Wednesday, July 27, 2011

All-Church Information

1. For Sunday, July 31:
– Regular Morning Schedule
– CrossOver at 5:00 p.m.
– Student Ministry House Party at 6:00 p.m.
– No Other PM Activities

2. The next First Glance Class starts on Sunday, August 7, and concludes on Sunday, August 14. If you have recently joined or have been visiting FBC Tulsa and would like to take a closer look at our fellowship of believers, please make your reservation for the July sessions by calling Deron Spoo’s office, 918-594-5019, to make a reservation. The class will meet in the Church Parlor at 9:45 a.m. and will be led by our Lead Pastor, Deron Spoo .

3. The annual Back-to-School Style Show & Brunch, benefitting the Owasso Baptist Children’s Home, will be held on Saturday, August 6, at the Renaissance Hotel. Tickets are $17 per person for this event which starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call Janice Turner at 918-970-6990.

4. Mission Trip Deadline! The final date to turn in deposits and applications for the Guatemala Mission Trip in October will be next Sunday, August 7. If you would like to help with Vacation Bible School, Happy Feet and Medical Clinics, please return the paperwork to Bryan Intemann, or to the Church Office in the Detroit Tower, by the August 7.

5. Calling All Men: August 19 & 20 will be this year’s Annual Men’s Retreat at Tulakogee. The theme, “Goin’ Deep into the Depths of God”, is inspired by I Corinthians 2:10. Dr. Calvin Miller will be our featured speaker and Ken Holland will be the musician. There will also be both golf and fishing offered. For more information, or to register, please contact Kristin White at 918-594-5073, or email kwhite@tulsafbc.org.

6. Wednesday Nights at FBCT:
a) Preschoolers, 3’s through Pre-K, have Team Kid in Room 207 North
b) Children, Grades 1-6, have Team Kid in Room 319 North
c) Students have Ichthus in The Student Underground
d) Adults have The Bible in 90 Days program in Kaffe Bona

Missions

This Sunday is the last Sunday for you to help with our School Supply Stock-Up, the July Mission Action Project! Since school starts in August, we will be collecting school supplies in July. Please try to bring these items to the church as soon as possible, so that we can have them ready for distribution before school starts. You can bring notebook paper, spirals, crayons, pencils, pens and boxes of tissues. These much needed and much appreciated supplies are distributed to children in our church’s adoption of some area elementary schools. For more information, please contact Maribeth Dean at 918-481-5834.
Free to Be . . .
A LOVING SERVANT

Through freedom in Christ, we have the opportunity to serve.
Read Galatians 5:13–6:10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205:13–6:10&version=NIV

Monday, July 25, 2011

Prayer Requests for 7/24

Pray for these needs and concerns this week:
Nathan Chasteen -- Job/School
Matt Bearden -- Job
Sarah Smith -- Job
Finn -- Having his first cavity filled
Aaron Whitaker -- completing basic training

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENTS

All-Church Information
1. For Sunday, July 24:
– Regular Morning Schedule
– Deron’s Bible available to sign for the Time Capsule
– Quarterly Business Meeting at 5:15 p.m.
– 30th Anniversary Reception for Larry Merideth at 6:00 p.m.

2. Time Capsule Update! As many of you already know, Deron is preparing a new Time Capsule to go back into the cornerstone of the church just prior to completion of the renovation. He plans to include the Bible he has been preaching from for the past two or three years in that capsule. He has made this Bible available for church members to circle their favorite Scripture and sign their name. Some of you have already availed yourself of this opportunity. This Bible will be available in the Detroit Entrance Foyer this Sunday morning, July 24, if you care to add your Scripture and name into this Bible before it goes permanently into the Time Capsule later this summer.

3. The next August sessions of the Pastor’s First Glance Class will be held on Sunday, August 7 & 14. If you have recently joined or have been visiting FBC Tulsa and would like to take a closer look at our fellowship of believers, please make your reservation for the July sessions by calling Deron Spoo’s office, 918-594-5019, to make a reservation. The class will meet in the Church Parlor at 9:45 a.m. and will be led by our Lead Pastor, Deron Spoo.

4. Caring Center Needs: Our Caring center is in desperate need of men’s summer t-shirts and short sleeve shirts in all sizes, especially big ones (XXL and bigger). The storage tubs at the Caring Center are empty and the racks are REALLY getting sparse. This excessive hot weather is quickly draining the supplies. Also remember that there is a need for all kinds of hygiene items: toothbrushes, razors, deodorant and toilet paper. The Caring Center can use the little travel size stuff left over from your stays at hotels and motels.

5. The annual Back-to-School Style Show & Brunch, benefitting the Owasso Baptist Children’s Home, will be held on Saturday, August 6, at the Renaissance Hotel. Tickets are $17 per person for this event which starts at 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call Janice Turner at 918-970-6990.

6. Calling All Men: Our Annual Men’s Retreat will be held on August 19 & 20 at Tulakogee. For more information, see the blog, or to register, please contact Kristin White at 918-594-5073, or email kwhite@tulsafbc.org.

6. Wednesday Nights at FBCT:
a) Preschoolers, 3’s through Pre-K, have Team Kid in Room 207 North
b) Children, Grades 1-6, have Team Kid in Room 319 North
c) Students have Ichthus in The Student Underground
d) Adults have The Bible in 90 Days program in Kaffe Bona

Calendar Highlights for July & August
24 FBC Quarterly Business Meeting at 5:15 pm
Larry Merideth’s 30th Anniversary Reception at 6 pm
25 Summer Fun Day for K-2nd Grade
25-28 VBS at CenterCross
30 Back-to-School Event at Central Fine Arts
31 No PM Activities
August
No Sunday Evening Activities in August – except for the
Leadership Training on August 28
1-3 1st & 2nd Grades’ Day Camp at Tulakogee
3 7th Grade Night at Ichthus
5 Encore: Serendipity
5-6 Middle School Retreat
7 Communion Service AM
First Glance Class #1 (#2 on 8/14)
Children’s New Christian Class
9 Caring Center & Community Ministries Committee Meeting
Student High School Lake Day
10 Mission Committee Meeting
13 Back-to-School Event at Local Schools
17 Children’s Day Camp Ends
18 Finance Committee Meeting
19-20 FBC’s Men’s Retreat at Tulakogee
21 Preschool Worship – Big Church Event
22 Deacons’ Meeting
24 WMU Council Meeting
Student Ichthus Ends
25 First Steps Program’s Open House
27 Community Care Night
28 FBC’s Leadership Training Conference for all LIFE, Elevate &
Sunday School Leaders
31 Preschool & Children’s TeamKid Ends
Student C-Groups’ Kick-Off Night

Wednesday Night Meal for July 27
Chicken Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stewed Tomatoes, Rolls and Lemon Pudding Parfait

Missions
Help us with FBC’s Mission Action Project for July! School Supply Stock-Up – Since school starts in August, we will be collecting school supplies in July. Please try to bring these items to the church early in July so that we can have them ready for distribution before school starts. You can bring notebook paper, spirals, crayons, pencils, pens and boxes of tissues. These much needed and much appreciated supplies are distributed to children in our church’s adoption of some area elementary schools. For more information, please contact Maribeth Dean at 918-481-5834.

Preschool Ministry
Parents:
a) Wednesday nights are for TEAM KID, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. All boys and girls, 3’s through Pre-K, will meet in Room 207 North.
b) Summer Day Camp is for all boys and girls who have completed Kindergarten through Grade 6. For more information, go to our website, www.tulsafbc.org.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Prayer requests for 7/17/11

Brad Bendure's mom, Roberta is having problems with dizziness. She has had 2 MRI's so far. Please pray for a diagnosis soon and then also for treatment and healing.

Adam & Emily Green are traveling this week so please pray for safe travels. We are also praising our Lord that Adam is doing great!
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Friday, July 15, 2011

Free to be . . .
A CHILD OF GOD
God wants you to be a part of his family.
Read Galatians 4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%204&version=NIV


Back-to-School

Please put this date on your calendar and plan to volunteer during our annual FBCT Back-to-School drive. Homebuilders and Urban Life have been asked to assist families at Anderson Elementary again this year. We will be helping the kids pick out backpacks, clothes, and school supplies, working at registration, manning the popcorn machines, and serving lemonade and sno-cones. It will be a blessing and a lot of fun. Your kids are welcome to come along, too. We will be passing around a sign-up sheet. Please let us know if you want to participate. You do not need to stay the entire time.
Saturday, August 13th– 2:00p-5:00p
Anderson Elementary
1921 East 29 Street North
Tulsa Oklahoma 74110

Friday, July 8, 2011

FREE TO BE . . .
SAVED BY GRACE
The endless struggle between trying to earn salvation and accepting it.

Read Galatians 3:1-26
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:1-26&version=MSG


Do you remember the book, “Life’s Little Instruction Book?" Here are some sample entries from the self-titled web-site:
1. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
2. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
3. Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
4. Overtip breakfast waitresses.
5. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
6. Never resist a generous impulse.
7. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
8. Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
9. Leave everything a little better than you found it.
10. Call your mother.
How about a bucket list? Maybe you have one. Turning a milestone this year and I find my self at times reviewing my progress, and accomplishments. This type of lifestyle can be obsessive-compulsive. Or lesson writer says:
“We tend to view our walk with Christ as a series of religious tasks to perform, such as praying, reading the Bible, tithing, and serving in ministry. When we can check things off our spiritual to-do list, we feel like we’re being good Christians. This task-oriented approach to Christianity is legalism, and it’s not good.” This week we will take a look at Paul’s take on legalism.

1. Our Legalistic Tendencies (Galatians 3:1-3)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:1-3&version=MSG


2. Works Don’t Set Us Free (Galatians 3:10-14)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:10-14&version=MSG


3. Resting in Faith (Galatians 3:19-26)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:19-26&version=MSG


We still have a lot of legalisms, in our congregation, let alone the Southern Baptists Convention. Our lesson writer says: “No wonder we have such a hard time accepting that our relationship with God isn’t performance-based. When we understand that, through God’s grace, our salvation is based on faith in Him alone and we can’t do anything to earn or lose it, we’re set free from the checklists and works that enslave us.”
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. Hope to see you Sunday. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Men's Retreat

Transformed . . . by the renewing of your mind.
2011 FBC Tulsa Men’s Retreat
Date: Friday and Saturday, August 19 and 20
Location: Tulakogee Conference Center on beautiful Lake Fort Gibson
near Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Featured Speaker: Dr. Calvin Miller. Author, Pastor, Professor, poet, storyteller, artist and friend, Dr. Miller is no stranger to FBC. He served as the beloved interim Pastor at FBC for a year and a half and is the mentor of our Pastor, Deron Spoo. Calvin is the author of over 40 books and is in great demand as a preacher and guest lecturer. We are extremely happy and fortunate to have Dr. Miller as our featured speaker. He will speak on the theme of “Into The Depths of God.”
Featured Musician: Ken Holland. Ken is Minister of Worship and Music at FBC Cabot, Arkansas. He is a native Tulsan and is a writer, composer, instrumentalist and vocalist.
Theme: Transformed. The theme is taken from Romans 12:2 and reminds us of God’s ultimate goal – our transformation into the image of Christ.
Lodging: Warren C. Hultgren Lodge. This new Lodge features motel type accommodations including private bath, individual beds for up to four per room, linens and towels. Each room has a beautiful view of Lake Fort Gibson. Participants are encouraged to plan rooming arrangements with Life Group friends.
Cost: $65 person for triple/quad occupancy, $70 double occupancy. A limited number of single occupancy rooms are available for $85. Cost includes three meals including opening night steak dinner.
Registration: Available online at www.tulsafbc.org. Brochures will be mailed to homes. Individuals may register and pay by mail, online, or at the display tables in the church in late July through mid-August. Registration deadline is Sunday, August 14.
Recreation:
Golf
- Arrangements have been made to play at Pryor Creek Golf Course in nearby Pryor on Friday morning. Tee times will be announced at a later date. Payment is made at the course.
Fishing - Fishermen are encouraged to come early and enjoy a day on the lake. Bring your boat or fish from the dock available on site.
Schedule: Check in begins at 4:00 pm. Steak dinner begins at 6:00 pm. Opening session will begin after dinner. Two sessions will be held Saturday morning. The lunch meal will conclude the retreat.
Directions: Directions are clearly marked on the highway and instructions will be available on the printed brochure and online.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Prayer Requests for the Week of July 3rd

Cindy Ingram - Cindy's brother, Brett, took some of the senior boys camping and offroading in Colorado this week. Please pray for safety and fun while they are there and also on the trip home.

Amber Remke - Amber asked us to pray for her friends, the King family. The husband died unexpectedly and they have 2 young children. Please pray for comfort for this family during this time of deep grief and loss.

Andrea Dolan - One of her friends died this week leaving behind a husband and 2 young sons. Pray for the Ketcher family as they struggle with the loss. Husband's name is Jessie.
Also Andrea asked that we pray for her boss' nephew, Jessie Schoenhofer, who had a motorcycle wreck this weekend. He has broken three vertebrae in his neck, broke his femur and a few ribs. He also has a collapsed lung so is on a ventilator. Please lift Jessie and his family to the Lord for peace, comfort and healing.

Allison Walden - Allison has six weeks left before baby 'W' is born. Please pray for her to have strength, be able to sleep and stay cool in this unbearable heat these last couple of weeks. Pray for their baby boy to continue to grow healthy and strong before his birth in August. Allison also asked us to pray for her sister in law who's dog has run away. Pray she will find him soon.

Scott Grizzle - Scott is trying to make a decision soon whether to run for a soon to be open City Council seat. Pray he'll have clear direction from the Lord on what His will is for him.

Camden Bearden - Camden went back to work last week after being on maternity leave only to find out on Friday that her position is being eliminated. Pray for Camden as she seeks His direction in His will for her life and her job situation.

David Dale - David has a co worker, Jordan Simon, who was critically injured in a motorcycle accident. Please pray for Jordan's healing and especially his salvation.

Elmores - Please pray for Jim's youngest nephew, Michael Briggs, as he struggles to detox from a drug addiction. Jim's sister and Michael's mom, Mary, went to Denver to bring him back to Arkansas and he was in very bad shape when she arrived. It took a week before they could even attempt the trip home. He is very gradually improving a little each day and they hope to get him into a doctor this week. Pray this will be a wakeup call for Michael that he needs to get back to walking with the Lord and turn away from this destructive behavior. Pray for Mary, too, as she seeks to help him find the professional help that he needs.

Thank you, Homebuilders, for being such faithful prayer warriors for each other and sharing each others burdens.

'We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort that God gives us.' 2 Corinthians 1:7

Friday, July 1, 2011

Free to Be . . .
Following last month’s look at materialism (and the chains that come with that to weigh us down), this month we will be taking a look at freedom. Of course. The name of this week’s study is “Selfless: Freedom in Christ leaves no room for selfishness.”
Read:
Philippians 3:17-21; 2 Peter 2:4-22
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:17-21;%202%20Peter%202:4-22&version=NIV
(Yes, NIV, published by Zondervan!)
Do you struggle with entitlement? How about people around you? People standing in line at the check-out counter? Our lesson writer says: “focusing on freedom can easily turn into a self-indulgent focus on ‘my rights.’ In this week’s session, we’ll look at what Peter and Paul wrote about the difference between self-indulgent ‘freedom’ and the personal rights of people truly free in Christ.”
1. Combatting Entitlement (2 Peter 2:10b-14)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%202:10b-14&version=NIV
2. A Challenge to Change (2 Peter 2:15-19)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%202:15-19&version=NIV
3. Freedom Exemplified (Philippians 3:17-21)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203:17-21&version=NIV
In exercising our freedom, we will be faced will choices. Our lesson writer states: “Choosing the kingdom is at odds with our nature. It means allowing someone else to rule and lead our lives. It requires abandoning our will and control. But we do it because we know there’s a better way, and we know we can make a difference. Following Christ gives us a desire to change our ways and for the gospel to be known. And a life lived with that goal in mind is a life lived freely in Christ.”
Remember, God who created everything is still in control of His creation. Keep praying for each other, caring for each other and take care of your families. John
Doing LIFE together.
Homebuilders LIFE Group: Learning the Scripture / Involvement in Service / Fellowship – Sharing Life / Evangelism of Seekers

Men’s Retreat

SAVE THE DATE! FBCT Annual Men’s Retreat will be August 19th and 20th at Camp Tulakogee. More details to follow next week.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. For Sunday, July 3:
– Regular Morning Schedule
– First Glance Class #1 at 9:45 a.m.
– All-Church Picnic at the Hillenburgs’ in Broken Arrow at 6:00 p.m.
– No CrossOver or other regularly scheduled PM activities

2. The First Glance Class meets this Sunday, July 3, and concludes on Sunday, July 10. If you have recently joined or have been visiting FBC Tulsa and would like to take a closer look at our fellowship of believers, please make your reservation for the July class by calling Deron Spoo ’s office, 918-594-5019, to make a reservation. The sessions will meet in the Church Parlor at 9:45 a.m. and will be led by our Lead Pastor, Deron Spoo .

3. Our Annual All Church Picnic will be held this Sunday night, July 3, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the Hillenburgs in Broken Arrow . The directions are:
a) from Tulsa via the Broken Arrow Expressway (Highway 51) –
Take the BA Expressway East to the Lynn Lane exit (S 177th E Ave).
Take the Lynn Lane exit and go South on Lynn Lane for approximately 4 ½ miles.
Look for the picnic area on the right (West) side of the road.
The location is approximately 116th and Lynne Lane .
b) from Tulsa via the Creek Turnpike South Loop –
Take the South Loop East to the 161st / Elm Street exit. There will be a Wal-Mart at this exit.
Take the Elm Street exit and go South on 161st/Elm Street to 121st / Tucson .
Turn left (East) on Tucson and go approximately 1 mile to Lynne Lane/9th Street .
Turn left onto Lynne Lane and go approximately ½ mile to the picnic area on the left (West) side of the road.
The location is approximately 116th and Lynne Lane .

4. The Church Office, Caring Center and Children’s Day Camp will be closed on Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

5. Two First Family Nights in July!
a) Everyone is invited to Family Night at Camp Loughridge , 4900 W. 71st St. , on Sunday, July 10, at 6:15 p.m. Youth volleyball will begin at 4:00 p.m. and the Family Swim Time at the pool, including snacks, will start at 6:15 p.m. A Family Worship Time will follow that at 8:00 p.m. in the Amphitheater.
b) The whole family is invited to participate in Family Night at The Drillers on Sunday, July 17, at 7:05 p.m. We have reserved seat tickets for the baseball game, $5.00 per person that are now on sale. Our pastor, Deron Spoo , will throwing out the first pitch. Don’t miss it!

6. Sunday Nights in July at FBCT:
a) on Sunday, July 3 – All-Church Picnic in Broken Arrow at 6:00 p.m.
b) on Sunday, July 10 – Family Night at Camp Loughridge at 6:15 p.m.
c) on Sunday, July 17 – Family Night at The Drillers at 7:05 p.m.
d) on Sunday, July 24 – Quarterly Business Meeting at 5:15 p.m. and
30th Anniversary Reception for Larry Merideth at 6:00 p.m.

7. Wednesday Nights in July at FBCT at 6:00 p.m.:
a) Preschoolers, 3’s through Pre-K, have Team Kid in Room 207 North
b) Children, Grades 1-6, have Team Kid in Room 319 North
c) Students have Ichthus in The Student Underground
d) Adults have The Bible in 90 Days program in Kaffe Bona

8. Another opportunity for service! Could you help out in the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings? We need people who can work either one Sunday a month or one Sunday a quarter. The shifts are 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., but can be split (8:30 to 9:30 or 9:30 to 10:30) if necessary. Contact Margaret Jones for more information.

9. Larry Merideth has been a minister with First Baptist Tulsa for 30 years. A reception in his honor will be held on Sunday, July 24, at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Please take a few minutes to send an e-mail with your thoughts, memories, or stories of Larry’s ministry to: kwhite@tulsafbc.org. Kristen has offered to compile these e-mails into a memory book for Larry that will be presented to him on the night of the 24th.

10. FBCT’s Mission Action Project for July involves School Supply Stock-Up. Since school starts in August, we will be collecting school supplies in July. Please try to bring these items to the church early in July so that we can have them ready for distribution before school starts. You can bring notebook paper, spirals, crayons, pencils, pens and boxes of tissues. These much needed and much appreciated supplies are distributed to children in our church’s adoption of some area elementary schools. For more information, please contact Maribeth Dean at 918-481-5834.