Tuesday, March 21, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 6

Updated VBS dates - Scroll down for information.

"And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 

 – 1 John 5:14 NRSV

♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Worship ♦ Connect

Events

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.

Easter Lily Memorial sign-up

Sign up online or at the church by Wednesday, March 22

Honor a loved one with an Easter Lily memorial. The lilies will be displayed during worship on Easter Sunday and then be taken to the homebound and/or people in the hospital. Order here or contact Cathy Mitchell at the Church office.

Confirmation retreat

Friday – Saturday, March 24-25

This retreat is for all confirmands who will write answers to the six statements of faith questions. Click here to register or for more information, contact Kiona Tyler at the church.

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.

Petra Mission Trip to Uganda informational meeting

Sunday, March 26, 12:30 p.m.; E101

Volunteers are traveling to Uganda with Petra Kids Ministry June 12-23, 2023. Join us for an advance informational meeting. For questions, contact Petra at 918-277-9112.

Spring Festival

Saturday, April 1, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Stephenson Hall

Bring your kiddos and their own Easter baskets to 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.

Vacation Bible School

Monday, June 12 - Friday, June 16 ✅ 

9 a.m. - noon; Camp Loughridge

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

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 prayers of the righteous avail much.” James 5:16.

Easter musicians’ brunch

Sunday, April 9, 9 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.

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.

Classes

Events are grouped by day, Monday through Sunday.

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 schedule below and learn more online.

Extraordinary ordinary

• April 10 - Denise Rounds will be sharing on how an ordinary relationship with scripture leads to an extraordinary relationship with Christ.
• May 8 – Rev. Julia Metcalf

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.

Pastor’s Study

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

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

Join us on Wednesday, March 22, as Dr. Jim Miller will be teaching on selected essays from C.S Lewis. On Sunday, March 26 and Wednesday, March 29, Dr. Jerry McCoy will complete his study on “Faith and Physics.” For Wednesday lunch, pay in advance 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.

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.

K Groups Lenten Study

Meet weekly in leaders’ homes or Wednesdays in Stephenson Hall during Lent

February 19 - March 26

We are discussing the teachings of American pastor and author John Ortberg. For questions about this and ongoing small groups, contact Phillip Bowman or call 918-630-1786.

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



“Raising Worry-Free Girls” book study

Thursdays, Mar. 23, Apr. 6 & 20 (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.

Young Adults

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

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 with Patricia Hall at 918-584-4701.

Worship

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.

Dr. Wes Vander Lugt preaching

Sunday, March 26, 11 a.m.; combined worship in the Sanctuary

Join us at 11 a.m. for a combined traditional and contemporary worship service to hear Dr. Wes Vander Lugt, our former theologian-in-residence.

Holy Week worship schedule

Week of Sunday, April 2



Join us for Holy Week and learn more about each service in this Tidings story by Rev. Dan Hutchinson.

Palm Sunday worship, Sunday, April 2

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 p.m.-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)

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.

Connect

Student scholarships available

Volunteer opportunities

Member support and updates