View as Webpage

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 | E-News | Vol. 6, Issue 26

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21-23

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

Christmas is a special time at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa! Join us for Christmas services and experience the love of Christ with the warm First Church Tulsa community. Take this opportunity to invite friends and family to enjoy our beautiful worship services!

Festival Sunday worship

Sunday, December 29

One service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

All services, including TIF, will join together for worship in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. Be sure to come early for the pancake breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall. No Sunday School or childcare will be available on this Festival Sunday.

Events

Jammies for Jesus

Wednesday, December 18, Stephenson Hall and Courtyard

Preschool through 4th graders and their families will gather to sing carols, make crafts, dance, enjoy cocoa and Christmas treats, and decorate the Chrismon tree. Please RSVP to Erin Barnhart.

5:15 p.m. Dinner, $5 per person or $10 per household

6:00 p.m. Crafts, dancing, story time

7:00 p.m. Carols in the Courtyard

7:15 p.m. Cookies & Cocoa in Stephenson Hall

Celebrating Christmas Together Party

Friday, Dec. 20 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Anderson Elementary

One of our favorite volunteer traditions at First Church is “Celebrating Christmas Together” with the students of Anderson Elementary! This special event brings joy, laughter and love as we deliver gift bags, share treats, create crafts, play games, and sing Christmas carols with Anderson students. Click here for more information about helping at this special event.

Pancake Breakfast on Festival Sunday

Sunday, December 29, 9:30 a.m.; Atrium and Stephenson Hall

All services join together in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. 

Sunday school will not meet on this day, so come enjoy pancakes prepared by the pastors! The cost is $5 for adults and children 12 and under eat free. Click here to prepay online. Afterward, join us for worship in the Sanctuary as all services are combined for Festival Sunday. There will be no children’s programming on this day.

New Year’s Eve Watch Night worship

Tuesday, December 31, 9 p.m. - January 1, 12:30 a.m., Great Hall

Come gather with us to bring in the new year for a night of worship and fellowship. For more info contact Elder Paul Mungai or Worship Director Solomon Tsuma.

Epiphany Bonfire & Polar Plunge

Sunday, January 5, 5 p.m.; Camp Loughridge.

Bring your greens for the bonfire and plunge into the water of Lake Parthenia. Greenery drop-off will begin on Wednesday, January 1 at the designated area by the Glass Cabin at Camp Loughridge. This event will include a short homily, cookies, hot cider/cocoa, a warming bonfire and a chilly plunge into the lake to retrieve the cross.

Ireland mission trip - Summer 2025

The First Church mission team is making plans for a trip this summer to serve mission partners in Ireland. Contact Eric Baird if interested in going, and watch for more information coming soon!

Classes and events

Wednesday Night Downtown resumes January 8

New adult classes begin January 8 and will include:

Faith Foundations: What We Believe

Led by pastors and lay leaders, Miller Library

Do you need a refresher course on what you learned in confirmation class years ago? Each week we will discuss topics such as: the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit), the Bible, Our Condition and God’s Solution, Jesus as Lord, Baptism and Communion, The Great Ends of the Church, Tenets of the Reformation, and Spiritual Disciplines.

Make a Joyful Noise

Led by Judith Land, Chapel

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!” (Psalm 100:1-2). Did you know that scripture commands us to sing? Join us as we take a deeper dive into hymns—exploring what they are, why we sing them, and how they shape our faith. Guided by a book from Kristen and Keith Getty, we’ll journey together in lifting our voices to the Lord with purpose and joy.

Stay fit in the New Year! 

Join us for a fun and energizing yoga class, perfect for all fitness levels! We'll explore a variety of movements to keep your body active and healthy. It’s a great way to stay fit and flexible, even when it’s cold outside. Stay tuned for more details!

Seekers Bible Study

Led by Rev. Wambugu Gachungi and Patrick Kirunda, 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.

NEXT GEN PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN resumes January 8

AMASS Exodus

Resumes Wednesday, January 8, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

Resumes Wednesday, January 8, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse

Presbyterian Women December Mission

In December, we’re supporting Emergency Infant Services of Tulsa, a vital organization helping families with children under five by providing diapers, formula, food, and clothing.

You can contribute by visiting the Welcome Center on Sundays and placing your donation in the clear acrylic box. Thank you!

Connect

Session has approved the 2024 Mission Study Report which is now available to the congregation.Thank you to the Mission Study Team for their diligent work planning, gathering information and creating the report that will be an integral tool for First Church during the pastor transition process.

Advent Wreath Lighting Devotional

Weekly devotional now online

An original weekly Advent wreath lighting devotional was created by Director of Children's Ministries Sarah Savage and Rev. Julia Metcalf especially for First Church members. Pick up your packet at the church or access the devotional from our website as you light Advent candles each week.

Hospitality Advent Challenge

The Hospitality Committee invites First Church members to a special challenge each Sunday during Advent: During worship, make a point to sit next to someone you have never met before. Let’s prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming and celebrate Advent together as a family in Christ.

Be a Greeter!

Serving on the greeting team at First Church is an easy way to get involved while meeting people and making a difference in the atmosphere at church! You can choose specific times on certain Sundays you would like to greet. It's easy to start small and choose a time and location that works best for you! Be an example of the warm and welcoming presence of Christ at First Church Tulsa. Be a greeter this Sunday! Sign up here.

What’s next in the pastoral transition process?

Please visit the pastor transition page on our website for information about the process, including answers to frequently asked questions, the most recent updates and even a transition roadmap showing our current stage of the process.

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.

Important links:

• Linktr.ee
• Calendar
• E-News
• Tidings magazine
• Bulletins