A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa Vol. 19, Number 5 March 7, 2014

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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, March 9Elder Prayers: 9:00 Kathy Davis, offering; Bob Garner, communionScripture Reader: Bernie BowersElder of the Week: (March 10) Sandra LewisCommunion Preparation: Elizabeth Utley and Margaret CulleyDeacons serving communion: Darlene Blackburn, Margaret Culley,Susan McKee, Kate Northcutt, Thressa Northcutt, Tom Nulf, Bob Parks,Sue Parks, Elizabeth Utley, Hunter BlackburnGreeters: Winnie Stanbery and Peggie ClendeninFlowers for Sunday, March 9: The flowers are given by Sue Trimble inloving memory of her daughter, Jane, whose birthday would have beenMarch 8th.Flower delivery week of March 9: Bill Osteen

Elder Prayers: 9:00 James Howard, offering; Richard Lawson, communionScripture Reader: Helen PummillElder of the Week: (March 17) Rihab GarnerCommunion Preparation: Charles Crews and Mary Lynn HowardDeacons serving communion: Charles Crews, Mary Lynn Howard,Barbara Iverson, Vi Kennett, Susan Prabhu, Andrea Rumley, WayneRumley, Winnie Stanbery, Don Swanson, David Thompson, Maggie Th-ompsonGreeters: Paul and Mardell CampbellFlowers for Sunday, March 16: The flowers are given by Dorothy Wellsin memory of her parents, Maurice and Marie Hadaway.Flower delivery week of March 16: Helen and Bill Pummill

Ruthie wilder -

facebookCatch FCC on

Facebook

Aga-Patrian

Last Sunday: Cancelled because

of weather

Double Ring

Next Sunday: Bob Rorschach willteach our lesson.Last Sunday: We were small innumber (7). Clarke Kendall will savehis lesson for next time.Class Concerns: Keep in yourprayers our class members that arehurting .7 present. JAGSojourners

Next Sunday: Judah to serveNebbuchadnezzar. We will studyChapter 27.Last Sunday: No class - icy weather2 present. CB

Sunday

School

Class

News

9:00 Traditional, Sanctuary

9:45 Breakfast for Children, FH

10:15 All Sunday School classes

*11:30 Common Ground Worship, FH

* Later starting time

6:00 pm The Loft Worship Service

North end of Youth Lounge, 4th floor

1st and 3rd

Sundays)

Communion to

Home-

Centered

Members will

be served

Sunday,

March 9th.

All Elders are to

participate.

What’s in this Issue

Pastor’s Pen 2

Youth Corner 2

Church Calendar 3

Member Birthdays 4

Pastor’s Class 4

Attendance/Gifts 4

Prayer Chapel 5

Notes from Paul 6

Summer Church Camp 7

Wilder Side 7

Prayer & Cares 7

MIdweek Peak 8

Serving Schedule 8

Page 8

Serving Schedule Sunday, March 16

Happy Timers Enjoy Concert

Owasso Baptist Village Choir Entertains with Musical Variety

Some thirty Happy Timers were treated to a concert by a group of fellow senior

citizens from the Baptist Village Choir in Owasso. The group performed musical

numbers ranging from “Goodbye World” to the “Hallejuah Chorus” from Handel’s

“Messiah.” Their director, Chaplain Steve Williams,

also shared some information about the amenities

of living at Baptist Village. The camaraderie of

singing in a large choir is certainly one of them.

Happy Timer Berneita Semones said she enjoyed

both the singing and the lunch prepared by Rev. Carol

Lawson, who prepares meals for this occasion on a

voluntary basis, because she loves to cook.

The next “Happy Timer” event is also a concert set

for Thursday, March 27. Founded in 1904, the

Hyechka Chorus is an all volunteer women's choral

group which has been singing for over 100 years. The group performs three times a

year and at various outreach venues in the city. Many of the members are former or

current music professionals or music educators.

Their repertoire ranges from classical to Broadway to gospel to Disney. The perfor-

mance music this spring includes “This Little Light of Mine,” “Every Time I Feel the

Spirit,” “I Never Saw a Moor,” “Hail Holy Queen,” “Golden Slumbers,” as well as solo

musical offerings from several of our members. The director is Elizabeth Smith Curtis.

The accompanist is Susie Monger Daugherty.

6KDURQ��5D\�:ULJKW�HQMR\

Intergenerational

Sandwich

Extravaganza!

Sunday, March 9, 12:30 – 2:30 - FH

Make 300 sandwiches for

Iron Gate Ministry

Wednesday, March 12 at “Midweek

Peak” from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

(optional dinner at 5:30 p.m. $5.00)

Fellowship Hall

Led by Rev. Michael Riggs

Wednesday, March 19

NO Mid-Week Peak

Happy Spring Break!

According to Mark

Baby Girl!

Children's Minis-

try Director,

Beverly Vale

Brown, is the

joyous grand-

mother of a new baby girl, Aberdeen

Opal Vale, born Feb. 28th to Jamie

and Jonathan Vale.

Daylight Savings

March 9

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Prayers and Cares

HOSPITALIZED BEREAVEMENT

St. Francis: Pat Dalby Jim McKinney’s sister passed away

Mark Smith, brother-in-law of Rex

Daugherty

Beverly Southard

Libby Stoppard

Vicki Vandivort

Les and Wanda Warehime

Anne Webb

Joy Welsh

Joe Wilkinson

Ray and Sharon Wright

OTHER

Turner and Anderson families

Our Youth Program Volunteers

Pray for Peace

On the

Wilder

Side

HEALTH

Kay Bauter

Bernie Bowers

Marcia Boyd

Jerry Carlton

Peggie Clendenin

Pat and Jim Dalby

Jeff Daniel

David and Beth Dunning

Carolyn Dyer

Les and Marcia Hames

George Hauger

Louis Hayward

Brandy Iliff

Dan Kimes, organ tuner

Paul Moffett

Rossie Patterson

Ruth Reather

Veda Riggs

Sarah Jane Sackett

Youth

Corner

Rev. Cassie Sexton-Riggs

Sunday

was a strange day. I decided not to

get out and slide around on the ice. I

let the weatherman intimidate me.

Remember when we had news,

weather and sports and that was all?

Now we get the weather every five

minutes and they just say the same

thing over and over. If we really pay

attention to them, we would never

leave the house.

On Feb. 20, Joe Wilkerson’s kids

gave him a 90th birthday party at the

Jazz Hall of Fame. Lots of family and

friends...grand and great grandchil-

dren, and fortunately his friends are

those fun talented people who en-

tertained at our “Jazz to the World.”

The pretty lady in the red dress even

sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. Wilkerson”

aka Marilyn Monroe!

Did you see the cute picture of

Olivia Hauger in the World last

week telling about her going to the

Australian Open junior Quarterfinals last

month? Her coach is an assistant coach

at TU, and an international tennis player

himself, and he says she can play

collegiately or go pro. Her options are

wide open. Olivia is a sophomore at

Booker T.

I saw Celeste Barrow on Chanel 6, at

Reasors stocking up on groceries before

the snow came in. I hope every one is

all tucked in and warm! See you next

Sunday for sure. Ruthie

Booker T. Washington sophomore Olivia Hauger

practices at the TU Case Tennis Center in Tulsa.

Roller Skating Trip

The Youth had a great time

rollerskating with the JYF on Sunday,

February 23, 2014. We have 79 youth,

children and adults from FCC who

took the rink. I was so proud to see

so many of our high school youth

helping the younger ones put on

skates, tie them, learn how to skate

and help them up when they fell.

Not only did the youth have a great

time on the trip, but they also did a

lot of mentor work with the little

kids who look up to them without

even realizing it. The youth roller

“danced” to songs such as

“Beautiful” and “YMCA”. We came

away with kids of all ages skating

and no broken bones (which is

always a plus!) I would say we had a

successful trip.

More skating party photos at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fcctulsa/sets/72157641875194604/

“Let the little children come tome; do not stop them; for it isto such as these that thekingdom of God belongs.”– Mark 10:14b NRSV

These storied words of Jesus find

special meaning to the Christian

faithful, as the good news has been

passed down from generation unto

generation since Jesus himself spoke

these words. Our church has especially

found deep meaning in them as we

have not only sought to nurture the

children in our church but also reached

out to our local community through

our van program and Sunday morning

children’s and youth ministries.

Through the dedication of van

drivers who wake up extra early so as

to pick up children from their homes

and stay late to take them back home;

through the generosity of our Sunday

School classes that make sure there is

breakfast each Sunday morning when

the children arrive; through the

outpouring of financial support to

keep this ministry going; through the

perseverance of teachers who strive

to make a difference; and through the

sacrifice of personal time and energy

to be an adult sponsor or mentor, our

church has been working to empower

the lives of young people through the

love of Jesus Christ. We take seriously

the lives and spirits of all children who

come to FCC, and we are constantly

looking for more ways to bring them

into a closer relationship with Christ

and to the world.

Beginning later this month, we are

renewing our commitment to touch the

lives of young children in our church

through a new Children’s Worship

program that will be held in the new

Prayer Chapel during the contemporary

worship service. This program intends

to help children find a voice to raise and

make a joyful noise through song, learn

scripture and read it to one another,

discover the power and discipline of

prayer, hear the good news in a way that

is relevant to their young lives and in

language that they understand, and

begin to experience Holy Communion

as a worshiping body. This is not just

kids’ worship, but worship in a way that

help kids grow in the faith and learn

what it means to practice it in

community. It is what the Church has

been doing all along, and now is the

time for us to begin the process anew.

If we are serious in our commitment

to children, then we need help making

this important part of the Christian faith

happen for them. Maybe you like to sing

with children and teach them songs.

Maybe you like to help kids learn how

to pray. Maybe you like to share the

story of Jesus with them in a children’s

message. Maybe you like to open their

hearts and minds to the wonder of God’s

mystery. Maybe you like to be playful

with them and find the joy of God’s

laughter and delight. Maybe you want

to be a Christian “grandparent” to

children who really need one. There are

all kinds of ways to make a difference

and help our church be Church for these

young persons.

Please prayerfully consider how you

can be a part of our Children’s Worship

and bring children to Jesus and into the

kingdom of God. Contact Beverly or Rev.

Michael in the church office for more

details.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rev. Michael

HEIRLINES

Jonathan and Jamie Vale’s baby girl,

Aberdeen Opal Vale was born February 28

Summer Church Camp

Do you remember your youthful

experiences at Church Camp? Mine

left a lasting impression on me and

helped shape the person I have

become.

The children and youth have

received their camp forms, and they

are quickly returning them! It is our

desire that every child, no matter

what their financial status is, will be

able to attend church camp.

First Christian Church members

have been

very generous

in donating to

the Camp

Scholarship

Fund each

year, and again

we would like

to ask for your

support so

that we can

again make camp attendance a

reality for all who wish to

participate.

We are being intentional to

submit our applications in a timely

fashion so that we can take

advantage of the early bird

registration discount and a “No

Child Left Behind” grant as well. If

you have it in your heart and are

able to sponsor a child for camp this

year or make any donation to the

Camp Scholarship Fund we would

be deeply appreciative.

At this time we have:

12 Registered for Discovery Camp,

16 Registered for Triple Camp,

2 Registered for CYF Camp

The average cost to send a child to

camp is:

Triple Camp $280.00

Discovery Camp $200.00

CYF Camp $300.00

Thanks to the generosity of

church members, each year we are

able to scholarship camp fees and

provide toiletry kits, flip flops and

towels for our FCC Campers.

Beverly Vale Brown

Director of Children’s Ministries

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Prayers and Cares

HOSPITALIZED BEREAVEMENT

St. Francis: Pat Dalby Jim McKinney’s sister passed away

Mark Smith, brother-in-law of Rex

Daugherty

Beverly Southard

Libby Stoppard

Vicki Vandivort

Les and Wanda Warehime

Anne Webb

Joy Welsh

Joe Wilkinson

Ray and Sharon Wright

OTHER

Turner and Anderson families

Our Youth Program Volunteers

Pray for Peace

On the

Wilder

Side

HEALTH

Kay Bauter

Bernie Bowers

Marcia Boyd

Jerry Carlton

Peggie Clendenin

Pat and Jim Dalby

Jeff Daniel

David and Beth Dunning

Carolyn Dyer

Les and Marcia Hames

George Hauger

Louis Hayward

Brandy Iliff

Dan Kimes, organ tuner

Paul Moffett

Rossie Patterson

Ruth Reather

Veda Riggs

Sarah Jane Sackett

Youth

Corner

Rev. Cassie Sexton-Riggs

Sunday

was a strange day. I decided not to

get out and slide around on the ice. I

let the weatherman intimidate me.

Remember when we had news,

weather and sports and that was all?

Now we get the weather every five

minutes and they just say the same

thing over and over. If we really pay

attention to them, we would never

leave the house.

On Feb. 20, Joe Wilkerson’s kids

gave him a 90th birthday party at the

Jazz Hall of Fame. Lots of family and

friends...grand and great grandchil-

dren, and fortunately his friends are

those fun talented people who en-

tertained at our “Jazz to the World.”

The pretty lady in the red dress even

sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. Wilkerson”

aka Marilyn Monroe!

Did you see the cute picture of

Olivia Hauger in the World last

week telling about her going to the

Australian Open junior Quarterfinals last

month? Her coach is an assistant coach

at TU, and an international tennis player

himself, and he says she can play

collegiately or go pro. Her options are

wide open. Olivia is a sophomore at

Booker T.

I saw Celeste Barrow on Chanel 6, at

Reasors stocking up on groceries before

the snow came in. I hope every one is

all tucked in and warm! See you next

Sunday for sure. Ruthie

Booker T. Washington sophomore Olivia Hauger

practices at the TU Case Tennis Center in Tulsa.

Roller Skating Trip

The Youth had a great time

rollerskating with the JYF on Sunday,

February 23, 2014. We have 79 youth,

children and adults from FCC who

took the rink. I was so proud to see

so many of our high school youth

helping the younger ones put on

skates, tie them, learn how to skate

and help them up when they fell.

Not only did the youth have a great

time on the trip, but they also did a

lot of mentor work with the little

kids who look up to them without

even realizing it. The youth roller

“danced” to songs such as

“Beautiful” and “YMCA”. We came

away with kids of all ages skating

and no broken bones (which is

always a plus!) I would say we had a

successful trip.

More skating party photos at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fcctulsa/sets/72157641875194604/

“Let the little children come tome; do not stop them; for it isto such as these that thekingdom of God belongs.”– Mark 10:14b NRSV

These storied words of Jesus find

special meaning to the Christian

faithful, as the good news has been

passed down from generation unto

generation since Jesus himself spoke

these words. Our church has especially

found deep meaning in them as we

have not only sought to nurture the

children in our church but also reached

out to our local community through

our van program and Sunday morning

children’s and youth ministries.

Through the dedication of van

drivers who wake up extra early so as

to pick up children from their homes

and stay late to take them back home;

through the generosity of our Sunday

School classes that make sure there is

breakfast each Sunday morning when

the children arrive; through the

outpouring of financial support to

keep this ministry going; through the

perseverance of teachers who strive

to make a difference; and through the

sacrifice of personal time and energy

to be an adult sponsor or mentor, our

church has been working to empower

the lives of young people through the

love of Jesus Christ. We take seriously

the lives and spirits of all children who

come to FCC, and we are constantly

looking for more ways to bring them

into a closer relationship with Christ

and to the world.

Beginning later this month, we are

renewing our commitment to touch the

lives of young children in our church

through a new Children’s Worship

program that will be held in the new

Prayer Chapel during the contemporary

worship service. This program intends

to help children find a voice to raise and

make a joyful noise through song, learn

scripture and read it to one another,

discover the power and discipline of

prayer, hear the good news in a way that

is relevant to their young lives and in

language that they understand, and

begin to experience Holy Communion

as a worshiping body. This is not just

kids’ worship, but worship in a way that

help kids grow in the faith and learn

what it means to practice it in

community. It is what the Church has

been doing all along, and now is the

time for us to begin the process anew.

If we are serious in our commitment

to children, then we need help making

this important part of the Christian faith

happen for them. Maybe you like to sing

with children and teach them songs.

Maybe you like to help kids learn how

to pray. Maybe you like to share the

story of Jesus with them in a children’s

message. Maybe you like to open their

hearts and minds to the wonder of God’s

mystery. Maybe you like to be playful

with them and find the joy of God’s

laughter and delight. Maybe you want

to be a Christian “grandparent” to

children who really need one. There are

all kinds of ways to make a difference

and help our church be Church for these

young persons.

Please prayerfully consider how you

can be a part of our Children’s Worship

and bring children to Jesus and into the

kingdom of God. Contact Beverly or Rev.

Michael in the church office for more

details.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rev. Michael

HEIRLINES

Jonathan and Jamie Vale’s baby girl,

Aberdeen Opal Vale was born February 28

Summer Church Camp

Do you remember your youthful

experiences at Church Camp? Mine

left a lasting impression on me and

helped shape the person I have

become.

The children and youth have

received their camp forms, and they

are quickly returning them! It is our

desire that every child, no matter

what their financial status is, will be

able to attend church camp.

First Christian Church members

have been

very generous

in donating to

the Camp

Scholarship

Fund each

year, and again

we would like

to ask for your

support so

that we can

again make camp attendance a

reality for all who wish to

participate.

We are being intentional to

submit our applications in a timely

fashion so that we can take

advantage of the early bird

registration discount and a “No

Child Left Behind” grant as well. If

you have it in your heart and are

able to sponsor a child for camp this

year or make any donation to the

Camp Scholarship Fund we would

be deeply appreciative.

At this time we have:

12 Registered for Discovery Camp,

16 Registered for Triple Camp,

2 Registered for CYF Camp

The average cost to send a child to

camp is:

Triple Camp $280.00

Discovery Camp $200.00

CYF Camp $300.00

Thanks to the generosity of

church members, each year we are

able to scholarship camp fees and

provide toiletry kits, flip flops and

towels for our FCC Campers.

Beverly Vale Brown

Director of Children’s Ministries

FCC Activities and Opportunities

Page 2Page 2 Page 3

Friday, March 7

No activities planned

Saturday, March 8

Communion Preparation: Margaret

Culley and Elizabeth Utley

Sunday, March 9

First Sunday of Lent

Communion to Home-Centered

NEACCO Prayer Calendar: Odyssey

Christian, Jenks - Phil Ball

9:00 Traditional Worship Service,

Sanctuary

9:45 Breakfast for the Children, FH

10:15-11:15 All Sunday School

classes

10:15-11:15 Pastor’s Class Get

Acquainted - Luke 1-3

11:30 Common Ground Worship,

Fellowship Hall

11:45 Children’s Worship, Prayer

Chapel

12:30 – 2:30 Intergenerational

Sandwich Extravaganza, FH – Make

300 sandwiches for Iron Gate

Ministry

AFTERNOON CHILDREN’S

PROGRAMS (Pre-K – 5th

grades)

12:30 – 2:30 (Junior Youth

Fellowship) 3rd

floor children’s

rooms

YOUTH PROGRAMS (6th

– 12th

grades)

12:30 – 2:30 (Chi Rho and CYF),

Helping with Sandwich

Extravaganza, FH

6:00 Loft Worship, 4th Floor

(rescheduled from March 2)

Monday, March 10

Elder of the Week: Sandra Lewis

8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch,

8101 E. 68th

St., Devotion: Sandra

Lewis

6:00 Ministry Council, EFH

7:00 Camp Christian Board Meeting,

NFH

Tuesday, March 11

9:30 Prayer Group, Library

Wednesday, March 12

1:00 Staff Meeting, EFH

1:30–4:20 TCC Writers Group, Library,

Mid-Week Peak

5:30 Light Supper, FH - $5.00

6:00 Bible Study, FH “According to

Mark”

Adult Choir Program

7:00 Sanctuary Choir, Choir Rm.

Thursday, March 13

10:30 – Noon Disciples Women (CWF)

in EFH

11:45 NACBA Lunch and Program, SFH

Friday, March 14

No events scheduled

Saturday, March 15

Communion Preparation: Charles

Crews and Mary Lynn Howard

Sunday, March 16

Second Sunday of Lent

NEACCO Prayer Calendar: South

Grand Lake, Langley - Gina Jackson

9:00 Traditional Worship Service,

Sanctuary

9:45 Breakfast for the Children, FH

10:15-11:15 All Sunday School classes

11:30 Common Ground Worship,

Fellowship Hall

11:45 Children’s Worship, Prayer

Chapel

12:30 – 2:30 Pastor’s Class “God and

Creation”

NO AFTERNOON CHILDREN OR

YOUTH PROGRAMS

6:00 The Loft Worship Service, North

end of the Youth Lounge, 4th

floor

Monday, March 17 – Spring Break

Vision to be published

Elder of the Week: Rihab Garner

8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch,

8101 E. 68th St.; Devotion: Rihab

Garner

Tuesday, March 18

9:30 Prayer Group, Library

Sunday, March 23

Third Sunday of Lent

NEACCO Prayer Calendar: First

Christian, Mannford – Jay Hoyt

9:45 Breakfast for the Children, FH

10:15-11:15 All Sunday School classes

11:30 Common Ground Worship,

Fellowship Hall

11:45 Children’s Worship, Prayer

Chapel

9:00 Traditional Worship Service,

Sanctuary

12:30 – 2:30 Pastor’s Class “Jesus

and Communion”

AFTERNOON CHILDREN’S

PROGRAMS (Pre-K – 5th

grades)

Noon – 2:30 (Junior Youth

Fellowship) 3rd

floor children’s

rooms

YOUTH PROGRAMS (6th

– 12th

grades)

12:15 – 1:15 (Chi Rho and CYF),

4th

floor Youth Rooms

Wednesday, March 19

10:00 CDC Chapel Time, Double Ring

room

1:00 Staff Meeting, EFH

NO Mid-Week Peak - Happy Spring

Break!

Adult Choir Program

7:00 Sanctuary Choir, Choir Rm.

Thursday, March 20

10:00 Sewing Group, Rm. 101

Friday, March 21

No events scheduled

Saturday, March 22

Communion Preparation: Vi Kennett

and Barbara Iverson

Gifts Given

“Camp Christian Updates”In honor of Mary Byrne and Beverly

Vale, given by Jay and Mary Lou Gibson

Ziglar ScholarshipIn memory of Arthena Young, given by

Richard and Peggy Ziglar

Attendance and GiftsSunday, March 2, 2014

Ice and Snow - No Van Service

Worship9:00 Prayer Chapel11:15 Common GroundThe LoftTotal AdultsChildren Total Worship Attendance

Sunday SchoolPreschool 1Elementary 7Youth 5Adults 9 Total Attendance 22

FinancesGeneral Fund $ 5,508.83Sunday School 0.00Loose Offering 0.00 Total $ 5,508.83

WWBS Fund $ 455.00

March

Page 4

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Worship9:00 Sanctuary 10911:15 Common Ground 42The Loft na Total Adults 151Children 74Total Worship Attendance 225

Sunday SchoolPreschool 22Elementary 52Youth 29Adults 99

Total Attendance 202

FinancesGeneral Fund $ 2,675.00Sunday School 34.50Loose Offering 50.00 Total $2,759.50

WWBS Fund $ 462.50Week of Compassion 514.00

March 6: Isabella Cawvey,Jaared Hildebrandt, SandeMorgan, David Thompson,Maggie ThompsonMarch 8: Mardell Campbell,Janet HaskinMarch 9: Pat LintonMarch 10: Bob MilerMarch 11: Suzanne Beree,Margaret Culley, Leah GannMarch 12: Candace Berry,Joey BowlinMarch 13: Lindsay SwansonMarch 14: Eden Coffee Dyer,Molly KrummeMarch 15: Faye Fletcher,Helen PummillMarch 18: Connie Page,Jared PageMarch 19: Emma AlspaughMarch 21: Rick McKeeMarch 23: Karen Griffin,Michael Major, Norman WhiteMarch 27: Daycia RuffMarch 29: MadelynnDawson, Jason Duncan,Olivia LargessMarch 30: Bill Northcutt

On February 23, Jane

McKinney and the

Hospitality Committee

surprised two

hardworking young

women who literally

have only a

moment to spare as they

go about the many tasks they manage

each workday. Jane says Mary Byrne and

Beverly Vale Brown have tirelessly filled

in the gaps, when FCC went through a

belt-tightening period, making possible a

continued quality of service at FCC Tulsa.

at FCC Tulsa.

What a wonderful surprise Beverly

and I had on February 23rd! My heart is

full of thanks for all of the thoughtful

cards and gifts bestowed on me that

day, and especially for my church family

members who took time to show their

appreciation for my work here over the

last 32 years. It is an honor to serve God

in this church, living in hope and faith

that together we will fulfill the ministry

that God has given us here in this place

and time.

Blessings, Mary Byrne

Business Administrator

Caught me by surprise -- and that’s

hard to do!

Thanks you one and all for the ex-

pressions of care, gratitude and sup-

port. The cards and personal notes

written by many of you touched my

heart deeply. I am so thankful to be a

part of the First Christian family, as we

serve God and others together.

Beverly Vale Brown

Director of Children’s MInistries

2014 Spring Schedule

Pastor’s Class

March 9 Pastor’s Class 10:15-11:15

March 16 Pastor’s Class 12:30 - 2:30

March 23 Pastor’s Class 12:30 - 2:30

March 30 Pastor’s Class till 2:30

April 6 Pastor’s Class till 2:30

April 13 Pastor’s Class till 2:30

April 20 Easter Sunday - No class

April 27 Pastor’s Class till 2:30

May 4 Pastor’s Class till 2:30

May 11 Confessions of Faith - No

class

May 18 Pastor’s Class till 2:30

June 8 Baptisms - One service 10:30

26

9

na

35

07

42

Page 2Page 2 Page 5

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful...”

This past Sunday we were hit by yet

another winter storm, causing roads to

become icy and travel hazardous for

many. In such situations, I always

encourage people to use their good

judgment and either exercise caution

when attempting to get to church or just

to stay home if its too dangerous. I

remember when it snowed six inches on

May 1 in Amarillo, so this may not be the

last time our area will face the guile of

Old Man Winter. Let’s just hope that we

haven’t meteorological motivation for

singing Christmas Carols during Holy

Week!

For those few who were able this

past Sunday to brave the Tulsa roads

(beyond their usual treachery, that is),

we enjoyed a special treat: a sneak

preview of the new Prayer Chapel! Now,

you may be asking yourself, “Where is

the Prayer Chapel??” and for good reason

– the space hasn’t been used for worship

in perhaps fifty years or more. However,

thanks to the winter storm and our

reduced attendance, we moved

traditional worship for that one morning

from the Sanctuary to the Prayer Chapel

and enjoyed an intimate gathering of

souls joined in song and prayer, scripture

and sermon, all around the Lord’s Table.

Our resident church historian Kevin

Gray notes:

The original chapel is depicted on the

1917 blueprints for the sanctuary

building. It originally included the space

now taken up by the hallway that goes

between the southeast entrance and the

back stairwell near the Patrian

classroom. It was outfitted with hanging

light fixtures similar to (but less ornate)

than the ones that originally hung in the

sanctuary foyer. The space was designed

to provide a more intimate worship space

than the 1250 seat sanctuary. From

anecdotal information I heard many

years ago, it was the setting for quite a

few smaller weddings and a few funerals

as well. During the 1920’s and 1930’s,

most often when Claude Hill was pastor,

the chapel was used as an overflow space

on Sunday mornings. On Easter Sunday,

it was not uncommon for the entire

sanctuary to be filled to capacity. A

speaker system connected the sanctu-

ary to the chapel, and the room’s prox-

imity to the organ cabinets for the sanc-

tuary allowed for the music to be clearly

heard in the chapel. Once the sanctu-

ary was filled, the chapel would be filled

with worshippers who would sit in the

rows of chairs, listen to the scriptures

and message through the speakers, and

sing right along with the rest of the con-

gregation during the hymns. Essentially

an early version of the “Life Church” off-

campus concept. Just in this case, only

a few feet away.

The room underwent major

changes in the 1966 renovation... The

enlarged organ, lowered choir loft and

other cosmetic changes in the

sanctuary caused the chapel to lose its

western aisle to make the back hallway.

At the same time, to maintain the

room’s space, the arches that originally

went along both walls were removed,

historic light fixtures were removed, the

ceiling was lowered and an acoustical

tile ceiling was installed, and the large

dividers were installed to separate the

chapel from the reception area.

The windows have always been of

interest to folks that see them- they look

different than the others in the building.

Stained glass experts have examined

them and agree with my opinion- and

the only photographic evidence we

have- that they were intentionally

different to make the space stand out

as a different type of worship space.

They are made of what is called

“cathedral glass.” That glass is typified

by its bold, clear colors- typically in jewel

tones like red, green and blue. The glass

was then stipple painted with black

paint that was then fired into the glass

in a high-temperature kiln. The effect

is to have brilliant colors while still

diminishing the brightness to a tolerable

level. Keep in mind that as the eastern

wall of the church, these windows are

on fire in the morning, when services or

classes would be in session. The

stippling is an ancient technique that

allows the light transfusion to be

minimized.

.

The old Chapel served many functions

over the years, including being the

location for the Friendship-Galilean

Sunday School class, a gathering space

for PTS graduates, and most recently

storage. The room had long ago ceased

to be used as sacred space, and no one

knows where its “unique” carpet

originated (although there is one theory

involving Goldie Hawn and Laugh In). So

many memories, so many sacred

moments, so many years ago...

When the Evangelism Committee

undertook remodeling the old reception

area into our new Welcome Room, many

wondered what we would ever do with

the remaining two-thirds of the area on

the other side of the partition. Facing

the question, “What do our facilities

facilitate?” it became clear that such a

space had more potential for ministry

than being a grand storage closet. After

important things were relocated and the

junk cleared, the creative minds of Mary

Byrne, Robin Dowling, and Cassie Sexton-

Riggs found a paint scheme that brought

together the colors of the cathedral-glass

windows and the special carpet quite

well. Coupled with a vision of how the

room could be used for ministry and what

that would entail, a plan was formed to

turn the space into a multi-use chapel

once again.

Page 6

It has taken seven weeks of keeping at

it, doing one thing at a time and slowly

checking things off the to-do list, and there

are still a few finishing touches to be done,

but the fruits of all this labor found an early

harvest this past Sunday when the room

became sacred space once again as

Christians gathered in worship of the Living

God and celebrated the good news in Jesus

Christ. However, the Prayer Chapel isn’t just

a space for reduced- or overflow-

attendance Sundays. It will be used every

week for Children’s Worship during the

contemporary worship service. Special

meetings and workshops will be held there,

thanks to the sound equipment from the

Homebuilders classroom as well as an extra

projector, screen, and computer from

around the building. (The Oklahoma Region

was to hold its pre-Lenten service for D.O.C.

clergy there Monday evening but it was

cancelled due to the weather.) We will hold

a Holy Week prayer vigil inside its walls.

There is even a wedding scheduled for inside

the Prayer Chapel at the end of this month!

whole in its spiritual vitality, outreach to the

community, and sharing of the good news of

God’s love in Jesus Christ. From days of ashen

nostalgia to a future filled with possibility,

God has claimed us, empowered us, and

called us to rise up once again and build a

church of living stones no matter how old or

young we are, no matter the challenge our

commission presents, no matter the stormy

weather on our horizon, because nothing is

impossible with God.

Dear friends, we are on our Lenten

journey, preparing for the new life Easter

brings. Let us say a prayer together and

now bravely walk forward to the cross and

into the glorious future beyond, both for the

life of our church and for the life of the world

to come.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rev. Michael

Now that it has been cleared of clutter,

received a new cleaning, and given the tools

for ministry, the space has received a new

life for serving God. The old once-upon-a-

time chapel has become the renewed Prayer

Chapel fit and trim for ministry once again.

But isn’t that how it is with us? As

disciples of Christ, following the footsteps of

our Master as faithfully as we can, we

sometimes find ourselves having collected a

good bit of dust from the years’ journey – a

bit too much dust sometimes! In those

moments of reflection, we must humble

ourselves and seek what God wants us to

keep and continue and what God needs us

to let go, making space for God to do

something new and wonderful in our

lives and repurposing ourselves for God’s

work in the world.

Now the onus is on us. Our facilities are

able to facilitate. Our space has been

reclaimed for the sacred once again. Our

duty is to ensure it gets put to good use. I’m

not only referring to the Prayer Chapel or

the entirety of FCC’s physical campus but

more importantly our congregation as a

The entire custodial staff worked long

and hard on clearing the walls of obsolete

thermostats and conduits; painting the

walls, window sills, crown moulding, and

baseboards; running sound, video, and

electrical cable beneath the carpet and

above the ceiling tiles; and giving the car-

pet a long-overdue deep-cleaning. Thanks

to donations from the Homebuilders class-

room and swapping out with some from

the Double Ring classroom, there were

now enough matching chairs to seat just

over sixty persons. The Yamaha grand pi-

ano and kneeler from the Homebuilders

classroom were moved into the space

along with the lectern (which was the origi-

nal pulpit from 1920!) and the old com-

munion table from just outside the Sanc-

tuary (also original from 1920!).

I took full advantage of this

“Snow Day” by doing some

off-roading in my truck.

Everything was going great,

up until the time the truck

became stuck.

Before I had a chance to even

consider the situation, I

looked up the hill, and saw a

jeep coming to the rescue.

The guy in the jeep happened

to have a tow rope and a

hitch.

I dug through the frozen tun-

dra, tethered rope to frame,

and in a short time had the

truck extricated from the

muck.

At the end of the ordeal I

handed the guy some cash.

He wouldn’t take it. We

shook hands, and went our

separate ways.

Angels Watching

over Us

I tend to think angels come in

all forms, shapes, and sizes.

Paul

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Prayers and Cares

HOSPITALIZED BEREAVEMENT

St. Francis: Pat Dalby Jim McKinney’s sister passed away

Mark Smith, brother-in-law of Rex

Daugherty

Beverly Southard

Libby Stoppard

Vicki Vandivort

Les and Wanda Warehime

Anne Webb

Joy Welsh

Joe Wilkinson

Ray and Sharon Wright

OTHER

Turner and Anderson families

Our Youth Program Volunteers

Pray for Peace

On the

Wilder

Side

HEALTH

Kay Bauter

Bernie Bowers

Marcia Boyd

Jerry Carlton

Peggie Clendenin

Pat and Jim Dalby

Jeff Daniel

David and Beth Dunning

Carolyn Dyer

Les and Marcia Hames

George Hauger

Louis Hayward

Brandy Iliff

Dan Kimes, organ tuner

Paul Moffett

Rossie Patterson

Ruth Reather

Veda Riggs

Sarah Jane Sackett

Youth

Corner

Rev. Cassie Sexton-Riggs

Sunday

was a strange day. I decided not to

get out and slide around on the ice. I

let the weatherman intimidate me.

Remember when we had news,

weather and sports and that was all?

Now we get the weather every five

minutes and they just say the same

thing over and over. If we really pay

attention to them, we would never

leave the house.

On Feb. 20, Joe Wilkerson’s kids

gave him a 90th birthday party at the

Jazz Hall of Fame. Lots of family and

friends...grand and great grandchil-

dren, and fortunately his friends are

those fun talented people who en-

tertained at our “Jazz to the World.”

The pretty lady in the red dress even

sang “Happy Birthday, Mr. Wilkerson”

aka Marilyn Monroe!

Did you see the cute picture of

Olivia Hauger in the World last

week telling about her going to the

Australian Open junior Quarterfinals last

month? Her coach is an assistant coach

at TU, and an international tennis player

himself, and he says she can play

collegiately or go pro. Her options are

wide open. Olivia is a sophomore at

Booker T.

I saw Celeste Barrow on Chanel 6, at

Reasors stocking up on groceries before

the snow came in. I hope every one is

all tucked in and warm! See you next

Sunday for sure. Ruthie

Booker T. Washington sophomore Olivia Hauger

practices at the TU Case Tennis Center in Tulsa.

Roller Skating Trip

The Youth had a great time

rollerskating with the JYF on Sunday,

February 23, 2014. We have 79 youth,

children and adults from FCC who

took the rink. I was so proud to see

so many of our high school youth

helping the younger ones put on

skates, tie them, learn how to skate

and help them up when they fell.

Not only did the youth have a great

time on the trip, but they also did a

lot of mentor work with the little

kids who look up to them without

even realizing it. The youth roller

“danced” to songs such as

“Beautiful” and “YMCA”. We came

away with kids of all ages skating

and no broken bones (which is

always a plus!) I would say we had a

successful trip.

More skating party photos at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fcctulsa/sets/72157641875194604/

“Let the little children come tome; do not stop them; for it isto such as these that thekingdom of God belongs.”– Mark 10:14b NRSV

These storied words of Jesus find

special meaning to the Christian

faithful, as the good news has been

passed down from generation unto

generation since Jesus himself spoke

these words. Our church has especially

found deep meaning in them as we

have not only sought to nurture the

children in our church but also reached

out to our local community through

our van program and Sunday morning

children’s and youth ministries.

Through the dedication of van

drivers who wake up extra early so as

to pick up children from their homes

and stay late to take them back home;

through the generosity of our Sunday

School classes that make sure there is

breakfast each Sunday morning when

the children arrive; through the

outpouring of financial support to

keep this ministry going; through the

perseverance of teachers who strive

to make a difference; and through the

sacrifice of personal time and energy

to be an adult sponsor or mentor, our

church has been working to empower

the lives of young people through the

love of Jesus Christ. We take seriously

the lives and spirits of all children who

come to FCC, and we are constantly

looking for more ways to bring them

into a closer relationship with Christ

and to the world.

Beginning later this month, we are

renewing our commitment to touch the

lives of young children in our church

through a new Children’s Worship

program that will be held in the new

Prayer Chapel during the contemporary

worship service. This program intends

to help children find a voice to raise and

make a joyful noise through song, learn

scripture and read it to one another,

discover the power and discipline of

prayer, hear the good news in a way that

is relevant to their young lives and in

language that they understand, and

begin to experience Holy Communion

as a worshiping body. This is not just

kids’ worship, but worship in a way that

help kids grow in the faith and learn

what it means to practice it in

community. It is what the Church has

been doing all along, and now is the

time for us to begin the process anew.

If we are serious in our commitment

to children, then we need help making

this important part of the Christian faith

happen for them. Maybe you like to sing

with children and teach them songs.

Maybe you like to help kids learn how

to pray. Maybe you like to share the

story of Jesus with them in a children’s

message. Maybe you like to open their

hearts and minds to the wonder of God’s

mystery. Maybe you like to be playful

with them and find the joy of God’s

laughter and delight. Maybe you want

to be a Christian “grandparent” to

children who really need one. There are

all kinds of ways to make a difference

and help our church be Church for these

young persons.

Please prayerfully consider how you

can be a part of our Children’s Worship

and bring children to Jesus and into the

kingdom of God. Contact Beverly or Rev.

Michael in the church office for more

details.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rev. Michael

HEIRLINES

Jonathan and Jamie Vale’s baby girl,

Aberdeen Opal Vale was born February 28

Summer Church Camp

Do you remember your youthful

experiences at Church Camp? Mine

left a lasting impression on me and

helped shape the person I have

become.

The children and youth have

received their camp forms, and they

are quickly returning them! It is our

desire that every child, no matter

what their financial status is, will be

able to attend church camp.

First Christian Church members

have been

very generous

in donating to

the Camp

Scholarship

Fund each

year, and again

we would like

to ask for your

support so

that we can

again make camp attendance a

reality for all who wish to

participate.

We are being intentional to

submit our applications in a timely

fashion so that we can take

advantage of the early bird

registration discount and a “No

Child Left Behind” grant as well. If

you have it in your heart and are

able to sponsor a child for camp this

year or make any donation to the

Camp Scholarship Fund we would

be deeply appreciative.

At this time we have:

12 Registered for Discovery Camp,

16 Registered for Triple Camp,

2 Registered for CYF Camp

The average cost to send a child to

camp is:

Triple Camp $280.00

Discovery Camp $200.00

CYF Camp $300.00

Thanks to the generosity of

church members, each year we are

able to scholarship camp fees and

provide toiletry kits, flip flops and

towels for our FCC Campers.

Beverly Vale Brown

Director of Children’s Ministries

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa Vol. 19, Number 5 March 7, 2014

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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, March 9Elder Prayers: 9:00 Kathy Davis, offering; Bob Garner, communionScripture Reader: Bernie BowersElder of the Week: (March 10) Sandra LewisCommunion Preparation: Elizabeth Utley and Margaret CulleyDeacons serving communion: Darlene Blackburn, Margaret Culley,Susan McKee, Kate Northcutt, Thressa Northcutt, Tom Nulf, Bob Parks,Sue Parks, Elizabeth Utley, Hunter BlackburnGreeters: Winnie Stanbery and Peggie ClendeninFlowers for Sunday, March 9: The flowers are given by Sue Trimble inloving memory of her daughter, Jane, whose birthday would have beenMarch 8th.Flower delivery week of March 9: Bill Osteen

Elder Prayers: 9:00 James Howard, offering; Richard Lawson, communionScripture Reader: Helen PummillElder of the Week: (March 17) Rihab GarnerCommunion Preparation: Charles Crews and Mary Lynn HowardDeacons serving communion: Charles Crews, Mary Lynn Howard,Barbara Iverson, Vi Kennett, Susan Prabhu, Andrea Rumley, WayneRumley, Winnie Stanbery, Don Swanson, David Thompson, Maggie Th-ompsonGreeters: Paul and Mardell CampbellFlowers for Sunday, March 16: The flowers are given by Dorothy Wellsin memory of her parents, Maurice and Marie Hadaway.Flower delivery week of March 16: Helen and Bill Pummill

Ruthie wilder -

facebookCatch FCC on

Facebook

Aga-Patrian

Last Sunday: Cancelled because

of weather

Double Ring

Next Sunday: Bob Rorschach willteach our lesson.Last Sunday: We were small innumber (7). Clarke Kendall will savehis lesson for next time.Class Concerns: Keep in yourprayers our class members that arehurting .7 present. JAGSojourners

Next Sunday: Judah to serveNebbuchadnezzar. We will studyChapter 27.Last Sunday: No class - icy weather2 present. CB

Sunday

School

Class

News

9:00 Traditional, Sanctuary

9:45 Breakfast for Children, FH

10:15 All Sunday School classes

*11:30 Common Ground Worship, FH

* Later starting time

6:00 pm The Loft Worship Service

North end of Youth Lounge, 4th floor

1st and 3rd

Sundays)

Communion to

Home-

Centered

Members will

be served

Sunday,

March 9th.

All Elders are to

participate.

What’s in this Issue

Pastor’s Pen 2

Youth Corner 2

Church Calendar 3

Member Birthdays 4

Pastor’s Class 4

Attendance/Gifts 4

Prayer Chapel 5

Notes from Paul 6

Summer Church Camp 7

Wilder Side 7

Prayer & Cares 7

MIdweek Peak 8

Serving Schedule 8

Page 8

Serving Schedule Sunday, March 16

Happy Timers Enjoy Concert

Owasso Baptist Village Choir Entertains with Musical Variety

Some thirty Happy Timers were treated to a concert by a group of fellow senior

citizens from the Baptist Village Choir in Owasso. The group performed musical

numbers ranging from “Goodbye World” to the “Hallejuah Chorus” from Handel’s

“Messiah.” Their director, Chaplain Steve Williams,

also shared some information about the amenities

of living at Baptist Village. The camaraderie of

singing in a large choir is certainly one of them.

Happy Timer Berneita Semones said she enjoyed

both the singing and the lunch prepared by Rev. Carol

Lawson, who prepares meals for this occasion on a

voluntary basis, because she loves to cook.

The next “Happy Timer” event is also a concert set

for Thursday, March 27. Founded in 1904, the

Hyechka Chorus is an all volunteer women's choral

group which has been singing for over 100 years. The group performs three times a

year and at various outreach venues in the city. Many of the members are former or

current music professionals or music educators.

Their repertoire ranges from classical to Broadway to gospel to Disney. The perfor-

mance music this spring includes “This Little Light of Mine,” “Every Time I Feel the

Spirit,” “I Never Saw a Moor,” “Hail Holy Queen,” “Golden Slumbers,” as well as solo

musical offerings from several of our members. The director is Elizabeth Smith Curtis.

The accompanist is Susie Monger Daugherty.

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Intergenerational

Sandwich

Extravaganza!

Sunday, March 9, 12:30 – 2:30 - FH

Make 300 sandwiches for

Iron Gate Ministry

Wednesday, March 12 at “Midweek

Peak” from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

(optional dinner at 5:30 p.m. $5.00)

Fellowship Hall

Led by Rev. Michael Riggs

Wednesday, March 19

NO Mid-Week Peak

Happy Spring Break!

According to Mark

Baby Girl!

Children's Minis-

try Director,

Beverly Vale

Brown, is the

joyous grand-

mother of a new baby girl, Aberdeen

Opal Vale, born Feb. 28th to Jamie

and Jonathan Vale.

Daylight Savings

March 9