an update on faith bixby
As I write this blog, it is Christmas evening. The gifts have barely been unwrapped and the dinner leftovers just put away, but thoughts of Christmas are already fleeting. Now, I take time to reflect on my first Christmas in Tulsa. What did I think? Well...it was very different Advent began with me preaching at Faith Tulsa. It was a privilege to kick-off the Advent “Journey to Bethlehem.” While I was at Tulsa, Pastor Heather presided over her first worship service at Faith Bixby. It is a new “faith”-walk for us and I am honored to be invited to be a part.
As December rolled in, Faith Bixby was in full prep mode for the Annual Bixby Lighted Christmas Parade. We decided on a candy cane theme reflecting on the shepherd’s crook (shape of the candy cane) assisting the shepherds as they made their way to find Jesus. Several of us walked along our float handing out candy canes, welcoming people to worship with us at Faith Bixby and find their way to a Jesus who welcomes everyone and insists that we can COME AS WE ARE.
After the parade, final preparations were needed to get everything in order for Voices of Nativity (Bixby- style) and Christmas Eve. We were blessed by the talents of many who offered their voices in song and for the monologues, as well as all the families who served as our Advent readers.
While Voices of the Nativity was great, Christmas Eve, of course, is the penultimate. God graced us with blessings beyond measure. We had around 67 people in worship. This may not sound like much for a congregation the size of Faith Tulsa, but for a new faith expression that has not fully launched, this was awesome. Not to mention that the sanctuary is set for only an occupancy of 70, maxing out at about 80.
We are hoping to continue building up our worship attendance as we plan for our “official” launch and ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, January 27th, at noon. I hope to see you there celebrating this momentous move of God in the Bixby community. There is so much excitement as we strive to provide a place of welcome for ALL God’s children with no exceptions.
As we move into this next phase, there is still work to be done to be ready for the launch. One task is ensuring that we have staff to serve in the nursery and work with the children. If you know someone with these gifts interested in making a little extra money, please let one of the pastors know. We are eager to be fully staffed at Faith Bixby.
We are also eager to see you at Faith Bixby. Many thanks to the Sunday School classes who have offered to support us by joining us in worship regularly. I feel so blessed to be a part of the Faith community and I can’t wait to see you soon at Faith Bixby. We have a traditional worship experience with a vocal trio worship team leading us each Sunday at 11 AM.
Speaking of seeing you soon, remember that this Sunday at Tulsa, there is only one worship time at 10 AM, with an amazing time of intergenerational worship planned.
See you soon,
- Pastor Sherri
