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Thursday, December 18, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 25

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” –John 1:4-5

Advent worship

Advent 2025: Promise Fulfilled

How Christ Completes the Prophecies of Isaiah

This Advent, our church family has walked through Isaiah’s promises—seeing how each theme of the Advent wreath points us to Jesus Christ. We began with Hope, remembering God’s promise of new life. We moved to Peace, trusting the Prince of Peace who calms our hearts. We rejoiced in Joy, celebrating that God draws near. And this final week, we turn to Love, reflecting on the Savior who came in humility to redeem His people.

On Christmas Eve, we complete the journey by lighting the Christ Candle, celebrating Jesus as the Light of the World and the fulfillment of every promise. May His light fill our hearts and homes as we celebrate His coming.

Christmas Music Sunday worship

Sunday, December 21, 11:00 a.m. 
Combined contemporary and traditional worship in the Sanctuary

The organ, Chancel Choir, orchestra, children’s and youth choirs, and the worship team come together to lead us in joyous Christmas music during this beloved service. Regular worship times remain unchanged, with services at 8 a.m. in Kerr Chapel, 8:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall, and at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall.

Christmas Eve worship

Wednesday, December 24



Our Christmas Eve services are marked by deep tradition and holy reverence. As you plan your day, make space to worship with us at one of our four services, featuring candlelight, communion, stirring Christmas music, and messages of hope in our beautiful sanctuary.

2 p.m. Carols and Communion

5 p.m. Children’s Nativity*

8 p.m. Lessons & Carols*

11 p.m. Communion

All services will be held in the Sanctuary and include candle lighting.

*These services will be livestreamed on Facebook, and YouTube 

The 8 p.m. Lessons & Carols service will be broadcast at 10 p.m. on COX Cable Channel 3.

Christmas Day worship

Thursday, December 25

11:00 a.m. Christmas Day worship, Kerr Chapel



Sunday, December 28: Festival Sunday

Pancake Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in the Atrium and Stephenson Hall

One worship 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. Pancake breakfast cost is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. No Sunday School or childcare will be available on this Festival Sunday.

Events

Celebrating Christmas Together Party

Friday, December 19 9:30-10:30 a.m.: transporting bags to Anderson Elementary

12 noon: Volunteers gather and setup

1-2 p.m.: Christmas party at Anderson Elementary

Join the Deacons as we bring Christmas joy to the students of Anderson Elementary. Volunteers are needed in the morning to load gift bags into the U-Haul and unload them at the school. Later, volunteers will help with the festivities—assisting with a simple craft, playing bingo, passing out cookies, and sharing in the joy as Santa visits. The Chancel Choir will also roam the halls singing carols. It’s a beautiful opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ to these wonderful children. 

Presbyterian Women December Mission

The Presbyterian Women’s December mission project is Emergency Infant Services of Tulsa. They will be collecting funds for this wonderful organization that serves families with children under five years old by providing them with diapers, formula, food and clothing. Please stop by the Welcome Center on Sundays to make your contribution in the clear acrylic box.

New Year’s Eve Watch Night worship

Wednesday, 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 with Rev. Wambugu Gachungi and the TIF worship team.

Epiphany Bonfire & Polar Plunge

Sunday, January 4, 5 p.m.; Camp Loughridge

Bring your greens for the bonfire and plunge into the water of Lake Parthenia. 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.

Save the date!

Annual Chili Cook-Off: Sunday, January 25, 2026

Supporting Anderson Elementary

This annual event brings our congregation together for food, fellowship and friendly rivalry—all while strengthening our long-standing outreach to the Anderson community.

Want to enter the Chili Cook-Off?

Show off your best chili and compete for:

• The Popular Vote (crowd favorite)
• The Judges’ Vote (selected by our panel)

To enter, contact Cindy DeVore at 918-630-2626. Every cook receives a long-sleeve Chili Cook-Off T-shirt as a thank-you for participating.

Classes

Wednesday Night Downtown resumes January 7

Adult classes include:


Created for Connection:

How to build Christ centered, healthy relationships rooted in trust and love

6:15-7:30 p.m., Miller Library

Dr. Tom Philp, LPC and therapist at Stonebridge Couples, explores God’s design for healthy, life-giving relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners by integrating biblical wisdom with sound psychological insight. Through Scripture, discussion, and practical reflection, participants will learn how attachment, emotional awareness, boundaries, forgiveness, and repair shape our ability to love well. The class emphasizes Christ-centered relationships marked by trust, that weaves its way through each discussion.

Seekers Bible Study

6:15 - 7:30 p.m., E104


Rev. Wambugu leads us through the remarkable book of Esther, a Jewish woman who courageously saves her people from annihilation of the Persian empire by relying on God’s divine providence.

Give & Serve

Christmas Eve is one of the most meaningful days of the year at First Church—and it’s also a time when many guests join us for worship. Some may be returning after a long time away, and others may be stepping into our sanctuary for the very first time. Together, we have a wonderful opportunity to reflect the warmth and welcome of Christ.


A spirit of hospitality can shine through in simple ways:


• Noticing those nearby who may be new and offering a kind word or smile
• Making space in the pew and helping people feel comfortable and at ease
• Sharing the joy of our traditions—candlelight, communion, the beauty of worship in our sanctuary
• Taking a moment after the service to offer a friendly greeting


These small gestures can leave a lasting impression and make Christmas Eve even more meaningful for all who gather. Thank you for helping First Church feel like home to everyone who walks through our doors.

To learn more about serving through hospitality, email Director of New Member Outreach Emma Myatt or reach out to First Friends in the Pews leader Jerry McCoy at (918) 982-5843.

Connect

Pastor Nominating Committee update

The Pastor Nominating Committee continues its faithful weekly work—reviewing candidates, listening to sermons, and seeking God’s leading with unity and optimism. The team is now engaging with pastors across the PC(USA) and the broader Presbyterian family, remaining committed to the high standards that have long shaped First Church’s ministry.

As the search moves forward, the PNC asks for your continued prayers—for wisdom, endurance, and for the pastor God is preparing to call to First Church.

Watch the video of PNC chair Joel Donohue's update on our YouTube channel here.

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.

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.

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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