A
short movie was made years ago, “Cipher in the Snow.” It was
about Cliff, a teenager whose parents had divorced and who had withdrawn into his own world. He had no friends and no adult he could talk to. The movie was given its name because he was a “Cipher” (meaning “zero”), and he died in the snow after getting off the school bus. Google the movie and you can read the story written by his “favorite” teacher, who barely knew Cliff. The young man never said anything to anybody. As his step-father said afterwards, “That’s the way he always was after I moved in.” The teacher wrote the short story, which has been used by countless educators for many years in an attempt to help students become more aware of the needs of others. The teacher himself vowed that he would never forget Cliff for the rest of his career, and that he would always be looking out for those students who were alienated and alone. Life can be very difficult for human beings in normal settings. We encounter many problems along the way. Life becomes miserable if we don’t have somebody we can talk to. Silence is not golden! It’s not good for us to be alone. We were created to be in healthy relationships with God, others, and our world. As Jesus said, “The thief (devil) comes but to steal, kill, and destroy.” But then Jesus added, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” I think the essence of the Christian faith is what Jesus answered when asked what the greatest commandment was. He said it was “to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Jesus
emphasized the word, “all.” This means passionate, enthusiastic choices; not cold-hearted indifference. If we love God with ALL of our heart (emotions), soul (will and volition), mind (intellect), and strength (physically serving) then we are totally committed to God. The second most important commandment to Jesus was “to love your neighbor as yourself.” He said that the essence of discipleship was to be in excellent relationships with God and with others. In October, I continue the “Healthy Relationships” sermon series. In this Tidings you’ll see these two basic themes developed (Love God/Others). We will be looking at our interactions with four groups or sources: Outsiders, Authority, Christ, and within the Church. When we love outsiders (Matthew 28:18-20), it helps us to remember not to become self-consumed with just our own friends. When we respect those who are our authorities (Romans 13:1-10), and we pray for them, we show ourselves to be participants in doing God’s will. The ultimate authority is Jesus Christ, of course (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). We are intended for a relationship of love with God; not to be discarded as a “cipher in the snow.” It’s our privilege to let people know that God’s love is for them, and that it is God’s will for us to love others, too. See you Sunday!
Dr. Tom Harrison
Contents 3 4 6 8 10 12 14
What’s Happening Being Authentic Under the Authority Because of Cathy A Day in the Life Letters from Our Troops Every Member in Ministry
Managing Editor Tara Lynn Thompson
16 Quarters for Central Asia 18 Lifted Up 20 21 23 33 34
Grandpa John My Life: Amey Rice Opportunities New Members Family Room
Asbury Tidings is a monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org
taralynnthompson.com
Graphic Designer Nicole McMahan nicole@lookmacreative.com
Photographer Don Kreutzweiser donsimages.com
Guest Contributors Kara Beair Kim Beair • Tom Carruthers • Joan Kahl Diane King • Dick Read • Amey Rice Joe Simmons • John Westervelt • Dwight Yoder
dwight yoder, executive director
O
ctober is pastor appreciation month. by having responsibility for All of us know that we have an outstanding
budget,
staff,
or
programs.
senior pastor in Tom Harrison. Asbury is
They spend almost all of their time
also blessed to have a very good group of seven as-
doing what only pastors can do. Ministries are headed
sociate pastors to support him. Additionally, we have
by dedicated lay (non pastor) staff who coordinate and
two semi-retired pastors (David Thomas and Sonny
support the many volunteers who do the bulk of the
Plischke) and our pastor emeritus Bill Mason.
real ministry work that takes place through Asbury.
In observing the work of our pastors, I can tell
Tom’s timing for this organizational change antici-
you that their job is often not easy. There are many
pated the growth of our organization. As a result of the
demands on their time. Some days are spent helping
move to our current location, our church changed sig-
people through difficult personal situations. And at all
nificantly. Our membership, attendance, and budget all
times they carry a desire, which is sometimes a burden,
increased materially. The scope and complexity of our
for the spiritual development of everyone at Asbury.
operations is much greater now, requiring significant
In particular, the position of senior pastor comes
management attention.
with many challenges. I believe it is one of the most
In many churches the senior pastor and the asso-
difficult positions to execute successfully in either the
ciate pastors find themselves increasingly weighed
for-profit or nonprofit sector. I encourage you to ex-
down by these things as the church grows. But under
press your appreciation and offer your support for our
Asbury’s model, the required management is done by
pastors.
non-pastor staff who have the required experience. Our pastors are free to focus on pastoral duties. This ••••••••••••••••••••••
This is a good opportunity to tell you something about our pastors and the role they play in our church.
model has contributed to the success that Asbury has been blessed with. ••••••••••••••••••••••
In last month’s “Tidings” you were told about sion regarding the role of pastors within our church. an estate planning seminar to be held at the He believes that pastors are called and gifted to be church on Sunday, October 4. It will be in the A number of years ago Tom made a strategic deci-
pastors and that they should spend their time ac-
chapel at 9:30 am. It will be conducted by David Bat-
cordingly, which means spending time with people
tles, Executive VP of the Oklahoma United Methodist
individually and in groups, teaching, coaching, par-
Foundation.
ticipating in worship, and generally providing spiritual
Asbury would like to be included in your estate
leadership. Furthermore, he knew that others have the
planning. Planned giving enables your resources to
experience and gifts to better manage organizations
support ministry long after you are gone. If you would
and programs.
like to include Asbury in your will or trust, please con-
Based on this understanding, he changed the orga-
tact me at the church office.
nizational model. Pastors at Asbury are not distracted ASBURY TIDINGS
Being Authentic and Not Being Afraid tom carruthers
N
ot long ago, I walked past a friend while leaving church. It
they disqualify me from authentic, vulnerable rela-
was clear that my friend had been crying,
but I’m afraid it will never happen. I feel like I’m not
and I asked if everything was okay. The question
good enough, and I’m afraid that if I show people
was not even finished when the response shot
the real me, they’ll reach the same conclusion. I try
back: “I’m fine; how are you?”
to ignore them, but when I stop and it’s quiet, my
Everything about my friend’s countenance refuted this answer, and yet we went on to talk about
brokenness and fear seem to grow and the tears erupt.
my day and soon we went our separate ways. For
That’s where my friend had come from: a mo-
a moment I saw weary eyes pleading for rest, but a
ment in quiet solitude. The lies whispered, the hurt
practiced blink and smile sent the crying soul back
came, the tears fell, and my friend had to run back
into hiding. I wanted to hear more, and sharing the
into safe busyness. Being alone seemed like tor-
burden would’ve given my friend some rest from
ture, but showing weakness seemed impossible.
carrying it alone. Shocked about being lied to, I realized that I do it for the same reason: Fear…but of what? Two things: The first is fear of who I believe I am.
tionships. I long to be known and accepted as I am,
The second fear is how others will respond to the “real” me. So often I don’t share the things that are breaking my heart because I’m afraid of what people will
Even though God calls me His beloved child, a
do with what I share. I long for relationships of trust
lot of times when I look in the mirror I have nothing
and acceptance where I am safe from rejection and
nice to say. I see only my faults and failures. I begin
gossip—relationships where I am loved uncondi-
to believe that those things define me, and I shake
tionally, where I am free not to have it all together.
my head in disappointment and shame. I’m afraid
I believe there is power and healing in living
ASBURY TIDINGS
Healthy Christian relationships are marked by the absence of fear
and the presence of safety.
openly with others. Just sharing my pain takes weight off my shoulders. I seldom need someone with good advice or a quick fix; I need someone willing to stop what they’re doing and show me I’m important enough to be heard and to tell me they stand with me. I need people to help me fight the lies that come when I look in the mirror, who have the courage to sit with me in silence so I’m not alone when my fear wells up. Healthy Christian relationships are marked by the absence of fear and the presence of safety. So, may we be a community of people known for what we say—sharing our stories with boldness and daring to believe that we are worth being heard. May we be a community known for what we do not say—choosing to offer presence rather than answers and striving to keep our brothers’ and sisters’ stories in confidence. And may we experience the healing that flows from authentic, safe community.
ASBURY TIDINGS
under the authority kara beair
A
s a young physician, Scot Wilson seemingly had the life that most only dream of having. He had
completely happy with the life he was leading. “I wanted to be somebody else other than who I was,” he says. In an attempt to find fulfillment, Scot
a great career and his whole life ahead of him. De-
made friends with a younger crowd, who he says
spite all of his success as a Pediatrician, Scot wasn’t
was “easy to please and would not reject him.” It was among these so-called friends that Scot began making poor choices for his life, and before long, all Scot’s misguided decisions caught up to him. When all was said and done, he was convicted of a crime and lost his medical
ASBURY TIDINGS
license as a result of his bad judgment. If you ask Scot how he got to this place, he’ll tell you it all comes down to authority. “I wasn’t rebelling against authority, I was hiding from authority,” Scot explains.
answering to the lower levels of authority keeps people from having to answer to the higher levels of authority. Ultimately, this makes everyone’s job a whole lot easier. Scot’s experiences have led him to be a man of
Like many, Scot didn’t necessarily set out to do
discernment and influence. Scot has learned that
the wrong thing. He simply wanted to do as he
sometimes people in positions of authority and
pleased without any ramifications. He wanted to
power are not doing God’s will or are allowing the
serve as the only authority over his actions. Scot
influence of others to dictate their actions.
God often puts authority figures in place to keep us in check and hold us accountable for our actions. believes that it comes down to a concept John Townsend taught in one of his workshops.
Additionally, he says everyone must be wary of authority figures who are not protecting them or
“When we go outside our set boundaries, we
who are taking advantage of their position of au-
are generally trying to be something we are not,”
thority. Even some of the most powerful authority
he paraphrases.
figures, including members of the legal system and
If Scot had fully accepted the fact he would have
pastors, can sometimes go off track for a time.
to answer to the authority of the legal system, the
This is when Scot says to take a step back and
medical licensing board, and God, he might not
find other authority figures to help guide you. Seek
have ended up in a compromising position in the
out peers to hold you accountable and help you
first place. God often puts authority figures in place
make solid, well-founded decisions for your lives.
to keep us in check and hold us accountable for our
This is the very reason Scot serves in a position
actions. Scot says that as a young man he wasn’t
of authority today. As the leader of the Sexual Pu-
paying heed to the authority figures in his life.
rity group for Celebrate Recovery, Scot oversees
By growing discontent with the life you lead, it is
the activities of the group and encourages others
easy to fall into the trap of trying to take control of
to make good decisions and submit to positive au-
things in an unhealthy manner. Life is a system of
thority figures. Scot is a success because he sub-
checks and balances, and when people try to take
mitted to the ultimate authority figure—God.
control of too much, things go awry.
Today, Scot is a happy, healthy man. He serves
Scot explains that everyone must recognize
in a number of capacities and has learned to strike
when they are called to a position of leadership
a balance between serving as an authority figure
and when they are being called to submit to the au-
and submitting to the authority of others.
thority of others. There is a natural order to things,
Scot is the perfect example that taking control of
and everyone must be willing to accept their place
one’s own life often means being willing to serve
in the hierarchy of authority. So often, Scot said
and submit to figures of authority. ASBURY TIDINGS
because of cathy diane king
I
grew up in Oklahoma City, the third (and youngest) child and only girl in a family that “put the fun in disfunction.” It was a childhood of violence and constant fighting among my parents and siblings. By the time I was in ninth grade, I was already wondering what was the meaning of life on earth with such unhappy conditions and misery. I felt unloved, lonely, hopeless, and if I had had the courage, I would have taken my own life to end the pain. My religious upbringing consisted of an occasional visit to Sunday School. My dad was Catholic, my mom Baptist, which was one of many sources of conflict between them. They settled that difference by neither of them attending church. Mom would occasionally (out of guilt, perhaps?) drop off my two older brothers and me at the local Baptist church for Sunday School, then swing back by an hour later at a designated location to pick us up. So, I did know a little about God and Jesus, I just wasn’t sure what it was all about and how He was supposed to have something to do with my life. As the pain of my home situation worsened and I began to feel the desperation intensify, I would cry out to God. I would ask Him where he was and would beg Him to please do something to help me. In the fall of my freshman year of high school, a girl I knew from the church where I occasionally attended Sunday School (and by now, those visits were rare) invited me to go on a retreat with the youth group during Fall Break. They were going to spend a few days at Falls Creek church camp, and she asked if I would like to go. I told her I wasn’t
ASBURY TIDINGS
interested in going to any church thing, it sounded pretty boring to me, and I didn’t really know any of those people. She talked a little more about what they would be doing (none of which interested me), and then she said the magic words, “You’ll meet a lot of guys!” “I’m in,” I replied. God can use any crack in the door you give Him. And knowing this particular girl, I knew it couldn’t be too religious because her life didn’t seem any different from mine. I agreed to go. The morning arrived when we were to meet at the church parking lot with our bags and bed rolls packed for three days. I was pretty nervous and having second thoughts because I didn’t know any of these people. To make things worse, the girl who invited me barely even said “hello” when I got there and was very busy flirting with all the boys around. I had a horrible sinking feeling that I was on my own now, and I would be stuck like that for three very long days, hanging out flapping in the breeze and feeling like a fool. The bus was being loaded with the bags and bed rolls so there was still time for me to get out of this. I was formulating a plan of action, which was to turn heel and head into the church, find the nearest phone, call home, and hope one of my brothers could drive me out of there. As I turned to do just that, one of the senior girls walked up to me. I thought surely she was going to talk to someone else because I had never seen her before and did not know her. She stopped me, however, and began to talk to me.
“Hello.” Is she talking to ME? “ I don’t believe I know you. My name is Cathy McLendon. What’s yours?” I nearly fell over. She was a beautiful girl, and she seemed totally genuine. I couldn’t believe she was interested in who I was! I introduced myself, and we began to converse. She asked all about me and really listened to my answers. Because of Cathy, I turned around and got on the bus. The Holy Spirit widened the crack in the door and began to work. The rest of those three days changed my life and, more importantly, my eternity forever. The girl who invited me went on about her way, mostly flirting with the boys, but I didn’t care because so many others in that youth group, mostly the older kids, took up the slack in getting to know me. I was astounded at the way they had so much fun but were also so caring. It was a totally new thing to me, and my heart became like a closed up flower opening petal by petal. For the first time in my life, I felt like somebody cared about me. I quietly watched them in wonder, wanting to know what it was they had that made them so different from anyone I had known in my life. On the last night, I found out. The youth minister had a roaring fire built and handed out small branch twigs to each of us. As we all sat huddled around the fire, he invited us to put our twig in the fire and share whatever we wanted with the group. One by one, the kids got up and gave testimony to what Jesus Christ had meant to them, things He was doing in their lives, etc. I soaked it all in, and the light bulb went off for me. Jesus was living in them, and it was He who I was seeing. He was the difference! I realized it was Jesus who spoke
to me through Cathy, and God had sent me these people to help rescue me. They were His answer to my cry for help, and they were bringing me the life saver, Jesus. I bowed my knee that night and prayed to give my whole life over to Jesus, and He came in to live in me, and He changed everything. I found in that youth group the family I lacked at home. They helped me learn to read the Bible and study it, to pray and seek godly counsel on issues I faced along the way. On October 18 of last year, it was exactly 40 years ago that all of this happened. I am part of the eternal family of God, having walked with Him all these years, and when I die, I will be eternally in Heaven because a senior girl named Cathy took just a minute of her time to step up and speak to a young stranger who was lost. So maybe you can understand now why I like to tell my story. I want you to know how one little thing a senior girl did for me changed my whole life, and I want to pass it on. It is such a simple thing. It doesn’t require any special skills or training, just sincere interest in someone you don’t know. Who knows what their story is, what is happening in their life, how lost they might be? All it takes is a word or two, a genuine interest, a desire to reach out. At the end of our lives, what will it matter what we accumulated or who we knew or where we went? Wouldn’t it be rich to know that something we did, someone to whom we spoke, was eternally changed because we took a minute to care? Cathy has at least one crown to lay at Jesus’ feet, and I am eternally grateful to her.
ASBURY TIDINGS
a day in the life of a sunday morning joan kahl
B
efore sunrise on Sunday morning, Asbury is already coming to life.
Someone from our Maintenance team must start the coffee by 5 am in order to brew 135 gallons of coffee to accommodate our Sunday morning crowd. If we run out of coffee…well, it’s not a pretty sight. Virginia arrives around that time as well to begin preparing breakfast for the 400 or so people who enjoy having a hot breakfast, including biscuits and gravy. She has a volunteer who will come in on Sunday morning and cook for her when she needs to be away. Volunteers help transport the coffee to all the various stations throughout the building, and volunteers help Virginia keep the serving line filled with food. Volunteers also collect the money for the breakfast.
The breakfast early birds arrive at 7 am and “community” begins. Not an official community but lots of people eating and catching up on what’s been happening with their friends. Many of these folks serve at the 8 am service preparing communion, setting up microphones and doing sound checks, serving as ushers, and participating as a part of our Music Ministry. More folks arrive for breakfast between 8-8:30 am. Shortly after, many of them scatter to cover their volunteer positions for the two 9:15 am worship services, children’s Sunday school, student classes, greeting, ushering, media and Connection Corner. The Open House and sanctuary worship teams starts warming up for their service. Those serving in Media must also be in place. The majority are volunteers, and most of these groups pray together before they start serving. The library is now open and volunteers are in the office ready to greet those who are joining Asbury, ready to take their picture and escort them to the Sanctuary. Things start to buzz all around as greeters take their place, ushers gather their bulletins and door assignments, security volunteers man the doors in Children’s Ministry, the shuttles are making their rounds through the Union parking lot and the volunteers at Connection Corner are talking to their first guests. The Gazebo is opened ready to serve. Volunteers teaching in communities are getting their materials ready for their lesson. Members and guests are still coming through Mitch McRee, volunteer, Hospitality
10 ASBURY TIDINGS
the doors. Many could use some assistance and we look forward to the day we have curbside hospitality assisting people being dropped off at the curb, helping with bags and small children and anyone who could use some assistance getting into the building. On a good day, 180 Children’s Ministry volunteers are getting into the rooms they serve in preparation for the hundreds of children who arrive for the 9:15 am hour. The halls are buzzing with activity as volunteers man tables to assist those who want to sign up for opportunities like Financial Peace, Habitat House, Dynamic Marriage, and other Roadmap classes.
Jeff Dowdy, staff, Maintenance Team; Virginia Huddleston, staff, Food Service; Albert Kahl, volunteer, substitutes for Virginia’s on Sunday mornings and cooks for men’s prayer breakfast.
the building. Venue68 is coming to life with hundreds of junior high and high school teens who are arriving and socializing with friends prior to their classes. At 10:30 am there are new teams of volunteers showing up to greet and usher for the 11 am service. The Gazebo is re-opened and a new team at Connection Corner is prepared for the people coming out of the 9:15 am service who need assistance. In preparation for the traditional service, the orchestra is just about to finish up their rehearsal and the choir is getting into their robes. The worship team at the Venue is warming up for their 11 am service. In Children’s Ministry, the “second verse is the same as the first!” A new team of 180 volunteers are preparing for hundreds of fresh faces who arrive for the 11 am class. Once again, every adult class is filled with a community and by 11:10 am the hallways grow quiet. Shortly after noon, a bird’s eye view of Asbury might look like an ant hill. The hallways fill as communities end their classes, parents make their way to Children’s Ministry to pick up their children, worship ends and many dash for the parking lot for a quick exit. By 12:20 pm a few volunteers are still in Children’s waiting for the parents and the shuttles are still making their rounds to the Union H.S. parking lot. Maintenance is gathering up the 45 three gallon coffee pots that are distributed throughout the building. Connection Corner volunteers are finishing up with their last guests and the Gazebo is ready to close. At 12:40 pm the shuttle is still going…
Connection Corner consultants and welcome guides are escorting our guests to their destinations wherever that might be. By 9:30 am the halls have cleared out and are relatively quiet at 6767. There is an adult community in every class/meeting room in Worship Service Volunteers: Willette Stone, volunteer, Lighting; Eric Baker, volunteer, Cameraman; Danny Hill, staff, Media Director; Scott Stone, volunteer, Switcher (controls screens of scriptures, songs, videos from cameras); at keyboard, Maggie Baker, volunteer, runs Media Shout (program that feeds songs & scriptures to the switcher). ASBURY TIDINGS 11
Letters from our troops nection, ry Military Con u b As t a le op ful pe To the wonder ring nd prayers du a ts h g ou th r you Thank you for e with God provided m of s d or w r u t. Yo ur my deploymen ly appreciate yo u tr I s. es ln fu of thank me many feelings you one last ti k n a th to d te st wan d to support and ju days, so no nee w fe a in ve a le e. I before I go hom Iraq. to me here in s rd ca e or m y send an Thank you, . Bohannan Maj. Clinton L
T
his beautiful curio cabinet was recently built and donated by an Asbury member whose son is serving in the military. Come see it across from the Community Life Center. Asbury Military Connection exists to support our Asbury-related military personnel. Volunteers are needed to help with creating and sending cards to our military—contact Gwen Mohler at 258-5479 or grmohler@aol.com. If you would like to make a donation to help purchase items for packages sent to our Asbury-related military, send to Ruth Winn at the church and make check payable to “Asbury UMC.”
12 ASBURY TIDINGS
Dear Members
and Support G
roup,
I am writing you all in reg ards to my th you all do. I s anks for every poke with my thing mother Pamel and she told m a Parrish the oth e something I er day f o u n d very interes writing you a ti ng. So now I’ ll to say how th m ankful I am f group! or our church and your On December 3, 2007 at 11 :30 am in Mo was destroyed sul, Iraq, my by an IED (Im vehicle p ro v is ed Explosive D were in route evice) while w to another mis e sion where my needed. All of P la to on’s Support my crew surv was iv ed a n d th shrapnel to m ey w er e not injured. y face and I h I took a v e f u ll y recovered with continued on no scars. I with missions even after this My mother to incident. ld me that yo u a ll pray over ever of mail you s y soldier’s pie end out and it ce came to one of Dec. 3, 2007 y o u r members tha at 11:30 am ( t on c en tr a l ti m mail. e) you all pra yed over my I found that v ery interestin g and it has o heart a lot mo pened my eyes re. I thank yo and u f o r this blessing me. I felt that y ou all have giv I needed to sen en d ev er y o n e my thanks! I sit here every day in the lin e of danger an when it’s my d I will never time, but I wo know u ld li k e to ask that y men that we h ou pray for th ave lost over h ose ere. We lost th Squadron an re e m en so far from d I hope and p my ra y th a t w e don’t lose any Well, thank y more. ou all so muc h for your sup you all when port and I hop I’m home on le e to see a v e. God bless you . Thank you, w ith love, Sgt. Parrish H arrison P.S. I hope to b e able to stand in front of ou send out my r congregatio thanks as wel n and l! ASBURY TIDINGS 13
every member in ministry dick read
A
sburians made a tremendous response to our Children’s Ministry early this summer. For the first time
in countless years, we were endangering ourselves toward not being able to open Sunday morning classrooms for our children. What!? Didn’t we just open those beautiful new spaces for our kids? Yes we did! You see the problem wasn’t the lack of classrooms. The surprising problem was the lack of adults to serve our children in those beautiful new rooms. We discovered that on any given Sunday, just over 300 adult volunteers are needed in the children’s area alone. That’s right…over 300 every Sunday morning! And the week before the start of summer programming, we were still lacking 50 percent of the needed volunteers. Thank you Asbury for seeing the need and for responding to that need! More-than-enough volunteers came to the rescue (including 200 volunteers new to Children’s Ministry) and it has been a wonderful summer for our kids! If you’ve been at Asbury for any length of time, you have likely heard the mantra: Every member in ministry! It is at the core of our identity that every member of Asbury is serving somewhere in this ministry. Surely by now you are familiar with our ministry objective #8: Every member discovering and using spiritual gifts for ministry and mission. Asbury has long been a church known for the
14 ASBURY TIDINGS
engagement of its laity (non-clergy church members) in the work of ministry. While many churches have created a dependency on their pastors to “do the work of ministry,” Asbury has a culture of the interdependency of everyone doing what God has gifted them to do. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). We trust that God has given each and every Christian specific gifts to be used for the common good of the church body. In fact, we believe that so strongly we unabashedly call every Asburian to the work of ministry, using those gifts and talents that God has given to him or her. Shortly after entering the eighth grade, I announced to my parents that Sunday school was deathly boring and I really didn’t want to go anymore. While I was hoping to sleep-in an extra hour on Sunday mornings, my parents had different plans. My mother escorted me to the five-year-old classroom where I served the rest of the school year and my boredom ended! In fact, every Sunday morning throughout high school I taught in children’s Sunday school. By the time I was a senior, I was promoted all the way to third grade classroom. Several years later, when I first came to Asbury as a college student, I was put to work as a volunteer eighth grade Sunday school teacher, alongside fellow Asburian Dee Paige. Every member in ministry. My parents didn’t use
those words, but they sure taught me the principle. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27). Isn’t that great!? Each one of you is part of it. While I have the privilege of serving alongside some terrific clergy at Asbury, the greatest strength of this church (next to the Holy Spirit of course) is the congregation, the laity…the Church. And what a church this is! Over 7,500 strong. Kids come first through our children and student ministries. Compassionate care ministries. Kind hospitality. Dynamic worship. Strengthening marriages and relationships. Engaging Community Life. Healing of brokenness. Transformational local, regional and global outreach. In each of these vibrant ministries will be found dozens, sometime hundreds, of devoted laity who are passionate about their work in Kingdom building ministries.
THANK YOU for what you do! Thank you for understanding God’s vision for the church and engaging in that vision. If you are not currently serving in an Asbury ministry, please consider how you can actively engage in what God is doing in this community of Christ-followers. You are needed and there is a place for you to serve at Asbury. Don’t know where to begin? Let me suggest two simple steps. First, take the online spiritual gifts inventory and discover specific ways that the Lord has prepared you for ministry: http://www.asburytulsa. org/get-involved/spiritual-gifts.html Second, give a phone call to Joan Kahl who oversees our Member Connections Ministry (3921176). Joan excels at connecting Asburians in areas of ministry where they will be most effective and valuable.
I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything,
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do the something I can do. — Edward Everett Hale Each one of you is a part of it. You might think it easy to believe that because Asbury is such a large church that there are already plenty of volunteers in every area of ministry. Unfortunately, that simply isn’t the case. In fact, virtually every area of ministry still needs volunteers. Are YOU currently serving in an Asbury ministry? If you are, please receive this on behalf of our pastors, staff and church leaders: ASBURY TIDINGS 15
quarters for central asia Two young boys show you’re never too young to impact the world for Jesus
joe simmons
F
or many boys, a hard-to-find Pokemon card or a hot new Nintendo game are goals for saving their hard-earned money. As much as six-year-old Andrew Krueger and his four-year-old brother, Jonathan, appreciate regular “boy stuff,” something they heard at church one Sunday morning prompted them to add an item to their purchase list: a Bible for someone they don’t even know. Andrew and Jonathan spent this past summer doing chores to raise money for Asbury’s Spread The Word campaign. Aligned with Pastor Tom’s sermon series on the Book of Acts, the effort was launched to collect funds to purchase Bibles for the Christian population in parts of Central Asia. Caspian Ministry Team Leader Bill Abernathy said each Bible costs approximately $10 to print, and Asbury’s goal was to raise enough money to print 2,000. When Spread The Word closed in August after two months, the goal of $20,000 had been exceeded by $5,000. “We’re obviously thrilled,” said Abernathy. Ann Krueger, mother of Andrew and Jonathan, said her sons learned of the fundraising effort
16 ASBURY TIDINGS
through Asbury’s children’s ministry. “Andrew comes home and says, ‘Mom, I want $10 to buy a Bible,’ and Mom says, ‘No, I have a better idea-let’s earn the money.’ “ Each household chore earned the boys $.25. “We helped with meals, we did our homework, like practiced our piano music and write a story. We pick up the toys,” detailed Andrew, a first grader at Holland Hall. Jonathan attends Holland Hall’s preschool program. Their earnings were deposited into a multi-chambered piggy with sections labeled Invest, Save, Donate, and Spend. Ann Krueger said the family’s saving system was in place before the boys’ interest in raising money for the Bible purchase. “We’re trying to teach financial responsibility, we’re trying to teach saving, we’re trying to teach donations of our time and our talents,” she said. Ann Krueger said her sons’ first exposure to giving to the church came earlier this year when Asbury’s children’s ministry decided to raise money for Sarah Adams, a member who chose to travel abroad to do mission work. “Not only was she giving two years, but she had to do her own funding in order to fund her trip there,” said Ann Krueger.
The boys then began donating their chore earnings in the form of “Sarah quarters.” “I said, ‘Hey, we should give it to the church,’ and Mom said, ‘Good idea,’” Andrew added. The Spread The Word campaign, which is sending Bibles to a part of the world that has never before had a translation of the scriptures in its own language, soon followed, so the Kruegers’ savings efforts shifted from quarters for Sarah to quarters for Central Asia. Nearly $12 of the $25,000 raised came from Andrew and Jonathan. That’s about 48 chores, which were logged on elaborate, colorful reward charts, where stickers indicate jobs completed on each day of the week.
Central Asian girl who is a recipient of one of the Bibles purchased by Asbury. Ann Krueger said her husband, Mark, often reads the Bible with Andrew at bedtime. “We have been talking a lot about how this child (pictured on the note) will now be able to sit down with their parents and read a Bible in their own language.” Abernathy said translation of the Scriptures into the Central Asian language began in the mid-1990s. Work was finished on the Old Testament about seven years ago, and the New Testament was completed in 2008. A first printing of 3,000 Bibles Jonathan and Andrew Krueger ran in early 2009, and a second “The true motivation for doing this is Mom got printing of 3,000 additional copies is planned for late tired of hearing the boys’ favorite words: ‘I want,’ “ this year. said Ann Krueger. “The whole concept behind this is Abernathy, who has traveled to Central Asia nupositive reinforcement for desired behaviors.” merous times on behalf of Asbury’s Volunteers In She said completed chores also earn the boys Missions program, is impressed with Andrew and privileges around the house, such as watching tele- Jonathan’s setting and completion of their goal. vision and using the computer. “It’s really exciting to see kids that age kind of The boys received a handwritten thank-you note latching onto a project like this and being willing to from Asbury’s Mary Ann Smith, Director of Global devote their time.” Outreach. On the front of the note is a photo of a ASBURY TIDINGS 17
lifted up
God: Defining the Relationship kim beair, ms, lpc, ncc
L
iving today is amazing; knowledge and to “call to Him” (ask him stuff) and He will “answer you.” discovery seem unending. While one It is as if he is saying “come on—just ask me—I have
could virtually live without any personal human contact, God does not allow it. He created us to live in community, and though some are more comfortable with isolation, there is value to be considered within our relationships, like it or not. We cannot be sure why God does what he does, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-10 (NIV). While God can meet our needs personally, He has designed it for us to meet the needs of each other on His behalf. People who submit themselves to this will say they learn far more when they are in situations to help, or be dependent upon others. Others may have a wholly different perspective, and through them we can see outside, around and over the box. We are created to have relationships with Christ, His church, authority figures, and others. Let’s take a look at each of these categories and evaluate how we measure up.
Our Relationship with Christ “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV). How can we learn from Christ if we don’t have a relationship with him? Many people believe they have a close relationship with Christ, but in this scripture, He is commanding us 18 ASBURY TIDINGS
things I want to tell you.” Jesus wants you to feel comfortable enough to ask for what you need, want and desire. Jesus knows that unless we are willing to ask, we are not likely in the mode to receive; God won’t force information on us. If you are not asking God for wisdom, information, and the desires of your heart, start small and start “calling” to him in faith, expecting results.
Our Relationship with the Church The church provides an opportunity for its members to get fed, serve others, and congregate to increase our faith, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” Romans 10:17 (NIV). Those who are social often love to be in the church. Those who prefer isolation can be uncomfortable joining a community or taking part in group efforts. Oftentimes we do not have opportunities in our circles to discuss the works of Christ in our lives, but this is how our faith is increased. What better place to go out and serve others than with people with whom you have chosen to worship?
Relationship with those in Authority You are truly blessed if those in authority over you act like Godly people because we ALL have someone in
Every authority figure is under the authority of Jesus, whether they know it or not, and every authority figure has been put in your life for a season and for a purpose. authority over us, whether we like to admit it or not. Godly authority figures make for a peaceful existence assuming we are doing everything we are supposed to be doing. Even people in business for themselves have to report to the IRS and like entities that represent authority. Very insightful people will generally say they learned more from bad authority figures than good ones. Not only do ineffective authority figures teach us what not to do, they also provide us unlimited possibilities for our own growth that we would never get from a Godly leader! Every authority figure is under the authority of Jesus, whether they know it or not, and every authority figure has been put in your life for a season and for a purpose. Handling every situation by Biblical standards will ensure your protection by God in every circumstance that presents itself. Repaying evil for evil is not allowed. Alternatively, you should choose to handle every interaction with care and Godly wisdom because the possibility exists you are there to teach them something.
Our Relationships with Outsiders Jesus had relationships with outsiders. He ministered the gospel and healing to thousands. It is important to remember in our personal
lives that we are commanded by Biblical truth to not have relationships with people who exhibit certain behaviors. That said, it does not say we cannot minister to those people. Ministering to these people does not mean moving them in with you or bringing them into your inner circle. It means meeting them where they are, and as Pastor Tom says, “helping them in a way that won’t hurt them.” All people, whether friends, strangers or enemies should be respected and loved. Love is not a feeling, it is a verb, and we are instructed that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” 1 Corinthians 13:3-5 (NIV). Take one day in the coming week and dedicate it to one of the categories above. Examine each kind of relationship, how you see yourself in that regard, and take steps to remedy the areas that need improving. If you need help, call your pastor or the church counseling team today. This might be the breakthrough you have been waiting for!
Work With Your Hands john C. westervelt
A
fter reading Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians, I studied my hands for a few moments. For each
finger, I could see three sections, each stiffened with a bone, and a fourth bone below my palm. I knew that all movement of body parts is by a muscle pulling, often with the help of a tendon. I clinched my fingers into a fist and was amazed that a finger could be pulled into such a tight circle.
As boys, in the summertime during the Great Depression, my brother and I walked two blocks to Kamp’s Grocery store in Oklahoma City. We took oranges out of orange crates and put them in baskets for display in the store. For our help, the produce manager gave us the orange crates. We carried the wooden boxes home, retrieved the hammer from dad’s blue, wooden toolbox, and took the crate apart. After accumulating lumber from half a dozen orange crates, we built a
“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…” Thessalonians 4:11 Next, I recalled how my hands have served me well. At my neighborhood school in the 1930s, the older sixyear-olds started first grade in September. My younger friends and I began in January. A kind teacher taught me how to hold a pencil so I could write numbers and letters. Seventy-five years later, my pencil is crafting letters into words, words into sentences, and sentences into stories. My once small hands now have long fingers. After a lifetime, veins stand out on skin beaten by use and the weather.
20 ASBURY TIDINGS
playhouse that held several boys. The orange crate was made of 3/4 inch thick boards that were 13 inches by 11 inches, with one on each end and one in the middle of the box. Nailed into the three 3/4 inch boards were two five inch wide slats on each of three sides. The top, made of thin slates, had been removed and thrown away to retrieve the oranges. As a widower in my 60s and 70s, I used my hands to craft stained glass windows for every member of my family. These folks would come to Tulsa with a piece of wallpaper and tile or other color swatch. Together we designed a pattern and then selected an array of colors of glass at the stained glass store. I cut and ground glass pieces to fit the pattern between strips of H-shaped lead. With the glass in place, the lead junctions were fastened together with melted solder. Now in my beginning eighties, these old hands can no longer cut and grind stained glass. Not to be discouraged, even old hands are useful. I can hold the hand of a child. Visit www.jwestervelt.com for more stories about my childhood.
My Life...
Where My Heart is at Home amey rice
O
n a rare cool August morning I de- me at ease with my lack of knowledge in the Bible. I was baptized and joined Asbury January 21, 2007. cided to bend down and pull one Titus 3:4-6 says, “When the kindness and love of weed from my flowerbed. Three hours God our Savior, he saved us, not because of righ-
later with my back throbbing, I sat down in the shade to admire my work. I notice a stone paver that said, “Gardening is where the soul feels at home”. As I reflected on that saying, I started to think about how my life has changed so much in the past three years. My husband Dell and I were scheduled to go to my son-in-law’s Police Academy graduation, but a December snow caused us to cancel our trip to Dallas. So instead we decided to visit Asbury. The truth is that my husband dragged me there. I was scared and thought it was too big. We were what I would call professional church shoppers. I thought of us like Goldilocks and the three bears. After each service I would say that church was too hot or too cold, too big or too small, not friendly or too friendly. I look back and realize it was just excuses. This church visit at Asbury would be different; as soon as I sat down I felt the Lord’s presence and the whisper of welcome home. Reflecting back to that time I think of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD. As soon as we left the service, I rushed out and got a handful of printed Asbury materials at the welcome desk of how to join. After going to Exploration class in January 2007 and meeting with Dick Read, he put
teous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing and rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” At this point we were off and running, visiting Communities and attending a road map class. But not quite connected yet. Then we joined Christian Explorers and a small group and, with the fellowship and Bible teaching, I felt love and a connection. I started doing Tom’s sermon journals and reading the bible every day. I started to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in my everyday life. Then there was a bump in the road. I made the decision to leave my job and stay home at the age of 48. I thought I could clean all those closets and spend my days gardening. But quickly I became lonely and bored. One day after enjoying Dana Harrison’s Beth Moore Bible study I was leaving Asbury and realized how much I missed the connections you have with others on a regular basis. Early in 2007, I received an email from Joan Kahl about getting connected. I emailed Joan and told her my desire to volunteer at Asbury. Then the phone rang, it was sweet Joan calling me to see if I would ASBURY TIDINGS 21
My Life...
be interested in joining a committee to start Connection Corner. The week before Easter Connection Corner had a soft opening. I believe I was right where the Lord wanted me. At Connection Corner I was grouped with great hospitality volunteers and a joy to serve the Lord. I have the opportunity to assist visitors and members with questions as simple as, ‘Were is the bathroom?’ to ‘Where is Venue68?”. My favorite comment is, “This is my first time at Asbury.” All the feelings of my first day come flooding back along with this scripture, Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some
This church visit at Asbury would be different; as soon as
I sat down I felt the Lord’s presence and the whisper of welcome home. Reflecting back to that time I think of Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD. have entertained angels without knowing it.” I serve with Romans 12: 13 in mind, “practice hospitality”. To volunteer at Connection Corner, I have a chance to hopefully make a difference. A lot has happened since I joined Asbury. My daughter Amanda and her family have since moved back to Tulsa from Texas, and I had the joy of witnessing her join Asbury and getting her plugged in. I love watching my two little granddaughters Megan and Macey grow as followers of Jesus Christ. I completed Dr. Vaughn Story Disciple class last year, which strengthened my faith and commitment to service. My husband Dell Rice has affected my faith in Jesus 22 ASBURY TIDINGS
Christ the most. He may have dragged me to Asbury the first time, but, his love, kindness, and patience is a true blessing from the Lord. I praise God that we are on this journey in Christ together. When I am waiting for the next question at Connection Corner, I am inspired as I watch so many people and families enter the foyer to worship the Lord as they rush to the nursery, communities and sanctuary. I especially applaud the parents as they pass by with children in tow. I look forward to continue serving in Hospitality. When I hear “Can you help me” that’s when my soul feels at home in Jesus Christ.
asbury
opportunities general information Breakfast Served from 7:15-9 am in the CLC. Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with fresh donuts, bagels, biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, fruit, and cereal. $3 for adults & $1 for children 12 & under. Sunday Morning Worship 8 am, Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion) 9:15 am, Sanctuary (Contemporary) 9:15 am, CLC (Open House Worship) (Acoustic Worship, Casual Setting) 11 am, Sanctuary (Traditional) 11 am, Venue 68 (Modern with sign interpreter) Sunday Evening Worship 6:30 pm, Venue 68 (Modern) Sundays for Children and Students 6 Weeks - 4 Years: 8, 9:15 & 11 am K-6th Grades: 9:15 or 11 am 7th, 8th & 9th Grades: 9:15 & 11 am 10th-12th Grades: 9:15 am only Adult Discipleship Communities Sunday at 8, 9:15, & 11 am, Wednesdays at 6 pm and Shepherd’s Flock on Tuesdays at 6 pm. NEW! Barnabas, a singles community for ages 30-45, is now meeting in room 2314 at 9:15 on Sunday mornings. Also NEW, Salt & Light begins meeting September 27 at 11 am Sunday mornings in room 2820 for singles ages 30s-40s.
Surgery or Hospitalization Scheduled?
The Asbury Library is a wonderful
Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of
resource. Thank you to all who
time by calling Adrena at 392-1144
continue to contribute books to our
so your pastors can be in prayer for
Library.
New Additions to the Library
you. When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. The after-hours pastoral emergency line can be reached by
access Hands of Love Sign Choir Sundays, 6-7 pm, Rm. 2821
calling 492-1771, selecting option 2, and leaving a message for the
Friends in Christ Community
pastor on call.
Sundays, 11 am, Rm. 1507
Engaged Couples
bible study
If you are planning to use an
RoadMap
Asbury pastor to officiate and/or
Check out the Fall 2009 RoadMap
use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to
courses in the new brochure and on
book ASAP to allow ample time
the Asbury website at www.as-
for Couple-to-Couple (required
burytulsa.org. Accept Pastor Tom’s
premarital sessions). Six months to
challenge to get actively involved in
one year lead time suggested.
digging deeper into God’s Word ~ there is something for everyone!
The Gazebo is Open CDs of Tom’s message of the day are available immediately following
care and support Visits to Asbury Members
the worship service - $3. Prayer
Asbury has a unique group of vol-
Journals are also available for $5
unteers (Asbury Connection) who
each.
regularly visit people who are either homebound or in nursing homes. If
Recycling
you are interested in being visited,
Recycle unwanted paper products.
call Adrena at 392-1144, or contact
Three bins are available, located in
the coordinator, Abby Sluice at 392-
the south and east parking lots.
4583 or asluice@asburytulsa.org.
Asbury Family News is available at
Résumé Assistance and Review
the Welcome Centers. It includes
Do you have an effective résumé?
hospital lists, births, deaths,
An extra set of eyes can make a
marriages, baptisms and military
difference. E-mail your résumé to
listings.
employ.transitions@yahoo.com.
Doors of Asbury posters are at the
Thrive Again!
Welcome Centers...FREE! Suitable
Saturday, October 10, 1-5 pm in
for framing.
Room 2319. One Saturday afternoon can show you proven strategies for living powerfully as a single person. Escape the shame and ASBURY TIDINGS 23
hopelessness of divorce and renew
ligraphers and/or help with mailing
your faith in God and yourself.
cards are needed. Contact Gwen
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Come as you are and find accep-
Mohler at GRMOHLER@aol.com for
First and third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30
tance, new connections, optimism
more information, or call Ruth at
pm, Rm 1506.
and the motivation to be your best
392-1146. Mental Health Support for Families
self. No cost. Teachers: author and counselor Jeff Rindt and his new
Asperger Support Group
For family members or caregivers
wife, Katie.
First Thursday from 7-9 pm in Rm
of people affected by a mental
1506. For mothers of children with
illness. 4th Thursdays from 1:30 - 3
Asperger Syndrome. Childcare
pm in the Parlor.
Preparing for the Holidays Grief Workshop Saturday, November 7, 10 am-12 Noon, Parlor. Experiencing grief can be especially painful during the holidays. We’ll share ideas about the best way to spend the holidays during those particularly challenging times of life following a loss. No cost, no registration. Carl Novinger, Facilitator. 120 Minutes of Stephen Ministry Skills Thursday, November 19, 6:30-8:30 pm, Room 2500. Learn valuable Stephen Ministry skills you can use right away. This workshop type session is similar to Stephen Ministry training. Topics include: Overview of Crises, The Art of Listening, The Dimensions of Forgiveness, and Dealing with Depression. For anyone! Thursday, November 19, 6:30-8:30 pm, Room 2500. No cost. Teachers: Sheila Slater and Charlene Giles. Prayer Card Sending Team Usually meets first and third Mondays at 10 am in Room 1621 to send cards with God’s encouraging words and our prayers to those who are ill or going through hard times. Cards and care packages are also sent to Asbury-related military personnel. Card designers, cal24 ASBURY TIDINGS
available. Military Connection Alzheimer’s Support Group
Please join us in praying for our
Third Thursday, from 1:30-3 pm
troops in harm’s way and their
in Rm 1621. Christian hope, sup-
families. Periodic care packages and
port and education for friends and
monthly encouragement cards with
family of those with Alzheimer’s or
God’s Word are sent to Asbury-re-
other dementia.
lated military personnel. The Prayer Ministry also covers them in prayer.
Cancer Support Group
Please send contact information
Second Sunday of each month, 4-6
(complete name and address) to
pm, Parlor. For those living with
Gwen Mohler at grmohler@aol.com
cancer and their family and friends.
or call Ruth at 392-1146.
Divorce Recovery
Asbury Bear Bags
Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm 1335.
Asbury Bear Bags with coloring
For those suffering from the early,
books have comforted young
highly emotional stages of divorce
children for many years, but now
and separation trauma. Childcare
you may give a Bear Bag with a
available.
scripture-based journal included instead! Great for teens and adults.
Divorce Rebuilding
Anyone may deliver an Asbury Bear
Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm 1335. For
to someone who is grieving. For
those ready to rebuild their lives
more information, contact Beth at
after separation or divorce. Child-
392-1116.
care available.
children
Eating Disorder Recovery
Registration forms for all children’s
First and third Wednesdays, 12-1:30
activities are available in the
pm, Room 1621. For individuals
preschool and elementary lobbies.
seeking support in the recovery process. Bring sack lunch.
Core Childcare Hours Parents who are involved in RoadMap classes during these core hours will have childcare provided for children 6 weeks - 12 years of
age with no reservations needed:
registration form in the Children’s
Children’s Choirs
Sun: 8 am - 12 pm
Ministry area. For more information
4 years old through 6th graders,
Mon & Tue: 9 am - 12 pm
contact the age appropriate staff
Wednesdays, September 9 – De-
Tue, Wed, & Thur: 6 pm - 9 pm
member: Kindergarten: Kim B. at
cember 2 , 6 – 6:50 pm; 6:50-7:10
392-1165, 1st & 2nd grade: Amber
pm, Transition; 7:15-8 pm, WNL
Murdock Villa
at 392-1171, or 3rd – 5th grade:
• 4 & 5 year olds: Joyful Noise,
A mission opportunity for our 5th
Jennifer at 392-4582.
Room 2945. Childcare for Parents in
& 6th grade students. Usually the
Roadmap
second Sunday of the month from
Preparing for Adolescence
• Kindergarten: Joyful Sound, Room
12:30 - 3:30 pm. Cost is $5 for CiCi’s
Wednesdays, September 9
2946, Chapel
Pizza. We’ll eat then visit Murdock
– November 18, 7 – 8 pm, 6th
• 1st & 2nd Grade: Music Makers
Villa where we will play Bingo and
graders in the 5.6 room. Parental
KRS, Room 2927
do crafts with special needs adults.
Permission Required. It’s better to
• 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade:
It is an amazing time to witness in
prepare than repair! “Preparing for
Musicians Adult Choir, room 2706
our local community. Limited to 10
Adolescence” is a course designed
• H2O: rm. 2909
kids each month.
especially for our fifth graders. We
• 6th Grade Preparing, 5.6, Room
will discuss the topics of inferior-
2901
Spirit 1.2 Tailgate Party
ity, conformity, puberty, romantic
Children’s choirs are for children
Friday, October 2nd, 5-9 pm, CLC.
love, and identity from a biblical
ages four by 9-1-09 through 6th
The first and second graders are
perspective. Our reference book is
grade. We are excited to be working
takin’ it to the game. We will have
“Preparing for Adolescence,” by
with your children again! Children’s
games, crafts and a video to keep
Dr. James Dobson. Each week kids
choir is fun, fun, fun and culminates
our players busy for the evening.
will have class discussion & two
in the Christmas Pageant Program
Our lesson will be on how we can
nights of discussion at home with
on Sunday December 6th at 6
play on God’s team. Register by
parents. The cost is $15 per student,
pm. The Children’s choirs will be
September 22nd to help us plan.
for his/her own workbook. Please
singing in several of our Sunday
For questions or more information,
call Kim Broadhurst at 392-1165,
morning services. You may pick up
please contact Stephanie Hurd @
kbroadhurst@asburytulsa.org for
a registration form in the Children’s
392-4580 or email shurd@asbury-
more information.
Ministry area. For more informa-
tulsa.org.
Young
tion, please feel free to give Marti a Wednesday Night Happenings
call at 392-1147 or email at mmor-
Wednesday Night Live
September 9 – November 18, will
ris@asburytulsa.org
Wednesdays, September 9 – No-
not occur on October 14 for Fall
vember 18 (not meeting 10/14 for
Break.
Upward Basketball & Cheer
fall break), 7 – 8 pm, Kindergarten
• Join us for dinner in the CLC, 5 - 6
5 years old by 9/1/09 thru 6th
– 5th Grade. Beginning in their choir
pm
Grade in the 2009-2010 school
room and pick up in Chapel. Join
• Children’s Choirs (4 year olds – 6th
year. Everybody plays, everybody
us on Wednesday nights for wor-
grade) 6 - 6:50 pm
has fun, and everything revolves
ship in the Chapel—Kid Style. We
• Children’s Programming - WNL
around developing a relationship
will combine music, high energy,
(Kindergarten – 5th grade) 7 – 8 pm
with God through Jesus Christ, and
verse memory and a Bible lesson
• 6th Grade Preparing for Adoles-
living in a way that glorifies God.
in a setting that encourages kids to
cence 7 – 8 pm
This program promotes character
learn about worship. Our lessons
• Childcare (for children under 5
and self-esteem in every child by
will tie right into what we are doing
with parents in a Roadmap Class) 6
providing: Equal playing time for
on Sunday mornings. Can’t wait to
– 9 pm
each player. One-hour practice and
see you there! You may pick up a
game each week of the season with ASBURY TIDINGS 25
devotions. An evaluation process to provide equal opportunity for improvement. Each player signs up as an individual, not as a group or team. Separate leagues for boys and girls. All participants MUST attend one evaluation. Evaluations will be held October 29, 30, 31. Practices for both basketball and cheerleading will be one night a week on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday with games on Friday or Saturday. Practices begin December 6 and games begin January 4. We will finish the season with an Awards Program. Parents are needed to be coaches, referees and squad leaders. If you would like to volunteer, an Upward volunteer form and background check must be completed and returned by October 31. Parents, if you plan to coach your child’s team a form MUST accompany your child’s registration. All volunteers must attend an Upward training on November 14 at 9 am or November 19 at 6 pm. Registration forms and volunteer forms will be available in children’s ministry and also online at www.asburytulsa.org beginning September 1. The cost for basketball is $75 or $65 for cheerleading if you register on or before Saturday, October 24. Any forms received or postmarked after that date will be charged $85 and placed on availability of team space. For more information or if you have questions, contact Kim Broadhurst at kbroadhurst@asburytulsa.org or at 392-1165.
discipleship
marriage & family
Discipleship Communities
Attention Engaged Couples
If you have not yet found an Adult
If you are planning to use an
Discipleship Community check out
Asbury pastor to officiate and/or
“Get Involved” on our website,
use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to
www.asburytulsa.org or pick up a
book ASAP to allow ample time
brochure at one of our Welcome
for Couple-to-Couple (required
Centers.
premarital sessions). Six months to one year lead time is suggested.
Community Emphasis Sunday Sunday, September 27, 8 am
Milestone Wedding Anniversaries
– noon. This is that special an-
Email your upcoming Milestone
nual event where all our adult
Anniversary (5,10,15,20, etc.) to
Discipleship Communities roll out
Carolyn Schutte at brucars@cox.net
the red carpet and proclaim their
or call Ruth at 392-1146.
uniqueness throughout the building. There will be tables throughout
membership
the foyers and around the hallowed
Asbury Exploration
halls of Asbury, with displays of
Come to a lunch/class to learn
our many different “families” who
more about becoming a member
would love to welcome you to join
of Asbury. Sunday, October 4, from
them. If you have not yet found that
12:15-2 pm in Community Life Cen-
special place to “Belong, Believe,
ter. Lunch provided and childcare
and Become” a family of believers,
is available for children six weeks
come check out your choices as you
through 6th grade. Call 392-1191 to
enjoy the festivities! Communities,
register.
this is your special day to let your light shine for the Lord on Sunday
men
morning!
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
endowments
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 am in the CLC. Attention men of Asbury.
Leave a legacy that continues
Make plans to join us for a great
to give forever to a ministry you
time of meaningful worship, life-
want to support. There are endow-
changing prayer and an awesome
ments that support many areas
big breakfast, all for just $3 per
of Asbury’s outreach including
person. First-time guests are free.
children, youth, music, missions,
October 7
Todd Johnson
and training of pastors as well as a
October 14
Bill Johnson
General endowment. You can easily
October 21
Mark Springer
impact a ministry thru your will
October 28
Dub Ambrose
or a current gift. Contact Dwight Yoder at dyoder@asburytulsa.org
Men’s Open Basketball
or 392-1113.
Fridays, 11:30 am – 1:15 pm, Gym. Men! Make plans to join other Asbury guys and their friends each
26 ASBURY TIDINGS
week as we get together for a little
also vacuum and wash the vehicles,
Annual Men’s Fall Golf Tournament
“round ball” and lots of fun! Come
and then update owners on what’s
Attention men! Fall is here, and you
show us what you’ve got, and we’ll
running smoothly and what needs
know what that means! That’s right!
have a great time of exercise and
professional attention. This free
It’s time for our annual Asbury
fellowship. Invite your friends, and
service gives our men the oppor-
Men’s Fall Golf Tourney, and you
we’ll see you on the court!
tunity to put their faith in to action
definitely want to be a part of the
through loving and serving those in
fun this year! The tournament will
Mature Men’s Ministry R.O.M.E.O. Luncheon
need. To volunteer, contact Debbie
be held on Monday, October 26 at
in the Adult Ministries Office, 392-
the Golf Club of Oklahoma. Lunch
Are you a “Retired Old Man” who
1177 or dwallis@asburytulsa.org.
will be served at 11:30 am, and
wants to “Eat Out?” If so, then
the shot-gun tee time begins at
these luncheons are for you! Two
Men’s Fraternity: Winning at Work
12:30 pm. (An 8 am tee time will be
groups of men are meeting every
and Home
added if necessary!) The cost is $80
Thursday or every 2nd & 4th Friday
Tuesdays, 6:15 – 7:30 a.m. or
per person, which includes the driv-
at 11:15 a.m., for good food and
Wednesdays, 6:15 – 7:45 p.m It’s
ing range, green fee, cart, lunch,
great fellowship. Both groups
not too late to join facilitators
awards and prizes! The format is a
meet at Luby’s Cafeteria (71st and
Brent Colgan & Greg Ruley for
four-man scramble, and you may
Riverside), and are open to anyone
this 16-session study, focusing on
form your own team or be placed
60 years and up. Choose a day and
the two areas that are central to a
on a team. The deadline for paid
join us this week! For more infor-
man’s life: career and family. Begin
registrations is Monday, October
mation, contact Bud at bdmathes@
to build the walls of manhood
19. Forms may be picked up at any
cox.net (Thursdays), or Jim at
through study dealing with your
welcome center, and returned with
rober@cox.net (Fridays.)
chief responsibilities, and explore
payment to the south desk registra-
how you engage in work, and relate
tion slot. This year’s organizer is
Home Improvement Workday
to a woman in new ways. All men
Todd White (691-4698), if you have
Saturday, October 17. The Home
ages 18 and up are encouraged to
questions or concerns. Call your
Improvement Ministry serves wid-
attend. Cost is $10.
family, call your friends and join us
ows and single moms within the
for a great afternoon of fellowship,
Asbury family. Our men’s ministry
Men’s Ministry Fall Kick-Off
volunteers make themselves avail-
Sunday, October 4, 5-6:30 pm,
able every other month to help
CLC. Attention Asbury Men! You
folks out with minor home repairs
do not want to miss this! Make
and/or home improvement projects.
plans now to join us for our annual
To volunteer, contact Debbie in the
Men’s Ministry Fall Kick-off. This
Adult Ministries Office, 392-1177 or
awesome event will take place in
dwallis@asburytulsa.org.
the CLC, and you will be treated to delicious grilled burgers, brats and
Car Care Workday
all the trimmings! There will also
Saturday, November 21. Car Care
be live music and a very special
Saturday is an every-other-month
guest speaker. This will be a night
workday provided for Asbury’s
of fellowship and celebration,
widows and single moms, through
and all men ages 18 and up are
our men’s ministry. While the
encouraged to attend, as there will
ladies wait in the comfort of the
be plenty of food for everyone, at
café, volunteers check tires, belts,
just $7 per person! Bring a friend or
fluids, filters and batteries. They
two, and we hope to see you there!
friends and fun! Asbury Boy Scouts/Veteran’s Celebration Pancake Breakfast The Asbury Scout Leadership Foundation invites you to “A Salute to our Veterans,” to be held on Saturday, November 7, from 7-11 am in the CLC! It is our privilege to salute those men and women who have served their country as members of the armed services, and those today who proudly wear the uniform of the Active, Reserve and National Guard forces. Please join the Asbury Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members for an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast, ASBURY TIDINGS 27
while honoring our veterans.
Recycling Efforts
For more about these exciting mis-
This year, no entrance fee will be
• Campbell’s soup labels & Box
sion opportunities, contact Marilene
charged, though we will gratefully
Tops-benefit Red Bird Mission in
Long at 392-1164 or mlong@
accept all donations to benefit the
Kentucky.
asburytulsa.org
Boy Scouting programs of Asbury.
• Campbell’s soup labels & Swanson labels-benefit Cookson Hills in
music
Oklahoma
Chancel Choir
VIM Prayer
• Small soaps and shampoo-benefit
Wednesdays, 7 pm, Choir Room
Please remember to pray for our
medical missions and Circle of Care
VIM teams serving this month.
• Old eyeglasses-for adults or
New Covenant Orchestra
Our Mexico team will be serving
children-benefit medical missions
Wednesdays, 6-7:30 pm, Rm 1510
in Monterrey with Mission Bible
• Old cell phones-benefit Little Light
School and Construction work
House
Children’s Choirs
October 10-17. In Oklahoma, our
• Old home printer cartridges-
Wednesdays, 6 pm, various rooms
Cookson Hills team will be serving
benefit Walt Whitman Elementary
October 23-25.
School
Asbury Power & Light
• Hearing Aids-collected by Deaf
Sundays, 8:15-9:15 am, Rm 1510
missions
Operation Hope 8th Annual Fall Fundraiser Banquet Celebrate the success of Operation Hope and see the difference it makes in our community. Join us Friday, October 23 from 5:30-9 pm at Asbury UMC for a silent auction, success stories, catered dinner, and a live auction. Cost: $40. Sponsorship tables are also available. Contact Operation Hope for reservations at 599-7044. Mission Matters A monthly newsletter is available with recent news of mission happenings. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please contact Missy Sistrunk at 392-1163 or msistrunk@ asburytulsa.org Global Outreach Prayer Ministry News and prayer requests from our missionaries and ministries are sent each week to our prayer ministry list. If you would like to become a prayer intercessor for those serving around the world, contact Missy Sistrunk at 392-1163. 28 ASBURY TIDINGS
Perceptions Community • Operation Hope collects the fol-
Celebration Ringers
lowing receipts: Drysdales, McDon-
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 pm, Rm 2506
ald’s, QuikTrip, Wal-Mart, Sanders Nursery and Yale Cleaners just to
Youth Orchestra
name a few. For a more detailed list
Wednesdays, 5:30 pm, Rm 1506
there is Community Club Awards booklet in each Community room.
Asbury Ringers
Receipts can be dropped off in the
Wednesdays, 6-6:50 pm, Rm 2506
Mission Office. • Newspapers, copy paper, cata-
Perpetual Light
logues, etc.-collected in the recycle
Thursdays, 11 am-12:30 pm, Rm
bins in the Asbury parking lot-ben-
2506
efit Asbury. All donations can be dropped off
Saints of Swing Dixieland Band
in the Mission Office, unless other-
Thursdays, 7-9 pm, Rm 1510
wise noted. Asbury Singing Ambassadors
missions/vim
Tuesdays, 1:30 – 3 pm, Choir room
• October 10-17: Monterrey, Mexico, MBS & Construction • October 23-25:
Cookson
prayer Altar Prayer
Hills, Oklahoma, Light Construction
If you would like someone to pray
• November 4-8: Monterrey, Mexico,
with you during Holy Communion
Medical
or immediately following a worship
• November 11-15: Rio Bravo,
service, please come to the altar
Mexico, Men’s Construction
rail. A pastor or member of the Al-
• VIM Team Leader Training, Octo-
tar Prayer Team will be glad to pray
ber 24 in Clinton.
with you for your needs—physical,
emotional or spiritual - at the altar
homebound or in nursing homes. If
month, and then head off to see a
or in the Prayer Room.
you are interested in being visited,
“first run” movie. The dates and
call Adrena at 392-1144, or contact
times vary according to the movie
Prayer Room Reservations
the coordinator, Abby Sluice at
selected, but those who express
The leadership of Asbury’s prayer
ozyanks2000@yahoo.com
an interest will be contacted a few
ministry would like to remind you
days ahead of time so they can
that the main facility Prayer Room
Senior Sit and Fit Stretching Class
make plans accordingly. For more
is open not only to individuals
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
information or to sign up for the
desiring to pray in a quiet, medita-
from 9-9:30 am in the Gym. All
call list, contact Sally Wood, sally-
tive atmosphere, but also to prayer
senior adults are invited to join us
wood@sbcglobal.net
groups within communities and
for a time of stretching, coupled
ministries. Just give Debbie in the
with lots of fun and fellowship. No
Silent Movie Showing
Adult Ministries office a call at 392-
high impact workout here. We take
Friday, October 16, 5:30 – 9 pm.
1177 to reserve the Prayer Room for
it nice and easy. Come give it a try.
The American Theatre Organ Soci-
your group on a weekly or monthly
ety, Sooner State Chapter presents, Senior Walk in the Gym with Him
“The Phantom of the Opera,”
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
a 1925 silent film starring Lon
Prayer Room Days & Times
from 8:30-9 am in the gym. All
Chaney. Come hear Bill Rowland
Our prayer rooms are accessible to
senior adults are invited to join us
accompany the film on an authentic
you at these times:
for power walking, coupled with
Robert-Morton Theatre Pipe Organ!
• Mason Chapel & Venue68:
lots of fun and fellowship. Come
We will gather in the Asbury CLC
Sundays, 7 am - 12:30 pm through
give it a try.
for dinner at 5:30 p.m, and then
basis.
the interior doors.
board Asbury transportation to
• Main Facility, Mason Chapel, &
Senior Game Time
Tulsa Technology Center, at 129th
Venue68: Monday - Friday, 8 am
Every third Thursday, 1 – 4 pm.
E. Ave. and 111th Street. We will
- 9 pm; Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm;
Attention Asbury Senior Adults!
return to the church by 9 pm. The
Sunday, 12:30 pm - 9 pm. To obtain
How would you like to get together
cost is just $10 per person, which
pass codes, call Debbie in the Adult
on a regular basis with a wonder-
not only includes transportation
Ministries office at 392-1177.
ful bunch of folks and play a few
and a donation to the organ society,
rounds of cards, dominoes, or
but Virginia and Susan’s scrump-
whatever board or card game you
tious chicken and spaghetti, salad,
Celebrate Recovery
chose? You KNOW you’d love it! If
homemade rolls, drink and dessert!
Come join this supportive group
you’re a senior adult age 55 and up,
Registration forms are available
of people each Monday night at 6
come check it out in Room 2820.
at the south welcome desk and
pm. Dinner at 6 pm; Worship from
Bring a friend and stay for as long
may be returned, with payment,
7-8 pm; Small Groups from 8-9 pm;
as you like! This fun group will
to the registration slot. The church
Dessert from 9-9:30 pm. Hiding
meet every third Thursday, so mark
vehicles only seat 50 folks, so get
any hurts, habits or hang-ups? God
your calendars!
your registration and payment in
recovery
never intended for you to live in bondage.
senior adults
TODAY! The registration deadline Senior Adult Meal & Movie
is Monday, October 12 or until all
Attention all senior adults of
seats have been reserved.
Asbury! If you’re 55 years of age
Visits to Asbury Members
or over, our monthly meal and
Asbury has a unique group of vol-
movie day event may be just the
unteers (Asbury Connection) who
“ticket” for you! We get together
regularly visit people who are either
at a different Tulsa restaurant each ASBURY TIDINGS 29
October Tweenagers Program & Lunch
tesy of your fellow singles! Just
School, Jenks East Elementary
bring a “family-sized” food item,
School, and Youth at Heart. Indi-
Everyone aged 55 and up is wel-
homemade or purchased! Great
viduals and Asbury communities
come to join us for our monthly
food, great fellowship, new friends,
are being asked to assist by provid-
Tweenagers meeting & luncheon,
it just doesn’t get much better than
ing small gifts valued at no more
taking place on Thursday, October
that!
than $5 each, or financial donations
22, from 10:30 am to 1 pm in
to help with purchases and refresh-
the CLC. Our program will be an
Singles Fall Luncheon
ments. Un-wrapped gifts may be
emphasis on Asbury missions in
Sunday, November 22, 12:15
dropped off at the south welcome
Ecuador, with Esther Gene Mor-
– 1:30 pm. Come be a part of this
desk. In addition to the purchase
rison serving as our guest speaker.
luncheon designed for singles of
of gifts or financial contributions,
Music will be presented by the
all ages, with plenty of good food
volunteers are needed to assist
“Asbury Singing Ambassadors”
and great fellowship! The catered
with set-up and clean-up, greeting,
choir, directed by Charlene Ra-
luncheon will consist of a delicious
registration, hospitality, wrapping
vens. You don’t want to miss this
entree and salad, with homemade
gifts—the list goes on and on! To
program, and don’t forget to invite
bread and dessert. The cost is just
offer your services, e-mail Michele
your friends! Call the main office at
$5 for adults, and children 10 and
at ChristmasShop@asmtulsa.com,
492-1771 to make your reservations
under eat FREE!
as soon as possible, and begin
BY NOON, Monday, October 19. If, during that week, you find you need
praying for this inspired effort to
to cancel, please also let us know
Singles Annual Christmas Shop Project
as we need to give an accurate
Did you know there are ap-
count to the cooks. Should you
proximately 175 single parents at
choose, you may make a donation
Asbury, with 350 children to raise,
for the meal when you check in that
and so many more just outside the
Wednesday night Bible Study is
morning. Come join us for fun and
doors of our church? During the
the place to be from 6:30-8 pm on
fellowship!
Christmas season, it becomes more
Wednesday nights beginning Sept
difficult for those families to make
10. Come to the Student Café and
ends meet, and many children do
hang out, have fun and study what
Divorce Recovery
not get to experience the joy of
God’s words has for us.
Tuesdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm 1335.
selecting and purchasing gifts for
For those suffering from the early,
others. Through the Asbury Singles
7th, 8th & 9th Grade Breakaway
highly emotional stages of divorce
Ministry Christmas Shop, we
Sunday mornings, 9:15-10:30 am
and separation trauma. Childcare
hope to offer some relief from that
in the Breakaway Area. This isn’t
available.
pressure. On Saturday, December 5,
your normal Sunday school. Come
kindergarten children through fifth
join us for worship, fun and games,
Divorce Rebuilding
graders coming from a single-par-
interactive talk/lesson, and some-
Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm, Rm 1335. For
ent home will have the opportunity,
times free candy and gift cards.
those ready to rebuild their lives
for just $5 each, to select gifts for
after separation or divorce. Child-
their parents, grandparents and
7th, 8th & 9th Small Groups
care available.
siblings (Hardship scholarships
Hey, don’t forget to sign up to be
available upon request). The Christ-
in a Small Group! Being a part of a
Singles Potluck Luncheon
mas Shop will be open to children
small group is awesome. It’s a great
Sunday, October 25, 12:15-1:30 pm,
of Asbury families, Grove Elemen-
place to grow your relationship
Parlor. Come, bring your children
tary School, Lindbergh Elementary
with Jesus, have fun hanging out
and enjoy a delicious lunch, cour-
School, Walt Whitman Elementary
with guys/girls your own age. A
singles
30 ASBURY TIDINGS
bring the love of Christ to “the least of these.”
students 7th, 8th & 9th Bible Study
Small Group is made up of same
this is something that grabs at your
gender and the same grade PLUS
heart to help lead we need you,
two incredible adults that want to
please call Marsha 392-1157!
hang out with you. 7th-9th Small Groups all meet in the Student
Spring Break Missions Paperwork
Ministries Area this year. Yes you
Spring Break Missions paperwork is
can be in a 7th grade small group
out! Don’t wait to turn yours in, the
and not be a part of Confirmation!
trips fill up quickly! Forms due no
If you haven’t signed up yet, you
later than October 25.
can do that on Sunday mornings or just come to the church on Sunday
10th, 11th & 12th Breakaway
nights, 7th grade 4-5:30pm and 8th
Every Wednesday night we come
and 9th grades will be 5-6:30pm
together for a time of connection
starting September 20.
and worship. Our desire is to explore who God really is and how
Student Ministry Parent Support Group
our lives matter to Him. We get
This is simply a Parent Support
up around 8:30ish. Plan on hanging
Group of parents who come
out afterwards for pizza.
started around 6:30 pm and wrap
together to share experiences
women Women of the Word Wednesdays from 10-11 am in Rm 2319, Rev. Darlene Johnson, teacher. Crafty Ladies Fellowship Mondays, 9:30 am - 2 pm, Rm 2820. Ladies, if you enjoy doing crafts and fellowshipping at the same time, this activity is for you! We gather on Monday mornings to work on our own individual arts and crafts, stop for a delicious pot-luck lunch, and continue on through until 2:00 pm. We have a wonderful time together, and would love to have you join us! For more information, contact Betty Seetin, and stop by some Monday and check us out!
and gain strength, hope and new
10th-12th grade Small Groups
ideas from each other. We are not
Get Connected—Are you looking
professionals, but strive with God’s
for a way to get more connected?
UMW October Luncheon & Program
wisdom to love, care, and support
Are you looking for a place to grow
Thursday, October 1, 11:30 am – 1
one another through all struggles
in your walk with Jesus? Then be-
pm. Attention ladies! The program
of life. If you or your teen is strug-
ing apart of a small group is where
planned for October’s luncheon
gling, please take this opportunity
you need to be. If you are already
will be a presentation by Julia
to get support, we meet upstairs
in a small group, don’t forget to re-
McDonald, representative from
in the Venue every Tuesday from
sign up for your group. Our small
“Pearl’s Hope”, a Circle of Care
7-8:30 pm, attend whichever works
groups meet every Sunday night,
ministry to homeless women and
better for you. Call Marsha Baker
times vary. Some of the groups
their children. A delicious luncheon
for more info 392-1157.
meet in homes and others meet at
prepared by our church hostesses,
the church. Call Todd @ 392-1154 or
Virginia & Susan, will be provided
Life Hurt God Heals
Amy @ 392-1156 to get more info.
for just $7 per person. Our scripture
Life Hurt God Heals is created
Small groups will not meet on Sept
emphasis for this month comes
specifically for teenagers who have
20th.
from Matthew 25:35: “For I was
experienced some type of pain in
hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you
sexuality issues, disappointment,
7th-12th Grade Metro Worship @ Venue 68
rejection, alcohol, etc. For most
Come join youth from all over the
a stranger and you invited me in
teenagers, life hurts, but the good
city in a night to just worship Jesus.
news is God heals. Groups start
We meet the first Wednesday night
September 2, 6-8:15pm every
of every month from 7 – 8:30ish.
their lives- divorce, bad breakups,
gave me something to drink, I was …”
Wednesday night, contact us anytime or come by the Student Ministry area and sign up. Parents if ASBURY TIDINGS 31
UMW Cookbook Project
through loving and serving those
Kilgore and team. Rev. Spencer
The United Methodist Women are
in need. No reservations required;
Smith preaches.
sponsoring a 2010 Asbury cook-
just get your vehicle in line between
book, and you are invited to submit
9:00 and 11:30!
your favorite (1) recipe! Pick up a custom recipe sheet in your com-
worship
munity or at the south welcome
• 8 am, Communion Service: Mason
desk. Return your printed recipe to
Chapel. Traditional service with
the UMW box at the south desk no
music led by Hart Morris. Com-
later than Sunday, October 25, or
munion is served and Dr. Harrison
until the 650 recipe limit has been
preaches.
reached. Act NOW! • 9:15 am, Contemporary Praise Home Improvement Workday
& Worship: Sanctuary. Contem-
Saturday, October 17. The Home
porary music led by Mark Bennett
Improvement Ministry serves wid-
and team, time of prayer and the
ows and single moms within the
message will all carry a prevailing
Asbury family. Our men’s ministry
theme for the morning. Dr. Harrison
volunteers make themselves avail-
preaches.
able every other month to help folks out with minor home repairs and/or
• 9:15 am, Open House Worship:
home improvement projects. Just
Community Life Center. A relaxed
pick up a request form at the south
atmosphere with engaging worship
welcome desk, or call your request
led by Dub Ambrose and team. Dr.
in to Pam Wallace (392-1199, ext.
Tom Harrison’s message is simul-
253), at least ten days before the
cast with an occasional live sermon
scheduled work day. A Home
from another pastor.
Improvement volunteer will contact you, and make final arrangements
• 11 am, Traditional Service:
to get the job(s) done!
Sanctuary. The Chancel Choir, the New Covenant Orchestra and
Car Care Workday
various vocal and instrumental
Saturday, November 21. Car Care
ensembles offer a variety of styles
Saturday is an every-other-month
of music led by Hart Morris. Dr.
workday provided for Asbury’s
Tom Harrison preaches.
widows and single moms, through our men’s ministry. While the
• 11 am, Modern Service: Venue68.
ladies wait in the comfort of the
Rich blend of ancient and modern
café, volunteers check tires, belts,
worship, led by Chris Cleveland
fluids, filters and batteries. They
and team. Sign interpreters for the
also vacuum and wash the vehicles,
deaf are offered. Dr. Tom Harrison’s
and then update owners on what’s
message is simulcast.
running smoothly and what needs professional attention. This free
• 6:30 pm, Modern Service:
service gives our men the oppor-
Venue68. Rich blend of ancient and
tunity to put their faith in to action
modern worship, led by the Ben
32 ASBURY TIDINGS
asbury
new members
Rose Mary Boyd
Monte & Betty Box
Monte & Dianne Myrick, Sarah
Ed Williams
Ron Bracken
Jim & Linda Tucker
Dean & Pauline Yeager
Pat Webre
asbury exploration classes If you are interested in learning more about who we are, plan to attend one of the Exploration classes designed to tell you more about Asbury and what we believe. Choose from one of the upcoming Sunday membership classes: October 4 • November 1 • December 6 Classes are from 12:15 pm - 2 pm Call 392-1191 to reserve your place • Childcare is available and lunch is provided ASBURY TIDINGS 33
asbury family room in celebration of marriage 40 years Bill & Jennifer Roark • August 30, 1969
John & Billie Kay Sawyer • October 5, 1969
30 years Curtis & Carol Craig • October 6, 1979
Robert & Carol Greaves • October 12, 1979
Rod & Linda Sayler • October 6, 1979
25 years Dave & Lisa Keylor • August 18, 1984
• Nicholas Abernathy and Crystal Barker, married August 8 • Jody Vivion and Jillian Jobe, married August 15
we remember • Nancy Kidd, mother of Vanessa Kidd and Stacey Overcash, died August 9 • Ardis Clark, mother of James & (Glenda) Clark, died August 16 • Francis Rowland, wife of Bill Rowland, died August 20
34 ASBURY TIDINGS
Glorify God‌ Make Disciples