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The Chalice

A publication of First Christian Church of Edmond, OK

CONNECTION

The Call By Rev. Greg Bunton, Associate Minister of Student Ministries

Vol. 5 No. 1 January 10, 2013

Seventeen years ago I received a phonecall out of the blue. At my parentshouse of all places! It was from thesearch committee at FCC Edmond.

They heard I was looking for a jobas a youth minister and wanted to letme know they had a position open.Needless to say, it took me by surprise!I wasnt expecting the call, nor did Iknow 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 andI traveled for a weekend to find ahome, and shortly after our wedding,

we moved to Edmond and began a wonderful ministry at FCC.

The past 17 years have been anincredible blessing to my family andme. I have learned so much aboutministry, and we have had somephenomenal opportunities to serve thecommunity, nation, and world. Wehave built great relationships and gainedlife long friends. We have journeyedtogether, through the ups and downs,and we have felt your love through allof it! There is not enough room, nordo I have enough words to express allthat we have done, seen, been a partof, and learned as a part of this faithcommunity. And as I think back on thepast 17 years, I am so thankful for thatphone call, and for the many blessingsthat have followed!

Its amazing how God reaches intoyour life when you least expect it, isntit? And that is often how God works

unexpectedly. Recently I receivedanother 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 thattheir Chaplain of 16 years was retiringand they would soon be looking forsomeone to take his place. He shared

with me their hope for ministry at thecamp, and then encouraged me toapply. This was totally unexpected,and it completely threw Julie and I for aloop. We travel to Estes every summer,and we have dreamed of living in themountains and being involved in campministry since we were married, we justdidnt expect it to happen now. Weimagined years later after our kids hadfinished school, but thats not what Godhad in mind. And like the phone callthat brought us to FCCEdmond, one thing ledto another, and the nextthing we knew we werefaced with a decision.

And so it is withsadness, joy, fear, andexcitement I share withyou the new calling Godhas placed on our lives. Ihave accepted the positionof Chaplain at the YMCAof the Rockies and willofficially 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 bea difficult 2 months, but I know they

will find strength in this church and

the relationships they have built overthe years.

Please know how much we loveand care for each one of you, and howmuch this faith community has meant tous over the past 17 years. Words cantexpress how thankful we are for all wehave received, and how much we willmiss you!

As we prepare for the monthsahead, we begin this new journey witha steadfast faith that is grounded in thebody of Christ here in this place, and

we know that this is not the end of our journey together! Its just a new chapterin Gods story!

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This Christmas my surprise gift was aKindle and Im finding it hard to putdown. But I need to, and soon Ivegot boxes to pack.

Why? Because at the end of Januarymovers arrive, and John and I will setout for the drive to our new home inHouston, Texas where he has acceptedthe call to be the Senior Minister of Memorial Drive Christian Church. Thereis a lot to do in a few short weeks!

This past week I spent a lot of timegoing through my office and looking

back on an incredible journey of servingon the First Christian staff a combinedtotal of more than 15 years. As I reflecton this chapter of my life two words areinextricably woven together callingand gratitude.

In First Christian I have found anincredible community of friends whoare like family, and learned so muchabout God and myself in the process.Ive had amazing opportunities, helpedrebrand the church, launch new

websites (with another soon to come!),transitioned between various forms of paper and paperless communicationstrategies, integrated technologies,assisted with visioning and helpedgrow a culture of generosity throughstewardship. To have been a small partof a significant chapter in the life of thischurch is an immense honor.

I am grateful to leaders & colleaguesfor believing in me, encouraging me togrow and take on new responsibilitiesthrough the years, and for grace whenthere were typos. In this place I havefound Gods calling for my life.

Thank you to everyone who hassupported me along the way. Your

words and encouragement have

depositedstrength andfaith in myhearts accountthat I draw fromnow.

As I livein the tensionof days spentlooking bothbackwards andforward, Ibelieve that if this is the end of a book,

then surely it is part of a series. Justas my story didnt begin when MickeyStufflebean hired me for a part-timeposition back in 1993, my story doesnot end when I turn in my keys hereat First Christian and set out for a newhome in Houston. I am excited for newopportunities to learn and grow, to needless, give more and love others as I havebeen loved. For as sure as one chaptercloses, a new one begins, and I amgrateful for what God has already doneand expectant for whats in store. Bothfor me and for First Christian Edmond!

Unlike reading a book on my newKindle, this feels more like Im fastcoming to the end of a traditional paperbook. I can feel that the pages in myright hand are limited and Im torm between anxiously wanting to know theending and clinging to every moment of enjoyment in the rest of the story.

Several people have asked about Anna and Sam, and how our moveimpacts them. Both have expressedexcitement for their dads newopportunity and both are busy withcollege life. Anna is a Senior at DruryUniversity in Springfield, Missouri andSam is a Freshman at the University

of Oklahoma. We anticipate lots of Southwest Airline miles in our future.

Im experiencing a myriadof emotion in these final days inOklahoma: excitement, sadness, joy, andanticipation to name a few. Its hardto face the reality that there simply isntenough time to properly say goodbye toeveryone I love here.

The words of two favorite authorsencourage me now. Donald Millerprovides the gentle reminder Weget one story, you and I, and onestory alone. God has established theelements, the setting and the climax

and the resolution. It would be a crimenot to venture out, wouldnt it? WhileFrederick Buechners words help meface the reality of goodbye: You cankiss your family and friends goodbyeand put miles between you, but at thesame time you carry them with you inyour heart, your mind, your stomach,because you do not just live in a worldbut a world lives in you.

Change is not always easy, but it isalways a chance to embrace the mysteryof God. So I do. Because it is time to

turn the page, trust the great Author,and venture out. I do so knowing FirstChristian will forever live in me.

Turning a New PageBy Shelley Regan, Communications Director

Martin Luther King Jr. ServiceMonday, January 21 - 6PM

Edmond Trinity Christian Church, 1400 Northwest 178th StreetRev. George Young of Holy Temple Baptist Church will be the guest preacher.

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Come UNITE with us Wednesdayevenings this semester!

Evening Options for Adults: 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 116In 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 clari cation will follow. 7:00 - 8:15 Chancel Choir: led by Diane Ball - Sanctuary

Our Chancel Choir o ers musical gifts throughout the year in the 11 am worship serviceand on special occasions. Come share your gift of song!

( Nursery/Childcare Available)

Winter/Spring DatesJanuary 9, 16, 23, 30February 6, 13, 20, 27 (Unite 2/13 - Ash Wednesday ) March 6, 13, 27 (No Unite 3/20 - Spring Break)

April 3, 10, 17, 24

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 ScheduleStudents will read The Story (Teen Edition) Max Lucado (a condensed version of the entireBible): www.fccedmond.org/thestory5:30 Girls Ensemble5:45 Dinner

6:30 Worship7:15 Small Group Bible Study8:00 Done!

Childrens ScheduleChildren ages 3 to 5th grade will experiencethree great themes this Spring: (1) Heroes(Bible Heroes) (2) Treasure Island (Giving/Stewardship) & (3) Spelunkers (Bible Skills5:00 Music/Instruments (K-5th) (Rm 1135:30 Cherub Choir (PreK) (Rm 115)6:00 Check-In/Dinner6:30 Large Group (Sanctuary)7:00 Small Groups

7:30 Check-Out/Pick up

Prayers of the PeopleOUR PRAYERS FOR THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL

Justin Bilbrey (Kaci Taylors brother), DeaconessTHOSE IN NEED OF PRAYER Dr. Henry Pearce, Loree

Rice, Russell Kious, Larry Dodd, Tom Cowling, Warren Hill, Gayle Jones (JenniferCains mom), Samantha Branscum (Michelle Fritzs sister), Joan Grant, LarryHays (Dyke Moffatts brother-in-law), Lori Snider (Loretta Parks daughter), JasonScheer (Larry & Judy Freemans son), Virginia ONiel, Cynthia David (Winnie Hallsdaughter), Ed Berry, Bill & Mary Lou Womble

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TOBill & Connie LaRue in the death of Conniesbrother, John Wehr, on December 22. Services were held on December 29 inOrlando, OK AND TO George Rawlings in the death of his wife, LaDeana, onDecember 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 heldon Saturday, January 12 at 2pm at St. Lukes Methodist Church in OKC.

CELEBRATING THE GIFT OF A NEW LIFEQuinn Katheryn DeSpain born December28 to Jeff & Erin DeSpain. Grandparents are Don & Kathi DeSpain AND Cruz WillWinn born December 20 to James & Rachel Winn, Jr. Grandparents are James &Becky Winn, Sr.

Happy Birthday!1/6 Jimmy King1/7 Carolyn Gilbreath, Laird William

Tom Cowling, Tim Clark, HeatherGalyon, Lori Fuller, Katie King

1/8 Grant Linville, Bob Stafford,Madelynn Bartley, Sarah Dowell,Angela Giddens, Matthew Dowell

1/9 Michael Sanford, Becky Winn,Mike Grant, Jason Burkhart, JakeTheobald, Connie Westhof

1/10 Traci Young, Bill Dobson, Jo AnnHatley, Kelly Black, Kate Kerr,George Hall

1/11 Kathy Thomas, George Hauser,Patrick Palmer

1/12 Lanetta Rowley, Karma Stewart,Cherrie Steele, Taylor Adams

1/13 Gifford Parkhurst1/14 Vicki Snow, Barry Rice1/15 Kayla Clark, John Werhun, Pam

Nordstrom1/16 Seth OHagan, Joshua Riester,

Richard Bernard, Emily TompkinsJo Jackson

1/17 Carole Fields, Mikaela Avans,Willa Hill

1/18 Joy Quinn, Stephanie Anderson,

Lyndsay Parks, Justin Hoppe1/19 Luanne Howell, Charles Beason,Amy Hepler, Natalie Rychecky,Karen Perrin

1/20 Kathy Stilwell, Arvil Flippin, TereFinley, Marian Bates

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The Chalice CONNECTION

Shelley Regan, Editorsregan@fccedmond.orgRead News Online

@ fccedmond.org/newsSubmit Articles to

news@fccedmond.org

( U S P S 2 1 0 - 3 6 0 ) i s p u b l i s h e d w e e k l y ( e x c e p t w e e k s

o f N e w Y e a r s D a y a n d C h r i s t m a s D a y ) . P e r i o d i c a l s p o s t a g e p a i d b y F i r s t C h r i s t i a n C h u r c h , 2 0 1 E . S e c o n d , E d m o n d , O K 7 3 0 3 4 - 4 5 6 P O S T M A S T E R : S e n d a d d r e s s c h a n g e s t o T h e C h a l i c e C O N N E C T I O N , P O B o x 3 5 4 8 , E d m o n d , O K 7 3 0 8 3

P e r i o d i c a l s P o s t a g e P a i d E d m o n d , O K U S P S 2 1 0 - 3 6 0

GIFT MARKET 2012

Give Love Joy Hope Peace

ALTERNATIVEBack to Bethlehem

Thanks for Giving!Alternative Gift Market UpdateThe Outreach Committee of First Christian Church would liketo thank everyone who participated in our Alternative ChristmasMarket. Because of your generosity, the gifts of hope, joy, peace,and love will be felt around the world. Thank you for helping usprovide the following:

11 Sheep, and 38 shares of Sheep7 Goats, and 43 shares of Goats155 Blankets

Super Bowl Subs - On Sale!The Youth of FCC are selling Sub Sandwiches forSuper Bowl Sunday once again! From now untilFebruary 3, students will be taking orders for 6-inchsubmarine sandwiches for $6 a piece, available forpick up the morning of the BIG Game.

Stop by the rotunda on Sunday mornings toplace your order and sandwich preference. Choosefrom ham, turkey, roast beef, cheese and all the fixings! Included with your sub - a bagof chips, a canned soda, and a delicious homemade brownie! Proceeds from the sale willsupport 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 onlineat www.fccedmond.org/subsales

As always, thank you for supporting the Youth & all of their ministry endeavors!

Worshipat First Christian

8:15, 9 & 11am

January 13, 2013Message: Rev. Greg BuntonRev. Chris Shorow

Scripture: Luke 3:21-22Theme: Call to Ministry

January 20, 2013Message: Rev. Chris Shorow

Rev. Dr. Jerry BlackScripture: John 2:1-11Theme: Celebrate Doing Gods Work