Tuesday, March 7, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 5 | |
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“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9 NRSV
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Scroll down for ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Worship ♦ Connect | |
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✓Daylight Saving Time begins March 12
Set your clocks forward one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
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Daily digital devotionals
“From Ashes to Beauty” with Dr. John Ortberg
Weekdays through Fri. April 14
During Lent we encourage you to watch this series of short devotionals from Dr. John Ortberg who will join us Sunday, April 16 to lead our Pastor’s Study at 9:30 a.m. and preach in our Festival Sunday worship service at 11 a.m. Dr. Ortberg is an American evangelical Christian author, speaker and the former senior pastor of Menlo Church in Menlo Park. Find the daily devotionals here. Or watch them on Facebook.
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Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 19, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
Join us to review the successes of 2022 and watch the Year in Pictures, as well as vote on the church budget. There will be no adult Sunday school on this day.
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All-Church Retreat at New Life Ranch – Frontier Cove
Friday, March 24 – Saturday, March 25, 2023
Join us the evening of Friday and stay through mid-afternoon on Saturday including breakfast and lunch. Dr. Wes Vander-Lugt will be the keynote speaker. Detailed information, schedule and registration can be found here. For questions, contact Laura Stevens at 918-301-1019 or Hannah Damron at 918-301-1039.
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Confirmation Retreat
Friday – Saturday, March 24-25
This retreat is for all confirmands who will write answers to the six statements of faith questions. For information or to register, contact Kiona Tyler at the church.
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Spring Festival
Saturday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Stephenson Hall
Bring your kiddos and their own Easter baskets, and join us for Spring Festival. There will be fun for all ages including an egg hunt in the Courtyard, special crafts and treats. No registration is required.
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H20 Project – sponsor a well
Sundays, March 26 – April 9; give online or at the Atrium table
During the last two weeks of Lent, the congregation can participate in the H2O Project by fasting from all beverages but water and give the money saved from purchasing other drinks to our partners in the H2O Project, Marion Medical Mission. The mission works with local villagers in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia by digging wells for their villages and teaching them how to maintain them. The cost per well is $450 which will serve 125 people, on average. Our goal for 2023 is $13,500.00 for 30 wells, bringing our total wells dug since 2009 to 275 wells.
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Holy Week Prayer Vigil
Thursday, April 6, 9 a.m. – Easter Sunday, April 9, 7 a.m.
The prayer vigil is a continuous chain of prayer to stand with Jesus through his suffering, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Sign-up for a 30-minute slot to ensure an unbroken prayer chain. You can also sign up in the Atrium on Sundays March 26 and April 2. We encourage every member to pray anytime during the vigil. “The prayers of the righteous avail much.” James 5:16.
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Easter Musicians’ Brunch
Sunday, April 9, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Miller Library
In March, sign up to bring food for the singers, ringers and instrumentalists participating in Easter services. Food deliveries will be on Easter day 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Volunteer here or stop by the sign-up tables in the Atrium March 19 and 26.
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Chancel Choir Spring Concert
Sunday, April 23, 5 p.m.; Sanctuary
“Singing the life of Christ - from prophecy to resurrection.”
The First Church Chancel Choir presents the annual spring concert in collaboration with a professional orchestra. Take a musical journey through the life of Christ, with Scripture readings and choral anthems that remind us of His birth, earthly ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. The concert will also feature our children's and youth choirs, the First Church Choristers and Celebration Singers. A reception follows in the Atrium.
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Events are grouped by day, Monday through Sunday. | |
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Little Lambs
Weekly on Mondays; Bernsen Gym
For children ages birth to pre-school. Find more information here.
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Monday School with Rev. Wally Johnson
Weekly on Mondays at noon. Optional lunch at 11:30 a.m.; Kirkland Library
This study focuses on Leviticus. To pay for lunch or for more information can be found at this link.
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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 get information here.
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Seasons Women’s Gathering
Second Mondays monthly, 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Stephenson Hall
This study is for women to connect and be transformed. See our entire schedule below and learn more online.
Extraordinary ordinary
- March 13 - Laura Stockbridge
- April 10 - Denise Rounds
- May 8 - Rev. Julia Metcalf
Purpose
- June 19 - TBA
- July 17 - TBA
- August 21 - TBA
Identity in Christ
- September 11 - Rev. Julia Metcalf
- October 9 - TBA
- November 13 - TBA
- December 11 - Sarah Savage
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Precept Bible study led by Denise Rounds
Weekly on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.; Room E100
We are currently studying the book of James. For questions, contact Laura Stevens at the church.
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Pastor’s Study Faith & Physics with Dr. Jerry McCoy
Wednesdays through mid-March, 11 a.m. lunch, 11:30 a.m. program in Room E104
Weekly on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
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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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. Find more information online.
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Wednesday Night Downtown
Wednesdays weekly, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:15 p.m. student and adult classes
Note: there are no children’s classes or childcare during spring break, Wednesday, March 15.
Classes include:
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Wednesday Lenten Conversations – "From Ashes to Beauty"
Wednesdays through April 12, 6:15 p.m., Stephenson Hall
Following dinner, we gather for a time of worship followed by discussions at each round table. If you’d like to sit with the same people every week, sign up in the Atrium on Sunday, February 26, or contact Phillip Bowman. Our program will include watching a 10-minute devotional led by Dr. John Ortberg followed by questions and conversations. Dr. Ortberg is a highly regarded Presbyterian pastor and author with a long track record of faithful and inspiring sermons, essays and podcasts. If you have a question, please contact Laura Stevens in the church office.
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K Groups Lenten Study
Meets weekly in leaders’ homes or Wednesdays in Stephenson Hall during Lent
February 19 - March 26
Please join us for First Church’s Lenten study on the teachings of American pastor and author John Ortberg. Groups will meet during the six weeks of Lent to discuss video lessons. All you need is a few friends to get started or contact Phillip Bowman to get involved in a group at 918-630-1786.
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AWANA
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center
No meeting on Spring Break March 15
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Pathfinders on Wednesday, AMASS Exodus and Confirmation
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse
No meeting on Spring Break March 15
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Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women’s March mission is to collect money to make Easter baskets for the children of Lindsey House which provides transitional housing for mothers and their children to gain financial independence. The mission collection box will be at the reception desk in the Atrium on Sundays. Contact Kathy Wilson at 918-584-4701 for information. And join us for upcoming PW events below:
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Mission luncheon – Thursday, March 9, noon; Miller Library
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Spring gathering – Saturday, April 15 at Trinity Presbyterian in Bixby
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Birthday offering luncheon – Thursday, May 11, noon; Miller Library
- Priscilla Circle, monthly on the first Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.; Room 206
- Esther Circle, monthly on the third Thursday, 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
- Soup Group Circle, monthly on the third Thursday, noon; Miller Library
- Project days, monthly on the first and fourth Thursday, 9:30 a.m.; Project Room 4th floor
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“Raising Worry-Free Girls” book study
Thursdays, Mar. 9 & 23 (thru May 4), 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E101
Sarah Savage leads this parenting book study. Bring your own lunch and book. Find information here.
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UKirk
Justice Bible Study – Tuesdays, 6 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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Young Adults
Sunday School from 9:30-10:30 a.m.; E104
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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.
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Traditional worship in the Sanctuary. Watch on Cox Ch. 3 or YouTube or Facebook
- Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall.
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TIF in the Great Hall. Watch on Facebook
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Holy Week worship
Week of Sunday, April 2
Join us for Holy Week and learn more about each service in this Tidings story by Rev. Dan Hutchinson.
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Palm Sunday worship, Sunday, April 2
–––––––– 8:00 a.m.; Chapel
–––––––– 8:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
–––––––– 11:00 a.m.; Sanctuary (will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook)
–––––––– 11:00 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
–––––––– 11:00 a.m.; TIF in the Great Hall (will be streamed on Facebook)
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Maundy Thursday worship, Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.; Sanctuary
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Good Friday worship, Friday, April 7, noon; Kerr Chapel
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TIF Good Friday worship, Friday, April 7, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall
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Easter worship, Sunday, April 9
–––––––– 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service at Camp Loughridge
–––––––– 8:00 a.m.; Sanctuary
–––––––– 8:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
–––––––– 11:00 a.m.; Sanctuary (will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook)
–––––––– 11:00 a.m.; Stephenson Hall
–––––––– 11:00 a.m.; TIF in the Great Hall (will be streamed on Facebook)
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Festival Sunday with author John Ortberg preaching
Sunday, April 16
- 9:30 a.m. Sunday School; Stephenson Hall
- 11 a.m. Festival Sunday worship; Sanctuary
All services gather in one service at 11 a.m. to hear American evangelical Christian author, speaker and the former senior pastor of Menlo Church in Menlo Park give the message.
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Kitchen Assistant
Do you know of someone who would like a full-time position with the church? We are seeking a kitchen assistant. Find details here.
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Student internship available
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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Student scholarships available
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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Women - sign up for event mailings
First Church conducts several women’s events and classes during the year, and we want you to be a part of our growing ministry. To that end, we want to make sure we share every event and class with you and invite you to sign up to receive our emails. We will be respectful of your in-box and want to make sure you join in on the fun! Please sign up here.
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Member support and updates
For pastoral needs, prayer requests, important family news or a change in contact information, please call 918-584-4701 or email Kathy Wilson. To directly request prayer by the Guild of Intercessors, call Paula Peterson at 918-296-5548 or text 918-688-2163.
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