Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 24 | | “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation” – Isaiah 12:2 | | |
If you have already turned in your “Estimate of Giving Card” for 2026, we simply want to say thank you! We believe God is calling us to increase the scope and blessings of our ministries this coming year, and in order to reach our budget goal, we need the engagement of the whole congregation.
If you have not yet made a commitment for 2026, we invite you to take some time this week to consider your 2026 gift. By responding, you will enable the session to make important budget decisions for next year and ensure that sufficient resources are available for our ministries.
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♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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Advent 2025: Promise Fulfilled
How Christ Completes the Prophecies of Isaiah
We are now midway through our Advent journey, exploring Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love through the prophetic words of Isaiah. Each week, our sermon series traces how Isaiah’s promises find their fulfillment in Christ—and how they continue to speak to us as we await the return of our King.
Sunday school classes are engaging with a companion video series created by our pastors. These weekly presentations, along with downloadable materials, are available on our website for small groups or personal study.
If you haven't picked them up yet, Advent cards are available with weekly Scriptures, reflection questions, and simple activities for lighting the candles of your Advent wreath. They’re designed for all ages and help deepen the meaning of this season as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the Light of the World.
| | Advent Worship at First Church Tulsa | |
Christmas Music Sunday worship
Sunday, December 21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
8:00 a.m. Traditional worship, Kerr Chapel
8:30 a.m. Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
11:00 a.m. Combined contemporary and traditional worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. International worship in the Great Hall
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Christmas Eve worship
Wednesday, December 24
2:00 p.m. Carols and Communion
5:00 p.m. Children’s Live Nativity*
8:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols*
11:00 p.m. Christmas Watch Night (includes communion)
All services will be held in the Sanctuary and include candle lighting.
*Will be livestreamed on Facebook, and YouTube
The 8:00 p.m. Lessons & Carols service will be broadcast at 10:00 p.m. on COX Cable Channel 3.
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Christmas Day worship
Thursday, December 25
11:00 a.m. Christmas Day worship, Kerr Chapel
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Sunday, December 28: Festival Sunday
Pancake Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in the Atrium and Stephenson Hall
One worship service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
All services, including TIF, will join together for worship in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. Be sure to come early for the pancake breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall. Pancake breakfast cost is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. No Sunday School or childcare will be available on this Festival Sunday.
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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 in Stephenson Hall
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 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.
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First Ladies Council Christmas Luncheon
Sunday, December 14, 12:15 p.m.; Miller Library
Women of First Church are invited to the annual Christmas Luncheon, hosted by the First Ladies Council. Join us for food, Christmas music and fellowship. While there is no cost for this event, a reservation is needed. Register online, or email Kathy Wilson or call 918-301-1029.
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Celebrating Christmas Together: Gift Bag Stuffing
Tuesday, December 16, 6-7 p.m.; Bernsen building
Before the Celebrating Christmas Together party can happen, we need many helping hands to prepare 377 gift bags for the Anderson students. Each bag will include an age-appropriate Bible, a game, puzzle, book, T-shirt, and beanie—items that make this celebration meaningful for the students. Everything will be organized and ready, and with enough volunteers, the work will take less than an hour. All are welcome, including friends and guests. Come serve with us as we prepare to share Christ’s love in a tangible way. Watch this brief video to hear Diane Austin share how you can help bring this party to life.
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Celebrating Christmas Together Party
Friday, December 19
9:30-10:30 a.m.: transporting bags to Anderson Elementary
12 noon: Volunteers gather and setup, 1-2 p.m.: Christmas party
Anderson Elementary
Join the Deacons as we bring Christmas joy to the students of Anderson Elementary. Volunteers are needed in the morning to load gift bags into the U-Haul and unload them at the school. Later, volunteers will help with the festivities—assisting with a simple craft, playing bingo, passing out cookies, and sharing in the joy as Santa visits and the Chancel Choir roams the halls singing carols. It’s a beautiful opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ to these wonderful children.
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Presbyterian Women December Mission
The Presbyterian Women’s December mission project is Emergency Infant Services of Tulsa. They will be collecting funds for this wonderful organization that serves families with children under five years old by providing them with diapers, formula, food and clothing. Please stop by the Welcome Center on Sundays to make your contribution in the clear acrylic box.
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New Year’s Eve Watch Night worship
Wednesday, December 31, 9 p.m. - January 1, 12:30 a.m., Great Hall
Come gather with us to bring in the new year for a night of worship and fellowship with Rev. Wambugu Gachungi and the TIF worship team.
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Epiphany Bonfire & Polar Plunge
Sunday, January 4, 5 p.m.; Camp Loughridge
Bring your greens for the bonfire and plunge into the water of Lake Parthenia. This event will include a short homily, cookies, hot cider/cocoa, a warming bonfire and a chilly plunge into the lake to retrieve the cross.
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Adult classes
Wednesday Night Downtown resumes on January 7.
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Awana Children’s Programming
Nativity Rehearsal – Wednesdays, December 10 and 17
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Youth Ministry (Pathfinders & Exodus)
Wednesdays through Dec. 17, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse
Youth Christmas Party – Saturday, December 20
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Hospitality matters most during Advent
Did you know that the Advent season brings more visitors to First Church than any other time of the year? As First Church members, giving a warm welcome to newcomers can make all the difference. Think about the opportunities below as simple, high-impact ways you can serve and grow our church family.
Be a First Friend in the Pews
Join us at 7:45 or 10:45 a.m. in the Atrium for a brief prayer, then help newcomers feel at home in worship. Even if you have to miss the prayer and prep time, you can still make it a habit to share your hospitality with new faces.
Serve as a Greeter during Christmas season
A smile at the door sets the tone. Whether you can help once or throughout Advent, we’ll find a spot that fits your schedule. Ready to help? Email Emma Myatt.
Practice Everyday Hospitality
In your Sunday school class or even at the coffee bar, watch for new faces and take a moment to say hello. A friendly welcome and a little guidance go a long way in sharing the love of Christ.
To learn more about serving through hospitality, email Director of New Member Outreach Emma Myatt or reach out to First Friends in the Pews leader Jerry McCoy at (918) 982-5843.
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Pastor Nominating Committee update
The Pastor Nominating Committee continues to meet faithfully each week, reviewing candidates, listening to sermons, and discerning God’s direction with optimism and unity.
PNC chair, Joel Donahue, noted that the PNC is now exploring candidates throughout the PC(USA) and beyond, engaging with pastors from across the broader Presbyterian family. He emphasized the team’s commitment to maintaining the high standards that have long defined First Church’s ministry and leadership.
While the process takes time, the committee remains confident in God’s faithfulness and asks for your continued prayers for both the team and the pastor whom God is calling to serve.
Watch the video of Joel's update on our YouTube channel here.
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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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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 Kathy Wilson 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 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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