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Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 6

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." – Zechariah 9:9

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect

Worship

HOLY WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH TULSA

Maundy Thursday Family Worship

Thursday, April 2

5:30 p.m. Family worship in Kerr Chapel


Families with elementary-age and younger children are invited to a special Maundy Thursday service designed just for them. This engaging service helps children understand the meaning of Maundy Thursday in a way that’s accessible and meaningful. This service contrasts with the solemn Service of Shadows in the Sanctuary later in the evening. It offers a child-friendly approach to the story of Jesus’ final night with his disciples. Nursery care will be provided for infants to pre-k.

Maundy Thursday Worship: Service of Shadows

Thursday, April 2
7:30 p.m. Worship in the Sanctuary


Experience the solemn beauty of our Maundy Thursday Service of Shadows. In the dimly lit Sanctuary, choral music echoes the weight of denial and betrayal as we reflect on Christ’s final hours. The service concludes with Communion and the tolling of the bell—a poignant reminder of the night before the crucifixion of Christ.

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 3, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel


Join us for the Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross. “Good” Friday is the day Christians intentionally remember Jesus’ crucifixion and the sacrifice he made on our behalf.

TIF Good Friday Worship Night

Friday, April 3, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall


Tulsa International Fellowship invites you to an evening of worship in the Great Hall.

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 5

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

Watch Sunday services online

• Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter on Facebook and YouTube.
• Traditional worship: Cox Cable Ch. 3 at 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. and on Facebook, YouTube
• Tulsa International Fellowship worship: Available live on Facebook and YouTube

See all other scheduled worship and classes on our website event calendar.

Events

Sign up for the Holy Week Prayer Vigil

Thursday, April 2, 9 p.m. – Easter Sunday, April 5, 7 a.m.

The Prayer Vigil is an unbroken chain of prayer from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday at sunrise. Sign up for a 30-minute time slot to keep the vigil going. Sign up at the table in the Atrium on Palm Sunday, or sign up online.

TIF “At the Cross” worship experience

Worship night, Friday, April 3, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall

Easter worship, Sunday, April 5, 11 a.m., Great Hall

Join Tulsa International Fellowship for a meaningful At the Cross worship experience, centered on Christ’s sacrifice and the hope we have through Him. A special worship night will be held Friday, April 3, from 7–10 p.m. in the Great Hall, followed by Easter worship on Sunday, April 5, at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall.

VBS 2026 Registration is Open!

Illumination Station: Shining a light on who Jesus really is

June 1-5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Camp Loughridge
Registration deadline is May 8

Join us for an unforgettable week at VBS 2026: Illumination Station! Kids will be empowered as we focus on “shining a light on who Jesus really is.” With engaging activities, energetic worship, and fun for all ages, it’s a week you won’t want to miss. Register online today!

H20 Project – Sponsor a well

Sunday, March 29 and April 5; give online or at the Atrium table

During the last two weeks of Lent, the congregation can participate in the H2O Project by fasting from all beverages but water and give the money saved from purchasing other drinks to our partners in the H2O Project, Marion Medical Mission. The mission works with local villagers in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia by digging wells for their villages and teaching them how to maintain them. The cost per well is $475 which will serve an average of 125 people. We are grateful for your generous giving.

Lunch & Learn

Topic: Staying Well & Staying Balanced

Monday, April 13, 12 p.m., Room E104

Join us this month for Lunch & Learn as First Church member and health professional Hollie Thompson shares practical insights on improving mobility, balance, and overall healthy practices. Please register for lunch by April 10 online, or by contacting Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or by email. The cost is $7; you may pre-pay online when registering or pay at the door.

First Church Membership Class

Sundays, April 12, 19 and 26

9:30-10:45 a.m., Miller Library

Does First Church feel like your church home? We would love to welcome you as a covenant member of our church family. 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!

April 12: Membership Class 1 in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m. 

(Please bring completed attached New Member Form, or submit prior)

April 19: Membership Class 2 in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m. 

April 26: Membership Class 3 in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m.

May 3: Covenant Service in Kerr Chapel at 9:30 a.m.

(Officially join the church and be introduced during your worship service, followed by a cookie reception. Meet in Miller Library 15 minutes before worship to receive your carnation.)

The Chancel Choir Spring Concert

Sunday, April 19, 5 p.m., Sanctuary

The Chancel Choir invites you to their Spring Concert, featuring festive music for Eastertide. You will enjoy hearing Gloria by Mark Hayes, an exciting three-movement concert piece which will include guest soloists Lydia Gray and Taylor Conley. They will also be featured in solos from Handel’s immortal oratorio, Messiah. Invite your friends to this musical feast!

Save the Date!

Dan Hutchinson Celebration

Saturday, April 25

3 p.m. activities, 5:30 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. Vespers, Camp Loughridge

Sunday, April 26

11 a.m. Festival Sunday worship, Sanctuary 
12:30 p.m. luncheon, Stephenson Hall

Join us as we celebrate Rev. Dan Hutchinson and his family and give thanks for their faithful season among us. The weekend begins Saturday afternoon at Camp Loughridge with fellowship, fun, a hot dog dinner and a Vespers service. On Sunday, we will gather for Festival Sunday worship at 11 a.m., followed by a First Family dinner in their honor.

Come share your gratitude, your stories and your love with the Hutchinsons as we bless them for the next chapter.

We need your pictures!

As we prepare for this celebration, please send your favorite photos and memories with Dan over the years using this link.

Classes

Precept Bible Study - Matthew

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Room E102

This semester will focus on Matthew chapters 1–13, examining the identity of the promised Messiah—the King who fulfills the throne of David—along with the nature of His kingdom and the character of those who live under His reign. We invite you to dive deeply into Scripture and discover these truths together.

Awana Children's Ministry

Wednesdays, 6 p.m., 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

Chancel Choir rehearsal

Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Choir Room

Hearts for the Lord

Thursdays, 10 a.m., Room E313

Hearts will be studying In His Image by Jen Wilkins, exploring ten characteristics of who God is - holy, loving, just, good, merciful, gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise - helping us understand who God intends for us to be.

Give and Serve

Join the Birthday Club!

The Foundation invites you to join the Birthday Club—a simple way to celebrate the gift of life and bless future generations. Each year, members and friends give a donation equal to their age in dollars, supporting the Foundation’s Forward Fund, which enriches church life from infants to those in homebound care. Since 1962, the Foundation has grown into an endowment of more than $27 million and has given back over $14 million to support our church’s mission. It’s easy to join: visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/Give and select “Birthday Club,” or note “Foundation Birthday Club” on your check.

Presbyterian Women March Mission

Presbyterian Women’s March Mission supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, helping provide care and comfort to people facing difficult circumstances. You can participate by bringing items for hygiene kits, including a hand towel, wide-tooth comb, nail clippers, bath-size individually wrapped bars of soap, a toothbrush in its original package and band-aids.

These simple items become practical expressions of compassion for those recovering from disaster. Donations may be placed in the PW Mission Container in the atrium.

Become a mentor to new First Church members

Help new members feel welcomed and connected at First Church! Our New Member Mentorship Program pairs each new member with a church member who walks alongside them for about six months, helping them build relationships and feel at home in the life of the church. As new members join throughout the year, there are ongoing opportunities to serve as a mentor.

As a mentor, you’ll:

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

If you’d like to be part of this meaningful ministry, contact Emma Myatt to get involved. It’s a simple way to make a lasting impact. To learn more, watch our video or sign up online.

First Friends in the Pews

As a church, we are called to show hospitality—philoxenia, the Greek word meaning “love of strangers.” Each of us has the opportunity to be someone’s very first friend in the pew. By being attentive and welcoming to those around us, we help create a place where all feel seen and at home.

We’d love to hear your stories of meaningful moments of hospitality. Please share them via email to Jerry McCoy.

TV Ministry Team opportunities

Be part of a fun, behind-the-scenes team helping share worship with thousands each week on TV and online. Whether you're running a camera, switching graphics, or balancing audio, every role helps bring the service to life. We’re looking for students and adults who want to make a difference and be part of a great team. For more information, email Alex Pennell, TV/Video Manager, or call 314-607-1032.

Connect

Education Scholarships

Applications due April 15, 2026

The First Presbyterian Church scholarship program provides financial aid to qualified individuals seeking to attend accredited institutions of higher learning. Scholarships are 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 to be eligible for consideration of a scholarship for 2026-2027 school year. For more information, visit our website and download a scholarship application or contact tmoseley@firstchurchtulsa.org.

Open Position: Ministry Assistant, Member Care

Kathy Wilson, our friend, colleague, and the Ministry Assistant for Member Care, will be retiring in two months. This role serves as the hub of our visitation efforts, supports member care ministries, coordinates memorial services, and maintains the membership database. Please go to the First Church website for more information or email Toni Moseley to apply.

Church-wide Hospitality Campaign, “Yes, You!”

Throughout April

As a member of First Church, you play a role in welcoming others ... Yes, you! Beginning April we’re renewing our commitment to hospitality—removing barriers and helping both visitors and longtime members feel seen, known, and truly welcome.

Over four weeks, we’ll take one simple, meaningful step each Sunday:

• March 29 (Palm Sunday): Notice someone unfamiliar
• April 5 (Easter Sunday): Say hello to someone new
• April 12: Start a conversation
• April 19: Sit beside someone new in worship

These small acts, practiced together, can create a powerful culture of belonging.

Follow along each week as pastors and church leaders share brief, encouraging videos to guide us. It’s simple, meaningful, and makes a lasting difference for others and for you.

Annual Report and Year in Review video

Download the annual report and watch the video

On March 22, the congregation gathered in Stephenson Hall for our annual meeting, with financial presentations, voting and approval of the 2026 budget, a report from the Pastor Nominating Committee, and encouragement from Rev. Dan Hutchinson. If you were unable to attend, copies of the 2025 Annual Report are available at the church, or you can view it online.

Also available is a favorite highlight—the Year in Review video. Watch it on our YouTube channel and reflect on the past year, giving thanks for the many ways God has blessed First Church.

How you can pray for the Pastor Nominating Committee

• Pray that the Holy Spirit will be at work in our PNC and that we will be receptive to the Holy Spirit's direction and guidance.
• Pray that our conversations would be glorifying to God.
• Pray for protection for us from the enemy. He is real and is always at work.
• Pray for our next senior pastor that God is nudging and preparing to lead us into the next era of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa.
• Pray for patience from the congregation for the PNC as we go through the discernment process.
• Pray for unity as a PNC and congregation. 

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.

Important links:

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