The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034

Vol. 1 No. 24 December 10, 2009

Don’t Lose Your Christmas Spirit

by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister

I spoke with a pressure, crowds and high of it is a new wonder.

member of our expectations can all conspire to make Surround yourself with uplifting
congregation last this a less than happy time. people. Some people do get
week and she told Let me offer some advice for those crabby this time of year. Be
me that she lost of us who find our Christmas spirit around those people who recharge
her Christmas sliding away. First, focus on the your batteries and help to give
spirit one day. It was a frustrating things that give you new life. Things you new life.
day, dealing with the holiday that help you to see God in our world. Take time out for solitude,
pressures, the crowds, the traffic and The joy of children. The excitement reflection and prayer. If there is
rude people who are in a hurry. A they have for this time of year. Here’s any time that we need to feel
woman stepped in front of her in a a helpful hint—if you need to, come closer to God, it is now. Take
line and my friend, quite and borrow my 2-year-old for a few intentional time out to prayerfully
uncharacteristically, snapped at her. hours. The wonder and joy that he approach God and to hear what
Immediately, she was embarrassed sees all around him constantly God says to you. You will feel and
and looked around to see if anyone reminds me of the blessings that I need God’s support this season.
had witnessed this mishap. take for granted. Although I get My friend said she got her
Fortunately, only the offending party frustrated, every decoration that he spirit back. She went to the
heard her rant. pulls off of our Christmas tree is a joy Mayor’s Lighting Service
It can be all-too-easy to lose your to him. Every Christmas carol that I downtown and basked in the joy
Christmas spirit at this time of year. have heard for the past forty years is of the season. I was happy to
Ironically, it is supposed to be the new, fresh and exciting. The know that she could reclaim the
time of year to be happy, jolly and anticipation of Christmas gifts. The peace of Christ this season. My
cheerful. Often it is not. Financial excitement of seeing Santa Claus—all prayer is the same for you.

Christmas Cantata “Season of Wonders”

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
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.
If you are hurting, we invite you to come light a candle of
remembrance during this service designed to comfort you. Our
healing prayer ministers will be on hand to fashion a prayer for
your needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a meditation.

Children’s Christmas Eve Service

Thursday, 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, family-oriented
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

Thursday, December 24 ~ 7 and 11pm
Join us as we anticipate the day of our Savior’s birth! The 7pm
Christmas Eve service will feature beautiful music, scripture readings,
and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The 11pm service will feature
a serene, simplified candlelight service with carols, the Chancel
Choir, and scripture. The service ends in candlelight with the bells
tolling the midnight hour, marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
(Nursery for infants available during 7pm service only)

Combined Worship Sunday, December 27

Everyone is invited to dress Christmas-casual in slacks and sweaters, bring your friends and family, and join us for
one Combined Worship Service at 10am on Sunday, December 27. Rev. Jerry Black will conclude our
Lights of Christmas sermon series with his message “Our Response to the Light” based on Luke 2:15-20. Come
at 8:30 for coffee and fellowship, followed by Sunday school for all ages at 9am.

Children - Come Hear “A Mouse in God’s House”

during SPROUTS Children’s Worship on Sunday, December 13
First Christian Church celebrates the publishing of another fine children’s book by “our own,” Cherrie Steele!
Children and their parents are invited to attend a reading of her new book: A Mouse in God’s House
during Sprouts Children’s Worship this Sunday, December 13 during the 9:00 and 11:00 worship
services. "Pushing books off a desk, nibbling on cookie crumbs, and playing hide and seek are all in a
day's work for Bartholomew the church mouse. Bartholomew wants to serve God, but just can't seem to
get it right—or so he thinks. Adventures abound as Bartholomew learns that serving God may be just a
blessing away, when a young girl discovers A Mouse in God's House.
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL 12/13 Terry Bernard, Clarity Farrah, Gary
Ed Berry in Mercy; Judy Joy in Baptist McGann, Colby Myrick
12/14 Martina Dowell, Abigail Kerr, Lucy
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Rose Marie McKee, Mecoy, Madison Murphy, Lisa Weaver
Roger Cole, Ed Penland, Amber Jones, Eric Koegel, Will Harris, Wayne Warner, Terry 12/15 Maria Azary, Hayden Ball, Jerry
Cronkite (Glenda Adams’ brother), Louise Weeden (Judy Bennett’s mom), Jim Roberts Black, Christina Hansen, Scott Peters,
(Jeri Dillon’s dad), Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ Marietta Stone
brother),Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother) 12/16 Evan Beasley, Jim Burke, Brandy
King, Linda Matlock, Russell Patton, Laurie
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family and friends of Madge Goodrich who Simpson, Cody Ward
passed away December 6. Services were held on Wednesday at FCC. 12/17 Craig Adkins, Lu Bratcher, Brittney
CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Evan Wade Foster, born December 3 to Hendricks, Mary Ellen Shepherd, Carlita
J.B. & Amy Foster. Proud grandparents are Sally and Kevin Leonard. Walters
12/18 AJ Berepele, Tyler Burleson, Jerri
Dillon, Neal Hunt, Ted Perrin, Gwen Shaw,
Seven Minutes Tracey Smith
Church growth studies confirm that it takes just seven minutes, the time to move from the 12/19 Chris Clark, Mark Shaw
parking lot into the sanctuary, for guests to decide if they like what they see and want to 12/20 Greg Cunningham, Allison Ernst,
return to participate with us in church life. Hard to believe, isn’t it? But, it’s true. So, what can Jeanne Larimore, Pat Warner
we do to encourage their return? Make a concentrated effort to—
Be warm and welcoming (everyone likes to feel a sense of belonging)
Be genuine (sincerely embrace and treat all participants as dear friends; as special gifts)
Be knowledgeable (answer questions & share with guests what you love about our Now Hiring
church)
Be considerate (park in distant spaces so that both guests and those physically
challenged won’t have far to walk, and don’t park in drop off zones)
Seven minutes. Let’s make the most of these seven minutes!

10 hrs/week (Primarily Sunday

mornings and Wednesday evenings)
Holiday Fun For College Students
Hey college students! Going to be home for the holidays and looking for something to The Nursery Coordinator, while primarily
do? Then join us for a night out on the town. Tuesday, December 22 we are meeting responsible for arranging Sunday morning
at Chelino’s in Bricktown for dinner, and then heading over to Red Pin for some bowling. nursery care for children of infant and
This will be a great time to catch up with your FCC buds! And here is the best part - it’s toddler ages, ultimately arranges care for
FREE! Just RSVP to Greg at [email protected] by Sunday, December 20 so we children through age 10 during any church
know how many to expect. Then meet us at Chelino’s on December 22 at 6:30pm function. The Nursery Coordinator works
How easy is that? Hope to see you there! closely with church Nursery Staff in training,
Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries creating monthly schedules, maintaining
payroll records as well as paperwork on
children and visiting families. The Nursery
Many In Need ~ Lots of Opportunities to Sponsor Families This Christmas Coordinator is also responsible for greeting
parents and children as well as creating
Dear friends, age-appropriate activities for children. The
Yesterday, when I left the Hope Center there were still 122 families that had not been Nursery Coordinator is under the direct
adopted for Christmas. The very latest for sponsors to request to sponsor families is supervision of the Children’s Minister and
Friday, Dec. 18, but families were told that they should hear from their sponsors by the must have current CPR certification.
14th of Dec. That is less than a week away. Last year, I put out a similar plea and from
your response and the forwarding on of this email, Christmas was saved for the children Interested applicants should send
of those families. I’m asking the same this year. Please consider contacting the Hope cover letter with resume to:
Center at 348-1340 to adopt a family. The website is www.hopecenterofedmond.com [email protected]
where you can find out more information about what is involved. It is so rewarding and Application deadline:
involves very little for us but means so much to the children! December 20, 2009
Thanks for passing this on and hopefully, adopting a family.
Merry Christmas! ~ Kay Mades
Worship
at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am Operation Christmas Child Wrap Up
December 13 By Michele Schlough
3rd Sunday of Advent
“The Light of Joy”
First Christian’s first attempt at being a relay center for Operation Christmas
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-6
Child was a huge success.
We transported 1709 shoeboxes to the collection center in Oklahoma City.
December 20 Each box contains approximately $15 to $18 worth of goodies for needy children
4th Sunday of Advent around the world.
“The Light of Hope” We collected boxes from November 16 through 22, staying open from 10am
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow to 6pm each day. Two hundred and thirty-four boxes were made earlier in the
year through packing parties held here at FCC. Approximately 280 boxes were
ONE COMBINED Worship Service
filled the night of the KLOVE packing party, on November 13.
Sunday, December 27 at 10AM
Many thanks to volunteers who came for an hour or for the whole week.
Sunday School for all ages at 9AM
Linda Dunlap, Linda Burrows, Cathy Justice, Glo Rehrig and Paul Gaines and of
course Charles Scholough who supports me all year long.
An extra special thanks to David Larrison who came every day, and made
The Chalice CONNECTION seven trips to the collection center with cartons of shoeboxes.
Shelley Regan, Editor Thanks also to FCC for a generous $500 check to Samaritan’s Purse for
[email protected] shipping the shoeboxes.
submit or read news online @ If you would like to know more about Operation Christmas Child and would
fccedmond.org/news be willing to help next year please contact Michelle Schlough at 844-3214.

CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083

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