First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa 2024 Annual Report 2024 - All for the Glory of God
Dear friends,
I began my life in ministry working with young people, and I have always loved the authenticity and honesty of children and youth. They are not afraid to ask hard questions. The ones that adults are sometimes too scared to ask. (If you don’t believe me, I’d be happy to sign you up to teach AWANA!)
Of course, one of the most fundamental questions that humans ask is “why are we here?” “What’s it all about?”
Which is a good question. It is, in fact, essential! And not just for individuals, but for the church. Why are we here? What is our purpose?
Don’t worry! Before you devolve into existential angst, let me assure you that others have thought through this question. As Presbyterians, we stand in the reformed tradition, and one of our foundational documents, the Westminster Catechism, answers the question this way: “the chief end of humanity” – the whole reason that we are here – “is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
To glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. This is the point. This is the goal. I invite you to keep this in mind as you read the annual report.
I am quite confident that you are going to love what you see in the pages that follow. The pictures and the bullet points paint the image of a vibrant congregation; a congregation that is healthy, robust, living life-together, engaged in meaningful and transformative worship and mission. You will see a congregation that is rooted in the historic witness of the church and a congregation that is pouring into the next generation of those who will serve in Jesus’ name.
Moreover, you will see the story of a congregation that is invested. You may remember that when our mission study was released, it revealed that within our church, we have around 900 volunteer opportunities being filled – from singing in the choir, to greeting on a Sunday morning, to serving in our children’s or youth programs, to participating in our prayer ministries. To say that this is an invested congregation is an understatement!
As you read through the pages to come, you will also see a congregation that loves one another, a congregation that is invested in each other’s lives. As a pastor, I am keenly aware of my limited resources. I am keenly aware that I cannot be everywhere; that I cannot care for everyone…but thanks be to God for a congregation that cares for each other! Thanks be to God for every prayer offered, every meal delivered, every conversation had. On a personal level, I am beyond grateful to every person who has invested in the lives of my kids, who has been generous with their time and their treasures.
Even more than this, you will see a congregation that is committed to following Jesus Christ. You will see a congregation that is not waiting for the transition period to come to a conclusion before boldly following where Christ calls. You will see a community that is living by faith, a community that is witnessing and serving and loving and growing together.
In short, you will see the sort of church family that I believe brings a smile to God, our Heavenly Father.
Amid all of the joy and beauty of these pages, I don’t want us to miss the fundamental truth that underlies everything within this report: it is not about us.
This annual report is not about us. It is not a testament to our wisdom or acumen.
At the end of the day, this report is about God. It is about God’s faithfulness, and ultimately, it is about His glory. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Do it all for the glory of God! That’s what all of this is about.
Thank you for being a congregation that seeks to live this out. Thank you for being a community that lives, all for the glory of God.
In Christ’s service, Rev. Dan Hutchinson, Interim pastor
WORSHIP AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
2024 highlights
• The church continued offering five Sunday morning worship services: traditional, contemporary, and Tulsa International Fellowship (TIF).
• A special sunrise service was held at Camp Loughridge on Easter, along with five services at the church.
• TIF celebrated its 15th anniversary and hosted special worship nights on Good Friday and New Year’s Eve.
• Children's choirs, the new Rejoice Ringers bell choir, and youth Celebration Singers led worship throughout the year and on Palm Sunday, Easter, World Communion Sunday, and Christmas Music Sunday.
• Children’s and youth choirs presented a Pentecost musical and the annual Christmas Eve Nativity in collaboration with Next Gen ministries.
• The AWANA worship team grew into a full ensemble, emphasizing that children's worship is true worship and inviting musical parents to lead.
• The Youth Praise Band advanced their skills and led worship at all youth events, including mission trips, retreats, and special worship nights.
• The Contemporary Worship Team expanded with new members and scholarship students.
• The Chancel Choir presented concerts featuring Handel’s Messiah, Parts 2 and 3 in April and Part 1 in November.
• The Overtones Bells and Gloria Women’s Choir frequently led worship.
• Ron Pearson’s 51st Annual Organ Concert took place in October.
• The new Kerr Chapel organ, built by Foley-Baker Inc. of Tolland, Connecticut, was dedicated in September.
NEXT GEN MINISTRIES
2024 Children’s Ministry
• Our Sunday morning programming continued to be the cornerstone of Children’s Ministries using “The Beginners Gospel Storybook” curriculum for nursery/ Preschool children and “The Gospel Project for Kids” curriculum for elementary children.
• AWANA on Wednesday evenings helped children grow spiritually through scripture memorization in a fun environment while their parents attended classes and Bible studies.
• First Church Kids hosted Summer Swim, Kindergarten Blessing, Fourth Grade Bible Presentation, Advent Workshop, Christmas AWANA and Carols, Jammies for Jesus.
• VBS, VBX and WeeBS were held in June for children ages 3-12. Including Hi Helpers and volunteers, 165 participants came together for one week of Bible stories, games, songs, crafts and other fun activities.
• Parenting book studies and discussions were offered on Thursdays at lunch.
• Sunday school and K groups targeting parents of young children started and were well attended.
2024 Middle School and High School Ministry
• On Wednesday nights, all youth met in the Powerhouse. Grades 5-8 gathered for P.O.W., grades 9-12 for Amass Exodus.
• For their Summer Mission trips the Pathfinders served at Voice of Hope in West Dallas and Exodus served at several locations in Kansas City.
• We had 12 students go through the confirmation process and become members of First Church. Confirmation class was moved to Sunday afternoons, after worship, in September 2024.
• Pathfinders Fall Retreat returned to New Life Ranch, Frontier Cove and the Exodus Retreat returned to New Life Ranch, Flint Valley.
• The high school Ignite interns for 2024 were Naomi DeSpain and Carol Gitau.
UKIRK & YOUNG ADULTS
2024 UKirk College Ministry
UKirk seeks to serve college students ages 18-24 who have a touchpoint with First Church. This touchpoint can occur through membership, attendance, events on campus and beyond. We Gather, Grow, and Serve throughout the year to foster intentional and devoted relationship to Christ, one another, the community, and the church. We seek to foster this through Bible studies, worship, service, fellowship and one-on-one mentorship.
• Launched the Sherpa Program; one-on-one mentorship
• Enjoyed fellowship at events like Christmas Break Game Night
• Learned together during weekly Summer Bible Study
• Participated in various ministries and service opportunities
• Sunday School led by Rev. Metcalf
2024 Young Adults Ministry
Young Adult Ministry seeks to serve those in their 20s and 30s to create a welcoming and supportive environment where young adults can explore and grow their faith; and through community feel empowered to build meaningful relationships, serve the church, and outreach to the city for the sake of Jesus Christ. Young Adults connect through Sunday School, K Groups, fellowship, and service. It also includes intergenerational opportunities such as worship, Seasons Women’s Gatherings, Men’s Bible studies, and one-on-one mentorship.
• Sunday School led by Rev. Metcalf
• Intergenerational Sunday School with Rev. Hutchinson
• Weekly K-Groups
• Monthly fellowship events
• Bi-Annual Service Events
• Quarterly Theological Fireside Chats
ADULT EDUCATION & DISCIPLESHIP
2024 highlights
• Rev. Julia Metcalf led two spiritual retreats at Camp Loughridge focused on prayer, journaling, and drawing near to Christ.
• Weekday classes met regularly, including Men’s Monday Bible study, Precept Bible study, Seeker’s Bible study, Downtown Theological Roundtable, Hearts for the Lord, Parenting book study, Before the Rooster Crows (Saturday), and Mary Lee Weaver’s “Watercolor the Word.”
• Wednesday Night Downtown Tulsa (WNDT) offered adults year-round classes covering topics like Hermeneutics, Tolkien’s writings, relationships, spiritual gifts, and church history. Rev. Wambugu Gachungi also led weekly sermon text studies for the Seekers group.
• Sunday School classes delved into scripture, theology, and church history, with fifteen classes meeting throughout the year. During the summer, a special Faith & Film series was led by Rev. Hutchinson, John Shelton, Jacob Thompson, and Steve Wilson.
• In June 2024, Glimpses of Grace took a hiatus so the Mission Study Team could conduct focus groups during the 9:30 hour each Sunday.
• During Holy Week, members participated in a prayer vigil from Maundy Thursday to Resurrection Sunday. Laurel Baird prepared the Prayer Room with special prayer stations available from Holy Week through Pentecost.
• Rev. Dan Hutchinson’s Pastor’s Class covered New Testament epistles in the spring and early church history during the fall in the Foundations Sunday morning class.
• The Seasons Women’s Gathering, hosted by Sarah Savage and Rev. Julia Metcalf, continued to meet monthly for fellowship, study, and friendship.
• In November, Dr. Wesley Vander Lugt presented a series of talks on Beauty-Centric Faith.
• To prepare hearts for the Christmas season, the pastors created a church-wide video series called “Salt & Light.”
• The 8:10 Committee approved distribution of $655,135 in mission funds to six mission partners to serve the common good in Tulsa (Helping Hand, Masterwork Academy, Hope is Alive, Flourish Homes, Pathways Adult Learning Center, and Habitat for Humanity).
• Hosted a reception to thank and inform tenants of the 8:10 Building of service made possible by their occupancy.
• Sponsored a home with Green Country Habitat for Humanity to honor 31 years of dedicated service by Rev. Dr. Jim Miller.
• Continued our global mission partnership in Ireland sending 14 mission ambassadors to serve congregations across the island.
• Funded life-saving first-aid kits for front line soldiers in Ukraine in partnership with The Outreach Foundation and the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary.
• Sponsored a church mission director in Bondeni, Kenya.
• Welcomed Rev Jayaraj & Indra Dasan with Rev. Dr. Al Baker from the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI).
• Funded three evangelist/church planters through Presbyterian Church of India.
• Outfitted music education classroom at an elementary school in Nairobi, Kenya.
• Grew ministries at Anderson Elementary school including Lunch Buddies, community nights, and Celebrating Christmas Together.
• Continued Works of HeArt Program at the Tulsa Day Center.
• Provided meals to men and women in recovery through Hope is Alive Ministries.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE & FELLOWSHIP
2024 Congregational Life highlights
• The new year was kicked off with a pancake breakfast as we fellowshipped together to celebrate the start of 2024.
• Epiphany was celebrated with a sunset bonfire by the waters of Lake Parthenia at Camp Loughridge and a few braved the cold waters for the Polar Plunge.
• A church-wide Seder dinner was offered in Stephenson Hall prior to the Maundy Thursday services.
• Breakfast on Boston served as a time for the congregation to joyfully celebrate the Lord’s blessings and to kick off the fall programs.
• First Family dinners were held in the Courtyard on Pentecost Sunday, the Fourth of July, and World Communion Sunday.
• We gathered at Camp Loughridge for the annual Fall Festival. The First Church Pitmasters prepared delicious barbeque and family and friends enjoyed hayrides, music, trunk or treat, and inflatables.
2024 Member Care and record-keeping
• Member Care welcomed Denise Rounds as the new Parish Visitor.
• Formed a Meal Train Team to provide meals to members in need.
• Handled administrative tasks for the Board of Deacons, The Sisterhood, Presbyterian Women and First Ladies Council.
• Coordinated memorial and funeral services with the assistance of the Memorial Greeting Team and Deacon Reception Hosts.
• The Sisterhood, First Church’s ministry to widows, had fellowship activities including luncheons, an Introduction to Mahjong class, a presentation about Balcony Women by the organization’s founder, learning about container gardening with Sheri Allen, and the annual Christmas luncheon hosted by the First Ladies council. It also delivered grief support books to widows and widowers once a quarter during the first year of loss.
• Coordinated Home Communion for our homebound members.
• Entered and maintained membership statistics in Realm for Membership Reports to Session, PCUSA, and the Rolls and Registers of the church as well as parish register data used in the weekly bulletin and Tidings magazine.
2024 History and Archives
• Created a Miller Library exhibit featuring Dr. Charles W. Kerr’s home communion kit, 1907 devotional, and 1927 hymnal.
• Led 17 docent-guided tours for 114 individuals, including church members and groups like the Model-A Club, Bella Rose Retirement Community, Eagle Point Christian School, and various families.
• Conducted two docent training sessions, welcoming new docents: Ted Beaumont, Lisa Harbison, Ron Hart, and Josie Whitley.
• Completed an oral history interview with Sally Stewart.
• Finished the Caring for Collections course by the American Association for State and Local History (Archivist Vicky Wilcoxen).
• Gained Session approval to relocate Archives to Bernsen 3rd floor to address space and humidity issues.
• Hosted briefings for Emma Myatt, Alex Pennell, and Rev. Dan Hutchinson.
• Assisted researchers J. D. Colbert (Muscogee-Creek author) and Terri Miller (St. Paul Methodist Archivist).
AFFILIATE MINISTRIES
Masterwork Academy
• Twelve students exhibited in "The Crown" at Black Moon Gallery, and 19 were selected for the Mayfest Student Exhibition. A fifth grader from Masterwork won first place in her age category at Mayfest.
• Masterwork teachers taught a day of lessons in their disciplines at Anderson Elementary during TPS’s summer school.
• Summer camp attendance: 17 at Kids Across America, 30 at Camp Loughridge, and 20 at Masterwork Academy’s arts intensive workshop, where they produced the original multidisciplinary presentation “I Am A Masterwork”.
• Addressed test-readiness at Anderson with reading tutoring using our computer lab. Lunch Buddy ministry funded the tutoring software which tracks student progress and is accessible from home.
• Jeff O’Shields became Masterwork Academy’s Principal in January 2024.
• Celebrated Masterwork Academy’s seventh anniversary on July 24, 2024.
• In December 2024, Masterwork students caroled and delivered handmade Christmas cards to residents of Inverness Village as their first community outreach.
Helping Hand Ministry
Helping Hand Ministry (HHM) ended the year 2024 disbursing funds in the amount of $377,082 and assisted 3,596 Tulsa County residents with our “Basic Needs Assistance Program” as follows:
• Provided 21,411 meals to 2,379 families
• Assisted 1,217 family members in avoiding a cut-off of utility services
• Helped 216 individuals secure a photo ID necessary for employment
With First Presbyterian Church donating all our overhead expenses and an all-volunteer staff, HHM is able to use 100 percent of donated funds towards helping Tulsa County residents through a difficult time in their lives.
Camp Loughridge
The mission statement of Camp Loughridge is “To provide a quality, year-round, intergenerational facility in a rustic natural environment for the promotion of Christian growth and spiritual renewal.”
• 1,173 campers, an increase of 15% compared to 2023.
• 206 campers received scholarships, with a total value of over $60,000.
• 296 different events, including weddings, retreats, and challenge courses, hosted at camp by 145 organizations from around Tulsa.
• Multiple youth and adult retreats hosted throughout the year, an 8% increase from 2023.
• Hope’s Crossing Camp hosted for its 12th consecutive year, serving more than 30 campers with physical and mental disabilities.
Scouts BSA Troop 1
• Since 1910, Troop 1 has been providing an opportunity for boys and girls to grow in a family-focused, faith-based program of leadership and service.
• In 2024, the Troop celebrated five Eagle Scouts: Houston Crawford, son of Drew and Lisa Crawford; Aidan Harl, son of Chris and Andrea Harl; Mason Istre, son of Jennifer Istre and the late Fagon Istre; David Scheiper, son of Jim and Amy Scheiper; and Jack Davenport, son of Scott and Philanna Davenport.
• Monthly campouts and adventure trips include Oklahoma state parks at Robber’s Cave and Cedar Lake, Trapper’s Rendezvous at Wichita in January, Camp Hale in June, two crews went to Philmont Scout Ranch in June/July, a float trip in September and a ski trip in February.
• Served as fire watch at the annual First Church Epiphany Service at Camp Loughridge in January.
• Officially chartered the first Girl’s Scout Troop (Troop 1G) at First Church in February, widening the opportunity for high adventure and leadership skills to girls within our community.
PASTOR TRANSITION & MISSION STUDY
January 2024: The Transition Podcast hosted by Rev. Julia Metcalf, featured interviews with leaders in the church, Transition Team and Mission Study Team members about the pastoral transition process.
February 2024: The Mission Study Team launched the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) to gather feedback from church members, with HolyCow! Consulting engaged to assist with the mission study.
March 2024: The CAT survey concluded, with plans for a congregational presentation by HolyCow! Consulting representative Elizabeth Hamilton on May 19.
April 2024: The Mission Study Team gathered 480 survey responses, providing a broad range of feedback from the congregation.
May 2024: Elizabeth Hamilton from Holy Cow! Consulting presented the CAT survey results to the congregation. Preparations were made for a series of congregational conversations to discuss key topics.
June 2024: Congregational Conversations were held every Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. hour to discuss critical topics such as spiritual vitality, church priorities, community engagement, and pastoral leadership vision.
July 2024: The Mission Study Team concluded their study, summarizing themes from interviews, focus groups, and congregational sessions to draft the Mission Study report.
October 2024: The Session approved the 2024 Mission Study Report, marking the end of the Mission Study Team’s work. Plans were made for the election of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC).
November 2024: The congregation approved the Pastor Nominating Committee during a special meeting.
STATISTICS
• Membership beginning of 2024: 1,693
• Total active membership as of December 31, 2024: 1,602
• We welcomed 65 new members: 19 by transfer, 32 by reaffirmation of faith and 14 by confession of faith. There were 9 affiliate members at the end of 2024.
• There was a loss of 156 members: 29 deaths and 127 from deletion.
• 21 baptisms were performed including 16 infants, three youth at confirmation and two adults.
• First Church pastors conducted 19 memorial services for members, one graveside-only service, eight memorial services for nonmembers, and six inurnments.
• First Church conducted 12 weddings.
First Church Tulsa 2024 age demographics
Children and youth
• Attendance for in-person Sunday worship averaged 568 weekly.
• The Sunday worship livestream on our online channels was viewed by an average of 375 weekly.
• Sunday worship on the COX television broadcast was viewed by an average of 912 weekly in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City area.
First Church Tulsa 2024 attendance and viewing figures
2024 BOARD OF ELDERS
2024 DEACONS
• Approved funding for Hope is Alive Ministries, Masterwork Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Crossover Preparatory Academy, and Rising Village and others.
• Welcomed new First Church members throughout the year at session meetings that included dinner and conversations.
• Approved the Mission Report created by the Mission Study Team.
• Continued to lead and direct worship and discipleship of the church during the transition.
Class of 2024
Laurel Baird
Allison Biggs
Mark Brown
Larry Ewing
Stephanie Madsen
Urbanus Masaku
Steve Metcalf
Paul Mungai
Denise Rounds
Karen Woolman
Class of 2025
Brett Crane
Elizabeth DeVore
John Harper
Jessica John-Bowman
Jeanette Kern
Jaclyn Metcalf
Jacob Thompson
Solomon Tsuma
Faith Wambugu
Class of 2026
DD Blackman
Jenni Dollahon
Jerry Hall
Kim Hall
Bill Huffman
Laura Krohn
Betty Marshall
Paul McEntire
Jan Miller
Mary Lee Torbert
• Introduced Deacon’s Home/Yard Care ministry to help members with home maintenance tasks throughout the year.
• Hosted Camp Sunshine, Easter Musician's Brunch, All Saints Day service & lunch, Thanksgiving Day service and meal, Celebrating Christmas Together party at Anderson Elementary School, meals for Hope is Alive addiction recovery program and receptions following memorial services.
• Partnered with Elders to serve Home Communion to homebound members.
• Delivered flowers from Sunday services to assisted living facilities.
• Delivered Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias to homebound members.
Class of 2024
Tina Aruna
Sandy Curtis
Bette Cromer
Quentin Franklin
Carter Mathews
Valentine Ndunga
Buddy Neal
Dan Richmond
Grace Shelton
Scott Swanson
Class of 2025
Anita Anthony
Tyler Bird
Nancy Blocker
Beryl Bolo
Brandon Evans
Jeremy Foon
Nick McMillan
Janet Mercer
Gladys Njino
Cissy Ssettimba
Jacob Hand*
Ian Kanyeki*
Joy Mangesho*
Class of 2026
Diane Austin
Lisa Berry
Dave Davis
Amy Fiegener
David Grigg
Andrew Hand
Nelly Ndungu
Jana Neal
Kate Swan
Clare Williams *student
2024 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Foundation
The Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church Foundation is responsible for the oversight, management and growth of the Foundation’s endowment. Our investments and assets are held as equities, bonds, mineral interest royalties, cash, and real estate.
The Board of Trustees is composed of nine Church members who are elected to three-year terms. Three new members are elected annually, and three members roll off each year.
The board members include:
Class of 2024
Jane Crain-Chair
Pam Ferris
Steve Caldwell-Sec.
Class of 2025
Dr. John Frame
Ken McQueen-Vice Chair
Barrett Powers
Class of 2026
Ricky Jones
Bill Lawson
Jennifer Wyckhoff Porter
The Trustees continue to engage Bank of Oklahoma to provide active asset management of the marketable security portfolio of the Foundation. During 2024 the Foundation’s marketable securities experienced significant growth in the market value. The market value of the Foundation increased almost three million dollars in 2024.
Foundation earnings are an important source of income for the programs and mission of First Church. 2024 was the first year in the Church’s history in which over one million dollars were distributed by the Trustees.
The six broad ministry categories supported by Foundation earnings are:
• Music and Worship • Operations
• Nurture and Care of Families
• Long Term Facility Maintenance & Repair
• Local and Global Missions • Scholarship and Education
2024 Foundation Board
Steve Caldwell - Secretary
Jane Crain - Chair
Pam Farris
John Frame
Ricky Jones
Bill Lawson
Ken McQueen - Vice Chair
Jennifer Wyckhoff Porter
Barrett Powers
The Foundation received a substantial gift in 2024. The Birthday club is still looking for new members and if any group wants to hear more about the Foundation, please contact Katie Williams at kwilliams@ firstchurchtulsa.org or any Board member.
We believe that to secure the future of our wonderful facilities and continue our commitment to the necessary programs, we must further endow First Church. We encourage our membership to support this initiative with your prayers and personal estate planning!
