Tuesday, September 20, 2022 | First Church E-News | Vol. 4, Issue 18

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.

–John 14:1 NRSV

We are blessed to have so many wonderful events.

Be sure to scroll down for weekly classes and worship.

Pastor’s Study with Dr. Jim Miller

Wednesdays, 11 a.m. lunch, program 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Room E104

Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall

Dr. J.I. Packer’s classic, “Knowing Christianity,” serves as the driver of this class. Pay for Wednesday lunch and obtain more information online.

Wednesday Night Downtown

Wednesdays, dinner at 5:15 p.m., classes at 6:15 p.m.

Join us for dinner in Stephenson Hall and stay for a class. Classes include:

Glimpsing the Glory of God; Stephenson Hall

Dr. Miller is joined by experts to investigate how the first days of creation demonstrate clear evidence of God’s mighty hand and amazing ingenuity. This study concludes on November 9, 2022.

• September 21, Day 1 – Light: presented by Jerry McCoy, applied professor of physics.
• September 28, Day 2 – Water and sky: presented by Adam Smith, civil engineer and Michael Grogan, meteorologist.
• October 5, Day 3 – Dry ground and vegetation: presented by Ted Beaumont, geologist and Bette Cromer, Linnaeus gardener.

Seekers with Rev. Wambugu Gachungi; Room E104

We are studying Leviticus. September 21 class to be led by Greg Fisher and September 28 by Patrick Kirunda.

AWANA

Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center (Register online)

Pathfinders on Wednesday

Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse

AMASS Exodus

Wednesdays 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse

Atrium Art presents “The Calling of Lazarus” by Ross Wilson

Exhibit on display now.

Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

"The Calling of Lazarus" is an exhibition of paintings depicting the rebirth of Lazarus as Jesus calls him to, “Come out!" The portraits show Lazarus as he is resurrected. The exhibition is free of charge and docent tours are available by calling the church at 918-584-4701.

“The Sisterhood” tour of the Gathering Place

Wednesday, September 28; 10 a.m.; Gathering Place, William Lodge

“The Sisterhood,” First Church’s fellowship group for widows, is taking a docent tour of the Gathering Place including information about monarch migration and pollinators. Those who would like to carpool should meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. Those driving themselves should plan to meet outside the Williams Lodge at 10:00 a.m. RSVP by September 23 with Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029.

“Raising Emotionally Strong Boys” book study

Thursdays, September 29, October 13 and October 27; 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E101

This book study runs through December 1. Bring your own lunch and book for this study. For questions contact Sarah Savage at 918-584-4701.

Deacons’ Days of Care

Saturdays in October 2022

Volunteer to work with Deacons to help members with yard work and home projects. Sign up to volunteer or request a team to visit your home by contacting Adam Smith at 918-633-1710 or Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029.

First Family Dinner

Sunday, October 2, 12:15 p.m.; Stephenson Hall & Courtyard

Join us after the World Communion Sunday unified service for a delicious lunch with your First Family. Adults $9, Children $5, Family $22. Pay in advance online.

Book Table Annual Sale

Sunday, October 9; 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Atrium Book Table

Choose from an array of titles on sale for $1 to $5. Autumn is a great season to curl up with a cup of coffee and a great book on theology, Christian living, prayer or spiritual formation. 

Ron Pearson’s 49th Annual Organ Concert and reception

Sunday, October 9, 4 p.m.; Sanctuary

This year’s concert includes TU’s Chamber Orchestra performing “Concerto for Organ and String Orchestra,” by Canadian composer Denis Bedard. All are invited to stay for a reception following. More information here.

Seasons - A Women's Gathering

Second Mondays monthly, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Stephenson Hall

Gather with women from all seasons of life to connect and be transformed by the Word and presence of God. 1 John is the focus of study. In addition, there are three monthly offshoots shown below. Reach out to Rev. Julia Metcalf or Sarah Savage at 918-584-4701 with any questions.

• Seasons offshoot study – Major Themes of the Bible with Sarah Savage, Third Monday of the month, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.; E100
• Seasons offshoot study – Deep Dive into 1 John with Rev. Julia Metcalf, Third Monday of the month, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.; E101
• Seasons offshoot study - Mom’s Group with Sarah Savage, Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 22 & Dec. 6, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.; New Member Room 206

K Groups

Meets monthly; times and locations vary

Beginning October 16, we will begin a study of E. James Wilder’s book, “Renovated: God, Dallas Willard, and the Church that Transforms.” If you would like to join a small group, please contact Philip Bowman at 918-630-1786.

Pathfinder Fall Retreat

Friday – Sunday, October 21 – 23; New Life Ranch Frontier Cove

Pathfinders, our middle school group, is embarking on a weekend retreat to step away and be with God as well as have fun. The morning time will be spent enjoying God’s creation and reflecting on it. In the afternoon free time, there will be a Nerf war shootout, hatchet throwing, slingshots and more. The cost is $125. Click here for more information.

Inquirers’ Class for newcomers

Sundays October 23, 30, November 6, & 13, 9:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.; Miller Library

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. For more information contact Patricia Hall at 918-301-1028.

Confirmation class

Starting October 26, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Powerhouse

Confirmation is for all freshmen and other high school youth interested in exploring their faith. As confirmands, these students will embark on a six-month journey that includes lessons and small group discussions about different aspects of our faith. Please register by October 23 here and the cost for confirmation is $30. For questions contact Steve Wilson at 918-301-1007.

Save the date!

Fall Festival

Sunday, October 30, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Camp Loughridge

Come out to Camp Loughridge to celebrate friends and family with fun activities for all ages. The First Church Pitmasters are preparing barbeque and there are hayrides, music, trunk or treat and more fun. If you would like to volunteer to help with the event team, please contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019. For information click here.

Save the date!

Camp Loughridge fundraiser “Bonfire of Belonging”

Friday, November 4, 2022, 6 p.m.; Camp Loughridge

Save the date for this fundraiser, including a BBQ dinner and auction benefiting the Lakeside Sanctuary project.

Monday School with Rev. Wally Johnson

Mondays, beginning September 26, lunch at 11:30 a.m., lesson at noon; Kirkland Library

You are invited to a journey of exploring how a holy God enters into relationships with unholy people in our study of Leviticus from the Old Testament. To pay for lunch or for more information click here.

Little Lambs

Mondays, 10 a.m.; Bernsen Gym

For children ages birth to pre-school. Click here for more information.

Precept Bible study led by Denise Rounds

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

Currently studying the book of James. Information here.

Downtown Theological Roundtable

Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Room 204

Discuss Soren Kierkegaard’s “Fear and Trembling.” Click here for information.

UKirk College Ministry

“Gather” and “Grow” is for adults 18-24 and led by Rev. Julia Metcalf. Follow UKirk on Instagram.

• “Gather” meets Tuesdays at 4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Sharp Chapel on TU’s campus.
• “Grow” meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m.; E104.

Young Adults

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.; locations vary

Social gatherings for adults in their 20’s and 30’s. Click here for information and contact.

• September 22, Game night, Julia Metcalf's house
• October 27, Pumpkin party, Elizabeth Devore's house
• November 10, Bonfire, Michael Grogan's house

New Testament overview with Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Sundays, starting September 25; 9:30 a.m.; Room E104

Young Adults and UKirk will also be meeting in this class.

This class will explore major themes, authors, and contexts of the New Testament, how it all fits together, its relation to the Old Testament and what it reveals about the person and work of Christ.

Volunteer with children on Sunday mornings

Sign up by email

Volunteer one or more Sunday mornings each month in our children’s classes and help guide our young ones through stories, crafts, games and more. We are building up our regular volunteer and substitute lists and need your help. Email Sarah Savage, director of First Church Kids, to learn more.

World Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 2, 11 a.m.; Sanctuary

Gather on this Festival Sunday for one unified worship service in the Sanctuary. Afterwards, join us for First Family Dinner in Stephenson Hall and the Courtyard. Get information and pay online. 

Regular weekly worship services

See all scheduled worship and classes on our event calendar.

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 worship at home:

• Cox Cable Channel 3 at 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• Facebook__
• YouTube__

Member support and updates

Please notify the church if there is a pastoral need, change of address or phone number or other important family news. The phone number is 918-584-4701. Or you can email or call Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029. For prayer, you can also contact Paula Peterson with the Guild of Intercessors at 918-296-5548 or text 918-688-2163.