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Thursday, September 4, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 18

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 

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

Worship

New sermon series: Christ the True and Better

September 7-November 23

In this new series, we’ll look at the lives of Old Testament figures and the ways God worked through them, seeing how each one ultimately points us to Christ and finds fulfillment in His life and work. Each week pairs an Old Testament passage with a gospel reading, while an epistle offers a theological reflection on how that figure’s story connects to Christ—leading us into a deeper time of confession and worship.

Stephenson Hall 11 a.m. contemporary service returns

Over the summer months, our schedule looked a little different, with the combining of the 11 a.m. contemporary and TIF services. The 11 a.m. contemporary service in Stephenson Hall is returning immediately following our Breakfast on Boston celebration on Sunday, September 7.

Events

Breakfast on Boston

Sunday, September 7, 9:15 a.m.; Boston Avenue

Come together at 9:15 a.m. outside on Boston Avenue for a hot breakfast and enjoy fellowship and fun activities including pony rides, balloon animals, photo booth and live music from The Creek Rocks featuring Ozark folk originals & ballads. There will be no Sunday school on this day. Avoid the lines and click here to pre-pay for meals. Prices: Adults $7, Children (ages 4–12) $4, Families $20, and children 3 and under eat free.

Lunch & Learn

Monday, September 8, 12 p.m., Room E104

Lunch and Learn, a program series for retirement-agers, is back for the fall season. September’s program will feature Joanne Pearson giving an overview of the church’s Helping Hand Ministry, which provides emergency assistance with utilities and food for Tulsans in need. We hope you will join us! To reserve your $7 lunch, please contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or use this link. Lunch payments may be paid at the door or pre-paid online.

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, September 14, following 11 a.m. worship; Sanctuary

Please join us in the Sanctuary after the 11 a.m. worship service for an important meeting to vote on the nominations of officers, trustees, deacons, and elders.

Serve-A-Palooza

Sundays, September 14, 21 and 28, Atrium and Courtyard

Come to Miller Atrium and the Courtyard on Sundays, Sept. 14, 21, and 28, before and after worship. Explore what it means to “serve the Lord with gladness” and discover where you can get grounded in our church community. Spin the wheel for inspiration and see how your gifts, skills, and interests can shape your walk as a disciple of Christ!

Matson Cup Golf Tournament

Monday, September 15, Check-in at 7:30 a.m., Tournament starts at 9 a.m. 

MeadowBrook Country Club

Join us for the 18th Annual Matson Cup Golf Tournament benefiting Helping Hand. Support our ministry’s mission to serve the most vulnerable in our community. Your registration fee includes the tournament and lunch. Register now at FirstChurchTulsa.org/golf25.

Chancel Choir back to full strength

Good news! The Chancel Choir is back to full strength! You’re welcome to stop by a rehearsal any Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Choir Room to see us in action—or even better, consider adding your voice and singing with us!

Save the date

First Church Tulsa's 140th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, October 4

Docent tours and Bell Tower tours

10:00 am. - noon (tours running concurrently and continuously)

Plus, activities for all ages, more info to come!

Sunday, October 5

Anniversary Lunch Immediately following the 11 a.m. service in Stephenson Hall

Sunday, October 5, 4 p.m.

Ron Pearson's 52nd annual organ concert

This year's annual organ concert features Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra by French composer Alexandre Guilmant. The University of Tulsa Orchestra will join as guest musicians. We hope you’ll be with us in the sanctuary for this special program. Reception following.

Join our Next Gen Music Ministry

Register today!

Kids and students have a special place in worship through music. Whether singing, ringing, or leading praise, there’s a group for every age to grow in faith and musical skill. Registration is open so sign up today!

First Church Choristers (K–4th)

Sing in worship 2–3 times each semester and take part in the Christmas Eve Nativity. Rehearsals are Sundays, 9:15–9:45 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Music Suite, beginning mid-September. Sign up for Choristers here.

Rejoice Ringers (3rd–8th)

Learn handbell skills and music reading while ringing in worship 1–2 times each semester. Meets Sundays, 8:45–9:15 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Music Suite, beginning mid-September. Sign up for Rejoice Ringers here.

Celebration Singers (Middle & High School)

Lead worship for youth events and Sunday services, collaborating with the Youth Praise Band. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00 p.m. in the Powerhouse, beginning late August. Sign up for Celebration Singers here.

Youth Praise Band (Middle & High School)

Support worship at youth events and gatherings. Meets Wednesdays, 5:00–6:00 PM in the Powerhouse, beginning late August. Contact Eric Baird at ebaird@firstchurchtulsa.org.

Classes

Upcoming weekly classes beginning the week of September 8

Men’s Monday Bible Study

12 - 1 p.m., Room E103

Join us for an informal men’s fellowship over lunch as we read and study the book of Luke, growing together in understanding and application of God’s Word. Reserve and prepay for your lunch here.

Precept Bible Study

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. They will study 1, 2 and 3 John and explore answers to these questions as they consider the fundamentals of Christian beliefs.

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

Wednesdays, 11:30 – 1:00 p.m., Room E103, 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 will also be 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.

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Second Monday of each month

Begins Monday, September 15, 6:30 p.m., Miller Library

Women of all ages are welcome to join us in this new semester as we explore the profound practice of prayer. Through monthly teachings and conversations, we will uncover the beauty and essential role of prayer in our faith journeys. Whether you are a first-time visitor, or long-time member, we hope to see you there!

GriefShare grief recovery program

13-week course from Sept. 10-Dec. 10 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 First Church members, Rick Priest and Kathy Wilson, each session consists of a video presentation, a review of the workbook lesson for that week, and facilitated group discussion. While it’s most helpful to attend every session, the videos are available online for participants who can’t attend every class. Cost is $20 which includes the required workbook. Register online, email Kathy Wilson or call 918-301-1029.

Wednesday Night Downtown Fall 2025

Restarting Wednesday, September 10

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

Adult classes include:

Stealing Past the Watchful Dragons: Lessons from C.S. Lewis

Led by Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library 

In this class we will explore the literary works of C.S. Lewis, beginning with the Chronicles of Narnia. Stories have a unique ability to shape our hearts and minds, and perhaps nowhere do we see this more profoundly than in the works of Lewis. Together, we will explore the thought and theology of Lewis and the power of stories to convey these great truths. No prior knowledge of his books required!

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, we’ll explore 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; Room E100

A five-week course covering end-of-life planning: wills, directives, healthcare decisions, and care for loved ones—with an eternal perspective in Christ. Speakers include Bob Farris, Dr. John Frame, Kathy Wilson, James Munuhe, Denise Rounds, and one of the pastors.

Awana 2025-2026

Begins Wednesday, September 10, 6 p.m., Children's Area

Sign up today for Awana! It’s a fun, Bible-centered program where children learn God’s Word, build lasting friendships, and enjoy games and activities each week. Awana helps kids hide God’s truth in their hearts while growing in faith and love for Jesus. For more information contact Director of Children’s Ministries Sarah Savage.

Give & Serve

Petra Kids Fundraiser

Wines From Around the World

Friday, September 26, 6-8 p.m., AMC Mortgage, 7211 S. Yale Ave.

Petra Kids Ministries presents Wines From Around the World, an evening of global flavors, delicious pairings, live music, and community. Proceeds from the event will support Petra Kids Ministries in providing education, healthcare, housing, spiritual development, nutrition and hope to students in Uganda. Tickets are available Sept. 14 and 21 in the Atrium or anytime at petrakids.org. Petra Kids Ministries is a 501(c)(3) organization.

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.

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.

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.

TV Ministry Team opportunities

Gain valuable video and broadcast experience while helping us reach thousands of TV and internet viewers each week. We’re looking for students and adults to volunteer in this important ministry. For more information, email Alex Pennell, TV/Video Manager, or call 314-607-1032.

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

New: 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. Click here to watch members of the PNC update the congregation during worship on August 24.

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.

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