Thursday, June 19, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 13 | | “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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New summer sermon series: “Life in the Spirit”
Sermon series plus weekly sessions through September 6
This summer, we’re exploring what it means to truly live Life in the Spirit. Each week through September 6, we’ll examine the power, presence, and purpose of the Holy Spirit—and learn how everyday practices known as spiritual disciplines can help us grow as disciples of Jesus.
Each week highlights a different practice:
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- Study & Meditation
- Prayer
- Silence & Solitude
- Fasting
- Worship
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- Submission & Service
- Confession
- Simplicity
- Stewardship
- Celebration
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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.
- Join us Sunday mornings for teaching in our worship services.
- Watch weekly videos that will help you engage personally through spiritual practices.
- Gather with others on Wednesdays at noon in Kerr Chapel for 30-minute Midweek Meetups to engage in spiritual practices together.
- Connect in prayer on Zoom on Thursdays at 8 p.m.*
No matter your age or stage, this summer series is for you. Let’s grow in step with the Spirit together.
*Zoom password: TIF2025
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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.
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Celebrate with patriotic music and watermelon
Before and after worship on Sunday, June 29
On the Sunday before Independence Day, we invite you to arrive early and linger after 11 a.m. worship in the Sanctuary to enjoy a special musical offering from Ron Pearson and the Chancel Choir. These stirring selections—favorites like “The Stars and Stripes Forever”—give honor and reflect a spirit of gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. Following worship, gather with us in the Courtyard for refreshing watermelon, ice-cold lemonade and warm fellowship. It’s a joyful way to enjoy the summer season, celebrate community, and give thanks for the gift of freedom.
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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
International worship in the Great Hall
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Watch online
Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter
Traditional worship
Cox Cable Ch. 3 at 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Live on Facebook and YouTube
Tulsa International Fellowship worship, Live on Facebook and YouTube
See more at our website event calendar.
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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.
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June 1 – Mark & Kelly Brown, “In Deepest Waters” watch on YouTube
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June 8 – Jackson Seibert, “Sow the Story Goes” watch on YouTube
- June 15 – BJ Dollahon, “Type 2 Grace”
- June 22 – Charity Nyingi, “The Gentle Rescuer”
- June 29 – Greg Berkhouse, “Heart and Mind”
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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.
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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.
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Life in the Spirit: Midweek Meetup
Wednesdays, 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.
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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.
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Support the Valladolid Medical Mission Expansion (vai·uh·dow·leed)
The Sojourners Sunday School Class and the Mission Committee invite you to support one of First Church’s longest-standing mission partnerships: the medical clinic in Valladolid, Yucatán. A new $2.4 million second-floor expansion is underway, continuing the work that began with Sojourners in 2005.
A generous $1 million challenge grant from a First Church member will match gifts if the remaining funds are raised by March 2026. With $200,000 already pledged, your support can help us reach the goal.
To learn more or get involved, contact John Harper, Mission Committee Chair at (918) 497-6956, or contact Valladolid Project Co-Chairs Margaret Holdridge (918) 813-3781 or Jim Hawkins (918) 747-0897.
To give now, contact the church business office or use this giving link and select Valladolid Hospital from the dropdown list. All gifts are tax-deductible through First Presbyterian Missions. Stay tuned for more!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pastor Nominating Committee updates
In worship on Sunday, June 15, PNC member Dr. John Frame gave an update to the congregation on the current stage of the process and what to expect as time moves forward. Click here to watch on our YouTube channel.
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. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for this dedicated team as they work through the selection process.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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