Tuesday, November 21, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 22

“The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” –Isaiah 32:17 NRSV

♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Worship ♦ Connect

Events

Thanksgiving Day Worship and Luncheon

Thursday, November 23

11 a.m. worship in Kerr Chapel, lunch following in Stephenson Hall

Those who find themselves without family nearby during the holidays are invited to come for worship and a free Thanksgiving meal hosted by the Deacons. Please RSVP here.

The Journey to Bethlehem: A Pilgrimage of Advent

Beginning Sunday, December 3

by Reverends Dan Hutchinson and Julia Metcalf

Rev. Dan Hutchinson and Rev. Julia Metcalf are leading a four-week video series for Sunday School classes as well as for individual study. This series 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. The videos will be available Sunday, December 3 on our website. We look forward to slowing down our lives and hearts as we seek to prepare room for King Jesus, our Emmanuel, "God With Us!"

Advent Stained Glass Tour with Joan Hoar

Sunday, December 3

12:15 p.m., Kerr Chapel

Joan Hoar, our Historian emeritus, leads a 30-minute walking tour viewing the Advent artwork depicted in stained glass windows throughout the church. Meet in Kerr Chapel right after the 11 a.m. Sanctuary service concludes.

Advent Workshop

Sunday, December 3, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Camp Loughridge

Families with children are invited for an afternoon of Christmas crafts, snacks and sleigh rides. $10 per family. Preregistration requested online. 

Adopt a Student from Anderson Elementary

Sundays November 26, December 3 and 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 on Sundays beginning November 26.

Christmas AWANA

Wednesday, December 13, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m., Childrens' area

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 - 8:30 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.

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.

Pastor’s Study/Foundations class with Rev. Dan Hutchinson

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Sundays through Nov. 26, Room E104

Young adult Sunday school

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

Little Lambs

Mondays, 10 a.m. -11 a.m.; Wiseman Hall

Guys’ Monday Bible study

Mondays, 11:45 a.m.; Room E103

Monday School with Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Mondays Nov. 27, Dec.4 and Dec. 11, 12:00 p.m.; Kirkland Library

Precept Bible Study

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. -10:40 a.m.; Room E101

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

Note: There will be no Wednesday Night Downtown on November 22, Thanksgiving Eve.

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

Thursdays, November 30 and 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

Our November mission is the Coffee Bunker, a local organization that supports service members and veterans with successful reintegration into their families and communities. Donations will help buy food from the Community Food Bank to be used for holiday meals at the Coffee Bunker. Please drop your donations in the acrylic box at the Atrium reception desk.

• 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

Seasons is a space for women of all seasons of life to connect with one another and be transformed by the word and presence of God. In this year's video series, We Saved You a Seat, we will explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. This month’s topic is “Friendship Takes Encouragement.” Nothing shapes us like the impact of a friend - it's how Jesus radically and intimately connects with us. No signup required, we'll save you a seat.

Worship

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 a.m. traditional worship in Kerr Chapel

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

11 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary       

11 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11 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 YouTube or Facebook
• Watch the 11 a.m. TIF worship in the Great Hall live on Facebook.

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 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

Latest updates on our website

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? Email the Transition Team at FPCTransition@FirstChurchTulsa.org.

“The Transition” podcast

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 is full of helpful and hopeful words from General Presbyter Tim Blodgett from Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery.

Connect

Realm all-church online directory

First Church’s secure, all-church online directory (Realm) is only accessible by First Church members and will soon be activated. Once you have created a Realm account, you can access the contact information* of other First Church members. If you need help creating your account, contact Kathy Wilson and request a Realm invitation to be emailed to you. Click here to find out what is available through the Realm online directory.

*You can always update your information, add/change profile picture and change your privacy settings.