Asbury Tidings - Body Building

W

e are in the midst of a sermon series from Romans 12. Chapters 1-11 of Romans deals with an understanding of how we become Christians.

Romans chapter 12 begins with the word, “Therefore.” Because of what Christ has done for us and because of our response to this free gift (1-11), we now have the opportunity to live out our faith. Romans 1-11 is about a certain biblical “worldview” (how we see the world). Romans 12-16 is about having a “lifestyle” that matches our worldview. Or, as the Book of James says, “faith without works is dead.” We should live out our faith, but we must have faith to live it out. The two are inseparably tied together.

Another concept that is tied together is that of the individual member of the Body of Christ (the church), and the totality of the Body of Christ. Again, these two are inseparably tied together. I am part of the church, but I am not the totality of the church. Yet, without individual members, the church could not exist.

So many times our problem is that we have an “either-or” faith rather than a “both-and” faith. So many Christians live as if only their beliefs matter (they do not practice their faith), while a great number of people who live good

lives do not have Christ in their hearts. It’s not an “either-or” matter; it is a “both-and” faith.

So many times people feel that because they are Christians (Romans 1-11), that they do not need to participate in the church (Romans 1216). That is an “either-or” faith, not a “bothand” faith. Others feel that if they work hard enough in the church (Romans 12-16) and do more good deeds than bad, then they have earned God’s love. That is a total misunderstanding of the faith and is not what Romans 1-11 is about. Again, this is an “either-or” not a “both-and” faith.

An old “Saturday Night Live” sketch had two European body-building characters, “Hans and Franz.” The skits were chiefly composed of them flexing (their “muscles” were merely part of their costumes) and calling others “girlie men” in a European accent. Their memorable line always concluded: “We want to pump you up!” I think of that when we talk about this sermon series, “Body Builders.”

“We want to pump you up”—but in an authentic, Holy-Spirit inspired way.

Read Romans 12 (and read Romans 1-11, too). We want to have both a worldview and a lifestyle that will help us live as Jesus would have us.

Dr. Tom Harrison

CONTENTS 3 Coming Soon 4 Breanna Keck 6 Baltic Seminary 8 Operation Hope 10 Bong Kang 14 Cindy Mayes 16 Steve Area

18 20 24 26 32 34

Cathy Breece Asbury Roadmap Grandpa John

Opportunities New Members Family Room

Managing Editor Tara Lynn Thompson Graphic Designer Nicole McMahan Photographer Don Kreutzweiser Guest Contributors Heather Bates • Nikki Boyd Stephanie Hurd • Cindy Mayes Marty McBroom • John Westervelt

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

You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org

ASBURY TIDINGS

ASBURY TIDINGS

joyful

BreannaKeck Joyful in Hope, Patient in Affliction, Faithful in Prayer NIKKI BOYD

B

reanna Keck loves to read books and cook with her grandma. She loves to sing her “ABC’s” and her favorite song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”. (In fact, her family says she sings all the time.) She’s fascinated with animals and loves going to the zoo.

And like most little girls, Breanna has lots of pretty blankets she likes to hold and love. But the quilt with angels and little pink ribbons is extra special. For each of those ribbons has been tied on with a prayer —prayers for blessing, prayers for healing.

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ASBURY TIDINGS

At age two and a half, Breanna or “Bre” as her friends and family call her, has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Since her initial diagnosis in September 2007, she has endured spinal taps, lumbar punctures, and blood transfusions. Bre is on continuous chemotherapy and maintains up to six daily medications. Currently, she is in her last 56-day cycle of treatment and has been in remission since February 2008.

Her grandma, Cathy Ariana, recalls the day she knew something was wrong.

Bre was playing at her home and took a minor tumble. She cried out in pain and had difficulty getting up. When it happened again the next day, Cathy, who has a background in medicine, had an uneasy feeling.

Bre was immediately taken to the doctor for blood work and an MRI. The results were something no family wants to hear—cancer.

A normal day for Bre begins with a varied regiment of treatments—sometimes at home and sometimes at a clinic. The medications and chemo can drain her energy, but she looks forward to the days she gets to visit her aunt and grandma and play with her cousin.

Bre has become a favorite around the hospitals and clinics.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,

“She’s so tenacious,” says Cathy.

“She’s even helped the doctor give herself painful leg shots.”

Bre’s mom, Ashley adds, “She’s been stronger and braver than most adults.”

Bre’s fight and determination has inspired many, and God is using the illness to draw her family together.

It’s also given the church a beautiful opportunity to share His love.

Cathy says the church has been “God’s hands and feet” to them.

There have been so many expressions of love, like food and gifts, often given by people the family doesn’t even know. Then there are the countless prayers of brothers and sisters in Christ. The prayer quilt of Breanna’s represents how this little life has been covered by the intercession of the saints.

From that first news of cancer, Cathy has cried out to the Lord.

“I’ve had peace from the very beginning.” Standing on God’s word, Cathy says, “When times get tough, we pray.”

God has given her a promise of healing, and she has prayed that God would use her granddaughter as a testimony. Even the doctor has said the reason Bre has responded so well to the treatments is because she is bathed in prayer.

Though she is responding well, treatment and maintenance is draining and very challenging. But Cathy is quick to say that God is using all things to reveal His faithfulness.

She recalls one night after treatment when Bre was especially agitated and couldn’t lay still. After many attempts to try and get her to rest, Cathy says, “I knelt down outside her door and cried out, ‘Holy Spirit, calm her to sleep.’”

Immediately when she spoke that prayer, Bre was sound asleep.

“We all have God’s power, and we just leave it untapped,” Cathy says. “God told me I need to tell His people about it.”

As a teacher in Asbury’s Ambassadors For Christ Community, Cathy’s lessons are impacted by this journey with Bre.

“Sometimes you think you can’t have more faith,” adds Cathy, “But it’s difficulties like this that build more.”

Though Bre’s treatments keep Ashley and Josh from attending church regularly, mom and dad are looking forward to coming as a family when she is well enough.

Cathy prays for that day too, the day Bre can return to Asbury and shine as a witness of God’s power.

Bre has an 86 percent chance of full recovery and survival. And no matter what the future holds, this family trusts that even in the most difficult challenges, God is in control and there is hope.

Cathy said God gave her this promise: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) If you are interested in standing alongside Breanna and others who are fighting cancer, you are invited to the “Light the Night Walk” at the Oklahoma Aquarium, Saturday, September 13. This nationwide event is a supportive community gathering where participants walk at twilight holding illuminated balloons—white for survivors, red for supporters, and gold in memory of a life lost. To find out more, visit lightthenight.org Breanna’s family has made special t-shirts to support Breanna’s fight as well as the efforts of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you’re interested in purchasing a t-shirt, contact Cathy Ariana at 625-4395.

faithful in prayer. romans 12:12

ASBURY TIDINGS

5

cooperation

balticmethodist theologicalseminary Growing Pastors, Growing the Church STEPHANIE HURD

J

esus concentrated a majority of His public ministry on making disciples and training future church leaders. His “seminary” included hermeneutics, an urban evangelism practicum, and prayer class.

He also provided continuing education through the Holy Spirit––with preaching labs and church planting seminars.

He placed the salvation of the whole world in the hands of his disciples, instructing them to make more disciples, and for those disciples to make more disciples and so forth until the day of Christ’s return.

At Asbury, we are part of God’s master plan to make disciples and train church leaders. One way we do that is by investing time and resources in seminaries and their students in Tanzania, Mexico and especially, Estonia.

Estonia is recovering from a difficult history. It was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940 resulting in tens of thousands of people being exiled to Siberian prison camps.

During a Nazi/Soviet power struggle the capital city, Tallinn, was bombed and the largest Methodist building was destroyed. Since communism allows for no god but the State—Christians and their leaders were targeted for persecution, if not elimination.

Estonians were freed from Soviet domination in 1992. But after 52 years of communist occupation, they were left to cope with economic devastation, habitual fear and distrust, and wide spread tension between Estonian-speaking and Russian-speaking people.

When Pastor Tom first visited in 1994, an oppressive and somber atmosphere pervaded the nation. Yet, from these ashes God raised up the largest Methodist congregation and seminary in continental Europe. The Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary (BMTS) was established the same year as Pastor Tom’s first visit, but Asbury’s relationship with the Estonian United Methodist Church actually started s. te with Bill Mason. ua d, grad ent from Finlan ud st a , ck bä rs He was approached to help support udents.

Andreas Fo ree cum laude st He was one of th

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yo sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has giv members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many ASBURY TIDINGS

a retired Scandinavian bishop who was to teach at Asbury Seminary. After two years, the bishop asked the church to support a young man from Estonia to attend Asbury Seminary. Asbury did, and this young man, Andrus Norak, finished seminary and became the first president of the seminary.

Our partnership with the seminary has continued to grow through financial support, student investment, and representation on the board of trustees.

Also, we have developed strong relationships with various congregations and ministries in Estonia, including Asbury’s sister church in Parnu, Camp Gideon (serving youth) and The Lighthouse (serving children and youth).

Always looking toward the future, Pastor Tom emphasizes the monumental importance of training tomorrow’s Bishop Oystein Olse n blesses the gradua ting students during church leaders today. He is passionMethodist Theologica the Baltic l Seminary graduatio ate about supporting and cooperating n ceremony. with the Baltic Seminary because it equips pastors to lead the church and make disciples in their part of the But they need help. world.

Because of economic struggles in the Baltic region, As Americans, it would be difficult to minister di- students have great difficulty affording the cost of rectly to a congregation of reindeer herders on the Si- tuition, and their sponsoring local congregations are berian tundra as two BMTS distance learners do, or to able to pay only a fraction of the cost. To put things share Christmas joy with impoverished children living into perspective, the entire Estonian UMC is far fewer in the Petseri region of Russia as two Estonian pastors in number than Asbury’s current membership. (and BMTS graduates) do.

Pastor Tom is encouraging Asbury members to con“The best thing we can do is train pastors,” said sider getting involved in this valuable work of training Pastor Tom. “The students come from an impressive pastors by investing in a seminary student’s education number of countries: Estonia, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, through a Kuum Scholarship. For $1,200/year or just Ukraine, Finland, Moldova, and Korea.” $100/month, members can help a student afford the They also represent nine different denominations. cost of tuition for one year.

The presence of Estonian-speaking and Russian-speakAlso, members who would like to participate in mising students, along with the broad range of nationali- sions are invited to join one of the Volunteers in Misties and denominations represented at BMTS, serves sion (VIM) teams traveling to Estonia, and those who as a “strong witness to the reconciling and inclusive want to pray can receive periodic newsletters. nature of the Gospel,” he said.

This is a wonderful picture of the body of Christ–– The seminary is specially suited to the Baltic Region with each member doing his or her part. The seminary because it offers full-time on-site programs, distance provides the training, the church provides support, learning, and modular tracks of study. Most impor- and the students-turned-pastors provide strong leadtantly, they teach all courses with simultaneous trans- ership to their local congregations or start new ones. lations in English, Estonian, and Russian.

The goal is to grow the Church, by growing pastors, by At the spring graduation, 16 students-turned-pas- growing seminaries. tors were equipped and commissioned to grow the For more information on Kuum Scholarships, VIM Church, while 144 continue their studies. trips, or to receive newsletters contact Mary Ann The Estonian people are resilient. The nation’s Smith by email (masmith@asburytulsa.org) or by atmosphere is more positive and hopeful. And the calling 392-1117.

Estonian UMC is hard at work.

ourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with ven you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. romansASBURY 12:3-5 TIDINGS

mixedemotions

operationhope Last Stop for Hope

tara lynn thompson

G

iles Gere buckled into his seat preparing for a long-flight to Hawaii. This trip was 45 years in the making. It was the culmination of early mornings, missed lunches, long meetings, stressful hours, stale coffee, and a career at Citgo in management that had finally ended with his retirement.

And this was the first day of the rest of his lifetime vacation—retirement.

Giles pulled out a book, relaxed, and waited for the plane to fly him to paradise. That was when the first line on the page stopped his plans cold.

“I read the first line which said, ‘It’s not about you,’” said Giles, who was reading The Purpose-Driven Life

by Rick Warren. “God opened a door the first day I’d retired. It was a wake up call.”

That line changed everything.

Since 1988, Giles had been ministering at a halfway house, working inside prison ministry. In 1994, Operation Hope Prison Ministries was formed. Four years ago, immediately following his retirement, Gere started his second career as the Operation Hope board president.

“When people get out (of prison), they don’t have any hope. They need housing, food, transportation,” Giles said. “I like dealing with people. I think I can

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help them. I want to help them.”

Operation Hope facilitates bible studies to those incarcerated, as well as help with mentoring, encouraging, or provisions like food and furniture to ex-offenders after release. The program works as the bridge between life inside the walls and life outside the fence.

“Operation Hope is the first line of defense for people getting out. We meet them at the bus. We try to catch them before they go under the bridge. We try to give them a safe place, to get them into Celebrate Recovery and into a Christian environment. Then we feel like we’ve done our job,” Giles said.

Operation Hope is under the umbrella of Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM), a prison ministry of the Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church.

“That aligns us with other Methodist prison ministry entities that we liaison with,” Giles explained.

The ministry focuses on basics first: food stamps, transportation to meet their parole officers, job searches, obtaining a state ID, medications, and a safe place to sleep.

“In the first two-week period, we really put an effort out to give a hand up, not a hand out. We’re trying to put them back into society.”

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil;

One of Operation Hope’s goals remains focused on incarcerated women and their children on the outside, how to not lose that connection, how to stay bonded with their child, and how to break the cycle of criminal activity in that next generation.

Three

times

a

year,

buses driven by Operation Hope volunteers arrive at the Eddie Warrior Correction Center in Taft with approximately 100 Tulsa area children inside, eager to visit their moms or grandmothers. The day is a day of joy and bonding,

“…we really put an effort out to give a hand up, not a hand out. We’re trying to put them back into society.” of games and crafts, of reintroducing these children

said, a slight lilt at the corner of his mouth. “It’s fun,

to their absentee family member.

and it’s heartbreaking. I run all the emotions. I’ve

“It’s a major thing we do to keep the moms and

laughed with them. I’ve cried with them.”

kids in touch,” Giles said. “People have no idea how

In his career, Giles said he had to learn to circum-

many people in their church are affected by an in-

vent the system, to make it work to make a sell. Now,

carcerated family member. Even churches in South

he’s making a sell for Jesus Christ.

Tulsa are impacted through prison ministry.”

If you believe it could have never happened to you or your family, Giles said, “Don’t kid yourself.”

Prison ministry is his calling. It is what he must do, Giles said, using the analogy of the boy walking along the beach, one-by-one tossing starfish back into

A child of a broken home or an incarcerated par-

the ocean to survive. “That’s the conclusion of the

ent is seven times more likely to end up in prison. In

story. For each one saved, they are helped because

Oklahoma, that means one in 27 people are incarcer-

of Christ, helped to have a better life. We’re doing the

ated or one in 37 people nationally, he said.

great commission.”

This isn’t an easy ministry. Giles often finds his heart and back aching.

For more information, or to donate money, items, or get involved, visit www.ohpm.org

“People are getting on to me all the time, ‘You’re 73 years old. Why are you moving furniture?’” Giles

cling to what is good. romans 12:9

ASBURY TIDINGS

9

ZEAL

BONGKANG Passionate Punch

tara lynn thompson

T

he room was empty, minus the mats on the floor and a few suspended punching bags still like the silence. No voices could be

10 ASBURY TIDINGS

heard. No breaking boards. Just quiet. The workout area in Kang’s Tae-Kwon-Do was motionless.

Bong Kang, owner of the Broken Arrow branch, sat behind his desk, one wall covered in black and white newspaper pictures chronicling a history rich in physical determination and bodily strength.

The small building in Tulsa offering a home to sweat and perseverance, also offers so much more.

“People have gotten saved here, right here, in this place,” said Bong, meeting with Tidings on a cloudless Monday morning. “God has cleaned house and used this place as a tool.”

Bong has a long history of martial arts in his family. At age three, he began training with his father Grand Master Kang, the highest ninth degree Black Belt in Oklahoma. He trained an hour and a half Monday through Thursday, two hours on Friday, four hours on Saturday, and during the competitive season, five hours a day.

And with very little religion in his life—his father claiming Buddhism—Bong drifted during his college years.

Finally, however, the power and strength and passion for God crept into his life one step of faith at a time and would eventually change his martial arts into a battle for Christ.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your

“God is with us. He is in my heart, so deep. He adds to life. His principles, when you have them in your life, makes life better because you make better choices.”

“I was very, very ignorant about church,” said Bong. “I didn’t understand who Jesus was.”

He only knew Jesus as a way for corrupt televangelists to take money. And suddenly, his mother wanted to attend church.

“I went because I wanted to protect my mom,” said Bong, speaking about his first church experience. “Everyone all stood up. I didn’t stand up. I sat in my chair being a punk.”

Eventually, Bong ended up in California, in a risky lifestyle, pushing the envelope of his future into a negative direction. After a near brush with the law, he said God had his attention. He knew his mom was at home praying and it was time to go back to Oklahoma and back to his martial arts, this time with

a new focus.

Over the next few years, he attended different churches, from Destiny to Grace to Guts to Church on the Move. And he finally met with God one evening ten years ago.

“I gave my life to Christ at my house,” Bong said.

“I went to Subway to eat afterward and had to tell someone about it. I told the woman who worked there.”

She ran to the back of the store, grabbed a Bible she owned, and gave it to Bong. That’s when the journey really began.

“It took a long time for God to cleanse me of all the iniquity from my life. But the Spirit of God cleaned house,” he said.

spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. romans 12:11

ASBURY TIDINGS 11

ZEAL

Now, his job, his lifelong education in martial arts, is his outlet to create passion for Jesus in others.

“Martial arts is about something you give to someone. It’s not about punching and kicking. It’s about respect and honor and humility. It’s about perseverance,” Bong said. “This business, these things in life are based on God—how He has changed me and what He has done in my life.”

Beyond presenting scripture and Biblical teachings in class, Bong also has a demonstration team that visits schools, teaching about sin and salvation.

Sins are written on boards and then broken by members of the demonstration team. He also explains, while using a sword to slice an apple, how God is a weapon and His word is sharper than any two-edge sword.

“I tell them, ‘Today is your day if you want to receive Christ,” Bong said, his speech coming quicker with excitement. “And they raise their hand and come forward.”

God’s word transforms lives, Bong said, and has done so with him also. A new chapter in his faith journey began when he attended an Asbury men’s mission trip to Rio Bravo.

“It was a life changer. The men were good men and worked hard. I’m not a real early riser, but I woke up and saw ten or 15 people up reading the word.

And they were affectionate with each other,” he said. “The fellowship opened that brand new door for me. Asbury has a lot of love and community and fellowship.”

Since then he has joined the church, attending Bible studies and men’s retreats and finding a home church.

“I don’t know what God has called me there for,

12 ASBURY TIDINGS

but I feel very great there,” said Bong.

His zeal and thirst to spread the message of Christ meets you at the door and is evident in his clothing—a Kang’s Tae-Kwon-Do shirt with a cross on the back.

“God is with us. He is in my heart, so deep. He adds to life. His principles, when you have them in your life, makes life better because you make better choices,” said Bong, who talked about his great spirit of joy.

The lessons are transforming lives, not only his.

Bong said he had a 12-year-old student, a “punk,” come in for martial arts lessons. After getting involved in martial arts and after Bong took him to church, his life changed. Now, years later, he is an instructor at Kang’s Tae-Kwon-Do. “I think people need love and to know you care about them. When you look at them, you have hope for them,” he said.

His hope also extends to the community and making a positive mark for children. Kang’s TaeKwon-Do has held three Break-A-Thons, the last raising $30,507.54 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Currently, he is working to raise $50,000 for the new St. Francis Children’s Hospital.

Concerning the future of Kang’s Tae-Kwon-Do, Bong and his brother, also a Christian and an instructor at the main Tulsa campus, have plans to continue teaching the fundamentals and benefits of martial arts, while doing the same with their message about Jesus.

“God is able to do more than what we think or can imagine,” he said. “I know what I’m suppose to do. Then I let God take care of the rest.”

“Martial arts is about something you give to someone.

It’s not about punching and kicking.

It’s about respect and honor and humility.

It’s about perseverance.”

ASBURY TIDINGS 13

hospitality

cindymayes The How-To of Hospitality cindy mayes

M

atthew 25 has taught me more about the meaning of hospitality than any other scripture passage.

It tells of a judgment scene with the Son of Man, Jesus, separating people. Neither group knows why they have been placed in the category they find themselves in.

The deciding factor, Jesus reveals, has to do with how they have treated “the least of these,” as Jesus calls them. Every time we reach out to someone who is thirsty, hungry, in need of clothing, sick, in prison, or a stranger, we are reaching out to Christ himself.

“I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

To think of every stranger we meet as Christ himself makes the act of hospitality all the more urgent and important. Hospitality, therefore, begins with remembering every stranger we meet is Christ in our midst. What an opportunity that offers!

The act of welcoming a stranger in our midst becomes a little easier when we put ourselves in the stranger’s place. Who among us likes to walk into a room full of strangers?

The problem is compounded when it seems everyone else present seems to know one another. It’s an isolating experience, being ignored in a room full of people who are enjoying one another’s company.

Every Asbury Community needs to ask themselves this question: If you were to visit your community

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for the first time, would you come back?

There are some simple things every Asbury member and Asbury community can do to make sure every visitor, every guest is welcomed warmly.

1. Get past the fear of extending a greeting.

In a large congregation, if you don’t know someone personally it’s hard to know if they are a member or a guest. So introduce yourself anyway and reach out just in case. You never know when you are going to meet someone who could be an incredible blessing in your life.

2. When you meet a guest, introduce the guest to as many people as possible.

Help them get acquainted. Repeat names for the guests so they don’t have to worry about embarrassing themselves by forgetting a name.

3. Wear your nametag.

As a relatively new pastor here, I can tell you it is hard to remember so many names. Nametags help cue my visual memory. Wearing our nametags is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our guests.

4. Greeters are vitally important, but the job entails more than saying, “Good morning,” and “Welcome.”

Effective greeters engage the guest, seek to learn a bit about the guest, and then connect the guest with someone who has a similar interest, hobby, etc.

Share with God’s people who are in need.

5. Never let a guest sit alone.

And let the guest know that you are receptive to answering any questions they have while they are visiting. The Wesley Foundation at the University of Oklahoma has a standing rule for their Tuesday night Vespers Service: nobody sits alone—neither guest nor Wesley regular attendee. Worship is a time to connect with God and with one another.

6. It is important that community announcements are “stranger friendly.”

Never assume people either understand or don’t really want to know the information being shared. It is doubly uncomfortable to be the stranger and not know what people are talking about.

7. If a social event is scheduled, make sure guests leave with information in hand.

They won’t know where John and Jane Smith live. They will likely not know who John and Jane Smith are. Take time to put the “who, what, where, and when” in print so that guest can take the information home with them. Be sure to include a phone number so they have someone to contact if there are any questions.

8. Better yet, offer to pick them up.

Take them to the event so they don’t have to find the place on their own, and they don’t have to walk into a stranger’s home by themselves.

9. Make sure you follow up with guests.

Call them and let them know you are glad they came.

10. Communities can help guests feel more a part of their community.

Sharing the community’s history, mission focus, annual activities, etc. The more guests know, the more inclined they are to invest their time and energy in your community.

11. Inform, inform, inform.

Never make assumptions about what people know or don’t know. And make sure they understand church lingo. Explain what UMW, CR, the CLC, and Alpha are.

12. Invite guests to church-wide activities.

Help them learn where they can find out about ongoing activities that might be beneficial to them.

13. Don’t assume that somebody else is greeting guests.

It is every member’s responsibility to extend themselves to the stranger in their midst.

The most important thing to remember is that each one of us is representing our community, our church, and Christ himself. What a joy it will be to one day hear Christ say to us, “I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Practice hospitality. romans 12:13

ASBURY TIDINGS 15

guidance

stevearea Discovering God’s Will marty mcbroom

S

teve Area wanted to serve. He just didn’t know where. When he and his family joined Asbury, the church was so big he didn’t know which way to turn. He decided to pray and ask God for guidance.

Two weeks later he got a phone call. They needed somebody to take over an unruly sixth grade boys’ class.

“They called me because my son was one of those unruly boys,” Steve laughed.

Even though his background didn’t lend itself to teaching or mentoring, he took on this group and stayed with them until they graduated from high school. Then he started with another group.

“It was a process for me to learn how to get involved in their lives. It’s not rocket science. It’s just making yourself available to these kids,” he said.

Asbury encourages a leader to stay with the same group until graduation, which helps with the continuity of guiding these kids. Small groups are the backbone of Asbury’s ministry with youth.

In addition to the meetings on Sunday evenings, he is actively involved with each boy in his group, which is generally comprised of five to eight kids, although it varies.

16

“At Asbury, we are blessed with so many students in grades seven through 12 that we, as youth workers, couldn’t possibly develop relationships with all of them,” said Marsha Baker, youth staff member. “That is where small group leaders come in. Small groups make the bigness of Asbury small. The goal of small groups is not only discipleship, but that each student connects with an adult mentor who can guide them through the difficulties of the teen years in their journey of faith.”

Steve makes contact with each of his boys once or twice a week. The group occasionally gets together for a campout or goes paintballing or works out, and the boys will often bring friends to these events.

On Sunday evenings, the group will cover practical topics, like how to treat your parents or good manners. Sometimes, Steve even asks them to choose their own topic for the following week.

“I bring Bible references or maybe a guest speaker to talk about the topic they’ve chosen,” said Steve. “It’s not just Bible study. It’s right living.”

Often, a boy will bring a guest. Steve said during the 12 years of his small group, approximately

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer you spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the p ASBURY TIDINGS your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God

140 to 150 guests have attended.

“Hopefully seeds were planted,” he said.

Sometimes parents share worries with Steve, and he’s able to guide them and encourage them. He also encourages his boys to get a good education and go to college. They talk about pre-college exams and specific study habits that will help them.

“Today, with so many blended families and one-parent families, a kid might be confused about core values like integrity, being truthful and what the world is really wanting from him,” Steve said.

“He might be embarrassed to talk to a parent about something. The kids know that everything they tell me will be held in strictest confidence. The two exceptions are if an action will hurt the boy or will harm someone else.”

Although dynamics of each group are different, Steve said it’s imperative you enjoy being around teenagers.

“Some people think they can’t handle it, and that’s the way I was.

Once you figure out how to identify

I was a stranger and you let me in. with them, the process is easy. You don’t talk down to them—you talk with them,” he said. “The biggest tool you need is to have patience and a willingness to learn from them and share your experiences.”

The Asbury youth staff is glad to work with someone who wants to explore working with teens. Volunteers may pair up with other people to co-lead a group if it isn’t possible to attend every week due to business travel or other responsibilities.

Everyone working with children or youth under-

goes a background check. There is some training involved and reference material available. Asbury covers expenses incurred when a small group leader participates in a church-sponsored event like youth camp or a mission trip.

For more information, contact Greg Lynn, 3921174, if you are interested in learning about helping in the Small Group ministry.

ur bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of ASBURY TIDINGS d’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. romans 12:1-2

17

mercy

cathybreece In View of God’s Mercies

heather bates

G

rowing old is not for the faint of heart.

Though secure of everlasting life through Jesus Christ, the process of growing old is not an easy one.

The body becomes weak and frail. The mind is not as sharp. Eventually, people become dependent on others for care. Even before experiencing this firsthand, many go through it with their parents and loved ones. Making the decision to care for loved ones can be life changing, as the Breece family found out a year ago.

Cathy Breece’s mother-in-law, Clara, is 91, and her sister, Helen, 87. Both ladies have dementia. Helen’s is not as severe, but she struggles with other health issues.

Aunt Dode, as she is affectionately called, moved in with her sister 12 years ago, offering her home to Cathy and her family when they moved to Tulsa.

At the time, Cathy’s brother-in-law lived with Clara and Helen. However, in time the sister’s constant care became more difficult.

Clara’s dementia was affecting her ability to function. Then last summer Aunt Dode had to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure.

The family began to carefully consider the options.

By placing them in a nursing home, Cathy and her husband, Jim, knew it would be difficult to keep the sisters together. They also worried about the type of care the ladies would receive and the daily visits to check on that care.

The other option was to care for them in their home.

The Breeces knew this way they could make sure they had the best care. However, before making this decision, they sat down with their three children so that it would be a family decision. Everyone would have to make sacrifices. Their lives would drastically change. But even with all the challenges they would have to face, everyone agreed that bringing the women into the home was the right thing to do.

Cathy knew that a majority of work would fall on her shoulders.

“You have to put yourself in their place and want to care for them as you would want someone to care for you,” said Cathy.

Taking care of people comes naturally for Cathy, who grew up watching her mother minister to others.

When Cathy graduated from high school, her grandfather had recently passed away. Not feeling ready to live on her own, she asked her grandmother if she would be interested in a “roommate.”

She lived with her for two years and says it was a wonderful experience. When her grandmother was no longer able to live by herself, Cathy’s parents brought her into their home.

“I first met Cathy at an Asbury Leadership conference,” said Charlene Giles, director of care and marriage for Asbury. “We sat next to one another, and I was drawn to her merciful, sweet spirit immediately!

Much to my delight, she later decided to become a

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…

18 ASBURY TIDINGS

Front (left to right): Brittany Breece, James Breece, Helen Bridges, Jim Breece, Clara Breece; Standing (left to right): Melissa Breece, Cathy Breece.

Stephen Minister. We can train people with helping skills, but only God can implant that spiritual gift of mercy that is so necessary in a ministry like Stephen Ministry.”

The sisters came home to live with the Breece family in July 2007. Their son, James, gave up his room to share space with his older sister Brittany.

Their oldest daughter, Melissa, took time out of her busy college schedule to help.

At first, the move caused a lot of anxiety for Jim’s mom. She was unfamiliar with their place, often didn’t recognize them, and would wander around the house. She loved to be outside, and since they live on 20 acres in Coweta, this posed a danger. The home had to be childproofed and the family’s freedom diminished.

For Cathy to leave the house, a plan had to be made far in advance. Someone had to be with the sisters at all times. This was especially hard in the beginning when they had no outside help.

Due to the degree of care both women required, the family needed to find additional caregivers. They were able to find a couple of college students that have worked out well. One works during the day and

the other works a few evenings a week.

In March, they found someone to come in on Saturdays and Sundays so the family can attend church together.

Cathy says the hardest challenges for the family have been losing their ability to do things spontaneously, finding the right help, and scheduling so they can do normal things as a family.

More recently, Aunt Dode has suffered a few strokes that have left her unable to move around on her own. They are also losing the young woman that helps in the evening when she goes away to nursing school this fall.

Despite the challenges, Cathy said having control of the care their loved ones are receiving is so important and worthwhile. Even though Jim’s mother does not know who they are, she knows she is with people she loves and people that love her. This shows on her face every time Jim walks into the room or her grandchildren come downstairs to spend time with her.

The whole family has been blessed by this experience. As for Cathy, she can’t imagine having it any other way.

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. romans 12:6&8

ASBURY TIDINGS 19

FALL 2008 SCHEDULE OF COURSES

BIBLICAL STUDIES Disciple, Part I 17 sessions (first half of a 2-semester course), Thursdays, Aug. 14–Dec. 18 (will not meet Oct. 16 or Nov. 27) 6:30–8:30 pm, Rm. 2818 Teacher: Dr. Vaughn Story Cost: $38 (cost of materials for both semesters) This 34-week course is for adults wanting to learn how to be a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ directly from the texts of the Bible through a sequential study and discussions of the whole Bible. Join us weekly for two hours of comprehensive Bible study guided by a trained and experienced instructor who shares through a variety of interactive teaching methods of biblical scholarship for understanding the Bible. Those interested in participating must attend a one-hour orientation on either Thursday, July 31 or August 7 at 6:30 pm in room 2818, where materials may be purchased and registration completed.

The Revelation Part I: Bringing It All to Completion, 12 sessions Tuesdays, Sept. 2–Nov. 18, 6:30–8 pm, Rm. 2820 Teacher: Gail Knox Cost: $15 A two-semester course from Word Among Us Ministries that incorporates teachings about end-times from scripture, this Bible study is comprehensive yet 20 ASBURY TIDINGS

easy to understand. As an inductive study, it will help you learn how to discover for yourself what God has to say about end times. Homework will involve approximately 2 hours of outside preparation each week.

To Live Is Christ: The Life and Ministry of Paul, 12 Sessions Tuesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 25, 9:15–11:15 am, Rm. 1504 Teacher: Cindy Read Cost: $15 This Beth Moore journey through a study of Acts and the epistles of Paul presents fascinating Bible truths to help us gain a new appreciation of servanthood and why Paul said “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Get to know the “Apostle to the Gentiles” in a new way. He served faithfully and loved heartily. This study will challenge and encourage you with a new appreciation of servanthood.

Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent, 7 sessions Tuesdays, Sept. 9–Oct. 21, 9:30–11:30 am, Rm. 2818 Teacher: Dana Harrison Cost: $13 Beth Moore’s detailed study of Psalms 120–134 engages participants in unique opportunities for personal reflection and worship while exploring the background of each psalm and psalmist, the majority of which were written

by David. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear,

doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us.

Believing God 10 Sessions, Tuesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 11, 6:30–8:30 pm, Rm. 2818, Teacher: Dee Dee Geddie Cost: $15 Beth Moore study - Do you take God at His Word, believing what He has told you, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers? Explore what it means to not only believe in God, but to believe Him. Through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others from Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believed God, this study will encourage you to deepen your own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him. Ephesians: The Church—Rooted in Love, Walking in Power 11 sessions, Tuesdays, Sept. 9–Nov. 18, 9:30–11:30 am, Rm. 2500 Teacher: Nancy Baxter Cost: $20 Precept Upon Precept study -Before Paul even hints at how believers should live, he lays a rock-solid foundation of who and what we are in Christ: chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, targeted by grace, sons of God united in a single family, inheritors, holy,

redeemed, forgiven, raised from the dead and seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenlies! Join us in this study of how believers should then live.

II Thessalonians: So You Won’t Be Deceived About His Coming 7 sessions, Tuesdays, Sept. 9–Oct. 21, 9:30–11:30 am, Rm. 2820 Teacher: Nancy Staab Cost: $15 Precept Upon Precept study—Are you an example to others? Learn principles of exemplary Christian living and understand warfare sparked by the presence of the Gospel. The Thessalonians were interested in the end times, just as we are today. But they were confused about the day of the Lord until they received this letter from Paul. Second Thessalonians should be included in your study of prophecy to fully understand what God says about the last days.

submission, and service, help prepare us to make the world a better place. The corporate disciplines of confession, worship, guidance, and celebration, bring us nearer to one another and to God. Discover how these disciplines can become part of our daily activities and how they can help us shed our superficial habits and “bring the abundance of God into our lives.”

The Holy Spirit—His Person, Presence, Purpose, and Provision 8 sessions, Wednesdays Sept. 10–Nov. 5, 6–8 pm, Rm. 2820 Teacher: Rev. Dick Read Cost: $20 Explore the incredible gift that Jesus promised and God provided in His own Spirit poured into the lives of believers. Come to a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit by exploring

Scripture and discovering how the Spirit works in the lives of His disciples. “If you and I are going to live victorious Christian lives, we must understand that the Holy Spirit’s task is to enable us to experience the Christian life.”

(Tony Evans in The Promise) The Study of Islam 6 sessions, Wednesdays, Oct. 1-Nov. 12 (will not meet Oct. 15), 6–8 pm, Rm. 1335 Teacher: Rev. David Thomas Cost: $5 This 6 week course will focus on the historic background and basic teachings of Islam, comparing the similarities and striking contrasts with the Christian faith. We will hear the personal testimony of a Muslim who converted to Christianity and find ourselves walking through the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.

DOCTRINE AND THEOLOGY A Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth 10 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept.10–Nov. 19 (will not meet Oct.15), 6–7 pm, Rm. 1506 Teacher: Rev. Cindy Mayes Cost: $18 Discover a richer spiritual life infused with joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God by exploring the “classic Disciplines” of the Christian faith. The inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study, offer avenues of personal examination and change. The outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, ASBURY TIDINGS 21

FALL 2008 SCHEDULE OF COURSES

EVANGELISM AND MISSIONS Alpha (for adults) and Alpha Sprouts (for kids preschool through 6th grade) 10 Sessions, Tuesdays, Sept. 16–Nov. 18, 6:30–8:45 pm Adults in Community Life Center Children in Rm. 2901 No cost for course.

Explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening setting at weekly sessions, with an optional overnight retreat (for adults) on Oct. 24-25. Explore such questions as Who is Jesus?

Why did Jesus die? Who is the Holy Spirit? How can I overcome Evil? Families can share in the experience together, since adult and children’s courses run concurrently. Children will have fun while seeking the answers to these questions as they attend Alpha Sprouts. Preview dinner and Luau party, Sept. 9 at 6:30 pm in the CLC. Meal RSVP at 392-1191.

CHRISTIAN LIVING Financial Peace University 13 weeks, Wednesdays, Aug. 20–Nov. 19 (will not meet Oct. 15), Rm. 2818 OR Sundays, Aug. 24–Nov. 23 (will not meet Oct. 19), Rm. 2820 6-8 pm Facilitator: Rick Boothe Cost: $93 for kit, one kit needed per couple This program is not a quick fix for financial worries. It is a 13 week program which requires real commitment. By teaching you 22 ASBURY TIDINGS

money management basics, FPU can give you hope and provide a solid plan to walk you from the financial bondage of debt into true Financial Peace. Attend one of four free orientations from 6-7 pm on Wednesday nights Aug. 6 or 13 in Rm. 2818, or Sunday nights Aug. 10 or 17 in Rm. 2820 for an overview of FPU course material, and to decide if you are ready to change your family tree.

Season of Simply Prayer Wednesdays, Sept. 10–Nov. 5, 6–7 pm Prayer Room in main building Facilitator: Cheryl Steffen No cost Come whenever you can to this interactive prayer time for those with a burden for our nation as we go through this season leading up to our presidential election. The hour will be spent praying specifically for our nation’s leadership, voters, and unity in the body of Christ. Join us for this focused time of prayer to be obedient to II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”

MARRIAGE & FAMILY Shepherding a Child’s Heart 8 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept. 10–Nov. 5, (will not meet Oct. 15), 6–8 pm, Rm. 1504 Teacher: Christy Capps Cost: $15

This insightful course is for parents with children of any age, providing perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child’s heart into the paths of life.

Join us as we learn fresh biblical approaches to child rearing.

Dynamic Marriage 9 sessions, Tuesdays, Sept.16–Nov. 18 (not meeting Nov. 4), 6:30–9 pm Rm. 1507 Facilitators: Ron & Jackie Carter Cost: $130 per couple (many materials included, scholarships available) This interactive class will focus on replacing old habits with new ones in a unique, safe environment. Practical ideas will be given to help you go from good to great, from mediocre to magnificent, or from hurt to healed.

Limited to first 12 paid couples.

To register, call Jackie or Ron at 251-6665 or rcarjac@valornet. com prior to first class.

Pressure Proof Your Marriage 1 Weekend: 6 pm Friday, Oct. 3 through Noon Sunday, Oct. 5 Neosho River Ranch (55 minute drive near Wagoner, OK) Facilitators: John & Stephanie Locher and Brock & Diane King No childcare Get away for two nights in a bed and breakfast setting. Group discussions, lots of fun, and free time as a couple on this marriage enrichment weekend. Get rid of myths that are adding to your load and find godly ways to handle stress. Only $50 per

couple for lodging, food, and materials. Limited to first 10 paid couples. To register, send check to Event Registration c/o Asbury.

CARE Thriving Again 13 sessions, Wednesdays, Sept. 3–Dec. 10 (not meeting Oct. 15 & Nov. 26), 7–8:45 pm, Rm. 2500 Facilitator: Jeff Rindt Cost: none This scripturally based class, hosted by licensed counselor Jeff Rindt, features proven strategies for escaping the shame and hopelessness of divorce and renewing your faith in God and yourself. See how God can turn difficult situations into a catalyst for a better life. Come as you are and find acceptance, new connections, optimism and the motivation to be your best self.

For more information, call Jeff at 742-7722.

GriefShare 13 sessions, Tuesdays, Aug. 26–Nov. 18, 7–8:30 pm, Rm. 2314 Cost: $12 GriefShare is a special weekly video series and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them.

It’s a safe place to be around people who understand what you are feeling. At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable information about recovering from your grief and renewing your hope for the future.

Preparing for the Holidays Grief Workshop 1 session, Saturday, Nov. 8 10 am–12 pm Parlor Facilitator: Carl Novinger Cost: none No childcare Experiencing grief can be especially painful during the holidays.

Let’s spend some time together.

We’ll have materials for you to take home and share ideas about the best way to spend the holidays during those particularly challenging times of life following a loss.

Come Anytime Studies These studies may continue beyond the semester parameters and may be joined at any point in time.

Mothers’ Fellowship Mondays 9:30–11:30 am Sept. 8–Dec. 15 Parlor (1900) Teacher: Esther Gene Morrison A Bible study for mothers of young children, usually centered around the study of a book selection or two. This semester will begin with a study of “Twelve Ordinary Men” by John MacArthur.

Believers Bible Study Wednesdays, 6–7:30 pm Year-round, with a slight break during the summer.

Rm. 1508 Teacher: Don Herrold

Continuous Study of Books of the Bible Women of the Word Wednesdays, 10–11 am Ongoing, year-round Rm. 2319 Teacher: Darlene Johnson, Pastor to Women No childcare Open Bible study focusing on the practical application of the scripture sermon series.

BREATHE Wednesdays, 6–8 pm* Sept. 10–Nov. 19 Rm. 2821 Teacher: Jessica Dyer A women’s group meeting midweek to study, pray & just spend time building godly friendships!

This semester will open with the study of Becoming a Contagious Christian.

Men’s Fraternity I “The Quest for Authentic Manhood,” Tuesday mornings, 6:15–7:30 am Sept. 9–Nov. 25 Rm. 2820 Men’s Fraternity 2 “The Great Adventure” Wednesdays, 6–8 pm Sept. 10– Nov. 19 (will not meet Oct. 15) Rm. 1300 (formerly Youth Worship area) *Class time will actually run around 6:10–7:45 pm, due to dropping off and picking up kids in childcare, children’s choirs and children’s activities. Please have children in choir by 6 pm.

ASBURY TIDINGS 23

Lessons from a Granddaughter john westervelt

M

y granddaughter, Amy Westervelt, graduated from Texas A&M a year ago. She recently completed a college program with Kanakuk Institute and John Brown University that earned her a Master of Arts degree in Youth and Family Counseling. In late August, she will begin working as Minister to High School Girls at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas.

I am sure that Amy could give me good counsel today. However, it was 20 years ago as a three-year-

aded for the zoo. he e w , ap n ’s y m After A south e the train to the d ri to ed id ec d e W anivisiting with the ck ba k al w d an end the e train stop were th d on y be st Ju mals. iendship between fr t an st in an as seals. It w d two dy, mommy, an ad d e th d an y m A other bies chased each ba he T s. al se baby ur . It was as if all fo tt re B d an y m A as do ntinual chatter co ’s y m A ar he ld seals cou to her requests. ed m or rf pe ey th as ts at waking momen r he l al g n ri u D n d on a conversatio ie rr ca y m A , se u my ho favorite Christian y m of e n O e. with m ve is ell, states that lo authors, John Pow may true, then Amy If . n io at ic n u m com hile t living lovers. W es at re g e th of e be on e looking her in th ot n d an g n vi ri I was d d add me something an eye, she would tell ?’ ight Grandpa John ‘R , ly al ic et th n re pa at of nap time, in pe re a as w e m ti Bed r o stories. At fou tw e m sa e th g cludin 24 ASBURY TIDINGS

old that she helped me discover my gift.

Let me take you back to 1988. I had been a widower for a year. Paul, Sandy, and six-year-old Brett were going to Stillwater for a 6:30 p.m. football game. Amy was going to spend the afternoon and night with me, and we were to meet her family at Asbury for Sunday school and church. Following are excerpts from my letter to my family written in early October 1988:

o’clock in the morning , Amy called me wanting the teddy be ar that had fallen out of bed. Her arms we re cold so I covered her.

At 7:30 a.m. there were two faces snuggled down in the pillow sleeping soundly.

The furry one was th e teddy bear. Rubbing the non-furry on e and talking softly, I said, ‘Teddy bear , teddy bear, turn around, teddy bear, ted dy bear touch the ground, teddy bear....’

As the non-furry one kept sinking her he ad deeper into the pillow, I thought, ‘Oh no, like her father she doesn’t like to get up.’ I discovered I was wrong when the he ad that turned was wearing a broad smile .

Amy’s good humor co ntinued as she ate little white donuts wi th my scrambled eggs. After breakfast, I put Amy’s dress on her and helped her with her shoes and socks. At Asbury, I lef t Amy with

classSusie Wood in the three-year-old room, and I went to my class. ked Susie told Sandy when she pic ething up Amy, ‘In case Amy says som , took about it, I took her into the bathroom und.’” off her dress, and turned it aro t three(Susie and Cary Wood have taugh ry for year-old Sunday school at Asbu

24 years.) a volJean Hackler-Atchison had been ision unteer leader in the children’s div te one for as long as I could remember. La perate spring, she told me that she was des g the for teachers for the children durin take summer months. I thought, “I can not try care of Amy at my house. Why ” teaching her three-year-old class?

hn

Grandpa Jo

So I did and continued helping in the children’s area for the next seven summers.

One summer I taught with Xerlan Swaffer in the second grade class. Struggling with her first name, the children called her Granny X. I was in my 60s. Granny X was older than I in years but younger in spirit.

At age 67 I retired from BP Amoco Research Laboratories and worked on contract half days on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On the second Tuesday that I was home alone, I called my friend Helen Frymire, a 25 year veteran of Asbury weekday preschool, and asked if I could be a volunteer helper in her three-year-old class on Tuesday and Thursday. She gave me a try, and it worked.

Five years later BP Amoco moved the laboratories to Houston, and I fully retired. Now acquainted with all the preschool teachers, I found volunteer work on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with four-year-olds. For 14 years the children have given me a reason to get up each morning.

If Amy had not been so loving as a threeyear-old and if Jean Atchison had not been so persistent in recruiting me to teach the children, I might never have discovered my gift, and that would have been a shame.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.

If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:6-8

ASBURY TIDINGS 25

asbury

calling 492-1771, selecting option

Friends in Christ Community

opportunities

2, and leaving a message for the

Sundays, 11 am, Rm. 1507

pastor on call.

general information

Engaged Couples

RoadMap

If you are planning to use an

All courses being offered in the Fall

Asbury pastor to officiate and/or

2008 RoadMap session are listed

use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to

on the Asbury website at www.

book ASAP to allow ample time

asburytulsa.org. Look for the new

for Couple-to-Couple (required

Fall brochure.

Breakfast Served from 7:15-9 am in the CLC. Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with fresh donuts, bagels, biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, fruit, and cereal. $2 for adults & $1 for children 12 & under.

Sunday Morning Worship 8 am, Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion) 9:15 am, Sanctuary (Contemporary) 9:15 am, Open House Worship (CLC) (Acoustic Worship, Casual Setting) 11 am, Sanctuary (Traditional w/ sign interpreter) 11 am, Venue 68 (Modern) Sundays for Children & Students 6 Weeks-4 Yrs: 8:00, 9:15 & 11 am K-6th Grades: 9:15 or 11 am 7th-9th Grades: 9:15 & 11 am 10th-12th Grades: 9:15 am only Adult Discipleship Communities 8:00, 9:15, & 11 am & Wednesdays, 6:00 and 6:30 pm and NEW! Thursdays at 5:30 pm (See Discipleship) Surgery or Hospitalization Scheduled?

Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of time by calling Ruth at 392-1146 so your pastors can be in prayer for you. When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. The after-hours pastoral emergency line can be reached by

bible study

premarital sessions). Six months to one year lead time suggested.

Disciple Bible Study Join Dr. Vaughn Story for Disciple

The Gazebo is Open

bible study, a 34-week course

CDs of Tom’s “Message of the Day”

for adults that will take you from

are available immediately following

Genesis to Revelation through

the worship service for $3. Prayer

weekly, two hour long, small-group

Journals are also available for $5

experiences. August 14–May 14,

each.

cost is $38.

Recycling

care and support

Recycle unwanted paper products.

Visits to Asbury Members

Three bins are available, located in

Asbury has a unique group of vol-

the south and east parking lots.

unteers (Asbury Connection) who regularly visit people who are either

Asbury Family News is available at

homebound or in nursing homes. If

the Welcome Centers. It includes

you are interested in being visited,

hospital lists, births, deaths,

call Ruth at 392-1146, or contact

marriages, baptisms and military

the coordinator, Abby Sluice at

listings.

ozyanks2000@yahoo.com

Doors of Asbury posters are at the

Prayer Card Sending Team

Welcome Centers…FREE! Suitable

Usually meets first and third

for framing.

Mondays at 10 am in Rm. 1621 to send cards with God’s encouraging

New Additions to the Library

words and our prayers to those

The Asbury Library is a wonderful

who are ill or going through hard

resource. Thank you to all who

times. Cards and care packages are

continue to contribute books to our

also sent to Asbury-related military

Library.

personnel. Contact Gwen Mohler

at grmohler@aol.com for more

access

information, or call 392-1146.

Hands of Love Sign Choir Sundays, 6-7 pm, Rm. 2821

Asperger Support Group First Thursday from 7-9 pm in Rm. 1506. For mothers of children with

26 ASBURY TIDINGS

Asperger Syndrome. Childcare

Military Connection

God can turn difficult situations into

available.

Please join us in praying for our

a catalyst for a better life. Come as

troops in harm’s way and their

you are and find acceptance, new

Alzheimer’s Support Group

families. Periodic care packages and

connections, optimism and the

Third Thursday, from 1:30-3 pm in

monthly encouragement cards with

motivation to be yourself. Meets

Rm. 1621. Christian hope, support

God’s Word are sent to Asbury-re-

Wednesdays starting September 3

and education for friends and

lated military personnel. The Prayer

at 7 pm (after dinner) in Rm. 2500.

family of those with Alzheimer’s or

Ministry also covers them in prayer.

For more information, call Jeff at

other dementia.

Please send contact information

742-7722

(complete name and address) to Cancer Support Group

Gwen Mohler at grmohler@aol.com

Asbury Bear Bags

Second Sunday of each month,

or call 392-1146.

Asbury Bear Bags with coloring

4-6 pm, Parlor. For those living with

books have comforted young GriefShare

children for many years, but now

GriefShare is a special weekly

you may give a Bear Bag with a

Divorce Recovery

video series and support group for

scripture-based journal included

Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm. 1335.

people who are grieving the death

instead! Great for teens and adults.

For those suffering from the early,

of someone close to them. It’s a

Anyone may deliver an Asbury Bear

highly emotional stages of divorce

safe place to be around people who

to someone who is grieving. For

and separation trauma. Childcare

understand what you are feeling.

more information, contact Beth at

available.

At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable

392-1116.

cancer and their family and friends.

information about recovering from Divorce Rebuilding

your grief and renewing your hope

children

Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm. 1335.

for the future. Tuesdays, August

Registration forms for all children’s

For those ready to rebuild their

26 - November 18, 7-8:30 pm, Rm.

activities are available in the

lives after separation or divorce.

2314. Cost is $12 for workbook. Call

preschool and elementary lobbies.

Childcare available.

392-1191 to register.

Eating Disorder Recovery

Facing Change and Loss

Parents who are involved in

For individuals seeking support in

Learn healthy ways to acknowledge

RoadMap classes during these core

the recovery process. Wednesdays

big and little losses, and then be

hours will have childcare provided

at 12 pm in Room 1621. Bring a

transformed by the caring hands

for children 6 weeks-12 yrs of age

sack lunch. Contact Marcy McMurry

of our Heavenly Father. Learn ways

with no reservations needed:

at marcymcmurry@sbcglobal.net

to help others cope with change.

Sun: 8 am-12 pm

Presenters: Dr. Geneva Hickman,

Mon & Tue: 9 am-12 pm

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Jane Hedrick and Carl Novinger.

Tue, Wed, & Thur: 6-9 pm

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

September 18, 7-9 pm in Rm. 1502.

Core Childcare Hours

pm, Rm 1506.

Mental Health Support for Families For family members or caregivers of people affected by a mental illness.

4th Thursdays, 1:30-3 pm in the Parlor. Call Ruth at 392-1146.

Everyone welcome. Thursday, Murdock Villa A mission opportunity for our 5th Thriving Again!

& 6th grade students. Usually the

This scripturally based class, hosted

second Sunday of the month from

by licensed counselor Jeff Rindt,

12:30-3:30 pm. Cost is $5 for CiCi’s

features proven strategies for

Pizza. We’ll eat then visit Murdock

escaping the shame and hopeless-

Villa where we will play Bingo and

ness of divorce and renewing your

do crafts with special needs adults.

faith in God and yourself. See how ASBURY TIDINGS 27

It is an amazing time to witness in

acox@asburytulsa.org for more

our local community. Limited to 10

information. Sept. 14, 21 & 28.

kids each month. For further information contact Jami at 392-1166.

discipleship Discipleship Communities

3rd Grade Bible Presentation

If you have not yet found an Adult

Sunday, September 14. On this very

Discipleship Community check out

special and significant Sunday, all

“Get Involved” on our website,

children entering the 3rd grade will

www.asburytulsa.org or pick up a

each receive their very own copy

brochure at one of our Welcome

of the Word of God!! This annual

Centers.

event is a great stepping stone and also of immense significance. The

Financial Peace University

presentation will take place during

Financial Peace University is a 13

all of the worship services. The

week program which teaches you

third graders and their parents will

money management basics. FPU

come forward and line the altar rail

can give you hope and provide a

for the bible presentations. You are

solid plan to walk you from the

invited to attend a reception in their

financial bondage of debt into

honor after both the 9:15 am and 11

true Financial Peace. Classes are

am services. More information will

Wednesday evenings beginning

be sent to third grade families as

on August 20, 6 pm, Rm. 2818 or

the date draws nearer. Call Amber

Sunday evenings beginning August

Cox, acox@asburytulsa.org or

24, 6 pm, Rm. 2820. Cost is $93 for

392-1171

materials.

Bible Explorers

employment

Parents, do you want to spend some time in the Word with your

PT Nursery Staff Positions Available

child? 3rd graders, do you want

Part-time position will work 10-

to learn what your new Adventure

15 hours weekly in the Asbury

Bible can do for you? We will

Nursery. The schedule will include

discuss how it is written; discover

Sunday morning from 8:30 am-

how it is organized and see what

12:30 pm with a few remaining

cool tips it has for you. This class

hours during the childcare weekday

is designed for the 3rd grader and

and weeknight core hours. Suc-

their parent(s). There is a $2 dona-

cessful applicant should have a

tion per person on September 14

love for children, willingness to

and includes dinner. We will meet

portray Christian beliefs and values

in the H2O room from 6:30-8 pm

to children and families. Resumés

and childcare is provided (infants

should be sent to Vicki Ihrig, Asbury

– 6th grade). To help us plan, please

UMC, 6767 S. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK,

register early. You may come

74133 or call her at 918-392-1160.

whether or not you receive a bible September 14. We’d love to have you. Call Amber Cox, 392-1171, 28 ASBURY TIDINGS

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

Milestone Wedding Anniversaries Email your September or October Milestone Anniversary (5,10,15,20, etc.) to Carolyn Schutte at brucetschutte@valornet.com or call 392-1146.

Dynamic Marriage Go from good to great, mediocre to magnificent or hurt to healed!

8-week interactive class. Tuesdays, September 16 - November 18, 6:309 pm, Rm. 1507. Limited to first 12 paid couples. $130/couple (scholarships available). To register, contact Jackie or Ron at rcarjac@valornet. com or call 392-1146 prior to first class. Childcare provided.

Pressure Proof Your Marriage Pressure getting to you? Get away for two nights in a bed and breakfast setting. Group discussions, lots of fun, and free time as a couple on this marriage enrichment weekend!

Get rid of myths that are adding to your load and find Godly ways to handle stress. Only $50 per couple for lodging, food and materials!

October 3-5, 6 pm Friday to noon, Sunday at Neosho River Ranch (55 minute drive). To register, send check to Event registration c/o Asbury. Facilitators: John & Stephanie Locher and Brock & Diane King.

membership Asbury Exploration Come to a lunch/class to learn more about becoming a member of Asbury. Sunday, September 7, 12:15-2 pm in CLC. Lunch provided and childcare is available for children six weeks through 6th grade. Call 392-1191 to register.

men Men’s Prayer Breakfast Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 am in the CLC. Attention men of Asbury.

Make plans to join us for a great time of meaningful worship, lifechanging prayer and an awesome big breakfast, all for just $3 per person. First-time guests are free.

September 3

Pec Clark

September 10

Dub Ambrose

September 17

Don Herrold

September 24

Todd Johnson

Car Care Saturdays September 20, 9 am-12 pm. This every-other-month workday is provided for Asbury’s widows and single moms. While the ladies wait in the comfort of the cafe, volunteers check tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries. They also vacuum and wash the vehicles, then update owners on what’s running smoothly and what needs professional attention. This free service gives our men the opportunity to put their faith into action through loving and serving those in need. No reservations required; just get your vehicle in line by 11:30 am.

Home Improvement Ministry Saturday, October 18, The Men’s Ministry offers this service for

widows, widowers and single

at the Welcome Centers or come by

moms within the Asbury family.

the Missions office. Make sure to

Volunteers make themselves avail-

pick up two books...one for Global

able every other month to help folks

Outreach and one for Oklahoma

out with minor home repairs or

Outreach (previously called Re-

minor home improvement projects.

gional Outreach).

To volunteer, contact Debbie in the Adult Ministries Office, 392-1177.

Eyeglass Donations Are you wondering what to do with

Men’s Fraternity: The Quest for Authentic Manhood

those old eyeglasses? Donate them

Come learn how to live a life of

glasses off in the Global Outreach

authentic manhood as modeled by

office.

to missions! You may drop your

Jesus Christ and directed by the Word of God. Designed to help men

Campbell’s Soup Label

come together, these time-tested re-

Save Campbell’s soup labels for

sources equip men to pursue noble

missions. Please cut the UPC sym-

manhood as a life-long priority.

bol and the Labels for Education

Facilitated by Rev. Dub Ambrose,

symbol together. Turn these in for

Greg Ruley and Glen Fisher. Tues-

missions! Questions: Contact Missy

days, September 9-December 23,

Sistrunk at 392-1163.

6:15-7:30 pm, Rm. 1300, $10 fee.

Mission Matters Men’s Fraternity: The Great Adventure A follow-up course to “The Quest for Manhood,” this 20-week study explores a man’s world beyond the every day. It will help you find your “unique fit” in life—one that is realistic, thrilling and deeply satisfying. Through this series you will develop a personal mission that fits the “real” you, discover the best practices of successful men, and find out how to surround yourself with teammates to help achieve those goals. You’ll also learn to deal with unfinished business and how to leave a legacy of which you can be proud. Wednesdays, September 10–November 19, 6-8 pm. $10 fee.

missions/outreach

A monthly newsletter is available with recent news of mission happenings. Preference is for the email version, but hard copies can be mailed if needed. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please contact Missy Sistrunk at 392-1163 or msistrunk@asburytulsa.org Global Outreach Prayer Ministry News and prayer requests from our missionaries and ministries are sent each week to our prayer ministry list. If you would like to join and become a prayer intercessor for those serving around the world, contact Missy at 392-1163.

Global Outreach Leadership Seminar This intensive event is designed to

New Mission Books Are In

equip you with biblical principles

Pick up the newest mission books

and effective strategies to motivate, ASBURY TIDINGS 29

mobilize and empower yourself

New Covenant Orchestra

Prayer Room Days & Times

and others to impact the world

Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm, Rm. 1510

Our prayer rooms are accessible to

locally and globally. Learn how to

you at these times:

determine a common vision and

Asbury Singing Ambassadors

Mason Chapel (during construc-

purpose, balance the local and

Tuesdays, 1 pm, Choir Room

tion): Sundays, 7 am-12:30 pm

global efforts, align your hearts and perspectives with God, develop strategies for financing outreach, and how to develop a synergistic team for outreach. Cost: $30 and includes continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The seminar begins at 6:30 pm, Friday, September 26 and ends at 3:45 pm, Saturday,

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

through the interior door.

Main Facility: Mon-Fri 7 am-9 pm; Saturday 10 am-3 pm; Sun. 12:30 pm-9 pm.

Wednesdays, 6-6:50 pm, Rm. 2506

recovery

Perpetual Light

Celebrate Recovery

Thursdays, 10 am-noon, Rm. 2506

Come join this supportive group of people each Monday night at 6

September 27. Contact Mary Ann

Asbury Power & Light

pm. Dinner at 6 pm; Worship from

Smith for registration or further

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

7-8 pm; Small Groups from 8-9 pm;

information. Registration needed by

Dessert from 9-9:30 pm. Hiding Saints of Swing Dixieland Band

any hurts, habits or hang-ups? God

Thursdays, 2-3 pm, Rm 1510

missions/vim

never intended for you to live in

bondage.

Volunteers-In-Mission Opportunities

Altar Prayer

September 17.

prayer

• Sept/October, Azerbaijan:

If you would like someone to pray

Construction & Teaching, $2400.

with you during Holy Communion

• Oct. 11-18, Monterrey, Mexico:

or immediately following a worship

MBS & Construction, $950.

service, please come to the altar

• Fall, Cookson Hills, OK:

rail. A pastor or member of the Al-

Light Construction, $50.

tar Prayer Team will be glad to pray

• Nov. 5-9, Monterrey, Mexico:

with you for your needs—physical,

Medical, $900.

emotional or spiritual—at the altar

• Nov. 12-16: Rio Bravo, Mexico

or in the Prayer Room.

Men’s Construction, $600.

• VIM Leader Training:

Prayer Room Reservations

September 13, Enid

The leadership of Asbury’s prayer

October 25, Ada

ministry would like to remind you

All costs are approximate. For more

that the main facility Prayer Room

about these exciting mission oppor-

is open not only to individuals

tunities, contact Marilene at

desiring to pray in a quiet, medita-

mlong@asburytulsa.org

tive atmosphere, but also to prayer

or 918-392-1164

groups within communities and

music

ministries. Just give Debbie in the Adult Ministries office a call at 392-

Chancel Choir

1177 to reserve the Prayer Room for

Wednesdays, 7 pm, Choir Room

your group on a weekly or monthly basis.

senior adults Visits to Asbury Members Asbury has a unique group of volunteers (Asbury Connection) who regularly visit people who are either homebound or in nursing homes. If you are interested in being visited, call Ruth at 392-1146, or contact the coordinator, Abby Sluice at ozyanks2000@yahoo.com Senior Sit and Fit Stretching Class Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 9-9:30 am in the Gym. All senior adults are invited to join us for a time of stretching, coupled with lots of fun and fellowship. No high impact workout here. We take it nice and easy. Come give it a try.

Senior Walk in the Gym with Him Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 8:30-9 am in the gym. All senior adults are invited to join us for power walking, coupled with

30 ASBURY TIDINGS

lots of fun and fellowship. Come give it a try.

AARP Driver Safety Program The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older that has helped millions of drivers remain safe on today’s roads. It is designed to help you: 1. Tune up your driving skills and update your knowledge of the rules of the road.

2. Learn about normal age-related physical changes, and how to adjust your driving to allow for these changes.

3. Reduce your traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries.

4. Drive more safely.

5. Get an insurance discount. Auto insurance companies in most states provide a multiyear discount to AARP graduates!

To sign up, call Asbury’s Registration Hotline at 392-1191. At least 12 participants are required for the class to take place, so tell your friends and neighbors, and sign up today! Fridays, September 25 and October 24. Cost is $10.

September Tweenagers Program & Luncheon If you’re age 55 or up, join us for our monthly meeting & luncheon.

Our program will be presented by Diana Higgins & Nancy Maddin with Total Source for Hearing-Loss & Access, with music from our own Asbury Singing Ambassadors! Call the main office at 492-1771 to make reservations, by noon on Monday, September 22.

singles Singles Meet and Greet Sunday mornings from 10:20-10:50 am. All singles out from communities or worship services are invited to join together for a short time of fellowship. Look for the singles signs in the southwest corner of the

Singles Ministry Potluck Fellowship Come, bring your children and enjoy a delicious lunch, courtesy of your fellow singles! Just bring a “family-sized” food item, homemade or purchased! Great food, great fellowship, new friends…it just doesn’t get much better than

main foyer, and we’ll see you there!

that!

Divorce Recovery

students

Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm. 2319.

For those suffering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. Childcare

7th, 8th & 9th Grade Breakaway Sunday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am in the Breakaway Area. This isn’t your normal Sunday school. Come

available.

join us for worship, fun and games,

Divorce Rebuilding

times free candy and gift cards.

Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm. 2319.

For those ready to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce.

interactive talk/lesson, and some-

7th, 8th & 9th Bible Study Come to the Student Cafe, hang

Childcare available.

out, have fun, and study what God’s

Labor Day Picnic

awe inspiring you won’t want to

Join us for our annual Labor Day

miss it! Call Marsha at 392-1157.

Picnic, on site this year at Asbury!

Bring your lawn chair, sunscreen, and favorite family-sized dish, dessert or drinks to share with the group. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided by the ministry.

And your children of all ages are welcome! Monday, September 1,

Word has for us. It’s going to be an

Called to Ministry: 10th, 11th, 12th Is God speaking to you, leading you...okay, maybe CALLING you into a future vocational ministry?

You may not know what that looks like; you just know that God is stirring something in you. Join

3-7 pm.

us every month on the SECOND

Single Relationship Seminar

Student Ministry Area for lunch and

Singles, mark your calendars now

to talk about what this means for

for this Single Relationship Seminar taking place on Saturday, September 20, 10 am–2:30 pm. Watch church publications and our website for updated information. Last year’s workshop was a tremendous success, so stay tuned!

SUNDAY from 12:30-2 pm in the

you. This is for 10th, 11th & 12th graders. RSVP to Amy at 392-1156 the Thursday before.

7th-12th Grade Small Groups These groups meet Sunday nights.

Times and places vary. Contact Todd at 392-1154 or Amy at 3921156 to get plugged in.

ASBURY TIDINGS 31

10th, 11th & 12th Breakaway

attention. This free service gives

would love to have you join us. For

Join us Wednesdays, 6:30-9 pm

our men the opportunity to put

more contact Beverly Clarke and

for a time of connection, worship,

their faith into action through lov-

stop by some Monday!

and God. We will also have nights

ing and serving those in need. No

of just random fun! Don’t miss

reservations required; just get your

UMW September Luncheon

the food and hang out times after-

vehicle in line by 11:30 am.

Attention ladies! The program planned for September’s luncheon

wards! Come be a part. Call Marsha Home Improvement Work Days

will be “Asbury’s Early Years,”

Saturday, October 18. The Men’s

presented by our beloved Pastor

Life Hurts, God Heals

Ministry offers this service for wid-

Emeritus, Bill Mason. Please make

Truth. Find it. If you’re tired of the

ows, widowers and single moms

plans to join us on Thursday,

burdens (divorce, hurting, friends,

within the Asbury family. Volun-

September 4 from 11:30 am–1 pm

etc.) and secrets that keep you from

teers make themselves available

in the CLC. A delicious luncheon

really living, or if you know there’s

every other month to help folks

prepared by our church hostess,

an addiction you have to stop but

out with minor home repairs or

Virginia, will be provided for just $6

just can’t. “Life Hurts, God Heals”

minor home improvement projects.

per person

is created specifically for you. Meet

Just pick up a request form at the

with a group of students facing

South Welcome Desk, or call your

worship

tough issues just like you, and learn

request to Pam Wallace at 392-1199,

8 am, Communion Service:

how God can heal you together

ext. 253 at least ten days before

Mason Chapel. Traditional service.

from Sept. 12–Dec. 12. Join any-

the scheduled work day. A Home

Communion is served and Dr. Har-

time! Wednesday nights from 6-8

Improvement volunteer will contact

rison preaches.

pm, Rm. 1502. Dinner is provided.

you, and make arrangements to get

9:15 am, Contemporary Praise &

For more information call Marsha at

the job(s) done.

Worship: Sanctuary. Music, time

at 392-1157 for more information.

392-1157.

of prayer and the message will all Women of the Word

carry a prevailing theme for the

College Bible Study

Wednesdays from 10-11 am in

morning. Dr. Harrison preaches.

Come and be a part of the College

Rm. 2319, Rev. Darlene Johnson,

9:15 am, Open House Worship:

Ministry at Asbury and learn about

teacher.

Community Life Center. A relaxed

God with other College Students!

atmosphere with engaging wor-

Stay and enjoy a homecooked

Phone Buddies

ship. Dr. Tom Harrison’s message

meal. Bible Study 6-7:15 pm, Dinner

Ladies, would like a “cheer me

is simulcast with an occasional live

up” with your morning coffee? We

sermon from another pastor.

have dedicated, caring women who

11 am, Traditional Service: Sanctu-

would love to meet that need in

ary. The Chancel Choir and the

Car Care Saturdays

your life by being your very own

Asbury Orchestra and Concert Band

September 20, 9 am-12 pm. This

“phone buddy.” Call Shirley Martin

offer a variety of styles of music.

every-other-month workday is

and she’ll connect you with a loving

Sign interpreters for the deaf are

provided for Asbury’s widows and

volunteer.

offered. Dr. Tom Harrison preaches.

7:15-9 pm.

women

11 am, Modern Service: Venue 68.

single moms. While the ladies wait in the comfort of the cafe, volun-

Crafty Ladies Fellowship

Rich blend of ancient and modern

teers check tires, belts, fluids, filters

Mondays, 9:30 am-2 pm, Rm. 2820.

worship, led by the worship band.

and batteries. They also vacuum

We gather to work on our own

Dr. Tom Harrison’s message is

and wash the vehicles, then update

individual arts and crafts, stop

simulcast.

owners on what’s running smoothly

for a delicious potluck lunch, and

and what needs professional 32 ASBURY TIDINGS

continue on through until 2 pm. We

asbury

new members

Paul II & Anne Bevilacqua Samuel & Benjamin

Liz Mann

Bill & Cheryl Neggers

Dawn Bowling-Davis

Karen Mellen

Robert & Rachel Pike

Bill Harp, Kristen Johnson & Addie

Trudi Miles, Michael & Sara

David & Lori Taylor Parker & Kaydee

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.

Choose from one of the upcoming Sunday membership classes: September 7, 2008 • October 5, 2008 • November 2, 2008 • December 7, 2008 Classes are from 12:15 - 2 pm.

Call 392-1191 to reserve your place.

Childcare is available and lunch is provided.

ASBURY TIDINGS 33

asbury

family room

in celebration of marriage

65 years

Bill & Betty Manley September 10, 1943

55 years

55 years

60 years

Dick & Nevin Loerke August 9, 1953

John & Merle Schwendimann September 10, 1948

Bob & Mary Lynn Milam September 6, 1953

50 years

55 years

Ron & Pat Thomson August 18, 1953

Bob & Mary Ann Charles July 12, 1958

Charlie & Jane Johnston August 25, 1958

Victor & Liz Schock August 31, 1958

60 years

55 years

50 years

45 years

35 years

Tom & Elizabeth Diehl August 21, 1948

Dwayne & Awilda Godsey September 5, 1953

Robert & Joy Long September 20, 1958

Ken & Janie Bradford August 31, 1963

Wayne & Susan Parsons August 3, 1973

Martin & Marilyn Brown August 24, 1963

Phil & Darlene Truman August 25, 1973

Ross & Ina Vrooman September 26, 1953

25 years

20 years

15 years

10 years

5 years

Scott & Kelly Luttenberg September 3, 1983

Larry & Vivian Kouplen August 19, 1988

David & Kim Broadhurst September 4, 1993

Jon & Angela Parris September 5, 1998

Don & Karen Johnson August 30, 2003

*Our apologies to everyone whose milestone anniversaries were not published in the July issue.

we celebrate

• Bryan Michael Rutherford, son of Susan Cozier, born June 4, 2008 • Paige Allison Hickman, daughter of Michael and Amy Hickman, born June 15, 2008 • Mikalee Josette Rhodes, daughter of Mike and Julie Rhodes, born June 15, 2008 • Clark Henry Cariker, son of Brent and Becky Cariker, born June 19, 2008 • Kaylee Grace Grisaffe, daughter of Robert and Kristi Grisaffe, born June 30, 2008 • Indigo Claire Morris, daughter of Bradley and Claire Morris, born July 20, 2008 • Jaden Alexander Kennedy, son of David Kennedy & Jennifer Buchanan, born July 28, 2008

we remember 34 ASBURY TIDINGS

Dylan & Nicole McCants September 13, 2003

Elizabeth Sandy, mother of (Jim &) Danys Self, died June 24 M. J. (Anne) Scott, mother of Kori (Brent) Day, died June 25 Twylla Frank, wife of Irving Frank, died June 29 • Sandy Faulk, died June 30, 2008 Liz Chronister, died July 1, 2008 • Irvin Rinehart, died July 20, 2008

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