WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY

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.

The first thing people notice about Richard Rief is his ready smile.  The next thing folks notice is his height.  The trait that sticks with others most though, is how friendly and supportive he is.  Richard is the Director of Information Technology at NSU and First Christian leans on him to help support our video and sound services.  Richard leads our adult Bible study on Sunday mornings. He participates on several committees and is always there to help.  Richard is a great public speaker.  He likes long bike rides.  Above all, Richard loves his Church, his family – and his Green Bay Packers.

Paula Reif is an educator by profession and her love for children is a gift to First Christian. Paula is the chairman of our Board and helps to actively lead the Education and Worship committees. Vacation Bible School, children’s church lessons, Hosannah Happenings, fall festivals… all these benefit from Paula’s energy and creativity. Within the community, Paula is an active member of Tahlequah Community Playhouse. With theater experience, we lean on Paula frequently within the sound booth too. Paula’s smile sure helps new people feel welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.