The Chalice

CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

Vol. 3 No. 17 May 12, 2011

God Walks With Us Into the Future that in our faith, there are many questions
and mysteries out there. We can’t know
Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister the future, and we certainly can’t control
This week has been of some biblical numbers, the flood was in it. That’s what faith is about—trusting in
a stressful time for 4990 BC, and 1988 ended the church age a loving God who walks with us on our
my family and me. and the great tribulation period of 23 years journeys in good times and bad. So even
Trying to get all of started. Anyway, the bottom line is that May if we don’t know the future, we know who
the details arranged 21st is Judgment Day and on October 21st, walks with us in the future—and that makes
for a sabbatical the world will be destroyed by fire. all of the difference.
journey is not I wonder if those who believe in such I’m excited for the future of our church.
easy. Don’t get me predictions have stopped making future As you enter into the Renewal Process
wrong, I don’t mind plans. Are they selling their houses and cars? during my absence, we will be envisioning a
all of the work—it will be worth it. I simply How will that affect the rest of their lives? For wonderful future for our church family. We
say that there is much to be done. my part, I’m going to assume that I’m getting don’t really know where that will take us,
Meanwhile, I am wondering if I should on a plane on the 22nd. We’ll see what and that makes it a little scary. But the vision
pack at all. I just read a news article on happens. God will provide will be wonderful. I look
the end of the world. Apparently it will Many times we as Christians try to forward to sharing with you upon my return,
happen on May 21, 2011. According to have all things figured out. We want to and hearing from you what has taken place.
ebiblefellowship.com, Creation took place make sure that God knows our plans and Now, I’m off to pack up some more
on 11,013 BC. With some careful figuring follows through with them. The truth is, stuff—just in case I get to go!

A Time to Share, A Time to Talk, A Time to Celebrate All That Is Good

By Larry Ball, for the Renewal Task Force
By now, you’ve probably heard, read and some tears of joy and thanksgiving. It was
seen video about the Renew project taking a beautiful, positive and holy conversation.
place in June here at FCCE. By now you Everyone I talked to left that day excited,
know that in June, we will be meeting at 9:15 uplifted and renewed.
for “Table Conversations” and at 10:45 for Now it’s the entire congregation’s turn
unified worship. By now you know that this to experience the joy we felt – the excitement
time is being funded by the grant from the of renewal. FCCE is not a just a church – it’s
Lily Endowment, that is also paying for Chris’ a wonderful, caring, and imaginative group
sabbatical. of committed Christians that are doing the Sunday, May 15
Since you already know all that, I want work of God in our community. This time of Service of Blessing
to take just a moment of your time to tell you renewal is about discerning what we do best
Rev. Chris Shorow’s last Sunday
about what the experience will be like. In and finding ways to do those things even
early April, a group of us met with a leader better. As Robbi pointed out last week, it’s all with us before Sabbatical
from Phillips Theological Seminary and were about accentuating the positive. Join us as we commission both his Sab-
led through this process that he called “ap- So, for the four Sundays in June, I urge batical and our Renew process during
preciative inquiry.” We sat at tables in small you to come and experience renewal. Resist all 3 services.
groups and were encouraged to share stories the temptation to stay away from something And Experience A
– our stories. Stories about why we came to a little different in your Sunday morning
First Christian. Stories about where we had experience. Come, and enjoy sharing and
“Little Taste of Italy”
seen God at work in the hearts and hands of hearing the wonderful stories of FCCE. We from our coffee bar from 8:30 to 11
the congregation.Stories about times when guarantee it will be stress-free and filled with and to help send off the
we had been especially touched by God’s joy and celebration. Everyone has stories to Shorow family in style between
presence at FCCE. We were entirely focused share and something to add. 10 and 11 in Fellowship Hall.
on what we do best and how we can do it Come in June and be renewed.
better. There was laughter, love and even
 Passionate about sharing God’s love, May 15 - Last Sunday
ready for some summer fun, and have
a few weeks to spare? To Have YOUR Picture
Our kids need you! Taken for Our New
We are in need of Sunday school
teachers that would be able to teach Church Family Album!
on a rotation type schedule during
Have you had your picture taken for our
the summer months. We currently need teachers for age groups Kindergarten – 4th
new FCC Family Album?
grade. Give our current leaders a well-deserved break and consider teaching! Contact
Anna Lisa Stanley at [email protected] or 341-3544, ext. 14 This is the last Sunday we will be
taking pictures. Photographers
will be in the rotunda from 8:45
Our Thanks to 12:30. PLEASE have YOUR photo
By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister taken! Members of the Communications
Ministry team are taking photographs of
Once again, thanks go to all the wonderful volunteers who made everyone in our congregation. There are
Lent and Easter 2011so meaningful, worshipful, and enjoyable.
no pesky sales people pushing you to
You gave selflessly to teach, mentor, re-enact the Lord’s Supper,
buy a photo package. In fact, we won’t
set the Table, and encourage our Pastors’ Class in their prepara-
tions for baptism, the Palm processional, their first communion, sell the photos, just utilize them to
and their Easter Dawn worship. It was all so very special. Oth- produce a helpful ministry tool - our next
ers cooked and provided the Class with a wonderful celebratory photo directory! We want EVEYRONE
breakfast. To each of you, our heartfelt thanks! to have their photograph taken for the
We are also thankful for those of you who worked with our Membership Team album. Come as you are. Wear whatever
to greet, cook, and/or serve the most wonderful Easter Brunch—colored pancakes, you feel comfortable wearing. No
omelets, and muffins galore. The musical presentations supported by the Praise Band, appointment necessary! Just show
Marilynn, Garry, Chris, and the choir were nothing short of exceptional. This too was up and say “cheese!”
very special!
So, thank you to all who had any part in the leadership or who worked behind the Thanks for participating!
scenes to make Lent and Easter 2011 one powerful, moving celebration. May each of
Cameron Woods & Andrew
you know the blessings of God, the love of Christ, and the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Harris for Communications Ministry

Supplies Needed!
If you would like to donate or loan
supplies for this years’ VBS, please stop
by the registration table in the rotunda
and “Pick A Panda”
from our supply board.

Please Pray for VBS

Leaders, Volunteers and
PANDAMANIA: that a child’s life might be
touched by our efforts!
Where God Is Wild About You!
Registration
Join the adventure! is $10 and includes a CD and t-shirt
(while supplies last) at fccedmond.org/
Monday, June 13 - Thursday, June 16
Dinner is from 6:00 to 6:30pm and VBS lasts until 8:45 PM vbs through May 31.
Children ages Preschool (must be diaper independent!) through 5th Grade After June 1, the fee increases to $15.

This year’s theme is all about God’s Wild Love for You! Travel through a lush Questions?
forest with your Bamboo Crew, singing catchy songs, playing wildly fun games Contact Courtney Moeller
and experiencing wild Bible adventures with your friends! [email protected] or Shannon Medley
You don’t want to miss out on the fun! [email protected]
 Happy Birthday!
Prayers of the People 5/15 Haley Greenfield, Ellie Polk
5/16 Peter Duller
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Mary Lou Womble, Mercy; Barbara Hall, OK Heart
5/17 Linda McFall
5/18 Alexandra Hamilton, Molly
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Bert Lindsay (Donna Clark’s Larrison, Shane McGrew, Amy
dad), Earl Rice, Ed Henthorn (Bob Henthorn’s brother), Peters
Debbie Gragg, Cathy Justice, Jane Martin, Dona Lee Denton (Carrie Akin’s sister), Barbara 5/19 Cody Daylor, Jenny Jewell, Marcia
Thornton, Steve Wilson, Bill Hamilton, David Smith, Chris Banks (Jennifer McGrew’s
brother), Joe Samuels, John T. Stone, Eric Koegel, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, Ann Tunison
Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s mom), Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s cousin), Ed Berry, Hank 5/20 Addison Ball, Marla Grant, Haley
Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother) King, John Privette, Sopukro
Tienabeso
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To John & Marietta Stone in the passing of Dee James, 5/21 Bob Grant, Hannah Malzahn
Marietta’s sister, on May 3. Services were held on May 6 in Muskogee. 5/22 Josh Anthony, Todd Anthony,
Janet Caldwell, Brad Cummings,
CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Hayden Paul Nordstrom born May 3 to Jonathan Greysen Ernst, David Smith
& Lori Nordstrom. Grandmother is Pam Nordstrom.

We Have More TLC Greenhouse Cards!

It’s not too late to purchase a TLC Greenhouse gift card from our
students! Available for $20 each, these cards are good for all plants,
trees, fertilizer and soil. to help you get your garden growing this
spring! (excludes landscaping services) Your purchase will help support
our youth mission trips and our youth room remodel.
Purchase yours this Sunday! Or contact Sherry Parks at 471-4354
Do You Have a
Join the Classics for a trip to the Zoo ~ Tuesday, May 17 College Graduate?
Ride the tram and see over 60% of the zoo! Or walk if you prefer.
We will meet at the church at 8am on the 17th, to carpool to the zoo. Enjoy
We Would LOVE to Know!
Please submit name, school and
lunch together at the zoo restaurant. RSVP to Winnie Hall at 341-4297
degree to [email protected]
$6.25 (includes entry and tram ride) Payment required with reservation.
or write it on your connection
Checks payable to FCC (write zoo trip on memo line).
form during Sunday worship.
We’ll be listing college grads
Through April, General Fund Revenues are in an upcoming newsletter so our
105.0% of Budget. Year to Date Pledged whole church family can
Giving is 107.3% and Non Pledged Giving rejoice with them!
is 106.2% of Year to Date Budget. General
Fund Expenses are at 91.8 % of Year to Date
Budget. 2011 Building Fund Revenue is over The FCC History Committee
$18,000.00 behind mortgage payments and continues to lag 2010 Building announces publishing of
Fund Revenue. The Year to Date (YTD), through April 30, 2011, Revenue and The History of First Christian
Expenses are shown below. Church, The First Decade of
General Fund Building Fund the Second Century,
YTD Actual YTD Actual 1999-2009.
Revenue $375,566.54 $72,557.82 Samples are available at a table in
Expense $328,004.50 $90,917.12 the rotunda, where you may
Excess/(Shortfall) $47,562.04 ($18,359.46) place your order. The beautifully
rendered edition is only $5, payable
Please remember to note on your checks or envelopes to which church accounts when you order. Sign up for your
you want your contribution credited. copy, now through May 29.
 Our Sunday
Morning Schedule
Worship June 5, 12, 19 and 26
at First Christian
8:15, 9 & 11am

May 15, 2011

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow 9:15am: “Table Conversations”
Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21 Each Sunday morning at 9:15 we will gather around round tables
in Fellowship Hall to share our stories.
May 22, 2011
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black 10:45am: Unified Worship
Scripture: Philippians 4:8-9
Our “Table Conversations” experience will be followed by a fellowship
gathering, hosted by Membership Ministries. Children in 3rd through
The Chalice CONNECTION 5th grade will take part in the June 5 and 12 “Table Conversations.”
Shelley Regan, Editor 6th through 12th grade will join in all four weeks.
[email protected]
Watch your mail for a
Read News Online
brochure about the
@ fccedmond.org/news RENEW process, or log on to
Submit Articles to www.fccedmond.org/renew
[email protected] to read details.

Edmond, OK 73083
USPS 210-360 changes to The Chalice CONNECTION, PO Box 3548,
Edmond, OK Edmond, OK 73034-456 POSTMASTER: Send address
Postage Paid postage paid by First Christian Church, 201 E. Second,
Periodicals of New Year’s Day and Christmas Day). Periodicals
(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks