Thursday, July 17, 2025 | E-News | Vol. 7, Issue 15 | | “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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Summer sermon series: “Life in the Spirit”
Sermon series plus weekly sessions
As summer continues, we’re taking time each week to explore what it means to live fully in step with the Holy Spirit. Through our series, Life in the Spirit, we’re turning to Scripture and time-tested spiritual disciplines—daily rhythms that open our hearts to God’s transforming work.
Each Sunday, we’re focusing on a different practice that shapes our faith and deepens our walk with Christ. So far, we’ve engaged with disciplines like Study & Meditation, Prayer, and Silence & Solitude. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue with practices such as Fasting, Worship, Submission & Service, Confession, Simplicity, Stewardship and Celebration.
Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just joining in, there’s still rich ground to cover. Come learn, grow, and be renewed.
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- Join us Sunday mornings for teaching in our worship services.
- Watch weekly videos that will help you engage personally through spiritual practices.
- Gather with others on Wednesdays at noon in Kerr Chapel for 30-minute Midweek Meetups to engage in spiritual practices together.
- Connect in prayer on Zoom on Thursdays at 8 p.m.*
*Zoom password: TIF2025
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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
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 at 11 a.m., 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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Faith & Film and The Chosen Series
Sunday mornings in July and August, 9:30 a.m., Miller Library
Make sure to join us for our all-church summer Sunday School class as we explore how faith intersects culture on the silver screen.
July 20: The Princess Bride
July 27: A Collage of Biblical Themes Through Cinema
In August, we will dive into Season 3 of The Chosen and review how scripture is messaged and depicted through this series. Pastors and lay teachers will lead our conversations at 9:30 a.m. in the Miller Library.
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Life in the Spirit: Midweek Meetups
Wednesdays at noon; Kerr Chapel
Come for a midweek meetup as Rev. Julia Metcalf and various lay leaders will be leading group practices of spiritual disciplines. All ages are welcome and invited to bring their own lunch and gather on the playground afterwards.
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Sing with the choir this summer
Sunday mornings, 10:15 a.m., Choir Room
You are invited to add your voice to the Summer Choir for the 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary service during the summer months. The only time requirement is a brief rehearsal on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. in the Choir Room. For more information, please email Gretchen Bashforth or call 918-301-1012.
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Camp Sunshine
Saturday, August 2, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Camp Loughridge
Sponsored by the Board of Deacons, Camp Sunshine is an annual event offering a memorable day camp experience for children with special needs and serious illnesses. Camp Loughridge provides the perfect setting for these children and their families to enjoy a day of fun, including crafts, boating, a giant swing, and swimming. If you can help with the event, sign up to be a volunteer.
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First Church Family Swim
Sundays through August 31, 1:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Camp Loughridge Aquatic Center
Enjoy Sunday afternoons with your First Church Tulsa family this summer at Camp Loughridge. All First Church members are welcome—bring yourself, your spouse, your kids, and friends to enjoy the newly updated pool and aquatic center at camp. For safety and supervision, children should be accompanied by a parent or adult—please no drop-offs.
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Ping Pong with a Purpose - Cookout and Tournament
Sunday, August 24, 12:30 p.m.,
Stephenson Hall and Courtyard
Get your paddles ready—it’s not too early to start practicing! Join us after the 11:00 a.m. service in Stephenson Hall for fun, fellowship, and our annual high-energy ping-pong tournament, featuring championship categories for men, women, and students of all grade levels. You’ll also learn how to get involved at Anderson Elementary through volunteer roles like Lunch Buddy, Masterwork Academy champion, and Community Night host.
Register for the tournament here.
Make a donation to support Anderson Elementary here. (Select Ping Pong with a Purpose from the drop-down menu.)
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Share a Smile, be a First Church Greeter this Summer!
Summer is the perfect season to try something new—and serving on the First Church greeting team is a simple, meaningful way to get involved. Greeters help create a warm, welcoming environment while getting to know others in the church family. Alex Dietz, our greeter team leader, will 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.
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Support the Valladolid Medical Mission Expansion (vai·uh·dow·leed)
The Sojourners Sunday School Class and the Mission Committee invite you to support one of First Church’s longest-standing mission partnerships: the medical clinic in Valladolid, Yucatán. A new $2.4 million second-floor expansion is underway, continuing the work that began with Sojourners in 2005.
A generous $1 million challenge grant from a First Church member will match gifts if the remaining funds are raised by March 2026. With $200,000 already pledged, your support can help us reach the goal.
To learn more or get involved, contact John Harper, Mission Committee Chair at (918) 497-6956, or contact Valladolid Project Co-Chairs Margaret Holdridge (918) 813-3781 or Jim Hawkins (918) 747-0897.
To give now, contact the church business office or use this giving link and select Valladolid Hospital from the dropdown list. All gifts are tax-deductible through First Presbyterian Missions. Stay tuned for more!
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Join our TV Ministry Team
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.
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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 them 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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Pastor Nominating Committee updates
On Sunday, June 15, PNC member Dr. John Frame shared an important update with the congregation about the current stage of the pastor search process and what lies ahead. If you missed it, you can still watch the update on our YouTube channel. Click here to watch on our YouTube channel.
Stay updated on the Pastor Nominating Committee’s progress by visiting the new page on our website. There, you can read member bios and track the current stage of the process.
PNC members are Allison Biggs, Joel Donohue, Gary Johnson, Patrick Kirunda, Ben Peterson, Nicole Pugh, Kate Swan, Jacob Thompson, Amy Tingleaf, and John Frame. Please pray for wisdom and guidance for this dedicated team as they work through the selection process.
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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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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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