Tuesday, April 4, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 7

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 

– 1 Peter 2:24 NRSV

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

Worship

Holy Week worship schedule

Maundy Thursday worship, Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m.; Sanctuary

Good Friday worship, Friday, April 7, noon; Kerr Chapel

TIF Good Friday worship, Friday, April 7, 7-10 p.m.; Great Hall

Easter worship, Sunday, April 9

• 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service at Camp Loughridge
• 8:00 a.m.; traditional worship in the Sanctuary
• 8:30 a.m.; contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
• 11:00 a.m.; traditional worship in the Sanctuary (will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook)
• 11:00 a.m.; contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall
• 11:00 a.m.; Tulsa International Fellowship (TIF) in the Great Hall (will be streamed on Facebook)

Learn more about each service during Holy Week in this Tidings story by Rev. Dan Hutchinson.

Festival Sunday with author John Ortberg

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 leader of the ministry titled “Become New.”

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. Watch on Cox Ch. 3 or YouTube or Facebook
• Contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall.
• TIF in the Great Hall. Watch on Facebook

National Day of Prayer worship and lunch

Thursday, May 4, 11:30 a.m.; Courtyard

Light lunch following the service

This day’s observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.” Contact the church or Dionna Schooley with questions.

Ascension worship service and lunch

Thursday, May 18, 11:30 a.m.; Courtyard

Light lunch following the service

In commemoration of Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven, there will be a special Ascension worship service held in the Courtyard. Contact the church or Dionna Schooley with questions.

Events

H20 Project – Sponsor a well

Sunday, 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.

Lenten weekday devotionals

“From Ashes to Beauty” with Dr. John Ortberg

Weekdays through Friday, April 14

Continue watching these weekday devotionals during Lent by 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 11 a.m. worship service. Dr. Ortberg, with 40 years of ministerial experience, desires for people to know God in an interactive, life-transforming way. He leads the ministry, BecomeNew.com, focused on leveraging online technology for life change and spiritual community. Find the daily devotionals here. Or watch them on Facebook.

Holy Week Prayer Vigil

Thursday, April 6, 9 a.m. – Easter Sunday, April 9, 7 a.m.

Join us for a continuous chain of prayer to stand with Jesus through his suffering, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Sign-up for one or two 30-minute slots to ensure an unbroken prayer chain. A prayer guide is available here and we encourage every member to pray anytime during the vigil. The Prayer Room, Room 204, can be utilized during your prayer time. “The prayers of the righteous avail much.” James 5:16.

Easter musicians’ brunch

Sunday, April 9, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Miller Library

Singers, ringers and instrumentalists are welcome to attend this special brunch on Easter.

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.

Vacation Bible School – registration is open!

Monday, June 12 – Friday, June 16, 9 a.m. - noon; Camp Loughridge

VBS kick-off celebration, Sunday, Jun 11, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Aquatic center, Camp Loughridge

This year’s theme is “Camp Out.” Book your kiddos now for this fantastic week of learning, praising and fun. Learn more here.

VBS afternoon swim

Monday, June 12 – Friday, June 16, 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Lodge pool, Camp Loughridge

Cool off on hot summer days at the pool at Camp Loughridge. Be sure to complete all forms on VBS registration here.

Classes

Events are grouped by day, Monday through Sunday.

Little Lambs

Weekly on Mondays; Bernsen Gym

For children ages birth to pre-school. Find more information here.

Monday School with Justin Schell

Weekly on Mondays at noon April 10 through May 8.

Optional lunch at 11:30 a.m.; Kirkland Library

Come and hear Justin Schell, the director of executive projects for the Lausanne Movement and the US director for Union School of Theology. The Lausanne Movement connects influencers and ideas for the global mission of a world where the gospel available for every person, there are disciple-making churches for every people and place, Christlike leaders for every church and sector and kingdom impact in every sphere of society. He is author of Come and See: A History and Theology of Mission. Purchase lunch here. If you would like to watch previous Monday School sessions, follow this link.

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.

Seasons Women’s Gathering

Monday, April 17, 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

• April 17 - Denise Rounds will be sharing on how an ordinary relationship with scripture leads to an extraordinary relationship with Christ.
• May 8 – Rev. Julia Metcalf

Pastor’s Study

Wednesdays through May 10, 11 a.m. lunch, 11:30 a.m. program in Room E104

Weekly on Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall

Join us as Dr. Jim Miller resumes this study on Wednesday, April 5. We will be discussing selected essays from C.S. Lewis. Stay tuned for updates on curriculum for this continuing study. For Wednesday lunch, pay in advance online.

Downtown Theological Roundtable

Weekly on Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Room 206

We are discussing “The Abolition of Man” by C.S. Lewis. Find more information online.



Wednesday Night Downtown

Wednesdays weekly, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:15 p.m. student and adult classes

Note: Dinner and classes are scheduled to conclude Wednesday, May 10.

Classes include:

Wednesday Lenten Conversations – From Ashes to Beauty

Wednesdays through April 12, 6:15 p.m., Stephenson Hall

Following dinner, are watching a 10-minute devotional from Dr. John Ortberg and discussing in small groups. For questions, contact Laura Stevens in the church office.

Seekers with Rev. Wambugu Gachungi

Wednesdays, 6:15 p.m.; Room E104

This is an in-depth study of the weekly sermon scriptures. Through Wednesday, April 12, we are joining the “Ashes to Beauty” Lenten Conversations in Stephenson Hall. We will resume regular classes Wednesday, April 19.

AWANA

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center

Save the date for AWANA Awards scheduled for Wednesday, May 10.

Pathfinders on Wednesday, AMASS Exodus and Confirmation

Wednesdays, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Powerhouse

Chancel Choir rehearsal

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Choir room



Presbyterian Women

Join us for upcoming PW events below:

• Spring gathering – Sat., April 15 at Trinity Presbyterian in Bixby
• Birthday offering luncheon – Thu., May 11, noon; Miller Library
• Priscilla Circle, monthly on the first Wed., 6:30 p.m.; Room 206
• Esther Circle, monthly on the third Thu., 10:30 a.m.; Room E202
• Soup Group Circle, monthly on the third Thu., noon; Miller Library
• Project days, monthly on the first and fourth Thu., 9:30 a.m.; Project Room 4th floor

“Raising Worry-Free Girls” book study

Thursdays, Apr. 6, 20 & ending May 4

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E101

Sarah Savage leads this parenting book study. Find information here.



Inquirers’ Class

Sundays, April 23 – May 7, 9:15-10:40 a.m.; Miller Library

Are you or someone you know interested in learning more about First Church? The Inquirers’ Class is a perfect place to come meet others, get to know some of our pastors and ask questions. Sign up for this four-week class online or with Patricia Hall at 918-584-4701.

UKirk

Justice Bible Study – Tuesdays, 6 p.m.; Sharp Chapel, The University of Tulsa

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.

Young Adults

Sunday School from 9:30-10:30 a.m.; E104

First Church Young Professionals Dinner

Sunday, April 23, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Courtyard

All young professionals are invited to join us for our first annual First Church young professionals dinner with guest speaker Oklahoma State Supreme Court Justice, Dana Kuehn. Please RSVP by Monday, April 17. To RSVP and for more information, contact Kiona Tyler at 918-301-1008.

Connect

Guidebook directory 2023

Advertising deadline Monday, May 1

Tidings Spring 2023 issue

Download the latest issue of Tidings from our website or read magazine style at ISSUU.

Member support and updates

Your picture in Realm

Our digital app & directory

Did you know that a lot of our members do not have a current photograph of themselves in our database? Many others don’t have a picture at all. It’s very helpful for staff and church members in your various groups to be able to see your face along with your name. If you have logged on to Realm, it’s easy to upload your favorite photo of yourself to your profile by clicking on the picture box. If you haven’t logged on, please send a digital copy of that picture to Kathy Wilson and she can upload it to your profile for you. If you don’t have a digital copy of the photo, just take a picture of that photo and e-mail that to her.

Realm app

With Realm online and the associated Realm app you can connect to other members of First Church as well as register your attendance. Contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 to learn more about updating your photo or obtaining your invitation to Realm. Learn more online.