Fall Programming

As August marches on toward the beginning of another school year, we are going to mark this change of season from lazy summer days to school business with the Blessing of our Backpacks. Teachers, staff and students are invited to gather with us on Sunday the 16th at 10am in the Great Hall in Tulsa or during worship at 11am in Bixby. This year our backpack tags emphasize that all of God’s people are our neighbors. This fall our programming reflects our understanding of what it means to be the people of God.

This Sunday is our last sermon on the Lakeshore and we will begin our Fall Discipleship series “Five Marks of a Methodist.” We are using a small book that was created from one of the sermons written by founding father, John Wesley. In his sermon he discusses the witness that our lives give to our faith. Of course, the things that he identifies are evident in all types of Christians and our witness should lead all Christians together-to be good neighbors. It will be interesting to uncover what basic tenets of faith that John Wesley believes are vital to who we are. This series has Amplify videos for both classes and individuals to use to deepen their understanding. There is also a seven day devotional guide that you can access by clicking here.‍ ‍I encourage each of you to participate as we ground ourselves in the foundational values of Christianity and what it means to live that out as a United Methodist. Our Bixby location will begin these classes for all ages on August 16th after worship and there will be snacks.

We are also launching or continuing several adult faith group options. I am really excited about the Wednesday night Bible study that I will be leading. Richard Rohr is a rock-star in my theological circles and I often buy his books and read anything that he writes. He sees his world through the lens of a Franciscan. We will be studying the overall themes that are in our sacred text. There is a book to buy and also an optional devotional guide. Please go to the Connect page to sign up and to reserve your book. Our Tai Chi class on Wednesday night is also a wonderful option for healthy living and balance. Just show up to participate and enjoy in the chapel. Both of these groups begin at 6:30 pm when the kids and youth begin.

We will also now be offering an online Monday book club coordinated by Kay L. For those of you who live outside of Tulsa, this is a great opportunity for you to be in virtual community relationships.

I love you and God loves you,