Friday, August 7, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 15 | | “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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Guest Rev. Dr. Peter Barnes preaches at First Church
Sunday, August 9, we are honored to welcome retired Presbyterian pastor Rev. Dr. Peter Barnes as our guest preacher at the 8 and 11 a.m. traditional worship services. As a trusted advisor to our Pastor Nominating Committee throughout the pastoral search, Dr. Barnes offered faithful counsel and wisdom. We look forward to worshiping together and hearing his message.
Upcoming sermon topics:
August 9: A New Way to See – Acts 27
August 16: A Dream of Heaven – Revelation 1,5
August 23: A Dream of Heaven – Revelation 21-22
August 30: Saying Yes to Jesus – John 1:12-13
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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 combines with
International worship in the Great Hall (summer schedule)
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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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Visitor Breakfast for Newcomers
Sunday, August 9, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Miller Library
Register here
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.
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.
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First Church Membership Class
Sundays, August 16, 23 and 30
9:30-10:30 a.m., Miller Library
Interested in becoming a member? Led by facilitators and pastors, this series of classes will guide you through what it means to be a First Church member, and equip you with resources, support, and activities to help you grow in your relationship with Christ. Register and learn more information here.
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Ping Pong with a Purpose - Cookout and Tournament
Sunday, August 16, 12:30 p.m.
Stephenson Hall and Courtyard
Get your paddles ready—it’s not too early to start practicing! Join us in Stephenson Hall after the 11:00 a.m. services for fun, fellowship, free food, and our annual high-energy ping-pong tournament. The tournament features championship categories for men, women, and students of all grade levels. You’ll also learn how to get involved at Anderson Elementary through volunteer roles like Lunch Buddy, Masterwork Academy champion, and Community Night host.
Register for the tournament here. Registration is free, but if you'd like to add a purpose, consider making a donation to support Anderson Elementary here. (Select Ping Pong with a Purpose from the drop-down menu.)
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Presbyterian Women Fall Workshop
Worship, fellowship and introduction to the new Horizons Study
Saturday, August 22, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; First Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Women of First Church will host the Presbyterian Women of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery Fall Workshop. The event will introduce the 2026-2027 Horizons Bible Study, “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other,” which Presbyterian Women Circles will begin using this fall.
The day includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch prepared by Chef Joseph, worship, workshops, and fellowship. The cost is $15. Register by August 7 by contacting Barbara Mugge at 918-491-6495 or bmugge@gmail.com. For more information, contact Grace Masaku at gmasaku@firstchurchtulsa.org or 918-301-1029.
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Begins Wednesday, September 9, 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.
Promotion Sunday
Sunday, August 9
Children will attend Sunday school in their new classrooms
Bible Blessing & Celebration
Sunday, August 16
9:30-10:45 a.m., Kerr Chapel
For Kindergarteners and 4th graders, receive Bibles and a blessing, and enjoy a family reception afterward in Miller Library.
Back-to-School Family Prayer Event
Sunday, August 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Wiseman Hall
Families, children and youth are invited to this special come-and-go time of prayer as we ask God's blessing, wisdom and protection over the new school year.
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Summer backyard Bible study
Wednesdays through August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Charity Nyingi’s home
Questions? Contact Athena DeSpain for information.
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First Church Summer Sunday Swim
Sundays through August 30, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Camp Loughridge pool
| | JOIN US SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 | |
Welcome Breakfast with the Beatys
9:30 a.m. Light Breakfast, 10 a.m. Welcome Program
Stephenson Hall
Be part of the church's first official welcome to the Beaty family. Enjoy a light breakfast buffet and get to know the Beatys during an entertaining program that welcomes them to Tulsa and First Church! To celebrate this exciting new chapter in the life of First Church, the congregation will also have a chance to make an imprint on a one-of-a-kind art piece for Reverend Beaty. Come extend a warm First Church welcome to Cameron, Emily and their family.
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Rev. Cameron Beaty preaches on Festival Sunday
One combined service at 11 a.m., Sanctuary
Join us as Rev. Cameron Beaty begins his ministry as Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Tulsa. Together we will celebrate God's faithfulness, rejoice in His provision, and look with hope toward the future He is preparing for our church.
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Beaty Beachball Bash
1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Camp Loughridge Pool
2-3 p.m. Sno cones from Josh's Sno Shack
After worship, let's keep the celebration going! Gather with your First Church family at Camp Loughridge Pool for an afternoon of swimming, fellowship, games and Josh's Sno Cones (2–3 p.m.). Celebrate with us as we warmly welcome the Beaty family to Tulsa and to the First Church family.
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How can you help welcome the Beaty family?
One simple way is through the Beaty Welcome Fund, created to help Cameron, Emily and their family as they settle into their new home and begin ministry at First Church. Gifts will help meet practical needs of relocation. Click the link below to our giving site and select Beaty Welcome Fund from the dropdown list.
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Coming soon!
Wednesday Night Downtown kickoff
Wednesday, September 9, 5:15 p.m., Children’s Area
Breakfast on Boston
Sunday, September 13, 9:30 a.m., Boston Avenue
Reverend Cameron Beaty Installation Service
Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m., Sanctuary
Matson Golf Tournament benefiting Helping Hand
Monday, September 21, 7:30 a.m., MeadowBrook Country Club
GriefShare Recovery Program
Wednesdays weekly, Beginning September 9, 1 p.m., Room E104
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Dedicate a new hymnal
You can dedicate a new hymnal in honor or memory of a loved one for $20 per copy. Other monetary gifts supporting the hymnal replacement project may also be given without a dedication. To support the hymnal project, click the button below and fill out the dedication form online.
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Your Faithful Support Matters This Summer
As many families travel and schedules change during the summer, the ministry of First Church continues without pause. Worship services, pastoral care, outreach efforts, children’s programs, youth ministry, and preparations for fall all remain active throughout the season. Thank you for your ongoing generosity, which allows our church to continue serving, caring, and sharing the love of Christ every day of the year.
To give online, click here.
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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. 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, 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.
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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.
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First Connections: A New 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.
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Visitors: Come to First Connections to meet others, ask questions and begin building relationships.
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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.
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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 Grace Masaku 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 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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