The Chalice

CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

Vol. 2 No. 47 November 23, 2010

Experience Gifts
That Won’t Break
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
Advent is Our Outreach Committee is going to be
here! selling gift cards to some specific outreach
I know ministries supported by our church that
it is hard to you can give to loved ones. Instead of
believe that another knick-knack to crowd our houses,
the Christmas we can give a gift that represents hope Looking for a place to spend
season has for another. From Infant Crisis Services Thanksgiving?
once again and our Regional Refuge Ministry to our
arrived. missionaries in the Division of Overseas Come to the
Ready or not, here it comes. Our recent Ministries, we can help reach out to those
emphasis in worship this year has been on in need with true Christmas spirit. Edmond Community
simplifying your life. De-stressing and en-
joying the Christmas season should be our
Remember, Christmas is a time to invite
the peace of Christ into your heart. And
Thanksgiving Dinner
focus this year. So to help accomplish this, that doesn’t mean you need to do every- Thursday, Nov. 25 11am to 3pm
we are offering Gifts That Won’t Break. All thing for everyone. It means that the birth at the University of Central
of our worship services will focus on this of a Savior has given you new life and
theme and we will be offering specific gifts hope. Pass it on to others!
Oklahoma
that you can give—that won’t break! in the George Nigh Center

materialistic Christmas out of economic projects such as Infant Crisis Services,

What Gifts Will You necessity. Others are choosing to sim- Refuge Fellowship, and Global Ministries.

Give This Year? plify because they know spending and

consumerism are out of hand, and out of
When you purchase a gift you will receive
a greeting card and envelope to give to
One of the most common traditions of sync with their beliefs. your gift receipients. Inside the card there
the Christmas season is the giving and If you are seeking to simplify your will be a message explaining the gift of
receiving of gifts. Each year, millions of holiday giving, and want to share gifts hope and details of the goodness you
dollars are spent fulfilling the wishes of that continue the work of Christ in our have done in their name! So join us in
young and old alike. From toys to clothes, world, we invite you to give “Christmas responding to the needs of the world, by
to the latest electronic gadgets; we spend Gifts That Won’t Break.” Through an giving your friends - and those in need -
in hopes of giving the perfect gift to that “alternative gift market” our Outreach “Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break!”
someone we love. Yet these gifts, as won- Ministries team is provid-
derful as they may seem, eventually wear ing you with alternative
out, break, or simply become useless and gifts that truly bring Hope
are soon forgotten. to the world!
As the Advent approachs, many of us Available each
are seeking a way to simplify our Christ- week beginning Sunday,
mas giving, while sharing gifts which November 28, a table in
honor the birth of Jesus Christ and show the rotunda will feature
concern for the whole family of God. several Hope-giving
Many people are planning a simpler, less
As Christians we are called to prepare for the coming of Christ Advent season - hope, joy, love, and peace- have a permanence
during the season called Advent. It is a time of preparation, and for that speaks to generations of children past, present, and future.
slowing down. This Advent we will be focusing our worship on the We invite you to join us for one or more of the events you’ll
“Gifts That Won’t Break.” find listed here. Bring your family, and friends and come as we
What are those gifts? They are those gifts that cannot be lost, bless each other with reminders of what this Advent season is
that never go out of style, and that are independent of the chances about—expectation that God is going to be among us to help us
and changes of life. They are the gifts that have been graciously in the work of transforming ourselves and our communities with
given by God. The gifts we share which bring hope, joy, love and hope, joy, love and peace.
peace to family, community, and world. These true gifts of the Rev. Chris Shorow

Hanging of the Greens Star, Falling Star, Rock Star, the North Remembrance. Our healing prayer ministers
Star, and a constellation of stars as they will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your
& Tasting Party anxiously watch the biggest announcement needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a
Sunday, November 28 - 6:30pm in history unfold – the birth of Jesus! Enjoy meditation.
Our student ministries annually prepares this Christmas gift to you from the children
this unique service which shares the mean- of First Christian, and afterwards stay for
ing of traditional symbols of the holidays: a reception of cookies and hot chocolate. Children’s Christmas Eve
wreaths and Christmas trees as we sing clas- (nursery provided) Service Friday, December 24
sic carols, and hear God’s word. Younger 5:30pm
children may help decorate our Children’s The Gospel will come alive with the help
Christmas tree during this family-oriented Christmas Cantata of our children in a narrative re-telling of
service. Our annual Tasting Party, hosted Sunday, December 12 - 6:30pm
The cantata, “Night of the Father’s Love” the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated,
by Membership Ministries, follows the ser- family-oriented worship service includes
vice. Bring your favorite holiday by Pepper Choplin, skillfully guides the lis-
tener through the Christmas story as though familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages
dessert, candy or appetizer to share. 3 through 2nd grade) may select a
(nursery provided) hearing it again for the first time. Join the
Chancel Choir, along with the choir from costume at 5pm and participate in the
Peace Lutheran, to revisit the mystery, awe Nativity story!
Youth Snowball Celebration and excitement of the night of Christ’s birth
“Snowball 2010 - World Tour” that happened so long ago. This cantata Candlelight Christmas Eve
Friday, December 3 - 6 to 10pm expresses the essence of Christmas as well
All FCC students 6th thru 12th grade are as the ultimate gift that won’t break: the gift
Services Friday, December 24
invited to the 15th annual Snowball of the Father’s love. We will share a recep- 7 and 11pm
Celebration dinner and dance. Tickets $15 tion with our friends from Peace Lutheran Join us as we anticipate the day of our
- on sale thru November 28. Register now Church afterwards. (nursery provided) Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve
at www.fccedmond.org/snowball service will feature beautiful music,
scripture readings, and the lighting of the
Candlelight Service of Christ Candle. The 11pm service will
Children’s Christmas Musical Remembrance feature a serene, simplified candlelight
Sunday, December 5 - 6:30pm
Sunday, December 19 - 6:30pm service with carols, the Chancel Choir, and
Join the “All-Star” cast of First Christian as
For many this is a difficult season of the scripture. The service ends in candlelight
the children present their musical “Star of
year, especially if you have lost a loved one. with the bells tolling the midnight hour,
Wonder” created by Dave Clark and Jayme
But there is hope in the midst of darkness. marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
Thompson. Along the way to witness the
Come, light a candle of remembrance, and (No nursery on Christmas Eve)
Star of Wonder, you’ll meet such luminar-
ies as Super Star, Shooting Star, Lucky experience God’s love at our Service of
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
11/28 Shirley Cox, Diana Frank, Barbara
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Bart Rodr, Eunice Wilson, Hall, Ibiera Tienabeso
Belinda Davis, Barbara Henthorn, Joyce McNickle, London 11/29 Bill Cather
Carrington, Eric Koegel, Bob Stafford, Teddi Long-Owen, Ralph 12/1 Louis Brigham, Robert Hall
Eastwood (Jackie Stafford’s dad), Jeff Stephens, Ann Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s mom),
12/2 Pat Coker, George Jackson, Martha
Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s cousin), Ed Berry, Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother)
Puryear, Sharie Wilkins
12/3 Allan Booher, Tyler Gibson
12/4 Alba Duller, Russell Kious, Rachel
Children’s Musical Dress Rehearsal Luschen
Parents please don’t forget the mandatory dress rehearsal for “Star of Wonder” is 12/5 Rodney Cave, Jason Juhl
Saturday, December 4th, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

(If your child has a speaking part and needs to put on a microphone, or needs to put on
a costume other than the “star” t-shirt, please arrive at 9:15 so that we can begin our re- Notice of Annual
hearsal on time.) Questions? Contact Diane Ball at 341-3544, or dball@fccedmond.org.
Congregational Meeting
Ministry Opportunity - Share Your Smile! Sunday, December 12
A warm, cordial, and personal greeting is a vital part of every worship event at First following each worship service
Christian Church. But Christmas Eve worship is such a special experience, that we usually
have a significant number of first time guests. Your Evangelism Ministry Team invites you Purpose: To vote on nominated
to participate in greeting and welcoming these guests to our Christmas Eve celebration. leaders and budget for 2011,
On this special night, we provide three opportunities for worship: a 5:30 pm children’s along with proposed
worship, a 7 pm candle light service and an 11 pm candle light service. Grasping this rich modifications to our bylaws.
opportunity to welcome our guests, please contact Darcy Biby at DBiby@lancome-usa. Log on to
com or Jerry Black at 341-3544 or jblack@fccedmond.org. Thank you for sharing in this
vital ministry and for providing a positive, first impression of our First Christian faith family. www.fccedmond.org/meeting
to preview the leader ballot,
~ Your Evangelism Ministry Team
budget ballot and
revisions to bylaws.
Thank you FCC Questions? Contact Billy Harrison,
Board Moderator at 348-6898.
from The Blue Star Mothers of Edmond, Oklahoma Chapter 8
With your help over 650 boxes have been packed, of your donations and beautiful
Christmas stockings! More boxes are being sent, as we receive names, stockings are being
sent to chaplains to hand out to our troops. Thank you for helping our sons and daughters
have a little merrier Christmas, while away from home. If you have any names of deployed
troops, please give us their name, address and birthday. Blessings - Becky Winn
Praying for “Peace on Earth”

Date change for Children’s

Christmas Cookie Exchange (PreK-5th Grade) UNITE
The Mary Group of Disciple Women
Fall Semester!
will meet at the home of Debi Due to planning and preparation for
Taylor for a Christmas Cookie our celebrations during Advent, the
Exchange, Thursday, December 9 from final UNITE for fall semester has been
5:30-7:00pm. Bring 2-3 dozen moved to Wednesday, December 1st.
homemade or store-bought cookies
and join us for light appetizers as we If you have already paid for a se-
mester of meals, we will carry your
ENCOURAGE one another during this balance forward. Children’s UNITE
joyous holiday season. Contact Debi Spring semester will begin on
at 340-5956 for directions. Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
Hope to see you there!
 Want to Get More Involved?
Worship Considering Membership?
at First Christian
8:15, 9 & 11am
Come to Discover First Christian!
1st Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 5 at 10am
November 28, 2010 Fellowship Hall-West
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Theme: Hope Have you been thinking about becoming a member of First Christian?
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-5
Would you like to learn ways you can get connected and make a difference?
2nd Sunday of Advent We invite you to join members of our staff and members of the
December 5, 2010 church for an event we call “Discover First Christian.”
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Theme: Joy This informal gathering provides an opportunity for us to get to know
Scripture: Luke 2:15-20 you, and for you to get to know a little more about us.
It’s a great place to have your questions answered.
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor So whether you’re brand new or have been attending a while, we’d love to
sregan@fccedmond.org have you join us for coffee, juice, donuts and fellowship. Let us know you are
Read News Online coming. Contact Iris Jordan at ijordan@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 20.
@ fccedmond.org/news
Submit Articles to
news@fccedmond.org

Edmond, OK 73083
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