CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 21, May 31, 2012

The Chalice

A Journey to Babylon
By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister
Isnt it amazing how often our greatest discoveries come as a result of some difficulty or unpleasant experience be that the challenge of looking for a new job, finding a new home, moving, changing schools, completing an unwanted project, taking a board exam, or dealing with grief over some significant loss? These are unwelcomed, uninvited moments. And yet, they are lifes proving ground for strength of character and personal confidence. Such moments have always been part of Gods world. For the people of Judah, the Babylonian Crisis for example was nothing short of devastating. It was demoralizing, dispiriting overwhelming. But through this crisis, the people learned that God was not confined to their Temple in Jerusalem. God was with them right there in Babylon. God had not abandoned them. As a result then of this catastrophic event, they came to a whole new level of trust in God and strength of corporate character. This Sunday, we will begin a series of sermons intended to parallel the themes of our childrens study in Vacation Bible School. Throughout the month of June, we will discover with Daniel and his friends, that God is with us in the Babylons of our livestimes of change, moments of anxiety and fear, loneliness, and feelings of abandonment, and bringing us refreshingly to a spirit of thanksgiving.. Join us each Sunday for this journey with our children to Babylon and some remarkable discoveries with Daniel and his friends.

A Worship Committee Update

When the order of worship was changed last summer placing the Lords Supper after the sermon, it was intended to make it a natural response to the service of word (call to worship, prayer, music, scripture, and sermon). Everything in worship then, would point to the table and our response to the gift received from the table. This change in worship order has been wonderfully received. But, at the same time of this change, and for several reasons, the Doxology was removed from the order. For some period of time, this change was also accepted. But after a while it became a point of contention, especially for those who worship at 8:15. After much discussion, the worship committee advised the ministers that the decision to reinstate or not reinstate the Doxology was ultimately theirs to make. But it was noted that the Doxology could be reinstated and performed in a number of different styles that would continue to enhance the flow and spirit of worship. Specifically, the committee referred to an a capella performance of the Doxology as used in a recent visit by the Friends University Choir in the blessing before their evening meal. It was beautifully reverent. So, the staff chose to reinstate the Doxology using that spirit of reverence in the 8:15 worship. The response has been mixed, and to say the least, at times quite colorful. It is the committees prayer and challenge that changes to worship be accepted in the same spirit of reverence as they are thoughtfully and intentionally introduced. Member comments are always welcomed, and hopefully, helpful. However, inappropriate language, inconsiderate personal remarks, and attacks on church staff are detrimental to providing meaningful, passionate worship. Let us prayerfully work and worship together, remembering that worship is about God. It is about honoring God and responding to Gods gift of love and grace. The Worship Committee Connie Westhof, Moderator

Vacation Bible School Monday thru Thursday, June 11 - 14 6:00 to 8:45 pm $10 per person Includes a T-shirt, CD and Family Style Dinner
Its summer and you know what that meansVBS! Vacation Bible School looks nothing like it did when I was young. We made popsicle stick crafts, sang The B-I-B-L-E, yes thats the book for me!, and if we were really lucky, we got snow cones on the last day. All good times and great memories, but the Vacation Bible Schools our children get to experience today are filled with intentional messages that they can use every single day of the young lives. This year, our focus is on Daniel. Here is a look at our day-to-day study: Day 1 - When things change, God is with you. Enemies capture Daniel and his friends and take them to Babylon. Day 2 - When youre afraid, God is with you. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego survive a fiery furnace. Day 3 - When youre lonely, God is with you. Daniel prays, even though it means he might get into trouble. Day 4 - When youre thankful, God is with you. God saves Daniel from the lions. I think that one of the most exciting things about Vacation Bible School, is that the children not only have fun and encounter God, but they get to experience their entire church family in action. Everyone can participate in VBS and when we come together, AWESOME things happen! If you havent signed up to help but would like to, there is always room. Please contact Amy Peters or Desi Stout for more information. If you are unavailable to help, please remember this summers VBS, the leaders, and kids in prayer. If you still need to register, please do so online at www.fccedmond.org/vbs or on the first evening of VBS - June 11th at 5:30 p.m.

You still have a chance to help with VBS!

Be a Kitchen Helper during VBS (4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.) Help with SET-UP! Saturday June 9th from 9:00 a.m. - Noon Childcare and lunch provided DONATE! We still need brown paper grocery bags and old (non-returnable) stuffed animals. These donations, along with any items you signed up to bring, can be delivered on Sunday or Monday to the north end of Fellowship Hall. Thank you!

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Larry Hays - OU Medical Center - Presby Tower (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law); Leola Casey, Mercy; Leinda Parson - St. Anthonys (Linda Dunlaps daughter), THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Jim Hays, Debby Gresh, Haynes Phillips (Anna Lisa Stanleys dad), Warren Hill, Jerri Jones, Bart Rodr, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Greg & Linda Hall on the passing of Lindas step-dad, Bill Pazder, on May 28. Services were pending. AND TO Diane King on the passing of her nephew, David Yancey, on May 27. Services were held on Thursday, May 31 at Memorial Park Cemetery. AND TO Robert Hall in the death of his step-father, Jim Johnson on May 29. Services will be held Saturday, June 2 at Southern Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.

Happy Birthday!
6/3 Mike Adkins, Bill Eischeid, Victoria Harrison, Susan Huffer, Charles Schlough 6/4 Marjorie Anderson, J.C. Barr, Bill Larue, Harriba Tienabeso 6/5 Marilynn Brown, Carl Hawkins 6/6 Paul Gaines, Claire Patton, Robin Pierce 6/7 Dorothy Mason, Steve Peterson, Bethany Shipley, Anita Wilson 6/8 Hannah Daylor 6/9 Haley Felix, Fran Hauser, Carol Jennings, David Penland, Nancy Scott 6/10 Brynn Burleson, John Combs, Ann Douthitt, Kory VanOsdol

During VBS our Children Will Take On An Important Mission Project With Operation Kid-to-Kid
Each year our children experience a meaningful service project during VBS that changes their hearts as they reach out and help change the world! This year we are joining with other VBS churches to meet the goal of providing more than 1 mission specially treated mosquito bed nets to at-risk kids in the African nation of Mali, where Malaria is the leading cause of death in children under 5. Our childrens donations will help provide specially treated, life-saving mosquito nets to keep these deadly insects out - protecting children and families while they sleep.

The Facts: Donate $2.00 disease. Malaria is a mosquito-borne deadly

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for our Biblica So send a donation (however big or small) with your child to VBS to help purchase nets for the children in Mali. Together, lets help SQUASH Malaria in Mali! Mission
Nearly 1 million people die from malaria every year. n Its preventatble!

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250 million cases of malaria are reported every year. Every 30 seconds, a child dies from malaria. One $6 net can protect two children for up to four years.

Each month, the HOPE Center feeds about 550 families who are unable to provide food and other needed items for themselves and their children some of these families may attend our church. The last few years have brought high unemployment, high gas prices and high food cost to their clients. The cost to the HOPE Center to provide food has increased more than 20%. Demand is tremendous! Our Outreach Ministry team invites you to help us extend the GIFT OF HOPE with those in need by bringing some much needed items for the HOPE Center! Through Sunday, June 3, we are collecting the following items: peanut butter, jelly, cereal, boxed dinners, canned fruit, canned meat, and hygiene items. Please fill a grocery sack and drop it off Sunday at the HOPE Chest display in the rotunda.

Its Not Too Late To Share A GIFT of HOPE With the HOPE CENTER!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
June 3, 2012

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Mark Taylor Scripture: Daniel 1:8:17

June 10, 2012

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Greg Bunton Scripture:

The Chalice CONNECTION

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Contact Bob Stafford at 359-8900, bjstaff@swbell.net or sign up at the table in the rotunda!

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