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Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 3

“From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the LORD is to be praised..” – Psalms 113:3

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

2025 Youth Sunday

Sunday, February 9, all worship services

This Sunday, our Pathfinders and Exodus youth will be leading worship in all services, They’ll be involved in every part of the service, sharing their gifts and faith with our church family. Come celebrate the next generation of leaders in our church!

Sermon Series: Kingdom Living

This year, we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7. In these verses, Jesus lays out the nature of the good life and what it means to live in the Kingdom He is establishing. Ultimately, these verses are an invitation to walk with Jesus. It is a call to deeper relationship, deeper dependence, and deeper love for the one who first loved us.

Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring the way in which Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Law and at the same time calls us into a deeper obedience that reflects the heart of the God who made us and who has claimed us as His own. Be warned: Jesus’ words are not for the faint of heart! Christ calls us to Himself, to follow Him, to claim Him as Lord in every arena of life. This is the invitation of the Sermon on the Mount.

Events

2025 Lenten Groups

Beginning March 5

Sign up today!

It is time to sign up for a Lenten group! Or, start your own group, or gather your existing K group for the six-week study, “To Seek and To Save, Reflections on the Road to the Cross” by Sinclair Ferguson. Ferguson guides us through Luke’s account of Jesus’ final days as he pours out his gift of salvation. Sign up online or come to the table in the Atrium on Sunday, February 9 and 16. The Lenten groups begin after March 5 and will conclude during Holy Week with a home-based Messianic seder dinner. Email Duff Points, Director of Adult Education for more information.

Grief Share

13-week grief recovery program

Wednesdays, February 5 - April 30, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Miller Library

Registration is open throughout the program

Grief Share, the world’s #1 grief recovery program, is now being offered at First Church. This program helps those dealing with grief move toward healing. Each session includes a 30-minute video featuring grief recovery experts sharing their experiences and insights, followed by facilitated discussions. Participants receive a personal workbook aligned with the videos and discussion topics. The topics covered address sadness, loneliness, anger, regrets, fear, anxiety, relationships, questions for God, hope and resilience. The cost is $20. Sign up and pre-pay online or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to register.

American Guild of Organists Concert

Friday, February 7, 7 p.m.; Sanctuary

Music lovers are invited to a special organ concert, sponsored by the Tulsa Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Join us in the sanctuary to enjoy performances by five talented organ students from Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. This free event is open to all.

Youth Sunday / Phil Marshall Souper Bowl of Caring

Sunday, February 9

In addition to youth leading worship on Youth Sunday, it's also the day of our yearly fundraiser, Souper Bowl of Caring. This national event encourages youth groups and churches across the country to raise funds to help combat hunger in their cities. This year, donations will go to our local mission partner, Helping Hand Ministry, in honor of Phil Marshall, long term volunteer/treasurer of the ministry who recently retired.

Seasons Women’s Gathering – “Gal”- entines event

Monday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Miller Library

Enjoy treats, games and teaching at this special evening of fellowship. Women of all ages are welcome; we will save you a seat.

Spiritual Retreat with Rev. Julia Metcalf

Resting in God’s Unconditional Love

Saturday, February 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Miller Library

Discover the beauty of abiding in God’s unconditional love at our upcoming spiritual retreat. Reflect on John 15:9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love,” and take time to rest in His goodness. The retreat includes teaching, reflection, and fellowship, with a continental breakfast and lunch provided. Cost is $10. RSVP by Thursday, February 6. Register online or contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019.

Enrich your time at the retreat and gain insight about your gifts by taking this Spiritual Gifts survey tool.

Yount Adults Fireside Chat

With Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Friday, February 16, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

7595 Park Avenue



Join us for Reformed Theology Part II with Rev. Dan Hutchinson. Come cozy up around the fire for good conversation. Visit Instagram.com/FPCYoungAdults for more information.

Classes and recurring events

UKirk and Young Adult Sunday school

12 Essentials 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

Wednesday Night Downtown

Dinner at 5:15 p.m. in Stephenson Hall; classes start at 6:15 p.m.

Prepay for dinner here.

You're invited to a refreshing midweek gathering at First Church Tulsa’s Wednesday Night Downtown. New adult classes, along with programs for youth and children, are resuming. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

Wellness & Worship: Yoga & Nutrition Classes 

Led by certified yoga instructor, Holly Hughes

Through February 26, Bernsen Building, first floor reception area

Get and stay fit in the New Year! Certified instructor Holly Hughes will lead yoga sessions focused on breathing, stretching, and relaxation, combined with worship to deepen your connection to Christ. The cost is $40 for the 8-week series, Registration is required, register online. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat. All fitness levels are welcome.

Seekers Bible Study

Led by Elder Patrick Kirunda and 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.

NEXT GEN PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN

AWANA Valentine’s night

Wednesday, February 12, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Area

AMASS Exodus

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

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

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

Presbyterian Women February Mission

Presbyterian Women’s February mission project is raising funds to create Easter baskets for the children living at Lindsey House with their moms. Lindsey House provides transitional housing and support to help newly homeless mothers and their children regain stability and achieve financial independence. As a founding partner of Lindsey House, First Church is committed to this mission. Donations can be placed in the box at the Welcome Center. Checks should be made out to Presbyterian Women.

Connect

Education Scholarships

Applications due April 15, 2025

The First Presbyterian Church scholarship program provides financial aid to qualified individuals seeking to attend accredited institutions of higher learning. Scholarships are primarily awarded based on need, academic potential, area of study and performance.

• Must be a communicant member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Must normally be working toward a degree in a college, university or seminary that is fully accredited by its regional accrediting association.
• Must have established and maintained a satisfactory academic record.

Previous scholarship recipients must reapply for to be eligible for consideration of a scholarship for 2025-2026 school year. For more information, visit our website and download a scholarship application or contact tmoseley@firstchurchtulsa.org.

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.

Applications for summer internship

Are you a college student who loves God and enjoys working with youth? Next Generation Ministries is now receiving applications for its summer youth ministry internship program! Find our more and download the application on the First Church website.

Pastor Transition Update

The First Church congregation approved a Pastor Nominating Committee that has begun work on the final stage of pastor transition. Using the 2024 Mission Study Report as a guide for the desires of the congregation and the needs of the church, the Pastor Nominating Committee will conduct the search for First Church’s next senior pastor. 

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 their process. To find the latest updates on the pastor transition at First Church Tulsa, visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/PastorTransition.

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