Tuesday, November 7, 2023 | E-News | Vol. 5, Issue 21

“The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.” –Isaiah 40:8 NRSV

♦ Worship ♦ Events ♦ Classes ♦ Connect

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

8 a.m. traditional worship in Kerr Chapel

8:30 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11 a.m. traditional worship in the Sanctuary       

11 a.m. contemporary worship in Stephenson Hall

11 a.m. TIF international worship in the Great Hall

Sunday worship broadcast and online streaming

• Watch the 11 a.m. traditional Sanctuary worship live on Cox Cable Channel 3 or YouTube or Facebook
• Watch the 11 a.m. TIF worship in the Great Hall live on Facebook.

Prayers for the pastoral transition

Join our First Church family and pray for the pastoral transition. If you’re interested in receiving a weekly prayer prompt, text “81010” to @pastorfpc or click to opt in. You will receive a prayer prompt via text message each Tuesday at 7:09 a.m. that will encourage you to pray in a specific way for the week. Prayer cards are available in the Atrium. Each week will follow the path of pastoral transition, as we walk it together as a congregation at First Church.‍

Pastor transition information

Latest updates on our website

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the pastor transition at FirstChurchTulsa.org/PastorTransition. There you will also find a transition roadmap that identifies the current status of the process. Have questions? Email the Transition Team at FPCTransition@FirstChurchTulsa.org.

“The Transition” podcast

New episode is available online

“The Transition” podcast hosted by Rev. Julia Metcalf explores the process and progress of the pastoral transition happening at First Church. You are invited into the conversation to learn, hear updates, and be encouraged by the Holy Spirit's work as we walk into a new season. The latest episode is full of helpful and hopeful words from General Presbyter Tim Blodgett from Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery.

Events

American Guild of Organists Recital

Tuesday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.; Sanctuary

First Church Tulsa is proud to be hosting the Tulsa Chapter of the American Guild of Organists for a recital featuring Dr. Brenda Portman. Dr. Portman is a well-respected concert organist and composer. She serves as the Resident Organist at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio and as Organ Instructor at Xavier University.

Presbyterian Women Thank Offering Luncheon

Thursday, November 9, 12:00 p.m.; Miller Library

Join us for a luncheon with special guest speaker Pastor Darrell Moses. Darrell is Commissioned Pastor in Cleveland, Oklahoma, His topic will be “Native American Churches in the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery: Now and in the Future.” Please RSVP by contacting Norma Wallace at 918-508-4257 or Kathy Wilson at the church.

Young Adult Bonfire

Thursday, November 9th, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Brandon and Katie Evans’ home, 18857 E. Highway 20 in Claremore

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy fellowship by the bonfire.

Young Adult Friendsgiving

Sunday, November 19th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Dan and Hanna Hutchinson's home, 4043 E. 48th St, Tulsa

Bring a side dish, dessert or drink to share and enjoy food and fellowship with other young adults.

Exodus Fall Retreat 2023

Friday, Nov 10, 5:00 p.m. – Sunday, Nov. 12, 12:00 p.m.

Flint Valley, New Life Ranch

High school students will break away from distractions this weekend to enjoy a refreshing time of faith, fun and fellowship while drawing closer to God. Register online. The cost is $125 and scholarships are available. Find more information on our website calendar.

Spiritual Retreat with Rev. Julia Metcalf

Saturday, November 11, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Miller Library

Come join a gathering of disciples for a quiet day drawing close to our Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Julia Metcalf will guide the session studying Habakkuk 2:20 “But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the whole earth be quiet before Him.”  Fill your cup with the overflowing graces of our Lord by spending time in:

• Solitude and Silence
• Contemplative Prayer
• Imaginative Prayer
• Reflection and Conversation

To register and reserve your spot, click here.

Book Table Annual Sale

Sundays, Nov. 12 & 19, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Atrium

Autumn is a great season to curl up with a cup of coffee and a great book on theology, Christian living, prayer or spiritual formation. Visit the book table in the Atrium of the church and choose from an array of titles on sale for $1 to $5.

Classic Art Bible display and Open House

Sunday, November 12

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Bernsen 2nd floor, Gym hallway

Masterwork Academy invites you to view a traveling art exhibit showcasing Bible stories depicted in fine art paintings. This unique artwork, curated by author Matthew Lockhart, is featured in popular books such as 50 Bible Stories Every Adult Should Know, Kregel's Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories , and Kregel's Christmas Treasury of Illustrated Bible Stories .

TIF Harvest Thanksgiving Weekend

Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Nov. 19; First Church and Camp Loughridge

• Harvest of Praise, Friday, 7 p.m.; Great Hall
• Women’s Harvest Brunch, Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; Camp Loughridge
• Harvest Service, Sunday, 11 a.m.; Great Hall

Tulsa International Fellowship invites you to bring your harvest of testimonies, gifts and praise before the Lord in gratitude for our many blessings. The weekend will be full of thanksgiving, worship, praise, food and fellowship for the whole family.

Chancel Choir Fall Concert

Hymns and anthems to lift your soul

Sunday, November 19, 5 p.m.; Sanctuary

Enjoy an hour of inspiring choral classics that will please your ears and lift your soul. The Chancel Choir will be accompanied by a professional orchestra and will feature favorite seasonal anthems as well as modern masterpieces. Hear arrangements of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, God So Loved the World, Be Thou My Vision and Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. Following the concert, a reception will follow in the Atrium. Find out more here.

Thanksgiving Day worship and lunch

Thursday, November 23

11 a.m. worship in Kerr Chapel, lunch following in Stephenson Hall

Those who find themselves without family nearby during the holidays are invited to come for worship and a free Thanksgiving meal hosted by the Deacons. Please RSVP here.

The Journey to Bethlehem: A Pilgrimage of Advent

Beginning Sunday, December 3

by Reverends Dan Hutchinson and Julia Metcalf

First Church is now recording a new Advent series for Sunday School classes as well as for individual study. Rev. Dan and Julia lead this four-week video series designed to stimulate thought and discussion during the Advent season. This study from the Gospel of Luke follows the journey of Mary and Joseph to the manger in Bethlehem. The videos will be available Sunday, December 3 on our website. We look forward to slowing down our lives and hearts as we seek to prepare room for King Jesus, our Emmanuel, "God With Us!"

Advent Stained Glass Tour with Joan Hoar

Sunday, December 3

12:15 p.m., Kerr Chapel

Joan Hoar, our Historian emeritus, leads a 30-minute walking tour viewing the Advent artwork depicted in stained glass windows throughout the church. Meet in Kerr Chapel right after the 11 a.m. Sanctuary service concludes.

Advent Workshop

Sunday, December 3, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Camp Loughridge

Families with children are invited for an afternoon of Christmas crafts, snacks, storytime and sleigh rides. $10 per family. Preregistration requested online. 

Adopt a Student from Anderson Elementary

Sundays November 26, December 3 and 10

8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Atrium table

Share the love of Christ and the love of First Church by adopting an Anderson elementary student for Christmas. Your donation of $50 will be used to fill a gift bag with a sweatshirt, game, socks and a Christmas story book. Make your donation online or in person at the church on Sundays beginning November 26.

For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Make your Stewardship 2024 commitment online

As we look ahead to 2024, may the Lord cause each of us to be both faithful and intentional in sharing the blessings that cause our cups to overflow. Please drop off your 2024 pledge card at the church or make your commitment online.

Save the date ...

Christmas AWANA and Carols & Cocoa, Wednesday, December 13

Celebrating Christmas Together Party, Friday, December 15

Christmas Music Sunday, December 17

Children's Nativity Musical, Wednesday, December 20 and Christmas Eve, December 24

Classes

Grouped by day, Sunday through Saturday. View details on our website calendar.

Foundations class with Rev. Dan Hutchinson

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., Sundays through Nov. 26, Room E104

Young adult Sunday school

Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Room E201

Little Lambs

Mondays, 10 a.m. -11 a.m.; Wiseman Hall

Guys’ Monday Bible study

Mondays, 11:45 a.m.; Room E103

Monday School

Mondays, 12:00 p.m.; Kirkland Library

Precept Bible Study

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. -10:40 a.m.; Room E101

UKIRK College Bible Study

Contact Rev. Julia Metcalf for information.

Note: Wednesday Night Downtown will not occur on November 22, Thanksgiving Eve.

Seekers Bible Study with Rev. Wambugu Gachungi

Room E104

This is an in-depth study of the Sunday morning sermon scriptures. Come enjoy praying together, studying the Bible and engaging in lively questions and discussions.

Praying for the Transition with Rev. James Estes

Room 204 (Prayer room near Kerr Chapel)

Join us in a weekly time of prayer for the ongoing mission of First Church, looking to the Lord for comfort, guidance, and direction during this time of pastoral transition. The prayer gathering will uplift this season of change for the congregation, session, pastors, and staff as we look ahead with anticipation for how God is at work in and through First Church.

Six Great Dates - Practicing intentional time together

Led by Rev. Dan Hutchinson with Anne and Jerry McCoy; Room E103

Couples will spend intentional time growing closer to Christ and to one another. You will spend six dates listening, learning, laughing, and celebrating life with one another. Develop spiritual intimacy and a deeper commitment to abiding with Christ. R

Jesus, the Light of the World with Duff Points

6 p.m. in Room E100

Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Duff Points leads this study from the book of John and other scriptures throughout the Bible that point to the Light that will never be overcome by darkness.

Chancel Choir rehearsal

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Choir room

AWANA

6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Children’s Center

No AWANA on November 22, Thanksgiving Eve.

Pathfinders on Wednesday, AMASS Exodus and Confirmation classes

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

No youth programming on November 22, Thanksgiving Eve.

Parenting brown bag lunch group

Thursdays, Nov. 9, 30 and Dec. 7

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Room E100

Join us to discuss the book, “The Worry-Free Parent,” by Sissy Goff. Led by Sarah Savage.

Seasons, A Women’s Gathering

Monday, November 13

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Miller Library

Seasons is a space for women of all seasons of life to connect with one another and be transformed by the word and presence of God. In this year's video series, We Saved You a Seat, we will explore our relationship with Jesus as the ultimate model for authentic friendship. This month’s topic is “Friendship Takes Encouragement.” Nothing shapes us like the impact of a friend - it's how Jesus radically and intimately connects with us. No signup required, we'll save you a seat.

Presbyterian Women

Our November mission is the Coffee Bunker, a local organization that supports service members and veterans with successful reintegration into their families and communities. Donations will help buy food from the Community Food Bank to be used for holiday meals at the Coffee Bunker. Please drop your donations in the acrylic box at the Atrium reception desk.

• 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

Connect

Realm all-church online directory

First Church’s secure, all-church online directory (Realm) is only accessible by First Church members and will soon be activated. Once you have created a Realm account, you can access the contact information* of other First Church members. If you need help creating your account, contact Kathy Wilson and request a Realm invitation to be emailed to you. Click here to find out what is available through the Realm online directory.

*You can always update your information, add/change profile picture and change your privacy settings.