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Wednesday, October 23, 2024 | E-News | Vol. 6, Issue 22

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

 

Every Member Counts, Every Gift Counts.

2025 Stewardship Campaign


Malachi 3:10 reminds us to bring our whole tithe into the storehouse and trust that God will provide. Please join us in trusting God and let us know your estimate of giving. The Stewardship campaign wraps up on November 17, so send your pledge soon. Your estimate is essential to our ability to budget the church's ministries and mission work. Look for the packet that will arrive to your mailbox this week!


Easy ways to make to make your pledge:

  • Visit FirstChurchTulsa.org/Stewardship25 to submit your estimate online.
  • Drop your completed form in the offering plate on Sunday.
  • Mail your form using the enclosed envelope to the church.


No gift is too small. Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for prayerfully considering your estimate of giving.

♦ Events ♦ Worship ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Events

Fall Festival 2024

Sunday, Oct. 27, 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Camp Loughridge


Mark your calendars to 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 will be inflatables, hayrides, and trunk or treat. Avoid the lines and prepay for your meal online.

See you there!

Beauty-Centric Faith with Dr. Wes Vander Lugt

Learning and breathing in beauty

Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3


Guest speaker and friend of First Church, Dr. Wes Vander Lugt, will deliver a special message on Saturday evening and also preach and teach during Sunday morning services. Throughout his talks, Wes will help us explore the deep connection between faith and beauty. You'll have the opportunity to join in thought-provoking discussions and moments of reflection to rediscover beauty in Scripture, art and discipleship.


Saturday, November 2

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Great Hall, Lecture: “The Bible as a Beauty-Centric Story.”


Sunday, November 3

8 a.m. in Kerr Chapel and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary, Sermon: “Beauty Out of Dust”

9:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall, Lecture: “Discipleship as a Beauty-centric Journey”

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Miller Library, Reception and book signing

Camp Loughridge Fall Fundraiser - Viva La Loughridge

Saturday, November 9, 6 p.m., Temple Conference Center, Camp Loughridge


This festive evening will raise funds for the Kids to Camp Scholarship Fund and Challenge Course upgrades at Camp Loughridge. Join us for appetizers, a silent auction, dessert auction and raffle, followed by dinner and a short program with guest speakers.

Come in your colorful casual attire and enjoy dinner and fellowship for a good cause! For more information and to register, click here.

Spiritual Disciplines Retreat

Saturday, November 9, 8:30 a.m., Camp Loughridge Lodge


Join us for a quiet day of reflection led by Rev. Julia Metcalf. In the midst of life's busyness and challenges, take time to refresh, restore, renew, and draw close to the Lord. Cost: $10 (includes breakfast and lunch). Register by Nov. 1 online or contact Laura Stevens at lstevens@firstchurchtulsa.org or 918-301-1019.

Chancel Choir Fall Concert

Sunday, November 17, 5 p.m., Sanctuary


Join the Chancel Choir as they present selections from Part 1 of Messiah, by GF Handel, featuring a professional orchestra and soloists. Favorite movements include: And the Glory of the Lord, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, Glory to God, and the iconic soprano aria, Rejoice Greatly. The music of Handel will lead us into the Advent and Christmas season! A reception will follow in the Miller Atrium.

Young Adult Worship Night

Saturday, November 16, 8 p.m., Courtyard


All are welcome as the Young Adult Ministry hosts an evening of acoustic worship outside in the Courtyard with music led by Eric Baird and the contemporary worship team. More information to come.

Christmas Eve Nativity 2024

Registration is now open–rehearsals begin October 27


Register your student for the Christmas Eve Nativity! Rehearsals for K-12 students begin Sunday, Oct. 27, from 8:45 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Grades K-4 meet in the West Parlor; grades 5-12 in the 3rd floor choir room. Children ages 3-4 join rehearsals in late December. Roles include speaking, non-speaking, solos and choral singing—something for everyone!

The Nativity will be presented at the 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service, with a concert of the music at the BOK Center on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Worship

Reformation Sunday

Sunday, October 27, 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary


Our Presbyterian heritage will be celebrated with glorious music, including horns, handbells and David Marshall on the bagpipes.

All Saints’ Day worship and luncheon

Friday, November 1, 11 a.m.; Kerr Chapel


This is a day to honor and remember loved ones who have died during the prior 12 months. The Deacons will host a light lunch after the service. Make your reservation for lunch online or call Kathy Wilson 918-301-1029.

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

Watch online

Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter


Traditional worship

Cox Cable Ch. 3 at 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Facebook

YouTube


Tulsa International Fellowship worship

Facebook

YouTube


See all other scheduled worship and classes on our website event calendar.

 
 

Recurring classes and events

Grouped by day, Sunday through Saturday. View details on our website calendar.

UKirk and Young Adult Sunday school

12 Essentials Doctrines to Transform Your Life

Sundays, 9:30 a.m., E201

Men’s Monday Bible Study

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

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Monday, November 11, 6:30 p.m., Miller Library

Precept Bible Study - The Gospel of John

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; E100

Watercolor the Word Fall Session

Tuesdays, 9:45 a.m.; Tower Room

Wednesday Night Downtown

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

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

Church History: A look at the early Christian Church

With Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library


Come as we explore, study, and consider the history of the church, key leaders through the years, and essential doctrines such as: the trinity, the dual nature of Christ, and the formation of the Biblical Canon. We are also studying the Reformation and what makes us distinctive within the larger Christian tradition.

Seekers Bible Study - “The Gospel of Matthew”

With Rev. Wambugu Gachungi, Room E104


An in-depth study of the Sunday morning sermon scriptures. Come and enjoy praying together, studying the Bible, and engaging in lively questions and discussions.

Food, Farming, and Faith: Voices from the Agricultural Margins

With Rev. James Estes and David Lepine, Room E103


How can our food choices reflect our faith? This question is explored through the voices of community members engaged in regenerative farming, along with learning, reflecting, and discussing how we might honor God not only in what we eat, but in how we contribute to the food system. What does it mean to nourish our community in a way that cares for creation and respects our shared heritage? Through a series of presentations and discussions, we delve into these important questions. Watch previous sessions of this class here.


Weekly speakers:

October 23: John 3:16–Rodney Frazier

October 30: John 3:16–Hollie Dalenberg

November 6: Green Country Permaculture–James Spicer

November 13: Green Belt Farm–Jackson Seibert

November 20: Wrap-Up

December 4: Nathan Pickard–Tulsa Assessor / 9B

Chancel Choir rehearsal

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Choir room

 

NEXT GEN PROGRAMMING FOR YOUTH AND CHILDREN

AMASS Exodus

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

Pathfinders on Wednesday (P.O.W.)

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

AWANA Clubs

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the Children’s Area

 

Hearts for the Lord Bible Study

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; Room E313

Presbyterian Women

  • Project Days - First and fourth Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Project Room, fourth floor
  • Esther Circle - Third Thursday monthly at 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
  • Soup Group - Third Thursday monthly at noon; Miller Library
  • Priscilla Circle - First Wednesday monthly at 6:30 p.m.; Room E204


Presbyterian Women October Mission


Presbyterian Women’s October mission is collecting items and funds for the Day Center for the Homeless. Please place hats, scarves, coats, sweaters, new underwear, women’s hygiene products and adult-sized socks in the PW mission container found in the Atrium. Donation checks should be made out to Presbyterian Women and placed in the clear donation box on the reception desk on Sundays. 

Parenting Book Discussion and Brown Bag Lunch

Thursday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Room 100

 

Join Sarah Savage, Director of Children’s Ministries, for a Parenting Book Discussion and Brown Bag Lunch. We will dive into the essential topic of setting boundaries, inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend's book, Boundaries, and the new book, Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. These sessions will offer practical insights on how to establish healthy limits and how to foster a balanced and respectful family dynamic. Bring your lunch and be prepared for an engaging conversation on this crucial aspect of parenting. The next classes will meet Nov. 7, Nov. 21, Dec. 5 and Dec. 19.

 

Connect

 

First Church Winter Membership Class

Sunday, November 3 & 10, 9 a.m.-10:45 a.m.; Miller Library


Interested in becoming a member? Even if you didn't attend the Newcomer Gathering, please register for these two fall membership classes. Led by facilitators and pastors, these classes will guide you through what it means to be a member of First Church, while equipping you with resources, support, and activities to help you grow in your relationship with Christ here at First Church. Register for our fall membership classes here.

The Transition Podcast with Rev. Julia Metcalf

New episode released on YouTube


Looking for an update on the pastor transition at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa?

In Episode 15 of The Transition Podcast, Rev. Julia Metcalf chats with First Church member Denise Rounds about her involvement in the church and with the Pastor Nominating Committee. She sheds light on the upcoming steps of the pastor transition process. Watch it on YouTube here.

Deacons Home Care Ministry

Now accepting requests from First Church members


Need assistance with yard work, minor home repairs or maintenance tasks? Formerly only twice a year, Deacons Days of Care is now accepting requests year-round from First Church members. Email Kathy Wilson, call 918-301-1029 or submit your request online. A team leader will follow up to discuss specifics and scheduling.

First Friends in the Pews

Sundays in the Atrium, 15 minutes before each worship service


Join us as we show intentional hospitality to Sunday visitors. This group fosters a mindset of hospitality in all elements of our worship and focus our hearts to be inwardly strong and outwardly focused. In preparation for welcoming newcomers and visitors, the First Friends in the Pews group gathers to pray before each worship service. For more information, email Emma Myatt or call (918) 857-5652.

What’s next in the pastoral transition process?


Please 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 our current stage of the process. For additional questions, email the Mission Study Team at FPCtransition@FirstChurchTulsa.org.

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.

Important links: