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Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 6

“They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.” – Isaiah 44:4

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

Sermon on the Mount series: Kingdom Fulfillment

Continue with us as we explore 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.

Palm Sunday Worship

Sunday, April 13

8:00 a.m. traditional worship in Kerr Chapel

8:30 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. combined worship in the Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. international worship in Great Hall

Maundy Thursday Worship

Thursday, April 17

5:00 p.m. Family worship in Kerr Chapel

7:30 p.m. worship in the Sanctuary

(Communion at both services)

Holy Week Prayer Vigil

Thursday, April 17, 9 p.m. – Easter Sunday, April 20, 7 a.m.

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 18, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel

TIF Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 18, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 20

6:30 a.m. Sunrise service at Camp Loughridge (communion)

8:00 a.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

8:30 a.m. Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. International worship in Great Hall

Order Easter lilies

Deadline is April 9

On Easter Sunday, bright white lilies will adorn the church building. As each flower silently trumpets the Resurrection, it also serves to remind us of the life of someone who was, or is, special to a church member. If you wish to honor someone by contributing to the lily fund, click here. The deadline for Easter Lilies is April 9. On Easter Sunday, the lilies that have graced our Easter worship services will be delivered to homebound members of First Church.

Student opportunities

Education Scholarships

Applications due April 15, 2025

The First Presbyterian Church’s 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 2025-2026 school year scholarship. For more information, visit our website and download a scholarship application or contact tmoseley@firstchurchtulsa.org.

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.

Events

All-Church Retreat - “Life Together”

Friday, March 28 to Saturday, March 29

New Life Ranch – Frontier Cove

Sign up by noon on Thursday, March 20 for a weekend of fun and fellowship at the First Church retreat, held Friday and Saturday at New Life Ranch! Enjoy family-friendly activities like go-carts, ropes course, fishing, a bonfire, and more. Engage with inspiring sessions led by First Church speakers, exploring how we live our faith together. Overnight accommodations available for Friday night, Even if you just come for Saturday activities, we need you to sign up online. Registration closes on Thursday, March 20.

Cost for Friday and Saturday:

Ages 13+: $80 

Ages 7-12: $60

Ages 3-6: $40

Ages 0-2: Free

Family rate: $250

Motel room: $45 per room

Cost for Saturday only:

Meals & activities for Saturday-only attendees: $35

Activities include:

• Go-Karts

• Ropes course

• Ok Corral

• Plinkin

• Fishing

• Ultimate Frisbee

• Bocce ball

• Climbing walls

• Ping pong

• Air hockey

  and lots more!

We are fortunate to feature these First Church members who will be leading the group discussions about living a life of faith:

Friday, 7:00 p.m.

Sgt. John Shelton

Tulsa Police Department

Saturday, 9:15 a.m.

Eric Ormond, SVP Project Execution

Williams

Saturday 1 p.m.

Allen Kanyeki Waita, president / founder

Urbanus Masaku, vice president / founder

Simba Shippers, LLC

Newcomer Gathering

Sunday, March 23, 9:30 a.m., Miller Library

If you are new to First Church, or you are a member wanting to meet the newcomers, join us in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m. for coffee, bagels, and fellowship as we get to know one another and learn more about First Church! Register here.

Young Adults Downtown Clean-Up

Lunch and service project

Sunday, March 23, right after worship

Enjoy lunch in Miller Library after worship, then join us for a service project removing trash downtown. Gloves and trash bags will be provided—all you need to bring yourself (and a friend!) and a heart for service.

Annual Congregation Meeting

March 30, 9:30 a.m., Stephenson Hall

Join us to review the successes of 2024, watch the Year in Review video and vote on the church budget. There will be no adult Sunday school on this day.

First Church Membership Class

Sunday, March 30, April 6 & 13, 9 a.m.-10:40 a.m.; Miller Library

Interested in becoming a member? Even if you didn't attend the Newcomer Gathering, please register for the upcoming membership classes. Led by facilitators and pastors, these 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 here.

March 30: Membership Class 1 in Miller Library at 9 a.m. 

(Please bring completed New Member Form or submit it prior to class)

April 6: Membership Class 2 in Miller Library at 9 a.m. 

April 13: Membership Class 3 in Miller Library at 9 a.m.

May 27: Dinner with Session at 5:45 in Miller Library

June 1: New Member Introduction at 11 a.m. Sanctuary worship, Cookie reception at noon in the Atrium.

Greeter Training

Sunday, March 30, 12:15 p.m., Room E104

Greeters, whether you are a new greeter, you have been greeting for years, or you are simply interested in becoming a greeter at First Church, this training offering is for you. Join us for a brief training session on hospitality etiquette and outreach. Lunch is included, please RSVP and let us know you're coming.

Lunch and Learn

Second Mondays of each month

RESCHEDULED to begin April 14th, 12 p.m.; Room E104

Lunch and Learn's first event has been rescheduled to Monday, April 14th. This monthly series will feature programs geared toward members of retirement age. Keep an eye on the E-News and bulletin for information about the April speaker and topic. Register online to attend or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029. You can pre-pay for lunch online or pay at the door. We hope to see you there!

Chancel Choir Lenten Concert

Sunday, April 6, 5 p.m., Sanctuary

Music Lovers! The Chancel Choir invites you to a Lenten concert showcasing Gabriel Fauré’s beloved Requiem—one of the most cherished and frequently performed choral masterworks. The performance will include guest soloist Taylor Conley, a former Chancel Choir member now living in Houston and a favorite of the Tulsa music community.The program will also include five anthems that speak to the season of Lent. The Choir will be joined by a professional orchestra of strings, horns, and harp. This is your opportunity to participate in a beautiful musical and spiritual experience.

VBS 2025 – Magnified!

Discovering the Bigness of God in the Smallest of Things

June 2–6, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Camp Loughridge

Join us for an unforgettable week at VBS 2025: Magnified! Kids will explore the amazing ways God reveals His greatness even in the tiniest details of His creation. With activities, worship, and fun for all ages, it’s a week not to miss! Register online now!

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

Grief Share

13-week grief recovery program

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

Registration is open throughout the program

Grief Share, the world’s leading grief recovery program, is now at First Church. Each session includes expert-led videos, group discussions, and a personal workbook covering topics like sadness, anger, and hope. Cost: $20. Sign up and pre-pay online or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to register.

Wednesday Night Downtown - Lenten Season

2025 Lenten Groups

Various times and locations

Lenten small groups and K groups are working through the study, To Seek and To Save by Sinclair Ferguson, exploring Luke’s account of Jesus’ final days. Groups will meet weekly and conclude during Holy Week with a home-based Messianic seder dinner.

Keeping Fit for the Kingdom

40 Days of the Daniel Fast, March 6 – April 15, Great Hall

Rev. Wambugu Gachungi leads the six-week Lenten series consisting of prayer sessions along with readings from the daily devotional To Seek and to Save by Sinclair Ferguson. Join us in person or live on the TIF YouTube channel, TIF Church FPC.

AWANA Children’s programming

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Children's Area

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

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

AMASS Exodus

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

Presbyterian Women March 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

Become a mentor to new First Church members

Help new members feel welcomed and connected to First Church! We’re launching a mentorship program, pairing each new member with someone to walk alongside them for six months.

As a mentor, you’ll:

• Greet them on Sundays so they feel seen and valued.
• Connect once a month—coffee, a call, or an invite to an event.

It’s a simple way to make a big impact! Learn more by watching our video here, and sign up online.

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.

Pastor Nominating Committee

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

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.

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