Thursday, March 21, 2024 | E-News | Vol. 6, Issue 7 | |
“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” – Philippians 2:8 | |
♦ News ♦ Events ♦ Worship ♦ Classes ♦ Connect |
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Mission Study Survey
Take the survey before it closes on March 31
If you have not yet taken the survey, please do so. The deadline to submit your responses is March 31. If you didn’t receive the email, you may access it here: FirstChurchTulsa.org/Survey. For further information, email the Mission Study Team.
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H20 Project – Sponsor a well
Sunday, March 24 and 31; 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 2024 is $13,500 for 30 wells, bringing our total wells dug since 2009 to 313 wells.
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Education Scholarships
Applications due April 15
The First Presbyterian Church scholarship program provides financial aid to qualified individuals seeking to attend accredited institutions of higher learning. Scholarships are primarily awarded based on need, academic potential, area of study and performance.
- Must be a communicant member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- Must normally be working toward a degree in a college, university or seminary that is fully accredited by its regional accrediting association.
- Must have established and maintained a satisfactory academic record.
Previous scholarship recipients must reapply for to be eligible for consideration of a scholarship for 2024-2025 school year. For more information, visit our website and download a scholarship application or contact tmoseley@firstchurchtulsa.org.
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Introducing First Church Family Lounges
Available on Sundays near all worship areas
Did you know that if your child needs to take a break during a worship service, we have specially-designed lounges for your family to use? Furnished with comfortable seating, play areas, and amenities like coffee and diaper changing stations, the family lounges provide a comfortable space for you and your children. In addition, the lounges have TVs streaming the service, so you won’t miss the message or the music. Look for signs on the elevators directing you to these spaces.
Sanctuary worship service - Patterson Family Lounge is on the first floor in the Children’s area and can be accesed by using the Narthex elevator or by going down the stairs from the Atrium.
Stephenson Hall worship service - Stephenson Hall Family Lounge is on the second floor in Room 207 overlooking Stephenson Hall.
Tulsa International Fellowship worship service - Great Hall Family Lounge is located directly across from the Great Hall.
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The Outreach Foundation's Ukraine Appeal
Raising funds for supplies to help Ukrainian fighters
Join us in supporting The Outreach Foundation's Ukraine Appeal. First Church is conducting a short-term fundraiser to purchase IFAKs, or Individual First Aid Kits for Ukrainian citizens fighting in the war for their country. IFAKs contain essential emergency medical supplies like bandages, tourniquets, antiseptics, and other medical tools crucial for treating injuries on the battlefield.
Please make your donation by March 31 online at FirstChurchTulsa.org/give and select “Outreach Foundation – Ukraine” from the dropdown menu. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
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Maundy Thursday Seder Dinner
Thursday, March 28, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Stephenson Hall
Register online
Join us for a child-friendly Seder dinner celebration, commemorating God's deliverance of his people from bondage. Experience a deeper understanding of the Last Supper within the context of the Passover meal. Register here by Sunday, March 24. Childcare available for infants to two-years old. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for children and a family of four is $25. Please arrive before 5 p.m.
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Annual Musicians’ Easter Brunch
Sunday, March 31, 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.; Miller Library
Singers, ringers and instrumentalists are welcome to attend this special appreciation brunch on Easter Sunday.
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Inquirers Class
Sundays, April 14, 21, 28 and May 5
9:15 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.; Miller Library
Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about First Church? This class is perfect for meeting others, getting to know our pastors and asking questions. Sign up online now or for more information, contact Patricia Hall at 918-584-4701.
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Save the date:
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Young Professionals Dinner, Sunday, April 14
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Chancel Choir Spring Concert, Sunday, April 21
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Family Adventure Afternoon at Camp Loughridge
Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Join us for a day of family fun promoting the Camp Loughridge Scholarship Fund. Enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing, archery, disc golf and zip lining (fee for zip line). Plus, enjoy outdoor exploration and a hotdog cookout. This is a free event but the camp asks that you consider making an optional $50 donation to help support our scholarship fund that provides opportunities for kids who can't afford camp to enjoy camp experiences. For more information, contact Executive Director of Camp Loughridge Jacob McIntosh at 918-446-4194.
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Palm Sunday worship
Sunday, March 24
8:00 a.m. traditional worship in Kerr Chapel
8:30 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
11:00 a.m. combined traditional and contemporary worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. international worship in Great Hall
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Maundy Thursday dinner and worship
Thursday, March 28
5 p.m. Seder dinner in Stephenson Hall
7:30 p.m. worship in the Sanctuary
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Holy Week Prayer Vigil
Thursday, March 28, 9 p.m. – Easter Sunday, March 31, 7 a.m.
The prayer vigil is a continuous chain of prayer to stand with Jesus through his suffering, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. We encourage every member to pray anytime during the vigil. “The prayers of the righteous avail much.” James 5:16. Sign up for your time slot online.
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Good Friday worship
Friday, March 29, 12 p.m.; Kerr Chapel
TIF Good Friday worship
Friday, March 29, 7p.m. -10 p.m.; Great Hall
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Easter Sunday
Sunday, March 31
6:30 a.m. sunrise service at Camp Loughridge (communion)
8:00 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary
8:30 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
11:00 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
11:00 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. international worship in Great Hall
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Watch online
Sundays at 11 a.m. live or anytime thereafter
Traditional worship
Tulsa International Fellowship worship
See all scheduled worship and classes on our website event calendar.
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Young adult Sunday school
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Room E201
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Little Lambs
Mondays, 10 a.m.; Wiseman Hall
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Men’s Monday Bible study
Mondays, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.; E103
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Precept Bible study with Denise Rounds
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; Room E100
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Downtown Theological Roundtable
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Room E206
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Watercolor through Lent art class
Wednesdays through March 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Tower Room
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The final session of the Lenten Conversation series is March 27. | | |
Wednesday Lenten Conversations: Journey through the Wilderness
The title of the final session on March 27 is “The Challenge of Leadership or God’s Salvation Foreseen – What do you do when your leaders don’t cut it?” The scripture reference is Numbers 27:12-23.
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WNDT class offerings starting April 3 | | | |
Seekers Bible Study
Rev. Wambugu Gachungi, Room E104
Rev. Wambugu Gachungi leads an in-depth study of the Sunday morning sermon scriptures. Come enjoy praying together, studying the Bible, and engaging in lively questions and discussions.
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Rupture and Repair: God’s story in every human relationship
Join Rev. James R. Estes and Dr. Tom Philp, Room E103
Join us for a four week exploration of the ways we hurt and heal in the context of relationship. Each week will consider a Biblical narrative through the lens of rupture and repair while exploring the invitation to vulnerability, grace and truth in the context of every day relationships. As always, this course will include robustly validated relational insights, and weekly “relationship hacks” to help move any relationship from surviving to thriving.
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The Enneagram, A Tool for Transformation
with certified Enneagram teacher, Liz Decker
How would your life change if you could better understand how God created you uniquely? Drawing from scripture, interviews, and visuals to help explain the nine basic personality types, we will discover the core motivations that explain what makes us who we are and learn acceptance and compassion for ourselves and others. Registration is required or by contacting Laura Stevens at lstevens@firstchurchtulsa.org
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Tolkien and the Christian Life, continued
Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Miller Library
What does Middle Earth have to do with Jesus? Join Rev. Dan Hutchinson for an exploration into the biblical and theological themes (sovereignty, nature of good and evil, creation and restoration, home, the work of Christ, etc.) that arise from the world and writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. No prior knowledge of Lord of the Rings is required!
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How To Read the Bible (Hermeneutics), continued
with John Shelton, Room E100
Learning to study, understand, and embrace the Word of God is an essential adventure for every follower of Jesus Christ. John Shelton teaches an inductive methodology that emphasizes studying books of the Bible as wholes and context. Students will gain confidence to approach all genres of scripture and to see the plain meaning of the text.
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AWANA Clubs
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center
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P.O.W., AMASS Exodus and Confirmation class
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse
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Easter Chancel Choir rehearsal
Wednesday, March 27
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Sanctuary
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“Hearts for the Lord” women’s weekly Bible study
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; E313, Third floor conference room
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Parenting brown bag lunch group
Thursdays, March 28, April 11 & 25, May 9
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E100
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Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women’s March mission is supporting Presbyterian Disaster Assistance by collecting items for hygiene kits. Hand towels, wide-tooth combs, nail clippers, individual bars of soap, toothbrushes (single) and band-aids can be placed in the PW mission container in the atrium on Sundays and Wednesdays.
- Priscilla Circle - First Wednesday monthly at 6:30 p.m.; Room E204
- Esther Circle - Third Thursday monthly at 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
- Soup Group - Third Thursday monthly at noon; Miller Library
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Celebrate with us as we take a look back at 2023 with our Year in Review video. 2023 was an important year in the life of our church. It was a year of transition, a year of growth, and a year of remembering God’s faithfulness. Watch the video and see the good things that are happening at First Church Tulsa. | |
Read the spring 2024 Tidings “Year in Review”
Pick one up at the church or view online
The spring 2024 issue of Tidings magazine features a blend of the annual report and member-contributed articles under the title “Celebrating Together - 2023 Year in Review.” Alongside the regular highlights from the annual report, each ministry section presents articles showcasing stories, insights and a fresh perspective on the good things that are happening at First Church Tulsa.
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Watch Episode 10 of “The Transition Podcast”
In episode 10 of Rev. Julia Metcalf's podcast series, you'll meet three members of the Donohue family. Experience both adult and youth perspectives on the pastor transition from Sarah, mother to Lucy and Samuel, who actively participate in the Exodus and Pathfinders youth ministries. Watch the full episode now on our YouTube channel.
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Reporting births, marriages and hospitalizations
Since most hospitals are no longer providing information to the church about our members who become hospitalized, you can help us. Please call the church at 918-584-4701 or e-mail Kathy Wilson to report hospitalizations/births/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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Praying through the Pastoral Transition
Join us as we pray for the pastoral transition. To receive a weekly prayer prompt, sign up for Prayers for the pastoral transition or text @pastorfpc to 81010. A text message is sent each Tuesday at 7:09 a.m. encouraging you to pray in a specific way for the week. Each week will follow the path of pastoral transition, as we walk it together as a congregation at First Church. Click here to download the prayer schedule.
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