TCF Monthly Prayer Advance - Prayer Points

House Churches: TCF House Churches meet weekly.  They are located throughout the city and much of church life is centered in these smaller groups. House Churches operate as smaller versions of church with worship, fellowship, growth and mission as central focuses.  Each House Church has its own particular flavor centered around growing together in the Lord through prayer, discipleship, teaching and relational accountability.  Because of the smaller number, those committed to a House Church are able to develop meaningful and intimate relationships with each other. The    practical nurturing of needs and support comes to TCF members largely through the house church to which they belong.   Additionally, the House Church serves as an ideal place to bring unbelievers, friends, etc as members are encouraged to develop and maintain a lifestyle of evangelism. 

Prayer Points and Needs:

* Pray for house church pastors and co-pastors, renewed strength, creativity and vision  * challenges, health and other, that many members of the house churches are facing  * for the Spirit's strength, wisdom and power in ministry to one another in house churches  * that the ministry of the Word through teaching and Bible study would result in growth and grace and maturity in Christ  * for relationships to be deep in the love and unity of Christ * for young leaders to be raised up in house churches * for more TCFers to be involved in house churches

Body Life in Sunday's service: Many elements make up the ministry that takes place in the Sunday morning service at TCF. All of these elements enable us to minister to the Lord and to one another by the grace of the Holy Spirit within us with the result that the Lord is glorified in His people and the Body of Christ is built up and strengthened in love.  

Currently Serving: The Holy Spirit and The Body at TCF!!  

Pray for these Elements of Our Sunday Service and that all would proceed out of the love, unity and renewal of the Holy Spirit: * Partaking of the Lord’s Supper * Corporate Prayer * Prophetic Encouragement and Testimony * Prayer for our Missionaries during the “Missions Moment” * Prayer Teams who minister to Individual Needs * Giving from our Financial Means * Announcements concerning Body Life * Celebrating with New Believers in Believers Baptism * Fellowship Time

Women's Council: The Women's Council oversees the Women's Ministry for TCF.  The Council prays for the women of TCF.  It plans and     facilitates events throughout the year that are aimed at meeting the needs of the women.  We plan at least one service event every year that so that the women can work together to serve a ministry or individuals who have needs.  The Council also facilitates the gathering of food items and provides service for meals planned at TCF for missionaries, funerals, and other events requiring a meal. 

CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL:

Maren B, Debbie M, Chris S, Sarah Joy T, Heather W

Prayer Points and Needs:  * The Women's Council would know God’s direction on ways to best meet the needs of the women at TCF * That God would knit the women of TCF together, and that we can be encouraged by each other in our faith * That more of the women of TCF would be drawn to participate in the women’s meetings and activities

Corporate Prayer Opportunities

2nd Wednesday Corporate Prayer:  TCF Corporate Prayer is held the 2nd Wednesday of each month at the church.  House Churches cancel their regular meeting and encourage their members to attend this gathering for corporate prayer.  Prayer is offered up for the needs of TCF and its ministries as well as TCF members in need, all TCF missionaries, and whatever the Lord might direct. 

SERVING AS FACILITATORS:  The TCF Elders on a rotating basis

Prayer Points and Needs: * That the Holy Spirit would give the Elder leading clarity and creativity concerning direction, focus or theme for the meeting * That the Holy Spirit would guide every point of prayer * Each person attending would be led by the Holy Spirit in their particular participation in offering prayer * That the Holy Spirit would renew our hearts concerning prayer for the church and increase attendance to this meeting

Missions Prayer Band:  Missions Prayer Band meets every Sunday morning before theservice from 9 to 10 AM to pray for TCF Missionaries around the world and also for the Persecuted Church.  All are invited to attend this time of prayer facilitated by Gordon and Sue Wright.

Presentation Team: The ministry of the Presentation Team is to enhance the ministry of the services at TCF.  During the Praise and Worship, they  synchronizing the lyrics of the songs being sung onstage by the worship team on the front screens in order to aid the congregation in participation in the singing.  During the Ministry of the Word, the  team sometimes presents additional speaker’s visual content on the front screens for the congregation to view.  After the service, the team uploads the speaker’s message to the internet to access a wider audience. 
 
CURRENTLY SERVING: Brian B, Nicholas W, Josiah F
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * Synchronization of songs between the worship team and the powerpoint being run from the computer * Wisdom to simplify the presentation during a service and uploading of content onto the internet after the service * Protection from technical difficulties and mistakes

Good News Club is an after-school Bible club that meets on Friday afternoons at Kendall Whittier Elementary School.  Child Evangelism Fellowship won the right to have these clubs in the schools at a U.S. Supreme Court hearing in 2001.  There are about 140 kids attending each week. The kids are memorizing Bible verses and learning Bible stories. They sing, play games and have refreshments.  As well as group assembly activities, the kids meet in groups of 5-10 which enables them to get to know their group leader.  There are 13 groups of K-4th graders; the 5th and 6th graders go to more advanced Bible Study.  Most of the kids have prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their personal savior by the end of the school year.  
 
CURRENTLY SERVING: Charlene D, Dawn, Michele & Josiah F, Sarah Joy T, Patty E, Cynthia B, Diana M, Jody M, John & Ruth S,  Mina G, Scott L,  Diane & Rachel S, Elizabeth B, Linda D, Amos G 
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * There are now 140 kids regularly attending and 15 groups * More Group Leaders  (Need Child Evangelism Training) * Substitutes to fill in when Group Leaders can’t be there
* More donations of Cookies, Candy & Prizes (kid’s Bibles, etc) * Creativity to work with changes in KW schedules and procedures * Good communication between TCF-GNC leadership team and the KW staff who are involved each week with the 5th & 6th graders * Volunteers to: Phone GNC families to invite them to TCF, Make home visits to GNC families, Pick up GNC kids and bring them to TCF on Sundays

Pulpit Ministry: The Elders of TCF mainly function in this role although the elders are always on the alert for men in the congregation, other than elders, who would be a blessing to the church in preaching or teaching.  There especially is a desire to see some of the younger men grow in this gift.  All of the current preacher/teachers are very concerned about rightly dividing the Word of God.  It is also important that those in the pulpit not only give accurate teaching, but that the Word from the Lord for the moment for His people comes forth.  This requires much time and seeking of the Lord, with heart preparation as well as study.
 
CURRENTLY SERVING: The TCF Elders, with Bill Sullivan, Jim Garrett and Jim Grinnell functioning most often. Others that God lays on the hearts of the Elders.  
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * Preachers/Teachers would rightly divide the Word of God * Their hearts and ears would be open to what the Lord wants to say to His people * God would lay His Word on their hearts
* God would raise up young men into this ministry area * Protection over their preparation time and from general satanic harassment the week before ministering (and after!)
 

Kid’s Hope is a tutoring program at Kendall Whittier Elementary School.  Volunteer tutors from TCF each meet with one child, one hour per week at the school.  The children are chosen by their teachers due to struggles with reading, math, or social skills.  They each need someone to be a faithful friend who encourages them, believes in them and helps them with their schoolwork.  Knowing that they can count on their Kid’s Hope tutor motivates the children to try harder in school.  The tutors cannot talk to the students about Jesus unless they ask, but can invite them to Good News Club, TCF, Vacation Bible School, etc.  Once the trust of the parents is gained, the tutors can take their students out for ice cream, etc. and are free to share with them.  
 
CURRENT TUTORS: Charlene D,  Patty E, Diane S       
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * More Tutors (there are 1200 kids at Kendall Whittier) * Kids with special challenges (example: Isella needs a desire to read) * More KH kids will come to Good News Club (transportation can be an issue) * Kids’ parents and families would come to TCF * Transportation for KH kids who want to attend TCF * KH Special Event Coordinator (movie night, pizza parties, picnics at a park, etc.) * Creative Workshops to further train tutors

The P.O.P.s (Puppets of Praise) puppet team is a ministry of Tulsa Christian Fellowship that provides an opportunity for young people to be trained in service and outreach using puppetry and  performance arts.  P.O.P.s goal is to share the Good News of the love of God, the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ, and to encourage believers in their Christian faith. 
 
CURRENTLY SERVING:  Leaders:  Patty E, Brian B, Grace M, Ethan M;  Team Members: Daniel B, Trey B, Adrienne B, Anna C, Caleb C, Rachel S, Mia D, Micah M, Nicholas W, Michele F, Josiah F
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * Ministry Opportunities: March 22-24  The Tulsa Workshop, a missions convention of Churches of Christ.  Pray for those children attending.  Also for POPS, creative inspiration to plan 2 new 40 minute programs.  Patty will be leading a puppetry workshop for the children Thurs. April 13-14  Attending Creative Ministry Puppetry Festival, St Louis: Pray for good team building, safe travel, ministry & learning. * Possible ministry trip to Nebraska in the summer * POPS members to grow in faith and ministry gifts

Kendall Whittier Elementary School is a the focal point of TCF’s outreach in the Kendall Whittier area.  We want to be a support to this school serving a needy neighborhood. We have a strong presence in the school with the Kid’s Hope tutoring program and every Friday, the Good News Club after school Bible program with 140 kids participating.  Kids are being brought to Jesus and trained in Biblical principles.  Our relationship with the school administration is healthy and ongoing and several teachers participate with us on Fridays for Good News Club.  We are hoping that the impact for Christ will continue to expand to the families of the KW children and the KW staff and, if they are without a church home, even drawn to attend TCF. 
 
CURRENTLY SERVING  Those serving with the Kid’s Hope Tutoring program and the Good News Club after school Bible program 
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * Ronda K, 1st year principal of KW - wisdom and direction as she leads the school * KW Teachers, adjusting to the school’s new leadership and facing challenges from more demanding school system standards and requirements * Our own Jason F, who teaches 4th grade at KW
* Homeless “Shelter Kids” who attend KW * Many significant issues for KW kids, including immigrant/language challenges, broken families, substance abuse/addiction, poverty * About 1200 children, from K-6th grade at KW school * Kid’s Hope and Good News Club * Any further opportunities that the Lord may open for us at KW

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a summer program held each June or July at TCF.  There are about 100 kids from the neighborhood who attend as well as TCF kids.  Each day begins with an assembly including all the kids. After this, they rotate in crews of 5-10 kids to different activities including Bible Story, crafts, games, snacks, etc. Each day ends with another assembly gathering. Kids have an opportunity to receive Jesus as Savior and to learn a lot about the Bible in a very exciting and FUN atmosphere. 
 
CURRENT WORKERS: Patty E, Charlene D, Jody M,  Dawn F, Plus: A Variety of additional TCF volunteers each year

Prayer Points and Needs: * Prayer for choice of curriculum for this year * Prayer for the best dates to hold VBS this year * God will draw children & families & many will come to know Him * Volunteers needed: Preschool Director, Station Leaders, Crafts, Games, Bible Stories, Food, Nursery, Discussion, Opening and Closing daily, Crew Leaders, Registration, Sound Booth, Photographer, Set-up/Clean-up, Drivers to transport kids, Pray-ers

The Missions Council advises the elders on all aspects of mission policy and finances at TCF.  They review the applications submitted by those who feel a call to become a TCF missionary and receive financial and/or prayer support for both long and short-term missionary work. The Missions Council also has input into the planning and carrying out of the annual TCF Missions Conference.
 
CURRENTLY SERVING: Hallet H (chair), Ed H, Steve S, Linda S, Beth T, Dave T
 
Prayer Points and Needs:  * Wisdom and discernment in making decisions about policy and individual missionaries * Vision and faith for the ongoing missions program at TCF and what God has for us in the future * Resources, both money and people, for the missions program (We would like to send and support more people!) * Additional members to serve on the Missions Council

Missions Prayer Band was initiated in 2001 with the purpose of having a regular time of corporate prayer to support all TCF Missionaries.  Held every Sunday morning upstairs in Room 212, from 9-10 A.M. before the main service at TCF, this small band of intercessors prays for our missionaries around the world and the nations in which they serve.  A section of this prayer hour is also devoted to pray for the Persecuted Church worldwide. 
 
Currently Serving: Facilitated by:  Gordon & Sue W 
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * More pray-ers to support our missionaries together in prayer!  * Pray-ers to commit to 1 or 2 Sundays/month if they can’t come every week.

The TCF Staff serve the needs of the church on a daily basis on location at the church office and building. These are the folks who keep the gears turning in all the practical areas of administration and maintenance, as well as ministering to those who call or stop in at the office and just generally being on call.

CURRENTLY SERVING:  Bill Sullivan – pastoral and administrator, Jim Grinnell – pastoral and counseling, Debbie Manchester – secretary, Patty Eland – children’s ministry, Bruce Clutter – accounting, McEndarfer family – maintenance

Prayer Points and Needs: Pray for each staff member and their family * Pray for strength, wisdom and grace for the administrative tasks they perform as well as ministering to many in our body each day * Ability to discern God’s will in the many decisions that are made in the course of a normal week in the office so that God’s purposes could go forward * Ministry opportunities that come to the door - wisdom and discernment for all who come

Brothers And Sisters in Christ (B.A.S.I.C.) is a community of 7th grade through high school students that meets on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at TCF. The purpose of this youth meeting is to create a safe and open environment for TCF and community teens to be discipled in Jesus Christ and in the Word of God as it relates to everyday life and its challenges.  Teens are challenged to grow deeper in their relationship with God and each other.   Besides the weekly gatherings, throughout the year special  opportunities are offered for fellowship, Christian growth, service and missions. 

CURRENTLY SERVING: Daniel and Lauren Clutter, Kevin Schroeder

Prayer Points and Needs: For the Leaders: Fear of the Lord * Wisdom in discerning God’s direction for developing BASIC * Developing relationships with the teens *  Being filled with God’s Word to minister to the teens * Need for additional leader/helper;  For the Teens: Fear of the Lord/Spirit of repentance *   Understanding God’s character/deeper relationship with Him * Hunger for the Truth *  Open eyes to see God’s love and hand in their lives * focus for This Year: Practice and live out the truths of the Bible taught last year * Learning to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit * To grow in faith and boldness * Potential Mission Trip—pray for direction

Children’s Church classes function as “Sunday School” for TCF children. Children’s Church serves kids preschool age to 6th grade.  The goal is to help the children come into a relationship with God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, through the work of the Holy Spirit.  We want to help them grow in their knowledge of God’s Word, and in expressing their faith by their godly lives, words and deeds.

CURRENTLY SERVING: Preschool through Kindergarten: Sarah Joy T, Michele F & Mia D, Grace & Jody M, Micah M & James M;  1st and 2nd Grade: Paul F, Jane R, Carla D, Josiah F, Dawn F;  3rd - 6th Grade: Patty E & Junghee D, Diane & Rachel S, Charlene D & Nancy H
        
Prayer Points and Needs: Teachers and Assistants will love the children & have insight into ministering to their needs * Teachers will have wisdom in teaching God’s Word * Teachers will have wisdom in ministering to the children who are coming in from the neighborhood * Two more teachers and helpers are needed * Children’s hearts will be open and responsive to the Lord * Wisdom in renovating the upstairs for more effective ministry 

Bible Bowl is a Sunday night program for children from age 4 to 4th grade.  Bible Bowl runs 8 weeks in January and February and again in September and October.  The emphasis is Scripture Memory designed to help children build a lifelong habit of “hiding God’s Word in their hearts.”  The evening includes activities, games, prizes and lots of FUN!

CURRENTLY SERVING: Al B, Hannah L, Paul B, Steve S, Diana D, Bill S, Sarah Joy T 

Prayer Points and Needs: Bible Bowl coaches – strength, energy, wisdom and a good connection with each of the kids that attend * Parents would be closely involved with their kids in helping them to catch a vision for and to be diligent in memorizing scripture * A hunger in the hearts of the children for God’s Word and God’s Truth * That each child would grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus as their Savior and Lord

The Kendall Whittier Neighborhood is where TCF is located in Tulsa. KW Elementary School is where we have 2 major  areas of service: “Kid’s Hope”, a tutoring program and “Good News Club”– an after school Bible program.  There is new leadership in place at all three schools in the KW area as well as major overhauls in the school system itself.  This is a time of transition in most areas of peoples lives due to the challenging times in which we live that may open opportunities for the Gospel.

Prayer Points and Needs: * Thank God for the impact TCF has had on the neighborhood and for all that He wants to do for the people of KW * TCF’s vision and role in reaching out to the neighborhood * MORE LABORERS! * TCF’s Outreach Council - the role that they should have for TCF regarding the neighborhood * Renewed spirit of community in the KW area through neighbors befriending each other and being involved in each other’s lives * Particular challenges facing the KW area: Domestic Violence,  Substance Abuse, Child Abuse and Neglect, Poverty, Premature fatality * God would open hearts and minds to the Gospel and bring salvation and fruitfulness as we reach out to our neighbors.  Many people come to TCF’s doors each week seeking various types of help.  Due to current economic conditions, there has been an increase of those needing help.  Pray for these people: * Their eyes would be opened to see their need for Jesus and that they would be granted true repentance * For salvation, deliverance, and healing * If Believers, to be planted in and committed to a local Church * For the TCF Staff to discern their heart needs and for wisdom to know how/when to meet physical need. It could be that among these needy people there are those who belong to TCF as part of the Lord’s Harvest.

The Missions Conference is held annually in February.  It is a time to re-envision the congregation concerning our call to world missions and our role in particular to pray, to give, and to go.   A keynote speaker is invited to inform and inspire by sharing their experiences and expertise in world missions.  The conference also features one or more of the TCF missionaries/families who minister and share about their field of service.  The church auditorium is adorned with the flags of the nations in which TCF missionaries serve and the walls are lined with colorful booths highlighting all the TCF missionaries, their work and the nation in which they serve.  There is also a Children’s Missions Conference which runs concurrently with the adult conference  allowing the children to experience some of the culture and call of world missions.
 
FACILITATORS: The TCF Elders, The Missions Council, The TCF Staff, Missions Agents
 
Prayer Points and Needs: * Wisdom for the Elders and Missions Council in choosing the theme and speakers *  TCF would be re-envisioned for the world – to pray, to give, to go * Those in the congregation that God will call to go as missionaries * Prayer and Giving would be stimulated for our missionaries * Conference would make a city-wide impact for world missions * Those called to be a part of TCF missions vision would be drawn to TCF

Every Year TCF has a Children’s Missions Conference during the Friday  evening service of the TCF conference and often continuing it on Sunday during Children’s Church.  The goal is for the children to have a mission’s vision for the world, to grow in compassion for the lost, and to know that they can be a part of missions right now as they pray for and support missionaries and mission work.  Whenever possible, TCF missionaries who are at home for a time share their experiences. They often have their children share.  This year our Mission Adventure will be “Tales of the Not Forgotten”.  We will learn of God’s work in reaching orphans and children in poverty in different places around the world. 
 
CURRENTLY SERVING: Patty E, TCF Missionaries, TCF Volunteers

Prayer Points and Needs: * TCF children will receive a vision for missions at an early age * Opportunities for the children to serve the missions vision even while young * Grace and creativity for those planning the conference * Extra help needed for the children’s conference— TCF Volunteers Needed!

The Elders of TCF are the overseers of the congregation. Their mandate from the Lord and from Scripture is to watch over and to nurture/disciple the souls in their charge. The Elders carefully guard the unity among themselves as well as among the church body, knowing that Satan’s #1 weapon is division. They meet weekly to pray over and discuss issues concerning the life and business of TCF.  Their desire is that God would be the One directing the Church rather than anyone’s personal agenda.  They are individually and together continually seeking wisdom and guidance from the Lord concerning matters which involve people’s lives and ministry direction for the church. The Elders are committed to mentoring the young men of the church in  developing Christ-like character, their gifts and to discern God’s future leaders for TCF. 

ELDERS SERVING: Bruce Clutter, Bill Sullivan, Joel Vesanen, Jim Garrett, Dave Troutman, Gordon Wright,
Jim Grinnell                                                                          

Prayer Points and Needs: Spiritual renewal and refreshing in their relationship with the Lord * Unity in discerning the Mind of Christ concerning TCF * Wisdom in decisions concerning people and church direction * Mentoring and Discipling young men – “The Knights of the Square Table” fortnightly luncheon is a major part of this effort * Protection for Elders and their families from Satan’s attacks personally, financially and in their leadership role in the church

Building Council: As a result of our prayer for laborers for the harvest, several in our Body at TCF have felt a need to do some renovations in our building.  The concern is not lavish decorating, but that our building would reflect well to the community and especially to those who choose to visit or to consider TCF as a possible church home.

CURRENTLY SERVING: Paul B, Hallett H, Laura Gr, Hannah L, Mark R, Nancy H

Prayer Points and Needs: Prioritizing of projects * Direction and unity for the council as they discuss plans and set things in motion * Skill for those who will do the work * A certain amount of funding is currently available from savings - Further funds as the needs are ascertained

The Baby and the Toddler Nurseries care for children from birth to pre-school during the Sunday morning service.  They are staffed by TCF members who volunteer on a particular Sunday each month.

CURRENTLY SERVING: Jania & Kirk W, Diana D, Jason & Hannah L, Cheryl B, Jason & Misty F,  Barbara S, Vicki & Trey B, Ruth V

Prayer Points & Needs: Volunteers are currently needed * Wisdom and grace for those serving to minister to the babies and toddlers * That the Holy Spirit would fill the nurseries with the peace of His presence

FASTRAC: An acronym for “Fifth and Sixth Team Reaching After Christ,” FASTRAC provides a transition between the children of Bible Bowl age and the youth of BASIC. It runs 8 weeks in January and February and again in September and October (concurrently with the Sunday Night Seminar and Bible Bowl). Fun and games are carefully balanced by solid Bible teaching and discussion as the youth are encouraged to nurture their daily walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

CURRENTLY SERVING: Jason and Misty F

Prayer Points and Needs: For the Leaders of FASTRAC:  The ability to develop meaningful relationships with the kids *  To love each other and the FASTRACers with God's love * To have God's vision for the kids and help them to mature in Christ *  Be led by the Holy Spirit in planning the Bible lessons and games
 Good balance and transition between fun and Bible study each time * For the 5th & 6th Graders in FASTRAC:  That the kids would be attentive and have open ears  and hearts to  learn from the Scripture lessons *  Full surrender to God (Rom. 12:1-2) *  Hear and obey God's voice *  Form Christ-centered relationships *  Have fun