This past month, focusing on the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has been one of deep significance for me - personally and as the pastor of College Hill. It has been both a spiritual and exhausting experience, one that I will treasure forever.

The photo above, which includes the Rev. Gordon Edwards, myself, and Gary Peluso-Verdend, the executive director of the Center for Religion in Public Life at Phillips Theological Seminary, was taken by an AP photographer and included in their national story about the dedication of the Prayer Wall at the historic Vernon AME Church on Greenwood Ave.

This basement wall is the only remaining structure still standing after the Race Massacre. The stucco exterior has been removed to reveal the original bricks. There was a very moving Interfaith dedication and included such dignitaries as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Bishop William Barber. There were many prayers offered from a variety of faith traditions, including Rabbi Marc Fitzerman of B'Nai Emunah synagogue here in Tulsa who spoke about and made parallels with the prayer wall in Jerusalem, the only one remaining from the Temple Mount after the Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

It is my hope that all of you have engaged yourself in watching, reading, and reflecting upon the horrific events perpetrated against Tulsa's Black community by white supremacists that permeated all aspects of social, governmental, and yes religious life here in Tulsa 100 years ago.

Events and expressed attitudes of recent years show how much more work needs to be done in the area of racial justice!

On another note, June is PRIDE Month. We celebrate the lives and gifts of all LGBTQ+ people, all created in the image of God. What a blessing to be part of a congregation that for decades now has included everyone as part of this 'chosen family' of faith.

And let us celebrate together the gift and blessing of being able to slowly return to full worship and fellowship here at College Hill.

Blessings, Rev. Todd 

Rev. Gordon Edwards, guest preacher

Sue Haskins, liturgist

This Pencil Cactus from Susan West's yard grew from a cutting of Rev. Todd’s plant! 

Susan West’s tea garden, herb garden and water barrel, garden shed {above}, chickens and more will be one of five Midtown Havens featured on the Master Gardeners’ Tour June 5-6.

Click here to get your advanced tickets ($10).

    

  Remember the 

The Re-Union Ministry team met in mid-May and reviewed the current COVID-19 metrics in Tulsa County. Based on this review, the following motion to Session was unanimously approved:

“College Hill will enter Phase II Re-Union on Sunday, 5-23-21 (Pentecost). Metrics will continue to be monitored and reviewed again prior to the next Session meeting.”

a.    Usher-controlled or cautious self-directed entry/exit with no touch record of attendance

f.     Limited congregational singing with masks (e.g, 1-2 verse hymns)

B.    Resume in-person adult church school with masks and social distancing

E.    Limited special services or third-party building use may occur at the discretion of Session with masks, social distancing, sanitation stations and additional cleaning/disinfecting

Please contact the church office with any questions or concerns.

Todd Redding, Moderator

Let's celebrate our return to in-person fellowship!

Nursery/Childcare Services, Time with the Children and Worship Connection will resume!

For questions or more information, (click name to) email our Christian Education Ministry team Moderator Susan West, or you may call her at 918-724-7521.

Miles is graduating from Jenks High School this spring. He joined College Hill in 2016. But, he has a long history with College Hill – through grandmother, Mary McAnally and mother Tandi McAnally. On Sunday mornings, you can usually find Miles helping with Kids Connection.

For an in-depth article about

Kim's journey through life and music,

JUNE 6 O How Amiable - Ralph Vaughan Williams

JUNE 13 Jesus Christ the Apple Tree - Carl Schalk

JUNE 20 It Is Well - Benjamin David Knoedler

JUNE 27 Diane Bucchianeri, cello ~ TBA

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! (While strictly adhering to Phase 2 Covid-19 guidelines and safety requirements recently implemented by College Hill's Re-Union Ministry team.) If you would like to sing with the Chancel Choir this fall, we are welcoming new members.

BELLissimo Handbell Ensemble of College Hill Presbyterian Church rehearses Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. in the second story choral room. (While strictly adhering to Phase 2 Covid-19 guidelines and safety requirements recently implemented by College Hill's Re-Union Ministry team.) If you are interested in playing in this fun ensemble (permanent member or substitute) this fall, please contact Director of Music for more information.

Barbara Perry has two people who will take her to and from church on most Sundays, but there will be weeks when we need a driver to do one of these things. 

Would you be willing to be an occasional substitute driver for Barbara?  If so, please let CC Team moderator Gretchen Hrachovec know. Call or text Gretchen at 918-697-4198. 

Johnna Thurston has volunteered and the Session has elected her as Treasurer for College Hill! 

She will work closely with our Assistant Treasurer, Gary Watts, as well as the Finance & Stewardship Ministry team, overseeing the accounting duties for the church. 

Caroline Johnson has recently discovered Sir Waggington’s poop sacks – made from cornstarch, 100% organic and take only three months to decompose. (An ordinary plastic poop sack may take 1,000 years to decompose.) Sir Waggington’s are 9x14, leak-proof and strong enough to hold the heaviest of poops; they also fit most kitty litter scoops. $25 for 105 bags - Click Here to order.

Mark Miller reminds us to recycle batteries properly. DO NOT recycle batteries in your blue Tulsa recycling bin! The Tulsa recycling facility is currently undergoing expensive repairs and employees have been laid off because of a fire caused by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery improperly disposed! Recycle batteries at any MET location (Click here for locations) or at College Hill in our recycling center in the first-floor hallway.

Jan Swafford reminds us that wildlife can get entangled in our trash. Be sure to cut strings and plastic packaging that birds and other small animals can get caught in. This includes the elastic bands on those disposable masks we’ve been wearing for 14 months.

Did you know you may be able to deduct up to $300 from your income taxes for cash donations made to charity during 2020, even if you do not itemize your deductions?

A meaningful way to celebrate your Birthday in this new 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.