march 2013
Serving the KING
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ver the course of this year we will be communicating our new vision statement: Developing all generations for significant lives in Christ. Tom and Todd spent the first several Sundays of the year preaching about what this means to Asbury. That statement is part of a larger framework that answers questions such as, “Who is Asbury?” and “What does Asbury want to accomplish?” We refer to this whole picture as the New Vision. Currently the sermons are talking about the Marks of a Christian at Asbury. These are the characteristics that we want to develop. You will be hearing additional sermons about other aspects of our new vision. One part of the vision consists of these four key concepts: development, intergenerational, outwardfocus and strategic clarity. These concepts will be woven into all of our communications and ministry programs - in fact, everything we do. This month I want to address questions about how the New Vision frame relates to our MVO (mission, vision, objectives) that has captured our guiding thinking for many years. Most importantly, we have not changed our mind on the content of the MVO. Everything said in the MVO, we still want to be true and is included conceptually within the new vision. However, Asbury has changed in a number of ways since that formulation was put in place. Tom’s thinking, together with our studies and conversations over the past several years, have revealed the need for a new statement of who Asbury is and what we want to happen. “Glorify God and Make Disciples” will always be the overarching purpose for Asbury, as it should be for any church that claims to be Christian. Within that purpose, each local church should have statements of identity and vision that indicate how that particular church is going to think and act. That is why the new vision was created. One of the best-known aspects of the MVO was the “3 Bs” (Belong, Believe, Become). Tom brought a focus on these three words when he came here almost 20 years ago. Our commitment to those core concepts of thinking and behavior has not diminished at all. However, how we talk about their essence, how we communicate and how we provide opportunities to develop along those lines will change over time. While it is important to connect the old and the new and explain how they relate, it is important to know that the new vision is not simply a better statement of the MVO. Its development was driven by much feedback from the congregation. It provides richer and more specific guidance to our staff and congregation about what Asbury wants to accomplish to advance the Kingdom of God. It is wonderful to hear—even at this early stage of rolling it out—some great stories of how people are thinking and acting differently. It is already having an impact. You will have opportunities in addition to Sunday morning to read and hear more about all of this. These meetings will be announced over the next few months. Each part of the new vision has significance for us corporately as the whole church as well as for us individually. I encourage you to make the investment of time to think about the new vision. What impact will it have for you? On a separate subject, I want to remind you that you still have the opportunity to financially support our student ministry as they go on the spring break mission trips. Hundreds of students are signed up to go. These trips are hugely influential on our students and the adult sponsors. The students must raise part of their cost, but we as the church must also help in order for this to be possible. We need to raise $150,000. If this is something that you want to support, please indicate “spring break missions” in the memo line of your check. Thank you for investing your time and resources at Asbury. Dwight Yoder Executive Director
MARCH 2013
Contents A Word From Tom Harrison Asbury Welcomes Mike Hardgrove Alleluia from Head to Toe! Stations of the Cross Becoming a Bridge The King Family Serving The King! Spring Break Missions 2013 Going Global, A Family Affair Redemption Ministries The Little Light House Super Care Sunday Results Setting Down Roots in the Community Garden Growing Together as We Garden Bike for a Life Recipes of the Month Opportunities Special Announcements
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We need you! Do you have a story of what God has done in your life? Please contact us and tell us a little bit about what God has done. We will all be encouraged by hearing stories of what God is doing in the lives of those around us. Are you a writer or someone who enjoys writing? The Communications Department is always looking for someone to do an interview and write a story for us for Tidings. Have you noticed that we’ve been making some changes in Tidings? Please give us your feedback—both good and bad. Email kmains@asburytulsa.org or call 918.392.1140. Asbury Tidings is a monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org. Editor: Asbury Communications Department, 918.392.1140, kmains@asburytulsa.org Graphic Design: Tim Jurgensen, tjurgensen@ asburytulsa.org Photographers: Chris Lo (matchadesign.com), Mark Moore (markmoorephotography.zenfolio.com), Austin St. John (austinstjohnphotography@gmail.com) Guest Contributors: Guy Ames, Andrea Bennett, Darrell Duke, Marilyn Glass, Symon Hajjar, Christine Hickey, Sierra Lamon, Kim Renkema, Ayschia Saiymeh, Missy Sistrunk, Anita Watkins
A Word From Tom Harrison
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major event happens at Asbury this month! Large groups of students and sponsors go to “Spring Break Mission” sites. We support this with our prayers and finances. It’s not all student ministries do, but it is certainly a major part of our ministry. The PRIMARY Christian event falls on the very last day in March: Resurrection Sunday! Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth possibly contained the first written account of Jesus’ resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:14 he wrote: if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. If Christ wasn’t bodily resurrected, then He was merely another man. If so, we would be doing God a disservice by proclaiming resurrection. But, our faith completely rests upon the resurrection. If it’s false – let’s close the church! If it’s true – let’s give our lives to it and tell the world! Something happened which changed those fearful and cowardly disciples into bold and preaching apostles. They didn’t hallucinate. People don’t have the same hallucinations. They didn’t perpetuate a hoax (a cowardly disciple would have squealed, and few people are willing to die for a hoax). Resurrection was not in their wildest dreams. Something happened to change them. They turned the world upside down. They did NOT do it at the point of a sword or through political power. In fact, they often felt the wrath of the sword. They were changed people who sacrificed and died believing. I know about transformations. I’ve read and heard about them. Saul had a dramatic experience on the Road to Damascus. Martin Luther was transformed by understanding “faith alone” for salvation. John Wesley had his heart “strangely warmed.” Charles Colson wrote one of the best books I’ve ever read, Born Again. It described Jesus’ entry into his life. Bill Mason, our pastor emeritus,
heard Billy Graham preach in Oklahoma City and gave his life to Christ. I know about transformations: I gave my life to Jesus Christ at a “lay witness mission” in Tulsa when I was 14 ½ years of age. I’m not in the company of the aforementioned, but my life was completely changed, too! We don’t believe in belief – we believe in Jesus. Our faith is not mythological but is based on our historic witness that God became human flesh, went to the cross, died for our sins and was raised from the dead. He is now in heaven. He invites all who will trust in Him to live with Him eternally. It’s the best gift we could imagine. And when we receive eternal life – the gift begins here and now. Our prayers are that all who hear this message will know how much God loves us. We are all of sacred worth to God. We also have participated in the intentional distortions of God’s will for our lives and have sinned. We recognize and repent of those sins. We turn from them to faith in Christ. This One, and no other, has the ability to give us new life. It is our prayer that you will have His life within you! Now and forever! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Dr. Tom Harrison Senior Pastor
Get Your Goat! by Kay Mains
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ast November, Bruce Book, a member of the Happy Christians community, had an idea. A God-inspired idea. What if his community raised funds to purchase goats for families in Tanzania. Each female goat, providing milk for the family, would cost $100. Bruce met with Russ McBroom, and together they took the idea to their community, with a goal of raising $500 to purchase five goats. The community caught the vision. One week after introducing the project, money was collected. $1,500 was donated, enough to purchase 15 goats, far exceeding their expectation. What a
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blessing to families in Tanzania, struggling to feed their families! Asbury missionaries Robert and Linda Spitaleri in Tanzania will select the families to receive these goats. They will make sure that every goat goes to a family who will take good care of their goat and provide a clean pen for her. Bruce told Pastor Tom they would name a goat after him. But since the goats are all female, maybe there will be a goat named “Thomasina” soon in Tanzania.
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Asbury Welcomes
Mike Hardgrove by Christine Hickey
He talked weary officers away from committing suicide. He led a group of chaplains to the Oklahoma City bombing site to provide critical incident stress management assistance. He and his chaplains responded to the devastation at the World Trade Center attack on 9/11, as well as responding to numerous tornado, hurricane and flood events all over the state of Oklahoma. He served as a full-time chaplain and program director at the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center in Tulsa County. He is also one of the sweetest, most tender-hearted gentlemen you will ever know. Meet Rev. Mike Hardgrove, Asbury’s newest associate minister on staff. Pastor Mike’s first day on the job here at Asbury was December 1, 2012, although he and his wife, Wendy, have been members of the AUMC family for 15 years as of last month. Mike and Wendy will celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary this May. Most people don’t know that they actually met on a blind date! They were engaged within two months of that meeting, and 14 months later, they were wed at Christ United Methodist Church in Tulsa. Mike lovingly thinks of his wife and says, “Wendy is always busy! Between helping my 88 year old mother … and helping with four grandkids…she keeps very busy. She is also an active Linnaeus Gardener and works on our garden year-round. When I have traveled through troubling times, Wendy has always loved me through them. She is a treasure. I suspect, but don’t tell her, that she really deserves much better than I’ve been able to provide.” Wendy and Mike are quite proud of their two daughters and their families- Heather, married to Nathan, and their two children; Holly, married to Jamie, and their two children. If you didn’t know Mike or Wendy already from the Mosaic Community or Mike’s French horn playing in the orchestra, you have likely now seen Mike in robes on the chancel. Pastor Mike is our new parttime associate minister, primarily assisting weekly in the 8:00 am Mason Chapel worship service, helping visit our hospitalized members, serving communion, and occasionally teaching in a community. When Mike answered a question about his “favorite” area of ministry, he answered, “… music. I can hardly wait for Wednesday night rehearsal, and I always look forward to being able to play in the 11:00 am service. My close second “favorite” is serving communion. In both music and communion, you can only
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do so much based on your own efforts. The rest is done by the Holy Spirit. It’s really uplifting to be able to watch the movement of the Holy Spirit in music and communion.” Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Pastor Mike was the middle child in a Methodist household, the kind of family that when the church doors were open, the family was there. Some of his earliest childhood memories were playing games like Red Rover and Flying Dutchman on the lawn of the church, along with eating watermelon, homemade ice cream and potluck meals. Mike also enjoyed camping, both with the Boy Scouts and at church camps. This is where he heard the Lord calling him into His service. Mike was on his way back to his cabin after worship when he heard and felt the Lord press into his heart what he was meant to do with his life. Thanks to the youth pastor at his home church and other key adults in his life, Mike was guided and mentored down the right paths to lead him into a life of ministry. His call into ministry was not something he accepted without question. There were plenty of ‘Really, me?’ moments as Mike was finding his way as a young man. After his graduation from the University of Tulsa with a degree in psychology, Mike and Wendy moved to Dallas so he could begin study at Perkins School of Theology. “After one semester, I was pretty sure God had made a mistake calling me into ministry,” states Pastor Mike. To reconsider that call, Mike took a semester off and worked and participated at several places, including the Boy Scouts of America, the American National Red Cross and the United States Air Force. Before he knew it, 28 semesters had passed and he was working for the Tulsa County Sheriff’s office. He woke one Saturday morning and prayed, “OK, Lord, I’m tired of running…” Mike graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary in 1993 with a master of divinity degree. Mike started with the sheriff’s office as a volunteer in 1989. He jokes, “I made such a pest of myself that the sheriff decided he needed to put me on part-time in order to cover the liability of what I was getting into.” During the Christmas season of that year, Mike received a phone call early on a Sunday morning. The deputies needed him to go to the residence of a detention officer. He arrived at the residence to find out that the detention officer was threatening to kill himself. While the deputies stayed behind cover according to procedure, Mike walked across the street to the residence door. The glass door was laying in shatters all over the porch. He knocked on the door, told the detention officer who he was and walked in. Mike went a few feet, looked down the hallway and saw the officer sitting on the floor. The officer had his knees drawn up, his head in his left hand and his 357 in his right. Mike walked over to him and sat down beside him. They sat there for a couple of hours waiting for the effects of alcohol to wear off enough that the officer could think straight again. They made a pot of coffee and began working on a way to try to get the officer’s family together again. There are many stories of all sorts that Mike could share with you from his experience being an officer and a chaplain. For 15 years, he served as the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office’s senior staff
chaplain. During that time, he put together a 23-member volunteer chaplain corps for the sheriff’s office and created a CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training) - accredited Basic Law Enforcement Chaplain academy. He has served as the chaplain for the FOP of the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office Lodge, the Oklahoma State Lodge and the National Lodge. Mike has also served in several roles in the International Conference of Police Chaplains, including gaining the title of president at the seminar this summer. When the county built the new jail, the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center, about 12 years ago, the sheriff sent Mike to transition the religious programming of the jail. “When I completed the transition, another full-time chaplain was hired to manage it while I created inmate programs for the facility. What a challenge. I had no help and no budget.” He continued, “One of the programs I created was called Story Time. The inmates could pick out a book and read it while we recorded them reading. We would then send the book and the recording to their child. Fellow Asburian Fred Blythe, who worked at the jail as a dentist, contacted me about doing something for the inmates’ children to raise dental health awareness. Fred’s wife, Ruth, found funding and put together books about dental health and kits that consisted of toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc. During that period, the dental books and kits were substituted for the regular books being read by the inmates. The program was well received and hopefully made a difference in many children’s lives.” One young woman’s story stands out to Pastor Mike from his work at David L. Moss. He remembers a young woman who grew up being told that she was a failure. “Her whole life, her family had told her she was stupid, would never graduate from school and would probably never amount to anything. Somewhere in her young life she decided to believe them.” This woman reluctantly agreed to taking GED classes with her roommate. She excelled at her own pace, and when the instructor and Pastor Mike decided she had a fair shot at passing, they let her take the test. She passed. “On the day of the ceremony, the young woman was sitting on the front row while her parents sat right behind her. I spoke to the inmates, telling them that their accomplishments could never be taken away from them. They had made the decision to attend class, to do the required work, to take the exam. As I looked at the young woman, then to her parents and back at her, I said, “In spite of the fact that you have been told that you could not do this, you have. You earned this diploma, and my greatest wish for you is that this is just the beginning of your quest for knowledge.” The tears were rolling down her cheeks because she was so proud of what she had accomplished. That was a moment to remember.” Take time to get to know Pastor Mike in the coming weeks. Be sure to ask him about why he enjoys science fiction and about his current stained glass project. Mike is a man who will give the shirt off his back to help his neighbor, a man who puts his family and his faith above all else. “Through the tough times of ministry, Wendy, my daughters, and my Mosaic Community family have lifted me up and loved me. They helped heal me when I was wounded and wanted to quit. I can’t understand why more people don’t realize that the true body of Christ is found in relationships, in fellowship, not in one’s self.”
TIDINGS, M A RCH 2013
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Alleluia from Head to Toe! by Guy Ames
Easter shouts hope! The resurrection of Jesus Christ takes an ax to the foot of the cross. The message of Easter sings out, “Don’t give up”! The song of Easter declares, “Sunday is coming.” The excitement of Easter keeps us on the edge of adventure. What does God have in store for us? We can’t give up. The declaration of Easter rebounds with confidence: God is with us always.
father’s shoulder. The child sat mesmerized, aware only of what was exploding in the heavens. When the fireworks were over, the little boy looked up into the sky again and said, “Thank you, God.” To understand the triumph of Easter we need to see with new eyes. We need eyes that are open, trusting and innocent as a child’s.
A friend shared the story about a family visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. To close each day’s activities in summer and on holidays, a huge fireworks display lights up the sky. One night he noticed a small boy about 3 years old perched on his
The Resurrection leads to joy. Luke’s Gospel tells a most unusual Easter story (Luke 24:13–35). Sunday evening following Jesus’ crucifixion, two disciples begin a lengthy walk to the village of Emmaus. Along the way a stranger joins their traveling. Unknown
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to them, this stranger is the resurrected Jesus who begins to explain the Old Testament prophecy concerning the coming Messiah and the necessity of the crucifixion. The two are so intrigued by the discussion that they ask the stranger to share the evening meal with them. As Jesus offers prayer and breaks bread, these disciples suddenly recognize Him and then Jesus simply disappears from sight! As they reflect on this amazing episode, one says, “Did not our hearts burn within us as He opened the scriptures?” I especially love the next part the best. After an exhausting weekend and at least a seven-mile walk, these two get up and run back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples, “We have seen the Lord!” Can’t you see their faces shining with amazement and absolute joy?
Resurrection is a call for laughter. St. Augustine wrote in the fifth century, “Christians should be an alleluia from head to foot.” Easter calls for joy. In a day when advertisers move us to buy through emphasizing partying, Christians have the biggest, best party of all: the resurrection of Jesus Christ!! Easter is a day of exclamation points!! Christ has torn apart the gates of hell and death. HE IS ALIVE!! I read a story of a children’s Easter pageant. One boy insisted on being the rock in front of the garden tomb. “Wouldn’t you prefer a speaking role?” the director asked. But he would have no other role. The presentation went smoothly, and once again she asked why he wanted to play the rock. His smile beamed at her: “Oh, it felt so good to let Jesus out of the tomb.” (Jean W. Spencer, Camarillo, CA, “The Joyful Noiseletter,” April 1994, p.2) The Resurrection gives hope. Not long before Jesus’ crucifixion, He made His way to the tomb of His very close friend, Lazarus. (John 11). Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha, lived in Bethany, a stone’s throw from Jerusalem and over the hill from the Mount of Olives. Lazarus had been ill for some time, and Jesus deliberately delayed his arrival in order to make a powerful statement. When Martha saw Jesus she said, “If you had been here, he would not have died.” “I am the resurrection…,” Jesus answers, and then moves to bring Lazarus from the tomb. Traveling through Bethany nearly 20 years ago, I discovered that Lazarus’ house is supposedly still standing. But what caught my attention most was an ancient tradition that stated from the time of Lazarus’ resurrection, he laughed. Every day he laughed; in the face of adversity he laughed. Finally his house became known as the house of laughter. I would have laughed, too. Resurrection is a call for laughter. Early in my ministry, a young college student in the last months of an unwanted pregnancy came to our church. Abandoned by her own family and by the man she thought would marry her, she wondered if she could ever find love. As the pregnancy
progressed, Robin found a safe and loving community in our small congregation and soon made a public profession of faith and was baptized. Robin beamed as a new believer. When little Tiffany arrived, Robin was in love! Finally, she had purpose as a mother and little Tiff adored her mother. Sometime after Tiffany’s first birthday, serious health problems emerged and exhaustive tests revealed a serious heart defect. We were all crushed, but none more than Robin. Our church rallied, but as Tiffany entered her second year, we saw the evidence of the strain of an oversized heart in this little body. Already talking, Tiffany would try to comfort her mother. If God loved her, how could He let Tiffany die? For several months afterwards, Robin struggled to simply live. Unable to continue her nursing studies, she dropped out of school, withdrew from most of her friendships, and finally, without a word to anyone, left town. Nearly 15 years passed, and then one Easter Sunday as I greeted the crowds of comers following our service, there stood Robin surrounded by three children and a husband. I lost all interest in the Easter crowd as she shared her story of a death so crushing that she could not see God, nor could she even see purpose in Tiffany’s life. Angry with God, she withdrew into her own grief. Then, one Easter Sunday, she began to sense God’s presence and she began remembering the joy of Tiffany’s laughter and how this little one had offered her the opportunity to see life through the eyes of love, not abandonment. She remembered God’s love and the day of Tiffany’s baptism. Robin began to cry, as the years of grief poured out of her heart, and in its place, God gave her a new peace, the confidence that Tiffany was lovingly in God’s care. That Easter Sunday, Robin’s smile and joy was contagious. Ask her today if she understands the power of the resurrection, and Robin is liable to simply smile or even laugh. At the conclusion of every memorial service over which I preside, I like to remind those mourners that we have hope. We are Easter people who believe that in the resurrection power of Christ, even death itself has no claim on us. We believe that even in the face of grief and loss, we have hope of a better day. As Easter people, we even expect that the tragedies of life can become a tool for good in the hands of those who trust God. As Easter people, we stand confident with the Apostle Paul who wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39 NIV) The Lord, He is risen! He is risen, indeed.
As Easter people, we even expect that the tragedies of life can become a tool for good in the hands of those who trust God.
TIDINGS, M A RCH 2013
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Stations of
the Cross compiled by Kim Renkema
The Stations of the Cross is an ancient spiritual practice designed to dramatize the passion of Jesus Christ, making it come alive intellectually and emotionally. There are 15 walk-thru stations representing specific moments in Christ’s journey from his accusation to his burial. Modeled after the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow) in Jerusalem, tradition asserts Mary, the mother of Jesus, walked this path often in remembrance of Christ. This experience reflects the practice of pilgrims, who from the earliest days of the church and into today have followed the Way of the Cross from Pilate’s Judgment Hall in the Fortress Antonia, through the narrow streets of the Old City to Calvary’s Hill and the tomb. The Stations of the Cross will take you beyond reading the story from the Bible to perhaps as close as we can get to experiencing Christ’s last hours. It is interactive and will give you time for reflection. It is the perfect place to leave the world behind and a chance to engage with the Holy Spirit; to spend quiet time with our Savior.
History of the Stations of the Cross The origins of the Stations of the Cross extend to the earliest days of the church. Saint Jerome (c.325-420) wrote of the crowds of pilgrims who journeyed to Jerusalem to see these holy places. As early as the fifth century, desire rose to replicate these holy sites in other countries for those unable to pilgrimage. The most famous of these is located in the monastery of San Stefano in Bologna, Italy, where a series of chapels were erected to represent each site. Many regard these chapels as the seed that eventually spawned the current Stations. During the 16th century, Stations appeared all over Spain, Italy and Germany, with varying numbers of stations from 7-37. The Catholic Church officially fixed the number of stations at 14 during the 17th century. Stations may include beautiful arrays of sculptures, paintings, liturgies, reflections and prayers.
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Nine of the 14 stations are recorded in Scripture. Jesus’ three falls and His encounters with His mother and Veronica most likely developed from the traditions of the early pilgrims. Considering the fact Simon was commissioned to carry the cross, it is likely that Jesus would have struggled even to walk after His beatings. Scripture places Mary by the cross, so it is not hard to imagine the possibility that she followed Jesus through His ordeal or that the two could have met during that time. Veronica’s story can be found in apocryphal writings and in various accounts of church history. Experiencing the Stations of the Cross is historically encouraged in conjunction with Lent. Prayerfully walked, this ancient, spiritual practice provides an opportunity to imaginatively reenter the most agonizing moments of Jesus’ life and reflect on what His path can teach us today.
What are the Stations of the Cross? 15 stations, each representing specific moments in Christ’s journey from His accusation to His burial.
Why should I go through Crosses? Prayerfully walking from station to station, this ancient spiritual practice provides an opportunity to imaginatively reenter the most agonizing moments of Jesus’ life and reflect on what His path can teach us today.
How much time will it take? It’s up to you, but typically 20-30 minutes for the experience. Wait times to enter the stations may vary.
Dates and Times: Wednesday, March 27, 6:00-9:00 pm Thursday, March 28, 1:00-9:30 pm (closed during Maundy Thursday Service) Friday, March 29, 1:00-9:30 pm (Closed during Good Friday Service of Darkness)
Location: Family Room and Café near the north entrance of the main building
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Kelsi and Kevin Burdick
by Darrell Duke
Asbury has always been abundantly blessed, and in turn, has been a blessing to others. At the heart of this loving spirit is the priority and passion for the mission field. At its inception, the founding families of Asbury wisely chose to embrace its calling to share the love of Christ through missions. Handed down from generation to generation, that tradition continues today stronger than ever. 8
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Adults started the process, but developing youth participation became the order of the day. And if you are a church that wants to develop youth, it really helps when God delivers to Asbury, the world’s greatest youth department. Within those gifted youth department staff members is veteran youth pastor Mark Fowler who was bestowed the honor of assisting Jesus in the selection of leaders for the upcoming Spring Break Mission trip to Red Bird, Kentucky. Enter Kevin Burdick and his daughter Kelsi. Both had a great deal of experience on multiple mission trips. Both had a “special place in their hearts” for the Red Bird mission. Both had a genuine love for Jesus and were great examples in sharing that love. And both were outstanding leaders. So, Mark made the phone calls to Kelsi and Kevin. Thoughtful and considerate conversations followed between the father and daughter, each making sure it was OK with the other to serve as “co-leaders.” And the stage was set. The Burdick family wholeheartedly agrees that it was mom Melanie that launched the Burdick love affair with missions. Steeped in Perspective’s classes and armed with a servant’s heart and pure motive, she embarked on an incredible journey and never looked back. She didn’t have to. Her whole family was right behind her. Kevin, Melanie, Kelsi and Jordan would each find their directed path and make their way to their appointed destination in mission opportunities like Houston; Red Bird, Kentucky; Reynosa, Mexico; Jamaica; Guatemala; and Central Asia. Red Bird Mission in Kentucky sprang up from a desperate need in the foothills of the Appalachias. The area was once a thriving economic community reaping the benefits of working for companies harvesting coal and lumber. But when the coal and lumber ran out, the companies ran out, leaving behind a vast community with little opportunity for employment. It quickly became one of the most poverty-stricken territories of our time and Red Bird Mission became a beacon of light in a sea of dark hopelessness. Everyone should get a chance to sit down and listen to Kevin and Kelsi do a recap of past mission experiences. You would hear from them that “serving is scriptural, but it’s so much more than that.” They tell about the mission experience and how they fell in love with it, how fellowship encourages growth and solidifies bonds in the community. They relate how the love deepens for the students and the organizations they represent, how the bonds of friendship strengthen, how “getting away” rejuvenates them and allows them to focus. Mission trips are one of those win, win, win deals. The targeted care receiver is blessed and changed for life. Anyone who has ever been on a mission trip will tell you that when they get home, they feel like they were the ones who were blessed. And even the people who stayed home and supported the trip, prayed for the group or gave financially, felt equally blessed. But watching Kevin’s and Kelsi’s faces as they tell their stories is a sight to behold. You can see the laughter in their eyes and feel the joy in their smiles as they replay the really funny stuff that happens on every trip. (Pause: Mike Mastraccio, please return the bandana
for the next trip.) Only joy can shape the muscles in the face to smile exactly the way Kevin and Kelsi do, and only true love can cause the eyes to sparkle like that when they finish telling the story. And in keeping things real, their compassion understands the heartache of the people they interact with. And, if you ask Kevin and Kelsi why they continue to go on mission trips, you will get the greatest answer ever. Kevin said “Because we know God will do something amazing,” and unrehearsed, Kelsi finishes with “and when we are open, we get to watch the really cool parts.” So, this spring break, Kevin and Kelsi Burdick will head out on their journey to another mission trip to Red Bird, Kentucky. But this time it will be different. This time they will be together as leaders, but, as Kevin says, he “will not be the dad on the trip” and will do his best to “put the dad hat on the shelf and keep the coleader hat on.” (He will really try hard.) Kelsi had an added insight when she pointed out that it is human nature for students to have “more respect for an adult leader over a college student leader” but then again, “the student is more apt to reach out and interact with the younger leader.” Both leaders have their advantages and disadvantages. So, when this trip is over, Kevin will return to work and his welcomed responsibilities on the Global Outreach Leadership Team. Kelsi will return to OU and go to class. But, because they love serving and sharing the love of Christ, they will have become a part of something so much bigger than themselves, a significant life in Christ. They will tell their stories and people will see their love sparkles and joy smiles and be a witness in the process. And, in a place where “the world” and parents are telling students different things, they will have been a great example. Youth seldom hears what you tell them, but they see everything you do. Kelsi readily admits that the first time she went on a mission trip in the seventh grade, she did it because everyone else was going. Little did she realize that she would fall in love with loving other people and go on many, many more mission trips. Little did she realize she would later become the face of the future of Asbury. She just didn’t talk about it, she led by example. She accepted the gifts and talents given to her by God and put one foot in the world of youth and firmly planted her other foot in the world of adults and became a bridge, keeping both worlds connected. And Kevin will have strengthened and deepened his relationships with those students he loves so much, recounted wonderful stories to his peers, and in his own way with his own talents, will also build that bridge. Students coming behind Kelsi will see this and some will find ways to be a bridge. Adults will see her example and use the talent they have and make their own bridges. Because, if you put enough bridges together, everyone stays connected, and it creates a weave of fabric that will never come apart. Way to go, good and faithful Burdick family! Way to be a bridge.
TIDINGS, M A RCH 2013
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standing: Gary and Taylor seated: Corbin, Kim and Libby
The King Family Serving The King! by Marilyn Glass
Gary King is excited to be going on his first mission trip soon. He and his wife, Kim, college daughter, Abby, and eighth grade daughter, Libby, are going to be in Kentucky doing missions work during spring break this year.
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developed between him and the team, including the leaders, are meaningful to him still. He found it especially rewarding when the missions team built a wheelchair ramp for a young boy who could not walk. His favorite moments with the Red Bird Mission were worshiping in a cold chapel and having a picnic with a grateful family who had been helped. “They drove us out to a beautiful spot and shared a homemade meal with us to say thanks. They had used their own money and gone to a lot of trouble to show us their gratitude,” he marvels. “I could feel their hearts. It was like the air was full of love.” And two years ago, the highlight of his mission experiences was the joy he had of praying with a young Jamaican boy to receive Christ as his Savior. He also mentions that he “had fun running sprints with the Jamaican boys and teaching them some American dance moves.”
Abby King on an earlier mission trip
Gary is especially looking forward to sharing the experience with most of his family, with the exception of the two sons. Taylor is now married and working full-time and unable to get away, while Corbin will be going to Guatemala with classmates from Metro Christian Academy. Gary says he is delighted that God provided this opportunity for him. “With a large family,” he says, “the cost was such that I thought the kids needed to go more than I did.” The Kings will be heading into the hill country of eastern Kentucky, working with the Red Bird Mission. The mission provides many services, including a Christian school, a clinic, ministry to orphans, a senior citizens center and more. When asked what he would like to see accomplished during the week, Gary replied, “I don’t like to put God in a box. I don’t have any preconceived ideas. I’m just eager to see what God will do.” Kim’s answer was, “I am looking forward to building relationships with our students and the people that we will be meeting there.”
“I am looking forward to building relationships with our students and the people that we will be meeting there.” All four of the King children have been involved in missions trips as soon as they reached the required age. Though not taking part in the Kentucky project this year, Corbin has special memories from previous trips to Red Bird Mission. “So many of the people are very poor and living in houses that are literally falling apart,” he related. “We work on their houses and try to help repair them so that they are more liveable.” He remembers the exhilaration of being on a roof early in the morning on a cold day. The camaraderie and the bond that was
Libby, the youngest, experienced her first mission trip last year. She and her mother spent several days in Houston, serving the homeless. “I had waited for years to go, and in Houston I really grew closer to God,” she shares. Libby was impacted by the Church Under the Bridge, an open-air meeting where the Gospel is preached and the homeless are fed. She particularly appreciated the testimony of the minister who had once been in prison, but is now a preacher. It was during this trip, she discloses, “and I realized the homeless are just like us. They’re going through stuff just like us.” Kim loves being with the young people during missions outreach. “It amazes me to watch these students step up and learn to trust God more. They are not inhibited or intimidated,” she observes. Taylor’s first experience with spring break missions was during the eighth grade—also on the Kentucky trip. “It was an absolutely incredible experience,” he enthuses. “I learned a lot about the importance of serving other people and meeting their earthly needs, opening the door to share Jesus’ love with them. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to both Mexico and Guatemala twice. The people we served there had absolutely nothing, and their houses were merely one room with four walls made out of tin. But they wanted to serve us. The kids wanted to give us their toys, and the lady whose house we were repairing offered to make us her only chicken for a meal. I was really challenged by this because they didn’t have anything but they were still happy and eager to give. I was struck with the conviction that I needed to live more like that.” During his sophomore year in college, he had the opportunity to be a leader on the 9th/10th grade trip to San Antonio where they partnered with another organization to perform service work for the needy. “Asbury spring break missions have had an incredible impact on my life, teaching me the impact service has on the lives of those you serve,” Taylor emphasizes. “It also teaches us how to be more like Christ, loving God by loving others.” Abby, now at Oklahoma State University, is passionate about the Lord’s calling on her life into the mission field. She and the girls in her small group set a goal in the eighth or ninth grade that they
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would go to Africa when they graduated from high school. When she informed her parents of her plans, “I must confess that I lacked the faith to see how this all would happen,” Gary reveals. “Well, God showed Himself strong, as He always does when His servants are willing to do His will. Through strong, godly leadership, this group designed T-shirts for sale, spent long Saturday and Sunday afternoons raking leaves, and hosted a huge wild game dinner at Asbury, in addition to soliciting individual support. Thanks primarily to the gracious and humble support of our brethren at Asbury, God raised not only enough to send this entire group of girls to Africa but also to cover all of their expenses for their spring break trip to Guatemala!”
They are grateful for the “culture of missions” at Asbury that encourages young people to learn and grow. Gary did not have the opportunity when he was growing up of taking missions trips. Kim went on her first mission trip as a college student with Campus Crusade for Christ. “It was an experience that stretched me and challenged me in so many ways. It made me get out of my comfort zone and totally rely on Him.” When they joined Asbury, they had no idea it was such a missionminded church. But they are grateful for the “culture of missions” at Asbury that encourages young people to learn and grow. When he was saved at the age of 12, Gary was fearful that God would call him into missions in some forgotten place. He now knows it is a great honor to be called to the mission field, and he is thrilled that his children have a passion for sharing Christ throughout the world. Kim points out that because of the mission emphasis at Asbury, everybody can play a part--youth, leaders, prayer intercessors, and stockholders (members of the congregation who donate money to subsidize the cost of mission trips, thus allowing more people to participate). The King family is very appreciative of the 24/7 prayer support and of the devoted, talented lady who makes the prayer chapel such an inviting environment for prayer. “Different stations are set up,” Kim explains. “One station has pictures of the people on the mission trip available so that the intercessors can pray by name and see the face of the person needing prayer; another has note paper, pens--everything needed to write notes of encouragement. There is special lighting, various resources, such as Bibles, lists of prayer requests and even more. It just all works together so well.” Gary adds, “In past years, when my family would be gone but I was at home, I would take spots on the 24/7 prayer schedule. It was powerful. The time went by so fast, and I just felt so privileged to know I was making a contribution to the wonderful missions program at Asbury. I felt connected.”
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Gary freely admits that though he loves the concept of missions, he is having to learn and grow in some situations. In his own words, he details a “growth opportunity” in the past year: “Abby was in her second semester in college, and she called me one evening, sounding tired and homesick. She told me that she was truly longing to do mission work. A couple of her friends had taken hiatus from college to do mission work with YWAM (Youth with a Mission), and she wanted my blessing. I have always told my children that there is no greater privilege, no greater calling in life, than to serve the Lord with your life’s work. However, when directly faced with a real decision, Kim and I concluded in the way of the natural man, that there would be plenty of opportunities for missionary work after college. After all, isn’t that what the world tells us? “So Abby humbly accepted our direction, and she began to pray. Abby prayed, and our supernatural God began working on my heart. About one month later, I was attending a Metro Christian Academy board of trustees meeting. As customary, the meeting was opened with a devotional, this time from a guest speaker, who told of his son’s experience at a college out of state. His son left school to come home but really wanted to increase his Bible knowledge and take a missionary trip. Initially, the father responded much in the same way I had. “This devotional speaker began to share how he and his wife sought Godly counsel regarding their son’s request. They decided that YWAM would be a good opportunity for him. Then the devotional speaker began to read from his son’s email about how God was doing miracles as they shared Christ with youth in India, and large numbers of these children came to faith in Christ. Then they were invited to share their faith on national television--in this country that is predominantly Hindu and Muslim!
What more could I wish for my children than that they forego their comfortable lifestyle and instead run hard after God! “I sat there, listening, as my heart melted in God’s hands. What more could I wish for my children than that they forego their comfortable lifestyle and instead run hard after God! My heart was changed in an instant, and I could not wait to give Abby my blessing to follow God’s calling. Abby returned to OSU this fall because of her great character in keeping commitments that she had previously made at school. But we are now waiting to see what God has for her next!” Kim points to the text of 3 John 1:4 as a parent’s greatest desire: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Surely the King parents’ joy is full as they witness their children build their lives on the revelation truth of God: Abby: “The Lord has given me a heart for missions, but He showed me that it is great to want to go to another country and share the Gospel. But why not here also?”
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385 Total Students and Leaders Attending SBM Houston: 64 students, 16 leaders = 80 Kentucky: 57 students, 32 leaders - 89 Jamaica: 100 students, 24 leaders = 124 Guatemala: 68 students, 24 leaders = 92 Every year, hundreds of lives are developed to become significant in Christ by attending the Spring Break Missions. Even if you can’t attend as a leader, you can help by donating or signing up for the Youth on Mission Prayer Watch. Make checks payable to Asbury, and be sure to write “Spring Break Missions” on the memo line. Thank you for your support!
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Mark and Anita Watkins, center, with the Mongolian delegation
Going Global, A Family Affair by Anita Watkins
Mark and Anita Watkins have always had a heart for global missions. From an early age, Mark dreamed of being involved internationally in the mission field, but as life sometimes happens, that dream seemed very remote through a good portion of his adult life. By the same token, traveling with Anita’s adventurous grandparents as a small child instilled a curiosity and desire in her to travel and connect with people from distant places. As Mark and Anita began to learn later in life, God has a purpose for planting desires of the heart. When Mark and Anita married, they soon gravitated toward Asbury’s global missions. Mark first became involved through the Estonian ministry, making various trips to Estonia to serve on projects at Camp Gideon, The Lighthouse in Tallin and throughout Estonia. As there was no shortage of projects, Mark’s construction and handyman skills came in very handy indeed. Mark’s quick wit, orneriness and love of people made for an easy connection with young and old alike. Global missions soon became a family affair as Mark recruited Anita’s father Ray into the Estonian ministry as well. Amazingly, after one trip, Ray too was hooked! He returned home and soon made the decision that Asbury was the place where God was leading him into ministry. Through the years, Ray continued to be involved in not only global missions but projects in Mobile, Alabama; Camp Egan; and Habitat for Humanity.
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As time progressed, Mark became involved with Bill Abernathy and others in establishing a ministry in Central Asia…which is where they first met Feridoon Mokhoff. In the beginning, Feridoon was not easy to get to know with just reason--trust does not come easy in Feridoon and Louise Mokhoff circumstances in that part of the world. Once he did open up, they came to appreciate the significance of the contact they had made. They came to understand the immense commitment and sacrifice he has made to fulfill God’s plan. Feridoon’s testimony of how he came to know Christ and was serving his people of Iran before he was forced to escape is a chilling account of how God can work miracles. He and his wife Louise reside in London where he works to translate the Bible into multiple languages to serve people groups in Central Asia. He is also a pastor and has diligently worked on behalf of Iranian asylum seekers. The Mokhoff’s visits to the U.S.
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are inspiring and encouraging, and for those who have come to know Feridoon’s humor, these visits are also quite entertaining. As families connect, so have Mark and Anita’s with the Mokhoff family. In fact, Feridoon and Louise were able to join the Watkins for an emotional adoption ceremony of their granddaughter on their last visit. Feridoon has engaged in many a philosophical conversation around the Watkins dining room table with friends, family and international students.
The Watkins and international students
Part of Anita’s job responsibilities include oversight of university international relations at OSU Institute of Technology which involves travel to various countries and work with a variety of cultures. Ironically, shortly after Asbury became involved in ministry in Central Asia, Anita was contacted by Oklahoma’s Department of Commerce about involvement in a state partnership program in that same area. Through this relationship, Anita and various government and university officials from the state have traveled and worked there to assist in providing education and economic opportunities for the people. This work provided opportunities for she and others to build relationships that have in turn been helpful in aspects of Asbury’s ministry.
Working in international relations provides unique opportunities to learn about other cultures, values and belief systems first hand through the people. Through the years, Mark and Anita have had the opportunity to travel to more than 35 countries and include family members at various times. They have had the opportunity to host multiple delegations of ministers, consuls general, ambassadors, university and business leaders and others from around the world in the Watkins home. At an evening conference event at the Watkins home, it was determined that a member of the delegation was celebrating a birthday at which time they received a happy birthday song in nine languages from the various countries represented. Several of the less formal events have provided opportunities for the extended family of parents, children, grandchildren and friends to join in. A delegation of Chinese university leaders joined the family for a Thanksgiving meal and outing to the Utica Square lighting ceremony. This provides a tremendous opportunity to connect at a different level and allows visitors to experience the heart of American people and families. Working with international leaders of today is no more important than building relationships with international students, as these are the leaders and influencers for the future. Numerous international students and young adults have spent time at the Watkins family farm through the years laughing, playing games, telling stories, sharing fears, celebrating successes and eating, always eating! Various students have joined the family for holidays and special occasions. They have participated in the annual family Christmas Eve tradition to deliver gifts, stockings and meals to the elderly for Life Senior Services. Students also help to host the graduation party for graduating international students and their families each semester at the Watkins house.
Graduation party for international students
African festival at OSU Okmulgee
Being a host family for an international student or visitor can not only provide enrichment, support and comfort at a time when things are strange and family is distant but can influence for many years to come. World leaders such as Mikhail Saakashvili, president of Georgia; Gloria Arroyo, president of the Phillipines; Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General; Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize winner from Kenya; and King Abdullah, King of Jordan have all studied in the United States. The incoming
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president of China, Xi Jinping, stayed with a family in the small Iowa town of Muscatine in 1985, where he studied some advanced hog-raising techniques. He visited the town again this past year during a trip to the U.S. where he had a smile for everybody, and remembered an event with each old friend. During the same visit, he called for deeper “strategic trust” between China and the U.S. to reduce misunderstandings through closer communication. Students from China, Brazil, Finland, Kenya, Estonia, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and various other countries have found their way into the home and heart of the Watkins extended family. One young woman who found her way to study in Oklahoma has, at a young age, already received numerous awards and recognition for impacting an entire generation of underprivileged Nepalese women and children. She is known personally by a group of ministers and prime ministers of Nepal, the Japanese Imperial Family, and numerous other influential people she met while
attending the 64th United Nations General Assembly in New York in 2009. She has been featured in newspapers, a primary school textbook used throughout the nation of Nepal, and was even selected for the 2011 list of Nepal’s Top 51 Women. Although her travels and studies take her to many places, she still claims Oklahoma as her second home. Mark and Anita could never have known that God would choose them to care for two Kenyan students over the holidays during the 2008 election riots as their families and friends were being massacred. How do you comfort a Kenyan son whose family is in hiding just a kilometer away from where 400 people were barricaded in a church and burned alive? Imagine the relief when prayers for safety were answered, not to mention the emotion of meeting the mother in person on a trip to Kenya. The extended Watkins family has become a surrogate family for many through the years which they now know to be a blessing that God had been preparing them for all along.
Chinese delegation at the Watkins’ home
International students at Tulsa Zoo
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Psychiatric hospital Central Asia
Grandson with Kenyan family
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Redemption Ministries by Missy Sistrunk Redemption Ministries is a fellowship of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families and friends of faith. The mission of Redemption Church, which is part of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, is to nurture and empower others who can reach out and help those in need. Inmates have the opportunity to visit with family members and even share a meal provided by churches or brought by family members. They have the opportunity to socialize in a relaxed environment that is significant in allowing them to transition back into community. Worship is at a non-traditional time with a service on Sunday afternoon followed by dinner. Redemption Church is housed at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. More than 100 inmates come for worship and fellowship on Sunday afternoons. For many years Asbury has committed to providing the meals the third and fifth Sundays of each month. While our volunteers are responsible for providing the meal and serving, they also have the chance to visit with the inmates. More than a dozen Asbury adult communities are investing in the lives of others by volunteering to serve a meal once or twice a year. Children are also welcome to serve alongside their parents. Faithbuilders community will have a special opportunity to serve as they provide a meal and fellowship with the inmates on Easter Sunday. The willingness of our communities to volunteer in this capacity helps make the Redemption Ministry a success. The meals are coordinated by Missy Sistrunk through Asbury’s Local Outreach.
Serving at Redemption has been a chance to see God’s grace working in people’s lives, those who have made some serious mistakes being nurtured and restored within the “body.” I enjoy the opportunity to not only provide a meal, but to help provide a time of fellowship around the table for the attendees. Redemption is God’s grace in action! I have also seen how much the clothes donated for the clothes pantry are appreciated. –Linda Furman It is humbling to know that if a few experiences in my life had gone differently, I could be the one on the receiving end of the Redemption dinner. It feels great to feel like I am helping in a small way. Plus the guests are generally very appreciative, talkative, etc. It’s an all-around great experience. The dedication of those who lead this ministry is amazing. Giles Gere needs to get some kind of award! –Frank Foreman Our class does a meal on Sunday evening once a year and our class has an apartment at Exodus House where Redemption Church is involved. I believe in second chances and this program gives second chances. It is also a place where we can show God’s love. –Laverle Graefe
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The Little Light House by Andrea Bennett
Andrea and Elliot Bennet
The Little Light House is a non-profit Christian developmental center that serves children with special needs from birth to 6 years old. With no government funding, they rely 100 percent on the community for donations to operate. One of the main reasons they do not accept any government funding or United Way money is so they can continue to have Bible-based curriculum. The Little Light House just celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. When Marcia Mitchell started the school in 1972 with just a few students and staff, they made it a tuition-free school, and it still is to this day. This is an extreme blessing. With as many financial challenges families have to endure with our children’s medical costs, we would not be able to afford to send our children there. Elliot receives occupational, speech and physical therapies along with his preschool education. The amount of services they provide for the students is invaluable. The school also relies on volunteers from the community to help in the classrooms and in the offices. Having multiple volunteers in the classroom is wonderful because the children can get oneon-one interaction. This allows the teachers to be able to focus on certain goals for each child, and the volunteers can help these children achieve their goals. The Little Light House has a special place in my heart because it has been one of the biggest blessings in our family’s life. My son, Elliot, was born with Down Syndrome in 2007. Our family had been volunteering for the Little Light House for years, so we immediately knew we needed to put him on the waiting list. With room for only 62 students, the waiting list can be quite long. At that time the waiting list was 1 ½ to 2 years long. We were blessed to get a phone call the summer of 2008 saying that a spot opened up for Elliot. He began school at age 18 months, unable to sit up and
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not very vocal. Within two weeks he was sitting up independently in his class because he didn’t want to miss anything. He also wanted to communicate and interact with his new friends and teachers! He started out being fed by a bottle and held like a baby while being fed. Now, Elliot can drink independently from a cup and feed himself. Elliot was motivated to learn how to walk by his classmates and his teachers. He had maybe one or two words in his vocabulary – now he is speaking in sentences and singing all his praise and worship songs! I could list milestone after milestone that this school has helped Elliot accomplish, but I don’t have enough space for that here. It has also been wonderful to be a part of other students’ lives, celebrate their accomplishments and give God all the glory. God is doing mighty works in and through this school; they have touched so many lives of students, families, staff and volunteers. It is a blessing knowing that Elliot has teachers and volunteers that care so much about him and lift him up in prayer. Elliot is turning 6 and will be graduating this year. His graduation will be bittersweet. We will be so excited to celebrate Elliot’s milestones and miracles that day, but we will be so sad to leave. While I know they have prepared him for elementary school, the Little Light House is so wonderful I don’t want him to leave this haven. Our family, however, will always be a part of the Little Light House. We will never be able to give back as much as they have given us so we will never stop supporting them financially or with our presence. I look forward to being a part of their ministry and other children’s lives for the rest of my life.
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Super Care Sunday Results Total Raised $177,874.28 For Food and Rent Assistance $Food will serve more than 3,500 families and provide more than 102,000 meals. This money will also help families in the Tulsa area stay in their homes instead of being evicted.
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Setting Down Roots in the Community Garden by Ayschia Saiymeh and Symon Hajjar
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ven in the mildest of winters, it’s easy to look out the window, register the lack of sunlight and assume that no growth is happening on the land. It seems barren, but it’s during this time that something is stirring under the surface that will determine the health of everything above it. Winter’s waiting is a time of activity, hope and anticipation.
It’s here the community gardeners at Asbury Corner find themselves - imaginations running and ready for action. This past fall, 15 families began coming together to build the foundation for a community garden at Asbury Corner. They met together weekly to create the kind of community they wanted to be a part of - setting garden expectations, meeting times and planning activities. During the process, both experienced and first-time gardeners of all ages learned how to tend to their sprouts while fostering new friendships. When the weather turned too cold to work the soil, we turned to cooking and began to experiment with garden-inspired recipes. We made eggplant Parmesan, a fall root roast, fireside hobos and more (see page 22 for our recipes). Being in the garden inevitably took us to the kitchen which brought us to the table, where everyone is welcome, including you! Whether you want to grow food, spend more time with your kids, meet new friends or just simply be outside, there is a place for you at the Asbury Corner community garden.
Growing Together as We Garden by Ayschia Saiymeh
“I
t all started when Asbury had their Day of Service and our community came here to build garden beds,” explains Kelly Wills, who along with her family attends Asbury and is part of the Wesley community. “It was a good day of work and play, and we knew it was helping to build a community garden. We didn’t even have to think about it - we were in!” Since the fall, Kelly and her husband, Addison, and their two daughters Harper (9) and Elliott (4) have been attending the weekly community garden meetings held at the Garden House on Asbury Corner in partnership with Global Gardens. Although no one in their family had really ever gardened before, they took
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the community garden as an opportunity to learn something new together. Last fall, they planted radishes, carrots and spinach and recently reveled in their first small but very exciting harvest. “I can see how working in the garden is helping our family dynamic. We are building something together. That doesn’t happen a lot just in regular life,” says Kelly. Harper and Elliott take a leading role in the community garden too, not just in planning their own garden but also by helping the group make various recipes in the kitchen and voicing their opinions during discussions and on group projects.
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“When we pull up to the garden, our kids literally cannot get out of the car fast enough. They love it here!” Kelly and Addison agree. For the Wills and others who have joined the community garden, there is another aspect that keeps them coming back--one another. The members of the garden are from various communities. Some gardeners come from Asbury, a few are connected through Union Public Schools, while others just live nearby or were invited to join by someone already involved in the garden. Whatever the reason, people come and commit to the space on Asbury Corner, they each add a uniqueness and diversity that is cherished among the group. “Many of the people we’ve met here we would have never met if it wasn’t for the garden, and we love them! We think about them,
talk about them, and wonder how they are doing if we haven’t seen them in a while. There are various cultures represented here and everybody is so different from one another. It’s almost like it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from--just come on and get your plot!” says Kelly. And there are plenty of plots still available and plenty of space for more to be built should others decide to set down roots of their own in the community garden. “Putting stuff in the ground is fun, but it’s all the pieces together,” she continues. “It’s the people, the planting, the growing. I have this vision, and I can’t wait until we are all harvesting stuff and bringing our baskets in together.”
How can you get involved? Show up March 10, 2:00 pm, at the Asbury Corner community garden for our spring kickoff. Plots are available by the season to individuals, families or even as an entire community group project. For more information contact Rhonda Weaver at rweaver@asburytulsa.org or at 918.492.1771 x2251.
Bike for a Life by Sierra Lamon, 7th grade
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t’s almost time for the third annual Bike for a Life on April 13, 2013. If you haven’t heard of Bike for a Life, it is an event where we bike for a certain number of miles and raise money to support a selected cause. For the past two years, we have donated to kids with cancer but this year a Global Gardener introduced us to the disease Alzheimers. Her great grandma had the disease, and we were all very moved by it. We had a vote to pick our cause, and Alzheimers was selected. She already had an organization in mind to give to, the Alzhiemers Association. It’s sad for anybody to have a loved one forget who you are. We want to help prevent that from happening. With your help, our overall goal is $7,000-$10,000. We need your help to make this the best year for Bike for a Life so far! You may like to know that Global Gardens is a nonprofit organization that teaches kids like us to garden and help the community. Yes we are kids, but we are seventh graders, so we’re pretty professional. We are all from the Union 6th and 7th Grade Center, and Global Gardens is our after-school program on Mondays and Wednesdays. To learn more about Bike for a Life, visit www.globalgardens.org/bikeforalife. We will also be teaming up with 2nd Saturday for event volunteers. Consider riding, volunteering or giving toward the third annual Bike for a Life!
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RECIPES OF THE MONTH
Favorite Recipes of Global Gardens As fresh vegetables become more readily available, you’ll want to try some of these recipes that are favorites of Global Gardens friends.
Community Garden Root Roast Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 2. Gather root vegetables you would like to use: –– sweet potatoes –– beets –– turnips –– onions –– any other root vegetables you have on hand
3. Rinse and chop all vegetables into bite-size pieces. 4. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper and any garden herbs you like - we used rosemary. 5. Place in a baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until tender. 6. Serve and enjoy!
Baked Eggplant Parmesan Many eggplant Parmesan recipes are fried but we chose this healthier baked version and used fresh basil from our garden. Makes 8–10 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
• • • • •
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side. 3. In a 9”x13” baking dish, spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
3 eggplants, peeled and thinly sliced 2 eggs, beaten 4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs 6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided 1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Fireside Hobos Fireside hobos can really become anything you’d like them to be. The things you need to make them are your fillings, seasonings, foil and a fire!
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Ingredients
Preparation
• Vegetables of your choosing (carrots, potatoes, onions, mushrooms and squash all work great!) • Meat, example ground beef or ground turkey (optional) • Olive oil or butter to coat your fillings • Salt and pepper
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Start fire Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil Place washed and chopped vegetables on foil Add meat (optional) Toss with olive oil or top with a square of butter Season with salt and pepper Wrap Hobo up in the aluminum foil like a burrito, careful to not leave any openings 8. Place wrapped hobo directly on fire or on cooking grate, flipping occasionally 9. Check hobo regularly until vegetables are tender and meat is fully cooked 10. Serve and enjoy!
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OPPORTUNITIES
Asbury Opportunities MYASBURYTULSA.ORG
GENERAL INFORMATION BREAKFAST
Come enjoy fellowship with Asburians along with fresh donuts, bagels, biscuits & gravy, sausage, eggs, fruit, and cereal. • Served from 7:00–9:00 am in the CLC • $4 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP
8:00 am 9:15 am 9:15 am 11:00 am 11:00 am
Mason Chapel (Traditional Communion) Sanctuary (Contemporary) CLC - Open House Worship (Acoustic Worship, Casual Setting) Sanctuary (Traditional) Venue (Modern with sign interpreter)
RECYCLING
Recycle unwanted paper products. Three bins are available, located in the south and east parking lots. Recycle aluminum cans by bringing them (in plastic garbage bags) to the wire collection cage located up the short driveway towards the east side of Asbury’s main church building. Thank you for helping to support the Boy Scouts. DOORS OF ASBURY POSTERS ARE AT THE WELCOME CENTERS...
FREE! Suitable for framing.
SUNDAYS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS
6 Weeks–Pre-K K–6th Grades 7th, 8th & 9th Grades 10th, 11th & 12th Grades
This website is available to all members as a way to update your contact information, register for events, give online and indicate ministries you would like to receive communication from. Make sure you have an account and check it out.
8:00, 9:15 and 11:00 am 9:15 or 11:00 am 9:15 and 11:00 am 9:15 am only
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES
NEW ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY
The Asbury Library is a wonderful resource. Thank you to all who continue to contribute books to our Library. OJT (OVERCOMING JOB TRANSITIONS)
Adult Bible study, belonging, and serving together • Sunday at 8:00, 9:15 and 11:00 am • Options during the week - Wednesdays at 6:00 pm SURGERY OR HOSPITALIZATION SCHEDULED?
Be sure to let Asbury know ahead of time by calling the church receptionist at 918.492.1771 so your pastors can be in prayer for you. When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. The after-hours pastoral emergency line can be reached by calling 918.492.1771, selecting option 6, and leaving a message for the pastor on call. CDS OF TOM’S MESSAGE
CDs of Tom’s message of the day are available immediately following the worship service for $3 in Connection Corner.
Unemployment isn’t forever. You can help by telling people about OJT (Overcoming Job Transitions) which meets on the third Tuesday of each month. • Tuesday, March 19, 6:30–9:00 pm • Community Life Center (CLC) • Contact Russ Knight at OJTJobs@gmail.com
ACCESS HANDS OF LOVE SIGN CHOIR
• Sundays, 5:30–6:30 pm, Family Room FRIENDS IN CHRIST COMMUNITY
Bible-based class designed for developmentally disabled young adults. Focus on discipleship, service and mission. • Sundays, 11:00 am, Room 1507
OVERFLOW PARKING AT UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Asbury’s Sunday overflow worship parking area will return to the Union high school parking lot (located along Mingo Road towards the north corner of their campus). Asbury shuttle service will operate continuously each Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
BIBLE STUDY Check out our adult Bible studies listed in our RoadMap brochures found at all welcome centers or online at www.asburytulsa.org/ AdultMinistries/Roadmap.aspx.
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MILITARY CONNECTION
CARE AND SUPPORT S.M.I.L.E. (SINGLE MOTHERS IN THE LORD’S EMBRACE)
Join us for a DVD series and book entitled “21 Principles of a Healthy Single Mom.” You will learn to apply specific, workable guidelines so you can flourish spiritually in the midst of overwhelming circumstances. Each principle/video session is self-contained, and you may begin attending at any time. • Third Thursdays, 6:00–8:45 pm • Parlor • Child care provided • $12 for book • RSVP to Janet at 918.688.3392 or asburysmile@ymail.com HEALING HATS/BALL CAPS
An Asbury ministry created to provide hats to cancer patients who have lost their hair. “Home spun with knots of love, woven together with help from above!” Simply knit, crochet or sew a hat or decorate a ball cap of your choice and drop it in the collection box located near the northeast entrance. Find more information in the literature rack attached to the collection box. In addition, the following groups meet regularly for fellowship, while using their creative ability to make hats: • Crochet Group –– Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm –– Room 1506 –– Contact Sue Fisher at healinghatsmin@aol.com or 918.455.2816 • Ball Caps (If you can cut and glue this is for you!) –– Fourth Tuesdays, 9:30–11:30 am –– Room 1508 –– Baseball caps and decorating items available –– Contact Sue Fisher at healinghatsmin@aol.com or 918.455.2816 VISITS TO ASBURY MEMBERS
Asbury has a group of volunteers (Asbury Connection) who regularly visit people who are homebound, in nursing homes or in assisted living facilities. • Contact Lisa at 918.298.9014 or lisa_dalt@sbcglobal.net PRAYER CARD MINISTRY
Send cards with God’s encouraging words and our prayers to those who are ill or going through hard times. If you would like to receive twice-monthly cards or know someone who would like to receive cards, please send name and address to Gwen at grmohler@aol.com. • Usually meets first and third Mondays at 9:30 am • Room 1508 • Contact Gwen Mohler at 918.258.5479 or grmohler@aol.com
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Please join us in praying for our troops in harm’s way and their families. Periodic care packages and monthly encouragement cards with God’s Word are sent to Asbury-related military personnel. The Prayer Ministry also covers them in prayer. Send complete name and address to: • Jo VanDeWiele at 918.459.0888 or Gwen at grmohler@aol.com DIVORCE RECOVERY
For those suffering from the early, highly emotional stages of divorce and separation trauma. • Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30 pm • Room 1335 • Child care available • Contact Malia Miller at 918.494.9596 or malia.miller@ sbcglobal.net DIVORCE REBUILDING
For those ready to rebuild their lives after separation or divorce. • Thursdays, 7:00–8:30 pm • Room 1335 • Child care available • Contact Jim Small at 918.697.4220 or divorce-rebuilding@cox.net MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
For family members or caregivers of people affected by a mental illness. • Usually meets the fourth Thursdays from 1:30–3:00 pm • Parlor • Contact Linda Lytle at 918.298.2707 or lllytle@wildflower.net ASBURY BEAR BAGS
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. Pick up bags anytime at south security desk.
CHILDREN Registration forms for all children’s activities are available in the preschool and elementary lobbies. CORE CHILD CARE HOURS
Parents who are involved in RoadMap classes and/or communities during these core hours will have child care provided for children 6 weeks–12 years of age with no reservations needed: • Sunday 9:00 am–12:00 pm • Monday and Tuesday 8:45 am–12:00 pm • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5:45 pm–9:00 pm
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SPECIAL VOLUNTEERS FOR SPECIAL KIDS!
Do you have a heart to help children with special needs? If so, the Children’s Ministry needs you to volunteer. • Contact Dotti Westerberg at dottiwesterberg@hotmail.com or 918.381.0874 EASTER CELEBRATION AND EGG HUNT
Mark your calendar because you and your family are invited to join us for an Easter celebration. The church will be filled with fun, free activities for your whole family to enjoy. We will have a concession stand where you can purchase tasty treats. We will have a unique age appropriate egg hunt for your children, so don’t forget their Easter baskets. • March 30, 10:00 am–1:00 pm • For more information, contact Shanon Brown at 918.392.1170 or sbrown@asburytulsa.org
DISCIPLESHIP DISCIPLESHIP COMMUNITIES
If you have not yet found an Adult Discipleship Community check out “Community Life” on our website, www.asburytulsa.org, or pick up a brochure at one of our Welcome Centers. • If you are 20’s to early 30’s, come check out our newest Sunday morning group at 9:15 am in room 1507, “Transitions,” or “Rooted” for married couples in room 2314
ENDOWMENTS
MARRIAGE & FAMILY DATES WITH YOUR MATE
A ministry designed to bless and strengthen marriages. Materials from Christian Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program (PREP) will be taught by certified counselors, then couples have a dinner date (or coffee!) alone. • Second Thursdays, March–October (except June and July), 6:00–8:45 pm • Room 1502 • Cost $15/date, some scholarships available • Child care provided (75 children max) • Space is limited • Register online WEEKEND TO REMEMBER MARRIAGE GETAWAY
Learn practical skills and Biblical principles to strengthen and reenergize your marriage or prepare you for your upcoming marriage. Hosted by FamilyLife, a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. • March 8–10, Friday evening–Sunday afternoon • Renaissance Tulsa Hotel, 6808 South 107th East Avenue • Register at 1.800.FL.TODAY, or to save significantly on registration fee, go to http://shop.familylife.com/p-2162-tulsa. aspx and use group name, AsburyTulsa • More information: pat.calhoun007@gmail.com ATTENTION ENGAGED COUPLES
Leave a legacy that continues to give forever to a ministry you want to support. There are endowments that support many areas of Asbury’s outreach including children, youth, music, missions, and training of pastors as well as a general endowment. You can easily impact a ministry through your will or a current gift. • Contact Dwight Yoder at 918.392.1113 or dyoder@ asburytulsa.org
HOSPITALITY We were recently asked, “why don’t you have volunteers holding the doors open on Sunday morning?” The simple answer is we have very few volunteers willing to do it. Most say Asbury is a friendly church, yet we don’t have enough friendly people willing to serve on Sunday mornings when the need is great to welcome folks who have possibly had little contact with people during the week. We need new volunteers to serve in a hospitality role as greeters and at Connection Corner where many people have their first experience at Asbury. Are you one of those friendly people? Contact the church office at 918.492.1771 to volunteer.
If you are planning to use an Asbury pastor to officiate and/or use Asbury’s facilities, be sure to book ASAP to allow ample time for Couple-to-Couple (required premarital meetings).
MEMBERSHIP ASBURY EXPLORATION
Are you interested in membership at Asbury or just want to learn more about who we are? Plan to attend Asbury Exploration. After a wonderful lunch, which is provided, you will enjoy time with our Asbury pastors as you learn about the ministries of Asbury, important United Methodist beliefs and how you can get into the mainstream of our life together at Asbury. • Sunday, March 3, 12:15–2:00 pm • Community Life Center (CLC) • Child care available for children six weeks through sixth grade • Lunch provided • Call 918.392.1191 to register, or register online at www.myasburytulsa.org
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MATURE MEN’S MINISTRY R.O.M.E.O. LUNCHEON
MEN BOY SCOUTS SPAGHETTI LUNCH
The Asbury Boy Scout Foundation, sponsored by the United Methodist Men, invites you to its annual spaghetti lunch. Come enjoy spaghetti with bread sticks, or chili and crackers, salad and yummy desserts with your family and friends. All proceeds benefit Asbury’s Boy Scout programs. • Sunday, March 10, 2013, 11:00 am • CLC and Venue • $5 per person, or a maximum of $20 per family of four or more • Tickets may be purchased in advance on Sunday, February 24 and March 3, or the day of the event at the door • Pre-purchasing tickets greatly appreciated to help with planning MEN’S MISSION TRIP TO RIO BRAVO, MEXICO
Men, would you like to work on construction projects, such as building casitas (small houses) for those in desperate need, and help local churches in Mexico? If so, you can become a part of an Asbury construction mission team traveling to Rio Bravo, Mexico, to do just that! You will not only be serving others and showing the love of Jesus Christ, but you will get to know other men in our church and form relationships that will last a lifetime. No building experience or carpentry skills required - just a willing spirit! This is a great opportunity for “first-timers” but there will be many who return to volunteer again. A minimum of 30 men are anticipated. Cost is approximately $640 per person. There may be incremental costs after the first 30 spots are taken, or for extra charges. Partial scholarships may be available. A $100 deposit holds your place, with balance due April 8. • April 14–28, 2013 • For questions or to sign up, contact Jim Furman at jnlfurman@ cox.net or 918.625.1316, or Frank Field at frank.field@ wpxenergy.com or 918.630.0717 • Deadline is April 8 CAR CARE MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you like to perform basic maintenance on cars, come join other volunteers outside the Family Room as they perform basic checkups on the tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries of vehicles of widows and single women of Asbury. • Workdays are every other month, five times a year • To find out more, contact Mike Nalley at mnalley16@cox.net MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
Make plans to join us for a great time of meaningful worship, lifechanging prayer and an awesome big breakfast. • Wednesdays, 6:30–7:30 am • CLC • Cost is $3 per person; first-time guests are free
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Are you a “Retired Old Man” who wants to “Eat Out?” If so, then these luncheons are for you! A really awesome bunch of guys meet for good food and great fellowship. • Meet every second and fourth Friday, 11:15 am • Village Inn (71st and Memorial) • Open to anyone 60 years and up • Contact Bud at bdmathes@cox.net or Jim at robersonjim29@ ymail.com
MISSIONS/VIM 2ND SATURDAY
Looking to serve Tulsa in Jesus’ Name? Join us for 2nd Saturday, January 12, 8:15 am, at Venue, and choose from different local mission opportunities. At 8:45 we head to the ministry sites. Teams work from 9:00–11:30 am, and buses return to Venue no later than 12:15 pm. Individuals and families of all sizes encouraged. • Saturday, March 9, 8:30 am–12:15 pm • Meet at Venue • Contact Betty Higgins at carevets@aol.com for more information VIM 2013 TEAM SCHEDULE
• April 24–May 4 –– Central Asia, Relationship, Teaching, Light Construction • Spring –– Cookson Hills, Oklahoma, Light Construction • May 30–June 10 –– Estonia, Lighthouse • June 8–15 –– Ecuador, MBS & Construction • June 13–24 –– Tanzania, East Africa, Medical • June 27–July 8 –– Estonia, Camp Gideon, Youth Camp • July 18–29 –– Estonia, Parnu, MBS & Light Construction • Fall –– Tanzania, East Africa, Construction –– Central Asia, Relationship, Teaching, Light Construction –– Cookson Hills, Oklahoma, Light Construction • October –– Monterrey, Mexico, MBS & Construction • November 6–10 –– Rio Bravo, Mexico, Medical • Men’s Rio Bravo, Mexico construction teams are April 14–28 and November 13–17 VIM TEAM LEADER TRAINING
March 2, September 7, November 2 For more information about these exciting mission opportunities, contact Marilene Long at 918.392.1164 or mlong@asburytulsa.org .
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For information about the men’s Rio Bravo, Mexico opportunities, contact Jim Furman at jnlfurman@cox.net .
MUSIC For more information on any of the music groups, please contact Cynthia Bedford at 918.3392.1151 or cbedford@asburytulsa.org CHANCEL CHOIR
We sing. We laugh. We share. We love. Come and join us. • Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 pm • Choir Room 2706 • Sundays, 11:00 am Sanctuary service • Available for seventh grade through adults. ASBURY SINGING AMBASSADORS
Join us for a great time of fun, fellowship and singing. • Age 55 and over • Tuesdays, 1:30–3:00 pm • Choir Room 2706 CHILDREN’S CHOIRS
PRAYER MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION PRAYER SERVICE
Between Palm Sunday and Good Friday was the Last Supper. On the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion, He shared a final meal with His dear friends before going to the Garden to pray. During this significant service, we will share a communion meal as we walk with Jesus through the watches of His final night on earth. We encourage you to come. • March 28, 6:30 pm • Mason Chapel ALTAR PRAYER
If you would like someone to pray with you during Holy Communion or immediately following a worship service, please come to the altar rail. A pastor or member of the Altar Prayer Team will be glad to pray with you for your needs – physical, emotional or spiritual, at the altar or in the Prayer Room. PRAYER ROOM RESERVATIONS
Come learn about God through music as we sing, play instruments and musical games. • Wednesdays, 6:00–6:50 pm • Available for children age four (by September 1, 2012) through sixth grade
The leadership of Asbury’s prayer ministry would like to remind you that the main facility Prayer Room is open not only to individuals desiring to pray in a quiet, meditative atmosphere but also to prayer groups within communities and ministries. Just call the Adult Ministries office at 918.392.4589 to reserve the Prayer Room for your group on a weekly or monthly basis. PRAYER ROOM DAYS AND TIMES
Play an instrument? Come and join us. • Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm • Orchestra Room 1510 • Sundays, 11:00 am, Sanctuary service • Available for seventh grade through adults
Our prayer rooms are accessible to you at these times: • Mason Chapel and Venue –– Sundays from 7:00 am–12:30 pm, through the interior doors • Main Facility, Mason Chapel and Venue –– Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–9:00 pm –– Saturday, 10:00 am–3:00 pm –– Sunday, 12:30 pm–9:00 pm
HANDBELL CHOIRS
To obtain door codes, call Pam in the Adult Ministries office at 918.392.4589.
NEW COVENANT ORCHESTRA
• Celebration Ringers (adults) –– Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm –– Room 2506 • Perpetual Light (women) –– Thursdays, 10:30 am–12:00 pm –– Room 2506
ASBURY POWER & LIGHT CO. (PRAISE BAND)
• Selected Sundays, 8:00–9:15 am • Orchestra Room 1510
RECOVERY CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Come join this supportive group of people. Hiding any hurts, habits or hang-ups? God never intended for you to live in bondage. • Every Monday night: dinner at 6:00 pm, worship from 7:00–8:00 pm, small groups from 8:00–9:00 pm, dessert from 9:00–9:30 pm THE LANDING
The Landing delivers hope-filled truths and real-life strategies to students. Students learn to make wise choices and develop healthy
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patterns for living differently and build healthy relationships with family members, adult leaders and trusted peers. • Every Monday, 6:30–9:00 pm in Venue north lobby • Grades 6–12 CELEBRATION STATION
Celebration Station is a 52-week complementary children’s program to Celebrate Recovery. While adults explore topics that bring healing and wholeness, kids discover the same truths in ageappropriate ways through worship, crafts, games and activities. • Mondays, 7:00–9:00 pm • Faith Zone • Contact Eryn Wallis 918.392.4588 or ewallis@asburytulsa.org
SENIOR WALK IN THE GYM WITH HIM
All senior adults are invited to join us for power walking, coupled with lots of fun and fellowship. Come give it a try. • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30–9:00 am • Gym SENIOR SIT AND FIT STRETCHING CLASS
All senior adults are invited to join us for a time of stretching, coupled with lots of fun and fellowship. No high impact workout here. We take it nice and easy. • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00–9:30 am • Gym SENIOR ADULT MEAL & MOVIE
SENIOR ADULTS SENIOR ADULTS OLD ROUTE 66 TRIP
Take a nostalgic trip with us along Old Route 66. See a bridge of the past (1921), the Ozark Trail, old Depew, the Red Round Barn, and enjoy lunch at POPS Soda Restaurant. • Thursday, March 14 • Cost $28 • Registration forms available at the south desk
If you’re 55 years of age or over, our monthly meal and movie day event may be just the “ticket” for you! We get together at a different Tulsa restaurant each month, and then head off to see a “first run” movie. • The dates and times vary according to the movie selected, but those who express an interest will be contacted a few days ahead of time so they can make plans accordingly • For more information or to sign up for the call list, contact Sally Wood, sally77onestick@cox.net
SINGLES TWEENAGERS PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON
Tulsa County District Attorney, Tim Harris, will present “Case against Senior Exploitation,” and will inform us of scams aimed at seniors that we must avoid. Harriet Roberson will provide a musical program. Come enjoy a delicious lunch, fun and fellowship. • Thursday, March 28, 10:30 am–1:00 pm • CLC and Mason Chapel • Lunch $1.00, donations welcomed • Ages 55 and older BEST CHOICE SAVE-A-LABEL
Save those labels! The Tweenagers are collecting Best Choice product labels and would like your help. Please turn in the UPC portion (proof of purchase) from more than 2,500 Best Choice items, including canned goods, boxed foods, eggs, cheese, etc. Best Choice products can be found at local Reasors, Food Pyramid and Warehouse Markets. Bundle your labels and drop them off at the south desk to the attention of “Tweenagers.” That’s all you have to do to help us help others. ADULT GAME DAY
Attention all adults! How would you like to get together on a regular basis with a wonderful bunch of fun adults and play cards, dominoes, or whatever board or card game you choose? Bring a friend and stay for as long as you like! • Every third Thursday, 1:30–4:00 pm • Room 2821
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SINGLES MINISTRY SPRING LUNCHEON
Single adults and their families are invited to attend a luncheon in celebration of spring! Come get acquainted with other single members of our Asbury family and meet new friends. You will enjoy a delicious lunch for only $5.00. Kids ages 10 and under eat FREE. No reservations required. Bring a friend! • Sunday, March 17, 12:15 pm–1:30 pm • CLC ADULT VOLLEYBALL
Do you enjoy playing recreational volleyball, mixed in with a little bit of competitiveness? Then come join us for a few hours of exercise, fellowship and fun. All skill levels of play are welcome. Good sportsmanship and positive attitudes are required. It’s free and you do not have to be a member of Asbury to participate. • Every Sunday, 6:00–9:00 pm • Gym • Questions? Contact Doug at 918.607.0830 COMMUNITIES
• Sundays, 9:15 am – New Beginnings Class, Transitions (mixed singles/married) • Sundays, 11:00 am – Ambassadors for Christ, Footprints (ladies only), Salt & Light, Christ Centered Singles, Single B.A.S.I.X. • You are always welcome to join any other communities that are not “Singles Only,” as most are a mix of singles and marrieds.
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789 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
STUDENTS SPRING BREAK MISSIONS 2013 COMMISSIONING
All students and leaders attending Spring Break Missions will meet in the gym (main building) then will be directed into all five services for commissioning. • March 10, meet at 8:30 am • Gym in the main building SBM KENTUCKY
Parents/students please plan to attend this mandatory parent/student meeting where you will hear all details and info about the trip. • Sunday, March 3, 6:15 pm–7:30 pm • Junior high room in the student ministry area Students/leaders please plan to attend this mandatory training. • March 10, 12:15–2:00 pm • Lunch is $5 Students, leaders and parents plan on being at the student ministry area on Friday, March 16, at 8:00 pm for our worship Service and departure. KENTUCKY AND HOUSTON SPRING BREAK CELEBRATION
Students, leaders and parents are welcome to join us in celebration of all that God has done on our mission trips. • Sunday, April 7, 9:00 am • Venue auditorium SBM JAMAICA
Students and leaders. Please plan to attend this mandatory training. • March 10, 12:30–2:30 pm • Bring $5 for lunch JAMAICA & GUATEMALA SPRING BREAK MISSIONS REUNION
Students, leaders and parents are welcome to join us in celebrating what God has done on our mission trips. • April 3, 7:00 pm • Venue auditorium 789 SUNDAY MORNINGS
This is not your ordinary Sunday morning. It is designed to bring students closer to God through games, worship, videos, music, prayer and a message. High-energy time designed to fit the needs of 7th–9th graders and their attention span. This is a great place to come and grow closer to God. • Sundays, 9:15 am • Junior high room upstairs in the student ministry area
Every Wednesday night, 7th-9th graders meet to study the Bible to find out more about God, how our lives matter to Him and how He matters to our lives. • Wednesday, 7:00–8:00 • Student Ministry Area 10 11 12 SUNDAY MORNINGS
Join us every Sunday morning for an in-depth Bible study and discussion. • Sundays, 9:15 am • High school room 10 11 12 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Every Wednesday night we come together for a time of connection and worship. Our desire is to explore who God really is and how our lives matter to Him. • Wednesdays, 7:00 until around 8:30 pm • Venue • Hang around for pizza afterwards
WOMEN UMW MARCH LUNCHEON
The students of Walt Whitman Elementary, Asbury’s Partner in Education since 2004, return to perform gymnastics, singing and dancing for our women. Principal Elaine Buxton will share the progress of the Whitman students. Through the Asbury-Whitman partnership, called A&W (it’s better than root beer!), Asbury volunteers have come alongside the staff, students and families of Whitman to impact lives for the future. Scripture: Matthew 19:14. • Thursday, March 7, 11:30 am–1:00 pm • Community Life Center (CLC) • Lunch $8.00 • No reservation necessary CAR CARE MINISTRY WORKDAY
Single women and widows of Asbury, while you wait in the comfort of the Family Room lobby, volunteers from the men’s ministry will check your tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries. They will also vacuum and wash your vehicle, and then update you on what is running smoothly and what needs professional attention. This free service gives our men the opportunity to put their faith and skills into action by serving others. • Saturday, March 9, 9:00 am–noon • If your vehicle needs a basic maintenance check-up and you qualify, have your vehicle in line by 11:30 am at the Family Center entrance WOMEN OF THE WORD
Gail Knox will teach on different passages from God’s Word. Join
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OPPORTUNITIES / SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
us on this new adventure among our women as we explore new vistas with a new teacher! • Every Wednesday 10:00–11:00 am • Room 2818 • No cost • Child care not available • No registration, come whenever you can
11:00 AM TRADITIONAL SERVICE
WORSHIP
• Sanctuary • The Chancel Choir, the New Covenant Orchestra and various vocal and instrumental ensembles offer a variety of styles of music • Dr. Tom Harrison preaches
8:00 AM COMMUNION SERVICE
• • • •
9:15 AM OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP
• Community Life Center (CLC) • A relaxed atmosphere with engaging worship led by Dub Ambrose and team • Dr. Tom Harrison’s message is simulcast with an occasional live sermon from another pastor
Mason Chapel Traditional service Communion is served Dr. Tom Harrison preaches
11:00 AM MODERN SERVICE
9:15 AM CONTEMPORARY PRAISE & WORSHIP
• Sanctuary • Contemporary music • Time of prayer and the message will all carry a prevailing theme for the morning • Dr. Tom Harrison preaches
• Venue • Rich blend of ancient and modern worship, led by Chris Cleveland and team • Sign interpreters for the deaf are offered • Rev. Todd Craig preaches
Marriages, Births and Deaths BIRTHS
DEATHS:
• Aliya Faye Aussieker born 1/8/2013, proud parents are Joe and Radhika Aussieker and older brother Austin
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• Bill P Robinson died 1/4/2013, husband of Geraldine Robinson • Joyce McCool died 1/7/2013, wife of Larry McCool • Donald R. Craig died 1/15/2013, husband of Janet Craig, and father to Rev. Todd Craig, wife Stephanie and grandfather to Ethan, Caleb and William • Betty Maresh died 1/15/2013, wife of Herbert Maresh
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Milestone Anniversaries 60 YEARS • Gary & Celeste Zarley
50 YEARS 03/28/53
• Joe & Ruth Harris
03/23/63
55 YEARS • Bruce & Carolyn Nixon
45 YEARS 03/29/58
• David & Emily Peters
03/23/68
MILESTONE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Email your upcoming Milestone Anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) to Carolyn Schutte at brucars2@cox.net or call 918.451.1559.
Gary & Celeste Zarley 03/28/53
Bruce & Carolyn Nixon 03/29/58
New Members
Shannon Benge
John & Cyndi Cattaneo
Sid & Nancy Eckerd
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Reece & Sue Hembree
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Jared & Kristen McDonald with Seth
Arlan Andrews & Kathleen Plunket with Sarah and Adam
Liz Skates with Megan Dymian Kritikos with Kylie and Alexa
Jason & Amy Stone with Sam, Gabe and Max
Jason & Molly Wilson with Ella, Kate and Sophie
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Teresa Wilkinson
Ryan & Stephanie Ragsdale with Alexis Trotter
Kathy Stone
We welcome you to join us for our Easter services. Maundy Thursday Communion Prayer Service, Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 pm, Mason Chapel During this significant service, we will share a communion meal as we walk with Jesus through the watches of His final night on earth. We encourage you to come. Good Friday Service of Darkness Service, Friday, March 29 at 7:00 pm, Sanctuary Join us for this hour-long service which marks the end of our Lenten season and prepares our hearts for the celebration of Easter Sunday. Nursery will be provided for children 4 and under. Stations of the Cross Come walk through a hands-on experience of the story of the last hours of Jesus’ life here on earth. Wednesday, March 27, 6:00-9:00 pm; Thursday, March 28, 1:00-9:30 pm (closed during Maundy Thursday service); Friday, March 29 1:00-9:30 pm (closed during Good Friday Service of Darkness) Family Room Easter Services (All services will be held at their normal times and locations) Sunday, March 31 8:00 am in Mason Chapel, 9:15 am in both the Sanctuary and Community Life Center (CLC), 11:00 am in the Sanctuary and Venue auditorium
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