december 2013
Merry Christmas
DECEMBER 2013
Contents A Word From Tom Harrison Christmas Eve Family Service Is There Room at the Inn? The Gift of Christmas Recipes of the Month Grandpa John Asbury’s Day of Service 2013 Missional Thinking From Venezuela to the Dominican Republic Change…Is Good! Influencing the Next Generation of Marriages Reaching Out in More Ways than You’d Think RoadMap Winter 2014 Opportunities Special Announcements
1 2 4 6 8 11 12 13 14 16 18 19 20 22 27
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) Guest Contributors: Jim Davis, Janet Day, Charlene Giles, Marilyn Glass, Katelyn Moore, Dick Read, John Westervelt
A Word From Tom Harrison
C
hristmas is such an incredible event! How can we possibly imagine that Jesus was born of a virgin (how is that possible?) and be fully a man (okay, I understand that) but is also fully God? This makes no sense. No wonder Christianity is so confusing – it is unlike anything else in our worldview. The English word, “incarnation,” comes from a Greek word which means “flesh.” God, who is Spirit, became a human being. Again, that is so “outside the box” thinking that we often just skip over it (like trying to explain to me physics or astrophysics). Yet, as C.S. Lewis put it: “God became a man so that men might become sons of God.” The purpose of the incarnation was for us to know God through Jesus Christ. Until we have a map, it’s hard to find our way to an unfamiliar destination. Until we have an experience, it’s hard for us to look at someone else’s pictures and really feel what they felt when they were there. We might have a glimpse of it, but the depth of where they’ve been far surpasses our own. The incarnation is entirely for our benefit. God dumbing down and becoming a human being is impossible for us to understanding. Yet, that is our message we proclaim. It is good news. At the precise right time, God came. Amidst all of the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it’s easy to overlook the main character. Mary, Joseph, shepherds and wise men all have roles. But they are all, relatively speaking, in very minor supporting roles. There’s one star – and one star alone: Jesus Christ. He, and He alone, is the “Incarnate One.” Others might be good prophets, teachers, philosophers and leaders, but there is only ONE who is God incarnate. His name is Jesus. That’s why His Name is above every Name. It all started with the One
who created the heavens and the earth becoming a human being. It continued through His life, death, resurrection, and gift of the Holy Spirit to believers. He will finish it off with a grand flourish— His second coming. Ever since His birth, people have responded by dividing themselves into three groups. One group, like King Herod, is threatened by the true king. They hate and want to destroy the faith. Another group isn’t angry but isn’t engaged, either. They just wish Jesus would go away and leave them alone. A third group love and follow Him. As we go through this Christmas season, people have various responses to Christ. I pray that you will be in this third category and that you will love and follow Jesus. Jesus Christ is indeed the hope of the world. If we will let Him enter our lives, He forgives our sin and empowers us to live in a completely new and different way. I’m also praying that this will be time in which you will not only be blessed but be on a mission to bless the lives of others. Christmas is the best gift of all—and it’s worth passing on!
Dr. Tom Harrison Senior Pastor
Operation Hope’s Continued Success Operation Hope Prison Ministry’s recent fundraiser was a testament to the impact this ministry is having on the community. The 12th Annual Fall Fundraiser saw a 25 percent increase in donations over last year. It also marked a great honor for one of Asbury’s own, Giles Gere. He became the first recipient of the new Giles Gere Pay It Forward Award. The award is named in his honor due to his years of service and heart for the ministry that Operation Hope provides. Each year, the award will go to a person who reflects a similar spirit. Congratulations to Giles Gere and Operation Hope.
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
1
CHILDREN
Christmas Eve Family Service by Janet Day
O
n Christmas Eve each year, one of the ways we celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ is during the Family Christmas Eve Service at 5:00. Yes, Pastor Tom playfully calls it the “service of chaos,” but in reality, it is another intergenerational opportunity and a tradition here at Asbury. This service is a special time for families as our very talented fourth, fifth and sixth grade students recreate the Christmas story. We hear and see the story as Mary and Joseph’s journey ends in a stable where Christ is born, the angel Gabriel arrives to announce His birth and the three kings come to worship the King and bring their gifts. Our students share the story of Christmas in full costume using scripture and our favorite Christmas carols. They begin rehearsing early December learning scripture, their parts, the songs as well as practicing with musical instruments. After many rehearsals and lots of work, on December 24 at 5:00 pm, it all comes together beautifully as our children set the tone for the celebration of Christ’s birth at this early Christmas Eve service. We hope you will join the great company of Asbury families for this special service as our students lead us in the celebration of Christ’s birth at this Christmas Eve candlelight-via-glow-sticks service. See you there!
2
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
CHILDREN
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
3
4
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
Is There Room at the Inn? by Pastor Dick Read
“She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was not room for them in the inn.” –Luke 2:7 It’s happened to you, right!? You are the last one into the meeting, and there’s no room at the conference table. You’re the last one to show up with your friends, and there’s no room at the lunch table. You waited a bit long to register, and there’s no room left in class, conference or concert. No room. We’re full. We can’t take you. It happened to Jesus before He was ever born. Were you ever the innkeeper in the Christmas play of bathrobe characters? The deliverer of bad news: “I don’t have room for you; go someplace else.” Nobody wanted to say “No” to Jesus, so we duked it out to wear the silly angel costume instead, where we got to proclaim the great lines, “Glory to God in the highest! I bring you good news of great joy!” Who wouldn’t want those lines, instead of the grumpy innkeeper’s? The innkeeper. Poor guy’s the bad news character of Christmas Eve: “Go away. I don’t have room for you.” The plaid-flannel kid that was my favorite couldn’t turn away Joseph and Mary. He just couldn’t say no to Jesus: “Have I got a great place for you!” And off to the stables they go. “Look! Here’s fresh hay in a queen-size stall, and a there’s our Judean oak-crafted basinet manger for your baby!” Now that’s an innkeeper I want to run into at the end of my long journey! This Christmas season, which Innkeeper are you? Are you the grumpy, “I don’t have room for you” innkeeper? Or are you the “Have I got a place for you, Jesus!” It could happen to any of us at any time during Advent. We get so frantic trying to get ready for Jesus’ arrival that when He surprisingly shows up anytime during the season, we don’t have room (time, attention, energy, desire …) for Him. Dare I say that oftentimes during Advent, we tend to forget it’s all about Jesus in the first place! Everything is peripheral, supporting cast, side show, warm up act, minor league…a prelude to the feature presentation. “Welcome Jesus! Have I got a great place for You. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus!” Many years after Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection, the Apostle John has a vision of Jesus saying, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone opens the door, I will come into him and have fellowship with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Jesus is still seeking room in the lives of those who might let Him come in and choose to do life with Him. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have room and, though He is close by, Jesus is still outside, knocking, waiting to be invited to come IN. “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” –Psalm 27:7
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
5
The Gift of Christmas by Marilyn Glass
Jessica Dyer grew up in a Hindu home. Both she and her sister, Radhika, were born here in the United States to parents of Indian heritage. “My parents were one of the founders of the Hindu Society of Oklahoma. At a young age, I read comic books that explained different Hindu gods. Yet my childhood was much like that of my friends,” she remembers. “We often celebrated the same holidays and had the same trimmings at Christmas—the tree, presents, Santa Claus.” There was a symbolic decoration in her home that seemed to particularly resonate within her long before she knew about the real meaning of Christmas—the nativity scene. “Even as a child, I would look at that nativity scene and see the simplicity and mystery and promise that it held. I didn’t understand it, but it just drew me. I somehow knew that there was a story that I didn’t know. I now have that nativity in my home, and it is a treasured possession. It is definitely past its prime, but it means so much to me,” she volunteers. Her parents allowed her to visit Christian churches with her friends where she learned Bible stories and heard the Gospel. She and Radhika also had a Christian nanny, Joann. “She prayed all
6
the time,” Jessica emphasizes. “She prayed for us, other people, herself—she just prayed about everything. She would sometimes lay hands on my sister and me and pray.” Joann’s presence in Jessica’s life was a reflection of God’s divine direction. “She was a retired educator,” Jessica explains, “and she was looking forward to diving into retirement. But the Holy Spirit woke her in the middle of the night and prompted her to go to the post office to look for a job. The next morning she went to the post office to look over cards that had been posted, offering employment. One card seemed to stand out, almost as if a light was shining on it. She called the number on the card and was hired to be our nanny.”
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
In summer the girls attended a back yard Vacation Bible School in their neighborhood. They played games, learned about Jesus, and had refreshments. At the end of the week, as the session was ending and they were leaving, the neighbor who had organized the Bible School encouraged them to keep the bean bags they had used in their game of bean bag toss. As Jessica held it in her hand, she saw the words “Jesus loves you” written on the bag. “I knew that message was for me,” she recalls. “That knowledge just seemed to settle into my spirit.”
very supportive, they were not thrilled about my decision initially as they wanted to make sure I made the decision for myself and under no peer pressure,” she admits. “But my Mom is now very encouraging to me in my Christian walk,” Jessica says gratefully.
In July of 1990, she took part in a youth missions trip to Nebraska. Families in the church opened their homes and hosted the young people. Jessica was intrigued. “I kept wondering who are these people that would invite teenagers into their homes,” she relates.
Jessica attended Baylor University. “I learned as much as I could about the Bible and was eager to learn about this man, Jesus, whom I never knew,” she discloses. “The more I know Him, the more He delights me.”
The group’s mission was to help paint houses in need of rehabilitation, as well as provide food to needy families. On a particular occasion when the team was bringing groceries to a local resident, the lady said, “I would love to offer you some lemonade,” and opened her refrigerator.
She tells of an instance that cemented in her mind God’s love and relentless mercy. “My sister was working at ORU when a man approached her and asked if her name was Radhika. ‘Yes, how did you know my name?’ she asked. He then introduced himself and said to her, ‘My mother is Joann, your former nanny. I have been praying for you and your sister your whole lives!’”
“I was in a position that allowed me to see that her fridge was empty. There was nothing,” Jessica recounts. “Suddenly, I saw how empty my life was. Looking into that empty fridge seemed to be like looking into a mirror reflecting my empty soul. The youth leader inquired that night if I had ever invited Jesus into my life. I shook my head ‘no,‘ and he asked if I would like to accept Christ. I answered that I would and a burden was lifted that I didn’t know I had. To go from right versus wrong living into righteousness is the most freeing choice I’ve ever made,” she declares. Her newfound unity with Jesus Christ changed her life in every way. She was a new person, and it was obvious. “Although my parents are
Her family is a source of joy and inspiration. “My mother and father were wed in 1969—and they were brought together through an arranged marriage. Their relationship is a beautiful example to me of commitment and family values,” she reveals.
Jessica is now a wife and mother, and as she begins to prepare for the approaching holiday season, she is acutely aware of the great gift the Father gave to mankind through the birth of the Savior. “To truly grasp what that gift means is overwhelming,” she marvels. “I strive to understand it in the fullness of its meaning, but just to know that our God loves so much that He gave something so precious is thrilling beyond description. He is unfailingly faithful. That knowledge makes me yearn to simplify my celebration and focus on the Gift, not on the gifts under the tree.” She continues, “In the message of Christmas, my desire is that the hope of Christ would be revealed in the mystery of that nativity and that the Spirit of Christmas would last through every season.”
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
7
RECIPES OF THE MONTH
Holiday Recipes from Asbury Pastors Christmas Holiday Cranberry Salad submitted by Pastor Tom Harrison I was a skinny kid with little appetite. However, I LOVED cranberry salad! It was my favorite dish! I pretty much hogged (and I do mean “hogged!”) as much as I could get. It’s a little tart and a whole lot sweet. Maybe eating so much of that cranberry salad made me who I am today—a little tart and a whole lot sweet (but let’s not run percentages on this!).
Ingredients
Preparation
• 2 bags of fresh cranberries • 1 (16 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows (do not use colored marshmallows) • 1 large tub Cool Whip Light (buy an extra smaller tub just in case you like mixture creamier) • 1 C. pecans, coarsely chopped • 1 C. sugar, or an amount according to taste • 1–2 tart apples, chopped (optional)
Chop up fresh cranberries in a food processor. Mix all together with remaining ingredients. Refrigerate. So good! Almost like a dessert!
Stuffed Mushrooms submitted by Pastor Todd Craig
Ingredients
Preparation
• • • • • • •
Brown sausage, onion and garlic. Lower heat and add cream cheese and Maggi Seasoning until cream cheese is melted. Add shredded cheese and mix well. Stuff mushrooms. Heat in 350⁰ oven for 20 minutes or until warm. Makes a large batch. May want to halve recipe, or can freeze any remaining meat mixture.
1 lb. breakfast sausage ½ onion, chopped garlic 3 oz. cream cheese Maggi Seasoning (1-2 Tb.) 3 C. four-blend shredded cheese mushrooms
Pumpkin Dip submitted by Pastor Mike Hardgrove
8
Ingredients
Preparation
• • • •
Mix together thoroughly pumpkin, cream cheese, sugar and spice. Chill before serving. Place in a festive bowl with spoon or spreader. Gingersnaps, graham crackers or apple wedges are great to use as dippers. This is actually quite good by the fingerful!
1 (14 oz.) can pumpkin 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 C. confectioner’s sugar 1 Tb. pumpkin pie spice (or 1½ tsp. cinnamon, ¼ tsp. nutmeg, ¼ tsp. ginger and ¼ tsp. cloves)
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
RECIPES OF THE MONTH
Angel Truffles submitted by Pastor Jim Lenderman Growing up the last of eight children I have many fond memories of my older brothers and sisters coming back home with their families for Christmas. There was always lots of food and laughter as we reunited to celebrate the birth of Jesus. My mom was a great cook. The turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy were always perfect. The only thing my mom couldn’t cook were the rolls. She always burned them, mostly because she would put them in the oven late and forget they were there. For years we joked how you were supposed to peal off the burned top of a dinner role to get to the good part. These Angel Truffles are a new food tradition our family has started. They are easy to make so our boys pitch in to help. The truffles are a huge hit with others who get to taste them. We hope they will continue to be a part of our boy’s family tradition when they are adults. We hope you’ll enjoy them as well.
Ingredients
Preparation
• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided • 1 (8 ounce) package Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened • 2 (8 ounce) packages Baker’s Semi-Sweet baking chocolate, melted (can substitute white chocolate)
1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in a medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1 inch in diameter. 2. Dip balls in melted chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) 3. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.
How to easily dip truffles Place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat. Roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using 2 forks before placing on wax paper.
Baked Caramel Corn submitted by Pastor Charlie Ryser During my first year of seminary in Dallas, Sally and I were living in a very small apartment. Sally’s twin brother, Bill, called to say that he would like to come down for the weekend. It was the Bedlam game weekend. We made HOT chili and decided to make Caramel Corn to munch on during the game, which we listened to on the radio. It was a great game, going back and forth. The more exciting the game got, the more Bill and I ate the Caramel Corn, until it was all gone! That’s quite a feat for 2!
Ingredients
Preparation
• • • • • • • •
Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Then, boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Gradually pour hot mixture over popped popcorn, mixing well. Turn onto 2 large shallow pans. Bake 1 hour in 250⁰ oven, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Break apart and store in tightly covered container. Makes about 5 quarts.
2 sticks butter 2 C. packed brown sugar 1 C. white corn syrup 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla 6 quarts popped corn 1 ½ C. peanuts, optional
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
9
RECIPES OF THE MONTH
Christmas Chocolate Lasagna (passed down from my Chocoholic sister-in-law) submitted by Pastor Dick Read I learned this recipe during a wonderful holiday spent up on Grand Lake. Well, it wasn’t Christmas, but when Chocolate is involved, the holiday doesn’t matter. Chocolate is fantastic for any holiday, but since Christmas is the best holiday of the year and chocolate is the best dietary food group, I’ll call this recipe Christmas Chocolate Lasagna.
Preparation 1. In a casserole dish (The bigger, the more chocolate you can fill it with!), spray lightly with a butter spray (chocolate butter spray if you can find it!), then: 2. Press the bottom on the dish with chocolate chip cookie dough or any favorite flavor of chocolate cookie dough. If there aren’t enough chocolate chips in the cookie dough, well add more! 3. On top of the layer of dough, add an entire lay of whatever is your favorite: Double Stuff Oreos, Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups or Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Cookies. Better yet, go half & half, using two different types. 4. Finally, mix up a batch of Chocolate Brownie Mix (Dark Chocolate is the best!) and pour top of the Oreo’s, Reece’s and/or Marshmallow Cookies. 5. Bake @ 350F for about 40 minutes. While you wait, use a rubber spatula to enjoy the rest of the brownie mix and pour yourself a glass of chocolate milk or hot chocolate to accompany the leftover Double Stuffs. Let cool about 30 minutes and serve warm, topped with your favorite chocolate ice cream.
Christmas memory from Pastor Jon Odom When I was a kid, my family had some wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas morning rituals. Every Christmas Eve, our whole family went to church together. I didn’t grow up at Asbury, but our church had a similar service— very simple, lots of Christmas carols and we shared communion. After greeting friends, we zoomed home and got busy in the kitchen. I don’t know when or how we picked it up, but we always did a big shrimp boil on Christmas Eve. We’d load a huge stock pot with corn on the cob, potatoes, onions, lemons and shrimp, strained it and then dumped the whole mess onto the kitchen table (we’d cover the table with newspaper so that it didn’t create too much of a mess). Then we dug in. We always had a competition to see who had the biggest stack of shrimp shells at the end of the meal (I always cheated). After cleaning up and giving our bodies a few minutes to recover, we’d head to the game room at my parents’ house and watch old family movies. My dad would spend several weeks prior to this watching old videos and finding things we hadn’t seen the years before. We always made certain to get a good clip (or nine or ten) of every family member. We also always made certain to make fun of each other’s hair, glasses, clothing or whatever else we could think of—you know, in the spirit of Christmas harmony and love! We’d saunter to bed late on Christmas Eve and then wake up as early as possible to open stockings, eat breakfast and read the birth story from the Gospel of Luke. My mom and dad would both inevitably cry, thanking God for how blessed we were to have each other. We’d finish the day at my aunt and uncle’s house for another big family meal (see a trend?). Traditions have changed as my family has added sisters-in-law, children and we’ve all grown up. But I’ll always be grateful for these Christmas memories with my family.
Christmas memory from Pastor Guy Ames Growing up in a parsonage meant that only rarely has Christmas Eve been a free family time. As a pastor I usually have led as many as 5 services. So we have a tradition of apple cider, cheese, crackers & a traditional Mexican soup, posole, made of hominy in chicken stock, seasoned with onion powder, and ham hoc.
10
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
GRANDPA JOHN
Christmas Then and Now by John C. Westervelt From my 2008 archives followed by a new message for today:
I
n the 1920s, people wore fine clothes and drove fancy cars. As newlyweds in that period, my dad and mother were living in Oklahoma City where my dad had a good job selling road machinery. My older brother Wallace, my younger sister Harriette, and I were born a year apart. Harriette arrived in January 1929 before the stock market crashed in October. The Great Depression of the 1930s followed. Sales of road machinery came to a halt. Many were out of work, and those who had a job didn’t have much money. As a child, I assumed this was the way it was supposed to be. One year, Wallace and I saved our money for Christmas to surprise our mother. In mid-December with a quarter each, we walked to the Christmas tree lot. The six-foot trees were marked a dollar. I asked the man, “What can we buy for two quarters?” The proprietor said, “Pick one you like, and we’ll see.” We picked a medium-sized tree. The man said, “Give me both quarters, and the tree is yours.” With Wallace holding the trunk and me holding an upper branch, we proudly walked the several blocks home. Using scrap lumber, we made a cross with pads on the ends of one board so the cross was level when sitting on the garage floor. We hammered a large nail through the cross and into the trunk of the tree. Next, we carried our prize into the living room, set the tree in front of the window that faced the street, and called out to Mother. When she came to see what we had, she was pleased. Mother never cried, but I suspect her eyes were damp that day. Mother called Harriette; and the two of them got the box of lights and ornaments from the closet shelf. The lights were laid on the floor and plugged into the socket. When they didn’t glow, we tested each socket with a new bulb. With the lights working and placed on the tree, Mother gave each child an ornament and a hook. This continued until all the ornaments were in place. Finally, each child got a handful of silver icicles to hang on each of the branches. I have never been more proud of a Christmas tree. I looked forward to Christmas morning. From previous years, I expected one gift from Mother and Daddy. Mother’s brothers and sisters with no children sent a package with a gift for each child. I remember the proud feeling of holding my dollar pocket watch, a gift from Uncle Charles. In preparation for Christmas, Mother attached the pecan cracker to the kitchen table. Wallace and I showed our muscle by pulling
the metal handle to crack the native pecans. By the time we finished, the kitchen floor was covered with pieces of pecan shells. A straw broom was used for cleanup. Mother learned from her mother how to make Christmas candy and cookies. I remember well the taste of divinity, fudge, and Aunt Bill’s candy, all with pecans. Aunt Bill’s began with copious amounts of sugar in an iron skillet where the sugar was stirred over a low flame with a spoon until the sugar caramelized. Each child asked Mother to make his or her favorite cookie. You can be sure a child’s hand was in the cookie dough. For one cookie, the dough was pressed by hand all across the cookie pan. The dough was covered with well beaten eggs, brown sugar and chopped nuts, then baked. For another cookie, a quarter-size ball was formed by rolling the dough between two small hands. The ball was put on the cookie sheet, and a hole was punched with a child’s finger. Enough jelly to cover the end of a teaspoon was pushed into the hole before placing a pecan half on top. The hot oven did the rest. The Great Depression lasted ten years. This likely weighed heavily on Daddy and Mother. As a child, I had no such concerns. Happiness and joy overflowed my heart each year at Christmas. And now, my message from today: Each December, I reminisce about the joy of Christmas as a boy, as a father, and as a grandfather. I am now living at Crestwood on the campus of Oklahoma Methodist Manor. My 12-inch tree was a gift from twin girls in my preschool class. My homemade, stainedglass Mary and Jesus sit beside the tree. A low table in the corner holds an olive wood nativity scene. Christmas is different now, but still good because the celebration of the birth of Jesus remains unchanged. Other stories at www.jwestervelt.com
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
11
2013 2013 Day of Service Statistics • 2,238 people = 8,952 hours of labor (divide that by a 40 hour work week and you get 223 weeks of work—which means that it would take one person working for over four years to do all of this labor) • 142 bags of trash and five dump truck loads (including Shawnee) • 27 buses, two people movers and many cars • 1,322 lunches prepared by volunteers • 280 bags of mulch and 50 bags of rock • Painted two playgrounds sets, one porch, two doors, one fence, trim, one church, eight rooms, six grills, 20 parking spaces, exterior of one house and entry way • 150 cards and bookmarks made • Over 1,000 cards made for Healing Hats • 776 hats made for Healing Hats (505 knitted and 226 baseball caps) • 39 gallons of paint used • 9 acres of grass mowed • 15 flower/garden beds cleaned and prepared • Cleaned two kitchens, one sanctuary, one warehouse, 6,000 square foot office/clinic and four rooms, including a shed • Served 150 kids/families at Youth at Heart block party • Visited 40 residents at Methodist Manor • Made 2,688 backpacks for kids
Asbury’s annual Day of Service was a huge success! Thank you for influencing the community with Christ’s love.
12
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
GLOBAL OUTREACH
Missional Thinking by Jim Davis
I
n light of Asbury’s emphasis on Outward Focus, I’ve found a book I recently read to be beneficial, so I wanted to share a summary of it with you. If we are striving to be outward focused, then we need to know how to lovingly and effectively engage those around us with the Gospel. This book helps develop a mindset for doing so.
The origins of Tradecraft: For the Church on Mission, is interesting. The two primary authors had been church planters in Spain and made several observations about short-term teams that came to serve from the U.S. They realized as long as there was a physical task to be done (building a fence, painting, doing a kids’ day), the teams were very efficient. However, one time they tried sending short-termers out in pairs to a university with the task of learning something about the spiritual climate of the campus. No one came back with any useful information. They weren’t equipped for that task. That led to further discussion, and the church planters realized that they themselves had received much of their missions training after committing to go to the field long-term. What if missional thinking were instead taught to all church members, whether or not they were heading overseas? After all, talking to a next-door neighbor or a co-worker can be just as missional as church planting in Spain. They began to think of ways and topics that would teach missional thinking and break the perception of missionaries being only “over there” instead of “right here” at home. How can we think and live like missionaries in the everyday rhythms of our lives wherever we are? They came up with a list of nine topics. By the way, the title Tradecraft comes from how the “trades” of woodworkers, blacksmiths, etc. are passed along through apprenticeships to learn and master skills. Christianity isn’t that different – prayer, fasting, tithing and evangelism are learned behaviors that don’t always come naturally without a mentor. So here’s a summary of their topics: 1. Following the Holy Spirit – learning to listen, pray and obey, as individuals and as a church. 2. Mapping – a way of learning the community around you (whether a neighborhood or area or city) geographically, socioeconomically and spiritually. These three layers to the map provide information to effectively understand where you want to minister.
3. Cultural Exegesis – just as we “exegete” a passage of Scripture (literally to “draw out” meaning), being missional requires us to “exegete” culture, which is seeing a group’s context through spiritual eyes that discern the bridges and barriers to the communication of the gospel. That’s true with local culture too. 4. Building Relationships – intentionally and strategically. The Gospel is about relationships. Be willing to befriend people that don’t conform to your code of ethics. 5. Persons of Peace – Luke 10. A crucial concept in missions— finding an influencer. The person of peace is one already primed, by grace, through the work of the Spirit to receive the good news of Jesus and help spread it to others. 6. Engaging Tribes – not just primitive tribes, but modern affinity groups or cliques, each having an insider language and rules. Tribes help individuals process ideas and information. A group of people gathered around a common interest can be a church waiting to happen if the Gospel is introduced. 7. Contextualization – translating truth into the local culture, so it is properly understood, and so our own culture is not added to the Gospel. 8. Alternative Approaches – serving as marketplace missionaries, whether here or abroad, instead of traditional missionaries. This often gives added accessibility and credibility. 9. Protecting Indigeneity – the importance of indigenous leadership, style, worship and music. Of course, there is a lot to expand on each of these topics, but this gives a big picture. The exciting part is that many of these concepts are just as applicable to life here in Tulsa as they are on a foreign mission field. Let’s together learn to be outward focused so we can effectively demonstrate Jesus to the people around us in our neighborhood, our city and our world. Tradecraft: For the Church on Mission by Crider, McCrary et al.
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
13
GLOBAL OUTREACH
From Venezuela to the Dominican Republic by Jim Davis
A
sbury member Kayla Dobbs has returned home from two years of living in Venezuela, but she is not done with Latin America yet. Next year she makes a new move to the Dominican Republic. If you are a regular Tidings reader, you may remember Kayla as one of the three young Asburians serving in cross-cultural missions that Tidings followed from November 2011 through September 2012. At the time, Kayla was serving on her first year-long STINT (Short-Term INTernational) team with Cru (previously known as Campus Crusade for Christ) at the University of Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela. She was working with college students and had many opportunities to share the Gospel, lead Bible studies, and to pour her life into others. She returned for a second STINT year in Venezuela at the same university, then decided to make her work with Cru more longterm. She recently accepted a permanent position with Cru on their international staff. She was excited about the possibility of returning once again to Valencia, but Cru in Venezuela has just transitioned to Venezuelan leadership and staff, so the U.S. partnership with Cru there is closing. This, by the way, is a healthy sign of Cru’s ministry in Venezuela!
14
With her Spanish language skills and heart for Latin America, Kayla is now heading to the Dominican Republic to work with college students in the capital of Santo Domingo. The Dominican Republic is in the Caribbean on the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola; Haiti is on the western side. She has already visited and was able to spend time with some of the students at different universities. Kayla is looking forward to the challenge of working in a new setting and in a different Latin American culture. Dominican Republic is a fairly new field for Cru, having started their work there in 2010. Kayla will be in the U.S. for at least half a year to attend training sessions and raise her financial and prayer support. Her classes will include biblical studies, cross-cultural training, and financial stewardship. She will be in Tulsa and at Asbury when not off at training, so keep an eye out for her or invite her to speak in your community. She hopes to head to Santo Domingo in mid-2014. We pray God’s blessings on Kayla as she raises her support and heads out next year.
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
GLOBAL OUTREACH
PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT Mondays 6:00-9:00pm January 20-May 12 First Baptist Church of Inola Tuesdays 6:00-9:00pm January 21-May 13 Believers Church, 4705 S. Memorial Perspectives is an amazing 15-week course that helps believers from all walks of life see how they can get threaded into God’s story of redeeming people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself. From Genesis to the prophets, Jesus Christ to the early church, and Constantine to today, you will see how God has been moving, how the global Church has responded, and what the greatest needs in world evangelization remain today. It isn’t just a class about missions but a course on how every believer can be intimately woven into the story of God using His people to be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth. The course covers the biblical, historical, cultural and strategic aspects of missions. Perspectives is a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Mission, a non-denominational ministry that exists to enhance the effectiveness of the mission movement among the world’s least reached peoples. Over 130,000 people worldwide have taken this course since 1974. College credit can be arranged. Register at www.perspectives.org. Cost is $275 (some scholarship money available). If you would like to know more, contact Jim Davis, Director of Global Outreach at Asbury, at 918.392.1117 or jdavis@asburytulsa.org, or Tyler Duncan, Tulsa Perspectives Coordinator, at tdunc356@gmail.com.
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
15
STUDENTS
Change…Is Good! by Katelyn Moore
“We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” –1 Thessalonians 2:8 Asbury is no stranger to change, and the student ministry is no exception. Over the course of the last year, the Venue student offices have been stocked with a brand new team (with the exception of Mark Fowler, who has been here roughly 65 years, give or take), and we are thrilled to be a part of how God is moving at Asbury! The first new addition came to the junior high staff last May in the form of Caroline Smallwood. Just in time to jump right into junior high camp administration, it has been rumored that she quit four times on her first day. Caroline grew up in the program at Asbury and she has always dreamed of serving on the team. She has spent the fall semester splitting her time between Tulsa and Norman as she prepares to graduate a semester early from the University of Oklahoma in December. This January we will welcome her back to full time with open arms. Originally from Texas, Caroline moved to Oklahoma in middle school and attended Union until graduation. She spent two years at Texas Christian University, where she fell in love with the color purple, before she transferred to OU in 2012. Caroline’s heart is to see students empowered by the unconditional love of Jesus. Trailing Caroline’s example by just about two months, I joined the high school staff on July 1, just in time for high school camp and my 23rd birthday. Born and raised in Broken Arrow, I grew up attending the student ministry at First United Methodist Church in Broken Arrow. After graduating from Broken Arrow Senior High, I went on to complete my bachelor’s degree in graphic design at Oklahoma State University. I loved spending my summers in the college internship program at FUMCBA, and after graduation worked there for a year as the associate director of student ministries before being called to the team here at Asbury. I am passionate about seeing students transformed by the saving grace of Jesus and desiring to become more like Him every day.
16
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
STUDENTS
On October 1, our team grew again. Josh Coats was the missing piece to the puzzle and (besides the fact that he doesn’t drink Starbucks) the ideal candidate for the job. Born and raised an Oklahoma City boy, Josh comes to us with more than a decade of youth ministry experience. He served at St. Marks UMC in Bethany for the last eight years, and First United Methodist Church in OKC for two-and-ahalf years prior to that. Josh has been happily married to Bonny for eight years, and they have two adorable children–Eli, who is 4 years old and Adelyn who is 3. Josh is passionate about his family and about partnering with parents in helping their students grow and develop their relationship with God. Josh is also a huge sports fanatic, but promptly upon meeting Pastor Tom he announced that he hates baseball. He was new. The fourth member of our team is the veteran. Mark Fowler has been a part of this student ministry for 11 years and counting. It takes a truly special heart to devote your life to working with junior high students, and Mark handles it with grace and passion. Mark and his wife Alison have been members at Asbury since 2002. Both of his daughters, Morgan (19) and McKenzie (16), have grown up through the program. Mark’s devotion to this ministry and to our students is inspiring, and we are all thankful to have him on board. I think Josh, Caroline and I would all agree that no one could have prepared us for what we would find when we signed on to the team. I had heard stories about how great the students are. I had heard stories about the support and commitment we get from our leaders. And I had heard stories about spring break missions. But I still wasn’t prepared for what I found here at Asbury. No one could have prepared me for how incredible these students are, or how our leaders are always ready and willing to stand up and dive in. No one could have prepared me for the level of excitement, anticipation and commitment that spring break missions bring. And it was hard to be adequately prepared for a room full of 503 teenagers, which is roughly how many we had at our very first C-group worship experience this fall. The “C” in C-groups stands for community, and our community groups meet on Sunday nights. This is our students’ opportunity to get plugged into a small group of other students their same grade and gender and at least two leaders. Our C-groups operate under this theme verse: “We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” 1 Thessalonians 2:8. We are called to live in community, and in order to do that we must share our lives with one another. Our community groups help our students establish relationships and trust with one another while they cover important topics and information that the student staff has decided is fundamental to our journey and growth as Christ followers. We believe that these
communities are the heartbeat of our ministry, and we are excited that this is our most well attended program. This year we have also decided to take advantage of a unique opportunity to overlap our junior high and high school ministries during this program. Our junior high groups meet from 4:30–6:30, and our high school groups meet from 6:00–7:30. The overlapping time is spent in the Venue auditorium where we all come together for a sweet time of worship. We truly believe this time spent in worship together is a great avenue for creative expressions of worship and an excellent opportunity to empower our students to take part. Another chance for our students to take ownership is through Wednesday night worship. Both junior high and high school students meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30–8:00, and while the programs are separate, we have been incorporating the same themes. Both programs involve worship organized and led by students and a message delivered by the student staff. We take this opportunity to focus on topics that are important to the students, and we discuss the issues they are currently dealing with. In between message series, we bring all of the students together for a night of worship, and we give them the space they need to respond to the things we have been talking about. The other option that we offer is a teaching time on Sunday mornings. We encourage our families to attend a worship service together, and we offer a teaching program at either 9:15 or 11:00. Junior high meets upstairs, and high school meets downstairs, in spite of the noisy games they tend to play right above us. No one would accuse the junior high of being too quiet. I have no doubt that God has put our team together “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Mark, Caroline, Josh and I are confident in the direction of the student ministry, and we are beyond thrilled to be a part of it all. We have seen and experienced God in ways that are immeasurably more than we could have hoped for or imagined when we signed on, and we can’t wait to see what His plans are for this incredible ministry. As always, feel free to drop by the Venue offices anytime. I can’t promise that we’re wearing shoes, or that we’re even sitting at our desks, but I can promise that we are hard at work pouring our hearts and souls into living life with these teenagers, so that they might see and know Jesus Christ a little bit more every time they walk in our doors.
Fall Retreat, 2013
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
17
CARE AND MARRIAGE
Influencing the Next Generation of Marriages by Charlene Giles
B
efore someone is married at Asbury, they meet up to eight times in the home of a trained lay couple. While these meetings do have a curriculum, the main focus is on building relationships. The letter below was received recently by a Couple-to-Couple Support Couple.
Thank you so much for your time with us over the last couple of months. Your wisdom, guidance, and counsel have been so meaningful and abundant for us as we prepare ourselves for marriage. We’re learning how to communicate more effectively and anticipate each other’s needs in new ways. We know that our Wednesday night conversations with you both have been a catalyst for growth in these areas. Your example of how you love each other further backs up what you encourage us with each week. The way you’ve supported each other through difficult times is a testimony to how God has worked in your own marriage. We’re so thankful to have been matched with you. The past couple of months have truly been a highlight of our engagement. We’ve enjoyed our time with you so much. It seems as if each time after we meet, we get in the car, look at each other, and say, “They are awesome. They are so generous and share so much God-centered wisdom with us. I hope to be like them someday.” Thanks again for your time, your love for each other, and your commitment to us. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. With love. Disclaimer: If you and your spouse decide to be trained in our Tuesday evening training class which begins in February, we do not guarantee you will receive a similar letter from the engaged couples you meet. You will, however, have the joy of knowing you are influencing a family of the future. For information about how to get involved as a support couple, contact cgiles@asburytulsa.org.
18
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
CARE AND MARRIAGE
Reaching Out in More Ways than You’d Think by Charlene Giles
I
f you know anything about Asbury’s Healing Hats Ministry (HHM), you know they have a passion for providing unique, handmade hats and caps for people who are living with side effects of chemo therapy. According to Sue Fisher, coordinator for the ministry, in the four years HHM has been in existence, over 4,000 hats have been delivered to seven area treatment centers. In addition, hats have been requested by individuals from all over the United States. Each time a volunteer creates a hat, he or she adds in their personal love and prayers. In addition, the hats are placed upon the altar in the prayer room and prayed over before they are taken to recipients. The most fun part for people receiving hats is that they get to choose their favorite. John Fisher, a frequent volunteer at Cancer Treatment Center, says that whenever he gets a chance, he tries to hang around the hospital long enough to observe a few patients as they make their selections. Some try on several and preen a bit in the mirror before settling on one that is “theirs.” Others ask the opinions of fellow patients before they make their choice. Hospital staff members are very supportive. The best part is that each hat comes with a hand written note of encouragement from the person who made it. Usually the message includes a Bible verse and a reminder that God loves them. It is surprising what an intergenerational group of volunteers contribute. On Sunday mornings, 10-year old Racheal Yadon noticed that people put hats and materials into the drop off box near the northeast church entrance. Since she loves crafts and likes to help others, she decided to do something unique at her 11th birthday party. Her friends created ball caps for HHM as part of the festivities! At our recent Day of Service, there were volunteers ages 5 to 95. There are even people outside Asbury who contribute hats and supplies. Members of an exercise class at another area church regularly donate hats. In addition, Broken Arrow seniors and Methodist Manor residents also add their efforts. Even a small country church in Arkansas contributed funds to purchase supplies. Yarn, craft materials and ball caps come from all over the country as well as from area businesses. Sue and her hardworking team are always open to donations of crocheted or knitted caps and/or decorated ball caps, and she loves to encourage others to give. Asbury recently received this message, “I am six weeks into a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at Cancer Treatment Centers of America here in Tulsa…I have gotten two of the hats your ladies group have made, and I appreciate your time and talent and willingness to share your love of Christ through those hats that are made with love… Thank you also for the prayers and encouraging words. May God continue to bless this ministry.” Sue says, “We thank every person who chooses to walk beside us as we reach out to hurting cancer patients with this token of Christ’s love.” Donations of hats or supplies are welcome at the drop box near the NE door at any time. For more information, contact Sue Fisher at healinghatsmin@aol.com or 918.455.2816
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
19
NEXT STEPS
Starting Line PASTOR JON ODOM 9:15–10:30 am PASTOR GUY AMES 11:00 am–12:00 pm Sundays January 26–March 2 Room 2504 No Cost
Andy Stanley: Faith, Hope and Luck
WINTER 2014 WELCOME
Welcome to RoadMap, your guide for the journey of life in Christ. We are pleased to offer a variety of biblically-based classes for adults of all ages and stages.
STEPS TO ENROLLMENT
1. Register online at www.asburytulsa.org under Quicklinks/Adults/RoadMap, or you may call the Registration Hotline at 918.392.1191 if you do not have computer access. 2. Pay for and pick up your books on Sunday, January 5, in the main west foyer of the main building. Instructors will be available to meet you and answer your questions. Materials may also be picked up on the first day of class. If you will be missing the first class for some reason, please make arrangements to get your book on January 5. We will not be able to give out books early at other times. 3. To insure that you will have materials by the first class session, register at least two weeks prior to the start date. Registrations will be accepted up until the start of the class, but no guarantees will be made concerning your materials. Please help us to be ready for you by registering early!
20
SERMON SERIES: YOU SAY YOU WANT A RESOLUTION Margin, Overcoming the Overloaded Life
JANET DAY Tuesdays 6:00–8:00 pm January 21–February 18 Room 2201 Cost $10
SERMON SERIES: LIFE HACKS
DAVE HURD Wednesdays 7:00–8:00 pm January 15–February 19 Room 2818 Cost $15
Creating Balance in a Hyperdrive World ROD GILES, MA/MBA, CHRISTIAN LIFE COACH Wednesdays 6:00–7:00 pm February 26–May 7 (Every other Wednesday: 2/26, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, 4/23, 5/7) Room 2818 No Cost
Financial Peace University RICK BOOTH Sundays January 19–March 16 (Child care not available) OR JOE SPENCE Thursdays January 16–March 13 (Child care available) 6:00–8:00 pm Room 2820 Cost, $95/couple
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
Change Your Brain, Change Your Life MARIBETH BLUNT, MHR, LPC Tuesdays 7:00–8:30 pm February 11–March 4 Room 2319 No Cost
Renewing Your Mind PASTOR JIM LENDERMAN Sundays 11:00 am–12:00 pm February 9–February 23 Chapel No Cost
BIBLICAL STUDIES Something to Chew On JESSICA DYER Mondays 12:00–1:00 pm January 13–May12 (Except 1/20 and 2/17) Room 2818 No Cost
Beth Moore: Sacred Secrets CINDY READ Tuesdays 9:30–11:30 am January 14–February 18 Room 2818 Cost $15
Beth Moore: The Making of a More Honest Me CINDY READ Tuesdays 9:30–11:30 am February 25–March 11 Room 2818 Cost $5
Contend for the Faith, An Inductive Study of Jude GAIL KNOX Tuesdays 6:30–8:00 pm January 14–February 25 Room 2821 Cost $15
Beth Moore: Beloved Disciple DEE DEE GEDDIE Tuesdays 6:30–8:30 pm January 14–April 1 (Except 3/18) Room 2820 Cost $20
Believers Bible Study DON HERROLD Wednesdays 6:00–7:30 pm Year–round, takes a break in August Room 1508 No Cost
Reinvent the Wheel? History of the Christian Church SAM & CHRISSY THORPE Wednesdays 6:00–7:30 pm January 15–March 12 (Except 3/5) Room 2820 Cost $10
Precept: Genesis Part 3, 4 & 5 DEE PAIGE Wednesdays 6:00–8:00 pm January 15–April 16 Room 1504 Cost $30
CARE GriefShare ANN PETERSON & TOM BERRY Wednesdays 3:00–4:30 pm OR 6:00–7:30 pm February 5–May 21 (Except 3/19) Room 2319 Cost $15
Beyond GriefShare ANN PETERSON & TOM BERRY Wednesdays 3:00–4:30 pm OR 6:00–7:30 pm February 5–May 21 (Except 3/19) Room 2201 Cost $15
MARRIAGE & FAMILY Marriage Matters VARIETY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS Sundays 11:00 am–12:00 pm January 12–February 2 Room 2504 No Cost
Raising God Reliant Children BETTY HIGGINS Wednesdays 6:00–8:00 pm January 29–March 12 (Except 3/5) Room 1506 Cost $15
Your One Degree-For Couples PAT & DEBORAH CALHOUN Thursdays 6:30–8:30 pm February 20–April 10 (Except 3/20) Room 1508 Cost $30/couple
MEN Men’s Bible Study: Revelation and The End Times, Unraveling God’s Message of Hope GREG RULEY & BROCK KING Wednesdays 6:00–8:00 pm January 15–March 12 Room 2821 No Cost
WOMEN Mothers’ Fellowship KATIE RULEY Tuesdays 9:45–11:45 am January 14–April 29 (Except 3/18) Room 1900 Parlor Cost TBD
MISSIONS Perspectives on the World Christian Movement VARIOUS DYNAMIC SPEAKERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY Mondays at First Baptist of Inola OR Tuesdays at Believers Church 6:00–9:00 pm January 20–May 12 (Except 3/17 and 3/18) Cost $275
For more information, pick up a RoadMap brochure at any Welcome Desk or visit www.asburytulsa. org/roadmap. If you have questions, email discipleship@asburytulsa.org or contact Robin Brush at 918.392.1133.
Developing all generations for significant lives in Christ. TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
21
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. If you have any problems setting up your account, call Kim at 918.392.2159 or email her at krenkema@asburytulsa.org.
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
BIBLE STUDY Check out our adult Bible studies listed in our RoadMap brochures found at all welcome centers or online at www.asburytulsa.org/ AdultMinistries/Roadmap.aspx
22
Something to Chew On This new Bible study by Jessica Dyer for men and women of all ages will provide encouragement and hope through God’s Word. No registration, no homework; bring your lunch and Bible. • Mondays, 12:00–1:00 pm, Room 2818, no cost, child care not available
CARE AND SUPPORT GriefShare A weekly support group for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 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, February 5–May 21, 2014, 3:00–4:30 pm (no child care) OR 6:00–7:30 pm (child care provided), Room 2319, Cost is $15 • Team Leaders: Ann Peterson & Tom Berry, register online or call 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. • Wednesdays, February 5–May 21, 2014, 3:00–4:30 pm (no child care) OR 6:00–7:30 pm (child care provided), Room 2201, Cost is $15 • Team Leaders: Ann Peterson & Tom Berry; register online or call 918.392.1191 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. Quilting Ministry Utilize your love of quilting to make lap quilts that warm and 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.” Each principle/video session is selfcontained; you may begin attending at any time. • Third Thursdays, 6:00–8:45 pm, Parlor, child care provided
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
OPPORTUNITIES
• 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 volunteer • 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 Mental Health Support for Families For family members or caregivers of people affected by a mental illness. • Instead of the usual fourth Thursday meeting, a pre-Christmas gathering will be held on Thursday, December 5, 12:30 pm, in the 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 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 • Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5:45 pm–9:00 pm 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 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
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
23
OPPORTUNITIES
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 to volunteer, contact Lauren Burke at 918.392.1104 or lburke@asburytulsa.org.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY Marriage Matters! Marriage matters – in many ways! Spend just four Sunday mornings with us as we explore: Individual Matters, Couple Matters, God Matters and Planning Matters. Each week a Christian counselor will share a message then facilitate discussion. • Sundays, January 12–February 2, 11:00 am–12:00 pm, Room 2504, no cost • Contact cgiles@asburytulsa.org with questions; register online or 918.392.1191 Your One Degree—for Couples Learn the process that has helped thousands of people understand God’s presence in their design and daily decisions. • Thursdays, February 20–April 10, 2014 (no meeting on March 20), 6:30–8:30 pm, Room 1508, cost is$30 per couple, child care available • Instructors: Pat & Deborah Calhoun; register online or call 918.392.1191 Couple-to-Couple Training Influence future generations by encouraging engaged couples during meetings in your home. You will grow as you become equipped to serve. Perfection not required. • Training on Tuesday nights beginning February 4 • Contact Charlene: 918.392.1145, cgiles@asburytulsa.org
24
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. • Sunday, December 8, 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. 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. • To volunteer, contact Mike Nalley at mnalley16@cox.net Home Improvement Volunteers Please consider joining our Home Improvement Ministry to serve 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
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
OPPORTUNITIES
MISSIONS/VIM
PRAYER
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. • Tuesday, December 17, 6:30—9:00 pm, Room 2319 • Contact Russ Knight at OJTJobs@gmail.com
Service of Remembrance Everyone who has experienced grief due to the loss of a loved one within the past year or two is encouraged to attend a special service during the Christmas season. Come hear a message of comfort with an opportunity for healing prayer and memorial candle lighting. • Sunday, December 15, 5:00 pm, Mason Chapel
2nd Saturday Join us for 2nd Saturday and choose from different local mission opportunities. • Saturday, December 14, 8:15 am–12:15 pm, meet at Venue. Choose between multiple work sites, some of which are block parties where we will deliver the Christmas Child gifts and fellowship with the families receiving them. • Contact Betty Higgins at bhiggins@asburytulsa.org or ssaturday@asburytulsa.org VIM 2014 Team Schedule Watch for the 2014 VIM (Volunteers In Mission) Schedule in the next edition of Tidings. Where will God have you serve? VIM Team Leader Training February 1, March 1, September 6, November 1 For more information about these exciting mission opportunities, contact Marilene Long at 918.392.1164 or mlong@asburytulsa.org.
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 four (by September 1, 2013) through sixth grade Handbell Choirs • Celebration Ringers (adults) Tuesdays, 4:30–5:30 pm, Room 2506 • Perpetual Light (women), Thursdays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm, Room 2506
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 It’s a musical time of year! Come hear Asbury’s Singing Ambassadors under the direction of Charlene Ravens, and Asbury’s preschool children under the guidance of teachers Gayla Cox and Paula Smallwood. Enjoy music, a delicious lunch, fun and fellowship. Lunch $1. Donations welcomed. • Thursday, December 12, 10:30 am–1:00 pm, Community Life Center (CLC) 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 Christmas Luncheon Single adults and their families are invited to attend a Christmas luncheon. Festive food, fun and fellowship will be shared by all who attend! Cost $5.00. Kids ages 10 and under eat FREE. No reservations required. • Sunday, December 1, 12:15 pm–1:30 pm, Community Life Center (CLC)
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
25
OPPORTUNITIES
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. For ages 18 and up. • Every Sunday, 6:00–9:00 pm, gym • Questions? Contact Doug at 918.607.0830
UMW Cookbook Sales Do you need a gift for someone special? For a teacher, neighbor, family member or friend? This wonderful cookbook with over 600 delicious recipes is that perfect gift! Pick up several copies. • Sunday, December 8, 9:00 am–noon, south foyer table, cost is $20
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
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 • Lunch, December 11, 11:00 am, Community Life Center (CLC)
STUDENTS Spring Break Missions Payment Due We’re so excited that you’ve signed up for Spring Break Missions 2014. To make it easier on you, we’ve broken the cost of the trip up into payments. There is a payment due December 8. The increment varies by trip so contact Katelyn, Josh, Mark or Caroline with any questions about your specific trip.
WORSHIP • 8:00 am • 9:15 am • 9:15 am • 11:00 am • 11:00 am
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: 7th–9th grade: 4:30–6:30, 10th–12th grades: 6:00–7:30 • For questions contact: Mark Fowler, junior high, mfowler@ asburytulsa.org; Katelyn Moore, senior high, kmoore@ asburytulsa.org
WOMEN UMW December Luncheon The Asbury Music Department will entertain us as we “Celebrate the Season with Song” and prepare for the joyous Christmas season and celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lunch $8. No reservations required. Luke 2:8–14. • Thursday, December 5, 11:30 am–1:00 pm, Community Life Center (CLC)
26
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
Traditional Service in Mason Chapel Contemporary Service in Sanctuary Casual Service in Community Life Center (CLC) Traditional Service in Sanctuary Modern Service in Venue
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Deaths • Patrick Roark died 8/24/2013, infant son of Dillon and Rachel Roark • Beverly Baker died 8/28/2013, mother of Scott (Linda) Baker • Jack Jamieson died 8/31/2013, husband of Frances Jamieson • Charles H Johns died 8/31/2013, father of David Russell Johns • Paul Day died 9/1/2013, father of Jim (Janet) Day • Jean Mannon died 9/4/2013 • John Tunnell died 9/7/2013, husband of Monica Tunnell and father of Claire and Connor Tunnell • Robert “Bob” Rives died 9/9/2013, husband of Kathy Rives
• Linda Snodgrass died 9/12/2013, wife of Gene Snodgrass • Robert Buckingham died 9/13/2013, husband of Leatha Buckingham • Margaret Bacon died 9/17/2013, mother of Gale Labadie • Corrine Cobble died 9/19/2013, mother of Debbie (John) Roberson • Priscilla Waid died 9/21/2013, wife of Larry Waid • Mary Ann White died 9/26/2013 • Leslie Stone died 10/01/2013 • Al Seiter died 10/25/2013, husband of Lu Seiter and father of Susan (Bill) Effron
Milestone Anniversaries 60 YEARS • Cleo and Frankie May Warren • Floyd and Vida Bruntzel • Ken and Carmen Finch
11/26/53 12/13/53 12/27/53
55 YEARS • Gene and Barbara Graves
12/28/58
50 YEARS • Tyrone and Jackie Davis • Ed and Brenda Stockar
Ken and Carmen Finch 12/27/53
12/07/63 12/30/63
Gene and Barbara Graves 12/28/58
Cleo and Frankie May Warren 11/26/53
Floyd and Vida Bruntzel 12/13/53
Tyrone and Jackie Davis 12/07/63
Ed and Brenda Stockar 12/30/63
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.
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
27
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Members
Chris Jones
Jim and Andrea Lea with Ava and James
Roy and Terri Shiplett
28
Debbie and Teresa Davis
Kathy Pleake
Susan Goforth
Donna and Dan Lott
Kay Ameen
T.J. Sprague
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
Margo Lee
Jack Green
Richard and Kiersten Fair
Terry and Krystie Cupp with Madelyn, Katherine and Samuel
Christmas event calendar December 8 Music Sunday 9:00 and 11:00 am in Sanctuary, all services combined 6:00 pm, Children’s choir Christmas program, Sanctuary (no child care)
December 15 Service of Remembrance, 5:00 pm, Mason Chapel Everyone who has experienced grief due to the loss of a loved one within the past year or two is encouraged to attend a special service during the Christmas season. Come hear a message of comfort with an opportunity for healing prayer and memorial candle lighting. 5:00 pm, Mason Chapel.
Rick Fraley Concert Christmas piano music, 6:00 pm, Sanctuary (no child care) Come enjoy a relaxing hour of uninterrupted, beautiful Christmas piano music played by Rick Fraley.
Center beginning November 17 or online at www.itickets.com (search for Peter Mayer). Tickets are just $15 in advance or $18 at the door.
December 24 December 17 Peter Mayer Concert 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) Join us for a Christmas Celebration like no other as the Peter Mayer brings his beloved Stars and Promises Concert to Asbury’s Venue on December 17 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm). All proceeds gained from this event will go to benefit the Goodland Academy. Bring your friends and family as there’s something for everybody. You won’t want to miss the surprises in store this year! Get tickets at the Asbury office during regular office hours, on Sunday’s at any Welcome
TIDINGS, DECE M BER 2 013
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. 7:00 pm, Sanctuary 9:00 pm, Sanctuary 11:00 pm, Christmas Eve service in Chapel
December 31 6:00pm, Watch night service, Chapel
cvr3
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Tulsa, OK Permit #2439