Sand Springs Couples Host 6th Annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K

Left to Right: Matt Barnett, Cassie Barnett, Paige Ryan, Austin Ryan. (Courtesy).

Pregnancy is often greeted with a great deal of celebration and excitement. Couples plan photo shoots for their announcements, followed by maternity photos. Baby showers have become elaborate affairs, and gender reveals have reached comedic and even dangerous magnitudes.

But what few people want to talk about is how many of those children will never celebrate their first birthday.

According to the World Health Organization, 10 to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and nearly 2 million babies are stillborn each year.

The level of loss and heartache that a parent goes through in these situations can’t be measured, affects everyone differently, and often leaves the parent feeling alone, confused, betrayed, and any other number of emotions.

And far too often they go through that pain without the community support that they had during their pregnancy. Folks turn out for baby showers, but there are no stillbirth showers.

That’s why two Sand Springs couples are hosting an annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5K.

“This is the second one we’ve been involved with,” said event co-organizer Matt Barnett.

“We just partnered in with Austin and Paige Ryan. They’ve been doing this for a couple years after they lost their first kid. Paige and my wife got close after we lost our first child.”

Jacob Austin Ryan was stillborn on January 23, 2018 and the Ryan family started the 5K and Fun Run that year in his honor.

Matt and Cassie Barnett lost their daughter, Elizabeth “Elle” Jane Bartnett to stillbirth on August 28th, 2021 and joined the Ryans in co-hosting the event last year.

“We started doing the run with them last year and it went well,” said Matt Barnett. “We added HillSpring into the mix and our church really got behind it. And then unfortunately we lost another kid.”

Paxton “Pax” Brently Barnett was also stillborn on March 23rd, 2023.

The Barnetts, who are both on staff at HillSpring Church in Sand Springs, often speak from the pulpit about the loss of their children and how it has affected both their faith and their marriage, shining a light on a difficult subject that’s rarely discussed publicly.

They hope the 5K will help bring attention to the issue and let other parents dealing with loss know that they’re not alone.

“Find community,” said Matt Barnett. “I would beg people, don’t do it alone. Find a community. Find a MEND group, find churches, find organizations that you can lean on and people who have been through the same experience.”

“Grief is long and it’s weird and it’s just unpredictable. It’s not fair to do it alone, so we need people to help.”

Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND) is one of two organizations that the 5K is raising money for.

“MEND is an organization that really helps put support groups together for families who have went through infant and pregnancy loss,” said Barnett. “They were really helpful for my wife when she went through this.”

The other organization is Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, which provides families going through a loss with newborn photography sessions.

“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep is a weird one for us” said Barnett. “I didn’t know if I wanted that the first time we lost somebody, but I never realized how much I would cherish that. It’s just another example of how they were real and how they mattered.”

The 2023 race on October 7th drew 78 entrees for the 5K any many more participated in the fun run at Case Community Park.

11-year-old Canyon Carnahan, of Sand Springs, won the race handily with a time of 22:01. Greg and Kiera Barnes, of Mannford, finished second and third in 23:36 and 24:17.

“It’s been really successful,” said Barnett. “I think last year we raised around $8,000 or so. That’s the most we’ve ever raised and we’re hoping to get close to that or more this year.”

The race drew everyone from avid runners to supporters of the cause to families who have experienced their own losses.

“It’s beautiful,” said Barnett. “There’s a lot of community involvement. The City’s involved with this, local churches, we have about 20 sponsors for the event. It really is a lot of people coming together so it’s really cool.”

5K Results

Men

22:01 Canyon Carnahan
23:36 Greg Barnes
24:22 Jeff Parks
24:41 Kory Brown
27:19 Kenny White
27:19 Caleb Smith
28:16 Shuan Adams
30:18 Bryce Beall
32:08 Christopher Matthews
32:19 Cayden Holder
33:24 Kevin Rouk
34:29 Bradley Potts
35:07 Kaidyn Cowan
35:13 Bobby White
35:48 Kurtis Crawford
36:10 Eli Beall
36:11 Daniel Henderson
37:20 Scott Emigh
43:44 Justin Carnahan
46:17 Keaton Smith
46:27 Ryan Johnson
49:23 Jacob Rupp
54:49 Ron Mayes
55:22 John Sommers
58:07 Bobby McIntosh
58:47 George Stabler
58:50 Andrew Arms
59:19 Shawn Smith
59:25 Nick Julkowski
1:05:22 Chris Wilson

Women

24:17 Kiera Barnes
27:24 Chezney Kelley
27:29 Audrey Fincannon
28:09 Shelby Champ
28:26 Shannon Hamilton
28:43 Katelynn Castleman
28:45 Kassie Billingsly
29:11 Ashley Cox
29:25 Nancy Vanderburg
32:50 Victoria Buchanan
33:24 Kelly Holder
33:38 Kynlee Carnahan
35:54 Patricia Harsley
37:23 Victoria Middleton
38:42 Alison Holder
41:47 Andee Sage
43:10 Charity Emigh
43:42 Heather Carnahan
44:27 Sericca Walters
44:27 Kara Enkey
45:24 Regan Pidcock
45:27 Madison Smith
45:42 Amber Cowan
48:08 Haylee Dewberry
48:44 Tiffany Rowe
49:16 Michelle Key
49:23 Savannah Lytle
54:01 Emily Smith
54:03 Casey Arms
55:20 Heather Sommers
56:41 Kendra McIntosh
57:05 Karen Smith
58:07 Carolynn Canfield
58:37 Kaylee Kendall
58:38 Natasha Odom
58:44 Shannon Strabala
58:45 Claire Julkowski
58:49 Meoldy Hilligoss
58:49 Piper Brooks
58:50 Ashley Vanderburg
58:50 Hannah McGarvey
58:55 Lindsey Julkowski
59:41 Pam Jackson
1:03:26 Lana Greenfield
1:04:05 Paulette Bennet
1:04:05 Theresa Greene
1:04:10 Randy-Lynne Wach
1:05:22 Tamara Boyles

Special Teams Spark Sandites to 39-14 Win at Putnam City West

Hunter Wilson scored the Sandites first points of the game with a blocked punt for a safety. (Photo by Charity Emigh).

When Bobby Klinck first arrived in Sand Springs in January of 2020, he held a meeting at HillSpring Church where he laid out his vision for the program to players, parents, and community stakeholders.

In that meeting he stressed the importance of special teams.

“Special teams have the ability to shift a game in either direction,” said Klinck. “Either negatively from failed preparation or positively from precise execution. Hidden yardage is the biggest advantage we will look for in special teams.”

In year four of the Klinck era, it’s clear that he wasn’t just talking. Thursday night at No. 9 Putnam City West (3-4, 0-4), it was the special teams who repeatedly shifted the game in the Sandites’ favor.

A blocked punt, two safeties, and kick returns averaging more than 35 yards were the difference maker in a 39-14 win from No. 5 Charles Page High School (4-3, 2-2) to remain undefeated against the Patriots.

“Coach (Jake) Bray, our special teams coordinator, is the best in the state,” said Klinck.

So when Bray came to Klinck this week and said he thought he could bring some pressure on the Patriot punting unit, Klinck said “let’s go get it, man.”

“Credit to the kids doing a great job and credit to Coach Bray for putting that game plan together and really taking advantage of our special teams.”

The first points of the game came on the Patriots’ second possession when Hunter Wilson blocked Brandon Garcia’s punt out the back of the end zone.

Alex Dudley returned the ensuing kick 40 yards to the Patriot 25 and Jace Arnold cashed in seven plays later with a four-yard wildcat run.

The Patriots’ next punt attempt was fumbled and recovered by Christian Freitus for a touchdown.

Then, Gatlin Gunn returned the next punt 41 yards to the Patriot 14, setting up a 9-yard run by Kenneth Page on the first play of the second quarter.

Two plays later, Owen Floyd forced a fumble that Marcum Sims recovered to set up a four-play scoring drive capped by Page’s 23-yard touchdown run.

Page was the workhorse for the Sandites all night, ending with 26 carries for 138 yards. The senior usually shares the load with Ali McCoy, who is missing this week and next with an injury sustained against Stillwater.

“It’s an absolute luxury,” said Klinck, about having two dynamic running backs.

“They’re stacking the box but we’re still able to get positive yards. We get some positive push up front, but then to have a big time tailback who knows where to hit the holes and then finishes runs - that’s a huge luxury to have.”

With a 30-0 lead just two minutes into the second quarter, it looked like the game would be a runaway rout, but the Patriots had other plans.

After holding Putnam West to only 13 yards in the first quarter, the Patriots exploded for 146 yards in the second quarter to make it a two-score game.

Shyheim Johnson led a methodical 10-play, 86-yard march and scored on a two-yard sneak to get his team on the board.

Then Marriceon Gilstrap recovered a fumbled hike to set up a six-play, 45-yard drive capped by a four-yard run from Dujuan Knight.

The Patriots stymied the Sandites’ last drive of the half and opened the second half with Aaron Edwards blocking a 40-yard field goal attempt by Dawson Puckett.

Jamar McCrary recovered the ball, but the Sandites had successfully eaten up nearly eight minutes of clock to slow the Patriots’ momentum.

“When it’s 30 to nothing, we’ve got to find a way to finish opponents and not let them back in the game,” said Klinck. “But I was glad we were able to have a long opening drive. I would have liked to have gotten some points out of that, but that was a good way to open the second half.”

The next three possessions were a series of turnovers on downs.

Freitus broke up a fourth-down pass intended for Mykel Ford in the end zone.

The Patriots responded by stuffing Arnold on fourth-and-one, but four plays later Johnson dumped an incomplete pass under pressure to give it back to the Sandites.

A 58-yard punt from Puckett pinned the Patriots deep in their own red zone and when Garcia failed to corral an errant long snap, the punter decided to toss the ball out the back of his end zone for the second safety of the night.

Dudley returned the ensuing kick 36 yards and Page cashed in a 36-yard screen pass from Easton Webb three plays later to pad the lead.

Freshman Joseph Farmer put the final nail in the Patriot coffin with an interception and the Sandites ended the night in victory formation.

Webb finished the game 7-of-15 for 83 yards passing. In addition to his 138 rushing yards, Page also had three catches for 57 yards.

Dudley led the defense with six tackles, followed by Floyd and Gunn with five apiece. The defense mustered five tackles for loss while holding Putnam West to only 184 yards, with only 25 yards in the second half.

Johnson was 9-of-25 passing for 125 yards and Knight had 15 carries for 77 yards to pace the Patriots.

Sand Springs improved to a perfect 6-0 all-time against the Patriots, though this was the closest meeting since 2017.

“Coach (Gregory) Johnson did a good job,” said Klinck. “Those kids were ready to go. They had a good game plan, they’re stacking the box. They did a good job taking away what we like to do, so hat’s off to them.”

“I was happy we were able to get some younger kids in to get some meaningful snaps and we had a freshman get an interception.”

“I think our program’s to the point of we’re disappointed in a 25-point win. Our kids know that we left some plays out there and that we need to finish an opponent off.”

Next up for the Sandites will be yet another Thursday night game, this time at home against No. 6 Bartlesville (3-4, 3-1), who fell 14-10 to No. 4 Stillwater in their Week 6 meeting.

Sand Springs has won three in a row against the Bruins, but Bartlesville leads the series 21-18. The series is one of the longest-standing rivalries for either school, having been played 22 consecutive seasons. The two teams have only missed playing each other twice since Bartlesville High School opened in 1982.

CPHS 39 PCW 14

First Downs: CPHS 10, PCW 7.
Fumbles/Lost: CPHS 4/2, PCW 5/2.
C-A-Y-I: CPHS 8-16-83-0, PCW 9-25-125-1.
Rushes-Yards: CPHS 43-143, PCW 21-58.
Plays-Yards: CPHS 59-226, PCW 46-183.
Penalties-Yards: CPHS 10-65, PCW 13-95.

Scoring Summary

1Q (6:56) - Wilson Safety, CPHS 2-0.
1Q (4:23) - Arnold 4-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 9-0.
1Q (3:37) - Freitus Fumble Recovery, Puckett Kick, CPHS 16-0.
2Q (11:52) - Page 9-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 23-0.
2Q (9:51) - Page 23-yard Run, Puckett Kick, CPHS 30-0.
2Q (5:29) - Johnson 1-yard Run, Garcia Kick, CPHS 30-7.
2Q (1:56) - Knight 4-yard Run, Garcia Kick, CPHS 30-14.
4Q (7:12) - Safety, CPHS 32-14.
4Q (5:32) - Page 36-yard Pass from Webb, Puckett Kick, CPHS 39-14.

HillSpring Church holds "Serve Day 2020" in Sand Springs with 200 volunteers

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HillSpring Church held its sixth annual Serve Day Saturday in Sand Springs. Approximately 200 volunteers dispersed around the city to assist in 26 community service projects.

Some of the projects were held at the church campus, like installing a new volleyball court for the youth. They also cooked more than 50 meals for Kirkwood Senior Complex.

One crew built a new wheelchair ramp at an elderly woman’s new home, and helped her paint several rooms inside the home. Another elderly woman needed help clearing out a dilapidated shed that had to be removed.

A massive dead tree was removed from one yard, and the church stopped and volunteered to help another family trim up a tree that had been growing over the sidewalk.

HillSpring partnered with A-1 Rental & Supply to rent equipment for their many projects, and partnered with Sandite Nutrition to provide meal shakes for their volunteers. They also partnered with Sand Springs Community Services to provide the food for Kirkwoods, and helped out at Sand Springs Care Closet.

At the Salvation Army workers cleaned up an overgrown section of fencing behind the facility. They had a similar project at Charles Page High School along the fence on 10th Street near the high school track. At Limestone Elementary they painted the basketball goals to bring them into the black and gold “Sandite” color scheme.

A team of youth volunteers partnered with the American Legion to clean up the headstones of veterans at Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery and also decorated the community in chalk art.

One crew painted office space at the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce business incubator downtown, and another cleared out overgrowth in Case Community Park to improve the river view along the walking trail.

Several local government officials helped out with the projects, including Sand Springs City Council members Brian Jackson, Mike Burdge, and Phil Nollan, State Representative Jadine Nollan, and Sand Springs Superintendent of Education Sherry Durkee.

In addition to their big annual event, HillSpring continues working in the community throughout the year with smaller serve days, youth events, and free meals for the needy.

HillSpring meets Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. with youth services on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 8801 West 41st Street South. For more information, visit them online at http://www.hillspring.tv/

Keystone Dam outflow reduced, community meeting scheduled and other resources for flood victims

For the first time in weeks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun significantly scaling back release rates at the Keystone Dam. By 2:00 p.m. Thursday outflow had been reduced from 275,000 cubic feet per second to 230,000. Inflow is down to 204,251 cf/s, its lowest rate since May 20th. The flood pool is at 104.9% with pool elevation at 755.5 feet. With no additional rains, the Corps is projecting 100,000 cf/s by June 3rd.

By Monday evening the Sand Springs Police had shut down Highway 51 all the way from Riverview RV Park to 145th West Avenue due to flooding from Anderson Creek. The Arkansas River tributary was one of the first places to flood in Sand Springs, taking out the Meadow Valley subdivision, the Webco Star Center, Sand Springs Sand and Gravel Company, and Double H Sales.

National Guard checkpoints have been established at the Highway 51 intersections with 145th West Avenue, Town and Country Drive, and 165th West Avenue. Residents in those neighborhoods are still allowed to return, but the Meadow Valley subdivision was temporarily off limits.

At peak outflow, 145th flooded at the entrance to the neighborhood, cutting off access to anyone without a substantially lifted vehicle. However waters began to recede Wednesday evening. Some residents reported 2-3 feet reduction in water levels around their property.

Charles Page Boulevard closed Tuesday from 65th West Avenue to 74th West Avenue, then expanded to 81st on Wednesday. The National Guard is concerned about soil liquification under the roadway and potential sinkholes.

The Starbucks in River West shut down Monday and will remain closed until the Arkansas River flooding situation is resolved and the levee system is no longer at risk.

Case Community Park has been closed for the past week due to substantial flooding and will likely remain closed for some time.

Resources

Broadway Baptist Church will be hosting an informative event Thursday at 1000 North Adams Road for locals affected by the flood. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with remarks to begin at 6:30 p.m. Senator James Lankford, Congressman Kevin Hern, Governor Kevin Stitt, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado, and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith will be in attendance.

Senator Jim Inhofe will be on hand at 5:30 p.m. to speak with constituents, but will not be available during the 6:30 meeting due to a previously scheduled conference call. The event is only open to residents of Town & Country, Candlestick Beach, and other affected flood victims in unincorporated Tulsa County areas of Sand Springs. QuikTrip is providing free drinks and pastries for the event.

Angus Church at 4401 South 129th West Avenue is serving three meals a day for locals affected by the floods and tornadoes. Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m., lunch is at 12:00 p.m., and dinner is at 6:00 p.m. However, the Thursday dinner will be moved up to 5:00 p.m. so as to not conflict with the meeting at Broadway Baptist.

Broadway will be providing free dinner to flood victims, first responders, and military Sunday June 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The church is partnering with Rolling River Relief and Sand Springs Community Services to bring multiple food trucks. Broadway is also offering free clothing and some financial support. They can be reached at 918-245-7513.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. has opened a Disaster Relief Distribution Center at the Sand Springs Church of Christ Activity Building at 4301 South 113th West Avenue. Beginning Thursday, May 30th, they are open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily with boxed foods, baby care items, personal care items, cleaning supplies, and more. Flood victims should bring a valid driver’s license or ID card with your current address. This is a distribution site only and will not be able to receive donations.

Uhaul of Tulsa is offering free 30 day storage rental to anyone impacted by recent flooding. This is only at Uhaul Centers, not neighborhood dealers. Participating locations are 6105 South Peoria Avenue, 5140 South 103rd East Avenue, 3500 South Sheridan Road, 1006 South Memorial Drive, and 504 East Archer Street.

Samaritan’s Purse arrived Thursday to help with the physical labor that flood victims will have to deal with. The nondenominational evangelical Christian organization helps with gutting damaged homes to prep them for restoration. They are stationed in the Prattville Center at 3 West 41st Street to receive volunteers and flood victims in need of assistance. You can reach Samartian’s Purse at 918-257-1381. Samaritan’s Purse will provide training Monday through Saturday at 7:30 a.m. and on Sundays at 12:30 p.m.

Solace Church at 7314 West 41st Street will also be doing physical labor similar to Samaritan’s Purse. They can be reached at 217-853-1124.

Free meals are available for children up to age 18 from the Sand Springs Public Schools Child Nutrition Department. For information on locations and times, call 918-246-1430.

Sand Springs Community Services has food, clothing, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, toys, and other household items at 114 West 4th Street. They can be reached at 918-245-5183.

Sand Springs Care Closet at 3417 South 113th West Avenue has clothing and toys. They can be reached at 918-269-8434.

Harvest Church is receiving donations of cleaning supplies and canned goods at 1601 West 4th Street and can be reached at 918-245-0193. They have free cleaning supplies and bottled water at both their Sand Springs location and their 349 South 49th West Avenue location.

First Presbyterian Church at 222 North Adams Road has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-1748.

Olivet Baptist Church at 155 North 65th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-260-5369.

CrossPoint Church at 4600 South 129th West Avenue has a food bank and can be reached at 918-245-2534. They are accepting donations of bleach, gloves, cleaning supplies, bottled water, rags, and personal hygiene items.

HillSpring Church has clothing and licensed counselors available at 8801 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-955-2031. They are accepting donations of trash bags, cleaning supplies ,bottled water, gloves, toilet paper, and paper towels.

Church That Matters has licensed counselors available at 3 West 41st Street and can be reached at 918-512-1486. They are accepting donations of bottled water, pre-packaged snacks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, gloves, and trash bags.

For resource updates, visit https://www.churchthatmatters.com/floodrelief

The City of Sand Springs canceled their “Chipper Days” event schedule for June 1st. The next date is July 13th. Citizens with a City water bill for proof of residence will be able to bring tree branches for free disposal.

Beginning Monday, free tetanus shots will be available at Gilstrap Chiropractic Clinic at 3900 South 113th West Avenue.

HillSpring Church paints downtown storefront to help attract new businesses

HillSpring Church slapped a fresh coat of paint on the downtown Sand Springs Triangle District early Tuesday morning, helping the City clean up one of the first buildings you see when entering downtown on North Main Street.

The City of Sand Springs received a “Fresh Paint Days” grant from Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, with the stipulation that they use volunteers for the painting and not City employees. H.I.S. Paint donated materials, and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality donated cash stipends to the program.

The City reached out to HillSpring Church, who frequently assists with Community Serve Days and other City events. A team of about a half dozen volunteers spruced up the building with the goal of attracting a new business into the vacant storefront.

According to Tulsa County Assessor records, the 107 North Main Street building was built in 1920 and is 3,500 square feet. It is currently owned by Frank and Catherine Suraci and managed by Bauer & Associates. Anyone interested in renting the facility can contact 918-665-1210 or visit www.bauertulsa.com.

Catherine Adkins-Suraci curated Gallery 107 art studio from 2003-2005. Their exhibits drew visitors from across the country, with the most notable being work from the late Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Frank “Skip” Suraci operated his law office out of the building for many years.

The building’s most recent tenant was The Parlour Hair and Ink. They opened in 2009 as MainStream Tattoo and Body Piercing and moved to 100 North Garfield in 2016. It has also housed Eagle Eye Collectibles and Antiques and I Believe in Yesteryears antique shop in recent decades.

HillSpring meets on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at 8801 West 41st Street South.

HillSpring Church holds community Serve Day across Sand Springs

HillSpring Church invaded Sand Springs Saturday morning, undertaking dozens of projects to show the love of Christ for the community.

On their annual summer “Serve Day” more than a hundred volunteers in Sand Springs joined with hundreds of churches across the nation to make an impact both physically and spiritually.

“We’re doing this so we can make a difference,” said Lead Pastor Brent Kellogg. “To show the love of Christ and show the power impact of the church.”

At the Sand Springs Care Closet volunteers helped Katie Acuna sort clothing in preparation for an upcoming outreach. On August 6 & 7 the Care Closet will partner with Clary Sage College to provide children with free haircuts and a free outfit to start the school year. The organization opened last July and offers free diapers, formula, toys, clothes, and more at 3417 South 113th West Avenue.

Helping schools was a big part of the day. Volunteers painted at Lake Country Christian, Angus Valley, and Limestone Elementary schools. At Lake Country they also repaired appliances like sinks. At Pratt Elementary they mowed the lawn and worked in the flower beds.

Kellogg led a team at American Legion Post 17 painting the exterior, replacing old caulking, and serving the community’s veterans. HillSpring volunteers have plans for additional work at the Legion in the near future. 

Workers cleaned up and organized storage rooms at the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum and Sand Springs Community Services. At SSCS they cleaned out the basement and sorted through food and clothing donations. 

"Folks from the Sand Springs area are connecting with the agency in a way that allows for us to better utilize the donations and the items that we have," said SSCS Director Nathan Woodmansee. "It really is meaningful to us. We really appreciate the work they're doing, it's going to help us serve our clients better."

Just down the road from the those two teams was a group including Vice Mayor Phil Nollan and State Representative Jadine Nollan. The crew completely moved the Sand Springs Chamber of Commerce from their old location to a new facility around the corner. 

At the Salvation Army campus workers cleared hundreds of yards of brush along their back fenceline. They also picked up trash in downtown, cleaned up overgrown areas obstructing City traffic signs, did home and lawn improvement for the elderly, and painted the front gate at the Keystone Ancient Forest.

One group constructed a raised wooden walking path at Hamalot Pot Bellied Pig Rescue to keep the organization volunteers from having to walk in the mud and risk getting knocked down by the pigs at feeding time.

Another team spent the day making blankets for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

Associate Pastor Matt Barnett said that they had around 130 volunteers, up from 100 the year before. He hopes to see HillSpring team up with other churches for a city-wide service day in the future. 

HillSpring meets at 8801 West 41st Street on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. They can be found online at http://www.hillspring.tv/

Angus Elementary students raise $1037 for Make a Wish Foundation

Lots of wishes will be coming true this year thanks to the efforts of students at Angus Valley Elementary in Sand Springs.

Lilli Searcy, Allie Bradshaw, and Caryss Upton recently held a coin drive at their school to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The drive lasted less than two weeks and raised over $1037. 

The fourth-grade girls participate in a life group at HillSpring Church which makes fleece blankets for Make-A-Wish kids. Searcy leads the group together with her mother, Lindsey, who introduced her to the organization. The money will go to providing supplies for the group.

Make-A-Wish aims to grant the wishes of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. The kids often spend a lot of time in hospitals and a homemade blanket can provide a source of warmth and comfort to children with way too much on their plate. 

Selfless: Youth groups spend Spring Break serving Sand Springs

The City of Sand Springs held its annual Clean Up Day on Monday and more than a hundred youth volunteers came out to participate. Approximately 125 teenagers filled up 300 bags of trash and two dumpsters with debris across downtown, the Highway 412 corridor, Katy Trail, River West, and the Early Childhood Education Center area. 

The youth groups from HillSpring Church, Angus Church, Broadway Baptist Church, First Assembly of God, Olivet Baptist Church, Fisher Baptist Church, and Osage Hills Christian Church are sacrificing their Spring Breaks to serve the community of Sand Springs, and Clean Up Day was just the first stop.

The volunteers will be working with Sand Springs Care Closet, Salvation Army, and Sand Springs Community Services later this week, and doing projects at individual homes of families in need. 

The #SELFLESS2018 program brings together the seven churches for four days of church service and service to others. The youth play dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, video games, putt-putt and more, and attend daily church services. 

HillSpring Church
8801 West 41st Street
(918) 446-9273
www.hillspring.tv

First Assembly of God
501 N Wilson Ave
(918) 245-4413

Olivet Baptist Church
155 N 65th West Ave
Tulsa, OK 74127
(918) 245-2241
www.olivetonline.com

Osage Hills Christian Church
4500 W Edison St
Tulsa, OK 74127
(918) 583-9482
www.http://osagehills.com

Angus Church
4401 South 129th West Ave
(918) 245-0266
www.anguschurch.com

Broadway Baptist Church
1000 North Adams Road
(918) 245-7513
www.broadwaybaptistchurch.com

Fisher Baptist Church
4008 S 137th W Ave
(918) 245-7875
www.fisherbaptistchurch.org

Sand Springs Care Closet
3417 S 113th West Ave
(918) 269-8434
www.facebook.com/careclosetsandsprings

Sand Springs Community Services
114 West 4th Street
(918) 245-5183
http://sscsok.org

HillSpring Church celebrates 10 years under Senior Pastor Brent Kellogg

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Mayor Mike Burdge speaks at HillSpring Church, recognizing Brent and Jeri Kellogg for ten years of service as the Senior Pastors. 

HillSpring Church recently celebrated a decade under Senior Pastor Brent Kellogg and wife Jeri. The church held a surprise banquet in the Kelloggs's honor Sunday evening with guest speakers including fellow community pastors and Sand Springs Mayor Mike Burdge. 

Kellogg came to HillSpring, then known as Cornerstone Church, in 2003 as the Youth Pastor before taking over Senior Pastor duties in December of 2007. He and Jeri have a son, Landon, and a daughter, Kalei. 

"Pastors have always been my heroes," said  Burdge. "I have had opportunity to sup with a few governors and senators and congressmen, and I'll leave all of them to come sit with the pastors in Sand Springs."

Burdge talked about his efforts to increase involvement in the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance, and how crucial Kellogg's involvement was. "Now the Ministerial Alliance has come together. The (Thanksgiving) Community Service that we have here, I've been going to for forty years. We've had some good ones and some not so good ones, but even the best of them I saw did not hold a candle to what when on here (at HillSpring) that night." 

Kellogg, an Oklahoma State alumni, is blindfolded and dressed up in Oklahoma Sooner gear.

He also spoke on the level of cooperation that has been going on between different denominations in Sand Springs recently. "God spoke to me thirty years ago and He said His desire in these last days was to bring the body of Christ together over denominational barriers. It has been burning in my spirit ever since then to see congregations like you guys. This is a special place." 

Burdge read aloud a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Kellogg for his success as a Christian Radio broadcaster, his service to HillSpring in various capacities since 2003, his volunteerism within the Sand Springs community including ministerial service, as well as serving on the recent Citizens' General Obligation Bond Committee, and for continuing "to share the love of Christ each and every day, in word and deed throughout the city."

Kellogg's mother told stories of his childhood, how his first word after "momma" and "daddy" was "Hallelujah." When he was about three years old, he would line up his teddy bears and stuffed animals and preach to them using a plant stand as a pulpit. 

She also spoke highly of Jeri, saying "you can't separate a man from his wife and recognize his accomplishments without recognizing her too. She has such a heart for God, a passion and love for him. I'm so proud of how she serves the Lord with her talents and how she serves her family."

Church That Matters Senior Pastor Rusty Gunn and Harvest Church Lead Pastor Steve Allen also spoke highly of Kellogg. 

"Church, you are blessed by having this pastor," said Gunn. "His leadership here is phenomenal in our city. He steps up to the plate at every opportunity to make a difference in the name of Jesus. He is a uniter. I know that he has united you as a church body, but not just that. He has united the greater body of Christ here in our city and I'm so excited to continue to follow on this journey that we're on together as the Lord continues to bless our city because of you and your leadership."

Allen diverged from the high praises and cracked jokes instead. "I understand you've been here for fourteen year. Four of those were as youth pastor, but we know we can't count those because youth pastors don't really work."

"I appreciate the great advice you've given me...things like 'it's always better to ask for forgiveness than permission,' 'what your congregation don't know don't hurt them,' and 'never let your congregation know as much as you or they'll think that they're your equal,'" joked Allen. 

HillSpring has been heavily involved in community events such as the Salvation Army "Army of Stars Banquet" and "Boo on Broadway," as well as contributing to the Ministerial Alliance's annual Christmas Bonus donation to the Sand Springs Fire and Police Departments.

HillSpring meets on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and on the first Wednesday night of the month at 6:30 p.m. They are located at 8801 West 41st Street and can be found online at www.hillspring.tv

Sand Springs churches donate $4000 to Sand Springs Police and Fire for Christmas

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By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

The Sand Springs City Council recently held their regular monthly meeting and representatives from the Sand Springs Ministerial Alliance were present to present the Police and Fire Departments with a $4,000 donation for the purpose of Christmas bonuses. 

Harvest Church Pastor Steve Allen, HillSpring Church Pastor Brent Kellogg, and First Church of the Nazarene Pastor Rod Thelander presented the annual donation to Police Chief Mike Carter and Fire Chief Mike Wood. 

Oklahoma Municipal League representative Missy Dean presented awards to employees who have served the city for 25 years. Police Captain Jay Barnett, Captain Todd Enzbrenner, Lieutenant Gary Everett, Deputy Chief John Mars, Fire Driver Charles Bowman, Water/Wastewater Superintendent Kenneth Boswell, Water Maintenance Operations Supervisor Donnie Wicker, and City Clerk Janice Almy were all recognized.

Storm Water and Utilities Technician Jon Odle gave an annual address to the Council regarding the City of Sand Springs Storm Water Plan. Odle discussed the damage done by citizens dumping leaves, grass clippings, and other debris into the street and stormwater drains. He suggested the City find ways to educate the community about the subject. 

The Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 1293 amending existing zoning code. Under new regulations, minimum aesthetic standards have been set regarding the amount of visible metal a building may be constructed of. Each side of a new building will be limited to certain percentages of visible metal, though exceptions may be granted through the Board of Adjustment. The ordinance does not apply to existing buildings and is modeled after existing regulations passed in neighboring communities. 

Council also approved Resolution No. 17-14, adopting a Safe Routes to School policy for the City of Sand Springs. The policy sets in place an outline for the City to follow when evaluating streets or other improvement projects that will provide safer and more efficient ways for pedestrians to travel to and from school. 

This was Vice Mayor John Fothergill's last meeting with City Council as he will be vacating his seat before the Spring election. The two-term Ward 4 councilman was recently approved as a chief deputy for the Tulsa County Commission and is legally unable to hold dual offices. 

Christine Hamner and Nancy Riley have filed to run for the vacant seat this Spring. Riley is a former Republican then Democratic State Senator. She also ran for Council against Fothergill and the late Pastor Terry Scott. She came in second in the primary election, defeating Scott, then lost to Fothergill in the runoff.