Asbury Tidings - Friends Make the Trip Worthwhile by Asbury Church

contents

inside tidings 3

This Month at Asbury

Notes from the Journey

6-25

Asbury Friends

18-19

Pastors on Friendship

26-30

Calendar

Communities

32-33

New Members

34-35

Family Room

The Tidings is published monthly to convey the message of transformed lives through Jesus Christ and to inform Asbury family and friends of the many opportunities made available through the ministries of Asbury United Methodist Church. All photos by Lisa Dunham unless otherwise noted. Cover design: Sandy Wagner

My Friend, Joanie This issue is dedicated to those people we call friends. After reading the stories of these special friendships, I thought about how necessary these relationships are. I began to reflect on friends God has brought into my life over the years and pondered what I would have done had they not been there. My first “best friend” was my big sister, and I’m sure that my tagalong ways irritated her to no end, but she indulged me nonetheless. When I was old enough to become aware that she had other friends besides me, I took matters into my own hands. I decided Joanie Hawkins would be my new “best friend!” Actually, my friendship with her became an obsession. I wanted to do everything with Joanie and I became annoyed if my mom didn’t do things the way Joanie’s mom did. When my sister would give a report at the dinner table about what she’d done at school, I would interrupt with my day’s agenda. Every activity included my new friend, Joanie. I honestly don’t know how long this went on. But I know precisely when it ended. I was seven. A moving van pulled into the next-door driveway, delivering the household goods for a family of eight...including a seven-year old girl! Diana Smith. I believe it was that day (or maybe the next), that Joanie and her perfect family moved to Houston. But it was okay. I didn’t need her any more. I had a new “best friend.” As you may have suspected, Joanie existed only in my mind...my imaginary “best friend.” Looking back 50 years later, I realize that I needed friends then...just as I need friends now. God created us to be in relationship with Him and with others. The stories contained in this month’s Tidings tell of friendships that are bound together by a common thread of faith in Jesus Christ. These are stories of “Forever Friends.” -Jan Weinheimer

Prayerfully consider which friends God would have you invite into your home for some conversations of eternal value. “Perceptions and Conversations” begins this month. The following page will tell you how you can become involved.

Perceptions & Conversations One of the saddest descriptions some women say about their husbands is, “He does not really have any friends.” Women are by nature, more drawn to develo p i n g relationships than are men. Men Dr. Tom Harrison by nature, Senior Pastor tend to focus more upon their work. That could explain why the number one suicide rate is not among teenagers but happens during the first year of retirement. Some have placed all their eggs in the “work” basket. When that is gone, men in particular may feel they have lost their value. Why do we exist at Asbury? Our Mission Statement says it so well: “Glorify God – Make Disciples.” Jesus showed us how to do both. We worship and live for God – and help others discover and follow Jesus. While work has a definite place and a meaningful role for us in life, there is something far more important. Work will eventually lead us to retirement (at best), but people are eternal souls. We will live forever. If we hit a homerun in the office but strike out in eternity, we have won the battle but lost the war. “Perceptions and Conversations” is an attempt to help do two things: 1.) Deepen friendships 2.) Develop faith “Perceptions and Conversations” is simply a different way to try to engage people. The small groups meet in homes, using journals and videos. It is an attempt to help communicate the gospel in a non-threatening environment. Thank you for prayerfully considering what your role might be in sharing the good news of Christ with friends, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors. In Christ,

TIDINGS 2

Asbury’s Fall Focus: Perceptions & Conversations Asbury’s Fall Focus ‘05 is a church-wide outreach during the months of October and November. The goal of “Perceptions and Conversations” is for members of Asbury to introduce their unchurched neighbors,

friends, family members, and co-workers to the possibility of having a relationship with Christ. Building on the familiarity of Tom’s “Perceptions” radio spots, the pastors are asking members of Asbury to give a copy of a special edition “Perceptions and Conversations” to those they invite into their home

www.asburytulsa.org

for a 90-minute session, each week for six weeks. The conversations will be about the book and other resources focusing on relationships and faith. Asbury’s pastors believe this focus will be a tool to help fulfill our second objective, “Every member living to love, seek, and save the lost.” The themes for each week are “Friendship,” “Friendship with God,”

“Trust,” “Trusting God,” “Meant for More,” and “Making a Difference.” We hope that you will prayerfully consider working with other members of Asbury in hosting, recruiting, and facilitating a group. If you are interested in participating, it’s not too late. Contact the church office, fill out a card in the pew this Sunday, or sign up at www.asburytulsa.org.

New Website Launched Keeping up with everything that goes on at Asbury is a monumental task. Hopefully church members and friends are finding that it’s a little easier these days, thanks to the new website that has recently been launched. Webmaster Chris Lo (who is featured with his wife and best friend, Lois, on page 7), designed the site to be very user-friendly. Chris, the former art director and webmaster for WilTel Communications, recently formed his own design firm (Matcha Design) and made his services available to redesign our website. Shortly after the site was launched, it was given the Gold Award by the American Webmaster Association. Registration forms and prayer request forms are just two of the features that have been added for your convenience. The calendar is updated regularly and has a feature where you can invite a friend to an Asbury event with just the click of a button! In addition to being a great source of information

for the Asbury family and friends, it is hoped that many will wander onto our site and find answers to some of the questions they have about their faith. Perceptions scripts are rotated daily (MondayFriday) to coincide with the radio broadcasts, and video streaming of the Sunday services (9:15 and 11:00) are offered “live.” An archive of past sermons is also available for those who had to miss a worship service, or for those who need to hear something just one more time! Want to know more about our pastors? Their photos and bios are also available online, as well as a listing of staff with their email addresses. The “Family Room” section provides weekly announcements, hospital information, and other “family-related” news. If you’ve not yet visited the new webiste, take a few minutes to browse around. We recommend that you become a regular visitor, as new items appear each week that may be of interest to you or someone you know.

Come be reminded how wonderfully each of us are made. We will be discussing issues women of all ages face and providing information to help make our identity in Christ a priority. In addition there will be

Presenting Shelly Schiffmacher, Connie Witter, Courtney Bullard and more! All women are encouraged to bring their daughters, sisters, nieces, mothers, aunts...any woman you want to be reminded that they are truly the apple of God’s eye! 3rd grade girls through adult women are invited to attend Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm in the CLC $10 per person/$30 maximum per family Registration due October 10 by phone...392-1191 or online at www.asburytulsa.org

Value of a Woman - “The Blessing” Saturday, Nov. 5 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Featuring Jan Frichot, professional singer, recording artist and motivational speaker. See details on page 29. Sponsored by Asbury W omen’s Ministries

Notes from the Journey

That’s Why We’re Friends

hen I was very young and still sporting a blunt-cut buster brown hairdo I was thrown together with Shannon, who had no hair and was still in diapers. Our parents were young also – raising kids in a small town and because they become good friends, Shannon and I did too. If our friendship had followed a normal course, it would have ended a long time ago. Her family left Elk City, Okla., in 1971, when Shannon was five and I was six. They moved to Missouri. I had never heard of it. My parents left a few months later when I was six. We moved to McAlester, another place I had never heard of. Except for two very brief periods in our lives, Shannon and I have never lived in the same state since those Elk City days. Sometime around third or fourth grade, we started to write letters. Not email or text messaging. We wrote letters that you could touch and hold and fold up and carry in your pocket. We wrote on spiral notebook paper torn from the hinges with the paper still dangling when it was pulled from the envelope. We wrote in multi-color pens and drew smiley faces across the top. Sometimes the letters were very serious and long. Some of them were short and silly. But they all had one important

By Lisa Tresch

thing at the bottom: an autograph. I’m not sure who started it, but we began drawing a line at the bottom with the heading My Autograph. And then we would scribble our full name.

Shannon Marie Browning. Lisa Dawn Jackson. For years, we autographed our letters and we watched as the handwriting changed. Now we lived in different places again: Shannon in Phoenix and me in Tulsa. We had been through adolescence and high school and were nearing the time when I was

leaving for college. Shannon wrote me a letter that spring. It was a thoughtful letter about life and choices and God. We had long since dispensed with the autograph thing – too childish for girls on the verge of womanhood. The letter ended this way: Just so you know, you are my touchstone. Do you know what that is? It’s something you can go to when the world doesn’t make any sense, and when you touch it, you feel like things are steady again. And then the world makes more sense. I think that’s why we are friends. And then she scribbled an autograph. I took a pen and signed my own autograph next to hers. Our names stood out together in blue ink at the bottom of the page. Best friends. Sisters. Touchstones. We are much older now with children of our own and sprigs of gray hair and knees that gives us fits. We have survived tragedies and basked in beautiful moments and somehow grown a friendship that doesn’t have the luxury of place and time. God is gracious, and delights in giving good gifts to His children. He longs for us to find touchstones on earth who give us a glimpse of the One who ultimately steadies our souls in the clamor and chaos of life. This is why God keeps throwing us all together and growing these beautiful friendships. When we look close enough at them – they point us toward heaven. 4

I LOVE MOTORCYLES

Love at

first sight

avid first saw Patty when she was 14 and working in a drugstore. “I thought she was the

cutest little thing. We didn’t ‘officially’ meet until she was 15 and I was 16 and working at Sheridan Avenue Methodist Church as youth director, head janitor, and assistant to the pastor. All that for $10 a week,” said David. “We began dating and we’ve been together since.” They were, and are best friends. “She is no doubt my best friend. It’s fun after 49 years being married to my best friend,” said David. When they began dating David had a Harley and later got an Indian Scout. “I also had a buddy with a ’39 Plymouth. He loved to ride my Indian and sometimes I needed a car, so we’d trade. One time we traded so I could take Patty to the drive-in theater. Unfortunately, my friend was hit by a drunk driver. He was hurt and my cycle was wrecked. With the insurance money I was able to buy my first car, a Model A Ford. I rebuilt the cycle and sold it.” Later, David invested in a ’50 Chevy.” David and Patty knew some rough moments in their friendship. He taught her to drive by practicing in Mohawk Park. It was a stick shift and “it almost ruined my clutch and transmission.” But their friendship persevered. It’s amazing what love can endure! After graduation, David left for Oklahoma City University to continue his schooling leaving Patty in Tulsa to finish high school. Wanting to seal their commitment, he gave her an engagement ring. Originally, they planned to marry in three years. Each time he returned for a visit they would move the date a little closer. They finally decided to marry during the Christmas holidays following Patty’s graduation. Their parents weren’t thrilled with that plan feeling a wedding combined with Christmas was definitely too much. “If you’re going to do that,” they said, “just go ahead and do it earlier.” They did, tying the knot in August 1956. Their marriage and friendship have flourished through the years although it included one very difficult period. David became pastor at Tulsa’s Aldersgate United Methodist Church in 1963, a 900-member, very active church. David became so busy serving the congregation and meeting their needs, that he neglected Patty and their two children. “We began to drift apart and even considered separation. Then, we saw that was the dumbest thing that could happen. We sought counseling and made a renewed commitment to our marriage, life and children. I was ‘doing the Lord’s work.’ I was helping my people save their marriages and my own was suffering.” Fortunately, they got past that trying period and now have such a committed sense of togetherness. “We do everything together. I think we’re joined at the hip. We’d rather be with each other than with anyone else,” said Patty. “If David’s home, I want to be with him.” Patty describes this type of friendship as sort of “like agape love. No matter what I’ve done, he accepts me just as I am.” David agrees that with a friend you can let your hair down, be accepted for who you are, not what you do. “Our life and friendship are grounded in God in Jesus Christ. He is our Best Friend. It’s intentional with us, but we’re both committed to Him, and then to one another,” David explained. -Sandy Wagner 5

I came across an article by Wes Seeliger entitled, “I Love Motorcycles.” Patty and I still love motorcycles. I was supposed to outgrow that sort of thing. I want to confess that I grew up on motorcycles. I had a Cushman Scooter at age 12, two Harley’s and an Indian before I graduated from high school. When Patty and I first started dating, she was on the back of my Indian cycle. I can’t recommend them for safety; I have the scars to show for it. But Seeliger loves them. And his piece goes like this: Not long ago I was in a Honda shop drooling over a 750 and lamenting the pay scale for mission priests. A 750, for the benefit of non-motorcycle people, is Honda’s beautiful, fourcylinder monster. Its 68 hp motor is so large it sticks out on both sides of the bike. The 750 will do a quarter-mile in 12 seconds and will top out at over 125 mph. The particular bike I was looking at was a dream in metallic gold with all the chrome trimmings. As it caught the late afternoon sun, it looked like a neon sign on wheels. My covetous fantasy was abruptly interrupted by a hustler-type salesman (It should be noted that I was in civilian clothes, not clericals). Salesman: That’s some machine, ain’t it? Yours truly: Sure is. Salesman: This baby will really haul. Go up to the line on this &%#!? thing and nobody wants to mess around with you. You can do a wheelie in third. You ought to hear these pipes growl! This bike will cruise at a hundred all day. Man, that’s movin! Yours truly: That’s fast, all right. Salesman: It’s not like driving a car. Go through town in a car and nobody notices. But on this baby, it’s a different story. Pop those pipes and people will notice! Man, you pave the road with a hundred yards of rubber when you burn out. Great bike. (Pause) By the way, sir, what do you do? Yours truly: I’m a clergyman. (This statement is followed by a long, heavy silence. The salesman’s eyes were glued to the floor. Finally he spoke softly.) Salesman: Uh, Reverend, uh, you know these machines get pretty good mileage . (Pause) Uh, they aren’t as dangerous as some people say. You have many advantages, like totally visibility. And bikes, I mean, motorcycles are very maneuverable. You can stop on a dime. (Pause) I sold one to a doctor here in town. (His voice was almost in a whisper). I know you people aren’t supposed to be interested in this sort of thing, but they are fun to drive. (End of story). OBSERVATION: Lawnmower salesmen are not surprised to find clergymen looking at their merchandise. Motorcycle salesmen are. Why? Does this tell us something about clergymen? About the church? Lawnmowers are slow, safe, sane, practical, and middle-class. Motorcycles are fast, dangerous, wild, thrilling; they are associated with youth. THEN HE ASKS: Is being a Christian more like mowing the lawn or like riding a motorcycle? Is the Christian life safe and sane, or dangerous and exciting? Does it have more appeal to the settled or to the adventuresome? We Need To Be Sure We Have The Motorcycle Spirit In The Church..We need to recapture the motorcycle spirit, for without it we cannot understand or express the Christian faith. Too often the image of the church is pure lawnmower; slow, deliberate, plodding. Our task is to take the church on the open road, give it the gas, and see what the old baby will do. -David Thomas, Pastor to Senior Adults (See the “Motorcycle/Lawmower Church” comparison on back cover.)

Sisters in Christ with

shared memories

f I didn’t know better, I’d have thought I was interviewing twin sisters for my high school newspaper. The two young women seated across from me were so vibrant and completely at ease with each other. As they talked, they’d roll their eyes at memories of shared adventures or mishaps, and then finish each other’s sentences. They laughed and teased, and readily admitted what one didn’t think of, the other would. They talked about the guys in their lives and their plans for the future, and I couldn’t help but feel just a little younger and inspired as they shared. The truth is, however, that they are not twins, and their high school and college years are long past. These endearing sisters in Christ actually serve in several areas of leadership at Asbury and in the community, and

those “guys” they were talking about? Well, that would be their husbands Ken and Rob, and their sons Hayden (9) and Hunter (7), and Jake (7) and Hunter (9)! Shae Hedrick and Jamie Schaffitzel are, and have been for six years, loving and devoted friends. Neither can imagine her own life without the involvement of the other. Shae says Jamie was an answer to specific prayers she offered after a close Asbury friend moved away. Jamie said there were so many similarities in their families, beginning with their faith, they just knew the relationship was ordained to be something very special. They and their husbands “hit it off” immediately, and have been together in one form or another ever since! Whether house-boating on Table Rock Lake, roller-coaster riding at Six Flags or skiing in Utah, the Hedrick

and Schaffitzel families, together, have done it all! And when it comes to service at Asbury, you can usually find one or more members in the big middle of Legacy community activities, the Children’s Ministry Leadership Team, Upward Basketball, Vacation Bible School, Moms in Touch, volunteering in children’s ministry, or preparing baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas distribution. Whatever they do, they usually do it together, and as unto the Lord. A little research revealed that Shae and Jamie share the spiritual gift of mercy. This alone makes them a tender part of each other’s lives in ways only sisters in Christ could understand. They pray together, guide, encourage and challenge one another, and fill that unique void that’s inside us all. If, as it is said, our friends are God’s way of taking care of us, then these precious ladies will live long and happy lives, and a friendship seeded at Asbury will bear fruit from generation to generation. Amen. -Debbie Wallis

“LET US NOT GIVE UP MEETING TOGETHER, AS SOME ARE IN THE HABIT OF DOING, BUT LET US ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER – AND ALL THE MORE AS YOU SEE THE DAY APPROACHING.”. . . HEBREWS 10:25 6

LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS, ALWAYS TRUSTS, ALWAYS HOPES, ALWAYS PERSEVERES. . . 1 COR. 13:7

God’s Fingerprint on Their

hris Lo and Lois Lai have a friendship story with God’s fingerprints all over it. Although they met in the United States – Pittsburg, Kansas – the story actually begins in the crowded metropolis of Hong Kong where the two grew up. They never met while they were growing up, but their paths would cross within blocks of each other. “God brought us together,” Chris says, beaming. “He had a plan for us and our families.” That plan involved a friendship that began at Pittsburg State University where they were both students. Lois answered an ad for a used bicycle she was interested in buying. It belonged to Chris. She didn’t buy the bicycle, but they did end up beginning a friendship that has been evolving since that first encounter. Neither of them were particularly surprised that they were both from Hong Kong and meeting in a country across the ocean. Hong Kong is, after all, a populated city. What amazes them is how God has taken an unlikely friendship between two opposites, and 77

love story fashioned a relationship of deep love and trust. They do agree, however, that the bond they share is strengthened by the shared cultural backgrounds. Remembering landmarks and places in their home city brings back sweet memories. Chris and Lois were married a year and a half after they met. Now, as they prepare for the birth of their first child, they are able to look back and see how God has been working in their lives, and in the lives of their families. Chris grew up in a Christian home and is the son of a preacher. He is, as he puts it, a “PK” – preacher’s kid. Lois’s family was Buddhist, although her brother was a Christian. Her father became a Christian in 2003 and was baptized in Hong Kong. “After the rest of my family witnessed the change in my dad, they realized that God is the way of life,” says Lois. God’s plan has also involved growth for Chris and Lois within their relationship. As the years have gone by, Chris says he has valued Lois’s patience with him. “After we moved to Tulsa, the job I had took up so much of my time, and Lois was always

understanding. I thank God for that because it wasn’t always easy.” Their faces light up when they talk about the prospect of a new phase of life. “We feel that our relationship has matured and grown strong. And now we are ready to have a baby. The time is right,” Chris says. “Our friendship is strong. We have been through so many changes, and God has used that to help us grow.” Chris and Lois are anxious to reunite with their families for a visit after the birth of their baby. They are planning for both sets of parents to come to the United States to see a new grandson or granddaughter. And in a few years, they hope to take their child back to Hong Kong to see the place where the seeds of a friendship began. In the meantime, they hope to find friendships at Asbury. “People are amazed that we are here alone,” Lois says. “But we are not alone.” “We know we are in God’s hands,” Chris adds. -Lisa Tresch Chris is Asbury’s new webmaster. The site was recently awarded the gold award from the American Association of Webmasters.

Uncommon Friends Sharing

a common bond

n the outside it may look like Whitney McAteer and Caroline Smallwood don’t have much in common. Whitney’s a freshman at Jenks, Caroline’s an eighth grader at Union. Whitney plays golf, Caroline’s into soccer. One is a Republican; the other is a Democrat. But when you’re talking about true friendship, you have to look beneath the surface to see what bonds these two together. They definitely make each other laugh and when they’re together, “the jokes fly.” But the usual topic of conversation is their spiritual lives -what they’re learning and how it is effecting their growth in Christ. Whitney says, “It’s Christ who bonds us together.” They met at a student Bible study here at Asbury. Conversation came very easy and it wasn’t long until the two were talking on the phone just about every night. They soon realized that they shared a love for ministry and student ministry events and it’s helped them stand strong inside and outside the church. Caroline says, “We sit together during worship and it really

brings out how we can totally be ourselves around each other. It helps me grow closer to good Christian friends.” “A friend is respectful and genuine and will never deny you or dishonor you behind your back.” Whitney continues, “You know you’re true friends when the other is able to tell you when you’re doing wrong because they want the best for you.” Caroline says that because of Christ, “I have something to look forward to, something solid to base my everyday living on.” And as she follows the example of Christ’s life, she sees how it’s helping her be a better friend. “Caroline challenges me to spend time alone with God everyday and keeps me accountable,” says Whitney. “She never gives up on our friendship.” Caroline treasures the fact that Whitney is loyal and always willing to listen. In her journey with the Lord, Whitney is learning that “it’s all about reaching out.” Christ has called Christians to be people who “help each other grow through hard times” and she wants to be the kind of friend who is loyal and offers godly advice. And she believes that without Jesus, we

wouldn’t know how to treat people. Only through His power can we develop compassion and genuine care for one another. When it comes to giving advice about how to build strong friendships, Whitney shares, “You have to want your friendships to grow. Keep in touch and pick friends that will influence you for good. And if you can’t be yourself, then it’s not the right friend for you.” Caroline’s advice is, “Just be open about everything and be yourself. Base your relationship on God and always tell the truth.” Whitney recalls Mark Fowler, Asbury’s Director of seventh-ninth grades, saying, “Junior High students can change the world.” She says it’s true. “Student ministries is helping us look beyond popularity to genuine care for others and love for the Lord.” Whitney and Caroline share an inside joke when they say, “If we’re still friends, we’ll . . .” The funny thing is, with the Christ-centered bond that they share; it looks like they will be friends forever. -Nikki Boyd

As Close

as brothers

tepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved in ministry can impact your life. Evan Asbury, a ninth grader at Bixby recalls, “During this year’s spring break mission trip, I was able to truly see how blessed we are in Tulsa. It was hard work but it felt good to help others.” Colin Tresch, a ninth grader at Booker T. Washington agrees, “I’ve been a Christian for eight years and I feel with every mission trip I take, I grow closer to God.” Serving together also has a way of building friendships. “During missions you and your friends start to feel like brothers. You feel like family,” says Colin. It was during spring break missions that Evan and Colin became closer friends. 9

Evan comments, “Colin would listen to me when I needed to talk and I could listen to him when he needed to talk.” “It seems like Evan has always been there for me, and he understands me. We have a lot in common, but that doesn’t make us friends. It’s our connection that makes us friends,” says Colin. And it’s that connection they share in Christ that bonds them together. Colin continues, “Knowing Christ has helped me overcome obstacles that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to overcome. He has helped me learn what it means to be a good friend. He is helping me learn how to think about others before I think about myself.”

The Aviators: Front: Sean Wylie, Evan Asbury, Colin Tresch. Back row: Michael Armour, Matthew McAdow, Brendan Ford, Jacob Theis. Evan came to know Christ personally at the age of seven. And though his relationship with Christ has “strong and weak” points, his true friends are those people that are there for him through those thick and thin times in his life. Colin’s definition of friendship has the same ring of loyalty to it. “A friend is somebody you feel comfortable with that will stick by you, no matter how hard the situation is.” Colin sums up the true essence of friendship that he and Evan share, “Friends aren’t always easy to find and they are not always what you expect, but you know you have a true friend when that person cares about you more than himself. A friend shouldn’t feel like a friend. He should feel like a brother.” -Nikki Boyd

Finding Lasting Friendships

in a safe place

hree friends. Three very different friends, but for Joan Henning and Wayne and Susan Parsons, the friendship was cemented over a Mazzio’s lunch following a Saturday morning Celebrate Recovery leader’s training workshop. Though they met several years before, they become a little better acquainted at Celebrate Recovery where Joan serves on the BBQ team, Susan is a greeter, and Wayne is a member of the worship band, Surrender. While they occasionally visited, they hadn’t had the time to establish a strong relationship until that fateful lunch at Mazzio’s. “I can’t really describe why, but I felt a true connection to them from that point on. Wayne and Susan are both so warm and sincere. Their love of Christ and all mankind is very evident,” said Joan. Susan and Wayne admire Joan and her many wonderful characteristics. “She is a person of integrity,” explained Susan, “and she exemplifies what Paul defines as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians. She truly ‘walks the walk.’” Susan, Wayne and Joan are stellar examples of authentic Christianity, but that hasn’t always true. With varying backgrounds and experiences they each traveled a unique path toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “As a young person I attended church with my family on a semiregular basis, but I did not have a close relationship with God. A local pastor visited us in our home after we were married. I asked Jesus, to be Lord of my life. I have been growing since,” said Susan. For Wayne there was “not a lot of

religion” in his family. “Susan had always been exposed to God, but neither of us was faithful in our walk. After we had been married for a while, we started attending church on a semi-regular basis. In 1980, we were transferred to Shawnee. There was a small Baptist church next to the addition we lived in. The Spirit was nudging me to visit the church. Af ter attending for a few weeks, one night in bed I just had a very quiet moment with God. I gave my life to Christ. I knew there was a change, but there weren’t any fireworks or big explosions. God and I began our new relationship.” Joan came from an unchurched background with very little exposure to the Christian life into her adult years. “It was years later through my involvement at Asbury that I really began to grow spiritually. I can’t describe the joy I feel. I never felt I measured up to other Christians, others were more spiritual than me, more dedicated, more everything.” But as Joan grew she began to see more and more how much we are all alike. “I used to think people going to church were studying and praying all the time. How wrong I was! There are so many fun and exciting things happening, and what fantastic people to do those things with! I often think of

our members who are ‘Sunday-morning-only Christians.’ How sad it is that they are not blessed with the joy of serving and building relationships with others who will love and care for them.” And that’s what holds this trio of friends together. According to Wayne, a friend is “someone who knows how you are feeling just by looking at you, knows what you are thinking before you say it, and is someone you can share a secret with and you know that it won’t go anywhere else. There are three kinds of friends—first, a friend that you grew up with and has always been there; second is the person you meet and over time a relationship develops, and last, is the person that as soon as you meet them there is a bond.” That’s the kind of friendship Wayne, Susan and Joan have discovered in one another and the kind of friendships they have discovered in Celebrate Recovery—safe, caring, trusting and joyful friendships. -Sandy Wagner

“. . . THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT, WHO COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TROUBLES, SO THAT WE CAN COMFORT THOSE IN ANY TROUBLE WITH THE COMFORT WE OURSELVES HAVE RECEIVED FROM GOD”. . . 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3B, 4 10

Walking Together Through

the joys and difficulties

ow to tell the story that should be told about “Bob Clark” and “Pec Lee.” Now for those of you who know these two wonderful Christian men you are laughing or puzzled already. You see their correct names are “BOB LEE” and “PEC CLARK.” But, all you would have to do is spend a little quality time with them to see just how intertwined their lives truly are on a daily basis. It’s amazing, one man starts the sentence and the next finishes the statement or thought. You name it, they’re on the same page with each other.They start their week off with worship at the 9:15 service in the sanctuary with their families always sitting together and fellowshipping before and after the service. The next day will begin with Bob and Pec meeting for breakfast and fellowship and discussing their current personal and family situations, they have been meeting on Monday’s since November 1993. You see these two men met on a Walk to Emmaus in May of 1993. These meetings did then, and still do

revolve around serious and personal accountability. They hold each other accountable for their Bible reading, studying, prayer life and worship attendance, and any other struggle they may be having at that time in their lives. Not only do they know they can count on each other for prayer and support but they rely on each other for meeting these needs. Bob said “I just love Pec’s heart; it’s amazing how he can take the word of God and put it into simple and practical terms and applications that apply to everyday life.” Bob is passionate when he talks about his friend Pec. Bob admires Pec’s desire and ability to evangelize and disciple the people God puts in his path. Bob said “I always know he will be there during the good and bad times and be willing to help and support me and my family in all we do or need.” They both had incredible stories to tell about times when they needed the other one and they were there. Pec said, “One time we were in a Bible study and I received some bad

news about my son and had to leave immediately.” My friend Bob beat me to the hospital and was with my wife before I arrived.” He said, “Now that’s a friend that truly loves you and cares about your needs.” Pec talked about how Bob had invited him to Men’s Prayer Breakfast. He said Bob was going to run for UMM office and he knew he wanted to be more involved with helping and supporting him. Well, eventually that lead to Pec and his family joining the Asbury church family. They often go on double dates and have even taken vacations together. They have season ticket s together for sporting events. They’re always celebrating each others family events together. They love to laugh, joke and tease one another. They are truly a beautiful example of a relationship that turned into the deepest friendship possible. Pec concluded, “Bob has grown to be my best friend in the whole world, and we bring out the best in each other.” -Glen Grusendorf

“. . . JONATHAN BECAME ONE IN SPIRIT WITH DAVID, AND HE LOVED HIM AS HIMSELF”. . 1 SAMUEL 18:1

Facing the Youth

culture together

effrey Harrison has nicknamed three 17year-old Asbury members The Holy Trinity. They are Lydia Elyse Tate, Amy Jean Reinking, and Lindsey Claire Ameen. The three met through cheerleading and have known each other since fourth grade. By the time the girls reached the eighth grade, they found themselves in a group of 12 “best friends” who went together to New Life Ranch the summer before ninth grade. The girls understood the spiritual aspect of the camp even then. Although all three girls had been involved in church for years, the experience and teaching at camp brought them into a spiritual connection and understanding that they wanted to serve Christ in everything that they do. Now seniors, the original group of 12 dwindled through the years. “But the three of us stood strong,” said Lindsey. Amy explained, “In ninth grade our other friends turned to drinking and drugs, and all three of us felt left out and alone. Our friends knew that we weren’t going to do those things, so we were not included.” Lydia said, “Ninth grade was our worst year.” Lindsey explained, “Eventually, we finally realized that we were all three being left out and we started talking about it and comforting each other. It was at that time we knew we were really the best of friends.” They all began to pray during this miserable year for God to bring good and supportive friends into their

lives, and they found comfort in each others’ answered prayers. Eventually their group of friends began to grow.All three agree that they are much stronger in Christ together than alone. Lindsey explained that “We are really real and open and we’re not into the normal high school drama issues.” The trio has been on four mission trips— to Reynosa, Mexico and Guatemala. They performed dramas, helped build sidewalks and worked serving Christ in an orphanage. They continue to go to camp and the girls have spent the last two summers together in training to become camp counselors. Lydia said, “I know we will always be close because our friendships are

meaningful to us.” Amy explains, “We are always there for each other in good times and in our struggles. When the devil is at work to tear us down, we hold each other accountable for who we are in Christ.” When asked why they believe they are set apart from other high school seniors, Amy picked up the Bible to find the group’s favorite scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12 “One person could be overpowered. But two people can stand up for themselves. And a rope made out of three cords isn’t easily broken.” (NIV Readers’). Amy further explained that the scripture focuses them on their purpose. Lydia said their favorite saying is, “There is more to us than life.” She went on to say that “Life is draining, but this life is not what it is all about for us.” Lindsey nodded in agreement. “It’s about helping others, being Christian examples, seeing the blessings, and living joyfully to always glorify God.” Amy added, “We pray for each other more than we pray for ourselves, and we’re always there for each other, and we love Asbury as a place to grow in Christ and in our friendship.” Amy, Lydia, and Lindsey would like for everyone to know that through trust in God and prayer, you will be blessed with people who will support you and build you up. “We’re proof of that,” Lindsey exclaimed as the Holy Trinity used the same lipstick. -Judy Johnson

Photo Submitted

Friends I’ve Made in

youth group By Ben Dalton

he people I have met in the Asbury Youth and have come to know, I know as my family. The friends I have made there and the relationships that have been built are those that will last a lifetime and I have Asbury to thank for that. When I came into the Asbury Junior High program, I had many friends there and felt that our relationships were great. However, as time passed, we began to notice that we were creating deeper ties than any of us could have imagined. We went from being friends to family and even now, my closest friends, Hillary and Abby Blunt, Hudson Peters and Taylor King grow closer to each other and closer to God by the minute. Not to say that we don’t have problems with each other; we have had our struggles. Yet through those

struggles we realize that God created anger and struggle for a reason. When we get angry with each other, we get upset, we fall apart and we get through it. The getting through the problems is where the bonds are formed and how we learn more about how each other’s clock ticks. Without struggle, there is no room for growth in our relationships. Other times that we get to know each other better is when we spend every minute of every day with each other in church camp! At camps like Disciple (Jr. High) and Dayspring (Sr. High), we experience life with one another for 24 hours a day, seven days a week for one week. We experience God together. We get to see each other worship and we get the opportunity to fellowship with each other in a way like no other.

You see, fellowship is another wonderful thing God created. Fellowship with our peers is one of the most important things that could go on in a relationship with your friends. God wants us to learn more about Him, not on our own, but with our closest and dearest. You could say that my friends and I have been through a lot. Parental divorce, boyfriends, girlfriends, sibling problems, eating disorders, you name it, we’ve faced it. We have also gotten through it. There would be no getting through those things without each other for unconditional support. Yes, we’ve been through so much in our days, but from fifth grade to our sophomore year, we’re still at it. I love my friends, my support, my backup and my partners in crime, and they love me too. Yep, just the way God intended it to be.

A Sisterly Bond that

can’t be broken

hen Hart and I first met Nancy VanDyne and Peggy George, they were serving on the music committee that interviewed Hart and eventually called him to serve at Asbury as the Minister of Music. As we visited that weekend I learned that these two ladies had been friends for years. “Many years ago when my husband and I wandered into another local church,” said Peggy, “Nancy and Don VanDyne were already on board and up to their eyeballs in the music program. In very short order, Dr. Marvin Reecher, Minister of Music, had my family wrapped up in the music program as well.” Nancy recalls, “Peggy and Wayne and Don and I all sang in the choir, played bridge together, and rang together in the couple’s bell choir. That was quite a laugh, considering that most of the men didn’t know up from down in reading music.” laughed Nancy. Peggy continues the story, “For a period of time, Nancy and I were both on staff at the church working in the music department. Nancy worked with children’s choirs, while I was in the office. Both of our families made the move to Asbury at the same time. Shortly after, Dr. Reecher took over the position of Minister of Music. Nancy joined the music staff and I began my career at ORU. Our lives got busy and there was a period of time when we did not see each other as often as we had in the past.” All that changed when Nancy’s husband died suddenly leaving her

alone with three children. Peggy was there for Nancy. Several years later, Peggy found herself alone when her marriage ended in divorce and Nancy was there for Peggy. They have remained friends for the past 35 years. “We have been involved in many different projects together here at Asbury. As members of the Singles Ministry, we formed a choir dubbed Joyful Noise that I directed and Nancy accompanied; we had many happy hours both in rehearsal and performance,” said Peggy. They also sang together for 15 years in a group of adults called the Sonshiners. Currently they sing together in the Chancel Choir and Peggy plays in the Celebration Ringers, which Nancy directs. They have traveled

to foreign countries, skied mountains, done white-water float trips, and sailed many days in Nancy’s Catalina 23 on Lake Keystone. They also find time to usher at TCC events. “Our lives would not have been the same without music and each other. It certainly would not have been as rich or fulfilling. We have been through many difficult times together, but we have always known that we will stand by each other, be there in time of need, resolve our differences, and come away stronger than when we started…and we are never alone. God gave us both a great love for music and His church, and those ties have created a sisterly bond that will never be broken,” said Peggy. -Marti Morris

A Friend is a

friend forever By John Westervelt

This article is reprinted from the January 1995 Tidings and was the first submission by John Westervelt. He has been a regular contributor since that time. To read more of John’s writings, go to www.jwestervelt.com

n the summer of 1953 I returned home after three years as a naval officer on a destroyer off Korea. Right away I was back in the church of my youth to worship God and meet girls. Across the room in Sunday school was an attractive, slim brunette in a summer chiffon dress that matched her sky-blue eyes. The eyes that won my heart would steal her away 34 years later. I didn’t need a friend so much as a fiancée, which Nelda soon agreed to be. With success in family and my engineering work on Apollo, I still didn’t need a friend. Soon after the first moon landing, I began the layoff of my engineering group. Nelda remained loyal as this task slowly pushed me into depression. She was the friend who orchestrated the equally slow recovery. First came survival, then much later a healing. After five years I was terminated and found a job in oil. In my need, a seed of understanding friendship had been planted. A few years later Nelda and her mother spent a week in Fort Worth with my daughter sewing costumes for Day drama. Center for the shaving, Homelessthe photo a church While 15

taken by Christy Capps. Photo aVillage by Tony Conway.

morning after Nelda’s return, I found a small, cross-stitched plaque on the wall next to the mirror that read, “God has blessed me with you.” In late November, ten years after beginning my new job, Nelda called and said, “Let me buy you lunch.” Nelda had worn contacts for 30 years, but now she needed bifocal lenses. She was ecstatic because the doctor said he could fit her. Nelda’s determination kept her in the new contacts despite severe pain, which foretold permanent damage from a reaction to the solution. Eight months, four ophthalmologists, and three dermatologists later, the excruciating pain in the eyes and face had only worsened. Nelda and our daughter had written and performed some biblical monologs. Equally excruciating was the mental pain of giving this up. Nelda slipped into deep depression. On a Friday after work in August 1987, I unlocked the garage door to the hot smell of exhaust. I found Nelda in the car with her opened, well-worn Bible on her lap. God provided me a numbness of mind. The seasons cooled into Decem-

ber. The words of my 1987 Christmas letter were written by my daughter. “... We, as a family, confirm that God will continue to work through Nelda as she has imparted to us faith, hope, love, laughter, and life in fullest measure. During her 56 years on earth, she was the best wife, mother, and grandmother that any of us could have asked for. ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ James 1:17 “We loved Nelda dearly and always will miss her, but we are finding God to be faithful as He comforts us in our loss. We have tested what Nelda wrote in her journal in March of this year from the book of Lamentations and found God’s word to be true: ‘The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease; for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.’” It’s 1994. Memories deepen my friendship for Nelda. Each morning as I shave I am affirmed by the cross stitched message, “God has blessed me with you.” My response to Nelda is, “God is growing me. When my time comes, you’ll find me a loving friend for eternity.”

Friends Sharing

a common passion

re trust, dependability, respect and a sense of humor important qualities for friendship, marriage or a ministry team? All of the above! Just ask Ed Anderson and his bride of 42 years, Cay. Ed will tell you that after four years of weaving their gifts together, their six person Coupleto-Couple Training Team exemplifies all the above qualities. Ed and Cay have served as a Support Couple for seven years, Training Coordinators for four. Ed says, “We’ve cornered the expertise of each of us in the way we teach the training class.” More importantly, they have developed lifelong friendships along the way, and strengthened their own marriages. All three couples agree that they have a passion to prepare the families of the future to have a Christ-centered, fulfilling marriage. In God’s perfect plan, while they serve to bless others, they themselves are blessed! Mike and Julee Rhodes have been married nine years, and went through the ministry as an engaged couple. Now they have served six years as a support couple. Mike explains, “You can’t help but strengthen your own marriage when you help in

Couple-to-Couple. With the kind of confidentiality we have in this ministry, we have a deep level of intimacy.” “Yes,” Julee chimes in, “You can’t help but share your own stories when you are training couples to handle all the kinds of issues that arise.” Jay and Cathy Reynolds also took part in Couple-to-Couple when they were engaged, and found it very beneficial. Now they have been a Support Couple for seven years. Cathy and Jay married about three years after his wife died. Jay’s children were an extra bonus to Cathy! She notes that Couple-to-Couple ministry has given Jay and her the opportunity to make friends, not only with fellow members of the leadership team, but also with other support couples and engaged couples. Couples who are marrying for the second time seem to value Couple-toCouple even more. “They have a lot of life experience to build upon. We are also always seeking successful remarried couples to be trained as support couples,” Jay commented. The team wants you to know that they are praying for nine new support couples to be part of their February training! The need is great,

as so many couples want to get married in our beautiful new building. What kind of couple should sign up to help? According to Ed, the most important thing is commitment! “They need to know that both people must attend the six Wednesday night sessions as well as the one Saturday training. Besides that, it requires about three-five hours of homework each week. And their commitment to serve is for a year after training ends.” Cathy notes, “They must be very accepting, not judgmental.” Cay adds, “Any loving, Christcentered couple can do it.” But remember, trust, dependability and respect are only part of the requirement! Mike reminds us, “While what we do is serious business, we have a lot of fun with it!” For those who prefer summer training, Paul and Toni Melton coordinate a similar training class then. -Charlene Giles

If you would like to talk to an experienced Support Couple to determine if this is the ministry for you, contact Charlene at 392-1145.

TOM HARRISON Senior Pastor

BILL MASON Pastor Emeritus

MARK MCADOW Sr. Assoc. Pastor

Friendships My friend Dennis Sprouse (now a Sequoyah County judge), told me when I was in high school about “Youth Directors.” He served the Watonga United Methodist Church as one. I asked, “What do they do?” I paraphrase his response: “They pay you to have fun with kids.” I thought, “I can do that!” I took a job in Marlow, Oklahoma as a youth director the day after I graduated from Will Rogers High School. It was through this friendship (Dennis was my roommate for my first two years at ORU) that my call into the ministry was experienced, expressed and confirmed. I believe God often leads us through friends. I think that good friends are a special means of God’s grace given to us. We are strengthened by our friendships, or we can be destroyed by them (Paul said, “Bad company ruins good morals”). I believe that the best place in the world to meet friends is within the church. We all agree upon our final direction: heaven. Having other companions makes the trip so much more enjoyable than it is to travel alone. I feel so blessed to have had the privilege of so many friends while at Asbury. The true strength of our congregation lies in the capacity of our people to be a friend of God, and a friend to others.

Friendships As I give thought to “Friendship” I remember wonderful friends from my childhood right up to today. From my grade school memories comes to mind a contemporary with whom I was very close. An important lesson I have learned from that friendship is that once we were out of college—he married—I was single for several years. He seemed to drop right off my radar screen. I would write when he received national recognition in his field and I never heard from him. Finally, after 20 years or so of what I perceived as rejection I decided that if I let that offend me then I would lose a good friend. So, I still consider him my life-long friend and let his silence pass right on by. Now, I want to tell you about my very best friend and she has been so for 47 years. As we have enjoyed 47 years of marriage, Jayne has proven over and over— not just her love, but her friendship. She has put up with me, “warts and all” and never wavered in being my very best friend. Thank you, dear heavenly Father and Jayne.

I have always sought to be a friend to all. As such, several special friends have wonderfully blessed me over the years. I’d like to share about three. My very best friend I’ve yet to meet face-to-face, but I look forward with great anticipation to that day! We first met during special worship services held over a weekend at Will Rogers Methodist Church in 1969. He was introduced to me by someone I had never met before, but who knew Him quite well. The friendship that began that day has changed my life forever. I’m speaking of the One who sticks closer than a brother – Jesus Himself. The next friend I met at the TU Wesley Foundation. Not only did Randy become by best friend, he also became my Best Man! We shared life in the dorm together, in ministry and as brothers in Christ. We were and still are, there, for each other in our life’s highest highs and deepest lows. He’s the brother I never had. My all time closest friend just happens to be my bride! Robin knows me best and loves me most! I am forever indebted to her for a friendship that keeps growing deeper day by day. I enjoy time spent with her--washing dishes, reading, caring for our children, picnicking. She is my lover and my friend. Jesus summed up friendship the best, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”--John 15: 13--And He did!

DICK READ Pastor for Biblical Literacy

TODD CRAIG Pastor with College & Young Adults

Certainly you’ve heard John Donne’s classic: “No man is an island entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” Can you imagine doing life alone? We’ve heard of those who have tried and have ended up in lonely misery. Friendship is an amazing and adventurous ingredient of life and, like you, I’ve been privileged to have some pretty terrific friends throughout my life. Add our walk with Jesus into that mix and we are given the incredible gift of fellowship. As my friend Dub recently said, “The friendships that followers of Jesus share are intended to be like relationships we don’t find anywhere else.” It is privilege to walk with Jesus alongside some of the most passionate, encouraging and motivating fellow-disciples I know . . . my friends. No wonder King David wrote: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

One of the greatest blessings of growing up at Asbury are the friendships that I have made. First, my best friend is my wife. We met at Asbury when I was a sophomore in high school. We were friends long before we got married. It is kind of crazy to think that 10 years from now, some of the high school students at Asbury may marry one another. I still keep in touch with the guys from my high school small group (some of our youth sponsors are amazed we all made it out of high school alive). Those high school friends have become friends with my college and seminary friends. These friends have so often been the instruments that God has used to show His grace, conviction, patience, correction, forgiveness and most importantly His love.

DARLENE JOHNSON Pastor with Women

DUB AMBROSE Pastor with Men

LINDA PETTY Pastor of Access

DAVID THOMAS Pastor with Senior Adults

SONNY PLISCHKE Pastor of Care

JUDITH BANYA Pastor of Missions

My friendship started with a girl named Roberta Wilson. We met in kindergarten and remain friends to this day. Roberta’s birthday is one day before mine so we have a lot in common. We have shared meals together, kept each other’s children and comforted each during some of the toughest hours of our life. I have met other friends since kindergarten, but none can surpass my friendship with Roberta. Therefore, friendship is more than belonging to the same church, working for the same company. Friendship is feeling and knowing that you are loved and cared for even when you are not at your best. My girlfriend and I have disagreed on many things, but we have never felt slighted nor betrayed by each other. We have shared our hearts with each other, we share our hurts with one another and in doing so, we realized that our walk is based upon our faith in God, and because God has been faithful to us, we have the assurance of His love, which allows us to love one another. Friendship is precious and everyone needs a friend, however, the best friend that we can ever have is the friendship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own, and the joy I share as I commune with Him is like none other I have ever known.

Friends…IN DEED! I have been blessed over my years with lots of people I call my friends. But, there are a few who have proven their friendship by their deeds. I recall a time almost 30 years ago when I was the Youth Minister at Lovers Lane UMC in Dallas. Cathy and I had moved to Texas from Shawnee after having worked with David Thomas at St. Paul’s UMC. (Anything good I know, I learned from David!) We were young, childless, and invested all our energies in the youth of the church. We were also homeowners and since “all my energies” were invested in the ministry, I had little energy to be a good housekeeper/yardkeeper. (I’ve never been big on yard work anyway!) One Saturday morning Cathy and I were awakened by what sounded like motorboats racing down our street. When we got out of bed and walked to the front window we looked out and saw two of the Lay Youth Ministers (our volunteers) who had climbed our big live oak trees in the front and were trimming them. To this day I consider Larry Brown and Mike Degrazier to be two of my best, life-long friends. Friends…IN DEED!

When I think about friendship I always think about humor. My best friend in elementary school was one of those people who made you laugh over the most insignificant things. We would laugh (or giggle) on our way home from school until we would literally fall down in a heap of uproarious laughter. I have fond memories of those younger years when there was very little worry in life. Friendship also makes me think of commitment. Over the years there have been so many caring and giving people in my life; friends who are there to call or send a card, or help in very practical ways when things are difficult or challenging. They are there to celebrate the good things in life as well, with affirming and encouraging words. When it comes to friendship I also think of those who are selfsacrificing. I think of my husband and best friend, Glenn. He makes me laugh every day and as a care receiver, I am amazed at his ability to give beyond measure. Whether it’s to arise in the middle of the night to position a twisted foot or leg, or come home in the middle of a work day to dislodge me from a doorway where I’ve gotten stuck in my electric wheelchair, he’s there. He demonstrates the love of Christ in hundreds of ways that speaks volumes to me about friendship within a Christian marriage. I am blessed and we are blessed to have Jesus at the center of our relationship; the one who will never leave us or forsake us. That’s a commitment we can always trust, no matter what the circumstances.

My Friend Bill When I was a child I had a friend named Bill. It would be hard for me to describe him, for I’ve never actually seen him. No one else that I know has ever seen him. But I used to talk with Bill a great deal when I was young, always when I was alone. I talked with him about anything and he would understand. He knew all about me, and yet, he never put me down. He never made fun of me like some of my other friends did. He never criticized me. We were the best of friends. When I would get mad or upset, I could always talk it out with Bill. When I grew up I discovered that His name wasn’t Bill, I had just given Him that name. His real name was Jesus. I believe it was more than just the fantasy of a child. When I received Him as my Savior and began reading through the New Testament, the more I realized this is the kind of love that our Lord has for us. That’s why we love to sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus…who can find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share. Jesus knows our every weakness, oh what a friend we have in Jesus.”

Friendship. When asked to write a short statement on this subject, I have to admit it wasn’t easy. This is a topic that I take very seriously because being a friend, or having a friend is just more than saying it, it also involves action. Being there when you’re needed, making a phone call to say, “How are you?”, sending an email, card or note to say, “I care.” Listening, a human touch, being an encourager, and the list goes on and on. Tthere’s a lot more to being a friend than just saying it. Or course, my best friend is my Lord, he knows all about me and loves me anyway. But my best friend on this earthly journey is my bride of 42 years because she too knows all about me (well almost everything) and still loves me anyway. Oh, I’ve had many, many friends in my lifetime, but there were and are a few who are my best friends and always will be. It’s hard to explain those connections but it’s much it’s mutual. I am reminded of Jesus words to his disciples in John 15 when he said, “I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made now to you everything that I have heard from my Father.” He held nothing back from them, but shared it all, because they had reached a new level in their relationship; they had become the Master’s friends. So, be assured that when I call you my friend, it means more than words.

There is a saying that when an African introduces someone as a sister or brother, it may be a good idea to ask a follow up question as to whether they are blood related. This is because some friendships can get so deep that they become just like family. For example two friends can bring their whole families into their friendship until they become like one family. They will then start to introduce or refer to themselves as brothers or sisters. I have a friend who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota whose family did not know for a long time that We were not blood related. We were friends growing up, but we had all gone our different ways. When we met in Minneapolis the memory of our friendship and the miracle of meeting again in a country so far away from home was really refreshing and we just reminisce each time we are together. He introduced me to his American wife as a sister so now the kids call me aunty and my kids call him uncle. Friendship can turn into family because it can really be just like family.

TIDINGS

19 TIDINGS

Their Parents

knew best

hen John Sawyer took his bride of two days to his home in Kansas City she faced the rude reality of screeching violins--twenty hours a week of horrible sounds coming from the living room. John was teaching beginners how to play the instrument after spending all day teaching orchestra at a KC high school. “When the kids would come for their lessons,” Billie Kay said, “I’d go jump in bed and pull the covers over my ears. It was awful.” John admits his bachelor pad was not a wonderful place to bring home a bride. But he hadn’t really planned to get married for a long time. He and Billie Kay had loved each other since childhood, and had even been engaged for a time during her last year in high school. But when he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Kansas City Conservatory of Music and had won the position of teaching orchestra at the high school, he was ready to “live it up.” “I was planning a long, prosperous, care-free life of a single man,” he said. “I did not want to get married! Our parents had other ideas!” Their parents? Their parents! They had decided that their son and daughter’s meeting as children and liking each other instantly was the Lord’s “doing,” so when John and Billie Kay narrowly escaped eloping one evening and the parents discovered that, they exercised parental muscle. John still is amazed at how his mother and father and Billie Kay’s mother (her father died when she was 19) conspired to end his happy single life and six weeks later, he was a bewildered groom and Billie Kay was married to John—her first love. Billie Kay was enjoying her own 17

single life when it all came to a violinscreeching halt: she was in college majoring in music, and it was when she also entered the KC music school, that she began to realize that it was, indeed, the Lord’s plan unfolding. “We were both brought up in Christian homes,” she said. “My father and John’s father had breakfast every morning when we were kids. John’s dad was a preacher and my dad was a business man, and they taught us that you just didn’t even think about marrying anyone but a fellow believer.” And a fellow musician, too? “We have music in common,” she said. “It’s a gift. It’s also a ministry, and I’ve seen the Lord work in families through music that perhaps He couldn’t any other way.” She explained how, in her ministry as a pianist and vocalist at weddings, funerals, and special occasions that God works through her, especially to the bereaved. She said the bereaved families often have no church affiliation. “They are open to the Lord working through me with the music. I’ve seen some

marvelous things take place.” Billie Kay’s ministry as pianist with Asbury Singing Ambassadors is where we see the clarity and joy of her spirit shine. She plays the piano, as well as playing the hilarious counterpart to John who directs the group. John’s irrepressible humor is dominant there, and as Billie Kay said, in their lives. “After we married,” she said. “We couldn’t both be the dominant humorist in the family, so I subdued myself to John.” To which John might say, “If you think Billie Kay seems goodnatured and happily submissive in choir practice, I’d like to show you my scars!” To which we might say, “Sure, John.” What we see are two people who are so in love, married, (for 36 years now) and so blessed to be best friends in the bargain. And John agrees with that, except he says that although Billie Kay is mostly his best friend, Sadie runs a close second. Sadie is their golden retriever. -Donna Wilson

Friendship

across the miles

“W

hether Europe, Asia, Africa or the Americas, people want relationships--not just help with the nuts and bolts of building church infrastructure.” Asbury’s Kevin Jeter is convinced of this. Kevin and wife, Denise, and daughters Jessica and Jennifer are a mission-minded family. Add all their mission trips together and you’ll get about 40! While Estonia has been their main interest, some of the trips were to Mexico and Guatemala. Kevin and Denise have been members of Asbury for approximately 23 years and belong to the Couples For Christ community. That class asked them to be their representatives at the missions meetings and keep the class abreast of the mission activities in the church. Kevin, who has the spiritual gift of administration, soon began taking on some administrative duties, and he was satisfied in that role, but Mary Ann Smith convinced him he needed to go on a VIM trip. In 1998 Kevin went to Estonia. After going to Estonia for a couple of years, a deep friendship evolved between Kevin and Artur Pold who is the director of Camp Gideon

and also a pastor. They keep in touch by e-mail and phone. The Jeters and Polds were bonded for life when Kevin’s older daughter, Jessica, along with Emily Skaggs, another Asbury girl, stayed with the Polds during the summer of 2004. The girls spent most of that summer working at Camp Gideon. “I really believe these relationships are what the ministry is all about,” Kevin said. “It started out giving money and focusing on facilities for me, but many other people from Asbury have also developed relationships with Estonians. We don’t just go to minister to them. That’s why it’s a partnership. I would probably go so far as to say our relationship with the Estonians has done more for us than

we have done for them.” Kevin had a conversation with a Guatemalan man who works in The Potter’s House ministry. The man said, “The construction project is just an excuse to show the love of Christ. What we are here to do is to bless the people by caring for their spirits with a smile or a hug.” People in all ministry areas want encouragement just as much as help dealing with ministry needs. The Asbury Estonian ministry team spends time at each meeting to pray for specific requests from friends in Estonia. This list of prayer needs is distributed to the whole team. But our Estonian friends want to pray for us too so they can minister to us. This has helped Kevin’s relationship with Christ and opened his eyes to how similar our needs are. The Estonians and other Christians Kevin has met in his missions experiences he says “have been tremendous examples of Christ. They are so genuine.” Kevin’s goal this year is to solidify relationships. He would like to see interested people at Asbury have an email or regular mail relationship with individuals in Estonia. We may be hearing more about this! -Marti McBroom

“It’s friendship, friendship/Just a perfect blendship.”-Cole Porter A Perfectly

blended friendship

ou know you are good friends when you complete each other’s sentences. That’s the way it is with Debbie Craine and Diane Taylor who have a special, personal friendship based on sharing the love of the Lord with one another as well as the community at large. They first met in 1997 when they both worked on an event benefiting the American Heart Association. Though both were members of Asbury at the time, they didn’t know each other. Soon they both began attending the same Bible study and really made a connection. Rick and Diane Taylor joined the Christian Explorers community where Bob and Debbie Craine were already members. “Some people cross our paths and instantly we know we will be lifelong friends--Diane is one of these,” Debbie said. Diane and Debbie found that each is encouraged by the other’s desire to serve. When members of the Stephen ministry came to Christian Explorers to talk about the need for more ministers, Debbie admits that she already had been thinking about 21

it. She visited with Diane and they both agreed to attend the orientation. “God spoke through Debbie to me”, Diane says. “It’s so much easier to do it with a friend even though when you actually start the class you instantly feel comfortable.” They committed to 50 hours of training in twice monthly sessions. Both say they found much of value for themselves as they learned methods of helping others with unique needs. Currently they are both working with their first care receivers. “What you do is spend time listening, “ according to Debbie. Diane adds, “Debbie is a listener who remembers what you tell her and genuinely cares what is happening in your life. She is the poster child for Stephen Ministry because of these qualities.” They both agree they get more out of this type of service than they imagined. Diane notes, “It’s not pride in the work done, but I feel humble for being allowed to do it.” Beyond being Stephen ministers, Diane and Debbie enjoy working on special projects for the Christian Explorers. Debbie likes

doing outreach such as researching projects for the class to consider. “Our class is so good,” Debbie says, “They never turn down an opportunity to work in the community.” As an example Diane tells of an unexpected phone call she received. It was from a single mom who had needed help with medical bills for her child. Her husband Nick, who is class treasurer, signed the check from the class. Their phone number was on the check so Diane received the phone call for the Christian Explorers. It was the mom calling as she was getting ready to make her final payment on the medical bills. Her appreciation and relief were apparent. Depending on each other is a way of life for these friends. Debbie says of Diane, “She will be there to share the joys as well as the sorrows of life.” Diane says of Debbie, “I always walk away from her feeling joyful, encouraged, and as if I can accomplish more than what I thought I could. Theirs truly is an example of a perfectly blended friendship. -Liz Reece

Conversations with

best friends

omeone once said, “A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and hard to forget.” And so it is with Ryan Huey, John Lawrence and Dustin Curzon. Though they’ve moved on from high school and now attend schools in different states, the friendship they built when they were younger is still going strong. John, a sophomore at Oklahoma State, says, “Knowing these guys has made a huge impact on my life.” They didn’t attend the same high schools and that ended up strengthening their friendships. John continues, “It was cool to have a common bond outside our school environment. Because our relationships revolved around church activities, our friendships became Christ-centered.” Ryan, a sophomore at Texas Christian University, recalls that they started hanging out together after small groups in ninth and tenth grade. It wasn’t long before the three were sitting around and “shooting the breeze” for hours. It was during that “wasting time together” that they really began to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. “These are the quality times when we build on our friendship,” says John. They share common goals, values and ambitions, and all three are “ridiculously competitive.” But their differences bring balance as well. Dustin, a sophomore at Kansas University, seems to be the comedian, spontaneous and full of creative ideas. Ryan shares the same craziness but also describes himself as “driven.” He challenges the other two academically and keeps them accountable with grades and time management. John, the “cool head” of the group is steady and consistent. When the other two get a little out of control, John’s levelheaded thinking has helped them stay out of trouble, at least most of the time. It seems that coming back home after their first year away at school has helped strengthen their friendship even more. “Being away at school and trying to build friendships with other people, I’ve realized the value of these guys,” says Ryan. And as the years pass, these three smile to think how much stronger their friendships will be with each other. So what’s the most valuable trait of a friend? Dustin says, “loyalty and trustworthiness.” John needs his friends to share the same values and goals as well as his pursuit of God. “I need my friends to be driven like me; to have passion,” says Ryan. And by the looks of these three, it’s obvious they see these qualities in each other. Even though they spend the school year in different states, they’re all going through the same things. They talk often and count on each other for godly advice. Though they’re pursuing different vocations, they’re not going to let distance and time end their friendships. “Hopefully we’ll stand up at each other’s weddings,” says Dustin. John agrees, “It’s exciting to think about how our friendships are going to evolve as we experience things through the years.” -Nikki Boyd

ne of the many blessings parents experience is the people they meet through their children. Such is the story of Dana Harrison and Cathy Gentry. Uprooted from their home and small community to serve a new church, Tom, Dana and their three children arrived at Asbury in June 1993. After a whirlwind summer of getting settled in Tulsa and adjusting to their new surroundings, the children began their school experience in the large Union School District. According to Dana, Cathy’s son, Daniel, was one of the few students who was nice to Josh when the school year started. Dana suspects that he may have been encouraged to befriend “the new kid” by his mom. Cathy, who is known for her fun and gregarious nature, never meets a stranger! When she and Dana were introduced, they knew right away that they had met a special friend. “I think we would have been friends as teenagers had we known each other then,” said Dana. “Both of us enjoy laughing and cutting up.” A casual observer might mistakingly think the two 40-somethings were teenage girls as they pull pranks on mutual friends…and on Pastor Tom. And like loyal friends, the two sit together every Sunday during worship. “It’s nice to know a friend will always be there,” said Cathy. As opposites often attract in marriage, it often happens in close friendships. Dana confides, “Cathy is more outgoing and I tend to be more laid back. She’s a ‘Poke’ and I’m a ‘Sooner.’ She’s more traditional than I am, as I may be a little outside the box sometimes.” Mary and Martha come to mind. While Dana is a listener, her sister in Christ might bring coffee and donuts before settling down. One thing both women agree upon, though, is that knowing each other has strengthened each of their faith walks. As their friendship evolved, Cathy and Dana noticed that the other was not prone to gossip, and both women agree that they trust one another with their confidences. The trust that was established earned them the right to challenge each other. “Dana pushed me (gently) into areas of service I wasn’t comfortable with. But she walked with me every step of the way,” said Cathy. “We were small group leaders for high school girls. I would never have done that alone. I believe Dana’s nudging has allowed me to serve in the areas of missions as well.” “Cathy modeled a strong faith through challenges with her boys and with the illness and death of her mother. She’s also compassionate towards people who hurt, and she has encouraged me to be more sensitive to others around me,” Dana said. “I had difficulties with children during their teen years and Dana encouraged me to have faith that God would be with us during the tough times. These times continue, and I always fall back on that promise that God is with us. It gives me comfort.” As parents of adults, these women will forever be grateful to the young children who brought them together for a lifetime of friendship. -Jan Weinheimer

“

friendship (frend’ship), n. 1. state of being a friend; association as a friend. 2. a friendly relation or intimacy. 3. Beth Grimes and Brenda Whitt.

n many ways, the relationship between Beth Grimes and Brenda Whitt defines friendship. They have discovered that rarest of treasures which is often sought but seldom found--an open, honest, Christ-centered friendship. They delight in one another, encourage and build up one another, sacrifice for one another while sharing each other’s joys and burdens. And squarely at the center of their friendship is their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They see their friendship as true Christian fellowship lived out day by day as they pray with and for one another, encourage one another in ministry and service, and build one another up in the faith. Brenda and Beth met 10 years ago as members of the Praise and Worship Community. Brenda was drawn to Beth’s enthusiasm and joy for life, and Beth felt an immediate connection to Brenda’s servant heart. They began walking together, talking and sharing at a deep level almost from the beginning. The connection was so evident that even when they talked about their past, it was as if they have each shared in one another’s lives. A few years later, in a Beth Moore study on the life of David, they learned about Jonathan, who’s “soul was knit to the soul of David, whom he loved as himself.” They both sensed that their friendship was to become just as unique as the one described in 2 Samuel. Like David and Jonathan, Beth and Brenda are joined at the heart, forever friends. Their friendship was launched into a new and deeper level on September 24, 2000, when Beth’s 23-year-old son Ben was tragically killed in a car crash. “It was Brenda who ‘jumped in my bucket’ to walk through that dark time with me. I knew I wanted to plant a tree and make a quilt, but it was Brenda who made it happen,” shares Beth. Brenda and her husband Brian planted an Ash tree in Beth’s yard, a reminder of Ben’s love for baseball, and organized the making of a quilt out of Ben’s old baseball t-shirts. Brenda and Beth continue to see their friendship grow. One Christmas, the Lord gave Beth an idea to buy two journals. Every week, they exchange their journals, read what the other has written, pray for the needs expressed, then write their own thoughts in response and in addition to what the other has written. The result is a priceless log of shared burdens and praises, thoughts and expressions to one another and to God. Brenda and Beth realize that what they have is unique and rare, and value it as a precious gift from God. Rather than being an exclusive, “mutual admiration society,” their friendship is like a wellspring from which flows good works and service to others. The Lord has opened many doors for them to minister to others in many ways, so much so that they have a name--the Hugs Ministry. As Beth so beautifully expressed, “I can picture the day when Brenda and I are standing before the Lord and we will be sharing a crown, having the honor of removing it and together laying it at the feet of Christ.” We can all learn from their example. -Juli Armour

oth of us have walked a crooked road to the Cross.” That’s how Ross Brown explains the close connection he feels to his good friend and brother in Christ, Bud Mathes. Both men are leaders in the Asbury family, and both men have learned the value of enjoying a friendship based on trust and respect. Bud sums up their relationship in a simple way: “I trust Ross because he trusts Jesus…not just as Provider or Savior…but as joint heir and friend.” According to Ross, “Bud treats all people with dignity and respects their privacy. As our friendship grew, so did my trust in Bud. Further, I know that Bud prays for me. How can you not trust a person who prays for you?” These good friends met at Lay Speakers Training about ten years ago. When introduced, Bud caught Ross a bit off guard saying, “It’s nice to meet a person I’m going to spend Eternity with!” And so it began, a decade of sharing a love of people and more than a golf game or two. Most importantly, though, is the faith they openly share. Bud said that their faith had been strengthened by their 24

once-popular song rallied, “Lean on me when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.” And really, that’s what being a friend is all about, isn’t it? Friends encourage you. Friends share your joy. Friends challenge you to be a better person. Friends give without expecting anything in return. Brad Shell and Todd Clifton are the best of friends. They met several years ago through their involvement in Young Life. Young Life is an outreach ministry to teens and Brad and Todd were working in the same school. Brad was immediately impressed with Todd’s passion and genuine concern for young people; while Todd was amazed at Brad’s gift for “seeing” inside people’s hearts and touching their hurts and concerns. Isn’t it interesting how God has a way of putting the right people in our paths? After their initial meeting, the two quickly became good friends. Their gifts and talents complement each other perfectly in their Young Life ministry, and through this friendship, they have both grown in their walk with Christ. It is important for Christians to have Christian friends. Like Brad and Todd, Christian friends challenge each other to walk deeper and stronger in Christ. Todd points out, “Christian friendship means you’re both fighting the same fight. It means you’re both working toward the same goal—to glorify God.” Brad and Todd are not only friends they are also roommates. As Brad puts it, “Sometimes I feel like I am closer to Todd than my own brother.” They have helped each other through tough times and good times. And they both agree that encouraging and edifying one another is what it’s all about. Thoughtful. Dynamic. Authentic. Edifying. Funny. Kind. Patient. Honest. Genuine. These are terms that Brad and Todd use to describe each other. As Brad says, “A friend is someone who gives without expecting anything in return. A friend is someone you can trust, someone who always has your best interests at heart.” Of course, Jesus put it in very simple terms when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (NIV) And then Jesus went a step further, not only did he tell us about love and friendship, he demonstrated it when he gave his life for us on the Cross. Indeed, as the old hymn says, “What a friend we have in Jesus.” Our Christian friends are an extension of Christ’s love. As Brad says, “God works through his people so we can see a glimpse of God.” -Marcia Curley

friendship, as there is always strength in numbers. Through working on projects at Asbury, training in righteousness, witnessing to mutual friends, these men have kept their relationship centered in Christ. Their accountability to one another has made them each a better person. “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another,” Proverbs 27:17. While both men have a positive outlook and enjoy a good laugh (often at the expense of Pastor Tom!), they differ in ways that make for a balanced relationship. Ross claims to be more impatient and competitive, saying that Bud is more forgiving and team-oriented. The road may have been crooked as these men approached the Cross, but the journey from there has been a bit straighter because they’re traveling it together. -Jan Weinheimer

asbury opportunities sunday mornings Breakfast Served from 7:00-9:15 a.m. 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 8:00 am Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion) 9:15 am Sanctuary (Contemporary Communion) 11:00 am Sanctuary (Traditional) Sign interpreter provided 11:00 am Mason Chapel (Contemporary) Children and Students 6 Weeks - 4 Years 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am K-6th Grades 9:15 or 11:00 am 7th, 8th & 9th Grades 9:15 & 11:00 am 10th, 11th & 12th Grades 9:15 am only Adult Discipleship Communities 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am and Wednesdays, 6:30 pm

access Hands of Love Sign Choir Sundays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 2821

biblical literacy Asbury University Classes are available for all levels of learning. Most classes for the fall began in September. Brochures are available at the Welcome Centers and on the website: www.asburytulsa.org

care and support Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic Sponsored and run by Visiting Nurses Association – Saturday, October 8, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in East Parking Lot. Cost: $25/shot which may be covered by insurance. Do You Have An Effective Resumé? A workshop for members, visitors, or friends of Asbury who are seeking employment – Thursday, October 27, 7-8:30 pm in Room 2820. Individualized resumé assistance is available for those who need it. Bipolar Disorder: Facts & Truth Thursday, October 20, 7:15-9:00 pm and Monday, October 24, 9:30-11:15 am, Room 1502. Join an Asbury Stephen Ministry meeting to hear Mr. Tim Reside, Executive Director of Bright Tomorrows, share his inspirational survival story about his struggle with a bipolar disorder since 1979. Tim’s story is a

redemptive and healing message of hope. Additionally Tim will be presenting “facts” about the causation and nature of bipolar disease. These “facts” will be placed within the context of the “truth” that there is hope because there is help and healing available. No cost and no registration necessary. Asbury Bear Bags Asbury Bears are not just for little kids anymore! Asbury Bear Bags with coloring books have comforted young children for many years, but now you may give a Bear Bag with a scripture-based journal included instead! Great for teens and adults. Anyone may deliver an Asbury Bear to someone who is grieving. For more information, contact Beth at 392-1116. Cancer Support Group Second Sunday of each month, 4:00-6:00 pm, Parlor - For those living with cancer and their family and friends Bipolar/Depression Support Group Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 1508 - For persons living with bipolar disorder or depression Divorce Recovery Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those suffering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. Divorce Rebuilding Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those ready to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren First and third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, Rm 1508 Family to Family Fourth Tuesday of the month, 1:30-3:30 pm, Parlor - For family members or caregivers of people affected by a mental illness. Joint informational dinner meeting with Mental Health Support Group, third Wednesday of each moth, 5:30 pm at the Rib Crib, 81st and Yale. GriefShare Support Group Wednesdays, through December 14 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in Rm 2818. Facilitators are Ann Schulz and Bob Brumm. Childcare is available. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Call 392-1191 to register. A Place of Hope Third Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm in the parlor, for families of children who have chronic illnesses or disabilities, whether physical, mental or emotional. If you, or someone you know, would like to be involved in this developing ministry, please contact Roxanne at 392-1122. Mentor Moms/Young Lives First and second Tuesdays of the month, 7:00-9:00 pm in the Parlor. This is a support group for teenage moms, sponsored by Young Life.

Preparing for the Holidays Grief Workshop Sunday, November 13 from 1:00-3:30 pm in the Parlor. No childcare available. No cost and no registration. The most useful lesson that a griever can learn about the holidays is this: Sometimes there’s no way around, no way under, no way over. Sometimes the only way is through! Come join us as we talk about ways to work our way “through” the holidays. Military Connection Support our Asbury Troops! Christmas gifts are never more appreciated than when one is far from home. Asbury’s Military Connection plans to send a gift to each Asbury-related military person in harm’s way, and their family. To accomplish our goal, we need your help! Please make your check payable to Asbury UMC and send c/o Ruth. Then pick up a “Pray for Our Troops” magnet in the prayer room.

children Registration forms for all children’s activities are available in the preschool and elementary lobbies. Core Hours for Childcare Parents who are involved in activities or classes during these hours will have childcare provided with no reservations needed: Sundays 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Mondays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesdays 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesdays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Wednesdays 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Rock U Wednesdays, through November 16 from 7:00-8:00 pm. For 5th and 6th graders. Our Wednesday night program for 5.6 kids is designed to give early adolescents a fun, rowdy, and highly relational evening in the middle of the week. Rock U includes small groups focused on Bible study and ministry projects, games, music and topical teaching. Kids will look forward to the fun while we guide them in growing their relationship with Christ. For more information, contact Christy at 392-1166. Rock 5.6 Girls’ Night Out Friday, October 7 from 4:00-10:00 pm. For 5th and 6th graders. The cost is $12. Deadline for registration is Sunday, October 2. Hey girls! You won’t want to miss this event planned just for you and your girlfriends! We’re planning an evening filled with crafts to make and take, challenging games that teach teamwork and problem-solving skills, dinner, a movie, and some special surprises. Bring your friends, and mom or grandmom if they’d like to help! For more information, contact Christy at 392-1166. Rock 5.6 Boys’ Night Out Friday, October 28 from 4:00-10:00 pm in Rm 2901. Cost: $12. Registration deadline is CALENDAR 26

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Sunday, October 23. For 5th and 6th grade boys. Hey guys! You won’t want to miss this event planned just for you and your friends! We’re planning an evening filled with gross games, challenging games that teach teamwork and problem-solving skills, dinner, a movie, and some special surprises! Bring your friends, and dad and granddad if they’d like to help! Volunteer Enrichment Training Tuesday, October 18 from 7:00-8:30 pm in the 5.6 Classroom (2901). Childcare is available for children 6 weeks through 6th grade. There is no greater privilege in a Christian’s life than that of being allowed to lead someone to Christ. The final segment of our 2005 volunteer enrichment training series, “How to Lead a Child to Christ,” will equip you to do just that. Whether it’s children you’ve volunteered to serve, or your own child or grandchild, you’ll be ready. We hope you’ll make plans to attend. For more information, contact Heidi at 3921168. Asbury Children’s Choirs Wednesdays, through November 30 from 6:006:50 pm. Registration forms are in the children’s ministry file boxes in the preschool and elementary lobbies. Choirs for three-yearolds through sixth grade. For more information, contact Marti at 392-1147. 5.6 Crew Leaders Wednesdays, through November 16 from 7:008:00 pm. For 5th and 6th graders. Crew Leaders is a Wednesday night program that allows selected 5th and 6th graders the opportunity to serve the younger kids in our elementary and preschool programs. These leaders provide guidance for team games, music, storytime, and serve as small group leaders during our teaching/follow-up activities. If your 5th or 6th grader is interested in participating, contact Christy at 392-1166. Just for KICKS Wednesdays, through Nov. 16th from 7-8 pm. Four-year-olds will begin in room 1932 and Kindergarten will begin upstairs in the KRS room (2927). We will start with high energy games and then join the 1st – 4th graders in the chapel for worship – kid style. This overall program is designed to help children build character and develop qualities that will help them live productive and fulfilled lives as followers of Jesus Christ. Dismissal is at 8pm from the chapel. For more information contact Mallory (392-1167) or Susan (392-1172). We can’t wait to see you there. Kid’s Crew Wednesdays, through Nov. 16th from 7-8 pm. For 1st – 4th graders. Kid’s Crew is a fun, action packed evening that starts with team games in the gym followed by worship in the chapel created just for them. This overall program is designed to help children build character and develop qualities that will help them live productive and fulfilled lives as

followers of Jesus Christ. Special emphasis is given to the development of habits in bible reading, scripture memory, prayer, witnessing, and personal application. Dismissal is at 8pm from the chapel. For more information contact Kathy (392-1165) or Jennifer (392-1170). We can’t wait to see you there. H2O Camp-In Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 12. For all 3rd and 4th graders. There’s nothing like fun, food and exhaustion to bond our H2O kids! They’ll leave the church at 8:00 pm and make the rounds of the most fun places in Tulsa, returning at 2:00 am for a “camp-in” and a couple of hours of shut-eye. The $45 cost includes all food, activity fees and a t-shirt. Friends welcome, too!

christian living Equip Your Teens...No Matter What! Financial Peace Junior Series - Dave Ramsey Call Nancy Staab at 392-1124 or email asburyfpu@yahoo.com if you are interested. Spiritual Gift Inventory Advisory Session Sessions are held the second Thursday of each month in Room 2821 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Bring your completed Spiritual Gifts Inventory for discussion with an advisor. To take the Inventory on line, prior to attending, see Asbury’s website. Call the registration hotline at 392-1192 to register for one of the Thursday sessions.

library New Additions The Asbury Library is a wonderful resource. New additions are listed in a black notebook on the Librarian’s desk. Thank you to all who continue to contribute books to our Library.

marriage & family Milestone Wedding Anniversaries Email your December and January Milestone Anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) to patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146. Intimate Life Weekend + Six October 7 - 9 at the Neosho River Ranch (55 minute drive near Wagoner, OK). Limited to nine couples. Cost: $50 per couple. Facilitators: Rev. Mark and Robin McAdow. Childcare available for follow-up meetings only. Open to Asbury members or visitors. The best buy around for Christian marriage enrichment. The price includes a bed and breakfast atmosphere, all meals, workbook, and special surprises. For any couple desiring more intimacy with God and one another. Six follow-up meetings will be held at Asbury on Wednesday nights following the weekend. Leaders are experienced married couples with a variety of life experiences. Call

392-1191 to register. Successful Blending: Enriching Your Step Family Friday, November 18 from 6:30-9:00 pm. in Room 2820 There are predictable stages for every blended family. Come learn how normal you are! You will have a chance to learn specific tips that will strengthen your marriage and parenting skills. Call 392-1191 to register. No charge. (Must register by Nov. 16 to be eligible for giveaways. First couples to register will receive a free book.)

membership Asbury Exploration Come to one of these classes to learn more about becoming a member of Asbury. Upcoming session: Sunday, October 2, from 12:30-2:30 pm. Call 392-1191 to register. Childcare available.

men Men’s Prayer Breakfast Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 am in the CLC. Join the Men’s Ministry for a delicious breakfast and fellowship. Cost: $3/person September Speakers: 10-5 Don Herrold, speaker 10-12 Mark Hoffman, speaker 10-19 Bill Johnson, speaker 10-26 Mark Springer, speaker Guys’ Night Out October 20, 6:00-8:00 pm in the CLC. Are you sleepy on Wednesday mornings? If so, then maybe you can try United Methodist Men’s new Guys’ Night Out. Call 392-1122 for more information. Asbury Men’s Pancake Breakfast Saturday, November 12 from 7:00 - 11:00 am in the CLC. Cost: $4 per person, $20 maximum per family. Come out for this annual event for some fun, fellowship, and good food! All the pancakes you can eat. Proceeds go to missions. Home Improvement Saturday, November 19. Serving widows and single moms. Work projects consist of home repairs and/or improvement projects. If you would like to help out, call 392-1122.

missions/outreach 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. The Little Light House Mini-Laps Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 am, with a

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carnival following. The Little Light House is located at 36th and Yale. Call 664-6746 for more information. “Bridging the Gap Between Prison and Community” - Operation Hope Friday, October 21 from 5:00-9:00 pm Oklahoma Lt. Governor Mary Fallin and Ted Robertson from Robertson Tires, channel 6’s Lori Fullbright, MC. Music by Ernestine dillard. Buffet dinner, live and silent auctions, door prizes. Cost: $30 per person or $150 per table for six. Contact Operation Hope Ministry at 599-0663 for more. Laps for Little Ones Saturday, October 22 at 9:00 am, Cascia Hall Track. Come participate in this annual fundraiser for The Little Light House. Call 6646746 for more information. TU Wesley Foundation Golf Tournament Thursday, October 13 at 1:00 pm, Whitehawk Golf Course, 14515 S. Yale. Cost: $100 per player, includes green fee, cart, bucket of balls, dinner after the game, and door prizes! Call 592-5778 if you are interested. UM Boys’ Ranch Rodeo, Barbecue and Basket Auction Noon, Saturday, October 15 at the Boys Ranch in Gore OK. Call 392-1116 for details. UM Circle of Care Music Festival This district awareness event is Sunday, October 23 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Christ UMC.

missions/vim For further details about Volunteer-in-Mission opportunities, contact Marilene Long, 392-1164 or mlong@asburytulsa.org. The remaining trips for 2005 are:: Rio Bravo, Mexico November 2 - 6, Construction and Medical - $450 Carboneras, Mexico November 16-20, Construction and Mission Bible School - $550

music Asbury Children’s Choirs Wednesdays through November 30 from 6:006:50 pm. Choirs for three-year-olds through sixth grade. Spread the word! Children’s choir is fun! Chancel Choir Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Choir Room Asbury Singing Ambassadors Tuesdays, 1:00 pm, Choir Room Orchestra/Concert Band Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Rm 1510 Celebration Ringers Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm, Rm 2506 Asbury Ringers Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 2506 Perpetual Light Thursdays, 10:00 am - noon, Rm 2506 Carillon Quartet

Tuesdays Wednesdays

Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 pm, Rm 2506 New Covenant Ringers Wednesdays, 4:45-5:30 pm, Rm 2502 Wesley Ringers Sundays, 4:00-5:00 pm, Rm 2506 Asbury Power & Light Sundays, 8:15-9:00 am, Rm 1510 Brass Quintet Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, Rm 1510 String Ensemble Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 1510 Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00 pm, Rm 1506 Trumpet Choir Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 1621 Clarinet Choir Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 1506 Dixieland Band Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 pm, Rm 1510

Fridays Saturdays

prayer Women Praying Together Mondays, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Prayer Room. Join other women as they pray together. Parents Praying Together Wednesdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Rm 1507 Join other parents to pray for families and children. Women’s Prayer Breakfast Monday, October 24 from 7:00-8:00 am in the Community Life Center. $5 per person donation appreciated. No reservations needed. College Moms in Touch Prayer Time Wednesdays, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm, Rm 1506 Altar Prayer If you would like someone to pray with you after the worship service on Sunday, please go to the front of the Sanctuary and people will be there to pray for healing of your body, mind and/or spirit. They are available to pray with you at the altar or in the prayer room. Mason Chapel Prayer Room Accessible during core hours. You can enter the room from the outside entrance of the southeast side of the Chapel by using code 6868.

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

recreation Asbury Recreation Center - Hours Mondays 8:00 am - 9:30 am 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 8:00 am - 9:30 am 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm 8:00 am - 9:30 am 6:00-pm—8:00 pm 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sundays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Upward Basketball Registration forms available in the children’s areas, in the gym, or online.Sign up today. $75.00. Late registration begins Oct. 8 (add $10). Registration deadline Oct. 15. Upward Basketball Evaluations Player evaluations at Bethany Free Will Baptist Church, 100 N. Olive (between 71st and 81st, west of 129th E. Ave.) in Broken Arrow. All players must attend one evaluation to participate. Thurs. Oct. 13 6:00-8:30 pm Fri. Oct. 14 6:00-8:30 pm Sat. Oct. 15 9:00-1:00 pm Single Adults Volleyball Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Gym Come join a time of exercise, fun and fellowship. Adult Volleyball Sundays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Gym Come join a time of exercise, fun and fellowship Junior High Basketball Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 pm, Gym Metro Area Basketball League. Players and coaches needed. Practice begins October 6. Contact Janet at 392-1199 X 247 or jteel@asburytulsa.org Senior High Basketball Thursdays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Gym Metro Area Basketball League. Practice begins October 6. Walk in the Gym with Him Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8:15-9:00 am, Gym Come join a time of power walking with fun and fellowship. Senior Sit and Fit Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00-9:30 am, Gym. Come join a time of stretching with fun and fellowship. Pilates Saturdays, 10:00-11:00 am, Rec Gym Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00 pm, Rec Gym Learn how to care for your body, prevent injury, build strength and flexibility. Bring a nonslip mat. Therabands can be purchased in class ofr $3. Adult Open Gym Mondays: 7:00-9:00 pm Fridays: 6:00-8:00 pm Saturdays: 11:00 am-1:00 pm Asbury and the 2005 Tulsa Run Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 am in downtown Tulsa. Asbury walkers and runners are encouraged to participate in the 2005 Tulsa Run. Cost: $25 before October 21. $35 after CALENDAR 28

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October 21. Deadline for registration is October 28. Asbury Tent at 2005 Tulsa Run Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 am in downtown Tulsa. Asbury’s Recreation Center will provide water as an outreach. Fit For Christ Community is sponsoring this event.

seniors Asbury Singing Ambassadors This choir for senior adults rehearses eachTuesday at 1:00 pm in the Choir Room. UM Boys’ Ranch Rodeo, Barbecue and Basket Auction Saturday, October 15. For more information, contact Roxanne at 392-1122. Jurisdictional Senior Adult Retreat October 17-19 at Mt. Sequoyah. For more information, contact Roxanne at 392-1122. Senior Adult Dance Lessons Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Asbury Main Foyer. Cost: $2.50 per person. Come join other senior adults for some fun dance lessons. ‘Tweenagers October 27 at 10:30 am in the CLC . If you are between retirement and heaven, come and bring a friend! Call Doni at 492-1771 to make your reservations by noon Monday, Oct. 24.

singles Singles Meet and Greet Sundays from 8:40-9:10 am or 10:20-10:50 am in the CLC. All singles are invited. Singles Bible Study Mondays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Rm 2820 Coffee Cup Cafe First and third Sundays, 6:30-8:30 pm. in the Asbury Parlor. Come join Asbury singles as they fellowship over coffee and refreshments. ASM Singles Luncheon Sunday, October 16 from 12:00-2:00 pm in the CLC. No childcare, but children are welcome. The cost is $4.00, an dchildren under 10 are free. Lunch and musical entertainment by Traveler, a local Christian pop group. Divorce Recovery Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those suffering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. Divorce Rebuilding Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, Rm 2319 - For those ready to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce.

students 10th, 11th & 12th Breakaway Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm - Breakaway Area Join us every Wednesday (except holidays) for a time of connection, worship, and God. We will also have nights of just random fun. Don’t miss

the food and hang out time afterwards! Come be a part! 7th, 8th & 9th Breakaway Sundays, 9:15-10:30 am - Breakaway Area 7th, 8th & 9th Bible Study Sundays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 7th, 8th & 9th Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm - Meet in the Student Cafe, hang out, have fun, and study what God’s Word has for us. Marsha will lead the 7th and 8th grade study, and Mark will lead the 9th. It’s going to be awe-inspiring. You won’t want to miss it! Small Groups Every Sunday night (except holidays). 7th, 8th from 5:30-7:00 pm at Asbury 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th from 6:00-7:30 pm in homes. Don’t miss out on being a part of a small group! It’s a place to grow in your relationship with Jesus, have some accountability, and just have fun! Sign up in Student Ministries area. Metro Worship Wednesday, October 5 from 7:00-8:30 pm. for 7th-12th graders. Come join youth from all over the city in a night to just worship Jesus. We meet the first Wednesday night of every month from 7:00-8:30 pm at Believers. If you need a ride, meet at Asbury at 6:30 pm. We’ll be back by 9:00 pm. 7th Grade Confirmation Parent Meeting Sunday, October 17 from 5:30-7:00 pm in the CLC. Seventh grade parents...don’t miss this MANDATORY meeting! Contact Mark at 3921155 or Marsha at 392-1157 for information. College Bible Study Each Sunday night from 6:00-7:15 in the Student Ministry Conference Room. College Sunday Night Dinners 7:15-9:00 p.m. in the Student Ministry Cafe.

women Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 am, Rm 1502 Mothers’ Fellowship Mondays throughout the schoolyear from 9:30 - 11:30 am in the Parlor. Cost: $15. Do you have the desire: To let Christ’s love and patience flow through you to your family? Experience God’s peace in your mothering circumstances? Meet other mothers who desire to grow in their woalk with the Lord? Have a two-hour break from your precious little ones to fellowship, learn, pray and have fun? If you are longing for any of the abaove, then Mother’s Fellowship is for you! Esther Gene Morrison will facilitate for her 23rd year. She is a wealth of knowledge and has a genuine heart for Jesus. We are also adding “Mentor Moms” to the gropu this year. To register, call 3921191.

Crafty Ladies September 9, 6:30-9:00 pm, Rm 2820 Women’s Monthly Luncheon Thursday, October 6, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, CLC. Program: Home Organization with Crystal Asbury. Proverbs 31:27 Women’s Prayer Breakfast Monday, October 24 from 7:00-8:00 a.m. in the Community Life Center. $5 per person donation appreciated. No reservations needed. Home Improvement Saturday, November 19. Serving widows and single moms. Work projects consist of home repairs and/or improvement projects.Please pick up a work order at the church or call 3921122 by November 9. Women Praying Together Mondays from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in the Prayer Room. Walk This Way Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 am - 2:00 pm in the CLC. Cost: $10, with a maximum of $30 per family. Registration deadline is october 7. Call 392-1191. (Scholarships are available). The S.E.R.V.E. Ministry of Asbury presents an event you simply do not want to miss! Come join us to unlock the mystery of modesty. See page 3 for more! Call 392-1122 for details. Value of a Woman - “The Blessing” Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 5 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. The cost is $10 and deadline for registration October 24. Professional singer, recording artist and motivational speaker, Jan Frichot, will lead us through scripture as we learn to be accepted and loved as we are. Only then can we accept and love others just as they are. Phone Buddies Ladies, do you want a “cheer me up” with your morning coffee? We have ladies that can fill that need by being your own “phone buddy!” Call 392-1122. Lea or Shirley will return the call and get you set up! Arts and Crafts Mondays, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, Rm 2821 Women who enjoy crafts are invited to come any Monday morning...come and go any time. Participants bring lunch to share. This group has been meeting together for 13 years. Interests include watercolor painting, tatting, crocheting, embroidery, oil colors, card making, gourd painting, and even record keeping! Annual Christmas Tour of Homes The women of UMW will be presenting their fourth annual Christmas Tour of Homes Friday and Saturday, December 2 and 3. Be watching for details. All proceeds benefit missions.

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— RM 2818

Asbury Responds to Hurricane Katrina Emergency We shouldn’t be surprised. It happens again and again when the people of Asbury hear of a need...they do all they can to make sure it is met. Beginning with a drive coordinated by our Student ministries to collect food and diapers and continuing with a call for toys (which have been sent with Mental Health Grief Counselors who organized a Children’s Day at Camp Gruber), the Asbury family stood ready to provide. In addition, Asburians donated $59,000 (by mid-September) to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Then Pastor Tom heard that his friend, Rev. Jeff Spiller, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, had serious needs. His church, similar to Asbury, is located in an area where 4,000 homes were destroyed. “I was stunned to hear that unless people could get some assistance, some might starve,” Tom said. So he asked for help from the Asbury family. An email went out announcing that a generous offer had been made by the QuikTrip Corporation to provide (free of charge to us) a 53foot truck to take non-perishable food items to Mobile. In addition, our neighbor, Sam’s, agreed to shrink wrap and put onto pallets items purchased there, and to store them and help load up the truck the following Sunday. Many heard of the effort for the first time during Sunday worship, and immediately went to shop for their new friends in Mobile. A steady stream of contributors brought food items and cash donations. By 5:00 p.m., the truck was full! In addition to the food items, $51,783.64 was donated for the relief effort in Mobile. The partnership has begun with Christ UMC in Mobile, Alabama. Be watching for more opportunities, as VIM (Volunteers in Mission) teams and other collection efforts are no doubt a part of Asbury’s future. CALENDAR 30

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xxx

Mosaic — RM 2818 (ages vary)

Next month’s question:

Adult Discipleship Communities

What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions?

How does your community encourage friendship? Members of Discipleship Communities seek to nurture one another in living the life of a disciple. Communities are designed for warm fellowship, spiritual growth, and serving others. There are over 30 Adult Discipleship Communities at Asbury. Find and connect with a community that best meets your needs.

1) studying the Bible 2) supporting the Asbury Recreation Center ministry and outreach activities, 3) promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and 4) applying God’s Word to health and fitness activity. Ages vary.

Harvest — RM 2201 (ages vary)

8:00 am Joy — RM 1508 (ages vary) Jay was practicing with the worship team before the 9:15 service. Shonda roamed the halls searching for a community and found us. Jay, Shonda, and Zach (age 1) are now a part of the Joy family. Friendships old and new are rich when Jesus is the host of the party.

9:15 am Disciples — RM 2500 (ages vary) Friendships are developed in several ways in our community. Beck Cable is our social chairperson and always has an event for us to attend. The women had a short bible study this summer on Wednesday mornings in our homes. Becky set up Supper Clubs that meet in our homes and after four months we change groups allowing us to develope closer relationships with all the members of our community. New members are encouraged to attend these events. We also develope friendships as we volunteer together.

11:00 am Fit for Christ (New Class) Sunday, October 2 at 10:45 am (location TBA) This community is dedication to making ourselves Fit for Christ by

As the old song goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old...one is silver and the other gold!” Harvest has a variety of old friends and new friends. While service projects and Dinners for Six help encourage friendships, the time spent in class discussion and prayer for one another are also vital in developing honest and open relationships. The men’s almost-everyother- Saturday breakfast at Jay’s has been an effective means for the men to develop a bond of trust with one another.

Sunday after class. Our communications person sends out birthday, getwell and thinking of you cards.

Storm Shelter — RM 1507 (late 20’s - 40’s) Storm Shelter likes to break bread together at community eat-outs, pool parties, and other forms of food. In January, we bond by going on a diet together!

Tapestry — RM 1900 (ages vary) Fostering friendships is virtually a natural part of Tapestry. A caring group, we help one another as needs arise. Participating in small units—those such as our K-Group, mission outreach programs, and Stand-in-the-Gap Circle—also knits us together. Then there are our wonderful socials. These and more lead to solid Christian friendships.

Singles Class Act — RM 2502 (ages vary) Our small class is like a family. We look out for each other. We have an emergency information sheet on each class members with relatives’ and neighbors’ numbers in case we cannot locate a class member. We have prayer/ praise time each Sunday and contact members who are absent more than two weeks. We have regular activities to keep a bond between us and we eat out together almost every

Congratulations to Rev. Dick Read (shown with wife, Cindy) on 25 years of service in ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church!

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Welcome to Asbury... Those who join have been through Asbury Exploration where they learn about the history of our church and the expectations of members. Those expectations can be summed up in our “M-V-O” (Mission, Vision, Objectives) which are presented below. The next Exploration class is scheduled for Sunday, October 2 from 12:30-2:30 pm. If you are interested in knowing more about Asbury, call 392-1191 to register. Lunch is provided and childcare is available.

Richard and Karyn Maio

Ruscel Holtzapple

M ission: Glorify God...Make Disciples

V ision: Belong - Finding a place where I Belong is so important in life! People need love to be whole. A church home can provide acceptance and support for us in deep and meaningful ways. Believe - When one can state I Believe in Christ, it is the greatest joy of life. The discovery of Christ’s love and forgiveness gives us peace in this life and hope for the life to come. Become - A servant of Christ will say I Become involved in the world among us. Christ gives us the power to be His people and to do His work.

Betty McKeel Steve and Kristen Brown

Tosca Cook Nancy and Jim Franklin

O bjectives: In order to live out our Mission Statement and to accomplish the “three B’s,” Asbury’s leadership has identified eight objectives which represent the very core of what we desire for every member. They are: 1. “Every member confessing Jesus Christ as Lord.” 2. “Every member living to love, seek and save the lost through Christ.” 3. “Every member worshiping God, corporately and privately.” 4. “Every member participating in a small group community.” 5. “Every member developing a Biblical worldview by learning and applying God’s Word.” 6. “Every member bringing the tithe (one-tenth) in loving obedience to God’s gracious provision.” 7. “Every member devoted to prayer.” 8. “Every member discovering and using spiritual gifts for ministry and mission.”

Wonlay Kieh

Chuck and Norma Foura

Mary Parks

Shane Parker and Kai Howard NEW MEMBERS 32

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Jeannie West Ed and Jane Laney and Sam Andy and Lisa Johnson, Emily & Hannah

Rol Avery

Karen Vesper and Jennifer

Scott and Kim Schein, Austin & Tyler Cindy Beales

Missy Utley, Hunter & Alexis Geri Henderson Wayne and Abby Sluice, Ian & Harrison

John and Tina Frownfelter, Joshua & Holly 33

Herb Reed

Neal Ramsey

NEW MEMBERS

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we’re glad you’re here!

We Rejoice... with those who have welcomed a new baby Cora Isabelle Hair July 1, 2005. Daughter of Jason and Holley Hair and sister of Gracie Bryan Michael Tapp Son of Bryan and Ashley Tapp

July

Jonathan Christopher Krueger July 14, 2005 Son of Mark and Ann Krueger and brother of Andrew Ethan Dodd Scott July 27, 2005 Son of Eric and Jennifer Scott and brother of Skylar William Barrett Mauldin Son of Bill and Branda Mauldin

August 2, 2005

Brecklyn Ellie McFadden Daughter of Timothy and Shannon McFadden

August 3

Matthew Jurczyk August 12, 2005 Son of Mike and Amanda Jurczyk and brother of Breanna, Sean, and Stephanie Erin Nicole Morris August 16, 2005 Daughter of Matt and Julie Morris and sister of Anna and Abby.

On August 28, Asbury blessed the lives of 135 third graders with an NIV Adventure Bible during presenation ceremonies in each of the worship services. A reception on the playground followed. In the weeks that followed, parents and children were invited to spend a few nights together at the church learning about the Bible, mixing snacks and family fun with serious parent-child discussions.

Anna Elizabeth Lye Augsut 22, 2005 Son of John and Susan Lye and sister of Justin, Trevor, and Carter Trevor Jones Augsut 24, 2005 Son of Mark and Jenifer Jones and brother of Noah

We Remember

Thank You

those who have gone to be with our Lord. Kelle Knight July 16, 2005

I would like to thank my Asbury church family for all the prayers, cards and calls I received during my two weeks at the burn unit in Richmond, VA. My grafts are healing. I am able to walk, and started school on schedule last month. Thank you for your support. Love, Gary Fennema

Don Ochs Husband of Linda Ochs

The Outreach Staff would like to express gratitude to all of those who have helped with Missions Month. We especially thank the Communications Ministry Team and Donna Miller for the brochure; the Communications and Print Shop Staff for the banners, Tidings, and other printed materials; the Prayer Ministry for the A&W picnic and Persecuted Church Prayer Service; and the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry for the mission opportunities and games for children; and our wonderful maintenance staff for many things. Those on the task force who have helped plan the whole month are: Heidi Sanchez, Sandra McAteer, Diane Murphy, Denise Brice, Claudia Abernathy, Carolyn Yoder, Donna Miller, Debbie Wallis, and Kerry Loescher. We thank each of them for their months of planning and work. Lastly, thank you to all of the volunteers who have put in countless hours to help communicate our outreach ministry. You are appreciated! Marilene Long, VIM Director Beth McCalman, Regional Outreach Missy Sistrunk, Outreach Assistant Mary Ann Smith, Global Outreach

September 9, 2005

Richard Barrett September 11, 2005 Husband of Judi Barrett and father of Kari Barrett and Paige Tooman

I was visiting my cousin in Tulsa in August and she and her husband invited me to go with them to attend your service. It was the most inspiring service I can ever remember attending. I have been stayed away for attending services in Albuquerque NM, my place of residence. Since attending your service I just may try again to find a place that will make me feel like I belong. My husband and I do watch the Crystal Cathederal every Sunday, but I want to feel more like I did during your services. Thank you so very much for returning this feeling. I hope I will be able to find a congregation as personable as yours made me feel. - Julia This message was received through Asburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and serves as a challenge to us to continue providing a place for folks to belong. THE FAMILY ROOM 34

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Continued... ...the rest of the story Who would have thought that the photo taken for the cover of the August Tidings would perhaps be the final picture of Terrell Hampton (shown standing above). It was the last day of school and spirits were high as we visited Walt Whitman Elementary School to snap a few photos and gather information regarding Asbury’s partnership with them. Barbie Paige had recently been named Volunteer of the Year for the Tulsa Public School System and we had hoped to get a shot of her in the classroom. But as we should have expected, the rooms had been packed up in anticipation of summer and the students were enjoying an atypical day at school. We spotted a group of kids on their way to lunch and asked if they’d mind letting us take their picture with Barbie, and they were more than happy to oblige. Terrell stood out in the group. His lanky frame and basketball attire caught our attention and we asked if he’d mind standing up. (Had we known at the time he had a twin, we would have likely pulled his brother in and used them as “bookends” for the bulletin board). Five minutes and we were done. It was just weeks later that 35 THE FAMILY ROOM

Terrell Hampton and another Tulsa boy were diagnosed with and later succumed to a rare waterborne illness. Two lives cut too short. What a reminder it was that we need to be involved NOW with those whom God has placed in our path. We need to act NOW when the Holy Spirit nudges us to say a word of encouragement. We need to listen NOW when God whispers an idea to us. It may be an idea that makes all the difference in the life of that person who has been put in our path...the one who needs our encouragement. The Asbury family has an opportunity to be involved in this special partnership with Walt Whitman Elementary School. If you would like to be a part of this inspired idea and make a difference in the life of someone you’ve not even met yet, please email Barbie at bepaige@hotmail.com. She’ll be happy to help you get involved. - Jan Weinheimer

Above: The recent A & W Prayer Picnic held at Walt Whitman Elementary School. Please continue to be in prayer for the Hampton family as they continue to grieve the loss of their son.

Marriage Milestones “Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Hebrews 13:4 Keith & Betty Boyd October 7, 1950 55 Years Jim and Ann Schulz September 29, 1960 45 Years Phil and Nancy Baxter October 17, 1970 35 Years Bob and Mary Flanagan September 6, 1975 30 Years

George & Maxine Clinton October 4, 1955 50 Years

Curtis and T racey Allen October 5, 1985 20 Years Brian and Betsy Mitchell September 8, 1990 15 Years

Bill & Glenda Horry October 15, 1955 50 Years

Congratulations to all couples celebrating Milestone Anniversaries this month. To report your milestone anniversary, contact patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146.