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The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

CONNECTIONVol. 4 No. 40, October 11, 2012

Celebrating the GiftBy Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister

As a young cler-gyman, the verylast thing I wantedto talk aboutwas steward-ship, because I sonarrowly definedit as money.

And even though I had been raised witha deep tradition (and conviction) thattithing was a joy, I didnt like talking aboutitthat is, until I began to see things a bitmore honestly, realistically, and biblically.In this, I am still learning.

Our recent guest, Bruce Barkhauer,challenged us to revisit Deuteronomy26:1-11. I did. Rereading that textreminded me once again that giving is acelebration of the bounty God has givenus. As Bruce said, Its not a tax, but anact of worship so that everybody, eventhe aliens, widows, and orphans, cancome to the Table and be blessed.

While Susan and I were away lastweek, we still celebrated with you. Wemade recommitments of our life andservice to you and to God, AND we madeour pledge early. We celebrated withyou the bounty God has given us and thewillingness to share with others; to makeministry possible; and to touch manyhearts with the love and grace of God.Because of our extravagant generosity,

children will continue to worship andwonder. They will find a place of safety

for child care. Young people will grow inthe grace of God and service. Christianeducation for adults will continue. Out-reach to the needy in our communityand around the world will be enhanced.Radical hospitality will thrive. Passionateworship will be the norm.

So, thank you for seeing with us theincalculable value in gifts of time, com-mitment, service, and money. We areobviously going to enhance the already,unbelievable, 65,000 hours of annualvolunteer giving. And my hunch is, weare going to exceed previous pledge lev-els. The pledges consecrated last week,for example, already exceed $710,000 forgeneral ministries and $231,000 for theBuilding Fund/debt abatement. So, 2013is clearly going to be another phenomenalyear for the most dynamic ministry andwork. Thank you!

For those of you still wanting to serveor give, let any one of our church lead-ers know your desire. And if you havenot made your pledge of dollars for nextyear, remember that it is a celebrationof Gods bounty and that your commit-ments were also included in the Consecra-tion Service last week. Make your pledgetoday so that we can more readily see thepossibilities for touching hearts in 2013.

May God continue to bless our sharedresponses to the most unbelievable gift of

life, love, and grace. In the name of Jesusthe Christ, amen.

Discover First

ChristianSunday, October 14

10:00 AMFellowship Hall

Have you been thinking about joiningFirst Christian? This is your opportunity

come meet some of our staff and membelearn about our history, our mission and o

ministries and have your questions abou

First Christian Church answered.

We look forward to seeing YOU!

All Creatures Greatand Small Pet Blessin

Our pets give us glimpses of Godthrough their complete trust, joy inbeing with us, unconditional love,

and faithfulness. Join Shirley Brownand Rev. Greg Bunton for our annu

Pet Blessing, Sunday, October 14 at 2p.m. on the front lawn. Please bring yo

pet on a leash or in a carrier.

Sunday, November 4

Each year First Christian participates in the Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk. Moneraised from the CROP Walk helps fight hunger around the world, as well as in our own com-munity. A portion of the money raised will support Breakfast on Boulevard, Mobile Meals,The Hope Center, and Samaritan House. This year the CROP walk is on Sunday, November4. Everyone is invited to join us as we have fun while making a difference for those who arehungry! Stop by the table in the Rotunda on Sunday October 14 or 21 and pick up a walkerpacket, or simply make a donation! Then join us at Mitch Park on Sunday, November 4, forthe walk. Registration begins at 1:00 and the walk begins at 2:00. Hope to see you there! ~Your Outreach Ministry Team

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My Personal Story of Stewardshipby Scott Peters

I grew up believingin God and oweso much to myparents for giving

me the foundation of faith. As I got olderand began building my career, thingsbegan to change I always believed inGod, but I trusted in money I trustedthat money would provide security if Ihad enough of these, I would be able toprovide for my family.

At first I was a casual giver whenthe offering plate came around, I dug

into my pocket and pulled out a $5,$10, $20 depending on how secure Ifelt that Sunday. I eventually moved toplanned giving. Each month I would sitdown and make a list of all my financialresponsibilities and plans for savings,house payments, utility bills, life insur-ance monthly installments, kids collegesavings plans, car payments, credit cardpayments and yes my church contribu-tions my line item for church contribu-tions fell somewhere in the middle I

was committed to giving to church, butGod often got my leftovers

As I began to read and learn moreabout stewardship and what it means - Ibegan to draw closer to God, closer toJesus. I began to discover what it meansto put God first. I learned that God wantsus to prosper; he wants to bless our lives.Why? So we can bless others. Thekey to prosperity is the presence of theLord, the key to the presence of the Lordis obedience, the key to obedience isthrough faith and the key to faith is hear-

ing the word of God. Let me reverse thatorder so you know how I progressed -- asI learned more about the word of God,my faith grew, as my faith grew I becamemore obedient, as I became more obedi-ent I found myself in the presence of theLord and the more I was in the presenceof the Lord the more prosperous my lifebecame. Thats not to say that every-thing goes on without troubles, but thatthe Lord walks with me through thosetroubles.

I learned that the Bible is very clearon tithing its the only topic in the biblwhere God says test me on this thepurpose of tithing teaches us how toput the Lord first in our lives. We are togive to God the first and best of what weearn. What we do first with our moneyshows what we value most. Giving thefirst part of our paycheck to God im-mediately focuses our attention on him.When we give our first to God, he blessethe rest. Now Im proud to report thatGod is at the top of the list of financial

responsibilities. God doesnt get ourleftovers any more.Once Amy and I began to give

sacrificially to God, to tithe to God, Godhas given us so much more in return.He blesses the rest. When you pursuea relationship with Jesus you becomeExtravagantly Generous. You look forways to help others. Some of my friendhave seen the change in me. God ismoving in the best of ways in my life.

As youknow, FirstChristian iscurrently inthe middleof 90 days

of prayerand dis-cernment.Many of

our adults have joined prayer triads, andthese triads are gathering for a total of7 times over the next 90 days to pray,study, share with one another, and listento the spirit so that we may gain a clearvision of Gods call for First ChristianChurch.

Our children and youth are an im-portant part of the church, and we didnt

want them to be left out of the prayerand discernment process! So, over thenext 7 weeks, our youth and children willbe having their own intergenerationaltime of learning, listening, and reflecting.

A simple curriculum has been de-

veloped for children grades K-5 basedon the 7 scriptures that the adult triadsare using during their time of reflection.These studies will be offered during theSunday school hour for a series of 7weeks, beginning Sunday, October 14and ending Sunday, November 28. Ateam of 14 high school students willteach these lessons while being assistedby other youth members. Children willremain in their normal Sunday schoolclassroom and the youth teachers andassistants will come to them!

The curriculum is designed to giveour children and youth an opportunity tinteract with one another, demonstratinwhat it means to be the body of Christ,and provide an opportunity for childrenand youth to learn about themselves, th

church, and their important place withinthe body of Christ. It is going to be anexciting 7 weeks!

As we begin this journey, I invite yoto pray for our children and youth, andour student leaders Jessica Werhun,Haley Felix, Brighton Godwin, HallieBall, Jenna Fritz, Allyson Cain, JakeBlevins, Madi Huffer, Lydia Ruben, SaraRaines, Mitchem Ernst, Joey Biby, Quinton Conaway, and Travis Christensen.

Children and Youth Experience90 Days of Prayer and Discernmentby Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries

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ChildrensChristmasMusicalIf your child, orgrandchild, woul

like to participate in this years childrensmusical Once Upon A Christmas Light,

please be sure that they come to rehearsalon Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:00pm during Unite. Rehearsals have begun!Contact Diane Ball at dball@fccedmond.org or Michele Fritz at mfritz@fccedmondorg or call them at 341-3544 with anyquestions.

Christmas CantataDo you love to sing, but dont havetime to sing with the adult choirevery Sunday? Come learn this

years cantata, Lead Me Back ToBethlehem by Pepper Choplin.Join the Chancel Choir for this shorttime commitment. Rehearsals beginWednesday, October10th, at 7:00 pm inthe sanctuary.

Questions?

Contact DianeBall at (405)

341-3544or atdball@

fccedmond.org

Interfaith Tour For Adults and Young AdultsThe Oklahoma Conference of Churches is pleased to announce that the ReligionsUnited Committee is conducting an Interfaith Tour for adults and young adults onOctober 21. This additional tour is by popular request, following OCCs highlysuccessful annual Interfaith Youth Tours. Visit Muslim, Christian, Jewish houses ofworship and learn about their faith, customs, and traditions.

The Interfaith Tour for Adults will include visits toMasjid An-Nasr Mosque, 3815 N. St. Clair Ave., OKC 73112St. Elijah Orthodox Church, 15000 N. May Ave., OKC 73134

Emmanuel Synagogue, 900 N.W. 47th St., OKC 73118Check-in will begin at 1:00pm at the mosque. Tour will conclude by 5:30pm.Transportation and snacks are included with your $15 registration fee. To register,call 525-2928.

Happy Birthday!10/14 Wayne Davis, Judy Griffis, Averi Haley,

Jennifer Humphrey, James Justice,

Ann Maxwell, Mark Parkhurst, Glen Sm10/15 Clella Adams, Ali Fitzgerald, TonyaFondren, Beth Hall, Shea Heinlein,Emily King, Kegan Reneau, Steve Rowl

10/16 Gene Burleson, Belinda Davis, Sarah Ju10/17 Martha Fields, Jake Hicks, Maxine Kerr

Shelley Ryland, Jerry Tipton, Paul Walt10/18 Marcy Williams10/19 Brenda Dodson10/21 Sue Archer, Carter Cain, Gary Cauthen

Ann Crandall, Nancy Gallop, Mark Nas

Prayers of the PeopleOUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITALRoy Jackson at Mercy

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Donna Clark, Larry Hays(Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Wayne Warner, Debbie

Gragg, Neal Hunt, Patsy Corrigan, Jim Hays, Bob Jennings, Jason Scheer (Larry & JudyFreemans son), Jerri Jones, Rose Marie McKee, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (WinnieHalls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble

CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Ariana Cristina Duller born September 30 toMatthew & Regina Duller. Grandparents are Peter & Alba Duller.

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TOJennifer Rodr & Family in the death of her husband,Bart, on October 5. Services were held on October 9 at FCC-Edmond.

Christian Identity In A Multifaith WorldAn Evening With Author Brian McLarenIn the bizarre and hostile state of our religious commu-nities these days, how should Christians, members ofthe worlds largest religion, treat members of other reli-gions? If we maintain an us vs. them attitude, or makeconversion the price of love and fellowship, we fuelmutual misunderstanding and hostility. In his bookWhy Did Jesus, Moses, The Buddha and Moham-med Cross the Road: Christian Identity In A Multi-Faith World, widely acclaimed author and speakerBrian McLaren proposes a third alternative to these

options, one built on benevolence and solidarity rather thanrivalry and hostility. Join with others interested in the state of our world and faith tolisten to a lecture about this new book:

Address, Q`s and A`s, and book signingFriday, October 12, 2012 7:00 P. M.Mayflower Congregational Church

3901 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma CityRegistration Fee is $10.00 (Pay at the door).

(You will receive materials valued at $20.00)

Time magazine named author and pastor BrianMcLaren one of the 25 most influential evangeli-

cals in America. McLaren has written more than

20 books, and he is a principal figure in the Emerging Church.

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The Chalice CONNECTION

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Worshipat First Christian8:15, 9 & 11am

October 14, 2012Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black

Rev. Chris ShorowScripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14Theme: Future with Hope

October 21, 2012Message: Rev. Chris Shorow

Rev. Dr. Jerry BlackScripture: Matthew 16:13-28Theme: Build My Church

Operation Christmas Child

Packing Party

Thursday, October 18

Our next packing party will be held on October 18. So gathersmall items from the house or pick up one item each time yougo shopping. We need items such as:

bars of soap, toothbrushes, socks, hard candy, small toys

You can bring the items to Karla during the week or drop themoff in the Challengers Sunday School room on any Sunday.Please mark OCC on the bag. This year we hope to top lastyears total collection of 2100 boxes from all sources includingour own support.

Collection week will begin on November 12th. We will havean area set up in Fellowship Hall for you to bring in filled boxesand have the opportunity to fill more. There are empty boxes inFellowship Hall NOW! You are welcome to pick up one or moreof these boxes, fill it and return!

There will be a sign up sheet the 1st and 2nd Sundays ofNovember for volunteers to help during the week with receivingshoeboxes from individuals and churches. Please stop by andpick up a time that you can come in for a couple of hours.

Contact Michele Schlough at 844-3214 with questions.