CONTACT: Iris Muno Jordan ijordan@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

Decorate the church for Advent by purchasing beautiful poinsettias for the worship spaces. For just $15 each, you can purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. All proceeds benefit the youth mission fund. To order (by this Sunday, December 8): pick up an order form on Sunday or order one via www.fccedmond.org/register

CONTACT: Rev. Mark Taylor mtaylor@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

Have you ever wished you could have an easier way to represent your First Christian Church Family? Look no further than the #FCCFamily Store! The Youth will be offering First Christian branded apparel, window stickers, coffee mugs, and much more at the table in the rotunda. All proceeds benefit Student Ministry missions.

by Rev. Chris Shorow, Senior Minister cshorow@fccedmond.org

Each Sunday, it has been a thrill to see all of the children run down our aisle in anticipation of Children, Worship & Wonder during our worship services. Since we have added the 9:00 service with the children, the attendance has been amazing. Every Sunday, over 25 children, ages 3 through 1st grade gather in our basement for a worship experience all their own. They hear the stories, see them portrayed and then do activities centered around the scripture.

As a father of one of the participants, I have heard my 6-year-old, Clark, come home and recite the stories, tell me about what happened and then ask some wonderfully insightful questions. It is a thrill to see him excited about scripture, the stories of Jesus and the love of God. And he experiences it with all of the wonderful volunteers who shepherd this ministry. Thanks to all involved, to our Children’s Ministry and to Michelle Fritz, our Children’s Minister.

Michelle approached me a few weeks ago and saw how many young parents were involved in our church and in the Children’s Ministry, but did not have a Sunday School class of their own. So we started a new class, as yet unnamed, under the facilitation of Cole & Anna Lisa Stanley and Penny Shorow. So far, it has been a success, with a growing number every week. The exciting part about a new start in a class like this is seeing what can happen in the future. Our Homebuilders Class started in the 40’s with a group of young couples who bonded over the years into a wonderfully supportive group of brothers and sisters in Christ. Now most of the class is in their 80’s and 90’s, and they still have that wonderful bond. Imagine this new class in the year 2075, reflecting on their start way back in 2013! What a blessing!

One of the gauges of a thriving, dynamic church is the number of children and young people gathered every Sunday. Not only is it inspirational to see all of these young folks gathered in the name of Christ every Sunday, but to see all of our church family living out their faith together, through good times and bad, we catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.

CONTACT: Bev Schmoyer grandmabev05@aol.com or 405.850.2862

The Edmond Community Chorale, including FCC's own Bev Schmoyer and Mark Parkhurst, will be performing “Messiah” by G.F. Handel on Saturday, December 7, at 7:30pm at Edmond North High School’s Auditorium. Admission is $10 (adults), $8 (seniors) or $5 (UCO students). Come listen to some beautiful music!

CONTACT: Diane Ball dball@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

Children’s Christmas Musical This Sunday, December 8 at 6:30pm
The Children’s Musical this year is “It All Happened In the Country” by Dennis and Nan Allen. Danielle and Chelsea, two city slickers, get stranded in the country and find out there is more to Christmas than the hustle and bustle of presents and decorations. With the help of Cora May, cousin LutherAnn, Uncle Yule and Granny, they learn the story of Christ’s birth and how “It All Happened in the Country”...the countryside of Bethlehem. This Sunday, December 8, at 6:30pm, enjoy this Christmas gift from the children of First Christian, and afterwards stay for cookies and milk. (Infant nursery provided)

Christmas Cantata Sunday, December 15 at 6:30pm
“Night of the Father’s Love” by Pepper Choplin is a cantata expressing the essence of Christmas. On Sunday, December 15, at 6:30pm, our Chancel Choir, accompanied by a 24-piece professional orchestra, will revisit the mystery, awe and excitement of the night of Christ’s birth. Pepper Choplin composed “Night of the Father’s Love” to skillfully guide the listener through the Christmas story as though hearing it for the first time. A reception will follow the service. (Nursery provided)

To view a printable list of FCC's Advent events - click here!

CONTACT: Michelle Fritz mfritz@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

The children of FCC Edmond have been learning to put others before themselves at UNITE. On December 11, our last UNITE of the year, the children will bring an item for the Angels Foster Network of OKC. The Angels Foster Network provides needed items to children (Newborn to Age 7) who go into foster care – items such as diapers, wipes, clothes, a couple of toys, formula, bottles and blanket. Everyone is welcome to bring items for this organization to the church by December 11, even if you do not attend on Wednesday. These gifts will be blessed during children’s worship time at 6:30pm. Following worship, the children will then decorate cookies for B.O.B. Please join us for this very special evening. (If you would like more information about Angels Foster Network, go to http://www.angelsfosterokc.org. The children of FCC Edmond gave quilted blankets they made to this organization last year.)

CONTACT: Muriel Correa 405.808.6357 or Christin Adkins 405.226.3117

The first meeting for the Divorce Support Group has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 15, at 4:30pm, in Room 117. Please join this wonderful group ministering to those in need.

CONTACT: Steve Hanson sandrconstruction@coxinet.net or 405.341.3544

One of the most common traditions of the Christmas season is the giving and receiving of gifts. This year, the Outreach Ministry Team of First Christian Church of Edmond invites you to simplify your Christmas by giving gifts that truly matter to those in need from our Alternative Christmas Market. The Market will be open each Sunday morning in the rotunda through December 22. Following the example of the wise men, we will offer three simple gifts - chickens, goats, and blankets. These gifts remind us of Jesus’ humble birth in a stable; surrounded by animals and wrapped in bands of cloth. Chickens and goats will be sent through the charity World Vision, while blankets will be sent to people in need through Church World Service.

CONTACT: Michelle Fritz mfritz@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

"10 Great Dates to Energize your Marriage,” by David and Claudia Arp, is an adult education class to be facilitated by married couples who are FCC members. Couples will build and enrich their marriage and relationships by combining fun dates and marriage education skills. Appropriate for all ages and stages of marriage. Class begins January 10 and continues each Friday night through March 28 (excluding February 14 and March 21). Class starts at 6:30pm. Free childcare will be provided from 6:30pm to 9:15pm. Cost is $14 per couple which includes the book. Register online at www.fccedmond.org/register

Worship at First Christian - Sundays at 8:15, 9 & 11am

December 8, 2013 Second Sunday of Advent - Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black & Rev. Chris Shorow; Scripture: Luke 1:46-49
Children Worship & Wonder Message: "Advent II"

December 15, 2013 Third Day of Advent - Message: Rev. Chris Shorow & Rev. Dr. Jerry Black; Scripture: Luke 2:8-14
Children Worship & Wonder Message: "Advent III"

Listen to sermons from our worship services anytime! They are available on our Sermons page. When you tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about First Christian, point them to our website and encourage them to listen online. 

CONTACT: Marcia Tunison mtunison@outlook.com or 405.285.1506

ReNewing Hands Mission (RHM) volunteers would love to help you with your upcoming needs for Christmas! Do you need help wrapping packages? Our volunteers are here for you! They are dedicated to helping our members and regular attendees who are seniors, widowed, infirm, handicapped or families of military members. These are some of the services we offer:nursing care, driving assistance to medical appointments, pet care, handyman help, home repairs, running errands and just visiting. There is no charge for labor. While some may be reluctant to ask for help, it’s important to note this fact: you have the option of making a contribution to RHM or any of the ministries of the church. So while no one is asked to pay for our volunteer services, you may help someone else with a small contribution to your favorite ministry. In this way, you are helped and you help another! It’s a win/win!! It is our greatest wish to represent Christ’s hands to those we serve and to demonstrate God’s love through our work.
Please know: RHM is currently looking for a few good volunteers, so if you’re interested contact Marcia (see above).

CONTACT: Judy Griffis 405.348.1443 or Mickey Stufflebean mstufflebean@cox.net 405.341.4742

Are you looking for a way to plug in or serve your church? Breakfast on Boulevard is a wonderful Edmond ministry held weekday mornings here at First Christian. Each year, BOB sees greater amounts of people through its doors plus costs for food and supplies continue to rise. BOB needs your generous, continued support – both with donations and with volunteering your time. If you would like to make a donation, you can make your check payable to FCC and mark BOB in the memo line. If you would like to volunteer weekdays from 5:30 – 7:30am, contact Judy or Mickey (see above). Breakfast on Boulevard wants to thank everyone who gives of their time and who gives financially so that those who are hungry may be fed.

CONTACT: Randy Huston rc.huston@att.net or 405.388.0977

Greeters are needed for holiday events at First Christian. There will be many visitors and out of town families here and we would like to give them warm, heartfelt greetings as they enter the church. We would like to greet guests 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the following events: Children’s Musical (December 8 - 6:30pm); Christmas Cantata (December 15 - 6:30pm); Children’s Christmas Eve Service (December 24 - 5:30pm); Candlelight Christmas Eve Services (December 24 – 7 & 11pm). If you would like to volunteer to greet during these special events, contact Randy (see above). Thank you for your special service to this important ministry.

CONTACT: Michelle Fritz mfritz@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

The children of FCC Edmond have been learning to put others before themselves at UNITE. On Wednesday, December 11, our last UNITE of the year, the children may bring an item for the Angels Foster Network of OKC. The Angels Foster Network provides needed items to children (Newborn to Age 7) who go into foster care – items such as diapers, wipes, clothes, a couple of toys, formula, bottles and blanket. Everyone is welcome to bring items for this organization to the church by December 11, even if you do not attend on Wednesday. These gifts will be blessed during children’s worship time at 6:30pm. Following worship, the children will then decorate cookies for B.O.B. Please join us for this very special evening. (If you would like more information about Angels Foster Network, go to: www.angelsfosterokc.org  The children of FCC Edmond gave quilted blankets they made to this organization last year.)

CONTACT: Iris Muno Jordan ijordan@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

Decorate the church for Advent by purchasing beautiful poinsettias for the worship spaces. For just $15 each, you can purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. All proceeds benefit the youth mission fund. To order (by this Sunday, December 8): pick up an order form on Sunday or order one via www.fccedmond.org/register

CONTACT: Rev. Mark Taylor mtaylor@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

Have you ever wished you could have an easier way to represent your First Christian Church Family? Look no further than the #FCCFamily Store! The Youth will be offering First Christian branded apparel, window stickers, coffee mugs, and much more at the table in the rotunda. All proceeds benefit Student Ministry missions.

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER  Joyce McNickle, Larry Griffin, Dorthy Mason, Dona Lee Denton (Carrie Akin’s sister), Alma Bolvin, Pat Coker, Clark Carman (Carla Felix’s brother), Josh Harlin, Joan Grant, Teresa Finley, Earl Rice, Cynthia David (Winnie Hall’s daughter), Bill & Mary Lou Womble

Please Share Your Prayer Requests with us so we can pray for you. Contact Pastoral Assistant, Iris Muno Jordan at ijordan@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 110

12/08  Matthew Rahhal, Jill Wilburn
12/09  Sue Sestak
12/10  Joshua Jones, Kimberly Kerr
12/11  Gina Baldridge, Robbie Shaw
12/12  Gaylon Bright, Sue Fraim, Max Vazquez
12/13  Terry Bernard, Clarity Farrah, Larry Jones
12/14  Martina Dowell, Lauren Helzer, Abby Kerr, Lucy Mecoy, Lisa Weaver
12/15  Hayden Ball, Jerry Black, David Dickey, Scott Peters, Marietta Stone

Worship at First Christian - Sundays at 8:15, 9 & 11am

December 8, 2013 Second Sunday of Advent - Message: Rev. Dr. Jerry Black & Rev. Chris Shorow; Scripture: Luke 1:46-49
Children Worship & Wonder Message: "Advent II"

December 15, 2013 Third Day of Advent - Message: Rev. Chris Shorow & Rev. Dr. Jerry Black; Scripture: Luke 2:8-14
Children Worship & Wonder Message: "Advent III"

Listen to sermons from our worship services anytime! They are available on our Sermons page. When you tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about First Christian, point them to our website and encourage them to listen online. 

CONTACT: Marcia Tunison mtunison@outlook.com or 405.285.1506

ReNewing Hands Mission (RHM) volunteers would love to help you with your upcoming needs for Christmas! Do you need help wrapping packages? Our volunteers are here for you! They are dedicated to helping our members and regular attendees who are seniors, widowed, infirm, handicapped or families of military members. These are some of the services we offer:nursing care, driving assistance to medical appointments, pet care, handyman help, home repairs, running errands and just visiting. There is no charge for labor. While some may be reluctant to ask for help, it’s important to note this fact: you have the option of making a contribution to RHM or any of the ministries of the church. So while no one is asked to pay for our volunteer services, you may help someone else with a small contribution to your favorite ministry. In this way, you are helped and you help another! It’s a win/win!! It is our greatest wish to represent Christ’s hands to those we serve and to demonstrate God’s love through our work.
Please know: RHM is currently looking for a few good volunteers, so if you’re interested contact Marcia (see above).

CONTACT: Judy Griffis 405.348.1443 or Mickey Stufflebean mstufflebean@cox.net 405.341.4742

Are you looking for a way to plug in or serve your church? Breakfast on Boulevard is a wonderful Edmond ministry held weekday mornings here at First Christian. Each year, BOB sees greater amounts of people through its doors plus costs for food and supplies continue to rise. BOB needs your generous, continued support – both with donations and with volunteering your time. If you would like to make a donation, you can make your check payable to FCC and mark BOB in the memo line. If you would like to volunteer weekdays from 5:30 – 7:30am, contact Judy or Mickey (see above). Breakfast on Boulevard wants to thank everyone who gives of their time and who gives financially so that those who are hungry may be fed.

CONTACT: Randy Huston rc.huston@att.net or 405.388.0977

Greeters are needed for holiday events at First Christian. There will be many visitors and out of town families here and we would like to give them warm, heartfelt greetings as they enter the church. We would like to greet guests 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the following events: Children’s Musical (December 8 - 6:30pm); Christmas Cantata (December 15 - 6:30pm); Children’s Christmas Eve Service (December 24 - 5:30pm); Candlelight Christmas Eve Services (December 24 – 7 & 11pm). If you would like to volunteer to greet during these special events, contact Randy (see above). Thank you for your special service to this important ministry.

CONTACT: Michelle Fritz mfritz@fccedmond.org or 405.341.3544

The children of FCC Edmond have been learning to put others before themselves at UNITE. On Wednesday, December 11, our last UNITE of the year, the children may bring an item for the Angels Foster Network of OKC. The Angels Foster Network provides needed items to children (Newborn to Age 7) who go into foster care – items such as diapers, wipes, clothes, a couple of toys, formula, bottles and blanket. Everyone is welcome to bring items for this organization to the church by December 11, even if you do not attend on Wednesday. These gifts will be blessed during children’s worship time at 6:30pm. Following worship, the children will then decorate cookies for B.O.B. Please join us for this very special evening. (If you would like more information about Angels Foster Network, go to: www.angelsfosterokc.org  The children of FCC Edmond gave quilted blankets they made to this organization last year.)

THOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER  Joyce McNickle, Larry Griffin, Dorthy Mason, Dona Lee Denton (Carrie Akin’s sister), Alma Bolvin, Pat Coker, Clark Carman (Carla Felix’s brother), Josh Harlin, Joan Grant, Teresa Finley, Earl Rice, Cynthia David (Winnie Hall’s daughter), Bill & Mary Lou Womble

Please Share Your Prayer Requests with us so we can pray for you. Contact Pastoral Assistant, Iris Muno Jordan at ijordan@fccedmond.org or 341-3544, ext. 110

12/08  Matthew Rahhal, Jill Wilburn
12/09  Sue Sestak
12/10  Joshua Jones, Kimberly Kerr
12/11  Gina Baldridge, Robbie Shaw
12/12  Gaylon Bright, Sue Fraim, Max Vazquez
12/13  Terry Bernard, Clarity Farrah, Larry Jones
12/14  Martina Dowell, Lauren Helzer, Abby Kerr, Lucy Mecoy, Lisa Weaver
12/15  Hayden Ball, Jerry Black, David Dickey, Scott Peters, Marietta Stone