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.
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There is always something significant in the turning of the calendar to a new year. Even though it’s just another day, chronologically, symbolically it can help us reflect and meditate upon
new beginnings
.
There are many wonderful things happening at College Hill in January. For instance,
Epiphany
this year (always
January 6
) falls on a Sunday. So, we will begin this new year reflecting upon the story of the magi and their journey following the star to encounter God’s Presence in the infant Jesus. Where do we find ourselves in that story?
Our annual
Session Retreat
(Saturday, January 12 at Camp Loughridge) will focus on
leadership development
. After learning of similar plans at Fellowship Congregational Church (UCC), we are combining our church leadership teams for a joint event, led by our own Glen Olsen and P.J. Brobston, who professionally train leadership teams. Please keep this very important event in your prayers.
Our annual
Ordination & Installation of Ruling Elders
will take place during our Baptism of the Lord Sunday service (January 13). And the
Annual Congregational Meeting & Potluck,
where we will present the 2018 Annual, Report will be on Sunday, January 27.
Please make note of the special evening with the
Rev. Dr. Duane Bidwell on Monday, January 14 at 7:00 pm. He will visit with us about his new book,
When One Religion Isn't Enough.
I also ask that you please keep the church staff in your prayers, as well as all the members and friends of this wonderful congregation. May each and every one of you have a truly blessed year!
Blessings,
Rev. Todd
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Saturday, Jan. 6
- Epiphany Sunday
Saturday, Jan. 12 -
Annual Session Retreat
Sunday, Jan. 13
- Baptism of the Lord Sunday - Ordination & Installation of incoming Ruling
Elders
Sunday, Jan. 13
- Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Monday, Jan. 14
- Evening with Dr. Duane Bidwell
Thursday, Jan. 17 -
Luncheon Club
at noon
Monday, Jan. 21 -
MLK Day,
church office closed
Sunday, Jan. 27
- Annual Congregational Mtg./
Potluck Luncheon
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EPIPHANY SUNDAY
January 6, 2019
The season of Epiphany always begins on January 6, 12 days after Christmas Day. It lasts until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
Epiphany falls on Sunday this year, so our service of worship, our first of 2019 will focus specifically the revelation, the manifestation, of God's Sacred Presence in our midst.
The liturgical focus of the Epiphany season is on recognizing the Presence of God in the person of Jesus. The magi recognizing Jesus as the Christ child is one such biblical story.
The symbolism of light is especially important - not only because of the star that guided the magi, but as it suggests the bright dawning of God's self-revelation in Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we are called to bear Christ's light in the world!
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Annual Congregational Meeting
& Potluck Luncheon
Sunday, January 27
Please plan to attend the
Annual Congregational Meeting and
Potluck Luncheon immediately following worship. The Ministry Teams will present their
Annual Reports at this time. The congregation will also vote on the Pastor's Terms of Call.
Bring a covered dish
to share and join us for this very important meeting of the congregation.
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WELCOME
Incoming Ruling Elders
Class of 2021
Mary Ann Bumgarner
Clay Finck-Ward
Gretchen Hrachovec
Chris Newsome
Class of 2019
Youth Elder
Haley Brobston
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANKS
Outgoing Ruling Elders
for your dedicated service to God and College Hill
P. J. Brobston
Terry Gamel
Marilyn Hill
Stefanie Olson
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Advent & Christmas Eve
2018
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Family Fellowship Gathering
Saturday, December 15 at the home of the
Brobstons. The great food and fellowship included a birthday celebration for
Kado Bissell,
Alicia Odum's grandson. About 30 people attended!
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December Luncheon Club
Our gathering included a performance by the
Tiger Choir of
Kendall Whittier Elementary
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Announcement:
We learned of the passing of former long-time church member and leader
Burton Nesbitt. While dancing on his 104th birthday (!) he fell and broke his hip. He soon passed away. Giving thanks for his life and his very dedicated work as an elder and trustee of College Hill.
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January
1 - Paulino Allande
3 - Roy Wimer
4 - Megan Featherston
6 - Damion Williams
7 - Louis Coleman
8 - Julia Allande
9 - Theo Wright
9 - Jerry Pogue
11 - Camellia McKenzie
13 - Terry Gamel
14 - Jennifer Campbell
15 - Parker Brobston
19 - Fritha Ohlson
20 - Kathy Brandon
20 - Jeff Dickason
21 - Chris Newsome
25 - Ethan Buchner
25 - Libby Wright
25 - Ethan Voelkers
27 - David Moser
27 - Tanya Patterson
30 - Dena Schone
31 - Nancy Foote
Remember the
Birthday Endowment Fund!
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Transitions in
2018
New Members
Kathy Brandon
Cynthia Fox
Mary Ann Heck
Alexia & Dan Medlock
Lucus and Maggie
Eric Nelson
Haley Normile & Ethan Voelkers
Deborah Shallcross
Phyllis & Roy Wimer
Baptisms
Lucus Medlock
Maggie Medlock
Weddings
Lauren Harper & Patrick Fogarty
In Memoriam
Mark Watson
Bob Lucy
Rev. Pat Sibley
Donna Richardson
Rev. Mary McAnally
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An Evening with
Rev. Dr. Duane Bidwell
Monday, January 14
7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall
Many of our longer-term members will remember when the Bidwell family worshiped regularly at College Hill. Duane, a good friend of this congregation, will be in town promoting his new book. He offered to host a gathering at the church! Duane writes:
"
Some people regularly cross religious boundaries
, participating in two (or more) religions at the same time. In the process they blur social categories, evoke prejudice, and complicate religious communities. Their presence sparks questions:
How and why do people become spiritually fluid? Are they just confused or unable to commit? How do we make sense of them?
Our gathering will draw on Duane's forthcoming book
When One Religion Isn't Enough
to explore how people come to claim and be claimed by multiple religious traditions, how spiritually fluid people engage radically opposed truth claims, and what this growing population tells us about change within our communities."
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Equal Exchange
Coordinator Needed
Most commercial cocoa, coffee, and tea farmers have very little control over the growing market and price of their products. However, Equal Exchange encourages co-operatives, environmentally sustainable growing practices, employs fewer middlemen, and provides better prices for growers.
For several years, College Hill has sold Equal Exchange products, with the small profit margin dedicated to Just Hope projects, such as micro-banks, clinic, and model farm. A very special thank you to Gay & Mark Miller and Martha Brown for their faithful dedication to our “store.”
Having ironed out all the wrinkles of ordering and keeping the “store” open and stocked, Terry Baxter, moderator of the Outreach & Mission ministry team, would like to offer the opportunity of this relatively simple but satisfying (& delicious) work to other volunteers(s).
If the line of eager applicants ins long – take a number, and the winner will be announced by the ministry team in January. Any questions, call Martha Brown, 918-583-3652.
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The Reason for the Season
Once again, the congregation
opened their hearts and pocketbooks
to help bless others during the holiday season
Alternative Christmas Results
College Hill members found the perfect gift for their friends and family who had everything.
Several in the congregation made a contribution to one of four local, national or global causes by purchasing Alternative Christmas cards.
In this way, we raised
nearly
$600
for the following four causes and split as shown below:
Solar Under the Sun
-
$140.00
Marion Medical Mission
- $146.50
E
astern OK Food Bank - Kids Against Hunger Program
- $185.00
Night Light of Oklahoma
- $101.50
Christmas Eve Offering
The congregation contributed
$882
to
Emergency Infant Services
. All funds have been sent directly to EIS. Thank you for your generosity!
December 5th Sunday Offering
The congregation contributed
$193.50
to
Emergency Infant Services
.
The total collection for Emergency Infant Services (EIS) with these two offerings is
$1,075.50
Day Center for the Homeless
Secret Santa Project
Money was collected to help a family of 8 celebrate Christmas. Thank you for making the holidays so special for them!
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Luncheon Club
Thursday, January 17
at Noon
Luncheon Club typically meets the third Thursday of the month
(except in July) for delicious food, fun and fellowship!
While most gatherings are potlucks in the Fellowship Hall,
January's luncheon will be at a local restaurant - to be announced. Everyone is welcome!
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January 2019
Book Club
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
by Mitch Albom
Sunday, January 20
We will meet after worship
at Panera (15th & Utica)
“Mitch Albom’s most critically acclaimed novel yet is a stunningly original tale of love: love between a man and a woman, between an artist and his mentor, and between a musician and his God-given talent.”
And the review in
People
exclaimed, “Albom’s fable about the power of song carries you along like a beautiful melody.
So, as we head into the new year, join us in reading and discussing this novel that
Huffington Post
called “[a] beautiful story that forces us to think about the concept of a life well lived.”
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
by Mitch Albom is available at book stores, your local library, and other book sources.
Book Club will meet for lunch and discussion 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
).
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Book Study
Small Group
Tuesday, January 22
Not
to be confused with the College Hill
Book Club
, we have another small group called the
Book Study Group
.
The Evolution of God
by Robert Wright
"Through the prisms of archaeology, theology, and evolutionary psychology, Wright's findings overturn basic assumptions about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and are sure to cause controversy. He explains why spirituality has a role today, and why science, contrary to conventional wisdom, affirms the validity of the religious quest."
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)
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Something for the Spirit
The Promise of Newness Beckons
- by Christine Sine
The promise of newness beckons
like freshness after the rain.
Let it rise from the ashes of the past,
Hope where none seems possible,
Peace where violence reigns,
Love where hate now flourishes.
Light will pierce the darkness.
There will be welcome for strangers.
The hungry will be filled.
The oppressed will be set free.
God’s power for life
Proclaimed in Bethlehem so many years ago
Now shines in us.
Let us grow towards the light that is Christ
Until the world is filled with truth and justice and love.
________________________________________
A New Year's Blessing
-by Rev. Stephen Carl
Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Bartlesville, OK
May the highs never take away your humility
May the lows never rob you of joy
May all the ups and downs remind you that time is a gift
May each day be a precious treasure
May you anchor your heart in love, but sail the seas of adventure
May each person you encounter be an opportunity to invest in peace
May no day begin with resentment or end with unresolved anger
May the injustice you experience bear the fruit of kindness and patience
May the challenges you face engender strength and faith
May the calm moments be relished
May the richness and wonder of life wash away anxiety and worry
May the deep roots of trust dispense all fears
May you discover miracles in the ordinary
May any tears you shed salt your life with hope
May you see stars in your darkest night
May you be quick to forgive and slow to bear a grudge
May your heart always be open enough to be hurt,
childlike enough to chase dreams,
and generous enough to go beyond what’s fair.
May service and sacrifice spice your life with a soulful purpose.
May you dance in joy, sing in gratitude, and live in hope.
And may you discover anew the reason of you.
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First Coming
by Madeleine L’Engle
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till people and nations were at peace.
He came when the Heavens were unsteady,
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.
He did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
he came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
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COLLEGE HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC
Dr. Kim J. Childs, Director of Music
Mike Gibson, Organist
January 2018
Sunday Morning Music Offerings
Featuring the Chancel Choir
with Mike Gibson, organist
Jan. 6
-
Maureen O'Boyle, violin
Jan. 13
-
Simple Gifts
Jan. 20
-
He Comes To Us
Jan. 27
-
Be Thou My Vision
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,
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), please contact Director of Music for more information.
Please (click name) to contact our
Director of Music,
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Special Food Drive for
KWI Food Pantry
throughout January
This month's
First Sunday collection
was designated to the
Kendall-Whittier, Inc.
Emergency Food Pantry. Due to the
pantry being
extremely low on certain items, an
urgent needs list of specific food items was provided:
~ Boxed cold cereal
(low sugar)
~ Peanut butter
(plastic jars preferred)
~ Canned meat (
tuna and chicken)
Donations can be
brought to
church
throughout the month, or
dropped off at the
KWI Food Pantry, located on the ground level of
University United Methodist Church. (2915 E. 5th St., on the TU campus).
You may also (
click name to)
contact church member (and KWI Executive Director),
Lori Decter Wright, or at 918-852-3284, and she will gladly
pick up your donation from you. As always, monetary donations are always welcome and much appreciated.
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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!
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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.
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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:
call
918-949-1979
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2019
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.
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College Hill
Recycle and Donation Center
We have re-purposed the cabinets in the hallway outside of Fellowship Hall 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.
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Visit our Facebook page for
more photos!
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