FFRF Tulsa

FFRF Tulsa elections

2011-12-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

Elections for 2012 will be held at the home of Randy Bradley, 6705 E. 54th St. next Wednesday evening, December 21, at 8:00 pm. For more information contact Bill Dusenberry at williamdusenberry@yahoo.com.

July 2011 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

2011-07-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sat., July 2, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 6705 E 54th

Sun., July 3, 11:00 am
Humanist Sunday; Church of the Restoration (COTR), 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.
Dan Nerren will speak on “Horror Stories from the Bible, part 4.”

Tues., July 5, 5:00 pm
Sapulpa Fellowship of Reality, General Meeting, Java Dave’s in Sapulpa, 122 W. Taft

Wed., July 6, 5 pm
Monkey Meetup for kids, 16136 S. Hickory, Lot #2, Sapulpa, OK

Sat., July 9, 12:30 pm
OutREACH Tabling, 1101 S. Sandusky

Sat., July 9, 1:30 pm
Humanist Discussion Group, COTR, 1314 N. Greenwood

Wed., July 13, 7:00 pm
ACT Mid-Month Social Dinner at Fuji at Brookside

Wed., July 13, 5:00 pm
Monkey Meetup for kids, 16136 S. Hickory, Lot #2, Sapulpa, OK

Sat., July 16, 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting, Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard

Sun., July 17, 2:00 pm
GodLessons (Bible Babble), Residence at 8017 S. Peach, BA

Wed., July 20, 5:00 pm
Monkey Meetup for kids, 16136 S. Hickory, Lot #2, Sapulpa, OK

Sat., July 23, 8:00 pm
Drinking with Atheists, Blue Rose Café, 1924 Riverside Dr.

Sat., July 23, 11:30 am
Food and Fellowship, Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan Rd.

Sun., July 24, 1:00 pm
ACT Meeting, Agora Coffeehouse, in center of Fontana Center

Sun., July 24, 3:00m
Dream Group at Marilyn Clarke’s, 4917 S. Maplewood

Sun., July 24, 3:15 pm
Post Meetup Social Gathering, Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan Rd.

Wed., July 27, 5:00 pm
Monkey Meetup for kids, 16136 S. Hickory, Lot #2, Sapulpa, OK
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Prepared and distributed by Dan Nerren, 918-798-3629

FFRF Tulsa Meets Tomorrow

2011-04-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of FFRF Tulsa will be held at the home of Randy and Dawn Bradley, 5607 E. 54th, on Sunday (4.17.11), starting at 2:00 pm.

Meeting on 3.13.11

2011-03-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Tulsa chapter of the FFRF met today at Randy Bradley's house. Present for the meeting were Bill Dusenberry, Randy Bradley, Ron McDaniel, Dawn Bradley, Larry Roth, and myself. It should be noted that anyone who is member of FFRF national can be a member (non-dues-paying) of FFRF Tulsa without any additional fee. However, you must request from the Secretary (Larry Roth) to be included. Should you wish to be a dues-paying member, dues are $20 per individual and $30 for a couple.

There were five items on the agenda for today: (1) Prayer at Tulsa City Council meetings; (2) The "In God We Do Not Trust" license plate; (3) Sign up numbers necessary for the "Reason" license plate; (4) FFRF celebrant status; (5) Raising public awareness of tax revenue that is lost due to church tax-exemption.

Officers were elected for 2011. They are Randy Bradley, president; Bill Dusenberry, vice-president; Larry Roth, secretary; Ron McDaniel, treasurer.

The mailing address for FFRF Tulsa is: FFRF Tulsa, P. O. Box 909, Jenks, OK 74037. Dues and contributions may be mailed to this address.

Photos wanted

2010-12-24T21:52:00.000-08:00

Anyone who attended any of the events of last weekend and took pictures, please email your pictures to FFRF in Madison, WI. Send to: FTtoday@ffrf.org.

Annie's Tulsa Schedule

2010-12-06T19:51:00.000-08:00

Friends,

FFRF Tulsa met Sunday afternoon to plan the itinerary for FFRF co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor while she is in Tulsa. Below is a schedule of activities.

Annie’s Tulsa Schedule

(The person providing transportation is listed in parenthesis.)

Fri., 12/17, 2pm
Dusenberry and McDaniels meet Annie at airport. (Dusenberry)

Fri., 12/17, 3pm
Annie meets Bill Sherman at Tulsa World for an interview. (Dusenberry)

Fri., 12/17, 7 pm
FFRF members meets Annie at home of Bill Dusenberry, 6108 Birmingham Circle, Broken Arrow.

Sat., 12/18, 10 am ***NOTE: new time***
Annie goes to ORU for photo op. (Dusenberry)

Sat., 12/18, 11am
Brunch at Kilkenny’s (Bradley)

Sat., 12/18, 2 pm
HAT meeting at Genealogy Center; Annie speaks. (Bradley)

Sat., 12/18, 5 pm
Dinner at Boston Deli (Bradley)

Sat., 12/18, 8 pm
Solstice party at Bradleys (Bradley)

Sun., 12/19, 9am
We all join Annie for breakfast at a restaurant; venue TBA. (Bradley)

Sun., 12/19, 12pm
Annie goes to airport. (Bradley)
.......

If any changes need to be made to this schedule, please give me a call.
Dan
918-798-3629

Time change

2010-10-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Please note the time change for the FFRF Tulsa meeting for Sunday, 10.24.10. The meeting will run from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Announcing another FFRF Tulsa meeting

2010-10-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

There will be another meeting of FFRF Tulsa this coming Sunday, October 24, 4 to 5 pm, at Randy's, 6705 E. 54th Street in Tulsa.

FFRF Tulsa at the Billboard

2010-09-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

A group of us went out to the billboard recently erected to have our picture taken. In this picture are (L to R) Glenn Visher, Randy Bradley, Bea McCartney, Phil Ferguson, Dan Nerren, Bob Hooper, and Ron McDaniel.

September calendar

2010-09-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

September 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

Sat., Sept. 4, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Fri., Sept. 10, 7:00 pm
Poetry Group meets at Border’s Bookstore, 2nd floor

Sat. Sept. 11, all day
Road trip to Diamond, MO to visit GWC National Monument

Sun., Sept. 12, 11:00 am
Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood Ave.
Speaker: Marilyn Clarke. Meal follows.

Sun., Sept. 12, 1:30 pm
Humanist Discussion Group, Herb’s house, 3414 E. 85 Pl.
Discussion will be based on articles from the current issue of The Humanist magazine.

Wed., Sept. 15, 11:20 am
ALGAE at White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan

Sept. ??, TBA
Tulsa Atheists Mid-Month Social, TBA

Sat., Sept. 18., 2:00 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Sat., Sept. 25, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at Rib Crib, 5025 S. Sheridan

Sun., Sept. 26, 1:00 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.

Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)

Postcard has wrong address

2010-09-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Today I received a postcard from FFRF in Madison, Wisconsin notifying me about a photo opportunity in Tulsa. The Tulsa chapter of FFRF will be photographed with a billboard calling attention to the fact that Senator Thomas Gore, the state's first senator, was an atheist.

The postcard says to meet somewhere on 32nd Street prior to going to the photographing sight. That is incorrect. Those who want to go with the group to the billboard the day of the picture taking should meet at the Genealogy Center at 29th and Harvard at 4:00 pm.

Billboard to go up soon

2010-09-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

A billboard will go up soon on the Broken Arrow Expressway near 15th Street. It will reference a U. S. Senator from Oklahoma: Thomas Gore. Gore was an atheist, and the billboard will refer to him as such. The billboard is scheduled to be up on either September 7 or September 8. Bill Sherman, religion editor of the local newspaper, interviewed me over the phone a few days ago about the billboard.

June 2010 Calendar of Activities for Freethinkers

2010-06-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

.
Sat., June 5, 7:00 pm
Movie Night at the Bradleys, 5607 E. 54th St.

Sun., June 6, 11:00 am
Humanist Sunday at Church of the Restoration, 1314 N. Greenwood.

Wed., June 16, 11:20 am
ALGAE luncheon, White River Fish Market, 1708 N. Sheridan.

Sat., June 19, 2 pm
HAT Chapter Meeting at Genealogy Center, 2901 S. Harvard.

Sat., June 26, 11:30 am
Food & Fellowship at Chopsticks, 6193 E. 61st.

Sun., June 27, 1 pm
Tulsa Atheists Meetup, at Agora Coffee House in Fontana Center.

If an Atheists Mid-Month Social is scheduled, I will notify the list of the day and time.

Questions? Call Randy (622-6975) or Dan (798-3629)

FFRF Tulsa meeting 3.6.10

2010-03-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

FFRF Tulsa held its first meeting today at the home of Bill Dusenberry and Jackie Martin in Broken Arrow. There were 13 people present.

The Savvy Convert's Guide to Choosing a Religion is the title of a tongue-in-cheek book written ostensibly to help people choose a religion. Of course, we all know that people do not choose their religion. They are born into a religion. While it is true that some people depart from the religion of their youth (I am one), most people continue in the religious tradition of their parents. Bill showed this book to those who arrived early.

What expectations might members of FFRF Tulsa have for the organization? This question was posed by Bill as he began talking about the newly formed chapter. He noted that HAT and TAM are primarily discussion groups. These group do a lot of talking, but do not do much in the way of actually pushing back at the conservative religious effort.

Bill noted that FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation) is the most agressive freethought organization in the nation today. They have shown the willingness to fight back with their many lawsuits. In order to fight back, money is required. We are hoping to be able to raise money with the efforts of FFRF Tulsa. If you are not part of the solution, said Bill, you are part of the problem.

Bill noted that Freethought Radio is now online. He urged us to tune in.

There are a number of projects which we need to get working on. Bill listed a few of these.

The "In Reason We Trust" license plate effort is underway. If we get 500 people willing to purchase such a plate, we can achieve this goal. If you have two cars in your family, the number is cut in half, assuming you buy two plates instead of just one. Bill noted that the Oklahoma Legislature approved a plate with the words "In God We Trust" on them. We have to get the word out to Progressives in Oklahoma about the plate. If All Souls Unitarian Church has 1000 members, surely we could get a long way toward 500 by informing the congregation of our plan. Bear in mind that Tulsa is just one city in Oklahoma. Factor in OKC, Norman, Lawton, Bartlesville, and suddenly the job of attaining 500 orders is doable.

Bill spoke of a story in today's paper about a Christian minister providing counseling services. He wondered what qualification the person had. Why cannot someone who is a freethinker not also be able to provide such a service? How about providing de-baptisms?

Several of us are already working on the Calendar project. We are aiming to produce a calendar which notes dates significant to freethinkers.

Bill plans to have at least two fundraising dinners at his house during this year. Others with enough space in their homes are invited to do likewise.

Funding for additional billboards may be available from FFRF.

Bill raised the possibility of chartering a bus to attend Skepticon III in Springfield this coming November. Having a bus would increase the potential of more poeople attending the conference. Many of the speakers at Skepticon II will be returning for Skepticon III. Additional fundraising ideas include the selling of mugs, t-shirts, ball caps, etc.

Also mentioned was the idea of writing to college faculty members in Tulsa County, letting them know of speakers we have available to address their classes.

Coming up soon will be the National Day of Prayer (May 6, this year). Randy spoke of the possibility of HAT doing something. This is yet to be worked out. Kenny was also enthusiastic about getting involved with a project related to the National Day of Reason (same day).

Steve Nunn spoke of connecting with the community. Kenny spoke of the potential of the Unitarian churches in the area. Many people associated with the UU denomination share values with us, such as belief in the separation of church and state.

Bill said that many people in Tulsa County may share our goals but would prefer to remain anonymous. They may be willing to fund our efforts, while remaining in the background. He told us of the funding of the billboard (still in place as of March 6) which states "Good With God? Millions Are." One wealthy individual who lives in Philadelphia decided to fund the placement of these billboards. That is how we got our billboard.

Officers were selected by the group. They include Steve Nunn, president; Randy Bradley, vice-president; Ron McDaniel, treasurer. Dues were set as follows: students, $10; individuals, $20; families, $30.

First FFRF Tulsa meeting

2010-03-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Friends,

The first meeting of the Tulsa chapter of FFRF will be held in the home of Bill Dusenberry and Jackie Martin on Saturday, March 6, 2010, beginning at 2:00 pm. The location is 6018 W. Birmingham Circle in Broken Arrow. Their phone number is 918-615-6310. You can e-mail Bill at williamdusenberry@yahoo.com.

To find the house, go south on Mingo and turn left into Burwick, 200 yards before reaching 111th St. Make the second right and go into the circle. Look for the house with the vacant lot on the right.

Agenda for this meeting
1. General discussion of goals and objectives
2. Nominations for chapter leadership positions
3. Remarks by the new president

Rebate received

2010-01-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

Today in the mail, I received a check from FFRF for $100 -- our rebate for the Tulsa chapter. I was not present at the last meeting, which was held in early October 2009, and thus do not know if the organization has a treasurer. In addition to the check was correspondence from Annie Laurie listing the names and addresses of FFRF Tulsa members who are also members of FFRF national.

Dinner with the Dusenberrys

2009-09-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is a picture taken at our first ever gathering of FFRF members in the Tulsa area. There were an even dozen of us gathered for a Cajun dinner prepared by chef Kenny Nipp (wearing the blue band on the left). I sat across from Kenny (wearing the white shirt).

This dinner was also a fundraiser for FFRF Tulsa. By my calculation we raised $300. This should give us enough money to get going. Future fundraising dinners were talked about. If you support the goals of FFRF Tulsa, please e-mail me at hatulsa at aol dot com, and I will put you on the e-mail list.

Meeting tomorrow night (9.18.09)

2009-09-17T09:09:00.001-07:00

There is going to be a meeting of the FFRF Tulsa chapter tomorrow evening at Bill Dusenberry's house, 6108 Birmingham Circle, Broken Arrow. This meeting is also a fundraising event. A Cajun meal will be prepared by Kenny Nipp, and participants are asked to pay $25 for the evening. We will review our "irons in the fire" and see where we want to go from here. The meeting will start at 7 pm.

FFRF Affiliation

2009-07-02T21:25:00.001-07:00

I am keeping a list of those in this area who are members of FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation). When we reach ten members, we will seek affiliation.

(1) David Broome
(2) Beth Cox
(3) Bill Dusenberry
(4) Larry Hicks
(5) Brian Hill
(6) Bob Hooper
(7) Jean McMahon
(8) Dan Nerren
(9) Bob Noble
(10) Huti Reynolds
(11) Barbara Santee
(12) Karl Sniderman
(13) Sonia Sniderman
(14) C Henry Mills
(15) Anne Steiner
(16) Frank Campbell
(17) Janice Alexander
(18) Jack Alexander
(19) Jackie Martin
(20) Glenn Visher
(21) Marilyn Clarke
(22) Dawn Bradley
(23) Randy Bradley
(24) Kenny Nipp
(25) Ray Faltysek
(26) Joe Running

Atheists Meetup Sunday, June 28

2009-06-25T09:05:00.001-07:00

I thought I should post something here about the upcoming Atheists Meetup which will be held this Sunday afternoon (6/28/09) starting at 1 pm at the Agora Coffee House in the Fontana Center. The coffee house is just northeast of the fountain, located in the center of the complex. Look for our banner.

We will be having a guest speaker, Leah Farish, a lawyer whose speciality is defending religious minorities.

Normally the coffee housae is closed on Sundays, but Lori is opening up just for us. You can show your appreciation by buying a beverage or snack.

Our first meeting

2009-03-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

The first meeting of FFRF Tulsa is scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon, March 28, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. We have a HAT Food and Fellowship immediately prior to this meeting. I expect to go from Te Kei's (1616 S. Utica) directly to the Brookside Library. We will select the leadership, frequency of meetings, dues rate (if any), and any other business that should arise.

If anyone should have any questions in the meantime, you should be able to post them here as a comment.

Making God Understandable (survey)

2009-03-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

To get a printable copy, right click, then click on "open link," then print as usual.

FFRF Tulsa to get established

2009-03-04T14:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the FFRF Tulsa blog. I will use this space to post information about FFRF activities in the Tulsa area.