The Chalice

CONNECTION
A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

Vol. 2 No. 20 May 20, 2010

Grateful for the Gift of the Spirit

by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister
This Sunday
we celebrate
Pentecost. It
comes from the
springtime festival
that started 50
days after Easter
(hence the
name Pentecost,
meaning 50).
It is also known as the birthday of the
Church. We celebrate the gift of the Holy
Spirit, as recorded in Acts, that was given
to the disciples to carry on the ministry of
Jesus. Acts, which is part two of the Gospel
of Luke, gives us the history of the early
church after Jesus’ resurrection. It parallels
the life of Jesus and reminds us that the
power of the Holy Spirit gives us the power
and responsibility to continue the healing
ministry of Jesus Christ.
For many of us Disciples, the Holy Spirit
can be a confusing thing. What is it? We
often think of speaking in tongues or faith
healing as marks of the Holy Spirit. In fact
we will have our scripture read in many
languages this Sunday, just as the Spirit
gave the gift of understanding to that crowd
assembled at the first Pentecost in Acts. But
the gift of the Holy Spirit is much more
than that. It is the spirit of the living God
that gives us the strength, courage and
ability to reach out to others
Holy Spirit moments. Those are the
rare moments when the Spirit guides you
to do or say just the right thing. When we
can experience God’s grace and love in
new and wonderful ways, even in the midst
of stress, trial and difficulty.
One Christmas at the church I served
in Dallas, we had an Advent celebration
inviting many members of our community
to worship with us in our sanctuary. We
were singing Christmas carols and our
choir was going to do a few big pieces.
It was going to be “topped off” by an
inspirational message from a celebrated
local pastor. Our music minister was in
charge of the event, so I was free to be a
“person in the pew.”
As the event started I looked around
for the guest minister, but didn’t see
him. I wondered if he was going to be
there and who would be delivering the
message. At the appropriate time in the
service, our music minister stood up and
said, “Our guest minister for the day had
an emergency, so the message will be
delivered today by our own Chris Shorow.”
Wow, I had a full 10 seconds to prepare
an inspirational message on my way to the
pulpit. As I walked forward my mind was
a blank, except for the many ways I would
chew out our minister of music! I prayed
for help. And as I took my place behind the
pulpit a strange peace rushed over me and
I began to talk about how unprepared all of
us were for the birth of our Savior. I don’t
really remember much of what I said, but
after the service three people approached
me with tears in their eyes, saying it was the
most inspirational message they had heard.
They asked me for a manuscript of what I
had said. I wished that I had one, too. But I
didn’t. The Holy Spirit had evidently spoken
for me. And thank God for that, because
I certainly had nothing to say on that day.
What a gift I received.
Now most of the time I don’t get that
lucky. But I find that as I prayerfully listen
for God’s voice in my life, I can experience
that miraculous presence of the Holy Spirit,
guiding me in new ways of being. I’m not
in control of the Spirit, I am simply grateful
for the gifts it brings. Let us be grateful this
Pentecost for the wonderful gift of the Spirit.

If you miss a Sunday morning, want to go back and

listen again to a message you previously heard, or
share a message with a friend now there is a
simple method - just listen online!
Simply log on to www.fccedmond.org/media and find
the sermon you are looking for in our sermon player.
The first sermon was posted this week, and each
Tuesday we will post another. They will be listed in
date order, and will also list the name of the minister
preaching, and the title of the sermon.
 What was it like to live as a
slave in Bible times?
How did they make mummies?
Have You Ever What happened to Joseph
wondered... (the guy with the colorful coat)?
VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Kitchen Assistants Shop Keeper Assistants
Crewleader Assistants Music Assistants
Set Up Crew Clean Up Crew
Sign up at fccedmond.org/vbs
or contact Julie Bunton @ juliebunton@cox.net

VBS DONATIONS NEEDED!

Find the answers to these Can you loan us a galvanized tub?
Do you have a hot-knife we can borrow?
questions and more in Egypt! Are there old towels sitting in cabinets you no longer
need? Bring them to the VBS display in the rotunda.

Our Adventure will last Monday, June 14 thru Thursday, June 17

Each day we will journey from 6:00 to 8:30pm. Attention VBS Volunteers!
Travel back to Ancient Egypt see, hear, touch, and even taste what it was Don’t Miss VBS Staff Training!
like to live in Pharoah’s empire! You’ll explore authentic Marketplace shops, Sunday, May 23 from 12 to 1pm in Rm 116
take part in games, dance to lively Bible songs, and sample tasty tidbits as Come enjoy a taste of Ancient Egypt and
you discover more about how God was with Joseph in good times and bad. see what VBS 2010 is all about.
Register now so you won’t miss the fun of our Bible-times VBS! Register We will distribute parts and assignments!
at fccedmond.org/vbs or complete a form at the VBS table in the rotunda. Childcare will be available from 12pm-5pm.
Early registration for $10 ends May 30. After June 1, the fee increases to $15. We would love for you to stay and help us with
Questions? Contact Julie at 330-9230 or Anna Lisa at 471-6161. backdrops and decorations if you are able!

Children’s Minister Position Opening

(or Director of Children’s Ministry if not ordained)
Are you an outgoing, energetic and creative leader, passionate about inspiring
in children a lifelong love for God? Do you possess leadership, team-building,
organizational and communication skills to oversee and grow our ministry
to children and their families? You don’t have to be ordained: you do need
to have previous experience in Children’s Ministry, a love for children and their families, and a college degree (preferably in
Christian education, childhood development or elementary education.) If this sounds exciting to you and you have the experience,
passion, and skill to move our children’s ministry forward send your resume and cover letter introducing yourself to us via
jobs@fccedmond.org by June 11, 2010. A detailed job description is available at www.fccedmond.org/jobs

Children’s Summer
Golf Tournaments Rescheduled!
Sunday School Needed! First Christian’s Annual Benefit Tournament
June 6-August 15 was rained out last week. The new date is Friday, June 25.
Would you like to help our children grow in their faith? Those previously registered will be kept on the registration list
The Children’s Ministry Committee is seeking teach- unless you contact Bob Stafford at 359-8900 or Karla Mahan
ers for the Summer session: June 6 through August kmahan@fccedmond.org, 341-3544 ext 15. New registrants are
15. We can provide sub- welcome! Register online at fccedmond.org/golf
stitutes for your summer
vacation, so don’t let that The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
prevent you from volunteer- Annual Fund Tournament originally set for Monday,
ing! Please contact Anna May 24 has been rescheduled for Monday October 4.
Lisa Stanley at 471-6161 or
Information available soon at www.okdisciples.org
alstanley2002&yahoo.com if
or call 528-3577.
you are interested.
 Prayers of the People
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Foy Hurst, St. Anthony’s; Betsy Jones, Deaconess
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Jim Roberts (Jerri
Dillon’s dad), Jared Allison, Jennifer Rodr, Juli Marzuola,
Jeff Stephens, Marj Pizer,Teresa Finley, Lorelle Watts,
Willa Hill, Pam Fraim, Virginia Hiebert, Joan Grant
(Mike Grant’s mom), Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s cousin), Bart Rodr, Eunice
Wilson, Les Lee, Ed Berry, Taylor Wheeler, Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother)
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS Ola Drennon in the death of her husband, Gene
Drennon, who passed away May 16. Services were held Thursday, May 20.
To the congregation of First Christian Church,
Thank you so much for choosing me to recieve the Holbert Music Scholarship. This
award will be very helpful for me and my family as I continue to study music. I am very
proud to be a part of a church that values the fine arts as much as you do and I am truly
honored to recive this scholarship. Thank you for always being a great church family
over the years and thank you for the encouragement to continue to study music.
~ Addison Ball
fIRST CHrISTIAN CHURCH Summer College Class Begins June 6
Hey college students! A summer Sunday school class
just for you is beginning on Sunday, June 6. If you are
MINISTRIES
Edmond, OK home for the summer, or simply visiting, come and
join us in room 208. Class begins at 10:00ish and will
be done in time for late service. Hope to see you there!
Happy Birthday!
5/23 Michelle Anderson, Cheryl
Gibson, George Gilbreath, Kylie Hunt,
Michael McGrew
5/24 Robert Coleman, Madeline Giddens,
Armelda Linton, Shannon Medley, Larry
Scott
5/25 W.M. Dennison, Robert Marks, Beth
Shorow, Cody Spence, Steve Wilkins
5/26 Suzanne McCall, Tekenari Tienabeso
5/27 Hattie Baugh
5/28 Lee Christensen, Larry Hansen, Eric
Koegel, Shelly Mabry, Kara Savage
5/29 Bob Archer, Jonna Emmons, Clark
Shorow, Alice Woods
5/30 Ashley Banuet, Camille Caldwell,
Lauren Fathree, Dave Murray, Jack Sisson
SAVE THE DATE!
MUSIC MINISTRY PICNIC
Wednesday, June 9
6:30pm
Chitwood Park Pavilion
(West 1st Street & Story – 1 block east of Kel-
ley, 2 blocks north of Edmond Road)

1
Hats Off to our College Graduates!
Stephanie Champion
Daughter of Jerry & Susan Black
BA in Letters from the College of
Arts & Sciences with minors in Spanish
and Criminology
University of Oklahoma -May 2010
Chris Clark
Son of Tim & Donna Clark
Bachelors Degree in Industrial Safety
College of Education & Professional Studies
University of Central Oklahoma - May 2010
Emily Aust
Daughter of Laura Fentem
BA Elementary Education
Oklahoma State University - May 2010
Claire Douthitt
Daughter of Duke & Sarah Douthitt
BA in English, minor in French
University of Oklahoma - May 2010
Rachel Marks
Daughter of Robert & Jennifer Marks
BRING YOUR FAMILIES!
All who have participated in the
various music programs at FCC
(including special music and cantatas) are
invited to an evening of Fun, Food, and
Fellowship. Fried Chicken, drinks and
tableware will be provided, but please
bring a side dish or dessert to share.
This is a great way to fellowship with
friends from all three services.
RSVP to Diane Ball at dball@fccedmond.org
or 341-3544 ex. 25 so that she knows how
much Fried Chicken to provide.

Amy Quade,
Daughter of Jim & Linda Quade
BS Elementary Education
Oklahoma State University - December 2009
LeeAnn Clasby
Daughter of Janet & Chris Clasby
Bachelors of Business Administration
in Accounting
Belmont University - May 2010
Pentecost
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Oklahoma State University -May 2010
Rachel Parks
Daughter of Bill & Sherry Parks
BA in Dance from the College of
Sunday, May 23
Fine Arts and Design
University of Central Oklahoma - May 2010
Help us bring the Spirit of
Bridgette Danielle Wommer Pentecost to church this week!
Great Niece of Diane King Wear red, yellow or orange, the
Bachelor of Arts in English colors of fire, to church on Sunday.
University of Central Oklahoma - May 2010

Worship
at First Christian
8:15, 9 & 11am
May 23, 2010
Pentecost
Message: Rev. Chris Shorow
Scripture: Acts 2:1-12
May 30, 2010
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black
Scripture: Isaiah 46:8-9;
Colossians 4:15-18
The Chalice CONNECTION
Shelley Regan, Editor
sregan@fccedmond.org
Read News Online
@ fccedmond.org/news
Submit Articles to
news@fccedmond.org
Disciple-cise! Highlights of our 4th and 5th Stops!
From the Parish Nurse Ministry
Disciple-cise is a new way to exercise weekly and learn about other Disciples of Christ Churches and
Seminaries as our exercise journey takes us across the country. Visit our bulletin board in Fellowship
Hall to see all of the places we have been and where we will go. Remember 30 minutes of exercise
equals 50 miles!
Stop #4– Indianapolis, Indiana 200 miles/120 minutes of exercise.
We are stopping at Christian Theological Seminary. It is related to the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) but students from Methodist, Episcopal,
Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox attend the school.
The current president of the seminary is the Rex. Dr. Edward Wheeler, an
American Baptist Minister and the first African-American and non-Disciple
to serve as president of the seminary.
Stop #5 – Bethany, West Virginia 300 miles/180 minutes of exercise.
We have really picked up the pace! 300 miles and 180 minutes! We will be looking good by Christ-
mas! Bethany College is the oldest degree-granting institution in West Virginia and was founded
in 1841 by Alexander Campbell who was also the founder of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ). The school has five sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places:
Campbell Mansion (Registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1994) the home of Alexander
Campbell built in 1795. It was home for at least 20 people and the visitors were so numerous that
32 chairs often stood ready in the dining room. A study called “Stangers Hall” is also located on this
property. Christman Manor at Pendleton Heights (The oldest building on the college campus,
built in 1841). It is named after William Kimbrough Pendleton. During the Civil War
Pendleton Heights served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Old Meeting House (Built in 1851) Bethany Memorial Church still
conducts services here in the summer months on Sundays. Prior to
1900, the claim has been made that almost 800 ministers were
ordained in this church. Delta Tau Delta Founders’ House (Built
prior to 1860) it was here that eight Bethany College students first
met in the fall of 1858 to found Delta Tau Delta, a social fraternity.
It houses a display area for Delta Tau Delta national fraternity.