Asbury Tidings - Entering the Doors through Asbury by Asbury Church

contents

inside tidings 3

This Month at Asbury

Asburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Expansion Project

Notes from the Journey

6-26

The Doors Into Asbury

18-19

Pastors on Gratefulness

27-29

Calendar

Communities

31-33

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

To all who have sinned and need a Savior, To all who mourn and seek comfort, To all who are lonely and need a friend, To all who are weary and need rest, To whomsoever would come, This church opens wide her doors and her heart, and in the name of Jesus, bids you welcome.

I am grateful for the parents I had, Hugh and Kathryn, for my extended family, for the traditions they developed, for their commitment to each other and to my siblings, Kathy and Allen. I am grateful for Dr. Tom Harrison my wife, Senior Pastor Dana, for her constant wisdom and encouragement, for her no-nonsense approach to life, and her skill as both a wife and a mom. I am grateful for our three children: Joshua, Jessee, and Jeffrey, who are all very different in personality but similar in strong character traits. I am grateful to be an American, where others have made huge sacrifices for me to be free and to choose well. I am grateful for the medical community, which saved my life in a childhood mishap and for their ability to help my vision and my health. I am grateful for friends, some of whom are nearly lifelong, others that I have known in various degrees and in a wide range of relationships. I am grateful for the church, which has initiated me into the faith, and has nurtured me along in various capacities; from being in a youth group to being a youth director, from attending seminary to being a leader in the alumni community of that seminary, from being a recipient of preaching to being a regular preacher. As Thanksgiving comes to us, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful not only one day a year, but am profoundly grateful for these and many other blessings I have the privilege to receive. See you Sunday,

TIDINGS 2

Nielson & Young Concert Fourth Annual

Christmas Tour of Homes Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tickets

$8 in Advance $10 at the Door (No children under 12 please)

Tour Homes

Dixie and Bill Keeth 5312 E. 101st Place Camelot Jeanette and Kent Young 5506 E. 101st Place Camelot Vivian and Larry Kouplen 8791 S. Richmond Thousand Oaks Jayne and Bill Mason 6449 S. Sandusky Livingston Park

Shuttles & Shopping

Complimentary buses will be available for people not wanting to drive their own cars. The first bus will leave from Asbury’s main entrance at 10:45 on both days. While you are waiting for the bus, enjoy our complimentary Tea Room. Be sure to visit the Christmas Shoppe in the foyer, displaying gift items for that special someone, and a bake sale featuring homemade goodies. There will also be a Christmas Shoppe at the Masons’ home. All proceeds benefit missions. Questions? Call 392-1122.

Sunday, November 13 - 6:00 pm Stephen Nielson played his first full-length piano recital at age ten, and a year later, his orchestral debut set him on a path of musical accomplishment that has taken him around the world. Ovid Young, pianist, organist, conductor, composer/arranger — one of the most versatile musicians in concert today — has been heard in nearly 7,000 concert appearances around the world in the past three decades. Stephen Nielson and Ovid Young While each of these men is an extraordinary musician and concert artist in his own right, together they form the duo-piano team of Nielson & Young that will be our guests on Sunday, November 13. After more than three decades of musical collaboration that continues to take them around the world, Stephen Nielson and Ovid Young are veterans of more than 3,500 concerts in an array of venues ranging from Copenhagen, Denmark’s Tivoli Concert Hall; Toronto, Canada’s Roy Thompson Hall; Madras, India’s Academy of Music; Moscow, Russia’s Kremlin and Tchaikovsky Hall; Oberammergau, Germany’s Passionspiel Theatre; and Bern, Switzerland’s Konzerthaus. As individual artists each has performed in an equally impressive array of concert venues: Berlin, Vienna, London, Dresden, Tokyo and many more. In churches large and small, from coast to coast, here at home, they have played and inspired—The Crystal Cathedral, Coral Ridge Presbyterian in Ft. Lauderdale, the US Air Force Academy. Individually and jointly, they are widely-published composers of music for solo and multiple keyboards, choir and orchestra. Their extensive discography includes many recordings from the classical repertoire as well as from the ever-expanding output of their signature hymn-tune arrangements, many of which are for two pianos and orchestra. They will be a part of our worship services Sunday morning, and present a concert in the Sanctuary at 6:00 P.M. Be sure to be part of this inspiring experience.

Value of a Woman - “The Blessing” Receiving and Giving the Holiest of God’s Gifts They are the sons God has given me, bring them to me that I may bless them.” Genesis 48:9 NIV

Saturday, November 5 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Speaker Jan Frichot Registration 8:30 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. Location Mason Chapel $ Cost 10 BRUNCH INCLUDES DOOR PRIZES

presented by Women’s Ministries Asbury UMC

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. KTUL’s Cindy Morrison will emcee the event; Nancy Williams will lead us in praise and worship, and Asbury’s Pastor Darlene Johnson will deliver the closing message. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend and bring a friend. Call 392-1191 to register.

Asbury Debt Reduction and Expansion Plans Announced The church conference held on Sunday, September 18, 2005 proved to be a success. We had a great turnout and some good questions and comments from our congregation. The special conference was called specifically for the purpose of a congregational vote for the purchase of the Tulsa Ice Arena. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the purchase resulting in 499 “yes” votes and 34 “no” votes. Prior to the church conference, our Administrative Council, Trustees, Finance, and SPRC committees as well as the Tulsa District Committee on Church Expansion voted unanimously in favor of the purchase. The facility is located just southeast of our campus. The actual address is 6910 S. 101st E. Ave. The purchase price of the Tulsa Ice Arena was $1,650,000 and we closed on the property September 29, 2005. The purpose for this acquisition is to provide a Student Ministry space that is conducive and supportive of their program requirements. It will also provide for an auditorium space with a capacity of approximately 800 people. This can be used for multiple events including worship and music performances. Our current Student Ministry space is insufficient both in size and function for our programming needs on Sunday mornings and small group time. We will begin work on the design of the space in the next month or so. Actual work will not begin until the entire expansion project is approved and the capital campaign is underway in 2006. Plans to remove the berm and create a walkway to the new site will be part of the overall plan. We will make every effort to create a seamless feel of continuity of the campus. This building is just one component of an overall expansion project that we will be embarking on in the near future. You can read more about the overall plan in the following article.

Not long ago in service, Tom presented some alarming statistics that should make us all realize that Asbury is in a unique position to do great things for the kingdom of God. Recent Barna data indicates that only 16% of Christian churches are growing, and 6,000 churches close every year. In contrast, Asbury has experienced tremendous growth. In the last 12 months we have: *received over 700 new members *seen our worship attendance increased by over 700 *had 21% growth in our Children’s Ministry *over 2,700 people serving *increased giving by 24% last year We do not take growth at Asbury for granted. Growth also comes with some “growing pains.” Believe it or not, we have already outgrown some of our spaces in our new facility. Specifically, we are busting at the seams in the children’s area, and the student area is not large enough for the program requirements. We also need more adult classroom space. The all-church survey said we need covered access to the building. The Joel Committee (Long Range Planning Committee) analyzed the results of the all-church survey. They recommended to our Administrative Council that we conduct an intensive growth study to determine our most immediate and significant facility needs. This study was conducted throughout the summer with multiple presentations to the Administrative Council, Trustees, Finance and Staff Parish Relations committees. This study produced these recommendations for our expansion: 1. Increase the size of the Children’s Ministry area by approximately 25,000 square feet to accommodate the need for 20-22 additional classrooms. 2. Purchase the Tulsa Ice Arena and transform it into Student Ministries and auditorium space. 3. Remodel the current youth space, adding 7,000 square feet for adult classrooms and small group meeting rooms. 4. Provide covered access (porticos) at the south entrance and northeast entrance for protection from the weather. 5. Build the covered walkway from the main building to Mason Chapel. Our capital campaign will begin in January of 2006 and provide funding for these expansion projects as well as providing $500,000 for a mission project and approximately $3,000,000 of debt reduction. We would not incur additional long-term debt for these expansion projects. The estimated cost of construction for all of this work would not exceed $10,000,000. You will be hearing more about all these projects in the weeks and months to come.

Dear Asbury Family, When the idea to relocate from Sheridan to Mingo was just becoming a viable option, it was our desire to move in debt free. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to build and furnish a brand new custom home without incurring debt? We felt we could do it. However, the 9/11 catastrophe hit Tulsa, too. Building cost s increased. The stock market tanked. The devastating economic hit in Tulsa touched many Asbury members. The combination of these factors resulted in our borrowing $10 million for this facility. Our interest rate on our debt is less than 6%. Since we moved in to this new building in February of 2004, construction costs have increased over 20%. While we do not want to have debt, we are aware that by building what we needed we are reaching far more people for Christ than we would have otherwise. I feel we made the right decision. By building a couple of years ago, we have saved approximately $5.6 million in construction costs from what it would cost us to build it now. But, we still have debt, and I don’t like it, either. Asbury’s leadership is serious about aggressively reducing our debt and we have plans to do so. A very generous (and anonymous to me) donor will match dollar for dollar up to $300,000 from now until December 31, 2005 . Every cent will go to debt reduction. $600,000 would be a significant step for us to make. Praise the Lord! Prayerfully consider this great opportunity. If you are capable and so led, please indicate in the memo line of your check “debt matching” or simply “DEBT”. Please call our finance office if you have any questions. In Christ,

Notes from the Journey

Side Door People By Lisa Tresch

ur family came to Asbury through the side door. We’re not really front door people anyway, and so we didn’t even consider just walking into a worship service on a Sunday morning as our first entrance to the church. We have nothing against the worship service. It’s a wonderful way to come in. But we were leaving a church where I had grown up, where we were married, where our children were dedicated and spent their sweet preschool years. We were leaving our denomination also. My father-in-law was a pastor in that denomination, and both our families were still steeped in it. But it was time to go, and honestly we were a little unsure how to do it. So eight years ago we slipped in through a glass door that faced Sheridan Road and walked into the

children’s ministry wing on a Wednesday night. In a room with two round tables, a piano shoved into a corner and an urn that held fresh coffee, we faced six couples who we had never seen. Jackie and Gary, Stacy and Eric, Nancy and Tim, Claudia and Rick, Shelley and Tracey, Bob and Suzanne. They were Methodists and we were not. They were members of Asbury and we were not. They were part of a small group, and we were not--at least not until that night. They smiled, welcomed us in and poured us a cup of coffee. From then on, we were a part of them. The small groups back then were called Koinania groups. Koinania is the Greek word for fellowship, which is what we found in that tiny room on Wednesday nights. I read a book about a decade ago about how to draw people through

the door of the church. It gave ideas about creating varying worship styles, and making sermons hip and relevant. It was a good book, and I thought the church we were in at the time should get with it and start putting some of these enticing ideas into action. Yet when we were out there looking for a church, it wasn’t the worship style or the sermons that drew us in. It was the welcoming faces of the small group we invaded and their willingness to scoot over and make a place in their circle for side door people like us. They never pressured us to join the church and become Methodists. They told us we could still be a part of their group if we did neither. We thought that was pretty amazing. In November 1997, we did join the church, but it was just a formality. We were already accepted and loved by the people inside that slate rock

photo submitted

building on Sheridan. The sign that is in front of our building on Mingo has the same words as it did back then: Asbury Church Meets Here. I’m so grateful for those words. It means that side door people like us can know that it doesn’t matter where you come in--the church (which is the people, not the building) will open the door, scoot over and make a place for you.

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Photo by Dawn Snyder

The musical Bennett family: Sara, pianist; Shirley, French horn; Mike, trumpet, and Robbie, trombone.

A Place to Share Their

talents in ministry hat do a trumpet, a trombone, a piano and a French horn have in common? The Bennett family! Mike, Shirley, Sara and Robbie Bennett share their talents and their instruments with Asbury in the Music Ministry. This family came to Asbury because friends invited them. I remember Robbie, then a fifth grader, joining the Young Musicians choir. He was lots of fun and very talented. (Currently Robbie is a sophomore and one of two drum majors for the Memorial High School Band. He sings in the Chancel Choir and fills in for the orchestra when needed.) I knew who his dad was but had no idea what talent was in the rest of the family! Mike grew up in another denomination. After he and Shirley married, they attended a church in Tulsa. “Although our kids went to preschool there, Shirley participated in handbell choir, and I played solos fairly often, it didn’t feel like home,” remembers Mike. “When I attended Asbury for the very first time with my family, I was immediately drawn to this wonderful church. The music presented during

worship reached out and spoke to me in a way I had not experienced since my youth at my ‘home church.’ The quality of the music, the diverse styles, and the sincere dedication by the music staff, choir and instrumentalists during worship was obvious to me,” said Mike who plays trumpet in the Asbury Brass Quintet. Shirley interjected, “On our first Sunday visit, the choir sounded wonderful, and the orchestra played—a very small orchestra. We all thoroughly enjoyed the service and decided to continue to visit Asbury. ” Each week Shirley would listen to the orchestra and long to play with them. A former French horn player was all Charles Emerson, our instrumental director needed to hear about Shirley. A new French horn had just been donated and Charles invited Shirley to join orchestra to play the new horn. Now you’ll find her in the orchestra every Sunday. “For 20 years I missed playing my instrument and regretted not continuing with music. I feel so blessed to actually be able to play again!” beams Shirley.

“The music ministry was one of the first things I noticed about Asbury, and one of the main reasons I wanted to keep coming back,” said Sara, a freshman at Tulsa University and an accomplished pianist. “The choir was my favorite part of the service, and I wanted to sing in it.” It wasn’t until the summer 2004 that she decided to join. “I love the choir and the music, but more than that, I love the people. They are the kindest, most generous and loving people I know.” Sara accompanies the Chancel Choir, soloists, and like her dad performs solos for our services. “I am so grateful for the opportunities to share my gifts at Asbury,” said Sara. In visiting with this family, it is clear that not only are they talented, they are grateful to be able to share their God-given gifts with our church family. “Sharing my gift with the church means a great deal to me. It is one way I can give to my church and praise my God at the same time,” said Mike. Shirley agrees, “The music ministry at Asbury is a constant blessing in my life.” -Marti Morris 6

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Connecting To

that guy on the radio osing your mother is always difficult. Even when it’s expected. Even when you’re an adult with a family of your own. Steve Everley realized this in December, 1997 when he lost his mother. He called his good friends Debbie and Keith, who had been with him during the difficult months that led up to his mother’s death. Keith, a former funeral home director, offered to meet to help with plans and asked Steve who he wanted to officiate at the memorial service. Neither Steve nor his mom had a church home. Steve’s response was, “Well, how about that guy who does that Perceptions thing on the radio?” As a high school student 28 years earlier, Steve attended Asbury, interested primarily in the girls who attended MYF! Leading up to the time of his mother’s death, he listened to KMOD every morning on his way to work and felt drawn to this Tom Harrison guy from Asbury and to his inspiring thoughts for the day.

The Everleys at his mother’s grave in Barnsdall.

Keith made the phone call to Asbury to see if Tom could do the service on Friday (his day off) for a virtual stranger. Tom agreed. He also agreed to let them have the service in the Sanctuary, saving the Everleys an expense that they could not afford at the time. Tom’s graciousness and willingness to help touched Steve and his sister, Kelly. They also appreciated the care with which he conducted the service, capturing their mom in a way that brought honor to her memory. In response, Steve felt the need to get back in church. He began attending the 9:30 service, sitting in the balcony each week. On August 23, 1998, Tom preached directly to Steve. He wasn’t able to hide from the truth that he was hearing. “After the service, I went down to the pulpit in a kind of daze and as I stood there waiting for Tom to get through the normal complaints about not having enough parking places and someone sitting in ‘their’ pew, it came my turn to say something. All I could

say was, ‘I want you to pray for me.’” “Tom must have seen something in my eyes because he took my forehead, pulling it close to his own, and led me in a prayer where I asked God to forgive my sins and invited Christ into my life.” Since that time, Steve has learned that regardless of what happens in this world, God is in control and He has a plan in spite of how fouled up things can seem at times. And with that understanding comes that sense of peace spoken of in the Bible…the peace that passes all understanding. While Steve’s Christian walk is not without its challenges, he takes great joy in knowing that one day he will be in God’s presence and will see Jesus face to face. Steve has been very involved since joining Asbury, serving as a boys’ small group leader, going on youth mission trips, driving a van, ushering, and serving as president of his community, among other things. When asked why he invests so much of his time in service he responded, “Come spend some time with me at the Salvation Army one morning serving breakfast and experience Christ when a homeless person comes up to you and says ‘God bless you for being here.’ Go on a mission trip with 60 8th and 9th graders and experience worship like you’ve never seen after a day of delivering pillows in the projects of Nashville. Come help deliver toys to the Laura Dester Shelter and witness firsthand what Christ meant when he said, ‘What you do for the least of these, you do for me.’ “It’s the least I can do for the one who died on the cross for me.” Life has its difficulties. Facing those times with Jesus makes them bearable. - Jan Weinheimer

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The Long

road home Church should be a hospital for sinners, not a hotel for saints. hen Janice Leach heard that statement from Rick Warren at the Celebrate Recovery Summit, she knew that it reverberated with truth. She speaks of Asbury and Celebrate Recovery as home. “The people at Asbury CR are part of my family, my brothers and sisters. These people are honest about their hurts, habits and hang-ups and are willing to be open and vulnerable about them. They’re willing to take off their masks. You usually don’t find that in most churches, but at Asbury you can.” The journey Janice traveled to sobriety, to Christ, and to Asbury was not an easy one. She rarely attended church as a young girl and drinking was a big factor in her home, as well as later in her marriage. After completing nursing school, she married her college sweetheart, Bill. She soon discovered that his career as an attorney was conducive to even more socializing and entertaining which, of course, included alcohol. Then, in 1984 she received a terrifying message from her parents: her oldest sister, Pam, had been murdered. “At that point I went into ‘fix’ mode. I took personal responsibility for my parents’ grief and suffering. I knew I had to be the strong one.” When all these powerful emotions surfaced, Janice found the perfect prescription—alcohol. She began to self-medicate. “At some point alcohol ceased to be a luxury. It became a necessity. No matter what time of the day, a couple of drinks would alleviate my anxiety. I began to get jittery in the morning. I began concealing alcohol. I drank in private most of the time.”

To the outside world, Janice had it all—a successful, loving husband, three healthy high-achieving sons, her own business, a nice home, car and country club membership. She appeared stable, well-balanced. She was the soccer, football, baseball, basketball, scouting, tennis carpooling mom. “I was on the PTA board, a community volunteer and long-term member of the Junior League. I was also an alcoholic. “I began withdrawing from life little by little. My drinking was becoming progressively worse. I hit bottom on our annual ski trip to Colorado.” Janice rejoices in that day, because after experiencing a panic attack she cried out to God for help. She didn’t totally understand what that meant, but it was a start. After therapy and many AA meetings she experienced healing from her alcohol abuse, now sober for six years. She was turning to her “higher power” for help. She wasn’t sure who that “higher power” was, but she made that discovery after a friend invited her to the Alpha course at Asbury. “In Alpha I learned that Jesus wanted to have a personal relationship with me and that He loved me so much that He died on the cross so that all my sins were forgiven.” In the fall of 2002 at the Alpha overnight, Janice gave her life to God’s Son. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She experienced a deep hunger for the things of God and recognized the spiritual maturity she saw in others. She joined a Bible study and began learning more about Christ and Christianity. This, in turn, led to her baptism at Asbury and her membership as part of the Asbury family. Then, her Bible study leader talked with her about a new ministry

that was going to begin at Asbury— Celebrate Recovery. She knew with Janice’s background and healing this would be a perfect fit. She spoke with her about it and she enthusiastically added her support to this ministry. “I went to the meeting and signed up. My Bible study leader went with me. We went through the Christ-centered 12 Step group and we all opened our hearts together. We shared. We cried. We bonded. I can totally trust my ‘step sisters’ with anything. I love them. I’m now a part of the CR family where I facilitate a small women’s addictions group,” she explained. Second Corinthians 1:3-4 says, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and 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. And why does He do this? “So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass to them the same help and comfort God has given us. I see that helping others as the foundation stone of my recovery. God has brought me safely through my past life so I can be of use to others.” Janice added the well-known AA mantra, “I can’t keep it unless I give it away.” -Sandy Wagner Footnote: This story was a true privilege to share. I was Janice’s Alpha group leader, I roomed with her at the Alpha overnight, I am her Bible study leader and participate with her in the incredible ministry called Celebrate Recovery. I am so proud to be her “step sister.”

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Photo by Dawn Snyder

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A Warm &

embracing encounter aising socially and morally conscious children in today’s culture is no easy task. Ask any parent and they probably would tell you, “Yes, we need all the help we can get.” We all need a support system. So, what an awesome feeling it is to find a church home where you are embraced. It is such a blessing to find a church where you feel like you belong and everyone in your family is made to feel welcomed and loved. Yes, it’s a warm and embracing encounter. Henri and Kevin Sabin, along with their three boys— Sam (12), Jake (9) and Joe (5)—have come to know and love the people at Asbury. The remarkable spirit of warmth and lovingkindness has touched them. The Sabins have actually been involved with Asbury for several years, but it is only in the last six or seven months that they have started attending on Sundays. Henri was introduced to Asbury a little over seven years ago when her neighbor, Kelly Hogan, asked her to help her with Vacation Bible School. With the exception of one year (when her youngest was born), she has been actively involved in the VBS program ever since, and more specifically with the Drama department.

During those years, in addition to VBS, her two youngest sons, Jake and Joe, have attended the Mothers’ Day Out program. Henri is one of the biggest fans of the Mothers’ Day Out Program. She is so impressed with the staff’s kind and loving ways. She points out, “They always build you up, and they are so encouraging.” Henri is grateful for the remarkable way in

which the women of Mothers’ Day Out have both encouraged her as a mom and made her young sons, Jake and Joe, feel loved and embraced. This summer at VBS, once again she was involved in the Drama Department. And once again, she was blessed to see the message of God flow through the actors in the drama depictions. She is so thankful for the staff in the Children’s Ministry area. She is particularly thankful for Patrick Jackson, Fred and Heidi Sanchez and the way that they have welcomed her oldest son, Sam. She is quick to say that, “They are so warm and open to kids, so accepting and embracing.” Henri and her family have been active members in another church for many years and the decision to change churches is always tough, but Henri and Kevin believe their children have found a special place at Asbury. Henri believes that it is important to provide kids an environment where they can be nurtured and taught the Word of God. She believes it is important that kids have a place where they feel safe and accepted. She believes Asbury is that place! -Marcia Curley

photo by Christy Capps 10

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thanks “wilson” om Hanks played a character stranded alone on a deserted island in the movie “Castaway.” Stuck in an impossible situation, Hanks had to deal with how to survive physically and mentally. He kept his mental faculties in tact by finding companionship and peace-ofmind through a volleyball named “Wilson.” Craig Wright also got help from “Wilson.” Craig was introduced to Asbury when a co-worker asked him play to singles volleyball on a Tuesday night. Even though he had never played volleyball before, he learned quickly and made friends even quicker. He started

playing in 2000 and volleyball at Asbury became a regular part of his week for the next four years. “People were very welcoming at Asbury,” Craig said. In the fall of 2004, Craig began looking for a church home. He grew up in another denomination, but lost touch with the spiritual side through college. As he got older he knew that there was something missing, so he began the church search. Craig looked at many different churches with many different backgrounds and, in the end, decided Asbury was the place for him. Craig is currently a member of the Jabez community. He has made many good friends from his community and feels like he has found a place to belong. Four or five of his cohorts from Jabez have even been coaxed into joining him for volleyball on Tuesdays. Craig has a vested interest in getting people to this weekly event because of a new initiative he has undertaken. Instead of just going to play volleyball on Tuesdays, Craig coordinates the singles volleyball program for Asbury. He decided to take on this role in January and hasn’t regretted the decision. Craig was asked to run the volley-

ball night shortly after reading Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. He felt that running the program that initially got him involved in Asbury could be his “purpose.” Craig is now seeing this recreation ministry from the other side. What he is doing is making a difference in the lives of others. “I was talking to one of the Asbury staff members and found out that a few of the volleyball players have joined a community.” Craig said, “It made me feel good!” For Craig, being able to get involved is not all he has gotten from Asbury. Similar to how “Wilson” helped Tom Hanks survive, Craig also has seen a difference in his personal life since coming to Asbury via volleyball. “I have been really involved in Asbury over the past year, as well as, praying and going through the scriptures regularly.” Craig said, “I don’t know how to explain it, but I have gotten a lot calmer and I don’t have as much stress.” Asbury offers a number of recreation programs to the Tulsa community. Some of the programs include Walk-in-the-Gym-with-Him, pilates, fitness room access, Tulsa Run training, Adult Open Gym, and, of course, volleyball.. Craig is thankful for Asbury. Thank the Lord for Craig and “Wilson!” -Jeremy Burton

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The Power

of relationships ften it’s the friends we make and the relationships we build that shape our choices--that is certainly the case for Kurt and Nancy Enkelman. They have been Asbury members for the past two years, but it wasn’t a quick decision--they had visited Asbury for about a year and a half before deciding to join, and therein lies the tale of the power of relationships. The way Kurt tells it, they had been actively searching for a church home, “just looking for good teaching.” Over the course of a year, they had visited a number of churches but, somehow, none seemed to be the ideal fit. Kurt reports, “ They were either too loud or, somehow, didn’t feel like a good match.” They kept up the search. As it turns out, Kurt knew Bob Lee and Pec Clark, so he began coming to the Wednesday morning Prayer Breakfasts sponsored by Asbury Men’s Ministry, soon becoming actively involved with that group. He had also became a fan of Pastor Tom’s Perceptions messages on the radio, describing them as,

“down home and straight forward, a good mix of biblical truths and real life --and he never sounds like he’s preaching.” Kurt adds that he seldom misses them. The Enkelmans visited Asbury for about a year and a half and Kurt remained active in the men’s ministry. One day, they took stock of the quality friendships they had each built, as well as those of their sons, Kevin and Jeffery, and realized that they were where they belonged. Both Kurt and Nancy participated in Bob and Robbie Lee’s 40 Days of Purpose group last year which Kurt found “very informative, very grounding.” It certainly seems to have given him the tools for what follows. At the end of the 40 Days program, Kurt joined with two of the men from the large group, forming a three-man accountability group. They recently added another man to the group, making four. They meet every Monday and it’s rare that anybody misses. Kurt relays that they talk about “everything! We have become very close, very tight, as a group and with each other.”

Kurt describes his group as being pretty diverse, ranging in age from 36 to the late 50s and everyone in a different place on their spiritual walk. Their conversations are informed by a wisdom and a breadth of knowledge just not available to one man alone. The four men were recently challenged when one of the members of the group experienced a tragic loss of a loved one to a terrible auto accident. There may have been a time when they each wondered what resources were available to them, but they had spent the preceding months building their relationships one conversation at a time. Kurt reports that they closed ranks and are supporting each other through these tough times. Rather than searching for resources, they had each become the resource to the others in the group. Often it’s the friends we make and the relationships we build that shape our choices, but relationships are two-way affairs. Tom and Nancy Enkelman have that part figured out. -Scott MacDonald

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A Natural Way to Share

His love

ue Crum was introduced to the idea of coming to a Bible study at Asbury in a most unusual way: while she was in labor, walking the halls of St. Francis Hospital. Sue, a devout Catholic, met Dana Hufft, an Asbury member, in Lamaze class. As they walked the halls that day 18 years ago, Dana encouraged Sue to come to something called Mother’s Fellowship at Asbury. And she was persistent, Sue says. Both of their babies were born on that day, and the bond between Sue and Dana continued to strengthen. And so did Dana’s persistence. She continued to talk to Sue about Mother’s Fellowship, and the Mother’s Day Out program at Asbury. When Sue’s son, J.C. was three and a half, and her daughter Katie was one, she loaded them into the car and drove to Asbury for Mother’s Fellowship. Walking through the parlor door that morning was Sue’s entryway into Asbury. She had grown up Catholic, was attending a church, and wasn’t looking for change. But she was looking for a place where she could fellowship with other women and study the Bible without being intimidated. “I didn’t have a comfort level biblically,” Sue says. “I didn’t feel prepared for a Bible study. But Dana kept telling me that it wasn’t like that. She just kept encouraging me to come, so I finally did. It only took one time at Mother’s Fellowship for me to realize that I didn’t have to worry. I never felt intimidated. There were about 15-25 women there and Esther Gene

[Morrison] was teaching. She made it so easy and comfortable.” Mother’s Fellowship was a welcoming place for Sue and for her children. In fact, she was so comfortable with the nursery that she decided to put them in the Asbury Mother’s Day Out program. From there her involvement at Asbury began to grow. She was asked to be on the Pre-

school/Mother’s Day Out board. “I was at Asbury so much during the week, attending Mother’s Fellowship and volunteering. But we weren’t going to worship service,” Sue said. It continued like that for many years, until the family began to alternate between going to mass and going to worship service at Asbury. “After doing that for a while, we decided it was time to make a decision,” Sue said. “So we joined Asbury. It was hard in many ways to make that big change, but Asbury was so alive. It felt like the kind of place where our kids could really dive right in and get involved.” Sue says her children have been impacted deeply by the mission trips, youth camps, Bible studies and the friendships they have made at Asbury. “I can’t imagine how different our lives might have been without Asbury,” Sue said. “My thoughts about coming in to the church the way we did is really all about gratefulness. We are the recipients of such love and caring and we count it such a privilege to participate in mission trips, or volunteering in children’s classes, or serving at John 3:16. It’s just a natural expression of sharing the love we have received first and foremost from our Heavenly Father and followed by all of our wonderful friends at Asbury.” -Lisa Tresch Sue Crum with friend Dana Hufft.

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Celebrating a

special anniversary alia Miller is grateful to be celebrating a special kind of anniversary this fall. October marked two years of Malia’s involvement with Asbury. She began attending occasional worship services because her home was close to the old church facility on Sheridan. She is now involved in many Asbury ministries and activities, from Christians In Action to Celebrate Recovery. Malia started regularly attending services after the move to the new building. “I felt that God had brought me to Asbury. I went home feeling that I had received a special blessing from each sermon,” Malia shared. However, because of her recent divorce, she often missed being part of a family. She began attending the Christians In Action (CIA) singles community. Within CIA, she quickly found friendship as well as support from others that had been through similar situations. They suggested Malia look into the Divorce Recovery and Divorce Rebuilding classes. Facilitators like Gillian Layne, Jim Small, and Nancy Graves have had a great and lasting impact on her life. Malia spent ten

months attending the weekly Divorce Rebuilding meetings where, “God revealed to me that I was ready to move on. I had let go of my past and my marriage and was actually excited about my new life as a single person.” Shortly after becoming involved with Divorce Rebuilding, she began attending Celebrate Recovery services. Originally attending Celebrate Recovery as a support for someone else, Malia realized that God had brought her to the program to work in her life as well. After much prayer and selfevaluation, she knew she was ready to make a lifelong commitment to God and a church family. Before making a commitment in front of the church, Malia set up a meeting with Darlene Johnson, Asbury’s Pastor to Women. “I expected to have to put all my cards on the table,” Malia said. “Instead she set me at ease by sharing some of the trials of her marriage and divorce.” After that meeting, Malia knew that Asbury was where God wanted her to be and she joined Asbury on Easter Sunday 2004. Malia joined with four other women in a 12 Step study in May of 2004. The ladies met weekly to work through

painful issues in their past. Malia shared, “This is where my healing really took place. The five of us celebrated triumph over our past as we completed the 12 Step study in March.” She is currently involved in many areas of service within Asbury. She works with Gretchen Valentine and others within Asbury Singles Ministry to provide social and spiritual activities such as retreats and local missions work for single adults. Malia also serves as a greeter twice a month and recently began sharing her testimony to groups within Asbury and around the community. In her free time, Malia enjoys spending time with her friends from Asbury where they have movie nights, “girls only” gatherings, and small group studies led by Jim Small. When asked about sharing her lifechanging experiences with others, Malia replied that she has referred many friends and acquaintances to Asbury because, “I want anyone I can reach to have the same opportunities of healing and connecting that I have had… and most importantly to bring them to the Gospel.” -Emily Walton 14

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Finding Main Street

on mingo road By Scott MacDonald omehow, our lives have been ordered so that South Mingo Road has become our Main Street. We must drive that stretch of road three or four times a week. There came a time when we were thinking of looking for a new church home, a place where there were opportunities to serve as well as to worship. We both felt powerfully led to be of service in the Body of Christ. Every time we’d wend our way south, Joyce would point out the Asbury campus and comment about how lovely the church is and wouldn’t it be good to take a look-see at the insides. I would answer that it looked like a very big church and, frankly, I’d be afraid of getting lost in such a large congregation. You heard it here first, Joyce was right and I was wrong. I finally gave in and we visited for a Sunday service. We were greeted by nine different people who were glad to see us and we were invited to visit three different communities the following Sunday. Joyce was delighted with the service and the music and I sat there and marveled-Asbury was playing smaller than it looked. We signed up for

the next Exploration class where we met even more people who were seemingly delighted that we had come and three people knew us by name—more invitations to communities were forthcoming. Asbury was starting to feel pretty doggone comfortable. We met with Mark McAdow, a blessing in and of itself, and soon joined the congregation. Along the way, we had each taken the spiritual gifts assessment provided on the website and had taken a class to explore how to best put those gifts to work—and we kept on meeting people who genuinely seemed to care about who we were and what we were about—and we started to genuinely care for them. By the time we found and joined with our community, Asbury had gone from very large to very cozy; it’s all in the people, for which we are grateful. As good as all of this is, it just got better. We met with Claudia Abernathy, our soon to be friend and mentor. Claudia has a passion for prayer which is both exhilarating and inspiring to be

around. For lack of a better term, she is the Director of Asbury’s Prayer Ministry, but she is so much more than that. Claudia soon gave us a context for our call to service and offered up the opportunities to give it free-reign. We have been happily and productively engaged ever since and for that we are exceedingly grateful. We have also learned that Asbury is blessed to have many, many congregants who know who and whose they are in Christ Jesus and we are keenly aware that we are being held up as we hold up others; we are being nurtured even as we are nurturing and for that we are prayerfully grateful. I’ve also come to think that the person with the most important job at Asbury is the next person I visit with. There is ample opportunity to be of service here and there’s always room for one more regardless of your talents. It is a humbling and comforting reminder that, as grand as it is, a building is not the church—it is the people nurturing and sustaining each other in the faith that is. Joyce and I have much to be grateful for since we’ve come to Asbury and, like the song says, we’ve only just begun.

Day Center for the

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God’s Life Lessons Learned

through experience

ack Carter was looking for a church that offered the fellowship and accountability of adult communities and small groups. His friend Jim knew a guy named Jeff McMains who was always talking about his church and small group community, so Jim arranged a meeting between Jack and Jeff at Asbury Sunday breakfast. Over coffee and Virginia’s egg casserole, Jeff told Jack about the Praise and Worship community. Jack visited and has been a member ever since. But Jack’s story didn’t begin there. Here, in his words, is the “rest of the story.” “The first 50 years of my life, including 40-plus years of my Christian walk was self-centered, all about me, my wants and desires, what’s in it for me. Early in life I acquired a couple of characteristics that proved to be extremely detrimental to me and brought a lot of heartache to those around me. Faced with a problem or set of potentially hurtful circumstances, I would disconnect myself emotionally and physically to protect myself from what was happening. It suited me in my profession as human resources manager, because I could deal with people issues and not let them impact me. But the reality was that my heart was hardened. I could read and hear God’s message but I didn’t and couldn’t internalize it. Four years ago, I came to a place where God began a new, transforming work in me. He started by teaching me the first of many lessons: Life is short, events can change quickly. On February 21, 2001, 8:30 p.m, I walked into the dining room to see the red light flashing on my answering machine. I punched the button to hear my daughter Carrie’s voice, “Dad, call me. I have some bad news. Justin was

flying this afternoon. They were on their approach to landing on the aircraft carrier off the Florida coast. They were a mile from the ship when the plane went nose down. Justin and the Navy pilot ejected. Justin was killed.” My body went into slow motion and my mind raced at 100 mph. “This can’t be! I don’t believe this is happening.” Over the next 10 days, there was the blur of memorial services, Justin’s funeral and burial at the Air Force Academy. Lesson 2: Growing experiences can be very painful and humbling. I did a lot of soul searching and thinking. For the very first time in my life, I felt the pain of others. It was as if the Holy Spirit had taken a meat hammer and whacked my heart. The self-examination was painful and humbling. I saw all my sins, the hurts and the insensitivity that I had shown to others, especially my family. I wondered why God had taken Justin and not me; I was the one with all the sin. But that was not God’s plan. My thinking started to make a dramatic shift when my question turned into, “God, what do You want me to learn from this? Don’t let this be wasted.” He responded by showing me Lesson 3: Memorize scripture before you have a pressing need. When you are struggling, there are times you don’t think clearly. We need to have these verses stored in our heart. There were days that I just repeated a particular verse over and over, it was all I knew to do. I did not see it at the time, but He was doing a refining work in me one step at a time. I was reading my Bible more, reading books by Christian writers. I joined a Sunday school class, Bible Study Fellowship and Alpha. The more I read and prayed, the more God revealed to me. I was beginning to see Lesson 4: God takes the process step by

step. Another area of my life that got put on the anvil for reshaping was my self worth. I learned early on in life that if I did something well, I got praised. This recognition made me feel good. My self worth was based purely on performance and my own self sufficiency. Then, I read a book called The Search for Significance by Robert McGee. After all those years, the light finally dawned. I remember the day with tears running down my face when I finally realized, “I am significant! And it has absolutely nothing to do with me!!!” God also had a plan to address my self sufficiency. My attitude had always been, “Leave the tough stuff to God; I can take care of the rest.” Then came April 28, 2003, when we received notice that the plant was closing. It was a tough process, but I remember being confident personally. It might take 30-45 days to find another job, but I could make it happen. It actually looked like it might be a great opportunity. When our condo sold the first weekend, we took it as a good sign. We signed a lease on a condo in Colorado and made plans to move. I hadn’t been without a job in 40 years, so I wasn’t worried. “I can make this happen. I don’t need any help!” But the transformation God was making in my life was entering a new chapter. It was another trip to the anvil for reshaping. He was about to teach me Lesson 5: Growth comes through desperate times. It took unemployment to strip the pride and self sufficiency in my life. My desperation drove me to take the time to study, reflect, meditate and listen to God’s word and the Holy Spirit’s direction. The kind of trust God talks about in Proverbs 3:5-6 was put to the test. I was trusting in the Lord with all my heart, I learned not to lean on my own understanding, I began acknowledging Him so it was He who 16

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directed my path. Thankfully, He also taught me Lesson 6: You don’t have to go through growth experiences alone. In the midst of these circumstances, God put individuals in my life at precisely the point I needed them.One Sunday at church, I was browsing the information racks and came across a brochure about Stephens Ministry. I was familiar with the program, so I called and explained that I was new to the area and unemployed and felt a Stephens Minister might be helpful. God put Donald in my life. He met with me weekly for the next 10 months. He listened, prayed with me and for me. We laughed, we cried. God knew I needed a friend and was faithful to send me one. Just when I thought things were as bad as they could get, God led me to Lesson 7: Never say it can’t get worse, because it can. Nine months into this ordeal, my wife of 13 years announced she was leaving. I remember thinking, “What else is going to happen? I can’t handle this.” But every time I reached a point where I could not go one more minute, God brought someone—a call, an email, a note, a smile, a hug or a pat on the back. I am firmly convinced that my role and our roles as Christians is to touch the lives of people every single day as we go about our daily tasks. In May 2004, I returned to Tulsa with no job, no wife, no money. I moved in with my elderly parents. I had a number of interviews and was confident enough to presume that I would have to choose between multiple offers. I prayed for discernment, “Lord, make it perfectly clear which offer I should take.” The Lord answered my prayer. I only got one offer. He is faithful. Throughout the past few years, the most valuable thing I’ve learned is Lesson 8: You have to put yourself in a position to let God speak to you, train you, bless you. This cannot be done with sin in your life. The journey is not over and I have come to believe that it never ends. It’s been painful, but I drew and continue to

draw comfort from God’s Word, the Holy Spirit and Christian friends. The move back to Tulsa brought me to Asbury where God has blessed me abundantly.” -Introduction by Juli Armour -Testimony, Jack Carter

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What about your area of ministry makes you grateful to be serving at Asbury?

TOM HARRISON Senior Pastor

BILL MASON Pastor Emeritus

MARK MCADOW Sr. Assoc. Pastor

I am grateful to be the Senior Pastor at Asbury for several reasons: *I have the opportunity to preach and teach which is at the heart of my call into the ministry. *I have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the nicest people in the world. *I have had the opportunity to raise our children in the church, helping them understand life through a biblical worldview. Dana has also had the opportunity to make her best friends at Asbury. *I have the opportunity to speak to about 100,000 people each morning in peak drive time on five FM radio stations through the radio spot called Perceptions. *I have the opportunity to see how Asbury can positively affect people’s lives. It may be through missions, through children or student ministries, or from a Bible study or worship service. I have seen lives transformed by The Walk to Emmaus, Alpha, Celebrate Recovery and from Mission Trips. I have had the privilege of baptizing children, students, and adults. I have prayed with people, counseled them, officiated in weddings and shared in memorial services. I have seen people at their best and at their lowest and can state without a doubt, that even when people are at the very bottom of life, the bottom is still solid, because of Christ. I am extremely blessed in this role…and pray that I am a source of blessing to others.

For 41 years it has been our privilege (Jayne & mine) to serve our Lord Jesus Christ through His instrument—Asbury United Methodist Church. From our very first year the “church family” nurtured, loved and prayed for us to be God’s servants in this place. Our hearts have remained filled with gratitude these 41 years as we have experienced God’s love. A natural response toward someone who loves you is to return that love. Jayne and I have found that as we love in return God replenishes that which we “give” in a greater obedience. We have found that as we released the “fruit of the Spirit” to others, His supply is more than sufficient. “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:2223a) flow from the richness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. Thank you, dear Asbury friend! Yours in Christ Jesus.

My wife Robin recently put out the “Fall decorations” around the house— pumpkins,darker colored candles, wire baskets and a wall hanging she purchased several years ago at a craft fair. This particular piece has two hand painted pilgrims in traditional dress with these words painted above them, “Give Thanks.” I find this simple two word phrase at times challenging and rewarding. In our family, we have a clear glass jar that sits on a shelf in our kitchen to help us remember to give thanks regularly. It’s called the “Joy Jar.” We take time out each week to write our “joys”— special blessings, answers to prayer, etc. on slips of paper and put them in the jar. On Thanksgiving evening, we’ll empty the jar and read each joy from this last year. Because of your love, some of your names will be found there! We’re blessed to be a blessing. An “attitude of gratitude” is one blessing we can share with others at home and beyond! Bless you as you “Give Thanks” this day and every day!

DICK READ Pastor for Biblical Literacy Being a pastor at Asbury is a tremendous adventure, one that I treasure greatly! Following Jesus in this life is an incredible privilege. Add to that the honor of following Jesus alongside fellow disciples of Asbury just sweetens the journey allthe-more. The Bible refers to both Jesus and the Scriptures as the WORD OF LIFE (John 1; Philippians 2:16; 1 John 1). I am grateful that, even in my Pastor for Biblical Literacy position title, I get the privilege of holding out the Word of Life to God’s people. God changes lives through His Son Jesus and through the knowledge and application of His Word in our daily lives. I have seen scores of Asburians transformed as they have taken time to read, study, memorize and apply Scripture and it’s teaching in their lives. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

TODD CRAIG Pastor with College & Young Adults

DARLENE JOHNSON Pastor with Women

I remember in the 90s when President Clinton was running his two campaigns his team had a slogan that motivated everything they did and reminded them why they were doing it. The slogan was simply, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Sure, it is a crass statement, but it worked! Clinton and his team never lost sight of what was important. Asbury is such a large place and there is always so much going on. It’s easy to get overwhelmed as a member of the congregationand or staff person. The only way to keep focused is to remember what is important. Often, I am getting overwhelmed with all that ‘s going on and feeling like there is no way I can get everything done that I think needs to be done. That’s when the voice in the back of my head reminds me, “It’s the people, stupid.” Now, I don’t know if this is the Holy Spirit reminding me this or if the Holy Spirit would ever address anyone as stupid (though I certainly ask for it sometimes), but this reminder always brings clarity. If I were to tell what makes me grateful to be serving at Asbury, you would see a list of names and stories of those whom I get to serve alongside. It is absolutely amazing to hear what God is doing in the lives of the Asbury family and how he is using our people to impact one another, Tulsa, the nation, and the world! Find one of our college students (or email them) and ask them what God is doing in their lives and how they are being used by God, you might be amazed at how challenging and humbling their words are!

I am most grateful to be serving at Asbury because of the many wonderful people that I have the privilege to work with. Asbury is a congregation of people who share the love of God through loving and caring for others. There is a spirit of grace and acceptance that is evident in the way they receive others into this body and how open and willing they are for all persons to join and serve in the many ministries of the church. As Pastor to Women, I have a double blessing because of the strong relationships I have with the women of this church. I serve a group of women that are some of God’s best, women who will roll their sleeves up and go to work without hesitation, women who will stand with one another as they serve not only each other, but also those they don’t know. All you have to do is let them know there is a need and they will jump right in. To all women who are in the family of God and in the congregation of Asbury I salute you for opening yours hearts to me as your pastor and I give God praise for placing me here in your midst. May we continue to grow as we travel this journey together!

TIDINGS

DUB AMBROSE Pastor with Men As I reflect on the gratitude I have towards God for getting to be the Pastor to Men here atAsbury, I am most blessed because I get to work with some of the most incredible men of God I’ve ever known. I work with men who are real people, genuine in their lives, and as a part of that, are honest about their shortcomings. I work with men who are disciples like those of the Early Church, who deeply loved Jesus and sought to be Christians (“little christs”), but who were sober about the ways they “fell short of the glory of God.” I work with men who have hearts transformed by the power of God’s Spirit so they are no longer always seeking selfish gain, but who want to do right and want to bless those around them. This is the thrill of my life…to work with men who, except for time and space, are exactly like the men who walked with the Master almost 2000 years ago. And these men, like those, walk with Him every day. And these men, like those, talk with Him every day. And these men, like those, would die out of their love for Him, but who, for now, are choosing to live for Him! My prayer is that I might be one of these men, too.

19 TIDINGS

LINDA PETTY Pastor of Access As I pursued my education to prepare for the ministry, little did I know what God had in store for me. Like every other student in a Masters of Divinity program, I thought I would be pastoring a small church after my ordination. An opportunity to pastor a small church in No. Tulsa presented itself while I was finishing my studies. For two and a half years I had the privilege of serving Bethel United Methodist Church.My name on the church marquis was written in magic marker with one letter reversed. It was challenging, fun, difficult and very rewarding. The people there blessed me in many ways and helped me mature as a pastor. Several years later, Asbury explored the opportunity of beginning a ministry to and with persons with a disability and their families. Once again God opened a door. The parent of a young adult expressed a desire to have a class for her young adult son with special needs. The Friends in Christ Class began with two students; today there are fifteen. For the last six years the Friends in Christ community has blessed me with their love for Christ and each other, their humor, their compassion, their appreciation of simplicity in life and their wisdom. I’m a deeper person because of the influence of these precious young adults and their families. I thank God every day for the way in which they live out their faith. I am most grateful for the way in which they have made me aware of my need for God.

DAVID THOMAS Pastor with Senior Adults God is so good! Allowing me to come to a church like Asbury after serving as a pastor for some forty-six years. I’ve never seen a church with the depth of talent and commitment among the laity as we have experienced at Asbury. We have a great staff, but the power of the church is in the laity. What a joy to serve with them. And then to be able to share with the senior adults, the saints and pillars of Asbury. Patty and I have been so blessed and we are indeed thankful to God who called us to share in ministry over fifty years ago.

SONNY PLISCHKE Pastor of Care

JUDITH BANYA Pastor of Missions

Over 30 years ago when Mary Helen and I were members at Trinity UMC in Brookside, our son Philip who was about 3 1/2 at the time had an accident that almost caused the loss of his right eye. It was just after Annual Conference and our new Pastor who had not even finished moving into the parsonage appeared at the hospital and stayed with us until we basically said, “Go home, we’re OK! We’ll call you if there’s any change.” I think he was ready to spend the night if necessary. Over the years that I have been in the ministry I’ve often remembered him and the impact he made on me and my family that day as he reached out to us to say, “I care.” Every day before I go to the hospitals to call on the sick and wounded my prayer is, “Dear Father. Help me to be your man, to extend a hand on your behalf to those who need to hear from you.” This caring ministry has been and continues to be one of the great sucess stories of Asbury UMC, started by Pastor Bill Mason years ago, and I am grateful to be one of the pastors who help to carry it forward. I am blessed.

I believe that one reason that God brought me to Asbury United Methodist Church is because God knows the desires of my heart which to be to other people - especially those who need to be helped – what those missionaries who raised me were to me. I am so impressed with the extent of Asbury’s involvement in mission. To be a part of a church that sends missionaries to different parts of the world and do mission locally too brings me great satisfaction. It is through this kind of outreach that I got to hear the Gospel and the foundation for whatever education I have was laid. I was also cared for nutritionally and given medical care as needed without which I would not have been able to learn. It is very refreshing to see that everyone who comes to this church is given an opportunity to participate in mission but more to see children encouraged and made aware of the need of reaching out. This for me confirms the hope for the Church to keep growing as we spread the Gospel through our actions so that one day the whole world will be covered with the glory of God and every knee bows to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grateful for a

new beginning ill Rozell is fairly new to Asbury. He began visiting around March of 2004 and became a member this year. He is one of the many Tulsans who listen to Perceptions on the radio every day, and as it happened, he also drove by Asbury every day on his way to and from work. Pastor Tom’s radio spots often hit a note of need in his life because Bill was going through a period of crisis. He had just gone through a divorce and was feeling the guilt, confusion and many other frightening emotions people feel when that unthinkable circumstance occurs in one’s life. As he would pass by Asbury, Bill would feel drawn to visit the church and is now convinced it was the Holy Spirit who was prompting him. He knew he must press on for the sake of his beloved five-year-old daughter for whom he was determined to do and be his best. He knew he must put himself in God’s hands if this were to happen. Bill grew up in Tulsa and Broken Arrow all the way through high school

and college. He works in sales for Advanced Industrial Devices, a company in West Tulsa that manufactures hightech control panels and other electrical systems. Although believers, his parents weren’t churchgoers, but in his childhood he had an aunt who planted the seeds of what it meant to become a Christian. That seed lay in waiting while Bill grew some weeds and thorns, but eventually that seed was watered and fertilized, and Bill received Christ in 1988 at the age of 21. After coming to Asbury, Bill joined a Monday evening Bible Study led by Gretchen Valentine, and this has been a tremendous blessing in his life. He said, “When you get divorced, you sort of fade away from the couples you were friends with and you find yourself feeling pretty much alone.” He is so grateful for the support and friendship he receives in this study group as well as the other friends he’s made at Asbury. Besides that, his study group has helped him satisfy the

hunger for the Word of God that was present in his life. He is committed to growing in a daily relationship with God and becoming immersed in the Word. The children’s program at Asbury is something else Bill is very grateful for. He looks forward to his daughter benefiting as much later as she is now from the Christian teaching and love present in the children’s ministry. Bill likes Christian groups and has just about decided on a community. He likes to hear how people are involved in service and how they were led. You can’t talk to him very long without noticing a quality of stick-to-itiveness. He wants to keep making himself available to being shaped by God to serve in a way that will please Him. A verse that is a favorite for Bill right now is Romans 12:2. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Marty McBroom

Bill Rozell (center) with friends Doug Rountree and Neal Salmon. 20

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Going Through Life with an

attitude of gratitude wen Mohler thinks that thankfulness is a discipline, not just reaction by a grateful heart to a good situation. “The Bible says to be thankful in all things, so I am,” she said. Her matter-of-factness is not mere pragmatism, although she does say that she believes the peace of God comes with thankfulness. “When there is something that’s very difficult, I turn it over to Him— leave it with Him,” she said. “And that gives me peace. I’m thankful always.” Certainly there have been many opportunities for Gwen and husband, Richard “Dick” Mohler to test the relinquishment of difficulties to the Lord. In the last year alone, they have suffered the anguish of a daughter dying, a son going through a heartbreaking divorce, and Gwen having faced breast cancer. After two diagnostic surgeries, Gwen next confronts the process of radiation with peace, and she is thankful in all things. So is Dick also thankful? He believes his naturally optimistic spirit makes thankfulness easier than not. “I’ve always been an optimist,” he said. He indicated that being geneti-

cally predisposed to optimism is a definite benefit, and said that he has always thanked the Lord for his life, especially his successful career as an electrical engineer. More than that— and Gwen’s own career in real estate—they both top out their “thanksgiving list” with the blessing God is providing through Asbury. “Other churches just don’t include and provide for an active ministry to the seniors,” she said. “We loved the church where we had been members for many years, but all the focus was on young families. “That is crucial, I know. We were thankful for that, but seniors were just sort of left out of the main stream of things. Like we didn’t matter anymore. The Mohlers found that there are many opportunities for seniors to be included in the ministry, activities, and blessings of Asbury. At the top of Mohlers’ list of Asbury blessings are Asbury Singing Ambassadors, the 170-member choir of which they are both members; and their Asbury friends, including beloved longtime friends, Patty and David Thomas. Gwen’s singing in the choir the past two years was a prelude to the

Mohlers joining Asbury, something they hadn’t intended. “But there was such love and a reaching out by choir members, and we were both yearning for a more active inclusion in church, it was just irresistible,” she said. She and Dick were very active in their church, having begun a personalized card ministry that was difficult to give up. She hopes she can be a part of one, even now, and knows that whatever is ahead, she will be thankful. She will, because the Bible instructs it! Specifically, Gwen is thankful for the party-game Bunko. That’s how she and Dick met ‘way over a halfcentury ago. “Our Sunday school teacher at was a veteran,” she explained, “And he thought it would be a good thing to invite the young men who were studying at Spartan (School of Aeronautics) to a social activity, so we had a Bunko party. There were 20 of them. Some of them came back, fewer each week, until there was just Dick. But that was long enough for us to fall in love. We’ve been married 53 years now.” And they’re both thankful. -Donna Wilson

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Following God’s Leading

to missions He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. Jim Elliott

n March 1989 Jim and Carol Thompson were active members in another church in Tulsa. It had been an unusually profitable first quarter in Jim’s business and he was seeking God’s direction for giving over and above their tithe. They had taken their young daughters to Padre Island for spring break and during the return trip while driving through Dallas in a spring thunderstorm, suddenly God spoke to him. “I want you to support missionaries.” It was that clear. It was also the beginning of their passion to share the love of God around the globe by providing prayer and financial support to missionaries. In the beginning, Jim said, they sought the recommendations of their pastor, they attended home gatherings with a retired OMF missionary and they attended the annual ORU missions festival. Each time they were open to God’s leading for a missionary needing support. “We began hearing good things about Asbury as soon as we moved to Tulsa in the 1970s,” Carol recalled. “We had friends who were members, but we had strong denominational ties and wanted our girls to grow up in the same church. “Once the girls were grown we began to explore other options, making a list of what we wanted in a church. A good missions program was at the very top of the list, so when we learned that Mary Ann Smith was in a fulltime position as Director of Missions (now Global Outreach), we were very impressed. I’m sure there were other churches that

had a full-time person in that position, but none that we knew or had experienced.” In the 1990s Jim and Carol began visiting Asbury. Because they both had attended Sunday school since childhood, that visitation included adult classes on Sunday morning. The first class they visited was Faithbuilders and Rod Saylor was teaching a series of lessons at the time. Rod was also Jim’s group leader in Bible Study

Fellowship, so they decided to continue visiting until Rod finished his lesson series. “We never left,” Carol laughed. The Thompsons volunteered for the Commission on Missions soon after joining Asbury and became deeply involved in the Unreached People project. The Kami people of Tanzania were the first to be adopted, and later the Azeris. It was during the final stages of research on the Tanzania project that Jim, with his appointed list of contacts, made a fortuitous phone call. The office he called told him that Herb Hafermann was a missionary from Tanzania in the states for just a few more days and suggested he call Herb. Seven years later Asbury has forged a strong bond with the Lutheran Church of Tanzania and Herb has been an invaluable resource for us as well as a wonderful friend. Carol was diagnosed with cancer four years ago and was in remission for a year and a half. The cancer has returned and she is now making decisions about ongoing treatment. She said that her health issues have sidetracked them a bit, but more than anything, she wants to “glorify God through this in whatever way I can.” The Faithbuilders community has been like a family to them through all of this. She also sees God’s hand in providing opportunities to share her faith and God’s word with others facing their own challenges. Jim becomes emotional when he recalls Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life video. “One more for Jesus,” Warren’s father told Rick. “One more for Jesus.” -Donna Miller

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photo submited

… BUT WE ALL, WITH UNVEILED FACE, BEHOLDING AS IN A MIRROR THE GLORY OF THE LORD, ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO THE SAME IMAGE FROM GLORY TO GLORY, JUST AS BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. . .2 CORINTHIANS 2:3

Amie at Metro Ministries Camp.

Learning to Reflect

God’s glory

mie Lorson went to New York City this summer to be a part of a children’s camp. But she ended up being more than a leader; she was a learner too. The camp is a part of an inner city ministry called “Metro,” which reaches over 20,000 kids each week. And looking into the faces of these children has had a profound impact on how Amie sees herself, the world, and the purpose God has put in her life. “I look at those little children I met at camp and see how God sees us. Precious. Orphans. Starved for love and attention. This is a picture of me without God. I am nothing without Him.” Because of God’s love, we have been given worth and value and that stirs up thankfulness in Amie’s heart. “I have learned that as Christians, when we are not grateful it is because we have forgotten that without God we are nothing. We are valuable because He has created us, loved us, and saved us. Our lives are good only because of Him. He deserves all the thanks and glory.” The process of learning these invaluable spiritual lessons can be traced back several years for Amie,

including her involvement in Asbury’s college ministry. Asbury became Amie’s church home while she was a student at Oral Roberts University. “It seemed that everywhere I went that year, I was learning what it really meant to live for God’s glory.” Through discussions in college Bible studies, listening to speakers and events like Passion Ministries’ “One Day,” God continued to reveal more. “The more I read my Bible, the more I saw that the bottom line of every event recorded there was to bring glory to God. It caused a shift in the way I saw everything.” Amie continues, “It’s my desire that when someone looks at my life, I disappear and all they see is the goodness and faithfulness of God. Then, they turn around and praise Him for who He is.” Blessed with a Christian home, Amie accepted Christ when she was eight years old. She reflects, “I can’t imagine what life would be like without Christ and His amazing grace. The world is full of so many hurting people that I see every day, and I do not know how they survive without the strength and peace that come from knowing Him.” Out of this gratefulness, God has

given Amie a heart for people. She shares her love for kids here at home. For the past two years she has served as a “kid captain” in Asbury’s first and second grade Sunday school and she loves it. “The best thing anyone could give a child is the love of God and teach them that a life lived for Him will be better than anything they could imagine.” Since graduating from ORU, Amie has worked for a local Tulsa accounting firm. And although her job has nothing to do with children, Amie is confident she is supposed to be a part of corporate America. It’s a mission field in and of itself. And being there gives Amie opportunities to not only support missionaries but also be a missionary herself. In her workplace, Amie sees a lot of people who are just trying to survive until the next weekend. She says, “Because of the goodness of God, I want to live my life in a way that I give all I can back to Him.” That means using every day of the week for God’s glory. “Life is so much more exciting when I am living one day at a time, knowing I have purpose rather than counting the days I have to endure until Friday.” -Nikki Boyd

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The Circle of

gratitude grows By Crystal Schweiger he author of Hebrews clearly states that we, as believers, are to be recipients of a sound, eternal kingdom—what an amazing, undeserved gift! These promises from God create in us a desire to express our gratitude, not merely in words, but by service in obedience and worship. It is this desire that united 31 volunteers from four states on the Global Outreach Central America Ministry team to Costa Rica, led by Dave and Karen Wuellner. The mission outreach was based at the Methodist Rural Center in Quesada and directed by Rev. Marion and Mary Woods. Thanks to the coordination of these godly servants, the opportunities for service there were as varied as the talents of the team members. In nine days they did everything from installing a ceiling in the Methodist school, to mixing and hauling cement by hand for a sidewalk and a church, to building a 15 ft ladder so they could repair a church’s lights, to teaching songs, crafts, games, and Bible stories to children in the neighborhood, at the Methodist school and at a shelter for abused children, to sewing puppets for the

THEREFORE, SINCE WE RECEIVE A KINGDOM WHICH CANNOT BE SHAKEN, LET US SHOW GRATITUDE, BY WHICH WE MAY OFFER TO GOD AN ACCEPTABLE SERVICE WITH REVERENCE AND AWE;. . . HEBREWS 12:28.

abused children, to preparing meals and washing dishes for the team. The team gratefully worshipped and worked side by side with Costa Rican brothers and sisters in Christ, and it was all done to glorify God and share His love. This, as Mary Stogner pointed out, is our highest calling. “God’s love is the only love that completes us, and a person doesn’t have to be fluent in the Bible or a “long time” Christian to share love,” she said. As the work progressed, the team leaders and members grew to appreciate each other even more.“To see a group whose ages ranged from 17 to 74 bond together and serve each other and our host country and its natives with such JOY is a blessing,” leader Karen Wuellner explained. “Our Bible school program connected the

children to us so quickly we were able to expand our efforts from one MBS to three and four a day. With our seasoned professionals at the helm (Dave, Karen, Heidi) it went off seamlessly, and the program never got in the way of the message,” Fred Sanchez pointed out. When the outreach was complete, the team found that the Lord had multiplied their love and service and poured it back on them, creating even more gratitude in their hearts. “The people were so gracious and friendly to us,” explained Richard Murphy. Judy Doyle, Sue Fisher, Patricia and Scott Wuellner, and Ashley England say they’ll never forget the hugs, kisses, smiles and goodbye tears of the children. “They feel blessed we are there, but we are the ones blessed,” added Jessica Jones. Rev. Marion and Mary Woods say they are especially grateful, not only for the work, fellowship and witness of the team, but also for the news that Asbury will send them two more mission teams next year. “I have thanked the Lord and put you and your teams into His hands,” wrote Mary. And so the circle of gratitude grows, as we offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.

Asbury team presents Vacation Bible School in Costa Rica. Photo by Christy Capps 24

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THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING, AND A SEASON FOR EVERY ACTIVITY UNDER HEAVEN…-ECCLESIASTES 3:1

The Opportunity to

grow in ministry By Melissa Breece n the fall of 1995 my family moved to Tulsa from Del City where Tom Harrison had been our pastor at Sunny Lane. We found our home at St. Matthews until the fall of 1998 when my family moved to Coweta becoming active in ministries there. It was a season of growth for the church, the community, and our family. In August 2004 God called us to Asbury, to the people under the steeple, to our friend and mentor, Tom Harrison and his family. This is a new season in my family’s life, a season of change, of renewal, of growth. My parents have always been the foundation of my relationship with Christ. They have been my mentors, my teachers, and my prayer warriors. They provided me with every opportunity for growth in my spiritual life and that is why we are at here. Asbury was not a beginning for me but the next step in my walk. I had come to somewhat of a plateau in my walk and Asbury has provided me with new opportunities for growth and ministries that were not available before. Upon coming to Asbury I was overwhelmed, as doors seemed to open in every direction for ministry I had

been thirsting for. I began attending Breakaway on Wednesday nights. I was plugged into an amazing small group led by Tess Schroeder and Michelle Terry. I developed relationships with the girls there that I will forever hold dear in my heart. My passion for music led me to Geoff Logan and the worship team. I began singing at Breakaway Wednesday nights. This past spring Geoff gave me the opportunity to sing Sunday mornings in the 11:00 chapel service. I was honored to accept his offer. Before Geoff gave me this opportunity I never could have imagined myself standing before hundreds of people every Sunday, singing. I was always reserved and somewhat bashful in front of people; yet, now I am able to use my passion for the glory of God without thinking twice about the hundreds of eyes because it is not about me and it is not about them, it’s all about Him. I am honored that God has blessed me with this gift and with people like Geoff who have given me these opportunities to grow. Ever since the age of seven I have been writing. Over the last five

years it has become a passion and a dream. I have written for my school newspaper for four years. When Jan Weinheimer approached me to write for the Tidings I was thrilled. I have enjoyed meeting members of the congregation, hearing their stories, and seeing the light in their eyes when they speak of their ministries. This is a passion I hope and pray to pursue as a career. I thank this church for its support and encouragement. The people of Asbury have prepared me for the next season of my life as I graduate and move on to college. I know I will continue to grow and that opportunities will continue to present themselves thanks to the faithfulness of the people of Asbury, the children of God. Photo by Christy Capps

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Gratitude by John C. Westervelt At my house, all is still inside and outside as the sun begins to rise. Standing

Always Open to Others

before a white lathered face with a razor in my right hand and my mind in neutral, I hear the lingering whistle of a slow moving train on tracks a mile and a quarter to the north. Slowly, my mind turns on with boyhood memories of Rock Island trains and tracks while visiting my

everal years ago a famous singer had a major hit and there was a phrase in that song that really stuck with you. It went…“People. People who need people, are the luckiest people in the world.” That sentiment has a lot of truth to it. If we think we can be happy and fulfilled without others, we’re fooling ourselves. We need one another and we need to be needed. Diana Delap, a member of Friends in Christ community is one of those persons who makes you feel special. She always has a smile for you and a great big hug. Diana has a big heart always open to give and receive love. How can you explain this kind of openness to others? It’s easy. Diana is a person of humility. She loves Jesus and appreciates her family and friends. I remember the zeal with which she approached her baptism. She understood the price paid for her salvation. She understood the commitment to follow her Lord, and she was exuberant. Diana is a busy young adult who works at two jobs, loves to do crafts and send cards. She is also a member of the Hands of Love Sign Choir. According to Ruth, Diana’s Mom (Tapestry), her daughter has always been a grateful person. She’s a person anyone would love to count as their friend and we’re grateful she’s part of the Asbury family. -Linda Petty

grandmother in Hugo, Oklahoma in the 1930s. Later, when I step outside to fetch my newspaper, sounds of music played by the high school band, marching on the football field a mile to the west, float to my ear. Sitting on the south porch after breakfast, I breathe deeply, relishing the coolness in my lungs. The sun has been moving south, so it now shines under the eve onto my navy blue corduroys where its warmth takes away the chill. I watch backpack-laden children meander down the sidewalk toward the schoolhouse. The blossoms on my roses are now twice the size of those of the summertime. Encouraged by the sun, newly planted pansies send down deep roots, so they can show off their purple, white, yellow, and brown faces all winter. The squirrels forage for acorns dropped by the oak tree and search out a spot to bury their winter snack. The Bermuda grass has turned gray-green, and the lawnmower has been put away. On this fall day, my gratitude to God overflows.

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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 Winter classes will begin in January. Watch for upcoming information.

care and support 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. Speaker: Mike Brose, Executive Director of the Tulsa Mental Health Association. 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. 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. Oklahoma Blood Institute Blood Drive Sunday, November 20 from 8:00 am - 1:00 pm in the CLC. Call 477-0400 to schedule your apopintment. The church service will be broadcast into the CLC. 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. Employment Transitions Need a second set of eyes to review your resume? Free male and female one-on-one support available through Asbury’s Employment Transitions. Contact Barbara Wright at blwright1@yahoo.com. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren First and third Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, Rm 1508 Family to Family Usually meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, 1:30-3:30 pm, Parlor - (Will not meet in November or December.) 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 month, 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, 7:009:00 pm in the Parlor. This is a support group for teenage moms, sponsored by Young Life.

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 7:45 am - 12:15 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. 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 8 pm from the Chapel. For more information contact Mallory (392-1167) or Susan (392-1172). We

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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 8 pm 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 Connection Advisory 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 392-1191 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 January and February Milestone Anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) to patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146. 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. (Seriously dating/engaged

couples welcome.) 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.) Childcare available.

membership Asbury Exploration Come to one of these classes to learn more about becoming a member of Asbury. Upcoming session: Sunday, November 6, from 12:302:30 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 November Speakers: 11-2 Dub Ambrose, speaker 11-9 Pec Clark, speaker 11-16 Don Herrold, speaker 11-23 Mark Hoffman, speaker 11-30 Bill Johnson, speaker 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. Coupon Books for Sale Benefiting Youth at Heart The coupon book which has coupons for area businesses is on sale for $25. Proceeds benefit Youth at Heart. Make checks out to Youth at Heart. The books can be picked up in the church office during regular business hours. Sisters in Service The Sisters in Service Chapter meets the last Tuesday night of every month at 7:00 pm in Room 1507. Anyone in the community is welcome to join us in supporting women around the world. The book, Daughters of Hope, telling stories of women in the most difficult places is available in the Global Outreach Office, 392-1163.

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:: Carboneras, Mexico November 16-20, Construction and Mission Bible School - $550 Monterrey, Mexico February 18-25, 2006, Construction and Mission Bible School - approx. $850 Costa Rica March 4-11, 2006, Light Construction and Mission Bible School - approx. $950

music Nielson and Young Piano Concert Sunday, November 13. Individually and jointly, these pianists are widely-published composers of music for solo and multiple keyboards, choir and orchestra. They will be a part of the worship services and will present a concert at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 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 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 Clarinet Choir Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 pm, Rm 1506 Dixieland Band Thursdays, 2:00-3:00 pm, Rm 1510

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 CALENDAR 28

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Join other parents to pray for families and children. 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.

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. Celebrate Recovery Childcare Volunteers needed. Time commitment is one Monday evening per month from 6:45 pm to 9:10 pm. Please call 392-1103 if you can help.

recreation Asbury Recreation Center - Hours Mondays 8:00 am - 9:30 am 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Tuesdays 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Wednesdays 8:00 am - 9:30 am 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fridays 8:00 am - 9:30 am 6:00-pm—8:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 11:00 am Sundays 7:00 pm - 9:00 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. 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. 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 for $3. Upward Coach/Referee Training Friday, November 11 from 6:00-8:30 pm; Saturday, November 12, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm Rm 2319. Please contact Janet Teel to register for Friday or Saturday. This mandatory training is for ALL returning and new coaches/ assistant coaches/referees for the 2006 season of Upward Basketball. Call Janet at 392-1199, ext. 247 or jteel@asburytulsa.org Lifestyle Weight Change with Christ Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm. This class and Bible study is for men and women interested in setting goals and learning to use exercise and God’s Word to build a healthier way of living. Contact Janet Teel at 392-1199, ext. 247 or jteel@asburytulsa.org pr Crista Grimes at cristagrimes@sbcglobal.net Adult Open Gym Mondays: 7:00-9:00 pm Fridays: 6:00-8:00 pm No Saturday Open Gym Social Dance Lessons Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Asbury Main Foyer. Cost: $2.50 per person. Come for some fun dance lessons. All ages welcome.

seniors Asbury Singing Ambassadors This choir for senior adults rehearses eachTuesday at 1:00 pm in the Choir Room. Social Dance Lessons Mondays from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Asbury Main Foyer. Cost: $2.50 per person. Come for some fun dance lessons. All ages welcome. The Living Christmas Tree Wednesday, December 7 at 7:00 pm, Bethany Baptist Church, 100 N. Olive, BA. Cost: $10, includes tickets to “The Living Christmas Tree” and dinner at Asbury prior to leaving for the show. This is the only performance where reserved seats are available. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon. Call 392-1191 to register. ‘Tweenagers Thursday, November 10, at 10:30 am in the CLC. Dr. Irving Smith will be the special guest, speaking on “Biblical Characters.” If you are between retirement and heaven, come and bring a friend! Call Doni at 492-1771 to make your reservations by noon Monday, November 7.

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 Sunday, November 6, 6:30-8:30 pm. in the Asbury Parlor. Come join Asbury singles as they fellowship over coffee and refreshments. 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, November 2 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. Tulsa Corn Maze November 5 from 6:00-9:30 pm for 9th through 12th graders. Bonfire, 10-acre corn maze, hayride, hay jump, cow train, rubber ducky race, and more! Don’t miss this exciting event! Meet at the Tulsa Corn Maze. Call Student Ministries for more details: 392-1154. Cost: $5.

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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. Come fellowship and eat a homecooked meal with other college students.

women 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. Christmas Tour of Homes Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm. See page 3 for details. Wednesday AM Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 am, Rm 1502 Mothers’ Fellowship Mondays throughout the schoolyear from 9:30 - 11:30 am in the Parlor. To register, call 392-1191. Crafty Ladies November 9, 6:30-9:00 pm, Rm 2820 Women’s Monthly Luncheon Thursday, November 3, from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, CLC. Program: God’s Timing and Wisdom. Jeremiah 33:3. Program: Kerry Loescher. No childcare available. 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 392-1122 by November 9. Women Praying Together Mondays from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in the Prayer Room. 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 3921122. Lea or Shirley will return the call and get you set up! Arts and Crafts Mondays, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm, Rm 282. Women who enjoy crafts are invited to come any Monday morning...come and go any time. Bring lunch to share.

Adult Discipleship Communities What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions? 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. A complete list of Communities is available at the Welcome Centers or online at www.asburytulsa.org

8:00 am Joy — RM 1508 (ages vary) When Bill Mason retired as senior pastor, he began teaching the Joy Community at 8:15. Soon thereafter, he began teaching the Mariners Community at 9:30. His reliable and inspirational weekly instruction has continued uninterrupted to this day. The Joy Community is grateful for Bill’s giving spirit.

9:15 am Family Fellowship — RM 2500 (ages vary) Our gratitude is to our fellow class members who volunteer their time to lead our class with wonderful lessons. Kyle Tresch continues mirroring Tom’s Perceptions and Conversations. After Kyle wraps up, Mary Ann Smith updates us on her latest trip to Tanzania and Asbury’s mission work there. We are thankful for our freedoms and trust we spend our Thanksgiving much the same as yours...with family and food and our Heavenly Father at the table. Happy Thanksgivng from your friends at Family Fellowship.

Legacy — RM 1502 (30’s and 40’s) One tradition we started our first year was organizing and delivering Thanksgiving baskets. We meet at the church, sack and load food. Later that evening, we meet as a community, with our families, pray,

Next month’s question: “How is your community sharing the faith?”

and distribute food to the Youth At Heart sites. Our children make cards prior to this to put into the sacks. A new tradition we have started this year is a blessing ring. Throughout the year, we attach any birth announcement, special prasies and prayers requests and hang it in our class. At Thanksgiving time, we will reflect upon all of these praises and prayers that our community has received. It hangs in our classroom to serve as a reminder of God’s blessings and love for us.

Wordfinders — RM 2818 (Senior Adults - 60’s +) Wordfinders community (60’s & up) Traditionally, Wordfinders contributes funds for Thanksgiving baskets to local missions such as Restore Hope, John 3:16, Cookson Hills, etc. During the first Sunday in November we have the opportunity to contribute to an offering for this purpose. Last year our offering amounted to $500.00 which went toward supplying food for these baskets. We look forward again to this same opportunity in November 2005.

11:00 am Tapestry — RM 1900 (ages vary) Autumn: “Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness,” writes Keats. His lines remind us of Tapestry at Thanksgiving: family dinner at Grandma’s, a table laden with traditional and nontraditional dishes, with turkey and dressing, a green bean casserole, “ribble” (noodles crumbled into broth), pumpkin pies, apple pies burbling with melted “red-hot candies,” pumpkin cookies on a stick for the kids. Best of all, family: young and old alike declaring, around the table, thankfulness to God for these and other blessings. COMMUNITIES 30

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Welcome to Asb ur Asbur uryy...

Mary Boltinghouse

Julia Collins

David and Jennifer Monaghan, Katie, Noah, Daniel & Madison Stacy Baker

Julius Chapin

Charlie Carroll Homer Hardy, Jr.

Kevin and Tammy Pennington, Madysen and Kennedy Doris Knudson Phyllis Shackles

Dennis and Anne Park (Dennis was already a member)

Michael and Cindy Beerens and Shawn Zelma Ritschel

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David and Cindy Cross

Chris and Angela Fanelli, Zane, Vance & Raquel

Randy and Robin Ishmael

Jennifer Lawson Jeff McCowan, Justin & Nicole (Wife, Gina, is already a member)

Michelle Mann and Shawn

Debbie Stephenson

Kelly Peterson, Amanda Gargan & Andrew Peterson-Gargan Bill and Judy Gibson Ruth Watkins

Simone Lewis and Charley

Grant and Deana Wood

Karen Steinman NEW MEMBERS 32

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Rodney and Sarah Harris & Haleigh

Mitch and Lori McKinnon, Jacob & Meredith

Bill and Doris Shackelford Barry and Cristi Smith, Ava, Sydney, & Walker and Zelma Guy

Sherry Strong and Colette

Laura Taylor, Mackenzie, Case, & Carson Adkins

Jack and Lyn Thompson 33

...w e’r lad ...we’r e’ree gglad e! you’r ou’ree her here!

NEW MEMBERS

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Our connecting congregation on the front lines involved in Hurricane Relief effort is Christ United Methodist, Mobile, Alabama.

Reflections Following the Storm by Scott MacDonald I have been watching the coming ashore of Hurricane Katrina, and its aftermath, with a mixture of horror and fascination, covering the emotions from anger to despair to hope and back to outrage. Never content to merely watch, I have interjected myself into the story as it unfolds before me, an intellectual voyeur. What is the message of this horrific catastrophe which is playing itself out on my television? Is there a message? Well, yes. First off, I’ve been reminded, in the most powerful way possible, of the truth of a bumper sticker I once saw—the best things in life aren’t things. What makes a home? How would I respond to losing all my stuff, apartment, car, books, tape players, my special self-sharpening Pampered Chef knife? Do things define a home? or merely accent it? Does the concept of home even require a place? Or is place essential? I don’t know and am not likely to know with any certainty; but, I have reassured myself of these realities: Home is Joyce curled up with a book as our cat plays at her feet, or, more precisely, on her feet. Home is an apartment full to the gunwales with visiting grandchildren; let the silliness begin. Home is visiting with my church family, wherever that takes place— small group, community, congregation and the individuals I’ve come to know and love — and, thus, home becomes a movable feast. Home is the place from which we reach out to others who have had their lives shattered by cataclysmic events, from which our sustaining prayers flow up to our merciful Father to buoy up those who have lost everything and lack a secure place to, themselves, reach out to others. Home is quiet time with the Father in praise, adoration and intercession. Home is comfort, security, laughter and prayer. It’s an incomplete list; but, it’s enough for me to realize that my sense of home is not bound to any one place, much less a list of my stuff; rather, home is a state of mind—here, I belong , here, I am at home. It turns out that, for me, anyway, the very concept of home is expansive: it is my family, my community, and my church. Home is a beloved collection of people and a secure way of looking at life, which is largely informed by my relationship with God, through my Lord Jesus Christ, in Him I live and move and having my being . . . and, apparently, make my home. So, that’s my prayer for those impacted by Hurricane Katrine: O, Lord, help them find a home, a place of security, a place of belonging, a place of worship, a place to be.

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Marriage Milestones

We Remember Please pray God’s peace for those who have lost loved ones: Harold Mannon Husband of Jean Mannon

September 16, 2005

Randall Lovell Husband of Martha Lovell

September 17, 2005

“Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Hebrews 13:4

Richard and Geri Dixon November 22, 1950 55 Years

Carter Lane Bevins September 18, 2005 Infant son of Kim and Micah Bevins, grandson of Kent and Joanne Miller, and brother of Ella Bevins Fern Denny

September 24, 2005

Ken Jackson Husband of Norma Jackson

September 25, 2005

David and Janet Wehrenberg November 25, 1950 55 Years

Thank You Asbury’s CLC was the site of an opportunity for the Christian ministry of donating blood August 21. Fifty-one willing people stepped up to the plate that day, sacrificing their precious Sunday, resulting in 43 units of whole blood that was divided into three components--red blood cells, platelets and plasma, capable of saving three lives with each unit. The Red Cross staff was prepared to service more than 50 potential

Dean and Carol Carlile November 6, 1955 50 Years

donors, having only 25 donors previously scheduled. Through the advertising in the church, “drop-ins” increased the numbers during the 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. time period. As coordinator for the Red Cross, I give thanks for these reminders that the opportunity was right there at Asbury! Much appreciation is given to the Care Ministry, Blood Ministry, Asbury maintenance staff and the 20 volunteers who helped the Red Cross staff assure an effective blood drive. Thanks to those donors and families waiting on them to serve the Blood Ministry. Summertime is a critical time for having enough blood components to serve our neighbors. As it happened, the Red Cross Blood Services were ready to supply precious elements of life for the victims of Hurricane Katrina when needed. May I suggest that you give blood as often as one can (every 56 days) or encourage family members to do so? Opportunities to donate are at your place of business or the Red Cross Centers on 11th Street (and Highway 169 or at Southside Center on Memorial Drive.) Oklahoma Blood Institute will be at Asbury November 20 or will take donations at their sites about town. The Red Cross phone numbers are 831-1151 or 1-800-GIVE LIFE, for appointments. “For the life of the flesh is in the blood....” (Leviticus 17:11) Bernie Skinner, RN American Red Cross Nurse and Coordinator 35 THE FAMILY ROOM

Joe and Pat Henderson November 26, 1955 50 Years

Mike and Jan Reynolds November 27 - 40 Years Stephen and Nancy Smith October 2 - 40 Years Rex and Mary Ann Smith November 27 - 40 Years Rick and Lila Miller August 30 - 25 Years Mac and Melissa Stallcup November 23 - 25 Years Shawn and Michelle Mann September 15 - 15 Years Chris and Laurie Hendrickson November 24 - 15 Years

Congratulations to all couples who are celebrating Milestone Anniversaries . Report your milestone anniversary to patticooper@cox.net or call 392-1146.