Thursday, August 6, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 16 | | “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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Our “Life in the Spirit” series continues
Sermon series plus weekly sessions
This summer, we’ve been exploring how to live in step with the Holy Spirit through Scripture and time-tested spiritual disciplines. In this final month of the series, we’ll focus on Confession, Simplicity, Stewardship, and conclude with Celebration. Come be encouraged and draw closer to Christ.
Whether you’ve been here all summer or are just jumping in, there’s still much to discover.
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- Join us Sunday mornings for teaching in our worship services.
- Watch weekly videos that will help you engage personally through the spiritual disciplines.
- Gather with others on Wednesdays at noon in Kerr Chapel for 30-minute Midweek Meetups to practice the spiritual disciplines together.
- Connect in prayer on Zoom on Thursdays at 8 p.m.*
*Zoom password: TIF2025
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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/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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Your Hope In Jesus: How to Share It!
Inquiry luncheon
Sunday, August 10, 12:15 p.m., Room E104
A new practicum, “Your Hope in Jesus: How to Share It!” is coming this fall, and this luncheon is your opportunity to find out what it’s all about. Come enjoy lunch, fellowship, and explore how to shape your testimony by sharing your faith through biblical encouragement. Click here to register.
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First Church Membership Class
Sundays, August 10, 17 and 24; 9 a.m., Room E104
Interested in becoming a member? Even if you didn't attend the Newcomer Gathering, please register for the upcoming membership classes. Led by facilitators and pastors, these 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.
Sunday, August 10: Membership Class 1 at 9 a.m. in Room E104
(Please bring completed New Member Form or submit it prior to class)
Sunday, August 17: Membership Class 2 at 9 a.m. in Room E104
Sunday, August 24: Membership Class 3 at 9 a.m. in Room E104
Tuesday, August 26: Dinner with Session at 5:45 in Room E104
Sunday, August 31: New Member Introduction at 11 a.m.
(Meet in Miller Library at 10:45 a.m. to receive a carnation!)
Cookie Reception in Miller Library at 12:00 p.m.
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From vision to reality: the Witu church building project
See and hear the impact of your support
Sunday, August 17, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
Join us for a special presentation on the Witu Church Project in Kenya. Pastor Wambugu will share photos, stories, and a report on the remarkable success of this mission effort. Come celebrate with us and realize how your generosity helped bring a new church building to life for the Witu congregation.
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Ping Pong with a Purpose - Cookout and Tournament
Sunday, August 24, 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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Faith & Film and The Chosen Series
Sunday mornings through August 24, 9:30 a.m., Miller Library
Throughout August, we will be digging 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. Come and enjoy the engaging conversations that come from this series.
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Life in the Spirit: Midweek Meetups
Wednesdays at noon; Kerr Chapel
Come for a midweek meetup with Rev. Julia Metcalf and various lay leaders leading group practices of 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.
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First Church Family Swim
Sundays through August 31, 1:30-5 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 newly updated pool and aquatic center at camp. For safety and supervision, children should be accompanied by a parent or adult—please no drop-offs.
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Grief Share grief recovery program
13-week course from Sept. 10-Dec. 10
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m.; Room E104
Grief Share 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 or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or email kwilson@firstchurchtulsa.org.
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Share a Smile, join the greeting team this summer!
Summer is the perfect season to try something new—and serving on the First Church greeting team is a simple, meaningful way to get involved. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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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