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The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

CONNECTION

Gush and MushBy Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister

Vol. 4 No. 5 February 9, 2012

As so manyof you know,I dislikehaving my life,generosity,

and acts ofthoughtfulnessdictated bythe likes ofHallmark,

Hersheys Chocolate, florists, andjewelers. Its not that I rue their right tomake a buck. Thats a good thing. Infact, its important to the economy andme personally. When business does well,money flows, the stock market moves up,and my investments improve. Thats agood thing.

And its not the character of the

people who own and run thesebusinesses that bothers me either. I knowsome of them, just as you do. They arewonderful, hard working people makingsignificant contributions to society and ourway of life.

What then is the issue? Its having themarket place tell me when Im supposedto be thoughtful and giving. Forbid thatI should leave someone out on one ofthese occasions. Its graduation, MothersDay, Fathers Day, Grandparents Day,

birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, NewYears, and oh yeah, Valentines Daythetime when Im supposed to gush andmush on cue. There are literally somany programmed moments for

thoughtfulness in our culture that there islittle room left for me to be spontaneous.But in all fairness, we in the church

tend to replicate that model, dont we?We program our entire year aroundAdvent, Christmas, Epiphany, AshWednesday, Lent, Easter, Pentecost,and a host of other favorites. Our orderbecomes so busy and redundant that ittoo obscures the spontaneous andnatural; the sudden, un-programmedresponse of the heart to the sweet lovestory that is older than the sea; thesimple truth about the love God gives to

you and me.So, heres a thought. Maybe we canlearn with our Lenten emphasis this yearthat it isnt so much what we give up aswhat we give out. Maybe its just aboutwriting God a love note and putting it inthe offering plate on Sunday. Or betteryet, writing one with our lives and giving itout spontaneously and naturally.

Our thought for this week: God islove (I John 4:16). Happy Valentines!

January

for Lent

What comes to mind when you thinof the church season of Lent? Maybgiving something uplike chocolate

Lent isnt just a season of self-denial, nor is it about short-term rituchanges that dont impact our livesafter Easter. And its certainly notabout just giving up chocolate!

Lent is a 40-day season forgrowth and exploration. Its a timeof preparation for a change to thepost-resurrection life.

We invite you to join us for a

unique study and sermon seriescalledChocolate for Lenttoexplore a Lenten season thats aboumore than what you give up.

The study will be offered throughsome of our Sunday school classesFeb. 26 through April 1. Rev. ChrisShorow will lead a noon discussiongroup on Wednesdays, Feb. 29through March 28.

So take up Chocolate forLentand explore a sweet seasonof self-disciplne, giving, conversion,

acceptance and change.for Lent Film Viewing, Sunday Feb. 12

To prepare for our 5-week sermon series and study Chocolate for Lentwe willoffer an all-church viewing of the film Chocolat on Sunday, February 12 at4pm. This 2000 Academy Award nominated film tells the story of a single motherand her daughter who move to a repressed and isolated French village and open achocolate shop across the street from a church during Lent. The mother proceeds totransform the lives of all she meets.

The Cornerstone Sunday school class will host the movie afternoon andprovide us with popcorn, beverages and some delicious chocolate. Childcareavailable by reservation for children 5th grade and younger. Ages 3 and overwill be viewing the 1971 version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! Make

childcare reservations online atwww.fccedmond.org/lent

Sermon SeriesFebruary 26

Giving up - the prelude to change

March 4

Giving out - the power of a gift

March 11

Getting wise - the possibility of change

March 18

Getting real - the power of acceptance

March 25

Growing up - the process of change

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While we think bad things would never happen in our church, the facts, stories and statistics show that institutions of faith areexperiencing loss and face the same dangers as other areas of our culture. And we are no exception. In recent weeks, we have hatwo thefts and have become aware of other potential concerns. So now our church is moving forward in faith with some new andresponsible procedures:

Our main entry front doors (facing Second Street parking lot) have cameras for electronic monitoring and controlled intercoaccess during weekday business hours. When you arrive, push the outside call button to gain access. A volunteer or staffperson will acknowledge your presence and release the door latch from their desk.

A key fob entry system has been installed on the east door directly across the sidewalk from the west side of our Family LifeCenter. This door is now limited by fob access during child care center hours (6:30 am-6 pm, Monday-Friday).

These steps will ensure someone on staff has knowledge of people entering the facility. While this creates additional work and apotential inconvenience, we believe these measures are reasonable, prudent, and a natural progression to ensure safety for thechildren of the child care center, our staff and our membership.

Providing a Sense of SecurityBy Frank Gresh, Board Moderator and Robbi Kinnaird, Board Moderator-Elect

Security is theResponsibility of All

Each of knows that we have a criticalrole in maintaining a safe and secureenvironment at the church. Here,however, are some fundamentalreminders: Lock car doors before coming intochurch and secure valuables out of sight. Keep an eye on purses or othervaluables, regardless of location. Dontleave a purse, bag, or item of valuesitting alonenot even for a few minutes.If anyone has to leave something in aroom, make sure it is locked in a safeplace. Dont think stashing the item in acabinet will go unnoticed!

Be vigilant and sensitive, especiallyto the unusual. Always identify the closest exit forany emergency.

Whenever possible, enter and exitthe church in groups, especially at night.

There is safety in numbers. If one should encounter a door

that does not seem to latch properly, seesomething that appears to be broken, orfind something that seems out of place,please report it immediately to one of ourvolunteer security personnel, a churchleader, or a member of the staff. Witha facility this large and this many accesspoints, it is difficult to be everywhere, seeeverything, and know when somethinghas just broken. So please help keepeverything safe and functional.

Security through Friendliness

Finally, please remember that whensomeone means us harm or wants totake advantage of what we have, theyprobably dont want a warm welcome.

They would rather be unnoticed. Theydont want people looking them inthe eye and shaking their hand. Theyseek targets, not companionship. So,please join our greeters, deacons, andgracious members in extending the mosextravagant hospitality! If we make thegenuine effort to reflect the love of Chrigreet the stranger, and shake hands witboth the familiar and the unfamiliar, wewill not only be exercising a profoundlyimportant biblical practice, but perhapseven, deterring the worst of intentions.

Week of Compassion, through its partnerships, respondsto human needs around the world. Disciples bring

hope to situations of natural disaster, war and famine.Please share generously! Experience joy!

Week of Compassion OfferingTaken Sunday, February 19

AshWednesdayImposition of Ashes - 6:45pm - February 22

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Souper Bowl of Caring collectionswere $1,180.75. Thank you to all

who helped the Cornerstone SundaySchool Class TACKLE HUNGER!

All donations will support

Breakfast on Boulevard!

Thank You, Troop 479!A huge Thank You to Troop 479 forthe wonderful 50 year celebration ofyour Scouting mission with First ChristiaChurch. A special thanks to Bruce Jacksfor his wonderful sermon, Larry Ball forhis service at the Table, Mike OMeara fo

giving the Pastoral Prayer, Alan Simpsonand Jack Smith for their work in contactformer Eagle Scouts and Scout Mastersfrom the past 50 years, and the Scoutsof Troop 479 for recognizing the visionand energy of Gifford Parkhurst some 50years ago. It was a terrific celebration ana great moment for acknowledging thedynamic partnership between church anscouting in community. Thank you!

Come to FCCs Annual Family Campin Estes Park, Colorado!Join us this Summer in beautiful Estes Park ColoradoJune 24 thru June 30th for Family Camp. Comeexperience what everyone is talking about! There issomething for everyone. Whether your family is one or tenyou are welcome to join the fun.

The activities at Family Camp are endless: hiking,white water rafting, golfing, crafting, tennis, skateboarding,fishing, rock climbing, star gazing ,and horseback riding.There is also a chance to zip line 800 ft through themountains. In the evenings, we go to movies, shop and, ofcourse, join one another for a friendly game of Nerts andother games.

To learn more you can pick up an information packetfrom the Family Camp table in the rotunda, or downloada pdf from our website at www.fccedmond.org/family

camp If you have any questions, please contact Susan Huffer at 623-2185.

Experience the Warmth of God atSummer CampSummer Church Camp is filled with fun

activities, Bible study, and adventure that will

build close friendships, create warm memories to

last a lifetime, and strengthen spirits to withstand lifes storms.

The following camps are available:Chi Rho 1 (grades 6-8) June 4-9 Junior 1 (grades 4-5) June 4-8Discovery (grades 1-3) June 22-24 Junior 2 (grades 4-5) June 25-29CYF (grades 9-12) June 25-30 Chi Rho 2 (grades 6-8) July 9-14

First Christian offers partial scholarships to member campers. Campers register for

camps based on GRADE COMPLETED by June 2012. To learn more, including camp

prices, early bird discounts, registration dates, and for a camper registration form, go to

www.fccedmond.org/camp

Prayers of the PeopleTHOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Cooper Kious, Edna Blunk,Loretta Parks, Tommy Atchison, Temple Thigpen (Teddi Owensdaughter), Roy Jackson, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, VirginiaONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill &Mary Lou Womble, Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciaks mom)

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Dean & Jennifer Shipley and Family on the passing ofennifers mom, LoRee Stubbs, on February 6. Services held Thursday, February 9 at FCC-Edmond AND to Mack & Sandy Mitchell on the passing of Sandys mom, Peggy Thies, onFebruary 6. Services will be at FCC-Salina, KS, on Saturday, February 11. Memorials may bemade to the Heart Association Fund in honor of Peggy Thies AND to John & Karly Meadowsand Family on the passing of Karlys grandfather, Gerald Kennedy, on January 21. Serviceswere held on January 26.

Happy Birthday!2/12 Zach Hanson, Emily Overocker,

Kyle Vazquez

2/13 Marisue Haigler, Grace King,Margaret Kysar, Sara OHagan,Carter Raines, Sara Raines, ZaneRaines, Desi Stout

2/14 Hallie Hanna, Kathy Kerr, AlainaMorton, Linda Speegle, Bill Womb

2/15 Janet McCain, Helen Myers, SteveNovakowski, Paul Stuke, RandyThomas

2/16 Sarah Douthitt, Laura Harris,Barbara Lea, John Stone

2/17 Tommy Atchison, Trevor Gibson,Isaac Hast, Tana Stufebean

2/18 Nancy Goosen, Asher Jewell,Kelsey Murray, Adaya Price, LilyStuckey, Kacy VanOsdol

2/19 Tara Baker, Al Jantz

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The Chalice CONNECTION

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The Childrens and Youth Education Committees are pleasedto announce two programs for summer internships...offering a

total of four internship spots! Childrens Ministries (ages birththrough 5th grade) is offering one spot while Student Ministries (grades 6 through 12) isoffering three spots.

These internships are open to college students that grew up at First Christian Church Edmond and participated in the Children and Youth programs.

The purpose of the internships is as follows:1. To provide our college students the opportunity to give back to the church and the

program that nurtured them as children and teenagers2. To provide the opportunity to be a positive role model to our children and youth,

and to the life of our Children and Student Ministries.3. To provide the opportunity for our college students to hone their leadership skills as

they help to plan and implement various programs and ministries.

The Childrens Education Committee will be hiring one intern for the summer, and thYouth Education Committee will be hiring three interns for the summer.

If you are interested in finding out more information, or if you would like to apply,please go to www.fccedmond.org/internship and complete the online process. Theapplication deadline is Sunday, March 25, 2012. Interns will be selected andnotified by Sunday, April 15, 2012.

Summer Internships AvailablOne for Childrens Education &

Three for Student MinistriesBy Greg Bunton & Anna Lisa StanleyWorship

February 12, 2012Message: Rev. Greg Bunton

Rev. Chris ShorowTheme: Love: Gods Love Is...Scripture: 1 John 4:7-16

February 19, 2012Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black

Rev. Greg BuntonTheme: CompassionScripture: Mark 6:30-44