as we continue the journeylistening to the voice of God, overcoming our limitations, making a difference, and preparing for the Wonder of Christmas.

The youth of First Christian Church are hosting a Fall Festival for the children of FCC on Sunday, October 30 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. It is being held at Mitch Park - the big pavilion on the west side, just north of the senior center. Children are invited to wear their costumes (and adults too) and come ready for some fun! Our youth will be offering games and activities, as well as hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Try your hand at the ring toss or toilet paper throw, win a prize at the duck pond, or maybe a cake at the cake walk. Dont miss the sack races...and more! Come join us for this fun family event.

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, it is the misperception that all ministry is public, and we dont do public. We are private and reserved. Then for others, it is about confidenceor the lack thereof. Some of us just cant see how we can do anything significant for the glory of God. So our reticence is self-preservation. It isnt that we dont care. We do. But, we are so cautious that we ignore our God-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 observation is at the heart of Jesus grand pronouncement: Those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it (Mark 8:35). These were not empty words. They were his 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 wonderful ministry opportunities through which we can lose ourselves, use our God given gifts, find ourselves, and fulfill the deepest longing of Gods heart. These are opportunities to enable and inspire Open Doors, Open Arms, the Open Table, 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 selfless ways in which each of us can make a difference in the lives of others and in that of our own. Rev. Jerry Black

The Braids are Back!

Just Two Weeks to Order Your Butter Braids

The FCC youth are selling yummy Butter Braids, Tea Rings & Swirls now through October 23rd for $12.00 each in a variety of flavors. To place your order for holiday delivery, see a youth at the Rotunda Table on Sunday mornings or contact Diane Ball at dball@fccedmond.org or 341-3544. Butter Braids are frozen pastries which bake up warm and fluffy with yummy fruit fillings.They make great holiday gifts and excellent morning treats. NEW FLAVORS! Braids in these yummy flavors: Chocolate Cream, Cinnamon 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 of November 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.

Prayers of the People

THOSE 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), Lura Wilson (Paula Baileys mom), Alice Birdsong (Charlanne Johnsons mom), Joe Samuels, Joan Grant, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Roy Jackson, Nita Williams (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 AND to Wayne & Sandy Prewitt and family in the passing of Waynes dad, Aris T. Prewitt, on October 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, Maxine Kerr, 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 Nash 10/22 Mike Felice, Keith Moeller, Kay Sullins, Lane Tompkins, Linda Weddle 10/23 Ali Haley, Jenni Hast, Nathan Wilburn

Christmas Cantata Rehearsals Underway!

Do you love to sing? Come learn this years Christmas Cantata, Tapestry of Light by Joseph M. Martin. Join the Chancel Choir for this short time commitment. We rehearse Wednesdays at 7:30pm in the sanctuary. Questions? Contact Diane Ball at dball@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 115.
of Edmond, OK MINISTRY First Christian Church

Three-quarters of the way through the year, General Fund Revenues are 102.4% of yearto-date budget and General Fund Expenses are 97.8% of year-to-date budget. 2011 Pledged offering continues to be strong at 105.7% of year-to-date budget. September General Fund Revenues were less than the normal average we have been receiving, and September General Fund Expenses were higher than normal due to completing a number of Property improvements. The Building Fund shortfall increased in September, because of a $10,000.00 principal payment in addition to the normal mortgage payment. The year-to-date (YTD), through September 30, 2011, Revenue and Expenses are: General Fund YTD Actual $799,391.46 $787,054.43 $12,337.03 Building Fund YTD Actual $214,632.39 232,563.52 <$17,931.13>

An Update from the Finance Committee

Bring Your Pet Sunday, October 30 All Creatures Great and Small

Pet Blessing
By Shirley Brown

Revenue Expense Excess/<Shortfall>

Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts you want your contribution credited.

Our pets give us glimpses of God through their complete trust, joy in being with us, unconditional love, and faithfulness. Join us Sunday, October 30th for our Pet Blessing, at 2:30 PM in front of the Family Life Center. Please put your pet on a leash or in a carrier. During the blessing there will be a Time of Remembrance for those who have experienced loss of a pet. Please put your name and the pets name on a piece of paper and put it in Iris Jordans mailbox in the workroom or email her at ijordan@fccedmond.org no later than Friday, October 28.

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

Childrens Disaster Services Volunteer Workshop November 4-5, Bethany Christian Church, Tulsa
Childrens Disaster Services, a ministry of Church of the Brethren, is a partner ministry of Week of Compassion. CDS works in shelters under the umbrella of Red Cross and FEMA to care for children while adults address emergency needs after a disaster. When disasters occur, families are displaced from their homes and children need a safe and nurturing environment in which to play and learn while their parents cope with their new reality. To fill this need, more volunteer childcare givers are needed. Myrna Jones, retired director of admissions, Phillips Theological Seminary, and 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 experiences in my life have given me the deep personal satisfaction and sense that I was meeting 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 time to give? If you are looking for a meaningful way to help children and families after disasters perhaps becoming a Childrens Disaster Services Volunteer is a good option for you! 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; myrnajj@att.net

October 16, 2011

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow & Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: Hearing Gods Word Elijah After Mt. Carmel Scripture: I Kings 19:1-10

October 23, 2011

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black & Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Hearing Gods Word Miracle After Pentecost Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

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