Asbury Tidings - Employed by God

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Asbury

TIDINGS MARCH 2010

In

March, we continue a sermon series on “Generosity.” It’s one of my favorite concepts in the Bible. It shows up in the lives of people of faith, and most predominantly in the life of Jesus. People who hang out with Jesus tend to become like Him. When Zacchaeus, the tax collector who liked to short people out of their money, met Jesus, he responded with: “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:8-10) Generosity has a certain financial aspect to it. People who love God are also people who love giving their money. Martin Luther talked about the conversion of the pocketbook to be the second aspect of salvation. If God doesn’t have our money, our hearts will never engage in the things of God. Generosity is a character trait. It is developed. The heart can grow and be transformed. Charles Dickens’ story of Ebenezer Scrooge is a great illustration of the conversion when people turn from hoarding to helping.

Generosity helps people. It creates an abundance of joy.

It has its own energy cycle. It breaks down barriers and walls. It lifts people to be higher and greater than before.

I’ve seen the movie, “Invictus” twice, now. It tells of Nelson Mandela, who as the movie describes, was certainly not a perfect person. But after release from spending 3.

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What’s Happening Humility Tithing Time and Money The Best Medicine God Created the Earth Single Life; A Male Perspective Trusting God In Your Single Life

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Asbury Tidings is a monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org

27 years in a tiny prison cell, he became the President of South Africa. Rather than using his new power to smash his enemies, he was unbelievably charitable to them. He said that reconciliation had to start with him, and in his office. “We have to surprise them with generosity. If we take away what they cherish (rugby), it will destroy us.” It’s incredible that after being incarcerated for that length of time that he came out willing to forgive those who put him in.

We see this same spirit in Jesus. Hanging upon the cross he uttered those memorable lines: “Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do.” Stephen, as he was martyred by the religious people of his day, followed in the Jesus’ steps with virtually the same prayer. This generous spirit was shown by others in the New Testament, as well as by John Wesley and Francis Asbury. I’ve seen this spirit in the life of our pastor emeritus, Bill Mason, and other ministers.

I’ve seen it illustrated in the lives of innumerable laity.

These folks give sacrificially. They create tremendous energy. They have a contagion about them.

To be generous in Christ means we let go of the false idols of our materialistic world, and we embrace the way of the cross. It’s the pathway of humility and trust, of abundance and godliness. It’s the way I want to live.

I want to be a generous person.

As John Wesley said: “If your heart is as my heart, lend me your hand.” At Asbury we are all about creating glad and generous hearts.

Dr. Tom Harrison, Sr. Pastor

Strong As Oak Managing Editor Tara Lynn Thompson American Idol tara@taralynnthompson.com Employed By God Graphic Designer Jonathan Van Risseghem Not Mine To Own vanriss.com Amiel: A Rich Young Ruler Opportunities Photographer Don Kreutzweiser New Members donsimages.com

Guest Contributors Dwight Yoder, Charlie Stinson, Basil James, Kara Beair, Jessica Cunningham, Brent Colgan, Sherri Cook, Joe Simmons, Kim Beair, Sylvia LaRose, Page 2 John Locher, John C. Westervelt

by Dwight Yoder, Executive Director

A

recent event

concerning one of our staff ministry leaders motivated me to discuss our staff in this column. Several months ago, I talked about our pastoral team. This month, I will address our ministry leadership.

Remember that while our pastors influence and participate in our ministry programs, they do not manage them. Our ministries are run by laity. Furthermore, under the model of ministry that Tom has instituted, the primary task of those ministry leaders is to develop, coordinate, and support the members of Asbury as they go about doing the majority of the actual ministry work. We do not accurately track how many individuals participate directly in Asbury’s ministries. Our estimate is 1,500 different individuals. To everyone in that group, thank you.

This have an impact not only on the specific ministry, in this case missions, but it also always seems to improve the church overall.

Asbury is fortunate to have dedicated and competent individuals leading our ministry. They have a great heart for what they do. It is not always an easy job.

None of them have “normal” working hours. Engaging with their non-staff constituency often means evening and weekend meetings and conversations. One of the key observations that I made coming from the business world to the church staff is that not only does every member have an opinion on what we should be doing but also opinions on how it should be accomplished. And, of course, there is a big difference working with teams of volunteers compared to working with paid employees. Navigating these issues takes experience, wisdom, and patience.

Glen Grusendorf

The results are impressive when the energy and talents of our membership, coordinated and enabled by our staff, come together. While we always have room for improvement,Asbury is fortunate to have a culture where this is working and, therefore, ministering productively.

I want you to know the staff who are providing primary leadership for our ministries, and I have listed them below. Of necessity, this leaves out many of our staff who are making huge contributions, and I apologize for that.

Care and Marriage: Charlene Giles

Celebrate Recovery: Children:

Marcia Culver and Kim Renkema

Discipleship (adult communities, Roadmap): Diane King

Global Missions and Local Outreach: Mary Ann Smith

Lay-led (UMM, UMW, prayer, singles, seniors): Debbie Wallis

Music/Worship:

Hart Morris, Mark Bennett, Chris Cleveland, Ben Kilgore, Danny Hill

Student: Greg Lynn

Young Adult: Jon Odom

Now to the motivating event I first mentioned. It is The increased focus on young adult ministry with not unusual for members of our staff to be invited to Jon Odom is new. Tom is personally investing in this participate or contribute to organizations and events new initiative. You will hear more about this in the outside of Asbury. This usually speaks to both the rep- next month or two. utation of Asbury and the recognized expertise and If you are not yet serving within Asbury and are incompetence of the person. terested in seeing if there are opportunities consistent At the end of last year, Mary Ann Smith notified me with your interests and talents, please contact Joan that she was invited to attend the Lausanne Confer- Kahl at 392-1176 or jkahl@asburytulsa.org. She would ence in South Africa this fall. This is quite an honor. be happy to visit with you.

Technically, this is the Third Congress on World EvanAs a reminder, your May issue of Tidings will be gelization sponsored by the Lausanne Movement. The first was held in 1974. Approximately 4,000 of the mailed on a subscription only basis. A free subscripmost influential people in the world in the field of tion card is enclosed in this issue. evangelism, coming from over 200 countries, will attend this conference. When you see Mary Ann, please Thank you for every way in which you support Asbury. congratulate her. Participation in major events such as Page 3

Humility.

Who? Me?

By Charlie Stinson

W

hen I was first approached about submitting an article on humility, my initial reaction was a brief outburst of laughter at the very idea that I personally might know anything about this topic. In fact, I believe my rather forward and open reaction actually caused the editor to question the wisdom behind the original request.

But after some thought and consideration I decided it might be a good idea after all, not because I had suddenly developed a humble character, but rather I believed the exercise itself would invoke some serious self assessment that could prove beneficial to my own personal growth and accountability. And if it would generate any thought or discussion with Asbury members, all the better.

So what does it mean to be humble, what does it look like in our everyday lives, and why is it important? Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better then yourselves. Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”.

Try explaining that one to the teenagers that enjoy free room and board in your home and see what type of response you get. Better yet, I thought, why not engage that very audience – teenagers - and see what they had to say about this topic. Conveniently I have the good fortune of being connected with a group of Asbury students, 15- and 16-year-old boys, whose attention can be bought for the price of a large pizza. So during halftime of a Sunday NFL playoff game, I initiated a discussion to explore their thoughts and opinions on the subject of humility.

Initially our conversation had trouble getting off the ground and I sensed a disconnect when one of the students exclaimed, “Why would anybody want to have to deal with that if they didn’t have to?”

Now the average reader might become a bit concerned after hearing that comment but anyone who has worked with student small groups expects a certain amount of miss-communication (especially with teens) and has learned to just keep asking questions.

Soon I realized the group had “humility” confused with “humiliation” which explained the above referenced comment. Once the group re-identified the meaning of humility, which to them is simply being “not cocky” and further “not looking for attention or credit for ones actions”, our conversation really took off.

Overall, this group respected people who were humble and they wanted to be humble themselves so “they would not be focused on themselves or viewed poorly by others”. But they all thought it was a hard thing to be for several reasons.

First of all, the world does not tell them to be humble.

They referenced the entertainment industry - movies, television, and video games, plus athletes, coaches, and politicians as examples.

Second, they didn’t personally know many adults including parents - who were very humble in general.

When pressed about this second point, they collectively agreed that 20-22 percent of the adults in their world were “humble and setting a good example”.

One teen actually told me that humility “was another one of those things adults talked about but didn’t really do themselves”.

So I asked them for any examples of anything in their lives that actually taught or promoted humility and the answer was: church, missions, volunteer work, and sports.“Participation in sports teaches you to be humble because you find out its harder then it looks” stated one of the guys. And at that point, the second half of the football game began and the conversation came to an abrupt close while I quietly wondered if I had the

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courage to ask my own teenagers if they thought I was ever humble and set a good example in our home?

humility. Most of us nod our heads “yes” to humility, but in real life, it is not so easy to implement.

Three days later, I found myself at breakfast with two men whom I consider to be mature and committed Christians, not casual about their faith in any way. I asked them to comment on what true humility looks like.

Stephen told me “it is simply putting others ahead of

Soon our conversation shifted to the importance for men to be examples of humility as leaders in our churches, businesses, and in our homes. Bill pointed out that in all three areas when we express true humility (putting others first) then we are also admitting

“We belong to a society that loves to ‘measure up’ to one another...”

yourself, thinking more highly of others”. Bill felt it was something that was hard to put into words but added, “you know it when you see it, it stops you in your tracks and makes an impact”. Next, I asked them how important they thought it was as Christians to be humble and Stephen quickly jumped in with,“The fact” that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble, should be sufficient motivation for any true believer”.

Well,I certainly agree with those comments,as I’m sure many of the readers do, but that’s the tricky part about

that someone else is truly in charge, not dad or mom, not the boss, not the church leaders, but simply God. And Stephen wrapped up our conversation by stating that in regards to the body of Christ, when our leaders exhibit the characteristics of pride it inevitably leads to division, but when our leaders exhibit humility, it leads to unity.

Thus far this entire discussion has focused on our humility compared to our fellow man and this is to be expected to a certain degree. We belong to a society that loves to ‘measure up’ to one another, to get a feel for where we stand, determine how we compare, and map out how much further we can go. But maybe, just maybe, we should look at how humble we are compared to God, or how humble we should be compared to God, considering who He is and what He has done.

Christ Himself turned the concept of humility upside down when He willingly submitted to His Father at Gethsemane and prayed, “My Father, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). This level of humility is trust at its most complete. If Christ was willing to trust everything to His Father, maybe we can work towards being humble enough to trust God with our own meager struggles, fears, uncertainties, and the anxieties that we face in our daily lives.

Is this an unfair comparison? Probably. Does it put things in a more proper perspective? Absolutely. And I want to leave you with this thought. It’s not really about how humble you currently are, but how humble you really want to be. Who are you striving to be in this life and what example are you willing to set in your church, your community, and in your home? That at least is what I suspect God is more concerned with.

Signed, Certainly not humble, but very aware.

(And that’s a good first step.)

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Tithing

TIME

and Money

By Basil James

came to me gradually.

TITHING When I was about 30 years old and married with two children, I was just

entering into a sales job as an engineer selling engineered products. We attended Rose Hill Methodist Church here in Tulsa. It was my practice to put about $2 in the collection plate and 50 cents in the Sunday School collection. Each child was given a nickel or a dime to put in their respective class collection.

In preparation for “Stewardship Sunday”, Mr. Jess Plowman called on us at home and talked about how important it was to share God’s wealth, that we had at our command, with His church. Mr. Plowman extracted a promise from me to pledge $5 each week,

save 10 percent for ourselves each month. It was amazing how that practice stood us in good stead. I later began to realize that this practice of “earmarking” money for God and ourselves was surely His plan.

Giving of our time to God’s work came easy for us.

We had children in Sunday School and later in the youth department, so we entered into those programs. It let us see what was going on with our kids and enabled us to contribute to the programs in which they were involved.

I still love being a helper in the four-year-old classroom. For a couple of years, I was in the fifth through sixth grade class as a helper. My hearing, however, is not good and that was a turn-off for that age.

“...what I do give brings great joy to me and makes me want to be more involved...” and he admonished us to bring the money with us each week. The bringing of the $5 became very important to me. I made sure I had money in my pocket earmarked for church each Sunday morning.

After I saw how easy it was to set aside that $5 each week, we began increasing the amount and over a period of about three years we reached the tithe of 10 percent of our gross income. The planning to set aside that money motivated us to plan a saving program to

The real turn off was when the kids had to help me get up from our discussion session, while seated on the floor in a circle. The four-year old kids do not seem to mind when I simply smile and pat them on the back regardless of what they have said.

Nursing Home visitation is one activity that gives me great pleasure. Finding the person I am to visit is sometimes a challenge, but when I do get to the person I am to visit I am rewarded by the gratitude they express Page 6

and usually the conversation is very interesting to me. I am a history buff and these people have lived thru a lot of history – yes, each person’s life story is interesting.

The Home Improvement Ministry is one that I really enjoy.

It takes only three to four hours one Saturday every other

“It is wonderful to see what our Lord can do with the money He receives.” month, but the association with Asbury men in helping our single ladies with minor home repairs or lawn and garden chores is very rewarding.

On several occasions I have volunteered to teach a class, child or adult and I have found that I am not a teacher. I have brought the message to small congregations and have found that I am not a preacher. What I have found is that I am a discussion leader.

And I will do that at the slightest invitation. Asbury’s emphasis on small groups is a great activity that is bringing people closer to God and closer to each other.

Our VIM program is really great. More and more people need to be engaged in a mission trip. After a three year layoff to get new knees and a hip, I am signed up for a Monterey Mexico trip to work at Juan Wesley Seminary this coming March 13th with friends David and Jan Meilner.

It is important to me to tithe my money because the scriptures tell me to do so, and I have come to enjoy the benefit of planning the placement of my finances. It is wonderful to see what our Lord can do with the money He receives. Just looking at this facility God has given to us Asburians brings great joy.

For at least 45 years I have had the understanding that I cannot give a gift to God unless I have first given 10 percent of my gross income back to Him for His work – mostly at the church where I have my membership.

The time that I give to God’s work may not be a tithe of my available time, but what I do give brings great joy to me and makes me want to be more involved in His work. As I read the Scriptures, I see Jesus giving all His time for me. For us.

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THE BEST MEDICINE

By Kara Beair

as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a doctor. As I made my way through FOR AS LONG high school, college, and the first two years of medical school, all I ever dreamed of was being a third year medical student so I could finally see and care for patients.

When the first day of my third year arrived, I was ecstatic. As I walked through the doors of the hospital in my freshly pressed white coat with my stethoscope around my neck, I knew it was going to be a special day. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when my feelings of anticipation turned to frustration, but by the end of that first day, I’d come to the realization things weren’t going to be as wonderful as I’d hoped.

“Thoughts of DOUBT

CREPT INTO MY BRAIN...”

As it turns out, third year medical students spend most of their time feeling inadequate. Forever an overachiever, I soon discovered that all the studying in the world couldn’t have prepared me for the hospital. It quickly became clear that while my job was to talk with, examine, and write care plans for my patients, my knowledge was rarely sufficient and my opinion was seldom valued.

Starting out in one of the most difficult areas of the hospital,the Intensive Care Unit,certainly didn’t help matters.

The fast-paced, high-stress, critical care environment

is not an ideal place for learning. Lives hang in the balance and good decisions have to be made at a moment’s notice. As the first couple of weeks passed, the 12-plus hour days began to wear on me.

Thoughts of doubt crept into my brain as I questioned my abilities and wondered if I’d ever truly be able to make a difference in the lives of my patients.

Then, during one particularly difficult Saturday in the unit, God changed my perspective. After six grueling hours rounding with the toughest attending physician in the hospital, I was at my breaking point. I headed into the room of a post-op patient who had lost a great deal of blood during surgery and was very sick. She’d been in the ICU before and was quite a handful. She had griped and complained, threatened one of our residents that she was going to “bop her upside the head” and spoken a few choice expletives to the ICU staff. I felt for a moment that I might want to rush through my duties and get back out of the room before she awoke. After all, her condition was very fragile and should she need something, I probably didn’t have the skills to provide it. She’d also been somewhat combative before, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous standing at her bedside.

Though I was compelled to leave, the urge to stay and help this woman was even greater. As I stood watching her sleep so peacefully, the Lord bent down and whispered in my ear, “Truly I say to you, just as you did it to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

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“IN A MOMENT, IMAGES OF THE PAST MONTH FLOODED MY MIND.” In a moment, images of the past month flooded my mind. I thought of my first patient, a man with severe altered mental status due to sepsis, who had to be placed on dialysis. Every day, once my notes were finished, I would go into his room to talk to and comfort him.

I thought of the man newly diagnosed with diabetes, who I’d reassured and encouraged.

Despite my doubts that he’d be compliant with his medications, I spent an hour or so sharing my own family’s experiences with diabetes and giving him hope about his future.

I thought of the cocaine addict in respiratory failure, who’d had to be intubated. When the tube finally came out and she was able to eat again, I had made her a strawberry milkshake and held it while she drank.

I thought of the critically ill woman whose family decided to withdraw care. I’d held and comforted them as they cried over the loss of their loved one.

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I also thought of the man, who had no family surrounding him as he took his last breath. I’d checked on him and prayed for him many times during his stay in the hospital.

It suddenly dawned on me that despite my feelings to the contrary, I had been providing my patients with something very valuable over the last few weeks. I’d allowed the learning process and the environment to make me feel inadequate, but I’d been perfectly adequate in the Lord. No, I might not have known the exact dose of medicine or the perfect sequence of treatment every patient needed, but I knew how to show my patients God’s love. No matter whom my patients were or what illness they suffered from, that was the one kind of medicine they’d always need.

I lingered in that patient’s room for awhile, checking her IVs, listening to her heartbeat, and saying a prayer for her. Before I left, she opened her eyes. I smiled down at her, and I think she smiled back.

As long as I live, I don’t think I’ll ever forget that precious little lady, who gave me such an important reminder. Even when we feel we don’t have much to bring to the table, we can always offer God’s love. When we have a relationship with the Lord, we are called to build relationships with others and share the love God has given us with them. Of all the callings God can place on our lives, this is the highest of them all.

God created the Earth

By Jessica Cunningham

Just open any newspaper or magazine, and you’ll find an article about “going green.” The statistics of why and “how to’s” are everywhere. However, like changing any habit, it can be hard to get started. Baby steps. Start small and continue to learn more. For me, a true desire to sustain God’s amazing resources, reading a few statistics, and my mom’s hometown helped me to get started on this path towards recycling and becoming more resourceful.

In my mom’s small town where I grew up, people don’t just recycle for the heck of it. They recycle because it’s the law and the city will fine you if you don’t. You see, Massachusetts has a lot less land than Oklahoma. My mom recycles everything, and if I accidentally throw a recyclable item away, she pulls it out of the trash. I’ve learned a lot from her. Reading some statistics on plastic bags has led me to now carrying my own re-usable grocery bags. Consider this: * Many of these bags never make it to landfills; instead, they go airborne after they are discarded—getting caught in fences, trees, even the throats of birds, and clogging gutters, sewers, and waterways. * The production of plastic bags requires petroleum and often natural gas, both non-renewable resources that increase our dependency on foreign suppliers. Additionally, prospecting and drilling for these resources contributes to the destruction of fragile habitats and ecosystems around the world.

It was hard to remember to bring my bags at first but now it’s a habit. I keep my bags in my car with me all the time. Bonus: Target and Whole Foods pays you 5 or 10 cents for each bag you use.

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to “start going green” 1.Take your own re-usable grocery bags. Even Walmart sells them for just $1.

2. Check out www.metrecycle.com. This website tells you everything you need to know to get started recycling in Tulsa. Our family has signed up for the twice-monthly pick-up program.

3. Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth. If every family member does this, it can save up to eight gallons a day.

4. Use less stuff. Take, for example, paper. You don’t always need a fresh sheet. If you’re writing a grocery list, scribble on a blank section of a junk mail envelope 5. When you walk out of room, hit the light switch to “off.” When the MP3 player is fresh and ready to go, unplug the charger. Activate the low-power settings, such as sleep and hibernate, on computers, monitors and printers.

Consider Genesis 8:2-9 & Colossians 1:15-16 – God created the earth; every tree, every animal...

That seems like reason enough to respect it.

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Single Life 1 a male perspective

By Brent Colgan

Being single can be difficult in many different ways.

Many singles in their mid life years have experienced divorce, the financial issues with divorce, separation of friends and most importantly the emotions and stability of our children.

When I don’t put God first, I am praying and hoping for what I want. What I want and what God has planned for me can be completely different. I remember praying and telling God this is what I want or God please make this happen. I have learned that when I pray to God I pray about everything, but I ask that God’s will be done.

Philippians 4:6-7 is a scripture I read before I start praying when I am experiencing difficult times.

Philippians 4:6-7,“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Being patient has been a difficult task for me. In today’s society everything is “now”. We want all of our needs and desires to be filled “now”. I am finally learning to be patient, but I still feel myself wanting results at my pace and it is hard not to want that.

When I feel the anxiety of being impatient, I read Psalms 37:3-4, “Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

When I slow down and listen to the scriptures it is amazing the peace and calm I experience. Once I surrender myself completely to God and quit trying to control what is taking place in my life, I can feel the burden being lifted. By trusting in God I have complete faith in what he has in store for me.

God knows my hearts desire better than I. It is up to me to trust in God not only in my single relationship but with my daily life. Being human is difficult. I thank God for his unconditional love and forgiveness. I am excited about the direction of my life, my spiritual growth and the doors God has opened. One door God opened for me was to be a co-leader of “ Salt and Light.” As we began to organize our community, I realized what a great experience this will be and how much I can learn about God through our leaders and members.

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Putting God first and having faith in him in my single relationship has brought me comfort. It is truly amazing the difference in my life by putting God first and trusting in him.

Trusting God in Your Single Life…

By Sherri Cook

In 2006, I found myself unexpected single again. Devastated, I immediately turned to the Lord for strength.

I had grown up in a Christian home but had become a very casual Christian. Christian family and friends supported, encouraged and prayed for me. My self imposed nickname was the “queen of self help.” I read literally everything about relationships and how to improve to be the right kind of person. One day on the telephone I told my sister about my latest book, she agreed that was great but asked, “When was the last time you read the Bible?”

She was right. Only God and God’s Word could provide the strength and direction I needed. I started to read the Bible and made the 15 minute daily drive to work my dedicated prayer time.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I claimed this scripture and emailed it to friends and family. A few weeks later at a woman’s conference this verse was the text of the message. She pointed out that the Lord has plans for our life, plans with an s, plans in the plural, not just one plan but plans.

Although I had never desired it I was now ready for God’s plan B for my life. I briefly went back to attend the church where I was a member but never seemed to fit as a single person. Attending “Divorce Care” was extremely healing, but I heard bitterness as others introduced themselves and declared I didn’t want that to define me. I enjoyed the teaching in the ladies’ class but everyone sat with their families in church and never socialized outside of class or participated in outreach together.

I visited two singles classes but everyone seemed older and they lacked leadership or commitment to singles unless you were in “College and Career”. It seems that Satan would prefer me to be isolated and feeling sorry for myself, but I trusted God to bring me into fellowship with other believers.

I began attending Asbury and found a community of singles who were committed to the Lord. “Purpose Driven Fellowship” met my needs with Bible study, small groups, lunch together after church and even sitting together in the sanctuary for worship.They served God together in the church and the community. Asbury became my church home, and I learned the importance of being in community with other believers.

One reason my marriage failed dealt with the issue of money. Over-responsible would describe me in this area of my life. Sitting down with a legal pad I listed all the debts, bills, and monthly responsibilities I had and compared it to my income as tears rolled down my cheeks. We had barely made it as a two income couple. How would I make it on my own? I had never tithed and always felt like I was flat broke. I had observed my single friends giving even when they didn’t have a regular income.

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Just six months after coming to Asbury, Pastor Tom preached on Malachi 3:8-12 and I clearly heard, “Stop robbing God.” The Bible tells us “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse” and continues to say, “Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” For the first time ever I began to see that God would supply all my needs if I would be obedient to Him. I followed the principle of tithing and began to see the evidence of God’s promise. From receiving a raise, unexpected tax return money, reduction in debts, and increased savings, God’s blessings were evident and abundant. I learned to trust God and have never been more at peace with my finances.

Unfortunately, Christians are not immune to hardships in marriage and face the same divorce rate as non-Christians. Due to the growth of “Purpose Driven Fellowship” Asbury began a new singles community “Salt and Light.” God’s recent plans included preparing me for the wonderful challenge and opportunity of leading this new community. By trusting in God and with countless prayers of many, God provided a group of leaders that love the Lord and want to impact singles at Asbury and in the Tulsa community.

By starting this new community and sharing my story, I hope to help alleviate the feeling some experience of not belonging in church due to their single status. My desire is that “Salt and Light” will impact many by bringing them to know Jesus, trusting Him and seeking His will in their lives.

God had plan B ready for me and it has been beautiful, brilliant, and the beginning of many wonderful changes in my life. God took me from being alone and fearful to now trusting Him every step of the way in leading “Salt and Light”.

I wonder what He plans next!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6 Page 13

STRONG - Is a man’s word still what it use to be?

{AS}

By Joe Simmons

There’s

a scene from the 1995 Cameron Crowe movie “Jerry Maguire” that sticks out in my mind.

No, I’m not talking about the one in which Tom Cruise’s beleaguered sports-agent character repeatedly screams, “Show me the money!” to his lone client, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. Although that scene is certainly hard to forget.

This one takes place later in the film, when Cruise’s Maguire drives to the West Texas home of a prospective NFL star. There, he meets with the young man’s father, played by Jeff Bridges. The two come to an agreement for Maguire to represent the player. However, as they shake hands, Bridges’ character tells Maguire he doesn’t do written contracts, but his word is “strong as oak.”

Or not. Father and son end up stabbing Maguire in the back by signing with his chief competitor.

While this scenario is fictitious and opens the door for Maguire to lead Gooding’s character to a multimillion dollar contract (and Gooding to an Oscar trophy for Best Supporting Actor), reliving one of my favorite flicks got me to thinking about the value of a man’s word. Does it mean what it once did?

My father worked as a cattle buyer for 30 years.

Never once do I recall seeing a contract among his business papers. I do, however, remember seeing books of signed blank checks from his customers in his desk drawer.They and Dad negotiated a price over the phone, and Dad simply filled in the amount on a check and paid himself.

Talk about trust. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

OAK

As dependable as they are, I don’t believe I’d feel comfortable handing over my checkbook to my credit card company, my utility providers, or the Internal Revenue Service. Actually, come to think of it, the IRS already has it, but I think that’s the law.

I recently sat down with an old friend from the Chancel Choir, Floyd Plummer. During our time in the choir loft,I learned that Plummer serves as a Stephen minister.

While they don’t work in an official counseling capacity, Asbury’s Stephen ministers undergo months of training to help members cope with various life challenges.

Over a cup of coffee, Plummer told me about his nearly nine years of listening to real-life stories of loss, some of which result from a person’s word not being quite as strong as oak.

A common situation which Plummer helps people through is divorce, the subject of his last three cases as a Stephen minister.

“Conditions change, people change.We lose our focus. Other things begin to get in the way, and we seem not to work quite as hard at making the marriage last as we should,” Plummer said.

Plummer acknowledged the ramifications of not staying true to one’s marital vows can have dire consequences.

“They lose their self-esteem, they begin to do bizarre behavior that they’ve never done before. It’s only making the situation worse, and they lose contact with their children.”

As my friend speaks, the faces of my two young children, Mason and Elizabeth, flash across my mind’s eye.

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“I knew that my place was back in the church.

That was where I was raised.”

I can’t imagine not seeing them every day, not hearing them laugh, not watching them grow.

I think of the eleven other couples my wife and I met last year in our Dynamic Marriage course, from newlyweds looking to reinforce their already-strong bond to marital veterans on the brink of separation. I wonder how each couple is doing now. Are the young lovers still blissful? Are the tired warriors still at battle? Will their vows prove to be strong as oak, or will they bend and snap like a weak Bradford pear in an Oklahoma windstorm?

Plummer has seen both scenarios play out, both in his Stephen ministry and in his own life. The 77-yearold went through a divorce from his first wife many years ago and has been happily married to Marilyn for 13 years. In fact, the couple met at Christ United Methodist Church, where Plummer participated in a divorce recovery workshop after spending some time feeling separated from the Lord.

cancer and he has watched his brother battle and conquer the disease. All these experiences were difficult, of course, but Plummer says they prepared him for his role as a Stephen minister.

“In dealing with death and dealing with other forms of loss, I felt like I could contribute something to make somebody else’s path a little bit easier.”

As Plummer and I wrap up our long-overdue visit, I think again about my kids. They don’t know this, but in the backyard of the first home their mother and I shared when we married more than 15 years ago, there stood a tall, proud oak.

He has watched couples succumb to divorce, and he has seen men and women emerge from counseling energized and full of hope.

“...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

“The joy that they recover in their lives, if they are able to work through the difficult problems that they have, makes the union stronger after they get to the other side,” said Plummer.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

“I knew that my place was back in the church. That was where I was raised. And so I did go back and I did make some changes and I did make some new commitments,” he said.

Plummer’s strength has been challenged more than I can fathom at my age, which is about half of his. Plummer has watched his parents pass on, he has survived Page 15

American Idol Matthew 6:21 (NIV) “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

by Kim Beair, MS, LPC,NCC

S

tuff, things, spouses, children, jobs, hobbies… the list goes on and on. The gifts that God has to offer us in this world are amazingly wonderful. It is hard to imagine a world lacking the beautiful things, people, events and activities to which we have become accustomed. Ask anyone who has traveled the world, and they will tell you that America is abundantly blessed, as the majority of the world cannot imagine the lifestyle of even some of our less fortunate citizens.

Jesus talked about money more than almost any other topic. Rather than stating people should be rich or poor, he encouraged a life of balance and perspective. Within that world, one should realize that each person has a Godly

calling, and wholly fulfilling that purpose should be primary. If we are on that path, we should never have to worry, as God will supply all our needs.

“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well…”

Matthew 6:32-34 (NIV) “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.” Matthew 6:28.

Clearly, Jesus does not claim we have to be naked or even dress like slobs – he just says not to worry about it. If you are called to be a sales person, public speaker, or pageant queen, God will make sure you get to work dressed appropriately.

“Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?’….’What do I still lack?’ Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth…..” Matthew 19:16-24 (NIV) Can you even imagine someone choosing to walk away from Jesus? In our day and age, with all we know about Jesus, it is hard to imagine walking away. But back in the day of Jesus first coming on the scene, it is easy to imagine the conflict this young man might have experienced.

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Often times, people take a rigid stance of pride in not being materialistic – saying that people are all that matter. Yes, people do matter – but I challenge those who dismiss things and events. We must remember that God wants all His people to return to Him, and some of those people will only be reached by guys on the golf course, or Harley Davidson fanatics, or fashion divas. There is a mission and calling on every person, from the garbage collector to the socialite. One is not better than the next; they merely have different mission fields. Sometimes it is the commonality of things and events that draw people together, and then to God – making things and events important in the grand scheme of things.

Do you know someone who worships their spouse, children, or some other person?

Matthew 10:37-39 addresses this issue as well: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me...”

Again, it is great to love and adore our friends and families, but they are not our breath of life. God is.

He gives us people to enhance our lives, not to be dependent on them for our survival . That is His job.

Consider the following scripture: “A wife of noble character who can find? ….She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard…

She sees that her trading is profitable…. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet…she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among

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the elders of the land.. .. she can laugh at the days to come….charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:10-31.

Most see this woman as honorable and hard working, but she and her husband are clearly rich and popular and yes, they hobnob! The point?

They have balance. They work hard, give to others, and laugh at the days ahead. That means they don’t stress themselves out working to survive, surviving to work or being codependent with people.

Today, consider the words of James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

Enjoy the things, but love and worship God.

Employed

by God

By Sylvia LaRose

I

n these tough economic times … is a phrase one often hears nowadays. And yes, it is a tough time for America -- with government agencies cutting back, layoffs running rampant, businesses failing, and most everyone tightening their financial belts. The job market is sluggish.

Today’s unemployment rate is about 10 percent nationwide. The underemployment rate, meaning the unemployed plus those employed part time, is close to 17 percent. Almost 40 percent of unemployed workers have been so for seven months or more (Newsweek, January 25, 2010). The statistics are bleak.

And so is heading out into the community without a steady job.

But for Asbury member Jeff Wilkie, tough economic times are exactly the right time to turn to the Lord and trust in His word.

Several years ago when businesses were booming, Jeff was a self-made entrepreneur running his own extremely successful consulting enterprise. His specialties were management advice, team building, executive coaching and employee development. In fact, he was so successful at what he did that Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor invited him to City Hall to lead her Human Resources team. “I knew it was my calling,” says Jeff. “I prayed about it, and God lead.”

Overseeing nearly 4,000 city employees was a great experience for Jeff. He established relationships with Tulsa’s police and fire departments, office administrators, even the guys who fill potholes. And as a citizen, he learned how important each individual is to running a large city, and how hard the employees work for such low pay. They are truly public servants. But when Kathy Taylor’s mayoral term ended last fall, so did Jeff’s appointed role in the HR department. He was out of a job.

“There was something in my heart – God’s calling,” explains Jeff. “He was telling me to use what I learned in the city in my own business.”

When Jeff ran his first consulting business, he had a tendency not to put his trust in God. When he “did it all” himself, he felt stressed and out of control. When he gave it all to God … all went well. So he prayed about

starting a consulting business for a second go-round.

And this time, he let go and put the Lord in control.

“God helped me find a job,” Jeff continues. “I don’t worry about anything – I give it all to You. It’s not my timeline, it’s Yours.”

There were some doubts from others about this new consulting venture – what about benefits? the financial return? the responsibility? It was a test of faith. But Jeff knew that God would provide. And He has. The consulting biz is thriving for the Wilkie family.

“It’s amazing! I’m happy, not stressed,” says Jeff.

However, there have been moments of uncertainty for Jeff. And fortunately, he has a strong support group at church. “I have sought out other men at Asbury,” Jeff describes. “I surround myself with people who keep me accountable. When stress is knocking at the door, it’s easy to become discouraged, thinking you can do it all, but can’t. Surrounding myself with believers really energizes me and helps. And it’s great to laugh and talk and be encouraged. I don’t ask for help in my business – I ask for help in my walk with faith. It’s what I need.”

Jeff is also active in the Wesley Community on Sunday morning, where his fellow worshipers help him stay on his path with God. “And the Pastors, they all say be strong, be faithful,” says Jeff.

“God is in control. Let him lead you.” And He has.

“A huge part of my success and trust comes from my wife, Cathy,” Jeff continues. “You can’t run a business without the support of family, and I have 100 percent support from my wife, who is constantly encouraging me. She always says ‘Pray about it.’ She helps keep me going as she continues to be faithful in her walk with the Lord. She is a big part of my motivation.”

And what does the future hold for Jeff? “I feel a calling to be out on my own,” he affirms. “But some day I would like to be in public service.” He cites one of his favorite Bible passages from Matthew (5:13-16) teaching about salt and light, as his motivation … let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Jeff certainly has been through tough economic times. But when the times were tough, it was easy to find the answers. Just trust the Lord.

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I can do all things in Him that strengthens me.

(Philippians 4:13)

SUBJECT: Help for the Unemployed AUMC JOB

BOARD is an assistance ministry provided for the members of Asbury. Those searching for a job can find full and part-time employment opportunities in administration, education, health, technical, and everything in between.

Go to: www.aumcjobboard.com or simply click the link on Asbury’s home webpage.

EMPLOYMENTTRANSTION PROGRAM is

another way Asbury assists job seekers. The volunteer program offers resume reviews and quarterly seminars by Tulsa professionals on current employment topics. For resume help contact employtransitions@yahoo.com and check the Asbury bulletin and website for upcoming seminars.

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Not Min miles behind me, a hapWith 853 py wife with a Starbucks in hand, and a content mother-in-law in the back seat, I began to reflect on all the blessings of the last year.

I thanked the Lord for my beautiful wife, my home, my company, my health, and all of the blessings that the Lord has poured out on us. I have so many things to be thankful for. However, as I heard myself, I realized how far I had strayed, (Can you count the number of “I”s in that sentence?), and how the Crown Financial Bible Study has realigned my thinking and renewed my mind.

You see, in 1999 when I went to Israel, I learned that you could not buy land in Israel. For that matter, if Bill Gates wanted to buy land in Israel, he couldn’t either, as the land was not for sale. It is the law in Israel that no man can buy the land as the land belongs to the Lord. “To the Lord your God belong… the earth and everything in it” (Deut 10:14 NIV). You can execute a long term lease as a manager, but you cannot own the land. Being in Israel and understanding that principle, I now read the Bible in a new light from the Eastern mindset instead of the Western.

In the Bible, there are 500 verses on prayer, and by the volume of passages, it seems to me that it is pretty important to the Lord. Likewise, there are almost 500 verses on faith. However, there are more than 2,350 verses, and 16 of the 38 parables, about how to handle money and possessions! Why did Jesus talk more about this subject than any other?

This last year, I was approached to lead a Crown Financial Bible study. When I went through the study I was reminded of my trip to Israel and that the Lord owns everything. Through the crown study, all the pieces started coming together. Coming from an “ownership mentality” as a proud American, I thought I had to own things. After all, the more I owned the better off I was. But Jesus did not talk about ownership, he talked about stewardship.

We talk about tithing, whether it is Old Testament or New Testament. (Actually it is neither as it was before the Old Testament law). Tithing is returning to the Lord what is His. In the New Testament, Jesus brings it to a new level. He asks for it all, to lay down 100 percent of our life. Jesus told the rich young ruler that no man can enter the kingdom of heaven unless he sells all that he owns and gives it to the poor. I now understand that the rich man owned his possessions, rather than stewarding those possessions that the Lord had entrusted to him.To be crucified with Christ means we are dead in Christ. A dead man owns nothing, neither can I as a Christian. Instead, I have learned to relinquish ownership of my life and all I own to the Lord. He then gives back to me His possessions so that I can now be a steward, or manager, for His kingdom not mine.

My wife, oops there I go again, she was God’s daughter before she was my wife. One day while praying I asked the Lord to show “His daughter” something that was on my heart for her. It wasn’t a few hours later that she called me as the Lord showed her something while she was studying the Bible. It was exactly what I had prayed for Him to show her. Wow! I understood then that stewardship doesn’t have to do with money, but with my life, I mean the life the Lord has given me to steward.

I found myself relating to my wife, I mean “His daughter”, in a different manner than I did as “my wife”. My house is now His home, as I steward it for His purpose.

Since it is His home, I need to be aware and careful of what kinds of entertainment I allow into His home.

After all it is His home. As I drive His car, instead of going where I want to go to get “my needs” met, now I take His car. This sounds rather radical, but this is a life of a Christian as seen in the parable of the talents.

Crown Financial Study showed me what it means to be a steward in my gifts, my time, my talents, my treasure. Oops, there I go again. His Business that He has entrusted to me, how am I going to steward it?

Page 20

ne To Own

By John Locher

Health that he has entrusted to me, how am I going to eat and exercise to be a steward of His temple? How am I going to make use of this day? Now I say, “Ok Lord, how can I use this day that you have entrusted

as a death benefit. She showed me the check and in tears asked, “Is this all his life was worth?” Not quite sure how to respond, all of a sudden out of my mouth I heard, “Well that depends. If you cash

“...Lord, how can I use this day that you have entrusted to me? How can I bring glory to you? What can I do today to make a difference in someone else’s life?” to me? How can I bring glory to you? What can I do today to make a difference in someone else’s life?”

I built my company in such a way that I owned it and controlled it so I could not be affected by a layoff, buyout or downsizing. I did commit to the Lord.

Now, instead of committing my business to the Lord, I signed over the ownership to Him, and I am merely the manager.Whenever I need to be reminded of this, I write “CEO salary” in the memo of my tithe check.

I need to pay the CEO, after all it is He who had the contacts and foresight that is beyond my pay grade.

I talked to a person the other day who wished he had invested differently after he lost half of his portfolio in the recent market downturn. He admitted he was operating out of the World’s system of fear and greed. I asked him how things would be different if he had given half of that money away to the Lord to further His kingdom. Instead of loosing half of what he thought was his, it would still be “invested” and still producing an eternal return.

A client came to my office a few months ago after her husband had passed. Social Security had given her a check for a couple hundred dollars Page 21

that check for dollars, then yes, that would appear that would be all the government thought he was worth. But if you cash that check into eternal currency, then his life could be worth so much more.”

At this point the tears stopped and she looked at me puzzled. “On the other hand, if you cash that check into 100 Swahili Bibles in Africa to be distributed to 100 pastors who could now preach from their own Bible, there is no telling the value of that check.

Maybe a Billy Graham from Africa would give his life to the Lord and lead his country into revival. Only the Lord could count the souls from that check.”

I am thankful for the Crown Study, as that Bible study has renewed my mind to help me think in terms of eternal currency, instead of the world’s economy. After my conversation with my client, and with this new understanding, my goal is to diversify “my portfolio” to invest beyond retirement (which is not even Biblical, except for the temple priests) to include more eternal dividends that are guaranteed not to lose. I encourage you to check out a Crown study and discover the steward life!

Amiel: A Rich Young Ruler

by John C. Westervelt

M

y name is Amiel. My home is in the town of Julias in the district of Peraea. Peraea lies along the eastern side of the Jordan River, just north of the Dead Sea. I am known as the ruler of Julias because my family owns most of the property in this village. My father and grandfather oversee more extensive holdings all across Peraea. When I reached the age of 16, my grandfather put me in charge of the village of Julias so I could learn to manage property.

Some travelers passing through my village told me about a Galilean named Jesus. They said He was teaching about Jehovah and heaven when they went through Jericho. I decided to go to Jericho to look for this teacher to see if He could answer my questions about heaven. When I found Him, I joined a group of Pharisees who were questioning Jesus about divorce and the coming of the Kingdom of God. As they finished, I asked my question, “Good Teacher, what must I do to enter heaven?”

Jesus said, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder. Do not commit adultery.

Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not defraud. Honor your father and mother.’”

I felt relieved and assured of a place in heaven since I had observed all these things since my youth. As I looked into Jesus’ compassionate eyes, I felt His love for me. I was unprepared, however, for the next words spoken: “One thing you lack; go, and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

My shoulders drooped and my face fell in sadness, for I owned much property. A little embarrassed, I moved away from the crowd and the group of Pharisees who had been questioning Jesus. I could not bring myself to look at Jesus, but I could clearly hear His voice as He talked to His men: “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

More stories at www.jwestervelt.com Just as I was beginning to be overcome by complete hopelessness, I heard Jesus say to His disciples, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Were these words said to offer me some hope? Wanting to think over what He had said, I found a large rock and sat down. After awhile, one of Jesus’ men sat down beside me, but I didn’t look up. In the background Jesus continued to instruct His disciples about giving and receiving. The one who had joined me laid his hand on my shoulder and said, “My name is Andrew. I have been traveling with Jesus and listening to Him teach across Galilee and now Judea.”

I turned to Andrew and asked, “What must I do? I thought my riches were a sign that I was in God’s favor.”

“No, Amiel, eternal life is equally available for the poor and the rich. Both must be good stewards of whatever they have. But more importantly you must give God first place in your life, not your material wealth. If this means giving everything to the poor, then that’s what you must do.”

“Now I see why Jesus says it is hard.”

“The twelve apostles have left a house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms for Jesus’ sake. Jesus said, ‘For this you shall receive rewards both here and in heaven where many who are first will be last, and where the last will be first.’”

“Andrew, I admire you for what you have given up for Jesus. I hope I will have the courage to do the same.”

Based on Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-30; Luke 18:18-30. The gospel writers tell about a rich young ruler who met Jesus. In my imagination, I give him a name and a face.

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asbury

opportunities GENERAL INFORMATION

BREAKFAST Served from 7:15-9:00 am. in the CLC. Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with fresh donuts, bagels, biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, fruit, and cereal. $3 for adults & $1 for children 12 & under.

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 8:00 am Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion) 9:15 am Sanctuary (Contemporary) 9:15 am CLC (Open House Worship) (Acoustic Worship, Casual Setting) 11:00 am Sanctuary (Traditional) 11:00 am Venue 68 (Modern with sign interpreter) SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP 6:30 pm Venue 68 (Modern) SUNDAYS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS 6 Weeks - 4 Years 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am K-6th Grades 9:15 or 11:00 am 7th, 8th & 9th Grades 9:15 & 11:00 am 10th, 11th & 12th Grades 9:15 am only ADULT DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, & 11:00 am, Carpenter’s Workshop on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and Shepherd’s Flock on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. NEW, Salt & Light at 11:00 Sunday mornings in room 2820 for singles ages 30s-40s, and A Gathering for couples in their 20s on Sunday evenings at 5 pm in room 2821. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, try our new Circuit Riders, who meet in front of the statue on the west parking lot each Sunday at 2 p.m. for a ride before fellowship time (weather permitting!).

SURGERY OR HOSPITALIZATION SCHEDULED? Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of time by calling Pam at 392-1199, x253 so your pastors can be in prayer for you. When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. The after-hours pastoral emergency line can be reached by calling 492-1771, selecting option 6, and leaving a message for the pastor on call.

Page 23

ENGAGED COUPLES If you are planning to use an Asbury pastor to officiate and/or use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to book ASAP to allow ample time for Couple-to-Couple (required premarital sessions). Six months to one year lead time suggested.

THE GAZEBO IS OPEN CDs of Tom’s message of the day are available immediately following the worship service - $3. Prayer Journals are also available for $5 each.

RECYCLING Recycle unwanted paper products. Three bins are available, located in the south and east parking lots.

ASBURY FAMILY NEWS is available at the Welcome Centers. It includes births, deaths, marriages, baptisms and military listings.

DOORS OF ASBURY POSTERS are at the Welcome Centers...FREE! Suitable for framing.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY The Asbury Library is a wonderful resource. Thank you to all who continue to contribute books to our Library.

ACCESS

Hands of Love Sign Choir Sundays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm. 2821 Friends in Christ Community Sundays, 11:00 am, Rm. 1507

BIBLE STUDY

ROADMAP Check out the Winter 2010 RoadMap courses in the new brochure and on the Asbury website at www.asburytulsa.org. Accept Pastor Tom’s challenge to get actively involved in digging deeper into God’s Word ~ there is something for everyone!

Consider our Bible study on Philippians, “In Chains for Christ,” taught by Gail Knox on Tuesday evenings 6:30-8 p.m. in room 2821. Cost is only $15. Call 392-1191 to register!

CARE AND SUPPORT VISITS TO ASBURY MEMBERS Asbury has a unique group of volunteers (Asbury Connection) who regularly visit people who are either homebound or in nursing homes. If you are interested in being visited, call Adrena at 392-1144, or contact the coordinator, Abby Sluice at 392-4583 or e-mail at asluice@ asburytulsa.org.

RÉSUMÉ ASSISTANCE AND REVIEW Do you have an effective résumé? An extra set of eyes can make a difference. E-mail your résumé to employ. transitions@yahoo.com.

OJT (OVERCOMING JOB TRANSITIONS) Are you on a job hunt? Would you like to bless someone who is? Asbury offers this hands-on workshop helping with resumes, networking, interviewing and other help as well as prayer and support. Send us candidates! Tell us about jobs you know about! Come be a part and lend us your network! Meets the third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Family Room.

Questions? Contact Russ Knight at OJTjobs@gmail. com or call Ruth at 392-1146.

PRAYER CARD SENDING TEAM Usually meets first and third Mondays at 10:00 am in Room 1621 to send cards with God’s encouraging words and our prayers to those who are ill or going through hard times. Cards and care packages are also sent to Asbury-related military personnel. Contact Gwen Mohler at GRMOHLER@aol.com for more information, or call Ruth at 392-1146.

ASPERGER SUPPORT GROUP First Thursday from 7:00-9:00 pm in Rm 1506. For mothers of children with Asperger Syndrome. Childcare available.

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP Third Thursday, from 1:30-3:00 pm in Rm 1621. Christian hope, support and education for friends and family of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Second Sunday of each month, 4:00-6:00 pm, Parlor - Reflections on the 23rd Psalm & sharing for people with cancer and their families.

DIVORCE RECOVERY Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1335 - For those suffering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. Childcare available.

DIVORCE REBUILDING Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1335 - For those ready to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce.

Childcare available.

EATING DISORDER RECOVERY First and third Wednesdays, 12:00-1:30 pm, Room 1621 - For individuals seeking support in the recovery process. Bring sack lunch.

GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN First and third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, Rm 1506.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES For family members or caregivers of people affected by a mental illness. 4th Thursdays from 1:30 - 3:00 pm in Rm 1507.

MILITARY CONNECTION Please join us in praying for our troops in harm’s way and their families. Periodic care packages and monthly encouragement cards with God’s Word are sent to Asbury-related military personnel.The Prayer Ministry also covers them in prayer. Please send contact information (complete name and address) to Gwen Mohler at grmohler@aol.com or call Ruth at 392-1146.

ASBURY BEAR BAGS Asbury Bear Bags with coloring books have comforted young children for many years, but now you may give a Bear Bag with a scripture-based journal included instead! Great for teens and adults. Anyone may deliver an Asbury Bear to someone who is grieving. For more information, contact Beth at beth.bears@yahoo.com.

CHILDREN

Registration forms for all children’s activities are available in the preschool and elementary lobbies.

CORE CHILDCARE HOURS Parents who are involved in RoadMap classes during these core hours will have childcare provided for children 6 weeks - 12 years of age with no reservations needed: Sun Mon & Tue Tue, Wed, & Thur

8:00 am - 12:00 pm 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE (Kindergarten – 4thGrade) Wednesdays, January 13th – April 28th- 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Beginning in their choir room and pick up in Chapel. Join us on Wednesday nights for worship in the Chapel—Kid Style. We will combine music, high energy, verse memory and a Bible lesson in a setting that encourages kids to learn about worship. Our lessons will tie right into what we are doing on Sunday mornings. Can’t wait to see you there! If you were registered for the fall semester, you will not need to complete a new form. Otherwise, you may pick up a registration form in the Children’s Ministry area. For more information contact the age appropriate staff member: Kindergarten-Cathy at 3921170, 1st & 2nd grade-Amber at 392-1171, or 3rd – 4th grade-Jennifer at 392-4582.

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5TH & 6TH GRADE BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, January 13th – April 28th- 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 5.6 Room & Gym, Cost $7 for workbook.

On Wednesday nights our 5th & 6th graders will be studying “Step Out – The Courage to Do What’s Right”. Students today need to have the courage to live in the world as God wants them to live.This study brings students the stories in the Bible that will help them develop that courage. The stories will show the students the scope of the Bible, practical application of the Bible verses they learn, and how to have the courage to live for Jesus. Your early registration helps us have the correct number of study books. If you have any additional questions, please contact Whitney Carruthers at 392-1166 or wcarruthers@asburytulsa.org.

DISCIPLESHIP

DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES If you have not yet found an Adult Discipleship Community check out “Get Involved” on our website, www.asburytulsa.org or pick up a brochure at one of our Welcome Centers.

ENDOWMENTS

Leave a legacy that continues to give forever to a ministry you want to support. There are endowments that support many areas of Asbury’s outreach including children, youth, music, missions, and training of pastors as well as a General endowment. You can easily impact a ministry thru your will or a current gift. Contact Dwight Yoder at 392-1113 or dyoder@ asburytulsa.org.

EASTER CELEBRATION & EGG HUNT Friday, March 26th – 6:30 – 8:30. You and your family are invited to join us for our own Easterville; an Eas- MARRIAGE & FAMILY ter Journey. You may pre-order dinner for your family DYNAMIC MARRIAGE and then take a self-guided tour of our own EasterGive us 9 weeks…we’ll give you a dynamic marville which includes Jesus’ last days, crafts, inflatables, riage! This is an interactive class that will help you and an egg hunt. replace old habits with new ones in a unique, safe Pre-purchased spaghetti dinner will be served from environment. Go from good to great, mediocre to 6:15pm to 7:15pm in the CLC. Cost will be $6/adult magnificent or hurt to healed. Cost: $130/couple and $3/child. Tickets must be purchased before Sun- (many materials included, scholarships available) $50 day March 21st to enjoy dinner with us. However if holds your spot. To register, contact Jackie or Ron you aren’t having dinner you may still join us for the at 251-6665 or asburydynamicmarriage@windrest of the free activities. stream.net. Limited to first 12 paid couples in each class. Next classes start in June. Childcare available.

Please bring bags of individually wrapped candy to the children’s ministry entrances the months of January WEEKEND TO REMEMBER and February.

MARRIAGE CONFERENCE Friday-Sunday, April 16-18, 2010 at Marriott Southern For more information please contact Kim Broadhurst Hills. Learn practical skills and Biblical principles to at 392-1165 or kbroadhurst@asburytulsa.org strengthen and reenergize your marriage or prepare you for your upcoming marriage. Hosted by FamilyFOLLOW 3.4 CAMP IN Friday, April 16th at 6:30pm to Saturday, April 17th at Life, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. To register, call 1-800-FL-Today or go to www.familylife.com/ 7:30am, Cost $35. groups/asburytulsa. Discounted group rate available There is nothing like fun, food, and exhaustion to bring until April 1. For more information, contact Asbury’s 100+ 3rd & 4th graders closer together! The Camp- group coordinators, Pat & Deborah Calhoun at pat.

In is all that and more! We will make the rounds at calhoun@cox.net. some totally cool and fun places around Tulsa, and then return around 2:00am to camp-in for a few hours of shut-eye! The cost for the event includes a late night snack and a cool t-shirt. The registration deadline is Monday, April 5th in order to make sure we have a t-shirt and enough seats for everyone.

For more information contact Jennifer Barnes at 3924582 or jbarnes@asburytulsa.org.

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ATTENTION ENGAGED COUPLES If you are planning to use anAsbury pastor to officiate and/ or use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to book ASAP to allow ample time for Couple-to-Couple (required premarital sessions). Six months to one year lead time is suggested.

MILESTONE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Email your upcoming Milestone Anniversary (5,10,15,20, etc.) to Carolyn Schutte at brucars2@ cox.net or call Ruth at 392-1146.

MEMBERSHIP

ASBURY EXPLORATION Come to a lunch/class to learn more about becoming a member of Asbury. Sunday, March 7, from 12:15-2:00 pm in Community Life Center. Lunch provided and childcare is available for children six weeks through 6th grade. Call 392-1191 to register.

MEN

MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 am in the CLC. Attention men of Asbury. Make plans to join us for a great time of meaningful worship, life-changing prayer and an awesome big breakfast, all for just $3 per person. First-time guests are free.

March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31

Dub Ambrose Pec Clark Don Herrold Todd Johnson Bill Johnson

MEN’S OPEN BASKETBALL Fridays, 11:30 am – 1:15 pm, Gym. Men! Make plans to join other Asbury guys and their friends each week as we get together for a little “round ball” and lots of fun! Come show us what you’ve got, and we’ll have a great time of exercise and fellowship. Invite your friends, and we’ll see you on the court!

MATURE MEN’S MINISTRY R.O.M.E.O. LUNCHEON Are you a “Retired Old Man” who wants to “Eat Out?” If so, then these luncheons are for you! Two groups of men are meeting every Thursday or every 2nd & 4th Friday at 11:15 a.m., for good food and great fellowship. Both groups meet at Luby’s Cafeteria (71st and Riverside), and are open to anyone 60 years and up. Choose a day and join us this week! For more information, contact Bud at bdmathes@cox.net (Thursdays), or Jim at rober@cox.net (Fridays.)

CAR CARE WORKDAY Saturday, March 13, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Outside Breakaway entrance, northeast side. Car Care Saturday is an every-other-month workday provided for Asbury’s widows and single moms, through our men’s ministry. While the ladies wait in the comfort of the café, volunteers check tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries. They also vacuum and wash

the vehicles, and then update owners on what’s running smoothly and what needs professional attention. This free service gives our men the opportunity to put their faith in to action through loving and serving those in need. If you would like to volunteer to help, contact Mike at mnalley16@cox.net. If you are in need of these services, just get your vehicle in line by 11:30! No reservations necessary!

HOME IMPROVEMENT WORK DAYS Saturday, April 20, meet in the CLC at 8:30-9:30 am for planning. The Home Improvement Ministry serves widows and single moms within the Asbury family.

Our men’s ministry volunteers make themselves available every other month to help folks out with minor home repairs and/or home improvement projects. If you’d like to help, contact Michiel at michiel0930@ sbcglobal.net. If you are in need of help, just pick up a request form at the south welcome desk, or call your request in to Pam Wallace (392-1199, ext. 253), at least ten days before the scheduled work day. A Home Improvement volunteer will contact you, and make final arrangements to get the job(s) done!

ANNUAL MEN’S RETREAT Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6, Sky Ranch in Quapaw, OK. $40 registration fee. “O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?”Asbury Men’s Annual Retreat. In addition to our signature Friday Night BBQ Pig Out, we’ll have great speakers and powerful times of worship, and “Bro-Groups” (small groups)! PLUS, we’ll have lots of free time to enjoy the special offerings at Sky Ranch (at minimal additional costs for some), including PAINTBALL, SKEET SHOOTING, ZIP LINE, basketball, hiking, etc.! Registration forms will be mailed to your home, and are available at all welcome centers.

If you’re 20 years of age or older, plan to be a part of this life-changing experience!

ASBURY MEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE Mondays and Thursdays, March 29- July 29, 6-9pm in the gym. Asbury Men! If you’re 21 years of age or older, and enjoy a competitive game of round ball, we need you on the court! We’re forming an Asbury league, and it’d be great to have you join us. Contact Kirk Mize, ASAP. (kirk.mize@cox.net) ASBURY MEN’S RIO BRAVO MISSION TRIP Join with other men of Asbury as we build casitas (small houses), and help local churches. No building experience or skills are required; just a willing spirit!

All men ages 18 and up are invited to participate. This is a great trip for “first-timers,” but we have quite a few previous participants going as well. We anticipate a minimum of 30 men for this trip.

We will be flying out of Tulsa on Wednesday, April 28 and return on Sunday, May 2. We will stay at the Volunteers in Missions headquarters, which are basically Page 26

hotel rooms with four beds and one bath per room.

The sign up deadline is Monday, March 15, and the cost is $550 per person for the first 30 men to register. (Receive a $50 discount if it’s your first trip to Rio Bravo!) $100 deposit holds your place, and the full balance is due on Monday, March 15. There may be incremental costs for additional airline tickets after the first 30 spots are taken. Scholarship/financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis. We don’t want finances to keep anyone from attending this trip!

This mission endeavor is a great way to serve others while showing the love of Jesus Christ. It is also a great way to get to know other men in our church and to come back with relationships that will last a lifetime.

Please consider being a part of this great effort to provide decent housing for those in desperate need.

You won’t regret a single moment of fellowship and ministry. Contact Frank at frank.field@williams.com, or Jim at jnlfurman@cox.net for more information!

MISSIONS

HAITI RELIEF THANK YOU, Asbury Congregation, for your wonderful support of the relief work in Haiti. Over $60,000 has been received and forwarded to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Some have helped with health kits and others have inquired about going on mission teams. We thank you all for your care and concern for the tragedy in Haiti. The relief efforts will continue for years to come through UMCOR. MISSION OPPORTUNITY AT TU Are you interested in having a mission trip come to you? Service opportunities are available at The University of Tulsa with international students.The Wesley Foundation at TU provides an annual furniture drive for students, English Corner to enhance language skills, a Free International Lunch (FIL) every Thursday, and various activities for fellowship with these students from around the globe. Contact Karen Dixon at skdixon456@hotmail.com for more information.

MISSIONS/VIM

March 13-20 Monterrey, Mexico, MBS & Construction w/Faith UMC March or April Monterrey, Mexico, Business Mission April 22-May 1 Central Asia, Relationship, Teaching & Light Construction May Cookson Hills, Oklahoma, Light Construction May 20-31 Central Asia, College Students Page 27

June 3-14 Estonia, Lighthouse June 5-12 Ecuador, MBS & Construction June 16-28 Tanzania, East Africa, Medical June 24-July 5 Estonia, Camp Gideon, Youth Camp & Construction July 22-August 1 Estonia, Parnu, MBS & Light Construction September Tanzania, East Africa, Construction September or October Central Asia, Construction & Teaching Fall Cookson Hills, Oklahoma, Light Construction October 9-16 Monterrey, Mexico, MBS & Construction November 3-7 Monterrey, Mexico, Medical VIM Leader Training: September 18 - Oklahoma City, October 23 – Oklahoma City.

Contact Marilene Long at 392-1164 or mlong@asburytulsa.org if you are interested in serving on any of these teams or being part of the VIM Leader Training.

MUSIC

Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:00 pm, Choir Room New Covenant Orchestra Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm, Rm 1510 Children’s Choirs Wednesdays, 6:00-6:50 pm, various rooms Asbury Power & Light Sundays, 8:15-9:15 am, Rm 1510 Celebration Ringers Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm, Rm 2506 Youth Orchestra Wednesdays, 5:30pm, Rm 1506 Asbury Ringers Wednesdays, 6:00-6:50 pm, Rm 2506 Perpetual Light Thursdays, 10:30 to Noon, Rm 2506 Saints of Swing Dixieland Band Thursdays, 7-9 pm, Rm 1510 Asbury Singing Ambassadors Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3:00, Choir room

PRAYER

ALTAR PRAYER If you would like someone to pray with you during Holy Communion or immediately following a worship service, please come to the altar rail. A pastor or member of the Altar Prayer Team will be glad to pray with you for your needs – physical, emotional or spiritual - at the altar or in the Prayer Room.

PRAYER ROOM RESERVATIONS The leadership of Asbury’s prayer ministry would like to remind you that the main facility Prayer Room is open not only to individuals desiring to pray in a quiet, meditative atmosphere, but also to prayer groups within communities and ministries. Just give Debbie in the Adult Ministries office a call at 392-1177 to reserve the Prayer Room for your group on a weekly or monthly basis.

PRAYER ROOM DAYS & TIMES Our prayer rooms are accessible to you at these times: Mason Chapel & Venue 68 Sundays from 7:00 am - 12:30 pm through the interior doors.

Main Facility, Mason Chapel, & Venue 68 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday 12:30 pm - 9:00 pm To obtain pass codes, call Debbie in the Adult Ministries office at 392-1177.

YOUTH ON MISSION PRAYER VIGIL SIGN-UP This is a prayer opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Commit to an hour of prayer in the Venue 68 Prayer Room, on behalf of our Youth on Mission, March 1320. You may sign up on-line at www.asburytulsa.org, in the foyer of Venue 68 on Sunday, March 7. Be a part of a prayer effort to support our youth and sponsors as they serve in mission fields on U.S. soil and beyond.

“Then you will call upon me and come pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 PRAYER SERVICE FOR HEALING AND WHOLENESS Wednesday, March 24, 6-6:30 pm, Mason Chapel. “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” James 5:13-15

RECOVERY

CELEBRATE RECOVERY Come join this supportive group of people each Monday night at 6:00 pm. Dinner at 6:00 pm;Worship from 7:00-8:00 pm; Small Groups from 8:00-9:00 pm; Dessert from 9:00-9:30 pm. Hiding any hurts, habits or hangups? God never intended for you to live in bondage.

SENIOR ADULTS

VISITS TO ASBURY MEMBERS Asbury has a unique group of volunteers (Asbury Connection) who regularly visit people who are either homebound or in nursing homes. If you are interested in being visited, call Adrena at 392-1144, or contact the coordinator, Abby Sluice at ozyanks2000@yahoo.com SENIOR SIT AND FIT STRETCHING CLASS Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00-9:30 am in the Gym. All senior adults are invited to join us for a time of stretching, coupled with lots of fun and fellowship. No high impact workout here.We take it nice and easy. Come give it a try.

SENIOR WALK IN THE GYM WITH HIM Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30-9:00 am in the gym. All senior adults are invited to join us for power walking, coupled with lots of fun and fellowship.

Come give it a try.

SENIOR GAME TIME Every third Thursday – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Attention Asbury Senior Adults! How would you like to get together on a regular basis with a wonderful bunch of folks and play a few rounds of cards, dominoes, or whatever board or card game you chose? You KNOW you’d love it! If you’re a senior adult age 55 and up, come check it out in Room 2820. Bring a friend and stay for as long as you like! This fun group will meet every third Thursday, so mark your calendars!

SENIOR ADULT MEAL & MOVIE Attention all senior adults of Asbury! If you’re 55 years of age or over, our monthly meal and movie day event may be just the “ticket” for you! We get together at a different Tulsa restaurant each month, and then head off to see a “first run” movie. The dates and times vary according to the movie selected, but those who express an interest will be contacted a few days ahead of time so they can make plans accordingly. For more information or to sign up for the call list, contact Sally Wood, sally-wood@sbcglobal.net.

MARCH TWEENAGERS PROGRAM & LUNCH Everyone aged 55 and up is welcome to join us for our monthly Tweenagers meeting & luncheon, taking Page 28

place on Thursday, March 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in the CLC. Our program, entitled “Live Healthy, Live Long”, will be presented by Mary O’Dell, with Akins Food Store. Music will be presented by Paul Hockett, an Asbury Chancel Choir vocalist! You don’t want to miss this program, and don’t forget to invite your friends!

own age. A Small Group is made up of same gender and the same grade PLUS two incredible adults that want to hang out with you. 7th and 8th Grade Small Groups all meet in the Student Ministries Area this year. 9th Grade groups are meeting in homes. Yes you can be in a 7th grade small group and not be a part of Confirmation!

Call the main office at 492-1771 to make your reservations BY NOON, Monday, March 22. If, during that week, you find you need to cancel, please also let us know as we need to give an accurate count to the cooks. Should you choose, you may make a donation for the meal when you check in that morning. Come join us for fun and fellowship!

If you haven’t signed up yet, you can do that on Sunday mornings or just come to the church on Sunday nights, 7th grade 4:30-6:00; 8th Grade 5:00-6:30; 9th grade times vary depending on the small group.

For more information contact Mark or Marsha.

SINGLES

DIVORCE RECOVERY Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1335 - For those suffering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. Childcare available.

7TH GRADE CONFIRMATION PARENT MEETING March 7, 4:30 – 6:00pm,Venue 68. If your student is a 7th grader in Confirmation, don’t miss this MANDATORY parent meeting. Don’t forget homework due!

CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL If your student is being confirmed they need to be at this MANDATORY confirmation rehearsal! 4:30-6pm – drop off at the Sanctuary and pickup at Venue!

DIVORCE REBUILDING Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1335 - For those ready 7TH HOUSTON TRAINING/DEPARTURE to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce. Meet at the Venue 4pm March 13 for training and deChildcare available. parture for the 7th Grade Spring Break Mission Trip!

SINGLES SPRING LUNCHEON KENTUCKY TRAINING/DEPARTURE Sunday, March 28, 12:15-1:30 pm, CLC. Come be a 8TH Meet at the Venue 6pm March 12 for training and depart of this luncheon designed for singles of all ages, parture for the 8th Grade Spring Break Mission Trip! with plenty of good food and great fellowship! The catered luncheon will consist of a delicious entrée and No PM (Small Groups, LHGH, Bible Study) for 789 March salad, with homemade bread and dessert. The cost is 14-21 for Spring Break just $5 for adults and children 10 and under eat FREE! No 789 Small Groups on April 4 for Easter STUDENTS LIFE HURTS GOD HEALS & 789 BIBLE STUDY BREAKAWAY Life is crazy hard and everyone needs a safe place 101112 Every Wednesday we come together for a time to get real and deal with it! That is exactly what Life of connection and night worship.

Our desire is to explore Hurts God Heals is all about. Every Wednesday night who God really is and how our lives matter to Him. 6-8:15pm in the Venue, 7th-12th grade, welcome any- We get started around 6:30 pm and wrap up around time contact Marsha for details 392-1157. Or come 8:30ish. Plan on hanging out afterwards for pizza. learn about God in 789 Bible Study every Wednesday 6:30-8pm!

101112 GRADE SMALL GROUPS Get Connected – Are you looking for a way to get 789 GRADE BREAKAWAY Sunday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am in the Breakaway more connected? Are you looking for a place to grow Area.This isn’t your normal Sunday school. Come join in your walk with Jesus? Then being a part of a small us for worship, fun and games, interactive talk/lesson, group is where you need to be. If you are already in a and sometimes free candy and gift cards. small group, don’t forget to re-sign up for your group.

Our small groups meet every Sunday night, times vary.

789 SMALL GROUPS Some of the groups meet in homes and others meet Small Groups have begun! Being a part of a small group at the church. Call Todd @ 392-1154 or Amy @ 392is awesome. It’s a great place to grow your relationship 1156 to get more info. Small groups will not meet on with Jesus, have fun hanging out with guys/girls your March 7, 14, 21, or April 4 Page 29

7TH-12TH GRADE METRO WORSHIP @ VENUE 68 Come join youth from all over the city in a night to just worship Jesus. We meet the first Wednesday night of every month from 7 – 8:30ish.

Breakaway entrance, northeast side. Car Care Saturday is an every-other-month workday provided for Asbury’s widows and single moms, through our men’s ministry. While the ladies wait in the comfort of the café, volunteers check tires, belts, fluids, filters and batMANDATORY SPRING BREAK MISSIONS teries. They also vacuum and wash the vehicles, and TRAINING – MEXICO then update owners on what’s running smoothly and Spring Break Missions Training for Students and leaders what needs professional attention. This free service – Mexico; March 7, 12:30-2:30 pm, bring $3 for lunch. gives our men the opportunity to put their faith in to action through loving and serving those in need. If you MANDATORY SPRING BREAK MISSIONS would like to volunteer to help, contact Mike at mnalCOMMISSIONING – GUATEMALA & MEXICO ley16@cox.net. If you are in need of these services, Spring Break Missions commissioning for students just get your vehicle in line by 11:30! No reservations and leaders going to Guatemala and Mexico. March 7, necessary!

8:45am, meet at Venue 68.

UMW College Scholarship for Young Women NO 101112 BREAKAWAY MARCH 17, DUE TO Applications for the United Methodist Women’s ScholSPRING BREAK arship are available in the main church office. This $1,500 scholarship is to be given to an Asbury senior FRESHMAN FEAST high school young woman. To be eligible, the appliMarch 28, 12:30 – 2pm, CLC. All freshmen in high cant must have a relative who is currently a member school you are officially a part of high school youth of Asbury’s UMW, with the exception of the Priscilla ministry now and we want to welcome you and cele- Circle. She must be an entering freshman at an acbrate you with a feast! Come to the high school room credited university for the school year of 2010-2011. right after church March 28th for lunch! Upperclass- The deadline for completed applications is noon on men, come welcome the freshmen.

Thursday, April 8. The church office hours of business are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 – 5:00, and Fridays, GRAD CELEBRATION VIDEO PICTURES 8:00 – 12:00.

Please turn in ONE senior picture and ONE baby picture to Amy in the student ministry office by April 18. HOME IMPROVEMENT WORK DAYS We’d also love to have candid shots of different activi- Saturday, April 17. The Home Improvement Ministry ties over the years. Be sure your name and address serves widows and single moms within the Asbury is clearly marked on each picture, we will return them family. Our men’s ministry volunteers make themto you. selves available every other month to help folks out with minor home repairs and/or home improvement WOMEN projects. If you’d like to help, contact Michiel at michWOMEN OF THE WORD iel0930@sbcglobal.net. If you are in need of help, just Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am in Rm 2319, Rev. pick up a request form at the south welcome desk, or Darlene Johnson, teacher. call your request in to Pam Wallace (392-1199, ext.

253), at least ten days before the scheduled work day.

CRAFTY LADIES FELLOWSHIP A Home Improvement volunteer will contact you, and Mondays, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, Rm 2820. Ladies, if you make final arrangements to get the job(s) done! enjoy doing crafts and fellowshipping at the same time, this activity is for you! We gather on Monday morn- UMW March Program & Luncheon ings to work on our own individual arts and crafts, Thursday, March 4, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, in the CLC. stop for a delicious pot-luck lunch, and continue on Attention ladies! The program planned for March’s through until 2:00 p.m. We have a wonderful time to- luncheon will be presented by Good Samaritan Health gether, and would love to have you join us! For more Services. A delicious luncheon prepared by our information, contact Betty Seetin, and stop by some church hostesses, Virginia & Susan, will also be served Monday and check us out! for just $7 per person. No reservations are necessary.

CAR CARE WORKDAY Saturday, March 13, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon, Outside

Our scripture emphasis for this month comes from 2 Kings 20:5: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader Page 30

of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord.”

Tom Harrison’s message is simulcast with an occasional live sermon from another pastor.

11:00 am Traditional Service Sanctuary. The Chancel Choir, the New Covenant OrCOMMON GROUNDS: ENCOURAGEMENT chestra and various vocal and instrumental ensembles & INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN offer a variety of styles of music led by Hart Morris.

Thursday, March 4, 6:30 pm in the Family Room & Café.

Women of all ages are invited to join us for what we Dr. Tom Harrison preaches. hope will be a monthly gathering designed to inspire friendship, fun and faith. Our March program, facili- 6:30 pm Modern Service tated by Cindy Morrison, will feature a panel of gifted Venue68. Rich blend of ancient and modern worship, women sharing their secrets to a healthy self-esteem! led by the Ben Kilgore and team. Rev. Spencer Smith Whether you are new to the church, visiting, or a preaches. life-time member, this is a perfect opportunity to join other women in discovering our Common Ground. GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Good Friday Service of Darkness, April 2 at 7 PM in Childcare for children six weeks through sixth grade the Sanctuary. Dr. Tom Harrison, Hart Morris, the is provided. We hope to see you and your friends at Chancel Choir, the New Covenant Orchestra, Per“Common Grounds”! petual Light and One Voice will lead the congregation in a service of remembrance on Good Friday. Hymns, anthems and scripture will depict the events of that WHIRLWIND GAME DAY Come one, come all and be a part of our annual Whirl- long ago day. Join us for this hour-long service which the end of our Lenten season and prepares our wind Game Day! Hosted by Asbury’s United Meth- marks hearts for our celebration of Easter Sunday. Nursery odist Women, this awesome, fun-packed fundraiser will be provided for children four and under. benefits the Circle of Care Ministries, Child S.H.A.R.E program. If you like to play games, then bring those EASTER SUNDAY and your friends on up to the church on Friday, April 8:00 and 11:00 services 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets may be pur- In the sanctuary with Dr. Tom Harrison, Hart Morris, Chancel Choir, the New Covenant Orchestra and chased from the church office through Monday, April the Perpetual Light.

12 and even includes a delicious lunch! Don’t miss out on the fun!

9:15 Sanctuary Will be led Rev. Dick Read, Dr. Harrison and Mark ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT – SAVE THIS DATE! Bennett with the worship team and featuring the Friday, April 30 & Saturday, May 1 at Camp Egan, near Chancel Choir.

Tahlequah, OK. Watch your mail and Asbury publica9:15 Open House Worship tions for details!

In the CLC will be led by Rev. Dub Ambrose and the worship team.

WORSHIP

8:00 am Communion Service Mason Chapel. Traditional service with music led by Hart Morris. Communion is served and Dr. Harrison preaches.

9:15 am Contemporary Praise & Worship Sanctuary. Contemporary music led by Mark Bennett and team, time of prayer and the message will all carry a prevailing theme for the morning.Dr.Harrison preaches.

9:15 am Open House Worship Community Life Center. A relaxed atmosphere with engaging worship led by Dub Ambrose and team. Dr. Page 31

The Venue Will host the 11:00 modern worship service led by Rev. Spencer Smith, Rev. Todd Craig, Chris Cleveland and the worship team

asbury

anniversaries!

55 Years

• Warren and Wilda Burdine 03/18/55

50 Years

• Don and Chris Hoose 02/06/60

40 Years

• John and Stephanie Cole 01/26/70

20 Years

• Greg and Sandy Lynn 02/03/90

MARRIAGES: James Throop Jr. and Kathy Helberg were married January 16, 2010.

Frank Coleman and Jana Hamill were married January 23, 2010.

DEATHS: Allan M Kosofsky, husband of Mary, died January 10, 2010.

Dean Carlile, husband of Carol, died January 13, 2010.

Mitchell Cupps, son of Troy and Michelle Cupps, died January 19, 2010.

Don and Chris Hoose 50 Years BIRTHS: Audrey Grace Hargrove, daughter of Brad and Ellen Hargrove, was born September 26, 2009.

Piper Lauren Stokes, daughter of Roger and Kimberly Stokes, was born October 20, 2009.

Liam Michael McKinnon, son of Shawn and Gayle McKinnon, was born January 18, 2010.

Isabella Marie Bedford, daughter of Daniel and Katie Bedford, granddaughter of Alvin and Cynthia Bedford, was born January 25, 2010.

Robert LaVal died January 20, 2010.

Darcy Reents, wife of Mark, died January 29, 2010.

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asbury

new members

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Sheryl Bailey

Ryan & Elizabeth Briggs and Michael

Jennifer Campbell and Pearce, Sean & Flint

Dustin Coberley

Delbert Fuhrmann

Bill and Linda Grosso

Ron & Bobbie Gwinn and Jamie & Chad

Bryce & Bethann Hill and Nicholas & Sean

Bill Ladd

Grant Lester

Mike and Pat Lester

Dan McKay

John and Becca Parker

Jim and Terry Richardson

Jim Rice

Gary Schellhorn

Jill Stauffer

Sam & Chrissy Thorpe and Anna

asbury exploration classes

If you are interested in learning more about who we are, plan to attend one of the Exploration classes designed to tell you more about Asbury and what we believe.

Upcoming 2010 Exploration classes will be held on March 13, April 11, May 2 and June 6 Please call 392-1191 to reserve your place.

Childcare is available and lunch is provided

Guy and Tammy Yoes

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Glorify God...Make Disciples

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www.asburytulsa.org

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