The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034

Vol. 2 No. 1 January 7, 2010

Touched by Love
Someone much wiser than I once said, “The worst decision is indecision.” That’s
true, isn’t it? There is nothing more infuriating than to be pressed for a decision
and not know how to decide—to have so many options as to relish the possibilities
of some while ruing the consequences of others.
As a church—a community of faith, we have lots of choices. We can essentially
choose to maintain the status quo or to be a dynamic presence for God. We can
choose to be served or to serve. We can choose to wallow in a self absorbed
passivity or thrive in a God purposed ministry. We can choose to pass by the
defeated, dispirited, and life battered lying in the ditches of life, or to be the Good
Samaritans who stop, tend to the wounds, restore hope, and provide for recovery.
In no egotistical, arrogant, or self-lauding sort of way, you have chosen to be the Good Samaritans. You have chosen to
volunteer and serve with purpose. You have sounded the call for justice. You have given graciously. And you have made a
difference in the lives of many—Susan, and me included.
Thanks for inviting us to join with you in telling the Story—the Story of the baby in the manger who paves the way to
Paradise; for allowing us to serve with you and to be the recipients of your gifts. We are just two of the needy you have touched
along the road of life with love. Thanks, and Happy New Year. ~ Susan and Jerry Black

Greeter/Welcome Center
Volunteer and Deacon Training
There are few volunteer functions more vital to the life and growth of the
church than that of being an event door greeter, a serving deacon, or
Welcome Center host. First impressions are simply pivotal. So, please
attend a special training event for door greeters, welcome center hosts, and
deacons this Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 2 to 3:30pm. Tips for
making warm, positive impressions, security, and safety are but a few of the
things we will discuss. All volunteer door greeters, welcome center hosts,
and deacons serving in Calendar Year 2010 are strongly encouraged to
attend—even those who have served faithfully for several years. If you have
not served in this capacity before, but would welcome the opportunity, please
join us. Questions? Contact Rev. Jerry Black at jblack@fccedmond.org.

New Year - New Leadership

A listing of our elected 2010 leaders can be found online at www.fccedmond.org/staff
Copies are available at the Welcome Center. Our 2010 Board Moderator is Billy Harrison,
and Craig Adkins is serving as Board Moderator Elect.
 On Wednesday evenings during the school
year our children, youth and adults UNITE
for dinner, learning and fellowship.

In a culture that is increasingly

individualistic, personal and private, we are
called as Christians to connect, grow, serve
and care together.

Come UNITE with us in the new year!

REGISTER and VOLUNTEER now @
fccedmond.org/unite

• January 13, 20, 27

Winter/Spring 2010 • February 3, 10, 17(dinner + Ash Wednesday service only on 17th). 24
UNITE Calendar • March 3, 10, 24
• April 7, 14, 21, 28

KIDS Schedule (Pre-K – 5th grade) STUDENTS (6th-12th grade)

5:00 Choir/Music 5:30 Cherub Choir (preschool) We are taking a serious look at the life of Jesus by
6:00 Dinner 6:30-7:30 Small Groups “Walking In His Footsteps.” Bring your bibles; you will
7:30 - 8 Kids’ “After Hours” (for families with older children in need them!
students programing) Students Schedule
5:30 Choir in Chapel 6:30 Worship in Chapel
5:45 Dinner in FLC 7:15 Small Groups
ADULTS
• 5:00-6:00pm Exploring Parables/Exploring Our Stories - Adult Bible Study
led by Rev. Chris Shorow - Rm 117 (Note - this class only will begin January 20)
Jesus’ primary teaching tool, especially in the Gospel of Luke, was the parable. These “short stories” expressed more about faith than any
theological treatise. Sharing stories is a powerful way to share one’s faith and can provide insight into our theological convictions. This class
will explore Jesus’ parables and the stories of the Bible that tell us about faith.
• 6:30-7:30pm Introduction to the New Testament - Adult Bible Study
led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black - Rm 116
(Two semester course - will continue through fall 2010)
Books $29, pay in person or online @ fccedmond.org/intro-to-nt
We will use the Bible (any translation) and Dennis E. Smith’s "Chalice Introduction to the New Testament."

• 7:30–8:45 Chancel Choir

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

UNITE Volunteers Needed!

Parent and other adult participation is vital to the success of our KIDS UNITE ministry! Simple tasks include:
grocery buyer, kitchen set-up, cooks, craft/activities assistant, pre-school small group leader, 1st/2nd/3rd grade
small group leader, storyteller and “After Hours” leaders. Contact Carol Schwabe at cschwabe@fccedmond.org if
you have questions about any of these roles or simply sign up on Sunday mornings at the UNITE table, or online
@ fccedmond.org/unite
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Betty Matthews, Bradford Skilled Nursing; Jerri Jones,
Bradford Nursing Home; Lois Roberts (Jerri Dillon’s
mom), Baptist
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Jeff Stephens, Thadda Groom, Don Barnes, Ed
Berry, Taylor Wheeler, Michelle Schlough, Linda Perry (Jennifer Marks’ sister); Jeff
Fine-Thomas, Isaac Denman, Judy Joy, Mike Justice (James Justice’s brother), Ed
Penland, Phil Rehrig (Glo Rehrig’s son), Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother),
Patrick Douthitt (Duke Douthitt’s brother)
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Bill & Debbie Howell in the
death of Debbie’s father, Rev. George William “Bill” Brokaw, who passed away
December 31. Services were held in Santa Fe, NM.
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Marjorie Ferguson who passed
away December 31. Services were held in El Reno.
WE CELEBRATE THE GIFT OF NEW LIFE Seiah Kay Bobcock, born December
31 to Adam & Leslie Babcock. Proud grandparents are Robert & Karla Rowley.
19th Annual
Leadership Training School
Growing Faith - Planting Hope
Saturday, January 30, 2010
First Christian Church, 3700 North Walker, Oklahoma City
Planting Hope, Growing Faith is the theme for the 2010
Leadership Training School to be held on Saturday, January 30
from 8am to 1pm. Sponsored by the Christian Church in
Oklahoma (Disciples of Christ) this annual event features classes
for clergy, elders, deacons, youth and children’s workers,
volunteers - everyone is invited to attend! Child care is available
for ages infants - kindergarten. FCC Edmond will pay a blanket registration fee to allow as
many members who wish to attend the opportunity. This will be the second year for a
three session offering of classes with class length set at about 45 minutes each. Displays
and a book store along with beverages and snacks will also be offered. LTS has classes in
core areas: spiritual growth, practical church leadership and social justice concerns. Our
own Terry & Kathy Kerr,
Chris Shorow and Jerry Black will be presenting workshops, along with many
other clergy and laity from around the state.
View a complete listing of courses at fccedmond.org/lts
LTS Schedule:
8am Registration, Coffee, 10:15-10:30 Break
Bookstore & Displays 10:30-11:30 Second Session Workshops
8:45-9am Opening Assembly 11:30-11:45 Break
9:15-10:15 First Session Workshops 11:45-12:45 Third Session Workshops
First Aid/CPR Certification Offered
The First Christian Church Child Care Center will be hosting a First Aid/CPR/Blood Borne
Pathogen certification class Saturday, February 6, 2010. The class will be held in
Fellowship Hall North from 8am to 2pm at a cost of $20. If you are interested, please
sign up and pay in advance at the Child Care Center office before February 2, 2010.
Questions? Contact CCC Director Christina Wodarski at 341-2626.
1/10 Kelly Black, Bill Dobson, George Hall, Brycen
Harmon, Jo Anne Hatley, Kate Kerr
1/11 George Hauser, Kathy Thomas
1/12 Taylor Adams, Caroline Elliott, Cherrie Steele
1/13 Gifford Parkhurst, Garrett Thomas
1/14 Barry Rice, Vicki Snow
1/15 Kayla Allison
1/16 Pat Beall, Richard Bernard, Seth O’Hagan,
Emily Tompkins
Pastors’ Class 2010
Our Annual Pastor’s Class is a time for our young
people to consider more deeply their faith and
prepare for baptism. First Christian Church
offers this class to our 5th grade students as
well as any 6th grade students who have not
already taken Pastor’s Class.
An informational session will be held on Sunday,
January 17 at 4pm. We will discuss the
objectives, content and theological principles of
the course. Please contact Children’s Minister,
Carol Schwabe at cschwabe@fccedmond.org if
you wish to learn more or plan to attend the
parent meeting on Jan. 17.
Classics
To Enjoy
Banjo
Museum
Join us Wednesday,
January 13 for lunch
at Abuelo’s and a tour of the fabulous
American Banjo Museum.
We will leave the church at 10:50, taking
both the church bus and some cars. We will
enjoy the delicious food at Abuelo’s first,
followed by a private tour and entertainment
at the Banjo Museum at 1pm.
Johnny Baier, executive director at the
musuem will entertain us. He is an Interna-
tional Champion Banjo player, and has
performed on cruise ships, DisneyWorld and
was a longtime feature at Rosie O’Grady’s in
Orlando. He is one of the world’s most ardent
performers and promoters of America’s only
native musical instrument - the banjo! He has
headlined and opened for legendary show
business notables such as the Kingston Trio,
Pat Boone, Mickey Rooney and Roy Clark.
Baier is responsible for the planning and
coordination of a five million dollar project that
has transformed an historic building in
Bricktown into a state-of-the-art museum
facility. If you would like to join us, please call
Winnie Hall at 341-4297.

Worship
at First Christian 8:15, 9 & 11am
January 10
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
January 17
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Scripture: John 2:1-11
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor
sregan@fccedmond.org
submit or read news online @
fccedmond.org/news
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Edmond, OK
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International Affairs Seminar
and Bean Dinner A Tradition Continues!
The International Affairs Seminar, otherwise known as I.A.S., is a study trip to Washington
D.C. and New York City that exposes participants to a larger worldview and challenges
them to gain an understanding of their responsibility as Christians in our world today. It is
a trip where faith, politics, and global issues come head to head, igniting deep discussion
and transforming lives. I.A.S. opens eyes, changes minds, and touches hearts!
The annual IAS Bean Dinner raises funds to financially support our youth participants in
this awesome ministry. This year we have 5 students attending the trip. Alyssa Baker,
Tyler Gibson, Jordan Thomas, Lucas Peterson, and Lyndsay Parks will be traveling to
D.C.and New York during the week of March 13-20, and they will be joined by sponsors
Greg and Julie Bunton. The study theme for the trip this year is “Human Trafficking.”
Due to the generous donations of our church
community, traditionally the Bean Dinner has
raised between $600 and $1900. Please plan to
join us anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 1:00
p.m. on Sunday, January 31 for beans,
cornbread, slaw and fellowship, and know that you
are part of sustaining a very special event in the
life of the youth of First Christian of Edmond. We
thank you for your support.
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