June 30, 2008

East Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tulsa, OK

Volume 37, Issue 26

Rev. Fred Turner Answers GOD’S Call to East Side

         Many months ago, you entrusted the search committee with the responsibility of selecting a ministerial candidate whom we feel will match the needs and priorities of East Side Christian Church.  We have diligently and prayerfully pursued this task and have selected Rev. Fred Turner as our new Senior Minister.  As provided in our Bylaws, an official congregational meeting was held following worship on Sunday, June 29^th, 2008 and a vote to extend a call to Rev. Fred Turner was unanimously affirmed.

       Rev. Turner was born in Heber Springs, AR, but grew up in Tulsa.  While he spent time in other states at the beginning of college, during a tour of duty in the United States Air Force, and most recently as a pastor in Texas, he has always called Oklahoma “home.”  He received a B.S. in Education from the University of Tulsa, a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa’s College of Law, and a Master of Divinity degree from Phillips Theological Seminary. 

East Side Feels Like Home

Lisa Dellinger, our guest speaker Sunday, began her seminary studies  at PTS when it was meeting here at East Side. She said it felt like a homecoming returning here as our guest speaker. Lisa shared a message about the meaning of life. 

Rev. Romney Nesbitt Back With Us, July 6.

Romney will be preaching from Genesis 24 and her sermon title is, "The Lord Still Leads".  Come and listen to what is sure to be a great message.

       As a “second-career” minister, Rev. Turner comes to us with a variety of life experience, which he feels has helped prepare him for ministry.  The Committee was particularly impressed with his love of God, his strong preaching and teaching abilities, his administrative background and his sense of humor.  We feel his experience, strengths, ideas and skills will serve us well as we look to the future.

       Fred (which he welcomes being called) is married to Phyllis, his childhood sweetheart.  She is a case manager and social worker having worked in the domestic violence and mental health fields.  They have two sons, Chris, 37, and Chad, 34, who have blessed them with 5 grandchildren.  Fred loves all kinds of music, reading, working in his yard, and pretending he is a handyman. 

We thank you for your support, prayers, and patience during this search process.  Now we hope you will join us in our excitement about the calling of Rev. Fred Turner to be our new minister starting Tuesday, September 2, 2008.

 

Pastoral Search Committee

Melanie Blocker, Committee Chair