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Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 2

“Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples.” – 1 Chronicles 16:24

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

Sermon Series: Kingdom Living

This year, we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7. In these verses, Jesus lays out the nature of the good life and what it means to live in the Kingdom He is establishing. Ultimately, these verses are an invitation to walk with Jesus. It is a call to deeper relationship, deeper dependence, and deeper love for the one who first loved us.

Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring 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.

Save the date:

Lenten Small Groups

This year, we will gather in small groups during the six weeks of Lent to journey through the story of salvation together, culminating in small group Seder dinners. We are excited to see this new model take shape and trust it will be a meaningful and special time for your groups and families to grow closer to Christ. Stay tuned for more information!

Events

Watch January Series online

Hear daily lectures from January 20-31

While First Church is not hosting January Series at the church this year, you're invited to watch online at Calvin.edu/January. The January Series is a free, 10-day event filled with brilliant speakers, fascinating topics, and enlightened conversation. Prominent academics, educators, artists, activists, and others present thought-provoking lectures in their areas of expertise. The January Series aims to foster education, civic engagement, and open inquiry to build a community of lifelong learners who actively work to create a better and more inclusive world.

2025 Chili Cook-Off

Benefitting Anderson Elementary

Sunday, January 26, 12:15 p.m.; Atrium

Bring your appetite and get ready for the showdown —it’s time for a flavorful competition! Come taste the best chili recipes from over 20 chefs vying to win the popular vote. This year promises mouthwatering creations for you to taste—all while supporting Anderson Elementary. Every dollar raised helps the Anderson Elementary community with essentials like uniforms, coats, incentive prizes, and transportation for field trips. See you there!

Newcomer Gathering

Sunday, January 26, 9:30 a.m., Miller Library

Whether you are brand new to First Church or have been worshipping with us for a while, join us for coffee, bagels and fellowship as we get to know one another and learn more about First Church! Register here.

First Church Membership Class

Sunday, February 2, 9 & 16, 9 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 member of First Church, and equip you with resources, support, and activities to help you grow in your relationship with Christ here at First Church. Register here.

Grief Share

13-week grief recovery program

Begins Wednesday, February 5, 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Miller Library

Grief Share, the world’s #1 grief recovery program, is now being offered at First Church. This program helps those dealing with grief move toward healing. Each session includes a 30-minute video featuring grief recovery experts sharing their experiences and insights, followed by facilitated discussions. Participants receive a personal workbook aligned with the videos and discussion topics. The topics covered address sadness, loneliness, anger, regrets, fear, anxiety, relationships, questions for God, hope and resilience. The cost is $20. Sign up and pre-pay online or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to register.

American Guild of Organists Concert

Friday, February 7, 7 p.m.; Sanctuary

Music lovers are invited to a special organ concert, sponsored by the Tulsa Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Join us in the sanctuary to enjoy performances by five talented organ students from Oklahoma City University and the University of Oklahoma. This free event is open to all.

Youth Sunday / Phil Marshall Souper Bowl of Caring

Sunday, February 9

In addition to youth leading worship on Youth Sunday, it's also the day of our yearly fundraiser, Souper Bowl of Caring. This national event encourages youth groups and churches across the country to raise funds to help combat hunger in their cities. This year, donations will go to our local mission partner, Helping Hand Ministry, in honor of Phil Marshall, long term volunteer/treasurer of the ministry who recently retired.

Spiritual Retreat with Rev. Julia Metcalf

Resting in God’s Unconditional Love

Saturday, February 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Miller Library

Discover the beauty of abiding in God’s unconditional love at our upcoming spiritual retreat. Reflect on John 15:9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love,” and take time to rest in His goodness. The retreat includes teaching, reflection, and fellowship, with a continental breakfast and lunch provided. Cost is $10. RSVP by Thursday, February 6. Register online or contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019.

Classes and 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

Bible Art Journaling Watercolor Class

Led by Mary Lee Weaver

Tuesdays, February 18-March 25, 12:30-2:30 p.m.; Tower Room

This class will use “The Illustrating Bible: Psalms and Proverbs” to explore the depth and beauty of God’s Word while engaging in a guided creative process. Printable illustrations will be provided, and no drawing skills are required. Participants will need to bring colored pencils and purchase the Bible online (a link will be provided during registration). The class fee is $10, and pre-registration is required. Space is limited to 15 participants, so register early!

Wednesday Night Downtown

Dinner at 5:15 p.m. in Stephenson Hall; classes start at 6:15 p.m. Prepay for dinner here.

You're invited to a refreshing midweek gathering at First Church Tulsa’s Wednesday Night Downtown. New adult classes, along with programs for youth and children, are resuming. We look forward to seeing you there!

Faith Foundations: What We Believe

Led by pastors and lay leaders, Miller Library

Do you need a refresher course on what you learned in confirmation class years ago? Each week we will discuss topics such as: the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit), the Bible, Our Condition and God’s Solution, Jesus as Lord, Baptism and Communion, The Great Ends of the Church, Tenets of the Reformation, and Spiritual Disciplines.

Wellness & Worship: Yoga & Nutrition Classes 

Led by certified yoga instructor, Holly Hughes

January 8 - February 26, Bernsen Building, first floor reception area

Get and stay fit in the New Year! Certified instructor Holly Hughes will lead yoga sessions focused on breathing, stretching, and relaxation, combined with worship to deepen your connection to Christ. The cost is $40 for the 8-week series, Registration is required, register online. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat. All fitness levels are welcome.

Seekers Bible Study

Led by Elder Patrick Kirunda, Room E104

This is an in-depth study of the Sunday morning sermon scriptures. Come enjoy praying together and studying the Bible while engaging in lively questions and discussions.

NEXT GEN PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN

AMASS Exodus

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

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

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

Presbyterian Women January Mission

Presbyterian Women’s January mission project is Anderson Elementary School. They are collecting pencils, crayons, erasers, copy paper, white construction paper, boxes of tissues, and disinfectant wipes. Please place items in the black PW mission container, which will be in the atrium on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Connect

Be a Greeter!

Serving on the greeting team at First Church is an easy way to get involved while meeting people and making a difference in the atmosphere at church! You can choose specific times on certain Sundays you would like to greet. It's easy to start small and choose a time and location that works best for you! Be an example of the warm and welcoming presence of Christ at First Church Tulsa. Be a greeter this Sunday! Sign up here.

Education Scholarships

Applications due April 15, 2025

The First Presbyterian Church 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 scholarship for 2025-2026 school year. For more information, visit our website and download a scholarship application or contact tmoseley@firstchurchtulsa.org.

Applications for summer internship

Are you a college student who loves God and enjoys working with youth? Next Generation Ministries is now receiving applications for its summer youth ministry internship program! Find our more and download the application on the First Church website.

Mission Study Report

Session has approved the 2024 Mission Study Report which is now available to the congregation.Thank you to the Mission Study Team for their diligent work planning, gathering information and creating the report that will be an integral tool for First Church during the pastor transition process.

What’s next in the pastoral transition process?

Visit the pastor transition page on our website for information about the process, including answers to frequently asked questions, the most recent updates and even a transition roadmap showing where we are in the process.

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