First Church Tulsa annual report 2021

2021

Annual Report to the Congregation

For where two or three are gathered in my name

I am there among them.

Matthew 18:20

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa

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First Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma 2021 Annual Congregational Meeting I.

Opening prayer

II.

Hymn – Great is Thy Faithfulness, Presbyterian Hymnal page 276

III.

The call of the Corporate and Congregational Meeting

IV.

Announcement of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Corporation for 2021

V.

Approval of the minutes from the 2020 Annual Congregational Meeting in March 2021

VI. Presentation of membership statistics for the year ending December 31, 2021 VII. Presentation of the 2021 financial results and the 2022 operating budget VIII. Update from the Board of Trustees IX.

Updates from the Pastor

X.

Update from the Personnel Committee

XI.

Year in photos 2021

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2021 Pastor’s letter

Rev. Dr. James Miller, senior pastor “Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him and He will act.”

-Psalm 37:5

R

ecently, my brother Jonathan went in for an MRI, a test known for its high decibel noise. The technician offered him some noise-canceling headphones, and said, “Would you like to listen to some music while you’re being tested?” Jonathan said, “I would.

How about something by George Beverly Shea?”

As the MRI began so did the music. Jon said, “I couldn’t believe the words that Shea began to sing as I was brought into the MRI chamber.”

I trust in God, wherever I may be, upon the land or on the rolling sea, Or come what may from day to day, My heavenly Father watches over me.

I trust in God; I know He cares for me; On mountain peaks or on the stormy sea.

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But as you read over this annual report, you’ll catch multiple glimpses of God’s grace and sustaining strength, and a bold determination on the part of this congregation to row hard amid what often seemed like gale-force winds.

Gathering for worship during a pandemic presents obvious challenges. Nevertheless, the First Church Session has remained unflinching in its commitment to keep the doors open to the House of Prayer, to provide opportunities to gather, lifting hearts and voices together — all the while doing our best to follow the protocols put in place by the public health authorities.

A very special and heartfelt gratitude belongs to Doug Crain and his TV crew for their heroic determination to ensure that those unable to attend worship in person can do so via the broadcast and online platforms.

I’m equally grateful for my colleagues on the First Church staff for the ways in which they were fully invested in maintaining (and growing) the various ministries and mission of this congregation, both on Sunday and during the week.

Magnetic resonation, indeed!

Check out the mission page in this annual report! You’ll see that the efforts undertaken to serve the community, and extend the love of Christ to many, went forward in remarkable ways. Heroic efforts by those leading our Helping Hand ministry, Emma Smith and Phil Marshall in particular, are even more stunning given the challenges of the pandemic.

These words resonate with me as I think back on the year 2021 and write my 29th pastor’s report for a congregation that I love. Stormy seas? O yes, we’ve faced those. The COVID-19 pandemic, almost in its third year, continues to disrupt our health, routines and relationships.

Navigating these seas have been challenging to say the least.

The year 2021 also saw a remarkable gathering between First Baptist Church, North Tulsa and First Church in which we focused on evangelism and personal witness as Christians. Jerry McCoy, professor of physics at The University of Tulsa; the Rev. Anthony Scott, pastor of First Baptist North Tulsa; and I led a four-week

series on this, both theological and practical. Dr. James Tour joined us via Facetime from Rice University and shared how he seeks to be intentional in sharing the good news of Jesus.

The “Seven Churches of the Revelation” came together at First Baptist North Tulsa, on Thanksgiving week, to join hearts and voices in worship. It was a moving gathering, bonding friendships in Christ among black and white, north and south, and everybody in-between.

The Session, through our Personnel Committee (expertly led by Elder Kim Jones and her team), shored up our pastoral ministry in several important ways: First, they called Rev. Wally Johnson to be our parish associate — and what a giant blessing his pastoral presence has proven to be — and that of his bride, Joyce!

As a side note, Wally received the First Church Academy Award for his performance as King Herod in Dorothy Sayers’ play, Kings of Judea!

And in August, we welcomed Dr. Wes Vander Lugt onto the staff as our theologianin-residence. His presence among us has exceeded our hopes by quite a bit — and we’ve been doubly blessed in coming to know his family: Stephanie, Eden, Beatta and Chalmer!

How grateful I am to serve alongside the people of this great expression of the Body of Christ. It’s a joy to be with you in ministry. Thank you, Lord, for First Church!

Pastor J.D. Miller, Ph.D.

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Worship W

e were created to worship. We can't help it. We inevitably find ourselves worshiping something. The question is where are we directing our worship? As Christians, we believe that we were created to worship the living God; who made us, who loves us and who has given us new life in Christ.

Worship is the heartbeat of the Christian communities' life together, and we come most fully alive as we step into this Triune God's presence with prayer, praise and thanksgiving. A huge thank you to all who contribute to making worship possible, and who enable us to gather whether in person or online!

– Rev. Dan Hutchinson 6

“May my heart and tongue give praise to you, and all my bones cry out their question, ‘Who is like you, O Lord?’

Yes, let them ask, and then do you respond and say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’ ” – St. Augustine, Confessions

2021 Worship Highlights • Worship 101 children led worship with voices and chimes on three occasions: Pentecost, Summer Ring & Sing, and Christmas Music Sunday.

• The Overtones Bell Choir and Gloria Women’s Choir returned on a regular basis as did the Children’s Live Nativity featuring a new script and costumes.

• Ron Pearson presented his 48th Annual Organ Concert, which included The University of Tulsa Chamber Orchestra.

• Until September, the 11 a.m. Contemporary and Traditional worship services combined offering modern and traditional music in the Sanctuary.

All other Sunday morning services restarted in September.

• Reestablished and grew a Youth Praise Band. Youth are now leading youth in worship on Wednesday nights in the Powerhouse.

• A scholarship cellist and several new volunteers joined worship and AV teams.

• Volunteers and staff worked together to offer TIF and Traditional worship services on Facebook, YouTube and our website.

One thing I have asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

–Psalm 27:4

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Grow Discipleship at First Church Tulsa

O

ur mission here is to make fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are inwardly strong and outwardly focused. This drives our education and discipleship. Our desire is not simply to learn things about Jesus, it is to come to know him personally and to be changed and transformed by that encounter. In this, we pray that our love would abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment and that we might live for the praise and glory of his name.

– Rev. Dan Hutchinson 8

2021 Discipleship highlights • Wednesday Night Downtown Tulsa (WNDT) included a new series taught by our theologian-inresidence, Wes Vander Lugt, titled “Beauty is Oxygen: How the arts help our souls breathe.”

• Dr. Miller led his Pastor's Study groups through two semesters of C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity.”

• Dr. Arden Autry taught on the Sermon on the Mount to Monday School participants and Dr. Wes Vander Lugt completed the year with lessons on the Theology of Kinship.

• Downtown Theological Roundtable studied, “The Gospel in a Pluralist Society,” by Newbigin and “On the Bondage of the Will” by Luther.

• The Guys Monday Bible Class tackled 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and Matthew; and the Precept Bible class delved into Colossians, Philemon, and 1 & 2 Corinthians.

• Young adults engaged in K-Groups, Sunday school, worship, and Theology on Tap gatherings to pray and have conversations about faith and life.

• History and Archives Committee researched, developed, and installed FPC/Kerr 1921 Race Massacre display, represented First Church at the Race Massacre Centennial Symposium.

The committee acquired Dwight Mission documents, materials, and artifacts to research and document.

• The docents provided a lesson to several Sunday school classes on the 1921 Race Massacre display and provided art tours for Bible study groups.

• Members of the church performed “Kings in Judaea” by Dorothy L. Sayers, directed by Bruce Long and produced by Wes Vander Lugt. There was a dinner and panel discussion following the performance.

• TIF members had backyard Bible studies during the summer.

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of his name.

– Philippians 1:9-11

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Grow Children’s, Youth and UKirk Ministries

O

ne of the greatest joys and obligations of the church is passing the faith on to the next generation. I am so grateful for the team of staff and volunteers that God has called together to serve for such a time as this. The last year has had its own challenges, but God has been faithful, and it is such a joy to see our young people growing in their relationships with Christ!

– Rev. Dan Hutchinson

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Children’s Ministry • Sunday morning children’s programming and Wednesday night’s AWANA continued to grow.

• Welcomed children and families to several well attended events including Spring Festival, VBS, Advent Workshop and Jammies for Jesus.

• Added several discipleship/fellowship opportunities including swim/movie nights, playdates and mom’s Bible study.

He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.

–Psalm 78:5-7 (NRSV)

High School and Middle School Ministry • On Wednesday nights all youth gathered in the Powerhouse with high school meeting for Amass Exodus and middle school gathering for P.O.W. • The Pathfinders and Exodus served in Tulsa for our summer mission trip.

The youth served at VBS, John 3:16, Helping Hand and Catholic Charities.

• The Heather Davis Intern was Alexis Milford-Rosales and the Ignite interns were Katie Ragland and Abby Weierbach.

• First Church high school and middle school youth ministries had an all-youth Fall Retreat at Camp Loughridge.

“The purpose of First Church Youth Ministries is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who seek to follow Him daily, invite others to encounter Him and be the church here and now.”

–Steve Wilson

UKirk Ministry • Welcomed new members to its gatherings including Gather, Grow and Serve throughout the year fostering intentional and devoted relationship to Christ, one another, the community and the church family.

• The director of university ministries spent one-on-one time with each student in coffee shops and on college campuses.

• Created a leadership team that invests in and encourages intentional relationships, and gives agency to students to plan and lead.

• Enjoyed fun fellowship opportunities including Summer Float & Flick, Pie & Trivia, Pancakes & PJs, movie nights and more.

“The UKirk community creates space to be encouraged through personal relationship with Christ and bolstered by the encouragement of one another as well as the larger church family. It is a privilege to sit across the table from a student here in Tulsa or one home for the holidays as we ask the question: how can I remain the vine?”

–Julia Metcalf

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Serve Outreach: local and global mission work

“A

psalm we cannot utter as a prayer, that makes us falter and horrifies us, is a hint to us that here Someone else is praying, not we; that the one who is protesting his innocence, who is invoking God's judgment, who has come to such infinite depths of suffering, is none other than Jesus Christ himself. He it is who is praying here, and not only here but in the whole Psalter.”

– Attributed to Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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Local mission highlights • The emergency relief amount donated was $11,792.21 and it helped 13 people.

• Worked with members of First Baptist North Tulsa weekly on Fridays at the “Grocery Give-Away.” We provided families approximately 8,180 sets of nonperishable dry goods and fresh produce grocery bags valued at approximately $50 per set.

• 20 different First Church volunteers (17 consistently) served throughout 2021.

Each volunteer shift averaged approximately 1.5 hours.

• Welcomed 850 Afghans and helped with furnishings for their new homes.

• Provided “mission a-la-carte” trips during spring break and summer. Projects included serving at John 3:16, Little Light House, Literacy & Evangelism International (LEI), Anderson Elementary and Camp Loughridge.

• Held multiple John 3:16 monthly Faith on the Farm service events during the summer.

• Migrated Partner-in-Education relationship to Anderson Elementary lunch buddies, community nights, Celebrating Christmas Together, teacher appreciation, coats for kids and Masterwork Academy.

Global mission highlights • Held monthly zoom meeting with global partners during the summer.

• Supported global missionaries during the pandemic.

• Our mission partners expressed gratitude for our steady faithfulness in funding.

Outreach • The Inquirers’ Class was held in January, April, August and October as an opportunity for those on the path to membership to learn more about First Church.

• We offered individual virtual viewing of the annual January Series streamed lectures.

• Global Leadership Summit was held in the Great Hall of the Bernsen with 110 participants.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.

– Ephesians 2:13-14

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Fellowship Congregational life at First Church Tulsa

C

onsider our family of faith gathered around tables on Boston Avenue on a bright September morning or seated at picnic tables at Fall Festival; it somehow mirrors the apostles circled around Jesus at a meal. Something beautiful happens when we join in fellowship with one another and the cord that binds us all together is the love of Jesus Christ.

– Duff Points

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“The more genuine and the deeper our community becomes, the more will everything else between us recede, the more clearly and purely will Jesus Christ and his work become the one and only thing that is vital between us.”

– Dietrich Bonhoeffer

2021 Fellowship highlights • The Church started the year celebrating Epiphany at Camp Loughridge with the burning of the greens and a plunge by a brave few into the icy waters of Lake Parthenia.

• Breakfast on Boston brought joy and laughter. Chef Joseph ensured everyone was served a delicious breakfast and Grady Nichols provided lively music. The event included pony rides, a photo booth and face painting, planned by event chair, Debbie Favel.

• Fall Festival was held at Camp Loughridge and included a barbecue dinner, bounce houses, s’mores, ziplining, hayrides, and trunk or treat. This was a fun event for all and was planned by Karah and Quentin Franklin.

• Stephanie and Wes Vander Lugt conducted a Dancing Toward Delight class for 60 participants.

• Tulsa International Fellowship celebrated its 12th anniversary.

• First Church E-News published 25 issues during the year, and there were four issues of Tidings produced and distributed in magazine format and online.

Tidings magazine was honored by Public Relations Society of Tulsa with a Silver Link Award for creative tactics.

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”

– John 21:9, 12

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Member care Growing in our loving care for one another

M

ember Care is a vital component of any healthy church. This has been especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so grateful to serve a church where gifts are used to actively care for and encourage one another.

– Rev. Wally Johnson

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2021 Caregiving highlights • Wally Johnson kicked off a new five-week class, "Pathways to Hope" which provided encouragement and fellowship to those who are grieving.

• First Church partnered with NAMI for their "Family to Family" class which provides help for those dealing with mental health challenges.

• Elders and Deacons delivered communion elements to members who wished to participate while watching the service on TV or online.

• Church Buddies called/wrote notes to members who couldn't attend and will continue to do so. Pastors are resuming home and hospital visits.

• The Bereavement Greeting Team has faithfully served at all memorial services, welcoming members and guests, and helping with wayfinding.

• Presbyterian Women monthly missions included Helping Hand in September, the Tulsa Day Center in October, The Coffee Bunker in November and Emergency Infant Services in December.

• The Presbyterian Women had their thanks offering luncheon on November 11 in Miller Library. Kelle Roberts from the First Church staff was the speaker.

• On November 9, the Sisterhood of Widows enjoyed a talk by local author, Lane Dolly, on how the life of her great-grandmother inspired her.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

–Hebrews 10:24-25

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Affiliate ministries Masterwork Academy

Helping Hand Ministry

• In-person study expanded to five-days-per-week in the fall.

• Disbursed funds in the record amount of $546,863 that assisted 2,564 Tulsa County residents.

• Added piano instruction and invested in a seven-station piano lab.

• Treated students and family members to arts experiences in the fall including Tulsa Ballet’s “Breakin’ Bricks,” (42 participants); Tulsa Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” (51 participants); and First Church’s presentation of “Kings in Judaea,” (25 participants).

• Three Masterwork students were among the 24 student self-portraits selected from over 500 entrants in Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 10th Anniversary Exhibition.

• Masterwork took 15 students to Kids Across America (KAA) in Branson (a Kanakuk affiliated camp). Students won several awards during the week, but also swept the top recognition, the “I’m Third” award.

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- Food that provided 8,010 meals to 890 families - 793 families avoided shut-off of utility services - 723 families avoided an eviction by their landlord - Assisted two individuals with prescription medication - Helped 156 individuals to secure a photo ID needed for employment • Disbursed a total of $374,878 to families who lost jobs due to COVID-19 and were not able to pay rent.

• Continued the $500 help for Tulsa County residents to assist with rent and utilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Set up a website and began taking appointments in lieu of first come first service assistance.

Camp Loughridge

Troop 1

Camp Loughridge, located in southwest Tulsa, provides a natural environment for Christian growth including summer camps for children, outdoor classroom in spring and fall, and year-round rental facility for groups and organizations.

Troop 1 went camping in nine months of the year, three high adventure backpacking trips and performed more than 1,150 hours of community service work.

Through God's grace and provision, the camp had 1,271 campers and conducted seven weeks of camp.

• Provided 246 campers to come on a scholarship to hear about God's love, who otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford camp.

• Continued to host multiple youth and children’s retreats in the summer and fall. Several of the retreats were over the 70 bed capacity.

• In 2021, the camp had 269 different events at camp from 157 different organizations around Tulsa.

• The troop conducted weekly meetings outdoors at Camp Loughridge August through October.

• Five members became Eagle Scouts in 2021, including three First Church members, including Michael Pielsticker, Holt Rankin and Will Scheiper.

• Rank advancement went to 25 Scouts.

• Completed 180 merit badges to move further along the trail to Eagle Scout ranking.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

– Ephesians 2:10

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Worship statistics 2021 Worship statistics • Membership at the beginning of 2021 was 1,851.

• Total active membership as of December 31, 2021 was 1,791.

• We welcomed 70 new members – 30 by transfer, 20 youth professions of faith, 20 professions of faith & reaffirmations.

• First Church experienced a loss of 130 members – 19 by transfer, 28 by death, 83 by deletion/deactivation/discrepancy.

• First Church performed 27 baptisms – 19 infants, three at confirmation, five all others.

• There were 12 weddings, 23 memorial services and seven inurnments.

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Attendance and viewing figures The average attendance for total Sunday worship including in-person, TV and online was 1,867. Shown here are the averaged breakouts on a weekly basis: • 416 attending worship • 1,450 digital and television viewers of worship

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks; your name is near. People tell of your wondrous deeds.

– Psalm 75:1

Staff Update • Britani DiSanti joined as Ministry Assistant for Mission, Outreach and TIF. • Dan Hutchison was promoted to Senior Associate Pastor.

• Dr. Wes Vander Lugt joined as Theologian-in-Residence for a period of two semesters.

Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Wally Johnson

Dr. Wes Vander Lugt

• Erin Barnhardt joined as Associate Director for Early Childhood.

• John Cathey joined as Sous Chef.

• Katie Williams joined as First Church Foundation Director.

• Lynn Fesperman joined the staff as the Executive Director of Operations following the retirement of Bruce Blackman.

• Russell Owens was added to the maintenance department.

• Wally Johnson joined as Parish Associate, Member Care.

Lynn Fesperman

Katie Williams

Erin Barnhardt

• The following employees were recognized for years of service in 2021 James Flynn – Maintenance, 30 years Patricia Hall – Director of New Member Outreach, 10 years Arthur Pearson – Maintenance, 10 years Duff Points – Executive Director of Ministries, 10 years Wambugu Gachungi – Associate Pastor, 10 years Kelle Roberts – Accounts Payable, 5 years

John Cathey

Russell Owens

Britani DiSanti

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2021 Session Maxwell Asare Dr. Jim Bailey Shannon Bair Dacia Bird Tamra Bird Janine Burlin Cam Campbell Jim Diacon Dr. Joe Dillsaver Joel Donohue

2021Board of Elders report

Adam Doverspike Rev. James Estes

The Session of First Church reflects with gratitude on the faithfulness of a beloved congregation which gave unwaveringly the gifts of time, talent and treasure for King and Kingdom throughout 2021. While continuing to promote policies in keeping with COVID-19 guidelines issued by federal, state and local authorities, the Session ensured that provision was made for all essential practices and disciplines of Christian worship including baptisms, communion, funerals, weddings and inurnments.

• Welcomed a theologian-in-residence in the person of Rev. Dr. Wes Vander Lugt for two semesters.

Rusty Gaddy Angela Garrett Dr. Patrick Grogan Karla Kerby

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

– 2 Timothy 2:15

• Examined and approved 19 confirmands.

• Approved formation of a task force to engage in planning and fundraising activities to replace the organ in the Kerr Chapel.

• Approved funding through the 8:10 Project Council for the benefit of Masterwork Academy during the 2021-2022 academic year and 2022 summer session.

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Rev. Wambugu Gachungi

Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Session Highlights • Sponsored Sam DeVore as a ministry inquirer, Faith Wambugu as a candidate for commissioned ruling elder and Julia Metcalf who is now certified by the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery as “ready to receive a call.”

Debbie Favell

Patrick Kirunda Cathy Laird Elisa Mangesho Mary Anne Marberry Anne McCoy Dru McQueen Rev. Dr. Jim Miller Vic Morgan Dr. William Paiva Amy Russell Jim Scheiper

• Approved the work of the Board of Trustees to form a Real Estate LLC for the benefit of the FPC Foundation.

Cynthia Stewart

• In addition to scheduled support to local and national missional efforts, Session approved through the 8:10 Project Council a $40,000 distribution to the Helping Hands Ministry and a $60,000 disbursement for aid to Afghan refugees as part of a greater local ecumenical effort.

Allan Waita Katie Williams Mariesa Worman

2021 Deacons report • Provided labor for outdoor projects for widowed or elderly members on five Saturdays in May and two Saturdays in October.

2021 Deacons Sheri Allen

John McCormack

Jackie Allison

Ryan McCracken

Cheryl Arthur

Clint McQueen

Keith Campbell

David Osterholt

Elizabeth DeVore

David Raybourn

B.J. Dollahon

Carol Rowland

• Along with Elders, Deacons delivered communion elements to members who viewed the service online or on TV.

Pam Hillis

Dylan Seibert

Michael Homan

Ed Slier

• Served as greeters and reception hosts for memorial services.

Jim Inhofe

Adam Smith

Cindy Johnson

Andrea Smith

Lucy Kamande

Julie Steiner

Julie Kelly

Katy Swan

Becca Kibui

Shannon Thomas

Steve Krohn

Spurgeon Wambugu

• Hosted an All-Saints’ Day lunch for those who lost loved ones over the past year and a Thanksgiving Day meal for those with no local family.

• Hosted Camp Sunshine, a day camp experience for children dealing with cancer, at Camp Loughridge on August 12.

• Delivered flowers used in worship services to care facilities and homebound members.

Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God that he obtained with the blood of His own Son.

Joe Land

– Acts 20:28

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2021 Board of Trustees

2021 Trustees

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Foundation

Catherine Anderson

The Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation is responsible for oversight, management and growth of the Foundation’s endowment. Our investments and assets are held in the form of equities, bonds, mineral interest royalties, cash and most recently an expansion into real estate investments.

The Board of Trustees is made up of nine members of the church who are elected to three-year terms with three new members elected each year and three members rolling off. The board members for 2022, 2023 and 2024 are:

Class of 2022 Holbrook Lawson * Mike Neal Jason Pugh *Chair – 2022

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Class of 2023 Amy Tingleaf Todd Schuster Bob Pielsticker

Class of 2024 Steve Caldwell Jane Crain Pam Farris

Matthew Bristow Michelle Hassell Holbrook Lawson Vic Morgan Mike Neal Bob Pielsticker Jason Pugh Todd Schuster Amy Tingleaf

continued on next page ...

The endowment value began the year at $22,130,749. Market appreciation during the year was $2,700,136.

Beginning Value – January 1, 2021

$ 22,130,749

Real Estate Investment

$ 2,192,975

Investment Gains

$ 2,700,136

Net Contributions / Withdrawals

$ (1,361,051)

Value of Endowment at 12/31/2021

$ 25,662,809

In 2020, the trustees elected to expand the scope of allowable assets to include up to 15 percent of the foundation’s principal in direct real estate investments. During an 18-month period, the trustees and a designated real estate sub-committee analyzed numerous real estate investment opportunities. At the end of 2021, the foundation closed on its first two real estate investments, concurrent with new 10-year triple net leases with the long-standing tenants of the buildings. This process included approvals from the trustees, Session and the Presbytery. We are excited to see the performance of these investments supplement the traditional assets of the foundation.

The trustees continue to engage the Bank of Oklahoma to provide active management of the foundation assets. During 2021, our foundation experienced growth in the financial markets and the receipt of some generous gifts from members’ estates.

Earnings of the foundation are an important source of income for the programs and mission of First Church and our goal among the trustees is to grow to $50 million under management, at which point First Church will be supported in perpetuity and all tithing of members will be allocated to the missions of our church.

In 2021, the foundation distributed $753,400 for Church programs and missions and paid management fees of $101,925.

The five broad ministry categories supported by foundation earnings are: • Music and Worship • Scholarship and Education • Nurture and Care of Families • Local and Global Missions • Operations • Long Term Facility Maintenance and Repair Our goal in 2021 was to identify and close on the first real estate investments of the church, to expand the Legacy Society that recognizes donors to the foundation and prepare for the installation of a dramatic new art piece in the church in 2022.

The progress made is testimony to the continued efforts of our committees and the significant contribution of new foundation director, Katie Williams.

We continue to believe that to secure the future of our wonderful facilities and continue our commitment to the necessary programs we must endow First Church. We would encourage our membership to support this initiative with your prayers and personal estate planning!

The continuing goal is to have the endowment reach $50 million.

Respectfully submitted, Matthew Bristow Chairman 2021 25

2021 Congregational Meeting Minutes

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma – Meeting: Sunday, March 21, 2021 A called meeting was held on Sunday, March 21, 2021 in Stephenson Hall at 9:30 a.m. for the Annual Report of the Congregation and Corporation. The meeting was recorded. In order to comply with social distancing protocols related to COVID19 (specifically, six-foot distancing required between each attendee) the Session voted unanimously during the stated Session meeting on January 26, 2021 to reduce the ten percent active member quorum required by the Constitution and By-Laws of the First Presbyterian Church U.S.A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma to five percent for the purpose of this annual meeting. Copies of the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa 2020 Annual Report to the Congregation were made available to all in attendance. The written report included highlights in the life of the Congregation, reports from auxiliary boards, membership statistics, financial reports, Minutes of the Annual Congregational Meeting for 2019, and the 2021 budget. The Rev. Dr. James D. Miller served as Moderator and called the annual meeting to order and opened the meeting in prayer at 9:25 a.m. followed by the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness. The Moderator called forward Co-Clerk, Amy Scheiper, who served as Secretary for the meeting. The Secretary noted that Session had called the meeting as required by the Book of Order and the aforementioned Constitution and By-Laws and in accordance with the exception approved by Session.

Notice of the meeting was properly given per the Book of Order and a quorum of the Congregation was present. The Secretary announced the agenda for the meeting as follows: • Announcement of the Corporate Officers for 2020.

• Reports from the Clerk of Session, Treasurer, and Trustees.

• Election of the remaining officers to the class of 2023.

• Election of a replacement Deacon for the class of 2021.

• Election of the 2021 congregational representatives to the Nominating Committee.

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Corporate Officers 2020 – Secretary The FPC-Tulsa Corporate Officers as defined by the Constitution and By-Laws were announced as follows: President:

Chair of Trustees, Ed Keller

Vice President: Co-Chair of Trustees, Matthew Bristow Secretary:

Trustee, Catherine Anderson

Treasurer:

Elder Victor Morgan, Chair of Finance and Stewardship for Session.

Clerk’s Report – Secretary Membership The 2020 membership began with 2,256 members.

We welcomed 45 new members which included 30 by Reaffirmation of Faith and 15 by transfer from other churches. Also, during 2020, our membership rolls were reduced by 450 members which included 44 by death, 3 by transfer to other churches, 15 which requested deactivation, and 388 whose membership was deactivated during the membership review process. The year ended with 1,851 members for a net decrease of 405 members. (NOTE: Starting in 2019 and continuing through the first part of 2020, a membership review was undertaken which resulted in some necessary deactivations from the Church Rolls.)

There were eight (8) affiliate members. The Moderator requested a Motion from the Congregation to receive the Membership Report. The Motion was made, seconded, and the Membership Report was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Minutes of 2019 Annual Congregational and Corporate Meeting The Minutes dated December 13, 2020 of the 2019 Annual Congregational and Corporate Meeting were approved by Session on January 26, 2021 at the stated Session meeting and were included in the written

report for today’s meeting. Due to social distancing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, no other Congregational meetings were held during the year. The Moderator requested a Motion from the Congregation to approve the Minutes of the 2019 Annual Congregational and Corporate Meeting. The Motion was made, seconded, and the Minutes were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report – Elder and Treasurer, Victor Morgan Budget The 2020 annual operating revenues were $3,911,913.54 greater than expenses of $3,717,740.86 resulting in an operating surplus of $194,172.68 which compared favorably with the operating surplus of 2019 totaling $101,000.

The 2021 operating budget projects revenues of $3,932,107.00 and expenses of $4,080,767.00 which includes drawing up to $148,660.00 from the operating reserve. The 2021 budgeted receipts are $148,660.00 less when compared with the 2020 budget. The FPC 2021 Budget was approved by Session on February 23, 2021 at its stated Session meeting. The approved budget will fund First Church worship, discipleship, and mission ministries as described in the 2020 Financial Report included as an insert in the written report for today’s meeting and a line-item budget is available upon request to the business office. Elder Morgan requested a Motion from the Congregation to receive the FPC 2021 Budget as presented. The Motion was made, seconded, and approved by unanimous voice vote.

Audit An independent auditor’s report on the Church’s financial statements from the year ended December 31, 2019 was received in September 2020 with

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no exceptions indicated and was reviewed by the Session Finance and Stewardship Committee.

Insurance Insurance coverage was extended for the period of February 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021 to provide for the replacement cost of the facilities and included general liability, automobile, comprehensive crime, Workers’ Compensation, and director and officer liability coverage. The policy has been extended through February 1, 2022.

Salaries and Benefits The Session Personnel Committee reported that in accordance with the Book of Order, the “Terms of Call” for 2020 for all Pastors had been updated to meet or exceed the minimum guidelines set by Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery and reviewed with the EOP General Presbyter, Tim Blodgett. There have been no significant changes since that review.

Trustee’s Report – Elder Katie Williams Overview The Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight, management, and safeguarding of the Foundation’s endowment. The Foundation’s investments and assets are held in the form of cash, equities, bonds, and mineral interest royalties.

Board Composition The Board has nine members elected to three-year terms. Members include: Chair, Matthew Bristow, Catherine Anderson, Michelle Hassell, Holbrook Lawson, Mike Neal, Jason Pugh, Amy Tingleaf, Todd Schuster, and Bob Pielsticker.

Financial Position The endowment value began the year 2020 at approximately $21,060,057.00, received gifts of approximately $400,000.00, experienced investment gains of $2,531,675.00, distributed

$761,000.00 for Church programs and missions, paid management fees of $85,000.00, and ended the year at $23,130,542.00.

Accomplishments The five main categories supported by Foundation earnings are music and worship; nurture and care of families; local and global missions; long term facility maintenance and repair; and scholarship and education by which this year over thirty scholarships were awarded.

Goals There were dramatic fluctuations in the markets including “sell-offs” and recovery, but the end result was positive. Although the pandemic stalled program activities, work was accomplished to expand the Legacy Society including plans for artwork to represent the families who have committed a planned gift to First Church. The continuing goal is to have the endowment reach $50,000,000.

Recognition Foundation Director, Kim Jones, was recognized for her faithful contributions, Elaine Horkey was honored in her retirement, and Katie Williams was welcomed as Elaine Horkey’s replacement.

Election of Officers, Deacons, and Congregational Representatives – Secretary For the election of remaining Trustees to the class of 2023, the Nominating Committee placed Todd Schuster.

For the election of remaining Deacons for the class of 2023, the Nominating Committee placed Keith Campbell and Shannon Thomas.

For the election of a Deacon to fill a vacancy in the class of 2021 due to the resignation of

Lindsay Patterson Dees, the Nominating Committee placed Gillian Blythe Cawiezell.

For the election of the Congregational Nominating Committee Representatives for 2021, the Nominating Committee placed Linda Campbell, Taylor Conley, Sam DeVore, Juddy Kanyeki, Mike Miller, Jennifer Morgan, Jennifer Philp, and alternates Jan Creveling and Julianne Hand.

The Moderator acknowledged the nominees placed by the Nominating Committee and asked for additional nominations from the floor. None were made. The Moderator requested a Motion from the Congregation to approve the election of each officer named. The Motion was made, seconded, and the slate of officers was approved by unanimous voice vote.

The Moderator expressed his thanks to members of the 2020 Nominating Committee for working through various difficulties to discern God’s will in calling officers to serve the Lord in the coming years. On this committee, Ara Jacobson served as Chair, Dru McQueen as Vice Chair. Congregational Representatives Roy Ames, Kelly Brown, Larry Ewing, Carolyn Neely, and John Woolman served faithfully as well as Elizabeth DeVore and Pam Hillis of the Board of Deacons and Matthew Bristow and Holbrook Lawson from the Board of Trustees.

The Moderator requested a Motion to dismiss the meeting. The Motion was made, seconded, and the meeting for the Annual Report of the Congregation and Corporation was adjourned by unanimous voice vote and with prayer at 10:00 a.m.

Rev. Dr. James D. Miller Amy Scheiper Moderator Secretary

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