Asbury's New Music Directors

october/november 2013

OCTOBER /NOVEMBER 2013

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efore making a significant announcement, let me give an update for a couple of areas.

As I’m writing this column we have about 300 students and leaders heading to the annual student ministry fall retreat. We are enjoying a lot of excitement in our student ministry.

Good things are happening. We have some new student ministry staff on board, bringing fresh energy and ideas. Special thanks goes to Mark Fowler for his help and leadership through recent transitions. I very much appreciate the leadership of Janet Day who is director of ministries leading student ministry, children ministry, and adult discipleship development.

We are very thankful for the success of the ongoing debt-reduction campaign. The commitments made last year are being paid right on schedule. In addition, there were some who fully paid their commitment early. As a result, our outstanding debt is now about $1.6 million compared to $4.2 million at this time last year. This is a huge benefit both for current and future operations of our ministries. To all who are participating, thank you so much.

There is something very important that we have learned from studies undertaken over the past couple of years. Asbury needs to regain the level of “outward focus” that characterized us for most of our history. This finding was most notably revealed in the Barna study done early last year. It was confirmed in multiple ways. We have great ministry programs for global and local outreach. But that is not what is meant by outward focus. In fact, it is not easy to provide a simple definition of what this includes. For example, Asbury is a friendly church, but we can improve our hospitality. Yet outward focus is more than that. It means that each of us individually seeks to rekindle our desire for Christian influence inside and outside the walls of our church. It means caring about those who are not disciples of Christ—and learning how to influence them.

This rejuvenation of personal commitment to outward focus will also have a corporate expression. It will impact almost everything that Asbury does from ministry programs to decor to hospitality to worship services. To help us adjust our thinking individually and to guide “outward focus” throughout the church is a huge effort—and a great ministry opportunity.

Now the announcement. A new position has been created for outward focus. We are very excited to announce that Todd Craig will lead this significant initiative. Todd, one of our pastors, has long held this as a strong passion. He has studied it and lived it. Todd thinks strategically and understands broad organizational issues. For these reasons and more, he is the ideal person for this role which leadership believes is likely to have the biggest impact on Asbury of anything we do over the next several years. Todd will continue to preach in Venue but otherwise will devote his time to this new position. I’m sure we will all support him in any way possible.

For all you do for the Kingdom through Asbury, we thank you.

Dwight Yoder Executive Director

Contents A Word From Tom Harrison 1 Perceptions…of Pastor Tom Harrison 2 Ryan Redding, New Worship Coordinator for Asbury 7 Bob Westerberg, Volunteer of the Year at Happy Hands 8 Asbury’s First Social Work Scholarship Recipient 9 Asbury Members Moving to Georgia 10 Russian-Speaking Church Meets at Asbury 11 The Birth of a Trip to Rio Bravo 11 Asbury’s New Music Directors 12 Scars: We All Have Them 16 Reaching Higher: Asbury Awards UMM and UMW Scholarships 19 Why Should I Attend a Membership Luncheon?

20 What in Heaven’s Name is a Discipleship Community?

21 Grieving With God, Especially During a Holiday 22 Grandpa John 23 Recipes of the Month 24 Opportunities 25 Special Announcements 30 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 bi-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 (mark moore.photo.net), Ryan Farran (ryanfarranphotography.com) Guest Contributors: Lauren Burke, Jim Davis, Janet Day, Joy Hamilton, Diane King, Marilyn Glass, Jaime Jurgensen, Adrena Mahu, Nathanael Roberson, John Westervelt

A Word From Tom Harrison The Three “GR’s” of Life There are several “GR” ways to live.

There’s the habit of GRUMBLING. While there are times and places for everything, including complaining, some have made “grumpy” into a virtual art form. Grumblers feel things are never quite right. They have little hesitation in expressing their judgment. If they don’t get what they feel they deserve, they return to this default setting. It can be contagious. Grumblers like to run with grumblers. Criticism, sarcasm, judgment and gossip are all in the grumbling family. Even though it’s not listed as one of the seven “deadly sins,” grumbling was deemed to be a very serious sin in the Bible. Grumblers weren’t celebrated in the Bible. Moses, Nehemiah, Paul and Jesus all had to deal with these types. Their toxicity created all types of problems for the faith community. As James said: “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers” (James 5:9).

A second “GR” is GREED. Ambition can be virtuous! Someone who doesn’t want to improve and grow has probably been captured by another of the “7 Deadly Sins,” sloth. It’s not greedy to want to be paid for labor or to make things better. However, greed is an insatiable thirst which prevents contentment. This beast is never full. The old question is memorable: “How much money will make you happy, Mr. Rockefeller?” The legendary answer was: “Just one more dollar.”

We are all wired differently. We have different backgrounds, family structures, temperaments and resources. In asking myself, “Am I a greedy person?” I’d confidently state, “Greed is not a great area of temptation for me.” I’m not a very materialistic person.

The other “GR” can much more easily grab me. I struggle far more with grumbling than with greed. After all, grumbling seems more

“acceptable” for a Christian than does greed. Michael Douglas’ line in the “Wall Street” movie was “Greed is good.” He said nothing about “grumbling.” And Scrooge wasn’t “Scrooge” because he grumbled, but because of his greed. Sin blinds us to its impact.

Grumbling has the potential to destroy individuals and to fracture community as much as greed. Either “GR…” is a significant refusal to align with God’s will.

There is a third way. We have the capacity to rise above this.

We associate the month of November with “GRATITUDE.” Paul endured incredible hardships, yet remained very positive.

He advised the church in Thessalonica: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This is indeed God’s will for us! Gratitude opens the door to generosity – and we become generous in both our speech and with our resources.

It works best with practice. Giving thanks, not comparing our lot with others, advances the cause.

Grumbling – Greed – Gratitude. It’s our choice; and our choice only. Each “GR” leads to its own conclusion. I prefer what’s behind Door #3! I aspire to be a grateful person. That’s really the best way I know to make life GREAT. Dr. Tom Harrison Senior Pastor

Dr. Frank Turek, Apologetics Speaker Saturday, November 16, 6:00–8:00 pm, Venue Auditorium, Admission is FREE We all know someone with doubts about God and Christianity and honestly, sometimes we might have doubts too. Are you “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks?” Dr. Frank Turek, a dynamic speaker and award-winning author or coauthor of three books: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist; Correct, Not Politically Correct; and Legislating Morality, will walk us through some of the most powerful evidences for Christianity in a way that’s understandable and engaging. Afterward you’ll have time to ask him questions during a period of Q&A. Come and bring a friend, family member, or group of people to share in this opportunity to learn more. It’s FREE!

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CELEBRATING

20 YEARS OF MINISTRY AT ASBURY

Perceptions… of Pastor Tom Harrison

by Marilyn Glass

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He loves Jesus Christ. He loves Dana and their three children, Joshua, Jessee and Jeffrey. He loves St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and he loves people.

He is wise in counsel, generous in spirit, and humble. He is also spontaneous, funny and mischievous.

As Tom’s mother, Kathryn Metsker confides, “I was often confronted with seeing unusual happenings in the church. A ping pong ball go bouncing down the aisle during church on Sunday night all by itself. A garter snake would get into an offering envelope. We still don’t have the answers. But we think Tom might have been involved somehow.”

There are others who echo Kathryn’s assessment. “He is such a practical joker, and he tells more corny jokes than anybody I know,” says Mary Ann Smith, former Director of Global Missions.

“When we were on a missions trip in Estonia, a lady asked me if we were married. Tom said, ‘No, my wife is over there. This is my mother.’ You just never know what he will say.

“I thought I would turn the tables on him. There was a famous church in Estonia that had a tower that could only be reached by climbing 268 steps. The stairs were spiral and of rough-hewn stones. I challenged Tom to join me in climbing up to the tower.

He accepted, and we began. Halfway up, I had only one thought, ‘What have I done?’ But we reached the top, and I reminded myself to be more discriminating when throwing out future dares.”

Victoria Williamson, his assistant of 13 years, observes, “No matter how crazy the day gets, he always can find humor and laughter.”

“He’s a cut-up,” adds former pastor, Bill Mason. “When not referring to me as his father, he calls me Moses.”

Kathryn has an explanation. “He was born on Halloween night, and he’s been a joker ever since,” she grins.

“Tom was quiet as a child,” his mother discloses. “He was happy to play with his cars and Army men. He and his sister, 18 months older, rode their wooden horses for hours on end, playing cowboys and Indians. As he got a little older, he began playing Little League baseball and loved it.”

As is the case, sometimes when God has great plans for a life, the enemy of our soul tries to decrease, detour or destroy. When Tom was 10 years old, his mother tells a story about visiting neighbors with a chain link fence. “There was an arrow-shaped metal ornament attached to the gate. Tom was climbing the gate when his foot slipped, and he was impaled on the ornament. The arrow penetrated his chest. It was as if somebody had shot an arrow into

him. On the way to the hospital, I talked to him the entire time.

The doctor said that my constant barrage of words kept him from going into shock. He truly is a miracle,” she affirms.

Then Tom entered his teenage years. “Of course, he made his sister’s life miserable when she began to date,” she remarks. “He would deliberately mix up the names when introducing the boys to us. And he would flash the porch light when she was arriving home.”

A momentous event occurred in their lives. “We had a lay witness mission when he was a teenager. God got Tom in his grip, and he has never been the same since.”

Tom began to organize prayer groups at the flag pole at his high school. He also became a youth minister. There was no music director or song leader in the church, so he played the guitar and led the music. The minister commented that Tom was no George Beverly Shea. Tom’s father, somewhat miffed, countered that the minister was no Billy Graham!

In the midst of his undergraduate studies at Oral Roberts University, Tom met Dana. He was coaching a women’s football team, and Tom chose her to be the quarterback so he could work closely with her. “Tom was the youth director and all the girls in the youth group were crazy about him,” Dana chuckles. “They were not happy when I came on the scene.”

Tom and Dana began to date. Their relationship blossomed, and they were married. Immediately after the wedding, the couple departed for Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. Tom earned his master of divinity and was so positively impacted by his experience there that, even decades later, because of his passion for seminary education, he will pay the airfare to go check out the campus (for Asbury members who are high school seniors interested in going into ministry or Christian service). He has also established the Tom Harrison Scholarship Fund to help deserving students.

His family, his staff and his peers would argue that charitable acts such as these are just reflections of his character. Those who know Tom well repeatedly use the word “generous” to describe him.

Dick Read, who has worked with him for his 20 years (and 13 years before that with Dr. Bill Mason), concurs with this sentiment.

“Tom has such a generous spirit,” he emphasizes. “He has set us free to be pastors. He relinquishes ‘his’ ministry and says, ‘I trust you.’ He gives us room to grow.”

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Mary Ann appreciates his advocacy. “We now have missions programs in Tanzania, central Asia, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and Estonia,” she chronicles. “From the beginning and all along the way, Tom has been so generous with his support in everything we have done in missions. He and his whole family have at times been involved in our overseas trips.”

A decision that Tom made has spoken so eloquently of his generosity to many in the church. Dr. Bill Mason was retiring as pastor in 1993, and Tom had been appointed in his place. “I tried to give Tom space,” Pastor Mason relates. “Jayne and I visited other churches, but our quest for a new church did not work out very well. I tried to convince my wife and daughters that we should move to Europe where I could preach, because there the preacher has no other duties except to preach. They were not receptive to my suggestion.

“I wanted to go back to Asbury. I vowed to myself that I would sit on the back row and never say a critical word. I have kept that vow.

There was nothing to criticize. Tom was so kind and welcoming.

He reached out and included me. That’s a generous heart.”

“He treats Bill like his dad,” Jayne interjects.

“I have seen Tom’s generosity in action on numerous occasions.

He never hesitates to compliment and appreciate people,” Pastor Mason volunteers. “Once, when he was going to get a raise, he refused because he said he ‘made enough.’ Instead, he instructed that the raise he would have received be spread out among the staff.”

Pastor Dick Read has witnessed up close the warm relationship.

“Bill adores Tom, both privately and publicly, and it is reciprocated,” he discloses.

A.B. Steen and his wife, Gwen, have known Tom and his family for decades. They have been church members since 1971. “Tom is a friend, besides being my pastor,” he states. “I admire him for making it comfortable for Bill to stay here. And I admire Bill.

Together, they make it work.”

“I think we all benefit,” Gwen adds.

Tom’s Perceptions©, a collection of short stories, can be heard on local radio stations each weekday morning. Tom writes 20 of these little one-minute stories each month, and then compiles 100 of his favorite stories in a new book each year. There are 12 volumes, and volume 13 will be out by Christmas. Perceptions© has been a wonderful ministry that has brought several people to Asbury. The Perceptions© books are used by teachers, coaches and other pastors all over the country.

He has served on numerous boards, earned several education degrees, and received various recognition and honors, but he is, by all accounts, a humble man.

“Tom is not about status or numbers,” Victoria asserts. “He is simply interested in connections with people. He often exhorts his staff to give no thought about who gets the credit. And he lives by

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his own advice. When I first started working for him, Tom said, ‘I don’t want you to just be my secretary or my assistant. I want you to be an extension of me. I will do my best to empower you to do what I would normally do.’ I have learned so much from him,” she concludes.

“Tom has no desire to be on a pedestal,” Pastor Read confirms.

“He has no ego,” Mary Ann summarizes. “He does not micromanage. When I was on staff in the missions program, I realized that he believes in hiring good people and letting them do the job they were hired to do.”

A.B. recollects that when Tom first came to the church, he called a staff meeting. One of my friends came out of the meeting, and, referring to Tom, said, “That guy’s ego is tiny.”

Dana sees it on a daily basis. “Tom genuinely thinks people are special,” she notes. “That is why he is able to relate to anybody— whether young people or senior citizens. He shows no preference for any age group. It is also why he makes the birthday phone calls.

To call each person on his birthday is demanding. But those calls mean a lot to our members, and he loves doing it because it allows him to get to know the people on a more personal basis. God gives him grace.”

That grace touches other lives. “It touched mine,” Dick confirms.

“Tom’s level of grace in his own life gave me permission to live in that grace also. He taught me grace, God’s grace, so that I could offer grace.”

Bill Metsker recognizes that grace. “Sometime after Tom’s father died, I married Kathryn, his mother. He was gracious from the beginning; instead of calling me his stepfather, he calls me his bonus dad. I admire him. I had only met him a couple of times, but he took me on faith. After Kathryn and I celebrated our first year of marriage, he wrote me a nice letter. I still treasure it.”

As a long-time friend, A.B. has often been on the golf course with Tom. He seems to be convinced that Tom could use a bit of grace in his golf game. “Sometimes his shot goes off and does a little damage, like knock hubcaps off golf carts. I never worry about losing him to professional golf,” he quips.

When Tom had been chosen to replace Pastor Bill Mason, the bishop said to him, “Well, Tom, you got the job at Asbury. What are you going to do?” Tom replied, “I’m going to do such a good job that they will think you are the smartest man in the world.” Bishop Solomon then told Tom not to get too comfortable, because he would probably only be at Asbury for one year. Tom asked “Why?” and the bishop said, “Because they usually don’t like the new pastor.” Twenty years later, it’s obvious that Tom is loved.

Those who have been touched by Pastor Tom Harrison’s life and ministry over the past 20 years are grateful for his leadership and service. His Christ-like attitude and actions have fostered renewal and growth in countless lives. Their heartfelt petition to him would be, “Please give us another 20.”

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Pastors Dick Read, Mark McAdow, Darlene Johnson and Tom Harrison, 2002

Recording Perceptions, 1999

Ground breaking service for the new building

Tom at the church on Sheridan

TOM’S AXIOMS “Grace first and foremost” “Lower your expectations and raise your commitment” “As the Seminary goes, so goes the pastor; as the pastor goes, so goes the church; as the church goes, so goes the world” “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be broken.”

“Abundance – not Scarcity (Be Generous)” “Work like it all depends on you – pray like it all depends on God” “It’s amazing how much can be done when you don’t’ care who gets the credit.”

“EGR: Extra Grace Required” The Harrison family, 2001

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Tom Harrison’s (First) 20 Years at Asbury • June 1993 Dr. Tom Harrison’s first sermon to a packed Sanctuary.

Immediately following Tom’s arrival, Asbury resumed an impressive growth. He was recognized as a prominent pastor in Tulsa.

• June 1993 Upon Tom’s arrival, he started the indoctrination for Asbury’s members to BELONG (Koinonia) to the Family of God, BELIEVE (Kerygma) in the Lord Jesus Christ and BECOME (Diakonia) servants of Christ as they lead other people to confess Jesus as Lord. He preached a yearlong sermon series on these concepts which are core to him and his beliefs. The Greek and English words were hung on banners in the Sanctuary to serve as visual aids to illustrate the sermons .The words were life-changing and ministered to the congregation as Tom delivered his sermons regarding them.

• 1994 After Tom came to Asbury, he proposed a change in the “middle worship service” each Sunday morning. The traditional service was replaced by a 9:30 contemporary service. The early worship service was revised to include communion every Sunday. The intent of having three different types of worship was to meet the needs of all types of people. This is the first time Asbury had ever had a worship service that wasn’t traditional.

• June 1995 Jubilee Sunday - A special offering was taken to retire all of the debt remaining on the $3,000,000 bond issue. $400,000 offering received that day and combined with a surplus from the 1993 budget, allowed the bond issue to be satisfied.

• August 1995 Announced Asbury was debt free, two years before anticipated.

• July 1996 Tom began an outreach radio program, called “Perceptions,” which had never been done in Oklahoma. They are one-minute

• • • •

• • • • • • •

radio scripts that run on six different radio stations in Tulsa.

Tom has written more than 3,000 radio scripts and has published 12 volumes of Perceptions© books.

Early 2000 Sale closed on new Asbury property at 66th and Mingo.

2000 Building on Faith Campaign was established to move the church from Sheridan to its current location on Mingo.

2003 Awarded Asbury Seminary Alumnus of the Year.

February 2004 Prayer walk and ceremonial move to new facility. February 29 was the first worship service in new building. The move resulted in 40% jump in worship attendance.

September 2005 Purchase of former ice rink completed, which is now called Venue68.

May 2007 Mission Possible Campaign - expansion of children’s area and Venue68.

February 2012 Asbury celebrates 50 years of serving God and the community.

2012 Inducted into Will Rogers High School Hall of Fame.

Fall 2012 Debt Campaign - Commitments received to eliminate remaining $4.3 million of mortgage debt over the next three years.

2013 President of Alumni Group for Asbury Theological Seminary.

Tom has always had a passion for getting quality seminary education for pastors. He believes that a Bible-based, theologically orthodox eduation for pastors is critical for the future of the church.

Tom and Dana receive recognition for 20 years of service on June 9, 2013.

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hired on at his first full-time church position. He has also served in Houston and has done consultant work for dozens of churches across the nation. Extending his ministry beyond local churches, Ryan has produced recorded music for several national and local artists, and traveled throughout the states giving seminars, lectures, and conferences for designing and producing worship services with excellence.

He met his wife, Amie, while serving at his church in St Louis. And since then, they’ve doubled their family’s size. They are now the proud parents of Owen, 3, and Bennett, 1.

Ryan Redding New Worship Coordinator for Asbury Ryan Redding is no stranger to serving in worship roles in Methodist churches. In fact, he’s spent his entire career working in some of the largest and fastest-growing Methodist churches in the country.

A Tulsa native, Ryan joined the Asbury staff in May, where he accepted the position of worship coordinator. As such, he is tasked with helping plan and design the worship services each weekend, working alongside both of Asbury’s two full-time music directors.

“It’s such an absolute honor to join Asbury at such an exciting time,” he says. “Asbury has such a remarkable reputation in the community, and to be able to partner with some tremendous musical and preaching talent is a dream come true.”

He is a graduate of the University of Tulsa, where he received his degree in music. “I like to jokingly tell people that playing tuba paid my way through school, and that’s not far from the truth,” Ryan quips. “In reality, I participated in almost every musical outlet that the school allowed. From singing in the chorale, to playing guitar in jazz settings, to playing in the orchestra, I was constantly trying to expand my musical boundaries.”

But with Ryan, music was merely a conduit for a greater work.

“From a young age I felt called to serve in local churches. And since music was such a vital part of my personal faith journey, it seemed like a natural tool that I had been given to use for the Kingdom,” he explains. After graduating college and moving to St Louis, he was

“Parenting our children has been such a tremendous opportunity for our spiritual walk,” says Ryan. “It continually baffles me to discover the layers of metaphor and instruction that the Lord intends for us, as parents, as we in turn parent our children.” Perhaps because of that realization, he seems to have a special appreciation for intergenerational ministry. “The idea of intergenerational ministry is incredibly important. If we simply isolated various generations away from each other, we’d miss an important method for God to teach all of us symbiotically. The older generations have much to leave to younger generations, and the younger generations have a deep desire for authenticity that is inspiring regardless of age range.” But for Ryan, intergenerational ministry doesn’t seem like simply an academic argument. “I have a son. I have a daughter. I want to see a day where they can inherit a healthy, thriving and effective church.”

I have a deep excitement at the notion that the best of Asbury still lies before us.

He also seems to have a special awareness for those who are unchurched. “The church,” he says, “is a bit of a funny paradox.

It’s perhaps the only organization on earth whose main focus is to exist for those not yet a part of it. If you look at the example Jesus left for us, He was consumed with finding those who were lost.

All over the ‘red letters’ of the New Testament, you can see Jesus portraying images of God leaving the 99 sheep to find the one lost one, or saying that it’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick… it’s hard to not notice Jesus’ relentless obsession with finding us when we are lost. And as it relates to Asbury, our corporate desire to become more outward focused resonates deeply with who God has designed me to be.”

Ryan gains a noticeable energy when discussing the possibilities with the future of Asbury. “As remarkable a story as Asbury has written to this point in time,” he explains, “I have a deep excitement at the notion that the best of Asbury still lies before us. And that, frankly, is incredibly inspiring! To consider the tremendous legacy that we’ve already established in this church, but yet that which still lies before us contains even greater potential? It’s hard to describe that level of anticipation and enthusiasm. Asbury is destined for even greater impact for the Kingdom of Heaven. And because of that, I cannot adequately convey how happy I am joining in Asbury’s mission.”

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LOCAL OUTREACH

Bob Westerberg, Volunteer of the Year at Happy Hands

by Joy Hamilton

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n 1994, Happy Hands Education Center began with a mission to serve children, from 0-6 years of age, with hearing loss or communication disorders. Happy Hands has grown from one borrowed room serving five children to a new state-of-the-art facility in Broken Arrow that can serve 70 children and is the only full-time organization in Oklahoma specifically dedicated to early intervention to enable children to gain language and avoid illiteracy so they can flourish. As a Christian school and non-profit, Happy Hands receives no government funding but relies on the support of the community so that we never have to turn away a child due to a family’s lack of finances.

Happy Hands could not function without loving volunteers who are faithful and selfless in their dedication to the care and development of students. This year’s recipient of the Happy Hands Volunteer of the Year Award is Asbury member, Bob Westerberg. Along with the Happy Hands “Volunteer of the Year Award,” he also received the “President’s Volunteer Service Award,” given to American citizens whose demonstrated commitment and example inspire others to serve. Bob began volunteering at Happy Hands two years ago after seeing an article about our new building with a request for volunteers to help put together furniture and set up classrooms. He has now become our official “go-to” guy, overseeing all facility issues, maintenance and repairs. Whether it’s meeting a repairman first thing in the morning, climbing on the roof to check the A/C unit, managing new groups of volunteers or rocking babies in our infant room, there is rarely a day Bob can’t be found at Happy Hands! It’s also not unusual to see Bob bring other members of his family, including his wife, Dot, and his grandchildren, to help with special projects around the school and attend our fundraising events. He loves finding unique ways to involve others with the mission at Happy Hands. For his birthday this year, Bob’s family threw him a surprise birthday party and asked their guests to donate to Happy Hands rather than bring a birthday gift. But his maintenance skills and knowledge are not just limited to the work at Happy Hands; Bob often takes on side projects and repairs for church members and friends, but he always asks that they make a donation to Happy Hands instead of paying him for his work.

Most volunteers will focus their attention on one area of work, but Bob’s heart to serve extends far beyond taking care of our building and facilities. His love for the children of Happy Hands and dedication to seeing them flourish is the driving force behind what he does. Bob is very often found comforting a crying toddler or feeding and rocking a baby. He’s formed a very special bond with one of our infants whom he calls his “adopted granddaughter.” It came as no surprise to the Happy Hands staff when her first word was “Bob!” It was an obvious choice to our staff and teachers when it came to selecting our Volunteer of the Year. Words could not express the gratitude the Happy Hands family has for Bob and the impact he makes every day on the lives of so many children and families. Thank you, Bob, for your devotion, selflessness, and love for Happy Hands Education Center and the children and families we serve!

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LOCAL OUTREACH

Asbury’s First Social Work Scholarship Recipient

by Nathanael Robertson

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uring the summer of 2011, I spent four months working full time at a drop-in center for homeless youth in my hometown of Toronto, Canada. Every day I interacted with people my own age who were dealing with homelessness, abuse, addiction, involvement in the sex trade and mental health issues. This experience broke my heart, and I had a lot of questions, mainly about why I was so fortunate, in comparison to people who grew up in the same city as me, and were the same age as I. After that experience I knew that I had to do something to help those around me, so I decided to change my major to social work.

I think the social work profession is one of the most practical ways to be a representative of Christ. The Bible talks endlessly of helping the poor, feeding the hungry, advocating for those who don’t have a voice and caring for the sick. When He was on the earth, Jesus was frequently spending time with outcasts and the oppressed. As social workers, we aim to be a voice for those who may not have one of their own, reach those considered unreachable and love the unlovable.

My hope is that God will continue to use me to help others who may not have had the same opportunities I did. After receiving my degree from ORU, I intend to get my masters in social work at the internationally acclaimed University of Toronto.

I intend to accomplish ORU’s purpose of going into every man’s world by being an inner city missionary. Many times we think we must go overseas, but there is a lot of work that can be done in our own backyard. I was blessed to have a father growing up; and when I look around me, I see how crucial and necessary his influence and leadership was for me. My father intentionally took a teaching

As social workers, we aim to be a voice for those who may not have one of their own, reach those considered unreachable and love the unlovable. job in one of the worst neighborhoods in Canada because he knew the need for Godly male role models. I would like to be either the founder or a part of a boys home that pours into the lives of troubled youth. Although the idea of starting a non-profit is daunting at times, I know that as I align myself with God’s will, there is no plan too big. Whether it be through counseling, prayer, or simply hanging out and playing sports, I want young people to be around a male role model who they can have fun with but also look to when life gets tough. Consistency is key when dealing with a vulnerable population, and I would like to be a presence and representation of God’s love and grace for those in the inner city. I believe that God can use me to shine His light and make His healing power known in the cities of North America. Eventually, I want to move to the administrative side of things and become a city counselor so that I can influence policy and be a voice for those who are not heard.

Oral Roberts encouraged his students to “make no little plans here,” and by God’s grace, that is what I intend to do. I want to thank the entire Asbury Methodist community for investing in the lives of ORU students. I am extremely grateful and honored!

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GLOBAL OUTREACH

Asbury Members Moving to Georgia

by Jim Davis

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hile it may not be too unusual for an Asbury family to move to Georgia, they most likely would be heading to the Atlanta area. However, for members Matt and Jennie Hester, along with their daughter Emmalynn and son Josiah, their move is to the country of Georgia. Just outside the capital of Tbilisi to be exact.

This move has been years in the making, and both the Hesters and Asbury are very excited about it. The Hesters have been involved in Asbury’s work in the Caspian area since going on short-term Volunteer-in-Missions (VIM) teams in 2007 and 2008. Wanting to explore longer-term possibilities in the area, they spent a month there in 2009, serving, praying and earnestly seeking the Lord.

They sensed a call to serve those in the Caspian who do not know Jesus as a personal Savior.

During this time of education and preparation, God continued to transform their lives through serving others.

After returning, Matt sold his business of 10 years, and their family headed to Kentucky for seminary. During this time of education and preparation, God continued to transform their lives through

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serving others. Jennie started serving with a local ministry in Kentucky that served dinner each week ministering to women from the local strip clubs, and her heart was broken and burdened for a similar ministry in the Caspian. Matt led a short-term team back to the Caspian area where God was waiting for him again. In this time, God transformed Matt’s heart to live a life of incarnation to these people, learning the ways of the people there.

The countries in the Caspian area where Asbury seeks to minister are not always the easiest places for Americans to move, particularly for ministry purposes. In the last two years, God has raised a community of believers in the country of Georgia who are ministering to the same people group. There are at least eight nationalities of believers represented in this community, and many have moved there after being forced to leave other countries. Georgia is a country that is open and friendly to Americans and to Christians. The Hesters have chosen to move there, at least initially, as a platform for ministry, and to be part of this missional community.

The Hesters’ move is also significant for Asbury, as they are the first Asbury members to move for ministry to that part of the world, which has been an Asbury focus area since 2002. They go with the support of Asbury as their sending church, and we are excited to have some of our own on the ground there.

The Hesters head out the second week of October. We pray God’s blessings on them as they go.

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GLOBAL OUTREACH

Русская Церковь собирается в Асбури (Russian-Speaking Church Meets at Asbury)

by Jim Davis

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id you know that a Russian-speaking congregation meets at Asbury? Every Sunday afternoon, 15 to 30 people gather for worship and Bible study in a housechurch setting in Room 1502. There are members from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan.

Pastor Alex Velet is originally from Sosnogorsk, Russia. His father was Ukrainian and was imprisoned for nine years in the Soviet Union for his faith. Even though Alex grew up with Christian teaching, it wasn’t until his early 20’s that his faith became real and he accepted Christ as his Savior and Lord. He became a leader in his church in Russia.

After coming to the U.S. in 1997, Alex became the pastor of a Russian-speaking church in Indiana. Several years later, the Lord led him to Tulsa to follow a retiring pastor at a Russianspeaking church here. Four years ago, he began a house church that rotated between the homes of its members.

When a visiting pastor from Ukraine asked Alex to take him to an American church one Sunday in 2011, they attended Asbury.

After enjoying worship with our congregation and visiting after the service, the idea came up of using space at Asbury to meet, and the weekly meetings moved to Asbury soon after.

Alex is a bi-vocational pastor, working at the Residence Inn just a short distance from Asbury on the other side of Highway 169.

This allows him to provide for his family while serving a small church. He and his wife have seven boys, the youngest of which is now 19.

Asbury is blessed to share our building with this congregation.

Welcome to our Russian-speaking brothers and sisters!

The Birth of a Trip to Rio Bravo

by Jim Davis

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his past summer, 14 members from Asbury headed to Rio Bravo, Mexico, on mission to build a house. However, if just a few weeks prior you had checked Asbury’s list of Volunteers-In-Mission trips, that opportunity wouldn’t have been on the list. That’s because of the unique way this trip came to be.

The idea was born in March during the 11th and 12th grade spring break mission trip to Guatemala. One of the projects scheduled for that trip was to build a house for a woman in need; however, the foundation had not been prepared in advance as planned, so the students were unable to build it that week.

Joe Brower’s small group had been slated to do that work and was disappointed that plans fell through. When the group said they really wanted to build a house, Joe said he could arrange that later in the summer in Rio Bravo, where he had been many times before with the Asbury men’s mission team. By the end of spring break, Joe’s small group was “all in.”

Then the trip began to evolve. More students wanted to join in, chaperones were needed, and some of the original students were unable to go.

The team that wound up going was an intergenerational group of five high school students, two college students, two young adults in their 20’s and five adults. It was a group that might not have otherwise chosen to go together, but it was a great bonding experience, especially on the 15-hour drive each way in two vans!

They also worked together in the Name of Jesus to build a casita (a small house) for a woman in Rio Bravo.

Daily devotions were led by the youth, using Asbury’s sermon journal as the starting point for scripture and discussion.

Friendships were formed, and lives were shared. Group texts within the team continued for weeks after the return to Tulsa.

Pastor Alex Velet

What had started as a disappointment in Guatemala became a new intergenerational team to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Discussions are already in the works for a team during Christmas break.

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by Marilyn Glass

This past August, Asbury had the privilege to welcome two new music directors, Sean Groombridge and Chris Cleveland, to our worship services.

Chris and Sean will be responsible for enhancing our worship experiences across all services. They both bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Asbury. We are very fortunate and blessed to have such talented musicians.

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Sean Groombridge, Director of Traditional Music We welcome Sean Groombridge as our new Director of Traditional Music. In this leadership position, he is responsible for both the choir and orchestra and has an eye on developing future traditional music ministries at Asbury.

Canadian by birth, Sean studied piano and theory in the Canadian Royal Conservatory system, before finding his way to the United States. Upon leaving Canada, he attended Moody Bible Institute where he studied organ, composition and theology,before earning a master’s degree in choral and orchestral conducting from Northwestern University.

Sean accepted Christ at a young age and was baptized at 16. “I was brought up in a Christian family,” he says gratefully. “My parents were always a part of the church leadership.They participated in many ways – in the choir, as lay leaders, deacons and youth leaders, to name a few.”

Sean considers it important to maintain a biblical perspective in all he does. “I aim to apply a biblical philosophy regarding worship in all its expressions,” he reveals. “The whole Word of God is living and active and powerful. A top priority to me is that His principles be foundational to our goals.”

Some of those goals are, “to identify and build on already established strengths within the choir and orchestra, and to grasp God’s vision. I want to partner with what He is doing and find His unique purpose for this time at Asbury. I am convinced that my role is to help people spiritually, artistically and musically – help them to voice and live their worship with excellence. The Scriptures remind us that God equips those whom He calls. He has blessed and is blessing this ministry with the gifts He wants for this body. I am excited to see His plan unfold in the areas of worship, outreach, missions and more.”

There is hardly a day that goes by when I am not aware of how blessed I have been by the people and experiences God has brought into my life.

Sean and his wife, Beth, arrived in Tulsa less than three months ago. They were previously in southern California where he was on staff at the Crystal Cathedral. He has also served in Canadian churches and at the historic Moody Church in Chicago.

“Beth and I are really pleased to be here,” he announces. “I am excited about the energy and genuine warmth of the people here at Asbury. I sense that great things are in store.”

He appreciates the spirit of unity among the staff. “There is a solid, ‘in one accord’ attitude between the staff members,” he observes. “I appreciate the guidance I received and saw modeled in another church situation, where the goal was to move in a ‘spirit of agreement’ as decisions were made and vision unfolded.

In such an atmosphere, certainly the Lord is pleased and much can be accomplished in His kingdom – even in transitions and the natural seams that come into the fabric of any church body.

Choosing to remain in fellowship and preferring one another in love give clear witness to the world that Christ is real and moving among us.”

Knowing that the leaders set the tone, Sean is convinced that the cohesiveness evident within the staff also helps to define the music ministry. “In a day when church leadership styles and worship tastes cause divisions of all kinds, we need to guard against even subtle expressions of selfishness, so that we are yielded to the Lord and walking in true fellowship with one another. That hits us all—staff and congregants—regardless of our worship languages. Otherwise, we end up essentially worshipping our own taste, which equals worship of self. It is good to be among a diverse team who desire to set apart Christ as Lord and serve one another in love.”

Sean knows that he has been blessed through so many of the mentors and leaders who have impacted his life. “My family, including both sets of grandparents, modeled Christ-likeness for me,” he volunteers. “My upbringing was filled with good things, lots of fun, laughter and joy in Christian faith. We were encouraged to think critically, to be independent and be good stewards of whatever God entrusted to us. In my case, artistic and musical talents were an obvious gift from God; from the very start, I was encouraged to develop, express and share those gifts - and in so doing, give back to God.” There have been others who left their mark on him. “My piano and organ teachers helped shape my life,” he recounts, “as have mentoring relationships with professors and pastors. And many powerful people of God have spoken into my life, whether or not I ever met them in person. From brilliant Christian author C.S. Lewis, to evangelist D.L. Moody, to Indian-born Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias, to renowned Moody Church Pastor Erwin Lutzer, all have poured significantly into my life.”

“At Crystal Cathedral, I had the privilege of working with staff members and guests who were respected around the globe. Being able to serve with concert artists ranging from Katherine Jenkins, the Three Tenors, to Laura Story or Matthew West, with styles all the way from the Blind Boys of Alabama to Sir James Galway, it was very joyful collaborating with, and learning from one another on our unique journeys of faith.

“Of course, as one who loves the piano, my association with the late piano virtuoso, Roger Williams, was a highlight for me. Roger taught me a lot – not only about piano artistry, but about humility, dedication and discipline. Roger was the real deal. Then there is

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our close friend, Don Neuen, with whom we served on staff at the Cathedral, and in the Hour of Power Choir. Don has shaped several decades of conductors through his passionate approach to the musical art, and holds a missional conviction for excellence that is infectious and life-changing.

We have a noble calling and responsibility to do our part, excellently, today.

“There is an old adage that we all stand on somebody’s shoulders.

There is hardly a day that goes by when I am not aware of how blessed I have been by the people and experiences God has brought into my life. By doing well today, where we are – every person, in their own sphere – we honor those who have laid the foundation on which we stand. I think of Hebrews 12 that reminds us of running the race well – as for the prize – and in the context of the great cloud of witnesses that surround us. When we look back over history, and recognize the biblical heroes of faith, and add to that the great artists, musicians, and church leaders – we have a noble calling and responsibility to do our part, excellently, today.”

Chris Cleveland, Director of Contemporary Music Chris Cleveland, who has stepped into the position of Director of Contemporary Music, comes from a long line of musicians. He started playing piano in church at the age of 12 and says he “has church music in his blood.”

“We were the family that turned on the lights at church and turned them back off,” he relates. “I grew up in church.”

As a young boy, Chris made a salvation decision. “But it wasn’t until I got in my teens that I really began to understand what my relationship with Christ meant,” he explains. “It became a time when I started seeking and finding out for myself who God is and who I am with Him. It is what basically defines me today.”

As he grew in his spiritual life, ministry developed. A talented musician with mastery in voice, piano and guitar, Chris soon found doors opening that allowed him to share his gift.

“I will always be grateful for my musical heritage,” he comments.

“My parents and grandparents were worship leaders. My maternal great-grandmother led music at her church until the day she died.

Even after she became ill and was hospitalized, when she would gain moments of consciousness, she would start to ‘have church.’

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With the whole family gathered around, she would start singing the hymns. And she knew all the words to every song!”

He also benefits from his paternal musical heritage. “Dad’s mom wrote music. She is the one who got me in piano lessons. She was a gifted musician, and I owe her a lot.”

From that springboard, Chris catapulted into contemporary Christian music. He has recently inked a deal for a project with Warner Brothers Christian Division, with a planned 2014 release date. “I’ve been in bands and toured and had pretty good commercial success,” he says off-handedly.

Chris just celebrated an anniversary at Asbury. He has been on staff at Venue for six years. “The best part of being involved here are the relationships made over the years,” he emphasizes. “People whose lives have intertwined with mine have been there through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I think one of the secrets to Asbury’s success is relationship between like-minded people.”

He appreciates the value of authenticity and openness. “The members of this church I so admire and respect have no facade. We all face tough times. But the important message is: come as you are.

When I was going through some not-so-good situations, they were praying for me and speaking wisdom into my life. They accepted me exactly where I was.”

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Praying friends and discipling mentors are a couple of the reasons he is so enthusiastic about the intergenerational mission of the church. “I love the concept,” he exclaims. “One of the cool things that I am trying to do in our music program follows this model.

We are a big church, and we have been doing a lot of things musically. It sometimes felt like there were five separate islands. I want to help to create oneness of spirit--not the Venue band or the sanctuary choir—simply Asbury worship leaders.”

Chris feels that the music team is on the verge of stepping into a new unity. “It is so much fun for me to see people who did not know each other now serving together on the same team. We can assemble teams together from all over church. For instance, a 17-year-old might be on stage with a 65-year-old accompanying him. I believe it is the Body of Christ coming together in powerful ways. It has been well received,” he notes.

The intergenerational objective flows seamlessly into his goal of introducing a mentoring element into the music ministry.

“I would love to see some of our seasoned volunteers who are so good-hearted and generous begin to mentor and lead our younger team members. I believe everybody would benefit,” he concludes.

Chris is personally involved in a group composed of men from different generations. “On a regular basis, several guys my age get together with a group of older men. Some are businessmen; some are not. But they are all seasoned, successful and astute. To have this opportunity to get understanding from men such as these, you just cannot put a value on it,” he declares.

As a new father, Chris is experiencing a whole new level of understanding regarding fatherhood. He and his wife, Mackenzie, welcomed Kingston into their family a few months ago. He immediately turned their world upside down.

“When I got married,” Chris divulges, “I felt like a part of my heart opened up. Then when Mackenzie told me she was pregnant, another room in my heart opened up. But when Kingston was born, it was like my heart just burst open. And now, when I see him crawling around and hear him say, ‘Dada,’ I can sometimes barely contain my joy. His presence in our family has shown me love, happiness, gratitude, mercy, tenderness—the list could go on and on.

“I feel such responsibility for his well-being. I think I am just now beginning to understand what life is. Through this process, what has been revealed to me is, ‘Oh, this is God’s heart. This is what He intended.’ I watch Mackenzie. She is such a wonderful mother.

And I am moved. Now I find myself crying at weird TV shows. I know it’s dopey, but it feels good to love so deeply.

“And it makes me more aware of the really important things in life. It’s easy to lose track of the real reason we are here—to be in relationship with God and to introduce others to Him. But when that priority gets straight, everything else falls into place. He loves each one of us more than I love my family. God has put me here in our music ministry, so I count on Him showing up. I prepare as best I can and leave the rest to Him.”

“Of course, I had a great mentor in my dad. He was the epitome of a godly leader and was a wonderful father, husband and citizen. And my brother, who is two years older, has been an awesome example for me. I was always right behind him, following his lead.”

I would love to see some of our seasoned volunteers who are so good-hearted and generous begin to mentor and lead our younger team members.

Going forward, Chris has no intention of abandoning the precepts and principles that undergird the music program; he merely wants to build on the foundation. “I don’t think you can ever disregard the old,” he insists. “I think you can evolve and incorporate. I will continue as the leader of the 11:00 Venue service and will also be leading in the early morning Sanctuary service. With new responsibility to manage all the non-traditional programs, I am working toward an overall better integrated musical outcome.”

He is humble yet confident. “I know this is a giant undertaking,” he concedes, “but one of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.’ I have built my life on the truth of that word, and I know it will never fail. I can trust in the promises of my Heavenly Father.”

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STUDENTS

She had the students pick up a small, square tile and write the names of sins that have power over their lives across the front in black permanent marker. And when the students were ready to truly accept the forgiveness we have through Jesus Christ, they were invited to come forward and break their tiles with a mallet to signify that they were ready to break free from those strongholds.

Scars: We All Have Them 7th-12th Grade Fall Retreat

The evening came to a close with more worship and then some time spent in small discussion groups to break down the events of the first night.

by Katelyn Moore

“He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

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e all have scars that are a part of our story. Those scars do not define us, but rather, they point to a greater cause.

They point to a greater good that is at work within us and through us. God wants to use our scars to tell His story of redemption and grace.

This was the theme at this year’s student ministry fall retreat.

For the first time ever, we combined junior high and high school students, and hauled them off to New Life Ranch for a lifechanging weekend. It only took us five charter buses, an entire events team, and 55 adult and college volunteers to get them there.

As soon as Mark, Caroline and I saw the buses rolling in, we knew that this year would be something special. This was uncharted territory for all of us. We had poured everything we had into the planning and preparation for this event, and now it was time to put it into action and see where God would take it. And He did immeasurably more that anything we could have asked for or imagined, as He so often does.

With our theme being “Scars,” we were prepared for the retreat to bring up a lot of pain in our students’ lives and in their past. Our prayer was that they would find healing and rest in finally being able to deal with and let go of that pain. They showed up to the retreat ready to fully engage, and Caroline kicked us off with an extremely brave and personal testament to the healing power of Jesus that has been prevalent in her life.

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The sound that filled the worship room that night is a sound I will never forget. It was the sound of young believers finding freedom from their sins, in the power and presence of Jesus Christ. It was the sound of teenagers crying out for help from under the weight of a load heavier than they should have to bear and being answered by our Healer and Comforter. It was the sound of victory through Christ Jesus, eerily similar to the sound of nails being hammered into a cross; a reminder that Jesus has won, and that the battle is done.

It was an extremely powerful experience to see our students find the courage to let go of the pain that they so desperately want to cling to and instead surrender it all to God. As the students entered the worship room on Saturday morning, they were greeted with the energy and chaos that comes with wake-up games and activities. This may or may not have involved Caroline and I dancing on stage, and Mark directing students to slam watermelons onto the ground and then see who could eat them the fastest. But after the fun and games, we settled back into a sweet time of worship.

As I spoke to the students about the importance of letting God use their scars to glorify Him, I unveiled perhaps the most powerful sight of the weekend. An eight-foot tall wooden cross that overnight had been covered in a beautiful mosaic of their broken pieces of tile. The silence in the room was palpable, until the applause. And with the applause I believe came a rushing wave of relief that these broken and ragged edges could come together so beautifully to reveal the glory and power of our Lord and Savior.

What a sight to behold: symbols of their pain and brokenness written across the face of the most perfect depiction of grace.

The cross now stands in the student ministry café, and we invite anyone who would like to, to come and pray for our students more specifically.

Saturday afternoon brought with it a powerful prayer walk throughout camp. The students wrote the things they are struggling with on a rock and taped that rock to their hand for

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STUDENTS

the entirety of the experience. The prayer walk then culminated in throwing the rocks into the river and enjoying a massive celebration of our salvation complete with music, dancing, bubbles and noisemakers.

As Mark led the Saturday night worship experience, he wrapped up our weekend and our theme, and he reminded the students that even their leaders do not lead perfect lives. We are all broken and in need of healing and grace. He explained that when Jesus died, the curtain in the temple separating the world from the Holy of Holies tore in two. Jesus is the epitome of our invitation into that holy place, and He is inviting us into a personal relationship with Him today.

The students were invited up to a set of double doors to write down the things that are holding them back from entering into that holy place. As they entered through the doors, Mark, Caroline or I greeted them on the other side and anointed them with oil to go forth and use their scars to glorify God. It was an extremely powerful experience to see our students find the courage to let go of the pain that they so desperately want to cling to and instead surrender it all to God.

Sunday morning provided the students with an opportunity to share about their experience in front of the whole group. This time of sharing their testimonies is an incredible way to let the students know that they are not alone, and that their friends, in fact, do not have perfect lives. The community that is built through sharing their stories forges a bond that we are able to bring back home with us.

I think it is safe to say that the work God did during fall retreat 2013 has left each of us changed for good. We found healing, we found community, and we found Jesus at the center of it all.

All scars tell a story. What story are yours telling?

We found healing, we found community, and we found Jesus at the center of it all.

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STUDENTS

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ADULTS

Reaching Higher Asbury Awards UMM and UMW Scholarships

by Jaime Jurgensen

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ach year, two students are awarded with the United Methodist Men and Women’s college scholarships. The application process requires that each entering freshmen have a relative who is a member of Asbury, in addition to having a grade-point average of at least 2.5. For the 2013 and 2014 academic semesters, Parker Anderson received $1000 and Jessica Fisher received $1500 towards college tuition.

Alongside his parents, Tim and Becky Anderson, Parker Anderson has been a loyal member of Asbury for six years. He has been accepted at the Colorado School of Mines, a reputable college known for both applied science and engineering.

A major component to the application process is a written essay. Parker explains, “The essay involved reflecting on the how my relationship with Christ has grown throughout my life and the role that Asbury has played in the last six years that helped shape that relationship.”

Before learning that he received the scholarship, Parker says, “Once my application was complete, it was just a lot of time waiting and praying.” The time spent in prayer certainly paid off, as the award will go toward his tuition at Mines where he will study either civil or mechanical engineering. While he is uncertain of his career path now, Parker is fully convinced that God will continue guiding him in the direction to which he is called. He is confident that his education will equip him with the tools necessary to facilitate a bright future in engineering. “For the past few years I have felt directed to this area of study. God opened doors that made it possible for me to get here, so I definitely feel this is where I am meant to be.”

Parker is determined do his best while at Mines. “I want a strong grade-point average. A 4.0 is almost unheard of at Mines, but I will try to keep it as high as possible.” While he will devote much of his time to studying, he also intends to partake in other activities during his college experience. “I plan on building lasting friendships by becoming involved with various clubs and organizations around campus, as well as further developing my relationship with Christ.

There are several Bible study groups and other Christian

organizations on campus that I will get involved with.” By incorporating his relationship with Christ throughout his academic affairs, Parker aspires to apply what he’s learned at Asbury to ensure a well-balanced college life. Additionally, he desires to use his education as a platform to help others: “Regardless of which field I am working in, I will consider all economic and environmental factors as well as meeting the needs of the community in order create the best version of whatever project I am working on.”

Granddaughter of Yvonne Partney, a long-time member of Asbury and UMW, Jessica Fisher is the winner of this year’s United Methodist Women’s college scholarship.

In an effort to fulfill her childhood dreams of teaching, she is attending Oklahoma State University where she is working toward a degree in secondary education social studies. Jessica says that she felt God calling her into this field of study. “I had a very influential teacher in my life, so when it came time to choose my study, I felt that God was pulling me to education.”

Jessica is passionate and eagerly anticipates teaching children, saying that she wants to become a middle school history teacher because she yearns to “influence kids at a pivotal point in their lives in order to follow the right path.”

While attending OSU, one of Jessica’s goals is to grow mentally and spiritually, and she hopes that the institution will broaden her mind and horizons. She also recently made a pledge to the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, where she can already sense God at work in her life. Furthermore, Jessica plans to live a Christ-centered life by regularly attending church service. “There is a Life Church campus in Stillwater that hosts many worship events as well as Bible study opportunities around campus. I have already attended services as well as Overflow (an hour long worship event during the week), and I can’t wait to be more involved.” Jessica expects to achieve a standard of excellence in her academic accomplishments as well as serving God. Most importantly, she wants to continue to live in God’s Word every day, and desires to lead an exemplary role for other students to follow. “I believe that people see God in day-to-day situations, and I hope to continue to show God’s love every day.”

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HOSPITALITY

Why Should I Attend a Membership Luncheon?

by Lauren Burke Why would I take two hours out of my Sunday to attend a meeting?

Since moving to Tulsa several years ago, Julie Heil had church hopped, searching for the right church but never finding a place that truly fed her every Sunday until she visited Asbury. She felt God’s presence when she came to service. In March of 2013, Julie decided to take that next step to continue her growth and attend a membership lunch. There, she could learn where she could WORSHIP, how she could GROW as an individual spiritually and who she could INFLUENCE on the way.

After attending the luncheon, each person selects to meet with one of the pastors prior to actually joining Asbury. Julie signed up to speak with Pastor Dick Read. In that appointment, not only did he give her advice on what communities she could get involved in, he answered questions Julie had about Asbury’s beliefs, listened to her needs and gave advice about how she could fit in at Asbury. Julie felt he truly cared about her.

Many of the communities reach out to newcomers. The next week, Julie got a call from a leader of the Generations community. That leader met her outside of the classroom and introduced her to several people in the class. The entire experience was positive.

Julie realized the next step was to take the initiative and get involved.

After several months, she still carries the Methodist brochure that Tom discusses at the luncheon and the yellow card that reminds her about how many people she is influencing every day. Hearing the reminders about involvement during the Sunday announcements helps her realize that she needs to continue to be involved.

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Since attending Asbury Membership Luncheon, Julie has become active in the Generations community; she served this summer in the children’s area and took part of the Day of Service; she has also taken several Bible studies from the RoadMap brochure.

Julie sums up her experience by saying, “Asbury is a big church, but if you keep an open mind, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take the first steps and get involved.”

Asbury is a big church, but if you keep an open mind, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take the first steps and get involved.

MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON SCHEDULE October 13, 2013 November 10, 2013 December 8, 2013 Community Life Center (CLC) 12:15–2:00 pm Child care and lunch provided Register online at www.myasburytulsa.org or call 918.392.1191 for information.

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COMMUNITIES

What in Heaven’s Name is a Discipleship Community?

by Diane King

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hen a first-time guest walks through the doors of Asbury UMC, one of the first questions is, “Where do I go now?”

The sanctuary is pretty easy to find, so if someone wishes to worship, they can follow their ears and trace the path to worship.

But where can a person go who wants to also go into a deeper Bible study? Meet other Christ followers and fellowship with them?

Actively engage in serving the Tulsa community and beyond by helping the poor and needy? The answer to all of those questions is discipleship communities.

WORSHIP – If you have attended one of our services, you have experienced “worship.” Hopefully you also began to “grow” and learn how better to “influence” the world around you. To continue the experience, you will want to check out one or more of the 37 adult communities of all sizes and ages which are available.

Some of these groups have only a handful of people who attend for a small group atmosphere, there are a few the size of a small church, and there is everything in between to suit every preference.

Most meet on Sunday mornings, but there is also one that meets Wednesday nights for those who can’t make it on weekends. All will help you continue to “grow” and “influence.”

GROW – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Matthew 28:19–20 Just as Christ commanded Peter to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), so are we to nourish one another in our walk with Christ as His disciples.

This includes many things, but in short, it is what Asbury asks of every member - to never cease in becoming more like Christ every day. This is our command from our Lord Jesus, and it means taking up our cross daily and following Him. We learn much about all that He has in store for us and what He desires of us through our study of the Bible, and a regular part of our community meetings

are studying the Bible together. The method by which the Bible is taught varies from group to group. You may need to visit several communities before you find one where you say “This is it!” But persevere, and you will be blessed.

INFLUENCE – What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14–17 Influence in the realm of discipleship communities is the result of our own growth and hospitality to one another. Working together to change the world for Christ one heart at a time demands that we get our hands dirty. If all we are doing is meeting together for fun and fellowship and Bible study but it doesn’t result in us being actively involved in ministering to others, then we are no different from most social clubs. In fact, most social clubs are engaged in some sort of philanthropic works. All the more reason we should be making the world a better place, only with the added mission of taking the Healer and Comforter to the lost and needy. It’s amazing how much fun serving together can be!

For more information about our communities, pick up an Adult Discipleship Communities info card at any Welcome Desk or visit our website at http://www.asburytulsa.org/ CommunityLife.aspx.

Visit several to see what feels like a fit, but give them several tries to get an accurate picture. When you do find one that fits you, join it as a member and commit to be a part of their worship, their growth together, and their service to the church and the world.

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CARE AND MARRIAGE

but it was very hard. Easter for both of them had always been a wonderful time to celebrate the resurrection of the Lord.

Later, it became even harder to continue to go to the church where her husband had been a pastor for a number of years. She was in a state of shock and needed to go to a church where she could just cry. She ended up at Asbury.

Some three years before her husband’s death, Lynn began to work as a hospice nurse. She has continued with this work which she stated helped her somewhat to get through holidays. Her first Christmas, she decided that she and her son would not stay in Tulsa but visit family in another state. She just couldn’t face decorating and doing Christmas like before. Interestingly, that holiday was easier than subsequent ones since she was surrounded by loved ones. But the next year, she decided to stay home and do what normally was done when her husband was alive. It was harder, but she felt she needed to provide an example to her son and teach him that there would be good days and bad ones. She also wanted him to know that “with God they would get through.” In addition, she stated that she just “leaned on Him” and felt she could just “crawl into His lap and let Him comfort me.”

She was in a state of shock and needed to go to a church where she could just cry.

Grieving With God, Especially During a Holiday

by Adrena Mahu

Y

esterday, I had the opportunity to meet and interview a lovely lady, Lynn Douthett. In April of 2001, her husband succumbed to a deadly form of cancer. They were married for 33 years. While his death was not a total surprise to her (he had been ill for at least two-and-a-half years), death, when it came, was devastating.

During the interview, Lynn stated that her husband often said, “I am in a win-win situation.” If he was healed, that would be grand, but if not, he’d see the Lord. Upon his death, a new journey began for her. Her “new normal” became a life of loneliness, finding a new purpose in life and wanting to do “God’s will” by honoring and glorifying Him. Since his death came very close to Easter, this was the first holiday that she had to endure as a widow. She stated she got through it,

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I asked her if there was anything that was not helpful in her journey, and she said it was hard when colleagues would never talk about him. It felt like an “elephant” in the room. Finally, she told them they needed to feel free to talk, ask her questions regarding him and not be afraid to mention his name. After that, their support became extremely helpful. Of course, there were birthdays and anniversaries that she had to endure. This was especially tough as her husband was a “romantic” and showed his love for her in many ways.

Today, Lynn still misses her husband and can be sad but realizes she had him for 33 years. God, she said, has not promised us an easy life but we can have “joy and a grateful heart” and “serve as Jesus served.” Asbury is now her church home, and she helps out with Grief Share.

JOIN US FOR “SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS” “Surviving the Holidays” provides a safe place to view a video and share ways to navigate some of the hardest days.

Saturday November 2 10:00 am to 12 noon in the parlor There is no cost.

Call 918.392.1191 or visit www.myasburytulsa.org to sign up

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GRANDPA JOHN

What Can a Father and Daughter Talk About?

by John C. Westervelt From my 1996 archives followed by a new message for today

M

ary Kim, throughout high school and college and for nine more years, talked with her mother Nelda about drama and other mother-daughter things. I have come to understand that relationships depend on sharing words, but it is difficult for me because of my shy beginnings.

On Mary Kim’s birthday nine months after Nelda died, I gathered Mary Kim’s grandmother, her Aunt Harriette, and her cousin Kathy for the drive to Dallas to celebrate. For each of her next seven birthdays, I went to Dallas, at first with women from my family, and finally alone. In recent years I have flown down on Saturday morning and back the same evening.

On the first birthday trip, as we covered three malls, Harriette and Kathy suggested I buy a Coach bag (purse) since Mary Kim traveled almost every week in her computer software job. The first year this was over budget. The budget was adjusted, and the Coach-bag tradition continued the subsequent six years. After a midmorning arrival, Mary Kim and I would enjoy muffins at the French Bakery in one mall before moving on to another mall for the Coach bags. Often there was a stop at the hardware store for parts for an apartment repair. Last fall, after 15 years of living in apartments, Mary Kim bought a new home.

For this year’s birthday celebration, my flight left Tulsa at seven in the morning. This would be a longer day than normal. I suppose it is not too unusual for a shy father to wonder what he’ll talk about for so many hours. As I questioned, I asked for Jesus’ help.

I had no answer. Could it have been a girl/boy thing?

The jobs were finished. Other needed conversation about Mary Kim’s editing of my stories was crowded into a hurried drive to catch my six o’clock flight to Tulsa.

With eyes closed on a smooth flight north, I recalled my request for Jesus’ help in visiting with my daughter. I found Him to be trustworthy.

And now, my message from today: A year later, Mary Kim married Robert. Five years after that, Mary Kim, as the adoptive mother, cut Joel’s umbilical cord, with his birth mother’s blessing. Three years had passed when Mary Kim and Robert participated in Kyla’s birth at a hospital in Austin.

When they left the hospital to take Kyla home, her young birth mother looked beseechingly into Mary Kim’s eyes and said, “Please give Kyla ballet lessons.”

I sometimes wonder what might have been for Joel and Kyla. This I do know – the 11- and 8-year-old are excelling at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano, Texas, where they have good teachers by day, and evening and weekend teaching by Mary Kim and Robert. After school, Kyla can’t wait to get to her ballet class.

Walking from the Love field terminal to the parking area, I asked about shopping for a Coach bag. Mary Kim said, “I would rather have help on a wrought-iron love seat. But first, let’s drive by for some muffins and stop at home so I can show you some other needs for my patio area.”

As the day progressed, talking seemed easy as we discussed: How to tie a young tree to straighten its growth.

How to get a shepherd’s hook into the ground to hold a bird feeder.

How to get the cover off of a loose Moen faucet handle in order to tighten the screw inside.

How to make a scaled drawing of some windows for sketching window treatments.

We gathered materials at the hardware store and shared time on the shovel to work these jobs. At one point Mary Kim asked, “Why did you teach Paul how to do these things and not me?”

Kyla, Robert, Mary Kim, Joel, and Shadow the dog

Other stories at www.jwestervelt.com

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RECIPES OF THE MONTH

Simple soup recipes never go out of season, but during cold winter months it’s truly what we’re all reaching for.

Creamy Baked Potato Soup Ingredients

Preparation

• 4 large potatoes • 2/3 cup unsalted butter 2/3 cup allpurpose flour • 1 1/2 quarts milk • salt and pepper to taste • 4 green onions • 1 cup sour cream • 2 cups bacon, crispy and crumbled • 5 ounces grated Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the potatoes in the oven until tender. Set aside to cool. Melt butter in a medium saucepan.

Slowly blend in the flour with a wire whisk until thoroughly blended. Gradually add milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk in salt and pepper and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out the meat and set aside. Chop half the potato peels and discard the remainder. When milk mixture is very hot, whisk in potato meat.

Mix until creamy. Add green onion and potato peels. Whisk well.

Add sour cream and crumbled bacon. Heat thoroughly. Add cheese a little at a time until it is all melted in.

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

Preparation

• • • • • • • • •

1. In a large stockpot, melt butter with olive oil over medium low heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until veggies are tender, about 10 minutes.

2. Add broth, turn heat to high and bring to a boil.

3. Add egg noodles and cook for approximately 9 minutes, or until noodles are tender.

4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, stir in chicken and parsley and cook for 5 minutes more, or until chicken is heated through. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper if needed.

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced 3 stalks celery, sliced 1 medium onion, diced 1 cup mushrooms, sliced 2 quarts chicken broth, low sodium preferred 3 cups egg noodles, uncooked 3 cups chicken meat, cooked and chopped into bitesize bits • handful parsley, chopped • pinch salt and pepper

Country Style Zucchini Soup

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Ingredients

Preparation

• • • • • • • • • • • •

In a large saucepan, heat oil and brown garlic. Discard garlic. Add potatoes, stir to coat, and cook for about 5 minutes.

Add onion, celery, parsley, and oregano, and cook until onions are softened. Add stock, tomatoes and salt and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until zucchini is tender. Pour soup into individual bowls and sprinkle freshly ground pepper and 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese over each serving.

3 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove chopped garlic 3 medium-size potatoes, peeled and cut into half-inch cubes 1 onion, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced into half-inch pieces 2 tablespoons fresh parsley 1 teaspoon oregano 6 cups rich beef stock 1 large tomato, peeled and cut into half-inch pieces 1 pound zucchini, cut into half-inch slices 2 teaspoons salt 6 teaspoons Parmesan cheese, grated

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OPPORTUNITIES

Asbury Opportunities GENERAL INFORMATION Surgery or Hospitalization?

When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. If you don’t we will not know you are there and a pastor will not come to visit. Some hospitals in the Tulsa area do not ask for this information so you will need to alert Asbury at 918.492.1771, weekdays from 8:00 am–5:00 pm. The after-hours surgery and hospitalization line can be reached at 918.392.1198 and is checked each weekday at 8:30 am. If you know ahead of time of any hospitalization or surgery and would like a pastor to do a pre-surgery visit call 918.492.1771. Asbury pastors want to be in prayer for you and your family!

Emergency If you have a major life-threatening event, please call 918.392.1192 and you will be contacted as soon as possible by a pastor or a member of our congregational care ministry.

Prayer Line If you would like for Asbury’s prayer team to pray for you, please call 918.392.1142 to leave your prayer request so that you will be included on Asbury’s prayer list.

Death in the Family When a family member dies, you should make one phone call automatically. Contact Victoria Williamson at 918.492.1771 and she will help you make arrangements for your loved one. Victoria will also work with your family to arrange the memorial service at Asbury. www.myasburytulsa.org 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.

ASBURY FOUNDATION 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

ages will provide encouragement and hope through God’s Word.

No registration, no homework, come whenever you can. Bring your own lunch and your Bible.

• Mondays, 12:00–1:00 pm, Room 2818, no cost, child care not available

CARE AND SUPPORT Stephen Ministry Our Stephen Ministers are here to walk with you during hard times, or to listen as you work through difficult decisions. We are there for you as a nonjudgmental Christian friend. Please call Adrena at 918.392.1144 if a Stephen Minister may be the support you need.

GriefShare A weekly support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The group offers a comfortable environment where the emotions and process of grief are understood and welcomed.

Participants will learn practical strategies for grief recovery through the highly acclaimed GriefShare video series, study guide and group discussion. Individuals may begin attending this group at any time.

• Wednesdays, September 11–December 11, 3:00–4:30 pm (no child care) OR • 6:00–7:30 pm (child care provided), Room 2319, Cost is $15 • Facilitators: Ann Peterson and Claudia Kleeman • Register online or 918.392.1191 Beyond GriefShare Especially designed for those who have completed the GriefShare video series, this weekly support group will provide participants an opportunity to continue processing their grief while deepening their spiritual walk. Through small group study and discussion, the group will focus on transitioning from the pain of grief to hope and optimism for the future.

• Wednesdays, September 11–December 11, 3:00–4:30 pm (no child care) OR 6:00–7:30 pm (child care provided), Room 2201, cost is $15 • Register online or 918.392.1191

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

Surviving the Holidays Experiencing grief and loss can be especially painful during the holidays. We invite you to view the video, “Surviving the Holidays,” then spend sharing time with others in similar situations. Bring a friend or family member and join us. There will be special programming for children 5 and older in a separate room at the same time. Register online or call 918.392.1191.

• Saturday, November 2, 10:00 am–12:00 noon, Parlor, no cost • Facilitator: Tom Berry. Children’s facilitator: Stephanie Craig, LCSW

Something to Chew On This new Bible study led by Jessica Dyer for men and women of all

Quilting Ministry Utilize your love of quilting to make lap quilts that warm and

BIBLE STUDY

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OPPORTUNITIES

comfort those who need to feel the loving presence of God in their lives. Quilts are prayed over before being given.

• Second Wednesdays in odd months (January, March, etc.), Room 1621 • Contact Dotti Westerberg at 918.369.5460 or dottiwesterberg@hotmail.com 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” • Third Thursdays, 6:00–8:45 pm, Parlor, child care provided • 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. 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. Or come to the following groups for fellowship while creating hats. Contact Sue Fisher at healinghatsmin@aol.com or 918.455.2816 • Crochet Group – Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm, Room 1506 • Ball Caps (If you can cut and glue this is for you! Baseball caps and decorating items available) – Fourth Tuesdays, 9:30–11:30 am, Room 1508 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/ Military Connection Send cards with God’s encouraging words and our prayers to those who are ill, going through hard times or in the military. If you would like to receive cards or know someone who would like to receive cards, please send complete name and address.

• Usually meets first and third Mondays at 9:00 am, Room 1508 • Contact Gwen Mohler at 918.258.5479 or grmohler@aol.com to design cards • Military: Contact Jo VanDeWiele at 918.459.0888 or Nancy at rnficken@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

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

• Usually meets 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 a coloring book or scripture-based journal are great for all ages—children through adults. Anyone may deliver an Asbury bear to someone who is grieving. Pick up bags at the south security desk.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY Celebrate Recovery/The Landing/Celebration Station • Celebrate Recovery – 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 – Hope-filled truths and real-life strategies for students. Every Monday night, 6:30–9:00 pm in Venue north lobby. Grades 6–12 • Celebration Station – Inspiring kids with hope, joy and happiness while they learn to rely on God. Mondays, 6:45–9:00 pm, downstairs children’s area. Kindergarten through fifth grade. Contact Eryn Wallis at ewallis@asburytulsa.org.

• CR Child Care – Parents who are involved in Celebrate Recovery have child care provided for children 6 weeks to pre-k with no reservation needed. Mondays, 6:45–9:00 pm, downstairs children’s area.

CHILDREN Registration forms for all children’s activities are handled through www.myasburytulsa.org.

FaithZone Sunday Mornings • Sundays, 7:45 am, ages 6 weeks to pre-k, downstairs children’s area • Sundays, 9:00 am and 10:45 am, ages 6 weeks to pre-k downstairs, and kindergarten to 6th grade upstairs in the children’s area In order to encourage families to worship together, children from kindergarten–6th grade are invited to stay in their Sunday school room for one hour only. The exception is for those children of parents volunteering within the church or members of the choir/ orchestra. These children may stay two hours in their Sunday school class to allow their parents to serve. Children in the nursery and preschool may stay for both hours.

Core Childcare Hours Childcare for children 6 weeks to 6th grade is provided for parents attending Roadmap courses or communities during these core hours with no reservation needed: • Tuesday and Wednesday 8:45 am–12:00 pm

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OPPORTUNITIES

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5:45 pm–9:00 pm

• You may come whether or not you received a Bible on October 6 • Contact Shanon, 918.392.1170, sbrown@asburytulsa.org

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

Upward Basketball/Cheerleading Registration These games promote character and self esteem in every child. Cost for basketball $85 before October 28; $95 after that date if team space available. Cost for cheerleading $75 before October 28, $80 after that.

• Ages 5 years old by 9/2/13 thru 6th grade in the 2013–2014 school year • All participants MUST attend one evaluation on November 1 or 2. Practices (beginning December 2) will be one night a week on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday with games (beginning January 3) on Friday or Saturday • Parents are needed to be coaches and referees • Contact Kim Broadhurst, 918.392.1165, kbroadhurst@ asburytulsa.org

Wednesday Night Activities, through November 20 Come for choir then stay for worship in the chapel—kid style! We combine music, Bible lesson and verse memorization in a setting that encourages kids to learn about worship. Our lessons tie into what we are doing on Sunday mornings.

• Children’s choirs (4 years old–6th grade), 6:00–6:50 pm in the children’s choir room • Wednesday Night Live (kindergarten–5th grade), 7:00–8:00 pm, drop off in upstairs children’s wing and pick up in chapel • For information contact: kindergarten, Hollie 918.392.1183; 1st and 2nd grade, Shanon 918.392.1170; 3rd–5th grade, Jennifer 918.392.4582 Mission Minded Class Join us as we embark on an awesome adventure through Asbury’s global missions sites. We will visit a different country each week as we learn about their culture and how we can share the love of Christ with them from right here in Tulsa.

• Wednesdays through November 20, 6:00–6:50 pm, Room 2909, no cost • Contact Cara Phillips at cphillips@asburytulsa.org or 918.392.1131 Preparing for Adolescence In this course designed for our sixth graders, we will discuss the topics of inferiority, conformity, puberty, romantic love and identity from a biblical perspective. Our reference book is Preparing for Adolescence by Dr. James Dobson. Each week kids will have class discussion and two nights of discussion at home with parents.

• Wednesdays through November 20, 7:00–8:00 pm, Room 2901 • Contact Christina Treat at 918.392.1172 or ctreat@ asburytulsa.org 3rd Grade Bible Presentation On this very special Sunday, all children entering the third grade will receive their own Bible, the Word of God. • Sunday, October 6, in all services • Reception follows in the cafe outside the Family Room at both 10:30 am or 12:00 pm • Contact Shanon, 918.392.1170, sbrown@asburytulsa.org Bible Explorers In this class, designed for third graders and an adult (parent), you will learn how the Bible is written, how it is organized and how to use it.

• Meets in Room 2818, 3:00–5:00 pm for two Sunday afternoons, October 6 and 13

Odd Sunday – Fall Fun Sixth graders will have a good ‘ol time bobbin’ for apples, turkey bowling and all those fun fall festivities!

• November 10, 4:00–6:00 pm, $5 per person, gym • Contact Shanon Brown, 918.392.1170, sbrown@asburytulsa. org Christmas Eve Family Service The 4th, 5th and 6th graders have the privilege of presenting the Christmas Story to the congregation at the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Service. We would love instrumentalists, scripture readers, actors and actresses to make this a memorable evening for all involved. All parts will be assigned before the first rehearsal.

• Mandatory rehearsals will be from 4:00–5:30 pm on December 4, 11, and 18 • Register online at www.myasburytulsa.org by December 1 to be a part of the service.

• Adult volunteers are needed during rehearsals and the program • Contact Jennifer, 918.392.4582, jbarnes@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 20s to early 30s, come check out our newest Sunday morning group at 9:15 am in Orange Room at Venue, “Transitions,” or “Rooted” for married couples in Room 1507.

HOSPITALITY Would you like to help new members feel welcome at Asbury on the day they are actually joining? We are looking for volunteers to meet with the new members 30 minutes before either the 9:15 or 11:00 am service on the Sunday they join, stay with them through the service (so that they are not alone), and then be sure they get to the front foyer to be greeted after the service. If you would like

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OPPORTUNITIES

to volunteer, contact Lauren Burke at 918.392.1104 or lburke@ asburytulsa.org.

MARRIAGE & FAMILY 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.

MEMBERSHIP Joining Asbury Are you interested in membership at Asbury or just want to learn more about who we are? Plan to attend our membership lunch.

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.

• Sundays, October 6 and November 3, 12:15–2:00 pm; lunch provided; Community Life Center (CLC) • Child care available for children six weeks to sixth grade • Call 918.392.1191 to register or register online at www. myasburytulsa.org

MEN Men’s Bible Study Every Wednesday night, 6:00–8:00, Room 2821, we will have various studies going on just for men. Plug in to the study of God’s Word and what He says specifically to the men of today. Find accountability and fellowship with others who share the same struggles and challenges as you.

Men’s Construction Mission Trip to Rio Bravo Would you like to take part in a construction project for those in desperate need in Mexico? If so, you can join an Asbury construction mission team traveling to Rio Bravo, Mexico, to do just that! No building experience or carpentry skills required - just a willing spirit! A $100 deposit holds your place, with balance due October 15.

• November 13–17, deadline October 15 • Cost is $640, extra charges after first 30 spots filled, partial scholarships may be available • For questions or to sign up, contact Jim at jnlfurman@cox.net or 918.625.1316, or Frank at frank.field@wpxenergy.com or 918.630.0717.

Car Care Ministry Volunteers 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.

• Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am–noon, will be the next workday • Contact Mike Nalley at mnalley16@cox.net

widows and single women of Asbury with minor home repairs and home improvement projects. Commitment is only five Saturdays per year.

• Contact Michiel Conner at 918.640.4382 or michiel0930@ sbcglobal.net to volunteer 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, Community Life Center (CLC) • Cost is $3 per person; first-time guests are free Mature Men’s Ministry R.O.M.E.O. Luncheon Are you a “Retired Old Man” who wants to “Eat Out” and 60 years old or more? Then these luncheons are for you.

• Meet every second and fourth Friday, 11:15 am, Village Inn (71st and Memorial) • Contact Bud at bdmathes@cox.net or Jim at robersonjim29@ ymail.com

MISSIONS/VIM OJT (Overcoming Job Transitions) God created each of us uniquely for a specific purpose—some people are still seeking that. Invite people to OJT on the third Tuesday of each month.

• Tuesdays, October 15 and November 19, 6:30—9:00 pm, Room 2319 • Contact Russ Knight at OJTJobs@gmail.com 2nd Saturday Join us for 2nd Saturday and choose from different local mission opportunities.

• Saturdays, October 12 and November 9, 8:30 am–12:15 pm, meet at Venue • Contact Betty Higgins at bhiggins@asburytulsa.org or ssaturday@asburytulsa.org VIM 2013 Team Schedule • October 12–19 Monterrey, Mexico, MBS and Construction • October 25–November 4 Central, Asia, Relationship, Teaching, Light Construction • November 6–10 Rio Bravo, Mexico, Medical • November 13–17 Men’s Rio Bravo, Mexico, construction team VIM Team Leader Training November 2 For more information about these exciting mission opportunities, contact Marilene Long at 918.392.1164 or mlong@asburytulsa.org.

Home Improvement Volunteers Please consider joining our Home Improvement Ministry to serve

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OPPORTUNITIES

MUSIC For more information on any of the music groups, please contact Cynthia Bedford at 918.392.1151 or cbedford@asburytulsa.org.

Choir and Orchestra • New Covenant Orchestra meets Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm in Room 1510 • Chancel Choir meets Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 pm in Room 2706 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 • Come learn about God through music as we sing, play instruments and musical games.

• Wednesdays, 6:00–6:50 pm • Available for children age 4 (by September 1, 2013) through sixth grade Handbell Choirs • Celebration Ringers (adults) Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm, Room 2506 • Perpetual Light (women), Thursdays, 10:30 am–12:00 pm, Room 2506

PRAYER Prayer Room Days and Times 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 Call Pam in the adult ministries office at 918.392.4589 to reserve the Prayer Room for your group on a weekly or monthly basis or to obtain door codes.

SENIOR ADULTS Tweenagers Program and Luncheon Cindi Hemm, 2011 winner of the Medal for Excellence in Elementary/Secondary Administration, will share with us how she took one of the lowest-performing schools in Oklahoma and transformed it into a school that has received multiple awards for high academic performance and most improved in Oklahoma.

Music by Paul Hockett and Barbara Graves.

• Thursday, October 24, 10:30–1:00 pm, Community Life Center (CLC) • Lunch $1.00, donations welcome

Tweenagers Program and Luncheon Founded by her father, Arthur Zakharian (an immigrant from the Soviet Union), speaker Charlotte Jones manages Liberty Flags, one of our nation’s top 25 distributors of American-made American flags. Music by Linda Shade.

• Thursday, November 14, 10:30–1:00 pm, CLC • Lunch $1.00, Donations welcome Many opportunities are available for our senior adults: • Senior Walk in the Gym With Him - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30–9:00 am, gym • Senior Sit and Fit Stretching Class - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00–9:30 am, gym • Senior Adult Meal & Movie - Dates and time vary. For more information or to sign up for the call list, contact Sally Wood, sally77onestick@cox.net • Best Choice Save-a-Label - Can you help? Seniors are collecting Best Choice product labels from canned goods, boxed food, eggs, cheese, etc. Bundle your labels and drop them off at the south desk to the attention of “Tweenagers.”

SINGLES Adult Volleyball Do you enjoy playing recreational volleyball, mixed in with a little bit of competitiveness? All skill levels of play are welcome.

It’s free, and you do not have to be a member of Asbury.

• 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), Ambassadors for Christ (moved to new time) • Sundays, 11:00 am – 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

STUDENTS 789 Sunday Mornings • Sundays, 9:15 am, Junior High Room, upstairs in the Venue • Sundays, 11:00 am, Green Room, upstairs in the Venue 10 11 12 Sunday Mornings • Sundays, 9:15 am, High School Room, Venue • Sundays, 11:00 am, Green Room, upstairs in the Venue C-Groups We are called to live in community, and our desire is to help you find a community here to plug into. C-groups are made up of students your same grade and gender and are held in a space small enough and safe enough to be able to share life together and join in intentional prayer for one another, while digging deeper into the Gospel of Jesus Christ • Sunday nights: 4:00–6:45, 8th grade; 4:30–6:45, 7th and 9th

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OPPORTUNITIES / SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

grades; 6:00–8:15, 10th–12th grades • For questions contact: Mark Fowler, junior high, mfowler@ asburytulsa.org; Katelyn Moore, senior high, kmoore@ asburytulsa.org Dr. Frank Turek Seminar “We all have someone in our life that has doubts about God and Christianity and honestly, sometimes we have doubts, too.

This seminar can help remove doubts and clear obstacles with overwhelming evidence that God is real so we can share this truth with the people we love. This seminar will revitalize believers and strengthen your faith through an intellectual foundation. At this event, Frank presents the evidence for Christianity, cross-examines arguments against it, and answers student questions. Dr. Frank Turek is a dynamic speaker and award-winning author or coauthor of three books: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Athiest; Correct, Not Politically Correct; and Legislating Morality.

• November 16, 6:00–8:00 pm, Venue, no cost

WOMEN UMW October Luncheon Jeff Jaynes, Executive Director of Restore Hope Ministries, will speak about the exciting things going on at Restore Hope. Jeff has a passion for Tulsa and its people, especially those who are in need.

Please come and hear this inspirational message.

• Thursday, October 3, 11:30–1:00 pm, Community Life Center (CLC) • Lunch $8.00, no reservation needed UMW November Luncheon Wilma Lively, Executive Director of DaySpring Villa, will speak about sexual human trafficking in Oklahoma and what DaySpring Villa is doing to help these victims Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11

• Thursday, November 7, 11:30 am–1:00 pm, Community Life Center (CLC) • Lunch $8.00, no reservation needed Home Improvement Workday If you are in need of help for minor home repairs and qualify, just pick up an application at the south desk, fill it out, and return it at least 10 days before the scheduled work day. A volunteer from the H.I. team will contact you and make arrangements to get the job done.

• Next work day is Saturday, October 19 Car Care Ministry Single women and widows of Asbury, volunteers from the men’s ministry will check your vehicle’s tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries. They will also vacuum and wash your vehicle, and then update you on what is running smoothly. Have your vehicle in line by 11:30 am at the Family Center entrance.

• Saturday, November 9, 9:00 am–noon Women of the Word Gail Knox will teach on different passages from God’s Word. No cost and no registration.

• Every Wednesday 10:00–11:00 am, Room 2818, child care not available

WORSHIP • 8:00 am • 9:15 am • 9:15 am

• 11:00 am • 11:00 am

Traditional Service in Mason Chapel Contemporary Service in Sanctuary Casual Service in Community Life Center (CLC) Traditional Service in Sanctuary Modern Service in Venue

Deaths • Mary Silva died 7/6/2013 • Granvel Coker died 7/5/2013 Husband of Beverly Coker • Reon Williams died 7/8/2013 • Bob Lamons died 7/10/2013 • Harold Aldridge died 7/16/2013 Husband of Donna Aldridge

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• Mary Randolph died 7/27/2013 • Richard Dietrich died in July 2013 • Betty Crockett died 8/16/2013 Wife of Wayne Crockett • Ida Horeth died 8/14/2013 • Marcia Vandever died 8/18/2013 Wife of Steve Vandever

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• Sylvia Tuttle died 8/18/2013 • Floyd “Bud” Adams died 8/22/2013 Husband of Wanda Adams • Martha Hulsebos died 8/22/2013 Wife of Jan (pronounced Jon)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Milestone Anniversaries

New Members

65 YEARS • Dick & Joan Link

10/31/48

60 YEARS • Cleo & Frankie May Warren

11/26/53

45 YEARS • Joe & Sandy Michalcik

08/24/68

40 YEARS • Glen & Susan Scheid

10/06/73

Andy and Tonya Schlecht with Rebecca && Josephine

Brad and Jessica Nossaman with Brayden

35 YEARS • Craig & Sherri Johnson

09/23/78

30 YEARS • Dan & Tanya Boone

09/17/83

20 YEARS • Roger & Patti Elsheimer • Scott & Suzette Danks

09/25/93 10/23/93

15 YEARS • Jon & Angela Parris 09/05/98

Cleo & Frankie May Warren 08/31/63

MILESTONE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Art Bernal

Ashley Smallwood

Darrell and Angie Culbreath with Chandler

Barney and Mary Kirkpatrick

Jeff and Deborah Hughes with Henry & Garrett

Email your upcoming Milestone Anniversary (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.) to Carolyn Schutte at brucars2@cox.net or call 918.451.1559.

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Heidi Caver

John Kratzert

Pat and Stacy Herring with Harper and Garner

Susan Nossaman with Ryan

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Marjory Thomas

Robert and Leslie Conard

Thomas and Renay Trolinger with Matthew & Megan

Mathew August

Maurice and Cookie Wilkins

Pat Meadows

Robin and John Thisler

Sean and Cindy Sansone

Tricia Harsley with Abigail

Vicky Hines with Benjamin

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LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOUR FAITH WITH DR. FRANK TUREK

“I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH TO BE AN ATHEIST” NOVEMBER 16, FREE 6:00–8:00 PM

IN VENUE AUDITORIUM Dr. Frank Turek is a dynamic speaker and awardwinning author or coauthor of three books: I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist; Correct, Not Politically Correct; and Legislating Morality.

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Tulsa, OK Permit #2439