Tulsa Congregations Celebrate Diversity And Togetherness

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OKLAHOMA -- Tulsa congregations joined one another to celebrate the city's diversity with the 17th annual Tulsa Together Service.

The pastors say there's always a great sense of unity during this event and it's a feeling they hope carries over throughout the year.

The Tulsa Together Service Sunday evening was the culmination of day of events at various churches. It began with a pulpit exchange where pastors appeared as guest speakers in front of other congregations and it ended with a performance by the Tulsa Together Choir.

"People tend to go I think to churches where I think they feel comfortable. This is a time when we come together and enjoy each other, and sometimes it stretches some of us out of our comfort zones a little bit with music and other things. But that's a good thing too," said Pastor Larry Wilson, Garnett Baptist Church.

"Lot of unity, lot of togetherness. Native Americans, African Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics, Phillipinos, we all come together," said W.R. Casey with Christian Ministers Alliance.

Organizers say the event has taken on added significance this year because of the uncertainties many Tulsans are facing.

"Economic issues. We've got people that need food and clothing and things like that. So coming together as Christians gives us a better sense of what other churches are doing," said Pastor Wilson.

While some in attendance admitted to being out of their comfort zone, they all quickly discovered one common interest.

"We all serve one Lord, one faith, one baptism. So we all serve one Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We need to work together," said Casey.

The event was first launched in 1994 by the Christian Ministers Alliance and the Tulsa Metro Baptist Association. The Sunday evening service is held at a different church every year.