First Church E-News | Vol. 4, Issue 6 | Tuesday, March 15, 2022 |
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"It is written, One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
– Matthew 4:4 NRSV
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Wednesday Lenten Conversations
Wednesdays through April 13, 6:15 p.m.; Stephenson Hall
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Meet in Stephenson Hall on Wednesday evenings during Lent to hear the personal testimonies of our own ministers on how God appeared in their lives, and for a discussion about the great “I AM." Please find the updated speaker schedule here.
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Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 20; 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
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Join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting and a special showing of the Year-in-Pictures. There will be no adult Sunday school on this day. |
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All-Church Retreat
Friday, March 25, 6 p.m. - Saturday, March 26, 7 p.m.; New Life Ranch – Frontier Cove
Registration closes Monday, March 21 at 4 p.m.
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Make plans to attend the All-Church Retreat where Dr. Ryan Moore will be our keynote speaker. We will stay over one night with three meals plus fun activities for the entire family. You can also purchase a day-pass only for Saturday. Registration closes at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 21. The retreat will include worship, fishing, go-karts, pony rides and more. We hope that you will join us. Register here.
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Choosing the Best
Bible-based sexual education course for mid-high students & parents
Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.; Powerhouse
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Fifth through eighth grade students and their parents are invited to join us for this Bible-based sexual education course on anatomy, sex, contraceptives, STIs and pornography. Because our culture is flooded with confusing information about sex, this course presents a Christian perspective to help us better understand this gift from God and be equipped with knowledge to combat misinformation. Students must attend to participate in the balance of the education classes scheduled for Wednesday evenings April 6-May 4. All students and parents must register in advance and the fee is $20 per student. If you have a 5th grade student that you would like to go through this class, please contact Jackson Seibert in advance.
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H2O Project – Sponsor a well
Sundays, April 3 – 17; Give at the Atrium table
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During the last two weeks of Lent, the congregation can participate in the H2O Project by fasting from all beverages but water and give the money saved from purchasing other drinks to our partners in the H2O Project, Marion Medical Mission. The mission works with local villagers in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia by digging wells for their villages and teaching them how to maintain them. The cost per well is $450, which will serve 150 people. First Church members have donated funds to the mission since 2009, resulting in 216 wells. Our goal for this year is $6,300 for 14 wells, making our new total 230 wells. You can also give online and select “H2O” on the menu. Learn more here.
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Inquirers’ Class for those considering membership
Sundays, April 3-May 1, 9:15 a.m. (no meeting on Easter); Miller Library
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Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about First Church? The Inquirers’ Class is a perfect place to come meet others, get to know some of our pastors and ask your questions. Sign up for this 4-week class online. For questions, contact Patricia Hall at 918-301-1028.
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Global Christian song writers and artists, Keith & Kristyn Getty, in concert
Friday, April 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sanctuary
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Worldwide Christian recording artists Keith & Kristyn Getty will be performing. The Gettys occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. In re-inventing the traditional hymn form, they have created a catalogue of songs teaching Christian doctrine and crossing the genres of traditional, classical, folk and contemporary composition which are sung across the world. The Gettys' hymns are used increasingly both in contemporary and traditional circles, being included in most modern hymnbooks, while in the more contemporary church more than 60 of their songs are featured on top 2,000 CCLI charts between the UK and USA. Their most recognized hymn is, “In Christ Alone.” Experience their music by watching, “Lift High the Name of Jesus.”
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Spring Festival
Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. - noon; Camp Loughridge
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Bring your kiddos and their own Easter baskets and join us for Spring Festival at Camp Loughridge. There will be an egg hunt, a petting zoo and fun activities! No registration is required. |
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Holy Week Prayer Vigil
Thursday, April 14 at 9 p.m. through Easter Sunday, April 17 at 7 a.m.
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The Prayer Vigil is a continuous chain of prayer that begins on Maundy Thursday and continues until sunrise on Easter Sunday to stand with Jesus through his suffering, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Please sign up for a 30-minute slot to ensure an unbroken prayer chain here or on Sunday, April 3 in the Atrium. We encourage every member to pray anytime during the prayer vigil. “The prayers of the righteous avail much.” James 5:16
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First Church scholarships deadline approaching
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First Church offers a number of scholarships for First Church members who are enrolled in college courses. Read more about these resources and apply before April 15. |
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Annual Musicians’ Easter Brunch
Sign up now to bring food Easter morning, Sunday, April 17, 2022
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Help us say thank you to the singers, ringers and instrumentalists who provide music for our Easter services by bringing a dish for them to enjoy that day. Get more details and sign up online. Contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 with questions.
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Morning Marriage Retreat with Dr. Tom Philp, LPC
Saturday, April 23, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Church
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Married couples, please join us for a half-day retreat led by Rev. James Estes and Dr. Tom Philp. Learn more and RSVP here. Dr. Tom Philp, LPC, CEO, is a licensed psychotherapist in Tulsa and he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy from Louisiana Baptist University before founding Stonebridge Couples Therapy, where he has provided therapy for adults and couples for over 10 years. A member of First Church, Dr. Philp is an ordained Deacon (class of 2016) and has served on the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery Council.
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The Word in Art – Bible exhibition
Through Easter in the Atrium
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The Word in Art is a Lenten exhibition focusing on the life of Jesus as portrayed in Biblical art. It features a mid-1800 edition noted for black and white engravings, the John Brown Bible published in 1859, and The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, published in 1899 with engravings by French painter, J. James Tissot. For docent tour information, call the church office, 918-584-4701. |
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Vacation Bible School (VBS, WeeBS and VBX)
Monday June 6 – Friday June 10; Camp Loughridge
Registration closes Sunday, May 1
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Register now for VBS in June. This year’s theme is “Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness.” Book your kiddos now for this fantastic week of learning, praising and fun.
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First Church is hiring
Read more and apply for these positions online
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Communications coordinator (Full-time) - We are seeking a communications coordinator to develop, produce, and support all aspects of communications and marketing. The department’s mission is to effectively provide information to members and the community about our worship services, educational classes, traveling speakers, music concerts, and programming for children and adults. This is a very active position working with the church staff, members and vendors. For more information, contact Louann Buhlinger at 918-584-4701. To apply, send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience to Tonye Briscoe.
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Ministry Assistant (Part-time) - First Church is seeking a part-time ministry assistant for Discipleship and Congregational Life. You will work with pastors, teachers, and guest speakers to coordinate and resource our Christian education offerings. You will also help our lay leaders plan events such as Breakfast on Boston, Fall Festival, and the Church Retreat. Contact Duff Points at 918-584-4701 for more information. To apply, send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience to Tonye Briscoe.
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Assistant/Sous Chef (Full-time) - We are hiring an assistant sous chef (ASC) as a member of our kitchen team working directly for the culinary director. This position prepares food for in-house events including beverages and snacks; and assists with table setups, food displays and buffet lines for meals and meetings. The ASC helps maintain inventory control and an orderly storeroom/pantry, and assists with kitchen cleanup including washing dishes and putting things away after events. A culinary arts degree or three or more years’ experience is required. Must be able to work a flexible schedule. Contact Human Resources at 918-584-4701 for more information. To apply, send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience to Tonye Briscoe.
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Heather Davis Internship - This three-month internship is designed for those who desire to explore gifts for ministry and strengthen his or her spiritual life. The intern ministers to the Middle School and High School communities and seeks to fulfill the purpose of Youth Ministries as we are, “Called to make fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are inwardly strong and outwardly focused.” Contact Steve Wilson for additional information.
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Read the latest Tidings magazine
Have you read the Lenten edition of Tidings magazine? Find it here and enjoy articles from fellow members!
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Pastor's Study with Dr. Jim Miller on C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity”
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
Lunch is available for the Wednesday class, and you can prepay here.
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Old Testament Survey
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in E104
The class will be walking through the books of the Old Testament.
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Monday School with Dr. Wes Vander Lugt
Slow Faith: A Study in the Psalms
Mondays at noon through May 16, lunch at 11:30 a.m.; Room E104
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Little Lambs
For caregivers and children birth to pre-school
Mondays, 10 a.m.; Playground (if over 40 degrees) or Bernsen Gym (if cold or rainy)
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Precepts with Denise Rounds
Tuesdays through April 12 at 9:30 a.m.; E100
Precepts is studying the book of Titus. For more information, contact the church.
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UKirk "Gather" and "Grow" for adults 18-24
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“Gather” meets Tuesdays at 5 p.m.; Sharp Chapel on TU's campus
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“Grow” meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m.; Kirkland Library Bernsen Building
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Downtown Theological Roundtable (DTR)
Wednesdays through May 11, 11:30 a.m. -12:20 p.m.; Room 206
Interested in discussion theology? Please join us for a discussion of G.K. Chesterton’s book “Orthodoxy.” Contact Phillip Bowman at 918-630-1786.
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Wednesday Night Downtown
Dinner 5:15 p.m. and classes 6:15 p.m.*
*Note: On Wednesday March 16, there will be no AWANA, Pathfinders, AMASS Exodus or Confirmation because of spring break.
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AWANA at 6:15 p.m.; Children's Center
Wednesday evening activities. No classes Wednesday, March 16.
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No classes Wednesday, March 16.
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Classes will resume on Wednesday, April 20 after Easter. In the meantime, please join us for Lenten Conversations 2022 - Encountering the Great "I AM" in Stephenson Hall on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m.
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Combined worship services
Sunday, March 27, 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
- The 8 a.m. Chapel and 8:30 a.m. Stephenson Hall services will combine and meet in Stephenson Hall at 8:30 a.m.
- The 11 a.m. Stephenson Hall worship service will join the 11 a.m. service in the Sanctuary.
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Regular weekly worship services
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., TIF Prayer meeting in the Great Hall
Sundays at 8 a.m., Traditional worship in the Chapel
Sundays at 8:30 a.m., Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
Sundays at 11 a.m.:
- Traditional worship in the Sanctuary*
- Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
- TIF in the Great Hall
*Watch Sunday 11 a.m. worship live:
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Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 10
Join us on Palm Sunday for worship. All five services will be in session.
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Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday is a day to remember Jesus’ last evening with his disciples before his betrayal, trial and crucifixion. This year, our worship service will include original artistic responses to Scripture readings, created by members of First Church, that recount the story of this solemn evening. In addition, this is a Tenebrae service that will include communion and end in silence, darkness, and the tolling of the bells as we remember the darkness of Gethsemane.
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Good Friday
Friday, April 15, noon; Sanctuary
Join us for the Seven Words of Jesus from the Cross. “Good” Friday is the day Christians intentionally remember Jesus’ crucifixion and the sacrifice he made on our behalf.
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Easter
Sunday, April 17, services beginning at 6:30 a.m. through 11 a.m.
Join us for our Sunrise Service at Camp Loughridge at 6:30 a.m. or attend one of our five regularly scheduled worship services at the church including traditional, contemporary and Tulsa International Fellowship.
6:30 a.m., Sunrise service, Camp Loughridge Chapel
8:00 a.m., Sanctuary
8:30 a.m., Stephenson Hall
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary*
11:00 a.m., Stephenson Hall
11:00 a.m., TIF in the Great Hall
*Watch Easter Sunday 11 a.m. worship live:
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Births, marriages & hospitalizations
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Prayer requests & afterhours emergencies
Call the church at 918-584-4701. Send prayer requests to Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or contact the Guild of Intercessors at 918-296-5548.
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Realm app
Learn more about our Realm app and directory online or by calling the church.
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