We are followers of a Jesus that is always active. He travels. He heals. He teaches. He serves. He preaches. He lives and dies. We believe in an active God.
Our faith leads us to lives of action, as well. Southminster is always busy learning, serving, worshipping, and more. How would you like to get involved?
Deacons Work
The PCUSA’s Book of Order calls ordained deacons to a ministry of “compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress” (G-2.0201).
Southminster is blessed by a group of Deacons doing just that. Through their ministry they minister to active and inactive members, the homebound, the grieving, and anybody in need. From rides to church to food after a sickness or birth, the Deacons offer an ongoing and ever-present ministry of care and compassion.
Youth
Sunday School
All ages are welcome for Sunday school and enrichment every Sunday morning!
9:30 – 10:15 AM – Sunday School
10:30 – 11:30 AM – Enrichment
FAIR TRADE SHOP
Open the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m.until 3 p.m., each Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. & other hours upon request.
The primary purpose of the Fair Trade Shop is to provide an outlet for products and crafts grown or created by people in parts of the world where poverty is the norm. These people are often victims of marketeers who would seek to profit at their expense. Church organizations have intervened and started such programs as the Presbyterian Coffee Project and SERRV International. These non-profit organizations see to it that those who provide the goods are paid fairly, that they can earn a living wage for their families, and the earth is not damaged in the process.
The second purpose of having the Fair Trade Shop at the church is to provide a place where Tulsans can purchase these products year-round.Some people are confused by the designations “fair trade” and “free trade.” There is a big difference! “Free trade” goods come from countries that have signed an agreement with the United States that there will be no extra tariffs or taxes added to the prices of their products. “Fair trade” goods, on the other hand, are made available through not-for-profit organizations that work to increase standards in developing parts of the world.
Specifically, they strive to:
Pay fair wages in the local context
Offer employees opportunities for advancement
Provide equal opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged
Engage in environmentally sustainable practices
Be open to public accountability
Build long-term trade relationships
Provide healthy and safe working conditions within the local context
Provide financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN
Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to nurture our faith through prayer and Bible study, to support the mission of the church worldwide, to work for justice and peace, and to build an inclusive, caring community of women that strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and witnesses to the promise of God’s Kingdom.
The Presbyterian Women circles meet monthly (September through May) for fellowship, Bible study, and to support the mission work of the church. We invite all women to join us in this fellowship. A new Bible study is provided to us each year by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The women also give several dinners and host activities throughout the year for our church members. Our circles are a way to strengthen friendships, strengthen our faith, and strengthen our knowledge of God’s world and His plan for each of us.
“To welcome others is a central value of the Christian faith, shared by most of the world’s religions. The call to welcome the stranger is so common in the Bible that one must wonder if it is so oft repeated because of its importance, or because we are so quick to disregard it. In this time of great global and domestic conflict, perhaps both are true.”
where we give
Special Offerings
The four churchwide Special Offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are a collective witness to Jesus Christ’s love for the whole church. One Great Hour of Sharing, Pentecost Offering, Peace and Global Witness Offering, and Christmas Joy Offering play an important role in defining what it means to be a connectional church. Over the years these offerings have provided ways for individuals and congregations to join together with each other and in partnership with other Christians in responding to a variety of concerns.
Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry
Promoting Cooperation, Understanding and Service among the Faithful of Tulsa.
Promotes religious understanding, cooperation, respect and freedom. Fosters dialogue that nurtures mutual respect, trust and cooperation in relationships. Advocates for the fair and equal treatment of all persons. Gives voice with those who are being forgotten by our society. Develops direct services for those who have an unfulfilled, compelling need.Works in six key areas: Government, Education, Family, Business, Environment, and Religion.
where we volunteer
Emergency Infant Services
Emergency Infant Services (EIS) is a non-profit organization that provides temporary assistance to children five and younger in the Tulsa area whose families are in dire economic straits. We provide the most basic of needs: food, formula, clothing, and diapers, along with other children’s items. EIS provides support for over 17,000 infants and toddlers annually. 92 cents of every dollar donated to EIS goes to these families and their children. We believe in providing families facing financial challenges with immediate help because a hungry child cannot wait.
Emergency Infant Services began helping Tulsa families on January 1, 1977. Through the caring, foresight and commitment of Linda Watts and other Tulsa leaders, the idea of EIS was conceived and brought to reality. EIS began in the balcony of Second Presbyterian Church and has continued to grow and meet the needs of Tulsa families. The number of families served has increased steadily, and EIS is now in its third home with a second full-service location and two satellite locations added to help serve more families throughout the city.
South Tulsa Community House
South Tulsa Community House (STCH) was established in 1996 as a social service agency to assist the residents of the 61st and Peoria neighborhoods. For over seventeen years STCH was located in a small storefront location providing basic services for families and individuals including food and transportation assistance, access to computers, internet, phone, fax and copier as well as GED classes and a Job Assistance Program. Our mission statement, Help a Little, Empower a Lot, describes our efforts to help the residents become more self-sufficient and lead a more productive life.
On June 30, 2014, STCH through the help of local foundation partners, purchased a building located across the street at 5780 S. Peoria. After remodeling, STCH moved their operations to the new building on December 1, 2014. With four times more space, STCH has expanded the food pantry, the Job Assistance Program and added a Bus Pass to Work Program. In addition, St. John Clinic/Family Medical Care has a clinic in our building providing adult and child primary care services including maternity care. Emergency Infant Services, Restore Hope Ministries, Tulsa County Health Department, Veterans Administration and Eastern Oklahoma Community Food Bank will offer additional services. As a result STCH is developing into a “One Stop” service provider for this transportation challenged neighborhood.
STCH is a program of the South Peoria Neighborhood Connection Foundation (SPNCF) which is a 501 (c) (3). The initial goal of SPNCF is to bring public and private partners together to provide support services including food assistance, educational programs, health care, social services and employment opportunities for the residents of the 61st and Peoria area. The ultimate goal of SPNCF is creation of a safe and comfortable environment that revitalizes the 61st and Peoria area through economic growth, better jobs, improved housing and effective education, thus enhancing the quality of life and community pride.
Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless
Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless focuses on providing the full spectrum of what clients need to overcome homelessness, including an award-winning health clinic, personalized case management and computer access. The Tulsa Day Center is about more than helping the homeless. They are about empowering individuals to create a bright future.
