CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 38, September 27, 2012

The Chalice

Pita Pit Ponderings

As I am writing this I am sitting at Pita Pit on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. Each semester I try and make a few trips to O.U. and O.S.U. to have lunch with our college students. Today I have had the privilege to catch up with 4 of our students, and right now I have some down time before the final student arrives. I like these visits. Its always fun to hear what is going on in the lives of our students, the classes they are taking, the test they have later in the day, and of course their social lives. I learn a lot during my visit, and I am so thankful for the relationship I have with

By Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries these students - a relationship that God made possible through the ministry of the church. As I think about these relationships, and the countless relationships I have developed in 16 years of ministry at First Christian, I cant help but be in awe of our awesome God and the way God uses others to bless our lives. Hopefully I have taught them a thing or two over the years, but what I know for sure is that they have taught me more about myself, ministry, faith, and God than I could have ever dreamed; more than I could possibly hope to teach them. This week in worship we are celebrating two more of our core values; open minds and open table. We will be looking at a scripture in 2 Timothy, and our focus will be on the importance of mentoring. Often times when we think of a mentor we think of someone older and wiser than ourselves, but the truth of the matter is that mentors come in all ages! Paul is often considered a mentor to Timothy, but my guess is that Timothy taught Paul a lot too! Our students have been my mentors, and probably yours too. Likewise we have the blessed opportunity to mentor them. We have a lot to learn from each other. Thats what our core value of open minds is all about! And when we open our minds, allowing ourselves to learn from one another and our collective wisdom, God does great things in our lives and the life of the church!

Welcome New Staff to FCC!

The Personnel Committee and the FCC Board have approved the hiring of Michelle Fritz as the Interim Director of Childrens Ministries. Michelle is a life long Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) church member who comes to us from the First Christian Church of Longview, TX. She and her husband Jeff have three children Tyler

(a senior at Texas A&M), Austin (a sophomore at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX) and Jenna (a junior at Edmond North HS). They moved to Edmond in July 2011 and have been actively involved in the life of our church. Michelle began in October 2011 as the High School Sunday School teacher and served as a sponsor for the high school youth mission trip this summer. Now, drawing on much of her previous church life experience, including several years on staff at FCC Longview, she begins a wondrous work with our children. Welcome Michelle! The Personnel Committee and the FCC Board have also approved the

promotion of Jeremy Miller, Assistant Director of the Child Care Center to the position of Interim Director of First Christian Church Child Care Center. Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and has been on the Child Care Center staff for more than nine years. He has the Bronze Directors credential and is already eligible for the Gold credential. He is a native Edmondite and a very familiar, friendly face to all on the staff and many others in the church. Welcome Jeremy!

Extravagant Generosity Mentoring the Faithful

by Kay Sullins Proverbs 11:75 says Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped. A generous heart gives in many ways whether it is sharing your money, sharing yourself with others, volunteering, or being an encouraging person. Choosing generosity is an act of faith. Whatever God has blessed you with, share it with others. When we are generous we are fulfilling Gods desire for each of us to love and care for those around us. My life has been blessed by being a member of First Christian Church for 66 years. My earliest memories begin at age six in the basement where I attended Sunday school. In the late 40s and early 50s, the basement was cold, dark, and damp, but I continued to come week after week as I was drawn to this room by the light of the beautiful ladies radiating warmth and welcome as they waited at the bottom of the stairs. These ladies started me on my faith journey, and some thirteen years later, helped mentor me as I began my teaching career in Edmond Public Schools. So many special adults in this church modeled a Christian life for me and helped me develop my faith. Each of these was generous in the time they gave to mentoring children, youth, and adults on their faith journey. I learned by observing these adults over the years to look for opportunities that are right before me each day to serve and to share Gods love. Luke 6:38 states Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your handsall that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you. I only have two hands, two feet, and limited income. I cant do all that is needed. But I can do my part by sharing both time and money. Anything good God has done in my life has its roots in First Christian Church and the mentoring I have received in this church. The only way I know how to thank God and these people is to share the gift of grace with others. Their faith has pushed me to make a difference for God, to share love with others, and to carry on Christs ministry to the world. Through the years, I have tried to do this by helping in Unite, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, church camps, serving as moderator of numerous ministries, serving as a deacon, and now serving as an elder. By being an active participant in church and outreach efforts, I stay revitalized, energized, and excited to share His message.

REEL

THEOLOGY

exploring faith in film

Sundays, September 30 & October 7 10:00 a.m. - Fellowship Hall
As we continue our Extravagant Generosity: One Gift Touches Many Hearts series in worship, we are offering an optional two week faith forum during the Sunday School hour called REEL Thelology: Exploring Faith in Film. Larry and Sharon Mullins will lead these forums, pairing weekly worship themes to film clips. On September 30, to illustrate the importance of mentoring and reaching out to others, we will explore clips from Finding Forrester and other classic films. On October 7, to illustrate the power of touch and reaching out to others, we will discuss film clips from such classics as Ghandi. Each lesson will be interactive, engaging, and provocative - join us! An optional faith forum for adults. Sunday School classes are welcome, or they may meet as scheduled.

Praying for Extravangant Generosity

Contemplative Prayer in the Upper Room
Visit our Upper Room (above the chapel) as a quiet, contemplative prayer space. It is open on Sunday mornings for this purpose. A printed prayer guide book is available, to lead you in prayer for our campaign, church leaders, staff and our core values that make such an impact on our church and community. Thank you to Linda Quade, Tana Stufflebean and Jackie Stafford for updating the Upper Room!

Did you experience our Praying in Color workshop last Sunday? On Sundays, September 30 and October 7, we will be offering an interactive prayer space in Room 117 where you can practice this simple, fun, and creative form of prayer. Even if you didnt come to the workshop, you are welcome. You can read more online at www.prayingincolor.com or just drop in and give it a try! The space is open to children, youth, adults - individuals and families alike - everyone is encouraged to come on Sunday mornings to pray for our core values, church leaders, and an ever more abundant culture of generosity among our people!

A place to pray using the Praying in Color Method!

Interactive Prayer Space in Room 117

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Larry Hays in OU Medical Center THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Debbie Gragg, Vivienne Bare (Richard & Terry Bernards grandaughter) , Barbara Shaw, Neal Hunt, Patsy Corrigan, Jim Hays, Bob Jennings, Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Jerri Jones, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF NEW LIFE Cecelia Marie Morrissey born September 17 to Kevin & Morgan Morrissey. Grandparents are Chet & Cindy Gray Mongold. Great Grandfather is Bob McKibbin. AND CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF Abbigail Michelle Morgan Beason born September 26 to Leland and Hillary Beason. Grandfather is Chuck Beason. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO Barbara Shaw in the death of her father Clinton Graham on September 19. Services were held on Monday, September 24 at Southern Hills Christian Church. AND TO Gerry & Bulie Baker, in the death of Gerrys sister Annita Wagner.

Happy Birthday!
9/30 Dallas Ayers, Paige Lagasse, Dean Shipley, Margery Wallace 10/2 Raya Carpenter, Cooper Coil, Loretta Dodd, Barbara George, Kelly Jackson, Dante Little, Mason Marsh, Lorene Wilkinson 10/3 Michelle Ireland, Paxton Shorow 10/4 Clay Carson, Aubrey Hammond, Meredith Sanford, Dorothy Sisson 10/5 Scott Kinnaird, Larry Perdue, Madison Young 10/6 Steffanie Ward 10/7 Kyle Malzahn, Staci Nash, Benjamin Stafford, Amanda Stuke, Isaac VanOsdol

Did You Know???

Did you know that the donuts, milk, juice, muffins, and bagels made available each Sunday in Fellowship Hall are not a budget item? They are in fact made possible only through your kind donations. So, if youve noticed the recent reduction in supply, its because donations are not keeping up with demandor is that delight??? Please remember then to make an appropriate donation each time you or your family member enjoys a glass of juice or milk or any one of the delightful pastries. Thank you! Your Membership Ministry Team

Give a Stocking to Our Troops

Many of our troops will not be home for Christmas, so, the Blue Star Mothers of Edmond would like to send them a special gift - a Christmas Stocking! The goal is 100 Christmas Stockings for our troops by December 1. Can you help? If you can sew or if you are able to purchase stockings, contact Becky Winn at 405-532-5150 - Thank you and God Bless!

The deadline to register is fast approaching for the...

6TH ANNUAL FCC FOLLIES!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
5:30 pm - Chili Cook-Off, Fellowship Hall 6:30 pm - Variety Show, Sanctuary
*If you dont have a famous chili recipe, bring a finger food or dessert to share! We would love to have all types of acts from every age group in the church. To register your variety act or pot of chili, pick up an entry form at the table in the rotunda or fill out one online at www.fccedmond.org/follies DEADLINE TO REGISTER is Sunday, September 30th! Questions? Ask the Follies Committee: Dana Theobald, Darcy Biby, Frank Gresh, Sherry Parks, Mark Nash, Ross Herndon, Donetta Herndon, or Diane Ball.

by Janet Helms For this years Annual Campaign, we are planning a quilting project for the church. We are asking for donations - pieces of scrap fabric material (any color fabric) to be used in the making of quilts which will then be donated to the Newborns in Need charity. You may put donations in the box in the workroom. Thank you!

Donation Request: Quilting Project

Save The Date - Fight The Flu!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
September 30, 2012

Visiting Nurses Association will be giving Flu Shots on Sunday, October 7, in the rotunda from 8am to noon. The cost is $25 or we can file Medicare for you if you have Part B, just be sure to bring your medicare card! Protect yourself and those you love.

Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Greg Bunton Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Travel to Branson With the Classics!

October 23-25, 2012
This trip includes three great shows: 3 Red Neck Tenors, The Duttons, and the musical production Joseph; and, two great dinners at The Great American Chicken House and the Keeter Center. Come join the Classics for a fun-filled trip! The cost is $389 (2-person occupancy) and includes transportation, two nights lodging, plus all meals and attractions listed on the itinerary. Spots will fill up fast - reserve your spot early! For information and reservations, call Winnie Hall at 405-341-4297 or Ellen Chitwood at 405-341-2859.

October 7, 2012
Consecration Sunday
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Greg Bunton Scripture: Matthew 9:20-22 & Acts 4:32-35

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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