CONNECTION

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK Vol. 5 No. 1 January 10, 2013

The Chalice

The Call

By Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries

Seventeen years ago I received a phone call out of the blue. At my parents house of all places! It was from the search committee at FCC Edmond. They heard I was looking for a job as a youth minister and wanted to let me know they had a position open. Needless to say, it took me by surprise! I wasnt expecting the call, nor did I know that FCC had a position open. One thing led to another and within weeks I was in Edmond for an interview, then offered the job, then Julie and I traveled for a weekend to find a home, and shortly after our wedding, we moved to Edmond and began a wonderful ministry at FCC. The past 17 years have been an incredible blessing to my family and me. I have learned so much about ministry, and we have had some phenomenal opportunities to serve the community, nation, and world. We have built great relationships and gained life long friends. We have journeyed together, through the ups and downs, and we have felt your love through all of it! There is not enough room, nor do I have enough words to express all that we have done, seen, been a part of, and learned as a part of this faith community. And as I think back on the past 17 years, I am so thankful for that phone call, and for the many blessings that have followed! Its amazing how God reaches into your life when you least expect it, isnt it? And that is often how God works unexpectedly. Recently I received another phone call. It was also out of the blue and unexpected. On the phone was the Executive Director of the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. He was calling to let me know that their Chaplain of 16 years was retiring and they would soon be looking for someone to take his place. He shared with me their hope for ministry at the camp, and then encouraged me to apply. This was totally unexpected, and it completely threw Julie and I for a loop. We travel to Estes every summer, and we have dreamed of living in the mountains and being involved in camp ministry since we were married, we just didnt expect it to happen now. We imagined years later after our kids had finished school, but thats not what God had in mind. And like the phone call that brought us to FCC Edmond, one thing led to another, and the next thing we knew we were faced with a decision. And so it is with sadness, joy, fear, and excitement I share with you the new calling God has placed on our lives. I have accepted the position of Chaplain at the YMCA of the Rockies and will officially begin on April 8, 2013. My last day at FCC will be Sunday, March 31. Although I will be heading to Estes in April, my family will not join me until June 2. It will be a difficult 2 months, but I know they will find strength in this church and the relationships they have built over the years. Please know how much we love and care for each one of you, and how much this faith community has meant to us over the past 17 years. Words cant express how thankful we are for all we have received, and how much we will miss you! As we prepare for the months ahead, we begin this new journey with a steadfast faith that is grounded in the body of Christ here in this place, and we know that this is not the end of our journey together! Its just a new chapter in Gods story!

Turning a New Page

This Christmas my surprise gift was a Kindle and Im finding it hard to put down. But I need to, and soon Ive got boxes to pack. Why? Because at the end of January movers arrive, and John and I will set out for the drive to our new home in Houston, Texas where he has accepted the call to be the Senior Minister of Memorial Drive Christian Church. There is a lot to do in a few short weeks! This past week I spent a lot of time going through my office and looking back on an incredible journey of serving on the First Christian staff a combined total of more than 15 years. As I reflect on this chapter of my life two words are inextricably woven together calling and gratitude. In First Christian I have found an incredible community of friends who are like family, and learned so much about God and myself in the process. Ive had amazing opportunities, helped rebrand the church, launch new websites (with another soon to come!), transitioned between various forms of paper and paperless communication strategies, integrated technologies, assisted with visioning and helped grow a culture of generosity through stewardship. To have been a small part of a significant chapter in the life of this church is an immense honor. I am grateful to leaders & colleagues for believing in me, encouraging me to grow and take on new responsibilities through the years, and for grace when there were typos. In this place I have found Gods calling for my life. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Your words and encouragement have

By Shelley Regan, Communications Director

deposited strength and faith in my hearts account that I draw from now. As I live in the tension of days spent looking both backwards and forward, I believe that if this is the end of a book, then surely it is part of a series. Just as my story didnt begin when Mickey Stufflebean hired me for a part-time position back in 1993, my story does not end when I turn in my keys here at First Christian and set out for a new home in Houston. I am excited for new opportunities to learn and grow, to need less, give more and love others as I have been loved. For as sure as one chapter closes, a new one begins, and I am grateful for what God has already done and expectant for whats in store. Both for me and for First Christian Edmond! Unlike reading a book on my new Kindle, this feels more like Im fast coming to the end of a traditional paper book. I can feel that the pages in my right hand are limited and Im torm between anxiously wanting to know the ending and clinging to every moment of enjoyment in the rest of the story. Several people have asked about Anna and Sam, and how our move impacts them. Both have expressed excitement for their dads new opportunity and both are busy with college life. Anna is a Senior at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri and Sam is a Freshman at the University

of Oklahoma. We anticipate lots of Southwest Airline miles in our future. Im experiencing a myriad of emotion in these final days in Oklahoma: excitement, sadness, joy, and anticipation to name a few. Its hard to face the reality that there simply isnt enough time to properly say goodbye to everyone I love here. The words of two favorite authors encourage me now. Donald Miller provides the gentle reminder We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldnt it? While Frederick Buechners words help me face the reality of goodbye: You can kiss your family and friends goodbye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. Change is not always easy, but it is always a chance to embrace the mystery of God. So I do. Because it is time to turn the page, trust the great Author, and venture out. I do so knowing First Christian will forever live in me.

Martin Luther King Jr. Service

Monday, January 21 - 6PM Edmond Trinity Christian Church, 1400 Northwest 178th Street Rev. George Young of Holy Temple Baptist Church will be the guest preacher.

Prayers of the People

OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Justin Bilbrey (Kaci Taylors brother), Deaconess THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Dr. Henry Pearce, Loree Rice, Russell Kious, Larry Dodd, Tom Cowling, Warren Hill, Gayle Jones (Jennifer Cains mom), Samantha Branscum (Michelle Fritzs sister), Joan Grant, Larry Hays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Lori Snider (Loretta Parks daughter), Jason Scheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Halls daughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO Bill & Connie LaRue in the death of Connies brother, John Wehr, on December 22. Services were held on December 29 in Orlando, OK AND TO George Rawlings in the death of his wife, LaDeana, on December 27. Service were held at FCC-Edmond on December 29 AND TO Bennett & Lori Fuller in the death of Bennetts father, Dr. Guy Fuller. Services will be held on Saturday, January 12 at 2pm at St. Lukes Methodist Church in OKC. CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFE Quinn Katheryn DeSpain born December 28 to Jeff & Erin DeSpain. Grandparents are Don & Kathi DeSpain AND Cruz Will Winn born December 20 to James & Rachel Winn, Jr. Grandparents are James & Becky Winn, Sr.

Happy Birthday!
1/6 1/7 1/8 1/9 1/10 1/11 1/12 1/13 1/14 1/15 1/16 1/17 1/18 1/19 Jimmy King Carolyn Gilbreath, Laird Williams, Tom Cowling, Tim Clark, Heather Galyon, Lori Fuller, Katie King Grant Linville, Bob Stafford, Madelynn Bartley, Sarah Dowell, Angela Giddens, Matthew Dowell Michael Sanford, Becky Winn, Mike Grant, Jason Burkhart, Jake Theobald, Connie Westhof Traci Young, Bill Dobson, Jo Anne Hatley, Kelly Black, Kate Kerr, George Hall Kathy Thomas, George Hauser, Patrick Palmer Lanetta Rowley, Karma Stewart, Cherrie Steele, Taylor Adams Gifford Parkhurst Vicki Snow, Barry Rice Kayla Clark, John Werhun, Pam Nordstrom Seth OHagan, Joshua Riester, Richard Bernard, Emily Tompkins, Jo Jackson Carole Fields, Mikaela Avans, Willa Hill Joy Quinn, Stephanie Anderson, Lyndsay Parks, Justin Hoppe Luanne Howell, Charles Beason, Amy Hepler, Natalie Rychecky, Karen Perrin Kathy Stilwell, Arvil Flippin, Teresa Finley, Marian Bates

Come UNITE with us Wednesday evenings this semester!

Winter/Spring Dates
January 9, 16, 23, 30 February 6, 13, 20, 27 (Unite 2/13 - Ash Wednesday ) March 6, 13, 27 (No Unite 3/20 - Spring Break) April 3, 10, 17, 24

1/20

Meal Payment Options

$3.50 per person/weekly $50.00 per semester/per person $12.50 weekly (family of 4+) $180.00 semester (family 4+)

Students Schedule

In this course, we will use 30 minute lectures by Bart D. Ehrman to examine early writings and their impact on the church. Note: This class will begin at 6:20, allowing interested choir members to watch the 30 minute video lectures prior to choir beginning at 7. Class discussion & content clarification will follow. 7:00 - 8:15 Chancel Choir: led by Diane Ball - Sanctuary Our Chancel Choir offers musical gifts throughout the year in the 11 am worship service and on special occasions. Come share your gift of song! (Nursery/Childcare Available)

5:00 - 6:00 Adult Bible Study Group, led by Rev. Chris Shorow - Room 116 6:20 - 7:15 After the New Testament Study, led by Rev. Dr. Jerry Black - Room 116

Evening Options for Adults:

Students will read The Story (Teen Edition) by Max Lucado (a condensed version of the entire Bible): www.fccedmond.org/thestory 5:30 Girls Ensemble 5:45 Dinner 6:30 Worship 7:15 Small Group Bible Study 8:00 Done!

Childrens Schedule

Children ages 3 to 5th grade will experience three great themes this Spring: (1) Heroes (Bible Heroes) (2) Treasure Island (Giving/ Stewardship) & (3) Spelunkers (Bible Skills) 5:00 Music/Instruments (K-5th) (Rm 113) 5:30 Cherub Choir (PreK) (Rm 115) 6:00 Check-In/Dinner 6:30 Large Group (Sanctuary) 7:00 Small Groups 7:30 Check-Out/Pick up

Super Bowl Subs - On Sale!

Worship
8:15, 9 & 11am

at First Christian
January 13, 2013

Message: Rev. Greg Bunton Rev. Chris Shorow Scripture: Luke 3:21-22 Theme: Call to Ministry

January 20, 2013

The Youth of FCC are selling Sub Sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday once again! From now until February 3, students will be taking orders for 6-inch submarine sandwiches for $6 a piece, available for pick up the morning of the BIG Game. Stop by the rotunda on Sunday mornings to place your order and sandwich preference. Choose from ham, turkey, roast beef, cheese and all the fixings! Included with your sub - a bag of chips, a canned soda, and a delicious homemade brownie! Proceeds from the sale will support ongoing youth mission trips and activities. If you miss the sign up in the rotunda, you can always stop by during the week to fill out an order form, or you can order online at www.fccedmond.org/subsales As always, thank you for supporting the Youth & all of their ministry endeavors!

Message: Rev. Chris Shorow Rev. Dr. Jerry Black Scripture: John 2:1-11 Theme: Celebrate Doing Gods Work

Thanks for Giving!

GIFT MARKET
Give Love Joy Hope Peace

The Chalice CONNECTION

Shelley Regan, Editor sregan@fccedmond.org Read News Online @ fccedmond.org/news Submit Articles to news@fccedmond.org

ALTERNATIVE

Back to Bethlehem
2012

Alternative Gift Market Update

The Outreach Committee of First Christian Church would like to thank everyone who participated in our Alternative Christmas Market. Because of your generosity, the gifts of hope, joy, peace, and love will be felt around the world. Thank you for helping us provide the following: 11 Sheep, and 38 shares of Sheep 7 Goats, and 43 shares of Goats 155 Blankets

(USPS 210-360) is published weekly (except weeks of New Years Day and Christmas Day). Periodicals postage paid by First Christian Church, 201 E. Second, Edmond, OK 73034-456 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chalice CONNECTION, PO Box 3548, Edmond, OK 73083

Periodicals Postage Paid Edmond, OK USPS 210-360