Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 23

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” –Isaiah 7:14

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

Christmas Music Sunday

Sunday, December 17, 11 a.m. Sanctuary and Great Hall

“Oh, come let us adore Him” with Christmas music in two separate worship venues. In the Great Hall, the 11 a.m. contemporary and international services will combine and music will be led by the TIF and contemporary worship musicians. The traditional worship in the Sanctuary will feature the Chancel Choir, First Church Choristers, an orchestra and the Overtones bell choir.

Nativity musical special performance

Wednesday, December 20, 6 p.m.; Sanctuary

Optional dinner at 5:15 p.m. in Stephenson Hall

All are invited to a special performance of the nativity musical prior to the performance on Christmas Eve. Pre-pay for the optional dinner here.

Christmas Eve worship

Sunday, December 24

11:00 a.m., Traditional worship; Sanctuary

11:00 a.m., TIF worship, Great Hall

5:00 p.m., Children’s Live Nativity; Sanctuary

7:30 p.m., Lessons & Carols; Sanctuary

11:00 p.m., Christmas Watch Night; Sanctuary

The 5 p.m. Children's Live Nativity service will be streamed to

Facebook.com/FirstChurchTulsa and FirstChurchTulsa.org/YouTube.

Cox Cable Ch. 3 will run our Lessons & Carols worship service at 11 p.m.

Christmas Day worship

Monday, December 25

11:00 a.m. in Kerr Chapel

A special Christmas worship service with Rev. James Estes

Regular weekly worship services

See all scheduled worship and classes on our event calendar.

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

TIF Prayer meeting in the Great Hall

Sundays

8:00 a.m. traditional worship in Kerr Chapel

8:30 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary      

11:00 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. TIF international worship in the Great Hall

Sunday worship broadcast and online streaming

Watch the 11 a.m. traditional Sanctuary worship live on Cox Cable Channel 3 or our First Church Tulsa YouTube channel or at the First Church Tulsa Facebook page.

Watch the 11 a.m. TIF worship live on the TIF Facebook page.

Prayers for the pastoral transition

Join our First Church family and pray for the pastoral transition. If you're interested in receiving a weekly prayer prompt, text "81010" to @pastorfpc or click here to opt in. You will receive a prayer prompt via text message each Tuesday at 7:09 a.m. that will encourage you to pray in a specific way for the week. Prayer cards are available in the Atrium. Each week will follow the path of pastoral transition, as we walk it together as a congregation at First Church.

Pastor transition information

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the pastor transition at FirstChurchTulsa.org/PastorTransition. There you will also find a transition roadmap that identifies the current status of the process.

Have questions? Send an e-mail to FPCTransition@FirstChurchTulsa.org.

“The Transition” podcast featuring Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Now available online

"The Transition" podcast hosted by Rev. Julia Metcalf explores the process and progress of the pastoral transition happening at First Church. You are invited into the conversation to learn, hear updates, and be encouraged by the Holy Spirit's work as we walk into a new season. The latest episode features our Interim Pastor, Dan Hutchinson, sharing this vision and goal for the church during the interim period.

Events

The Journey to Bethlehem: A Pilgrimage of Advent

Sundays through December 24

Study series by Reverends Dan Hutchinson and Julia Metcalf

Rev. Dan Hutchinson and Rev. Julia Metcalf have created an Advent study video series for Sunday School classes as well as for individual study. The Journey to Bethlehem: A Pilgrimage of Advent, is designed to stimulate thought and discussion during the Advent season. This study from the Gospel of Luke follows the journey of Mary and Joseph to the manger in Bethlehem. We look forward to slowing down our lives and hearts as we seek to prepare room for King Jesus, our Emmanuel, "God With Us!" You’re welcome to study along with the classes by watching the videos on our website at: FirstChurchTulsa.org/AdventSeries

First Ladies Christmas Luncheon

Sunday, December 10, 12:15 p.m.; Miller Library

The theme for this year’s annual First Ladies Christmas Luncheon focuses on the nativity. Table hosts will create decorations for their tables in their unique style. While there is no charge for this event, an RSVP is needed to make sure there is enough food and seating for all. Please reserve your place by clicking here or by calling Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029.

Adopt a Student from Anderson Elementary

Sign up by Sunday, December 10

8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; Atrium table

Share the love of Christ and the love of First Church by adopting an Anderson elementary student for Christmas. Your donation of $50 will be used to fill a gift bag with a game, a sweatshirt, a pair of socks and a Christmas story book. Make your donation online or in person at the church Sunday morning.

Celebrating Christmas Together party

Friday, December 16, 1 p.m.; Anderson Elementary

All are invited to deliver gifts, play games and sing carols with students. Learn more online.

Christmas AWANA

Wednesday, December 13, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Children’s Center

At the final AWANA before Christmas, children will celebrate the Christmas season with Bible stories and holiday activities. Christmas attire or Christmas jammies are encouraged.

Carols, Cookies & Cocoa

Wednesday, December 13, 7 p.m - 7:30 p.m..; Stephenson Hall and Courtyard

AWANA, youth classes and Wednesday Night Downtown adult classes will all adjourn early to enjoy time together and with their families to sing carols, eat cookies, drink cocoa and decorate the Chrismon tree.

Young Adult Christmas Party

Friday, December 15, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Michael and Valerie Grogan's home

25351 E. 51st St. S., Broken Arrow, OK 74014-7104

Gather with other young adults for fellowship and fun. Please bring a white elephant gift to exchange.

Youth Christmas Party

Saturday, December 16, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Powerhouse

Youth in 5th to 12th grade are invited to our annual Christmas party to enjoy dinner, a game, a Christmas craft and a gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift that is under $15. For more information, contact Jackson Seibert at jseibert@FirstChurchTulsa.org.

UKirk and Exodus Alumni Christmas Party

Sunday, December 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Pastor Julia’s Home, 1523 S. Delaware Place, Tulsa, OK, 74104

Celebrate Christmas with us! Come for dinner and bring a white elephant gift to exchange.

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall

Cost is $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free. To pre-pay online, click here. 

Epiphany Plunge & Bonfire

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, 5:00 p.m., Camp Loughridge

Bring your greens for the bonfire and plunge into the water of the lake. The event will include a homily, cookies, and hot cider/cocoa by Lake Parthenia. Stay tuned for more information.

Save the date ...

January Series Lectures

Weekdays January 15 – February 6, 11:15 a.m. including lunch; Stephenson Hall

View speaker lineup online

Save the date for this free 15-day lecture series hosted at First Church Tulsa and streamed from Calvin University. This series aims to cultivate deep thought and conversations. Two of the speakers include Pearl Shangkuan, a highly sought-after conductor, lecturer, and clinician; and Jacob Goldstein, an NPR correspondent and podcast host focused on technology and the changing nature of work. Stay tuned for updates and more information.

For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Make your Stewardship 2024 commitment online

As we look ahead to 2024, may the Lord cause each of us to be both faithful and intentional in sharing the blessings that cause our cups to overflow. Please drop off your 2024 pledge card at the church or make your commitment online.

Classes

Grouped by day, Sunday through Saturday. View details on our website calendar.

Young adult Sunday school

Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Room E201

Little Lambs

Mondays through Dec. 18, 10 a.m. -11 a.m.; Wiseman Hall

Guys’ Monday Bible study

Mondays through Dec. 18, 11:45 a.m.; Room E103

Monday School with Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Mondays through Dec. 11, 12:00 p.m.; Kirkland Library

UKIRK College Bible Study

Contact Rev. Julia Metcalf for information.

Wednesday Night Downtown

Wednesdays December 6 and 13, dinner at 5:15 p.m., classes at 6:15

Adult classes

• Seekers Bible Study – Led by Rev. Wambugu Gachungi, Room E104
• Six Great Dates - Practicing intentional time together – Led by Rev. Dan Hutchinson with Anne and Jerry McCoy, Room E103
• Jesus, the Light of the World – Led by Duff Points, Room E100

AWANA

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center

Pathfinders on Wednesday, AMASS Exodus and Confirmation classes

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse

Chancel Choir rehearsal

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Choir room



Parenting brown bag lunch group

Thursday, Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E100

Join us to discuss the book, “The Worry-Free Parent,” by Sissy Goff. Led by Sarah Savage.

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women’s December Mission Project is Emergency Infant Services, an organization that provides help for children ages five and under. To contribute funds for diapers, drop your donation in the collection box in the atrium.

• Priscilla Circle - First Wednesday monthly at 6:30 p.m.; Room E204
• Esther Circle - Third Thursday monthly at 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
• Soup Group - Third Thursday monthly at noon; Miller Library

Seasons, A Women's Gathering

Monday, December 11

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Miller Library

Do you crave meaningful friendships that will last? Are you looking for deeper connections? Come join us in our next session of “We Saved You a Seat: Finding and Keeping Lasting Friendship” as we explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. This upcoming topic is "Friendship Takes Service." No signup required, we'll save you a seat. Bring along a friend! Save the date for the Seasons gathering on January 8, 2024. The topic will be “Friendship Takes Forgiveness.”

Connect

Realm all-church online directory is now online

 As of December 3rd, our secure Realm online directory, which is only be accessible to other members and staff, is live. Members who have not previously logged on to Realm should receive an e-mail with a notification about that change. If a member would like to withhold any or all contact information from other members and needs help with that, and/or would like to receive an invitation to log on to Realm, please contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or kwilson@firstchurchtulsa.org.

Helping Hand Ministry

Helping Hand Ministry is an outreach of First Presbyterian Church that combines ministry and mission by offering short-term assistance to Tulsans in need. Volunteers help individuals and families dealing with a temporary crisis by assisting in the payment of their utility bills and prescriptions and also assisting with the distribution of food from the pantry. This year, Helping Hand Ministry has disbursed $389,174, helping 2,985 Tulsa County residents through a difficult time in their lives. If you would like to donate, go to helpinghandministry918.com or visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/give and select Helping Hand Ministry from the dropdown list.