The Chalice

CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

Vol. 3 No. 5 February 17, 2011

What True Love Means

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
As we has greater love than to give up one’s life importance in your life. Too often we
celebrate for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) neglect those we are closest to, forgetting
Valentine’s Amidst all of the corny, funny and to verbalize and demonstrate our love.
Day this even the emotional Valentine’s Day cards Remember that love conquers all.
week, I we pass around, remember what that As South African Archbishop Desmond
want to kind of love is about. God’s love extends Tutu once said, “Love, compassion,
remind to us in life-changing ways. And it is a gentleness, even when sometimes they
you of love that sacrifices all. seem to have a rough ride, in the end
what true I hope that you had the chance to they prevail.” Amen.
love really express to those most important to you Now I’m off to tell my family how
means. Our scripture on Sunday how much they mean to you. To tell them important they are to me. Hope you’ll do
included the words from Jesus, “No one how much you love them and share their the same.

Nothing to do for Spring Break?

Join Our Mission Trip!
By Rev. Greg Bunton

FCC’s Outreach Ministry team invites you to join us for

an intergenerational mission trip during spring break. We
will travel to the Inman Christian Center in San Antonio,
Texas, March 12-16.
Inman Christian Center is a neighborhood-based
community center offering childcare for infants, pre-school
and school age children. Recreation and enrichment Please join John Stone
activities for children and youth ages 6-13 are also offered. and his family
Inman provides short term social services, information and referral and infant supplies. in celebrating
Inman Christian Center also sponsors six apartment complexes in San Antonio for low- 90 years of life, love
income elderly and for adults with physical and/or mental disabilities.
and laughter
This trip is intergenerational - anyone can attend, but children must be
accompanied by an adult. Sunday, February 20, 2011
2:00 to 4:00 pm.
Bradford Village
TRIP DETAILS: Cost is $50 per person which includes transportation, lodging, Community Center
food, and a day adventure to Sea World. Food while at Sea World, and at least one dinner 300 Enz Drive, Edmond
“on the town” is NOT included in the trip fee. Registration deadline is February 20. Contact No gifts please.
Greg Bunton at 341-3544 or gbunton@[Link] for more information.
 Learning to Share is Tough
As children we begin by taking turns with things in
limited supply like crayons or skateboards, experience
the immediate satisfaction of playing with someone
else, and start to understand that sharing strengthens
friendships. Teenagers experience the fun of shared
jokes and the healing comfort of sharing broken hearts.
As adults, we seek organizations that share our vision
and perhaps someone to share our lives with. Over time, we come to know that sharing is bedrock to being fully human, and it brings incredible joy.
On Sunday, February 20 we will be invited to share with people in aching need through the Week of Compassion Offering. By sharing our
resources, combined with offerings from thousands of other congregations in eight denominations across the United States, we:
l build homes, schools, medical clinics, and clean water and sewage facilities in villages
devastated by earthquakes, floods, and poverty;
l bring safety, shelter, and food to refugees
l nurture self-sufficiency through health care, education, job training, and tools

Remarkably, we benefit when we share! Week of Compassion donors say:

l Giving just feeds my soul! This is what life is about—not collecting things, but helping people.
l Giving helps me appreciate what I have.
l As I see Week of Compassion meet needs, I am reminded how God takes care of me.

Sharing because we have felt God’s love invites God even more fully into our lives, which renews and transforms us. “Those who abide in love abide
in God, and God abides in them.” (I John 4:16) As we reach out in love, we open the way for God to reach more deeply into us. Sharing will joyfully
transform you as you help transform the world. Week of Compassion: sharing resources, changing lives, bringing joy!

General Assembly July 9-13, 2011

A Great Place to Learn and Grow!
Disciples will gather for the 2011 General portunity to learn from “specialists” and from
Assembly in Nashville, TN, July 9-13, with each other.
the theme "Tell It!" based on Deuteronomy Who will lead the transformation?
6:1-12, reminding Disciples to tell the Good In times of change, leaders have a special call
News of God's healing love to world. and challenge to coax communities into new
First Christian’s Student Ministry summer places, sometimes frightening places, where
musical mission trip participants are traveling God is about to do a new thing.
to General Assembly, where they will learn,
grow and participate in worship, sharing their What seeks to be born among us?
gift of song. Rev. Greg Bunton, Mark Taylor As Christians experience the decline of institu-
and sponsors will also participate in the tional/organized church, a new
Assembly activities and come back eager to ministry is emerging full of new possibili-
“Tell It!” ties - especially for Disciples. How might the
General Assembly offers a wide range of Emergent Church movement empower us for
learning opportunities, with a special focus mission and ministry?
on equipping congregations for mission and
ministry. Here’s a quick summary of learning MISSIONAL Ministry to Youth and Children
options at the 2011 General Assembly: How do we seek to bare, or bear, God to the
youth and children in your community?
50 Different Resource Groups - 1 to 2.5-
hour workshops on variety topics: Justice, Have questions about General Assembly? If
Leadership, Mission, Spiritual Disciplines and you are interested in learning more about
Vital Congregations. this opportunity, you can contact Rev. Chris
Shorow at cshorow@[Link] or Rev.
Learning Tracks explore one of three topics Greg Bunton at gbunton@[Link].
in depth from a variety of angles over two You can find detailed information about
days for a total of about five hours. These General Assembly online at
intensive sessions offer participants the op- [Link]/ga
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
2/20 Lisa Grant, Michael Grant, Terry
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Kerr, Michelle Ward
Don Barnes, OK Heart; Eric Koegel, Mercy
2/21 Martha Jacobs, Laura Rankin,
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER George Gilbreath, Larry Scott, Andrew Woods
Joan Grant, Phil Fraim, Bob Bennett, Ola Drennon, Teddi 2/22 London Carrington, Shari Elliott,
Long-Owen, Bob Earl, Jeri Brigham, Mary Lou Womble, Jeff Stephens, Larry Griffin, Wayne Ed Fry, Jim Quade, Keith Smith,
Wilson (Tracy Turner’s dad), Kay Burks, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, Ralph Eastwood Georgia Sparks
(Jackie Stafford’s dad), Ann Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s mom), Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s
2/23 Ron Brumback, Ross Herndon,
cousin), Ed Berry, Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother)
Chelsey Moffatt
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To John & Joyce Werhun in the passing of John’s 2/24 Carter Coleman, Mark Mades, Lori
grandmother, Ava Voelpel, on February 12. Services held February 17 in OKC AND TO Jane Nordstrom, Emily Shipley
Martin in the passing of her brother Paul Hudiburg on February 13. 2/25 B. Ann Cole
2/26 Judy Freeman, Betsy Jones, Jim
CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Hallie Ryanne Hanna, born February 14 to Brad & Nelson, Sarah Penland, David
Lindsay Hanna. Proud Grandparents are Richard & Teresa Finley. Rankin, Ryan Simpson, Pierce
Theobald, Rita Ward
Thank you to all who made a donation to 2/27 Diane Ball
our 2011 SOUPER Bowl of Caring project!
Together we raised $1105.50 to help tackle College Summer
hunger! All monies go to Breakfast on Internship Program
Boulevard. ~The Cornerstone Sunday School Class applications being
accepted through
April 6. Get
details at www.
Experience the Warmth of God at [Link]/
internship
Summer Camp!
Summer Church Camp is filled with fun activi-
ties, Bible study, and adventure that will build Only a few spots left for
friendships and memories to last a lifetime and
strengthen spirits to withstand life’s storms. Family Camp!
The following camps are available: June 26-July 2, 2011
Chi Rho 1 (grades 6-8) June 6-10 By Susan Huffer
Discovery (grades 1-3) June 24-26
CYF (grades 9-12) June 27-July 2 Breath taking scenery, fresh air, hiking,
Junior 1 (grades 4-5) June 27-July 1 breakfast and a horseback ride, fly fishing,
Chi Rho 2 (grades 6-8) July 18-23 golf, zip lines, and white water rafting—
Junior 2 (grades 4-5) July 18-22 sound like fun? How about a family fun
night, an adult’s night out, nightly games,
The theme for summer camp 2011 is “Got Spirit.” Activities will help children and
a crafts barn, YMCA sponsored activities,
students discover how to find God in the everyday:
napping, reading, and star gazing in the
· in the mystery and wonder of creation · in an attitude of gratitude
majestic Rockies?
· in giving ourselves to others in radical hospitality
· through worship and Bible study · through generous giving Then sign up NOW for FCC’s Family
· through sharing God’s love with others Camp! There are just a few spots left for
this adventure - June 26 thru July 2, 2011.
First Christian offers partial scholarships to member campers. Campers register for To sign up - drop by the table in the
camps based on GRADE COMPLETED by June 2011. To learn more, including camp rotunda on Sunday morning and pick up
prices, early bird discounts, and for a registration form go to [Link]/camp an info packet, or log on to [Link]/
or ask Greg, Mark, Anna Lisa the next time you are at church! familycamp Questions? Contact Susan
Huffer at 340-1619.
 Financial Report
from the Finance Committee
The financial summary of the Church’s first month of 2011 is
favorable and is shown below. A number of improvements

Worship and enhancements were made to our church building during

2010. Some of these were: a) repaired the leak in the Church Steeple, and repaired and repainted the
at First Christian Baptistery, b) new tile floor, paint walls, refinish cabinets and install new counter tops in Fellowship Hall
kitchen, c) new Sanctuary roof (majority paid by insurance) and repaired all other roofs, d) refurbished,
8:15, 9 & 11am
upgraded and expanded the lawn irrigation system, e) added security cameras at church entrances,
f) Chapel entrance new landscaping and g) provided improved feedback monitors for Sanctuary
February 20, 2011 musicians. This work was financed from 2008 and 2009 Carry Forward Funds, and the 2010 Property
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Ministry Budget. Thank you for your many gifts over the last three years.
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31 General Fund, 2011 Building Fund, 2011
Actual Actual
February 27, 2011 Revenue $109,361.30 $20,836.04
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Expense $86,187.88 $22,729.28
Scripture: Luke 14:7-11 Excess/(Shortfall) $23,203.42 ($1,893.24)
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to always note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts
you want your contribution credited.

The Chalice CONNECTION

Disciple-Cise Dawg Has Made It Back To Edmond!
An Update from The Parish Nurse Ministry
Shelley Regan, Editor If you followed our Disciple-cise program articles last year, you’ll be pleased to know that shortly after
sregan@[Link] the New Year, Disciple-cise Dawg made it to stop #28 First Christian Church, Edmond. Were you able
Read News Online to keep up with him as he spent eight months visiting Disciple churches, regions, and colleges across the
@ [Link]/news United States? When interviewed about his travels, Disciple-cise Dawg barked “I enjoyed visiting sites
and colleges that I didn’t know were related to our Disciples brethren. My only disappointment was that I
Submit Articles to
was unable to catch one of those pesky Horned Frogs.”
news@[Link] Thanks to all who participated in this exercise program!

Edmond, OK 73083
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