View as Webpage

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 1

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” – 2 Peter 1:3

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

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, the sermon is 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. We look forward to taking this journey together!

Events

Retirement reception honoring Phil Marshall

Sunday, January 12, 12:15 p.m.; Atrium

Join us in celebrating Phil Marshall’s 14 years of service to Helping Hand Ministry and recognizing his dedication to helping those in need. Phil’s work has made a meaningful impact on many lives. Let’s come together to thank him for his contributions and wish him well in his next chapter.

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Monday, January 13, 6 p.m., Miller Library

Women of all ages are welcome to come explore the profound relationship between God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and gain a deeper understanding of God’s three-in-oneness. In these monthly stand-alone sessions, we uncover the beauty of the Gospel and the essential role of the Trinity in our faith journey. Hope to see you there!

Watch January Series online

Speakers present daily from January 20-31

While First Church is not hosting January Series at the church this year, you're invited to watch online at Calvin.edu/January. The January Series is a free, 10-day event filled with brilliant speakers, fascinating topics, and enlightened conversation. Prominent academics, educators, artists, activists, and others present thought-provoking lectures in their areas of expertise. The January Series aims to foster education, civic engagement, and open inquiry to build a community of lifelong learners who actively work to create a better and more inclusive world.

Newcomer Gathering

Sunday, January 26, 9:30 a.m., Miller Library

Whether you are brand new to First Church or have been worshipping with us for a while, join us for coffee, bagels and fellowship as we get to know one another and learn more about First Church! Register here.

Grief Share

13-week grief recovery program

Begins Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Miller Library

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.

Spiritual Retreat with Rev. Julia Metcalf

Saturday, February 15, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Miller Library

Come join a gathering of disciples at the church for a quiet day to draw close to our Lord Jesus Christ led by Rev. Julia Metcalf. More details to come;

Classes and 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 resumes January 8

Wednesday Night Downtown begins January 8

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

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.

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 explore lifting our voices to the Lord with purpose and joy.

Wellness & Worship: Yoga & Nutrition Classes 

Led by certified yoga instructor, Holly Hughes

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

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

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

Presbyterian Women January Mission

Presbyterian Women’s January mission project is Anderson Elementary School. They are collecting pencils, crayons, erasers, copy paper, white construction paper, boxes of tissues, and disinfectant wipes. Please place items in the black PW mission container, which will be in the atrium on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Connect

FreshRx Regenerative Agriculture Subscription Program

Using food as medicine

FreshRx is offering a trial food subscription program featuring regeneratively grown, local produce. Subscribers can pre-order weekly boxes for $35, customized with fresh vegetables and herbs. If you're interested, place your order by January 16 for pickup in the afternoon of January 23 inside the Powerhouse building. The current supply is limited to 25 boxes per week. For questions, contact Taryn DeWitt at taryn@tulhoma.com.

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.

Mission Study Report

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.

What’s next in the pastoral transition process?

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 where we are in 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