Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | E-News | Vol. 8, Issue 9 | | “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” –Romans 12:12 | |
♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Give & Serve ♦ Connect
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Journey through The Story of Jesus as we explore the life and ministry of Christ through some of the most beloved stories in Scripture, told with the simplicity and clarity of The Jesus Storybook Bible. Follow along with the series by purchasing a copy at the book table in the Atrium.
From calming storms and feeding crowds to welcoming children and opening blind eyes, each week we’ll trace the unfolding story of the Savior who came to rescue, restore and reign. Through these narrative sermons, we’ll rediscover familiar moments in Jesus’ life with fresh eyes and renewed awe for Jesus Christ.
Join us Sundays through Aug. 16 for this church-wide summer series brought to you by our First Church pastors as well as guest preachers. It will be a rich journey through the stories of our Redeemer.
Sermon topics for May:
May 10: A Little Girl and a Poor Frail Lady–Luke 8
May 17: Message from Pastor Candidate, see below
May 24: God Sends Help–Acts 1-2
May 31: How to pray–Matthew 6/Luke 11
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Festival Sunday & Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 17, One combined worship, 11 a.m.; Sanctuary
Congregational meeting following worship
Last Sunday, the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) shared the joyful news that they have identified a nominee for our next senior pastor, completing months of prayerful discernment and receiving approval from the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. Watch their message from worship on 5/1/2026.
Sunday, May 17 will be a Festival Sunday when the nominee leads us in worship at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Immediately following the service, there will be a congregational meeting to learn more about the nominee and then vote to extend the call for him to serve as senior pastor.
To protect the nominee’s current ministry, his identity will remain confidential until that day, when a full introduction and information packet will be shared. The PNC expressed gratitude for the congregation’s prayers and support and invites continued prayer as the church prepares for this important step.
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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 and
International worship in the Great Hall (summer schedule starting May 3)
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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., Live on Facebook and YouTube
Tulsa International Fellowship worship, Live on Facebook and YouTube
See all other scheduled worship and classes on our website event calendar.
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Lunch & Learn
Presentations on topics of interest to retirement-agers
Monday, May 11, 12 p.m., Room E104
This month’s Lunch & Learn will feature a presentation on First Church’s new hymnals. Director of Music Ron Pearson will introduce the updated hymnals, explain the process by which Session and the Worship and Music Committee arrived at the decision to replace the hymnals that have served First Church for 35 years, and highlight the benefits of these enhanced collections of traditional and newer hymns already being used in worship.
Click here to RSVP for lunch, or contact Grace Masaku at 918-301-1029 or email gmasaku@firstchurchtulsa.org. Lunch is $7, payable in advance at registration or at the door.
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Glimpses of Grace
Sundays in June; 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
For three decades, members of First Church have shared personal testimonies during these summer Sunday sessions. This June, in Glimpses of Grace, you’ll hear five powerful stories of how Jesus is at work in and through the lives of familiar faces in our congregation. Each testimony offers encouragement for your heart and strength for your faith.
- June 7 – Ron Pearson
- June 14 – Larry Kindbom
- June 21 – Michael Grogan
- June 28 – Faith Wambugu
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Experience God’s Presence in the Prayer Room
Open during church hours until Pentecost Sunday, May 24
Room 204, East of Kerr Chapel
Open now through Pentecost Sunday, the Prayer Room has been thoughtfully prepared as a place to encounter stillness and draw near to the Lord. Step inside, take time to reflect, and share in this sacred space with others who are seeking God. Follow the signs to the Prayer Room located on the Sanctuary level near Kerr Chapel.
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Men’s Monday Bible Study - The book of John 1
Until Monday, May 18, 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
Beginning June 2: New meeting time of 10-11:15 a.m.
Beginning June 2, participants will study Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days by Kay Arthur, a practical, hands-on guide to learning how to study Scripture through active engagement. Bring a pen, a few colored markers or pencils, and a prayerful heart.
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Wednesday Night Programming Concludes for the Semester
There are no adult classes on Wednesday, May 6 as WNDT has finished for the semester. Thank you to all of the leaders, teachers and volunteers who made this time of Wednesday night programming such a success.
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Awana Awards Night
May 6, 6 p.m., Children's Area
Parents, drop off your children for a special fun night of Awana featuring games, activities and recognition for their Scripture memory achievements. There will be no adult classes that evening, so enjoy a date night or just some extra free time. Thank you for supporting Awana this spring, we look forward to gathering again in September.
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Semester finale for AMASS Exodus and P.O.W.
Wednesday, May 6, 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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New Hymnals
After 35 years of faithful use, and after much research by the Worship and Music Committee, with approval of Session, our current hymnal will soon be replaced by the newly-published Sing! Hymnal. In the coming weeks, you will have the opportunity to invest in this new hymnal project and dedicate them in honor or in memory of loved ones. Watch for details in the coming weeks.
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Become a mentor to new First Church members
Help new members feel welcomed and connected at First Church! Our New Member Mentorship Program pairs each new member with a church member who walks alongside them for about six months, helping them build relationships and feel at home in the life of the church. As new members join throughout the year, there are ongoing opportunities to serve as a mentor.
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.
If you’d like to be part of this meaningful ministry, contact Emma Myatt. It’s a simple way to make a lasting impact. To learn more, watch our video or sign up online.
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First Friends in the Pews
As a church, we are called to show hospitality—philoxenia, the Greek word meaning “love of strangers.” Each of us has the opportunity to be someone’s very first friend in the pew. By being attentive and welcoming to those around us, we help create a place where all feel seen and at home.
We’d love to hear your stories of meaningful moments of hospitality. Please share them via email to Jerry McCoy.
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TV Ministry Team opportunities
Be part of a fun, behind-the-scenes team helping share worship with thousands each week on TV and online. Whether you're running a camera, switching graphics, or balancing audio, every role helps bring the service to life. We’re looking for students and adults who want to make a difference and be part of a great team. For more information, email Alex Pennell, TV/Video Manager, or call him at 314-607-1032.
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Church-wide Hospitality “Yes, You!”
Our “Yes, You!” hospitality experiment may have concluded, but the invitation remains the same. Each of us plays a role in helping others feel seen, known and truly welcome at First Church. Over the past several weeks, we practiced simple but meaningful acts of hospitality together:
- Notice someone new
- Say hello
- Start a conversation
- Sit beside someone new in worship
These small acts repeated over and over help create a lasting culture of belonging among our church family. If you missed the videos, or would like to revisit the encouragement, you can watch the full series on our Facebook and Instagram pages or at FirstChurchTulsa.org/YesYou
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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 KGrace Masaku 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 Grace Masaku 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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