The Messenger
College Hill Presbyterian Church
Progressive Theology, Traditional Worship, Inclusive Congregation (PCUSA)
Affiliated with More Light Presbyterians and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians
September 2018
712 S. Columbia Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74104
918.592.5800

Church Office Hours:
Mon - Th, 9 am - 3 pm
Closed on Fridays

Worship Schedule:
9:30 am - Church School - all ages
10:30 am - Fellowship
11:00 am - Worship in English
11:00 am - Worship in Spanish

Church Email:

Pastor Email:

Website:

Join us for coffee, juice, cookies and
conversation in Fellowship Hall before
Church School and Worship.
Word From the Pastor
There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how meaningful the month of August was here at the church.

The  Harold E. Hill Lecture Series , with speaker  John Pavlovitz , was a remarkably successful and inspirational event, as was his preaching the next day during worship. A huge thank you to everyone who helped put together this historic event in the life of the progressive community of Tulsa!

Then, the following week, the Combined Service of Worship with Fellowship Congregational and East Side Christian at Phillips Theological Seminary was a wonderful and fun experience! Thanks to  P.J. Brobston , moderator of our Worship & Music ministry team, for initiating this venture. It was a meaningful process working with other church leaders to put this service together.

I want to highlight a few of important announcements in this month’s Newsletter. Sunday,  September 9 , is our annual  Rally Day , beginning with a  Pancake Breakfast at  9:00 am . Church School classes will then meet briefly at 9:30 am, including a tour of the classrooms and church facility. During worship on that day we will have our annual  Commissioning of Church School Teachers, Kid Connection Volunteers, and Youth Group Sponsors . As you know, we are blessed by many talented and dedicated teachers and volunteers in our Christian Education program.

Oh yeah, one more thing: I will be out of the country from Sunday, September 9 through Friday, the 21 st . I’m joining a group of 15 for an educational  Interfaith trip to Israel, Palestine, and Istanbul, Turkey , sponsored by Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry (TMM). There will be gatherings and conversations with both Jewish and Muslim groups. Our group will be staying in the heart of the old city of Jerusalem and the old city of Istanbul. I ask for your prayers for a meaningful, safe, and inspirational journey.

Also, I have a trip planned to Christ In the Desert Monastery and a conference at nearby Ghost Ranch from October 1-8, for which I will be using the generous 10th anniversary gift from the congregation.

And as always, know that I and the  Congregational Care ministry team (moderated by  Marilyn Hill ) are truly interested in knowing if you or your family has a  pastoral concern (illnesses, surgeries, death in the family, special needs, as well as joys and celebrations).

Our level of nurturing support and care for one another in this community of faith is indeed one of the most meaningful aspects of our ministry together.

Blessings,
Rev. Todd
The church office will be closed Monday, September 3 for Labor Day
Mary Ann Heck
Deborah Shallcross
Phyllis & Roy Wimer
Church Photos
Our Book Study Group met to discuss John Pavlovitz' A Bigger Table: Building Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community , before his visit to College Hill.

The two photos below are John leading a meaningful discussion with our Adult Church School Class . The four legs of a bigger table: radical hospitality, total authenticity, true diversity, agenda-free relationships / community.
John Pavlovitz asked for a gathering of progressive leaders to have a more in-depth conversation. The group included the executive directors of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry (TMM), Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ), and Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ), as well as pastors from various denominations.
Harold E. Hill
Lecture Series
Saturday, August 11

With an overflow crowd of around 340 people (with a sound and audio feed into the Fellowship Hall, thanks to Terry Gamel ), speaker John Pavlovitz provided a message of hope, challenge, and inspiration to a huge cross section of Tulsa's progressive community.

A special thank you to the moderator of the series' Steering Committee, Judith Nole . And thanks to Bill Major and Robert Babcock for hosting a reception for John on Friday evening in their new home after a discussion with College Hill leaders. Also, thanks to the Fellowship ministry team , Alicia Odum , moderator, Emily Gamel , Bryan and Clay Finck-Ward and many others for the wonderful reception in Fellowship Hall after the lecture.
A couple of photos from Sunday morning's Service of Worship. John Pavlovitz not only preached, but led a wonderful Time With the Children.
Combined Service of Worship

Sunday, August 19
at Phillips Theological Seminary

College Hill
Fellowship Congregational
East Side Christian
September

3 - Jim Brown  
 3 - Todd Freeman
 3 - John Carroll          
 5 - Taylor Brennan
 9 - David Hensley
 9 - Nora Featherston
10 - Jim Campbell
11 - Sharon Coleman
11 - Steven Rhoden
15 - Adam Brennan
16 - Julio Melendez
17 - Bill Nole
19 - Kim Childs
19 - P.J. Brobston
19 - Aubrey Hovenga
20 - Diane Buchner
20 - Laura Wimer
20 - Eric Nelson
22 - Katie Abercrombie
24 - Spencer Livingston-Gainey
24 - John Gammie
25 - Amy Williamson                                
27 - David Ordonez
30 - Sofia Emma Ohlson
30 - Jesper Nils Ohlson
30 - Sandy Farler-Hoyt
30 - Miles McAnally

 
Remember the 
Birthday Endowment Fund!
Rally Day
 Sunday, September 9

The day will begin with a delicious 
Pancake Breakfast at 9:00 am
followed by a celebration of the new church school year with an introduction of the children to their teachers and classes.

There will be a Commissioning of Teachers & CE Volunteers during the service of worship.

John & Nancy Gammie will host a
Back to Church School
Swim Party & Potluck
at their home after worship.

Please click here to RSVP  to Nancy and get directions to their home.

Burgers and hotdogs will be provided -
the rest is

Potluck:

L ast name A-M:
Please bring a side dish
Last names N-Z:
Dessert

Seating is limited, so please bring a bag chair.  If you have not been attending church school class, you are missing an opportunity to grow in your faith through our Christian Education program.

Please stop by and see Sue Haskins ( moderator of our Visitor and New Member Nurture ministry team) at our information table in Fellowship Hall to learn more about our church ministry teams and how YOU can get involved.
Congregational Care Needs:

We are looking for volunteers to help transport some of our folks to worship on Sunday morning. Mary McAnally , Rosie Brown , and occasionally Pat Lucy have transportation needs.

Mary lives near 61st and Sheridan. Pat lives near 71st and Yale. Rosie will be moving in September to a senior community near 36th North and MLK (Cincinnati).

If you are willing to help provide care in this way, please (click name to) contact
Marilyn Hill , moderator of our Congregational Care ministry team.
THANK YOU!
Gay Miller with Onelia Anzola, Site Coordinator for Sequoyah Elementary, Communities in Schools of Mid-America
Outreach and Mission Team sends a big THANK YOU to College Hill for the congregation’s enthusiastic support for our recent 5th Sunday Offering for Sequoyah Elementary .

O&M moderator Terry Baxter and team member Gay Miller delivered several bags of uniforms and basic need supplies to Sequoyah on August 10th, along with a generous cash donation of almost $1200!

Your kindness and generosity will make a big difference for many students and families during the 2018-2019 school year!
CHPC Outreach & Mission
Needs Your Input

 Members of the congregation will soon receive a request from our Outreach & Mission Ministry team to complete a questionnaire about current and potential future outreach and mission opportunities for College Hill.  We ask that this is thoughtfully and quickly completed , (both online and paper versions will be available), so the results can be used for our 2019 budgeting process. Thanks in advance for your timely help with this important effort!
1st Sunday Offering
KWI Emergency Food Pantry
September 2

Our First Sunday food collection will go to the Kendall Whittier, Inc . Emergency Food Pantry.

We will again be collecting canned vegetables and canned fruit, as well as other non-perishable food items.

Cash donations are also always
welcome and much-appreciated!
Saturday, September 15 at 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall

Game Night is back from its summer hiatus and will be held on a Saturday night this month, to see if this will help even more folks join in the fun!

There will be plenty of games, but feel free to bring your favorite, as well as a snack to share . Please (click name to) contact Marilyn Hill for more information. Hope to see you there!
Luncheon Club
Thursday, September 20
at noon

Luncheon Club returns from Summer Break and will meet in Fellowship Hall to enjoy great food, fellowship and fun! Please (click name to) contact Gretchen Hannefield or Gay Miller for more information.

All are welcome!
Saturday, September 22

Chefs from our Hispanic Fellowship will prepare Mexican Spaghetti with mixed green salad and College Hill Cookies for this month’s Day Center for the Homeless meal .

Please sign up on Caroline’s Clipboard before or after worship to donate time, money or cookies. 
Caroline Johnson: Rescued! Tulsa woman gets out of a tight place with
the help of a lot of others.
__________________________________

By Caroline Johnson
Aug 5, 2018
__________________________________
My downhill foot hit nothing. Then I was tumbling.

Briefly, I had the sensation of being a kid rolling down gentler Oklahoma hills as I grabbed for vines or trees or anything to stop me.

A granite boulder did it with an almost audible smack.

Then I bounced into a shallow pool of Rose Creek rollicking along after a week of spring rain in the Shenandoah National Park.

My husband (Eagle Scout No. 1) soon appeared and tried to get me out of the water.

“I can’t stand on this leg,” I said, leaning against the bank .....
Something for the Spirit
My Church
by
Jerry Pogue
church member
August 28, 2018

As a disenchanted Baptist of 70+ years, I began searching for a new congregation that more fit my needs and desires. About three years ago, I liked the concept of "inclusive" rather that exclusive. I wanted more focus on the basic elements of worship -- more Bible-oriented focus and less entertainment. I enjoy music but don't want to feel like I should be dancing or swaying Also I am more interested in what that "shalt do" of the New Testament than concentrating "the shalt not" of Old Testament. I find the emphasis on using more of the latest technology distracting. I don't want a megachurch where I can hide and feel good about myself for having attended a service rather than having participated in friendly exchange with other worshipers. I found just what a needed at College Hill and the genuine interaction with fellow believers. 

Because of some medical issues I have not been able to participate in many programs and events aside from Sunday worship service. But I have been blessed by so many concerned by some of my problems and the sympathy and empathy.

My word study of "worship" taught me that the essence of corporate worship is that I feel like my dog who is content to sit by my feet hoping I will extend a loving hand and pet him. That's what I experience at College Hill -- I feel I have lain at the feet of God and he gave me the warm feeling of friendship and love. And the outpouring of support with cards, food and prayers during my recent cancer issues reaffirmed this.

Go and glow with God.

Jerry Pogue
Julie Buckley, spending some of her free time practicing her incredible piano playing skills
in the sanctuary.
COLLEGE HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

Dr. Kim J. Childs, Director of Music
Mike Gibson, Organist

Sunday Morning Music Offerings
Featuring the Chancel Choir
with Mike Gibson, organist
-------------------------------------------- September

September 2              Special Music
Teach Each Other in Wisdom
Bradley Ellingboe

September 9               Choral Anthem              
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Mark A. Miller
                                                                       
September 16            Choral Anthem         
Open Thou Mine Eyes
John Rutter


September 30           Choral Anthem               
Show Me Thy Ways
Walter L. Pelz; Lisa Wagner, oboe

---------------------------------------------
CHANCEL CHOIR

The Chancel Choir of College Hill Presbyterian Church rehearses Wednesdays at 6:45 p.m . in the second story choral room (next to the church office) for singing, fellowship and fun! If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir this fall, we are welcoming new members . Please contact the Director of Music.

BELLISSIMO
HANDBELL ENSEMBLE

BELLissimo Handbell Ensemble of College Hill Presbyterian Church rehearses Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the second story choral room. If you are interested in playing in this fun ensemble (permanent member or substitute) this fall, please contact Director of Music for more information.

Please (click name) to contact our
Director of Music, 

Not to be confused with the College Hill Book Club, we have another small group called the Book Study Group

We select one or two books a year to read and discuss in depth over several monthly Tuesday evening sessions (typically on the fourth Tuesday).

This fall we will be reading “ The Evangelicals by Frances Fitzgerald . Contact Sue Haskins, John Gammie, or Gary Watts if you are interested in joining with us.
Sunday, September 23
after Worship

We Were the Lucky Ones
by Georgia Hunter

Georgia Hunter's debut novel, We Were the Lucky Ones , is inspired by her own family's history as Holocaust survivors. Her story follows the Kurcs, a Jewish family separated at the start of World
War II, struggling to survive and ultimately reunite. The Jewish Voice remarked, “Turning history into fiction can be tricky.. Hunter finesses the challenge. Her novel brings the Kurcs to life in heart-pounding detail.”

We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter is available at book stores, your local library, and other book sources. 

Book Club will meet for lunch and discussion  on at Panera Bread (1624 E. 15th St., just west of Utica on the south side of 15th St.) immediately following worship service (about 12:15pm).

Please ( click name to) contact Fritha Ohlson if you are interested in more information about this fun group.
BECOME A READING PARTNER

Make a lifelong impact on a child
who struggles with reading.

Reading Partners provides one-on-one reading instruction to elementary school students reading below grade level to help them succeed
in school and in life.
·     Give as little as one hour a week. Flexible weekday volunteer times are available Monday through Thursday between 8am and 3pm.
·     Follow a highly effective, structured,
and easy-to-use curriculum.
·     No formal teaching experience is required.

With school now back in session - this is a perfect time to sign up to volunteer!
For more information or to sign up:
or click here to email, or call
918-949-1979
2018
Birthday Endowment Fund
 
A meaningful way to celebrate your Birthday this year is to donate an amount equal to your new age to the Endowment Fund .

This donation is also a wonderful way to honor others such as children, grandchildren and friends and allows the church  to have funds available for special projects.

Checks can be made payable to College Hill and marked "Birthday Fund" on the memo portion of the check.
Penny
Penny Fund Donations Welcome

Thank you for your donations to the Penny Fund! You are always welcome to donate your pennies (or any loose change ), in the red container on the Narthex table.  

This money goes toward funding many College Hill needs and events we enjoy throughout the year!
Flower Chart
  
If you would like to  bring flowers  to decorate the sanctuary for an upcoming worship service, please  sign up on the Flower Chart on the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. There are many open dates available for the new year. Your dedication will also be announced in the worship bulletin.  
  
Flowers can be purchased from any store or brought from home. Please bring them in two containers the morning of the service for which you have signed up.
College Hill
Recycle and Donation Center
The cabinets in the hallway outside of Fellowship Hall have been repurposed for use as a place to deposit recycling and donations.

Recycle bins will accommodate paper, cans, plastic bags, compact fluorescent lamps, batteries, and printer cartridges. 

Donation bins are also available for diapers and baby care products, dry goods and hygiene items, and school supplies.
Humor Corner
College Hill Mission Statement
~ Build an inclusive community of faith
~ Receive and openly share the love of God
~ Reach out with a compassionate voice for peace and justice
College Hill Presbyterian Church | 712 S. Columbia Ave., Tulsa, OK 74104

Rev. Todd Freeman, Pastor