Asbury Tidings - Super Heros by Asbury Church

Inside Tidings 1

This Month at Asbury

2—3

Farewell to Mark

4—5

Notes from the Journey

6 — 23

Super Heros

24 — 29

Calendar of Events

30 — 31

New Members

32 — 33

Family Room

Tidings Staff Sandy Wagner Jan Weinheimer Juli Armour Lisa Tresch Lina Holmes Chris Lo

Contributors Nikki Boyd, Oneta Ryan, Stephanie Hurd, Jeff Jaynes, Vicki Ihrig, Amy Hayes, Darlene Truman, Brenna Lemons, Sylvia LaRose, John Westervelt

Asbury Tidings is a monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.

You may read our back issues at www.asburytulsa.org

My “Super Hero” The question we’re addressing this month is: “Who is your Super Hero?” Obviously, every Christian is going to first say, “Jesus.” There is no limit to what can be said about Him. He has certainly had the biggest impact of anyone on my life. And He is not finished with me, yet. He’s got something even bigger and better for me ahead. That will be one great day when I get to go be with Jesus forever. So, I’ll rephrase the question, “Other than Jesus, who is your Super Hero?” There are lots of possibilities there. My family holds lots of possibilities here (my dad, mom, and my wife). Certain friends have shaped me in formative ways (kids I grew up with). Certain adults (pastors, teachers, youth directors) have also been wonderful role models. But, I’m going to answer by saying that my hero is someone I have actually never met, only read about. He didn’t even live in my lifetime or even in the 19th Century. I had a class in seminary on John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. I remember our textbook by A. Skevington Wood, The Burning Heart. I was fascinated by this diminutive Englishman who was incredibly influential. He broke with traditions, he innovated constantly, he was persecuted and harassed, and he created a great movement. He had limitations and imperfections (he could never have been the author of a book about “Marital Bliss!”). But he was a man after God’s heart. And he had abundant energy. He was influential in so many ways in his days in England. Were it not for John Wesley, we would probably not have had Francis Asbury. Were it not for John Wesley, William Wilberforce probably would not have been the force he became. Historians agree that were it not for Wesley and the Methodists, a similar revolution would have happened in England that took place in France. Wesley was raised as a “preacher’s kid” but had a heart-warming experience of trusting in Christ alone for salvation. That was the key, pivotal moment in his life. And he wanted to always grow, always develop, and to always improve as a pastor and as a follower of Jesus. I love to read books about history, biography, and leadership. One of the ways John Wesley has impacted me is in this quote. “I am a man of one book!” He was incredibly well-read for his day, but he deferred the authority of his life to one book: the Bible. “I am a Bible bigot,” he said. That was the default setting of his life. John Wesley: a great example of a man who truly practiced what he preached.

National Day of Prayer Service and Vigil Thursday, May 3 Service: 12:00 - 12:40 p.m. Vigil: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. See page 27 for details.

VBS June 25 - 28 9:00 am to 12:15 pm For new (Fall 2007) 1 - 4 Graders Cost: $10 per child with $25 per family maximum Preschool age children may only attend if an adult volunteers the entire week for VBS. (New Kindergarten children will travel with the elementary age kids.)

Kids will join the team to hear the Bible story at Worship Rally, learn how to apply the lessons to their life at Bible Theater, play games at the Recreation Field House, sing songs at the Music Pep Rally and have a “crafty time” at the Crafts Fan Zone and learn how to play in the neighborhood in our Missions area. Each day kids learn what true heroes are all about , they will learn to “Join the Team”, “Get in the Game”, “Take it to the next Level” and even “Recruit New Teammates”. See page 25 for more information.

Challenge Camp Sunday, June 24 3:00-8:00 pm June 25-28 9:00 am - 12:15 pm Friday, June 29 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Big Splash Celebration For new (Fall 2007) 5th & 6 th Graders Cost: $25 per child (no maximum)

Family Fun Night Thursday, June 28 5:30 - 8:30 pm 1

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Make plans now to join us for this biennial event, an Asbury tradition, as we celebrate mothers and daughters during Mother’s Day weekend. Women and children of all ages are invited to attend. Bring visitors who may be in town for the weekend, or your extended family and friends. The morning will provide a light-hearted look at the “excellent woman,” based on Proverbs 31. You and your guests will enjoy a delicious lunch and the program will demonstrate the scriptural theme, “I will give thanks to thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14. The morning will include dramatic sketches of Biblical mother-daughter relationships, music and a special presentation by some energetic seniors. There may even be a surprise or two thrown in for good measure. Don your spring finery and prepare to be pampered.

HELP BLUE STAR MOTHERS OF AMERICA SUPPORT OUR MILITARY

Children to Collect Items for Joseph Boxes “During the seven years of abundance the land produced plentifully. Joseph collected all the food produced in those seven years of abundance in Egypt and stored it in the cities.” Genesis 41:47-48 During the Joseph series through May 27, Asbury’s Children’s Ministry will be collecting items for our troops overseas. While teaching the children the stories of Joseph, who collected items for seven years, we will be collecting items for seven weeks. On our final day of the Joseph series, a member of the Blue Star Mothers will visit the children and collect our Joseph boxes that will be mailed to the men and women serving our country. Large collection boxes will be placed in front of the preschool and elementary gathering areas for storing donated items.

Please bring small sizes Sunscreen (no sprays) Sunglasses Eyewash Socks (white, gray or black) Single-wrapped candy, gum or mints Single-sized snack foods Powdered drink mixes. Tea bags, Crystal Light drink sticks Chapstick - Lip Balm Toothbrushes, dental floss, mouthwash Crossword puzzle books Handheld games Foot powder Batteries Toilet paper Roll-on deodorant (male or generic brands) Baby wipes

Please contact Christy Capps at 392-1172 for more information.

I had the privilege to serve alongside Mark in ministry for three years. During those years I grew to appreciate, respect, and love him as a brother in Christ. So, how does one put into words what someone means to you? I began by listing words that, to me, describe Mark. . . A lpha B eliever C aring Dedicated Evangelism F riend G enuine Humble Integrity J ust K ind L aughter M entor N ice O pen PR A Y -ER Quick-witted Righteous S mile T eacher U nwavering Vivacious Wisdom XY Z…a great friend and mentor. XYZ My prayers go with Mark, Robin, and their children as they begin their new ministry. -Claudia Abernathy

I met Mark in 2002 when I took the Alpha course. Although I wasn’t a member of Asbury at the time his gentle and caring nature made me feel a part of that ministry. I love how Mark’s face lights up when he talks about Jesus and how he lights up the lives of those around him. His love for Jesus is contagious. Mark is a wonderful teacher and counselor who helped me to see that loving God and others is what life’s journey is all about. He is truly a shining example of what it is to have Christ-like character. (And he’s a pretty good jungle ping pong opponent!) -Janice Leach

Mark and I have shared many experiences over the last 12 years. My life has been greatly enriched by knowing him. He is truly a Godly man and a great role model. Mark consistently displays the fruit of the Spirit. I always feel loved and encouraged in his presence. He is a very gifted pastor who is loved and respected by all.. Oklahoma City, you’re about to be blessed! -Glen Wellendorf

It has been a joy and an honor to serve the Lord with you in prayer ministry this past year and a half. What a blessed and full year we have had. It has been so awesome to see God move in response to our prayers. Thank you cannot begin to express my gratitude for the impact you have had on my life. Thank you for being such an encouragement for spiritual growth. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t. Thank you for pushing me beyond my comfort zone countless times though it was painful. Thank you for being a mentor and a faithful friend. I’m praying God’s peace and love will surround you and your family as you go. -Cheryl Steffen

They just don’t come any better than Mark McAdow! Mark has been for me many things, including, close friend and Brother, colleague, teacher, encourager, example, pastor extraordinaire, inspiring preacher, but perhaps most of all, follower of Christ. his love for Jesus draws me closer to God, and I will miss him greatly! -Dub Ambrose

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Dear Asbury Family, Where do I begin to write this good-bye? With a simple but sincere word – “Thanks.” Thanks to each of you for your love, support and friendship these past 12 years for my family and me. It has been my highest joy and privilege in ministry to serve with Tom, our dedicated pastors, exceptional staff and with many of you – our gifted Asbury members who serve Christ so faithfully. When we moved to Asbury church in 1995, we had one child – our son Matthew. Over the next three years we added two more – both girls: Hannah Elizabeth and Lauren Grace. I had a darker hair color, less pounds (Virginia’s good cooking is responsible for my added growth!) and a mustache, too! These years have gone by much too quickly! I’ve watched our staff and church grow incredibly over the years and had the privilege of being a part of Asbury’s relocation from Sheridan to Mingo – literally carrying the cross on our three-mile journey. It has been my joy to serve as your Pastor of Prayer and Evangelism and to get to be involved in leading our Saturday Night Worship, the original Living Room Service in Mason Gym, Becoming a Contagious Christian evangelism classes, ALPHA – a ten-week course in basic Christianity, revival services, sharing in mission trips to Mexico, Estonia, Tanzania and so much more! The McAdow family’s lives have been so blessed and enriched by you all. Our friends at Asbury are so very special to us. Please pray for continued growth in prayer and evangelism at Asbury and at First Church OKC as well! We will miss you so very much, but you will always be in our hearts. Always. In Christ’s Love and Service, Mark, Robin, Matt, Hannah and Lauren McAdow

From the time we met, we felt drawn to Mark’s gentle, kind spirit and have been blessed by him ever since. We’ve often remarked that we’ve never met anyone with such integrity and grace. Mark has not only been our pastor, but a wonderful friend. We will miss the laughter and prayers we have shared with Mark, his beautiful wife, Robin, and their children. -Richard and Mary Murphy

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Mark is a truly caring guy! His passion for saving lost souls is boundless. I have not met anyone with a stronger desire to do evangelism than Mark and it’s a genuine joy in his life. He is a good friend. We have worked together for many of the 12 years that he has been at Asbury, so I’ve been a witness to things in Mark’s personal as well as professional life. When you see that big smile and enthusiastic manner—you see the real Mark. -Frank Gentry

friend recently told me everything I need to know about Spiderman. I watched one of the movies…once, so that doesn’t qualify me to carry on much of a conversation about anything but special effects and the acting. I didn’t think there was much more to it. But I was wrong. My friend is a college student, so he knows about these things and he enlightened me about Spiderman’s alter ego, Peter Parker. If you haven’t seen the movies or read the comic book, stay with me anyway. I always thought the story of Spiderman was about the creature in the red and black webbed suit that was able to catapult between buildings and stick to walls, but now I’m not so sure. Here’s how my friend put it: “The superhero in the story is the kid, Peter Parker. That’s really what the story is about. ” I think it’s time for me to go back and watch the movie again, along with the sequel, and maybe even the third movie. I might see the story in whole different light. I think my friend, who is just a couple of years beyond being a kid himself, is inspired by the thought that everyone has something to offer. And in a spiritual light, everyone...even a kid...has something

Spirited Heroes By Lisa Tresch to offer God. That sounds like one of those platitudes that roll easily off the tongue and sounds good, but I’m not sure how many of us really believe it. It’s easy to put children and teens in a different category when it comes to spiritual matters. Do they really hear God’s voice, experience God’s presence, or feel compelled to serve God? Just like the question that my Spiderman re-education poses: Can a kid really be a superhero? I think I might have a clue to the answer. My two teenagers got an idea stuck in their heads a couple of years ago. It came via their Junior High Team Leader Mark Fowler. It goes like this: “Junior high kids can change the world.” It became a mantra for all the students, and they believed it. But it’s more than just words. The Student Ministry leaders make sure of that by giving them an opportunity each Spring Break to choose how they want to spend their week. They can choose to catch up on sleep, television, video games, chatting online. They can choose to visit the beach or the ski slopes. Or they can choose to hang out with and serve street people in Houston, poor Appalachian residents in Kentucky, Mexican children in

P Reynosa, or Central Americans in Guatemala. This year, 235 junior and senior high students chose to pack grubby clothes and work gear and head to far-flung mission destinations. They chose to share God’s voice and His presence with the poor, the lost, the downtrodden. Instead of sleeping late every morning they rose early to tear out sheetrock and repair toilets; instead of staying in their pajamas and snacking all day, they chose to feed sandwiches to homeless people; instead of downloading music they chose to sing hymns with the poor; instead of going to movies they chose to perform dramas in dusty Mexican streets. They chose to go, as God has commanded all of us, and change the world a little. I’m humbled when I hear them talk about it being the best week of their lives, and I’m encouraged when they declare that they will do it again next year. But most of all I am amazed that God allows all of us—young or old—an opportunity to be part of His story. The next time you’re looking for a spiritual superhero, you might be surprised to find that it’s not the guy in the flashy suit that’s changing the world. It might turn out to be a kid on a mission. ASBURY TIDINGS 4 6

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n our American culture we can easily make a god of selfsufficiency and being able to take care of ourselves. After all, that’s the American dream. But faith really grows when we follow God’s call to do something and be someone bigger than ourselves, and we realize this when we cannot in any way get there or accomplish it ourselves.” – Randy and Kerry Loescher The Loeschers stepped into something bigger than themselves when they recently adopted five siblings from Guatemala. Daniel, age 17, Paola, 16, Yosi, 13, Dania, 11, and ‘ 10, came home with Kerry, Jesus, Randy, and little brother, Samuel, age 2, earlier this year. God had put adoption on Randy and Kerry’s hearts early on in their marriage. They had tried to start a family but found no medical reason why they couldn’t conceive. When they sensed that it was God’s timing, it seemed natural for them to seek adoption outside the U.S. since both have been very active in international missions. “We met our kids while doing some mission work at Casa Bernabe, a Christian orphanage in Guatemala,” says Kerry. “At the time we were not ‘kid shopping’ at all. We had worked with Casa Bernabe (on previous mission projects) and were really impressed with them. So we applied.” The moment they saw the children’s picture in the notebook of the available children at the orphanage, they knew they had found their future family. They were given approval by the orphanage to begin the adoption process. But after a short time, Kerry

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and Randy got a big surprise. They found out that Kerry was pregnant with Samuel! When they returned to Guatemala during a preparation trip for Asbury’s student spring break missions, they intentionally met with the orphanage director to tell her to “put them at the bottom of the pile” since they found out Kerry was expecting. They would address the possibility of the adoption a couple of years down the road. “However, upon leaving the director’s office, I sensed what could be best described as the internal, audible voice of the Lord saying to me, ‘You just spoke your mind and not your heart,’” Randy recalls. “My heart was filled with conviction. ‘Lord, please forgive me, I never prayed about this. It just seemed the logical thing to do.’” When he shared the experience with Kerry, she laughed and told him how the Lord had spoken to her six weeks earlier. During a time of prayer, she sensed that God wanted them to continue the process in spite of the pregnancy. If God was to confirm this, she knew He would have to tell Randy Himself. And God did. As the months passed, their heart’s desire only intensified. The entire adoption process took nearly two and a half years. There were financial challenges for which God provided, over and over again. They saw fees waived and thousands of dollars given by people who sensed the Holy Spirit’s leading to get involved. New bikes, clothes, towels, bedding, paint, storage and furniture were provided. Kerry prayed specifically for “sparkly” purity rings for the two older girls. Someone had a connection with a local

jewelry store and God answered that prayer. “All of this provision is a testimony of God’s love for us and our kids,” says Randy. “God moved mountains to make this possible.” When the family stepped off the plane in Tulsa, there was a sense that the kids were finally where they were supposed to be. The couple recalls, “There were no doubts, no regrets, no cold feet - just a sense of stepping into our destiny and God’s plan for our lives.” Kerry and Randy continue to experience God’s grace as they build their new family. Just recently they had the opportunity to pray with Yosi to invite Jesus into her life as Lord and Savior. They pray with each child before bed and on the way to school in the mornings as they continue to adjust. Their dream for their children is that they grow up to love God and serve Him with their entire heart, soul, strength and mind as they discover God’s plan for their lives. Though the Loeschers have faced many challenges throughout this journey, they have seen their faith increased, as God has remained faithful. Kerry says, “We have kept telling the Lord that we want to be like Joshua and Caleb who looked at the Promised Land and saw it as God’s promise. Giants there were, but so what! Their God was bigger. He had led them through the Red Sea, and protected them) during the plagues in Egypt. He fed them with manna in the morning and quail at night. He had done so much…what are a few more giants?” -Nikki Boyd

Marsha, Sara and Jordan

arsha Statesir Baker is a hero for many of the youth in the Asbury junior high school ministry. Through her kindness, loving heart, and caring spirit she has enriched the lives of girls involved in the Life Hurts, God Heals program that she helped start. But, for one young woman – Sara – Marsha is and always will be a Super Hero! The year was 2002 – it was the Asbury Junior High Fall Retreat. And, Sara did not want to be there. “I was in the Stand in the Gap program, and the family I was with were members of Asbury. I didn’t have a choice about attending,” Sara recalled. She didn’t know anyone at the retreat and she felt as though she didn’t belong there. Wandering around, wanting to leave, she happened to meet a leader who was attending Asbury for the first time – Marsha Statesir. “We had an immediate connection,” Sara remembered. “We could talk about anything – we understood each other.” By the time the retreat ended,

the two had become friends. At that time, only God knew the roles Marsha would play in Sara’s life: friend, mentor and Super Hero. “My home life was not great,” Sara said. “My mom and I fought a lot.” When things got rough, Sara reached out to Marsha. “She would come over and get me out of the house. We would talk things through. She really helped.” Marsha eventually got power of attorney so that Sara could legally live with her. “She became my mentor. She helped me with my life,” Sara said. “Marsha has the biggest heart of anyone I know,” Sara added. “Even when I messed up, Marsha was there to lend her support and guidance.” Sara recalled how she met a boy and followed her heart into an unexpected pregnancy. “My boyfriend was so jealous of Marsha, he didn’t want me to see her. So, I stayed away for a

time.” Marsha did not abandon her though. She would check on Sara and help where she could. “Marsha was always there for me,” Sara said. After her baby’s birth, both Sara and her son lived with Marsha. Sara and Marsha’s friendship has spanned five years. At times Sara has distanced herself from her friend and mentor but has always returned. “I haven’t done everything right,” Sara admitted. “But even when I messed up, Marsha was always there to be my friend again and pick up where we left off. She always welcomed me back with open arms. She never made me feel bad for the mistakes I made.” Last summer Marsha married Bobby Baker, and although it was time for Sara and her son to move on with their own lives, she and Marsha still try to hang out at least once a week. “Marsha is the most amazing person I have ever met,” Sara said. “She is so full of love and so full of God’s love.” Sarah paused for a moment and then added, “She is truly a Super Hero.” -Oneta Ryan ASBURY TIDINGS 8

oes it cost to be a hero in another’s life? You bet! Is it worth it? Unquestionably. A case in point. For John Dellavedova it was an ordinary day, an ordinary business meeting, but it opened the door for an extraordinary experience. Sitting at that meeting he was challenged to respond to the call to serve as a volunteer with Big Brothers and Sisters. Though he was starting a business and had his own son (only three-months old at the time), John decided he should give something back to his community. He was paired with a ten-yearold boy whose father had died a few years before. In 1995, John met with young Joffre Lander for the first of many weekly meetings spanning the next eight years when Joffre graduated from Bishop Kelly High School. John still recalls that first meeting. “He was quiet at first, but after several meetings he knew I was there to help him. I thought I’d be matched with a Little Brother with lots of problems and issues, but this was not the case. He comes from a single-parent family, but his mother is strong and driven to raise her three children to be proud and successful at everything they did.” Joffre also remembered that initial meeting. “I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but John was pretty outgoing and made breaking the ice easy.” A good student, Joffre didn’t need tutoring, so they spent their time talking, biking, playing sports, attend9

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ing Driller’s games and musical events. (John is a drummer in several of Asbury’s musical groups.) When John ran in the Tulsa Run, Joffre would be there on the sidelines cheering his Big Brother on to the finish. In turn, John attended Joffre’s school events and award ceremonies. It’s been 12 years since that first meeting and Joffre has developed into a fine young man ready to serve his country. He’s attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on an academic and wrestling scholarship. Upon graduation in 2008, he will enter the United

States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. Though he’s too far away for frequent one-on-one contact with John, Joffre says he’ll always need his Big Brother. He considers John one of his heroes. “John taught me several life lessons like always giving back. I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was not only doing community service by helping me, but also taking me to help others,” Joffre said. “Another lesson I

learned from John is commitment. As long as I’ve known him he has been committed to his family, faith and organizations.” Joffre will marry on the second of June. John served as a model for values he plans to carry into his own union, such as the way he and his family included everyone in their family events. ‘Whenever John and I went out and did something that his sons could enjoy he always brought them along. It shows the importance he put on his family and family ties.” Family and faith have always been paramount in John’s life. His early religious training included a belief in God and knowledge that he died on the cross, but that initial belief did not include a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “When Paula and I joined Asbury in 2001, we met with Mark McAdow and he showed us the bridge illustration and we said we were ready. This commitment has made me realize that I must seek God’s grace on a daily basis. Celebrate Recovery has also helped me in committing my life to Jesus Christ,” said John. Has the cost of being a hero to another been worth the investment? According to John, the investment into Joffre’s life has been one of the most satisfying experiences of his life. “I know God was calling me during that first decision to be a Big Brother. I knew then that the service I would give at that time would continue for the rest of my life.” -Sandy Wagner

hat do you call a family of four who appear ordinary on the outside but have superhero capacities on the inside? You call them The Incredibles, and at the risk of revealing their secret identities, you may also call them The Bradshaws. Deborah Bradshaw is passionate about showing the world that God has given each of us our own special gifts. “No matter how the outside package may appear, there is a miracle inside,” she states. Deborah and her husband, Curt, are active in community theatre. They observed that when their son, Curtis, who has Down’s syndrome, was in a production his disability gave others the opportunity to explore their art in more depth. This observation led to the dream of opening a facility where

artists of all ability levels could share their work. Their vision is called The Arts Ranch (www.theartsranch.org). “This project is about people with and without disabilities exploring and producing art together,” she said. Deborah and Curt are working hard to make this dream a reality because they believe that creating, no matter what the art form, glorifies God and demonstrates His majesty. Although Deborah and Curt were Christians, they had slowly drifted away from God after they married. However, when they started their family, they decided it was best to raise their children in the church. They ended up joining Asbury because of the warmth and acceptance their son, Curtis, received. Deborah says of Asbury, “It amazes us how much he is

loved for himself, just as he is.” Curtis, 16, began acting at age seven and has been in 24 community productions. Most recently he played a “greaser” in the cast of The Outsiders at the PAC. He was the first actor with Down’s syndrome to be on the Williams Stage and to be featured on the cover of the PAC’s Intermission magazine. Curtis asked Jesus into his heart at the age of eight and has been at Asbury since the age of three.

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The Bradshaws: Curtis, Curt, Clayton and Deborah.

Like any good superhero, he serves the public in many ways. He just returned from sharing Christ’s love through a mission trip to Mexico. Clayton, 14, began his acting career at age five. He also performed at the PAC as a “soc” opposite his brother in The Outsiders. Clayton prayed to receive Christ at the age of six and has also grown up at Asbury. He loves to share Christ’s love through acts of service. He just returned from

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his second mission trip, and he regularly volunteers at John 3:16 and the Day Center for the Homeless through his small group at church. Since superheroes work tirelessly, he may also be found volunteering as a teacher in the Children’s Ministry or at Vacation Bible School. As is fitting of superheroes, each member of the Bradshaw family is mild mannered on the outside and filled with hidden strength on the inside. These

spiritual action figures are saving the world by unleashing individual creativity and spreading God’s love through spiritual acts of service. They are promoting a vision for a better world— a world in which people look beyond the surface to see what’s inside. The best part about the Bradshaws is that when Hollywood makes the movie, these Incredibles can play themselves. -Stephanie Hurd

ccording to Wikipedia.com, a super hero is “a fictional character who is noted for feats of courage and nobility, who usually possesses abilities beyond those of normal human beings.” My superheroes are anything but fictional. They are very real people with very real struggles. From pastors and professors, Sunday school teachers and saints of the faith, to members of my own family, each one has shown me “feats of courage and nobility” and each seems to work with “abilities beyond those of normal human beings.” Of course, as Christians we know the source of those “abilities” is no spider bite or radioactive element—our source is God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While I could write about any number of “heroes” who showed me that source of extraordinary life, who led me to a place where I now preach every Sunday and lead others in the faith, it seems only fitting as Mother’s Day approaches to write about a superhero very close to home and close to my heart: my mom, Connie Jaynes. My mom has played a central role in who I am today. She played a pretty important role in my being alive to begin with but I also certainly would not be a pastor if not for my mother either, and perhaps not even a Christian. My dad played a very strong role in this as well, but I think he’d agree that my mom has

helped us both understand what being a Christian is really about. And if you know my mom, I’m sure you’ll agree too. My mom taught me about faith in a way I could understand it: by living it out in everything she did. She knew I would not accept simple answers to deep questions of faith. I had to see it to believe it (like Thomas), and I had to choose it for myself if it was to be active in my life. My mom had the patience to wait for that day to come, and the faith God would work if she were faithful to His call. She was, and He did. Patience in this case might be one of those “abilities” Wikipedia spoke of in its definition. I was not a bad kid but I wasn’t great either. She and some fantastic Sunday School teachers at Asbury put up with a lot, and it took a while for me to finally “get it.” Once I did, though, it didn’t take long to see the Spirit moving.

With some severe growing pains, my faith grew strong and fast. Ten years after that “A-ha moment,” I am now a graduate of Duke Divinity School and pastor of Southern Hills United Methodist Church in Tulsa, leading others as my mother led me—living my faith in our community and helping people with questions they wrestle with in their lives. Like my mom with me, it will take some patience, but God is already at work. Our church at 61st and Lewis is growing in its response to God’s mission and growing in other ways too. It will not come without some pain, but any pain will certainly lead to God’s gain. Thankfully, I have a superhero helping me along the way: my mom continues to show me and others what following Christ is about. -Jeff Jaynes Pastor, Southern Hills United Methodist Church

Note: Asbury likes to claim Rev. Jeff Jaynes as one of ours! His early church memories include coming to Asbury with his family and being confirmed as a 6 th grader. His parents, Connie and Scott Jaynes, were long-time members of Asbury before recently joining their son’s church, SHUMC recently opened its doors to host two of Asbury’s Celebrate Recovery small groups.

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lbert McClure makes a mean roast beef sandwich. He loads it up with tomato, pickles, sauce, cheese and stacks the ingredients in a particular order so the bread doesn’t get soggy. And he piles on the meat – a fourth of a pound. He makes the kind of sandwich he would want to eat, not because his clientele is particular, but because they are hungry. Albert makes about 16 sandwiches every Friday night and takes them downtown, and along with chips and a drink, feeds the homeless. If you ask him for a deep theological reason why he has taken it on himself to do this, he’ll give you one: “Because I love Jesus.” Then he adds, “And because the people are hungry.” The simplicity of Albert’s feeding ministry doesn’t mean that he has a simplistic answer for everything. He thinks deeply about the problem of homelessness, and the duty of Christians to follow God’s voice. ASBURY TIDINGS 14

He actually likes the idea of deep theological thought, evidenced by the recent honor given to him by Oral Roberts University where he was named Theology Student of the Year. An additional honor was given to him when he was also named History Student of the Year. He will graduate in May with a degree in both. The story of how this downtown ministry began dates back to New Year’s Eve, 2004, when a friend called Albert and asked if he wanted to make sandwiches and feed homeless people downtown. It was a good experience, and about a month later Albert called his friend and asked if he was interested in feeding people again. For a while, Albert and his friend continued going downtown on Friday nights, but for the last year he’s been on his own. And he’s gotten to know the people on the streets. “It’s a relationship building ministry,” he says. “But I don’t make these sandwiches so that I can earn the right to talk to them. There are no strings attached. I’m there to give them food, and if they want to talk fine, if not, that’s okay too. Sometimes there are a lot of hoops to jump through if you are homeless, which I understand, but that’s not what my ministry is about. I’m there to talk and listen. They know me. They’re respectful of me and I respect them.” Albert is getting fairly 15

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well known in the community of homeless people that hang out between Bartlett Square and the downtown YMCA. They say hello to him when they see him on Friday nights, and they look forward to his sandwiches. He talks with them about their situations, and offers them hope that God has not forgotten them. He also wants them to know that there are people who haven’t forgotten them. “I think it gives them hope in younger people,” he adds. The verse that Albert clings to as he continues the ministry is Isaiah 55:1-4. “God says that he will give the people food – free food – but what they really need is spiritual food. Some people really want to hear about the spiritual part, and some people just want free food, and that’s fine. I’m not there to shove the spiritual food down their throat.” He doesn’t try to evangelize people, and he doesn’t count converts. Albert’s feeding ministry doesn’t involve trying to get people to come to church. He believes that what God has asked him to do is simple. Feed people, and be available if they want to talk about spiritual food. And it is a job that he takes seriously because it is clear to him that God has asked him to do it. “In Luke 17 Jesus talks about the servant who works all day, then comes home and makes dinner for

his master. He didn’t get rewarded for that. It’s what he was supposed to be doing. People sometimes will tell me that I’m going to be blessed for doing this, but I don’t see it that way. I just see it as something that I am supposed to be doing. I think when you know for sure that God has told you to do something, then you just do it.” Albert realizes that it is not his responsibility to get rid of homelessness, but simply to do what God has asked him to do, even if it seems like a small thing. Besides making great sandwiches, Albert also has a knack for being faithful. “If I say I’m going to do something, then I’m going to do it. If I say I’m going to be somewhere, then I’m going to be there. I’m not a great speaker, I don’t do miracles, I’m not an important evangelist, but I can make sandwiches and I can show up. That’s what God has asked me to. And I’m going to be faithful to do that.” The Downtown Ministry Corporation, the name Albert has given to his feeding ministry, has a season that may be drawing to a close. He will leave in June for a summer camp in Maryland, and then he will begin studies at the American University in Cairo, Egypt this fall. But until then, Albert will continue to be a faithful servant, making his sandwiches and offering both physical and spiritual food to the hungry and homeless. -Lisa Tresch

“L

eader, dedication, compassionate, kind, gifted, influence . . .” Words like these and many more are written in a small blue notebook. Though the words may not stand out as extraordinary, they hold profound meaning. For they describe the impact that one life can have on the world and reveal how the power of genuine care and love can make a difference that lasts forever. At a service held at Stetson University in Florida, in honor and memory of his brother T.C., Trevor Lane was given this notebook. A driver who had been drinking killed T.C. while he was home on Christmas break in 2003, just a few months shy of his college graduation. Within the pages of the notebook, fellow students, friends and professors wrote their personal thoughts on how this young man touched their lives. T.C. (Tom Cornelius Lane, Jr.) was born to parents Tom and Nanette in 1981. He was the long-awaited little brother for whom Trevor prayed for nine years. He was nicknamed “Sunshine” as a child because of his contagious smile and sparkle in his eye. In her memoirs, Nanette writes that T.C. “was in a hurry to be delivered and once he was here, he never slowed down with living life.” The foundation of T.C.’s life was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He

made a decision to follow Christ as a young boy. Even at an early age, T.C. developed a strong prayer life and it continued to grow as he did. His college friends remember T.C.’s commitment to spend time alone with God each morning, while others slept. He especially liked reading through Proverbs, one chapter for each day of the month. T.C. was an accomplished Scout, completing his Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow and Brotherhood awards, with 31 merit badges. He was a certified Red Cross lifeguard and swim instructor and used his gift of swimming with disabled children. Af ter his death, the family found a framed picture of a tiny handprint among his personal mementos at Stetson, given to him by one of his young swimming students. It read, “A big hand to a great swim coach”. In high school, T.C. served as a page in the Oklahoma Senate. While at Stetson, he spent a fall semester in Washington, D.C. interning for U.S. Rep. Brad Carson. A political science major, T.C. was in the process of applying for law school at the time of his death. His experience at the nation’s capital had an incredible impact and he dreamed of returning one day. Stetson’s Dean Grady Ballenger once commented, “We knew he would be a senator, sooner rather

than later.” But beyond all his accomplishments, God put a call on T.C.’s heart that drew him to people. When he saw a need, he took the initiative and responded. He has been described by a school counselor as a “gatherer of people.” That was more than evident as hundreds of emails and correspondence poured in after T.C.’s death. The Lanes are quick to point out that their son was a young “student of life” and not perfect, but they continue to see T.C.’s life blessing others. The T.C. Lane Endowed Scholarships are being developed at Holland Hall and Stetson University, as well as at Asbury, supporting student mission projects. In addition, the Lanes passionately carry on the crusade against drinking and driving. On March 23, 2007, Stetson University opened the Lane Seminar and Reading Room, dedicated to challenge future leaders to pursue academic excellence and live the kind of extraordinary life T.C. lived. It’s the first room that the 100-year-old university has dedicated to a student. The plaque outside its door reads, “Tom Cornelius “T.C.” Lane, Jr., 1981 – 2003, Senior in Political Science, in memory of a life cut short of it’s fullest potential. Learn, Serve, Lead.” Tom and Nanette see the room as a “tribute to the glory of God and how God can bring beauty out of the ashes.” Though his time on earth was brief, T.C. understood his purpose. Everyone has the potential to make a difference. Every life can leave a legacy. -Nikki Boyd

T.C. shown as an Asbury choirboy and shortly before his death.

ASBURY ASBURY TIDINGS TIDINGS 16

Anna and Jane Rohweder

found myself winding around in an unfamiliar neighborhood uncertain of an exact address or the right timing. With a mysterious anxiety and apprehension, I pulled into the suddenly recognizable driveway and gazed to the heavens for a nudge as to what to do next. Time lapsed and I slipped out of the car and up the walkway with my heart racing as I began rehearsing what to say when the door opened. My friend, Jane, opened the door with her natural warm smile, but her eyes conveyed a look as only one mother to another might sense. She stepped out on the porch, quietly closed the heavy door, received me with a hug while releasing a few tears down her cheek, and softly whispered, “A little girl should not have to shop for a wig.” Jane’s daughter, Anna, began grueling chemotherapy treatments at the young age of seven. This sweet little girl endured total body radiation, central nervous system radiation, and hideous mouth and throat sores which

ASBURY TIDINGS

left her dependent on an IV for any source of nutrients. Anna was kept in isolation at Cook’s Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth far away from home, friends, school, and church. Jane was one of few free to enter Anna’s isolation. She becameAnna’s crucial heroine as the wait began for a much needed bone marrow transplant at the innocent age of ten. A student dictionary sits near my computer for simple references to key words. I fumbled through the pages to find the word, “heroine.” It stated, “Noun, a woman of great strength or courage.” I’ve heard this noun often in a newspaper, television, big screen, and many books through an “always changing” world of heroes and heroines. It takes a new meaning at different stages in my life. I believe God places them around us without us even knowing; some we recognize, but

many we pass without a thought as to their “status.” God blessed my world with the resolve, faithfulness and courage of Jane Rohweder. As the seventh grade Student Mission Team pulled into the Breakaway parking lot, the doors flung open and graceful Anna stepped out with gorgeous blonde curls pulled into an attractive clip, a slender body revealing clothing that could only have been worn on a very long bus ride, and an all too familiar smile with the resemblance genetics may only deliver. Mom was there to welcome her home with a tearful relief of another successful trip, from a different city, with a different mission, and a promise of another life experience protected and nurtured by our Heavenly Father. -Vicki Ihrig Fear not for I am with you. Do not look anxiously about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Surely I will help you; surely I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10

I have a very recent hero and heroine in my life - Rev. Karrie Oertli, who was my Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at Integris Baptist Hospital in OKC and Rev. Jeff Hoppe, who supervises at Hillcrest Medical Center, in Tulsa. They take persons with diverse faith experiences and help them become a more effective chaplain/minister through a complex process of introspection and group encounters while also helping all of the participants to become an integrated part of the health care team all within a year’s period of time. Talk about intense pressure. They took my God given passion for pastoral care/hospital chaplaincy and helped me better understand my philosophy of ministry, my boundaries both of faith and practice, my potential to grow in effectiveness as a minister and helped me to wrap it in a renewed joy of serving the Lord in a personally healthy and satisfying spirit.. To get there was quite an adventure because I came to them wounded and filled with self-doubt and pain. They each saw and reached through my pain to not only heal and restore my hope and competence on various levels of faith, relationships and professionalism but they also helped me find a new joy in just being Charlie. They are heroes to me because they don’t just do this one time and then disappear. Each class of incoming ministers comes to them fresh with their own issues, needs, and concerns and hopefully come to trust the process. They then continue to work the process for their own life while sharing that process with someone new as I have now been blessed to do so with my Asbury family and the Tulsa community as your Minister of Pastoral Care.

As a follower of Christ I see some great reflections of what it means to follow Jesus shown in the stories of super-heroes of our day. Frodo Baggins, the main character in the Lord of The Rings, is living a comfortable life when he is awakened to the reality that the world is falling apart around him. Willing to break from the comfortable cocoon he has created for himself, he, an ordinary hobbit, chooses to do the extraordinary. He and a small group of others change their world, ultimately saving it from destruction. John Eldridge writes this in Waking the Dead , “That is the reality into which Christianity is the door. If we could believe that about our lives, and come to know that it is true, everything would change. We would be more able to interpret the events unfolding around us, against us. We would discover the task that is ours alone to fulfill. We would find our courage. The hour is late, and you are needed. So much hangs in the balance. Where is your heart?

Like with many of us, it seems that my life abounds with Super Heroes, ones who have played significant roles in my life and faith development. Among those is my friend and early-mentor Doug Walker. Finishing college as a young, overconfident youth pastor who would save the world, I learned humility and grace from Doug. He showed me that the ministry wasn’t nearly so much about me as it is the people we serve. Doug showed me that our ultimate goal is to lead people into the presence of Jesus – he was able to do that because Doug himself is familiar with being in the presence of Jesus. Here’s something you might have noticed: I said that Doug showed me—he didn’t lecture or pound spiritual things into me. Doug showed me essential elements of effective ministry simply by the way he lives his own life with Jesus and by the way his life impacts the lives of others. Doug Walker’s life of following Jesus has served as a worthy example to me and to many others who are priviledged to call him friend.

ASBURY TIDINGS 18

As I look back across the years there have been a number of people I would have to claim as Super Heroes because of their influence on my life. I praise God for each one of them. But the one that stands out is a mail carrier in 1951. His name was Bill Schellenberger and his route brought him by the grocery store on South Main where I was working as a young teenager. He planned his schedule so we could go to the back of the store and have lunch together. He overlooked my foul mouth and smutty jokes. He didn’t preach to me, yet I knew he loved the Lord Jesus and that he cared for me. I discovered he was a part of the church where I started to attend with a girl friend and where I first heard the Gospel story personally addressed to me. I’ll never forget the night I went forward and knelt at the altar to ask the Lord Jesus to come into my heart. There kneeling next to me was my mail carrier friend, with his arms around me, tears in his eyes and a prayer on his lips. When I get to heaven, I’m going to look up a mail carrier named Bill and let him know how much that gift of friendship has meant in my life.

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Jack V.D. Housh, M.D., an Oklahoma City physician was a strong Christian man. His medical practice had to do with helping restore hearing. He developed a surgical procedure that would restore the hearing of one who had a particular problem. The procedure required special surgical instruments that Jack invented. Every other year, Jack would arrange to conduct instructions on how to do this surgery. The teaching places would be in different countries of the world. A group of doctors would gather at these locations at a prearranged date. After the teaching was over Jack would leave several sets of the instruments along with color photos of the procedure for these doctors. Jack also spent time with me in order that I might learn from him about Jesus. Jack and I are older now, but he still is working to help people with hearing loss and encouraging young men to grow in their faith walk with Jesus.

The first time I met him, he was at my front door. He was on his way out of town, but decided to stop by anyway. He had come to Oral Roberts University to look for youth pastor, and I had just contacted him late that afternoon. When I shook his hand, I knew that David Thomas and I would be friends forever. And, God willing, co-laborers as well. God was willing, and those first three years in my first full-time position in the church developed my love for Christ and for the church in more ways than I ever could have expected. And while the people of St. Pauls were great, and the teenagers were wonderful, my greatest memories are of working with David. If I have any gifts for ministry or have accomplished anything worthwhile on behalf of Christ, it is because I was blessed with having a mentor-brother in David. Thank you, David. I am eternally (literally) grateful to God for you!

My Super Hero would have to be my Dad, Bob McAdow. He was born in 1929 in the midst of The Great Depression into a home without a father, so he became the man of the house at an early age. He was a basketball star for Daniel Webster High School and married my Mom, Donna Burner, who was his childhood sweetheart. He served on a submarine during the Korean conflict and returned home to work for Texaco Refinery in West Tulsa until it closed. He also worked a part-time job installing draperies for JC Penney’s. I got my first job in second grade working as his assistant! We enjoyed lots of hours together working, eating Daylight donuts, Coney Island hot dogs, drinking Grapette and memorizing scripture between jobs. The longest and the hardest was Hebrews 4:12 KJV – I can still quote it today! I learned my work ethic from my Dad and a love for Christ from both my parents. The church was our life and a place of service, friendship and great joy. Not all super heroes wore capes and masks; the best ones know how to use a basin and a towel. My Dad sure did!

Below: Amy and Steve’s children: Anna, Nathan, Thomas and Matthew.

Pictured with Jeanette are her son Mike and his wife Debb6y’s children. Aubrey, Mercy, Maggie, Macy, Kai, Heli and Addy.

children: Benton’s y. d n a e li u J and Hadle Josie, Ava

t isn’t always my mother’s words that ring in my ears, but it’s the way she has dealt with and continues to deal with real life circumstances that encourages me most. In the midst of circumstances that would make most people want to lose hope, become bitter, or just give up, I have witnessed Christ using her and working through her to further His kingdom. As a young girl, I specifically remember her sitting at the table and discussing the “abundant life” with my older brother, Mike. I wanted so badly to be a part of this discussion and I tried to relate to what they were talking about.. “Abundant Life, yeah, me too,” I would say as I nodded my head. It was a few years later that I really realized what they meant by this abundant life. To my surprise it wasn’t God fitting into our plans, but us fitting into His plans for our life. I have also discovered that this abundant life shows up when it’s least expected. It enters in when we are humbled by certain situations or when we think we just can’t do some-

thing we feel God leading us to do. It’s when we feel handicapped or inadequate. It’s when we’ve lost something or find we have lost control. It’s at these times when I have seen Christ give my mom boldness while she reached out to people by going door-to-door with an Asbury outreach team. I have seen her find spiritual significance in the death of a sister. I have seen Christ reveal Himself in her as she knelt and prayed for her children each morning before school—hours before we awoke. I have seen a forgiving heart that only God can provide, exude through her as she cared for and loved her elderly father who abandoned her as a child. I have seen her unconditionally love a mother who suffered from dimentia/Alzheimers and didn‘t recognize her own daughter. I have seen God use a talent of hers

(where she says there wasn’t one) to bless so many as she drew and painted portraits of people and children either for free or donated the proceeds. I have witnessed her sit by stranger after stranger in the back row at church and they have become her best friends. I have seen her love her children and grandchildren and not ask for anything in return. I have seen her give praise to God when she was battling cancer because she knew that God would use her illness to bring her and others closer to Him. She has taught my father, me, her other children and grandchildren that the abundant life in Christ is poured onto us when we feel peace in turmoil, calm in the storm, hope in hopeless situations, strength in fear, belief in the unbelief. He gives a crown of beauty instead of ashes...now that’s an abundant life. Have an abundant Mother ’s Day, Mom. -Amy Hayes

ASBURY TIDINGS 20

n the labor and delivery room of the hospital, the fetal monitor was blaring its warning: the baby is in distress, starved of oxygen. Thus began the traumatic life of our beloved son and hero, Nathan “Gift of God” Truman. He was born purple with permanent brain damage. But, God has never abandoned his gift for these last 29 years. God led us to the right therapists in the pre-school years. He moved us to Broken Arrow, Okla. to learn for 12 years from the angels that teach special education. God allowed Nathan to be one of seven students selected out of 300 special education candidates to attend Tulsa Technology Center, where he graduated with a certificate in Building Maintenance and Grounds Services. All of that learning was much harder for him than for an average student, but Nathan has never been a quitter. At the Vocational Schools Special Olympics, he got a gold medal as the State Mopping Champion. Today, the state champion spends his days pushing a mop through the Wal-Mart Super Center in South Broken Arrow. His store is often recognized for its cleanliness by corporate Wal-Mart in Bentonville, Ark. A Wal-Mart jewelry department associate told me that Nathan empties her trash, and leaves behind: JOY. Now, isn’t that what God wants us to do--to help others with the trash in their life, and to leave behind us a trail of God’s joy? In Nathan’s simple, clear way, walking in God’s faith and will is the ONLY way to go through life. However, at the age of 28, Nathan’s joy disappeared. It was like someone had stolen our Nathan, and left behind only his 6’ 2” shell. He couldn’t even pray or read his Bible. At that time, we discovered a poster

ASBURY TIDINGS

on the wall in the neurologist’s office that explained exactly why we were there that day. We learned that brain trauma can later lead to partial seizures of the brain. These seizures can start up an activation of one or more of the five senses--such as feeling things on your skin that are not really there, seeing hallucinations or hearing voices that are not really there, and smelling odd odors that are not really there. This storm was raging in Nathan’s brain, and he was feeling a hit behind his eyes, followed by terrible visual hallucinations and audible voices. Fear and anger replaced his joyful spirit. At that time, we were new members at Asbury. So, we really had no close friends at church to turn to for help in our storm. But, God proved to be Immanuel, “God with us.” The messages of Dr. Tom Harrison and the

heavenly music of Hart Morris ministered to our family, like salve on an open wound. God also led us to the right Christian counselor, referred by Asbury. From her recommendation, God led us to a Christian psychiatrist for the management of medications that Nathan’s brain needed.God led us to mighty prayer warriors who prayed for Nathan’s deliverance, particularly the chaplain at Restore Hope Ministries, Rev. Jeanette Koch. God caused me to remember mighty “devil-fighting” scriptures that had been taught to me by Asbury’s Gloria Phillips, from a Methodist Women’s Retreat I attended before ever joining Asbury. God put me in the same room with Asbury’s spiritual warrior, Rev. Darlene Johnson, where she taught me to fight fear by saying scriptures from Psalms, out loud. The Psalms have calmed Nathan when nothing else would. And also, God led us to the community of Family Fellowship, a safe haven of Christian supporters who have ridden with us in this boat on the stormy waters of tribulation, and have prayed with us through the darkest hours. They have allowed me to tell Nathan’s story in class, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that GOD IS WITH US. Today, Nathan smiles again, leaving his trail of God’s joy. He has found the right medication, learned the skills of anger management when fighting demons in his head, and given thanks to God throughout the storm. The wonderful, caring managers at Wal-Mart have allowed him to keep his job after two medical leaves of absence. Our hero, Nathan, will never drive a car or own a mansion, but he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, where he will never have to battle a storm again. -Darlene Truman

Amanda and Andrew Gargan

photo by Erin Tresch

t first glance, Amanda Gargan is a regular 18year-old who is on the honor roll, has a boyfriend, and writes for her school newspaper. What separates her from the rest is her involvement in her little brother’s life. This is because Andrew is special. He was born with developmental disabilities and requires more attention than other 12-year-olds. Amanda recalls the day she became a big sister. She was five years old, sitting on the couch at home, when she got to first hold her “little gift.” She knew even then that she would be more than a sister. Every day they walk to and from school together—Amanda to Nathan Hale, Andrew to Whitney Middle

School. She says she tends to be overprotective, and wants her little brother to be accepted the way he is. At the same time, she says, she doesn’t want him to grow up because she likes being able to be a kid with him. In fact, Andrew says he loves his big sister and enjoys spending time with her—no matter what they do. Whether they’re walking Skylar, their Border Collie, watching a movie, playing video games, or going camping, the two seem nearly inseparable. She’s his biggest cheerleader when he participates in the Special Olympics, in which he competes in baseball, basketball, track, and the softball throw. Each summer they visit their father in New York. In the fall, Amanda

will be attending college at Syracuse University. Her work with Andrew has given her the preparation and desire to pursue a career in Special Education, specifically the IEP (Inclusive Education Program), where special needs children are integrated with the other students. Although no final decision has been made, Amanda and Andrew hope that Andrew will be able to go to New York with his sister. Amanda says, “Helping Andrew gives me a purpose...he helps me see the other side of things. I just want to hold him and never let him go.” Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all had someone like Amanda in our lives...a sister, a friend, a hero. -Brenna Lemons

ASBURY TIDINGS

erry Robbins doesn’t really have a hero. Oh, he likes the “Rocky” character in the Sylvester Stallone movies and admires John Wayne in “The Quiet Man.” He says a lot of folks look up to football players. In fact, he had a shot at being one of those heroes while growing up in Pryor, Oklahoma where he earned a football scholarship. But his dreams of heroism were dashed after he suffered injuries in both knees. Jerry may not know it, but he IS a hero . . . to his wife, Kathy. Years ago, when Jerry was working 12-hour days as a welder and part-timer at Sears, he was introduced to another Sears employee named Kathy Harrison. “It was one of those things. We couldn’t stay apart,” Jerry chuckles. That certainly is true — they’ve been married for 32 years. Jerry continued his job in welding. Kathy earned her Master’s Degree and became a counselor. Life was pretty normal, until Kathy was

5 ASBURY TIDINGS

diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at age 49. “I ‘bout had a heart attack. I didn’t know you could get it at such a young age,” Jerry explains. As Kathy’s caregiver, Jerry begins his day by laying out her clothes, making sure she shampoos, and helping with make-up. “I had to learn to put on her eyebrow pencil, blush and lipstick,” he details. “It’s like raising a two-year-old, but in reverse. I have to tell her something ten times,” says Jerry. “It’s hard to see someone with an IQ of 141 go down to 50, knowing that there’s no cure. Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease, and you can’t believe it’s affecting someone you love.” As the signs of Kathy’s Alzheimer’s increased, Jerry experienced nightmares. He even thought of suicide. “I didn’t know if I was strong enough to handle it,” he continued. “I couldn’t accept it. I don’t think I could have gotten through without praying and talking to God.” Jerry has spent most of his life going to church and knowing the Lord. When Kathy’s brother, Pastor Tom Harrison began ministering at Asbury, Kathy joined right away. It took Jerry a little longer. “I’m a member of God’s church, not a building,” he explains. But

Asbury has helped Jerry grow stronger, and more heroic. He and Kathy are charter members of the Alzheimer ’s Early Stage Group that meets at the church. The group has grown from four to 40 since the Robbins helped start the support organization. Jerry certainly is a champion to these fellow members in need. Tom and the rest of Kathy’s family appreciate Jerry’s courage in the face of her illness. “This is such an overwhelming situation for them, but we are truly grateful for Jerry’s response. It’s a 24-7 situation that is gradually getting worse. He has far exceeded our hopes in providing help for Kathy. We have seen God at work in Jerry’s life by the way he has provided such care for Kathy,” explained Tom. “And it has been great to see the two of them sit together in the worship service at 9:15. That’s one thing about Kathy, she has not lost her ability to worship God.” “The Bible says God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle, “ Jerry clarifies. “This is more challenge than I ever thought I could handle. But you pray about it.” God will lead. And He has. Most days, Jerry and Kathy go out for lunch, take in a movie or watch a game. “Oh she loves to go to football games!” Jerry emphasizes. “She insisted I get season tickets to Union High School again this year. So I will.” And that’s just what a hero would do. -Sylvia LaRose

asbury opportunities general information Breakfast Served from 7:00-9:15 am. in the CLC Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with fresh donut s, bagels, biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, fruit, and cereal. $2 for adults & $1 for children 12 & under Sunday Morning Worship 8:00 am

Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion)

9:15 am

Sanctuary (Contemporary Communion)

11:00 am

New Additions to the Library The Asbury Library is a wonderful resource.

Asbury RoadMap brochure for more

Thank you to all who continue to contribute

information. Walk-ins are welcome. Call 392-

books to our Library.

1191 to register. Childcare is available.

Engaged Couples

Usually meets 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10:45

that Lasts 50 Years.” Join Support Couples on

am in Rm 1621 to send cards with God’s

Tuesday, May 22 from 6:30-8:00 pm in Rm

encouraging words and our prayers to those

2820 for dinner and a panel discussion. RSVP

who are ill or going through hard times. Cards

to Charlene at 392-1145 by May 20.

and care packages are also sent to Asbury-

Also, If you are planning to use an Asbury

related military personnel. Contact Gwen

pastor to officiate and/or use Asbury’s

Mohler at GRMOHLER@aol.com for more

facilities, be sure to book ASAP to allow ample

information.

time for Couple-to-Couple. Six months to one

Mason Chapel

access

(Contemporary) Sundays for Children and Students 6 Weeks - 4 Years

8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am

K-6th Grades 7th, 8th & 9th Grades 10th, 11th & 12th Grades

9:15 or 11:00 am 9:15 & 11:00 am 9:15 am only

Adult Discipleship Communities 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am and Wednesdays, 6:30 pm Asbury Family Dinners Wednesdays through April 25 in the CLC, 5:00 -6:00 pm. Adults: $5; children (2-12) $3; Maximum: $20 per family Surgery or Hospitalization Scheduled? Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of time by calling Ruth at 392-1146 so your pastors can be in prayer for you. When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. The after-hours pastoral emergency line can be reached by calling 492-1771, selecting option 2, and leaving a message for the pastor on call. The Gazebo is Open ...each Sunday morning between services. Perceptions as well as selections in Pastor Tom’s Book Club available. Asbury Wear is also for sale. Recycling Recycle unwanted paper products. Two bins are available, located in the south and east parking lots. Asbury Family News is available at the Welcome Centers. It includes hospital lists, births, deaths, marriages, baptisms and military listings. Doors of Asbury posters are at the Welcome Centers...FREE! Suitable for framing.

Alzheimer’s Support Group Third Thursday, from 1:30-3:00 pm in upstairs Administration Conference Room. Christian

(Traditional with sign interpreter) 11:00 am

Prayer Card Sending Team

Come learn “How to Have an Extreme Marriage

year suggested.

Sanctuary

parents. Each session stands alone. See

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

bible study

hope, support and education for friends and family of those with Alzheimer ’s or other dementia. Cancer Support Group Second Sunday of each month, 4:00-6:00 pm, Parlor - For those living with cancer and their family and friends. Bipolar/Depression Support Group

Brochures with more details about RoadMap

Second and fourth Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm,

courses being offered are available at each of

Rm 1621 - For persons living with bipolar

the Welcome Centers or online at

disorder or depression.

www.asburytulsa.org

care and support GriefShare Support Group Tuesdays, May 22 - August 21 (no class June

Divorce Recovery Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those suf fering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. Divorce Rebuilding

26) from 7:00 - 8:30 pm in Rm 1504. Mary Ann

Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm - For those ready to

Whisnant and Connie Conrad facilitate this

rebuild their lives after separation or divorce.

special weekly video series and support group

Employment Transitions

for people who are grieving the death of

Need a second set of eyes to review your

someone close to them. It’s a place to be

resume? Free male and female one-on-one

around people who understand what you are

support available through Asbury’s

feeling. At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable

Employment Transitions. Contact Barbara

information about recovering from your grief

Wright at blwright1@yahoo.com

and renewing your hope for the future.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Childcare is available. Call 392-1191 to

First and third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, Rm

1506.

Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive

Family to Family

Sunday, June 3 from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm in the

For family members or caregivers of people

CLC. Call 477-0400 to schedule your

affected by a mental illness. 4th Tuesdays

appointment.

from 1:30 - 3:00 pm in the Parlor. Call Ruth at

Best Solutions: Cloud & Townsend Video Series

392-1146. Military Connection

Five Tuesdays, June 5 - July 10 (no class

To demonstrate the love of Christ, periodic

June 26) from 6:30-8:00 pm, Rm 2820. This

care packages and monthly encouragement

series features lectures by best-selling

cards with God’s W ord are sent to Asbury-

authors, Drs. Cloud and Townsend. Great life

related military personnel. The Prayer Ministry

enrichment topics for singles, couples and

also covers them in prayer. Please send contact ASBURY TIDINGS

information (complete name and address) to

Training for Preschool Room Leaders

fee.

Gwen Mohler at grmohler@aol.com.

May 6, after church - 1:30 pm in the Parlor.

Prison Fellowship Support

This training is for Asbury Preschool Room

Sunday, June 24 through Friday, June 29.

Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-8:30 pm.

Leaders for the upcoming year, June 2007-

Sunday: 3:00-8:00 pm; Monday-Thursday:

For family and friends of people who are

May 2008. Lunch and childcare provided.

9:00 am - 12:15 pm; Friday: 10:00 - 2:00 pm.

incarcerated. Meets offsite. Call Ruth at 392-

If you have not signed up for serving, feel

Challenge camp takes place the same week as

1146 for location.

free to join us and learn more about our

VBS. On Sunday, the 5.6ers will meet from

Sunday morning world.

3:00 pm - 8:00 p.m. for worship and dinner

Asbury Bear Bags Asbury Bear Bags with coloring books have

Training for Nursery/Preschool Helpers

VBS Challenge Camp

and then do our planning for the entire VBS

comforted young children for many years, but

May 20, after church - 1:30 pm in the Parlor.

week. Each day they will start their day in

now you may give a Bear Bag with a

This volunteer training is for Asbury Nursery/

Worship Rally, and then go their own way to

scripture-based journal included instead! Great

Preschool helpers for the upcoming new year,

several small groups, learning the crafts,

for teens and adults. Anyone may deliver an

June 2007 through May 2008. Lunch and

games and Bible stories they will share with

Asbury Bear to someone who is grieving. For

childcare provided.

each other. They will even have a day to

more information, contact Beth at 392-1116.

VBS CDs for Sale in the Gazebo

practice their missionary skills in the Tulsa

Available for $6 in the Gazebo. Get yours

children

community. This week is all about setting up

today and help your kids get a jumpstart on all

our 5.6ers to get ready to serve in the world

Registration forms for all children’s

those great VBS songs that we’ll be singing.

around them. It takes VBS to the next level.

activities are available in the preschool

VBS Volunteer Training

We will celebrate our week of hard work on

Wednesday, June 13 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm OR

Friday at Big Splash! Cost: $25 per child,

Core Hours through May 2007

Saturday, June 16 from 8:30 - 10:00 am in the

includes t-shirt and Big Splash day. Registra-

Parents who are involved in RoadMap

Elementary Area. VBS is a GREAT week. It will

tion must be received by June 1 to be

classes during these core hours will have

be even better for the volunteers because of

guaranteed a t-shirt. To help us with our

childcare provided with no reservations

the training. You MUST attend one of these

registration process, please go online to

needed:

two dates. Childcare available Wednesday

www.asburytulsa.org and fill out the form. Hit

and elementary lobbies.

Sun

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

night only. Call Heidi at 392-1168 or Kim at 392-

submit, then print out the form, sign it and bring

Mon & Tue

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

1159 or contact hsanchez@asburytulsa.org or

it to the South Welcome Desk with the fee.

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

krenkema@asburytulsa.org with questions.

Tue, Wed, & Thur

H2O Scavenger Hunt

VBS Teen Training

Vacation Bible School Monday, June 25 through Thursday, June 28

Saturday, May 5 from 2:00 - 5:30 pm in the

Thursday, June 14 from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm in

from 9:00 am - 12:15 pm. Plus, Thursday Night

H2O Room and around Tulsa. OK...here’s the

the Elementary Area. VBS is successful partly

Family Fun Night, June 28 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

deal...you and some of your H2O friends are a

because of all the teen help we have. Please

Kids will join the team to hear about the Bible

team. You get a bag, a camera, and a little

plan to attend this mandatory training. We will

story at W orship Rally, learn how to apply the

spending money. Stay with me...you also get a

have training, hand out t-shirts, help with

lessons to their life at Bible Theater, play

van (drive included) and a list of weird and

decorations and eat pizza. Call Heidi at 392-

games at the Recreation Field House, sing

wacky people, places and things to do and

1168 or Kim at 392-1159 or cont act

songs at the Music Pep Rally, and have a

find in the world of Tulsa. So if you think you

hsanchez@asburytulsa.org or

“crafty time” at the Crafts Fan Zone. Each day

and your buds can get a picture of a three-

krenkema@asburytulsa.org with questions.

kids learn what true heroes are all about. They

legged dog, or somebody wearing sandals

VBS T-Shirt Hand Out

will learn to “Join the Team,” “Get in the Game,”

with dark socks, or well, you get the idea. If

Sundays, May 6 and June 10 in the 2nd Floor

you and your friends are up for pictures,

Elementary Space. VBS is $10 or $25 for

New Teammates.” The week’s activities will

prizes and pretty crazy stuff then come see if

Challenge Camp and includes t-shirt. You must

come to a close with Family Fun Night. It’s an

you can win the great H2O Scavenger Hunt!

be registered by June 1 to be guaranteed a t-

awesome time to celebrate the fabulous week

Limited to 80 kids.

shirt. You will definitely want to pick up your

of VBS, hang out with friends and family, play

VBS t-shirt before the week of VBS (June 25-

on the cool inflatables, and eat, eat, eat. Cost

Friday, June 1 at 8:30 pm on the lawn at

28) and must be registered to do so. Registra-

is $10 per child, or $25 maximum per family

Asbury. Bring the whole family along (and

tion must be received by Friday, June 1 to be

and includes a VBS t-shirt. Registration must

your friends and their families) with your

guaranteed a shirt. To help us with the

be received by Friday, June 1 to be guaran-

chairs and blankets and enjoy “Facing the

registration process, please go to

teed a shirt. To help us with our registration

Giants” with your church family. Popcorn,

www.asburytulsa.org and fill out the form.

process, please go online to

drinks, candy and munchies will be available

Click submit, then print out the form, sign it and

www.asburytulsa.org and fill out the form.

for purchase at the concession stand.

bring it to the South Welcome Desk with the

Click submit, then print out the form, sign it and

Family Movie Night

25 ASBURY TIDINGS

“Take it to the Next Level,” and even “Recruit

bring it to the South Welcome Desk with the

Darlene Johnson, Rod and Charlene Giles, and

May 19 from 9:00 am - noon outside the

fee.

other well-known Asbury leaders.

Student Ministry Breakaway entrance, north

Murdock Villa

Dynamic Marriage

side. This service is provided for Asbury’s

Usually the second Sunday of the month from

Wednesdays July 11 through September 5

widows and single moms by our Men’s

12:30 - 3:00 pm. Cost is $5 for CiCi’s Pizza.

(required intro meeting July 11) from 6:30-9:00

Ministry every other month of the year. While

We’ll eat then visit Murdock Villa where we

pm in Rm 1506. $130/couple (scholarships

the ladies wait in the comfort of our Student

will play Bingo and do crafts with special

available...call Charlene at 392-1145). Limited to

Ministry Cafe, volunteers check tires, belts,

needs adults. It is an amazing time to witness

first 12 paid couples. Give us 8 weeks...we’ll

fluids, filters and batteries. They also vacuum

in our local community. Limited to ten kids each

give you a dynamic marriage. This is a NEW

and wash the vehicles and update the owners

month.

interactive class that will help you replace old

on what’s running smoothly and what needs

habits with new ones in a unique, safe

professional attention. This free service gives

Sunday, June 3, all children in Asbury’s

environment. Go from good to great, mediocre to

our men the opportunity to put their faith in

Sunday Preschool and Elementary will be

magnificent or hurt to healed. Facilitators: Rod

action through loving and serving those in

promoted up to their new classes. Asbury’s

and Charlene Giles. Childcare is available.

need. No reservations required. Just get your

Promotion Sunday

nursery two-year-olds will promote into the preschool program as well. Please contact Vicki Ihrig, Early Childhood Sunday Team

membership Asbury Exploration

vehicle in line by 11:30 a.m. Home Improvement Ministry Workday Saturday, June 16. Workers meet in the CLC

Leader, 392-1160 or Amy Russell, Elementary

Come to a lunch/class to learn more about

at 8:00 am. The Home Improvement Ministry

Team Leader, 392-1175, with any questions.

becoming a member of Asbury. Sunday, May 6

serves widows and single moms within the

from 12:15-2:15 pm. Call 392-1191 to register.

Asbury family. Our Men’s Ministry volunteers

Childcare available for six weeks through 12

make themselves available every other

years.

month to help folks out with minor home

discipleship Discipleship Communities If you have not yet found an Adult Discipleship Community (similar to Sunday School) why not visit one of our Welcome Centers and see

repairs and/or home improvement projects.

men

Contact the Adult Ministries office to offer

Men’s Prayer Breakfast

what’s available for someone just like you!

Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 am in the CLC.

Brochures are available in the Welcome

Breakfast, meaningful worship and life-

Centers, or you may check them out at

changing prayer! Cost: $3/person

your services.

missions/outreach Eyeglass Donations

May 2

Kirk Fridrich, Guest Speaker

Are you wondering what to do with those

May 9

Dub Ambrose

old eyeglasses? Donate them to missions!

May 16

Pec Clark

You may drop yours off in the Global

May 23

Don Herrold

Outreach office.

Email your July and August Milestone

May 30

Todd Johnson

Anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) to

Men’s Bible Study

www.asburytulsa.org (Get Connected).

marriage & family Milestone Wedding Anniversaries

Campbell’s Soup Label Changes Save Campbell’s soup labels for missions.

Wednesdays from 6:15 - 7:45 pm in the

Please note that a different part of the label

Parlor. All men are invited to join us in a

is now required. Please cut the UPC symbol

Come learn “How to Have an Extreme Marriage

relaxed, conversational atmosphere, with

and the Labels for Education symbol

that Lasts 50 Years.” Join Support Couples on

lots of opportunity for dialogue and

together. Turn these in for missions!

Tuesday, May 22 from 6:30-8:00 pm in Rm

interaction as we grow more in being a

Questions: Contact Missy Sistrunk at 392-

2820 for dinner and a panel discussion. RSVP

follower of Christ. Discussions will be based

1163.

to Charlene at 392-1145 by May 20.

on the topic, “Following Jesus...Like a Man,”

patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146. Engaged?

Mission Matters

8 Dates: Habits of Highly Effective

exploring the question “What does it look like

A monthly newsletter is available with recent

Christian Marriages

to be a ‘manly’ Christian in this day and

news of mission happenings. If you would

Second Tuesday of each month through

time?” Come explore with a great bunch of

like to receive the newsletter, please contact

September 11 from 6:15 - 7:00 pm. Come join us

guys as they examine Asbury’s Objectives

Missy Sistrunk at 392-1163 or

for an inspiring monthly speaker, then dinner on

from a man’s perspective! Each week’s

msistrunk@asburytulsa.org. Preference is

your own. NEW TOPICS this year include:

session will be self-contained so if you are

for the email version, but hard copies can be

Commitment, Prayer, Fun, Awareness of His

unable to make it on any particular week,

mailed if needed.

Needs/Her Needs, Shared Power, R-E-S-P-E-C-

you won’t fall behind. Spread the word on

T, Dealing Safely with Anger and Getting Rid of

this guys, so we can spread the Word!

Myths to Find Satisfaction. Speakers include several Asbury pastors and spouses, Rev.

Car Care Saturday

Global Outreach Prayer Ministry News and prayer requests from our missionaries and ministries are sent each week to our prayer ministry list. If you would

ASBURY TIDINGS 26

like to join and become a prayer intercessor

contact Marilene Long, 392-1164 or

immorality and social strife. As the heroes of

for those serving around the world, contact

mlong@asburytulsa.org

our nation did in the past, we must again bow

Missy at 392-1163. Global Outreach Ministry Teams These teams specialize in certain areas and

music SummerSong Registration

our heads in prayer. We must ask the Lord to bless our leaders with wisdom and protection, and that we will have the fortitude to

all are open to anyone having an interest in

Sunday, May 6 from 8:00 - 10:30 am and

overcome the challenges at hand. Plan on

those areas. They are as follows: Caspian

12:15 - 1:00 pm in the Music Ministry Office,

joining your church family and the community

Ministry (work in Azerbaijan), Latin America

Rm 2516. Cost: $25 per child. Register your

on this special day, as we pray with

Ministry (work in Mexico, Costa Rica, and

child for Asbury’s summer music camp, which

conviction that God would continue to “shed

Guatemala), College Missions Ministry,

will be held June 4-8. Open to children who

His grace on thee.”

Communications, Estonia Ministry; Kami -

have finished grades 3-6 or rising 4th - 7th

Tanzania Ministry, International Student

graders. Space is limited. First come, first

If you would like someone to pray with you

Ministry, Missionary Care, and Prayer. If you

served. Registration fee includes t-shirt.

during Holy Communion or right after the

need further information call the Global

Questions? Call Marti Morris at 392-1147.

service, please come to the altar rail at the

Outreach Office, 392-1117. Mentor Moms/Young Lives First and second Tuesdays of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm in the Parlor. This is a support group for teenage moms, sponsored by

Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:00 pm, Choir Room New Covenant Orchestra Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm, Rm 1510 Asbury Singing Ambassadors

Young Life.

Tuesdays, 1:00 pm, Choir Room

missions/vim

Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm, Rm 2506

2007 Opportunities May 18 – 20 / Cookson Hills, OK Light Construction, $50 June 13 - 25 / Azerbaijan Construction & Teaching, $2,400 June 13 – 24 / Quito, Ecuador Construction & MBS, $1,700 June 13 – 25 / Estonia, Lighthouse VBS & Construction, $2,400 June 21 – July 2 / Estonia, Camp Gideon Construction & Programs, $2,400 June 27 – July 9 / Tanzania, East Africa Medical, $2,600 - FULL July 7 – 14 / Pitorreal, Mexico Construction & MBS, $1,200 August 9 – 20 / Estonia, Parnu VBS & Light Construction, $2,400

Celebration Ringers New Creation Ringers Wednesdays, 4:45 pm, Rm 2504 Carillon Quartet Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Rm 2506 Asbury Ringers Wednesdays, 6:00-6:50 pm, Rm 2506 Perpetual Light Thursdays, 10:00 am-noon, Rm 2506 Resonance Bell Ensemble Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 2506 Asbury Power & Light Sundays, 8:15-9:15 am, Rm 1510 Saints of Swing Dixieland Band Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 pm, Rm 1510

prayer National Day of Prayer Service & Vigil

Altar Prayer

front of the Sanctuary. A pastor or member of the Altar Prayer Team will be glad to pray with you for your needs – physical, emotional or spiritual - at the altar or in the Prayer Room. College Moms in Touch Prayer Time Wednesdays, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm, Rm 1506 Mason Chapel Prayer Room Accessible Monday through Friday from 8:00 am - 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, and Sunday from 7:00 am - 9:00 pm. You can enter the room from the outside entrance of the southeast side of the Chapel, with the exception of Sunday from 7:00 am - 12:30 pm. The Prayer Room can be accessed from inside the Chapel during those hours.

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

Fall / Cookson Hills, Oklahoma

Thursday, May 3. Service: 12:00 - 12:40 pm

Light Construction, $50

and Vigil: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm in the Chapel.“I

Volunteers needed. Time commitment is one

urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,

Monday evening per month from 6:45 pm to

intercession and thanksgiving be made for

9:10 pm. Please call 392-1103 if you can help.

Sept. 19 – Oct. 1 / Azerbaijan Construction & Teaching, $2,200 September / Tanzania Water Well Work, $2,500 October 13 – 20 / Monterrey, Mexico Construction & MBS, $950 November 7 – 11 / Monterrey Mexico Medical, $950

everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Celebrate Recovery Childcare

senior adults ‘Tweenagers

Prayer has always been used in this country

Thursday, May 24 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm in

for guidance, protection and strength - even

the CLC. Come enjoy a great lunch and a

before we were a nation or a handful of

unique presentation by Jan and Bernie

VIM Leader Training: McAlester - August 25;

colonies. Today, the need for prayer is as

Skinner: “Journey to the Sea,” highlighting

Tulsa - November 10.

great as ever. Our nation faces battlefields,

attractions at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. If

All costs approximate. For further details

an epidemic of broken homes, violence, sexual

you’re between retirement and heaven, please

about Volunteers-In-Mission opportunities,

ASBURY TIDINGS

join us...and bring a friend. Call Doni at 492-

Boss?,” and “I Deserve Better than That!”

1771 to make your reservations by noon,

Facilitated by Tammy Beals and Jim Small,

Wednesday, May 16 from 6:30 - 8:15 pm. Have

Monday, May 21.

these sessions will help you develop healthy

a hard time talking to your friends about

relationships, get to the root of your anxieties,

Jesus? Come and spend time at local schools

Get an insurance discount while you tune up

and get past painful experiences. Each of

and teen hangouts as we use prayer as a

your driving skills and update your knowledge

these sessions are linked by a major topic

way to impact Tulsa teens’ lives. Meet at the

of the rules of the road. May 25 from 9:00 am -

area, but are independent studies. Check out

church at 6:30 pm ready to load up the vans

5:00 pm in Rm 2820. Cost: $10 per person.

our website www.asburytulsa.org for each

and go pray. We’ll return around 8:15 pm.

Class size is limited to 35 participants. First

week’s title and topic. Come as often as you

come-first served. Call Doni in the main office

can and bring a friend or two.

AARP Safe Driving Course

7,8,9 Prayer Tour

10th, 11th & 12th Breakaway Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00 pm - Breakaway

by Wednesday, May 23 to reserve your space

“Best Of” Solutions Life Improvement

Area. Join us every Wednesday for a time of

at 492-1771. At least 12 participants are

Video Series by Cloud and Townsend

connection, worship, learning about God, and

required for the class to take place, so tell

Tuesday evenings, June 5 through July 10,

some nights of just random fun. Don’t miss the

your friends and neighbors.

6:30 - 8:00 pm in Rm 2820. Come be a part of

food and hangout time afterwards. Come be a

these “Best of Series” lectures from the video

part.

Senior Sit and Fit Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from

segments from the past several months. They

7th, 8th, & 9th Grade Breakaway

9:00-9:30 am in the Gym. Come join a time of

offer great enrichment topics for single adults,

Sunday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am in the

stretching with fun and fellowship.

couples and parents. Each session covers a

Breakaway Area. This isn’t your normal

new topic, so if you are unable to attend all

Sunday School. Come join us for worship, fun

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from

the sessions, it’s not a problem. See the

and games, interactive talk/lesson, and

8:30-9:00 am in the Gym. Come join a time of

summer Asbury RoadMap brochure for more

sometimes free candy and gift cards.

power walking with fun and fellowship.

information. Call 392-1191 to register.

Walk in the Gym with Him

singles

However, walk-ins are welcome. Divorce Recovery

7th, 8th & 9th Grade Sunday AM Prayer 9:00 am - 9:15 am in the BAM Room. God hears our prayers. Start Sundays off right by

ASM Potluck Luncheon

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those

praying with the 7, 8, 9 band, Mark and

Sunday, May 27 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm in the

suffering from the early, highly emotional

Marsha for the Sunday services, friends,

Parlor. Come bring your children and enjoy a delicious lunch, courtesy of your fellow

stages of divorce and separation trauma. Divorce Rebuilding

family, the Asbury congregation, Tulsa, the U.S., and the nations. No sign-up necessary.

singles. Just bring a “family-sized” food item,

Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those

Leaders and parents, we would love to have

homemade or purchased. Great food, great

ready to rebuild their lives after separation or

you there, too.

fellowship, new friends...it just doesn’t get

divorce.

much better than that. AC2 - New Discipleship Community Wednesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 pm in Rm 2500. Are you looking for a unique, dynamic

Single Adults Volleyball Tuesdays, 7:00 - 9:00 pm, in the Gym (Ages 18 and up) No children, please. Adult Volleyball

women UMW Luncheon Thursday, May 3 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm in the CLC. A delicious luncheon will be provided

and committed community of Christian singles?

Sundays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Gym - Coed adult

at no cost to you. (A donation basket will be

Join us for in-depth Bible study, Christ-

volleyball. Must be 18 and above to participate.

available if you would like to contribute

centered fellowship, faith lived out through

No children, please.

toward the cost). This month’s theme is

service and expectant prayer. Come and be a part of this new mid-week singles community. Singles Meet and Greet

students Metro Worship

“Gardening in Tulsa.” Following the meal, there will be a fun, informative presentation by Barry Fugatt, Director of Horticulture at Tulsa

Sundays from 8:40-9:10 am or 10:20-10:50 am

Wednesday, May 2 at Believers Church. Come

Garden Center, and Jackie Parker will present

in the CLC. All singles are invited.

join kids from all over the city in a night to just

a book review. The Scripture focus will be

Solutions Life Improvement Video

worship Jesus. We meet from 7:00-8:30 pm. If

from Luke 12:27: “Consider how the lilies

Series by Cloud and Townsend

you need a ride, meet at Asbury at 6:30 pm

grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you,

and we will be back by 9:00 pm.

not even Solomon in all his splendor was

Sunday afternoons, April 15 through May 13, 3:00 - 4:40 pm in Rm 2820. All single and

7th - 12th Common Ground Worship

dressed like one of these.” (Ruth Circle: set

young married adults are invited to participate

Sunday, May 6 from 6:00-7:30 pm in the

in one of the most exciting relationship studies

Student Ministry Area. This is going to be

to come our way in a long time. Bestselling

another great Common Ground experience! We

Saturday, May 12, 1:00 pm in the CLC. Make

authors Henry Cloud and John Townsend

are going to have an all grade worship to

plans now to join us for this biennial event, an

have developed a video series that has been

conclude our season of small groups. Small

Asbury tradition, as we celebrate mothers and

offered on Sunday afternoons for over a year

Group leaders, you are invited as well. You

daughters during Mother ’s Day weekend! All

at Asbury. The series continues with course

won’t want to miss this evening! Girls bring

ages of women and girls are invited to attend,

titles such as “Being in Jail,” “Who’s the

something sweet, guys bring something salty!

even visitors who may be in town for the

up; Mary Circle: clean up.) Mother/Daughter Brunch

ASBURY TIDINGS

weekend, or your extended family and friends.

392-1199, ext. 253 at least 10 days

come any Monday morning...come and go any

The theme, “God’s Designer Purse-onalities,”

before the scheduled workday. A Home

time. Bring lunch to share. Contact Beverly

is a light-hearted look at the “excellent

Improvement volunteer will contact you

Clarke.

woman,” based on Proverbs 31. You and

before the workday and make

your guests will enjoy a delicious, catered

worship

Women of the Word

lunch, and the program will demonstrate the

Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 am in Rm

scriptural theme, “I will give thanks to thee for

1502. Rev. Darlene Johnson, teacher.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm

Phone Buddies

Online Worship Did you know that you can watch the 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday services online as they are

139:14) The morning will include dramatic

Ladies, do you want a “cheer me up” with

occurring? Go to www.asburytulsa.org then

sketches of Biblical mother-daughter

your morning coffee? We have ladies that

click on “Watch Sermons” (by Tom’s picture).

relationships, music, and a special

can fill that need by being your own “phone

If you cannot attend worship, you can log on

presentation by some energetic seniors.

buddy!” Call 392-1142. Lea or Shirley will

and share the experience. Or if there is a

We’re even throwing in a surprise or two, just

return the call and get you set up!

sermon that you wish someone else had been

for fun! Tickets may be obtained from any

Arts and Crafts

able to hear, send them to our website where

member of UMW or the Women’s Council, or

Mondays, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, Rm 2821.

through the church office, at $6.50 for adults

Women who enjoy crafts are invited to

several weeks of sermons are archived.

and teens, and $5.50 for children 12 and under. Tickets may also be purchased in the CLC Gallery on April 29 & May 6. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, May 7. Come on girls … don your spring finery and prepare to be pampered! Annual UMW Garage Sale

Listening to Jesus by John C. Westervelt

Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14. Start putting aside items you wish to donate. You may bring them to the CLC on Thursday, July 12 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. (No underclothing, socks, shoes or computers. All clothing must be on hangers, please). Proceeds benefit missions! See next month’s Tidings for details. Car Care Saturday May 19 from 9:00 am - noon outside the Student Ministry Breakaway entrance, north side. This service is provided for Asbury’s widows and single moms by our Men’s Ministry every other month. While the ladies wait in the comfort of our Student Ministry cafe, volunteers check tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries. They also vacuum and wash the vehicles and update the owners on what’s running smoothly and what needs professional attention. This free service gives our men the opportunity to put their faith in action through loving and serving those in need. No reservations required. Just get your vehicle in line by 11:30 a.m. Home Improvement Ministry Workday

The red, yellow, and purple flowers you enjoy today were only a seed or bulb being nurtured by the moisture of melting snow in February. You may remember that the first half of February 2007 was unusually cold and snowy. On Thursday February 15, Tulsans awoke to an inch of fresh snow and single digit wind chills. As I was walking from Asbury’s parking lot just before nine o’clock, I could see a man with a hood covering his head pushing a snow shovel across the area in front of the south doors. I thought, “How good of him, because in 30 minutes, mothers carrying babies will be following their small children traipsing across this same expanse of concrete.” As I approached the door, a red face peered out from under the hood to greet me with “Good Morning.” I recognized the voice as that of Jeff Polk. When Asbury moved to South Mingo, Jeff left an engineering career in industrial heating and cooling to head up Asbury’s Maintenance Department. He had worked with the same sophisticated piping, wiring, and controls that are hidden behind all of the walls and ceilings in the new Asbury. You might reason that Jeff would have to know a little about a lot of things to manage Asbury’s facilities. Actually, he has to know a lot about a lot of things, some more complicated than others. On this frigid day, he needed to know how to handle a snow shovel to insure the safety of the mothers and children. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Jeff listened and acted.

Saturday, June 16. Workers meet at 8:00 am. The Home Improvement Ministry serves

Matthew 20:26 NIV

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. Just pick up a request form at any Welcome Center or call Pam at ASBURY TIDINGS

More of John Westervelt’s writing may be found at www.jwestervelt.com

Welcome to Asbury...

Glen and Elena Scarbrough Sydney Black

Cindy Mulcahy

Amy Sherry and Ted Cavalin

Donna Brown

Carolyn Nicholson

Russ and Florence Washburn

Michael and Traci Owen

Terri Eberhard

Sara Pederson Joe and Carolyne McArthur

Cathy Robb and Cara

Diana Fields

Gerry Rhodes Jim and Linda Bynum

Michael and Debbie Rogers Jim Light

Jim and Rozann Bolz ASBURY TIDINGS 30

Chip and Shelley Hughes, Tyler, Jordan and Jacob

Robert and Shelly McAuliff, Abby, Sophia, Gordon and Vivian

Join the Family If you are interested in learning more about who we are, plan to attend one of the Exploration classes designed to tell you more about Asbury and what we believe. We will spend our time looking at Asbury’s “Mission – Vision- Objectives.” Most of the time will be spent in talking about our 8 objectives. Another part of the membership process is to spend time in a pastoral visit. We want for you to know at least one of our pastors so that when life’s difficulties arise, you will have a pastor who can help you through it. Perfection is not required of Asbury members, but we do want to grow and get better. As John Wesley, the founder of Methodism said, “If your heart is as my

Leon and Natalie Russell and Todd

Jeremy and Rachel Mix, Cooper and Lauren

heart, lend me your hand.” Choose from one of the upcoming membership classes: Sunday, May 6 Sunday, June 10 Sunday, August 5 Sunday, September 9 Sunday, October 7 Sunday, November 4

Ryan and Christy Farabough, Mikey and Natalie

...We’re glad you’re here!

Sunday, December 2 Classes are from 12:15 – 2:30 p.m. Call 392-1191 to make your reservation. Childcare is available and lunch is included.

New member photographers: Allen H. Robison and Diana Fields

Steve and Kimberly Widner, Jack and Carley ASBURY TIDINGS

Ronna Taylor and Ashlee

we rejoice... with those who have experienced the joy of a new baby in their family:

What is the Focus & Aim Of Emmaus? The aim of the Emmaus movement is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action- in their homes, their churches, workplaces and the community. As in any program there are important aspects that help to make it successful. Here are a few that work together to accomplish this in the Walk to Emmaus. The three day Emmaus course in Christianity – This three-day weekend is meant to move church members to new levels of openness and commitment as a disciple of Christ. Several things happen during this weekend. Persons gain fresh understanding of the meaning of their faith, they re-experience the gift of God’s unconditional love, and they emerge from the weekend with a desire to pass on that love to others. This three-day weekend is meant to strengthen a persons’ conscious union with Jesus Christ and to assist them to translate their faith into a practical lifestyle of openness to God’s love. The Emmaus follow-up groups – These small group times after the three-day experience consist of three to six persons meeting together for one hour. They share hurts, needs, joys, where they have answered the call to God the past week, and where they have failed to be obedient as well. These are much like the Wesley small group meetings, in that they hold each other accountable. Servanthood ministry – After their Walk to Emmaus experience, many persons participate in behind-the-scenes service on other weekends. They perform such roles as serving in the kitchen, setting up rooms, preparing the worship center, praying for others in the prayer room, and yes, even cleaning the bathrooms. It’s all about bringing others into a closer relationship, their walk with the risen Christ. Local church involvement – The Walk to Emmaus achieves its aim and focus, when local churches gain strength from persons going back into their respective churches making a difference. In and through the church, persons practice and fulfill the message of the Emmaus Walk as they share the love of God with others. - Rev. Sonny Plischke Next issue: Why the name “Walk to Emmaus?”

Berkley Rose Means Daughter of Matt and Stephanie Means Sister of Morgan February 26, 2007 Nathan James Hill Son of Michael and Jennifer Hill Brother of Kami Lyn March 20, 2007

we remember... those who have died and pray God’s comfort for those who have lost loved ones: Martha Scott Mother of Richard Scott March 12, 2007 Cookie Atkins March 13, 2007 Sandy West Wife of Bob March 17, 2007 Don Hall Husband of Virginia March 20, 2007 Dorothy Springfield Wife of Charles March 27, 2007 Trudie Brown March 27, 2007 Maryelyn Woodard April 7, 2007

Christian Service Scholarship Several years ago, a scholarship fund was established in memory of the teenage son of Tom and Mary Lou Detjen. Since that time, many of Asbury’s young people have benefited from this fund. These scholarships assist in educational costs and are intended for those full members of Asbury who have elected to enter some form of full-time Christian service. Scholarships may be awarded to persons who are studying at either the undergraduate or graduate levels. The amounts of the scholarships will vary and they may be renewed. Applications may be picked up in the office and must be completed and returned by June 4, 2007, along with a photograph. A personal interview with the Scholarship Committee may be a part of the selection process. Kelly Dudney is the chairperson. ASBURY TIDINGS 32

Congratulations

60 Years John & Mary Keefe May 4, 1947

55 Years Wayne & Betty Crockett May 31, 1952

35 Years Mike & Wendy Hardgrove May 27

Asbury was presented with the Local Congregation Partner Award which is given by the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. We were nominated for this national award by the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care which is comprised of the United Methodist’s Children’s Home, Boy’s Ranch, Child S.H.A.R.E., Frances E. Willard Ministry Center and Holsinger Home for Children.

Thank You.... for the support of the Blood Ministry volunteers, donors, and Care Ministry staff for planning and providing a site at Asbury for the recent American Red Cross Blood Drive. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 10 for clearing the tables and chairs for the Red Cross to use, and to Jim Small for providing the sight barrier. Despite the busy lives of Asburians, 52 donors signed in and at the end of the morning, 49 units of blood were obtained. The Red Cross offers a “Double Red Cell” procedure, which takes 10-15 minutes longer and three willing donors tried the process for the first time, and felt good in doing it. Be aware of the opportunities to donate blood at Asbury as the dates for the Red Cross and Oklahoma Blood Institute will be publicized. However, as blood is an ongoing need in the community, continue to donate at your place of business or the offices of the Red Cross and OBI. Bernie Skinner, R.N. Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator

25 Years Murray & Barbara Akers April 24 David & Susan Palm April 30 50 Years William and Monette Miller May 11, 1957

Chuck & Debbie Wilson May 1 Steve & Cheryl Murphy May 1 Pat & Deborah Calhoun May 15

20 Years Matt & Sallye Nail May 15

15 Years 50 Years Joe & Beth Limes May 30, 1957

Thomas & Rolanda Beckmann May 30

5 Years Roger & Patti Freeman May 25

Congratulations to those who are celebrating Milestone Anniversaries. (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) Report your Milestone Anniversary to patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146.