Friday, January 9, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 1 | | “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect
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Sermon series: Responding to Christmas
Sundays through February 15
The incarnation is perhaps the most disruptive moment in human history! God becomes human, and dwells among His people. In this series, we will explore the varied responses to Christ’s birth, what they say about who Christ is, and how they both challenge and encourage us in our lives of faith. We invite you as we worship and dive into scripture together every Sunday at First Church Tulsa.
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Weekly worship services
Saturdays, 9 a.m.
TIF Prayer meeting in the Great Hall
Sundays, 8 a.m.
Traditional worship in Kerr Chapel
Sundays, 8:30 a.m.
Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
Sundays, 11 a.m.
Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
International worship in the Great Hall
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Watch online
Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter
Traditional worship
Cox Cable Ch. 3 Live at 11 a.m., and replayed at 5 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Live on Facebook and YouTube
Tulsa International Fellowship worship
Live on Facebook and YouTube
See more at our website event calendar.
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Seasons Women's Gathering
Monday, January 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Miller Library
You’re invited to be cozy at the first Seasons Women’s Gathering of 2026. Wear your jammies and settle in for an evening of fun, fellowship, and prayer as we begin the year together. As we reset our prayer life for the new year, Rachael Vaughan will lead an engaging discussion on The Science of Prayer. Expect a thoughtful and encouraging conversation that invites reflection, curiosity, and hope. Women of all ages and stages are welcome. We’ll save a seat for you—hope to see you there.
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Newcomer Gathering
Sunday, January 18, 9:30 a.m.; Miller Library
Are you a new or longtime visitor, or just want to find out more about our church? Join us for light breakfast and fellowship as you explore life at First Church.
- Learn what it means to become a member
- Discover opportunities to get involved
- Ask questions in a relaxed setting
- Connect with other newcomers and longtime members
This event is not just for newcomers! First Church members: make a plan to stop by and greet these newcomers. A warm welcome, friendly conversation, and simple hospitality are some of the easiest ways to be an ambassador for the church and help our guests feel at home. For more information or to RSVP, email Emma Myatt.
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News from the front
Special guest speaker Dr. Ivan Rusyn
President of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary Weekend of January 24-25, First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa
Saturday, January 24 6:30 p.m., Stephenson Hall, Town Hall Conversation
Come hear Dr. Rusyn speak about God’s presence and faithfulness amid trial.
Sunday, January 25
8 a.m., Sermon, Kerr Chapel 9:30 a.m., Lecture & Discussion, Stephenson Hall
11 a.m., Sermon, Sanctuary
Dr. Ivan Rusyn returns to First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa following his widely attended 2023 visit, when he shared firsthand reflections from the early days of the war in Ukraine.
This year, he will provide an update on the state of the evangelical church and theological education in Ukraine, and how it is shaped by years of ongoing conflict. Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Rusyn will reflect on how suffering has deepened themes of faith, reconciliation, justice, prayer, and hope; and how Christ’s presence continues to sustain the Church in uncertain times. All are encouraged to attend.
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Annual Chili Cook-Off: Sunday, January 25
Donations support our mission at Anderson Elementary
Calling all chili cooks! Share your best recipe and compete for the Most Popular Chili, Judges’ Choice or Most Creative awards. To enter, contact Cindy DeVore at 918-630-2626. Every cook will receive a long-sleeve Chili Cook-Off t-shirt as a thank-you for participating.
Everyone is invited to come enjoy warm fellowship, sample a variety of homemade chilis and vote with event “fun money” sold that day. Funds raised through the Most Popular Chili vote support grocery food boxes for Anderson Community Nights, along with uniforms, coats and other essential needs for Anderson Elementary families—strengthening our ongoing partnership while bringing our church community together.
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GriefShare grief recovery program
13-week series from January 28 through April 22
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 p.m., Room E104
GriefShare is a Christ-centered grief recovery program for people who have lost a loved one. Led by Kathy Wilson and Rick Priest, every session consists of a video presentation, a review of the workbook lesson for that week, and facilitated group discussion. The required workbook is included in the $20 cost, payable at the first meeting. Participants may join the course at any time during the cycle. While it’s most helpful to attend every session, the videos are available online for participants who can’t attend every class. To register, go to Griefshare.org and click on “Find a Group”. Or, contact Kathy Wilson at kwilson@firstchurchtulsa.org or 918-301-1029.
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First Church Membership Class
Sundays, February 8, 15 and 22 9:30-10:45 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.
February 8: Membership Class 1 in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m.
(Please bring completed attached New Member Form, or submit prior)
February 15: Membership Class 2 in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m.
February 22: Membership Class 3 in Miller Library at 9:30 a.m.
March 1: Covenant Service in Kerr Chapel at 9:30 a.m. (Officially join the church and be introduced during your worship service, followed by a cookie reception. Meet in Miller Library 15 minutes before worship to receive your carnation.)
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Presbyterian Women January Mission
The 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.
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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.
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Precept Bible Study - Matthew
Beginning Tuesday, January 20, 9:30 a.m., Room E102
Our January 2026 session will focus on Matthew chapters 1–13, examining the identity of the promised Messiah—the King who fulfills the throne of David—along with the nature of His kingdom and the character of those who live under His reign. We invite you to dive deeply into Scripture and discover these truths together.
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Wednesday Night Downtown Winter 2026
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:
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Created for Connection:
How to build Christ-centered, healthy relationships rooted in trust and love
6:15-7:30 p.m., Miller Library
Dr. Tom Philp, LPC, therapist at Stonebridge Couples, explores God’s design for healthy, life-giving relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners by integrating biblical wisdom with sound psychological insight. Through Scripture, discussion, and practical reflection, participants will learn how attachment, emotional awareness, boundaries, forgiveness, and repair shape our ability to love well. The class emphasizes Christ-centered relationships marked by trust, that weaves its way through each discussion.
- Session 2, Jan. 14: Couples - Healthy Relationships: A special focus is given to the rupture and repair process—how misunderstandings, hurt, and disconnection are inevitable, but also how God uses repair to deepen intimacy, trust, and resilience.
- Session 3, Jan. 21: Understanding Personality & Behavior Dynamics Within the Family: This class invites participants to examine their stories with compassion and truth, discovering how God works through family systems to bring healing, growth, and restoration. Together, we will explore how Christ-centered awareness can help break generational patterns, strengthen communication, and cultivate healthier relationships within families.
- Session 4, Jan. 28: Fear Not – Anxiety's Grip: Anxiety has become one of the most common struggles of our time, impacting individuals, families, and communities in ways previous generations did not experience. This class explores anxiety through both biblical wisdom and sound psychological insight, helping participants understand why anxiety is so prevalent today and how faith and science together offer pathways toward peace, resilience, and hope.
- Session 5, Feb. 4: Communicating Needs & Boundaries: This class invites adults to explore how to set healthy, Christ-centered boundaries while still practicing forgiveness and pursuing reconciliation. Many believers struggle to know where love ends and self-sacrifice becomes harmful, or how to forgive without enabling unhealthy patterns. Drawing from Scripture and sound psychological principles, this class clarifies the difference between boundaries, walls, and reconciliation.
- Session 6, Feb. 11: Decision Making & Discernment: Every stage of life brings important decisions—some small and daily, others life-shaping. This class explores how to make wise, Christ-centered decisions as individuals, as couples, within families, and while caring for both children and aging loved ones.
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Seekers Bible Study
6:15 - 7:30 p.m., E104
Rev. Wambugu leads us through the remarkable book of Esther, a Jewish woman who, by relying on God’s divine providence, courageously saves her people from annihilation of the Persian empire.
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Awana Children's Ministry
Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Children's Area
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AMASS Exodus
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse
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Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Powerhouse
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Chancel Choir rehearsal
Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Choir Room
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Hearts for the Lord
Thursdays, 10 a.m., Room E313
This class is 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Update your contact information
Have you moved or changed your phone number or email address recently? Please take a moment to update your information on your profile in the Realm Connect app, or contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to share your new details. Keeping our records current helps us stay connected and serve you better.
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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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