The Chalice
CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK
Vol. 2 No. 46 November 18, 2010
Surely We’ve Found Treasure
By Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
November the fact that his tomb had not been
fourth was opened since it was sealed was remark-
the anni- able.
versary of One of Carter’s workers was looking
an incred- for a place to set his water bottle. As he
ible dis- brushed aside some small stones, he no-
covery. On ticed that what he was sitting on looked
that date like a staircase. As they started to dig
in 1922, further, it turned out to be the stairs lead-
Howard ing down to the entrance of the tomb.
Carter After discovering the entrance, Carter
uncovered waited three weeks for his patron, Lord
the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Many Carnavon, to arrive. Can you imagine
things made it incredible. By that time, the anticipation he must have felt?
most of the tombs of the pharaohs had When they finally went inside, Carter
been looted and emptied of their valu- said, “At first I could see nothing, the hot
able items. Throughout history these air escaping from the chamber causing
grave robbers had been snooping around the candle flame to flicker, but presently,
to see what they could find. However, as my eyes grew accustomed to the light,
King Tut’s tomb was underground and details of the room within emerged slowly
not easy to find. Although Tut was not from the mist, strange animals, statues
a major pharaoh in the history of Egypt, and gold…everywhere the glint of gold.”
Thanksgiving Offering Assists Students at
Disciples Higher Education Institutions
The education we choose reflects who
we want to become. More and more,
students who want to make a difference
in the world are choosing Disciples higher
educational institutions.
At the 21 theological institutions, uni-
versities, and colleges related to the Chris-
tian Church (Disciples of Christ), students
discover vast opportunities to educate the
heart, the mind, and the soul.
• Courses go beyond textbooks and
inspire students to think about how they
can change the world.
• Professors, instructors, and mentors
focus on the student’s academic progress
and ethical development.
He had found a treasure. What an
exciting day! I wonder what finding
a treasure like that would feel like? It
would probably be like having a lottery
ticket that hit the jackpot.
On this Thanksgiving weekend I plan
to give thanks for all of the treasures in
my life. My precious family, my friends
and my church family. If you take the
time to think about it, we’ve already hit
the jackpot. No need to travel to Egypt to
search for gold, the real treasure is right
in front of us.
Jesus also spoke of finding treasure.
Surely the experience of the Kingdom
of God is a treasure. The experience of
love, forgiveness and grace reminds us
of the treasure that God gives to us every
day.
Congratulations, Howard Carter. And
congratulations to all of us as well, for we
have found true treasure.
• Students find life-changing opportunities
to serve neighbors near campus, com-
munities in other parts of the country, or
across international borders.
• For students answering God’s call to
ministry, Disciples theological institutions
challenge imaginations and sharpen the
skills needed to lead and minister with
congregations in the 21st Century.
Your support of Disciples higher educa-
tional institutions through the
Thanksgiving Special Offering makes a
difference in the lives of the more than
26,000 students who chose a Disciples
education. Thank you!
As we approach the season of Advent and Christmas, many of us
are busy wondering what to give one another. Often struggling to
out do whatever the “BIG” gift was from last year.
We may recognize we have more than enough, but find our-
selves caught up in the pull of advertising and the myth of scarcity.
Suddenly the hustle and bustle consumes us.
As Christians we are called to prepare for the coming of Christ
during this season called Advent. It is a time of preparation, and
for slowing down. We challenge you to rethink your gift giving and
preparations. Come worship and reflect as we consider the “Christ-
mas Gifts That Won’t Break.”
What are those gifts? They are those gifts that cannot be lost,
that never go out of style, and that are independent of the chances
and changes of life. They are the gifts that have been graciously
given by God. The gifts we share which bring hope, joy, love and
peace to family, community, and world. These true gifts of the Ad-
vent season - hope, joy, love, and peace- have a permanence that
speaks to generations of children past, present, and future.
We invite you to join us for one or more of the events
you’ll find listed here. Come as we bless each other with reminders
of what this Advent season is about—expectation that God is going
to be among us to help us in the work of transforming ourselves and
our communities with hope, joy, love and peace.
Rev. Chris Shorow

Hanging of the Greens
& Tasting Party
Sunday, November 28 - 6:30pm
Our student ministries annually prepares
this unique service which shares the mean-
ing of traditional symbols of the holidays:
wreaths and Christmas trees as we sing clas-
sic carols, and hear God’s word. Younger
children may help decorate our Children’s
Christmas tree during part of this family-
oriented service. Our annual Tasting Party,
hosted by Membership Ministries, follows
the service. Bring your favorite holiday des-
sert, candy or appetizer to share. (nursery
provided)
Youth Snowball Celebration
“Snowball 2010 - World Tour”
Saturday, December 3 - 6 to 10pm
All FCC students 6th thru 12th grade are
invited to the 15th annual Snowball
Celebration dinner and dance. Tickets $15
- on sale thru November 28. Register now
at fccedmond.org/snowball
Children’s Christmas Musical
Sunday, December 5 - 6:30pm
Join the “All-Star” cast of First Christian as
the children present their musical “Star of
Wonder” created by Dave Clark and Jayme
Thompson. Along the way to witness the
Star of Wonder, you’ll meet such luminar-
ies as Super Star, Shooting Star, Lucky
Star, Falling Star, Rock Star, the North
Star, and a constellation of stars as they
anxiously watch the biggest announcement
in history unfold – the birth of Jesus! Enjoy
this Christmas gift to you from the children
of First Christian, and afterwards stay for
a reception of cookies and hot chocolate.
(nursery provided)
Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 12 - 6:30pm
The cantata, “Night of the Father’s Love”
by Pepper Choplin, skillfully guides the lis-
tener through the Christmas story as though
hearing it again for the first time. Join the
Chancel Choir, along with the choir from
Peace Lutheran, to revisit the mystery, awe
and excitement of the night of Christ’s birth
that happened so long ago. This cantata
expresses the essence of Christmas as well
as the ultimate gift that won’t break: the gift
of the Father’s love. We will share a recep-
tion with our friends from Peace Lutheran
Church afterwards. (nursery provided)
Candlelight Service of Remembrance
Sunday, December 19 - 6:30pm
For many this is a difficult season of the
year, especially if you have lost a loved one.
But there is hope in the midst of darkness.
Come, light a candle of remembrance, and
experience God’s love at our Service of
Remembrance. Our healing prayer ministers
will be on hand to fashion a prayer for your
needs, and Rev. Chris Shorow will offer a
meditation.
Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Friday, December 24 - 5:30pm
The Gospel will come alive with the help
of our children in a narrative re-telling of
the birth of Jesus. This abbreviated,
family-oriented worship service includes
familiar Christmas hymns. Children (ages
3 through 2nd grade) may select a
costume at 5pm and participate in the
Nativity story!
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
Friday, December 24 - 7 and 11pm
Join us as we anticipate the day of our
Savior’s birth! The 7pm Christmas Eve
service will feature beautiful music,
scripture readings, and the lighting of the
Christ Candle. The 11pm service will
feature a serene, simplified candlelight
service with carols, the Chancel Choir, and
scripture. The service ends in candlelight
with the bells tolling the midnight hour,
marking the arrival of Christmas Day.
(No nursery on Christmas Eve)
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL 11/21 Brian Haley, Jennifer Penland
Bart Rodr, OK Heart 11/22 Dallas Billing, Marcella Halliday
11/23 Jim Vaught
THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Eunice Wilson, Belinda Davis, 11/25 Eric Jennings, Debi Powell
Barbara Henthorn, Joyce McNickle, London Carrington, Eric Koegel, Bob Stafford, Teddi
Maxwell, Darla Smith
Long-Owen, Ralph Eastwood (Jackie Stafford’s dad), Jeff Stephens, Ann Douthitt (Duke
Douthitt’s mom), Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s cousin), Ed Berry, Hank Thomas (Randy 11/26 Mitch Holliman, Charlanne
Thomas’ brother) Johnson, Randy Smith
11/27 Travis Christensen, Sharon Cutter,
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS To Dr. Sopukuro & Ibiera Tienabeso in the passing Dale Hampton, Opal McGough,
of Sopukuro’s sister, Barrister Tienaba Amah, on August 30. The family will hold a Garrett O’Meara, Derek Price, Jo
service on November 26 in Nigeria. Ann Prince
11/28 Shirley Cox, Diana Frank, Barbara
Hall, Ibiera Tienabeso

Looking for a place to spend Thanksgiving?

Come to the Edmond Community
Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, Nov. 25 11am to 3pm
at the University of Central Oklahoma
in the George Nigh Center

Did You Order Tea Rings

Want to Get More Involved? Come to and Butter Braids?
You can pick them Sunday, November 21.
Discover First Christian! Contact Robbi Kinnaird at robbi@kinnaird.
com or 340-2427 if you have any questions.
Sunday, December 6 at 10am Thank you to all who helped support
Fellowship Hall-West this important youth fundraiser!
Have you been thinking about becoming a member of First Christian? Would you like
to learn ways you can get connected and make a difference? We invite you to join
members of our staff and members of the church for an event we call “Discover First
Christian.” This informal gathering provides an opportunity for us to get to know
you, and for you to get to know a little more about us. It’s a great place to have your
questions answered. Whether you’re brand new or have been attending a while, we’d
love to have you join us for coffee, juice, donuts and fellowship. Let us know you are
coming. Contact Iris Jordan at ijordan@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 20. Date change for Children’s
(PreK-5th Grade) UNITE
Christmas Cookie Exchange Fall Semester!
Due to planning and preparation for
The Mary Group of Disciple Women will our celebrations during Advent, the
meet at the home of Debi Taylor for a final UNITE for fall semester has been
Christmas Cookie Exchange, Thursday, moved to Wednesday, December 1st.
December 9 from 5:30-7:00pm. Bring 2-3
dozen homemade or store-bought cookies If you have already paid for a se-
and join us for light appetizers as we EN- mester of meals, we will carry your
COURAGE one another during this joyous balance forward. Children’s UNITE
Spring semester will begin on
holiday season. Contact Debi at 340-5956
Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
for directions. Hope to see you there!
 What Christ
Wants for
Christmas
Worship When we celebrate a
birthday, we are careful to
at First Christian give what the person really
8:15, 9 & 11am wants or needs. Is there any doubt what Jesus wants from us? We give to Christ when we
give to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned (Matthew
November 21, 2010 25:31-40).
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow One of the most common traditions of the Christmas season is the giving and receiving
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6 of gifts. Each year, millions of dollars are spent fulfilling the wishes of young and old alike.
From toys to clothes, to the latest electronic gadgets; we spend in hopes of giving the perfect
1st Sunday of Advent gift to that someone we love. Yet these gifts, as wonderful as they may seem, eventually wear
November 28, 2010 out, break, or simply become useless and are soon forgotten.
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow As the Advent and Christmas seasons approach, many of us are seeking a way to
Theme: Hope simplify our Christmas giving, while sharing gifts which honor the birth of Jesus Christ and
show concern for the whole family of God. Many people are planning a simpler, less material-
istic Christmas out of economic necessity. Others are choosing to simplify because they know
spending and consumerism are out of hand, and out of sync with their beliefs.
The Chalice CONNECTION
If you are seeking to simplify your holiday giving, and want to share gifts that
Shelley Regan, Editor continue the work of Christ in our world, we invite you to give “Christmas Gifts That Won’t
sregan@fccedmond.org Break.” Through an “alternative gift market” our Outreach Ministries team is providing you
Read News Online with alternative gifts that truly bring Hope to the world!
@ fccedmond.org/news Available each week beginning Sunday, November 28, a table in the rotunda will
Submit Articles to feature several Hope-giving projects such as Infant Crisis Services, Refuge Fellowship, and
news@fccedmond.org Global Ministries. When you purchase a gift you will receive a greeting card and envelope to
give to your gift receipients. Inside the card there will be a message explaining the gift of hope

Edmond, OK 73083
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