View as Webpage

Friday, June 6, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 12

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Connect

Worship

Pentecost Festival Sunday

One combined service in the Sanctuary

Sunday, June 8, 11 a.m.

Worship with us as we commemorate Pentecost and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. In one combined service, contemporary, international, and traditional communities will gather for worship and communion. Our Pentecost Sunday message, “Go! In the Spirit,” will draw from Acts 2 and call us into Spirit-empowered living. Stay afterward for a special First Family Dinner in the Courtyard—see more details below.

New summer sermon series: “Life in the Spirit”

Sermon series plus weekly sessions from June 8 - September 6

This summer, we’re exploring what it means to truly live Life in the Spirit. Starting on Pentecost Sunday, we’ll walk through the power, presence, and purpose of the Holy Spirit—and how everyday practices known as spiritual disciplines can help us grow as disciples of Jesus.

Each week highlights a different practice:

Through weekly sermons, online videos for personal reflection, mid-week gatherings for group reflection, and zoom prayer sessions, you’re invited to not just learn—but live—these rhythms of grace.

1. Join us Sundays for teaching.
2. Individually engage personally through weekly spiritual practices.
3. Gather with others on Wednesdays at noon in Kerr Chapel for 30-minute Midweek Meetups to engage in spiritual practices together.
4. Connect in prayer on Zoom at two scheduled times during the week.

No matter your age or stage, this summer series is for you. Let’s grow in step with the Spirit together.

Summer schedule - Stephenson Hall worship

As we anticipate a summer season of travel, rest, and sunshine, we’re simplifying our Sunday schedule to include just one Stephenson Hall service at 8:30 a.m. — giving our pastors, worship leaders and volunteers room to breathe. Those who normally attend the 11 a.m. Stephenson Hall service are invited to attend the 8:30 a.m. service or join our TIF community in worship at 11 a.m. in the Great Hall with a combined worship team. It’s a great opportunity to come together in Christ and form new friendships.

Events

First Family Dinner

Sunday, June, 8, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.; Courtyard



In celebration of Pentecost, come enjoy our First Family Dinner in the Courtyard following the combined 11 a.m. service. Meals are $9 for adults, $5 for children, and $22 max per family. Avoid the lines and prepay online. We look forward to seeing you there!

First Church Family Swim

Sundays through August 31, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Camp Loughridge Aquatic Center

Enjoy Sunday afternoons with your First Church Tulsa family this summer at Camp Loughridge. All First Church members are welcome–bring yourself, your spouse, your kids, and friends to enjoy the new updated pool and aquatic center at camp. On Sunday, June 8, the pool will remain open until 7 p.m. in celebration of VBS week, with food hot off the grill and poolside fun.

Glimpses of Grace

Sundays in June; 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary

For three decades, members of First Church have shared personal testimonies during these summer Sunday sessions. This June, in Glimpses of Grace, you’ll hear five powerful stories of how Jesus is at work in and through the lives of familiar faces in our congregation. Each testimony offers encouragement for your heart and strength for your faith.

• June 1 – Mark & Kelly Brown, “In Deepest Waters” watch on YouTube
• June 8 – Jackson Seibert, “Sow the Story Goes”
• June 15 – BJ Dollahon, “Type 2 Grace”
• June 22 – Charity Nyingi, “The Gentle Rescuer”
• June 29 – Greg Berkhouse, “Heart and Mind”

Lunch & Learn

Monday, June 9, noon; Room E104

Lunch and Learn is a fellowship and educational series for members of retirement age. Our program presenter this month is well-known Tulsa personality, Lori Fullbright, giving her presentation on “Senior Scams”. Those planning to have lunch should make a reservation by June 6. The cost is $7. Register here, or email Kathy Wilson or call 918-301-1029. 

Sing with the choir this summer

Sunday mornings, 10:15 a.m., Choir Room

You are invited to add your voice to the Summer Choir for the 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary service during the summer months. The only time requirement is a brief rehearsal on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in the Choir Room. For more information, please email Gretchen Bashforth or call 918-301-1012.

Life in the Spirit: Midweek Meetup

Wednesdays beginning June 18, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel

Come for a midweek meetup as Rev. Julia Metcalf and various lay leaders will be leading group practices of spiritual disciplines. All ages are welcome and invited to bring their own lunch and gather on the playground afterwards.

Faith in Film and The Chosen Series

Sunday mornings in July and August, 9:30 a.m., Miller Library

Make sure to join us for our all-church summer Sunday School class as we explore how faith intersects culture on the silver screen.

July 6: Batman Begins

July 13: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

July 20: The Princess Bride

July 27: A Collage of Biblical Themes Through Cinema

Then in August, we will dive into Season 3 of The Chosen and review how scripture is messaged and depicted through this series. Pastors and lay teachers will lead our conversations at 9:30 a.m. in the Miller Library.

Connect

Be a First Church Greeter this Summer!

Summer is a great time to serve on the greeting team at First Church! Being a greeter is an easy way to get involved, meet people, and help create a welcoming atmosphere. Our greeter team leader, Alex Dietz, is excited to help you find the perfect time and location to serve. You can choose specific Sundays that work best for you—it’s easy to start small! Be an example of Christ’s warm welcome at First Church Tulsa. Be a greeter this Sunday! Sign up here.

Pastor Nominating Committee updates

Stay updated on the Pastor Nominating Committee’s progress by visiting the new page on our website. There, you can read member bios and track the current stage of the process.

PNC members are Allison Biggs, Joel Donohue, Gary Johnson, Patrick Kirunda, Ben Peterson, Nicole Pugh, Kate Swan, Jacob Thompson, Amy Tingleaf, and John Frame (Alternate). Note: Elizabeth DeVore resigned her role on the committee after accepting a position on the First Church staff. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for this dedicated team as they work through the selection process.

To hear in-depth insights into the PNC's role in the transition process and to discover ways to pray for the committee during this pivotal time, listen to the Transition Podcast hosted by Rev. Julia Metcalf.

• Episode 16: Joel Donohue Watch on YouTube
• Episode 17: Kate Swan Watch on YouTube
• Episode 18: Jacob Thompson Watch on YouTube

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.

Join our TV Ministry Team

Gain valuable video and broadcast experience while helping us reach thousands of TV and internet viewers each week. We’re looking for students and adults to volunteer in this ministry. For more information, email Alex Pennell, TV/Video Manager, or call 314-607-1032.

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.

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