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WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

First Christian Church Elders

ELDERS

First Christian Church Elders for 2025 are (clockwise from top left): Judy Shade, Paula Reif, Sue Catron, Sonya Vann and Richard Rief.  Not pictured are Mike Phillips and Doug Stivers.

The responsibilities of the Elders in the Christian Church are as follows:

  • Share in the ministration of baptism

  • Share in the ministration of the Lord's Supper

  • Conduct of worship

  • Share in the pastoral care

  • Share in the the spiritual leadership of the congregation

FCC Tahlequah - Elders

Sue Catron

Sue Catron currently serves on the Board as chairman of the Administration Committee.  In that role, she supports our Treasurer, is a member of the Finance committee, and helps support our church secretary.  Sue loves to welcome people to First Christian.  You can recognize her by her smile.  Sue tries to fill in where needed.  If she doesn’t know an answer, she’ll help find one.

FCC Tahlequah - Elders

Judy Shade

Judy Shade is an original New Jersey girl. Feeding people is one way she loves our community. Judy is a volunteer at Tahlequah’s CARE food pantry. She takes a leading role with First Christian’s sharing table and monthly Mobile Food Pantry distribution. Judy coordinates our efforts at Feed My Sheep, the weekly hot meal prepared and served to the community by a consortium of local churches. As the chairman of our membership committee, Judy plans and coordinates our social events – church dinners, baby showers, white elephant bingo… This is one busy lady! And she’s one of our trustee’s too.

FCC Tahlequah - Elders

Mike Phillips

Mike Phillips is one of those super quiet individuals who surprises those who don’t know him.  Mike is active with the Tahlequah Community Playhouse and is quite an actor.  Mike supports many of the committees and activities of First Christian.  Most fun though, is when he’s participating in biblical skits or working with our youngsters during Vacation Bible School.  Mike serves frequently as Worship Leader on Sunday mornings.  He’s always bringing something unusual for the congregation to ponder.

FCC Tahlequah - Elders

Sonya Vann

Sonya Vann has a heart for those experiencing homelessness, and volunteers at Tahlequah’s Day Center. The Day Center provides a meal each day, shower facilities, and assistance in acquiring documents and other services to those who are housing or food insecure. Sonya is a past president of our Board and has been chairman of our Outreach committee for a number of years. Sonya is retired following a long career in nursing and health services. Her love of helping people is evident in everything she does.

FCC Tahlequah - Elders

Doug Stivers

Doug Stivers is one of the most helpful people you may ever meet. Doug supports all efforts of First Christian with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. Doug has previously served as Chairman of the Board and on several committees. You can find Doug helping with Vacation Bible School, constructing playground equipment, helping with clean-up at church dinners. Whatever is needed, Doug will do his best to fill the gap. All family is special to Doug – but ask him about that grandbaby if you get a chance.

VIDEOS

Prayer Requests

Our Prayer List contains the names of individuals who could use our support and uplifting thoughts. This page provides an opportunity to come together as a community and send positive energy to those in need.

Prayers for our congregation

Please keep our congregation in your prayers as we face this new year and all of the challenges it holds. Pray for our Pastor and our leaders as they are working together to make decisions for our congregation. Pray that we will be a shining light in our community that points the way to Christ.

News

A Fond Farewell to Darell and Barry Christopher

A Fond Farewell to Darell and Barry Christopher
April 12, 2026

Events

Ladies of the Long Table
May 13, 2026

Gather for breakfast and fellowship every Wednesday morning at Cherokee Springs Golf Course.  Everyone welcome.  Drop in late, leave early...  if you can be there, we'd love to visit with you.


Mobile Food Pantry Distribution
May 26, 2026

Mobile Food Pantry distribution will take place Tuesday, May 26th at 10:00 AM. We are unable to deliver food boxes. Pick up will be In Person Only at the church. We are located just off the Bertha Parker Bypass at 746 S. Cedar Avenue, one block from Linney Breaux. Volunteers assisting with distribution, please arrive by 9:30 AM.


Mobile Food Pantry Registration
May 12, 2026

Registration for our Mobile Food Pantry will be Tuesday, May 12th, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church. We are located at 746 S. Cedar Avenue, just off the Bertha Parker Bypass. Registration is In Person Only.

Quarterly Board Meeting
May 20, 2026

The quarterly board meeting will be held May 20th , 2026, at 5:30 pm at the church. Regional Minister Michael Davison will be meeting with us to discuss the next steps in our search and call. All members are invited.

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