Thursday, August 21, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 17 | | “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
| |
Our “Life in the Spirit” series continues
Sermon series plus weekly sessions
This summer we’ve explored how to live in step with the Holy Spirit through Scripture and spiritual disciplines. In the final weeks, we’ll turn to Stewardship and conclude with Celebration. Be encouraged and draw closer to Christ—and if you missed a message, visit our YouTube channel or catch the weekly encouragement videos on our website.
| |
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/International worship in the Great Hall
| |
Watch online
Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter
Traditional worship
Cox Cable Ch. 3 Live at 11 a.m., and replayed at 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.
| | | |
Stephenson Hall 11 a.m. contemporary service returns
Over the summer months, our schedule looked a little different, with the combining of the 11 a.m. contemporary and TIF services. The 11 a.m. contemporary service in Stephenson Hall is returning immediately following our Breakfast on Boston celebration on Sunday, September 7.
| |
Bible Blessing and Celebration
Sunday, August 24, 9:30 a.m., Kerr Chapel
This special annual event celebrates rising kindergarteners and 4th graders together with their parents. Each child will receive a Bible and will take part in keepsake activities designed for just for them and their parents. There will be a light breakfast for those who attend. Siblings will attend Sunday school as normal. To RSVP, email Erin Barnhart.
| |
Ping Pong with a Purpose - Cookout and Tournament
Sunday, August 24, 12:30 p.m.,
Stephenson Hall and Courtyard
Join us this Sunday in Stephenson Hall after the 11:00 a.m. services for fun, fellowship, free food, and our annual high-energy ping-pong tournament. The tournament features championship categories for men, women, and students of all grade levels. You’ll also learn how to get involved at Anderson Elementary through volunteer roles like Lunch Buddy, Masterwork Academy champion, and Community Night host.
Register for the tournament here. Registration is free, but if you'd like to add a purpose, consider making a donation to support Anderson Elementary here. (Select Ping Pong with a Purpose from the drop-down menu.)
| |
Life in the Spirit: Midweek Meetups
Final session is Wednesday, August 27, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel
Come for our final midweek meetup with pastors and various lay leaders leading group practices of the spiritual disciplines covered in the previous Sunday’s sermon. All ages are welcome and invited to bring their own lunch and gather on the playground afterwards.
| |
Breakfast on Boston
Sunday, September 7, 9:15 a.m.; Boston Avenue
Come together at 9:15 a.m. outside on Boston Avenue for a hot breakfast and enjoy fellowship and fun activities including pony rides, balloon animals, photo booth and live music from The Creek Rocks featuring Ozark folk originals & ballads. There will be no Sunday school on this day. Avoid the lines and click here to pre-pay for meals. Prices: Adults $7, Children (ages 4–12) $4, Families $20, and children 3 and under eat free.
| |
Lunch & Learn
Monday, September 8, 12 p.m., Room E104
Lunch and Learn, a program series for retirement-agers, is back for the fall season. September’s program will feature Joanne Pearson giving an overview of the church’s Helping Hand Ministry, which provides emergency assistance with utilities and food for Tulsans in need. We hope you will join us! To reserve your $7 lunch, please contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or use this link. Lunch payments may be paid at the door or pre-paid online.
| |
Matson Cup Golf Tournament
Monday, September 15, Check-in at 7:30 a.m., Tournament starts at 9 a.m.
MeadowBrook Country Club
Join us for the 18th Annual Matson Cup 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/golf25.
| |
Join our Next Gen Music Ministry
Register today!
Kids and students have a special place in worship through music. Whether singing, ringing, or leading praise, there’s a group for every age to grow in faith and musical skill. Registration is open so sign up today!
First Church Choristers (K–4th)
Sing in worship 2–3 times each semester and take part in the Christmas Eve Nativity. Rehearsals are Sundays, 9:15–9:45 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Music Suite, beginning mid-September. Sign up for Choristers here.
Rejoice Ringers (3rd–8th)
Learn handbell skills and music reading while ringing in worship 1–2 times each semester. Meets Sundays, 8:45–9:15 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Music Suite, beginning mid-September. Sign up for Rejoice Ringers here.
Celebration Singers (Middle & High School)
Lead worship for youth events and Sunday services, collaborating with the Youth Praise Band. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00 p.m. in the Powerhouse, beginning late August. Sign up for Celebration Singers here.
Youth Praise Band (Middle & High School)
Support worship at youth events and gatherings. Meets Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00 PM in the Powerhouse, beginning late August. Contact Eric Baird at ebaird@firstchurchtulsa.org.
| |
Upcoming weekly classes beginning the week of September 8
Men’s Monday Bible Study
12 - 1 p.m., E103
Join us for an informal men’s fellowship over lunch as we read and study the book of Luke, growing together in understanding and application of God’s Word. Reserve and prepay for your lunch here.
Precept Bible Study
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., E100
Led by Denise Rounds, this class explores what it means to be holy and to know and love God deeply? They will study 1, 2 and 3 John and explore answers to these questions as they consider the fundamentals of Christian beliefs.
Courage, Dear Heart…Stories of Heroic Sacrifice and Surrender to Jesus:
Wednesdays, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m., Room E103, led by James Estes
This class will journey through the stories of men and women who cried out to God – and followed Him when He answered. Their lives, drawn from the Christian Heroes Then and Now series, are testimonies of contagious courage and sacred surrender. Reserve and prepay for your lunch here. This class will also be offered in the Wednesday Night Downtown adult curriculum.
Hearts for the Lord
Thursdays, 10 a.m., E313
This class will be studying None Like Him. 10 Ways We are Different From God by Jen Wilkins. The study strengthens disciples to live faithfully, understand their beliefs, and communicate them with clarity—firmly anchored in God’s Word.
| |
Seasons Women’s Gathering
Second Mondays each month
Begins Monday, September 15, 6:30 p.m., Miller Library
Women of all ages are welcome to join us in this new semester as we explore the profound practice of prayer. Through monthly teachings and conversations, we will uncover the beauty and essential role of prayer in our faith journeys. Whether you are a first-time visitor, or long-time member, we hope to see you there!
| |
GriefShare grief recovery program
13-week course from Sept. 10-Dec. 10 Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m.; Room E104
GriefShare is a Christ-centered grief recovery program for people who have lost a loved one. Led by First Church members, Rick Priest and Kathy Wilson, each session consists of a video presentation, a review of the workbook lesson for that week, and facilitated group discussion. While it’s most helpful to attend every session, the videos are available online for participants who can’t attend every class. Cost is $20 which includes the required workbook. Register online, email Kathy Wilson or call 918-301-1029.
| |
Wednesday Night Downtown Fall 2025
Restarting Wednesday, September 10
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 for the adult classes and details.
| | |
Adult classes include:
Stealing Past the Watchful Dragons: Lessons from Lewis
Led by Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library
In this class we will explore the literary works of C.S. Lewis, beginning with the Chronicles of Narnia. Stories have a unique ability to shape our hearts and minds, and perhaps nowhere do we see this more profoundly than in the works of Lewis. Together, we will explore the thought and theology of Lewis and the power of stories to convey these great truths. No prior knowledge of his books required!
| |
Seekers Bible Study: Esther
Led by Rev. Wambugu Gachungi; Room E104
Walk through the book of Esther, discovering how God’s providence empowers one woman’s courageous stand to save her people. We’ll see how He works behind the scenes, using ordinary lives and moments for His purpose.
| |
Courage, Dear Heart...Stories of Heroic Sacrifice
and Surrender to Jesus
Led by Rev. James Estes; Room E103
This evening class, offering the same study as the lunchtime session, we’ll explore the lives of men and women who cried out to God—and followed Him when He answered. Drawn from the Christian Heroes Then and Now series, their stories reflect deep courage and sacred surrender. From privilege to poverty, each person reached a point of desperate dependence on God, where true bravery was born and faith became contagious.
| |
Planning for the Inevitable
Led by legal, medical, and pastoral experts; Room E100
A five-week course covering end-of-life planning: wills, directives, healthcare decisions, and care for loved ones—with an eternal perspective in Christ. Speakers include Bob Farris, Dr. John Frame, Kathy Wilson, James Munuhe, Denise Rounds, and one of the pastors.
| |
Awana 2025-2026
Begins Wednesday, September 10, 6 p.m., Children's Area
Sign up today for Awana! It’s a fun, Bible-centered program where children learn God’s Word, build lasting friendships, and enjoy games and activities each week. Awana helps kids hide God’s truth in their hearts while growing in faith and love for Jesus. For more information contact Director of Children’s Ministries Sarah Savage.
| |
Join the Birthday Club!
The Foundation invites you to join the Birthday Club—a simple way to celebrate the gift of life and bless future generations. Each year, members and friends give a donation equal to their age in dollars, supporting the Foundation’s Forward Fund, which enriches church life from infants to those in homebound care. Since 1962, the Foundation has grown into an endowment of more than $27 million and has given back over $14 million to support our church’s mission. It’s easy to join: visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/Give and select “Birthday Club,” or note “Foundation Birthday Club” on your check.
| |
Share a Smile, join the greeting team
Have you been looking for an easy way to get more connected at church? Serving on the First Church greeting team is a simple, meaningful way to get involved and meet people. Greeters help create a warm, welcoming environment while getting to know others in the church family. Connect with Emma Myatt, and she'll help you find a spot and schedule that works for you—even if it's just one Sunday to start. Show the love of Christ with a handshake and a smile. Try greeting this Sunday! Sign up here.
| |
Be a First Friend in the Pews
Meet us Sunday mornings before worship in the Atrium
This simple but meaningful Sunday morning outreach invites you to be intentional with your hospitality—praying for newcomers, offering a warm welcome, and making space for connection. Join us for a brief prayer each Sunday at 7:45 or 10:45 a.m. in the Atrium (just north of the coffee bar). Then head to worship ready to greet someone you haven’t met before, offer a guest card, and extend the kind of hospitality that makes First Church feel like home. To learn more, contact Emma Myatt at (918) 857-5652 or Jerry McCoy at (918) 982-5843.
| |
TV Ministry Team opportunities
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 important ministry. For more information, email Alex Pennell, TV/Video Manager, or call 314-607-1032.
| |
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 new members 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.
| |
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. 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.
| |
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.
| | | | |
