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Thursday, August 29, 2024 | E-News | Vol. 6, Issue 18

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” –1 John 1:7

♦ Events ♦ Worship ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Events

AWANA registration is open!

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.

Here are important dates as the fall semester begins:

• Awana Leaders Dinner and Training is September 4, 5:45 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Room 104 (childcare provided) 
• Awana begins September 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30p.m. in the Children’s Area
• Register here for children and volunteers

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.

Celebrate Ron Pearson

Sunday, August 31, 12:15 p.m., Room E104

This Sunday marks Ron Pearson's 50th year with First Church Tulsa! Join us after worship for punch and cookies at an informal reception honoring Ron on his remarkable anniversary. See information below about how you can reserve your tickets to his 50th Anniversary Banquet on September 21.

Breakfast on Boston

Sunday, September 8, 9:15 a.m., West side of church on Boston Avenue

Come celebrate with us and learn about various areas of service opportunities within the church while also enjoying good food, fellowship, live music from Grady Nichols, pony rides for the kids, a photo booth, balloon animals and more. To prepay for meals and avoid the lines, click here or register at the table in the atrium on Sept. 1. Breakfast prices are adults $7, children (4-12 years old) $4, (toddlers 3 years old and younger) free and families $20. There will be no Sunday School on this day.

Seasons Women’s Gathering

New semester begins Monday, September 9, 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!

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.

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.

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 28

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 completely restored 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

Weekly classes and events

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

First Church Family Swim

Sundays through September 1, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Camp Loughridge

Men’s Monday Bible Study

Beginning Monday, Sept. 9, 12:00 p.m.; E103.

More information to come.

Seasons Women’s Gathering

New semester begins Monday, September 9, 6:30 p.m., Miller Library

Precept Bible Study

Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10; 9:45 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 begins Sept. 11

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

ADULT CLASSES OFFERED THIS SEMESTER

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

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 Your 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.  

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING

AMASS Exodus

Wednesdays beginning Sept. 11, 6 p.m. in the Powerhouse

Beginning September 11, students grades 9-12 will meet each Wednesday night in the Powerhouse. We will begin each evening with worship followed by a lesson and small group discussions. Our end time is 7:30 p.m. We hope you will join us for each Wednesday night and feel free to bring a friend.

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

Wednesdays beginning Sept. 11, 6 p.m. in the Powerhouse

Beginning September 11, students grades 5-8 will meet each Wednesday night in the Powerhouse. During P.O.W. we dive into what it looks like for our life to intersect our faith in Christ. We worship, have a lesson, discuss the lesson in small groups, and play a game. 

AWANA Clubs

For children ages 2 to 4th grade Wednesdays beginning Sept. 11, 6 p.m. in the Children’s Area

• Awana Leaders Dinner and Training is September 4, 5:45 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Room 104 (childcare provided) 
• Awana begins September 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30p.m. in the Children’s Area
• Register here for children and volunteers

Presbyterian Women

• Project Days - Beginning Sept. 5, 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

First and third Thursdays beginning Sept 5 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.

Connect

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.

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.

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