Sunday School - fcctulsa.org · 12/20/2013  · Page 2 First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org First Christian Church

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa Vol. 18, Number 24 December 20, 2013

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org

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, December 22Elder Prayers: 9:00 James Howard, offering; Jean Swanson, communionScripture Reader: Don BrooksElder of the Week: (December 23) Kay ThompsonCommunion Preparation: Barbara Pollard and Caleb AllenDeacons serving communion: Susan McKee, Thressa Northcutt, Bill Northcutt,Kate Northcutt, Bob Parks, Sue Parks, Millie Elswick, Marcia Boyd, MargaretCulley, Hunter BlackburnGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, December 22: The flowers are given by Tom Nulf in lovingmemory of his wife, Glenda.Flower delivery week of December 22: David and Maggie Thompson

Serving Schedule Sunday, December 29Elder Prayers: 9:00 Molly Krumme, offering; Jennifer Annis, communionScripture Reader: Sharon RegneryElder of the Week: (December 30) Rihab GarnerCommunion Preparation: Don and Jean SwansonDeacons serving communion: Susan McKee, Thressa Northcutt, Bill Northcutt,Kate Northcutt, Bob Parks, Sue Parks, Millie Elswick, Marcia Boyd, MargaretCulley, Hunter BlackburnGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, December 29: Paul and Mardell Campbell give the flowersin honor of their five great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Audrey, Sophie, Chloe and Jack.Flower delivery week of December 29: Helen and Bill Pummill

Serving Schedule Sunday, January 5Elder Prayers: 9:00 Sandra Lewis, offering; Brian Knight, communionScripture Reader: Molly KrummeElder of the Week: (January 6) James HowardCommunion Preparation: Ray WrightDeacons serving communion: Raylene Barclay, Christy Brooks, Don Brooks, JimFreeman, Sandra Freeman, Mary Garner, Joyce Kendall, Bobbie LewisGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, December January 5: The flowers are given by SueTrimble in loving memory of her husband, Ray, whose birthday would have beenJanuary 1st.Flower delivery week of January 5: Mardell and Paul Campbell

Aga-PatrianNext Sunday: Weʼll continue RomansLast Sunday: Romans 8: 18-30; weserved breakfast to the children.Class Concerns: Pray for all our classmembers who couldnʼt be with us todayUpcoming Events: Santaʼs WorkshopDate: Dec. 22 from 10:30 - 2:30Volunteers are needed to help childrenshop and wrap gifts.Class Concerns: Keep Vicki Vandivort inyour prayers.13 Present. RG

Double Ring

Next Sunday: Richard Lawson will teachour classLast Sunday: Charles Hargrove taughtabout God giving all the power to Jesus,his son, in heaven and earth.Upcoming Events: Christmas party onDecember 16th (Mon.) 6:30 pm, FH.Celebrations: Mary Lou Gibson and JackElswickʼs birthdaysClass Concerns: Bobbie Lewis, David andElizabeth Dunning38 Present. JAG

Homebuilders

Next Sunday: Bob Rorschach will teachLast Sunday: Clarke Kendall gave ourlesson.Upcoming Events: Happy TimersDate: December 19th at 11:00Place: Fellowship HallCelebrations: Merry Christmas! God blessus every one!Class Concerns: Our homeboundmembers. We wish them well for theChristmas season.16 Present. LS

Sojourners.Upcoming Events: Christmas Party.Date: December 21st at Ethel Brownʼs6 Present. CD

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

Love from the Sparkle Box

Outreach team member Cassie Gray shared

this experience of children participating in FCC

advent activities with Director of Children's

Ministries, Beverly Vale Brown:

"Wasn't the advent festival great?! The room

was filled with so much joy, love, and holiday

spirit. This year the Outreach Committee

sponsored a table for the children to make

their very own Sparkle Boxes. The Sparkle Box

is a box to put our gifts for Jesus.

"After the children decorated their boxes they

were encouraged to write down one gift for

Jesus. One young boy eagerly wrote his gift on

his piece of paper and proudly showed it to me.

On the piece of paper, it simply said "my love."

Wow! There is no question that this church is

making a difference!"

Advent Activies Offer Many Opportunities

to Give from the Heart

Advent Festival last Sunday be-

gan with member Becky Gray read-

ing from the Sparkle Book, which

presents things a young person can

put in their Sparkle Box, things like

community service or helping a

family member or another person.

Some suggestions were as simple

as giving someone a smile or a hug,

making your bed, or putting your

toys away. The suggestions were

written on paper stars hanging on

the Sparkle Tree in the main lobby.

This was how the children got

started on their advent experience. Jim and Becky Gray with gifts for

Santa’s Workshop(See SPARKLE page 7)

Special Christmas

Activities

Friday, December 20

7:00 “Blue Christmas: A Service

of Hope and Solace,” Chapel

Sunday, December 22

9:00 Worship, Sanctuary

Congregational Meeting Part 1

10:30 – 2:30 Children shop in

Santa’s Workshop,

Homebuilders Rm.

11:15 Worship Common Ground,

Fellowship Hall

Congregational Meeting Part 2

12:30 – 2:30 Chi Rho and CYF

Wrap Santa’s Workshop packages

Tuesday, December 24

5:30 Christmas Eve Service,

Fellowship Hall

10:00 Cider and Cookies, FH

11:00 Christmas Eve Service

in the Sanctuary

See Page 2 for more

important dates.

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org Page 7Page 2

Prayers and Cares

SPARKLE from page 1

NO MIDWEEK PEAK FORDECEMBER 25 OR

JANUARY 1CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK

Midweak Peak will resume on

January 8. When Reverend Riggs

returns from a pilgrimage to the

holy land, he will begin a new study

on the Book of Mark.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Barbara Griffin - Memorial Service, Jan. 7 at 11 AM in the Chapel

HEALTH

John and Donna Ackenhausen

Kay Bauter

Shirley Bennett

Marcia Boyd

Mardell Campbell

Jerry Carlton

Pat and Jim Dalby

Jeff Daniel

Della Davidson

Dollie Dorough

Linda Douglas

David and Beth Dunning

Carolyn Dyer

Jarrod Elmore

Krista English, cancer

Jerry Gay

Les and Marcia Hames

Hope Harder

OTHER

Turner, Webster and Anderson families

Louis Hayward

Hugh Henderson

Brandy Iliff

Dan Kimes, organ tuner

Paul Moffett

Rossie Patterson

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

The

Wilder

Side

Millie and

Jack Elswick

were walking

on air Sun-

day! Their

grandson, Barrett, will be home for

Christmas!! They will have their

celebration next Sunday.

Bill and Lucy Spear had a fun trip

to Nashville, with their daughter

Cindy. They went to the “Grand Ole

Opery”, and to see the Gatlin

Brothers, Vince Gill and the Lori

Morgan Christmas Show. Best of

all, they stayed at the Gaylord

Hotel! It is so huge, they had to

have a map to get around in it. Oh

yeah, they got to see The

Rockettes, too. Sounded like a

great trip.

Marcia Hawkins is going with the

same travel people, after Christ-

mas, to Pasadena to see the Rose

Bowl Parade.

Joyce Marston is spending

Christmas in Kansas with her son’s

family. Hilda Betts is going to

Austin to be with her kids. Gay and

her son Scott Wion are flying to

Houston Christmas Eve, to be with

Todd and Suzanne and Sean and

Ginna Ray, and their almost baby!

Paul and Kay Thompson will

return to Ft. Worth where all of their

children and grandchildren will

meet for the Holidays.

Sure was glad to see Cindy and

Joe Semones in church Sunday. I’m

glad they are close to home again.

A sign at a Propane filling station:

“Thank heaven for little grills.”

See you at Church, Ruthie

Prayers for

Jarrod Elmore

Jarrod Elmore, FCC’s

contemporary worship leader,

was hospitalized on November

24 following injuries sustained

from a seizure. He was released

earlier this month but is

currently unable to fulfill his

duties while he undergoes

additional treatment.

The Personnel Committee

has placed him on an unpaid

leave-of-absence through mid-

February while he continues on

his path of recovery. Please

keep Jarrod in your prayers, and

pray for our church as we move

forward with our contemporary

worship in his absence.

Does it mean anything real anymore?

Are we just going through the motions

because they’re familiar to us? Oh,

we may verbally acknowledge that

“Jesus is the reason for the season”

but that phrase has become a cliché,

tired and worn out, no longer

convicting or convincing. Is Christmas

still relevant to our human condition,

or has the celebration of Christmas

been reduced to shopping, parties,

and presents?

Here are some questions we need

to ask if Christmas is going to have

any real meaning beyond a

regurgitation of popular and secular

culture: What does it mean that God

would come to us in the form of a tiny

human baby? Why would God do

that? Why would we need God to do

that? Why would we want God to do

that? Something happened for the

Word of God to choose to become

human flesh and dwell among us. We

were looking for a Messiah, and God

gave us one. Why were we looking?

Are we still in need of one? These

questions lie at the very heart of our

faith, deep and difficult questions that

give us cause to wrestle with the

Divine Mystery in worship and prayer

and service.

This Christmas Eve, come and

experience the Divine Mystery as we

gather with carols, communion, and

candlelight. 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

discover light and life. Come and

discover anew the reason for our

celebration.

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and

triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye, to

Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the

King of angels...”

Our Christmas Eve services begin

at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

and 11:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

O come, my sisters and brothers,

let us adore Him.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rev. Michael

“O come, all ye faithful...”

I don’t know about you, but I’m not

ready for Christmas. I haven’t had

time to put up any lights; I haven’t

done any shopping yet; Cassie and I

haven’t been able to send out any

Christmas cards; we haven’t even

gotten out our Christmas tree yet (and

our cats are losing their patience on

that one). I am SO not ready for

Christmas. In fact, I’m extraordinarily

unprepared for Christmas – eek!!

It seems that every year the

Christmas season comes earlier and

earlier. Coffeeshops and shopping

malls have been playing the old

familiar carols for a couple of months,

already. My mailbox has been stuffed

so full of advertisements on holiday

sales that I fear the retailers are

putting trees onto the endangered

species list. Things just seem to get

busier and busier and I never feel

ready for Christmas. By the time it

comes, after I’ve made the Herculean

effort to get everything done, I’m so

glad it’s all over and I don’t have to

go through the holiday madness for

another eleven months. Or will it be

only ten?

Does something seem wrong with

the way we do this holiday hurricane

of Christmas?

It got them thinking

about gifts they could

give of themselves – no

price tag attached. We

had twelve booths set

up where children could

make their own nativity

scene, fashion a jingle

bells necklace, or paint a stained glass

ornament for their home.

At the sparkle box booth, the kids

had the opportunity to write down

what they would give to the new king

(see story on page 1). We had over 90

children participating in the activities,

including having their picture taken

with Santa.

And, this weekend we conclude the

Advent message with a visit to Santa’s

workshop, where each child – no

matter what his or her economic

circumstances are, will have an

opportunity to select gifts for their

family members. This is entirely

sponsored by FCC.

Beverly Vale Brown

2014 DEACONS MEETINGDecember 29th at 10:15

in the Sanctuary

DECEMBER 29thRecognition of 2013 Officers,

Elders, Deacons, Trustees andMinistry Council

in Worship Services

JANUARY 5thInstallation of 2014 Officers,

Elders, Deacons, Trustees andMinistry Council

in Worship Services

JANUARY 12thElders will serve Communion

to Home-Centered

Page 2Page 2 Page 3

YEAR END GIFT REMINDER

As you consider your charitable giving for the rest of this year, the following are things to consider in your

planning:

1. The gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares to fulfill pledges can be a great tax

advantage. With today’s stock market this may not be advantageous unless the stock shows an

appreciated value. The donor gets to deduct the full value of the property on the day the gift is

donated, and to avoid capital gains taxes as well, if itemizing deductions on Income Tax returns.

But start soon to allow time to complete the transaction before December 31st. Call your tax

advisor or Mary Byrne for details.

2. IRA Charitable Gifts If you are over 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, you may request your IRA

administrator to make direct distributions up to $100,000 in 2013 to the church or other charities. It

will not be counted as a taxable distribution to you, and it can be counted against your required

minimum distribution if you choose. This window of opportunity closes as of December 31, 2013.

You may want to pay your pledge for 2014 in advance to take advantage of these tax savings.

2. For 2014 consider using Automated Bank Drafts to pay your pledge. You can choose the 3rd

and/or the 18th of the month to have the authorized amount withdrawn. Allow two weeks to get

started. Over 50 busy members are currently using this service to save time and checking costs and

to maintain their peace of mind. Questions? Call Mary Byrne at 582-8237, Ext. 113.

3. REMEMBER! All gifts to be included on your 2013 Income Tax return as charitable deductions

must be delivered to the church or postmarked by December 31st

. The church office will close

at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, December 31st

.

If you are behind on your 2013 General Fund pledge, please make every effort to catch up by December

31st. Let’s finish this year with extra giving and start next year on sound footing as careful stewards of this

church and its resources. A heartfelt Thank You to all of you who have faithfully supported the ministries

we provide here.

Given by Hilda Knox BettsIn honor and in loving memory of her family

Given by Ethel Mae BrownIn memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.Y. Brown

Given by Grace and Don DeanIn memory of Don A. DeanIn memory of Emily AlspaughIn memory of Maudie and Conrad BjerkanIn memory of Steven and Lina DeanIn memory of Mabel and Bill Byrd

Given by Carolyn DyerIn memory of Ernest and Hazel WiemannIn memory of Rick Dyer, Jr.In memory of Steven Dyer

Given by Bob and Rihab GarnerIn honor of Mary GarnerIn memory of Robert Burns Garner

2013 Poinsettias

Given by Nita GriggsIn memory of Roy Griggs

Given by George and Joan HaugerIn honor of their children

Kim and NancyRobert and AliceKathy and Scott Ostrem

In honor of their grandchildrenGeoff and AmyChristopher and OliviaJustin and Annika

In memory of their parents,Mary Eva and Leslie HaugerMartha Elizabeth Sutton

Given by James and Mary Lynn HowardIn honor of their familyIn memory of their parents

(Continued on Page 4)

Page 4

The 2013 Christmas Offering for

Regional Ministry

Disciples congregations will be receiving

these offerings on December 15 and 22

Your gifts to the Christmas Offering support all the

ministries of your regional church

The ministries of your regional church bring gifts:

v Of care and nurture of congregations and pastors through the

Regional Commission on Clergy

v Of summer ministries to children and youth who attend camps

and conferences sponsored by the Commission on Children,

Youth and Young Adults

v To those who lost homes and were injured or lost loved ones

during the May tornados

v Of consultation and direction to congregations seeking

transitional pastors or installed pastors

v Of education and resources through the annual Leadership

Training School.

A Service of Hope and Solace

Friday, December 20th

7:00 p.m. in the Chapel

The holidays are supposed to full

of joy, but for many of us finding it

is an enormous challenge. While

others are singing and shopping

and seemingly happy, some

struggle with depression, grief,

anxiety, sadness, or a sense of loss.

For those having the “Christmas

blues,” the bright lights and

sparkling traditions only heighten

the struggle to find joy.

“Blue Christmas” is a worship

service uniquely fitted to those

who find at “the most wonderful

time of the year” a paradoxical

increase in genuine feelings of

sadness and grief. True joy does

not exclude grief – it incorporates

it. “Blue Christmas” offers a special

and honest recognition of the

struggles that many people face

during this season.

All are welcome to share in this

special service and find hope and

solace in Christmas once again, and

find the Light in the darkness.

Please make your checkto First Christian Church

and mark your check“Christmas Offering.”

Given by Barbara IversonIn loving memory of Don Iverson

Given by Bobbie LewisIn honor of her family

Given by Married Peoples Class FundIn memory of their class members and history

Given by Bill and Helen PummillIn honor of their great-grandchildrenIn memory of “Tex” Houston and Kathryn Pummill

Given by Susan RorschachIn honor of Rob, Molly, Betsy, Barbara, Tom and JanIn honor of Mary Carolyn and Bob LengacherIn honor of Jay, Dayna and Bradley KrummeIn memory of Harold and Margaret RorschachIn memory of Fred and Blanche SampleIn memory of Emil and Emma Rorschach

Given by Wayna, Sharon, Wayne II and Warren RumleyIn memory of Barbara Joan Rumley, loving mother

Given by Wayne and Warren Rumley and thegrandchildren

In memory of Joe and Merwyn Wymore Rumley In memory of Gertrude R. PohlmanGiven by Wand Vint

In memory of Maurice Steele and Jesse VintGiven by Jimmie and Karen Younger

In honor of Michael and Cassie RiggsIn memory of Karenʼs sister, Peggy PumphreyIn memory of Jimmieʼs brother, Luther Younger

Given by Richard and Peggy ZiglarIn honor of the FCC staffIn honor of FCC Centenarians, Vera Winston

and Mary Howard, andIn memory of their spouses, Forrest Winston and

Sam Howard

2013 Poinsettias (cont’d)

FCC Activities and Opportunities

Page 2Page 2 Page 5

CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGCongregational Meeting on

Sunday, December 22following both worship

services to approve 2014budget.

Thursday, December 1911:00 Happy Timers, Sanctuary and

FH: A Merry Christmas MusicalMedley from the Mystery Men ofFCC”

1:30 - 8:00 LifeTouch Directory Photos Taken, Parlor7:00 Jazz to the World, Sanctuary – Reception in FH following

Friday, December 207:00 “Blue Christmas: A Service of Hope and Solace,” Chapel

Saturday, December 21Communion Preparation: Barbara Pollard & Caleb AllenSojourners Class Christmas Party at Ethel Brown’s

Sunday, December 22Fourth Sunday of Advent

NEACCO Prayer Calendar: OK Center for Community & Justice – Nancy Day9:00 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary – Congregational Meeting Part 1 following10:00 Breakfast for the Children, FH10:15-11:00 All Sunday School classes10:30 – 2:30 Children shop in Santa’s Workshop, Homebuilders Rm.11:15 Worship in Common Ground, Fellowship Hall – Congregational Meeting Part 2 followingCHILDREN’S PROGRAMS (Pre-K –5th grades)12:30 – 2:30 (Junior Youth Fellowship)Christmas Lunch and Activities, 3rd Fl.YOUTH PROGRAMS (6th – 12th

grades)12:30 – 2:30 (Chi Rho and CYF),Wrap Santa’s Workshop packages,EFH and video/music in FH

Monday, December 23TPS Christmas Holiday throughJan. 3rdElder of the Week: Kay Thompson8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch, 8101 E. 68th St., Devotion: Kay Thompson

Tuesday, December 24Christmas EveCDC Closed – Christmas Break5:30 Christmas Eve service in the FH10:00 Cider and Cookies, FH11:00 Christmas Eve Service in the Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 25 – MerryChristmas!FCC and CDC Closed - Christmas

Break

Thursday, December 26CDC closed - Christmas Break

Friday, December 27CDC closed - Christmas Break

Saturday, December 28Communion Preparation: Don and Jean SwansonSunday, December 29NEACCO Prayer Calendar: Pray for the New Year and Ministries of the Christian Church (DOC) in Oklahoma9:00 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary10:00 Breakfast for the Children, FH10:15 Deacons Meeting, Sanctuary10:15 -11:00 All Sunday School classes11:15 Worship in Common Ground, Fellowship HallNO CHILDREN OR YOUTHPROGRAMS

Monday, December 30CDC Closed – Christmas Break

(Sandra off all week)Elder of the Week: Rihab Garner8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch,8101 E. 68th St., Devotion: Rihab Garner

Tuesday, December 31CDC Closed – Christmas Break9:30 Prayer Group, Library

Wednesday, January 1 – HappyNew Year!

New Year’s Day -FCC & CDC Closed

Thursday, January 2CDC Reopens

Friday, January 3No events scheduled

Saturday, January 4Communion Preparation:Sunday, January 5Season of Epiphany beginsNEACCO Prayer Calendar: First Christian Church, Bartlesville9:00 Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary10:00 Breakfast for the Children, FH10:15-11:00 All Sunday School classes11:15 Worship in Common Ground,

Fellowship HallNO AFTERNOON CHILDREN OR

YOUTH PROGRAMS6:00 The Loft, North end of the youth

lounge, 4th floor

Monday, January 6Vision to be publishedElder of the Week: James Howard8:00 Prayer Breakfast, FirstWatch, Devotion:

Tuesday, January 79:30 Prayer Group, Library11:00 Barbara Griffin Memorial Service, Chapel

Wednesday, January 810:00 Staff Meeting, EFHMidweek Peak Resumes5:30 Light Supper - $5 FH6:00 Bible Study, FHAdult Choir Program7:00 Sanctuary Choir, Choir Rm.

Thursday, January 910:00 a.m. Members packing Snack Packs, SFH10:30 a.m. – Noon CWF (Disciples Women), EFH5:30 – 7:00 Outreach opportunity:Prepare and serve meal for folks atDay Center for the Homeless, 415W. Archer - Sign up sheets in MainStreet lobbyIMPORTANT!

There won’t be anyone at the frontdesk at FCC December 24 -Jan. 1st.CDC is closed and Sandra is takingvacation days. If you don’t know thechurch code, you won’t be able to getin during the day. If you need to knowthe code, call Mary Byrne or BeverlyVale Brown.

Attendance and Gifts

Page 6

Sunday, December 8(Ice and snow - no vans)

Worship9:00 Sanctuary 7211:15 Common Ground 20The Loft na Total Adults 92Children 19Total Worship Attendance 111

Sunday SchoolPreschool 5Elementary 14Youth 6Adults 49 Total Attendance 74

FinancesGeneral Fund $ 5,630.00Sunday School 8.00Loose Offering 30.00 Total $5,668.00

WWBS Fund $650.00Thanksgiving Offering

Gifts Given

Sunday, December 15

Worship9:00 Sanctuary 10511:15 Common Ground 72The Loft 23 Total Adults 200Children 90Total Worship Attendance 290

Sunday SchoolPreschool 34Elementary 56Youth 27Adults 80 Total Attendance 197

FinancesGeneral Fund $ 10,394.88Sunday School 20.50Loose Offering 80.00 Total $10,495.38

WWBS Fund $ 1,033.34Christmas Offering $ 390.00Week of Compassion 210.00

Week of CompassionIn honor and appreciation of theCustodial staff and Hospitality Team

Laurita Williams

COATS, HATS, MITTENS ANDSCARVES NEEDED!

Many of the people who visit us for

snack packs need warm outdoor

clothing. If you can spare any of these

please bring them to church next trip.

Thank you!

First Christian Church Downtown Tulsa - 5:30 PM & 11 PM

January

DecemberDecember 19: Caleb Allen, Mary LouGibson, Heather MurphyDecember 20: Velma Pishel,Montana PoorboyDecember 22: Christy BrooksDecember 25: Diane SmalingDecember 26: Bob GardnerDecember 27: Pauline Adkins, JohnAlspaugh, Susan Clay, HaroldHatfield, Maggie LargessDecember 28: Jack Elswick, GrantParkerDecember 29: Rick BowlinDecember 31: Becky Gray

January 1: Jack SandersJanuary 3: Gloria TigerJanuary 4: Jim AlspaughJanuary 5: Chip Daughtry, JoAnneWilkinsonJanuary 6: Suzy Fisher, MaxineHowellJanuary 7: Melvin Johnson,Kira SeeJanuary 9: Derrick Hildebrant,Don RayJanuary 10: Shawn Casey,Gena GwartneyJanuary 11: Darlene Blackburn, TerryCapria, Marsha RogersJanuary 12: Kari Alspaugh,Reagan Blackburn, Della Davidson,Tyler MillerJanuary 15: Damacio Britt,Lucena Britt

grateful to all who have generouslyresponded with their gifts of time,talent and treasure! One hundred seventeen peoplehave pledged $445,137 for nextyear’s ministries! If you have notyet done so please send yourpledge 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!

2014 Pledge Update We have received 121 commit-

ment cards for 2014. We are

Camp Christian has an anonymous benefactor who will match dollar-for-dollar funds raised for this cam-

paign. 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.

“CAMP CHRISTIAN UPDATE” FUND

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org Page 7Page 2

Prayers and Cares

SPARKLE from page 1

NO MIDWEEK PEAK FORDECEMBER 25 OR

JANUARY 1CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK

Midweak Peak will resume on

January 8. When Reverend Riggs

returns from a pilgrimage to the

holy land, he will begin a new study

on the Book of Mark.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Barbara Griffin - Memorial Service, Jan. 7 at 11 AM in the Chapel

HEALTH

John and Donna Ackenhausen

Kay Bauter

Shirley Bennett

Marcia Boyd

Mardell Campbell

Jerry Carlton

Pat and Jim Dalby

Jeff Daniel

Della Davidson

Dollie Dorough

Linda Douglas

David and Beth Dunning

Carolyn Dyer

Jarrod Elmore

Krista English, cancer

Jerry Gay

Les and Marcia Hames

Hope Harder

OTHER

Turner, Webster and Anderson families

Louis Hayward

Hugh Henderson

Brandy Iliff

Dan Kimes, organ tuner

Paul Moffett

Rossie Patterson

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

The

Wilder

Side

Millie and

Jack Elswick

were walking

on air Sun-

day! Their

grandson, Barrett, will be home for

Christmas!! They will have their

celebration next Sunday.

Bill and Lucy Spear had a fun trip

to Nashville, with their daughter

Cindy. They went to the “Grand Ole

Opery”, and to see the Gatlin

Brothers, Vince Gill and the Lori

Morgan Christmas Show. Best of

all, they stayed at the Gaylord

Hotel! It is so huge, they had to

have a map to get around in it. Oh

yeah, they got to see The

Rockettes, too. Sounded like a

great trip.

Marcia Hawkins is going with the

same travel people, after Christ-

mas, to Pasadena to see the Rose

Bowl Parade.

Joyce Marston is spending

Christmas in Kansas with her son’s

family. Hilda Betts is going to

Austin to be with her kids. Gay and

her son Scott Wion are flying to

Houston Christmas Eve, to be with

Todd and Suzanne and Sean and

Ginna Ray, and their almost baby!

Paul and Kay Thompson will

return to Ft. Worth where all of their

children and grandchildren will

meet for the Holidays.

Sure was glad to see Cindy and

Joe Semones in church Sunday. I’m

glad they are close to home again.

A sign at a Propane filling station:

“Thank heaven for little grills.”

See you at Church, Ruthie

Prayers for

Jarrod Elmore

Jarrod Elmore, FCC’s

contemporary worship leader,

was hospitalized on November

24 following injuries sustained

from a seizure. He was released

earlier this month but is

currently unable to fulfill his

duties while he undergoes

additional treatment.

The Personnel Committee

has placed him on an unpaid

leave-of-absence through mid-

February while he continues on

his path of recovery. Please

keep Jarrod in your prayers, and

pray for our church as we move

forward with our contemporary

worship in his absence.

Does it mean anything real anymore?

Are we just going through the motions

because they’re familiar to us? Oh,

we may verbally acknowledge that

“Jesus is the reason for the season”

but that phrase has become a cliché,

tired and worn out, no longer

convicting or convincing. Is Christmas

still relevant to our human condition,

or has the celebration of Christmas

been reduced to shopping, parties,

and presents?

Here are some questions we need

to ask if Christmas is going to have

any real meaning beyond a

regurgitation of popular and secular

culture: What does it mean that God

would come to us in the form of a tiny

human baby? Why would God do

that? Why would we need God to do

that? Why would we want God to do

that? Something happened for the

Word of God to choose to become

human flesh and dwell among us. We

were looking for a Messiah, and God

gave us one. Why were we looking?

Are we still in need of one? These

questions lie at the very heart of our

faith, deep and difficult questions that

give us cause to wrestle with the

Divine Mystery in worship and prayer

and service.

This Christmas Eve, come and

experience the Divine Mystery as we

gather with carols, communion, and

candlelight. 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

discover light and life. Come and

discover anew the reason for our

celebration.

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and

triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye, to

Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the

King of angels...”

Our Christmas Eve services begin

at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

and 11:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

O come, my sisters and brothers,

let us adore Him.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rev. Michael

“O come, all ye faithful...”

I don’t know about you, but I’m not

ready for Christmas. I haven’t had

time to put up any lights; I haven’t

done any shopping yet; Cassie and I

haven’t been able to send out any

Christmas cards; we haven’t even

gotten out our Christmas tree yet (and

our cats are losing their patience on

that one). I am SO not ready for

Christmas. In fact, I’m extraordinarily

unprepared for Christmas – eek!!

It seems that every year the

Christmas season comes earlier and

earlier. Coffeeshops and shopping

malls have been playing the old

familiar carols for a couple of months,

already. My mailbox has been stuffed

so full of advertisements on holiday

sales that I fear the retailers are

putting trees onto the endangered

species list. Things just seem to get

busier and busier and I never feel

ready for Christmas. By the time it

comes, after I’ve made the Herculean

effort to get everything done, I’m so

glad it’s all over and I don’t have to

go through the holiday madness for

another eleven months. Or will it be

only ten?

Does something seem wrong with

the way we do this holiday hurricane

of Christmas?

It got them thinking

about gifts they could

give of themselves – no

price tag attached. We

had twelve booths set

up where children could

make their own nativity

scene, fashion a jingle

bells necklace, or paint a stained glass

ornament for their home.

At the sparkle box booth, the kids

had the opportunity to write down

what they would give to the new king

(see story on page 1). We had over 90

children participating in the activities,

including having their picture taken

with Santa.

And, this weekend we conclude the

Advent message with a visit to Santa’s

workshop, where each child – no

matter what his or her economic

circumstances are, will have an

opportunity to select gifts for their

family members. This is entirely

sponsored by FCC.

Beverly Vale Brown

2014 DEACONS MEETINGDecember 29th at 10:15

in the Sanctuary

DECEMBER 29thRecognition of 2013 Officers,

Elders, Deacons, Trustees andMinistry Council

in Worship Services

JANUARY 5thInstallation of 2014 Officers,

Elders, Deacons, Trustees andMinistry Council

in Worship Services

JANUARY 12thElders will serve Communion

to Home-Centered

A publication of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa Vol. 18, Number 24 December 20, 2013

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 913 S. Boulder, Tulsa, OK • 918.582.8237 • fcctulsa.org

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, December 22Elder Prayers: 9:00 James Howard, offering; Jean Swanson, communionScripture Reader: Don BrooksElder of the Week: (December 23) Kay ThompsonCommunion Preparation: Barbara Pollard and Caleb AllenDeacons serving communion: Susan McKee, Thressa Northcutt, Bill Northcutt,Kate Northcutt, Bob Parks, Sue Parks, Millie Elswick, Marcia Boyd, MargaretCulley, Hunter BlackburnGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, December 22: The flowers are given by Tom Nulf in lovingmemory of his wife, Glenda.Flower delivery week of December 22: David and Maggie Thompson

Serving Schedule Sunday, December 29Elder Prayers: 9:00 Molly Krumme, offering; Jennifer Annis, communionScripture Reader: Sharon RegneryElder of the Week: (December 30) Rihab GarnerCommunion Preparation: Don and Jean SwansonDeacons serving communion: Susan McKee, Thressa Northcutt, Bill Northcutt,Kate Northcutt, Bob Parks, Sue Parks, Millie Elswick, Marcia Boyd, MargaretCulley, Hunter BlackburnGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, December 29: Paul and Mardell Campbell give the flowersin honor of their five great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Audrey, Sophie, Chloe and Jack.Flower delivery week of December 29: Helen and Bill Pummill

Serving Schedule Sunday, January 5Elder Prayers: 9:00 Sandra Lewis, offering; Brian Knight, communionScripture Reader: Molly KrummeElder of the Week: (January 6) James HowardCommunion Preparation: Ray WrightDeacons serving communion: Raylene Barclay, Christy Brooks, Don Brooks, JimFreeman, Sandra Freeman, Mary Garner, Joyce Kendall, Bobbie LewisGreeters: Helen and Bill PummillFlowers for Sunday, December January 5: The flowers are given by SueTrimble in loving memory of her husband, Ray, whose birthday would have beenJanuary 1st.Flower delivery week of January 5: Mardell and Paul Campbell

Aga-PatrianNext Sunday: Weʼll continue RomansLast Sunday: Romans 8: 18-30; weserved breakfast to the children.Class Concerns: Pray for all our classmembers who couldnʼt be with us todayUpcoming Events: Santaʼs WorkshopDate: Dec. 22 from 10:30 - 2:30Volunteers are needed to help childrenshop and wrap gifts.Class Concerns: Keep Vicki Vandivort inyour prayers.13 Present. RG

Double Ring

Next Sunday: Richard Lawson will teachour classLast Sunday: Charles Hargrove taughtabout God giving all the power to Jesus,his son, in heaven and earth.Upcoming Events: Christmas party onDecember 16th (Mon.) 6:30 pm, FH.Celebrations: Mary Lou Gibson and JackElswickʼs birthdaysClass Concerns: Bobbie Lewis, David andElizabeth Dunning38 Present. JAG

Homebuilders

Next Sunday: Bob Rorschach will teachLast Sunday: Clarke Kendall gave ourlesson.Upcoming Events: Happy TimersDate: December 19th at 11:00Place: Fellowship HallCelebrations: Merry Christmas! God blessus every one!Class Concerns: Our homeboundmembers. We wish them well for theChristmas season.16 Present. LS

Sojourners.Upcoming Events: Christmas Party.Date: December 21st at Ethel Brownʼs6 Present. CD

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

Love from the Sparkle Box

Outreach team member Cassie Gray shared

this experience of children participating in FCC

advent activities with Director of Children's

Ministries, Beverly Vale Brown:

"Wasn't the advent festival great?! The room

was filled with so much joy, love, and holiday

spirit. This year the Outreach Committee

sponsored a table for the children to make

their very own Sparkle Boxes. The Sparkle Box

is a box to put our gifts for Jesus.

"After the children decorated their boxes they

were encouraged to write down one gift for

Jesus. One young boy eagerly wrote his gift on

his piece of paper and proudly showed it to me.

On the piece of paper, it simply said "my love."

Wow! There is no question that this church is

making a difference!"

Advent Activies Offer Many Opportunities

to Give from the Heart

Advent Festival last Sunday be-

gan with member Becky Gray read-

ing from the Sparkle Book, which

presents things a young person can

put in their Sparkle Box, things like

community service or helping a

family member or another person.

Some suggestions were as simple

as giving someone a smile or a hug,

making your bed, or putting your

toys away. The suggestions were

written on paper stars hanging on

the Sparkle Tree in the main lobby.

This was how the children got

started on their advent experience. Jim and Becky Gray with gifts for

Santa’s Workshop(See SPARKLE page 7)

Special Christmas

Activities

Friday, December 20

7:00 “Blue Christmas: A Service

of Hope and Solace,” Chapel

Sunday, December 22

9:00 Worship, Sanctuary

Congregational Meeting Part 1

10:30 – 2:30 Children shop in

Santa’s Workshop,

Homebuilders Rm.

11:15 Worship Common Ground,

Fellowship Hall

Congregational Meeting Part 2

12:30 – 2:30 Chi Rho and CYF

Wrap Santa’s Workshop packages

Tuesday, December 24

5:30 Christmas Eve Service,

Fellowship Hall

10:00 Cider and Cookies, FH

11:00 Christmas Eve Service

in the Sanctuary

See Page 2 for more

important dates.