The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034

Vol. 1 No. 22 November 25, 2009

The Light of Hope

by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister

Among the most of David’s song of thanksgiving, he

common metaphors
are those that refer
to our senses of
touch, taste, sight,
hearing and smell.
Those I relish the most have something
to do with light. “You light up my life,”
or “That’s a bright idea,” or “That sure
throws a new light on the subject,” or
that which is closely related and
beginning to be all too relevant for me—
“My memory is a bit cloudy.”
Light metaphors are also common
to the Bible. In 2 Samuel 22:29, as part
celebrates: “Indeed, you are my lamp, O
Lord; the Lord lightens my darkness.” In
the longest of the Psalms, the Psalmist
says “Your word is a lamp to my feet and
a light to my path.” And in the sermon
given by Jesus on the mountain, he
poses: “You are the light of the world.”
During this season of Advent, we
Looking for a place to spend
gather to celebrate The Lights of
Thanksgiving?
Christmas—the lights of hope, joy,
peace, and love. We begin the journey
Come to the Edmond Community
this Sunday with The Light of Hope. Join Thanksgiving Dinner
us, and celebrate with us the wonderful Thursday, Nov. 26 11am to 3pm
at the University of Central Oklahoma
light that comes to us in Jesus, and at
in the George Nigh Center
first, as a baby.

2009 Advent Activities Hanging of the Greens

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 called Advent.
It is a time “set apart” to wait, listen, get in touch with
God, and prepare our lives and hearts for Jesus’
coming. For speeded up, stressed out people this is an
intriguing invitation.
Our theme during this Advent is “The Lights of
Christmas.” Our messages 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 people around the earth as we
pray together for the brilliant light of Christ’s love to
warm the hearts and lives of humankind.
At First Christian we have several times “set apart” to
worship, reflect, and gather with our family. We invite
you to join us for one or more of the events as we bless each other with reminders of
what this Advent season is about—expectation that God will be among us to help us in
the work of transforming both 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
& Tasting Party
Sunday, November 29 - 6:30pm
Experience the sights, sounds and smells
of Christmas at our annual Hanging of
the Greens! The youth groups of FCC
will share the meaning of traditional
symbols of the holidays: wreaths and
Christmas trees as we sing classic carols,
and hear God’s word. Younger children
may help decorate our Children’s
Christmas tree during part of this
family-oriented service. Our annual
Tasting Party follows the service. Bring
your favorite holiday dessert, candy or
appetizer to share with your church
family in the fellowship hall.
Children, wear your
PAJAMAS to
Hanging of the Greens!
2009 Advent Events continued inside~
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL 11/29 Bill Cather
Jack McKee in Mercy; Ed Berry in Oklahoma Heart; Madge 12/1 Louis Brigham, Robert Hall
Goodrich in Edmond Specialty 12/2 Pat Coker, George Jackson,
Martha Puryear, Sharie Wilkins
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Eric Koegel, Will Harris, Wayne Warner, Terry Cronkite
12/3 Allen Booher, Tyler Gibson
(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 12/4 Alba Duller, Gil Fleshman
Basso (Anne Stone’s sister), Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother) 12/5 Rodney Cave, Jason Juhl
12/6 Ryan Bratcher, Adam Clark,
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Marilynn Brown in the death of
Marj Pizer, Sandy Prewitt, Audra Stone
Marilynn’s mother, Mildred Brown, who passed away November 20. Services were held
Tuesday.

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Bernie & Joyce McNickle in the death
Notice of
of Bernie’s sister-in-law, Ramona McNickle, who passed away on November 22.
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 6
The Parish Nurses will be offering a Held immediately following
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UP each worship service
Sunday, December 6 Purpose: To vote on the proposed
slate of 2010 nominted leadership and
from 9am to 11am in Fellowship-Hall
2010 proposed budget.

2009 Advent Activities at First Christian Continued from Page One

Edmond Community Chorale Christmas Concert
Saturday, December 5 - 7:30pm
ECC will be performing Mass of the Children by John Rutter,
Czech Carols, and other holiday favorites. Featuring the
Sequoyah Middle School Chorus, and the Jubiliate Singers from
Young Chorus of Central Oklahoma.
Those singing from FCC will be: Betsy Jones, Mark Parkhurst,
Carla & Randy Clark, Terry Earnheart, Devione Harris and
Beverly Schmoyer. Reception following. Admission is free – a
love offering will be taken
Children’s Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 6 - 6:30pm
Join the children of First Christian as they present their Christ-
mas musical “Shepherds, Sheep and a Savior” by Ed Kee.
Shepherds may have been at the bottom of the social ladder in
Bethlehem, but God chose them to be the first ones to see the
Savior. This is their story - what they heard and what they saw
that marvelous night when God came to dwell with men.
Enjoy this gift to you from the children of First Christian, and
stay for cookies & hot chocolate afterwards. (Nursery avail-
able)
Youth Snowball Celebration
“A Night At The Oscars”
Saturday, December 12 - 6 to 10pm
All FCC Youth 6th thru 12th grade are invited to the 14th
annual Snowball
Celebration dinner and dance. Tickets $15 - on sale thru Dec.
6.
Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 13 - 6:30 pm
The Chancel Choir, along with Peace Lutheran Church, invite
you to celebrate the miracle of Christmas as they present the
cantata “Season of Wonders” by Joseph M. Martin. When we
ponder the miracles surrounding the birth of Jesus, we discover
in abundance the lavish character of God’s love. In the
experience of this work, may you draw close to the manger
and open your heart to the unexpected glories of this season
of wonders. Enjoy the cantata and stay for a reception with
our friends from Peace Lutheran afterwards. (Nursery available)
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
Sunday, December 20 - 6:30pm
Advent also reminds us of the “in between times,” when we’re
stuck and not sure where to go. For many this is a difficult
season of the year, especially if you have lost a loved one. But
there is hope in the midst of darkness. Come, light a candle of
remembrance, or simply bathe yourself in the warm glow of
God’s love. Our healing prayer ministers will be on hand to
fashion a prayer for your needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will
offer a meditation.
Christmas Eve Services
Thursday, December 24
Children’s Christmas Eve Service 5:30pm
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
7 and 11pm
(Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)

Worship
at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am
November 29
1st Sunday of Advent
“The Light of Hope”
Message: Rev. Jerry Black
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16
December 6
2nd Sunday of Advent
“The Light of Peace”
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Scripture: Matthew 2:16-23
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor
sregan@fccedmond.org
submit or read news online @
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Want to Get More Involved? Come to
Discover First Christian!
Sunday, December 6 at 10am
Fellowship Hall-West
Have you been thinking about becoming a member of First Christian?
Would you like to learn ways you can get connected and make a
difference? We invite you to join members of our staff and members of
the church for an event we call “Discover First Christian.”
This informal gathering provides an opportunity for us to get to know
you, and for you to get to know a little more about us. It’s a great place
to have your questions answered.
Whether you’re brand new or have been attending a while, we’d love to
have you join us for coffee, juice, donuts and fellowship.
Let us know you are coming. Contact Iris Jordan at
ijordan@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 20.
CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083
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