Asbury Tidings - Your Self-Control. Take it Back. by Asbury Church

Asbury

TIDINGS March 2011

Your Self-Control.

- GETTING SWAHILI BIBLES TO THE CONGO

- Author, Speaker, Nutritionist Lorrie Medford talks about how to win the self-control battle over food

LENT PRAYERS & GUIDE

NO LONGER LOST IN TRANSLATION NOTHING EVER

- A FIERY CRASH, A DIVINE APPOINTMENT, CHANGES. AND A MIRACLE MORNING - OR DOES IT?

Take It Back.

“AND”

- THE BIGGEST LITTLE WORD YOU WILL EVER NEED

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Asbury

TIDINGS March 2011

“Add to your faith….”

We can all relate to Simon Peter because of his foibles. He had great moments of triumph; he also seemed to lead the band of disciples in embarrassing gaffes. I like the title of John Ortberg’s book, which commends Peter for at least trying (If You Want to Walk on Water You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat). Peter seemed to occasionally be of the “ready-fireaim” mentality. For all of his foot-in-mouth comments, impetuousness, and cowardice, he was reclaimed by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of Mark was probably shaped by Peter. He wrote two epistles that bear his name and fit within our accepted books of the New Testament. He became a pillar of strength for the early church. As we go through the period of Lent (preparing us for Easter), we are looking at a handful of verses he wrote: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins (2 Peter 1:5–9).

CONTENTS

3. What’s Happening 4. Super Snow Sunday 5. One Simple Illustration Equals 23 Salvations 6. Your Self-Control - Take it Back! 8. “And” 10. Introduction to Shepherd’s Flock Community 11. Grandpa John

One of the abiding questions people have of the New Testament comes from the Book of James regarding the role of “faith and works.” Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say,“You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? (James 2:17–21). Note Peter’s emphasis “add to your faith.” The Christian faith is not merely an intellectual assent to a group of facts—it means a commitment to, a reliance upon, Jesus as Savior and Lord. I’ve been telling you about this most impressive book I’ve read: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Executed only days before the Allies liberated the prison camp he’d just been sent to, this German Lutheran pastor was greatly troubled by those who cheaply professed but did not practice their faith. As a martyr, his words have credibility. The comments about his life, especially during his imprisonment, reinforce this trait. Faith is the beginning point of our journey as Christians. But it needs to be supplemented with goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The result becomes effective and productive disciples in our walk and witness for Christ.

Dr. Tom Harrison, Sr. Pastor

12. Self-Control - How Managing Editor Tara Lynn Thompson tara@taralynnthompson.com Hard Can it Be? 14. Nothing Ever Changes Guest Editor: Christy Phillippe 16. Lenten Prayer 18. Sometimes It’s All Graphic Designer Jonathan Van Risseghem In the Translation vanriss.com 20. Welcoming the Photographer Don Kreutzweiser Persecuted donsimages.com

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

Guest Contributors Dwight Yoder, Joan Henning, Kara Beair, Kim Beair, John C. Westervelt, Sylvia Larose, Stephen Click, Lorrie Medford, Stephenie Craig, Jim Lenderman, Stephanie Hurd, Cheryl Steffen Page 2

by Dwight Yoder, Executive Director

ast year

was a very good year for Asbury. We filled several key positions with outstanding people: Brad Tuggle, as managing director of ministries; Radhika Mittapalli, as director of local outreach; Angie Brashears, as director of communications; and Dean Hatch, as CFO. The participation in our ministries remains strong. Our local outreach ministry has been restructured and positioned to grow significantly. Our membership and financial giving continue to grow. (We have noticed that attendance at worship services has not grown.This will be looked at in 2011.) In addition to our almost 7,900 members, thousands of others in Tulsa and around the world have been impacted by Asbury’s ministries. As I’ve noted many times in this column, Asbury can do ministry at the scale we do because of four factors: (1) a very engaged membership that serves willingly, (2) an outstanding, dedicated staff, (3) a wonderful facility that supports well what we need to do, and (4) strong financial support. None of these can stand alone. 2010 was our best year ever financially with regard to the operating budget. (In the past when we’ve had building campaigns, our church has responded even more generously, paying for expansion while still growing the operating budget.) Our offerings for 2010 exceeded the budget by $480,000. At a time when many churches are struggling, this is simply an amazing blessing. Tom and the entire leadership team—staff, pastors, and governance—are so thankful to God and to you. We take very seriously our responsibility to be good stewards of the gifts you entrust to us. In every aspect, we work to invest your gifts for the furtherance of Asbury’s MVO (mission, vision, objectives), chief of which is “Glorify God and Make Disciples.” Our operating budget for 2011 is about 1.5 percent above the offerings received last year. Some of the extra gifts, at least $200,000, will be used to help reduce our mortgage. We owe approximately $5,500,000 as a result of the initial building project when we moved to our new location. At the end of this year we have an opportunity to make a $1,000,000 Page 3

prepayment. You will hear more about this from Tom later in the year.We will set aside some of the money for capital expenses associated with maintaining our facility. In the past several years, from our own assessment and from congregational feedback, we have come to understand the need for greatly expanded and improved communications, both internally and directed outside of Asbury. That is why we created the position of director of communications and hired Angie. The extra gifts last year will allow us to accomplish some of the communication initiatives sooner and at a higher level than we could handle through our regular budget. There are also some smaller items associated with missions, ministry programs, and worship equipment that will be supported. As I am writing this column, January has just come to an end. I am very optimistic for 2011. Our members continue to be passionate and engaged in so many ways. Asburians are anxious to make a difference for the Kingdom. In some ways, 2010 was a transitional year organizationally. I believe we are now in position to make progress in several important areas in this coming year. Some examples. Just last week we had 80 people sign up for a brand-new initiative to engage in discipleship development through small groups. Jon Odom and Brad have led this. The local outreach council has several ideas under discussion, which you will hear more about as they develop. In the next couple of months you will see a new web site for Asbury that is designed to appeal to those looking for a church home, and will also have better tools for serving our members. Thank you for a wonderful 2010. If you have comments or questions you can contact me at dyoder@asburytulsa.org.

SUPER

SNOW by Joan Henning

sunday

What is that saying about well-laid plans...? We’re getting pretty good at this food drive, with this being the fourth year. Volunteers and the truck were scheduled,boxes purchased,pallets gathered up,and so on. When the snow came, my first thought was in regard to the truck, realizing the blizzard had a huge impact on the trucking industry with trucks and drivers stranded all over the country. And, of course, their customers needed their deliveries, just as our Tulsa area stores were desperate for their goods. I’m guessing at some point each of us tried to buy something we were not able to find! I felt extremely lucky when I nearly stood on my head and found the last bag of sugar on the lower shelf at the very back. I was disappointed when I couldn’t get green onions for my favorite black bean salsa. But then I remembered some of the new statistics we learned this year about hunger in Oklahoma, which is mind-boggling. How could we possibly be fourth in the nation for hunger when most of the people we know would like to lose a few pounds? Where is the justice in us being surrounded by culinary temptations when others would be thrilled to have a piece of stale bread? As the snow fell and the wind blew, I thought of the number of people who were not able to go to work, and how many of those people would not be paid. That would most likely include a lot of families that were already at risk for hunger, and now they would

be hungry without the income to buy food. I thought of the average of 40 families per day that would have received a week’s food supply if Restore Hope could have opened. But since Restore Hope was closed for three days, 120 families could not get food. More hunger... So, with Asbury being closed on Super Bowl Sunday, the food drive was postponed until March 13. Then we received the news that the roof had collapsed on the warehouse at Restore Hope. This disrupted their ability to assemble food bags so they could not open their pantry another day! We won’t be able to update you with the results of the food drive until another Tidings issue, but please be aware. The food drive might be over, but hunger will not. Hunger goes on. Some families will get back on their feet and others will become at risk. We at Asbury can continue to support this effort to feed the hungry throughout the year. We have an ongoing relationship with Restore Hope and can get food or contributions to them on a weekly basis. We appreciate your cash contributions coming through Asbury as we are striving for a matching grant. We can work toward this goal all of 2011 and must exceed our 2010 totals to receive the matching grant. Make your checks to Asbury with food drive on the memo line. Together, we make a powerful impact on hunger in the Tulsa area. It warms my heart every time I think of the way Asbury responds to greatPage needs. 4

ONE

ILLUSTRATION

= 23 SALVATIONS By Stephen Click

“I’ve been in church for years and I’ve never heard that before.” “I’m feeling bad for things I’ve done, this is so comforting.” “Yes, I want to place my trust in Christ.” “I always thought I had to work my way to God.”

you were to listen in, these are a few of the conversations we’ve been having this last semester at Texas Christian University (TCU). That’s why a group of Asburians attending TCU have become missionaries to college students. Brittany Williams (daughter of Scott Williams), Brittan Heatly (daughter of Rollie and Micki Heatly) Stephen and Lacey Clicks and fiancé, Blake Chrisman, and my wife, Lacey (also daughter of Rollie and Micki Heatly), and myself have taken the foundations we learned from our upbringing and the skills we’ve learned through Student Mobilization and taken the gospel to students. The illustration above is one of the most effective ways we’ve taught students the gospel. I’ve been shocked and encouraged as we’ve seen several students place their trust in Christ and begin growing in their walks with God. We now have the precious responsibility to help these students begin reading their Bibles, praying, finding church homes, and sharing their salvation stories with God.

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FINDING CHRIST IN VEGAS

Taylor was considered the wildest guy in his fraternity, so it was no surprise that Jesus caught him off guard in Las Vegas. He confessed later, “I had all the money I could spend, girls wearing next to nothing all around me, and I’ve never felt emptier.” We had shared the gospel with Taylor six times. He was always interested, but never willing to take that step of faith. Finally, after this last trip into hedonism he said, “Enough is enough.” He realized that the only thing that would truly satisfy him was Jesus. He reflected on the bridge illustration (shown above) and placed his trust in Christ two days later. He is a different man today. He shared his story of finding Jesus in Vegas with his entire fraternity at a chapter meeting a few days later and God has been using his story to inspire others. Taylor Harper

DRUNK ONE NIGHT; SAVED THE NEXT MORNING

Chandler admitted freely that she was feeling terrible from drinking the night before. She partied hard several nights in a row and said it made her feel miserable. Brittan Heatly and Kelly shared Christ’s life, death, and resurrection with Chandler over lunch. She was blown away by the grace of God and placed her trust in Christ. The girls have continued to help Chandler grow in her new walk with God by praying with her and getting in the Word with her each week. These are only two of 23 people who have placed their trust in Christ this semester at TCU. We can look back and see how God has prepared and softened each heart. We are awed at what God is doing in only our third semester there. Our dream is to see TCUers sent as world-changing missionaries to India and the 10/40 window. This dream finds its roots in a simple illustration that even transforms the “chief of sinners.” “Praise the Lord, all you nations, exalt him all you peoples.” Psalm 117:1

~~~~~~~~ Self-Control, by Lorrie Medford, CN

es, it could have been easier for Jesus and the disciples to have self-control than it is for us. After all, there were no magazines, no television commercials, fast food restaurants, or Godiva chocolate. They had to worry about more important issues of the day, like getting enough food to eat! As a nutritionist, I often hear people say, “I know what I should do, but I don’t have self-control to do it.” As Christians, we don’t usually smoke, drink, or take drugs. No, we eat! We are tempted to do things like overeat, or eat the wrong foods, which can be equally harmful. But this temptation seems harmless at times, doesn’t it? Yet today medical research has proven that wrong eating and overeating can literally lead to death by a heart attack, diabetes, cancer, or some other degenerative disease. I know many people who start on a healthier diet.They eat healthy for a few months, and then gradually begin to slack off. Here’s how to get back your self-control. Self-control is also the ability to withstand temptation. When it comes to eating, the most important part is the moment of temptation. What will you do then? The idea is not to wait until the temptation comes, but to get strong before it comes.

1 Pray. We need to pray before we enter into

temptation. Prayer makes us stronger. When I first prayed for help, the Lord gave me 1 Corinthians 10:13, so I asked Him for the way of escape. Sometimes the whole day went by before I realized what He did for me. I didn’t overeat, or go to the lunchroom to buy that candy bar. It didn’t happen overnight. But the more I remembered to pray, the more I saw His answer to prayer. 2 Peter 2:9 says that He delivers the godly from temptation. He knows what it was like to be tempted (Hebrews 2:18), so He can help you. When you pray, ask for the answer to your food problem, not just the problem with your weight.

2 Plan. Proverbs 5:1–2 says to get wisdom. Gaining wisdom is part of proper planning and finding the answer to temptation.When you are actually at the restaurant is not the time to start thinking about how to cope! Standing in the middle of the fiery darts is no time to start looking for the faith shield! It’s much easier to resist an opponent if you know he’s coming and you are ready for him than if he catches you off guard. a. Eliminate foods you don’t want to eat. Create an environment conducive to health. If you only have fruit around, that’s all you will eat. Throw out the M&M’s! b. Plan your week’s menus. Know what you will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and you won’t be tempted by vending machines. If you don’t plan it, you won’t eat it. Do all of your shopping at one time, which will cut down the amount of time that you will put into thinking Page 6

Lorrie Medford

and preparing food. And keep it simple. The more you simplify planning and preparing meals, the less preparing and eating food consumes your life. c. Take supplements. Bridge the nutritional gap that may be causing erratic cravings. For example, many of my clients have benefited from taking a mineral supplement that curbs sugar cravings. Additionally, most people feel better taking a daily multiple/vitamin supplement or additional B12 for energy.

3 Resist. Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 1:5–7). The devil tempts you with lies. Resist the devil’s lies with the Word of God. The battle over health and lifestyle is in the mind.The only way to deal with these unproductive thoughts is to recognize them and then choose to act on them. We usually think it’s our idea to overeat or eat the wrong foods. No, it’s not necessarily. The devil wants us to think it’s our idea. His assignment is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). One of his strategies is to get people to think wrong. He knows if we think wrong, we’ll feel wrong and make wrong choices. Have you ever felt bored, depressed, or lonely and found yourself snacking on Doritos? We are vulnerable to the devil’s subtle suggestions to make us feel better. Rather than recognizing this as a spiritual attack, we yield. Page 7

We indulge. We eat the wrong food (like a chocolate sundae) at the wrong time.We feel good, and we forget our problem. We feel comforted. The problem is that we eat instead of dealing with the lie. Your mouth has something to do with your ability to resist temptation.Watch what you say. Instead of saying, “I’m so weak,” say,“I’m strong in the Lord.” Your defense is the Word of God. Jesus spoke the Word, and He resisted the devil. You can, too! I recommend that you find scriptures that help you to overcome any bad habits.

4 Flee. Avoid temptations. If you know you are tempted by donuts, then don’t go to the bakery. Don’t go anywhere you are tempted for at least long enough so you can you break the pattern. If you are in the habit of going to the Git ’N’ Go or Quik Trip every morning for a cup of coffee and a donut, then stop the pattern. Don’t go there. Plan to do something else. Don’t go to the breakroom if it’s a temptation for you. Stay away from vending machines. Use the God-given ability to form habits to your advantage. Break the pattern and replace it with a new one.If you don’t do something long enough, it will eventually stop. If you do something new long enough, it will eventually take root. After a week or two, you will have broken the automatic pattern! But more importantly, your self-control will get stronger and stronger so that the next time, you will be able to resist. Copyright 2004 All rights reserved. Adapted from the book by Lorrie Medford entitled, Why Eat Like Jesus Ate?

” D N A “ The Biggest Little Word You Will Ever Need

by Kim Beair, MS, LPC, NCC

ecently, an astrologer announced to the world that the astrological signs have changed, and no one is the “sign” they thought they were.The uproar could be heard around the world. Someone stated “I went to bed thinking I was a lion, and woke up a crummy crab.” Identity is important. It is paramount for us to have an understanding of who we are, what our particular attributes might be, and how to mesh with others possessing different attributes. We have “inventories” identifying us as “types” with labels such as “Orange” or “Sanguine” or “Otter.” Humans love clarity within our identities. We should be thankful for the God-given attributes we possess. It is important, however, to consider 2 Peter 1:5-9 (printed on the next page) to keep from being “nearsighted, blind, ineffective and unproductive” within our God-given identities. It can happen before we even know it. It would be easy to say that because Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity, He SHOULD be competent in each of the seven attributes mentioned above. But the passage instructs each of us to be fervent in our pursuit of them all. Though it is clear our personalities and talents are

“gifts” from God, this scripture indicates we are to persevere in our efforts to cultivate all of them—not just the ones that come easily. We have a tendency, like the lion that had no interest in being a crab, to live in our strong attributes and overuse them, rather than cultivating the weaker ones. We advertise the positive side of our best attributes, while also dismissing the other ones as inconsequential because “God made me this way!” It is the little word “and” that speaks volumes in this piece of scripture. It is the premium word for the concept of balance in our lives related to the attributes, and as such, the one that keeps us out of trouble.There is a great contemporary Christian song lyric that says, “Give me words, I’ll misuse them.” We could easily say, “Give me attributes, I’ll misuse them.” Our biggest strength is almost always our biggest weakness. Take perseverance, for example. We value anyone who can hang in there under dire circumstances and keep plugging away. The weakness comes when we “slack” on something because the gift of perseverance is one that helps us pull ourselves out of the fire when we need to. The other gifts are the same way. Page 8

“

FOR THIS VERY REASON,

MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ADD TO YOUR FAITH GOODNESS; AND TO GOODNESS, KNOWLEDGE; AND TO KNOWLEDGE, SELFCONTROL; AND TO SELF-CONTROL, PERSEVERANCE; AND TO PERSEVERANCE, GODLINESS; AND TO GODLINESS, MUTUAL AFFECTION; AND TO MUTUAL AFFECTION, LOVE. FOR IF YOU POSSESS THESE QUALITIES IN INCREASING MEASURE, THEY WILL KEEP YOU FROM BEING INEFFECTIVE AND UNPRODUCTIVE IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. BUT WHOEVER DOES NOT HAVE THEM IS NEARSIGHTED AND BLIND, FORGETTING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN CLEANSED FROM THEIR PAST SINS” (2 PETER 1: 5–9 NIV).

”

If faith is our strength, we might expect God to rescue us rather than taking appropriate actions ourselves. A “good” person is generally well-liked by most people. Have you heard the phrase “the path to destruction is filled with good intentions”? Mistakes made by people who possess goodness are sometimes dismissed by everyone because “he didn’t mean to…” This can lead to trouble if not kept in check. “Smart” people (knowledge) oftentimes rely on intelligence rather than also listening to wisdom, common sense, and the Holy Spirit. Self-control can lead people to falsely believe they can control everyone and everything. When being evaluated by an unstable supervisor, the person with self-control might convince himself he can work harder to change the unstable person’s mind. He might ignore the leadings of the Holy Spirit to take another action that would be more effective in the situation. Godliness is wonderful, but “holier than thou” people can be unapproachable and ineffective.

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Mutual affection out of balance can lead to a belief that you need to save the world before evaluating the degree to which God wants you to act in any given situation. Love out of balance looks altruistic, but it actually puts our own needs ahead of others “in the name of love”. An example would be a parent who refuses to discipline a child because “I love them and don’t want them to be upset.” This is actually love turned selfish. “And” is the little word that will keep us from being nearsighted, blind, ineffective and unproductive. As a reminder to stretch outside your attribute comfort zone, list your attributes from top to bottom, strongest to weakest. Next to each attribute write the word “and.” For each of seven weeks, select one weaker attribute on which to focus. You will find a clarity of vision that makes you more effective and productive than you ever thought possible. Add the “and” to increase your knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; it’s the biggest little word you will ever need. Read more at http://kimspirations-bykimbeair.blogspot.com/

Introduction to

SHEPHERD’S

FLOCK COMMUNITY

ost of us have heard Pastor Tom’s frequent requests for more volunteers to serve in Asbury’s Children’s Ministry. There is an ever-growing need for individuals with servants’ hearts and a passion for children to serve in this special place within the church. Unfortunately for many individuals, serving in the Children’s Ministry on Sunday mornings means sacrificing time that might otherwise be spent in community. Of course, right up there with Pastor Tom’s requests for Children’s Ministry Volunteers are his spirited urgings to get involved in community. In order to give individuals the best of both worlds, a unique community was created nearly three years ago. On March 27, 2008, Asbury’s 40th community, Shepherd’s Flock, began with three to four enthusiastic members. Now, nearly fifteen members strong, the group is made up of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. They meet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in Room 1621. This special meeting time makes it possible for those with busy lives and Sunday morning duties to fellowship with individuals with similar interests. “It’s an opportunity for those involved in the Children’s Ministry to serve and still get their community time in,” says member Eldon Trimble. When asked by Pastor Dick Read what they would call their group, it was Eldon who suggested they take their name from one of his favorite Bible verses, 1 Peter 5:2, which states, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” The name, Shepherd’s Flock, was the perfect fit for this group of eager servants, who wanted to grow in and share the love of Christ with others, particularly His tiniest followers. The group’s goal is to find ways to use their lives to glorify God.They achieve this goal through prayer,biblical teaching, mission and service projects, and fellowship

By Kara Beair

with other believers. Most importantly, they want to strengthen their ministry to God’s precious children. In addition to the time they spend on Sunday mornings, many of the community members work with children in their daily lives and careers. Opportunities for these individuals to share God’s Word and His love with future generations abound. The time they spend in community is vital to strengthening their faith, growing relationships, and helping them delve deeper into the Bible, so that they can better minister to and serve God’s children in all aspects of their lives. It is a place where they can share ideas and be in prayer for one another as they work toward like goals. “The group has grown our love for children as we dig into the Word.” says Eldon. Two of the group’s members, Eldon Trimble and Emsy Clark, also lead a scripture memory class. This scripture memory is something they use within their community as well as their ministry. “It’s neat to grab hold of a scripture from memory and use it for witnessing in the real world.” says Eldon. Memory verses are an excellent tool with young children, who have a great ability to absorb and retain information. If they can commit God’s Word to their memory at an early age, it will often stick with them throughout their lives and help them as they face adversity and have opportunities to minister to others. This is why it is so important that scripture memory is incorporated into their group and witness. The Shepherd’s Flock community may be one of Asbury’s best kept secrets. With its special meeting time, focus on serving children, and room for individuals of all ages and stations in life, it would be a great fit for many who have yet to find a community to call home. The current members of the group would be thrilled to welcome new members who also want to grow in the Lord and impact future generations for Christ. If you are interested, you can find more information under the “Get Involved” section of www.asburytulsa.org. Page 10

David

-God’s Man

by John C. Westervelt

avid was just a shepherd boy when he was thrust into the limelight of Jewish history. In David’s time, God had been at work in the lives of the Hebrews through His spokesman Samuel, a priest, a prophet, and a judge. The Jewish people had been hounding God for a king, so God told Samuel to anoint Saul as king. Saul reigned for 42 years. In his last years, Saul failed to obey the Lord, so the Holy Spirit left him, and he was filled with an evil spirit that terrorized him. Saul’s only relief from his mental illness was the melodious sound of the harp. One of Saul’s servants brought David from his home in Bethlehem to play his harp to soothe the king. Before being called to the palace, the boy David had been anointed by Samuel as the king to follow Saul. Still, David became a loyal subject of King Saul and a good friend of Saul’s son Jonathan. Saul’s army had continual battles with the Philistines. The Philistines, or “Sea People,” migrated from Crete and the Aegean Islands to the southern coastal plain of Palestine. The Philistines had unique skills for forming iron and other metals, which gave them an advantage over other armies. One well-known event in history is David’s part in one of the battles with the Philistines. Goliath, a giant of a man and fully armored, challenged any Hebrew to fight him to the death. Whoever was left standing would be declared the victor and his army would also win the battle. All of the Hebrew soldiers fell back in fear. David, the shepherd boy, was unafraid because of his belief in God’s might. He rejected Saul’s ill-fitting armor and used his own God-developed skills. David selected five smooth stones from the brook, put them in his shepherd’s bag, and confronted Goliath. Placing a stone in his sling, David slew the giant in the same way he had killed lions and bears that preyed on his sheep. Fear and courage exchanged places within both armies, and the Hebrews routed the Philistines. As the people began to sing, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands,” Saul grew jealous. Earlier, Saul had treated David like a son, but he now became intent on killing David. Saul’s son Jonathan loved David so much that he warned David of Saul’s intentions. This brotherly kindness saved the life of David. Saul continued to pursue David for a number of years,

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during which time David and his men became nomads, moving about the country and hiding from Saul’s wrath. Once when Saul was stalking him, David could have killed Saul, but because David feared God, he chose not to kill the Lord’s anointed king. Saul continued fighting with neighboring nations until his final battle, when he found himself trapped by the enemy. Saul elected to fall on his own sword rather than risk torture at the hands of his adversaries. After Saul’s death, a period of civil war throughout Israel was followed by all of the tribes coming together to ask David to be their king. David was a mighty warrior fighting for the Lord, and the Lord richly blessed him. A second familiar event in history is that of David committing adultery with the wife of Uriah, one of David’s soldiers. When Bathsheba found she was pregnant, David sent Uriah into the thick of battle, where the enemy killed him, an act that was tantamount to murder on David’s part. I wondered how a man with David’s record for breaking the commandments could still be God’s man. Then I read in the revelation that Jesus gave to the apostle John, “I know you well—you are neither hot nor cold; I wish you were one or the other! But since you are merely lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” David was not lukewarm. As king, he danced vigorously in the street after bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, much to the embarrassment of his wife Michal. David made some serious mistakes, but God didn’t give up on him. After committing adultery, a repentant David wrote in the 51st Psalm, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love… Blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from sin… Create in me a pure heart, O God.” God continued to use David to write a total of 73 psalms. In the Psalms, David shared his emotions and feelings about a God with whom he was intimately acquainted. As you read the Psalms, you, too, will feel closer to God. A thousand years after David, God chose David’s descendants, Joseph and Mary, to be the father and mother of Jesus. David’s psalms have nurtured God’s people for three thousand years. As a boy, I memorized the 23rd Psalm from the King James Bible. I repeat this psalm at the end of my morning prayers because it is such a comfort to me. 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Psalm 51, Revelation 3:15-16 Other Bible stories at www.jwestervelt.com

Self Control How hard can it be? by Stephenie Craig, LCSW As our five-year-old repeatedly insists on having the last word, I often hear myself saying, “Honey, use your self-control.” He typically responds, “But Mommy, it’s too hard.” And then I reply, “No, it’s not, please try harder.” Later on the same day, the car is dead because the kids have turned on all the interior lights, draining the battery. And like a wonderfully appropriate example of self-control, I find myself slamming my keys, huffing and puffing, and raising my voice about how late I’m going to be. In this moment, my trite comment to my son comes back to me and I honestly ask myself, “Did you really just tell him this isn’t hard?” These days I often find that I am talking to myself as much as I am to my kids when I teach them life skills and good character: “When you’re angry, take five deep breaths or count to ten.” “Think before you speak when you are upset.” “Let’s show God’s love to others today by being kind and helpful.” All so easily spoken, but if we are honest with ourselves, they are much more difficult to pull off when the daily battle with our flesh rages within. Sometimes as Christians we choose to be identified by our behavior rather than who we are in Christ. I can choose to identify myself as someone who doesn’t smoke, watch certain types of movies,

go to bars, sleep around, and who reads my Bible, listens to Christan music, etc. Or I can choose to focus more on how my day-to-day living reflects who I am in Christ. For example, I am someone who shows love in practical ways to people who cross my path, and I treat people in ways that reveal that they are lovable, acceptable, and valuable. We have a tendency to take a similar approach when we examine ourselves and our own behavior. I often find myself focusing on behaviors I want to abstain from rather than who I really want to be. “I don’t want to yell at my kids today” instead of “I want to be a mom who models God’s kindness and patience to my kids.” What if instead of thinking about the behaviors we want to stop, we ask ourselves, “Who am I to be reflecting God’s unconditional, unrelenting love to my spouse, my children, my coworkers, my neighbors?” It may seem like semantics, but the latter approach somehow hits a deeper place of change in our lives. When I think about stopping a particular behavior, I find that I am trying to “SELF-control” my way out of it. And, if I’m real with myself, it becomes obvious that this is me attempting to sanitize my usual, more obvious sin of trying to control. Focusing on who I am to become in Christ reveals my need for grace

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and the Holy Spirit to make this all happen. The brutal truth is that no matter how hard I try, I don’t have what it takes to accomplish being loving on my own. And, if you’re honest with yourself, neither do you. We are in desperate need of daily grace from the Holy Spirit to even begin to think about using self-control. As Christians, we often like to the have things boiled down to “Today’s 3 Steps to Living the SelfControlled Life.” Sometimes it’s easier to have someone else, like a pastor, tell us what we should be doing. Then we take that information and set about “trying harder” to make it happen. This seems simple enough, but we are doing ourselves and God a disservice by oversimplifying something that is actually more complicated. When we find ourselves thinking “I’ve just got to try harder,” we are missing the point. Of course we have a choice, and we are responsible for using the intellect God gave us in this process. But, when it comes to our spiritual life, what if we throw out the whole idea of pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps? What if we just admit that our brain power and effort alone are not going to get the job done or even get us halfway there?

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Instead, we might need to consider admitting to ourselves daily that it is the power of God that He places within us that is going to bring about lasting change. And, we will need to be talking with Him about how we are to reflect His love to others many times throughout each day and admit to ourselves our desperation for His power to make it happen. It’s definitely more complicated and possibly riskier to lay yourself bare before God and ask, “Where am I messing things up?” “Who do You want me to be that I am not?” “Where does selfcontrol need to grow in my life?” But, the beauty of trading the “simple 3-step how-to” model for truly engaging with God’s Spirit in us is deeper, lasting change. Change that we cannot explain, change that transcends our own potential, change that interrupts the way we have always done things, change that makes our relationships healthier, change that truly reflects God’s love to others. As for me, I’m committed to daily trade in my desire to “have it all together” and be real about the fact that I need some serious intervention from God to get it right. And though it may seem counterintuitive, doing this results in more abundant, godly self-control in my life. Teaching this to our boys now can only help them as they take their first steps toward understanding God, His grace, and His power in their lives.

NOTHING EVER CHANGES. OR DOES IT? Article by Stephanie Hurd Prayers by Cheryl Steffen

ONE

of my favorite comic strips is Calvin & Hobbes, and the one I have hanging on my wall shows Calvin, the first-grader, getting dressed for school. He is complaining to his pet tiger, Hobbes, saying, “Every day I have to get up and go to school. Nothing ever changes. It’s just school, school, school.” In the last panel, Calvin is wearing a helmet, goggles, and a superhero cape. He continues, “But not today. Today, I go for the gusto.” That is how I sometimes feel about life, and Lent—that nothing ever changes.

Giving up one item for 40 days is a type of fast and is common for Lent. But if we are seeking different results, then it might be time for a different approach.We are asking each person, who is able, to prayerfully consider fasting one day a week for the six weeks leading up to Easter.

Lent is a time of preparation, and it is supposed to be a time of change. As a community of believers, we practice certain traditions as a means of preparing our hearts to celebrate the risen Lord. In our family, we generally start by getting anointed with ashes, pick something to “give up” for 40 days (with varying degrees of success), we usually attend the Good Friday Service, then put on our “Sunday Best” for the culminating event—Easter. To be honest, I’m not sure my heart is any different at the end of Lent than it is at the beginning, and I take full responsibility for that. I am getting out of it exactly what I am putting into it—not much.

Fasting is not the same thing as dieting or abstaining from certain foods for health reasons. Fasting is eliminating something that is enjoyable and necessary for spiritual reasons. That is why it is always combined with prayer. The prayers may be as simple as, “Lord, I really want Taco Bueno for lunch. But I want You more.” During the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6), Jesus taught about fasting in the context of praying and giving—linking all three together as normal practice for a life devoted to God’s Kingdom. Fasting will get God’s attention, but the intimacy part comes through prayer.

As a community of believers, we can make this Lenten season truly unique. Together, we can arrive on Easter Sunday different than we were on Ash Wednesday. If you are tired of the same old thing and tired of nothing ever changing, then let’s join together in seeking God’s face this Lenten season. Let’s go for the gusto. First, Asbury’s Prayer Ministry invites the whole congregation to unite in prayer.We have attached a prayer guide to lead every member of Asbury in praying for the seven Christlike attributes based on Tom’s sermon series from 2 Peter 1:5–9. We will focus on one area of growth each day of the week, which we will repeat every week until Easter. You can tear out page 16 with the prayer guide, and stick it on your refrigerator, in your car, or some other place where you will see it daily. You may want to set an alarm in Outlook or on your phone as a reminder to pray. Our hope is for Asbury to flood God’s throne room with the sweet aroma of our prayers for a congregation who is earnestly seeking spiritual growth and transformation. Throughout history, when God’s people really wanted to get God’s attention, they combined prayer with fasting.

A Normal Fast involves going without food and drinking only water for a period of time—not just skipping the afternoon bag of M&M’s, but actually missing some meals. It means getting hungry. Each of us will have to decide how badly we want to seek God’s face.

Regular fasting is encouraged as part of the Kingdom People experience. One participant described driving along 71st Street during his fast.The smell of food cooking during the noontime rush filled the air, poured through his open window, and made his stomach bark. He was thinking how incredible the food smelled and how much he wanted to stop by the restaurant to eat that delicioussmelling food, when he heard God say,“That’s how much I want you to long after Me.” Fasting facilitates those kinds of connective moments with the God of the Universe. Outwardly, we do the daily routine, but inwardly we pray and worship, then even the most mundane activities minister to the Lord and He reveals Himself to us. A typical fast is from dinner to dinner. For example, eat dinner on Tuesday, then forgo breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, and break the fast with dinner Wednesday night. We would begin on Ash Wednesday (March 9) and conclude on April 20. One day a week for six weeks. For anyone new to fasting, it is best to start small and work up to a Normal Fast of 24 hours by the end of Lent. Step-by-step instructions are located with the prayer guide.

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Also, you do not have to do this alone. To provide encouragement and accountability you may want to partner with a friend, spouse, or your small group and pursue holiness together.

“

It is important to remember fasting is not a way to earn God’s favor— whatever spiritual breakthroughs you experience will be according to God’s grace, not your ability to follow rules. Fasting is a way to physically communicate a sincere heart-desire to the Lord. Going without food (or some other pleasurable activity) will be a challenge, but a sacrifice is not a sacrifice unless it’s a sacrifice. The ultimate goal in fasting is to have communion with God’s Spirit. If we truly hunger and thirst for righteousness, then we must count the cost.

YOU’RE BLESSED WHEN YOU’VE WORKED UP A GOOD APPETITE FOR GOD. HE’S FOOD AND DRINK IN THE BEST MEAL YOU’LL EVER EAT. (Matthew 5:6, The Message)

”

Finally, as Pastor Tom preaches through the seven Christlike attributes, use the messages and your time of fasting and prayer to see how God would have you apply these teachings to real life. Since we will be praying in agreement for the Holy Spirit to help us develop in these areas and if we actually make an effort to practice them, then we can fully expect to see spiritual growth and transformation. We can expect change. We can even expect the traditional Lenten services to take on new meaning during this time of preparation. In fact, it is a promise found in Luke 11:9–10: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Now all we need is a helmet, goggles, and some kind of cape.

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LENTEN PRAYER 7 ATTRIBUTES x 7 DAYS x 6 WEEKS

“For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” 2 Peter 1:5–9

FOLLOW THIS SEVEN-DAY PATTERN FOR PRAYER DURING LENT: SUNDAY: GOODNESS

Father, thank You for making me worthy of Your calling through Jesus Christ. By Your power bring to fruition my every desire for goodness and every deed prompted by faith. By Your Spirit, help me devote myself to doing what is good.(2 Thessalonians 1:11;Titus 3:8)

MONDAY: KNOWLEDGE

Father, thank You that You are all-wise and there is no limit to Your understanding. Fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding so I may please You in every way, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9–10)

TUESDAY: SELF-CONTROL

Father, thank You for the Holy Spirit who indwells in

me to help me exercise self-control. Renew within me the power of the Holy Spirit to help me exercise self-control and live a holy life. (Galatians 5:22)

WEDNESDAY: PERSEVERANCE

Father, thank You for the gift of faith. Help me to run with perseverance the race marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, knowing that the testing of my faith develops perseverance. (Hebrews 12:1–2; James 1:3)

THURSDAY: GODLINESS

Father, You have set apart the godly for Yourself; therefore, You will hear when I call to You. Help me to pursue godliness. Teach me that godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both my present life and the life to come. (Psalm 4:3; 1 Timothy 6:11, 4:8)

FRIDAY: BROTHERLY KINDNESS

Father, thank You for Your kindness and compassion to forgive me of my sins. Help me to show brotherly kindness, being kind and compassionate to others, forgiving others just as Christ Jesus forgave me. (Ephesians 4:32)

SATURDAY: LOVE

Father, thank You for demonstrating the extent of Your love through the sacrificial death of Your Son, Jesus, on the cross. Help me to love You with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to show Christ’s love to others. (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 12:30; 1 John 4:11) Page 16

GETTING STARTED: 1. Decide why you are fasting. Fast for a reason. Write

down why you are denying yourself the pleasure of food. Putting the cause in writing will help sharpen your focus. 2. Make a plan. Decide the length of your fast, the type of fast, and if you will fast with someone. Also determine the best time to fast (avoid fasting during a wedding or other festive social event). By making these decisions ahead of time, you will increase the probability of success. After making your plan, write it down. But remember to remain flexible and open to the leading of the Holy Spirit––He may take you in a different direction.

IMPORTANT: If you are pregnant, nursing, diabetic, have struggled with an eating disorder, are anemic, or have some other medical condition that precludes a fast––you may choose a partial fast by abstaining from only certain foods (like Daniel), or you may consider fasting from an enjoyable activity such as Facebook. If in doubt, consult a medical professional.

MOST IMPORTANT: Ask God to lead you

in the type of fast best for you. There is no set pattern for fasting. Do not make RULES about fasting where God has not spoken. 3. Begin small. Fast from one meal one day a week for a couple weeks. Then fast for 24 hours, but allow yourself fruit or vegetable juice. Many have found dinner to dinner to be the best time (forgoing two meals). Do this partial fast for a couple of weeks.Then progress to a normal fast of 24 hours, dinner to dinner, drinking only water.

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4. Remember your purpose for fasting and pray about it! When you pray will be determined by your schedule. You may set a time, or do it intermittently throughout the day. When you get hunger pains, use that as a reminder to pray. 5. Expect God to reward you when you diligently seek Him. If you prepare a place for God’s presence, He will come to you. He isn’t going to squeeze into a life where there is no room for Him. Fasting and prayer demonstrate to God you are determined to make room for Him in your life. When you want Him more than you want your next meal, you will touch Him, and He will touch you in return.

Translation

SOMETIMES

IT’S ALL IN THE

By Jim Lenderman Pastor of Wesleyan Leadership and Biblical Generosity

[Editor’s note] s of the writing of this article, an exploratory team is in the Congo distributing the first 1,000 Bibles. When they return we’ll hear firsthand the impact these Bibles have on families and churches there. A follow-up article will appear in the April edition of the Tidings.

These words can change your life for eternity—

“Kwa maana Mungu aliupenda ulimwengu, hata akamtoa Mwana wake wa pekee, ili kila mtu amwaminiye asipotee bali awe na uzima wa milele. Kwa ajili ya Mungu hakumtuma Mwana ulimwenguni ili auhukumu ulimwengu, bali kuokoa dunia kwa njia yake.” —but only if you can understand them. For those who can’t read Swahili (the most widely spoken

African language), those words are both meaningless and powerless. So here’s the English translation: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16–17) What a difference it makes to have those lifegiving words from the Bible written in a language you can understand! For countless believers in Africa, the English Bible is just a jumbled mess of confusing letters—if they have access to a Bible at all. In 2004, I heard Bishop Nkulu Ntambo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo say in a sermon that most United Methodist pastors in his country do not own a Bible they can read in Swahili and almost no laypeople even have access to a Bible. He said pastors have to walk 12 to 20 miles to a neighboring village to pick up the one Swahili Bible for the region. As they return home, they read as much as they can because they know another pastor is already on his way to “borrow” that copy. I cannot imagine not having a Bible in my language to read and study any time I want.And I hate to admit it, but I probably would not be willing to walk to Owasso

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We encourage you to make this a family opportunity. Be creative. How will God lead you to participate? If you’re unsure what you can do, then consider these creative ways to give out of your everyday living during the six weeks of Lent: 1. Order water to drink at restaurants and take the $2 ordinarily spent on tea and put that toward a Bible 2. Kids can babysit or do other odd jobs. 3. Take your lunch to work and use that savings. 4. Skip that latte, fountain drink, or vending machine snack. 5. Eat at home as a family once a week instead of eating out. 6. Have a garage sale and give all or a portion of the proceeds. 7. When you receive unexpected income or a tax refund, give away a predetermined portion.

and back to borrow one very often. But that is the reality for United Methodist pastors in the Congo. Last summer Bishop Ntambo said the need for Bibles in the DR Congo is greater now than it was in 2004 because so many people are coming to faith in Jesus Christ. What an opportunity. One of the many amazing strengths of Asbury is our love for and commitment to God’s Word. It is one of our core objectives: “Every member developing a Biblical worldview by learning and applying God’s Word.” The Bible is central to who we are as a church. As a result sermons, community teaching, and in-depth studies use scripture as the foundation of our discipleship efforts.And the daily Bible reading and prayer journals we publish are designed to help every member and guest connect with the Bible as we journey along with Pastor Tom’s sermons. We also have a long history of helping people obtain Bibles so they also have an opportunity to grow in biblical wisdom. Every third-grader at Asbury receives a new children’s Bible as a gift from our children’s ministry. When our mission teams go to Rio Bravo to build homes, they take Bibles to distribute. Last year, memorials for Dolphine Keenum

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were designated by her family to purchase Bibles in Vietnam. And we’ve had some amazing church-wide efforts recently, as well. On one Sunday in 2008, we raised $22,944 to buy Bibles for children and youth in the persecuted church around the world. In 2009, we raised $25,000 to purchase Bibles for believers in Central Asia. Think of all the lives being transformed for eternity because of these Bibles,and all of this made possible because of our passion and commitment to provide God’s Word locally and around the world. This year during Lent we are going to do it again. Beginning on Ash Wednesday (March 9) and culminating on Easter Sunday (April 24), you will have an opportunity to provide Swahili Bibles in the DR Congo. The great news is that thanks to a very generous donor, every dollar you give up to $60,000 will be doubled! Think about it. We have a chance to provide as many as 10,000 Bibles for pastors and other believers in Africa! Imagine running into people in heaven from the Congo who are there because of a Bible you gave. And then it dawns on you. “That was possible because I skipped my morning latte or took my lunch to work?” What an opportunity to give and have our gifts doubled. What an opportunity to impact families for eternity. Join us as we give the gift of God’s Word to people who desperately want it.

Ching Touthang and her husband Sei Thouthang

Welcoming the

Persecuted

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merica has always been known as the land of the free, the door to opportunity. And from its earliest colonization, people from foreign lands have come to our nation to settle and seek refuge.

Ching says what’s also amazing is Asbury! Our church was one of the first to step up and help with advice and donations. And in December, Asbury provided additional contributions to help the Burmese refugees.

That trend continues today. In fact, in the past few years nearly 1,000 refugees from Burma have immigrated to Tulsa to find a home.

“Christmas was the best this year,” exclaims Ching. “Many Burmese families said they had never been treated so well, or so generously. I can see Jesus working.”

“They arrive with one bag of clothing. They sleep on the floor in empty apartments. They don’t speak the language. And jobs are hard to find,” explains Ching Touthang, founder of the newly created Oklahoma Immigration Outreach. “How are they expected to live?” she continues. “And so I prayed, how can I help?” Ching is also a newcomer to our nation. She was born and raised by her Christian family in India. After marriage, she followed her husband to Korea, where he studied in the seminary. As she looks back on her life then, she sees how God was putting the pieces of a puzzle together. “I didn’t stay in the same city as my husband, and lived with 35 other women whose husbands were preparing for the ministry,” she explains. “I didn’t know the language and there was no transportation. I learned to speak English and taught others. God molded me to be more humble.” Then Ching and her husband arrived in Tulsa, where he studied for his doctorate at Oral Roberts University. He is now an associate pastor at Yale Avenue Christian Church. Although Ching had no problems coping with her new environment, she did have many spiritual questions and began to have a hunger to share God with others. She led Bible studies, did counseling with her husband, and was introduced to Tulsa’s Burmese refugees. “Every Tuesday night, I would help them with transportation and translation. I speak their dialect,” she describes.“I tried to help in any way. And I began to know that God was working in me.” Oklahoma Immigration Outreach is a new charitable organization that provides much-needed clothing, furniture, and household items to foreign families seeking a new life in our state. It began as a Friday night event at Yale Avenue Church, where Ching distributed donated beds. “I thought, I need to form a nonprofit so people will be more willing to give, and I won’t be a burden on one church,” says Ching. She now collects donations in her home. There is no storehouse yet, although a trailer sits in front of the Touthang residence which contains some of the larger items. “It’s amazing how we can touch people’s lives just by giving them our old clothes.” Page 21

For those not familiar with Burma, it is a country in Southeast Asia, nestled between China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. Although it is the second-largest nation in the region, it is also the poorest. The country’s culture is heavily dominated by a military government, which is described as one of the world’s most repressive. There is no freedom of speech, forced labor is common, and violence is used to enforce laws. The primary religion is Buddhism, with Christians making up only 4 percent of the population. The refugees who have come to Tulsa mostly originate from small villages where fresh water and electricity are scarce. They are targeted by the army for their religious beliefs. And they never know when they will be taken away or killed. Even though Burmese have immigrated to other cities in the United States, they tend to migrate toward Tulsa. Why? They say it’s because Tulsa is a city of good Samaritans.They feel welcome here and among people who have a love for God and a love for others. Ching reveals that helping the Burmese brings to mind a verse from Matthew: “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home” (Matthew 25:35). “I help them, but they are really helping me become closer to God!” she admits. With more refugees settling in our area monthly, Ching has set a positive goal for OIO, which is designed to help immigrants from all lands. Her dream is to have more donations than needed, to create a school that teaches English, and to embrace the children with training in basic American culture. “I will pray, and see how He works,” she concludes. To Make a Donation to OKLAHOMA IMMIGRATION OUTREACH Contact: Ching Touthang 918-770-4249 Any contribution can be deposited directly at any Arvest Bank under the name: OKLAHOMA IMMIGRANT OUTREACH, INC. Or check can be sent to; Dani Hendrickson, (Director, OIO, Inc) 1011 S. Choctaw Pl Claremore, OK 74017 You can also donate to Oklahoma Immigration Outreach through Asbury by stipulating “OIO” or “Burmese” on your donation.

asbury

opportunities GENERAL INFORMATION

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

BREAKFAST Served from 7:15-9:00 am in the CLC. Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with TOASTMASTERS fresh donuts,bagels,biscuits & gravy,sausage,eggs,fruit, Toastmasters is a learn-by-doing workshop in which and cereal. $3 for adults & $1 for children 12 & under. participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a friendly atmosphere. Members learn communication SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP skills by performing a series of 10 self-paced speaking 8:00 am Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion) assignments designed to instill a basic foundation in 9:15 am Sanctuary (Contemporary) public speaking. Members also learn leadership skills by 9:15 am CLC (Open House Worship) taking on various meeting roles. Every Monday that the (Acoustic Worship, Casual Setting) church is open, 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, Room 2820 11:00 am Sanctuary (Traditional) 11:00 am Venue 68 (Modern with sign interpreter) ACCESS HANDS OF LOVE SIGN CHOIR SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP Sundays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm. 2821 6:00 pm Venue68 (Modern) FRIENDS IN CHRIST COMMUNITY SUNDAYS FOR CHILDREN Sundays, 11:00 am, Rm. 1507 AND STUDENTS 6 Weeks - 4 Years 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am BIBLE STUDY K-6th Grades 9:15 or 11:00 am Check out the Winter 2011 RoadMap courses in the 7th, 8th & 9th Grades 9:15 & 11:00 am brochure located at Connection Corner and Welcome 10th, 11th & 12th Grades 9:15 am only Centers, on the Asbury website at www.asburytulsa.org. Accept Pastor Tom’s challenge to get actively involved in ADULT DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES digging deeper into God’s Word ~ there is something Adult Bible study, belonging, and serving together - for everyone! RoadMap registration can be done via the Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, & 11:00 am, and options during the Registration Hotline 918.392.1191. Child care is provided week – Tuesdays at 6:00 pm,Wednesdays at 6 and 7:30 unless otherwise noted. pm. The following studies begin this month: SURGERY OR HOSPITALIZATION SCHEDULED? THE POWER OF A WHISPER: Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of time by calling Joan HEARING GOD, HAVING THE at 918.392.1176 so your pastors can be in prayer for you. GUTS TO RESPOND When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury Tuesdays, March 22- April 12 as your church. The after-hours pastoral emergency 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. in room 2818 line can be reached by calling 918.492.1771, selecting option 6, and leaving a message for the pastor on call. Join bestselling author and pastor Bill Hybels as he casts the vision for what life can look like when directed by ENGAGED COUPLES divine input from above. In this video-based study, you If you are planning to use an Asbury pastor to officiate will learn to navigate life through whispers from God.... and/or use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to book ASAP whispers that arbitrate key decisions, rescue you from to allow ample time for Couple-to-Couple (required a dark night of the soul, spur on growth, whispers that premarital sessions). come by way of another person, and whispers that open your eyes to the terrible plight people face in this world. THE GAZEBO IS OPEN Instructor Cindy Read, cost is $5. CDs of Tom’s message of the day are available immediately following the worship service - $3. Prayer Journals are also available for $5 each. Additional volunteers needed. Page 22

LAMENTATIONS - HOPE AND HEALING IN THE AFTERMATH OF REBELLION AGAINST GOD Tuesdays, March 29 – April 12 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in room 2820 Cost: $8

BREATHE ~ FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES AND STAGES Wednesdays 6-8 p.m through April 27 (will not meet March 9 or 16) in room 1502

This semester will be spent on a Beth Moore DVD series called “The Inheritance,” a 9-week topical study How do people survive when they have no hope? of inheritance throughout God’s Word. Key verse: Psalm Where do they turn when there’s nothing but misery 16:5-6 “The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; all around them? In whom do you put your trust indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Each video is and hope? Lamentations shows us our only hope is approximately one hour in length. After watching the in God, whose compassions never fail. Join instructor video, we will break into small groups to discuss. Nancy Staab for this Precept Upon Precept course. “FATHERED BY GOD” MEN’S BIBLE STUDY HAVE A NEW TEENAGER BY FRIDAY Wednesday evenings 6 – 8 p.m. through April 27 Wednesdays, March 2 – 30 (will not meet March 9 or March16) in room 2818. (will not meet March 16) 6 – 8 p.m. in room 1504 We will start with the video series by John Eldredge, Cost: $5 Fathered by God, which features six stages a man goes through as he matures in life and faith to become who Loosely Based on “Parenting Your Teenager” by God designed them to be. Facilitator: Greg Ruley Drs Les and Leslie Parrott, this four week course is designed to help you better understand and CARE AND SUPPORT communicate with your teenager. Learn tools to help S.M.I.L.E. your teen find their identity, empathize with their (SINGLE MOTHERS IN THE LORD’S EMBRACE) jumbled emotions and deal with spiritual questions A ministry that seeks to strengthen, empower, and support and doubt. Ideas on how to deal with scary issues like single moms while providing emotional and spiritual rebellion, drugs and sex will be investigated, with time encouragement; a place to belong, be loved, and accepted; for interaction and questions. Instructor: Betty Higgins allowing ‘me’ time with free childcare. An opportunity for single moms to walk with others through this challenging COME ANYTIME STUDIES ~ journey knowing they are not alone. Contact Kellie at These studies may continue beyond asburysmile@ymail.com. Childcare and free time included! the semester parameters and may be joined at any time. HEALING HATS MINISTRY MOTHERS’ FELLOWSHIP An Asbury ministry created to provide hats to cancer Tuesdays 9:45-11:30 a.m. through May 17 patients who have lost their hair. Home spun with knots (will not meet March 15) of love, woven together with help from above! Simply in Parlor (room 1900.) knit, crochet or sew a hat of your choice and drop it in the collection box located next to the Gazebo. Join facilitator Katie Ruley and this group of devoted Find more information in the literature rack attached moms who set aside every Tuesday morning to to the collection box. Contact Sue at 918.455.2816 nurture their souls through fellowship, study of God’s or HealingHatsMin@aol.com for more information. Word, discussion and prayer. Childcare provided. VISITS TO ASBURY MEMBERS BELIEVERS BIBLE STUDY Asbury has a group of volunteers (Asbury Connection) Wednesdays 6:00-7:30 p.m. who regularly visit people who are homebound, in Year-round, with a slight break during August, nursing homes or in assisted living facilities. If you are Room: 1508, interested in being visited or doing visits, call Adrena Instructor: Don Herrold at 918.392.1144, or contact the coordinator, Linda Pat Colgan at 918.366.3287 or jsclpc@yahoo.com. Study of the epistles of I, II, and III John PRAYER CARD SENDING TEAM WOMEN OF THE WORD Usually meets first and third Mondays at 10 am in Wednesdays 10 – 11 a.m. ongoing, year-round in Room 1508 to send cards with God’s encouraging room 2319. No childcare. Join Darlene Johnson, words and our prayers to those who are ill or going Asbury’s Pastor to Women, lead in open Bible study through hard times. Cards and care packages are also focusing on the practical application of the Scripture sent to Asbury-related military personnel. Contact Gwen sermon series. Mohler at 918.258.5479 or GRMOHLER@aol.com for more information. Page 23

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 call Jo VanDeWiele at 918.459.0888 with complete name and address or send to Gwen at grmohler@aol.com. 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. SURVIVORS! Second Sunday of each month, 4:00-5:30 pm, Parlor - Reaching out to one another with God’s eternal perspective through the storms of life. For those living with life-changing physical illness. Friends and family too. Contact Rod at 918.740.4393. 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. 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 Sue at suemorey@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

SUNDAY MORNING VOLUNTEERS Children’s Ministry has several openings for room volunteers and security volunteers. We have openings on the Alpha (1st and 2nd Sunday) and the Omega (3rd and 4th Sunday) at both the 9:15 and 11:00 class times. Please contact Marcia Culver at 918.392.4585 or mculver@ asburytulsa.org for more information and to volunteer. MURDOCK VILLA VISITS March 6th, 12 – 3:30pm. Our 5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to serve at an assisted living housing project - Murdock Villa. The $5 fee includes the cost of a pizza lunch. Sign up is required since space is limited to the 1st 10 student. If you have additional questions, please contact Joanna Edwards at 918.392.1166 or jedwards@asburytulsa.org. CELEBRATION STATION Mondays, 7:00 – 9:00, Faith Zone. Celebration Station is a 52-week complementary children’s program to Celebrate Recovery. So while adults explore topics that bring healing and wholeness,kids discover the same truths in age-appropriate ways through worship, crafts, games and activities! Contact Eryn Wallis 392-4588 for details. 5TH & 6TH GRADE BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, through – April 27th- 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Cost $10 for workbook. On Wednesday nights our 5th & 6th graders will be working from “How to Study your Bible for Kids” by Kay Arthur. Discover for yourself what God’s Word says. You’ll sharpen your skills so that at you can know what the Bible says, understand what it means, and apply it to your life all on your own.Your early registration helps us have the correct number of study books. If you have any additional questions, please contact Joanna Edwards at 918.392.1166 or jedwards@asburytulsa.org WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE Wednesdays, through – April 27, 7-8pm, in the 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. You may pick up a registration form in the Children’s Ministry area. For more information contact the Page 24

age appropriate staff member: KindergartenAmber at 918.392.1171, Shannon at 918.392.1170, or 3rd – 5th grade-Jennifer at 918.392.4582. KAMP KINDERGARTEN March 4, 6 – 8:00 pm, $5. Come join us for an awesome adventure at Kamp Kindergarten! This is a special event for our kindergarteners and a parent to explore and discover the many places or our wonderful church! We will have a scavenger hunt with clues about God, crafts, and activities along the way! We will meet in the kindergarten room and receive the first clue. We will end our evening with an ice cream sundae dessert and words from Ms Shawn. Registration by February 24th will help us plan out purchases of supplies. For more information contact Shanon Brown at 3921170 or sbrown@asburytulsa.org 5TH & 6TH GRADE FAMILY RETREAT The deadline is PAST but if there is still space available the cost would be $130/family of 2. Event is Friday, March 25th to Saturday, March 26th 5pm departure, Heart O’ Hills Camp, Tahlequah. This event is for a 5th or 6th grade boy or girl and one parent. You will need to arrive at Heart O’ Hills camp (about 1 ½ hours from Tulsa) no later than 6pm Friday night for dinner. There will be separate indoor male and female cabins. Saturday, we’ll have lots of family time activities planned including sports, crafts and nature walks along with breakfast, lunch and worship in the awesome outdoor chapel. Please pick up a registration form for more details about this great event. For more information you may contact Amber Cox at 392-1171 or acox@asburytulsa.org PARENTING SEMINAR: COMMUNICATING WITH TEENAGERS All 5th and 6th grade parents welcome!!! Want to talk to your teen about important topics, but they won’t even acknowledge you exist? This class will give you sound and solid advice on talking to your teen so they will listen. Upstairs in the Venue blue classroom, any parent welcome- March 27 at 9:15am or 11am.

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. Looking for a HomeBased Small group? Email JOdom@asburytulsa.org for more information. Page 25

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 918.392.1113 or dyoder@asburytulsa.org.

HOSPITALITY

It’s the art of welcoming and treasuring people. It is extending the grace and welcome of God to all people. While we all should be extending this welcome and grace, there are specific positions within Asbury where we need volunteers willing to commit to serving once or twice a month. These positions include shuttle drivers, Gazebo cashiers, Connection Corner consultants, greeters and ushers. To volunteer, Call Joan at 918.392.1176.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY

10 GREAT DATES WITH YOUR MATE Changed to 2nd Thursdays through November 10, 6:15 – 7:00 pm, Room 1502. Gather to hear a variety of topics led by various speakers (30 minutes), and then have dinner out. NEW TOPICS/SPEAKERS! Call 918.392.1191 to register and reserve childcare. DYNAMIC MARRIAGE Give us 9 weeks…we’ll give you a dynamic marriage! This is an interactive class that will help you replace old habits with new ones in a unique, safe environment. Go from good to great, mediocre to magnificent or hurt to healed. Cost: $130/couple (many materials included, scholarships available) $50 holds your spot. To register, contact Jackie or Ron at 918.251.6665 or asburydynamicmarriage@windstream.net. Limited to first 12 paid couples in each class. Childcare available. Next class on Wednesdays, March 23-May 18. ATTENTION 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). MILESTONE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Email your upcoming Milestone Anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) to Carolyn Schutte at brucars2@cox.net or call her at 918.451.1559.

MEMBERSHIP

CAR CARE WORKDAY Saturday, March 12, 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 MEN update owners on what’s running smoothly and what MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST needs professional attention. This free service gives Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 am in the CLC. Attention our men the opportunity to put their faith in to action men of Asbury. Make plans to join us for a great through loving and serving those in need. If you would time of meaningful worship, life-changing prayer like to volunteer to help, contact Mike at mnalley16@ and an awesome big breakfast, all for just $3 per cox.net. If you are in need of these services, just get your person. First-time guests are free. vehicle in line by 11:30! No reservations necessary! ASBURY EXPLORATION Come to a lunch/class to learn more about becoming a member of Asbury. Sunday, March 6, from 12:152:00 pm in Community Life Center. Lunch provided and childcare is available for children six weeks through 6th grade. Call 918.392.1191 to register.

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! A really awesome bunch of guys are meeting every 2nd & 4th Friday at 11:15 am, for good food and great fellowship. They take place at Village Inn (71st and Memorial), and are open to anyone 60 years and up. For more information, contact Bud at bdmathes@cox.net or Jim at rober@cox.net “FATHERED BY GOD” MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, through – April 27, 6 – 8 pm, Room 2818. Join with other Brothers in Christ as we study the biblical and practical ways men of faith have enriched their lives through relating crossgenerationally for their benefit, and for the benefit of the Kingdom of God. This video series will be facilitated by Greg Ruley.

HOME IMPROVEMENT WORK DAYS Saturday, April 16, 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, return 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! 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 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 27 and return on Sunday, May 1. We will stay at the Volunteers in Missions headquarters, which provides basically hotel rooms with four beds (2 bunks) with linens and towels and one bath per room. The sign up deadline is Monday, March 14, and the cost is $575 per person for the first 30 men to register. (Receive a ANNUAL MEN’S RETREAT $50 discount if it’s your first trip to Rio Bravo!) $100 Friday & Saturday, March 4 & 5, 2011, Men! A time to deposit holds your place, and the full balance is due on get away with Brothers in Christ and friends for… GREAT FOOD – OurWorld-Class BBQ Feast Friday Monday, March 14. There may be incremental costs evening! GREAT WORSHIP! GREAT SESSIONS – for additional airline tickets after the first 30 spots are Led by Courageous Brothers who will lead us and taken. Scholarship/financial assistance is available on challenge us, including an intergenerational panel! an as-needed basis. We don’t want finances to keep GREAT CONVERSATIONS – In our powerful anyone from attending this trip! Bro-Groups (small groups)! GREAT ACTIVITES! Registration forms available at all welcome centers. Page 26

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. For more information contact Frank Field at frank.field@ williams.com 918-630-0717/cell, or Jim Furman at jnlfurman@cox.net 918-625-1316/cell.

MISSIONS

April 8-10....................................................Cookson Hills, Oklahoma, Light Construction, $60 April 28-May 7.....................Central Asia, Relationship, Teaching & Light Construction, $2,200 June 2-13...........................................Estonia, Lighthouse, $2,700 June 3-12......................................................................Ecuador, MBS & Construction, $1,700

2ND SATURDAY Looking for an easy way to make a difference and June 15-27..................................................................Tanzania, share Christ’s love in Tulsa! Join us this 2nd Saturday, East Africa, Medical, March 12, at 8:30 am at Venue68 and choose between $2,800 local mission opportunities. At 8:45 we head to the ministry sites. Teams work from 9:00-11:30 am June 23-July 4...............................................................Estonia, and buses return to Venue68 no later than 12:15. Camp Gideon,Youth Camp, Families with children welcomed and encouraged! $2,700 Contact Betty Higgins at carevets@aol.com for more information. July 21-August 1..........................................................Estonia, Parnu, MBS & Light Construction, RÉSUMÉ ASSISTANCE AND REVIEW $2,700 Do you have an effective résumé? An extra set of eyes can make a difference. E-mail your résumé to VIM TEAM LEADER TRAINING employ.transitions@yahoo.com. March 5, September 17, or November 5 (All training dates are in Oklahoma City.) For more information OJT (OVERCOMING JOB TRANSITIONS) about these exciting mission opportunities, contact Oh Jay Tee! OJT! Overcomin’ Job Whatnot,Asbury’s Marilene Long at 918.392.1164 or mlong@asburytulsa. ministry helping job seekers - However you say it, org. For information about the men’s Rio Bravo, Mexico JUST SAY IT and tell someone else about it! Job opportunities, contact Dub Ambrose at 918.492.1771. seekers, hiring managers, anyone who knows about We also plan domestic teams in response to needs due jobs should contact Russ Knight at OJTJobs@gmail. to natural disasters. com. OJT meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. OPERATION HOPE RECEIPTS Operation Hope is no longer accepting merchant receipts. They do not have a company sponsoring that program.

MISSIONS/VIM

VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION 2011 OPPORTUNITIES February 26-March 5 Monterrey, Mexico, MBS & Construction Page 27

MUSIC

Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Choir room New Covenant Orchestra Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm, Orchestra room Children’s Choirs Wednesdays, 6:00-6:50 pm, Various rooms Perpetual Light Thursdays, 10:30 -12 noon, Handbell room Celebration Ringers Tuesdays, 4:30- 5:30 pm, Handbell room Asbury Power & Light Co. Sundays, 8 to 9:15 am, Orchestra room Asbury Youth Orchestra Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15 pm, Chancel Asbury Singing Ambassadors Tuesdays, 1:30- 3:00 pm, Choir Room

PRAYER

YOUTH ON MISSION 24/7 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 12-19. You may sign up at home via the Asbury web page, beginning mid-February. Be a part of this powerful prayer effort to support our youth and leaders as they serve in mission fields on U.S. soil and beyond. “I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19

at 918.392. 4589 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 Pam in the Adult Ministries office at 918.392.4589.

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 hang-ups? 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 918.392.1144, 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 ALTAR PRAYER If you would like someone to pray with you during nice and easy. Come give it a try. Holy Communion or immediately following a worship service, please come to the altar rail. A SENIOR WALK IN THE GYM WITH HIM pastor or member of the Altar Prayer Team will Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30-9:00 am be glad to pray with you for your needs – physical, in the gym. All senior adults are invited to join us for emotional or spiritual - at the altar or in the Prayer power walking, coupled with lots of fun and fellowship. Come give it a try. 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 Pam in the Adult Ministries office a call

SENIOR GAME TIME Every second Thursday – 1:30 – 4:00 pm 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, Page 28

come check it out in Room 2820. Bring a friend and stay for as long as you like! 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. TWEENAGERS PROGRAM & LUNCHEON Everyone aged 55 and over is welcomed to join us for our monthly Tweenagers meeting and luncheon, Thursday, March 24th, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.in the CLC. Guest speaker: Jim VanderLind. Jim creates beautiful pieces of art from domestic and exotic woods. His work has appeared in Wood Magazine, the world’s leading woodworking journal. Jim served at Tulsa University as Dean of Students for 27 years and as Dean of University and Community services for 10 years.

COMMUNITIES Sundays at 9:15 – New Beginnings Class Sundays at 11:00 – Ambassadors for Christ, Footprints (ladies only), Purpose Driven Fellowship, Salt & Light

STUDENTS

No student evening activities the week of March 13-20 PARENTING SEMINAR: COMMUNICATING WITH TEENAGERS Want to talk to your teen about drinking, but they won’t even acknowledge you exist? This class will give you sound and solid advice on talking to your teen so they will listen. Upstairs in the Venue blue classroom, any parent welcome- March 27 at 9:15am or 11am. 789 GRADE BREAKAWAY Sunday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am in the Breakaway Area. This isn’t your normal Sunday school. Come join us for worship, fun and games, interactive talk/lesson, and sometimes free candy and gift cards.

8TH GRADE MISSIONS TRAINING March 6, 12:15 – 2pm, Venue 68. 8th graders attending Red Bird missions need to be at this missions training, Call the main office at 918-492-1771 BY NOON, please bring $3 for lunch. Monday, March 21st, to make your reservations. If, during that week, you need to cancel your 789 SBM COMMISSIONING reservation, PLEASE let us know so the cooks will March 6, all students serving on a Spring Break Missions have an accurate count. The luncheon is provided by team will be commissioned to go out and serve in all the Asbury, but a donation to Tweenager’s missions and 9:15 and 11:00 services,please meet at 8:45 am to get ready. other expenses will be greatly appreciated. Come join us for fun and fellowship! 8TH GRADE TRAINING/DEPARTURE Meet at the Venue 6pm march 11 for training and SINGLES departure for the 8th grade Spring Break Mission trip! DIVORCE RECOVERY Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1335 - For those suffering 7TH GRADE TRAINING/DEPARTURE from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and Meet at the Venue 4pm March 12 for training and separation trauma. Childcare available. departure for the 7th grade Spring Break Mission Trip! Leaders please arrive at 2:30 pm for additional training. DIVORCE REBUILDING Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1335 - For those ready 7TH & 8TH MISSIONS CELEBRATIONS to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce. March 27, 9:15-10:30 am,Venue 68. Come hear all about Childcare available. what our students did on the 7th and 8th grade mission trips! Parents and relatives invited. SINGLES SPRING LUNCHEON March 27, 12:15-1:30pm in the CLC. Spring is here! LHGH AND 789 BIBLE STUDY Come enjoy food & fellowship with other Single Life is crazy hard and everyone needs a safe place to get Adults at Asbury! The cost is just $5.00 per person real and deal with it! That is exactly what Life Hurts God and children 10 & under eat FREE! With that kind of Heals is all about. Every Wednesday night 5-7 pm in the pricing you can afford to bring a single friend or two!! Venue, 7-12th grade welcome anytime contact Marsha for details 918.392.1157. Or come learn about God in 789 Bible Study every Wednesday 6:30-8pm!

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SPRING BREAK MISSIONS REUNION March 23 – Jamaica and Guatemala Spring Break Missions reunion 7pm at Venue 68. Come hear the stories from students and leaders. Parents welcome! FRESHMAN FEAST March 27 – Attention all freshman, today is the day that you will transition from junior high to high school youth ministry at Asbury. In an effort to celebrate that transition, we will be making you breakfast at 9:15am in the high school room at Venue 68. We are so excited for you to join us!

and Venue68. Updates are also posted on the website. There is a link in the left column on the home page.

WOMEN WOMEN OF THE WORD Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00 am in Rm 2319, Rev. Darlene Johnson, teacher. MOTHERS’ FELLOWSHIP Tuesdays 9:45-11:30 a.m. through May 17 (will not meet March 15) in Parlor (room 1900.) Join facilitator Katie Ruley and this group of devoted moms who set aside every Tuesday morning to nurture their souls through fellowship, study of God’s Word, discussion and prayer. Childcare provided.

10TH- 12TH BREAKAWAY Every Wednesday night we come together for a time of connection and worship. Our desire is to explore who God really is and how our lives matter to Him. We get CRAFTY LADIES FELLOWSHIP started around 6:30 pm and wrap up around 8:30ish. Mondays, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm, Rm 2820. Ladies, if you Plan on hanging out afterwards for pizza. enjoy doing crafts and fellowshipping at the same time, this activity is for you! We gather on Monday mornings 10TH- 12TH GRADE SMALL GROUPS to work on our own individual arts and crafts, stop for Get Connected – Are you looking for a way to get a delicious pot-luck lunch, and continue on through more connected? Are you looking for a place to grow until 1:00 pm. We have a wonderful time together, and in your walk with Jesus? Then being a part of a small would love to have you join us! For more information, group is where you need to be. If you are already in a contact Betty Seetin, and stop by some Monday and small group, don’t forget to re-sign up for your group. check us out! Our small groups meet every Sunday night, times vary. Some of the groups meet in homes and others meet MARCH UMW LUNCHEON & PROGRAM at the church. Call Todd @ 918.392.1154 or Amy @ Thursday, March 3, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, $7 for lunch, 918.392.1156 to get more info. CLC. Attention ladies! The program planned for March’s luncheon will be presented by Jan Pride, from 7TH-12TH GRADE Happy Hands. A delicious luncheon prepared by our METRO WORSHIP @ VENUE 68 church hostesses, Virginia & Susan, will also be served Come join youth from all over the city in a night to just for just $7 per person. No reservations are necessary. worship Jesus. We meet the first Wednesday night of every month from 7 – 8:30ish. Our scripture emphasis for this month comes from Luke 2:40, “And the child grew and became strong; he 10TH – 12TH SPRING BREAK was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon MISSIONS TRAINING DATES: him.” Guatemala: Mar 6 – 8:30am Commissioning Mar 6 – 12:15pm-2:30pm (bring Happy Hands is a Christian early education center for $3 for lunch) children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication disorders and their families. We are the Jamaica: Mar 6 – 8:30am Commissioning only education facility in Oklahoma that offers a full time Mar 6 – 12:15pm-2:30pm (bring center based program for deaf children ages 0 – 3, the most $3 for lunch) important language learning years in a child’s life. We also serve these children through kindergarten and offer before VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES and after care for these children through their elementary GET PLUGGED IN! years. We are a 3 star center, the highest rating offered by Volunteer opportunities have been updated and can be Child Care licensing in Oklahoma, and we are accredited found at the information desks near the main entrances Page 30

with the State Department of Education through the Oklahoma Private School Accrediting Commission and the Association of Christian Schools International. Happy Hands is committed to helping these children and their families with communication and language. We never turn away a family due to their financial restrictions. Our annual budget is supported 80% by donations, fundraising events, and grants. We are so grateful for the missions program at Asbury and the support they have provided over the years for us to assist these precious children and give them an opportunity to become literate AND know the love of Jesus Christ.

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.

11:00 AM TRADITIONAL SERVICE Sanctuary. The Chancel Choir, the New Covenant Orchestra and various vocal and instrumental ensembles offer a variety of styles of music led by Hart Morris. Dr. Tom Harrison preaches.

HOME IMPROVEMENT WORK DAYS Saturday, April 16. 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, return form 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!

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE March 9, at 6 PM in the Sanctuary. We celebrate the beginning of Lent with this service led by our pastors. The disposition of ashes on each congregant’s forehead is a part of this lovely service focusing us on the sacrifice our Lord made for us. Children’s choirs and Wednesday Night Live will not meet but child care will be provided

WORSHIP

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

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9:15 AM OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP Community Life Center. A relaxed atmosphere with engaging worship led by Dub Ambrose and team. Dr. Tom Harrison’s message is simulcast with an occasional live sermon from another pastor.

11:00 AM MODERN SERVICE Venue 68. Rich blend of ancient and modern worship, led by Chris Cleveland and team. Sign interpreters for the deaf are offered. Dr. Tom Harrison’s message is simulcast. 6:00 PM MODERN SERVICE Venue68. Rich blend of ancient and modern worship, led by the Ben Kilgore and team. Rev. Spencer Smith preaches.

asbury

marriages, births and deaths

• Virgil ‘George’ Dorsch – died 1-13-2011, husband of Joan Dorsch. • Sally Warren – died 1-13-2010, wife of Doug Warren, Father of Ken (Leslie) Warren • Janet Carol Thompson – died, 1-23-2011, wife of Jim

MARRIAGES:

• Megan Elise Philkoff & Jacob Wayne Sartin – married 10/9/2010 • • Christina Rose Schlee & Daniel Joseph Jackson – were married 12-27-2010. • • Kathleen OKeefe Arnold & Nathan Lee Selvidge - married 1-7-2011. • Laurynn Suzanne Smith & Taylor Ryan Littlefield - married 1-8-2011. • Andrea Elizabeth Thompson & Jessy Thanh Dang – married 1-15-2011.

BIRTHS:

asbury

milestone anniversaries 50 years

• Jackson Fenway Parker – was born 11-24-2010, son of John & Rebecca Parker.

Don & Pat Hardin 03/17/61

• Brooks Thomas Cariker – born 12-22-2010, son of Brent & Rececca Cariker.

Mike & Karen Wackenhuth 03/17/81

• Brady Stone Cariker – born 12-22-2010, son of Brent & Rececca Cariker.

30 years 25 years

Mark & Teresa Springer – 2/14/1986

• Alexis Torrey Wolfe – born 1-19-2011, daughter of Mike & Stacey Wolfe. • Rosemary Ann Brouwer – born 1-28-2011, daughter of Kevin & Cristin Brouwer.

DEATHS:

• Jack Strobel – died 12-22-2010, husband of Barbara Strobel.

50 years

Don & Pat Hardin

• Patricia ‘Skye’ Smith – died 12-27-2010 mother of Rebecca Davis. • Esther Boward - died 12-27-2010 • Bill Dodd – died 12-30-2010 • Murch Smith – died 12-30-2010, husband of Eleanir Smith. • James B. Grice – died 1-12-2011, father of Gaylynn Grice-McBrayer & Kay Grice-Meyers Page 32

asbury

new members

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Allen & Cheryl Cox

Isaiah Edison

Roger & Carol Fisher

Gianni and Julie Giannandrea with Anthony & Mia

Christopher Hall

Roger Hall

David Johns

Stephanie Leslie

Don & Cynthia Little

John Long

Linda Look

Max & Casey Mckenzie

Jeanette Oravec

Vanessa Patterson with Liddy & Mason

Karen Pax with Cody & Cady

Steve Philpot

Lou Pokomy

Richard and Heather Steger with Isley & Mollie

Maria Valdez with Lillian Alaniz

Carl and Rhonda Vincent with Allison & Carolyn

Kent and Jeanne Washburn

Lhoyd Wood

Asbury Exploration Classes

Come to a lunch/class to learn more about becoming a member of Asbury. Sunday, March 6 or April 3, May 1 and June 5 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.

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Glorify God...Make Disciples Page 35

www.asburytulsa.org

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