A new young adult group will be forming and having its first meeting THIS Sunday evening October 16^th at 6:00 p.m. in the church. This group is targeted for those young adults who are post college but may still be in graduate school—those who are in the 24 to 30 age group—give or take a few years on either side of that range. It is for those who are married, and for those who
are single; it is for those who have young children, who are anticipating a child, or who have no children. It is for those who are in that stage of life who are encountering many firsts—first jobs, first homes, first children, first questions about faith and life and looking for other young adults in similar stages of life and faith.

The first meeting will include dinner at the church and conversation about how this group can take shape and move forward. The facilitators for this group will be Emily Clinton, Mark and Michelle Johnson, and Annina Tokgoz. Make plans to meet at the church at 6:00 p.m. on October 16^th and be part of this formative group. If you have questions, you are encouraged to contact Rev. David Spain at the office, (329-2192) or email at david@fccnorman.org.

The dates for the adult mission trip are set for October 19 – 23 with our destination being Joplin, Missouri where we will participate in the ongoing recovery from the devastating May 2011 tornado. The plan is to leave from First Christian on Tuesday evening after 5:00 p.m., and drive to Miami, Oklahoma where we will spend the night at a church that will provide housing for us while we are working in Joplin. There will be a variety of opportunities to serve including debris clean up, clerical, construction, and distribution of supplies and clothing. PLEASE NOTE—there is flexibility in the schedule, so if you can only participate for part of the time, that is perfectly fine. For further information, please contact Rev. David Spain at the church (329-2192), as we do not need to have our final number of participants determined until Sunday, October 16^th.

This Sunday, October 16^th at 3:00 p.m., the Chancel Choir will present the Rutter Requiem and three anthems also written by John Rutter.

Recently, organist Debbie Zizzo played excerpts from the Rutter Requiem during communion, and many of you commented on the beauty of the music. In addition to the Chancel Choir, this beautiful thirty-five minute work features church members Debbie Zizzo (organ), Rob Bradshaw (cello), oboe, flute, harp, and percussion. Also, our soprano soloists, Stephanie Clinton and Christine Hrubik, are members of our Chancel Choir.

The concert is free, and all members of our church, friends, and family are welcome to attend.

This week we will mail your annual stewardship package and pledge card. Please review the materials carefully and consider raising your annual contribution one additional step. Think about the positive impact we all have on our community with our various outreach programs. Look at the exterior of the church and imagine the additional beauty when the stained glass is repaired and a new clear protective covering replaces the old. Think about how nice it would be to hear our historic church bell ring once more.

Commitment Sunday is October 23^rd. Please plan to present your pledge card during that service. Thank you.

Quest is a new Adult Sunday school class that offers a series of 4-week studies. It meets each week in the Conference Room at 9:30 a.m. A new study will begin this Sunday, October 16, called “The Practice of Gratitude.” In this study you will explore the inherent power of gratitude in your life. With a blend of Biblical references, contemporary sources, discussion, experiential activities, and video presentation, you will learn how gratitude is more than saying “thank you;” instead it is a spiritual practice that can give meaning and direction to life choices and circumstances. Each session is designed to stand alone, but don’t miss the chance to spend four weeks learning about the real power of gratitude. This study will be led by Marilyn Durbin, a member of First Christian Church, who has led groups like this in many settings. No pre-registration required; just show up and join others in this new Quest Study. Call Gary at the church office if you have more questions. See you this Sunday!

We have had requests from DHS for infant totes. After delivering many totes last month, our supplies have diminished. If you would like to help the Christian Women's Fellowship Project, Totes of Love, we could use one-zees, infant socks, baby lotion and shampoo, pacifiers, and baby bottles. Items can be dropped off in the box in the room by the elevator. We would appreciate any help with this project.

ITEMS NEEDED...EAST MAIN PLACE
East Main Place is in need of the following items:
Shower curtains or liners; Couches; Pillows; Dining tables chairs; dressers;
extra large trash bags; VCRs and/ or DVD players.

If you have any of the items listed and would like to donate, you may take items directly to the East Main office or contact Susanne Corr at 321-7036 for pick-up. Thank you.

The Monthly Meeting of Christian Men's Fellowship (CMF) will be Thursday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All the men of First Christian Church are invited to join together for a time of fellowship and learning around a meal. This month our own Lynn Rogers will give us a slide presentation of his recent trip to Australia. The cost of the meal is $6 and you can make a reservation by contacting the Church Office. See you on the 20^th.

This is the title of the latest book by Dr. Charles Kimball, Director and Professor in the Religious Studies program at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Kimball will host a book signing and conversation about his book on Tuesday evening October 25^th at 6:30 p.m. at the United Ministry Center, located at 1017 Elm Street in Norman, The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available.

Friday, October 28, 2011, 8:00 a.m.—Breakfast at Cracker Barrel

Monday, October 31, 2011, 12:00 p.m. —Fifth Monday Luncheon, Fellowship Hall

Branson: October 15^th is the time to finish paying for the trip. After the 15^th refunds for being unable to make the trip will be limited to those venues or services that allow us to cancel. BROCHURES ARE AVAILABLE IN CATHERINE’S OFFICE!!

Book Club will meet on:

October 23 at 4:00 p.m. – In The Neighborhood by Peter Lovenheim

Book is available in Catherine's office.

Youth will be at regular time this week, we will have a film and discussion night.

It's time to sign up for Fallfest! Registration forms will be available at Sunday
School and youth this week. Fallfest will be Nov 11-13^th for all 9^th-12^th graders.

Our next college lunch will be this Sunday, October 16^th, and we will go out for lunch!! We look forward to having you join us!

We are well on our way to getting our Sunday school rotations for our young
and younger kiddoes filled up! There are still a few opportunities for people to help! Come and share you gifts with the kids of the church! All the materials are provided for you, you just get to come and play! SO strap on your sandals and join the fun of the Buzz and Voyage into DiscipleSHIP! Our kids need you!

Sunday, October 16, 2011 –
“The Ark and a Tent for God”

FOLLOWING JESUS
“The Parable of the Farmer and the Growing Seed”

So this baby is floating down the river, and gets stuck along the banks in the reeds where there just happens to be a young lady taking a bath. However this was not just a regular, run of the mill, young lady! No! She was the daughter of Pharaoh… a princess! "HMMM….." she thinks, " this is odd … a baby in the river, and a Hebrew baby at that … what should I do with this little one?" So she picks up this child, and decides to raise him as her own son! Could this story get more amazing? YES!! This is only the beginning!! Come and see what is next!! See ya Sunday!