Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 8 | | “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” –Isaiah 43:19 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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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 and
International worship in the Great Hall (summer schedule starting May 3)
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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.
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Festival Sunday on April 26
Join us for one worship service in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. with a First Family dinner following in Stephenson Hall and the Courtyard.
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Summer schedule - Stephenson Hall worship
Beginning Sunday, May 3, we will move to our summer Sunday worship schedule. Like last summer, we’re simplifying our Sunday schedule to include just one Stephenson Hall service at 8:30 a.m. — giving our pastors, worship leaders and volunteers room to breathe. Those who normally attend the 11 a.m. Stephenson Hall service are invited to attend the 8:30 a.m. service or join our TIF community in worship at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall with a combined worship team. It’s a great opportunity to come together in Christ and form new friendships.
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Join us to celebrate Dan Hutchinson
Saturday, April 25, Camp Loughridge
3 p.m.-Fun filled games and activities! Bring your fishing poles, scooters, bikes, and fellowship with our church family.
5:30 p.m. Hot dog dinner
6:30 p.m. Vespers service
Sunday, April 26
11 a.m. Festival Sunday worship, Sanctuary
12:30 p.m. luncheon, Stephenson Hall
Join us in celebrating Rev. Dan Hutchinson and his family on the weekend of April 25-26. Saturday, April 25, will be a fun-filled afternoon at Camp Loughridge starting at 3 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and ending with a Vespers service at 6:30 p.m.. Wear your favorite sports jersey! Then on Sunday, April 26, gather with us for one worship service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a First Family dinner. If you would like to send the Hutchinsons a card, letter, or monetary gift, please send it to the church, attention Dionna Schooley.
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Experience God’s Presence in the Prayer Room
Open during church hours until Pentecost Sunday, May 24
Room 204, East of Kerr Chapel
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.
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Congregational Conversations
Wednesdays, April 22 and 29
6:15 p.m., Stephenson Hall
Through April, our Wednesday Night adult classes will be combined for Congregational Conversations as we gather as a full church family for meaningful sessions and discussion.
- Pastor Nominating Committee will provide an update
- Tom Philp will guide a conversation on navigating change as we prepare for Dan’s departure from First Church.
These evenings will offer a valuable opportunity for our congregation to learn, reflect, and share together. Please join us!
Dan's reflection video from last Wednesday is available on our Youtube.
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VBS 2026 Registration is Open!
Illumination Station: Shining a light on who Jesus really is
June 1-5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Camp Loughridge
Registration deadline is May 8
Join us for an unforgettable week at VBS 2026: Illumination Station! Kids will be empowered as we focus on “shining a light on who Jesus really is.” With engaging activities, energetic worship, and fun for all ages, it’s a week you won’t want to miss. Register online today!
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Witu Gala
A special evening to advance the work in Witu, Kenya
Friday, May 1, 6 p.m., Great Hall
To commemorate Pastor Wambugu’s 60th birthday, Tulsa International Fellowship, with support from the Mission Committee, invites you to the Witu Gala—an special formal dinner dedicated to continuing the church-building work already underway in Witu, Kenya.
This meaningful evening will celebrate the progress made and raise essential funds to expand the project, including purchasing land for classrooms, establishing a ministry office and installing solar power to sustain worship and outreach. Click here to purchase tickets and take part in this special night of purpose, celebration and impact.
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Spring Tea hosted by Presbyterian Women Circles
Saturday, May 9, 2-4 p.m., Stephenson Hall
Women of all ages are welcome to join us for a delightful luncheon and tea-themed Spring gathering. Debbie Vinyard will be the guest speaker sharing her life’s journey through art therapy. If you are interested in joining a PW Circle, this is the opportune time to meet the ladies of PW. Please RSVP online by Thursday, April 30 or call Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or email kwilson@firstchurchtulsa.org. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children and may be paid at the door. Families will receive a group discount. Bring your mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor and/or lots of friends.
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Men’s Monday Bible Study - The book of Luke
Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m., Room E103
Join us for an informal men’s fellowship over lunch as we read and study God’s Word and grow together. Reserve and prepay for your lunch here.
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Precept Bible Study - Matthew
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Room E102
This semester will focus on Matthew chapters 1–13, examining the identity of the promised Messiah—the King who fulfills the throne of David—along with the nature of His kingdom and the character of those who live under His reign. We invite you to dive deeply into Scripture and discover these truths together.
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Congregational Conversations
Wednesdays, April 22 and 29
6:15 p.m., Stephenson Hall
Through April, our Wednesday Night adult classes will be combined for Congregational Conversations as we gather as a full church family for meaningful sessions and discussion.
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Pastor Nominating Committee will provide an update
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Tom Philp will guide a conversation on navigating change as we prepare for Dan’s departure from First Church.
These evenings will offer a valuable opportunity for our congregation to learn, reflect, and share together. Please join us!
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Awana Children's Ministry
Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Children's Area
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AMASS Exodus
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse
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Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse
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Chancel Choir rehearsal
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Choir Room
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New Hymnals
After 35 years of faithful use, and after much research by the Worship and Music Committee, with approval of Session, our current hymnal will soon be replaced by the newly-published Sing! Hymnal. In the coming weeks, you will have the opportunity to invest in this new hymnal project and dedicate them in honor or in memory of loved ones. Watch for details.
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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 to get involved. It’s a simple way to make a lasting impact. To learn more, watch our video or sign up online.
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First Friends in the Pews
As a church, we are called to show hospitality—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.
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TV Ministry Team opportunities
Be part of a fun, behind-the-scenes team helping share worship 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 314-607-1032.
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The Transition podcast: Episode 20 of with Dr. John Frame
A new episode of The Transition Podcast features longtime member Dr. John Frame, sharing his deep connection to First Church and his perspective from the Pastor Nominating Committee. Hear how the committee has engaged more than 200 conversations in the search process and what makes this discernment uniquely spiritual in nature. This thoughtful conversation offers insight, encouragement and a deeper understanding of how God is guiding this important season. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel.
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How you can pray for the Pastor Nominating Committee
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will be at work in our PNC and that we will be receptive to the Holy Spirit's direction and guidance.
- Pray that our conversations would be glorifying to God.
- Pray for protection for us from the enemy. He is real and is always at work.
- Pray for our next senior pastor that God is nudging and preparing to lead us into the next era of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa.
- Pray for patience from the congregation for the PNC as we go through the discernment process.
- Pray for unity as a PNC and congregation.
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Church-wide Hospitality Campaign, “Yes, You!”
As a member of First Church, you play a role in welcoming others ... Yes, you! We’re renewing our commitment to hospitality—removing barriers and helping both visitors and longtime members feel seen, known, and truly welcome.
We highlighted small acts of hospitality each week
- March 29: Notice someone new
- April 5: Say "Hello"
- April 12: Start a conversation
- April 19: Sit beside someone new in worship
These small but valuable acts, practiced together, can create a powerful culture of belonging. It’s simple, meaningful, and makes a lasting difference for others and for you. Watch our videos on our Facebook and Instagram pages or view them on our website: FirstChurchTulsa.org/YesYou
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Annual Report and Year in Review video
Download the annual report and watch the video
On March 22, the congregation gathered in Stephenson Hall for our annual meeting, with financial presentations, voting and approval of the 2026 budget, a report from the Pastor Nominating Committee, and encouragement from Rev. Dan Hutchinson. If you were unable to attend, copies of the 2025 Annual Report are available at the church, or you can view it online.
Also available is a favorite highlight—the Year in Review video. Watch it on our YouTube channel and reflect on the past year, giving thanks for the many ways God has blessed First Church.
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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 Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to share your new details. Keeping our records current helps us stay connected and serve you better.
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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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