Tuesday, January 17, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 2 | |
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Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
– Philippians 4:6 NRSV
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Scroll down for • Events • Classes • Worship • Connect | |
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Special event
“News from the front” with Dr. Ivan Rusyn from Ukraine
Saturday, February 4, 6:30 p.m.; Stephenson Hall - open to the public
What’s it like to live in a war zone with missiles and drones flying overhead? Make plans now to attend this special evening with Dr. Rusyn, president of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Ivan and his wife Luda live in Kyiv. They have a miraculous story of escape just as Russian troops took the city over. Since then, the tragedy of the ongoing war and extreme suffering of people have reshaped their understanding of God, humanity and mission. Topics such as reconciliation, justice, prayer and experiencing the presence of Jesus in times of suffering have taken on fresh meaning and have transformed his leadership, ministry and teaching. This will be a standing-room-only event so plan now to come early and hear Dr. Rusyn. Learn more about him online and see a video shot from the seminary bunker.
Special note: Dr. Rusyn will also teach Pastor’s Study Sunday morning, February 5 at 9:30 a.m. in Stephenson Hall and preach on Festival Sunday (one service for all) February 5 in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m.
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First Church Chili Cook-Off
Sunday, January 22, 12:15 p.m.; Atrium
Come enjoy some Chili this Sunday after the 11 a.m. services in the Atrium. The funds raised from the popular vote will go towards spring field trips for Anderson Elementary students. Questions? Contact Cindy DeVore at 918-630-2636.
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Mission trip to Ireland informational meeting
Sunday, January 22, 12:30 p.m.; Room E104
Learn about our trip to Galway and Belfast, Ireland June 9-19. Register by January 18 for the Irish-themed lunch online. Contact Hannah Damron at the church with questions.
Mission trip to Kenya informational meeting
Sunday, January 29, 12:30 p.m.; Room E104
Learn about our trips to the International Justice Mission in Nairobi and Bondeni on July 20-31. Register by January 25 for the themed lunch online. Contact Hannah Damron at the church with questions.
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Spiritual Disciplines Retreat with Rev. Julia Metcalf
Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Camp Loughridge Lodge
Come for a gathering of disciples for a quiet day to draw close to the Lord. This retreat is a great entry point to learn about the spiritual disciplines or a wonderful building block if you already practice them. We will spend time in prayer, reflection and rich conversation. Cost is $10 and includes breakfast and lunch. For more information and to register online, click here, or contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019.
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All Church Retreat at New Life Ranch – Frontier Cove
Friday, March 24 – Saturday, March 25, 2023
We are in the planning stages of this annual event. If you have questions or would like to help, contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019.
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Young Adults
We are working on our new calendar now. Please follow us on Instagram @fpcyoungadults for upcoming events.
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These events are grouped by day, Monday through Sunday. | |
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Little Lambs
Weekly on Mondays, 10 a.m.; Bernsen Gym
For children ages birth to pre-school. Find more information here.
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January Series
Weekdays through January 27, 11:15 a.m. including optional lunch; Stephenson Hall
Make plans to attend these free workday lectures streamed from Calvin University. To see the full list of speakers or pay for the optional lunch, click here.
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Monday School with Rev. Wally Johnson
Weekly on Mondays, beginning February 6, 11:30 a.m. optional lunch, noon lesson; Kirkland Library
Classes begin in February. This study focuses on Leviticus. To pay for lunch or for more information click here.
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Guy’s Monday Bible study
Weekly on Mondays, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.; E103
The gospel of John is the focus of this study. Contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019 and find information here.
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Seasons Women’s Gathering
Second Mondays monthly
Feb. 13, Mar. 13, Apr. 10, and May 8, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Stephenson Hall
This study is for women to connect and be transformed. Learn more online. Note: there will be no Deep Dive this spring. Stay tuned for updates.
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Precept Bible study led by Denise Rounds
Weekly on Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; Room E100
Currently studying the book of James. For questions, contact Laura Stevens at the church.
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UKirk
Gather, Grow & Serve – Tuesdays, 6 p.m – 7 p.m.; Sharp Chapel
Sunday School – Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; E104
For adults 18-24 and led by Rev. Julia Metcalf. Join us for upcoming events and follow us on Instagram.
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Downtown Theological Roundtable
Weekly on Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Room E201
We are discussing “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Order your book here. Find more information online.
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Pastor’s Study Faith & Physics with Dr. Jerry McCoy
Weekly on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. lunch, 11:30 a.m. program in Room E104
Weekly on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall (Special Ukrainian speaker Sun. Feb. 5. See below)
Jerry McCoy, professor of physics at The University of Tulsa is teaching a series ending in March on his soon-to-be-published book, “God Is A LOT Bigger Than You Think: The Story Science Tells.” If you’d like lunch on Wednesday, please pay in advance online.
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Special Pastor’s Study with Dr. Ivan Rusyn
President of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary in Kyiv
Sunday, February 5, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
Dr. Rusyn and his wife Luda are visiting from Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv. They have a miraculous story of escape from Russian troops. Come to this special Pastor’s Study and then join us for Festival Sunday in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. where Dr. Rusyn will deliver the sermon.
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Wednesday Night Downtown
Wednesdays weekly, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:15 p.m. student and adult classes
Join us weekly for dinner in Stephenson Hall and stay for a class. Classes include:
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Navigating the river of culture: what Christians need to know
Wednesdays through February 15, 6:15 p.m.; Stephenson Hall
Dr. Jim Miller is joined by special speakers and pastors throughout the city as they explore the culture in which we live. Is our culture healthy, robust, or not so much? What kind of challenges face the church? Speakers include:
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January 18: The Rev. Anthony Scott, First Baptist, North Tulsa
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January 25: Father George Ebert, St. Antony Eastern Orthodox
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February 1: The Rev. Terry Buxton, Agape Bible Fellowship
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February 8: Bishop David Konderla, Diocese of Tulsa
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February 15: Dr. Jeff Francis, Sharp Chaplain, University of Tulsa
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Seekers with Rev. Wambugu Gachungi
Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m.; Room E104
This is an in-depth study of the weekly sermon scriptures.
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AWANA
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center
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Pathfinders on Wednesday, AMASS Exodus and Confirmation
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse
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Inquirers’ Class for newcomers
Sundays, January 22, 29 and February 5, 9:15 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.; Miller Library
This class is for anyone who is interested in learning more about First Church, meet others and get to know the pastors. Let us know if you will be attending by contacting Patricia Hall at 918-301-1028.
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Festival Sunday worship with Dr. Ivan Rusyn preaching
Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m.; Sanctuary
This is a very important Festival Sunday when we will all join for one worship service in the Sanctuary to hear Dr. Ivan Rusyn, the president of the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary in Kyiv. He has a remarkable story and sees Jesus as his example because he was always amid suffering. “I don’t think that people are looking for answers. People are looking for presence: that people are present with them.” Watch Dr. Rusyn in this video made in the Ukraine last year.
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Regular weekly worship services
See all scheduled worship and classes on our event calendar.
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
TIF Prayer meeting in the Great Hall
Sundays at 8 a.m.
Traditional worship in the Chapel
Sundays at 8:30 a.m.
Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
Sundays at 11 a.m.:
- Traditional worship in the Sanctuary.
- Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall.
- TIF in the Great Hall.
Watch worship at home:
Find the latest worship service at FirstChurchTulsa.org/YouTube.
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Celebrate your birthday blessings with the Foundation
The trustees want everyone to be a part of the foundation and are kicking off the Foundation Birthday Club in 2023! We are asking everyone to give the number of years they are celebrating in 2023 to the foundation. For example, Ellie will be 10 and will give $10.00 to the foundation on October 7. This money will be a part of the forward fund and will celebrate you in perpetuity. To learn more about the birthday club or the Foundation call Katie Williams at 918-292-9063 or give online and select Foundation Birthday Club.
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Student summer internship
Are you a college student who loves God and enjoys working with youth? Next Generation Ministries is now receiving applications for its summer youth ministry internship program. Contact Steve Wilson for more information or go online to download an application.
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Interested in working at the church?
First Church is seeking an experienced communications coordinator. The ideal candidate has 2-4 years of experience with a writing background and thrives in a fast-paced work environment. Learn more online.
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Member support and updates
Call the church a 918-584-4701 or Kathy Wilson if there is a pastoral need, prayer request, important family news or a change in contact information. To directly request prayer by the Guild of Intercessors, you may call Paula Peterson at 918-296-5548 or text 918-688-2163.
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Apply for an educational scholarship
First Church offers several college scholarships. Instructions on how to apply and information about each scholarship can be found here. Applications are due April 15, 2023.
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AmazonSmile
Did you know through AmazonSmile you can designate First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa as your charitable organization and AmazonSmile will donate 0.5 percent of your eligible purchases? Login as normal here.
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