Download - Sojourners This is my Body,
A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa Vol. 18, Number 22 November 22, 2013
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The First Christian Church VISION (USPS 012-958) is
published semi-monthly for its members by First
Christian Church at 913 South Boulder Ave., Tulsa,
OK, 74119-2097. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa,
OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VISION,
913 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119-2097.
Serving Schedule Sunday, November 24
One Worship Service
Elder Prayers: 10:30 Brian Knight, offering; Sandra Lewis, communionScripture Reader: Richard LawsonElder of the Week: (November 25) Jane McKinneyCommunion Preparation: Mary GarnerDeacons serving communion: Nicholas Cox, Duska Vogel Keim, Lucy Spear, Bill
Spear, Pattie Gay-Sittler, Vi Kennett, Don Swanson and Lockie RathbunGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, November 24: The flowers are given by Winnie Stanbery in
loving memory of her husband, Bill and in honor of their children andgrandchildren.
Flower delivery week of November 24: David and Maggie Thompson
Serving Schedule Sunday, December 1
Elder Prayers: 9:00 Steve Baggett, offering; Sharon Regnery, communionScripture Reader: Donna DavisElder of the Week: (December 2) Mike MillerCommunion Preparation: Joyce KendallDeacons serving communion: Nicholas Cox, Duska Vogel Keim, Lucy Spear,
Bill Spear, Pattie Gay-Sittler, Vi Kennett, Don Swanson and Kylie RathbunGreeters: Sandra LewisFlowers for Sunday, December 1: The flowers are given by Sandra Hill Osteen
and Duska Hill Keim in memory of husband and father, Jerry Hill.Flower delivery week of December 1: Paul and Mardell Campbell
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - SUNDAY, NOV 24
After Worship Service to elect 2014 leadership
Aga-Patrian
Next Sunday: Romans 8: 18-27Last Sunday: Romans 8: 1-179 Present. RGDouble Ring
Last Sunday: Paul Thompson gave ourlesson.Upcoming Events: Christmas party onDecember 16th (Mon.) 6:30 pm, FH.Celebrations: Marcia Hawkins and JoanBell had birthdays. Kay and Paul Thomp-son celebrated an anniversary. Happy tosee Della and Jimmie back even thoughthey are still healing.47 Present. BLHomebuilders
Next Sunday: Bob RorschachLast Sunday: Clarke KendallUpcoming Events: Happy Timers. Nov. 21,11 am. FH.Celebrations:*RGҋV�FUHDWLRQ���RXU�EHDXWL�ful Fall weatherClass Concerns: The number who areunable to attend.16 Present. LS
Sojourners
Next Sunday: We will finish Jeremiah,Chapter 5.
Last Sunday: We read and discussedJeremiah 3 and 4.6 present
Sunday
School
Class
News
9:00 am Traditional, Sanctuary
10:00 am Breakfast for Children
10:15–11:00 am Sunday School
11:15 am Common Ground
Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm The Loft
(1st
and 3rd
Sundays)
Page 8
The Future of Camp Christian
Camp Christian Needs Your
Support in Raising $20,000 for
Much Needed Updates
Dining Hall - New floors in the
dining, kitchen and office areas
Ministers Retreat; VIP Cabin -
Finish complete remodeling, bath-
room and porch & new furniture;
Large, new Camp Christian sign on
State Highway 69.
Camp Christian has an anony-
mous benefactor who will match
dollar-for-dollar funds raised for
this campaign.
The campaign will end April 1,
2014. Please consider a one-time
gift or a monthly gift. Make your
check payable to First Christian
Church (memo “Camp Christian
Update”).
Remember, every $1 you give
will mean $2 for Camp Christian.
Your generosity is appreciated.
JYF children are continuing
their study of the five ele-
ments of Worship. Recently
they had a hands-on experi-
ence with one of the elements
of Communion in Worship, the
bread. All the elementary
children were able to make
and bake their own bread to
take home.
Director of Children’s Ministries, Beverly Vale Brown, says worship-
pers may have wondered about the smell of fresh bread Sunday, “The
children were given the opportunity to take their bread home and share it
with their family, and they were to tell their parents what Communion
was, why we do it and who is welcome at the table at FCC.
“They made 38 loaves of bread; There was flour everywhere.
When they were trying to stir the flour into a ball .... some thought they
couldn't stir that hard ... but they persisted. They really wanted to
watched the bread rise on the window sills in the sun.”
"This is my Body,
broken for you."
Angelina - 4th Grade
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24th
9:00 Children’s breakfast
9:30 All Sunday School classes meet
10:30 One Worship Service, Sanctuary
11:45 Congregational Meeting to elect
2014 Leadership
12:00 Thanksgiving Dinner, Fellowship Hall – Family
style dinner (no lines!)
Church offices will be closed for Thanksgiving
Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29.
Rev. Carol Lawson and Elder Chair, Kathy Davis will
be on call.
Saturday, November 30 - Decorate Church for Advent & Christmas
If you would like to participate, please contact Jane McKinney at
918-481-0092. One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to
beautify our church with Christmas spendor.
Tabitha and Emily “sign” a song
for Common Ground
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Resumes
Wednesday, December 4
Mid-Week Peak Continues5:30 Light Supper, FH - $5.00
6:00 Fall Bible Study, FH the Book of Genesis
Prayers and Cares
“Jazz to the World” on December 5th at 7:00 PM - Benefit for Community
Food Bank of Eastern OK
DEATHS
Ruby McKee Judith Bewley
Lon Canada Perry Inhofe
HEALTH
John and Donna Ackenhausen
Kay Bauter
Shirley Bennett, cancer
Mardell Campbell
Jerry Carlton
Pat and Jim Dalby
Jeff Daniel
Della Davidson
Dollie Dorough, back surgery
Linda Douglas
David and Beth Dunning
Carolyn Dyer
Krista English, cancer
Jerry Gay
Barbara Griffin
Les and Marcia Hames
Hope Harder
Brandy Iliff
Dan Kimes, organ tuner
Paul Moffett
Rossie Patterson
Andy Rauch, James and Mary Lynn
Howard’s son-in-law
Veda Riggs
Ethan Wesley Rosell, infant great-grand
nephew of Jimmie and Karen Younger
Sarah Jane Sackett
Beverly Southard
Cynthia Stevens
Libby Stoppard
Les and Wanda Warehime
Anne Webb
Arthena Young
OTHER
Turner and Anderson families
This year Outreach has chosen a
new theme for our Christmas
outreach, entitled “Sparkle
Christmas.” Our theme this year
is based on the children's picture
book “The Sparkle Box” by Jill
Hardie. Jesus taught us that
whenever we do something for
someone in need, we do it for
him. Be sure to come the Advent
Festival to hear the story of “The
Sparkle Box” and hear about the
gift with the power to change
Christmas.
There will be an opportunity as a
faith community to hear about
Sam and “The Sparkle Box,”
participate in the sparkle box
within our own community, and a
sparkle tree to take Christ's love
out in the world. Be sure to come
to the Advent Festival, hear the
story and build your own sparkle
box to place under your Christ-
mas tree at home. More to come
about our “Sparkle Christmas”
here at FCC so be on the look out
for ways to shine!
Sparkle Christmas
Did you know that on page 171
of our Chalice
Hymnal is a hymn
written by Dave
Brubeck, one of the
world's great jazz
composers and
pianist?
Of course, there
are innumerable links between jazz
and church music, and coming up
on Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm,
you'll have a chance to hear a
number of jazz tunes as rhythmic
and catchy as Brubeck's "God's
Love Made Visible."
The second annual "Jazz to the
World!" concert will feature some of
Tulsa's most notable jazz
musicians, playing a variety of
Christmas and holiday tunes that
should range from playful to soul-
searching.
In the line-up are cool-jazz vocal-
ist and song-writer Tavis Minner;
saxman and rapper, Myron Oliver;
pianist-trombonist, Tim Shadley;
vocalists, Pam VanDyke Crosby,
Larry Cochran, Louisa Cornelius, Sue
Warwick; pianist-vocalist Joe
Wilkinson and - new this year - the
senior minister at First Christian
Church Tulsa, Michael Riggs, an
accomplished bass player and
pianist. Other First Christian artists
performing are choir member Phena
Hackett, who also
sings with Tulsa
Opera, and Steve
Baggett.
The emcee for
the evening is KOTV
news anchor, Terry
Hood.
Tickets are $5 each. All proceeds
go to the Community Food Bank of
Eastern Oklahoma. Call 918-582-
8237 to reserve tickets and learn
more about the event.
Jazz to the World!
First Christian vets Bill Osteen
and Charley Crews (Army) and Harold
Hatfield (Navy) were among the
Eighty-three Oklahoma World War II
veterans who got a trip of a lifetime
this fall. Oklahoma Honor Flights flew
the veterans to Washington as a way
to thank
them for
their ser-
vice to our
country.
The
veterans
flew to
Baltimore,
and from there the National Park
Service police escorted their buses to
Washington.
After arriving in Washington, the
Oklahoma veterans visited the
Korean, Vietnam and Lincoln
Memorials. From there they toured
Arlington National Cemetery and the
Tomb of the Unknowns. Before return-
ing to Tulsa, the veterans visited the
Iwo Jima and Air Force Memorials.
The veterans were treated to a
water cannon send-off Wednesday at
Tulsa International Airport.
The cost
of the trip is
about
$100,000,
which Okla-
homa Honor
Flights says
is all raised
from dona-
tions.
The trip
will be one of
the last
Oklahoma Honor Flights with World
War II veterans. Next year, the orga-
nization says they'll start taking
Korean War veterans to Washington,
DC.
FCC Vets Honored
I must admit, it doesn’t seem
like the holidays have arrived until
I see at least two Charlie Brown
specials on TV and have likely had
too much pumpkin pie for my own
good!
Holidays are about traditions,
those special acts and rituals we
share as families and friends year
after year. We look forward to
seeing relatives and friends,
hearing the old stories, getting
together for games, seeing the
family photos, and eating certain
favorite foods you only eat around
the holiday. We actually can’t wait
to see our uncle wear that old
gaudy tie again. We long for that
special dish that grandma brings
every time but we still don’t know
what’s in it. We search for hours
trying to find where we hid that old
centerpiece last year so we can
use it on the table. And we go out
of our way to make sure the
tradition lives on so that we never
forget the stories that are a part of
them.
Many of us will gather around
the table with family and friends
and share in Thanksgiving and
Christmas dinners. More than just
food, those occasions are feasts of
fellowship and memories and
bonds of love and friendship.
Somehow the feast is always
worth all the preparation – in fact,
the weeks of preparation, with all our
expectation and longing and waiting,
make it that much more special for
us. And when we so prepare, the
celebration is amazing! The stories
come alive again! Even in the midst
of the oncoming winter, such
holidays warm us with comfort and
joy and a feast of love and hope!
This December, we start our
preparations once again for another
feast. It is the start of the Christian
calendar and our telling of the Christ
story. And this story is huge! From
his beginnings in Nazareth, his
baptism and temptation, his ministry,
his transfiguration, his journey to
Jerusalem, his triumphal entry and
passion, his crucifixion, death, and
resurrection, and to his ascension
and reign, Christ’s story begins with
our waiting and longing for the birth
of a Savior, the one promised to
come and bring us hope and peace
and joy and love and light in the
midst of our darkness.
I invite you to join with us this
December during Advent, the four
weeks leading up to and preparing
for Christmas. Come and discover
the hope that sustains us as we wait
for the coming of Christ. Come and
discover the peace God promises us.
Come and discover the joy we share
in his coming. Come and discover
the love surrounding us. Come and
share in our deep traditions and
discover new ways to celebrate.
Come and journey with us from “O
Come, O Come Emmanuel” to “O
Come all Ye Faithful.” Come and sing
the old familiar carols as well as
discover new songs of faith. Come
and join us for Advent, and discover
the true gift of Christmas all along
the way.
Soli Deo Gloria, Rev. Michael
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO VOTE
ON NOMINATIONS FOR 2014
This Sunday, November 24th
following the 10:30 worship service, the Congregation will elect our leaders for
2014. The Nominating Team, chaired by Brian Knight, is comprised of Kathy Davis, Millie Elswick, Jean
Swanson, Michael Riggs, Mary Byrne and Carol Lawson.
Nominations are presented below for 2014 officers, voting members of the Ministry Council as specified
below, three Trustees, Elders, Deacons, and Junior Deacons.
Officers (one-year term, eligible for two years maximum)
Moderator: Rick Bowlin
Vice Moderator: Kathy Davis
Secretary: Richard Lawson
Treasurer: Chris Murphy
Ministry Council positions (two-year terms, two terms max) open in 2014 are:
Worship: Steve Baggett
Outreach: Cassie Gray
Spiritual Growth: Marcia Boyd
Communications: Sandra Lewis
Planning and Evaluation: James Howard
Trustees – Three positions for a three-year term (2014-2016)
Howard Wyble, Vi Kennett and Jim Gray
(Trustees continuing are James Howard, George Hauger, Wayne Rumley and
Paul Thompson.)
Elders
Steve Baggett, Nicholas Cox, Kathy Davis, Bob Garner, Rihab Garner, James Howard, Brian Knight, Molly
Krumme, Richard Lawson, Sandra Lewis, Betsi Phillips, Helen Pummill, Jean Swanson
Deacons
Raylene Barclay, Darlene Blackburn, Christy Brooks, Don Brooks, Charles Crews, Margaret Culley, Jim
Freeman, Sandra Freeman, Mary Garner, Joan Hauger , Mary Lynn Howard, Barbara Iverson, Joyce Kendall, Vi
Kennett, Roberta Lewis, Susan McKee, Thressa Northcutt, Kate Northcutt, Tom Nulf, Bob Parks, Sue Parks,
Andrea Rumley, Wayne Rumley, Winnie Stanbery, Don Swanson, Maggie Thompson, David Thompson,
Elizabeth Utley, Ray Wright
Junior Deacon
Hunter Blackburn
New billboard which will be installed on
HWY 69 at turn off to camp
Staff Cabin - from the rear, we will be
adding a bathroom and porch
Camp Christian Director, Dan Bubach reports 3,000 overnights for the camp - Jan - Nov. 2013.
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Advent (Christmas)
Festival Is Coming!
December 8, 2013 Time:
12:30 – 2:30 PM
! Barbeque Sandwich Lunch
(prepared by Carol
Lawson)
! Have your photo taken
with Santa.
! Visit lots of booths to
create holiday gifts, crafts,
and Christmas decorations.
! Ice, decorate and eat
Sugar Cookies (YUM).
Bring your family and
friends for a fun afternoon of
activities, celebrating Jesus’
birth and the spirit of
Christmas!
Let’s all wear PURPLE if you
have it!
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Honor your loved ones with a poinsettiaadorning the chancel of the Sanctuary
during Advent.
FCC Activities and Opportunities
Page 2Page 2 Page 5
Wednesday, November 2010:00 CDC Chapel Time, Rm.2231:00 Staff Meeting, EFH1:30–4:40 TCC Memoirs Writers Class, Library,Mid-Week Peak or Choir5:30 Light Supper, FH –$5.00 Menu: Chicken & Vegetables w/ Ginger Sauce, Rice Pilaf & Garden Salad, Bread/Butter6:00 Bible Study, FHAdult Choir Program7:00 Sanctuary Choir, Choir Rm.
Thursday, November 2111:00 Happy Timers, FH – Community
Based Resources for Older Adults,by Mickey Hinds
Noon - Downtown Clerg, Trinity Episcopal Church,7:00 Worship Team Meeting, EFH
Friday, November 2211:30 – 1:00 CDC Explorers Class Thanksgiving Dinner, EFH
Saturday, November 23Communion Preparation: Thressa and Kate Northcutt
Sunday, November 24 - ONEWORSHIP SERVICEParaments: WhiteNEACCO Prayer Calendar: Yale Ave. Christian, Tulsa – Mike Alpert9:00 Breakfast for the Children, FH9:30 All Sunday School classes10:30 Worship Service, Sanctuary11:50 - Congregational Meeting to elect 2014 Leadership12:00 – All-Church Thanksgiving Meal, FHCHILDREN & YOUTH PROGRAMS –All will share Thanksgiving dinner
Monday, November 25Michael & Cassie to FL all weekElder of the Week: Jane McKinney8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch, 8101 E. 68th St., Devotion: Jane McKinney
Tuesday, November 26Deliver Thanksgiving Pack-A-Sacks9:30 Prayer Group, Library12:45 CDC Board Meeting, Rm. 320
Wednesday, November 2710:00 Staff Meeting, EFH – Skype with Michael & CassieNo TCC Writers ClassNo Mid-Week Peak meal or BibleStudy or choir practice
Thursday, November 28 - HOLIDAYCDC and FCC closed
Friday, November 29 - HOLIDAYCDC and FCC closed
Saturday, November 30- DecorateChurch for Advent & ChristmasCommunion Preparation: Bob and Sue Parks
Sunday, December 1- First Sundayof AdventParaments: VioletNEACCO Prayer Calendar: First Christian, Wagoner – Loy Hoskins9:00 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary10:00 Breakfast for the Children, FH10:15-11:00 All Sunday School classes11:15 Worship in Common Ground, Fellowship Hall6:00 The Loft Worship Service, north end of the Youth Lounge, 4th floor
Monday, December 2Vision publishedElder of the Week: Mike Miller8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch, 8101 E. 68th St. Tulsa, OK, Devotion: Mike Miller
Tuesday, December 39:30 Prayer Group, Library1:30 - 8:00 LifeTouch Church Directory
Photos Taken, Parlor6:30 Stewardship Team Meeting,
Double Ring Classroom
Wednesday, December 410:00 Staff Meeting, EFH1:30- 8:00 LifeTouch Church Directory
Photos Taken, Parlor1:30–4:40 TCC Memoirs Writers Class, LibraryMid-Week Peak5:30 Light Supper, FH –$5.006:00 Bible Study, FHAdult Choir Program7:00 Sanctuary Choir, Choir Rm.
Thursday December 510:00 Outreach Opportunity - Snack
Pack Packing, NFH1:30- 6:30 LifeTouch Church Directory
Photos Taken, Parlor7:00 “Jazz to the World” Sanctuary, Reception in FH following
Friday, December 61:30 - 8:00 LifeTouch Church Directory Photos Taken, Parlor
Saturday, December 7Communion Preparation: Duska Vogel1:30 – 4:30 LifeTouch Church Directory Photos Taken, Parlor
Sunday, December 8 - SecondSunday of AdventCommunion to Home-CenteredParaments: VioletNEACCO Prayer Calendar: Disciples Village – Barbara Sales; Christmas Offering9:00 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary10:00 Breakfast for the Children, FH10:15-11:00 All Sunday School classes11:15 Worship in Common Ground,Fellowship Hall12:30 ADVENT FESTIVAL, FHChildren and Youth in Advent Festival
IMPORTANT MEETINGS
Congregational Meeting thisSunday, November 24 at 11:45
to elect 2014 Leadership.(See p. 3 for Nominations)
Congregational Meeting on onSunday, December 15 follow-ing both worship services to
approve 2014 budget .
Attendance and Gifts
November 21: Mary Ann Hargrove,Beverly SouthardNovember 22: Mary Howard (101years old!)November 23: Bob Brasel, JimDavis, Duska KeimNovember 24: Mark Clay, MarkKirkham, Tom Nulf, Ray WrightNovember 26: Betty SmithNovember 29: Meredith Miller, MargeHutsonNovember 30: Nick VandivortDecember 1: Robin Bynum,Madeline MurphyDecember 3: Curtis Eckwood,Joshua ValeDecember 4: Celeste BarrowDecember 6: Jerry ParkerDecember 7: Brooklin Knight,Sandra LewisDecember 8: Takoda dawson,Shirley PlemonsDecember 9: Doug Thompson, JackWilsonDecember 10: Sara Rogers, DickWillhourDecember 11: Nita Griggs, JackVandervort, Laurita WilliamsDecember 12: Cassie GrayDecember 14: Lindsey EllerbachDecember 15: Michael Walton
Page 6
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Worship9:00 Sanctuary 10511:15 Common Ground 46The Loft na Total Adults 150Children 65Total Worship Attendance 216
Sunday SchoolPreschool 21Elementary 44Youth 28Adults 74 Total Attendance 167
FinancesGeneral Fund $ 3,485.00Sunday School 22.00Loose Offering 18.50 Total $3,525.50
WWBS Fund $280.00Thanksgiving Offering 46.00
Gifts Given
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Worship9:00 Sanctuary 11411:15 Common Ground 42The Loft 18 Total Adults 174Children 63Total Worship Attendance 237
Sunday SchoolPreschool 19Elementary 44Youth 26Adults 85 Total Attendance 174
FinancesGeneral Fund $ 11,215.83Sunday School 27.00Loose Offering 60.34 Total $11,303.17
WWBS Fund $ 1,092.34Thanksgiving Offering $ 490.00Week of Compassion $168.00
Double Ring Scholarship FundIn memory of Ruby McKee, Don Allen,LaDonna Foster and Mr. and Mrs. Davis,given by
Marcia and Phil BoydThrough the ACT Alliance, Week ofCompassion is already on the ground inthe Philippines. Your gifts have enabledus to support this immediate reliefeffort. More support is needed. ACTmembers working in the disaster zonereport that survivors urgently needhousehold basics, such as food,bedding, water, blankets, tarpaulins,tents, medicines, mosquito nets,generators, hygiene kits and kitchenutensils, plastic sheets and tents. Oneof the most urgent needs is safedrinking water and hygiene kits acrossall affected areas.
Thank you for putting your compassioninto action and enabling Week ofCompassion to be present, in the nameof Christ, for those who desperatelyneed our care. For more information, orto donate to this effort, please visitwww.weekofcompassion.org. You mayalso write checks to First ChristianChurch and designate “WOC” on thememo line.
Week of CompassionGifts at Work in the
Philippines
We have received 99 commitmentcards for 2014. We are grateful to allwho have generously respondedwith their gifts of time, talent andtreasure! Ninety-five people have pledged$351,344 for next year’s ministries!If you have not yet done so pleasesend your pledge card in this week,or call or e-mail Mary Byrne [email protected] if youprefer, and we’ll include your re-sponse with our gifts to God for thecoming year.
Blessings,Mary Byrne
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ResumesWednesday, December 4Mid-Week Peak Continues
5:30 Light Supper, FH - $5.00
6:00 Fall Bible Study, FH
the Book of Genesis
Prayers and Cares
“Jazz to the World” on December 5th at 7:00 PM - Benefit for Community
Food Bank of Eastern OK
DEATHS
Ruby McKee Judith Bewley
Lon Canada Perry Inhofe
HEALTH
John and Donna Ackenhausen
Kay Bauter
Shirley Bennett, cancer
Mardell Campbell
Jerry Carlton
Pat and Jim Dalby
Jeff Daniel
Della Davidson
Dollie Dorough, back surgery
Linda Douglas
David and Beth Dunning
Carolyn Dyer
Krista English, cancer
Jerry Gay
Barbara Griffin
Les and Marcia Hames
Hope Harder
Brandy Iliff
Dan Kimes, organ tuner
Paul Moffett
Rossie Patterson
Andy Rauch, James and Mary Lynn
Howard’s son-in-law
Veda Riggs
Ethan Wesley Rosell, infant great-grand
nephew of Jimmie and Karen Younger
Sarah Jane Sackett
Beverly Southard
Cynthia Stevens
Libby Stoppard
Les and Wanda Warehime
Anne Webb
Arthena Young
OTHER
Turner and Anderson families
This year Outreach has chosen a
new theme for our Christmas
outreach, entitled “Sparkle
Christmas.” Our theme this year
is based on the children's picture
book “The Sparkle Box” by Jill
Hardie. Jesus taught us that
whenever we do something for
someone in need, we do it for
Him. Be sure to come to the
Advent Festival to hear the story
of Sam and “The Sparkle Box”
and learn about a gift with the
power to change Christmas.
There will be an opportunity as a
faith community to participate in
the sparkle box within our own
community, and a sparkle tree to
take Christ's love out in the
world. At the Advent Festival,
you will build your own sparkle
box to place under your Christ-
mas tree at home. More to come
about our “Sparkle Christmas”
here at FCC so be on the look out
for ways to shine!
Sparkle Christmas
Did you know that on page 171
of our Chalice
Hymnal is a hymn
written by Dave
Brubeck, one of the
world's great jazz
composers and
pianist?
Of course, there
are innumerable links between jazz
and church music, and coming up
on Thursday, December 5 at 7 pm,
you'll have a chance to hear a
number of jazz tunes as rhythmic
and catchy as Brubeck's "God's
Love Made Visible."
The second annual "Jazz to the
World!" concert will feature some of
Tulsa's most notable jazz
musicians, playing a variety of
Christmas and holiday tunes that
should range from playful to soul-
searching.
In the line-up are cool-jazz vocal-
ist and song-writer Tavis Minner;
saxman and rapper, Myron Oliver;
pianist-trombonist, Tim Shadley;
vocalists, Pam VanDyke Crosby,
Larry Cochran, Louisa Cornelius, Sue
Warwick; pianist-vocalist Joe
Wilkinson and - new this year - the
senior minister at First Christian
Church Tulsa, Michael Riggs, an
accomplished bass player and
pianist. Other First Christian artists
performing are choir member Phena
Hackett, who also
sings with Tulsa
Opera, and Steve
Baggett.
The emcee for
the evening is KOTV
news anchor, Terry
Hood.
Tickets are $5 each. All proceeds
go to the Community Food Bank of
Eastern Oklahoma. Call 918-582-
8237 to reserve tickets and learn
more about the event.
Jazz to the World!
First Christian vets Bill Osteen
and Charley Crews (Army) and Harold
Hatfield (Navy) were among the
Eighty-three Oklahoma World War II
veterans who got a trip of a lifetime
this fall. Oklahoma Honor Flights flew
the veterans to Washington as a way
to thank
them for
their ser-
vice to our
country.
The
veterans
flew to
Baltimore,
and from there the National Park
Service police escorted their buses to
Washington.
After arriving in Washington, the
Oklahoma veterans visited the
Korean, Vietnam and Lincoln
Memorials. From there they toured
Arlington National Cemetery and the
Tomb of the Unknowns. Before return-
ing to Tulsa, the veterans visited the
Iwo Jima and Air Force Memorials.
The veterans were treated to a
water cannon send-off Wednesday at
Tulsa International Airport.
The cost
of the trip is
about
$100,000,
which Okla-
homa Honor
Flights says
is all raised
from dona-
tions.
The trip
will be one of
the last
Oklahoma Honor Flights with World
War II veterans. Next year, the orga-
nization says they'll start taking
Korean War veterans to Washington,
DC.
FCC Vets Honored
I must admit, it doesn’t seem
like the holidays have arrived until
I see at least two Charlie Brown
specials on TV and have likely had
too much pumpkin pie for my own
good!
Holidays are about traditions,
those special acts and rituals we
share as families and friends year
after year. We look forward to
seeing relatives and friends,
hearing the old stories, getting
together for games, seeing the
family photos, and eating certain
favorite foods you only eat around
the holiday. We actually can’t wait
to see our uncle wear that old
gaudy tie again. We long for that
special dish that grandma brings
every time but we still don’t know
what’s in it. We search for hours
trying to find where we hid that old
centerpiece last year so we can
use it on the table. And we go out
of our way to make sure the
tradition lives on so that we never
forget the stories that are a part of
them.
Many of us will gather around
the table with family and friends
and share in Thanksgiving and
Christmas dinners. More than just
food, those occasions are feasts of
fellowship and memories and
bonds of love and friendship.
Somehow the feast is always
worth all the preparation – in fact,
the weeks of preparation, with all our
expectation and longing and waiting,
make it that much more special for
us. And when we so prepare, the
celebration is amazing! The stories
come alive again! Even in the midst
of the oncoming winter, such
holidays warm us with comfort and
joy and a feast of love and hope!
This December, we start our
preparations once again for another
feast. It is the start of the Christian
calendar and our telling of the Christ
story. And this story is huge! From
his beginnings in Nazareth, his
baptism and temptation, his ministry,
his transfiguration, his journey to
Jerusalem, his triumphal entry and
passion, his crucifixion, death, and
resurrection, and to his ascension
and reign, Christ’s story begins with
our waiting and longing for the birth
of a Savior, the one promised to
come and bring us hope and peace
and joy and love and light in the
midst of our darkness.
I invite you to join with us this
December during Advent, the four
weeks leading up to and preparing
for Christmas. Come and discover
the hope that sustains us as we wait
for the coming of Christ. Come and
discover the peace God promises us.
Come and discover the joy we share
in his coming. Come and discover
the love surrounding us. Come and
share in our deep traditions and
discover new ways to celebrate.
Come and journey with us from “O
Come, O Come Emmanuel” to “O
Come all Ye Faithful.” Come and sing
the old familiar carols as well as
discover new songs of faith. Come
and join us for Advent, and discover
the true gift of Christmas all along
the way.
Soli Deo Gloria, Rev. Michael
A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa Vol. 18, Number 22 November 22, 2013
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The First Christian Church VISION (USPS 012-958) is
published semi-monthly for its members by First
Christian Church at 913 South Boulder Ave., Tulsa,
OK, 74119-2097. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa,
OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VISION,
913 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119-2097.
Serving Schedule Sunday, November 24
One Worship Service
Elder Prayers: 10:30 Brian Knight, offering; Sandra Lewis, communionScripture Reader: Richard LawsonElder of the Week: (November 25) Jane McKinneyCommunion Preparation: Mary GarnerDeacons serving communion: Nicholas Cox, Duska Vogel Keim, Lucy Spear, Bill
Spear, Pattie Gay-Sittler, Vi Kennett, Don Swanson and Lockie RathbunGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, November 24: The flowers are given by Winnie Stanbery in
loving memory of her husband, Bill and in honor of their children andgrandchildren.
Flower delivery week of November 24: David and Maggie Thompson
Serving Schedule Sunday, December 1
Elder Prayers: 9:00 Steve Baggett, offering; Sharon Regnery, communionScripture Reader: Donna DavisElder of the Week: (December 2) Mike MillerCommunion Preparation: Joyce KendallDeacons serving communion: Nicholas Cox, Duska Vogel Keim, Lucy Spear,
Bill Spear, Pattie Gay-Sittler, Vi Kennett, Don Swanson and Kylie RathbunGreeters: Sandra LewisFlowers for Sunday, December 1: The flowers are given by Sandra Hill Osteen
and Duska Hill Keim in memory of husband and father, Jerry Hill.Flower delivery week of December 1: Paul and Mardell Campbell
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - SUNDAY, NOV 24
After Worship Service to elect 2014 leadership
Aga-Patrian
Next Sunday: Romans 8: 18-27Last Sunday: Romans 8: 1-179 Present. RGDouble Ring
Last Sunday: Paul Thompson gave ourlesson.Upcoming Events: Christmas party onDecember 16th (Mon.) 6:30 pm, FH.Celebrations: Marcia Hawkins and JoanBell had birthdays. Kay and Paul Thomp-son celebrated an anniversary. Happy tosee Della and Jimmie back even thoughthey are still healing.47 Present. BLHomebuilders
Next Sunday: Bob RorschachLast Sunday: Clarke KendallUpcoming Events: Happy Timers. Nov. 21,11 am. FH.Celebrations:*RGҋV�FUHDWLRQ���RXU�EHDXWL�ful Fall weatherClass Concerns: The number who areunable to attend.16 Present. LS
Sojourners
Next Sunday: We will finish Jeremiah,Chapter 5.
Last Sunday: We read and discussedJeremiah 3 and 4.6 present
Sunday
School
Class
News
9:00 am Traditional, Sanctuary
10:00 am Breakfast for Children
10:15–11:00 am Sunday School
11:15 am Common Ground
Fellowship Hall
6:00 pm The Loft
(1st
and 3rd
Sundays)
Page 8
The Future of Camp Christian
Camp Christian Needs Your
Support in Raising $20,000 for
Much Needed Updates
Dining Hall - New floors in the
dining, kitchen and office areas
Ministers Retreat; VIP Cabin -
Finish complete remodeling, bath-
room and porch & new furniture;
Large, new Camp Christian sign on
State Highway 69.
Camp Christian has an anony-
mous benefactor who will match
dollar-for-dollar funds raised for
this campaign.
The campaign will end April 1,
2014. Please consider a one-time
gift or a monthly gift. Make your
check payable to First Christian
Church (memo “Camp Christian
Update”).
Remember, every $1 you give
will mean $2 for Camp Christian.
Your generosity is appreciated.
JYF children are continuing
their study of the five ele-
ments of Worship. Recently
they had a hands-on experi-
ence with one of the elements
of Communion in Worship, the
bread. All the elementary
children were able to make
and bake their own bread to
take home.
Director of Children’s Ministries, Beverly Vale Brown, says worship-
pers may have wondered about the smell of fresh bread Sunday, “The
children were given the opportunity to take their bread home and share it
with their family, and they were to tell their parents what Communion
was, why we do it and who is welcome at the table at FCC.
“They made 38 loaves of bread; There was flour everywhere.
When they were trying to stir the flour into a ball .... some thought they
couldn't stir that hard ... but they persisted. They really wanted to
watched the bread rise on the window sills in the sun.”
"This is my Body,
broken for you."
Angelina - 4th Grade
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24th
9:00 Children’s breakfast
9:30 All Sunday School classes meet
10:30 One Worship Service, Sanctuary
11:45 Congregational Meeting to elect
2014 Leadership
12:00 Thanksgiving Dinner, Fellowship Hall – Family
style dinner (no lines!)
Church offices will be closed for Thanksgiving
Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29.
Rev. Carol Lawson and Elder Chair, Kathy Davis will
be on call.
Saturday, November 30 - Decorate Church for Advent & Christmas
If you would like to participate, please contact Jane McKinney at
918-481-0092. One of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit is to
beautify our church with Christmas spendor.
Tabitha and Emily “sign” a song
for Common Ground