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Friday, September 18, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 18

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

Message from Rev. Cameron Beaty

So Grateful

It’s cliché (and a little uncreative) to say “there are no words to describe …” But it really is

difficult to put into words the fullness of joy and gratitude Emily and I experienced during the

Installation last Sunday. So I’ll just say with all sincerity: We’re so grateful to be here with you!

First Presbyterian Church has an incredible legacy in the city of Tulsa and beyond. (On that

note, be sure to check out our new history wall between Miller Atrium and the Sanctuary.)

Again, a love for God and His Word, the warmth of our life together, and the Christ-centered

creativity with which we are engaging the city continues to give me great hope for what God

will do through First Church in days ahead and in the renewal of all things (Rev 21:1-5). Just

know Team Beaty is deeply grateful for you and eager for all that lies ahead.

UPDATE ON FALL WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES

As we begin a new season of ministry at First Pres., I’m excited to share an important update regarding our schedule. With the full endorsement of both the Music and Worship Committee and the Session, we are going to continue our summer worship schedule through the fall.

This means we will continue offering our four distinct gatherings:

8:00 a.m. – Kerr Chapel

8:30 a.m. – Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. – Great Hall

11:00 a.m. – Sanctuary

Ultimately, maintaining this schedule through the fall will give our leadership the space to

prayerfully discern how best to strengthen worship across all our contemporary and

traditional services.

If you would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any

member of our Session.

So grateful for you. See you Sunday.

Cameron

Reverend J. Cameron Beaty

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect

Worship

Mark: The Gospel of the Kingdom

Join us as we explore the Gospel of Mark

This fall, journey through the fast-moving Gospel of Mark and encounter Jesus—who He is, what He came to do, and what it means to follow Him. Through His teaching, healing and calling of ordinary people, Mark leads us toward a defining question: Who do you say that Jesus is? Whether you’ve followed Christ for decades or are still exploring, come discover the hope and power of the rightful King. Continue the journey beyond Sunday with Jesus the King by Timothy Keller, a companion to Rev. Beaty’s sermon series, available for purchase at the book table in the Atrium.

World Communion Sunday and First Family Dinner

Sunday, October 4

Gather as one body in Christ for a combined Festival Sunday service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Together, across cultures and generations, we’ll worship with the Chancel Choir, TIF, and our contemporary worship team, sharing in communion with believers around the world. In this sacred act, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and are strengthened for life and service in His name.

After worship, gather in Stephenson Hall and the Courtyard for a First Family Dinner.

Click here to prepay for lunch.

Weekly worship services

Saturdays, 9 a.m.

TIF Prayer meeting in the Great Hall

Sundays, 8 a.m.

Traditional worship in Kerr Chapel

Sundays, 8:30 a.m.

Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

Sundays, 11 a.m.

Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

Contemporary worship combines with

International worship in the Great Hall (summer schedule)

Watch online

Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter

Traditional worship

Cox Cable Ch. 3 at 11 a.m. & 5 p.m., Live on Facebook and YouTube

Tulsa International Fellowship worship, Live on Facebook and YouTube

See all other scheduled worship and classes on our website event calendar.

Events

GriefShare

Wednesdays weekly, through December 9 
1–2:30 p.m., Room E104

GriefShare is a 13-week Christian recovery program for those grieving the loss of someone dear to them. Through helpful guidance, group discussion and encouragement from facilitators and fellow participants, GriefShare offers support as you navigate your journey through grief. Register at GriefShare.org by selecting Find a Group and choosing the First Church group. The $20 registration fee, payable at the first class, covers the cost of the workbook. Additional information about the program is also available on the GriefShare website.

Matson Golf Tournament benefiting Helping Hand

Monday, September 21, 7:30 a.m., MeadowBrook Country Club

Join us for the 19th Annual Matson Cup Golf Tournament benefiting Helping Hand. Support our ministry’s mission to serve the most vulnerable in our community. Your registration fee includes the tournament and lunch. Register now at FirstChurchTulsa.org/golf26.

Special Guest: Dr. Scott Sunquist

Speaking events and worship, Sept. 26–27

Join us for a weekend with Dr. Scott Sunquist, president and professor of missiology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. An ordained Presbyterian minister, author and scholar of world Christianity, Dr. Sunquist brings a rich perspective shaped by years of teaching, ministry and missionary service in Singapore.

Lunch and Learn: Route 66

Thursday, Oct. 1, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., Room E104

Join us for a journey down America’s most famous highway. Mary Lee Weaver will test your Route 66 knowledge with a fun quiz and share stories from her painting adventures along the Mother Road. Annette Lafortune Murray will present “Women on Route 66,” highlighting some of the women connected to its colorful history. Mary Lee will have her Route 66 artwork and gifts available for purchase, and Annette will offer her children’s books about Route 66. Door prizes will also be part of the fun.

It’s not too late to register your child for Awana

Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Children's area

Register your child (ages 2 through 4th grade) for another great year of Wednesday night fun, engaging activities, Bible lessons and Scripture memorization during the school year.

Ron Pearson's 53rd Annual Organ Concert

Sunday, October 11, 4 p.m.

For 53 years, Director of Music Ministries Ron Pearson has helped shape a rich tradition of music at First Church Tulsa. Join us for his 53rd Annual Organ Concert, featuring the University of Tulsa Orchestra under the direction of Rick Wagner. Come experience the remarkable sound of our Sanctuary organ and celebrate a living legacy of music offered for the glory of God.

Welcome Breakfast for Visitors

Sunday, Oct 11, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Miller Library

New to First Church? We'd love to get to know you. Join us for a complimentary breakfast where you can enjoy fellowship, meet church members and staff, and learn about opportunities to connect and grow at First Church. Contact Emma Myatt with questions. Register here.

Visitors: Join us for breakfast in Miller Library, located on the 2nd Floor outside the Sanctuary. All are welcome!

Members: Bringing a guest? Please register in advance to help us plan for breakfast.

No registration? You're still welcome—we'd love to have you join us.

Make a Joyful Noise

Children and youth music is underway at First Church, and there’s still time to join. Young musicians can grow in their musical skills, explore sacred music and help lead our congregation in worship throughout the year.

First Church Choristers | Grades K–4

Sundays, 9:15–9:45 a.m. | Children’s Choir Room

Register for Choristers

Rejoice Ringers | Grades 3 and up

Sundays, 8:45–9:15 a.m. | Bell Room

Register for Rejoice Ringers

Celebration Singers | Grades 5–12

Sundays, 9:15–9:45 a.m. | Powerhouse

Register for Celebration Singers

There’s still room to make a joyful noise with us this fall.

New First Church History Exhibit

Discover the story that shaped First Church

Phase 1 of a new permanent history exhibit, developed by History & Archives, opens Sunday, September 20, in the hallway between the Narthex and Atrium. The exhibit illustrates the journey of those who walked before us and the spiritual foundation they built that guides our church today. The first phase of the exhibit covers the missionary roots of our congregation through the 40-year ministry of Rev. Charles W. Kerr.

“What they dreamed, we now enjoy. What we enjoy, we now would remember and what we remember are those who walked this way before us and pointed a direction. God give us the grace to follow and to lead into the next century with vision and promise.”

Rev. Ernest J. Lewis

Dedication of the Historical Marker Address

Centennial Sunday, Oct 6, 1985

Classes

SUNDAYS

Sunday School Classes

A variety of classes offer in-depth Bible study, Christian history and doctrine, prayer and fellowship each Sunday morning. Contact Elizabeth Massey for more information. View class descriptions here.

MONDAYS

Men’s Monday Bible Study

Mondays, Noon–1 p.m., Room E103

Fellowship, lunch and in-depth Bible study with discussion centered on applying Scripture to everyday life.

Lunch with C.S. Lewis

Mondays beginning October 5, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Miller Library

Explore Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters with Rev. Cameron Beaty. Sessions run in October and December and again in the spring. Prepay for your lunch here

TUESDAYS

Precepts Bible Study with Denise Rounds

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Room E102

Learn how to study the Bible using the inductive method–a simple process that teaches you how to study and understand the Bible.

WEDNESDAYS

Dinner begins at 5:15 p.m. Children's and Youth classes: 6 p.m.
Adult classes: 6:15–7:30 p.m., Choir rehearsal: 6:30 p.m.

Praying the Psalms

Sept. 16–Oct. 7, Sanctuary

Come to an evening gathering in the Sanctuary for a time of lessons, prayers, and contemplation. Rev. Cameron Beaty will lead us in understanding the psalms and adopting the rich prayer practices that Christians have followed through the centuries.

Seekers Bible Study

Sept. 16, Room E104

We focus on in-depth study following the sermon series on Mark, often following the sermon scriptures for the week and how to apply the Word to our lives today. 

Watch for new classes beginning after Fall Break on October 21.

THURSDAYS

Hearts for the Lord
Thursdays, 10–11:30 a.m., Room E313

Women gather for Bible study and encouragement in their daily walk with Christ.

SATURDAYS

Before the Rooster Crows with Phil Rounds

Saturdays, 8:45 a.m., Room E103

Read, unpack and reflect on the biblical texts for Sunday worship and prepare your heart for the Word proclaimed.

Give and Serve

Pick Up a Free Hymnal


Stop by the table in the Atrium on September 20 and 27 to receive a complimentary copy of one of our former hymnals. Take one home as a reminder of the music, worship and history of First Presbyterian Church.

Become a mentor to new First Church members

Help new members feel welcomed and connected at First Church! Our New Member Mentorship Program pairs each new member with a church member who walks alongside them for about six months, helping them build relationships and feel at home in the life of the church. As new members join throughout the year, there are ongoing opportunities to serve as a mentor.

As a mentor, you’ll:

• Greet new members on Sundays so they feel seen and valued.
• Connect once a month—coffee, a call, or an invite to an event.

If you’d like to be part of this meaningful ministry, contact Emma Myatt. It’s a simple way to make a lasting impact. To learn more, watch our video or sign up online.

First Friends in the Pews

As a church, we are called to show hospitality, or philoxenia, the Greek word meaning “love of strangers.” Each of us has the opportunity to be someone’s very first friend in the pew. By being attentive and welcoming to those around us, we help create a place where all feel seen and at home.

We’d love to hear your stories of meaningful moments of hospitality. Please share them via email to Jerry McCoy.

TV Ministry Team opportunities

Be part of a fun, behind-the-scenes team helping share our 11 a.m. worship service with thousands each week on TV and online. Whether you're running a camera, switching graphics, or balancing audio, every role helps bring the service to life. We’re looking for students and adults who want to make a difference and be part of a great team. For more information, email Alex Pennell, TV/Video Manager, or call him at 314-607-1032.

Connect

First Connections: The Sunday Rhythm of Hospitality

After worship at noon every Sunday, Miller Library

As we seek to grow our church and welcome new faces, First Connections provides a simple and intentional space where meaningful conversations can happen naturally. Whether you're a first-time visitor to First Church, have been attending for a while, or simply want to help extend hospitality to others, this is an opportunity to meet people, build relationships and help create a welcoming environment for everyone.

• Visitors: Come to First Connections to meet others, ask questions and begin building relationships.
• Members: this is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to live out hospitality. Bring visitors you met in worship to meet others and get connected. You can help visitors feel seen, known and genuinely welcomed into the life of our church.

Make this part of your Sunday routine:

• After worship, come to Miller Library
• Meet someone new
• Help someone belong


This new gathering gives us a weekly rhythm and shared place to continue that culture together. Yes, you can make a difference.

Questions? Contact Director of New Member Outreach Emma Myatt for more information.

Update your contact information

Have you moved or changed your phone number or email address recently? Please take a moment to update your information on your profile in the Realm Connect app, or contact Grace Masaku at 918-301-1029 to share your new details. Keeping our records current helps us stay connected and serve you better.

Reporting births, marriages and hospitalizations

Since most hospitals are no longer providing information to the church about our members who are hospitalized, you can help us. Please call the church at 918-584-4701 or email Grace Masaku to report hospitalizations, births and marriages. To directly request prayer by the Guild of Intercessors, call Paula Peterson at 918-296-5548 or text her at 918-688-2163.

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