The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

201 East Second Street , Edmond Oklahoma 73034

Vol. 2 No. 16 April 22, 2010

The Net Does Not Break At the End of Slavery

If you thought slavery was
By Rev. Dr. Jerry Black
a thing of the past - you
One of the most outstanding characteristics of C. S. Lewis' literary were wrong! Today, nearly 800,000
style is his use of metaphors. He uses these word pictures to clarify people are bought, sold, or traded into
ideas. For instance, in The Abolition of Man, Lewis notes that the slavery each year. This violation of human
task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to rights is called Human Trafficking. As
irrigate deserts. “Jungles” and “deserts” are powerful word Christians we must not remain silent about
pictures. Taken literally, they have one meaning. Taken this violation of human rights. Join us on
metaphorically, they have others. Sunday, May 2 as our International
The Bible is replete with metaphors: salt, light, bread, water, Affairs Seminar participants offer a
wine, body, branches, rocks, temples, lambs, clouds, aromas, trees, fish, fishermen, and dinner and program, “At the End of
nets—just to name a few. It is to “fish” and a “net” that we turn our attention this Slavery.” Come learn and find out how to
Sunday. In our Gospel lesson, John 21:1-11, the “net” is the Church and the “fish” are the loose the chains on modern day slavery.
people in the Church—people from every walk of life, every social strata, every political Dinner is at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall.
posture, every culture, and every racial heritage. The net is inclusive and strong. It does Donations will be accepted to help offset
not break. the cost of the meal and provide funding
As a faith community that not only espouses but lives by this theological premise, we for future International Affairs Seminar
come to a fresh reminder of who God has called us to be: a people committed to diversity participants. Our program will follow in the
and inclusion; a people in mission through Breakfast on the Boulevard, Whiz Kids, Haitian Sanctuary. A love offering will be
rescue and restoration, blood drives, and centers of hope; a people open to the needs of collected at the program to help fight
the community and funerals for the homeless. The net doesn’t break. human trafficking.
May God continue to bless our understanding of Church and our being Church.

God Calls Us To ~ God Calls Us From

By Carol Schwabe, Children’s Minister

What an incredible experience I had in worship this past week as the children of First Christian led the
congregation in Children’s Sunday worship services. From the energetic preschool Cherub and grade school
Kids Choirs singing from the heart, to our prayer leaders, 5th Grade actors and Paxton Shorow breaking
communion bread. It was a marvelous journey witnessing the future leaders of the church.
That is partially why, it is with a heavy heart that I have resigned my position as Children’s Minister
at First Christian Church of Edmond, effective April 30, 2010.
Nearly three years ago, God called me to this church with the knowledge of my need for you, your
children and the dear friendships we have created. While my time here at First Christian has been brief, I
have enjoyed so many special moments with the staff, congregation and your wonderful children. God certainly knew how much I
needed this blessing in my life when calling me here. But as a dear friend reminded me, just as God call us to things, God also
calls us away from things. My calling right now is that of wife and mother. In order to spend the appropriate and necessary time
with my family, including my parents, I needed to reevaluate priorities.
My hope is that you might understand the reasoning behind this departure. I further hope Beau, Mikayla, Gigi and I might
continue to worship and serve here, as our family has found a church home at FCCE.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to share and nurture the faith development of some of God’s greatest blessings.
Sincerely, Carol L. Schwabe - Children’s Minister
Saturday, May 8 ~ 9am to 2pm
Are you cleaning out that packed-to-the-ceiling closet or
garage? Donations of your gently used clothing (no shoes
please), toys, furniture, working electronics and household
items will help us raise funds to support our mission trips this
summer and in the years to come.
Volunteers will be available the week of May 3-7, from
noon to 7pm to receive your donation drop-offs in the Family
Life Center. Limited pick up for furniture items only willl be
available on Wednesdays and
Thursdqay; first scheduled-
first served.
To request furniture pick up
please contact Robert Felix at
514-5948. Have questions?
Call Chris Gibson at 227-5660
or email
chrisgibson3@cox.net
 Prayers of the People Happy Birthday!
4/25 LaVerne Fry, Vance Gregory,
OUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL
Pauline Rahhal, Charles Roach
Jeff Stephens, OU Medical Center
4/26 Stanton Harmon, Cyone Harris,
Sydney Larrison, Les Rodman,
OTHERS IN NEED OF PRAYER Virginia Hiebert, Jim Roberts (Jerri Dillon’s dad), Glenn
Toni Wildman
Agan, Teresa Fritz, Joan Grant (Mike Grant’s mom), Francis Earl (Bob Earl’s brother),
4/27 Duke Douthitt, David Thomas
Sharon Luton (Susan Black’s cousin), Tom LaRue (Bill LaRue’s brother), Judy Joy,
4/28 Linda Murray, Jaynie Spies
Evelyn Robinson, Velta Stringer (Virginia O’Niel’s sister), Bart Rodr, Sandy Essler (Linda
4/29 Beth Simpson
Wilmoth’s mom), John Street (Madelynn Bartley’s dad), Elaine Bond (Glenda Bond’s
4/30 Merideth Hammond, Megan
mom), Eunice Wilson, Bev Schmoyer, Les Lee, John Werhun, Ed Berry, Taylor
Tobey, Cathy Tompkins
Wheeler, Hank Thomas (Randy Thomas’ brother)
5/1 Allyson Cain, Susan Hurst, Luke
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS for the family of Lahoma Thomas who passed Preslar
away April 18. A memorial sevice will be held Saturday, April 24 at 3pm at Matthews 5/2 Chuck Racster, Dana Shadid,
Funeral Home, Edmond. Emily Taylor

Jesus welcomed the little children, and we do too!

If you’ve had a birth in your family since May 2009, please help us share your joy in our Help With Worship!
celebration of new life and baby parade on May 9th (Mother’s Day). Please send birth info
(Full name of child + date of birth and name(s) of parents, grandparents and/or great Would you like to work to make our
grandparents) to Iris Jordan ijordan@fccedmond.org or call her at 341-3544. worship services as effective as possible?
Then join the Worship Committee. Our
Summer Camp Registration Deadline April 25! goal is to support our great staff and
their desire to utilize all our talents to
Pick up forms from Welcome Center or download from
fccedmond.org/camp glorify the Lord. Come on and join
Return this Sunday to Carol Schwabe. (After April 25, please mail forms us...we would like YOUR ideas!!!!
to the address on the registration form.)
Contact Randle Lee
randlelee@msn.com or Diane Ball
Youth Sunday Focuses on The Power of Story dball@fccedmond.org
Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries

On Sunday, May 2, our youth will be leading worship at the 9:00 and 11:00 Please join us for a
services. Since our church has been focusing on the power of story in our lives, our
Baby Shower
youth though it would be good to follow that theme. As they reflected upon the
power of story, they thought it might be fun to explore the power of story in the
honoring
lives of some of the most beloved and cherished people (or characters) of our time. Hannah O’Meara
The storytelling power of Disney has been unmatched for over 80 years, and it & Zach Bebnoik
reaches the hearts of young and old alike. And belive it or not, these stories have
Sunday, May 2
numerous parallels to biblical teachings and offer powerful lessons to all that will
listen.
2:00 to 3:30 in Fellowship Hall
And so, on Sunday May 2 our youth invite you to "Be Our Guest" as they share Baby Registries: Babys-R-Us & Target
Hostesses: Donna Combs, Donna
the power of story as told through the eyes, and lives, of Disney. It is going to be a
Clark, Linda Quade, Kathy Kerr,
fun service, and an enlightening one as well. All of your favorite characters will be
Susan Huffer, Kay Sullins, Sue Fraim,
there, so bring your autograph books! And to make things even more special, we
Nancy Scott, Sherry VanOsdol
invite all of our children (and adults if you wish) to dress in their favorite Disney

Hey Kids...Spend a While on the Nile! At Vacation Bible School 2010

In just a few weeks, we’re taking a journey back to ancient Egypt...without leaving our church! Find out what happened to Joseph
as he went from Pharaoh’s prison to the palace. June 14-17 from 6 to 8:30 pm Registration Begins May 2. To volunteer contact Julie
Bunton juliebunton@cox.net or Carol Schwabe cschwabe@fccedmond.org
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@ fccedmond.org/news
submit or read news online
sregan@fccedmond.org
Shelley Regan, Editor
The Chalice CONNECTION
9am & 11am Services: FCC Youth
Rev. Chris Shorow
8:15am Message:
Youth Sunday
May 2, 2010
Scripture: John 21:1-14
Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black
April 25, 2010
8:15, 9 & 11am
at First Christian
Worship