CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 4 No. 8 March 1, 2012 By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black, Associate Minister
Its Lent and a focused time for reflection, confession, and renewal; time to echo the moments Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his short, but intense ministry. While in a state of hunger and focus, Scripture tells us that the devil met him there in the wilderness and wanted just one thing: All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me. But the Lord replied, You shall worship the Lord your God and God only shall you serve (Matt. 4:9,10). Jesus response suggests that worship is of a supreme importance. In fact, it

The Chalice

The Most Important Thing We Do

may well be the most important thing we do. In the words of Karl Barth, a 20th Century theologian, Christian worship is the most momentous, the most urgent, the most glorious action that can take place in human life. Worship then, is not to be taken lightly. It is not a time for just sitting and receiving. And it is not about what, but Who. It is an intentional, conscious act of givingan offering of love, adoration, and praise in response to Gods love, presence, and grace. It is both passionate and intensely purposeful. Its why we adopted Open Table as one of our core values in last years re:NEW conversations. And it is clearly the reason your staff and the members of the Worship Committee/Ministry Team work to make each worship a uniquely, meaningful gift to God. Our intentional design calls the faith community to : Gather for a festival of praise Join in prayer and song Hear and deeply ponder the mystery that is God, in scripture, music, and sermon (a sacrament of word) Celebrate and experience Gods grace in communion. Respond to that grace with gifts of love and resources Depart to share that grace in life, faith, and action. Please know that with this focus, we are hearing your worship concerns and prayerfully working through each. May God bless us as we continue with the most important thing God invites us to doworship.

Experience Chocolate for Lent

For most of us the season of Lent brings to mind giving something up - like chocolate! However, this year, we are exploring a Lenten study, Chocolate for Lent, that is more than what you give up. Using themes from the film Chocolat, coupled with scriptures, this study creates a space for deeper insights into self-discipline, self-giving, conversion and accepting the stranger. Join one of the following classes for the ongoing Chocolate for Lent study February 26 - March 25 9:30 am: Challengers (Rm 116) 9:30 am: Seekers (Rm 113) 10:00 am: Christian Issues (Rm 125) 10:00 am: Compadres-In-Christ (Rm 117) 10:00 am: Cornerstones (Rm 220) 10:00 a.m. Knot-Nots (Rm 130) 10:00 am: Pioneers (Rm 114)

Sermon Series
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

Come reNew!

Open Minds - Dreams for Adult Education

By Don Wiechmann, Moderator of Adult Education
What an incredible experience it was last summer, to sit together around tables, sharing good stories, celebrating our gifts and dreaming of new beginnings! Those participating in the conversations focusing on Open Minds, the pursuit of Intentional Faith Development, recognized not only the things done well at FCCE, but also how critical it is to foster faith development outside of worship. From the first generation Christians to our youngest generation today, as Disciples, we mature in faith by learning together in community. By studying together, sharing our experiences and opening our minds, we let Gods spirit work through us. Through Open Minds, we dreamed of: Small Group Studies Bible studies for all ages, interests and faith experiences Young Adult, Couples, Singles, Middle-aged Adults, Senior Adults Support and maintenance of existing Sunday School Classes Nurturing and training of new Adult leaders New classes designed for new members and visitors Short term topical studies Interfaith Development through discussion and study Adult workshops and seminars Since reNEW, the conversation has continued among a group of adult Sunday school leaders. Our discussion has included the expansion of our commitment to faith development for adults, ways to support our existing classes and add new ones, best practices in adult education, teacher support, and the cultivation of new leaders. Now, its time to broaden the conversation and include you, as we commit to building an ever-widening circle of adult faith development ministry. You are invited to join the conversation!

Dinner and Table Conversations in the Fellowship Hall Please RSVP by March 22 to DWiechmann@bokf.com or call Iris Muno Jordan at 341-3544 Join us as we find ways to actively engage in some of the ministry initiatives that originated from our reNEW table conversations. Come and help build a common vision for the future of intentional faith development for adults at First Christian Church of Edmond. Together, lets turn these dreams into realities as we continue growing in new, appreciative, and creative ways!

Sunday, March 25 6:00 p.m.

Join the Classics for a trip to

Crystal Bridges: A Museum of American Art

Join us on Thursday, March 29, for lunch and a tour of Crystal Bridges, A Museum of American Art, in Bentonville, AR! The museum was a dream proposed by Alice Walton, and gifted to Northwest Arkansas by the Walton Family. We will arrive at the beautiful Crystal Bridges in time to have a wonderful, scenic lunch in the museum restaurant, Eleven. The restaurant opened 11/11/11 at 11:11 a.m., thus the name. Following lunch, you have a choice of a guided tour or a selfguided tour of the museum and grounds. The trail and observation deck offer a great overview of the grounds as well as provide a continuation of the blending of architecture, art and nature. We will depart back to Oklahoma City late afternoon on the same day, returning early evening. The price is $89.00 and includes transportation, lunch and a guided tour. Reserve your spot now by contacting Winnie Hall at 341-4297.

Save the Date!

June 11-14, 2012
Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it! This years VBS theme: Babylon: Daniels Courage in Captivity. Again this year, VBS will be held in the evenings Monday through Thursday. Registration begins in May.

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Joan Grant, Parcway Rehab THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Deneen Gambrell, Linda Burke, Bob Bennett, Cooper Kious, Edna Blunk, Loretta Parks, Tommy Atchison, Temple Thigpen (Teddi Owens daughter), Roy Jackson, Rose Marie McKee, Bart Rodr, Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble, Naomi Bell (Karen Walenciaks mom)

Happy Birthday!
3/4 Christian Hammond, Cynthia Hendershot, Francis Sneed 3/5 Julie Bowers, Debbie Felice, Thadda Groom, Jan Preslar 3/6 Doris Dowell, Davis Ernst, Jonathan Jones, Loree Rice, James Winn 3/7 Forrest Danley, Beau Schwabe, Warren Shepherd 3/8 Robert Fields, Henry Pearce, Jackie Privette, Jesse Raines 3/9 Teresa Combs, Matt Holliman, Tara Linville, Aubrey McClendon 3/10 Braxton Coil, Alicia Galyon, Dane Malzahn, Brooke Medley, Dene Smith 3/11 Barbara Pope, Rachel VanOsdol, Pat Wathen

Help us with our annual Easter breakfast by signing up to make pancakes! Call Amanda Stuke at 285-2937 or email amstuke@fsamail.com for more information or to sign up.

Can You Stir, Pour and Flip? Calling All Pancake Chefs... We Need You!

Just for Seniors

A program to improve balance, build strength and prevent falls
Tai Chi classes will begin Monday, March 5, and meet for 10 to 12 weeks on Mondays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sign up now! Space is limited and filling up fast! Sign up at the Welcome Center or call instructor Barbara George, RN, at 286-2662. There is no charge; however, donations are welcomed to support the reNewing Hands Mission.

Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance

Come Watch Some Dodgeball!

You are invited to come cheer on the participants of the Youths Dodgeball Tournament this Sunday, March 4, at 1 p.m. This event raises funds for the youths World Vision child in Africa. * Please note: registration is closed for this event.

Find the Warmth of God This Summer!

Summer Church Camp is filled with fun activities, Bible study, and adventure that will build close friendships, create warm memories that will last a lifetime, and strengthen spirits to withstand lifes storms.

The following camps are available:

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

First Christian offers partial scholarships to campers that are members. 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

Worship
March 4, 2012 2nd Sunday in Lent
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Rev. Chris Shorow Theme: Giving Out: The Power of a Gift Scripture: Luke 5:27-32

Summer Internships Still Available! One for Childrens Education and Three for Student Ministries
By Greg Bunton & Anna Lisa Stanley
The Childrens and Youth Education Committees are pleased to announce two summer internship programs for both Childrens Ministries (ages birth-5th grade) and Student Ministries (grades 6-12). These four internships are open to college students that grew up at First Christian Church of 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 program that nurtured them as children and teenagers 2. 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 the Youth Education Committee will be hiring three interns for the summer. If you are interested in finding out more information about these internships, or if you would like to apply, go to www.fccedmond.org/internship and complete the online process. Application deadline is Sunday, March 25. Interns will be selected and notified by Sunday, April 15.

March 11, 2012 3rd Sunday in Lent

Message: Rev. Greg Bunton Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Theme: Getting Wise: The Possibility of Change Scripture: Matthew 12:1-12

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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