Spring Break Missions 2014 by Asbury Church

January / february 2014

Asbury’s Vision Statement: Developing all generations for significant lives in Christ.

This defines our specific and unique calling.

Asbury’s Marks: These are outward signs of spiritual growth for a Christfollower at Asbury. Worship and obey Christ Learn and live out Scripture Influence and invite others to follow Christ Steward time, skills and resources United with the Body of Christ

Asbury’s Map

Worship +2. This is what we want people to do to connect at Asbury.

Asbury’s Motives Not what we do, but what characterizes everything we do

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014

Contents A Word From Tom Harrison 3 It’s All About Reaching People 4 Enhancing the Sanctuary for Both Traditional and Modern Worship 6 Success One Sunday at a Time 8 The Legacy of Spring Break Missions (SBM) 10 Yield 12 Our Favorite Anniversary Gift 16 Couples Married 50+ Years 18 Maximizing Your Influence as a Couple 20 Weekend to Remember—Really? 21 A Purpose Bigger than Ourselves 22 Running for Clean Water 23 Mission to Thailand 24 You Say You Want a Resolution: January Sermon Series 26 Life Hacks: February Sermon Series 27 Mega Garage Sale with Massive Outreach 28 Opportunities 29 Special Announcements 34

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.

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Intergenerational We leverage the wisdom and experiences, energy and innovation of every generation by working together to accomplish Christ’s mission.

Asbury Tidings is a bi-monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ.

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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), Matt Lima (wuzabuzzard@ yahoo.com)

Strategic Clarity We will focus our efforts and resources to fulfill our mandate. Dwight Yoder Executive Director

You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org.

Guest Contributors: Dub & Cathy Ambrose, Cynthia Bedford, Shanon Brown, Judy Collis, Todd Craig, Jim Davis, Charlene Giles, Karen Hardin, Christine Hickey, Jim Lenderman, Katelyn Moore

PA S TO R TO M

A Word From Tom Harrison

n January, we’re going to get into some New Year’s resolutions. People make resolutions in an attempt to become better people and lead better lives. Who doesn’t want to get better? The Bible offers a lot of wisdom on this subject so that’s our primary source. The good news is what we long for, Jesus has already made possible. Jesus offers us the abundant life—a rich, full satisfying life! In our new sermon series called, “You Say You Want a Resolution,” we will take a look at four common New Year’s resolutions: managing stress, getting out of debt, helping others and faith development. Each week will help you make simple, practical steps to actually implement those resolutions. This series will provide a great opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor or family member to be your guest as we kick off 2014 with our best foot forward. Come discover in January how to live the life you’ve always wanted. In February, we are going to look at life hacks from the Bible. God’s Word offers uncommon responses to life’s common problems, but they are often overlooked. This series will prove to be interesting! Dr. Tom Harrison Senior Pastor

SARAH ELIZABETH ADAMS, 1981–2013 We mourn the loss of Sarah Adams, a member of Asbury and a supported missionary. Sarah was serving with Young Life Africa in Blantyre, Malawi, in southern Africa. She loved the Lord and loved sharing the love of Jesus with high school students. Sarah and other Young Life Africa staff had just attended a leadership meeting in Zimbabwe and were on their way home to Malawi. An automobile accident claimed the life of Sarah and two other Malawian staff on December 6. While it is sad for those of us here, we rejoice that Sarah is worshipping in the presence of the Lord, and that is because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. A full article on Sarah’s life and ministry will appear in the next edition of Tidings.

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It’s All About Reaching People by Dr. Tom Harrison

Over the month of November I outlined a new direction and strategy for our church. Implementing these plans will require flexibility, sacrifice and willingness to change. These decisions have not been made lightly. They have come after much study and dialogue with church leaders, governance committees, laity and staff—and after much prayer. Asbury is a very good church, but good is the enemy of great, and we are called to be a great church. I believe God is leading us into a greater understanding and fulfillment of our mission to reach the lost for Christ. There are obstacles. One is the American culture which is growing more secular. The trends are not good. Currently, three out of four students who grow up going to church will abandon their faith during college. The Asbury culture can also be challenging—especially to guests. We have a complex organization. Service schedules and locations are often confusing. The range of options and the size of our facility are overwhelming to new folks. I know we can do better. Opportunities abound! Approximately 230,000 people in this community are unchurched and 100,000 have not set foot in a church in six months. When we asked the congregation for names of people who might not know the Lord, we received 8,251—each name representing a friend or loved one who is missing. In seeking God’s wisdom and the counsel of others, we’ve identified three components to help us accomplish our mission:

1. Outward Focus—begins with genuine caring about others. A good church is friendly to those who come in the doors. A great church runs to those outside the doors.

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It’s easy to forget who we are and why we are here. An empty chair, signaling someone is missing, often goes unnoticed. The goal of American life is to get “comfortable.” But that’s not the Gospel. We’ve become too comfortable and too inward-focused. We’ve lost sight of our purpose and have started to drift. This has really been on my heart—I care about those missing people who don’t know the Lord. If we don’t care about them, how are we going to reach them? To help us stay true to our mission and to be an outwardly focused church, Todd Craig will fill a new role: Director of Outward Focus. Todd will help equip and lead us in this effort. We will be “people-centered.”

2. Discipleship—growing people and having influence. A good church offers classes and small groups and calls it discipleship. A great church makes disciples who influence others. Discipleship is vital to our church. We want to continue to broaden our reach. Our goal is to make disciples who will carry out the Great Commission and apply the truth of God’s Word in everyday life. We want to help people understand scripture and apply it in life-changing ways. It’s not just about information but transformation. Asbury is a cradle to grave church. We walk with people for a lifetime—we want to help them be disciples and to make disciples. Everyone has influence and the ability to help others grow in Christ no matter how new to the faith. This is the “developing” part of our vision statement and we believe it has the potential to be our “hedgehog” concept. We want people to have wisdom and knowledge so they can grow and have influence. And when new people arrive at Asbury, we want to be ready for them no matter where they are in their spiritual journey. To help guide us in all these efforts, we will hire a Director of Adult Discipleship in 2014.

and LED lighting we can radically transform the appearance, perception, feel, environment, audience connection, etc. in the Sanctuary. (This was a deciding factor for me. Be sure to check out the pictures provided on the website.) It’s critical we tie these three things together: outward focus, discipleship and worship. All three must work together to succeed. None of them can stand alone and still accomplish what we need. I know change can be uncomfortable, even frightening. But a look back over our history as a church confirms change is in our DNA. We have always been willing to change for those not yet here. I am convinced this is the best path forward—the path that will move us from “good to great.” Thank you for coming alongside me. I am grateful to be part of a church that is willing to do what it takes to reach the lost. And remember, every exit is an entrance!

Why are we making changes? Because Asbury is on a mission to reach people for Jesus Christ.

3. Intergenerational Worship –Bringing people back together as one church. A good church knows the Great Commission. A great church lives the Great Commission. We are going to simplify our worship schedule. We currently have five services in four different locations. Imagine how confusing that would be to a guest! The 8:00 am Chapel service will continue. Then on April 27, we will move to two primary worship services—Expanded Traditional Worship at 9:15 am and Expanded Modern Worship at 11:00 am. Both of these services will be held in the Sanctuary. I will preach primarily at 8:00 and 9:15 and occasionally at 11:00. Todd Craig will be preaching at most of the 11:00 services. One of the great benefits is child care services will now be in the same building as the parents. Additionally, our sound and lighting systems are going to be upgraded. We will greatly enhance sound quality and expand our use of light. With environmental projection technology

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Enhancing the Sanctuary for Both Traditional and Modern Worship By Jim Lenderman, Senior Associate Pastor

On Vision Sunday, November 24, Pastor Tom shared about three big decisions concerning the direction of Asbury as we enter our second 50 years as a church. That direction revolves around three specific areas: • Outward Focus – being aware of those who don’t yet know Jesus and doing something to reach them both individually and as a church • Discipleship – developing a multi-faceted approach that takes advantage of everything we know about how people learn, grow and change so people will experience spiritual maturity and wholeness in their life over time • Worship – moving from five worship services in four locations to primarily focusing on two worship services in one location (the main sanctuary) So how can we pull of having two very different worship styles (one traditional, the other modern) in the main sanctuary given that it is a beautifully traditional space? What will we do so those in traditional worship will feel at home in that service while those in the modern service will feel just as at home in the same space? And how will we accomplish this in a way that allows us to transition from one service to the other in just 30 minutes on Sunday mornings?

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The most effective and cost efficient answer to all of those questions is with the use of environmental projection and LED lighting. Environmental projection is a technology that enables us to create a visual environment that will enhance the look and feel of the sanctuary in a way that supports the music and the message in both services. It will envelop worshippers in an overall visual experience that engages our senses in a broader way. For example, if Tom and Todd preach from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, environmental projection can help take us there by transforming the sanctuary walls into the hillside on which Jesus spoke. Think about the possibilities for Good Friday and Easter. Our commitment is that this will be done in a way that enhances the overall service rather than distracts from it. LED lighting is used to “paint” the walls with any color on the palette. This technology enables us to change the room color to go along with any mood in the music or message. Again, the idea is to envelop worshippers in an overall experience that draws us into worship. Effective use of environmental projection and LED lighting will not only enhance worship for those of us who are already here, it will also position us to reach a new generation of people through worship who don’t yet know Jesus.

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Success, One Sunday at a Time By Todd Craig, Pastor

I am not much of a baseball guy, but “Moneyball” is one of my favorite movies from the last couple of years. In the movie, Brad Pitt plays a character named Billy Beane who is the general manager of the Oakland A’s. For better or worse, I identify with Pitt’s portrayal of the character. In one scene Billy is sharing about what motivates him and says, “I hate losing. I hate it. I hate losing even more than I wanna win. And there is a difference.” I have a similar drive in life. And yet, I am learning that often my failures are the result of my drive to succeed. You may respond, “Well, that doesn’t make sense,” and yet my guess is that every one of us has experienced this. All of us at one time or another have made a decision to attempt something new or make a change in our lives and abandoned it early because we didn’t get the immediate success we hoped for. This is probably the primary reason New Year’s resolutions fail. We attempt huge changes in a short amount of time, and our overambition prevents us from succeeding. Again, our drive to succeed results in failure. It seems counter-intuitive and maybe that’s why it takes us so long to figure this out. At the end of November, Tom presented a new direction for us as a church (if you haven’t heard about this, check out his sermon from November 24). He talked about some changes in worship services and the creation of a couple of new staff positions, but

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the heart of what Tom discussed was the desire to see a change of culture and a change of hearts within our congregation. Tom is leading us to being a more “outwardly focused” congregation. His hope is that we would begin seeing the needs of those around us,, and that we would care enough to respond. This will take some organizational changes and, more importantly, personal lifestyle changes for us as a congregation. If you are like me, you might be thinking, “this can’t be that hard.” The church will make some hires, move some things around, and we will have the organizational aspect covered. And I will make the decision to intentionally watch and engage those around me, and I will have my part in the personal lifestyle area covered. There is no reason we can’t have this “outward focus” thing tackled by the end of January. Certainly we will have this figured out by April. If this is the attitude and approach we take, we will fail. Culture change of this magnitude takes time and

discipline. And we have to be ok with this. I am not suggesting that we should be content with the gap that exists between who we are today and who we believe God is calling us to be in the future. Our discomfort with that should motivate us forward. But if we are not ok with patiently taking one step at a time towards the goal of being who we believe God is calling us to be, we are likely to get frustrated and give up. And what is true for us as a body of people is true for you as an individual. Many times, we are our greatest critics. Our drive to succeed and our hatred for failure results in us beating ourselves up for not being better. And rather than go through the pain of this, we quit. Transformation rarely happens overnight. It does happen, but it is the exception and not the rule. More often, transformation is a process that takes intentional deliberate steps. And it is important to celebrate each step as a win. As you seek to grow in your own life, whether it is your attitude, your health, your relationships, your career or your faith, determine what you want to be true and then develop small, easy steps to get there (it might help to sit down with someone you trust to list these out). And be sure to celebrate along the way. As followers of Jesus, one of the most encouraging things about seeing life as a journey of small steps is that God uses us in significant ways before we’ve “arrived.” Paul lived a life of incredible significance. He wrote the majority of the letters in the New Testament and planted churches in many places between Jerusalem and Rome. He may have had more to do with the spread of the gospel than any other man, and yet Paul knew he still had some things to shape up in his own life. In Philippians 3:12–13 he confesses, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I

do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Asbury is on a journey. You and I are on journeys as well. While we may hope to make one giant leap to our destination that is not how life works. If we are wise, we will keep our eyes focused on our destination and take the necessary steps it takes to get there. We can’t go from unhealthy to fit in a day. So we make small steps like working out once a week and build from there. We can’t go from broken marriage to healthy marriage in a day. So we take a small step like committing to say at least one word of appreciation to our spouse a day. We can’t go from never having opened a Bible to biblical scholar in a day. So we commit to reading a chapter a day. Each step getting us closer to our goal. Tom’s announcement that we will be a church with an outward focus set us a destination and a goal. We will not get there in matter of weeks, but we will commit to taking intentional steps towards that goal. Our first steps will be focused on doing all we can to make sure Asbury is a place guests are comfortable and they are so welcomed and valued by the people of Asbury that they can’t resist returning the next week. We will evaluate and improve our signage, invest in training, expand and relaunch our hospitality teams and develop follow-up processes for first time guests and people interested in learning more about the Christian faith. There are exciting times ahead! If you are interested in being a part of the hospitality teams at Asbury, shoot me an email at tcraig@asburytulsa.org. And, if you are interested in taking next steps in your Christian faith, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the other pastors.

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STUDENTS

The Legacy of Spring Break Missions (SBM) By Marilyn Glass

The combined experiences of these 20-somethings have led them to the hills of Kentucky, the slums of Houston, an orphanage in Guatemala, and the marketplaces of Mexico and Jamaica. Each of them would tell you that those adventures were compass points that helped direct them onto their current path of preparation for purposeful living. No two stories are the same—different time frames, different locales and cultures—but the five young adults have in common the conviction that Spring Break Missions trips have dramatically enriched their lives. The two women—Hanna Wallace and Hannah Landreth, as well as the three men—Michael Armour, Thomas Briggs, and Garett Pearce—are veterans of several missions trips. They give strong credit to Asbury for a youth focus that encourages missions participation.

Thomas Briggs candidly admits that he sometimes had wrong motives when he was younger. “I sometimes went because of my friends, because it might be fun,” he says. “But at some point, I began to evaluate. I don’t have all the answers, but Christ told us to go and make disciples of all nations. I’m blessed to be involved.” Hanna Wallace agrees. Currently serving as a ministry intern in Greenwich, Connecticut, she is considering seminary in the fall. “My first Spring Break Missions trip was to Red Bird, Kentucky,” she recalls. “There I became aware of family in a new way. I find that being exposed to the needs and the suffering of others makes you closer to the ones around you.”

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Hannah Landreth had the unexpected joy of serving with her family on a trip. “I was looking forward to the trip, realizing that it was probably my last one since I was finishing undergrad. Then, through a series of circumstances, my father and mother were invited to join the group. All four of us, including my sister, got to go on the same trip. To see God work in our lives in just one week was amazing,” she marvels. “My dad just poured out love and became like a father figure to so many of the kids. And my mom, never having been on a missions trip before, was able to share in the joy of Christ’s love. We were all changed.”

“To see God work in our lives in just one week was amazing… We were all changed.” Michael Armour (left, with Taylor Hughes) is just graduating from the O.U. School of Business. His future plans are not fully formed, but he desires to make a difference in the lives of others. “I accepted the Lord early,” he volunteers. “I prayed with my mother to accept Jesus at the age of 9, but I loved Him before that. God seems to

STUDENTS

have dropped into the heart of us all a deep yearning to do something of significance. Working with an orphanage in Guatemala to help find adoptive families for children, handing out food baskets to destitute people, seeing the joy God can put on faces—that brings such great reward and fulfills any longing I have to touch the world with God’s love and compassion.”

the planning stages, each leader was given a card with a name on it,” he explains. “We prayed for that person before we even got to our destination. On my last trip, I prayed for a young girl named Mary. We just connected. It was so cool. I believe that the prayers before I even got there helped to prepare us both for what God wanted to accomplish. And it’s a great reminder that I need to live God’s priorities as I’m starting my life after college.”

Garett Pearce is thankful to have grown up in a Christian home. “Every time the doors were open at church, we were there.” His first missions trip was to Mexico when he was in the ninth grade. “I saw what life is outside of the USA. What a revelation,” he exclaims. “Just simple acts—a hug or smile or handshake—can cause walls to fall down and hearts to open up to God’s love.”

As Thomas, who is at O.U. pursuing a medical degree, contemplates his future that continues to put God first, he is scheduling a rotation at a health center in Memphis this summer. The brainchild of physicians who wanted to impact the world for Christ, these men, after graduating from the O.U. medical program, moved to Memphis to share Christ, as well as medicine. Though people came through their doors, the doctors felt that they were not being very effective in winning others to Christ. They made the decision to move out of their comfortable homes and into the neighborhood where they were practicing medicine. They enrolled their children in the local danger-filled schools and relocated into the povertystricken neighborhood. Their ministry has thrived. They now offer a variety of classes and programs, as well as medical assistance, to the community. And the lost are being reached. “Similarly, I hope to integrate into a forgotten, neglected community,” Thomas says. “We are to preach the Gospel in every way.”

Hannah also attests to the power of the simplicity of the Gospel—in her life and in others. A ninth grade trip to Mexico helped shape her future plans. “It was very impactful,” she declares. “We presented short dramas on the streets. Afterwards, a leader would give his testimony and invite people to Christ. An old man, probably in his 80s, surrendered to Jesus. It was then that I knew I wanted to do medical missions.” Hannah is at the O.U. School of Medicine, planning to be a pediatrician. Garett discloses that he too found clarity and guidance through his involvement in Asbury’s mission outreaches. “God revealed His vision for me on those different trips. I argued with Him for a while, but at some point, I made the decision to surrender to His lordship. Now my dream is to do some kind of missions through business— possibly economic development.” Garett is presently studying online with Fuller Theological Seminary and will be moving to California soon to continue his education in intercultural studies.

“It’s a great reminder that I need to live God’s priorities as I’m starting my life after college.” All of these young people have at times served as Spring Break Missions leaders. Michael found the pre-trip leadership preparation and training meaningful. “While we were still in

Hanna concurs. Even though she saw the Gospel transform lives—such as the man in Mexico who accepted Christ after she and two friends spoke to him—she still was resistant to it in her own life. “When I met that man, though I wasn’t at the time a Christian, I knew his story, without him saying a word,” she reports. “Though we were very different—he was older and obviously from a different background—I knew that he and I had the same story. But I still was not willing to follow the Lord. Then, after high school graduation, I went to a youth camp and made the decision to give God a try. I said, ‘Lord, I’ll believe in you tonight and if you’re not real, tomorrow, I’ll go back to this same life.’ But His love just flooded over me, and it was life changing. I’ve never been the same. And I now know my doubts made my decision that much stronger.” That is the testimony of each of these dynamic Christ followers. Jesus Christ redeems lives.

“I don’t have all the answers, but Christ told us to go and make disciples of all nations. I’m blessed to be involved.”

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Jamaica

By Katelyn Moore, Senior High Associate

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In a world that teaches us to think of ourselves first, we strive to remember that Jesus taught something different. Everything about our culture is teaching our teenagers to focus on themselves first, to see their own needs and desires above the needs and desires of others. But we are called to look past ourselves and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. In laying down our own lives, just as Christ did for us, we have to “press on our brakes” and yield to the Holy Spirit as our guide. Our Spring Break Missions theme this year is “Yield.” We are tired of trying to lead our own lives. We are tired of listening to the world tell us that we should put ourselves before others. And we are tired of our culture telling us that we can make our own destiny. The New Living Translation of Galatians 5:25 says, “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” It’s time for us to realize that we are not in control. We have around 320 students and 105 adult volunteers who have decided to use their spring break as an opportunity to yield their lives to the Holy Spirit and serve others. They will participate in one of the following four trip opportunities: 7th grade trip – Inner City Houston: We continue our tradition of helping the Center for Student Missions as they partner with a number of different agencies to bring the Kingdom to many of the inner city residents of Houston. Our students serve meals, sort food and clothing, deliver lunches to underprivileged preschoolers, dance with Alzheimer patients, help elementary students with homework, and so much more. They bring the joy of Christ to many people in Houston. 8th grade trip – Rural Kentucky: Red Bird Mission is a part of the United Methodist Church, located in Beverly, Kentucky, in the Appalachian Mountains. Each year our students and adults get to plug into the work Red Bird does by serving the rural poor. We will be doing home repair through projects such as new porch construction, new wheelchair ramp construction, stoop construction, repairing and replacing floors and roofs, and interior construction. 9th & 10th grade trip – Trelawny Parish, Jamaica: Our freshmen and sophomores continue to serve in third world poverty with a unique twist …they understand us, and we understand them. We partner with Praying Pelican Missions, who in turn, partner with local pastors and churches in construction, evangelism and relationship building. Each pastor and church has a connection to their local public schools so we spend our mornings serving children in the schools and our afternoons completing construction projects.

11th & 12th grade trip – Guatemala City, Guatemala: Juniors and seniors serve in third world poverty with a bit more challenge. We partner with Shalom Church to help their ministries in “Paradise” and the surrounding needy areas, as well as with Engadi ministries. With a combination of construction, evangelism and relationship building, we continue to help Shalom and Engadi expand their ministries to an area that desperately needs Christ and His kingdom. We need your help! Of course, there’s no way to put a price tag on the lives that will change during the course of these four trips, but we do need specific resources and support to get there. Our goal for the 2014 Stockholder Campaign is $150,000. Missions’ stock money not only helps to subsidize the cost for these trips but helps to fund other missions both locally and globally throughout the rest of the year. We asked some past donors and current students to talk about their experience in supporting Spring Break Missions. Here is what they had to say: “The youth mission trips are a great opportunity for our youth to mature in their Christian beliefs and see how others need the Lord. At the same time they can show the love of Jesus by sharing their time with those they meet. Being able to donate for the youth missions gives me a sense of helping them grow closer to God. Some of our youth may not have family resources to allow them to make the trip. We do not want money to stand in their way of growing and serving.” –Basil James, Stockholder, age 84 “A mission trip allows you to become outwardly focused and helps you realize it’s not always about me or what I think I need or want. And perhaps most of all, for me, the mission trips I was blessed to go on allowed me to see God work in people and in myself in ways I never could have imagined. It was like God lifted the curtain and removed some of the scales on my eyes for a very brief moment and allowed me to see just a speck of what His new heaven on earth could be like.” –Steve Everley, Stockholder, age 62 “Giving to spring break missions grew our family in our commitment to not only consider the tithe, but to be stretched to do more than our family might have

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thought was possible. As years have passed, we realize again and again that what we receive is much greater than any dollar amount that we give! Even if the budget is tight, participating in the week-long prayer vigil allows a person to have a sense of belonging, supporting and connecting with Asbury’s student ministries. “What a blessing it is to give to a church, especially it’s young people, knowing that my contribution may be just a small portion of something that will be lifechanging in so many ways. I have been a leader on three former spring break mission trips, and I know the work our youth is able to accomplish is such a remarkable and tangible gift for the people they are serving. Through just one week’s experience, seeing the hearts of our young people grow in Christ in an age that has so much uncertainty is a gift I will never forget. It is cliché, but our youth are our future. Why would we not want to invest in our most important asset so they will know and experience God’s goodness, His truth, and His love for the nations!” –Jana Annett, Stockholder, age 51 “I was a Christian but I didn’t really understand what it meant…I had a relationship with religion, but not a relationship with God. I’d never been out of the United States or out of the country so I was really nervous, because I’d never seen anything like Guatemala before. I walked out of the airport and I was just like, ‘Where am I?’ The houses are like little tin rooms that are smaller than my bedroom, and a whole family lives there. I realized that I was being selfish in many ways

by taking things that I just wanted, and thinking that I needed them, when other people don’t even get the opportunity to have those things. And that was when I decided that I was just going to put everything behind me and start over. “I’ve stopped hanging out with the people I used to hang out with because I realized that I needed to get my priorities straight. And I realized that some of the things that I did were pulling me away from God. I needed to move away from that and when I threw my past away, (getting my priorities straight) was part of that. Just looking back on (my past) and saying ‘This is not me anymore.’ And moving forward.” –Jansyn McKinney, College Leader—Houston, age 18 “I’ve traveled to Houston, Kentucky and Jamaica on mission trips with Asbury in the past, and each has had a significant impact in my life and has helped to shape me into the person that I am today. All of these trips have developed my heart and passion for serving, especially in foreign countries.” –Sarah McMullen, Participant—Guatemala, age 17 We (the student staff) greatly believe that these teenagers have the capacity to change the world. We believe that when they fix their eyes on Jesus and yield themselves and their own desires to the Holy Spirit’s desires for their lives, they are an unstoppable force for sharing the Good News among the nations. We take stock in them. Will you?

Kentucky

Jamaica

Kentucky

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Houston

Guatemala

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C AR E AN D M AR R IAG E

Our Favorite Anniversary Gift Compiled by Judy Collis

Ed and Cay Anderson, 50 Years “We went on a nice week’s trip for our 50th and had a good time, but good times come and go,” Ed says. “The biggest and best gift I ever got was having her for 50 years. I think she’s crazy to stick with me for such a long time.” “The week off by ourselves was wonderful,” says Cay. “For our anniversary, he gave me a beautiful, diamond bracelet. We’re still romantic after 50 years.”

Charlie and Sue Archambo, 55 Years Charlie didn’t have to think twice to come up with his best anniversary memory. “It was our 50th anniversary trip to New York and Bermuda,” he says adamantly. His memories of that time weren’t just because of the places they visited or the travel experiences they shared, though those, too, were special. It was because Sue had been in a three-car collision just a month before that could have easily taken her life. As it was, Sue credits Jesus with saving her. The car in which Sue was a passenger on July 21, 2008, was traveling at highway speed when it was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle. “When I saw the car coming, I said ‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,’ and He heard me,” she says. Another vehicle also hit their car from behind. Both Sue and her friend spent several days in the hospital. Sue suffered a head injury that required stapling, a hole in her right leg, a broken big toe and deep bruising all over. “We already had our reservations for the trip,” she recalls. “I called them two weeks before we were to leave and told them

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there was no way we could go on the trip, but the agent urged me to wait two weeks to see how I felt then. I love to travel and knew if I cancelled I would never get to go, so I took her advice. “Exactly one month after the accident, we went on our trip. Charlie pushed me in the wheelchair the first day, and I took my crutches and periodically iced my leg down. It was hard, but I made it.”

Don and Ruth Bauer, 58 Years Ruth and Don’s 30th anniversary gift to one another—a three-week trip to Egypt, Israel and Greece— stand out as the favorite of each. “We celebrated our anniversary on Elephantine Island in Egypt with my brother and his wife who lived in Cairo at the time,” Don recalls. “We took a cruise on the Nile and visited most of the famous places in Egypt, including the pyramids and the Sphinx. “On our way home we visited Israel – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron – which was wonderful and had so much meaning for us. We also stopped at Athens. “It was our first trip abroad and it was really a great one,” he says.

Ken and Carmen Finch, 60 Years Carmen and Ken Finch talked over the question of their best-ever anniversary gift and agreed their 25th anniversary was the most special, due to an initially unintended gift they gave themselves. “Our 25th anniversary was the special one for both of us because we decided to go to Hawaii, and I mentioned the planned trip to one of my friends at lunch one day,” Carmen says.

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That friend suggested she and her husband should go with the Finches. Eventually, four more couples, all long-time friends, also decided to accompany them on their anniversary trip. “We spent a week over there and had a wonderful time,” Carmen recalls. “It was a really good time with lots of pictures and wonderful memories.”

Fred and Nancy Gardner, 59 Years Nancy and Fred agree their 50year celebration tops the list of “best-ever” anniversary gifts. “It was a party our children, Mitch Gardner and Beth Reed, hosted for us at the Doubletree,” Nancy says. “It was not a surprise because they told us they wanted to do something, but they made all the arrangements and videotaped it.”

Vic and Roberta Hairston, 60 Years Robert and Vic Hairston also say their 50th anniversary party was the best anniversary gift each remembers. “We went back to Salt Lake where we had lived for several years, and our children had a surprise party for us at the church where we attended when living there,” Roberta says. “They came in from Montana, Colorado and Tulsa, and grandkids and friends came in from all over the country.” A special gift the Hairstons received was a stained glass plate depicting flowers in colors that represented the birthstones of all in the family. Anniversary celebrations for the Hairstons were always varied because Vic served in the Air Force for 24 years.“We celebrated

our anniversaries in many different places,” Roberta recalls. “Sometimes we’d have steak, and sometimes we’d have hotdogs.”

Dave and Gail Knox, 51 Years The Knoxes wanted to gift themselves to celebrate their 50 years together and the results were most memorable. “We took a second honeymoon to Ocean Grove, Calif., and stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast,” Gail says. “Then, we celebrated the actual day of our anniversary by exchanging much nicer rings than we had when we married. It was symbolic of our 50 wonderful years together.”

Jim and Ann Schulz, 53 Years Jim answered without hesitation, “The party and dinner our kids gave us at the Celebrity Club for our 50th anniversary.” “They made a collection of 200 pictures of our lives and flew in relatives from California, but mainly it was because they—our children and grandchildren— did it for us,” Ann says. But, it didn’t happen without some stress involved on the part of those giving the party. “Just days before, we took a cruise to Bermuda (a surprise gift planned by Jim) and almost goofed up their plans because they, too, were doing the party as a surprise,” she explains. “They found out at the last minute we were going and had to change all their plans around.”

Skip and Dyanne Sidner, 50 Years The Sidner’s 40th anniversary gift was their most memorable, according to Skip.

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“Deirdre, our youngest daughter, was married on a Saturday,” he recalls. “We had just finished Sunday lunch for family and out-of-town relatives and were resting, recovering from several days of hosting guests. “Our oldest daughter, Deborah runs into the house wanting to ‘show us something.’ We were tired and reluctant, but she insisted, so we went, hoping it was no emergency. It wasn’t. “We were greeted at Asbury and immediately energized by family, friends and relatives with a surprise 40th anniversary celebration.”

Ross and Ina Vrooman, 60 Years Ina and Ross have wonderful memories of a cruise through the Caribbean taken to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Their gift to each other was special because, Ina says, “It was the first and only time we’ve been on a cruise.”

Herb and Mary Sue Whitney, 50 Years Mary Sue and Herb put their heads together to come up with their favorite anniversary gift. “Years ago, we quit wracking our brains about what to give each other and started taking trips,” Mary Sue says. “Our favorite one was this year to celebrate our 50th. We managed to get our entire family together for a week in Wyoming. It is rare for that to happen, so that was the mountaintop experience for us as far as anniversaries go. “It was a beautiful place just to celebrate our family, our years together and the beauty of God’s creation.”

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Couples Married 50+ Years as of February 9, 2014 50 years Joe & Ruth Harris Herb & Mary Sue Whitney Bill & Geneva Tinkler Tom & Bonnie Brinner Martin & Marilyn Brown Skip & Dyanne Sidner Ken & Janie Bradford Ed & Cay Anderson Tyrone & Jackie Davis Ed & Brenda Stockard Ted & Ginger Haws

51 years H.L. & Florence Moore Jim & Nancy Jones John & June Hawkins Jon & Bonnie Wynn Don & Patti Cooper Kent & Jeanette Young Chuck & Kathy Purser Don & Carol Martin Tom & Hazel Robinett Jerry & Dixie Mitchell David & Maria Cowan Dave & Gail Knox Al & Sharalea St. John Bill & Doris Shackelford Arlin & Nancy Mullins

52 years Don & Pat Hardin Charlie & Ann Hearne Howard & Virginia Hensley Sig & Jan Schwier, III Mike & Louise Borden Ron & Sue Baucom Wade & Donna Floyd Don & Mary Herrold

Delbert & Kathy Winder Roger & LaVonne Fleming Phil & Jan Lakin Don & Barbara Wright Clark & Judy Walton

53 years Chuck & Ginny Scott Ed & Ann Parker, II Ray & Barb Boone Richard & Linda Polk Jim & Danys Self Randy & Fannie Edens Jim & Christine VanderLind Roger & LeAnn Metcalf Jim & Linda Pat Colgan Perry & Yvonne Partney Jim & Ann Schulz Dewey & Oralene Sherbon Warren & Lydia Reichert Dean & Vesta VanTrease Burton & Freddie Howard Tom & Pat Hailey Bill & Jane Hamilton Jess & Mary Mitchell David & Shirley Wilkinson

54 years Lou & Gloria Lasiter Truman & Linda Rachels Jim & Sue Allison Lee & Tony Flowers, Jr. Ron & Jackie Carter John & Betty Jo Vogel Ed & Leslie Lusk Harold & Donna Brantley Cecil & Jan Burnett Glen & Charlene Ravens Charlie & Jeanette Sessom Jim & Judy Parker

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Carl & Sue Richards Gary & Ruth Beatie Richard & Billie Corley Jim & Susie Barrett, Sr. Bill & Janet Knight Bud & Dianne Mathes Larry & Judy Kindred Giles & Barbara Gere Dean & Jessie Cox Donald & Chris Hoose

55 years Bruce & Carolyn Nixon Hal & Ruth Johnston Bob & Dorothy Beck LaVerne & Jean Reed Bill & Jayne Mason Bob & Mary Ann Charles Charlie & Janet Johnston Charlie & Sue Archambo Vic & Liz Schock Robert & Joy Long Gene & Barbara Graves Gary & Dorothy VanFossen John & Judy Marquis Bob & Jimmie Dozier

56 years Harley & Jackie Hinson Bill & Rosalie Veatch Joe & Beth Limes, Jr. Cal & Doris Brusewitz Dan & Margaret Slagle Rick & Vi Bowers Doyle & Shirley George Al & Ruth Sowards Jerry & Colleen Sharp Dale & Pat Davidson Rex & Dovie Edgar Wally & Sue Maurer Russ & Norma Jones

57 years Larry & Jeri Myerley Bill & Joan Matzdorf Bob & Jean Dalton Larry & Mary Metz Clifton & Lamyrle Cox

Don & Barbara Thornton Wayne & Sammie Kendall Rollo & Liz Brasuell Jim & Nancy Harrison Stanley & Shirley Dean Ronald & Phyllis Allison Leonard & Mary Stubbs Marold & Patty Lohrenz Rey & Betty Spence Carl & Novella Willis David & Patty Thomas Milton & Patricia VanDerwiele James & DeWanda Humphries John & Jo Keil Tom & Lou Ann Costello Ed & Jan Hines Arlyn & Shirley Daering

58 years Don & Ruth Bauer Warren & Wilda Burdine John & Shirley Ann Smith Mel & Mary Pearson Bill & Dorothy Kisselburg Bob & Beverlyn Summers Ed & Rita Lenfestey

59 years Jerry & Johnna Himes Vernon & Maralee Jones Joe & Jo Stall Roger & Joyce Clark Ted & Pat Kelly Ben & Joy Weddington Bill & Phyllis Taylor Merle & Marylou Howell Ralph & Marion Daugherty Howard & Joanne Ledbetter Ron & Sue Shook Jim & Margie Thomas Paul & Shirley Hockett Fred & Nancy Gardner Jim & Norma Morrison

60 years Gary & Celeste Zarley Gordon & Lois Vetal

Vic & Roberta Hairston Walt & Marion Neary Frank & Betty Schemm Dick & Nevin Loerke Ron & Pat Thomson Dwayne & Awilda Godsey Bob & Mary Lynn Milam Ross & Ina Vrooman Cleo & Frankie Warren Floyd & Vida Bruntzel Ken & Carmen Finch

61 years Bob & Martha Carpenter Bill & June Carr Dick & Gwen Mohler Monroe & Jan Reece Gene & Mary Ellen Whiteford Dean & Marilynn Smith Lee & Oneta Roles Dick & Marcia Marshall Bill & M.A. Kohl Dean & Regina Daniel Jim & Pat Miller Bob & Gladys Murphy

62 years Bob & Donna Keener Richard & Darlene Baker Bob & Wanda Stotts Bill & Mary Kirwin Jack & Pat Compton

63 years Alden & Sarah Miller Ray & Ada Miller Clyde & Mary Johnson Dave & Janet Wehrenberg A.B. & Gwen Steen Jerry & Imogene Headley Jim & Betty Jane Bailey Ray & Betty Gordy

Warren & Roberta Roberts Harry & Lois Robbins Otis & Nell Osborn Jim & LaRue Coover Wally & Barbara Westervelt Gordon & Chris Gresh

65 years Howard & Vera McCloud Tom & Elizabeth Diehl Dick & Joan Link Tom & Evelyn Porter

66 years Jack & Doris Bruin Rudy & Alice Jane Gorishek Murrel & Helen Cowherd Phil & Jean Essley, Jr.

67 years Laneer & Jean Ham Edison & Audrey Jeffus

68 years Sid & Maxine Lee John & Joanna Neely Ted & Virginia Wellendorf

69 years Bill & Shirley Parkinson

70 years Vic & Betty Goodknight Al & Ruth Meyer

71 years Gene & Irene Bond

64 years Tom & Lillie Hardcastle Joe & Mary Pottorf Gene & Betty Hobson

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A few months later, I noticed that he was leading the entire shift in his productivity. I asked him what made such a difference. He explained that he learned what his “One Degree” was. He offered to introduce me to Dave Jewitt, the founder of “Your One Degree.” Since I too was suffering burn out, lethargy, and boredom at work (yes, it is very possible for police work to become boring), I wanted to learn about “One Degree.” God creates us for specific purposes, but most of us go through life just trying to be happy with whatever we’re doing. We tend, over time, to narrow down those things that we don’t like to do (never ask me to do any plumbing work for you) but we rarely learn how to grasp what we were actually designed to do. I discovered how to say “no” to the activities in my life that led to frustration and “yes” to those that energized me and gave me a sense of purpose.

Maximizing Your Influence as a Couple By Pat Calhoun

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Galatians 6: 4–5 (The Message) My wife, Deborah, and I are very different. We have different skills, spiritual gifts, love languages and interests. One thing we have in common, we’re both very stubborn! Of course, those differences and that stubbornness have led to a conflict or two over the years, but God has shown us how to use those differences to maximize our effectiveness for Him. Here’s how that happened. Several years ago while I was supervising a patrol squad in east Tulsa, one of my officers experienced several devastating situations in his personal life. I tried to counsel and encourage him, but I still watched as his work productivity, his personal life and his spiritual life deteriorated.

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Let’s fast forward several years. I retired from the police department and decided to pursue a financial opportunity. I ignored my “One Degree” and justified this pursuit. Two years later, God finally said STOP! This time, Deborah and I went back to Dave Jewitt together. I went to review my “One Degree” with him, and Deborah went to learn her “One Degree.” When Deborah discovered her “One Degree” and I refocused on mine, we began to make decisions on whether opportunities were within God’s plan as defined by our D.E.S.I.G.N. Dana Harrison called us shortly after Deborah completed her “One Degree” and asked us to consider becoming Paraclete mentors. She asked if we would be willing to mentor a senior from Union High School through her senior year and then into college. We considered each other’s D.E.S.I.G.N. and agreed that becoming Paraclete mentors was within both of our “One Degrees.” This decision has blessed us many times over. Our student, Kaylei, is a very active part of our lives. She’s become part of our family, and we are able to share so much with her. I’ve even had the opportunity to share Christ with some of her friends. When you discover what God designed you for and combine that with your spouse’s design, VERY exciting blessings will occur in your life. Blessings that are far more rewarding than the financial rewards we usually pursue. Imagine exploring how you and your spouse can fulfill your purposes as one, just as God intended. That’s what “Your One Degree” can do for you. It has for us. As for the stubbornness? Please pray for her.

Pat and Deborah Calhoun will be facilitating “Your One Degree—For Couples” on Thursday evenings, February 20–April 10. Cost is $30 per couple. Register online or call 918.392.1191.

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Weekend to Remember—Really? By Charlene Giles, Director of Care and Marriage

ver wonder if marriage enrichment classes, events and retreats are worth it? Every year Asbury endorses Family Life’s Weekend to Remember (WTR) conference, held at the nearby Renaissance Hotel. Many couples describe a “growth spurt” in their relationship at the time of the experience. They may find courage to tackle a few roadblocks to intimacy (sexual and otherwise.) They may be surprised by a resurgence of tender feelings toward one another, a desire to please one another again. They may even promise to treat one another differently in the future. So what about a year, two years, many years later? Do those commitments to develop a more loving marriage have lasting impact? What sorts of things do couples remember and still strive to apply? I decided to ask some previous attendees of Weekend to Remember how much they remember and use today. Tiffany and Isaiah Edison attended their first WTR before they were married! Since then they have gone back several times. According to Tiffany, there are many concepts from WTR that she thinks about frequently. Two of those are: 1) Your spouse is not your enemy, but there is an enemy that will try extremely hard to destroy your marriage, especially one dedicated to God; and 2) Marriage is not 50/50, but 100/100, regardless of your spouse’s performance. Tiffany says, “All marriages have mountaintops, plateaus and valley times. Each time Isaiah and I attend WTR, we have excellent discussions which tend to lead to more mountaintops. I think mountaintop experiences are very important because they bring joy and hope and something to look forward to during valley times.”

Chris and Amanda Eldridge have attended WTR two times. Chris notes, “We learned that men and women tend to communicate differently. Now we try to use our different strengths to come up with good solutions.” Chris and Amanda have also served on the event prayer team. Rod and I attended WTR somewhere around 1995. One thing that sticks in our minds is how much we appreciated the quality of the presenters. We never got bored, and we laughed a lot. During allocated times for private conversations, we took some risks. We admitted to some situations where we had been less than honest with one another about our preferences. Most importantly, we agreed to “speak the truth in love” instead of trying to read minds. This is a principle that we still try to apply today. Whether you are just beginning your life together, want to go from good to great, or long for a rekindled relationship, a Weekend to Remember experience can be powerful. Beyond providing excellent teaching times, times for just the two of you to share and plenty of time to laugh, this weekend may give you exactly what it claims—important things to remember in the years ahead.

The Tulsa Weekend to Remember is Valentine’s weekend, February 14–16. For details go to www. familylife.com/events or contact pat.calhoun007@ gmail.com. Use “asburytulsa” group code for a discount.

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A Purpose Bigger than Ourselves: Thinking Big about Kids and the Kingdom by Karen Hardin

e all know some pint-sized members of God’s family— kids! They have the simple faith God requires, eagerly crave involvement, and long to be committed to a cause. By God’s spirit, believing children are full members of Christ’s body. Yet we as adults often minimize the contribution they can make, putting kids on hold until they’re older or more grounded in their faith. It’s time to think big. What if we teach children that God loves not only them but also all the peoples of the world, and is at work making His Name great among the nations? What if we affirm that our kids’ lives have meaning because God has uniquely designed them to partner with Him in a work that impacts eternity? What if we give children opportunities to commit to the greatest purpose of all— advancing the Kingdom of God? Parents are uniquely positioned to turn these “what ifs” into reality. Here are some resources to inspire and equip the boys and girls sitting around your dinner table.

Free Resources from Weave Weave, a new children and family ministry of the Center for Mission Mobilization, has created the following tools to help families to embrace both the person and purposes of Christ in their home discipleship.

points, suggested family activities, and prayer points. They are free to download at www.perspectivesjourney.org.

Web-based Activities The Weave website (weavefamily.org) provides monthly activities that connect families to the global story of God. They can be found under the Threads tab. Content includes: • Hands-on activities that help families discover God’s global heart and purposes in Scripture and unpack how and why we do missions. • First-person stories of boys and girls in unreached cultures along with a cultural activity and prayer points. • Practical ways for families to live out their unique role in the Kingdom in everyday moments - bedtime, mealtime, in the car, on vacation, at school, etc. • Recipes that allow families to explore other cultures with their taste buds. • Short videos of families who are living out God’s global purpose in their own, unique way. Reprinted by permission of Missions Catalyst, www.missionscatalyst.org. The Center for Mission Mobilization receives financial support from Asbury. JOURNEY

the

Family Handouts

Experience it Look for ways that your family can actively bless others this week. Here are a few ideas, but be creative and think outside the box: • Donate clothing or blankets to a homeless shelter. • Make cookies and deliver them to your neighbors . • Volunteer to babysit for a single mom. As parents, begin the habit of speaking a blessing (like Numbers 6:22–27) over each of your children.

Discuss it 1 2 3

Psalm 67:1–2 (NIV)

Share the account of Abraham in Genesis 12–13. As you read together, focus on Genesis 12:1–3. Identify specific ways that God blessed Abraham. Did God bless Abraham because he deserved it? For what greater purpose did God bless Abraham?

blessing

It’s easy to focus on the blessings we want for our family. We often appreciat e the fact that God has blessed us in many ways without stopping to ask the question why. When we look deep into God’s word we see that, most often, God blesses His people so that they, in turn, might be a blessing to others. His greater purpose in our blessing is for all the nations of the earth to be blessed.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us – so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”

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LESSON

Study it

God’s word Blessed to be a

The Journey family handouts reflect the same themes as the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course. This set of 15, one-page lessons was crafted to help parents shape their family into World Christians. Each handout includes a Bible passage, thought-provoking discussion

BIBLICAL HISTORICAL CULTURAL STRATEGIC

To become a family on mission with God

How has God blessed our family? How can we use these blessings to bless others? Is it difficult to let go of things we have and enjoy? Why? How does knowing God’s purpose begin to change the way we view our lives?

Map it Get a world map and hang it in a prominen t area of your home. Stand in front of the map. Invite the children to point out specific countries and regions that they recognize . Pray that God would use your family to bless the families of the earth.

PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT Tuesdays 6:00–9:00pm January 21–May 13 Believers Church, 4705 S. Memorial Mondays 6:00–9:00pm January 20–May 12 First Baptist Church of Inola 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 nondenominational 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.

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Running for Clean Water Asbury’s Team World Vision and the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon By Jim Davis, Global Outreach Director

n the frigid morning of Sunday, November 24, as most Asburians were making their way to church, a team of Asbury members was racing along the course of Tulsa’s Route 66 Marathon. However, this team was running for much more than a personal challenge – they were running to have an impact on global poverty and to bring clean water projects to African countries, including Tanzania and Democratic Republic of Congo. Team World Vision (TWV) is a fundraising program for the Christian relief and development organization, World Vision. It was founded to help people realize that running a marathon or half-marathon can change your life physically, emotionally and spiritually. TWV seeks to bring this experience to more people, while at the same time challenging runners to impact poverty around the world. There are more than 1700 runners on TWV in the Chicago marathon.

other to persevere and improve. The workouts were designed so that team members could run their own pace but also pass each other frequently to offer words of encouragement or a high-five. The team prayed together at the beginning of each run and often visited for a while after the workout. Friendships were built and a sense of camaraderie developed. Race day was the culmination of the hard work, and TWV provided a tent to gather before and after the race (and for trying to stay warm in 28 degree weather!) It was great to get in shape for a purpose, knowing that clean water will be supplied to those in need.

There were 55 members on Asbury’s team for the full and half Route 66 Marathon, and over $18,500 was raised for water projects. Well done!

Of course, Asbury is not new to water projects. Many wells and water collection systems were installed in the Kami area of Tanzania through the generous giving at Asbury. One of World Vision’s partners, Water4 in Oklahoma City, has recently begun water projects in Democratic Republic of Congo, partnering with the United Methodist Church in the area where Asbury distributed the Kiluba language Bibles. Part of the Route 66 Marathon funds will fund future Water4 projects in this same area.

Asbury’s team began training in July and met together on Saturday mornings for group runs. Runners and walkers of all abilities were part of the team and were able to encourage each

Plans are in the works to do this again in 2014. Even if you are not a runner, consider joining us next year. The training and your teammates will get you from the couch to the finish line!

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Mission to Thailand By Peter and Jan Thavornrat (Editors note: Peter has been the web developer for the Asbury Communications Department since November 2011. Asbury very graciously allows staff members the time off to go on mission trips, both those sponsored by Asbury and other trips. Peter and his wife Jan went on a mission trip to Thailand in February 2012. They now have one daughter, Jaylyn, who is 13 months old.)

On February 16, 2012, the team of 17 from Tulsa and Detroit joined together in Bangkok to travel from there to the city of Buriram. After a 30 hour plane trip, it took an additional five hours to get to Buriram by vans. Once we arrived in the late afternoon, we had the opportunity to go on a rickshaw parade to promote the three nights of crusade around the city. Amazingly, people in Buriram were very open to the event. We knew that God called us to go to this trip. We are an empty vessel for Him, available for Him to lead. The next day, the team went to public schools in the city to evangelize the students. Since we spoke Thai, we helped the team in translating. We saw many students accept Christ into their hearts for the first time. We also spent time praying and talking with them. They were hungry for our God’s power. They really wanted the change in their lives. We believe with them that God has a great plan for their lives. The next day, we helped with the women’s conference at the local church. Hundreds of Thai women attended the conference with their expectations from God. We could see in their eyes that they were on fire for God. Jan had a chance to share her life testimony to encourage women to meditate on the Word and how to forgive. At the end of the conference, one of the leaders in the team, invited the women to forgive those who hurt them in the past. Many were delivered from bitterness and wounds in their hearts. Hands were lifted to worship God the Healer and Redeemer. God is good and faithful. During the three nights of the crusade, thousands of people showed up every night. We consistently saw God manifest His power. God changed many of the hearts. Hundreds of people accepted Christ for the first time. With the help of local churches, we believe that these new believers are in good hands. God not only touched people’s hearts, but He transformed some of people’s lives by His healing power. We prayed for a crippled man, and God healed him. Now he can stretch out his fingers for the first time in 48 years. Praise the Lord! He also can walk by himself for the first time in 28 years. God is good! He is the healer! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the living God. Through this trip, God has confirmed our calling to Thailand. We know God has put the kingdom of Thailand into our heart. As God reminds you, please pray for the Thai people and our ministry to them.

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You Say You Want a Resolution: January Sermon Series In January, our sermon series will be on resolutions. We asked children in our children’s ministry what their resolution would be for the new year.

“To learn to drive.” –Paxton Hooper (K)

“Read more books and make my bed more often.” –Julia White

“Watch less TV.” –Anna Hayes

“To believe in God a lot.” –Andrew Diebert (5)

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“Learn how to do a front flip.” –Owen Wall

“Make a half point goal at a Thunder game.” –Emory Parris (5)

“To learn how to do a back flip.” –Andre Momodu (K)

Life Hacks: February Sermon Series By Pam Wallace, Adult Ministries Coordinator A life hack “refers to any productivity trick, shortcut, skill or novelty method to increase productivity and efficiency, in all walks of life; in other words, anything that solves an everyday problem in a clever or non-obvious way.” We asked both 6th graders and senior adults what they thought life hacks meant. This will be an interesting sermon series.

“Use a wire clothes hanger to roast marshmallows over a fire.” –Luke Chabino

“I am not sure what that means. If it means life is complicated, I agree. If it means hang-ups, we all have them. One of my hang-ups is too many commercials on TV. If it means bumps in the road, we have to depend on Jesus to help us over them.” –Senior Adult

“Use zip lock baggies around your socks when you don’t have snow boots.” –Sadee Mathers

“What did you say? Oh. Sounds dirty or unclean. I don’t care to ever have one.” –Senior Adult

“Use a spring in a pen to keep your phone charger from bending and breaking.” –Evan Sadler

“Makes me think of flu and cold season. It might have something to do with that. My husband might know. He’s been coughing.” –Senior Adult

“Use a paperclip as a cord holder for your phone charger.” –Ben Edwards

“I have no idea. If I was to guess, probably means when someone (or the government) hacks into your personal life.” –Senior Adult

“Use a trashcan lid as a shield.” –Parker Zumwalt

“I think it means when your life is not going so well.” –Senior Adult

“Use a laundry basket as an indoor basketball hoop.” –Drew Fraser

“I don’t know what that means. I am 83 years old and have never heard of that. Should I be concerned?” –Senior Adult

“Use toilet paper to ‘decorate’ a friend’s front yard.” –Mary Jane Woodliff

“Does it mean when someone takes over (“hacks into”) your body?” –Senior Adult

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Mega Garage Sale with Massive Outreach By Christine Hickey “Yikes!” “Never again!” “I love shopping them, but I despise organizing them.” These are common reactions to the phrase “garage sale.” Long hours of planning, sorting, hauling, pricing and advertising go into making a garage sale successful. These sales typically take place during the smothering humidity of an Oklahoma summer. Your back aches, your feet blister, and your head throbs. There are contrasting attitudes to hosting a sale, however. Jeanne Funk, United Methodist Women’s President, will tell you with a smile on her face that the UMW Annual Garage Sale is one of her very favorite things. “I help with the garage sale because it is fun, it helps lots of people, it is a witness to all who shop, and it provides a way to get to know more people at church.” I experienced shopping this special sale for the first time last summer. If you’ve ever driven by a garage sale, you know you will see a few tables and maybe some furniture. I was blown away with the scale of this sale! Tables were piled high with handbags and accessories. Clothing racks bowed under the weight of coats, sweaters and suits. Long tables end-to-end covered with linens, cookware and so much more. And oh, the books! Several tables set up together created a library of gently used books of all categories. I quickly filled my new tote bag with hardback adventures, candlesticks, and a “new to me” wireless mouse. That’s right, there were plenty of techie items, too! The UMW ladies will accept almost anything to sell, except computer parts and unmentionables. Ask a lady from our women’s group, and they’ll tell you some funny stories of things that have been donated in the past! Jeanne is only one of countless volunteers who help to organize one of Asbury’s most looked-forward-to events. Women involved with UMW participate and bring family members to help. Volunteers are essential and create an intergenerational effort between the grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads, and children and youth who join together to make this successful. Watching them work so hard together with a cheer that can only come from the Holy Spirit is certainly a great way to see God at work. What constitutes success? Consider how much money you made at your last garage sale. $1000? $200? In July 2013, UMW broke their record with a grand total of $13,700! They have a goal to continue raising the bar year after year. Although this valued group of our church body is very active and generous, they do not keep a dime of the funds raised from this event. The sale enables our older church ladies to still have a lasting impact in missions, both here and abroad. All proceeds go to support several of our non-profit partners. Local outreach beneficiaries include John 3:16 Mission, Operation Hope, Walt Whitman Elementary School (books), Asbury’s Global Gardens, Nueva Esperonza, and DaySpring Villa (human trafficking). Global outreach beneficiaries include Hope for Tomorrow in Guatemala, Casa de Fe in Ecuador, Estonia (Camp Gideon and Lighthouse), and Asbury missionaries Sarah Adams, Kayla Dobbs and Matt Hester. Cornerstone Ministry picks up any leftover items for use in their thrift store, so every donated item is put to good use.

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SAVE THE DATE! JULY 11-12, 2014 Mark your calendars! July 11-12, 2014 is the next UMW garage sale date. Friday, July 11, will be a full day, and the sale ends on Saturday, July 12, at noon. Donations may be brought to the church on Thursday, July 10. That’s right, they do all the sorting in ONE day! If you are feeling the drive to volunteer for this exciting event, please contact a UMW lady or call the church office at 918.492.1771.

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Asbury Opportunities GENERAL INFORMATION

CARE AND SUPPORT

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!

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

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.

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 • Register online or call 918.392.1191

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

Creating Balance in a Hyperdrive World Want to achieve calm stability? Creative format: six Mondays, every other week. First and last sessions held at Asbury, others by phone. No cost. Required text: In Search of Balance, Keys to a Stable Life by Richard A. Swenson, M.D. Coach: Rod Giles. • 6 Wednesdays, February 26, March 12 and 26, April 9 and 23 and May 7, 6:00–7:00 pm • Room 2818 on February 26 and May 7, other dates by phone • No cost, register online or 918.392.1191, contact rod@ rodgiles.com for questions Change Your Brain, Change Your Life Anxious or depressed? Neuroscience now reinforces what we’ve always known. An important part of dealing with these most common issues is our willingness to retrain our brain through positive thought, prayer and faith. Instructor: Maribeth Blunt, MHR, LPC • Tuesdays, February 11–March 4, 7:00-8:30 pm, Room 2319, no cost, child care available • Register online or 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.

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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 • 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, 2:00–4:00 pm or 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

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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. • Fourth Thursdays, 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 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

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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 Wednesday Night Live and Children’s Choirs Join us on Wednesday nights for children’s choir and then stay for worship kid style in the Chapel. (Drop off upstairs in the choir rooms and pick up in the chapel.) For more information contact the age appropriate staff member: Kindergarten - Hollie, 918.392-1183; 1st & 2nd grade - Shanon, 918.392.1170; or 3rd–4th grade - Cara, 918.392.1131. • January 15–April 30 (closed March 5 for Ash Wednesday and March 19 for spring break) • Dinner is available for purchase in the Community Life Center (CLC) at 5:00 pm • Children’s choirs (age 4 through 6th grade), 6:00–6:50 pm • Wednesday Night Live (kindergarten through 4th grade), 7:00–8:00 pm • Child care available for children under 5 with parents in a RoadMap class Mission Minded Class Join us as we embark on an awesome adventure through Asbury’s global mission sites. We will visit Tanzania and Mexico as we learn about their culture and how we can share the love of Christ with them from right here in Tulsa. There is no cost for this class • 4th–6th grade, Wednesday nights beginning January 15, 6:00 pm, Room 2909 • Contact Cara at cphillips@asburytulsa.org or 918.392.1131 5th–6th grade Bible Study Find some friends and join us to discover how to apply God’s Word in your lives • 5th and 6th grade, Wednesday nights beginning January 15, Room 2901 • Cost is $10. Register online at www.myasburytulsa.org • Contact Margaret Ann Wright at mwright@asburytulsa.org or 918.392.2171 Mission Minded Class Join us as we embark on an awesome adventure through Asbury’s global mission sites. We will visit Tanzania and Mexico as we learn about their culture and how we can share the love of Christ with them from right here in Tulsa. There is no cost for this class! • Students 4th–6th grade, Wednesday nights at 6:00 pm beginning January 15 • Register online at www.asburytulsa.org, contact Cara at cphillips@asburytulsa.org or 918.392.1131 with questions

DISCIPLESHIP Adult Discipleship Communities If you are looking for an Adult Discipleship Community, check out “Community Life” on the website, www.asburytulsa.org, or

pick up a brochure at one of the Welcome Centers. RoadMap Opportunities If you would like to learn more and grow, check out the adult classes and Bible studies in the RoadMap brochures at the Welcome Centers or online at www.asburytulsa.org/ AdultMinistries/Roadmap.aspx Ongoing Opportunities • Something to Chew On –– A Bible study for men and women of all ages to provide encouragement and hope through God’s Word. No registration, no homework; bring your lunch and a Bible. Mondays (except 1/13 and 2/17), 12:00–1:00, Room 2818, no cost, no child care. • Men’s Bible Study –– Studying: Revelation and The End Times, Unraveling God’s Message of Hope. Wednesdays starting January 15, 6:00–8:00 pm, Room 2821, no cost. • Believer’s Bible Study –– This Bible study moves through various books of the Bible throughout the year. Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00, Room 1508.

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

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8 Great Dates with Your Mate Each date night a different pastor will share a word of encouragement before you scurry out the door on your date. Come to all of them or just one. Reserve your child care spots (spaces are limited). No additional registration required. • 2nd Thursdays, February–November (except June and July), 6:15–6:30 pm, Room 1502 • Child care cost: $5/child, $20 max per family (RSVP to ewallis@asburytulsa.org no later than one week prior to each date) 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, January 12 and February 2, 12:15–2:00 pm; lunch provided; Community Life Center (CLC) • Child care available for children 6 weeks to sixth grade • Call 918.392.1191 to register or register online at www. myasburytulsa.org

MEN Men’s Conference This two day event will consist of a city-wide gathering Friday evening hosted by ManUpOK, hearing from noted speakers Dr. Tony Evans, Duck Dynasty’s pastor Alan Robertson, and Major Ed Pulido. Saturday morning breakfast will be particularly for the men of Asbury. All meetings will be in the Venue. • March 7, 7:00–9:30 pm; March 8, 9:00–11:00 am • More details about Friday night can be found at www.ManUpOK.com Men’s Prayer Breakfast Make plans to join us for a great time of meaningful worship, life-changing 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 918.252.1341

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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. • Tuesday, January 21, 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, January 11 and February 8, 8:15 am–12:15 pm, meet at Venue. Choose between multiple work sites. • Contact Betty Higgins at bhiggins@asburytulsa.org or ssaturday@asburytulsa.org VIM 2014 Team Schedule Where will God have you serve? • January 4–10: Rio Bravo Mexico - College construction • February 22–March 1: Monterrey, Mexico - Mission Bible School and construction • Spring: Central Asia - Relationship, teaching and light construction • April 16–20: Rio Bravo, Mexico - Men’s construction • Spring: Cookson Hills, Oklahoma - Light construction • May 31–June 8: Ecuador - Mission Bible School and construction • Early summer: Rio Bravo, Mexico - Youth construction • June 26–July 7: Estonia, Camp Gideon - Youth camp • June 26–July 7: Estonia, Parnu - Mission Bible School and light construction • July 3–14: Estonia, Tallinn - Lighthouse Ministry • Fall: Tanzania, East Africa - Construction • Fall: Cookson Hills, Oklahoma - light construction/ministry support • Fall: Central Asia - Relationship, teaching and light construction • November 5–9: Rio Bravo, Mexico - medical • November 12–16: Rio Bravo, Mexico - men’s construction 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. • For information about the Men’s Rio Bravo, Mexico, opportunities, contact Jim Furman at jnlfurman@cox.net.

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

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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 above. • 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, 11:30 am–12:30 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 for January Charles Harrison will present, “Sharing the Gospel with Our Former Enemy,” based on his years spent in Russia as vice president of engineering for Rockwell Int’l and as director of special projects for the Slavic Gospel Association. “Getting to Know You” by Bill Metsker. Donations welcomed. • Thursday, January 23, 10:30 am–1:00 pm, CLC, lunch $1, no reservations required Tweenagers Program and Luncheon for February After 20 years working in Tulsa’s Police Department, Major John Bowman retired. He now serves as Major of the Detention Division in the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Department. In support,

please bring and donate books appropriate for inmates to read. • Thursday, February 27, 10:30 am–1:00 pm, CLC, lunch $1, no reservations required 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. For ages 18 and up. • 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: 7th–9th grade: 4:30–6:30, 10th–12th grades: 6:00–7:30

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Special Announcements

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• For questions contact: Mark Fowler, junior high, mfowler@ asburytulsa.org; Katelyn Moore, senior high, kmoore@ asburytulsa.org

WOMEN UMW January Luncheon Major April Taylor with the Salvation Army will speak to us about the wonderful ministry of the Salvation Army and the impact it has on our community. Come and be informed and entertained as we learn more about this worthwhile organization. Ephesians 2:8-10. • Thursday, January 9, 11:30 am–1:00 pm, Community Life Center (CLC) Car Care Ministry Workday Single women and widows of Asbury, while you wait in the comfort of the Family Room lobby, volunteers from the men’s ministry will check your tires, belts, fluids, filters and batteries. If your vehicle needs a basic check-up and you qualify, have your vehicle in line by 11:30 am. • Saturday, March 8, 9:00 am–noon • To volunteer to help, contact Mike Nalley at 918.492.8177

Home Improvement Ministry Workday Teams help widows and single women who are Asbury members with minor home repairs and home improvement projects • To sign up, complete and return application located at south desk by February 5. • Workday is Saturday, February 15 • To volunteer to help, contact Michiel Conner at 918.640.4382 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

Could you see yourself in this picture? These are current Congregational Care Ministers (CCMs). Next training will be March 4, 2014. Questions/application? Call Adrena at 918.392.1144.

Deaths • Glen Petty died 10/29/13, husband of Linda Petty • Ann Paul died 10/30/2013, wife of Chris Paul • Catherine Westbrook, died 11/15/2013 • Robert “Bob” Greaves died 11/13/2013, husband of Carole Greaves

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• Nancy Swindler died 11/21/2013, wife of James Swindler • Lanny Ham died 11/20/2013, husband of Suzann Ham • Larry Lairmore died 11/19/2013, husband of Judy Lairmore

S PE C IAL AN N O U N CE M E N T S

Milestone Anniversaries 70 YEARS

55 YEARS

• Al and Ruth Meyer

01/28/44

• Gary and Dorothy VanFossen • John and Judy Marquis • Bob and Jimmie Dozier

02/18/49

50 YEARS

65 YEARS • Tom and Evelyn Porter

60 YEARS • Jerry and Johnna Himes

Bob and Jimmie Dozier 02/20/59

Al and Ruth Meyer 01/28/44

02/27/54

Ted and Ginger Haws 02/01/64

01/01/59 01/24/59 02/20/59

• Ted and Ginger Haws • George and Lila Siler

Jerry and Johnna Himes 02/27/54

George and Lila Siler 02/28/64

02/01/64 02/28/64

John and Judy Marquis 01/24/59

Gary and Dorothy VanFossen 01/01/59

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New Members

Benton and Jennifer Rudd

Cindy Baer

Connie Campbell

Deanna Mizel

Donald and Candra Nowlin

Eric Bash

Jeff Robison

Jennifer Case

Kathryn Bartlau and Michael Cleverdon

Kathryn English

Pam Midgley

Raelyn Sibley

Mike and Tara Dittmer with Jaden, Sienna and Cameron

Scott and Kandy Kirk

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Don Henderson

Jolene Mayer and TJ Aguila with Kaleb, Gervace and Natali

Morgan and Marcus Jones

Tammy and William Lind

Nancy Green

Will and Melissa Eads

We need your help! Our goal for the 2014 Spring Break Missions Campaign is

$150,000

Use the orange envelope in the pew to drop your donations in the offering, bring them to the main church office or mail your donations to Asbury. Designate â&#x20AC;&#x153;SBMâ&#x20AC;? on all gifts. Thank you.

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