This morning I worshipped for the first time in Edmond, Oklahoma and just the sixth time in Oklahoma. My prior experiences include:
- My Visit to Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (February 2025)
- My Visit to Mosaic Community Church (June 2024)
- My Visit to Trinity Presbyterian Church (May 2024)
- My Visit to Westminster Presbyterian Church (March 2024)
- My Visit to Mayflower Congregational UCC (January 2024)
About FCC Edmond
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Edmond, Oklahoma has been serving their community since 1899. Currently, this community of faith invites others to “join us . . . to experience open tables, spacious faith, and love in action for all people.”
FCC offers two worship services on Sundays
- 9:00am: Contemporary
- 11:00am: Traditional
Since 2002, they have been led by Senior Minister, the Rev. Dr. Chris Shorow. And, since 2015, the Rev. Dr. John Regan has served as Executive Minister.
Welcome
Opting to attend the early service, my wife and I arrived on the campus about 15 minutes before the service to a well marked and amply sized main parking lot. Once we exited our vehicle, we noticed that everyone was walking toward the sanctuary and entering under a porte-cochère adorned with the words Church Entry.
As we stepped inside we found ourselves in a large commons. As we got our bearings an official greeter welcomed us. And, then, just a few steps later another on duty volunteer greeted us both recognizing us as newcomers and also commenting on the fact his friend had just been our first point of contact.
Once inside the sanctuary we found a seat in a pew near the back. In the roughly ten minutes prior to worship three people of varying ages stopped by and greeted us. Each knew that they didn’t know us and offered their names and a genuine welcome. One person inquired to learn if we were new or if our paths had simply yet to cross.
Worship
The one hour service started and ended on time. The timely start was aided by a countdown timer displayed near the bottom of the announcement slides.
For this Mother’s Day service we were in the presence of just under 100 other worshippers. And we were able to easily follow the worship service thanks to the content projected on two large screens. (We did receive a printed piece of literature called “The Sunday Connection” as we entered. This small doubled sided handout offered a preview of the service theme and information about upcoming events.)
The Executive Minister started the service with a short verbal welcome, but did not introduce himself or the Senior Minister. And, when it came time for Communion – something I know well that Disciples celebrate each time they gather for worship – no instructions were provided. Thankfully, since we were seated near the back we were able to observe others then replicate their actions.
Today’s message, delivered by Rev. Dr. Shorow, was based on Isaiah 58:6-12 and emphasized the need to not only know God but also to be known by God. In this fifteen minute reflection, he encouraged folks to move beyond mere religious virtue signaling to join God in repairing the world.
Reflections
I have long appreciated the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Although I was raised a Presbyterian (PCUSA) and attended a Baptist seminary, my first two calls after seminary were to two Disciples congregations: Central Christian Church in Dallas, Texas (est. 1863) and First Christian Church in Garland, Texas (est. 1875). Interestingly, during my time as a Disciple, Rev. Dr. Shorow also served in Dallas at East Dallas Christian Church (est. 1903).
Today, as an ordained United Church of Christ pastor, I’m grateful to know that my denomination is in full communion with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – an agreement that was established in 1989. And, I’m inspired by my visit to First Christian Church.