CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 33, August 23, 2012

The Chalice

90 Days of Prayer and Discernment

By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister
Wow. What wonderful participation we had in both the Unified Sunday School last week and the Unified Worship. The contextual analysis given by Dr. Hamm and our Focus Team not only underscored the value of our work in re:NEW last year, but further crystallized the value of completing that work. As most of you recall, re:NEW was to have been a four step process: 1) Discovering our core valuesthose things in our life, mission, and work that uniquely define us; 2) Dreaming about ways in which we could have more of that life and work; 3) Discerning which of those dreams should have priority; and 4) Implementing a design/plan for making those dreams happen. We completed the first two steps, but just couldnt get to the other two. Since Personnel was already contracting this year with the Rev. Dr. Richard (Dick) Hamm to serve as a Personnel/Staff consultant, an ideal opportunity and person was suddenly there to help us complete re:NEW. As you learned last week, that work has begun. The contextual analysis Dr. Hamm gave was the first step and included some very important demographic information. It obviously showed the merits of our work last year while emphasizing the importance of completing that work. So, now we move on to Step 3 Discernment. This phase will feature as many Prayer Triads as we can muster people meeting in groups of three for seven sessions over a 90 day period of time to pray, discuss, and discern the will of God. Using the ancient practice of LectioDivina (Divine Reading, reading of Scripture), participants will ponder deeply and discuss insights gained from a predetermined text. No special knowledge of the Bible is required. This triad time will also include some thought provoking questions and obviously, time for prayersilent, individual, conversational, or other modality. The whole process is designed to help us listen for the voice and will of God. In each prayer group, there will be a Convener and a Recordersomeone who calls the group together and someone who captures the insights of the group. These insights will enable the Focus Team to formulate a Future Story which will guide us into the future. Once we have consensus, we can move on to Step 4, developing a strategic plan for the next five to seven years of ministry. In short, well know where God is leading and how we are to proceed. So, thanks for participating in last Sundays review and worship. And thanks for eagerly signing up to participate in the prayer triads and the discernment process which so many of you have already done. We will continue to give opportunity for signing up and joining in this powerful, spiritually focused, 90 Days of Prayer and Discernment.

FOCUS: Seeing Gods Vison for First Christian

For our 90 days of Prayer and Discernment to be a success we need YOU. For more information on this exciting process, you can view the message from Rev. Hamm. You can find the video as well as the contextual analysis, and sign up to be part of the 90 Days of Prayer and Discernment online at www.fccedmond.org/focus If you have more questions please contact any member of the Focus Team: Brenda Peterson, Co-Moderator Brian Cavanaugh Ellen Chitwood Molly Haley Robbi Kinnaird Terry Kerr Billy Harrison, Co-Moderator Molly Larrison Wayne Shepherd Bethany Shipley Wayne Warner

Welcome to First Christian Church: John Riester!

Our New Organist Begins on September 2!
John was born in Tennessee and grew up in Indianapolis. He started piano lessons at a young age and moved to the organ in high school. It was his interest in the pipe organ that drew him to Indiana University, a school well known for their music program. He graduated from IU in 2004 with a BS in Organ Performance with a minor in organ technology. While at IU, John met college sweetheart (and fellow music student) Sara and they were married in 2003. He has served Disciples, UCC and Methodist churches in the Midwest and Oklahoma for 15 years. John is a long-time Disciple and son of a Disciple minister, so he is excited about starting at First Christian Church Edmond soon! Mr. Riester has a full-time day job at the University of Oklahoma. He has been Pipe Organ Shop Manager for the American Organ Institute since 2007. John oversees the scheduling of Graduate assistants and independent technicians, coordinates all organ activities in the shop, instructs students on pipe organ building techniques and methods, as well as performing and coordinating maintenance activities of the School of Music pipe organs. He lives in Norman, with Sara, children Joshua and Joy, a dog and a cat. Join FCC Edmond in extending a warm Welcome! to John Riester and Family!

Extravagant Generosity: One Gift TOUCHES Many Hearts

Did you know that generosity is the same thing as joy? Or that it is in our genetic code from God to be givers?
On September 16, well kick off our annual stewardship campaign Extravagant Generosity One Gift Touches Many Hearts. The day will start with a wonderful opportunity to share in a common Sunday School led by guest minister Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He will lead a special class for 4th grade through adults and help us realize that we have generosity in our very DNA! Then, in a unified worship service at 10:45, well see and hear stories of lives touched through our generosity through our Annual Ministry Report, and gather afterwards at noon for our annual Gratitude Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Make your reservations for the Gratitude Lunch by signing up at the table in the Rotunda starting Sunday, August 26 - or - online at www.fccedmond.org/gratitude - the lunch is free, and a thank you for all you do! Sign up sheets will also be circulated in your Sunday School classes. Mark your calendars for September 16 and join your church family to celebrate and be thankful. See how your Extravagant Generosity is already touching so many! Next week we will share more details about some special classes, a workshop and prayer activities during the campaign season.

Sign Up for UNITE!

This year, all Wednesday UNITE activities (dinner, worship and small group classes) begin Wednesday, September 12th! Fall UNITE dates will run from Sept. 12 through Dec. 5. (No UNITE events on October 10, Fall break, or November 21, Thanksgiving break.) Cost for Unite: Individual: $3.50 per person, per night Semester: $38.50 per person/semester Family of 4+: $12.50 per family, per night Semester: $150 per family/semester Registration: Pre-registering for UNITE ensures that we have dinner ready for your family! Please register for UNITE online at www.fccedmond.org/unite starting now - or - at the table in the rotunda, beginning September 2.

UNITE needs one or two people to serve as Kitchen Coordinators for Wednesday evenings this fall. The Coordinator selects weekly menus from our wonderful UNITE dinner notebook, visit each week with our fantastic Chef Dennis Gallop to determine quantities of food to purchase, make weekly shopping lists and email to our grocery shoppers, send out a homebaker schedule so we have tasty desserts each week, and give projects to weekly setup, prep, and cleanup crews. The UNITE kitchen is a fun-filled place to build church friendships, and the food cant be beat! Plus youll receive some friendly training from our outgoing kitchen coordinator, Debby Gresh! So if you, or you and a friend, are organized and looking for a fun place to share those skills, give Greg Bunton a call at 341-3544 to learn more.

Unite Kitchen Coordinator Still Needed!

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Jim Hays, Baptist THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER George Hall, Bob Jennings, Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Judy Joy, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Jerri Jones, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Max Stapp in the passing of his wife, Dena Stapp, on August 15. Services were held on August 22 in Beaver, OK AND to Cole and Anna Lisa Stanley & Family in the passing of Anna Lisas father, Haynes Phillips, on August 17. Services were held on August 21 in TN. CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Vivienne Flavia Bare born August 16 to James & Emily Bare. Grandparents are Richard & Terry Bernard.

Happy Birthday!
8/26 Susan Black, Jill Keel, Robbi Kinnaird, J.D. Metcalf 8/28 Karen Moore, Earl Rice 8/29 Alex Peters 8/30 Leah Danley, Carol Hawkins 8/31 Dot Hammond, Gayle Smith 9/1 Kelly Beall, Kathrynn Cavanaugh, Max Speegle 9/2 Olivia Agosta, Marc Pate

Nursery Worker Needed

FCC Edmond seeks a part-time nursery care worker for an upcoming Bible Study, every other Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 am for $9.50 per hour. There is a possibility for additional hours on weekends and Wednesday evenings. An application can be found at the front desk. If you have questions, contact Jerry Black at 341-3544, ext. 109. Please note: a background check will be required.

Please Join Us for a Wedding Shower honoring v v

Kory Van Osdol & Samantha Mize

Sunday, August 26 at 2pm, Fellowship Hall
Registered at Macys, Target & Kohls
Hosted by: Donna Clark, Donna Combs, Mary Foreman, Susan Huffer, Linda Quade, Gayle Smith & Connie Westhof Questions call Linda Quade 341-1618.

v v

PARENTS: Date Change!

Seeking Interim Directors of Childrens Ministry

Do you LOVE kids? This is for YOU! The Personnel Committee of First Christian Church Edmond is currently looking for two gifted individuals to share a flexible, part-time position (10 hours each, weekly, for a period of 6 to 8 months) as Interim Co-Directors of Childrens Ministry. Interested applicants should contact Greg Bunton at 341-3544, ext. 105.

Children Worship & Wonder

CHILD AND PARENT ORIENTATION
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the orientation has been moved to September 2 during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Parents - come with your child to experience what it is all about!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

CHOIR PRACTICE RESUMES

The Chancel Choir starts back up on August 29 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. If you love to sing and have fun, now is the perfect time to try it out. Questions? Contact Diane Ball at dball@ fccedmond.org or 341-3544 ex.115.

Trip to Peppers Ranch with The Classics!

On Tuesday, September 11, the Classics visit Peppers Ranch, dine together for lunch and then travel to Armstrong Auditorium for a tour. If you are interested and would like more information, please call Winnie Hall at 341-4297.

There are A FEW spots left for FCCs Winter Family Camp - & - the deadline to grab up these remaining spots is August 28! So ACT now! Family Camp is December 30, 2012 through January 4, 2013, at Snow Mountain Ranch (a Y Camp in Granby, Colorado). Call and reserve your familys spot now - Susan Huffer at 623-2185.

Winter Family Camp: First Come! First Serve!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
August 26, 2012

Message: Rev. Greg Bunton Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Prayer - Prayer of Jesus Scripture: Luke 5:15-16

September 2, 2012

This fall, the Connections group will study James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore. This 8-session study is offered at two different times: Monday evenings at 7pm starting August 27; taught by Jenny Wiechmann Thursday mornings at 9:30am starting August 30; taught by Tana Stufflebean. If you would like sign up, please see Iris Muno Jordan in the churchoffice. The books are $18. Make checks payable to FCC and note Connections Bible Study.

Fall 2012: Womens Connections Bible Study

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Greg Bunton Theme: Prayer - The Lords Prayer Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

BRIDGES:

The Chalice CONNECTION

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

Christians Connecting with Muslims Study

Wednesdays at 6:30 PM Starts September 5
Learn to see our Muslim neighbors through the eyes of Jesus. Bridges, a 7-week study, focuses on the similarities of Christianity & Islam, and to build a bridge between the two. The class will be taught by Mona Ernst, raised a Muslim and now a Christian. Sign up at the rotunda display table. Questions? Call Kelly VanOsdol at 341-0922 or 478-5287.

(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks of New Years Day and Christmas Day). Periodicals postage paid by First Christian Church, 201 E. Second, Edmond, OK 73034-456 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chalice CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360