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Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 7

“So whether you are eating or drinking, or whatever you are doing, do it all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

Palm Sunday Worship

Sunday, April 13

8:00 a.m. Traditional worship in Kerr Chapel

8:30 a.m. Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. Combined traditional and contemporary worship in the Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. International worship in Great Hall

Maundy Thursday Worship

Thursday, April 17

5:30 p.m. Family worship in Kerr Chapel

Families with elementary-age and younger children are invited to a special Maundy Thursday service designed just for them. This engaging service helps children understand the meaning of Maundy Thursday in a way that’s accessible and meaningful. This service contrasts with the solemn Service of Shadows in the Sanctuary, offering a child-friendly approach to the story of Jesus’ final night with his disciples. Nursery care will be provided for infants to pre-k.

7:30 p.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

Experience the solemn beauty of our Maundy Thursday Service of Shadows. In the dimly lit Sanctuary, choral music echoes the weight of denial and betrayal as we reflect on Christ’s final hours. The service concludes with Communion and the tolling of the bell—a poignant reminder of the night before the crucifixion of Christ.

Holy Week Prayer Vigil

Thursday, April 17, 9 p.m. – Easter Sunday, April 20, 7 a.m.

The Prayer Vigil is an unbroken chain of prayer from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday at sunrise. Sign up for a 30-minute time slot to keep the vigil going. Register at the Atrium table on April 6 and 13 or sign up online.

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 18, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel

TIF Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 18, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall

TIF Health & Wealth Fair

Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Great Hall

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 20

6:30 a.m. Sunrise service at Camp Loughridge (communion)

8:00 a.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

8:30 a.m. Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11:00 a.m. Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

11:00 a.m. International worship in Great Hall

Sermon on the Mount series: Kingdom Fulfillment

Continue with us as we explore the way in which Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Law and at the same time calls us into a deeper obedience that reflects the heart of the God who made us and who has claimed us as His own. Be warned: Jesus’ words are not for the faint of heart! Christ calls us to Himself, to follow Him, to claim Him as Lord in every arena of life. This is the invitation of the Sermon on the Mount.

Order Easter lilies

Deadline is April 9

On Easter Sunday, bright white lilies will adorn the church building. As each flower silently trumpets the Resurrection, it also serves to remind us of the life of someone who was, or is, special to a church member. If you wish to honor someone by contributing to the lily fund, click here. The deadline for Easter Lilies is April 9. On Easter Sunday, the lilies that have graced our Easter worship services will be delivered to homebound members of First Church.

Events

Chancel Choir Lenten Concert

Sunday, April 6, 5 p.m., Sanctuary

Music Lovers! The Chancel Choir invites you to a Lenten concert showcasing Gabriel Fauré’s beloved Requiem—one of the most cherished and frequently performed choral masterworks. The performance will include guest soloist Taylor Conley, a former Chancel Choir member now living in Houston and a favorite of the Tulsa music community.The program will also include five anthems that speak to the season of Lent. The Choir will be joined by a professional orchestra of strings, horns, and harp. This is your opportunity to participate in a beautiful musical and spiritual experience.

H20 Project – Sponsor a well

Sunday, April 6 and 13; give online or at the Atrium table

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 $475 which will serve an average of 125 people. We are grateful for your generous giving.

Annual Musicians’ Easter Brunch

Sunday, April 20, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.; Miller Library

Sign up to bring food for the singers, ringers, and instrumentalists as the Board of Deacons hosts a brunch for those serving on Easter morning. Food drop-off will be from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on Easter Sunday at the Atrium entrance. Dishes should be in disposable containers and serve at least eight. Sign up at the Atrium table on April 6 or 13, or sign up online. For questions, email Kathy Wilson or call 918-301-1029.

Seasons Women's Gathering

Monday, April 7, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Miller Library

Join us as we explore the profound relationship between God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, deepening our understanding of His three-in-oneness. Through engaging video sessions, we’ll uncover the beauty of the Gospel and the vital role of the Trinity in our faith, helping you connect more intimately with God and find greater joy in knowing Him.

Lunch and Learn

Second Mondays of each month

Monday, April 14th, 12 p.m.; Room E104

Join us for our monthly series for members over 60. Our first session features Director of Music Ministries Ron Pearson presenting Messiah: You Can Handel It!—a look at the intriguing history of this famous musical work. Register online to attend or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029. Lunch is $7 and can be prepaid online or paid at the door. We hope to see you there!

VBS 2025 – Magnified!

Discovering the Bigness of God in the Smallest of Things

June 2–6, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Camp Loughridge

Join us for an unforgettable week at VBS 2025: Magnified! Kids will explore the amazing ways God reveals His greatness even in the tiniest details of His creation. With activities, worship, and fun for all ages, it’s a week not to miss! Register online now!

Classes and recurring events

UKirk and Young Adult Sunday school

12 Essentials Doctrines to Transform Your Life

Sundays, 9:30 a.m., E201

Adult Sunday school

Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Contact Laura Stevens for more information about our class offerings.

Men’s Monday Bible Study

Mondays, 12:00 p.m.; Room E103

Precept Bible Study

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; E100

Grief Share

13-week grief recovery program

Wednesdays, through May 7, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Miller Library

Registration is open throughout the program

Grief Share, the world’s leading grief recovery program, is now at First Church. Each session includes expert-led videos, group discussions, and a personal workbook covering topics like sadness, anger, and hope. Cost: $20. Sign up and pre-pay online or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to register.

Parenting Brown Bag Discussion

The Emotional Life of Teens

Thursday, April 10, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E100

Wednesday Night Downtown - Lenten Season

Note: No Wednesday Night Downtown on April 16. Please make time to attend our special services during Holy Week.

2025 Lenten Groups

Various times and locations

Lenten small groups and K groups are working through the study, To Seek and To Save by Sinclair Ferguson, exploring Luke’s account of Jesus’ final days. Groups will meet weekly and conclude during Holy Week with a home-based Messianic seder dinner.

Keeping Fit for the Kingdom

40 Days of the Daniel Fast, March 6 – April 15 Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Great Hall

Rev. Wambugu Gachungi leads the six-week Lenten series consisting of prayer sessions along with readings from the daily devotional To Seek and to Save by Sinclair Ferguson. Join us in person or live on the TIF YouTube channel, TIF Church FPC.

AWANA Children’s programming

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

Connect

Education Scholarships

Applications due April 15, 2025

The First Presbyterian Church’s scholarship program provides financial aid to qualified individuals seeking to attend accredited institutions of higher learning. Scholarships are primarily awarded based on need, academic potential, area of study and performance.

• Must be a communicant member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Must normally be working toward a degree in a college, university or seminary that is fully accredited by its regional accrediting association.
• Must have established and maintained a satisfactory academic record.

Previous scholarship recipients must reapply for to be eligible for consideration of a 2025-2026 school year scholarship. For more information, visit our website and download a scholarship application or contact tmoseley@firstchurchtulsa.org.

2024 Annual Report and Year in Pictures Video

First Church Tulsa's 2024 Annual Report highlights the past year in worship, ministry, discipleship, mission, and fellowship. It’s a reminder of how God is working through us—all for His glory. Be sure to watch our 2024 Year in Pictures video, capturing the faces and moments that made an impact for God’s Kingdom. Pick up your copy of the annual report at church, and contact the business office for the accompanying financial report.

Be a Greeter!

Serving on the greeting team at First Church is an easy way to get involved, meet people, and help create a welcoming atmosphere! Our new greeter team leader, Alex Dietz, is excited to help you find the perfect time and location to serve. You can choose specific Sundays that work best for you—it’s easy to start small! Be an example of Christ’s warm welcome at First Church Tulsa. Be a greeter 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 them 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.

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.

Pastor Nominating Committee

Pastor Nominating Committee Members include Elizabeth DeVore, Joel Donohue, Gary Johnson, Patrick Kirunda, Ben Peterson, Nicole Pugh, Kate Swan, Jacob Thompson, Amy Tingleaf, John Frame (Alternate), Allison Biggs (Alternate).

Please pray for wisdom and guidance for this gifted team as they diligently work through the process. To find the latest updates on the pastor transition at First Church Tulsa, visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/PastorTransition.

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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