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Thursday, October 10, 2024 | E-News | Vol. 6, Issue 21

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

♦ Events ♦ Worship ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Events

Young Adults Progressive Dinner

Saturday, October 12, 6 p.m., various locations

Join us for a fall-themed progressive dinner! We'll start at Ben Harmon’s house for appetizers, then head to Mesa and Jake Poplin’s for dinner, and finish with dessert at Emma and Dalton Myatt’s. Make plans now to bring a friend or a date–It promises to be a memorable evening of food and fellowship. Please RSVP here.

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, October 13, 12:15 p.m., Sanctuary

Congregational Meeting has been called by the Session for this Sunday immediately following the 11:00 a.m. worship services. The Nominating Committee will present the new slate of 2027 elders, deacons and trustees for congregational approval. 

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Monday, October 14, 6:30 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. Through monthly, stand-alone video sessions we will uncover the beauty of the gospel and essential role of the Trinity in your faith journey. We hope to see you there!

First Church Newcomer Gathering

Sunday, October 20, 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.

Ron Pearson’s 51st Annual Organ Concert and reception

Sunday, October 20, 4 p.m., Sanctuary

After celebrating Ron Pearson’s 50th anniversary with First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, we’re excited for more to come. Don’t miss his 51st Annual Organ Concert, offering another unforgettable evening of masterful organ music with a reception following in the Atrium.

Fall Festival 2024

Sunday, Oct. 27 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Camp Loughridge

Mark your calendars to come out to Camp Loughridge to celebrate friends and family with fun activities for all ages. The First Church Pitmasters are preparing barbeque and there will be inflatables, hayrides, and trunk or treat. See you there!

Beauty-Centric Faith with Dr. Wes Vander Lugt

Learning and breathing in beauty

Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, First Church Tulsa

Guest speaker and friend of First Church, Dr. Wes Vander Lugt, will deliver a special message on Saturday evening and also preach and teach during Sunday morning services. Throughout his talks, Wes will help us explore the deep connection between faith and beauty. You'll have the opportunity to join in thought-provoking discussions and moments of reflection to rediscover beauty in Scripture, art and discipleship.

Saturday, November 2

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Great Hall, Lecture: “The Bible as a Beauty-Centric Story.” Coinciding with Wes’ presentation, there will be children's art activities.

Sunday, November 3

8 a.m. in Kerr Chapel and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, Sermon: “Beauty Out of Dust”

9:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall, Lecture: “Discipleship as a Beauty-centric Journey”

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Miller Library, Reception and book signing

Camp Loughridge Fall Fundraiser - Viva La Loughridge

Saturday, November 9, 6 p.m., Temple Conference Center, Camp Loughridge

This festive evening will raise funds for the Kids to Camp Scholarship Fund and Challenge Course upgrades at Camp Loughridge. Join us for appetizers, a silent auction, dessert auction and raffle, followed by dinner and a short program with guest speakers.

Come in your colorful casual attire and enjoy dinner and fellowship for a good cause! For more information and to register, click here.

Spiritual Disciplines Retreat

Saturday, November 9, 8:30 a.m., Camp Loughridge Lodge

Join us for a quiet day of reflection led by Rev. Julia Metcalf. In the midst of life's busyness and challenges, take time to rest, renew, and draw close to the Lord. Cost: $10 (includes breakfast and lunch). Register by Nov. 1 online or contact Laura Stevens at lstevens@firstchurchtulsa.org or 918-301-1019.

Chancel Choir Fall Concert

Sunday, November 17, 5 p.m., Sanctuary

Join the Chancel Choir as they present selections from Part 1 of Messiah, by GF Handel, featuring a professional orchestra and soloists. Favorite movements include: And the Glory of the Lord, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, Glory to God, and the iconic soprano aria, Rejoice Greatly. The music of Handel will lead us into the Advent and Christmas season! A reception will follow in the Miller Atrium.

Christmas Eve Nativity 2024

Registration is now open–rehearsals begin October 27

Register your student for the Christmas Eve Nativity! Rehearsals for K-12 students begin Sunday, Oct. 27, from 8:45 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Grades K-4 meet in the West Parlor; grades 5-12 in the 3rd floor choir room. Children ages 3-4 join rehearsals in late December. Roles include speaking, non-speaking, solos and choral singing—something for everyone!

The Nativity will be presented at the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, with a concert of the music at the BOK Center on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Worship

Fall sermon series: Kingdom Living

This fall, we are digging into one of the most well-loved sections of the Scripture from the Gospel of Matthew, commonly referred to as “The Sermon on the Mount.” In these chapters, Jesus lays out for us a framework of life in the new Kingdom. Throughout the years, His words have challenged, convicted, corrected and encouraged the Church, yet they are more than a to-do list or an abstract set of ethical imperatives. The Sermon on the Mount is an invitation to walk with Jesus. It is a call to a deeper relationship, deeper dependence and deeper love for the one who first loved us. Join us each Sunday as we pursue life with the King together!

Recurring classes and events

Grouped by day, Sunday through Saturday. View details on our website calendar.

UKirk and Young Adult Sunday school

12 Essentials Doctrines to Transform Your Life

Sundays, 9:30 a.m., E201

Men’s Monday Bible Study

Mondays, 12:00 p.m.; Room E103

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Monday, October 14, 6:30 p.m., Miller Library

Precept Bible Study - The Gospel of John

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; E100

Watercolor the Word Fall Session

Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m.; Tower Room

Wednesday Night Downtown

No Wednesday Night Downtown activities on October 16, due to Fall Break.

Wednesdays, dinner at 5:15 p.m., classes at 6:15, prepay for dinner here.

Join us for dinner in Stephenson Hall and stay for a class. Classes include:

Church History: A look at the early Christian Church

With Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library

Come as we explore, study, and consider the history of the church, key leaders through the years, and essential doctrines such as: the trinity, the dual nature of Christ, and the formation of the Biblical Canon. We will also study the Reformation and what makes us distinctive within the larger Christian tradition.

Seekers Bible Study - “The Gospel of Matthew”

With Rev. Wambugu Gachungi, Room E104

An in-depth study of the Sunday morning sermon scriptures. Come and enjoy praying together, studying the Bible, and engaging in lively questions and discussions.

Food, Farming, and Faith: Voices from the Agricultural Margins

With Rev. James Estes and David Lepine, Room E103

How can our food choices reflect our faith? This question is explored through the voices of community members engaged in regenerative farming, along with learning, reflecting, and discussing how we might honor God not only in what we eat, but in how we contribute to the food system. What does it mean to nourish our community in a way that cares for creation and respects our shared heritage? Through a series of presentations and discussions, we delve into these important questions. Watch previous sessions of this class here.

Weekly speakers:

October 16: Fall Break–No class

October 23: John 3:16–Rodney Frazier

October 30: John 3:16–Hollie Dalenberg

November 6: Green Country Permaculture–James Spicer

November 13: Green Belt Farm–Jackson Seibert

November 20: Wrap-Up

December 4: Nathan Pickard–Tulsa Assessor / 9B

Discover Your Strengths and Spiritual Gifts 

With Cynthia Stewart, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Room E102

We are clay in the Potter’s hands and He has created each of us uniquely for His good purposes. Come explore how to experience joy while serving God and His people. Participants will use the spiritual gifts inventory as well as the book Living Your Strengths to help discover their natural talents and true calling.  

Chancel Choir rehearsal

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Choir room

NEXT GEN PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN

AMASS Exodus

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

Students grades 9-12 meet Wednesday nights in the Powerhouse. Each week's meeting includes worship followed by a lesson and small group discussions. Join us and feel free to bring a friend.

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

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

Students in grades 5-8 gather Wednesday nights at the Powerhouse for P.O.W. Each week, we explore how faith in Christ impacts our daily lives. The sessions include worship, a lesson, small group discussions, and a fun game.

AWANA Clubs

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

Hearts for the Lord Bible Study

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Room E313

Presbyterian Women

• Project Days - First and fourth Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Project Room, fourth floor
• Esther Circle - Third Thursday monthly at 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
• Soup Group - Third Thursday monthly at noon; Miller Library
• Priscilla Circle - First Wednesday monthly at 6:30 p.m.; Room E204

Presbyterian Women October Mission

Presbyterian Women’s October mission is collecting items and funds for the Day Center for the Homeless. Please place hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, new underwear, women’s hygiene products and adult-sized socks in the PW mission container found in the Atrium. Donation checks should be made out to Presbyterian Women and placed in the clear donation box on the reception desk on Sundays. 

Parenting Book Discussion and Brown Bag Lunch

Thursday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Room 100

Join Sarah Savage, Director of Children’s Ministries, for a Parenting Book Discussion and Brown Bag Lunch. We will dive into the essential topic of setting boundaries, inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend's book, Boundaries, and the new book, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. These sessions will offer practical insights on how to establish healthy limits and how to foster a balanced and respectful family dynamic. Bring your lunch and be prepared for an engaging conversation on this crucial aspect of parenting. Class meets the first and third Thursday of each month.

Connect

The Transition Podcast with Rev. Julia Metcalf

New episode released on YouTube

Looking for an update on the pastor transition at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa?

In Episode 15 of The Transition Podcast, Rev. Julia Metcalf chats with First Church member Denise Rounds about her involvement in the church and with the Pastor Nominating Committee. She sheds light on the upcoming steps of the pastor transition process. Watch it on YouTube here.

Deacons Home Care Ministry

Now accepting requests from First Church members

Need assistance with yard work, minor home repairs or maintenance tasks? Formerly only twice a year, Deacons Days of Care is now accepting requests year-round from First Church members. Email Kathy Wilson, call 918-301-1029 or submit your request online. A team leader will follow up to discuss specifics and scheduling.

Find your place to serve at Masterwork Academy

Classes meet weekdays, 2:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m., Bernsen Community Life Center

God has prepared a good work for you! Masterwork Academy is a place where your heart and hands can champion budding young artists. No artistic skill is necessary and any amount of service is welcome! There are many ways for volunteers to contribute: classroom help, gathering supplies, becoming a prayer partner, tutoring, substitute teaching, and more. Training is provided. Email Laura Voth or call 918-954-1103 for more information and to sign up.

First Friends in the Pews

Sundays in the Atrium, 15 minutes before each worship service

Join us as we foster a mindset of hospitality in all elements of our worship and focus our hearts to be inwardly strong and outwardly focused. In preparation for welcoming newcomers and visitors, the First Friends in the Pews group gathers to pray before each worship service. For more information, email Emma Myatt or call (918) 857-5652.

What’s next in the pastoral transition process?

Please 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 our current stage of the process. For additional questions, email the Mission Study Team at FPCtransition@FirstChurchTulsa.org.

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