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Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 21

“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” –Proverbs 27:17

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect

Worship

Sermon series: Christ the True and Better

Through November 23

In this sermon series, we are looking at the lives of Old Testament figures and the ways God worked through them, seeing how each one, through their life and work, ultimately points us to Christ. This series pairs an Old Testament passage with a Gospel reading, offering a theological reflection on how that figure’s story connects to Christ.

Events

Fall Newcomer Gathering

Sunday, October 26

9:30 a.m. in Miller Library

If you are new to First Church, or if you are a member wanting to meet newcomers, join us in Miller Library on Sunday, October 26 at 9:30 a.m. for coffee, light breakfast, and fellowship as we get to know one another and learn more about First Church! Be sure to register so that we have enough breakfast! Register here.

Fall Festival 2025

Sunday, October 26, 3:30 - 6 p.m., 
Camp Loughridge

Fall Festival is more than a fun afternoon at Camp Loughridge—it’s a time to gather, share, and strengthen the ties that make our church family special. Come, bring a smile, and leave with a bigger one. Invite a friend so they, too, can experience the warmth and joy of our church family.

Enjoy delicious barbecue from the First Church Pitmasters and take part in the fun, complete with inflatables, hayrides, pumpkin decorating and trunk-or-treat.

If you'd like to connect with others by serving at the Fall Festival, click below and sign up! With this simple act of service you can help bring this event to life.

Presbyterian Women October mission

The Presbyterian Women’s October outreach mission is Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. Please consider donating hats, mittens, scarves, coats, sweaters, new underwear, women’s hygiene products or adult-sized socks. Donations of funds are also welcomed to support Hudson Villas. Items may be placed in the PW mission container or the acrylic donation box located in the atrium on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings throughout the month of October.

First Church Membership Class

Sunday, November 2, 9, and 16, 9:30 a.m.-10:40 a.m.; Miller Library

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.

Nov. 2: Membership Class 1 in Miller Library

(Please bring completed New Member Form or submit it prior to class)

Nov. 9: Membership Class 2 in Miller Library

Nov. 16: Membership Class 3 in Miller Library

Nov. 23: Covenant Service at 9:30 a.m. in Kerr Chapel


In addition, you will be recognized during your worship service. Meet in Miller Library 15 minutes before your service to receive a carnation. After worship, attend the Cookie Reception in Miller Library at 12:00 p.m. to celebrate with your new church family.

Camp Loughridge Fundraiser “Boots & BBQ”

Saturday, November 8, 6 p.m.
Camp Loughridge, 4900 W. Oak Leaf Dr. in Tulsa

You're invited to a special evening of friends, BBQ, live auction, and camp fun—all in support of our mission to foster Christian growth at Camp Loughridge. The evening will feature a live auction, raffle and a silent dessert auction, along with several opportunities to support the exciting growth plans for Camp Loughridge in 2026. Purchase your tickets here, we look forward to seeing you!

Chancel Choir concert

Sunday, November 13, 5 p.m.; Sanctuary

Enjoy an evening of inspiring music in the Sanctuary as the Chancel Choir, joined by a professional orchestra, presents The Five Solas, featuring Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria. A reception will follow the concert.

The Five Solas are five Latin phrases that emerged during the Protestant Reformation to express the core convictions of the reformers about the foundations of the Christian faith and the means of salvation:

• Sola Scriptura – Scripture alone
• Sola Fide – by Faith alone
• Sola Gratia – by Grace alone
• Solus Christus – through Christ alone
• Soli Deo Gloria – to the Glory of God alone

The concert’s first half will illuminate the first four Solas through a series of choral anthems, accompanied by acclaimed local pianist Cathy Venable. The evening will culminate Soli Deo Gloria—to the glory of God alone—as the choir and orchestra perform Vivaldi’s beloved Gloria.

Spiritual Retreat with Rev. Julia Metcalf “Becoming New”

Saturday, November 15, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Lodge at Camp Loughridge

Isaiah 43:19 — “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Join Rev. Julia Metcalf for a reflective retreat exploring how God brings renewal in our lives–often beginning quietly, beneath the surface, in seasons of pressing. Through Scripture, prayer, and discussion, we’ll consider the image of grapes pressed into new wine and how God's grace transforms us even through our most challenging seasons. $10 fee includes breakfast and lunch. Register here.

Register your child for the Christmas Eve Nativity!

Registration is open until November 16

Children and youth ages 3 and up, as of Sept. 1 are invited to take part in this beloved tradition, presented during the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service. There are many ways to participate, from Biblical characters and animals to angels, acolytes, and liturgists. Every child can find their place in the story! Rehearsal schedules vary by role and age. The children’s and youth choirs will begin learning Nativity songs and carols in mid-November during their regular rehearsals, and all who wish to sing are encouraged to attend.

Register your child here before Sunday, November 16.

Classes

At First Church, discipleship is more than a class—it’s a way of life. Through fellowship, learning God’s Word, and living with an outward focus, you’ll grow deeper in faith and share Christ’s love in our church, our city, and beyond. Whether you’re new or a longtime member, there’s a place for you to connect, belong, and grow in Christ.

Click here to see the full lineup of discipleship offerings.

Your Hope in Jesus: How to Share It!

10-week practicum led by Jerry McCoy
Sundays, 12:15 p.m., Room E313

Explore how to develop your testimony and gain a biblically-based motivation for sharing your faith. Email Elizabeth DeVore if you are interested.

Men’s Monday Bible Study - The book of Luke

Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m., Room E103

Join us for an informal men’s fellowship over lunch as we read and study God’s Word and grow together. Reserve and prepay for your lunch here.

Precept Bible Study - 1, 2 and 3 John

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m., Room E100

Led by Denise Rounds, this class explores what it means to be holy and to know and love God deeply while focusing on the fundamentals of Christian beliefs.

Courage, Dear Heart…Stories of Heroic Sacrifice and Surrender to Jesus

Wednesdays, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m., Room E102, 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 is also offered in the Wednesday Night Downtown adult curriculum.

Hearts for the Lord

Thursdays, 10 a.m., Room 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.

Wednesday Night Downtown Fall 2025

You're invited to a rejuvenating time at Wednesday Night Downtown at First Church Tulsa! New adult classes have begun and the kids and youth programs are in full swing! We hope to see you there! Scroll for the adult classes and details.

Adult classes include:

C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia (and other fictional works)

Led by Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library 

Join Rev. Dan Hutchinson for a look at the stories and theology of C. S. Lewis, starting with The Chronicles of Narnia. Explore how timeless stories can illuminate lasting truth—no prior reading needed.

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, explores 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

This class has ended, but the videos are available on YouTube: Watch class videos here.

Awana 2025-2026

Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Children's Area

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse

AMASS Exodus

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse

Chancel Choir rehearsal

Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Choir Room

Give & Serve

Helping Hand wish list

Here's a simple way you can support the ministry

The food pantry at Helping Hand is busier than ever. So far this year, 2,235 family members have received groceries and toiletries, and we expect to serve more than 1,000 additional people by year’s end—thanks to your generosity. To make giving easier, we’ve created an Amazon wish list of urgently needed toiletries. When you place your order, make sure to select Helping Hand Ministry from the address and the items will be shipped directly to the church. Thank you for supporting this vital ministry.

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.

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.

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.

Connect

Pastor Nominating Committee update

The Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) continues to prayerfully and diligently move forward in the search for our next senior pastor. Over the past several months, the committee has contacted more than 70 trusted leaders across the country for recommendations and recently completed a week of online interviews with several promising candidates. While the process is still ongoing and requires patience, the committee is greatly encouraged by the progress and remains focused on keeping Christ at the center of every step. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as this important work continues.

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.

• Episode 16: Joel Donohue Watch on YouTube
• Episode 17: Kate Swan Watch on YouTube
• Episode 18: Jacob Thompson Watch on YouTube

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.

Important links:

• Linktr.ee
• Calendar
• E-News
• Tidings magazine
• Bulletins