Thursday, July 2, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 13 | | “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”
– Psalm 96:11-12 NIV | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
| |
Jerry McCoy to Preach Sunday
Sunday, July 5 at the 11 a.m. traditional service, First Church member Jerry McCoy will deliver the message, “The Most Compelling Person.” An applied professor of Physics & Engineering Physics at the University of Tulsa, Jerry is a gifted teacher, engaging speaker, and committed disciple of Christ. Join us as we worship together and support him as he shares God’s Word.
Upcoming sermon topics:
July 5: The Most Compelling Person – 1 Timothy 6:11-16
July 12: The Man Who Didn't Have Any Friends – Luke 19
July 19: Running Away – Luke 15
July 26: Washed with Tears – Mark 14
| |
Celebrate the Holiday with Patriotic Music and Watermelon
Sunday, July 5
Celebrate the holiday and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy on the Sunday after Independence Day. Join us at the 11 a.m. Sanctuary service* for a special musical offering from Ron Pearson and the Chancel Choir, featuring patriotic favorites such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” Following worship, gather in the Courtyard as the celebration continues with refreshing watermelon, lemonade and fellowship.
| |
Weekly worship services
Saturdays, 9 a.m.
TIF Prayer meeting in the Great Hall
Sundays, 8 a.m.
Traditional worship in Kerr Chapel
Sundays, 8:30 a.m.
Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
Sundays, 11 a.m.
Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
Contemporary worship combines with
International worship in the Great Hall (summer schedule)
| |
Watch online
Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter
Traditional worship
Cox Cable Ch. 3 at 11 a.m. & 5 p.m., Live on Facebook and YouTube
Tulsa International Fellowship worship, Live on Facebook and YouTube
See all other scheduled worship and classes on our website event calendar.
| |
Experience Jesus: All-Church Sunday School
July 12, 19, 26 and August 2, 9:30 a.m., Stephenson Hall
Beginning July 12, all ages will gather together for All-Church Sunday School in Stephenson Hall. Children's and youth classes will not meet during these weeks. Instead, families, friends, and individuals of every generation are invited to learn side by side through a variety of interactive stations.
Each station will offer an experiential activity connected to The Story of Jesus series, creating opportunities for reflection, conversation, and shared discovery. Whether you come as a family, with friends, or on your own, you'll find meaningful ways to engage with the lesson together.
Nursery care is available for infants through age 3.
| | |
Friends,
I can’t tell you how grateful Emily, the children and I are to begin this new season together with First Church. We have already experienced so much of the genuine, Christ-centered hospitality you’re known for–including everything from Buck Atom pajamas for the kids to being invited into your homes. So, for all this and a lot more, “Thank You!”
As we move toward my first Sunday to preach on August 23, I’m eager to spend time with our leaders and many of you—not only to become familiar with the life of the church, but also to begin discerning what God is doing and where He is leading us in the days ahead.
After spending productive time with the Session on Tuesday evening and the First Church staff Wednesday, it is evident that the Spirit is present in their leadership. That is such a gift, especially in this season.
Again, we’re grateful to be here. We’re honored to be a part of First Church’s story at this moment.
Enjoy the Fourth (Go Team USA! 🇺🇸), and be sure to give thanks for the goodness of God to our country over these last 250 years. While there is still much that needs repair in our day, we have received so much as a gift of His sovereign grace.
Ultimately, we have hope that a Day is coming when the King of Heaven will return to make all things—including the USA—new (Rev. 21:5). Until then, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom. 15:13).
Blessings,
Reverend J. Cameron Beaty
| |
New Hymnals
After 35 years of faithful use, and after much research by the Worship and Music Committee, and approval of Session, our current hymnal will soon be replaced by the newly-published Sing! Hymnal. Click here to learn more about this extraordinary hymnal.
Want to be a part of this project? The new hymnals may be dedicated in honor or memory of a loved one for $20 per copy. Other monetary gifts supporting the hymnal replacement project may also be given without a dedication. To support the hymnal project, click the button below and fill out the dedication form online.
| |
Help Place Our New Hymnals in the Pews
Join us on Tuesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary and help us remove our longtime hymnals and replace them with the new Sing! hymnals. This is a large project, and many helping hands will make the work go quickly. We need your help—and we'd love for you to be part of this milestone in the life of our church.
| |
Summer backyard Bible study
Wednesdays through August 12, 6:30 p.m.
Rev. Wambugu's home
Join us for a casual summer evening Bible study in Pastor Wambugu’s backyard as we journey through the Gospel of Luke together. For more information, contact Elizabeth Massey.
| |
First Church Summer Sunday Swim
Sundays, through August 30, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Camp Loughridge pool
Enjoy Sunday afternoons together this summer at Camp Loughridge. All First Church members are welcome–bring yourself, your spouse, your kids and enjoy the pool and aquatic center at camp. On July 19 and August 2, the hours of swim will be 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult, no drop-offs please.
| |
Glimpses of Grace - watch online
YouTube.com/@FirstChurchTulsa
Missed one of last month's Glimpses of Grace talks? You can watch every presentation on our YouTube channel. Each speaker shares a personal testimony of God's faithfulness, giving you a chance to know them better while being encouraged by the many ways God works through ordinary people.
Watch recorded talks from these featured speakers:
- June 7 – Ron Pearson
- June 14 – Larry Kindbom
- June 21 – Michael Grogan
- June 28 – Faith Wambugu
| |
First Church Membership Class
Sundays, August 16, 23 and 30
9:30-10:45 a.m., Miller Library
Interested in becoming a member? Led by facilitators and pastors, these upcoming membership 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. Watch for more details to come.
| |
Save the date!
Camp Sunshine, Saturday, August 8
Ping Pong with a Purpose, Sunday, August 16
Rev. Cameron Beaty Sunday, August 23
Wednesday Night Downtown kickoff, Wednesday, September 9
Breakfast on Boston, Sunday, September 13
| |
Your Faithful Support Matters This Summer
As many families travel and schedules change during the summer, the ministry of First Church continues without pause. Worship services, pastoral care, outreach efforts, children’s programs, youth ministry, and preparations for fall all remain active throughout the season. Thank you for your ongoing generosity, which allows our church to continue serving, caring, and sharing the love of Christ every day of the year.
To give online, click here.
| |
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. 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, or 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 our 11 a.m. worship service 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 him at 314-607-1032.
| |
First Connections: A New Sunday Rhythm of Hospitality
After worship at noon every Sunday, Miller Library
As we seek to grow our church and welcome new faces, First Connections provides a simple and intentional space where meaningful conversations can happen naturally. Whether you're a first-time visitor to First Church, have been attending for a while, or simply want to help extend hospitality to others, this is an opportunity to meet people, build relationships and help create a welcoming environment for everyone.
-
Visitors: Come to First Connections to meet others, ask questions and begin building relationships.
-
Members: this is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to live out hospitality. Bring visitors you met in worship to meet others and get connected. You can help visitors feel seen, known and genuinely welcomed into the life of our church.
Make this part of your Sunday routine:
- After worship, come to Miller Library
- Meet someone new
- Help someone belong
This new gathering gives us a weekly rhythm and shared place to continue that culture together. Yes, you can make a difference.
Questions? Contact Director of New Member Outreach Emma Myatt for more information.
| |
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 Grace Masaku 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 Grace Masaku 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.
| | | | |
