CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 3 No. 39 October 27, 2011

The Chalice

Overcoming Naysayers
I just read an article that said that polio is now 99.7% eliminated from our planet. Last year there were only about 1,200 cases of polio worldwide. Compare that with the millions who have been infected over the years and you can see what a miracle this is. Isnt that hard to believe? A disease that has afflicted so many over the years is now soon to be gone. How did it happen? First it took vision. A vaccine had to be found. Thanks to Jonas Salk and his team of researchers, this mission was accomplished. But the work only started there. There had to be a safe and cost-effective way to get the vaccine to people all over the world. After all, we could not eliminate the disease unless we could eliminate it from every corner of the earth. Transmission between countries was all too common and it has presented a problem in eliminating it totally even today. Next it took someone who believed. Rotary International took up the cause and has raised millions toward vaccinating the world. Currently, Rotary has raised $200 million toward a goal of $335 million to obtain a matching grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. With that much support there is no reason to believe that the goal of complete eradication is not possible. One of the biggest problems to overcome was the naysayers. Many people did not believe it possible and were very vocal in criticizing the undertaking. Youre wasting your time, was heard many times. But it didnt stop those who believed. I wonder how often we let those naysayers keep us from accomplishing our goals. There is no telling what we would be able to accomplish if we put our minds, our abilities and our resources together. Feed the world? Educating every child in our city? Wiping out drug abuse? Reaching out in love to a needy world? With God on our side, we can accomplish the impossible. Dont let someone tell you we cant. The key to our mission is hearing where God is calling us to be. Well be exploring hearing Gods voice and overcoming our obstacles in the next few Sundays of worship. See you on Sunday as we hear where God is calling us.

By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister

Annual Pet Blessing This Sunday

By Shirley Brown Our pets give us glimpses of God through their complete trust, joy in being with us, unconditional love, and faithfulness. We invite you to bring your pet and join us Sunday, October 30th for our Pet Blessing, at 2:30 PM, in front of the Family Life Center. Please put your pet on a leash or in a carrier. During the blessing there will be a Time of Remembrance for those who have experienced the loss of a pet. Please put your name and the pets name on a piece of paper and put it in Iris Muno Jordans mailbox in the workroom or email her at ijordan@fccedmond.org by this Friday, October 28.

Share Warmth and Hope Give Blankets!

On Sunday, October 30 you have an opportunity to share the gift of warmth and hope with someone in need. A gift of $5 will purchase a warm blanket through our BLANKETS+ offering. For many years, our Disciple Women groups have encouraged participation in the BLANKETS+ program of Church World Service, an agency who reaches out to neighbors in need near and farnot with a hand out, but a hand up. In the face of a disaster, people need blankets--and much more. They need shelter, food, and safe water. So, if youre looking to help build a better worlda world were theres enough for allplease give generously to the Blanket Sunday offering.

Opportunity to Serve!

Edmond Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, Nov. 25 11am to 3pm at the University of Central Oklahoma in the George Nigh Center
Each year, several churches in Edmond combine efforts to host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner. This shared meal is for anyone, but provides a special sense of community for singles, lonely college students, those far from family members, and others. The 2011 dinner will be held Thursday, November 24 from 11am to 3pm at the University of Central Oklahoma in the George Nigh Center. First Christian plays an active role in supporting this dinner. This year our leadership role is to coordinate all volunteers from throughout the community! We will also be collecting food items as always. There are several ways for you to be involved. 1) Donate food items (display of items needed in rotunda) 2) Contribute money to purchase food 3) Volunteer to work prior to the event, or on Thanksgiving 4) Telephone callers to make contact with the volunteers to verify information and assign roles. 5) Telephone callers to remind volunteers before Thanksgiving Day of their shift and job. 6) Be a greeter/dispatcher at the event/check in volunteers and send them out. 7) Be a volunteer runner at the event to escort volunteers to their work areas. Drop by the display table in the rotunda this Sunday and sign up! Questions? Contact Mike OMeara, Outreach Ministry Moderator at mikeomeara@sbcglobal.net or 249-4004. ~ Your Outreach Ministry Team
Each year First Christian participates in the Church World Service CROP Hunger Walk. Money raised from the CROP Walk helps fight hunger around the world, as well as in our own community. 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, November 6. Everyone is invited to join us as we have fun while making a difference for those who are hungry! Stop by the table in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday, pick up a walker packet, or simply make a donation! Then join us at Mitch Park on Sunday, November 6, for the walk. Registration begins at 1:00 and the walk begins at 2:00. Hope to see you there! ~ Your Outreach Ministry Team

Give A Book Honor A Child

By Margaret Kysar for the Library Committee

First Christians Library Committee invites you to participate in a new opportunity. Share a gift of generosity with our children by donating a NEW book to our Childrens Library in honor of a childs birthday! We will place a book plate in the book to celebrate.The book plate will include the name of the child who is being honored, their birthday and the person making the donation. A list of desired books is posted on the book shelf in the childrens library. Donations are always appreciated.

Prayers of the People

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Foster Johnson, Barbara Thornton, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), J.W. Michael, Ed Berry, Bart Rodr, Joan Grant, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Nita Williams (Jeff Williams mom), Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciaks mom), Barbara Hall CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Jackson Patrick Gray born October 19 to Luke & Samantha Gray of Tulsa. Grandparents are Dr. Patrick & Cindy Gray. Great Grandfather is Bob McKibbin AND Ledger Phillip Masters born October 1 to Max & Mandy Masters. Grandparents are Phil & Rachel Fraim. Great Grandmother is Sue Fraim and Great Aunt is Kay Sullins

Happy Birthday!
10/29 Greyson Ferrell, Deneen Gambrell 10/31 Patricia Hill 11/1 Debbie Carson, Ryan Miller, Mack Mitchell, Cas Shepard 11/2 John Earnheart, Paige Medley 11/3 Connie LaRue, Larry Lide 11/4 Bill Hamilton 11/5 Ed Berry, Jake Blevins, Ryan Danley, Margaret Hall, Haley Helms, Alan Karbs, Joyce Little 11/6 Connie Dixon, Fay Parsley, Mickey Stufflebean

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance Offered For Seniors

A new exercise program is open for seniors who want to improve their balance and build strength. Barbara George is leading Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance. Classes meet twice a week for one hour, at 9 am on Monday and Thursday in the Fellowship Hall. Space is limited. Please call Barbara at 286-2662 to confirm space availablity and to have your questions answered. Based on principles of traditional Tai Chi, this program has been scientifically evaluated for effectiveness. The focus is on preventing falls through regular practice. One in three Americans age 65 or older experience a fall each year. Of those who fall, 20 to 30% suffer moderate to severe injury. Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. ~ Brought to you through the Parish Nurse Ministry

Sunday, October 30
4:30 to 6:30 Mitch Park

Fall Festival
Your gift of time and service makes ministry a reality! Do you know all the ways you can serve here at FCC? Drop by the Ministry Fair table in the rotunda each Sunday through November 13, 2011 and explore the ways YOU can make a difference and change lives in our faith community and in Gods world!

Pavilion on west side, north of senior center

Hosted by the Youth of FCC for the Children of FCC

Wear Your Costu me! Enjoy Ga mes, Hot Dogs, Chips & Drinks!
J Ring Toss J Toilet Paper Throw J Duck Pond J Cake Walk J Sack Races...and More!

Make Reservations NOW!

Worship
8:15, 9:00 and 11:00am

Classics Holiday Adventure on Dec. 4

Join the Classics on Sunday, December 4 as they travel to Bristow for the Hometown Holiday Performance! Filled with Christmas cheer, holiday music and lots of laughter, this show is held at the Freeland Theater in Bristow. The show stars pianist Jerry Jordan and comedian Willamae. This fun-filled event is a guaranteed hit as he tickles the ivories and she tickles your funny bone. After an entertaining afternoon we will appease our hearty appetites at Freddies Steak House. They have a reputation for delicious entrees, comfortable atmosphere, generous portions and world famous tabouli. A perfect spot for our INCLUDED dinner! Oooohs and aaaaahs will ripple throughout the motor coach as we travel Hwy 75 toward home. Paragon Industries and Honey Valley Nursery of Sapulpa have covered eight frontage acres of buildings and trees with Christmas attire. Join us for this holiday adventure and return home with fond memories of the good fun, good food and good fellowship! Price: $69 per person Includes: Transporation Hometown Holiday Performance One meal Full payment due with reservation. For information or reservations contact Winnie Hall at 341-4297 or Ellen Chitwood at 341-2859.

October 30, 2011

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow & Rev. Greg Bunton Theme: Finding Your Passion Moses Overcomes Limitations Scripture: Exodus 4:10-13

November 6, 2011

Message: Rev. Greg Bunton & Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Finding Your Passion Dont Let Fear Hold You Back Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

The Chalice CONNECTION

Shelley Regan, Editor sregan@fccedmond.org Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to news@fccedmond.org

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