Asbury Tidings - Lessons Learned ... by Asbury Church

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This Month at Asbury Mission: Possible Update Notes from the Journey Lessons Learned Calendar of Events New Members Volunteer Opportunities Family Room

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

Contributors Nikki Boyd, Christy Capps, Marcia Curley, Stephanie Hurd, Vicki Ihrig, Sylvia LaRose, Greg Lynn, Marty McBroom, Marti Morris, Liz Reece, Sheryl Tomlinson, John Westervelt

Lessons Learned from the Game of Life I have five things that I believe about being a member of our staff that I think is relevant to this discussion. It is the acrostic: “GLADE” GRACE – the Christian faith recognizes God’s initiative as beginning our relationship with Him. Grace is shown to us best in the life of Jesus, but it also transforms our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. Understanding grace is the most important Pastor Tom Harrison thing to help a person become a Christian and to live out the faith. LOYALTY – people have to choose which side they are on. Half-hearted, indecisive commitments do not work. We need people who are engaged and working together with all their hearts and minds. ABUNDANCE – not “scarcity” (John 10:10). This means there is plenty for all. We must scatter seed, not hoard it. Generosity produces a harvest. Abundance opens doors. DIFFERENT is good. Not all differences are good. But, too often we close the door on the Holy Spirit when we refuse to change. As long as the apple stays green, it stays on the tree. But once it matures, it is picked or falls off the tree, and will soon meet its demise. As long as we continue to grow and to find God at work in our lives, we will be stimulated by the new challenges before us. EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. The people with the highest IQ are seldom the most successful people. Emotional intelligence is the art of getting along with people, and making deep and meaningful connections. The saying is accurate, “It’s less WHAT you know and more WHO you know!” Life is a lot about “Perception.” It is how we see it that determines our response to life. All kinds of things follow from that premise.

This month we are proud to feature lessons learned by some of our regular contributing writers. We thought that you would like the opportunity to know them a little better and pray that you will relate to the lessons that all of us continue to learn as we travel through the

game of life.

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

Photographer, Chris Lo, takes a turn on the other side of the camera. Photo by Lois Lai.

Meet Cindy Mayes, Pastor of Prayer & Belonging When you first meet Cynthia Lee Mayes you’re immediately struck by her friendliness and sense of fun. Then after a few Rev. Cindy Mayes minutes in her company, you see her dedicated heart for God. Cindy, Asbury’s new Pastor of Prayer and Belonging, says she was a Methodist from the very beginning. “I was baptized on Easter Sunday when I was six weeks old. Then I was confirmed at 13. When I was a young adult and especially after I married my husband, Mike, my life was enhanced by a deeper commitment to God.” Though an Iowa native, her initial degree was earned at Tulsa University in Art Education. She began her career as a public school teacher and later became a full-time

parent to daughters Monica and Katie. In 1996 she returned to school at Phillips Theological Seminary where she graduated with a Master of Divinity in 2001. During school she p astored two small churches—Hulbert UMC and Woodall UMC. After her ordination she was assigned to Turley United Methodist Church and later two churches in the Tulsa/Sand Springs area—Harrison UMC and Grace UMC. At Grace she had the privilege of beginning a regional mission by being involved in Project Transformation. They served meals for the interns working during the summer and then became a site church. They’re going on their third year. Grace had a leaky roof that was in drastic need of repair. After years of neglect for lack of money, they finally, they realized they had to redo the Sanctuary. “It was amazing how things came together. They were not a wealthy congregation, but miraculous things began to happen. Someone would leave a check. Another organization

would give us an unheard of discount,” said Cindy. This experience was a faith-building lesson for both Cindy and the congregation. As a result of these positive things, the church also began to grow. Cindy reluctantly left those two churches knowing you always leave a part of your heart behind, but she’s also excited about the incredible opportunities at Asbury. She has a heart toward making others feel welcome as they come to the house of God and making sure they feel comfortable in their experience. “Asbury is a very friendly congregation and I look forward to building on that foundation. The same is true of the Prayer Ministry. It is a vital part of Asbury already and my desire is to expand it to include other spiritual disciplines, such as journaling, meditation, labyrinths, fasting, etc. There are many people who still struggle with prayer and I hope to present some more possibilities and open up other areas,” she said. Other areas that have fallen under Mark McAdow’s leadership will continue. “I know Mark had such a heart for the lost and those who struggle with questions in their lives. I’m sure we will continue meeting those needs through Alpha and other outreach programs,” Cindy added. - Sandy Wagner

Friday, July 13 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

July 14 & Saturday, 8:00 am - noon

Please bring donations to Asbury’s Community Life Center Thursday, July 13 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Please do not donate underclothes, socks, shoes or computers. All clothing must be on hangers. All proceeds benefit missions.

Notes from the Journey

By Lisa Tresch

have a closet cabinet lined with old journals. I’ve been filling these journals since high school with varying degrees of frequency. Some years I filled multiple spiral notebooks as I poured out my heart every day and some years there is only one journal and the entries have months between them. The pages are covered with ink and pencil handwriting – sometimes smudged with teardrop stains. They include musings and rants, poetry and scripture and lots of questions. My old journals reintroduce me to moments of beauty and joy and grace. They remind me of promises I made to myself, long since broken (“I will spend time with God every day”), and promises made to God, also often broken (“I’ll never do something that stupid again.”) It is humbling to go back and read my old journals, and that’s why I don’t do it very often. Sometimes, they make me uncomfortable because many of them include proclamations about what I have learned, and how it will change the way I live my life. One particular journal entry is a full page about how I have finally learned to stop worrying and that from now on I will be giving each day to God. I quote scripture and thank God for leading me a place of “victory” over worry. About 20 pages over is a long entry where I am worrying again. I am tempted to tear the first entry out of my journal, but I don’t because it is important for me to remember that I am never out of the danger zone when it comes to failing and falling and relearning lessons. In high school I lost a close friend because I hadn’t yet learned the painful lesson of gossip. The grief and embarrassment over that lesson has stayed with me, but there

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have been times that I have joined in on dangerous conversations, momentarily forgetting the painful lesson and then feeling jolted by the realization that perhaps I never really learned the lesson at all. I don’t keep a checklist of all my learned lessons, because I know that there will probably be a day when I’ll second-guess that I am capable of learning anything at all. I try to quell the little voice that so often wants to convince me that I have “arrived” at some spiritual finish line. I am still learning…and relearning.Jesus chose 12 men, disciples, which is the Greek word for a learner. Even after they had been filled with the Spirit and were itching to set the world on fire with the gospel, they still were learning. Even the apostle Paul, who was giving lessons to new believers and congregations laments that he still walked around conflicted about doing all the things that he should have learned not to do, and not doing things he should be doing (see Romans 7:18-19).So perhaps this is the lesson I’ve learned best: that I am always at the mercy of God’s grace, because I’m always in danger of forgetting the lessons. I would say that I’ve learned humility from all of this, but as soon as I make that proclamation, I’ll probably find something to get puffy and proud about. And I would like to think that I have learned the lesson my mother so tirelessly tried to teach me, “This too shall pass,” but I still get worked up with worry over the little things. So I am content to know that God has begun a work in me that isn’t finished and that throughout the process of learning and growing, he is gracious to continue to teach me the lessons, and faithful to forgive me when I have to learn them all over again.

Nikki Boyd and her sons, Jack and J.T.

By Nikki Boyd

ne of my son’s favorite movies is about a clownfish named Marlin who sets out to find his lost son. On the journey he faces overwhelming obstacles like sharks and poisonous jellyfish and he wants to give up. But a fish named Dory joins the search and encourages Marlin to keep going. She tells him, “just keep swimming, swimming, swimming.” His persistence pays off and he and his son, Nemo are reunited. I was recently dealing with some personal struggles when I snuggled

with Jack on the couch to watch the movie for the hundredth time. This time, something about the story caught my attention. I saw myself in Marlin. Worry had taken over my heart and was sucking the life out of me. Instead of persevering, I doubted. Instead of seeing my trials through eyes of faith, I was giving in to fear. Last year my family moved and my husband began a new church staff position. The transition has brought some unmet expectations and disappointment. There are challenges that seem impossible and this has led to

moments of panic. Did we really hear God’s voice in this decision? What if this was not what God wanted us to do? Have we completely messed up our future? Desperate for answers, I went to my knees. God spoke through the devotional, “31 Days of Praise” by Ruth Myers. On the very day I felt I was at my limit, I read these words: “Thank You that You have me in the place You want me just now . . . that even if I got here through wrong choices or indifference or even rebellion . . . you worked them into Your plan to draw me to Yourself . . . Thank You that I can trust You with my future places – ready to go, ready to stay . . . You have me in this place for this day, and I praise You that You will faithfully guide me throughout life to just where You want me to be, as I seek to do Your will.” The lesson that God is teaching me is that my place is in Him. No matter what has led me to this point, He is still God and He is still sovereign. I don’t have to just endure my struggles; I can celebrate them. God has given me another opportunity to see Him prove His faithfulness. Life is a process of learning and there will always be obstacles and questions, but through it all my life is secure because I belong to Him. It’s up to me to face difficulties with confidence in Him (and even with joy!) so my faith can grow stronger and my life can bring Him glory. (James 1:2-3) God is always speaking; I’m just not always listening. But when I stay close to Him, I will hear His voice; even through a cartoon fish. His plan for me is perfect so I can face today with joy and look forward to tomorrow with hope. All I need to do right now is continue to trust and obey. He has all the power I need to keep swimming, swimming, swimming. ASBURY TIDINGS

“HE DOES NOT TREAT US AS OUR SINS DESERVE…FOR AS HIGH AS THE HEAVENS ARE ABOVE THE EARTH, SO GREAT IS HIS LOVE FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.” PSALMS 103:10A, 11

t was several years ago and another church, but the memory is still vivid. Our church had adopted an at-risk school and as summer approached, the church sponsored an outdoor carnival. I volunteered to help out. Students and parents were invited to enjoy free food, fun inflatable toys, assorted games, face painting, and friendly competitions. It was a good time and lots of fun. Toward the end of the afternoon, I encountered a young lady. Appearing to be in about the fifth grade, she was munching on an ice cream sandwich. As she came to the end of her ice cream, she threw the wrapper on the ground; totally ignoring the trash cans located throughout the grounds. She was standing next to me, so I implored her to pick it up and put it in the trash can. After several attempts of trying to convince her why this was important, the girl flatly refused my requests. She walked away from me in an arrogant and triumphal attitude; pleased with herself, and smug that she had shown me, “You’re not the boss of me!” I was angered that she challenged my authority. I was disappointed that she had so little respect for her school grounds. I was hurt that she felt no pride in her school. I was disgusted at, what I perceived to be, her lack of character and civic responsibility. Anger…hurt…disappointment…disgust…all these emotions flooded me at once. The carnival ended and we (the volunteers) began the clean-up process. As I looked around the school grounds, apparently my little fifth grader was not the only one who had little respect for her school. I was shocked as I looked out over the school yard—the area was covered with wrappers and litter as the garbage cans stood half-filled throughout the yard. I thought to myself—“Well, I’ll help with cleanup, but there is no way I’m picking up someone else’s trash. There is no way I’m cleaning up after others who had little or no regard for their own area. After all— wasn’t it their school? And wasn’t it their trash? If they don’t care—why should I care? They don’t deserve my help!” Suddenly, I looked up and I saw him. One of our pastors—a man of power and authority—bending over and picking up someone else’s trash…reaching down and picking it up…trash that others had carelessly discarded…ice cream wrappers that were messy and sticky…plates smeared with ketchup and mustard…napkins that had been used and crumpled up…straws that had been in other people’s mouths. And yet, there he was, on behalf of his Heavenly Father—picking up trash that was smelly, dirty, and gross. Wow! I was knocked back by this man’s servant attitude. It overwhelmed me, and I immediately felt convicted and ashamed of my arrogant and condescending attitude. I’m reminded of the story of Jesus as he washed His disciples’ feet. Can you picture Jesus pouring water over the dirty and dusty feet of fishermen? There he was—a man of power and authority acting like someone’s servant. The Creator of the universe…the Son of Almighty God…the King of the world…and yet, there he was, on behalf of me—cleaning feet that were smelly, dirty, and gross. Yes, I’m just like that little fifth grader—looking smug and thinking, “God— you’re not the boss of me!” as I leave a trail of trash and messy garbage…smelly, dirty, and gross. And yet, here He comes…trailing after me with a cross…reaching down to me…picking up the garbage of my life…lovingly and unselfishly picking up my trash and ridding it from my life. Yes, just like the little fifth grader, I don’t deserve help—no, not by a long shot…but, there he is…loving me…cleansing me…freeing me! ASBURYTIDINGS TIDINGS 5 ASBURY

By Marcia Curley

riting for Tidings has been a great pleasure for me as I have had the opportunity to interview so many wonderful Christians. When the editors asked contributors to share their own “Lessons learned from the game of life”, I laughed, knowing that they expected the 550 word limit we use for all articles. They must not have thought about how many years I have had to learn. So here are just a few game pieces from the lessons of my life. PLAY FAIR This is a lesson I learned at age five at a birthday party where we played pin the tail on the donkey. The prize was a cute ceramic elephant that I really wanted. When the blindfold was tied on, I was asked if I could see. “No.” was my response, even though enough light allowed me to perfectly hit the target. I have kept this ill-gotten pachyderm for over 60 years. To this day every time I come across it I know that God forgives my sins, but I should remember the lesson. IT’S NOT WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR LIFE, BUT WHO One of the first things I wanted to do after retiring was to clean out all the closets in my house. Boxes and

By Liz Reece boxes of things that at one time it seems I could not live without were sent to Goodwill. It is not that I don’t enjoy stuff, but none of it holds a candle to the family and friends who have blessed my life. I’ve learned that the older I get the less of one I need and the more of the other. SHARE My three little granddaughters often hear from me that they should play nice and share. Though I have always known sharing is a virtue, I had the occasion to learn that sharing can be life saving. Someone who I did not know or ever will know shared something that meant earthly life or death to me. Almost three years ago I was the recipient of a liver from a deceased donor who had taken the opportunity to give the gift of life to several people he never knew. Anyone interested in this as a legacy can sign up to be an organ donor at www.lifeshareregistry.org.

HAPPINESS REQUIRES ACTION These words were painted on a clever piece of art purchased at a craft fair. It is a brightly painted, old glass bottle that sparkles with glitter and has colorful ribbons spilling out the top. The simple message makes me smile each time I see it. It reminds me that I have a choice in how to react to any given situation. I learned that if I take action to be happy and look at the glass half full, others around me will be happier too. TRUST Look for the good even in the bad because that is when miracles occur. When our son broke his neck on his 18th birthday in a freak accident at a Christian camp in Texas, I too was paralyzed. He was given only a small chance of ever walking again. I knew that in order to help him I would need somehow to keep myself together. As it turned out, he took the lead and inspired family and friends. The Lord gave him unbelievable determination, and the Lord gave me a peace that passed understanding at a time when I could not handle any other feeling. The doctors and psychologist at the physical rehab center were concerned because Will refused to accept the fact that he most likely would never walk again. Will, however, was up for a giant leap of faith and found God’s plan for him was to walk again. Most important the lessons of life can best be learned when the Lord is your teacher.

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By Sylvia LaRose

weep in church. Usually, my eyes well up with water. Often, a tear trickles down my cheek. Sometimes, it’s a full-blown bawl. How embarrassing! And I never have a tissue. Once during Communion when I was kneeling at the altar, I started sobbing uncontrollably. An Asbury prayer assistant ran right over to give me comfort. Surely, something must be terribly wrong to produce such waterworks. No, I was just fine, thank you. Although on my journey back to the pew, I’m sure everyone was staring at the woman walking up the aisle with black mascara “raccoon eyes.” The crying always happens when we sing on Sunday morning. Now don’t get me wrong -- I absolutely love the music Dub Ambrose and the Praise Team bring to the 9:15 service at Asbury. They never seem to hit a sour note, or miss a beat. And I’m inspired to belt those hymns out with the best — while gasping for breath

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and dabbing my eyes, of course. I’ll always remember this past Easter Sunday. We were singing a wonderful rendition of “Holy, Holy, Holy” when the flood started – bigger than Noah’s. I thought, why in the world am I crying on the most glorious day of the year, the day our Savior rose to take our sins away? Then it hit me. I was so filled with joy in the Lord that it just had to come out. You see, I’ve had some tough lessons in the game of life. As a single parent raising and supporting three children on my own, there were many, many times I thought, “I just can’t do it.” I felt alone, overwhelmed and helpless. With no one to turn to, I began to pray. It took a while, but I learned that I DID have someone I could lean on. My Lord was watching over me. Me! I am jubilant with every blessing He bestows on me. He has brought me comfort and strength when I was without hope—and has miraculously provided for our family

when the bills were stacked high and the checking account empty. He is my best friend. And my joy in knowing Him is boundless. Most importantly, God guided me to Asbury. With no family nearby . . . YOU have become my family in Tulsa. I feel your loving embrace every time I walk into church. I love the genuine smiles and warmth from all I meet. And I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the occasional calls from Asbury members, just phoning to check how I’m doing. Well, it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for showing me God’s love on earth. The Bible says in Psalm 63:7: “For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings, I sing for joy” — or in my case, sing and cry for joy. So next Sunday, if you see someone wildly weeping while praising the Lord in song, most likely it’s me. Don’t worry, I’m truly happy! And if you have an extra tissue handy, just pass it over. I’d sure appreciate it!

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By Greg Lynn

n my office I keep the game “Bop It.” If you’ve never played it before, it’s a handheld game with three different jobs to accomplish. You may be asked to “Bop It, Twist It or Pull It.” If you respond properly, you win. Mess up; you lose. The fun begins when it randomly asks you to do one of these at an ever-increasing speed. You either try to keep up, get lost and lose or get frustrated and BREAK the game. I like to use it to remind myself that life is this way. Not that your only options are try to keep up, get lost or get frustrated and quit. But the real reminder is that it’s a game - enjoy it! Especially when life speeds up with problems or things to accomplish don’t forget to enjoy the game. “Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. The Kingdom life was meant to be enjoyed not endured. Didn’t Jesus say, “I’ve come to give life, and life more abundantly.” One of my lessons learned from the game of life actually involved a game. And since one of my new goals in life is to turn Asbury into a community of Yankee fans, I’ll tell it. I once decided to take 200 inner-city teenagers to a Yankee game. But to add to the excitement and to save the hassle of traffic with three overcrowded and less-than-dependable busses, we were going to take the subway. Not only is getting 200 of anything on and off the train hard to do, but we would have to change trains two times and in order to get to the game by 7:05 p.m., we 99

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would have to leave Brooklyn by 5:15 p.m., go into Manhattan and back out into the Bronx during rush hour! What an adventure. We actually made it and enjoyed the game. But in order to get home at a decent hour and to avoid the after game rush, we decided to leave in the eighth inning. On the way home, we divided up by neighborhoods so each group could get off at their stop and walk home together. Wouldn’t you know it. That’s when we discovered one quiet little guy hadn’t made it. No one had seen him on the train; we must have left him. Hah…his fault. We’d told everyone the rules, when to leave, to stay in their group and now…one little guy missing. Too late. We were already too close to home and with no cell phones (b.c.., Before Cells) all that was left to do was to get back to the church and hope he would call. His parents handled it well, and sure enough a phone call from NYC police letting us know we’d left one of our teenagers at Yankee Stadium. A trip to the stadium was a 30-minute drive on good traffic day. You had to wonder, “Is he in tears, scared or mad that he’d been left behind?” As we approached the stadium office, we announced who we were and were led down the hallway to the outside of the Yankee clubhouse. The officer told us to wait while he went to get our friend. The kid came out with the biggest grin and an autographed ball, bat and other souvenirs. Was he crying, scared or upset? Hardly. In fact, he wasn’t even ready to go home yet. He was enjoying himself too much to be bothered with the other circumstances of his life. Not a bad lesson…eh?

By Jan Weinheimer

t’s not so bad growing old. In my mind, some days I’m 28; some days I’m 90. But most days I’m more like my real age, which is closer to the latter than the former. I teeter between being pleased I qualify for the senior breakfast at I-Hop and being annoyed that they don’t ask to see my ID. In spite of the inevitable baggage that comes with aging, I have found that it has its benefits. The longer I live, the more I realize how little I know. There is comfort in not having to know so much. A lot of pressure is associated with having to be right all the time. With that officially off my agenda, I can fess up to my mistakes, make amends, and hopefully learn from the situation. As they say, “it’s hard to be humble,” but it seems to be easier now than it was when I was younger. I’ve found that things that were once black and white to me are now often a shade of gray. Not the essentials, of course. I still know that I’d be nothing apart from my faith in God, and I know now more than ever that He is more than enough for whatever life hands me. But I’ve also learned that often there is more than one right way to do something or more than one valid opinion and that I have much to learn

from people who hold a different viewpoint. I’ve had more years to see that God’s timing is perfect; never once has His response been too late. Having witnessed this over the years, I find that I’m not as eager as I once was to orchestrate (or manipulate) circumstances to get ahead of Him. The longer I live, the more opportunities God has had to demonstrate His love for me. The flip side, I suppose, is that I’ve had more chances to disappoint Him…more chances to miss the mark. But I can’t doubt His love for me because He’s proved it over and over again. On this side of raising children I can relate in some small way to His unending, unconditional acceptance of me. The more years I’ve lived, the more people I’ve grown to love. Time has expanded my group of friends and coworkers, and most importantly, it has expanded my family. Six miracles in four years. I’m convinced that my grandchildren are God’s way of letting me have “overs.” My busier-younger self wasn’t so

great at stopping to smell the roses…or sitting still to re-read a book…or taking the time to overturn rocks and count scurrying roly-polys. But my slower-older self finds great joy in viewing the world through the wondrous eyes of my children’s children…a joy so immense that it takes my breath away. All in all… it’s not so bad growing old.

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ON A GOOD DAY, ENJOY YOURSELF;

The Bradshaws: Curtis, Curt, SO THAT WE WON’T TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED. ECCLESIASTES 7:14, THE MESSAGE Clayton and Deborah.

ON A BAD DAY, EXAMINE YOUR CONSCIENCE. GOD ARRANGES FOR BOTH KINDS OF DAYS

By Sandy Wagner

’m fortunate, I enjoy my work. I always have. Actually, I think it’s a privilege to be able to work. I’m semi-retired, but the truth is I enjoy the flow of creative ideas, the rhythm of the workplace and the stimulation from my co-workers. Too much leisure sounds boring. As I considered the lessons I have learned through my labors, I dusted off my resume and thought about what I had gained from each professional juncture in my life. Oh my, the lessons I have learned—some good, some bad. I always tried to learn from my own failures, and certainly I have had some, but I also had some wonderful examples to emulate through the years.

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My work ethic was formed early. In my home we were taught to be contributing members of the household from a young age. My dad believed children should be competent, contributing members of the family and society. He was so firm in this belief that he intentionally rented some land outside of our hometown and taught my older brother and me to grow vegetables. I didn’t develop much of a green thumb, but my brother did. In addition we had bees on this land. He and my brother would take the honey from the hive, cure it at home, put it in jars, label them and sell them at a local market. Dad was concerned that we develop good work habits and we did. My brother and I both began working at an early age. My brother pumped gas at a neighborhood gas station and at 15 years I began life-guarding and teaching swimming lessons. There were definite bonuses to life-guarding—primarily seeing your friends—but it was a long work day. In my hometown when you lifeguarded you also had to teach Red Cross swimming lessons (no pay). The director showed up at about 6:30 a.m., loaded us in his Jeep and took us to the pool where we taught lessons from 8 a.m.-noon. Following lunch we returned to the pool for a shift from either 1-5 p.m. or 1-9 p.m. We worked six days a week with only one day off. Sounds terrible now, but truthfully I enjoyed the camaraderie and the satisfaction found in keeping swimmers safe.

Each winter during my high school years I gift-wrapped at a local department store. I learned some valuable things there as well—to accept any challenge and to keep a cheerful attitude. I worked there with two of my best friends. Frankly, we had a ball. No matter what they brought us to wrap (even an ironing board or umbrella) we always found a way to do it and do it well. During the holidays we would entertain them by singing Christmas carols while we wrapped the gifts. The customers loved us; we were happier and they were too. Though I’ve had a long and varied career, I think the lessons I learned during my early years were the best. They have traveled with me throughout my life, enhancing my view of the challenges before me. I developed a can-do spirit and a cheerful and cooperative attitude toward those around me (even those who didn’t have my best interest in mind). These virtues, developed by experience and choice, have served me well through the years and have made the journey a profitable and happy one. I would add one final thought . . . as mentioned earlier, I am semiretired, but God saved the very best career move for last. The job I hold right now as part of the Asbury Communications Team, is my lifetime favorite. I work with an incredible team of creative people and through this magazine I have the privilege of telling of God’s work in and through the people of Asbury. What a joy!

By Sheryl Tomlinson

love to play board games. I grew up with a whole cabinet full of ‘em. I like playing Boggle with my parents and Cribbage with my friend Janet. I loved playing Candyland with my son when he was young, and my friend Daphne introduces me to all kinds of different, international games like Carcassonne. A couple of weeks ago I played Checkers with my godson Samuel, although since he’s only five, it was more like billiards or Tiddly Winks. But here’s what it has taken nearly my whole life for me to learn: it doesn’t always have to be about the game. I am a private person. My friend Angela once told me that I was her closest friend that she knew nothing about. Opening up, sharing my innermost thoughts and feelings, developing close personal relationships is not something that comes easily to me. I do alone really well. That’s not to say that I don’t have friends…I have lots! But only a small handful knows very much about me. And it’s not just

the hard stuff that I keep to myself. When I’d mention something about my son, some would say, “You have a son?” So, back to board games…that was a great way for me to connect with people safely. I could spend time with them, but have something besides my life to focus on and talk about. I could always steer the conversation back to the game when it got uncomfortable. Then life happened, and things got difficult for me. Divorce, loneliness, parenting challenges…all kinds of things bombarded me. And yet, I pretty much pushed through it without any help, because I wouldn’t let anyone get close enough. “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again.” “God helps those who help themselves.” My parents raised us to be strong and self-sufficient, but somewhere along the way, my thought processes skewed and I thought that meant never ask for help. So when I got sick, I wondered why no one checked on me. And when I put on a frowny face and snuffled through my

day, I wondered why no one asked me what was wrong. That’s when I realized that no one magically knows that I want to talk about something…I have to reach out first. If I need help with something, no one’s reading my mind…I have to ask. If I’m happy about something, I need to tell someone in order for them to rejoice with me. And here’s the light bulb moment for me: people are actually interested in me and care about my life! God not only gave us the innate desire to connect with other people, but He also gave us the desire to care for and about them. Isn’t He wonderful? Now, lifelong habits are hard to break, and I’m still not great at opening up. My friend Marty is the best at relationships that I’ve ever known, and with her guidance and just watching her example, I’m getting better. I’m hoping Angela knows me better. And like it is with Samuel (kids are so comfortable!) spending real time with each other is what matters…the game is just an excuse!

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By Marti Morris

n the early morning hours of the day after Easter, the call came, the one we had been hoping for and at the same time dreading: my dad was gone. He was 95, and in all those years of life he had been in the hospital only once. He died at his home. He had lived long and was well loved. It took me back to the night my mom died 12 years ago. It was the day after Christmas and my extended family was converging on Mom’s house for one last family dinner before everyone went home after the holidays. My younger sis was busy at her house making the spaghetti to bring over for dinner. We all arrived about the same time to find that Mom,

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who had been napping, had slipped into the presence of the Lord. I knelt beside her and as I bent to kiss her goodbye I realized that this was not my mom. The sweet, funny, precious woman I knew was no longer there. For me that realization was wonderful. I feel sure that is just how the disciples must have felt on Sunday morning after the crucifixion and the angel told them, “He is not here! He is ALIVE!” My mom and my dad are both very much alive in heaven right now. What a thought! How great is our God who gives us eternal life, who made us eternal beings, who conquers death and sorrow. We celebrated my dad the Thursday after Easter. We shed tears of joy that he is at last free and young again, that he is experiencing the presence of the Lord, and that he is with my mom. As my sisters and I reminisced about our childhood throughout that week of preparation I came to realize how much our parents shape our lives. We are their legacy. My dad was instrumental in doing lots of good in our

small town. He was also given so many awards we couldn’t recall all of them. As I was going through some papers just the other day I came across a letter he had written. He wrote about the births of each of his daughters— how he felt, how long he waited in the waiting room, his surprise when my sis and I were twins and that I had two teeth. He recounted our family vacations, and family stories that made me smile. But it was his closing paragraph that really touched me. He told us how proud he was of each of us for what we had accomplished in our lives, but his proudest moment was when we professed Christ as our Savior in our little Baptist church so many years ago. In all of his life, of all the awards he received, of all the things he accomplished, of all the good he did, this was his proudest moment. Of all the things my sisters and I have accomplished, the places in which we have had influence, the good that we all have tried to do, this was his proudest moment. That was my dad.

By Lina Holmes

ost of the lessons I learned growing up start with the word “don’t.” Don’t pick that; don’t talk back; don’t interrupt; don’t argue; don’t hit; don’t talk behind someone’s back - - you get the picture. There are lots and lots of lessons that begin with don’t. But there are also lots of lessons that begin with the word “do.”

Addy, my then four-year-old granddaughter, was riding in the back seat of a car with my dad and brother. As they drove through the parking lot of St Francis Hospital, they saw an elderly woman standing beside her old clunker of a car. She was flagging them down, and of course they stopped. Parking directly behind her, the two men got out to see what they could do to get the woman’s car running again. My granddaughter stayed in the car, but managed to wriggle out of her car seat to deliver a message to her grandfather and uncle. As the two men walked toward the woman’s car Addy leaned out the window and shouted at the top of her lungs, “Do your best.” At four years of age she had already learned a valuable life lesson.

When I was a youngster my parents gave me jobs to do around the house. They weren’t big jobs, but they still needed to be completed. If I did n’t do my best the first time, the job usually had to be redone. I hated it. But I finally learned that if I did my best the first time, even if I had to do part of the job over again, it was a lot easier. This was not a particularly hard lesson to learn, but it has been a valuable one. I sometimes think what a terrible world we’d live in if I had to constantly worry about whether or not God did his best all the time. The wonderful thing is that I don’t have to worry about God’s character. He is there for me. He has my best interest at heart and he’ll always get me running again when life knocks me down. He does His very best for me, and I want to do my very best for Him.

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By Juli Armour

he year was 1981. Bobby and I were newly weds, starting out life together in Panama City, Florida. We were both active duty Air Force officers, and I had just recently transferred from Texas to Florida after our wedding and was adjusting to Bobby’s schedule and lifestyle. Since we’d only known each other a few months and had never lived in the same city, this was not a minor adjustment. One of our differences was that he attended church every Sunday and Bible study on Friday nights. While I wasn’t opposed to church attendance and was willing to go along with my new husband, there was a lot of skepticism on my part. I hadn’t been brought up in the church; my family moved frequently and though my parents did a great job of teaching me and my three sisters strong moral values, we had never established a church home. Bobby’s church friends seemed nice—almost too nice. I remember commenting one Sunday after church, “Do you think they are really as happy

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as they seem to be?” To my analytical mind, it seemed to me that nobody could be as cheerful and upbeat as some of the members I met there. Bobby’s response was something about how people who are “walking with the Lord” are energized by meeting together and fellowshipping with one another. It wasn’t until years later that I really learned what he was talking about. But just a few months later, the journey toward that understanding began. It was in that little church in Panama City that I relinquished my doubts and skepticism, opening my heart to the possibility that the God who set the world in motion might actually be interested in the life of an overachieving young woman who had tried really hard to get life right by working hard and relying on her own strength to figure it all out. By yielding to His authority in my life, doors opened that I would have never imagined. I started reading the Bible and those words that had previously just run together now revealed great truth and relevancy.

We moved many times over the years—upstate New York, Alabama, South Carolina, Arizona, Tennessee – and attending many different churches of many different denominations. From each city, each congregation of believers, through each of life’s twists and turns, the one constant has been Jesus Christ. We have learned that He is a Rock; He is Faithful, Steadfast, Trustworthy; He is Righteous and Just, while being Merciful and Compassionate. He is the source of all Hope and Joy. These days, I’m probably one of the people others ask about, “Can she really be that happy?” I have learned that it’s not the happiness the world gives, but an abiding confidence and joy in knowing that God is who He says He is, and nothing comes into my life that hasn’t been sifted through His hands and will be used for His good purposes. Life is hard, but it is not without hope and a lot of joy. And I’ve learned that it is indeed very energizing to live life in fellowship with other believers.

DUB AMBROSE First(and I think I mentioned this before in a sermon), the only thing I’ve “learned” is that I am still “learning!” So, some lessons I am still learning in the Game of Life at my age are… 1. Loving God is NUMBER ONE! 2. Everything else is NUMBER TWO! 3. The “first” number two is SPOUSE! 4. The “second” number two is CHILDREN! 5. The “third” number two is CHILDREN-IN-LAW! 6. The “fourth” number two is THE REST OF THE FAMILY, beginning with PARENTS! 7. The “fifth” number two is YOUR NEIGHBOR! I am also learning a lot from Larry Crabb… 1. It’s easy to let NUMBER TWOS climb into NUMBER ONE position! 2. God is ALWAYS out to do me GOOD! 3. Too often I expect in this life what I will only have in the next life! That’s it! I’m STILL LEARNING… and I’ve got a LONG way to go! DARLENE JOHNSON I learned that I am a part of many parts. I am one voice, one idea and one person sitting at the table of discussion. This may seem trivial to some but it is a big one for me. You see I love to plan and organize; I have always enjoyed changing things around and including people who do not normally participate in certain activities. So I would always include the most unlikely person or the person who was overlooked. I have always been able to ask questions; sometimes they were hard questions that would upset some. So in my living and learning I have struggled to be more considerate of others, to listen more and talk less. I am still learning in the game of life and I must admit it is one glorious journey...sometimes crying and sometimes laughing...but always grateful for another chance to get it right.

DUB AMBROSE

TODD CRAIG

DICK READ From soon before my 16th birthday until the fall of my 25th year, I had gall bladder disease. The problem was that dozens of medical personnel didn’t diagnose gall bladder disease because I just didn’t fit that profile. I endured nine years of chronic abdominal pain, persistent nausea, a vast array of medical tests with all sorts of pokes, prodding and insertions, and constant renewal of prescriptions of valium, librax and other muscle relaxants of varying strength and effectiveness. Three years of bio-feedback therapy reduced that pain and the number of episodes, and increased my ability to train my own body to relax, but did not bring healing, which finally came through gall bladder surgery. During and following those nine years, I learned several life lessons: God used my pain to grow within me his desirable character traits. Mostly, as one who has lived with chronic pain, God grew in me compassion for others who live with pain. My battle with pain increased my faith. After doing battle with myself AND with God, I finally yielded: “God, you said that your grace is sufficient. As long as I know you as the Lord of Life, I can live with this.” Finally, my pain increased by appetite for eternity. One day, all of us who are “in Christ” will be made perfect in every aspect. Not knowing if I would be healed and whole in this life, I knew that I would be so in the life-to-come. While I certainly do not welcome disease and pain, I am grateful to have learned such life lessons during one season of chronic pain in my life. God is faithful! DAVID THOMAS One of the lessons I’m still trying to learn from the game of life is found in the word “delegate!” The fact is that through the years of ministry I haven’t been as smart as a Bill Mason or Tom Harrison. I’ve tried to do all the “ministry” myself. After all, God called me to be “a minister.” I have failed to realize that, like Moses of old, I can’t do it all myself (see Exodus 18:13-24). I’ve needed a Jethro to remind me “the work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone”(18:18). More and more I’ve realized through the years that my real calling is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry so that the body of Christ may be built up” (Ephesians 4:11-12). This is what has made Asbury such a great church, the saints have been “equipped” and they are doing the ministry. I’ve never seen a church with such talent and commitment among the laity. The pastors and staff are the ones who have called this forth. I’m still learning from them.

DICK READ

DAVID THOMAS

SONNY

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TODD CRAIG One of the greatest lessons that I have learned in life is the importance of patience. Stephenie (my wife) and I knew each other for about 10 years before we started “dating.” I was ready to start dating two years before Steph was ready. God used those two years to teach me a lot about patience. If the things or people we are waiting for are important to us, waiting is painful but worthwhile. God’s patience and grace with me is a great reminder of the patience and grace that I am called to have with others. SONNY PLISCHKE One thing that I have learned from “The Game of Life” isthat life is not a game! Oh, of course there are many, many times that life is not to be taken too seriously. But for the most part life is a serious journey in which we find ourselves. Most of the time we like to joke, have these pithy sayings, make light of how we feel, we tend to cover up life’s injustices. There was a time in my life when I took nothing too seriously. Life was a trip and I was just along for the ride. I had it made. I had cars, a nice home, money in the bank, a wonderful family, a great church where I was the senior pastor. I remember a friend asking me, “Sonny, how’s life?” My reply was, “It’s great, I couldn’t be more comfortable.” It wasn’t too many weeks after that I received a call from the Bishop and accepted an appointment as a chaplain and began to travel to parts of the world I only knew existed because I had read and seen pictures in National Geographic. I hesitate to ever make that statement again. Want to have a life-changing experience? Want to see what it’s like to survive just one day at a time? What’s it like to be a child and have your body broken by your own parents so you can become a beggar on the streets of Karachi? Or to be threatened because you’re a Christian in a Muslem world? To sleep on dirt floors, and wonder where my next meal is coming from?” And the list goes on and on. You see, I went where the tourists never go and saw what they very seldom ever see, and I will never ever forget that life is a very serious matter in most places in the world.

Y PLISCHKE 17

BILL MASON

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BILL MASON From the age of 15, about the time I entered boarding school, for some reason I wanted to be a year older than I was. I remember that summer a friend and I started out following the wheat harvest, intending to make a lot of money, only to learn what hard work it was. Rather than going home, we started hitchhiking around the country. In a filling station in Salt Lake City a man asked if either of us could drive and I said that I could. I had no driver’s license, but I didn’t tell him that. From that time until my late twenties I would say that I was a year older than I really was. That is but one illustration of how I would not always tell the truth. As years passed by I found that it was increasingly more difficult to remember what story I had told what person. It finally dawned on me how much easier it would be if I would always tell the truth. Then I would not have to keep track of the “untruths” I had told. All of this was before I asked Jesus into my life. Now He through His Holy Spirit makes me want to be truthful.

CHARLIE RYSER

By Stephanie Hurd

was raised Catholic, and I appreciate how they, like Methodists, have a system for Christian living. Catholic sacraments provide the necessary steps to leading a Christ-centered life (these include baptism, confirmation of one’s faith, confession of sin, and so forth). They also have this little thing called “transubstantiation” by which they believe the Lord’s Supper is transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ during Mass. Every Sunday after Holy Communion, I watched the priest reverently place the remaining Eucharist wafers into an ornate container on the altar for safekeeping. Then one day I asked, “Can God be put in a box?” So I became a protestant. The church that I joined had sound doctrine and produced excellent, unified teaching material. As a college student I served at that church by working in the nursery. Ten years later I was still working in the nursery. By that time I

was a stay-at-home mom with small children and postpartum depression. I began to dread church, and I loathed Sundays. Then one day I realized I was being put in a box. So last August, I became a Methodist. And I discovered Asbury has everything I want in a church: a method for Christian living, sound doctrine, and even a baptistry! It also has what I need to grow in my faith––a simple and proven system for utilizing spiritual gifts and involving members in ministry. It goes like this: Join the church; join a community; take the spiritual gifts inventory; match your gifts, talents, and desires to a service opportunity and let someone know. (SeeClassifieds on pages 30-31.) It is just that easy. Now my spirit is being restored, and I am finally learning how to use my gifts in service to God and others. The way Asbury’s pastors empower and equip the laity to serve is a brilliant and totally biblical concept. It is so much more effective to put every member into action than to have the

staff attempt to do all the work. Jesus said He must leave so the Helper can come. Hence, the Holy Spirit came to indwell every believer simultaneously so that He is present in millions of places all at once in a way that Jesus, in His resurrected body, would not be. The potential for God to reach the world is multiplied exponentially because every believer receives the power of the Holy Spirit and thereby becomes a minister of God’s love! In that sense, it is reverse transubstantiation, because the community of believers is transformed into the body of Christ on earth. We are His hands doing the work of His heart through acts of service. Jesus calls us, the Holy Spirit enables us, and our pastors shepherd us. All Christian churches are valuable members of Christ’s body. We all reflect Him and have a wonderful capacity to serve, especially when we work in cooperation with one another. You are His right hand, and I am His left––and Jesus is Lord of all.

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Stephanie Hurd and her two daughters, Sophia, 9 and Olivia, 7. Also pictured (using the spinner) is friend, Ariah Willard, 9.

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…FIRST GO AND BE RECONCILED TO YOUR BROTHER; THEN COME AND OFFER YOUR GIFT. . . MATTHEW 5: 24

By Vicki Ihrig

don’t recall many events in my childhood, but always will remember the small, silver, scratched up cross that resided in my father’s pant pocket with his coins. My thoughts often return to a small town in southwest Oklahoma where we regularly attended a tiny Methodist Church. The church and the silver cross were the beginning of a life lesson that lives as strong today as it did in 1970. The church had been preparing for several weeks, maybe months, for a Lay Witness Mission Weekend. I was only 12 and uncertain what to expect. With excitement and anticipation, I guessed it would be a lifechanging experience for many. I don’t recollect an acquaintance of my dad’s that he didn’t appreciate their individual uniqueness and camaraderie. From his Sunday school class friends to the man that filled his gas tank weekly, he knew them personally and always enjoyed their differences as well as their similarities. But as a small child I knew of one man, Rex, that we didn’t talk about, speak to in passing, invite into our home, and certainly never visited his retail shop in the small downtown square. I knew if Dad didn’t like him, he must have been a dreadful person. But I never knew the origin of this unending feud. The Lay Witness Mission Team finally arrived. We had numerous people invade our church with a Spirit I had never witnessed. This Spirit was vibrant and most fascinating to me. I hungered for whatever they had, but was unsure how to possess it.

The church rocked with a newness I had never experienced in this hushed sanctuary. I was still too infantile in my faith to put it together, but everyone continued to embrace each other and pray together as tears trickled down many young and aged faces. As the last night arrived, parents and children were separated into classrooms assigned by ages. I was unclear where Mother and Dad were, but I was content to spend time with just my friends and the students of the Lay Witness Mission team. We convened in a circle and listened to amazing testimonies from the students as to their experiences as Christians and how God desired to live in our lives as He did in theirs. It was that evening that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was the most genuine and powerful prayer that I had ever uttered. The weekend drew to a close and our family left the church to enter the dark parking lot. I sensed a mysterious transformation deep within each of us. A silence covered our walk as we each reflected privately on our own personal experience with our Heavenly Father. A few weeks later Dad and I were together at a local

drugstore when he reached into his pant pocket for some change. We often enjoyed a favorite drink of milk, chocolate and splash of Coke. Immediately, I observed the missing silver cross that always clattered with the change of coins in his large hand. The familiar miniature cross now resided in the pocket of a renewed acquaintance named Rex.

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o you know what satisfaction means? I thought it meant to be content, happy, or gratified. Based on that definition, would you say you are satisfied? I recently learned an incredible lesson from God about the true meaning of satisfaction. During Spring Break, my husband, Mike and I joinedAsbury’s Student Ministry mission team and traveled to Beverly, Kentucky. Through Red Bird Missions we were assigned construction projects for the week. With a team of eighth grade students, Mike and I were assigned to the home of a family with four elementary–aged children. Before arriving at the family’s home, our crew chief from Red Bird told us that the trailer was in bad shape. Our mission was to repair and

insulate the existing walls of the trailer and to build bathroom walls around the toilet that currently had none. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw that morning. As we pulled into our family’s neighborhood, we noticed several neighbors were living in school buses. We drove up a steep, narrow dirt road with chickens, dogs and cats running in every direction. Roseanne opened her front door and ushered us inside. It was chilly outside and they had the oven door open to heat the trailer. Right away, she made us feel welcome. She introduced us to her many cats and dogs and told us all about her four children who were at school. Her husband, Dan, also came to greet us and offered the same warm southern hospitality. Dan was a coal miner who now suffers from black lung. Although his health is poor, he works on cars and does other odd jobs to earn money. They were both grateful for the work and supplies our crew was providing. To say they were needy is an understatement. The inside of the trailer was a shell. There were no walls separating the kitchen, living room, bathroom and children’s bedroom. They had two boys and two girls whose bedroom was two sets of bunk beds

at the far end of the trailer. On one side of the trailer stood a toilet with sheets pinned to the ceiling to provide privacy. There was no bathroom sink, shower or bathtub. Seeing the overwhelming needs, we quickly got to work tearing down the paper thin walls inside the trailer filling them with insulation and hanging sheetrock. We built walls around the bathroom and built walls so the boys could have their own bedroom. We installed new kitchen cabinets and a sink. During our time together Roseanne and I became friends. As mothers, we shared a common bond and we both had a young son named Dylan. As we talked and got to know each other, I learned of Roseanne’s deep love for the Lord. She frequently spoke of her many blessings and often repeated the phrase, “I’m satisfied.” At first it struck me as odd to hear those words from someone whom I felt had no earthly reason to be satisfied. How could she be satisfied when she has no bathtub to bathe in? But God showed me that true satisfaction has nothing to do with earthly possessions or comfort. It was in Him alone that Roseanne found her satisfaction. Our last night at Red Bird during worship, Roseanne’s pastor joined us and served communion. When the pastor broke the bread she said, “This is the body of Christ, broken for you, eat and be satisfied.” My heart replied, “Yes, Lord! I’m satisfied.”

By Christy Capps 21

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By John Westervelt One of my favorite authors, John Powell, wrote in Happiness Is an Inside Job, “We are all mistake makers. God has equipped his animals and birds with infallible instincts. We human beings have to learn most things by trial and error.” Powell’s thoughts match my observations over a lifetime. During that time, I have learned the importance of trying. Recently, I made some foundation vent covers out of one-eighth inch thick Masonite for my mother-in-law’s house. I cut these to size on my band saw. (A band saw has a continuous blade that rolls on two wheels.) In the middle 1970s, I started wood carving as therapy for some depression over concern about losing my job with the completion of the Apollo program. I was going to a friend’s house across town to cut boot blanks out of two inch thick basswood. At the time, I wished I had a band saw. For Christmas 1978, my wife Nelda put $50 in a band saw savings

account, and my daughter Mary Kim added $20. Gifts to the account continued on Father’s Day, birthday, and Christmas 1979. In January 1980, I bought a Sears Craftsman band saw. Last year, my band saw developed a loud, rasping, groaning sound. I wondered if, after 26 years, a bearing had worn out. After sawing the vent covers, I decided it was time to try to fix my beloved saw. Gathering my courage, I unplugged the electric cord, removed the blade cover, and vacuumed the sawdust that filled every nook and cranny. Turning the wheels by hand, I could see that the blade was running on the back edge of the lower wheel. Next, I could see that the wheel was not in alignment with the end of the shaft driven by the motor. With further inspection, I found that the set screw that holds the wheel to the shaft was loose. Over the years, I accumulated the tools I needed to maintain my household and its equipment. One of

these, a small investment, was a set of Allen wrenches. These are hard steel with a hexagon cross section usually bent in a right angle. An Allen wrench fits inside the set screw of my band saw for tightening the screw. After aligning the lower wheel with the end of the rotating shaft, I tightened the set screw. With this adjustment, the noise ceased. This story shares a life lesson. The secret to fixing the band saw was the willingness to begin by trying, followed by thinking. Trying, then thinking, continued sequentially until the problem was solved. Of course, you also must have the right tool. Most of life’s problems are with relationships, rather than with saws. Still, the method for a solution is similar. Just begin. Try. Think about it and try again. In this case, the right tool could well be Proverbs 16:3— “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

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By Marty McBroom

t has been a blessed experience writing for Tidings since its inception in 1994 (with a few years off for good behavior). In the over 40 articles I’ve written, I have learned to appreciate the incredible stories so many of you have to tell – yes, YOU too would have a story to tell. It seems strange to write about myself, but I’ll share two lessons - one that God taught me from obedience and one He taught me from failure. My parents weren’t churchgoers, but with grand-parental pressure, we three kids got faithfully sent to the little Baptist church down the street. I became a Christian at about nine years old and learned a lot in that little church. Once I saved up some money – about ten dollars – a little before Billy Graham had his crusade in 1954 in Oklahoma City where we lived. That was quite a bit of money for a 12 year-old in those days. I mailed it to the Billy Graham headquarters and received a nice thank you letter which I excitedly showed to a family member. She said it was just a printed form letter they sent to everyone who donated. That feeling of being special left. I felt deflated.

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As I read the letter over a few days later, I ran my fingers over the surface and could tell it had been personally typed. Further, there was a reference to something I had said in my letter to them about my age, and the final proof that it was a bona fide personal letter, there was an erasure and correction on one of the words. (For you young people reading this, in the “old days” we had to erase our mistakes on a typewriter before they invented white-out.) This experience greatly influenced my giving/tithing philosophy. Some years later I realized that

God entrusted me with everything I had and expected me to return a portion of it to Him. Many times when I had very little, I reminded myself the Lord’s portion wasn’t mine to keep. Because of that truth, God has blessed me in so many ways. He taught me principles for managing money so that I have never been in debt except for a house or a car. I give God complete credit for this. “ ‘Test me on this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’” Malachi 3:10b A lesson learned from failure was God’s incredible ability to rebuild my life after a divorce about 30 years ago. Putting what felt like a destroyed life in His hands, he taught, healed and rebuilt me. After a few years He gave me my wonderful husband, Russ. Our 26-year marriage is my biggest blessing next to my salvation. He is the God who redeems! I hope I can continue to write for Tidings because I love relating the stories of how God is working in and through the lives of people in our church family.

asbury opportunities general information

Asbury Family News is available at the Welcome Centers. It includes hospital lists, births, deaths, marriages, baptisms and military listings.

Breakfast Served from 7:00-9:15 am. in the CLC Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with fresh donut s, bagels, biscuits & gravy,

Doors of Asbury posters are at the Welcome Centers...FREE! Suitable for framing. New Additions to the Library

enrichment topics for singles, couples and parents. Each session stands alone. July 3 - “Best of Friends” - Friends provide a safe harbor during the storms of life and compliment our family of origin. What role do they play in our spiritual life? Are your friends toxic or safe? July 10 - “The Sum of All Fears” -This

sausage, eggs, fruit, and cereal.

The Asbury Library is a wonderful resource.

$2 for adults & $1 for children 12 & under

Thank you to all who continue to contribute

program will get to the root of your anxieties

books to our Library.

and fears and help you take charge of your

Sunday Morning Worship 8:00 am

life.

Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion)

9:15 am

Hands of Love Sign Choir

Sanctuary (Contemporary Communion)

11:00 am 11:00 am

access Sundays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm. 2821 Friends in Christ Discipleship Community

Sanctuary

Walk-ins are welcome. Call 392-1191 to register. Childcare is available. Prayer Card Sending Team Usually meets 1st and 3rd Mondays at 10:45 am in Rm 1621 to send cards with God’s

(Traditional with sign interpreter)

Sundays, 11:00 am, Rm. 1507

Mason Chapel

bible study

who are ill or going through hard times. Cards

Brochures with more details about Summer

and care packages are also sent to Asbury-

RoadMap courses being offered are available

related military personnel. Contact Gwen

9:15 or 11:00 am

at each of the Welcome Centers or online at

Mohler at GRMOHLER@aol.com for more

9:15 & 11:00 am

www.asburytulsa.org

information.

care and support

from 7:00-9:00 pm in Rm 1621. For mothers of

encouraging words and our prayers to those

(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 am only

Adult Discipleship Communities 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am and Wednesdays, 6:30 pm

Asperger Support Group: First Thursday

Red Cross Shelter Exercise Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28, from 2:00

children with Asperger Syndrome. Alzheimer’s Support Group

pm Friday through noon Saturday. Up for an

Third Thursday, from 1:30-3:00 pm in upstairs

Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of time by

adventure during the summer? SeekingAsbury

Administration Conference Room. Christian

calling Ruth at 392-1146 so your pastors can

people of all ages (families welcome) to

hope, support and education for friends

be in prayer for you. When you enter the

volunteer 2-20 hours role playing people

and family of those with Alzheimer ’s or

hospital, please designate Asbury as your

needing shelter because of a disaster. Asbury

other dementia.

church. The after-hours pastoral emergency line

is opening our doors to the Tulsa Area Chapter

can be reached by calling 492-1771, selecting

of American Red Cross and other community

Second Sunday of each month, 4:00-6:00 pm,

option 2, and leaving a message for the pastor

partners, to conduct a Shelter Exercise. No

Parlor - For those living with cancer and their

on call.

RSVP required. Just come as you are. Meals

family and friends.

Surgery or Hospitalization Scheduled?

Engaged Couples If you are planning to use an Asbury p astor to

and sleeping arrangements provided. American Red Cross Blood Drive

Cancer Support Group

Bipolar/Depression Support Group Second and fourth Thursdays, 7:00-8:30

officiate and/or use Asbury’s facilities, be sure

Sunday, August 19 from 8:00 am - 1:00

pm, Rm 1621 - For persons living with

to book ASAP to allow ample time for Couple-

pm in the CLC. Call 1-800-GIVELIFE to

bipolar disorder or depression.

to-Couple. Six months to one year suggested.

schedule your appointment or you may

Divorce Recovery

make an appointment online at

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

...each Sunday morning between

www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code

suf fering from the early, highly emotional

services. Perceptions as well as selections

“asburymethodist.”

stages of divorce and separation trauma.

The Gazebo is Open

in Pastor Tom’s Book Club available. Asbury Wear is also for sale. Recycling

Best of Solutions:

Divorce Rebuilding

Cloud & Townsend Video Series

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

Five Tuesdays, June 5 - July 10 (no class

rebuild their lives after separation or divorce. Employment Transitions

Recycle unwanted paper products. Three bins

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

are available, located in the south and east

series features lectures by best-selling

Need a second set of eyes to review your

parking lots.

authors, Drs. Cloud and Townsend. Great life

resume? Free male and female one-on-one support available through Asbury’s ASBURY TIDINGS 24

Employment Transitions. Contact Barbara

Big Splash Family Day

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

Friday,August 3 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

first 12 paid couples. Give us eight

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

(registration from 10:00 - 11:00 am only).

weeks...we’ll give you a dynamic marriage. This

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

Come enjoy this event with other Asbury

is a NEW interactive class that will help you

1506.

families. Cost: $10.00, includes lunch.

replace old habits with new ones in a unique,

Wright at blwright1@yahoo.com

Kindergarten Blessing Service

safe environment. Go from good to great,

For family members or caregivers of people

Sunday, August 23 , 4:00 pm in the

mediocre to magnificent or hurt to healed.

affected by a mental illness. 4th Tuesdays

Sanctuary. Children who are just entering

Facilitators: Rod and Charlene Giles. Childcare is

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

kindergarten and their families and

available.

392-1146.

friends are invited to come be a part of

Family to Family

Pressure Proof Your Marriage

this service of affirmation and blessing.

July 13 - 15 (6:00 pm Friday through Noon

To demonstrate the love of Christ, periodic

This service will be followed by a celebra-

Sunday) Neosho River Ranch, 55 minute drive

care packages and monthly encouragement

tion reception and commemorative

near Wagoner, OK. Cost: $50. Call 392-

cards with God’s Word are sent to Asbury-

activities in the CLC.

1191 to register by July 6. Pressure

Military Connection

related military personnel. The Prayer Ministry

Bible Explorers

getting to you? How about a getaway for

also covers them in prayer. Please send contact

Sundays, September 16, 23, and 30 from

two nights in a bed and breakfast setting?

information(complete name and address) to

6:30-8:00 pm. Parents will want to join us

Group discussions and time together as a

Gwen Mohler at grmohler@aol.com.

and spend some time in the word with

couple will help you learn to get rid of

their third grader. We will discuss how the

myths and find ways to handle stress. Best

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

Bible is written, discover how it is orga-

of all, it’s only $50 per couple! Limited to

For family and friends of people who are

nized, and see how to use it.

first 10 paid couples. (Asbury members or

Prison Fellowship Support

incarcerated. Meets offsite. Call Ruth at 392-

Murdock Villa

visitors only, please.)

Usually the second Sunday of the month from

1146 for location.

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

Asbury Bear Bags

membership

Asbury Bear Bags with coloring books have

Pizza. We’ll eat then visit Murdock Villa

comforted young children for many years, but

where we will play Bingo and do crafts

Come to a lunch/class to learn more

now you may give a Bear Bag with a

with special needs adults. It is an amaz-

about becoming a member of Asbury.

scripture-based journal included instead!

ing time to witness in our local commu-

Sunday, August 5 from 12:15-2:15 pm.

Great for teens and adults. Anyone may

nity. Limited to 10 kids each month.

Call 392-1191 to register. Childcare

deliver an Asbury Bear to someone who is

discipleship

grieving. For more information, contact

Discipleship Communities

Beth at 392-1116.

If you have not yet found an Adult

Asbury Exploration

available for six weeks through 12 years.

men Men’s Prayer Breakfast

children

Discipleship Community (similar to

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

Registration forms for all children’s

Sunday School) why not visit one of our

Breakfast, meaningful worship and life-

activities are available in the preschool

Welcome Centers and see what’s

changing prayer! Cost: $3/person

and elementary lobbies.

available for someone just like you!

July 11

Don Herrold

Summer Core Hours

Brochures are available in the Welcome

July 18

Todd Johnson

Parents who are involved in RoadMap

Centers, or you may check them out at

July 25

Bill Johnson

classes during these core hours will have

www.asburytulsa.org (Get Connected).

Car Care Saturday

childcare provided with no reservations

marriage & family

needed: Sun Mon & Tue

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

Tue, Wed, & Thur

6:00 pm - 9:00

Family Bowling Night Wednesday, July 18 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at

Milestone Wedding Anniversaries

July 21 from 9:00 am - noon outside the Student Ministry Breakaway entrance, north side. This service is provided for

Email your September or October

Asbury’s widows and single moms by our

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

Men’s Ministry every other month of the

to patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146.

year. While the ladies wait in the comfort

Dynamic Marriage

of our Student Ministry Cafe, volunteers

Mickey’s Bowling Alley, 21st and 145th E. Ave.

Wednesdays July 11 through September 5

check tires, belts, fluids, filters and

Come enjoy this event with otherAsbury

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

batteries. They also vacuum and wash the

families.

9:00 pm in Rm 1506. $130/couple(scholarships

vehicles and update the owners on what’s

ASBURY TIDINGS

running smoothly and what needs

those areas. They are as follows: Caspian

professional attention. This free service gives

Ministry (work in Azerbaijan), Latin America

our men the opportunity to put their faith in

Ministry (work in Mexico, Costa Rica, and

action through loving and serving those in

Guatemala), College Missions Ministry,

need. No reservations required. Just get your

Communications, Estonia Ministry; Kami -

vehicle in line by 11:30 a.m.

Tanzania Ministry, International Student

Home Improvement Ministry Workday

Ministry, Missionary Care, and Prayer. If you

Saturday, August 18. W orkers meet in

need further information call the Global

the CLC at 8:00 am. The Home

Outreach Office, 392-1117.

Improvement Ministry serves widows and

Young Lives (formerly Mentor Moms)

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

single moms within the Asbury family.

First and second Tuesdays of the month,

Our Men’s Ministry volunteers make

7:00-9:00 pm in the Parlor. This is a support

themselves available every other month

group for teenage moms, sponsored by

to help folks out with minor home

Young Life.

Sundays, 8:15-9:15 am, Rm 1510

missions/vim

Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 pm, Rm 1510

repairs and/or home improvement projects. Cont act the Adult Ministries office to offer your services.

Eyeglass Donations Are you wondering what to do with those old eyeglasses? Donate them to missions! You may drop yours off in the Global Outreach office. Campbell’s Soup Label Changes Save Campbell’s soup labels for missions. Please note that a different part of the label is now required. Please cut the UPC symbol and the Labels for Education symbol

Asbury Power & Light Saints of Swing Dixieland Band

Remaining 2007 Opportunities July 7 – 14 / Pitorreal, Mexico

missions/outreach

Resonance Bell Ensemble Tuesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 2506

Construction & MBS, $1,200 August 9 – 20 / Estonia, Parnu VBS & Light Construction, $2,400 Fall / Cookson Hills, Oklahoma Light Construction, $50 September 19 – October 1 / Azerbaijan Construction & Teaching, $2,200 October 13 – 20 / Monterrey, Mexico Construction & MBS, $950 November 7 – 11 / Rio Bravo, Mexico Men’s Construction, $500

prayer Altar Prayer If you would like someone to pray with you during Holy Communion or right after the service, please come to the altar rail at the 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

together. Turn these in for missions!

VIM Leader Training: McAlester - August 25;

Accessible Monday through Friday from 8:00

Questions: Contact Missy Sistrunk at 392-

Tulsa - November 10.

am - 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00

1163.

All costs approximate. For further details

pm, and Sunday from 7:00 am - 9:00 pm. You

about Volunteers-In-Mission opportunities,

can enter the room from the outside

A monthly newsletter is available with recent

contact Marilene Long, 392-1164 or

entrance of the southeast side of the

news of mission happenings. If you would

mlong@asburytulsa.org

Chapel, with the exception of Sunday

Mission Matters

like to receive the newsletter, please contact Missy Sistrunk at 392-1163 or msistrunk@asburytulsa.org. Preference is for the email version, but hard copies can be mailed if needed. Global Outreach Prayer Ministry

music Asbury Singing Ambassadors

from 7:00 am - 12:30 pm. The Prayer Room can be accessed from inside the Chapel during those hours.

Patriotic Concert Sunday, July 1 at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. Join the Abury Singing

recovery Celebrate Recovery

News and prayer requests from our

Ambassadors in a concert celebrating our

Come join this supportive group of people

missionaries and ministries are sent each

country and honoring our armed forces.

each Monday night at 6:00 pm. Dinner at

week to our prayer ministry list. If you would like to join and become a prayer intercessor for those serving around the world, contact Missy at 392-1163. Global Outreach Ministry Teams These teams specialize in certain areas and all are open to anyone having an interest in

Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:00 pm, Choir Room New Covenant Orchestra Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm, Rm 1510 Asbury Singing Ambassadors Tuesdays, 1:00 pm, Choir Room

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. (Worship will be in the Chapel June 25 due to VBS.) ASBURY TIDINGS

Celebrate Recovery Childcare Volunteers needed. T ime commitment is one Monday evening per month from

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

to bring something sweet, and guys you will

much better than that.

need to bring something salty.

Singles Meet and Greet

Float Trip for Rising Sophomores

6:45 pm to 9:10 pm. Please call 392-1103 if

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

Wednesday, July 5 from 8:30 am - 4:00

you can help.

in the CLC. All singles are invited.

pm. Are you going to be a sophomore in

“Best Of” Solutions Life Improvement

high school next year? Then come float the

senior adults

Video Series by Cloud and Townsend

Illinois River with us. The cost is $20 and

Senior Sit and Fit

Tuesday evenings through July 10, 6:30 - 8:00

bring a sack lunch. Turn in your registration to

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from

pm in Rm 2820. Come be a part of these “Best

Todd by July 1.

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

of Series” lectures from the video segments

SOS (Summer of Service) Tulsa Missions

stretching with fun and fellowship. (No Sit

from the past several months. They offer great

10th - 12th Grade

and Fit the week of VBS)

enrichment topics for single adults, couples

July 8 - 12. Come be a part of missions in our

and parents. Each session covers a new

own backyard! We’re going to be hanging out

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from

topic, so if you are unable to attend all the

with kids from John 3:16 Youth and Family

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

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

Center doing Vacation Bible School. We’ll be

power walking with fun and fellowship. (No

Asbury RoadMap brochure for more

leading awesome games, cool crafts, playing

Walk in the Gym the week of VBS.)

information. Call 392-1191 to register.

like crazy, preparing snacks, doing drama and

However, walk-ins are welcome.

all kinds of fun things. Join us for all five days

Walk in the Gym with Him

singles ASM Fourth of July Picnic Wednesday, July 4 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at

Singles Potluck Luncheon Sunday, August 26 Divorce Recovery

Haikey Creek Park, 121st and Garnett. Join us

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

for an afternoon of good food, fun and

suffering from the early, highly emotional

fellowship. The picnic is potluck, so bring your

stages of divorce and separation trauma.

favorite dish to share. We will start eating

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

it’s free!

ready to rebuild their lives after separation or

Asbury Singles Luncheon CLC. Come be a part of this luncheon designed for singles of all ages, with lots of fun, food

students Ultimate Frisbee Every Sunday throughout the summer,

adults/ children 12 and under are free. Pay at

3:00 pm at LaFortune Park.

Singles Ministry Bowling Night

More details on the way.

divorce.

and fellowship! Children are welcome! $4 ro the door.

great! Watch for registrations. Cost is $35.

Divorce Rebuilding

around 4:00 pm. Children are welcome...and

Sunday, July 29 from 12:00-2:00 pm in the

or just one day - whatever you can do is

7th, 8th & 9th Tulsa Missions Don’t just sit on the couch all summer being

Saturday, August 18. Join us for a fun-filled

bored. Change Tulsa by getting signed up for

night, starting with dinner at Red Robin (91st

local missions! We can only take about 12

Monday, July 16 from 9:00 am - noon.

and Riverside) at 6:00 pm. We will then travel

students on each trip (except Food Bank we

This is a chance to make a difference in

to 8711 S. Lewis for bowling at Riverlanes.

will take 60)so it will be Sign Up Only! Project

the lives of kids. We will read to young

Children are welcome to attend, and the

Transformation (playing with kids) is July 2,

kids, build relationships, and have fun.

ministry will pay for those 12 and under to

24, and 30 and Day Center (sorting clothes)

Meet at Asbury at 8:30 am.

bowl. Sign up at the Meet and Greet table in

will be July 10 and 31. Food Bank will be July

the CLC or call Tricia Hoeffer by Sunday,

17. Just ask Mark or Marsha where you can

Wednesday, July 18 from noon - 2:00 pm.

August 12 so lanes can be reserved.

Hey, come on down to the Student Cafe

Singles Potluck Luncheon

7th, 8th & 9th Pool Party

7th, 8th & 9th FlicknBurger

for lunch (brought by you) and a movie

Sunday, August 26 from 12:00-2:00 pm in the

Sunday, July 1 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. It’ s

(provided by us) . It’s just a time to hang

Parlor. Come bring your children and enjoy a

gonna be a pool party at the Briggs’

out with friends, get out of the house and

delicious lunch, courtesy of your fellow

place. We will grill burgers and dogs and

have some fun.

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

swim. Bring your modest one-piece

homemade or purchased! Great food, great

bathing suit and towel. Girls you will need

ASBURY TIDINGS

Float Trip for Rising Juniors July 19 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Are you going

women UMW Summer Luncheons

themselves available every other month to help folks out with minor home repairs and/or home

to be a junior in high school next year? Then

Thursdays, July 5 and August 2 from

improvement projects. Just pick up a request

come float the Illinois River with us. Cost is

11:30 am - 1:00 pm in the CLC. Attention

form at any Welcome Center or call Pam at

$20 and bring a sack lunch. Meet at Asbury at

all ladies! It’s summertime, and the pace

392-1199, ext. 253 at least 10 days before

8:30 am. Turn in your registration to Amy by

is a little slower for Asbury’s UMW. Join us

the scheduled workday. A Home

July 15.

for our Covered Dish Summer Salad

Improvement volunteer will contact you

Luncheon series, the first Thursday of

before the workday and make arrangements.

Dayspring Camp July 23 - 27 at Camp Egan. Cost: $190.

June, July and August. Bring your favorite

Women of the Word

Registration deadline is June 20. For those

salad and a friend and get ready for three fun,

Wednesday from 10:00-11:00 am in Rm 1502.

who have completed 9th - 12th grades. It’s

relaxing times with your Asbury family.

Rev. Darlene Johnson, teacher.

five days that will challenge your heart, renew

Annual UMW Garage Sale

Phone Buddies

your passions, and kick things into high gear.

Come one, come all to Asbury’s United

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

It’s about relationships, some serious fun, and

Methodist Women’ s Annual Garage Sale,

your morning coffee? We have ladies that can

amazing worship. You know those moments

benefiting mission efforts in our

fill that need by being your own “phone

when you get bored in your walk with God

community and beyond. This colossal

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

and you wonder if there’s something more.

event takes place on Friday and Saturday,

return the call and get you set up!

There is! Come see for yourself. Late

July 13 and 14, and draws hundreds of

registration is $200 and subject to space

contributors and bargain hunters alike. You’ll

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

availability.

find toys, gently-used clothing, books, CDs,

who enjoy crafts are invited to come any

9th Grade Float Trip

Arts and Crafts

jewelry, small appliances, furniture and so

Monday morning...come and go any time. Bring

July 26 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. This summer

much more! Those wishing to donate items may

a sandwich for yourself or a lunch to share.

we are going to float the Illinois! Rising 9th

bring them to the CLC on Thursday, July 12 from

Contact Beverly Clarke. (Will not meet June

grade - July 26 is just for you! Watch for

9:00 am - 5:00 pm. (No underclothing, socks,

25 due to VBS.)

registrations. They are due July 22. We will

shoes or computers. All clothing must be on

meet at Asbury at 8:30 am and return around

hangers, please). Don’t miss this great

4:00 pm. Cost is $20, plus bring your own

opportunity to get good quality items at rock-

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

worship Online Worship

bottom prices. See you at the sale! Proceeds

Did you know that you can watch the 9:15 and

benefit missions!

11:00 a.m. Sunday services online as they are

Car Care Saturday

occurring? Go to www.asburytulsa.org then

Area. Join us every Wednesday for a time

July 21 from 9:00 am - noon outside the

of connection, worship, learning about

Student Ministry Breakaway entrance,

If you cannot attend worship, you can log

God, and some nights of just random fun.

north side. This service is provided for

on and share the experience. Or if there is

Don’t miss the food and hangout time

Asbury’s widows and single moms by our

a sermon that you wish someone else had

afterwards.

Men’s Ministry every other month. While

been able to hear, send them to our

the ladies wait in the comfort of our

website where several weeks of sermons

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

Student Ministry Cafe, volunteers check tires,

are archived.

Breakaway Area. This isn’t your normal

belts, fluids, filters and batteries. They also

Sunday School. Come join us for worship,

vacuum and wash the vehicles and update the

fun and games, interactive talk/lesson,

owners on what’s running smoothly and what

and sometimes free candy and gift cards.

needs professional attention. This free service

7th, 8th, & 9th Grade Breakaway

7th, 8th & 9th Grade Sunday AM Prayer

gives our men the opportunity to put their faith

9:00 am - 9:15 am in the BAM Room.

in action through loving and serving those in

God hears our prayers. Start Sundays off

need. No reservations required. Just get your

right by praying with the 7, 8, 9 band,

vehicle in line by 11:30 a.m.

Mark and Marsha for the Sunday services,

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

Home Improvement Ministry Workday

friends, family, the Asbury congregation,

Saturday, August 8. Workers meet at 8:00 am.

Tulsa, the U.S., and the nations. No sign-

The Home Improvement Ministry serves

up necessary. Leaders and parents, we

widows and single moms within the Asbury

would love to have you there, too.

family. Our Men’s Ministry volunteers make ASBURY TIDINGS

Bill & Suzanne Beckman

Amelia Black

Jeremy & Natalie Carrico and Charlotte Joe & Janet Arnold, Jill, Emily, Kelsey and Jacy Shelly Shipley Brandon & Paige Bergin

Chuck & Maddie Crowell

Anne Moderow-Bales & Terry Bales

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 eight objectives. Another part of the membership process is to spend time in a pastoral visit. We want 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 heart, lend me your hand.”

B.J. Wilcoxson Don & Marilyn Oltman and Delaney

Vendel Mayer

Cheryl & Thomas Isaacs and Luke

Choose from one of the upcoming membership classes:

Bryan & Heather McKay

Sunday, August 5 Sunday, September 9 Sunday, October 7 Sunday, November 4 Sunday, December 2

Linda Jaramillo

Classes are from

Brent & Stephanie Cox and Braden

12:15 – 2:30 p.m. Call 392-1191 to make your reservation. Childcare is available and lunch is included.

Myrna Dahlstrom

Tammy & Michael Burke New Member Photographers: Allen H. Robison and Diana Fields 29 ASBURY TIDINGS

Clark & Sally Eldridge

Dates/Times: Sunday mornings either 9:00-10:40 or 10:40- 12:00 Frequency: Every other month on an even/odd rotation Location: Elementary Sunday School Rooms – Second floor Positions to be filled: 45 Contact: Amy Russell 392-1175 Preschool Classroom Leader Duties: Read and prepare Bible story lesson, assign duties to helpers and see that the room and materials are ready.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Dates/Times: Sunday mornings 9:00-10:45 am or 10:45-12:15 Frequency: Every other month on an even/odd rotation. Location: Children’s Ministry – First floor

Childcare

Positions to be filled: 20

Duties: Watch over and interact with children of various ages

Contact: Vicki Ihrig 392-1160

while their parents attend CR worship and small group sessions. Background clearance required.

Preschool Classroom Helper

Dates/Time: Monday evenings from 6:50 to 9:10 pm

Duties: Greet children as they arrive, take attendance, sit with

Frequency: One Monday a month

children during story time and assist with crafts. Help with set

Location: Children’s Ministry area by the South door

up and clean up.

Number of positions: 6

Dates/Times: Sunday mornings 9:00-10:45 am or 10:45- 12:15

Contact: Charlotte Jones at persnickety@swbell.net

Frequency: Every other month on an even/odd rotation. Location: Children’s Ministry – First floor

Dessert Team Associate

Positions to be filled: 20

Duties: Assist serving dessert and cleaning up afterwards.

Contact: Vicki Ihrig 392-1160

Dates/Time: Monday evenings from 8:30 to 9:45 pm. Frequency: Once or twice a month

VBS Crew Leader - Grades K - 4th

Location: Breakaway area/Community Life Center

Duties: Get acquainted with a small group of children and

Number of positions: 4

escort them to their various activities each of the 4 days of VBS.

Contact: Joan (Henning) Kahl 392-1176

Dates/Times: June 25-28 8:30 AM- 12:15 PM

jhenning@asburytulsa.org

Frequency: 4 days Monday through Thursday Location: Throughout Asbury

CHILDREN

Positions to be filled: 150 Contact: Shelley Hughes 760-8739,

Hospitality Team – Greeter, Registration, or Door Monitor Duties: Greeter - greet visiting families as they arrive in the

shughes@golfillustrated.com VBS Rock 5.6 Crew Leader; 5th & 6th grade.

Children’s Ministry area, or assist guests in finding the appropriate classroom. Registration - register guests and/or

Duties: Get acquainted with a small group of children and

families who forgot their ID cards. Door Monitor - monitor the

escort them to their various destinations, assist with an off-site

door to the secure area for proper identification cards.

mission, and help them present one small part of VBS to others.

Date/s Time: Sunday mornings – times vary

Dates/Times: June 24, 2:00- 8:00 and June 25-28, 8:30-12:15

Frequency: Every other month on an even/odd month rotation.

Frequency: Monday through Thursday of the above week

Location: Children’s Ministry

Location: Throughout Asbury and the Tulsa area

Positions to be filled: 20

Positions to be filled: 15

Contact: Vicki Ihrig 392-1160

Contact: Julie Tarwater 743-7919, tarwat er@cox.net

Elementary Small Group Leader

Food Service - Family Fun Night - VBS

Duties: Reinforce the lesson taught by staff through

Duties: Set up CLC with condiments and beverages, serve

interaction and discussion with the children.

hot dogs and chips to children and families attending this special evening, and clean the kitchen. ASBURY TIDINGS 30

Dates/Times: Thursday, June 28 5:30 to 7:00 or 7:00 to 8:30 Frequency: one night

MUSIC

Location: CLC and Kitchen Positions to be filled: 20 Contact: Bridget Powell at 357-3311 or bpowells@valornet.com

DISCIPLESHIP Resource Room Librarian Duties: Maintaining the room that houses our resources for small group curriculum and RoadMap classes. We are currently getting it arranged, catalogued and computerized.

Instrumentalists (keyboard players, bass players, percussionists) Duties: Accompany worship team at the 9:15 worship service Dates/Time: Sundays Frequency: Weekly Location: Sanctuary Number of positions: 6 Contact: Hart Morris 392-1152 or hmorris@asburytulsa.org

MARRIAGE

Once it is up and running, we will need a couple of volunteers to check in and check out materials on the computer, as well

Couple-to-Couple Support Couple

as help people find what they are looking for.

Duties: Serve as a Support Couple to an engaged couple. Meet with the engaged couple to discuss the strengths and growth areas of their relationship which were revealed in the result s of a relationship inventory. Couples of all ages and remarried couples are needed. Training. 20 hours of training required. Training starts Tuesday, September 25, 6:30-8:45 pm and ends November 13 (no meeting October 2). PLUS one training session on Saturday, September 29, 9 am – 3 pm. Childcare provided for Tuesday night training classes. Two-five hours per week of homework. Frequency: One hour/week with engaged couple, plus monthly 1½ hour supervision meetings (4th Tuesday evenings, except June, July, August & December). Number of positions: 10 couples

Dates/Time: Tues, Wed., or Thursday – your choice of time Frequency: 1 -2 mornings or afternoons a week Location: Work will be in downstairs Resource Room, behind front office. (See Diane King in upstairs office suite) Number of positions: 2-4 Contact : Diane King at 392-1122 or dking@asburytulsa.org New - Community Connections Duties: Help guests and members select and locate a community to attend. Dates/Time: Sunday morning - 8:45-9:30 or 10:30-11:15 a.m. Frequency: Goal would be one Sunday a month

Contact: Charlene Giles, 392-1145

Location: Welcome Desks Number of positions: 24 each time period

SUPPORT SERVICES

Contact : Diane King at 392-1122 or dking@asburytulsa.org

HOSPITALITY Position - Barnabas Team members Duties: Meets and greets prospects joining Asbury on Sunday morning. Sees that their picture is taken for the directory and their personal information is provided for the pastor. Escorts to and sits with them in the sanctuary and stands with them during their membership vows. Times/Dates: - Serve one Sunday a month at 8:45 am for the 9:15 service or 10:30 am for the 11:00 service. Frequency – One Sunday per month Where - Main Office – Administrative Conference Room Number of positions- 3 Contact: Don Hubbs 492-1771 x104 or dhubbs@asburytulsa.org

ASBURY TIDINGS

Position: Office Support Duties: Data entry and other administrative tasks Dates/Time: Flexible Frequency: Once a week – two hours Location: Administrative offices Number of positions: 4 Contact: Joan (Henning) Kahl 392-1176 jhenning@asburytulsa.org

WORSHIP Acolyte Duties: Light candles in the 11:00 sanctuary service. Carry light out of the sanctuary after the service. Dates/Time: Every Sunday at 11:00 (meet at 10:30) Frequency: 1. As often as needed 2. Monthly 3. Every other month 4. Back up only Location: Sanctuary Number of positions: 30 Contact: Marty Morris 392-1147 or mmorris@asburytulsa.org

we remember... UMW Scholarship Recipients Announced

those who have died and pray Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comfort for those who have lost loved ones: Dottie Livengood

Asburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UMW recently presented Claire Schroepfer and Nicole Weidman each a $1,200 scholarship for the 2007-2008 school year. Claire is the daughter of MaryAlice Ahlgren

May 21, 2007

and Clay Schroepfer. She graduated from Jenks

Larry Lane

High School and plans May 27, 2007

to attend the University of Oklahoma and ma-

Nicole Weidman

jor in Secondary Language Art s Education. Nicole Weidman is the daughter of John and

Wilma Guinn June 3, 2007 Mary Kirkland

Marcy Weidman. She graduated from Memorial High Claire Schroepfer

School and plans to attend Oklahoma State Univer-

sity and hopes to someday be a pilot and work for missions around the world.

June 3, 2007 Marily Sonleiter

These are two outstanding young women and UMW is proud to present them with our Scholarship. June 4, 2007

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

William James Floyd Hickman

May 18, 2007 Barrett Maverick Heil

May 25, 2007

ASBURY TIDINGS 3 2

congratulations

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.

45 Years John & June Hawkins June 9 Kent & Jeanette Young July 6 40 Years Paul & Toni Melton June 14 Ray & Carol Fisher June 17 30 Years Jim & Beth Rainey June 24 20 Years

50 Years Dan & Margaret Slagle June 20, 1957

60 Years Charles & Madeline Crowell June 20, 1947

Chris & Missy Cooper July 11 15 Years David & Stephanie Hurd July 4 10 Years Jeff & Andi McMains July 19

Oklahoma Annual Conference News Asbury’s delegates to the 2007 Oklahoma Annual Conference were Teil Blackshare, Mary Ann Smith, Teresa and Mark Springer, Joe and Beverly Spence and Frank and Donna Lester. Mary Ann was elected to be a “Jurisdictional Delegate” from the laity side; Tom Harrison was elected as a Jurisdictional Delegate and the first alternate to General Conference from the clergy side.

Congratulations to the Recently-Commissioned Stephen Ministers Front Row: Beth Camille, Sharon Strickland, Bob Brumm, Pat Finch, Eva Hackler Middle Row: Mary Ann White, Edie Clark, Paul Myers, Gene Hackler Back Row: Carla Pohl, Rosemary Holderman, Cathy Breece, Deborah McDowell Betty Harvey Not Pictured: Martha Harrisberger, Bud and Kendra Morse, Carolyn Nixon, Linda Saylor