CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 5 No. 22 June 6, 2013

The Chalice

Our Naked Church

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
It is an interesting sight as I gaze out the window here at the church. Our steeple, which towers over the city of Edmond and is a landmark that can be seen for miles, has been taken down. Strange to see our naked church. The steeple was damaged in the hailstorm from May of last year. So now, a year later, we get a brand new steeple. Several other property issues have been addressed in the last few weeks. A French drain was installed outside the chapel and we have a new sump pump to remove water from our basement. Both have been proven effective, as the recent deluge of rain has not flooded our basement. A new video screen in our chapel will allow us to do some new creative programs in the chapel and will give us new opportunity for services there. I know the youth group is fired up as their worship for Unite will look new and exciting. The recent installation of locks and key fobs at our entrances make this a more secure and safer environment, especially for all of our kids in the Child Care Center. Renovation and rebuilding. Not an easy job, but a necessary one. One that is necessary in our lives as well. Just ask the citizens of Moore, El Reno, Carney, Little Axe and others. Rebuilding is difficult and emotionally taxing. But rebuilding is what God specializes in. Several folks have asked why God caused all of these disasters that keep happening here in Oklahoma. I dont believe God caused them, but I believe God is truly present in the rebuilding. In all of the care and compassion that has come out of these disasters. Just as God made new life come out of death in the resurrection, so God brings new life to

these desperate situations in our lives. The Good News is that God is present right where we need Godin times of rebuilding. So as I gaze out the window, awaiting a new steeple, I also wait for Gods presence. Because God is always present where there is rebuildingin our lives and in our church. See you on Sunday as God rebuilds each of our lives.

Vacation Bible School:

PICK UP SHIRTS & CDS! This Sunday, June 9

VBS is next week - if you have signed your child up - it is time to pick up your childs VBS T-shirt and CD! Come by the VBS booth in the rotunda. This Sunday, June 9, a VBS volunteer will be there - ready to hand out t-shirts and CDs. VBS is Monday through Friday, June 10-14, from 6:30 to 8:30pm for ages Kindergarten (those who have completed Kindergarten) through 5th Grade. If you have not signed up and wish to do so, you may register at the door the first night of VBS. The cost will be $10. For questions, contact Michelle at mfritz@fccedmond.org

First Christian Church Board Meeting

Sunday, June 9 5:30 pm Room 116
Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly Board meeting.

Its Freedom Fest!

Few moments of national celebration are more exciting than Independence Day. Its just one of the hallmark events in the calendar year. Firework displays, musical concerts, parades, and family gatherings typify our cherished, patriotic, and national spirit. And our church family is no exception to this spirit. Freedom is a giftthe freedom we know in Christ and the freedom we know as citizen of this country. So, in conjunction with the annual, Edmond Liberty Fest Parade on July 4th, 2013, First Christian will host another Freedom Fest and distribute free hot dogs, chips, bottles of water, and watermelon to over 1,000 of the 50,000 parade attendees. This wonderful event affords us a grand opportunity to partner with our community in serving others. And it gives us a superb moment to demonstrate our deep commitment to radical hospitality. Join us on this day of national patriotism, community celebration, and faith in action. Sign-up at the table display in the rotunda or online at fccedmond.org/freedomfest to serve with us and/or make donations. - Your Evangelism Ministry Team

Its time again for First Christian Churchs Annual Golf Tournament! It will be held at Kickingbird Golf Course with an $80 Entry Fee. Sign up forms can be found at the table in the rotunda. For more information, call Bob Stafford at (405) 359-8900 or email at: bjstaff@swbell.net

Friday, June 21 at 1pm

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sundays, June 23 - August 25 10:00 - 10:50am in Fellowship Hall
Beginning June 23 through August 25, we are inviting all adult Sunday school classes to meet in the Fellowship Hall for Unified Summer Sunday School! Summer Sunday School will showcase programs by special people in our community and church family. We will start at 10:00am with refreshments and fellowship time. Our first speaker will be Dr. Paul Lehmann who has great stories of his time as a professor at UCO and as a news anchor at a television station. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Rev. Chuck Shorow at 341-3544. Come join the fellowship and fun! We hope to see you on Sunday, June 23!

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Carrie Akin, Bradford Village THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Roger Stilwell, Dana Stilwell (Roger Stilwells brother), Joan Grant, Sue Fraim, Anne Holzberlein, Chris Gibson, Debby Gresh, Jim Fritz (Jeff Fritzs dad), Doris Dowell, Dale & Betsy Jones, Earl & Loree Rice, Judy Joy, Gayle Jones (Jennifer Cains mom), Lori Snider (Loretta Parks daughter), Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO Sue Archer in the death of her sister, Betty Twomey. Services were held Monday, June 3 in Holdenville AND TO Jennifer McGrew & Family in the death of her grandmother, Harriet Banks, on May 13. Services were held on Saturday, May 18 in OKC.

Happy Birthday!
6/9 6/10 6/11 6/12 6/13 6/14 6/15 6/16 David Penland, Haley Felix, Carol Jennings, Fran Hauser, Nancy Scott John Combs, Ann Douthitt, Kory VanOsdol, Jamie Gable, Brynn Burleston Anne Ward, Bryan McGaha, Margaret Wilmoth, Jennifer Shipley, Susan Worsham, Hunter Daylor Crystal Vazquez, Lily Percival, Evelyn Robinson Scott Johnson, Linda Quade, Jacob Fine-Thomas, Brody Bunton, Connie Huston Carla Clark, Gillian Luton, Mitchell Good, John Paxton, Kevin Winters Michelle Hoppe, John Meadows, Emily Stabler, Olivia ODonnell Judy Shaffstall, Sherry Parks, Ken Kysar

FCCE Family - Thank you, again for your response with Adopt a Box for Our Troops. Your faithfulness is overwhelming! Over 20 boxes were filled and returned, flowing over with needed, and requested items. Many men and women will be thrilled to receive a gift package and hear from home. Blessings to you and yours, Becky Winn, with The Blue Star Mothers of Edmond

CHILDREN WORSHIP & WONDER

ConGRADulations
College Graduate!
Caroline Burnett Granddaughter of Beverly Pearce Doctor of Pharmacy, Magna Cum Laude Southwestern Oklahoma State University Kaci Taylor Wife of Rev. Mark Taylor Doctor of Pharmacy with Pediatric Degree Option University of Oklahoma

NOW at Both the 9 & 11am Worship Services

What wonderful news! Children Worship & Wonder (CW&W) will now be held during BOTH the 9 and 11am services. This wonderful ministry is an exciting way for children to experience God while learning about God. Children can be with God, hear the stories of God, talk to God and listen to God. CW&W is designed for children 3 years old through first grade and is held in the childrens own worship place. Children will be dismissed during each service to come downstairs for worship. If you have questions about CW&W, contact the Director of Childrens Ministries, Michelle Fritz at mfritz@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 106.

The Classics are planning another event - a day trip! This time it is to visit the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum and eat at Babes Chicken Dinner House. This trip includes transportation and a meal, plus all admissions and attractions, for the wonderful price of $129.00 per person! Full payment is due with your reservation. For information or reservations, contact Winnie Hall (405-341-4297) or Ellen Chitwood (405-341-2859). Hurry and reserve your spot today! Spots are filling up FAST!

A Trip with The Classics

Thursday, July 25 - All day

Volunteer Opportunities For You

Looking For a Way to Serve?

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
June 9, 2013

ReNewing Hands Ministry Needs You!

Do you love working in the outdoors? Do you enjoy gardening? Are you wanting to help others? If so, ReNewing Hands is looking for volunteers to help with garden clean up and mulching for some of our members who need help. If you are interested, call Marcia Tunison at (405) 285-1506 or email her via the Hub!

Are You a People Person?

FCC Open Doors (Evangelism) needs Door Greeters & Front Desk Helpers on Sunday mornings - before Sunday School and before each worship service. If you love welcoming and meeting people, this is a great ministry for you! Your time commitment is only 15 minutes a month for Door Greeters and 1 hour a month for Front Desk Helpers. Contact Randy Huston via the Hub or at rc.huston@att.com

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Acts 15:36-41 John 13:34

June 16, 2013 Fathers Day

Message: Rev. Charles Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Scripture: Malachi 4:4-6 Luke 1:16-17

Be a Part of The Tech Crew!

Have you ever used PowerPoint before? Would you like to help out in worship once a month? The Tech Crew could use your help! We are looking for several volunteers to do the words on Sundays at the 9 & 11am worship services. The time commitment is two hours on the Sunday that you serve. If we get enough volunteers, you may only have to do it once every six weeks. Existing Tech Crew volunteers will provide you with plenty of training on our very easy-to-use software (displays the lyrics to songs on the screens in the sanctuary). This is a fun way to serve! It is rewarding job that helps each member of the congregation in worship. If interested, please contact Frank Gresh at frank@ frankgresh.com or by phone at (405) 417-1977.

The Chalice CONNECTION

Jennifer Humphrey, Editor jhumphrey@fccedmond.org Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to news@fccedmond.org

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

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360