12-1-2011 Chalice
Content
CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 3 No. 46 December 1, 2011
The Chalice
The Wonder of Children
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
This Advent season we are exploring the Wonder of Christmas. Last Sunday we looked at the prophets who prepared us for the birth of Jesus. This Sunday we will look at the wonder of Mary and Joseph as they show us the way to Bethlehem. Further along the way, the Magi, the shepherds and finally the Christ child will show us the wonder as we travel to Bethlehem. As we try to appreciate the wonder of Christmas, I always enjoy a walk over to our Child Care Center. The wonder of Christmas, and the wonder in our daily life is more evident there than anywhere else around. If you’ve been here and seen the infants on one of their strolls around the church in the buggy that seats up to six, then you know how “wonderful” the kids are. They usually sit and gaze intently at all of the sights that surround them, taking all of it in as if seeing the world for the first time. There is wonder in books, murals, smiles on the faces of those who pass by them, even in long hallways. The world is a continual wonder. The faces of these children as they see the world with wonder in their eyes is an inspiration for all of us as we travel through Advent to Bethlehem. It makes me grateful for the wonderful ministry of the Child Care Center and for our Children’s Ministry. Our theme of “wonder” is taken from the new Worship and Wonder ministry that the Children’s Committee has taken on. Anna Lisa has worked hard on this great new program that you will be able to see every Sunday of Advent. I love to see the children’s faces as they hear the stories of Christmas. You can feel their wonder, and the peace that this season brings to all of us. See you on Sunday as we celebrate the wonder of this season.
First Christian “Wordle Wear” Available For Purchase
Have you seen FCC’s new “Wordle Wear?” As you can see in these images, a Wordle” is a bit of word art which we have created from our core value words identified during our summer reNEW conversations. The Communications Ministry team is excited to offer the following items: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and 1/4 zip fleece tops. They range in price from $12 to $25. Purchase a shirt or sweatshirt at the table in the Rotunda this Sunday - wear one and share the good words of First Christian Edmond!
First Christian Pictorials Ready for Purchase or Download!
Color copies are available at the table in the rotunda with FCC apparel - just $5 will cover our actual costs associated with making the copy for you. Or you can pick up an access code and instructions on how to download a PDF version of the directory from our website.
Christmas Cantata
Experience the
Sunday, December 11 - 6:30pm
Wonder
of Christmas
“Tapestry of Light” - a Celtic Christmas Celebration by Joseph M. Martin is a cantata overflowing with hope and light. From seasonal songs that lift spirits to quiet carols of reflection and peace, this work is filled with the music of grace. The Peace Lutheran Church choir will join their voices with the FCC Chancel Choir again this year, and the cantata will be accompanied by a consort of instruments (violin, cello, flute, percussion and piano) for a Celtic flair. After, we will share a reception with our friends from Peace Lutheran Church. (Nursery provided)
Want to get more involved? Are You Considering Membership?
Discover First Christian
Sunday, December 4, at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall North We invite you to come and meet some of our staff and members, learn about our history, our mission and our ministries.
Join Us For
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
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, and experience God’s love at our Service of Remembrance. Our healing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.
Sunday, December 18 - 6:30pm
Children’s Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 4 - 6:30pm
The Children’s Musical this year is “The Light Before Christmas” by Dave Clark and Jayme Thompson. Join Beaker and the gang as they prepare for their Science class Christmas party. Through decorating the classroom, lighting the tree and some lessons from their teacher, the children begin to understand more fully why we celebrate Christmas and how the Light before Christmas was, and is, Jesus Christ. Enjoy this Christmas gift from the children of First Christian, and afterwards stay for a cookies and hot chocolate. (Infant nursery provided)
Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Saturday, December 24 - 5:30pm
The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, familyoriented worship service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3 through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate in the Nativity story!
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 24 - 7 & 11pm
Share Warmth!
We are collecting sleeping bags, pillow cases and coats to distribute to the homeless of OKC through our partnership with Refuge Fellowship Church in December. If you would like to donate any of these items - coats, sleeping bags or extra pillowcases (so we can make nap sacks for the sleeping bags), drop them in the box in the rotunda. We will be collecting them through Sunday, December 11. May those of us who are blessed to have shelter and the right clothing to keep us warm, share with open hands! Questions? Contact Rev. Greg Bunton at 351-3544 or [email protected].
Edmond Community Chorale (ECC) Christmas Concert
Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve service Tuesday, December 6 - 7:30pm will feature beautiful music, scripture readings, Edmond Community Chorale (ECC) will and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The perform holiday music featuring the Vivaldi’s 11pm service will feature a serene, simplified candlelight service with carols, the Chancel “Gloria”, Vaughan Williams’ “O Clap Your Choir, and scripture. The service ends in Hands” and Holst’s “Christmas Day”, conducted by Dr. Karl Nelson, Artistic Director candlelight with the bells tolling the midnight of the ECC and Director of Choral Studies at hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day. the UCO. The ECC will be joined by soloists (No nursery on Christmas Eve) from UCO. Celebrate the holiday season with these master composers and much more. The Christmas Morning Sunday, December 25 performance will be held in the Sanctuary 10:45am Unified Worship Service on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy “Cookies & Milk for Santa” during Admission is free, donations will be accepted. Coffee Fellowship at 10am. Nursery begins at FCC members singing: Terry Earnheart, Betsy 10:30am. (No Sunday school and no Sprouts Jones, Mark Parkhurst, Bev Schmoyer. on Christmas Day)
Prayers of the People
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Judy Joy, Bart Rodr, Virginia O’Niel, Cynthia David (Winnie Hall’s daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Nita Williams (Jeff Williams’ mom), Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciak’s mom) CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Jonah James Hanson born November 21 to Brett & Halie Hanson. Grandparents are Steve & Wendy Hanson.
Happy Birthday!
12/4 Alba Duller, Russell Kious, Rachel Luschen 12/5 Jason Juhl 12/6 Luci Perdue, Audra Stone, Jamie Werhun 12/7 Julie Holiman, Foster Johnson, Dana Theobald 12/8 Matthew Rahhal, Jill Wilburn 12/9 Cindy Enix, Sue Sestak, Elli Young 12/10 Joshua Jones, Kimberly Kerr, Logan Turner 12/11 Gina Baldridge, Robbie Shaw
Theater Seating Available
First Come, First Served!
The movie room in the basement is slated for a makeover. Beginning Saturday, December 3rd, the room will begin it’s new life as the new Children Worship and Wonder Space. If you are interested in obtaining any of the theatre seating currently in the room, it will be given away on a first come, first served basis. We only ask that you haul it away. Contact Terry Kerr at 341-6546 if you are interested.
Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
following each worship service
Purpose: To vote on nominated leaders and budget for 2012, along with proposed modifications to our bylaws. Log on to www.fccedmond.org/meeting to preview the leader ballot, budget ballot and revisions to bylaws. Questions? Contact Craig Adkins, Board Moderator, at 285-6859, or Frank Gresh, Board Moderator Elect, at 844-9120.
Sunday, December 11
One of the most common traditions of the Christmas season is the giving and receiving of gifts. We spend endless amounts of time searching for that perfect gift to give to that special someone – a gift with meaning. If you are looking for that perfect gift, then look no further. This year, in conjunction with our Advent theme “The Wonder of Christmas”, First Christian Church is again offering an Alternative Christmas Market. However, rather than offering multiple gift options, we will have one simple focus – our children! In the year to come the Children’s Ministry will be creating a worship space dedicated to the Children Worship and Wonder ministry. This ministry will be offered to children ages 3 through first grade during the 11 a.m. worship time. Using a sensorymotor style of storytelling as a primary means for encountering God, God is experienced not just learned about. Children participate in worship practices and hear Bible stories in a way that allows them to enter into the stories and form responses out of their own life experiences. Because our children are a gift to us, the Outreach ministry of FCC is pleased to support the faith formation of our children through our Alternative Gift Market. So we invite you to “Share the Wonder,” by purchasing a “story” or book for Children Worship and Wonder, or make a donation in the amount of your choice to support this ministry. You can stop by the display table in the Rotunda to see the available gift options. When you purchase a story, book, or make a donation, you will receive a greeting card and envelope to give to your gift recipients. Inside the card there will be a message explaining the gift that was given in their honor. It will truly be a gift with meaning! May God bless us this Advent season as we honor the birth of the Christ Child through “The Wonder of Christmas.”
Attention SPROUTS Parents:
Sprounts has a “NEW” location again! Children attending the 11am service may be picked up in Room 131, the room behind the chapel. (After the 9am worship service, children will be escorted to their Sunday School classroom by their teachers.) Sprouts welcomes children ages 3 to 5; children 6 and older are welcome to participate in worship with their families! Thank you, Anna Lisa Stanley
Worship
December 4 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: The Wonder of Christmas - Mary & Joseph Show the Way to Bethlehem Scripture: Luke 2:1-5 Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: The Wonder of Christmas - The Shepherds Show the Way to Bethlehem Scripture: Luke 2:8-14
December 31, 2011: Deadline to Make Charitable Gifts from IRA Accounts
The compromise tax bill (“Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010”) extends until December 31, 2011, a provision know as the “Charitable IRA Rollover” which allows taxpayers age 70½ or older to make tax-free transfers (of up to $100,000 per year) directly from their IRA to charities. You can make distributions directly to one or more charities from your traditional or Roth IRA, as long as you are at least 70 ½ years old when you transfer the gifts. Such gifts can be made without increasing your taxable income or withholding. Additionally, funds transferred from your IRA to a charity will NOT subject your Social Security income to higher tax levels, and will count toward your minimum required distribution (MRD). Please consult your tax advisor for more information.
December 11 - 3rd Sunday of Advent
Purchase Poinsettias Help Decorate FCC For Advent
Each year we decorate our worship spaces for Advent with poinsettias. For just $15, you can purchase a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Here’s how to order: fill out a form (in the Sunday worship bulletins), order online at www.fccedmond.org/poinsettia, or call Iris Jordan at 341-3544. Orders must be received by Sunday, December 4. If you purchase poinsettias to take home, they will be available for pick up on Sunday, December 11. All proceeds benefit the FCC youth mission fund.
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to [email protected]
(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks of New Year’s 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
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 3 No. 46 December 1, 2011
The Chalice
The Wonder of Children
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
This Advent season we are exploring the Wonder of Christmas. Last Sunday we looked at the prophets who prepared us for the birth of Jesus. This Sunday we will look at the wonder of Mary and Joseph as they show us the way to Bethlehem. Further along the way, the Magi, the shepherds and finally the Christ child will show us the wonder as we travel to Bethlehem. As we try to appreciate the wonder of Christmas, I always enjoy a walk over to our Child Care Center. The wonder of Christmas, and the wonder in our daily life is more evident there than anywhere else around. If you’ve been here and seen the infants on one of their strolls around the church in the buggy that seats up to six, then you know how “wonderful” the kids are. They usually sit and gaze intently at all of the sights that surround them, taking all of it in as if seeing the world for the first time. There is wonder in books, murals, smiles on the faces of those who pass by them, even in long hallways. The world is a continual wonder. The faces of these children as they see the world with wonder in their eyes is an inspiration for all of us as we travel through Advent to Bethlehem. It makes me grateful for the wonderful ministry of the Child Care Center and for our Children’s Ministry. Our theme of “wonder” is taken from the new Worship and Wonder ministry that the Children’s Committee has taken on. Anna Lisa has worked hard on this great new program that you will be able to see every Sunday of Advent. I love to see the children’s faces as they hear the stories of Christmas. You can feel their wonder, and the peace that this season brings to all of us. See you on Sunday as we celebrate the wonder of this season.
First Christian “Wordle Wear” Available For Purchase
Have you seen FCC’s new “Wordle Wear?” As you can see in these images, a Wordle” is a bit of word art which we have created from our core value words identified during our summer reNEW conversations. The Communications Ministry team is excited to offer the following items: t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and 1/4 zip fleece tops. They range in price from $12 to $25. Purchase a shirt or sweatshirt at the table in the Rotunda this Sunday - wear one and share the good words of First Christian Edmond!
First Christian Pictorials Ready for Purchase or Download!
Color copies are available at the table in the rotunda with FCC apparel - just $5 will cover our actual costs associated with making the copy for you. Or you can pick up an access code and instructions on how to download a PDF version of the directory from our website.
Christmas Cantata
Experience the
Sunday, December 11 - 6:30pm
Wonder
of Christmas
“Tapestry of Light” - a Celtic Christmas Celebration by Joseph M. Martin is a cantata overflowing with hope and light. From seasonal songs that lift spirits to quiet carols of reflection and peace, this work is filled with the music of grace. The Peace Lutheran Church choir will join their voices with the FCC Chancel Choir again this year, and the cantata will be accompanied by a consort of instruments (violin, cello, flute, percussion and piano) for a Celtic flair. After, we will share a reception with our friends from Peace Lutheran Church. (Nursery provided)
Want to get more involved? Are You Considering Membership?
Discover First Christian
Sunday, December 4, at 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall North We invite you to come and meet some of our staff and members, learn about our history, our mission and our ministries.
Join Us For
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
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, and experience God’s love at our Service of Remembrance. Our healing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.
Sunday, December 18 - 6:30pm
Children’s Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 4 - 6:30pm
The Children’s Musical this year is “The Light Before Christmas” by Dave Clark and Jayme Thompson. Join Beaker and the gang as they prepare for their Science class Christmas party. Through decorating the classroom, lighting the tree and some lessons from their teacher, the children begin to understand more fully why we celebrate Christmas and how the Light before Christmas was, and is, Jesus Christ. Enjoy this Christmas gift from the children of First Christian, and afterwards stay for a cookies and hot chocolate. (Infant nursery provided)
Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Saturday, December 24 - 5:30pm
The Gospel will come alive with the help of our children in a narrative re-telling of the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated, familyoriented worship service includes familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages 3 through 2nd grade) may select a costume at 5pm and participate in the Nativity story!
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
Saturday, December 24 - 7 & 11pm
Share Warmth!
We are collecting sleeping bags, pillow cases and coats to distribute to the homeless of OKC through our partnership with Refuge Fellowship Church in December. If you would like to donate any of these items - coats, sleeping bags or extra pillowcases (so we can make nap sacks for the sleeping bags), drop them in the box in the rotunda. We will be collecting them through Sunday, December 11. May those of us who are blessed to have shelter and the right clothing to keep us warm, share with open hands! Questions? Contact Rev. Greg Bunton at 351-3544 or [email protected].
Edmond Community Chorale (ECC) Christmas Concert
Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve service Tuesday, December 6 - 7:30pm will feature beautiful music, scripture readings, Edmond Community Chorale (ECC) will and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The perform holiday music featuring the Vivaldi’s 11pm service will feature a serene, simplified candlelight service with carols, the Chancel “Gloria”, Vaughan Williams’ “O Clap Your Choir, and scripture. The service ends in Hands” and Holst’s “Christmas Day”, conducted by Dr. Karl Nelson, Artistic Director candlelight with the bells tolling the midnight of the ECC and Director of Choral Studies at hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day. the UCO. The ECC will be joined by soloists (No nursery on Christmas Eve) from UCO. Celebrate the holiday season with these master composers and much more. The Christmas Morning Sunday, December 25 performance will be held in the Sanctuary 10:45am Unified Worship Service on Tuesday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy “Cookies & Milk for Santa” during Admission is free, donations will be accepted. Coffee Fellowship at 10am. Nursery begins at FCC members singing: Terry Earnheart, Betsy 10:30am. (No Sunday school and no Sprouts Jones, Mark Parkhurst, Bev Schmoyer. on Christmas Day)
Prayers of the People
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Judy Joy, Bart Rodr, Virginia O’Niel, Cynthia David (Winnie Hall’s daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Nita Williams (Jeff Williams’ mom), Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciak’s mom) CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Jonah James Hanson born November 21 to Brett & Halie Hanson. Grandparents are Steve & Wendy Hanson.
Happy Birthday!
12/4 Alba Duller, Russell Kious, Rachel Luschen 12/5 Jason Juhl 12/6 Luci Perdue, Audra Stone, Jamie Werhun 12/7 Julie Holiman, Foster Johnson, Dana Theobald 12/8 Matthew Rahhal, Jill Wilburn 12/9 Cindy Enix, Sue Sestak, Elli Young 12/10 Joshua Jones, Kimberly Kerr, Logan Turner 12/11 Gina Baldridge, Robbie Shaw
Theater Seating Available
First Come, First Served!
The movie room in the basement is slated for a makeover. Beginning Saturday, December 3rd, the room will begin it’s new life as the new Children Worship and Wonder Space. If you are interested in obtaining any of the theatre seating currently in the room, it will be given away on a first come, first served basis. We only ask that you haul it away. Contact Terry Kerr at 341-6546 if you are interested.
Notice of Annual Congregational Meeting
following each worship service
Purpose: To vote on nominated leaders and budget for 2012, along with proposed modifications to our bylaws. Log on to www.fccedmond.org/meeting to preview the leader ballot, budget ballot and revisions to bylaws. Questions? Contact Craig Adkins, Board Moderator, at 285-6859, or Frank Gresh, Board Moderator Elect, at 844-9120.
Sunday, December 11
One of the most common traditions of the Christmas season is the giving and receiving of gifts. We spend endless amounts of time searching for that perfect gift to give to that special someone – a gift with meaning. If you are looking for that perfect gift, then look no further. This year, in conjunction with our Advent theme “The Wonder of Christmas”, First Christian Church is again offering an Alternative Christmas Market. However, rather than offering multiple gift options, we will have one simple focus – our children! In the year to come the Children’s Ministry will be creating a worship space dedicated to the Children Worship and Wonder ministry. This ministry will be offered to children ages 3 through first grade during the 11 a.m. worship time. Using a sensorymotor style of storytelling as a primary means for encountering God, God is experienced not just learned about. Children participate in worship practices and hear Bible stories in a way that allows them to enter into the stories and form responses out of their own life experiences. Because our children are a gift to us, the Outreach ministry of FCC is pleased to support the faith formation of our children through our Alternative Gift Market. So we invite you to “Share the Wonder,” by purchasing a “story” or book for Children Worship and Wonder, or make a donation in the amount of your choice to support this ministry. You can stop by the display table in the Rotunda to see the available gift options. When you purchase a story, book, or make a donation, you will receive a greeting card and envelope to give to your gift recipients. Inside the card there will be a message explaining the gift that was given in their honor. It will truly be a gift with meaning! May God bless us this Advent season as we honor the birth of the Christ Child through “The Wonder of Christmas.”
Attention SPROUTS Parents:
Sprounts has a “NEW” location again! Children attending the 11am service may be picked up in Room 131, the room behind the chapel. (After the 9am worship service, children will be escorted to their Sunday School classroom by their teachers.) Sprouts welcomes children ages 3 to 5; children 6 and older are welcome to participate in worship with their families! Thank you, Anna Lisa Stanley
Worship
December 4 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: The Wonder of Christmas - Mary & Joseph Show the Way to Bethlehem Scripture: Luke 2:1-5 Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: The Wonder of Christmas - The Shepherds Show the Way to Bethlehem Scripture: Luke 2:8-14
December 31, 2011: Deadline to Make Charitable Gifts from IRA Accounts
The compromise tax bill (“Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Authorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010”) extends until December 31, 2011, a provision know as the “Charitable IRA Rollover” which allows taxpayers age 70½ or older to make tax-free transfers (of up to $100,000 per year) directly from their IRA to charities. You can make distributions directly to one or more charities from your traditional or Roth IRA, as long as you are at least 70 ½ years old when you transfer the gifts. Such gifts can be made without increasing your taxable income or withholding. Additionally, funds transferred from your IRA to a charity will NOT subject your Social Security income to higher tax levels, and will count toward your minimum required distribution (MRD). Please consult your tax advisor for more information.
December 11 - 3rd Sunday of Advent
Purchase Poinsettias Help Decorate FCC For Advent
Each year we decorate our worship spaces for Advent with poinsettias. For just $15, you can purchase a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Here’s how to order: fill out a form (in the Sunday worship bulletins), order online at www.fccedmond.org/poinsettia, or call Iris Jordan at 341-3544. Orders must be received by Sunday, December 4. If you purchase poinsettias to take home, they will be available for pick up on Sunday, December 11. All proceeds benefit the FCC youth mission fund.
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to [email protected]
(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks of New Year’s 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
