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Tuesday, September 10, 2024 | E-News | Vol. 6, Issue 19

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NRSV

♦ Events ♦ Worship ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Events

Wednesday Night Downtown begins Sept. 11

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

New semester of Wednesday Night Downtown

Begins September 11

You're invited to a rejuvenating time at Wednesday Night Downtown at First Church Tulsa! New adult classes are beginning and the kids and youth programs are getting into full swing! We hope to see you there! Scroll to the classes section for details.

Sign up for AWANA

Register now for the fall semester starting September 11

AWANA is our Wednesday evening program for kids age 2 to 4th grade. Kids will learn Bible verses, hear Bible stories, play games and have lots of fun! Special events are planned throughout the year for kids and their families. Scholarships are available.

Sign up for First Church Choristers & Celebration Singers

Registration is now open until September 30

Our children’s choir and youth choirs are growing! We are gearing up for a active year of music, performance and fun! Official rehearsals start on Sunday, Sept. 15. Register for First Church Choristers or Celebration Singers today! For more information, contact Gretchen Bashforth.

Presbyterian Women Dedication Luncheon

Thursday, September 12, 12:00 p.m., Miller Library

Presbyterian Women invites the ladies of First Church to their annual Dedication Luncheon. Cost is $10. Make a reservation by contacting Kathy Wilson at kwilson@firstchurchtulsa.org.

First Church Fall Membership Class

Sunday, September 15 & 22, 9:15 a.m.; Miller Library

Interested in becoming a member? Even if you didn't attend the Newcomer Gathering, please register for these two fall membership classes. Led by facilitators and pastors, these classes will guide you through what it means to be a member of First Church, while equipping you with resources, support, and activities to help you grow in your relationship with Christ here at First Church. Register for our fall membership classes here.

Register for our next Newcomer Gathering on Sunday, October 20.

Matson Cup Golf Tournament

Monday, September 16, Check-in at 7:30 a.m., Tournament starts at 9 a.m. 

MeadowBrook Country Club

Join us for the 17th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting Helping Hand. Support our ministry’s mission to serve the most vulnerable in our community. Your registration fee includes the tournament and lunch. Register now at FirstChurchTulsa.org/golf24.

Watercolor the Word

Fall session begins Tuesday, September 17, 9:45 a.m., Tower Room. 

Join us for a creative six-week watercolor class, meeting Tuesdays through October 22, to design a beautiful 2025 calendar. All supplies are provided, and you'll walk away with a personalized calendar to enjoy. The class is limited to 15 participants, so register now. Cost is $20 and includes supplies. To reserve your spot, contact Laura Stevens at lstevens@firstchurchtulsa.org.

Jim and Diane Miller Habitat house dedication 

Sunday, September 21, 9 a.m.

2543 E. 29th St. N. in Tulsa

Join us as we dedicate the newly built Habitat for Humanity house in honor of Diane and Dr. Jim Miller. This house, a tribute to Dr. Miller's dedicated work at First Church Tulsa, will provide warmth and security for a family for years to come.

Ron Pearson’s 50th Anniversary Banquet

Saturday, September 21, Doors open at 6:00 PM, Dinner at 6:45 PM

Cox Business Convention Center Ballroom

Celebrate Ron Pearson's 50 years of music ministry with an evening of music, memories, and a delicious meal. The event features pianists Donald and Barron Ryan, the Chancel Choir, and more. Tickets are $25 per person, and table sponsorships are available. For more information, email Gretchen Bashforth or call 918-301-1012. Register online at FirstChurchTulsa.org/PearsonBanquet.

Kerr Chapel organ dedication concert

Sunday, September 29

Concerts: 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in Kerr Chapel

Reception: between concerts in Miller Atrium

To celebrate the dedication of the new Kerr Chapel organ, Ron Pearson, Director of Music and Organist, will perform two identical concerts, with a reception in between. Hear the stunning sounds of the new organ and learn its transformation story told by the craftsmen from Foley-Baker, Inc. Seating is limited, and free tickets are required for entry. Get your tickets here.

Worship

Fall sermon series: Kingdom Living

This fall, we will be digging into one of the most well-loved sections of the Scripture from the Gospel of Matthew, usually 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 deeper relationship, deeper dependence, and deeper love for the one who first loved us. Join us each Sunday as together we pursue life with the King!

Weekly classes and events

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

Men’s Monday Bible Study

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

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Second Mondays monthly, 6:30 p.m., Miller Library

We welcome women of all ages 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 the essential role of the Trinity in your faith journey. Whether you are a first-time visitor, or long-time member, we hope to see you there!

Precept Bible Study

Tuesdays; 9:30 a.m.; E100

Denise Rounds will lead the study on the gospel of John. For more information or to join the class, contact Laura Stevens at: lstevens@firstchurchtulsa.org.

Wednesday Night Downtown

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

Church History: A look at the early Christian Church

With Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library

This class will 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 will be 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 will delve into these important questions.

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.  

NEXT GEN PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN

AMASS Exodus

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

Beginning September 11, 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

Starting September 11, students in grades 5-8 will gather Wednesday nights at the Powerhouse for P.O.W. Each week, we’ll 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

Register here for children and volunteers

Presbyterian Women

• Project Days - First and fourth Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Project Room, fourth floor
• Esther Circle - Beginning Sept. 19, Third Thursday monthly at 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
• Soup Group - Beginning Sept. 19, Third Thursday monthly at noon; Miller Library
• Priscilla Circle - Beginning Oct. 2, First Wednesday monthly at 6:30 p.m.; Room E204

Presbyterian Women September Mission

Presbyterian Women’s September Mission is the Helping Hand Ministry. Please bring full-sized toiletries, small bottles of laundry detergent, toilet paper and canned goods and place them in the PW mission container in the Atrium on Wednesdays and Sundays. 

Parenting Book Discussion and Brown Bag Lunch

Next session is Thursday Sept 19, 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

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 begin Tuesday, September 3 and 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?

The Mission Study Team is compiling all findings from the survey and focus group discussions into a single mission study report. This report will define and project the ministry priorities and goals for the next 3-5 years for First Church. It will aid in aligning new pastoral leadership with the church ministries.

Please visit the pastor transition page on our website for additional 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 become 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