Friday, July 17, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 14 | | “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
–Isaiah 40:8 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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Summer sermon series: The Story of Jesus
In our summer sermon series, we are exploring the life and ministry of Christ through beloved Scripture stories, as told with the simplicity and wonder of The Jesus Storybook Bible. From calming storms to welcoming children and restoring sight, each week points us to the Savior who came to rescue and redeem. Copies of The Jesus Storybook Bible are available for purchase at the book table in the Atrium so you can follow along throughout the summer.
Upcoming sermon topics:
July 19: Running Away – Luke 15
July 26: Washed with Tears – Mark 14
August 2: A New Way to See – Acts 9
August 9: A New Way to See – Acts 27
August 16: A Dream of Heaven – Revelation 1,5
August 23: A Dream of Heaven – Revelation 21-22
August 30: Saying Yes to Jesus – John 1:12-13
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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
Contemporary worship combines with
International worship in the Great Hall (summer schedule)
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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., 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.
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Experience Jesus: All-Church Sunday School
Sundays through August 2, 9:30 a.m., Stephenson Hall
Come as we gather for All-Church Sunday School in each Sunday in Stephenson Hall through August 2. 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.
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Summer backyard Bible study
Wednesdays through August 12, 6:30 p.m.
New location: Charity Nyingi’s home
Join us for a casual summer evening backyard Bible study as we journey through the Gospel of Luke together. For more information, contact Elizabeth Massey.
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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. Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult, no drop-offs please.
Mark your calendar for these special times and events:
- July 19 and August 2, the hours of swim will be 12:30-3:30 p.m.
- August 23 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. come to the Beaty Beachball Bash, with Josh's Sno Cones from 2-3 p.m. and pool games and activities from 3-4 p.m.
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Camp Sunshine
Saturday, August 8, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Camp Loughridge
Sponsored by the Board of Deacons, Camp Sunshine is an annual event offering a memorable day camp experience for children with special needs and serious illnesses. Camp Loughridge provides the perfect setting for these children and their families to enjoy a day of fun, including crafts, boating, a giant swing, and swimming. Want to help with the event? Sign up to be a volunteer.
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Visitor Breakfast for Newcomers
Sunday, August 9, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Miller Library
Register here
New to First Church? We'd love to get to know you. Join us for a complimentary breakfast where you can enjoy fellowship, meet church members and staff, and learn about opportunities to connect and grow at First Church.
Visitors: Join us for breakfast on the 2nd Floor outside the Sanctuary. All are welcome!
Members: Bringing a guest? Please register in advance to help us plan for breakfast.
No registration? You're still welcome—we'd love to have you join us.
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First Church Membership Class
Sundays, August 16, 23 and 30
9:30-10:30 a.m., Miller Library
Interested in becoming a member? Led by facilitators and pastors, this series of 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.
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Ping Pong with a Purpose - Cookout and Tournament
Sunday, August 16, 12:30 p.m.,
Stephenson Hall and Courtyard
Get your paddles ready—it’s not too early to start practicing! Join us 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.)
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Presbyterian Women Fall Workshop
Worship, fellowship and introduction to the new Horizons study
Saturday, August 22, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; First Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Women of First Church will host the Presbyterian Women of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery Fall Workshop. The event will introduce the 2026-2027 Horizons Bible Study, “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other,” which Presbyterian Women Circles will begin using this fall.
The day includes a continental breakfast, buffet lunch prepared by Chef Joseph, worship, workshops, and fellowship. The cost is $15. Register by August 7 by contacting Barbara Mugge at 918-491-6495 or bmugge@gmail.com. For more information, contact Grace Masaku at gmasaku@firstchurchtulsa.org or 918-301-1029.
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Save the date!
Welcome Breakfast with the Beatys, Sunday, August 23, 9:30 a.m.
Rev. Beaty’s first Sunday as our new senior pastor, Sunday, August 23, 11 a.m.
Beaty Beachball Bash at Camp Loughridge Pool, Sunday, August 23, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday Night Downtown kickoff, Wednesday, September 9, 5:15 p.m.
Breakfast on Boston and Rev. Beaty Installation Service, Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.
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New Hymnals are in use!
Thank you to the many volunteers who helped remove the old hymnals and place the new ones in the Sanctuary and Kerr Chapel last week. The new Sing! Hymnal will be a valuable resource that will enrich our worship for years to come. Click here to learn more about this extraordinary hymnal.
Would you like a complimentary copy of one of our previous hymnals? Stop by the tables in the Atrium on Sunday and take one home as our gift to you.
You can dedicate a new hymnal 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Visitors: Come to First Connections to meet others, ask questions and begin building relationships.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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