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Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 8

But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised...” – Matthew 28:5-6

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Holy Week Worship

Maundy Thursday Family Worship

Thursday, April 17

5:30 p.m. Family worship in Kerr Chapel

Families with elementary-age and younger children are invited to a special Maundy Thursday service designed just for them. This engaging service helps children understand the meaning of Maundy Thursday in a way that’s accessible and meaningful. This service contrasts the solemn Service of Shadows in the Sanctuary later in the evening. It offers a child-friendly approach to the story of Jesus’ final night with his disciples. Nursery care will be provided for infants to pre-k.

Maundy Thursday Worship: Service of Shadows

7:30 p.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

Experience the solemn beauty of our Maundy Thursday Service of Shadows. In the dimly lit Sanctuary, choral music echoes the weight of denial and betrayal as we reflect on Christ’s final hours. The service concludes with Communion and the tolling of the bell—a poignant reminder of the night before the crucifixion of Christ.

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 18, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel

Join us for the Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross. “Good” Friday is the day Christians intentionally remember Jesus’ crucifixion and the sacrifice he made on our behalf.

TIF Good Friday Worship Night

Friday, April 18, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall

Tulsa International Fellowship invites you to an evening of worship in the Great Hall.

TIF Health & Wealth Fair

Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Great Hall

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 20

6:30 a.m. Sunrise service at Camp Loughridge (communion)

8:00 a.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

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

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

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

11:00 a.m. International worship in Great Hall

Events

Sign up for the Holy Week Prayer Vigil

Thursday, April 17, 9 p.m. – Easter Sunday, April 20, 7 a.m.

The Prayer Vigil is an unbroken chain of prayer from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday at sunrise. Sign up for a 30-minute time slot to keep the vigil going. Slots are still available to you can sign up online.

Experience God’s Presence in the Prayer Room

Open during church hours until Pentecost Sunday, June 8.

Open now through Pentecost Sunday, the Prayer Room has been thoughtfully prepared as a place to encounter stillness and draw near to the Lord. Step inside, take time to reflect, and share in this sacred space with others who are seeking God. Follow the signs to the Prayer Room located on the Sanctuary level near Kerr Chapel.

H20 Project – Sponsor a well

Give online or at the Atrium table

You are invited to participate in the H2O Project by fasting from all beverages but water and give the money saved from purchasing other drinks to our partners in the H2O Project, Marion Medical Mission. The mission works with local villagers in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia by digging wells for their villages and teaching them how to maintain them. The cost per well is $475 which will serve an average of 125 people. We are grateful for your generous giving.

VBS 2025 – Magnified!

Discovering the Bigness of God in the Smallest of Things

June 2–6, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Camp Loughridge

Join us for an unforgettable week at VBS 2025: Magnified! Kids will explore the amazing ways God reveals His greatness even in the tiniest details of His creation. With activities, worship, and fun for all ages, it’s a week not to miss! Register online now!

Masterwork Showcase

Thursday, May 8, 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m., Bernsen Center

See the good work the Lord is doing through Masterwork Academy! Masterwork students will be performing and displaying their work in all disciplines in this special open house event. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers that make the program a success!

Classes and recurring events

UKirk and Young Adult Sunday school

12 Essential Doctrines to Transform Your Life

Sundays, 9:30 a.m., E201

Adult Sunday school

Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Contact Laura Stevens for more information about our class offerings.

Men’s Monday Bible Study

Mondays, 12:00 p.m.; Room E103

Precept Bible Study

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; E100

Grief Share

13-week grief recovery program

Wednesdays, through May 7, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Miller Library

Registration is open throughout the program

Grief Share, the world’s leading grief recovery program, is now at First Church. Each session includes expert-led videos, group discussions, and a personal workbook covering topics like sadness, anger, and hope. Cost: $20. Register at GriefShare.org and select Find a Group, then enter the church’s zip code, 74119. For more information, contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to register.

Wednesday Night Downtown

Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

with Rev. James Estes April 23 and 30, 6:15 p.m.; Miller Library

There is no question more important in all of human history than this: Did Jesus of Nazareth bodily rise from the dead three days after his crucifixion outside Jerusalem? In this two-week class, we’ll explore this central claim of Christianity in two parts.

• Week One: Why It Matters. What’s at stake if the resurrection happened—or if it didn’t? We’ll examine why this question is not just theological, but personal, historical, and cosmic in scope.
• Week Two: Is It True? We’ll take an honest look at the evidence, drawing from Body of Proof by Dr. Jeremiah Johnston to engage the strongest arguments for and against the resurrection.

Whether you’re seeking assurance or clarity, this class invites you to wrestle with the question that changes everything.

Seekers Bible Study

Led by Rev. Wambugu Gachungi, Room E104

This is an in-depth study of the Sunday morning sermon scriptures. Come enjoy praying together and studying the Bible while engaging in lively questions and discussions.

AWANA Children’s programming

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Area

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse

AMASS Exodus

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse

Presbyterian Women May Mission

Mother's Day cards for sale April 27 and May 4

Pick up a beautifully designed Mother's Day card featuring artwork by a Masterwork student—for sale in the Atrium on Sunday, April 27 and May 4. Proceeds support individuals and families receiving care through DVIS (Domestic Violence Intervention Services). 

Connect

Become a mentor to new First Church members

Help new members feel welcomed and connected to First Church! We’re launching a mentorship program, pairing each new member with someone to walk alongside them for six months.

As a mentor, you’ll:

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

It’s a simple way to make a big impact! Learn more by watching our video here, and sign up online.

Be a Greeter!

Serving on the greeting team at First Church is an easy way to get involved, meet people, and help create a welcoming atmosphere! Our new greeter team leader, Alex Dietz, is excited to help you find the perfect time and location to serve. You can choose specific Sundays that work best for you—it’s easy to start small! Be an example of Christ’s warm welcome at First Church Tulsa. Be a greeter this Sunday! Sign up here.

2024 Annual Report and Year in Pictures Video

First Church Tulsa's 2024 Annual Report highlights the past year in worship, ministry, discipleship, mission, and fellowship. It’s a reminder of how God is working through us—all for His glory. Be sure to watch our 2024 Year in Pictures video, capturing the faces and moments that made an impact for God’s Kingdom. Pick up your copy of the annual report at church, and contact the business office for the accompanying financial report.

Stay Connected with First Church - Join Realm Today!

Haven't signed up? Learn how here.

First Church members, have you joined Realm yet? This powerful tool helps you stay connected, update your profile, find church events, give online, and engage with your groups—all in one place. Watch this short video with Kathy Wilson and Emma Myatt as they explain how Realm makes church life easier and more interactive.

Pastor Nominating Committee

Pastor Nominating Committee Members include Elizabeth DeVore, Joel Donohue, Gary Johnson, Patrick Kirunda, Ben Peterson, Nicole Pugh, Kate Swan, Jacob Thompson, Amy Tingleaf, John Frame (Alternate), Allison Biggs (Alternate).

Please pray for wisdom and guidance for this gifted team as they diligently work through the process. To find the latest updates on the pastor transition at First Church Tulsa, visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/PastorTransition.

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 Kathy Wilson 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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• Tidings magazine
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