Chalice Connection 09-02-10

8/8/2019 Chalice Connection 09-02-10

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The Chalice

CONNECTIONA publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

Vol. 2 No. 35 September 2, 2010

Attaining the Exceptionalby Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister

Few things in life

are exceptional.

Better than good.

Greater than

great. Beyond the

best. I mean, what

car is exceptional?

What vacation?

What concert?

What day? What dessert? And to get personal,

what sermon???? Ouch. Ive heard a lot of

hem in my lifetime.Three a week as a kid.

More than anyone should endure in semi-

nary. And a host of others sincetoo many

of them, mine. More than a few were pitiful.

Some, just down right terrible (again, mostly

mine) Lots of good ones. A few great ones.

And some, that were just plain powerful. Left

a lasting impression. But few Id call excep-

tional.

So what in life would I consider excep-

tional? Well, moments mostly. Susans and

my wedding. Graduation from college and

commissioning as a Second Lieutenantall

on the same day. Stephanies adoption.

The birth of a grandchildall four of them

(though today, I might be tempted to trade

a couple) And relationships. That which I

enjoy with Susan, my family, youand God.

When I think of that which is exceptional,

it has to begin with God. Gods love. Gra

Mercy. Forgiveness. Acceptance. Inclusio

Divine hugs. And Gods abiding presence

God is this Holy Other, and yet the most

unbelievable Presence. Perhaps the Psalm

ist said it best. Gods presence is simply t

wonderful (Psalm 139:6). In times of trou

it is too wonderful. In times of uncertain

it is too wonderful. In times of unbelieva

joy, it is too wonderful. In times of stress

distressdoubtand discovery, the very

presence of God is simply, too wonderfu

attain.

May each of us know the joy in attaining

one, life altering, reassuring exceptional.

Just How Much Is ENOUGH?We live in a society that tells us you deserve it now, whether or not we can afford it or really evenneed it. Our nation is in the midst of what many have described as The Great Recession. Increasiconsumer debt, declines in savings, and a volatile stock market are all part of our economic insecur

With this in mind, we are about to begin a four week sermon series called Enough: DiscoverJoy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Sundays September 12 through October 3 we willconsider these questions: What is truly important? How much is enough? How can you simplify yolife? What gives you the greatest joy, meaning, purpose? When are you most generous? How is Goworking in our midst? AcompanionsmallgroupstudybeginsWednesday,September8. Bob Bennett andJerry Black will explore these same topics for four Wednesday evenings. Join them at 6:30pm in ro116 for the hour-long classes. Books are $10. Register online atfccedmond.org/enough or call Ir

Jordan at 341-3544, ext. 20. We hope you will join us on this journey. It has the power to open eaof us up to new possiblities, and a more abundant life.

OurEnough serieswillculminateonWorldCommunionSunday,October3when

weexperienceourannualGratitudeCelebration. This year our celebration will take place on a Sunday morning. Make noteon your calendars now and plan to take part in this day of gratitude for the abundance we share! Our worship will include elementfrom each of our services, videos of some of our members, and inspiring music. After worship we will share a simple meal togethercelebrating the ministry we have already done, and the ministry we dream for the future.-

Sunday,October3WorldCommunionSunday

Sermon: Defined by Generosity

9:30 AM Sunday School

10:45 AM Combined Worship

12:00 PM FREE Gratitude Luncheon

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, September 8 Small-Group Study Begins

Sunday, September 12 Sermon: When Dreams Become Nightmares

Sunday, September 19 Sermon: Living With Purpose

Sunday, September 26 Sermon: Cultivating Contentment

Wednesday, September 29 Small-Group Study Ends


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5:00-6:00 A Study of the Prophets

led by Rev. Chris Shorow - Room 116Our society is sick. Weve turned away from God and we are going down thetubes! Sound familiar? No, not Glenn Beck, those words have been spokencountless times by Old Testament prophets. Our Bible study this semester willfocus on prophets and their mission, ministry and words for us today. Glancing atthe major prophets, we will also look at the wisdom of the 12 minor prophets. Wewill explore how they delivered their words, and compare them with how we areprophetic in todays world. Can we be prophetic and yet have a civil dialogue?

On Wednesday evenings during the school yearour children, students and adults UNITE for dinnlearning and fellowship. In a culture that is increingly individualistic and private, we are called as

Christians to connect, grow, serve and care togetUNITE provides a place to experience lasting con

tions and a place to grow in our faith.

Children 3yrs old through 5th grade wbe on a Journey With Jesus discoverwhere Jesus went, what Jesus taught,and how it is relevant today. So, grabyour passport!5:00 Music

5:30 Cherub Choir (preschool)6:00 Check-In/Dinner6:30 Small Groups7:30 Check-Out

Come UNITE with us beginning Wednesday, September 8.REGISTER and VOLUNTEER now @ fccedmond.org/unite

Options for Adults

Childrens Schedule

6:30 - 7:30 ENOUGH: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

led by Rev. Jerry Black and Bob BennettSeptember 8, 15, 22 and 29

Come discover joy, purpose, and real life compensation through simplicity andgenerosity. We will use the ENOUGH book by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Cost: $10.Please pre-register @ fccedmond.org/unite or call Iris Jordan @ 341-3544.

6:30 - 7:30 New Testament Study - Continuesled by Rev. Jerry Black October 6-December 8 he will be continuing his Introduc-tion to the New Testament. This semester features the letters of Paul, Peter, John,and others our course text is the same as last semesters text: Dennis E. SmithsChalice Introduction to the New Testament. Books are $29, needed only for newenrollees and pre-orders are needed by September 22. Register @fccedmond.org.unite or call Iris Jordan @ 341-3544.

7:308:45 Chancel Choir

led by Diane Ball - Sanctuary(Nursery Available) Our Chancel Choir offers musical gifts throughout the year inworship services and on special occasions.

$3.50 per person/weekly $42 per semester/per person $12.50 weekly (family of 4+) $150 semester price (family of 4+)

Meal Payment Options

Students ScheduleThis year we will be challengingstudents to Claim It! Claim what yomight ask? Well, come and nd out!5:30 Girls Ensemble5:45 Dinner6:30 Worship7:15 Small Group Bible Study8:00 Done!

Dates We Will MeetSeptember 8, 15, 22, 29October 6, 13, 27

November 3, 10, 17December 1, 8

UNITE SecurityVolunteers Needed

by Mark MadesWe need YOUR help on Wednesdayevenings! Any members who are

interested in helping with securityfor UNITE, please call Mark Mades

at 341-1852 for details

Operation Christmas ChildOur next packing party for Operation Christmas Child is scheduled for Sept 14thfrom 10-12 noon. Some of the items we need this time are HARD candy (individuallywrapped), combs or brushes, small items of clothing, ip ops, toothpaste, and stuffedanimals. So far we have packed 122 shoeboxes in just two packing parties. These boxeswill nd their way into the hands of children who would otherwise get nothing forChristmas. More importantly, each child will recieve a booklet about Jesus and Hislove for them in their own language. Questions? Contact Michele Schlough at 844-3214


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Whiz Kids is a faith-based, one-on-onvolunteer tutoring/mentoring prograthat focuses on students who live inareas which have some of the highesdrop-out rates and lowestsocioeconomic levels in Oklahoma Ci

First Christian partners with Our LorCommunity Church and Holy TemplBaptist Church in Oklahoma City,tutoring students from Martin LutheKing Elementary.

Whiz Kids meets at 5:30 on Tuesdevenings at Holy Temple, where weshare a meal with the students, spentutoring/mentoring time together anthen nish with a brief club time. If have an interest in participating in thwonderfully fullling ministry, contaLinda Quade at 341-1618 or 408-8123.

Follies 2010 Sign-Up Underway!The 4th annual FCC Follies and Chili Cook-off will be Sunday,September 26th!! Have you been developing your act? Haveyou pulled your favorite chili receipe out? Register this Sunday

n the Rotunda or online at fccedmond.org/follies

Make A Difference

in A Childs Life!Be a Whiz Kids TutBy Linda QuadeFCCs Whiz Kids Coordinator

Dear Church Family, Thank you so much for your unending support for our familyduring Foys illness and death. Your kindnesses, food, cards, prayers and hugs have beena blessing. Thank you to the elders who faithfully visited Foy while he was hospitalizedand to Jerry, Chris, Diane and Larry, and all of you who came to see us and support us.Your visits meant so much to all of us.

Thank you Chancel Choir for your last act of love for Foy by singing his favoriteanthem at the memorial service, and your emotional and nancial help after his death.

Thank you to those of you who have so generously donated to the Music Ministry inhis honor.

One of the greatest blessings that you as a congregation gave us was to lift him upin prayer during all three services on May 23. Your prayers brought him back for onelast day when we could visit with him and let him know how much we loved him.When he heard that he had been lifted up in prayer he was brought to tears by your

love and support.Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue to heal from our loss. Heis greatly missed. Susan, Becky, Katie Hurst and Bob and Barbara Henthorn

A huge thank you to Jennifer Shipley, the Membership Ministry Team, and all whoworked last Sunday to make the Omelet Breakfast such a wonderful success. The foodwas wonderful and the communion special. Thank you!

Prayers of the PeopleOUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL

Dorothy Bryan, Oklahoma Heart Hospital

OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Chuck Hague (Suzanne Allisons

brother), Peggy Thies (Sandy Mitchells mom), Pauline Rahhal, Chelyne Barney (MarjorieAndersons daughter-in-law), Ann Douthitt (Duke Douthitts mom), Josh Harlin (RetaCloptons son), Laura Kysar, Les Lee, Eric Koegel, Garry Sloan (former FCC minister of music),Bart & Jennifer Rodr, Lorelle Watts, Sharon Luton (Susan Blacks cousin), Ed Berry, TaylorWheeler, Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas brother)

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Brian & Luanne Howell in the death of Luannes father,Cal McLish, on August 26. Services were held August 31 at FCC EdmondAND to Brad & LaurieCummings in the death of Brians mother, Estelle, on August 28. Sevices are being held onSeptember 1 in Burkburnett, TX.

Happy Birthday!9/5 Jay Biby, Peyton Mabry, Lindy

Rahhal, John Timmons, Jim

Williams9/6 John A. Hammond, Marissa

Kosir, Matthew Mitchell, AidenPolk, Christopher Smith, KimbeWoods

9/7 Scott Anthony, Randy Clark, MiRenz

9/8 Julie Bunton, Bob Eaton, JasonJones, Richard Randolph

9/9 Glenn Agan, Nancy Hays, GeriMoffatt, Steve Percival, WilliamShorow

9/10 Carla Felix, Sydney Hammond,

Timothy Linville, Daniel Marks,Chance Meadows, Loretta ParkMadelyn Ryland

9/11 Neil Helms, Jerri Jones, Ally NaCaitlyn Turner, Sherrye VanOsdDorothy Wallar

9/12 Gladys Dronberger, Bob Gallop,Joan Grant, Joy Hunt

The annual CROP Walk to help ght hunger isscheduled for Sunday, September 26. The walk willbe held in Mitch Park, and will begin at 2:00 p.m. Ifyou would like to be a part of this event and helpght hunger around the world and in our own cityof Edmond, please pick up a pledge packet at theCROP Walk table located in the rotunda.Information about getting pledges and turning inmoney can also be found at the table. And if you recieve more than $100 in pledges,you get a free t-shirt! Hope you will join us for the walk! Questions? contact GregBunton at [email protected]

Help Stop Hunger!


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Chalice Connection 09-02-10