Chalice Connection
Content
CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 5 No. 2 January 17, 2013
The Chalice
Join the Education Conversation
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister On Sunday, January 27, all of our church is invited to an Adult Education lunch in our Fellowship Hall beginning at 12:15. It will be a great opportunity for us to discuss some of the best elements of adult Christian education in our church. At the heart of our adult education is our Sunday school program, taught by many wonderful teachers dedicated to educating their classes and to providing a wonderful place of fellowship, pastoral care and community building. The SS classes are great ways for people to plug in to small groups and to get to know others in our church family. One of the challenges we have as a church family is that we need more teachers. Our church is growing and we need to start more Sunday school classes, and, for that matter, we need to start more small group Bible study and discussion groups that do not meet on Sundays. So we need more dedicated volunteers to lead these groups. Most people, when asked to teach one of these groups, respond by saying, “Who me? Teach? I’m not qualified!” I know it can be challenging and even intimidating to lead a class, but the truth is, all is takes is dedication, a little extra time and care for the people in your group. The Adult Ed committee has many resources to help new teachers and current teachers provide excellent studies for the classes. And you don’t have to be an expert to teach! Leading a discussion, watching a video, inviting speakers into the class—there are many ways to enhance the education experience. If you are interested at all, please come and be a part of this exciting experience. In meeting with our consultant in the visioning process, Dick Hamm, we have reviewed all of the feedback from our prayer triads. And one of the themes that was communicated very clearly from many of the groups was the need for more small groups, Sunday school classes and new adult education opportunities. Since the need is so great, we also need volunteers to step forward to help make this happen. The Adult Ed committee is committed to bringing more learning opportunities to our church. So come on Jan 27 and bring ideas, curiosity and most importantly—your self, to the lunch. And as you know, 2013 has started with a whirlwind of change. Soon we will be saying good-bye to two of our longestterm staff members, Greg Bunton and Shelley Regan. I know God has called them to wonderful ministries outside of First Christian Edmond, but it is difficult to let them go. I’m pleased with our personnel committee, our church board and our leadership and how they have responded to these changes. They know that while God is calling Greg and Shelley out, God will also be welcoming new faces into our midst. In the meantime, we need all of our members to step up and help to meet the challenges of our church’s ministry, while we prepare for the transition. Our lunch on the 27th will be an excellent place to start. (To reserve a spot, please call Iris Jordan at 341-3544 or email her at [email protected]) Hope to see you there!
Martin Luther King Jr. Service
Monday, January 21 6PM
Edmond Trinity Christian Church, 1400 Northwest 178th Street Rev. George Young of Holy Temple Baptist Church will be the guest preacher.
Order Sub Sandwiches for the Super Bowl!
Are you having a Superbowl Party? Just watching the game at home alone? Either way, the youth of FCC can provide a tasty meal to enjoy during the game! From now until February 3, students will be taking orders for 6-inch submarine sandwiches for $6 a piece, available for pick up the morning of the BIG Game. Stop by the rotunda on Sunday mornings to place your order and sandwich preference. Choose from ham, turkey, roast beef, cheese and all the fixings! Included with your sub - a bag of chips, a canned soda, and a delicious homemade brownie! Proceeds from the sale will support ongoing youth mission trips and activities. You can order online at www.fccedmond.org/subsales or drop by the church offices during the weekday.
Making it easier to communicate and connect with one another.
This Sunday you will be invited to join “the hub” - First Christian’s new online communication tool that will help us build community and share information. First Christian is launching the hub as a tool to help equip our ministry leaders, staff and congregation so we can communicate more effectively. the hub is the place for members and friends of First Christian Church to securely connect, encourage one another, and, keep track of what’s happening! the hub is a church directory like you’ve never experienced, and yet it’s so much more. Want to know when the next board meeting is? Check the hub. Want to know what your pledge is and make a gift? Go to the hub. Need to plan a meal for your Sunday school class to take to a sick member? the hub can help you organize that too! Sounds complicated, right? Nope. If you can use Facebook, you can use the hub. The Hub is easy – it does a lot, but you can use as much or as little of it as you like. When you’re ready to do more, the hub is there with tools to make your life at FCC simpler and easier. In the unlikely event you do get lost or need help, there are oodles of help videos and advice available. Besides, you really can’t hurt anything – feel free to experiment and poke around. First things first – when you receive your invitation to join the hub log in and set up your own password. Then check out your personal profile and make sure your information is correct. Upload a current photo - a close up of your face is best. Set your personal communication preferences - if you want to receive important text messages from the church and your groups (Sunday school classes, committees, etc.), fill in your cell carrier and number. We promise never to send you any spam. If you have concerns about privacy, review your privacy settings as well. But most of all, have fun experimenting with all the hub can do!
View and Update Stay Connected
your personal records with others in your groups, see your group’s calendar, and more
Send Messages
extend class conversations beyond Sunday! communicate with groups! through email, texts, to other members of the Hub
Sign up and pay Give
for events and classes automate recurring gifts, make one time gifts, and view and download your financial statements
Winter Campers Arrived Home Safely!
By Susan Huffer, Family Camp Coordinator
Over the winter break, nine First Christian families headed out to Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado for 5 days of fun in the snow! On Sunday evening Steve Hanson launched our week talking about Psalm 121 “ I lift my eyes to the mountains…” What a great way to start. We skied Grandy and Winter Park Mountains, went snowmobiling, tubing, sledding, rock climbing (indoors!), ice skating, roller skating, swimming, and cross country skied. Some people went to the craft barn or read a book. Some even had a massage by our own Tarah Sparks. The best part about the trip? Enjoying each other’s company. At night we played games, laughed and got to know each other better. Frank Gresh closed the week talking about his favorite word for the week, “Wow”. Wow to the mountains that God created for us to enjoy, wow to all the activities we enjoyed and wow to the great fellowship we shared throughout the week. Want to know more about Winter Family Camp? Find someone that went and ask them about the trip, or better yet, join us next time! We’ll be sharing information about Summer Family Camp soon.
Prayers of the People
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Justin Bilbrey (Kaci Taylor’s brother), Dr. Henry Pearce, Gayle Jones (Jennifer Cain’s mom), Loree Rice, Russell Kious, Larry Dodd, Tom Cowling, Samantha Branscum (Michelle Fritz’s sister), Joan Grant, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatt’s brother-in-law), Lori Snider (Loretta Park’s daughter), Virginia O’Niel, Cynthia David (Winnie Hall’s daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble
Happy Birthday!
1/20 Kathy Stilwell, Arvil Flippin, Teresa Finley, Marian Bates 1/21 Garry Dowell, Christine Luton, Amber Jones 1/22 Kaitlyn Palmer 1/24 John Hackney, Bernie McNickle, Warren Hill, Melissa VanOsdol 1/25 Jim Farley, Jenny Wiechmann, Alex Smith, Red Daniel, Jackson Moffatt, Jacqui Gregory 1/26 Peyton Jewell, Kay Hackney 1/27 Jon Puryear, Lauren Neundorf, Sid Groom
Our Finishing Faithful Challenge began in December and continues through January 2013. This challenge provides up to $150,000 in matching funds for gifts which are designated to help reduce our building fund debt. To date we have collected $101,462.00 for our Finishing Faithful Challenge. This means we will be making a $202,924 payment towards our existing building fund debt. And the challenge continues! Between now and January 31, we can match another $48,538. Simply mark your check “Finishing Faithful” and it will be credited appropriately. If you have questions about this project, please contact Bernie McNickle, Scott Peters or Karla Mahan.
2012 YEAR END FINANCES
December General Fund Offering, $159,148.91, was significantly ahead of normal monthly contributions, i.e. 79% greater than the average monthly offering for the first eleven months. This resulted in End of Year General Fund Revenues being 106% of Budget and created a 2012 General Fund surplus. The Ministry Moderators and Staff controlled the General Fund Expenses slightly under Budget, i.e. 99.8% of Budget. Good Job. End of Year General Fund Expenses were 101% of Budget. December Building Fund Offerings were significantly greater than the normal monthly average. Thank you for your 2012 gifts. 2012 General Fund 2012 Building Fund* Actual Actual Revenue $1,200,229.06 $270,684.27 Expense $1,139,115.67 $272,751.36 Excess/(Shortfall) $61,113.39 ($2,067.09)
*Mortgage Balance at the end of 2012 is $666,774.75 and does not reflect Finishing Faithfully Challenge Gifts. PLEASE NOTE: It is important to always note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts you want your contribution credited.
a report from the Finance Committee
Spring Women’s Connections Bible Study
Studying Nehemiah: A Heart That God Can Break by Kelly Minter
Classes offered Monday evenings at 7pm beginning February 11 and Thursday mornings at 9:30am beginning February 14. Books are $16 and available in the Pastoral Office or at the introductory classes. For more information contact Jenny Wiechmann at 340-3816 or Tana Stufflebean at 341-4742.
Congress Approves Two-Year Retroactive IRA Charitable Rollover Extension
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which Congress passed January 1, 2013, contains a unique giving opportunity for people age 70 1/2 and older. The act contains a two-year retroactive extension of the IRA Charitable Rollover provision that lapsed on December 31, 2011. Specifically, the new law retroactively reinstates the Rollover for 2012 and allows any otherwise eligible gifts made after December 31, 2012 and before February 1, 2013 to be treated as a 2012 donation. The new law also specifies that any portion of a distribution from an IRA to a taxpayer made after November 30, 2012 and before January 1, 2013 may be treated as a qualified charitable distribution for purposes of the IRA Charitable Rollover. Finally, the IRA Charitable Rollover has been reinstated for all of 2013 and will now expire at the end of this year, on December 31, 2013. For more information about giving to First Christian Church, please contact our Business Administrator, Karla Mahan.
Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am
at First Christian
January 20, 2013
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Scripture: John 2:1-11
Winter/Spring Dates
January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27 (Unite 2/13 - Ash Wednesday ) March 6, 13, 27 (No Unite 3/20 - Spring Break) April 3, 10, 17, 24
Come UNITE with us Wednesday evenings this semester!
led by Rev. Chris Shorow - Room 116 • 6:20 - 7:15 After the New Testament Study, led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Room 116 • 7:00 - 8:15 Chancel Choir: led by Diane Ball - Sanctuary (Nursery/Childcare Available)
• 5:00 - 6:00 Adult Bible Study Group,
Evening Options for Adults:
January 27, 2013
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Luke 4:14-21
Meal Payment Options
• $3.50 per person/weekly • $50.00 per semester/per person • $12.50 weekly (family of 4+) • $180.00 semester (family 4+)
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to [email protected]
Children’s Schedule
Student’s Schedule
5:30 5:45 6:30 7:15 8:00
Girls Ensemble Dinner Worship Small Group Bible Study Done!
Children ages 3 to 5th grade 5:00 Music/Instruments (K-5th) (Rm 113) 5:30 Cherub Choir (PreK) (Rm 115) 6:00 Check-In/Dinner 6:30 Large Group (Sanctuary) 7:00 Small Groups 7:30 Check-Out/Pick up
(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. 5 No. 2 January 17, 2013
The Chalice
Join the Education Conversation
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister On Sunday, January 27, all of our church is invited to an Adult Education lunch in our Fellowship Hall beginning at 12:15. It will be a great opportunity for us to discuss some of the best elements of adult Christian education in our church. At the heart of our adult education is our Sunday school program, taught by many wonderful teachers dedicated to educating their classes and to providing a wonderful place of fellowship, pastoral care and community building. The SS classes are great ways for people to plug in to small groups and to get to know others in our church family. One of the challenges we have as a church family is that we need more teachers. Our church is growing and we need to start more Sunday school classes, and, for that matter, we need to start more small group Bible study and discussion groups that do not meet on Sundays. So we need more dedicated volunteers to lead these groups. Most people, when asked to teach one of these groups, respond by saying, “Who me? Teach? I’m not qualified!” I know it can be challenging and even intimidating to lead a class, but the truth is, all is takes is dedication, a little extra time and care for the people in your group. The Adult Ed committee has many resources to help new teachers and current teachers provide excellent studies for the classes. And you don’t have to be an expert to teach! Leading a discussion, watching a video, inviting speakers into the class—there are many ways to enhance the education experience. If you are interested at all, please come and be a part of this exciting experience. In meeting with our consultant in the visioning process, Dick Hamm, we have reviewed all of the feedback from our prayer triads. And one of the themes that was communicated very clearly from many of the groups was the need for more small groups, Sunday school classes and new adult education opportunities. Since the need is so great, we also need volunteers to step forward to help make this happen. The Adult Ed committee is committed to bringing more learning opportunities to our church. So come on Jan 27 and bring ideas, curiosity and most importantly—your self, to the lunch. And as you know, 2013 has started with a whirlwind of change. Soon we will be saying good-bye to two of our longestterm staff members, Greg Bunton and Shelley Regan. I know God has called them to wonderful ministries outside of First Christian Edmond, but it is difficult to let them go. I’m pleased with our personnel committee, our church board and our leadership and how they have responded to these changes. They know that while God is calling Greg and Shelley out, God will also be welcoming new faces into our midst. In the meantime, we need all of our members to step up and help to meet the challenges of our church’s ministry, while we prepare for the transition. Our lunch on the 27th will be an excellent place to start. (To reserve a spot, please call Iris Jordan at 341-3544 or email her at [email protected]) Hope to see you there!
Martin Luther King Jr. Service
Monday, January 21 6PM
Edmond Trinity Christian Church, 1400 Northwest 178th Street Rev. George Young of Holy Temple Baptist Church will be the guest preacher.
Order Sub Sandwiches for the Super Bowl!
Are you having a Superbowl Party? Just watching the game at home alone? Either way, the youth of FCC can provide a tasty meal to enjoy during the game! From now until February 3, students will be taking orders for 6-inch submarine sandwiches for $6 a piece, available for pick up the morning of the BIG Game. Stop by the rotunda on Sunday mornings to place your order and sandwich preference. Choose from ham, turkey, roast beef, cheese and all the fixings! Included with your sub - a bag of chips, a canned soda, and a delicious homemade brownie! Proceeds from the sale will support ongoing youth mission trips and activities. You can order online at www.fccedmond.org/subsales or drop by the church offices during the weekday.
Making it easier to communicate and connect with one another.
This Sunday you will be invited to join “the hub” - First Christian’s new online communication tool that will help us build community and share information. First Christian is launching the hub as a tool to help equip our ministry leaders, staff and congregation so we can communicate more effectively. the hub is the place for members and friends of First Christian Church to securely connect, encourage one another, and, keep track of what’s happening! the hub is a church directory like you’ve never experienced, and yet it’s so much more. Want to know when the next board meeting is? Check the hub. Want to know what your pledge is and make a gift? Go to the hub. Need to plan a meal for your Sunday school class to take to a sick member? the hub can help you organize that too! Sounds complicated, right? Nope. If you can use Facebook, you can use the hub. The Hub is easy – it does a lot, but you can use as much or as little of it as you like. When you’re ready to do more, the hub is there with tools to make your life at FCC simpler and easier. In the unlikely event you do get lost or need help, there are oodles of help videos and advice available. Besides, you really can’t hurt anything – feel free to experiment and poke around. First things first – when you receive your invitation to join the hub log in and set up your own password. Then check out your personal profile and make sure your information is correct. Upload a current photo - a close up of your face is best. Set your personal communication preferences - if you want to receive important text messages from the church and your groups (Sunday school classes, committees, etc.), fill in your cell carrier and number. We promise never to send you any spam. If you have concerns about privacy, review your privacy settings as well. But most of all, have fun experimenting with all the hub can do!
View and Update Stay Connected
your personal records with others in your groups, see your group’s calendar, and more
Send Messages
extend class conversations beyond Sunday! communicate with groups! through email, texts, to other members of the Hub
Sign up and pay Give
for events and classes automate recurring gifts, make one time gifts, and view and download your financial statements
Winter Campers Arrived Home Safely!
By Susan Huffer, Family Camp Coordinator
Over the winter break, nine First Christian families headed out to Snow Mountain Ranch in Colorado for 5 days of fun in the snow! On Sunday evening Steve Hanson launched our week talking about Psalm 121 “ I lift my eyes to the mountains…” What a great way to start. We skied Grandy and Winter Park Mountains, went snowmobiling, tubing, sledding, rock climbing (indoors!), ice skating, roller skating, swimming, and cross country skied. Some people went to the craft barn or read a book. Some even had a massage by our own Tarah Sparks. The best part about the trip? Enjoying each other’s company. At night we played games, laughed and got to know each other better. Frank Gresh closed the week talking about his favorite word for the week, “Wow”. Wow to the mountains that God created for us to enjoy, wow to all the activities we enjoyed and wow to the great fellowship we shared throughout the week. Want to know more about Winter Family Camp? Find someone that went and ask them about the trip, or better yet, join us next time! We’ll be sharing information about Summer Family Camp soon.
Prayers of the People
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Justin Bilbrey (Kaci Taylor’s brother), Dr. Henry Pearce, Gayle Jones (Jennifer Cain’s mom), Loree Rice, Russell Kious, Larry Dodd, Tom Cowling, Samantha Branscum (Michelle Fritz’s sister), Joan Grant, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatt’s brother-in-law), Lori Snider (Loretta Park’s daughter), Virginia O’Niel, Cynthia David (Winnie Hall’s daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble
Happy Birthday!
1/20 Kathy Stilwell, Arvil Flippin, Teresa Finley, Marian Bates 1/21 Garry Dowell, Christine Luton, Amber Jones 1/22 Kaitlyn Palmer 1/24 John Hackney, Bernie McNickle, Warren Hill, Melissa VanOsdol 1/25 Jim Farley, Jenny Wiechmann, Alex Smith, Red Daniel, Jackson Moffatt, Jacqui Gregory 1/26 Peyton Jewell, Kay Hackney 1/27 Jon Puryear, Lauren Neundorf, Sid Groom
Our Finishing Faithful Challenge began in December and continues through January 2013. This challenge provides up to $150,000 in matching funds for gifts which are designated to help reduce our building fund debt. To date we have collected $101,462.00 for our Finishing Faithful Challenge. This means we will be making a $202,924 payment towards our existing building fund debt. And the challenge continues! Between now and January 31, we can match another $48,538. Simply mark your check “Finishing Faithful” and it will be credited appropriately. If you have questions about this project, please contact Bernie McNickle, Scott Peters or Karla Mahan.
2012 YEAR END FINANCES
December General Fund Offering, $159,148.91, was significantly ahead of normal monthly contributions, i.e. 79% greater than the average monthly offering for the first eleven months. This resulted in End of Year General Fund Revenues being 106% of Budget and created a 2012 General Fund surplus. The Ministry Moderators and Staff controlled the General Fund Expenses slightly under Budget, i.e. 99.8% of Budget. Good Job. End of Year General Fund Expenses were 101% of Budget. December Building Fund Offerings were significantly greater than the normal monthly average. Thank you for your 2012 gifts. 2012 General Fund 2012 Building Fund* Actual Actual Revenue $1,200,229.06 $270,684.27 Expense $1,139,115.67 $272,751.36 Excess/(Shortfall) $61,113.39 ($2,067.09)
*Mortgage Balance at the end of 2012 is $666,774.75 and does not reflect Finishing Faithfully Challenge Gifts. PLEASE NOTE: It is important to always note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts you want your contribution credited.
a report from the Finance Committee
Spring Women’s Connections Bible Study
Studying Nehemiah: A Heart That God Can Break by Kelly Minter
Classes offered Monday evenings at 7pm beginning February 11 and Thursday mornings at 9:30am beginning February 14. Books are $16 and available in the Pastoral Office or at the introductory classes. For more information contact Jenny Wiechmann at 340-3816 or Tana Stufflebean at 341-4742.
Congress Approves Two-Year Retroactive IRA Charitable Rollover Extension
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, which Congress passed January 1, 2013, contains a unique giving opportunity for people age 70 1/2 and older. The act contains a two-year retroactive extension of the IRA Charitable Rollover provision that lapsed on December 31, 2011. Specifically, the new law retroactively reinstates the Rollover for 2012 and allows any otherwise eligible gifts made after December 31, 2012 and before February 1, 2013 to be treated as a 2012 donation. The new law also specifies that any portion of a distribution from an IRA to a taxpayer made after November 30, 2012 and before January 1, 2013 may be treated as a qualified charitable distribution for purposes of the IRA Charitable Rollover. Finally, the IRA Charitable Rollover has been reinstated for all of 2013 and will now expire at the end of this year, on December 31, 2013. For more information about giving to First Christian Church, please contact our Business Administrator, Karla Mahan.
Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am
at First Christian
January 20, 2013
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Scripture: John 2:1-11
Winter/Spring Dates
January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27 (Unite 2/13 - Ash Wednesday ) March 6, 13, 27 (No Unite 3/20 - Spring Break) April 3, 10, 17, 24
Come UNITE with us Wednesday evenings this semester!
led by Rev. Chris Shorow - Room 116 • 6:20 - 7:15 After the New Testament Study, led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Room 116 • 7:00 - 8:15 Chancel Choir: led by Diane Ball - Sanctuary (Nursery/Childcare Available)
• 5:00 - 6:00 Adult Bible Study Group,
Evening Options for Adults:
January 27, 2013
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Luke 4:14-21
Meal Payment Options
• $3.50 per person/weekly • $50.00 per semester/per person • $12.50 weekly (family of 4+) • $180.00 semester (family 4+)
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor [email protected] Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to [email protected]
Children’s Schedule
Student’s Schedule
5:30 5:45 6:30 7:15 8:00
Girls Ensemble Dinner Worship Small Group Bible Study Done!
Children ages 3 to 5th grade 5:00 Music/Instruments (K-5th) (Rm 113) 5:30 Cherub Choir (PreK) (Rm 115) 6:00 Check-In/Dinner 6:30 Large Group (Sanctuary) 7:00 Small Groups 7:30 Check-Out/Pick up
(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
