Easter 2015 by Asbury Church

March / April 2015

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law. –galatians 5:22–23 (niv)

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! –psalm 133:1 (niv)

…that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know… –john 17:23 (niv)

Contents March / April 2015 Asbury Tidings is a bi-monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org.

Easter—God’s Victory! 2 Easter Events 4 Introducing Pastor Jeanne Pearson 6 Riding With a Purpose 8 The Power of Generosity: Introducing the Asbury Foundation 10

Train Up a Child 12 Asbury's Couples Married 50+ Years 14 You Are Not Alone in the Blended Family Journey 16 Can a Nation Be Changed in a Day? 17 Rio Bravo 2015 18

PASTOR TOM

A Word From Tom Harrison

mazing things exist in our world. Some are man-made: the great pyramids, Petra (in Jordan), the Great Wall of China all come from antiquity. Modern flight and space exploration, computers, skyscrapers, technology, communication and modern medicine are beyond belief. (I think electricity and running water are amazing.) These and so many more things have made life so much better. We can live longer and far better because of these marvels.

would I do if I didn’t believe in heaven?” This is the trump card of the Christian faith. We not only have forgiveness and purpose in this life; we also have hope for the life to come. The author of Hebrews (2:14–15) wrote: Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it's logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil's hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death. (from The Message)

Other amazing things aren’t man-made. The full moon the other night struck me by its beauty. Its value is far more than just appearance—we’d not exist without it. Government monies didn’t create the sun. Business strategists didn’t make the perfect combination of atmospheric elements to make life possible for us. How can we see, hear, taste, smell, touch and reproduce? Louie Armstrong was right: “What a wonderful world.”

It’s only because of Jesus’ resurrection that the Christian faith exists. The resurrection validates all of Jesus’ claims and promises. Remove the resurrection from our faith, and it’s gone. Christianity rises and falls on this. That’s why we say, “Jesus Christ is Lord!” Other world conquerors from Alexander the Great, to Caesar, to Genghis Khan, to Napoleon, to Hitler and Stalin couldn’t conquer this problem. There’s only one person who died and wasn’t just resuscitated, but who was resurrected. Jesus Christ is alive. And because He lives, we shall live as well. Here and now; forgiven and filled with His Spirit. Eternally. In Heaven.

And yet, we have an enormous problem. It’s something every human being faces. While some of us have concerns about “Who am I?” or “What am I supposed to do to find meaning in life?” we all face another issue we desperately need addressed. This age-old problem is the problem of death. I don’t know how many times in my life I’ve thought or heard others say, “What

Until we’re reunited with Christ, we’ve got work to do. We want the whole world to know this great story. That’s why we go on Spring Break Mission trips. That’s why we serve and teach. That’s why we talk about our faith to others who don’t know

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.

Easter is Coming! 20 Spring Break Missions: How Can YOU Get Involved? 22 Private Places Promoting Prayer 25 Grandpa John 26 Special Announcements 27

Are you a writer or someone who enjoys writing? The Communications Department is always looking for someone to do an interview and write a story for us for Tidings. Have you noticed that we’ve been making some changes in Tidings? Please give us your feedback—both good and bad. Email kmains@asburytulsa.org or call 918.392.1140.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

or understand or have never heard. We’ve truly “A Story to Tell to the Nations.” It’s not “News”—it’s not just “Good” news— it’s the greatest story ever told. We’re now commissioned to “Go!” with an outward focus to share with folks who aren’t living with Great News a new way. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! In Christ,

Dr. Tom Harrison, Senior Pastor

Editor: Asbury Communications Department, 918.392.1140, kmains@asburytulsa.org Graphic Design: Tim Jurgensen, tjurgensen@asburytulsa.org Photographers: Sarah Adams (yellowchairphotography.com), Ryan Farran (ryanfarranphotography.com), Mark Moore (mark moore.photo.net) Guest Contributors: Guy Ames, John Cook, Jim Davis, Charlene Giles, Marilyn Glass, Diane Thompson King, Katelyn Moore, Jon Odom, David Read, Dick Read, Cheryl Steffen, Randy Vier, John Westervelt

PASTORAL INSIGHT

Easter—God’s Victory! By Pastor Jon Odom

hat is the Christian hope? And how will this great human project reach its conclusion? One of the first times I can recall thinking about life after death was when the Disney movie All Dogs Go to Heaven was released. I can still remember the mental picture I had as a child of all our old deceased pets running around on clouds with their halos fitted just right. I also remember all of the old Far Side comic books my parents had lying around, which often featured quirky scenes at the pearly gates. At my church growing up we sang “When We All Get to Heaven” and “I’ll Fly Away,” but I didn’t really know much about what to expect about heaven and life after death other than what I’d learned from these sources. I had inferred that there would be clouds (I hoped that meant I could fly in heaven). I was told we would see all our relatives and friends who had died. I knew we would see Jesus (that part made me really excited). And I gathered that we would be worshipping all of the time. I was, of course, looking forward to meeting Jesus and seeing my relatives, but heaven, quite frankly, sounded a little boring. To think that heaven was a never-ending church service didn’t exactly wake me up in the morning. And then I started to get really worried about what would happen after we all went up to heaven. What would happen to the earth? For the longest time, I tried not to think too hard about life after death and heaven. I knew for certain that I didn’t understand the book of Revelation or the Old Testament prophetic books (and that’s where all the TV preachers seemed to be getting their information about the end times), so I chose not to think about it. And then, clarity emerged from one of the most unexpected places: Easter. I had always understood that the significance

of Easter was that Jesus died and came back to life; and if you believe in Him, you can go to heaven when you die. But I found that in the resurrection of Jesus, God gives us a vision of what’s to come that’s richer, more beautiful and more promising than anything I had known, a vision that gives hope for the future and purpose for the present. The consistent witness of the New Testament is that God will do for all of creation what God did for Jesus on Easter Sunday. You’ll recall that at the beginning of the year we kicked off our sermon series on “God’s Big Story.” Pastor Tom led the first sermon of the series with a presentation of the creation story from Genesis 1–2. In the creation accounts, we see how God delighted in His creation. With joy, He spoke all things into existence. With great care, He designed the universe to flow with order and precision. He imagined into being the skies and the seas and formed birds and sea creatures of great variety to fill and explore them. He made earth and soil and fashioned a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna to beautify and enjoy what He had made. All of these things God deemed “good.” But the pinnacle of God’s creation was humanity, which He deemed “very good.” Isn’t it a bit odd, having recognized that God was the one who initiated and loved into existence the created world, that most of our mental pictures of heaven and the hope of the future involve us forever leaving earth in favor of some kind of disembodied state? No wonder the idea of floating on clouds and playing harps sounds boring! We were hardwired to enjoy fresh air, to scrape our knees exploring, to appreciate the wonder and majesty of the mountains, to love the smell of fresh cut grass, to admire the diversity and splendor of the animal kingdom and to stand in silence before the great canvas of stars at night.

TIDINGS March / April 2015

PASTORAL INSIGHT

But as we know, sin polluted not only human beings, but also all of creation. As a result of Adam and Eve’s insurrection, the earth was cursed; there was fear between God’s creatures and between the sons and daughters of the first humans. Cain killed Abel, and the reign of death began. Just a quick scan of the daily news affirms that death, fear and corruption continue to plague the human experience. No wonder the promise of flying out of this universe into a far-off heaven sounds so appealing. But if the Christian hope is merely the promise that at our death or Christ’s return we will fly off to some other place, forever abandoning this world, then sin and death have claimed victory over God’s creation. If heaven is only an away from here reality, then God lost the battle for earth and isn’t truly sovereign.

man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.” (1 Cor. 15:16–24)

But, my friends, this is not our story. Ours is not a story of escapism, of running away from the bully to play by ourselves. In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God the Creator declares a bold and emphatic “No!” to the powers of sin, death and the grave and proclaims an even bigger “Yes!” to the world of His creation. Listen: In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God gives us a picture of what will happen to us and to creation at the end of the age. What God the Father did for Jesus—bringing back to life that which was truly and completely dead— He will do for us and all of creation when Christ returns in final victory. Paul says in Romans that creation groans for its redemption when Christ returns (Romans 8:19–21). He argues decisively in his first letter to the Corinthians that this is the promise of God to us:

But that’s not all. In the end, we will not fly off to heaven, but heaven will come down to us.

“For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a

We affirm this proclamation every time that we recite the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe in… the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” At the end of the age, God will raise to life those that are “asleep in Christ” and will transform the bodies of those who are living at his return to ones empowered, not by the sinful flesh, but by the Holy Spirit.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Rev. 21:1–5) That, my friends, is the Christian hope: the victory of God over the powers of sin, death and the grave (initiated by the death and resurrection of Jesus) and the recreation of the heavens and the earth at the end of the age. Now that’s something to look forward to.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

E veryo n e is Invited!

chil dren’s Easter spring fair Saturday, April 4 10:00 am–1:00 pm Games, infl atabl es, crafts, face painting, Easter egg hunt 4

TIDINGS March / April 2015

We invite you to celebrate Holy Week with us.

Easter Services

Sunday, April 5, 2015 8:00 am Traditional service in Sanctuary 9:15 am Traditional service in Sanctuary 11:00 am Modern service in Sanctuary

Stations of the Cross April 1: 3:30–9:00 pm April 2: 11:00 am–9:30 pm (closed during Maundy Thursday service) April 3: 1:30–9:00 pm (closed during Good Friday service) Family Room

Maundy Thursday Communion Prayer Service Thursday, April 2 7:00 pm in Mason Chapel

Good Friday Service of Darkness Service Friday, April 3 7:00 pm in Sanctuary

Children’s Easter Spring Fair Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

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Jeanne Pearson grew up in Moore and went to Oklahoma State in Stillwater, but it was a circuitous, yet divine, route that brought her to Tulsa. As the new associate pastor in charge of Congregational Care Ministry, she looks forward to the opportunity to be part of the vibrant senior ministry at Asbury.

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Introducing Pastor Jeanne Pearson: Broadcast the Good News By Marilyn Glass Jeanne did not quickly or easily become a member of the clergy. “I fought being a pastor,” she confesses. “At the age of 21, I felt God’s calling on my life. I heard Him say, ‘You can go your way or My way—it is your choice.’ I affirmed to Him that I chose His way.” He replied, “It’s a long, hard road, but you can make it.” Decades later, Jeanne still remembers her bewilderment. “Of course, I had no idea what that meant.” “At the age of 30, with three children, I went to OSU. I was busy with my family and involved in radio/TV news and public affairs on campus when I received a call asking if I would be willing to be interviewed for the job of youth director at a local church. I had never been in youth ministry, but ended up in that position for five years.” During that time, she was on the radio as well. “I very much enjoyed broadcast journalism and thought I was going to be on TV,” she wryly confesses. Then God spoke to her again. “I heard Him say, ‘Feed my sheep’ and I knew I needed to become a pastor, but still had doubts about my calling and abilities.” Jeanne was assigned to the pastorate in a couple of area churches and was also asked to hold revivals in churches that were hesitant to accept women pastors. “As I prepared for the first revival, I prayed, ‘Lord, if You have called me, please don’t let my words fall to the ground.’ That night you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit when you walked into the place,” she marvels. “He

took the message and applied it to the hearts of the people, and they filled the altar twice that night. I never doubted my calling again.” Jeanne experienced divorce. But some time later, through a mutual friend, she met a man who lived in Chicago. “We were on the phone every night— bridging the miles between Oklahoma and Chicago.” A year after they met, they were married. They felt God calling them to accept a job in New Jersey. On their honeymoon, her bridegroom discovered tumors on his arm. When the doctors diagnosed cancer, they advised him that they wanted him to go into treatment at Sloan Kettering in New York. “We were moving 25 miles from there,” she exclaims. Every year, he had to endure another surgery. Six years after his cancer had been diagnosed, his right arm and shoulder were amputated. During this time, she heard God say that she was to go to seminary for nine hours credit each semester. Other than her degree at OSU, she had never been inclined to follow educational pursuits. She was too busy with her family and her church. She tried to bargain—she told God she would take three hours, but He was insistent that she take nine hours. Because of the encroaching cancer and amputation, her husband lost his job. They had little income and no insurance for him—and they had five children in school. It seemed like an impossible mission. She wrestled with God, pointing out to Him how unattainable such a goal would be. As she was struggling, trying to find direction, she preached a sermon that

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

seemed to be tailored to her situation, “The Route of Least Resistance.” “I told you it would be a long hard road— not an easy road—and I said nine hours,” He reminded her. “I just surrendered to God and proclaimed, ‘Lord, I’ll do what you want, but we have no money.’” The night before she was to look into enrollment, she received a call from Drew Seminary. “They said my name had come before them, and they were awarding me a four year full tuition scholarship. The two stipulations were to maintain a high grade point and to take nine hours a semester. God did not open that door until I was obedient,” she volunteers. She earned her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry at Drew Seminary. She was also the senior pastor of four churches in New Jersey over a period of 23 years, retiring just two and a half years ago. She and her husband, Gene, received the Denman Evangelism Award from the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. After many miracles and 11 years of fighting the good fight, her husband died. “What a mighty spirit he had and such a warrior,” she declares lovingly. When Jeanne was contacted by Asbury, she wasn’t sure what the position would be. She had told God of her dreams and desires and soon discovered that she would be working in exactly the area of ministry she had requested of the Lord. “I love what I am going,” she exults. Now that she has come full circle and is back in this area, Jeanne remembers her goals and aspirations from decades ago. “At one time I really thought I was going to be a media personality,” she muses. “But God did not want me to be a broadcaster of bad news. He wanted me to broadcast His Good News!”

ADULTS

TIDINGS March / April 2015

ADULTS

Riding With a Purpose By the United Methodist Motorcycle Association

“Taking church outside of the four walls.” That was the mission that started the United Methodist Motorcycle Association, UMMA. A little over a year ago, Eddie and Pattie Gill, along with a few friends, and God providing the way, formed the UMMA. Our association has grown throughout Oklahoma and has members from different churches and riding different bikes. The common thread is God, bikes, ministry, reaching others, and being among those with common interests. We meet regularly for Toy Runs, Bike Rides, leadership meetings, and for our annual Fire on the Water retreat the weekend after Mother’s Day at Fin and Feather Resort on Lake Tenkiller. Over 250 riders from all over a four-state region come together to worship, hear testimonies from the likes of Brian “The Boz” Bosworth and support presentations from our very own Bishop Robert Hayes, known to UMMA members as “The Bish.” At the recent United Methodist Annual Conference, Bishop Hayes said of the UMMA, “This is a new ministry that has insight for people living on the edge and is bringing them to Christ.” Bishop Hayes was presented his own riding leather vest at the 2014 Fire on the Water retreat. Asbury embraces riders with our own dedicated bike parking on the southeast corner of the church. We are accepted in full riding gear. Whether in full leathers, golf attire, casual or the occasional and rare suit, everyone is made to feel welcome. Francis Asbury, the namesake of our church, was one of the first two bishops of the Methodist church in the United States. Francis covered the U.S. on horseback or in carriages while traveling thousands of miles to reach people and spread the Word. Asbury spread Methodism in America as part of the Second Great Awakening, and there are times when UMMA riders feel like him as we ride and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a great feeling of freedom while riding. At times we get to take in and experience all God has created in nature. Unlike riding in vehicles, we get to see God’s creations with a different and greater perspective. Our senses are heightened and used: sight, sound, feel, smell and occasionally taste, when that errant bug finds its way into our teeth. We feel blessed to be His children who ride. Come join us, see what you think and let’s enjoy the road together. Whether you ride a Harley, Honda, BMW, a trike or a Spyder, you are welcome at UMMA and Asbury. We all ride with a positive intent and give those looking for something better the opportunity to ride with a purpose. You do not need to be a member of Asbury, a Methodist, or a member of any church to join. We are friends with the Priesthood, CMA, and other Christian riding groups. We have the desire to ride for Christ with other Christians and help share the Word. Come join us and see God’s work in action.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

ASBURY

The Power of Generosity: Introducing the Asbury Foundation By Pastor Guy Ames

“Remember the words the Lord Jesus said, ‘It’s more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35) Jo had been a long time member of the little church to which I was assigned right out of seminary. Only married two weeks, she called me the day we moved into our new church home in Ada to quiz me on my Bible knowledge. When I answered her questions properly, she simply said, “I think you’ll do.” I had passed her first test. Over the course of the years I served as her pastor, Jo Hopper taught me more about pastoral ministry and Christian living than all my years of seminary education. During my last year in that church, Jo grew increasingly frail from arthritis, and we saw her less and less at church. One day she called to ask me to stop by; she had important business to discuss. I never said “no” to Jo. The house smelled of must and moth balls, and I couldn’t help but notice the added clutter that had accumulated due to her lack of mobility. Motioning me in and pointing to the stool, she proceeded to talk me through concerns she had for our small growing church. As we visited, I looked around at the scores of medicine bottles nearby, reminding me of her frailty. After some time, our conversation turned to her personal needs; and in the course of the conversation, she casually mentioned her monthly Social Security check of $250. An hour passed. After we prayed, she casually reached for an envelope and handed it to me. “Please take this to the church for me since I can’t get there myself.” Opening the envelope, I drew out a check for $25.00. This didn’t require a math degree to understand; $25 was her 10 percent, her tithe. “Jo, you can’t afford this, and besides the church is doing well. I don’t feel that I should…”

TIDINGS March / April 2015

ASBURY

She cut me off mid-sentence. Pointing her long index finger at me she scolded, “Preacher, don’t you try to rob me of my blessing. Don’t you know that it’s more blessed to give than to receive? Preacher, God has given me everything, and He is waiting for me. Don’t you dare keep me from showing my thanks.” Nothing more needed saying. I had been properly reprimanded. Jo was right! God has made us for generosity. One preacher said that we are never so much like God as when we give. God created us in His image—the image of a Creator who continually creates for the benefit of His creation. God’s very nature is centered on giving, whether speaking of gifts of his creation, family, human fellowship and love or speaking of God’s grace. For that very reason, Jesus spoke time and time again about our need to be givers, to turn loose of our possessions so that God, not things, owns us. In the earliest days of Asbury, Pastor Bill Mason challenged the church to be a giving church. To set an example, Asbury took those offering plate dollars and turned them into numerous mission projects. The impact of that early generosity has been felt as far away as Tanzania, Estonia, Mexico, and as close as North Tulsa through Youth at Heart (which grew out of Asbury’s Destination Discovery). Generosity is at the heart of Asbury’s DNA. With his vision of “development,” Pastor Tom Harrison and other church leaders established the Asbury Foundation in 1996 with the dream of providing generations of generosity for ministry and mission. Starting small, the Asbury Foundation has grown quietly through recessions, booms, busts, and even a church relocation, to almost $1.5 million dollars. Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, encouraged wise and generous money management. “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can,” he wrote to those earlier Christians, many of whom were extremely poor. At its heart, the Asbury Foundation encourages Asbury members to continue with our membership vows of “prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness” in a similar fashion to the words of Proverbs, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children..." Proverbs 13:22a (NIV). The Asbury Foundation has been created as a tool for ministry, enabling us to save and invest gifts that will continue to serve Jesus Christ, his Kingdom and Asbury’s ministries long after we are gone. Funds contributed to the Foundation are held and wisely invested; we only use the interest and earnings from these gifts to support Asbury’s ministries. The Foundation maintains two types of "funds": (1) General Endowment Fund (2) Special Endowment Funds. Interest and earnings from the General Fund can be used for many different ministries or projects. Interest and earnings from the Special Endowment Funds are put back

into designated church ministries such as children, youth, music, missions, and the Bill Mason Scholarship Fund to support pastoral candidates attending Asbury Theological Seminary. Each year, a portion of the earnings from these funds are distributed to the different ministry groups that have been designated. The last several years, the Foundation has been able to help provide seminary education for several Oklahomans attending Asbury Seminary. Seminary education costs rank near the costs of medical or law school. One can imagine how difficult life might be for a recent seminary graduate trying to pay off $100,000 in student loans with a $35,000–45,000 salary and benefits package. The help that the Mason Scholarship Fund brings to these students can’t be counted in dollars and cents. Last year, Asbury Men’s Ministry began final work on a church building near Rio Bravo, Mexico. Because of recent gang violence in Mexico, most Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas churches stopped sending their mission teams, and construction on this church nearly came to a halt. Were it not for Asbury Men’s Ministry, an empty shell would still be sitting unused in Nuevo Progresso, Mexico; but with the partnership of Asbury’s Foundation, we were able to secure enough funds from our general fund to complete construction on this important new church. Nearly 20 years ago, Asbury’s leaders saw the opportunity to leave a legacy through the creation of the Asbury Foundation. A gift to the Asbury Foundation is your way of continuing your lifetime stewardship by remembering the Foundation in your will, trust or as a designated beneficiary of another asset. Gifts to the Asbury Foundation make a difference to those who receive them and in turn make a difference in the Kingdom of God, not just for the present, but for years to come. I’m privileged to be part of this important arm of Asbury’s Kingdom work and look forward to seeing the Foundation grow. Recently my wife and I worked to update our will. The proud parents of three adult sons and three grandsons, we were happy to include those important names in our estate. Our attorney, a longtime friend, came to the end of our work and asked, “Do you plan to tithe your will? Do you want to leave a portion of your estate for Kingdom work, Guy?” All at once, I remembered Jo Hopper sending me to church with her $25.00 check, and I could almost hear her saying to me, “Preacher, don’t forget to show thanks…” For more information see the Asbury Foundation website: http://www.asburytulsa.org/asburyfoundation/index.html or contact Dr. Guy Ames games@asburytulsa.org or 918.392.1125.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

From right to left: Dallas, Michael, Kathleen and Elizabeth

Train Up a Child By Marilyn Glass

athleen Buffington has been at Asbury for 15 1/2 years. A friend invited her to visit, and this soon became her home. She has outlived two husbands and a daughter. She is a great-grandmother, now retired, following a 20-year career as a high school Spanish teacher after her children were in school. Yet her life is filled with vitality— personally and spiritually.

Kathleen and her descendants—Elizabeth, Michael, and Dallas— chose Jesus at very early ages. Whether young or old, that choice has positively impacted their lives.

Asbury is also home to her daughter, Elizabeth Ellsworth, her grandson, Michael Ellsworth, and her great grandson, Dallas Ellsworth. Four generations in one family faithfully worship together—and their testimony is that they love being part of the church! Two years ago, Kathleen suffered a massive heart attack. She was no longer able to drive, but incredibly, she was back in church a couple of weeks after the incident with her heart! “I’ve always been in church,” she declares. “As soon as possible, I got right back!” When Kathleen was unable to drive, Elizabeth began to take her mother to church. Her family had been attending elsewhere, but they decided to join Kathleen. “We’ve been at Asbury since 2012,” Elizabeth offers. “We enjoy it.” Michael, who will soon graduate from ORU with a degree in business management, has only been at Asbury since last August. He

TIDINGS March / April 2015

was previously at Victory Christian Center, where he was the service coordinator. “I planned and coordinated the services, dramas, special events,” he says. “I had been there 4 1/2 years, but I felt it was time to leave.” He delights in the worship at Asbury, particularly the traditional music and the orchestra. He also loves the pastor’s preaching. “Pastor Tom is a good teacher,” he observes. Dallas is 8 years old. He plays basketball. He has played for about two years and is a guard on his team. He has a better understanding of the crucifixion, resurrection, and redemption of Christ than many adults. From the nursery, he has been taught the things of God, and he has a love for the church and the stories of the Bible. “I’m a Christian,” he proudly proclaims. “Michael spends a lot of time with Dallas,” Elizabeth notes. “I think he has been a good influence.” The kids’ activity sheets, with a Bible lesson included, are favorites for Dallas. He likes to draw, and these work sheets offer him an opportunity to express his artistic gift. Often, he will write an account of God’s forgiveness and salvation to accompany his artwork.

Elizabeth has been a maternal-child nurse for over 30 years, and teaches part time in the ORU School of Nursing. Currently she works full time as the administrator of Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat. She has four sons and Dallas, her grandson. She and her mother claim the same Bible reference as their favorite—Proverbs 3:5,6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding...”

Elizabeth’s salvation experience is unique to her, yet similar in ways to the conversion stories of her family. “When we were growing up, Mom would take us across the street on Saturdays to a church where she would talk with us about Jesus and teach us Bible studies and do worship with us. I came to know Him as Savior at about 5 or 6 years of age. I am thankful for a mother who brought us up in the instruction of the Lord and taught us to love church,” she summarizes.

Elizabeth and her siblings grew up with the Word of God. “Every morning we had worship time,” she reflects. “We had to get up early, and Daddy would read a chapter of the Bible and then everybody, the kids and the parents, would pray. I didn’t like the praying part,” she laughingly confesses.

Amazingly, Kathleen and her descendants—Elizabeth, Michael, and Dallas—chose Jesus at very early ages. And whether young or old, that choice has positively impacted their lives.

Kathleen continues, “They also had chores. They were expected to do their own laundry, help with meals and clean-up. There was a chore for everybody.”

“I am so glad to have my family here in church with me. There are such wonderful people in this church,” Kathleen adds. “They have been so good to me and my family.”

Transplanted from Texas, Kathleen, her husband, and children came to Tulsa when the first of their children was at ORU. “All five of my children graduated from ORU,” she volunteers.

Elizabeth agrees. “One of the things I so appreciate about Asbury is that people have been so faithful to visit Mom when she was in the hospital.”

Besides Elizabeth, who lives in Tulsa, Kathleen has two other children in this area—a son in Broken Arrow and a daughter in Bixby. She also has a son in Lubbock, Texas. The Buffington/ Ellsworth family members are close-knit. They get together at a restaurant every Sunday after church to eat lunch together. At the last Christmas Eve service, the family filled up three pews.

Kathleen is particularly grateful to Pastor Charles Ryser. “Every time my late husband was in the hospital and every time I have been in the hospital, he was there,” she reports. “When my husband passed away, only moments after I arrived back at the hospital, Charles was there. He has been steadfast.”

“Christmas Eve service is my favorite. I like holding the light and blowing it out and remembering that Jesus, who is the Light, was born,” Dallas enthuses. Though not yet a teenager, Dallas has a favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:4, which reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always. His personality, his relationship with the Lord, and his attitude about life would indicate that he lives by the wisdom of this Scripture. “Dallas was in child care at Victory since he was tiny. He accepted Christ at about 4 years of age. He has had good teaching there and now here in this church,” Elizabeth relates.

Again, train up a child...

Her favorite passage, besides Proverbs 3:5 and 6, is Matthew 6:33. Its exhortation is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Kathleen and her family seem to be living examples of this truth. Founded upon the sure Foundation that is Jesus Christ, she and her heirs are testaments to the goodness and mercy of the Risen Lord. She has been given a precious gift from God—a righteous legacy. The treasure that she has “laid up” is not of this world, but straight from the heart of God.

The correlation is not lost on Michael. “I am reminded of my favorite Bible verse, found in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go…” Michael and his grandmother, Kathleen, also remember inviting Christ into their lives at a young age. Michael was in a Christian preschool and there learned about Jesus and His sacrifice upon the cross for us. Kathleen recalls praying with her grandmother and then later, in church, making a decision for Christ. “I must have been about 5 years old,” she says.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

CARE AND MARRIAGE

Asbury honors those couples who have been married 50 or more years. A banquet honoring these couples will be held on Saturday evening, April 18. They will be recognized in the 9:15 service on April 19. The following is a list of couples married 50+ years as of April 19, 2015

50 YEARS Garry & Mary Porterfield 1/23/65 Jim & Cheryl Shearrer 1/23/65 Richard & Patty Johnson 12/21/64 Roger & Carol Fisher 11/28/64 Donald & Judy Stout 11/7/64 Tom & Sharon Sowell 10/31/64 Greg & Jan Schueller 9/12/64 Kent & Sandi Gardner 9/5/64 Easter & Carolyn Moore 9/5/64 Jerry & Ann Oxley 9/5/64 Chuck & Janeen Atkins 8/29/64 Wallace & Carolyn Wall 8/15/64 Clark & Sally Eldridge 8/8/64 Warren & Sandy Gandall 7/3/64 John & Sue Fisher 6/27/64 Herb & Rose Anne Tohlen 6/27/64 Roger & Moe Westfall 5/29/64

51 YEARS Henry & Mari Migliore Jim & Doni Moore George & Lila Siler Ted & Ginger Haws Maurice & Cookie Wilkins Ed & Brenda Stockard Tyrone & Jackie Davis Percy & Vesta Smith Ed & Cay Anderson Ken & Janie Bradford Tom & Bonnie Brinner Martin & Marilyn Brown Skip & Dyanne Sidner Bill & Geneva Tinkler Herb & Mary Sue Whitney

4/4/64 3/27/64 2/28/64 2/1/64 2/1/64 12/30/63 12/7/63 9/26/63 9/7/63 8/31/63 8/24/63 8/24/63 8/24/63 8/3/63 6/8/63

52 YEARS Joe & Ruth Harris

3/23/63

Arlin & Nancy Mullins Bill & Doris Shackelford Al & Sharalea St. John, Jr. Dave & Gail Knox David & Maria Cowan Ron & Peggy Hanna Jerry & Dixie Mitchell Don & Carol Martin Tom & Hazel Robinett Chuck & Kathy Purser Kent & Jeanette Young Don & Patti Cooper John & June Hawkins Jon & Bonnie Wynn Jim & Nancy Jones

2/9/63 2/2/63 1/25/63 12/21/62 12/15/62 11/10/62 10/26/62 9/8/62 9/8/62 8/25/62 7/6/62 6/21/62 6/9/62 6/9/62 5/12/62

53 YEARS H.L. & Florence Moore Clark & Judy Walton Don & Barbara Wright Phil & Jan Lakin Don & Mary Herrold Wade & Donna Floyd Ron & Sue Baucom Mike & Louise Borden Sig & Jan Schwier, III Howard & Virginia Hensley

3/6/62 2/3/62 12/17/61 11/24/61 8/26/61 8/25/61 7/8/61 6/8/61 6/4/61 5/26/61

54 YEARS Charlie & Ann Hearne Don & Pat Hardin David & Shirley Wilkinson Jess & Mary Mitchell Tom & Pat Hailey Burton & Freddie Howard Dean & Vesta VanTrease Warren & Lydia Reichert Don & Sandy Nowlin Dewey & Oralene Sherbon Jim & Ann Schulz

4/16/61 3/17/61 2/21/61 2/3/61 1/14/61 12/27/60 12/24/60 11/11/60 10/14/60 9/30/60 9/29/60

TIDINGS March / April 2015

Perry & Yvonne Partney Jim & Linda Pat Colgan Ron & Betty Wadley Roger & LeAnn Metcalf Randy & Fannie Edens Jim & Christine VanderLind Jim & Danys Self Richard & Linda Polk

9/16/60 9/3/60 9/2/60 8/20/60 6/18/60 6/18/60 6/17/60 6/4/60

55 YEARS Ray & Barb Boone Ed & Ann Parker, II Chuck & Ginny Scott Kenneth & Beverly Capron Dean & Jessie Cox Donald & Chris Hoose Larry & Judy Kindred Giles & Barbara Gere Bud & Dianne Mathes Bill & Janet Knight Jim & Susie Barrett, Sr. Richard & Billie Corley Gary & Ruth Beatie Carl & Sue Richards Jim & Judy Parker Charlie & Jeanette Sessom Cecil & Jan Burnett Glen & Charlene Ravens Harold & Donna Brantley Ed & Leslie Lusk John & Betty Jo Vogel

4/30/60 4/14/60 4/3/60 3/19/60 2/7/60 2/6/60 1/31/60 1/10/60 12/18/59 11/26/59 11/21/59 10/16/59 9/11/59 8/29/59 8/22/59 8/8/59 7/25/59 7/25/59 7/24/59 6/17/59 5/29/59

56 YEARS Ken & Lou Johnson Ron & Jackie Carter Lee & Tony Flowers, Jr. Jim & Sue Allison Truman & Linda Rachels Lou & Gloria Lasiter John & Judy Marquis

5/1/59 4/24/59 4/18/59 4/11/59 3/15/59 3/6/59 1/24/59

CARE AND MARRIAGE

Gary & Dorothy VanFossen Gene & Barbara Graves Robert & Joy Long Vic & Liz Schock Charlie & Sue Archambo Charlie & Janet Johnston Bob & Mary Ann Charles LaVerne & Jean Reed Bob & Dorothy Beck Hal & Ruth Johnston

1/1/59 12/28/58 9/20/58 8/31/58 8/30/58 8/25/58 7/12/58 6/21/58 6/14/58 5/10/58

57 YEARS Bruce & Carolyn Nixon Wally & Sue Maurer Rex & Dovie Edgar Dale & Pat Davidson Jerry & Colleen Sharp Al & Ruth Sowards Doyle & Shirley George Rick & Vi Bowers Dan & Margaret Slagle Cal & Doris Brusewitz Joe & Beth Limes, Jr.

3/29/58 1/18/58 1/12/58 12/22/57 12/20/57 11/23/57 8/29/57 8/18/57 7/20/57 6/25/57 5/30/57

58 YEARS Harley & Jackie Hinson 4/18/57 Arlyn & Shirley Daering 1/26/57 Ed & Jan Hines 1/19/57 Tom & Lou Ann Costello 12/29/56 John & Jo Keil 12/8/56 James & DeWanda Humphries 9/29/56 Milton & Patricia VanDerwiele 9/1/56 Carl & Novella Willis 8/16/56 Rey & Betty Spence 7/8/56 Marold & Patty Lohrenz 6/17/56 Leonard & Mary Stubbs 6/10/56 Ronald & Phyllis Allison 6/8/56 Stanley & Shirley Dean 6/3/56 Jim & Nancy Harrison 6/2/56 Rollo & Liz Brasuell 5/26/56 Wayne & Sammie Kendall 5/25/56 Don & Barbara Thornton 5/21/56 Larry & Mary Metz 5/12/56

59 YEARS Bill & Joan Matzdorf Larry & Jeri Myerley Ed & Rita Lenfestey Bob & Beverlyn Summers Bill & Dorothy Kisselburg Mel & Mary Pearson John & Shirley Ann Smith

4/12/56 2/26/56 2/19/56 8/14/55 6/24/55 6/1/55 5/31/55

60 YEARS Don & Ruth Bauer Jim & Norma Morrison Fred & Nancy Gardner Paul & Shirley Hockett Jim & Margie Thomas Ron & Sue Shook Howard & Joanne Ledbetter Ralph & Marion Daugherty Merle & Marylou Howell Bill & Phyllis Taylor Ben & Joy Weddington Roger & Joyce Clark

2/27/55 2/12/55 1/15/55 1/14/55 12/26/54 11/25/54 11/17/54 9/24/54 9/4/54 8/22/54 6/17/54 5/8/54

61 YEARS Joe & Jo Stall Jerry & Johnna Himes Barney & Mary Kirkpatrick Ken & Carmen Finch Floyd & Vida Bruntzel Cleo & Frankie Warren Bob & Mary Lynn Milam Dwayne & Awilda Godsey Ron & Pat Thomson Dick & Nevin Loerke Frank & Betty Schemm Walt & Marion Neary Vic & Roberta Hairston

4/4/54 2/27/54 1/30/54 12/27/53 12/13/53 11/26/53 9/6/53 9/5/53 8/18/53 8/9/53 6/18/53 6/10/53 6/1/53

62 YEARS Gordon & Lois Vetal 5/2/53 Gary & Celeste Zarley 3/28/53 Bob & Gladys Murphy 1/24/53 Jim & Pat Miller 1/16/53 Dean & Regina Daniel 11/8/52 Bill & M.A. Kohl 10/25/52 Dick & Marcia Marshall 10/11/52 Lee & Oneta Roles 9/19/52 Dean & Marilynn Smith 8/17/52 Gene & Mary Ellen Whiteford 8/2/52

63 YEARS Bob & Martha Carpenter Claude & Elsie Oyler Richard & Darlene Baker

4/22/52 2/23/52 6/10/51

Jerry & Imogene Headley A.B. & Gwen Steen Dave & Janet Wehrenberg Clyde & Mary Johnson Alden & Sarah Miller

2/2/51 12/23/50 11/25/50 6/11/50 6/4/50

65 YEARS Gordon & Chris Gresh Wally & Barbara Westervelt Jim & LaRue Coover Otis & Nell Osborn Warren & Roberta Roberts Joe & Mary Pottorf Tom & Lillie Hardcastle

2/18/50 12/18/49 12/10/49 11/12/49 8/21/49 7/31/49 7/2/49

66 YEARS Tom & Evelyn Porter Dick & Joan Link Tom & Elizabeth Diehl Howard & Vera McCloud

2/18/49 10/31/48 8/21/48 6/15/48

67 YEARS Phil & Jean Essley, Jr. Murrel & Helen Cowherd Rudy & Alice Jane Gorishek Randy & Helen Kuhn

12/28/47 8/14/47 6/29/47 6/29/47

68 YEARS Edison & Audrey Jeffus

2/2/47

69 YEARS Ted & Virginia Wellendorf John & Joanna Neely Sid & Maxine Lee

1/10/46 1/6/46 6/23/45

71 YEARS Al & Ruth Meyer Vic & Betty Goodknight

1/28/44 6/26/43

72 YEARS Gene & Irene Bond

8/15/42

64 YEARS Bob & Donna Keener Ray & Betty Gordy Jim & Betty Jane Bailey

5/4/51 2/17/51 2/3/51

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

CARE AND MARRIAGE

You Are Not Alone in the Blended Family Journey By Randy Vier

lended families are not just a modern day phenomenon. Joseph and Mary were the most important blended family in biblical history. Approximately half of all Americans have blended family members, and the numbers continue to rise. Fifty percent of first-time marriages in the US end in divorce. The percentage is even larger for second-time marriage and continues to rise with each consecutive marriage. Bringing children into the mix adds more challenges. The challenge of combining or blending the two families is complicated. Starting over with new family, new rules, new values and new goals calls for adjustment and patience from each member involved. We have to have realistic expectations of what is different from first marriages and the second marriages. Marriage can be a challenge by itself, but in an “encore” marriage you have ex-wives, ex-husbands, ex-grandparents and a variety of other ex’s. There are many misperceptions that we have prior to a remarriage. One is that the step-parent and the step-children will live harmoniously together right after the vows. Another misperception is that the children brought in from each parent will become an immediate happy family. Yet another misperception is that the blended family will function and feel the same as the biological family; it will not. It is different, not better and not worse; but the relationships between members are not the same. Please remember with any family there always will be disagreements and problems. The newly-married couple has to agree on roles and work together as one. In this instance, the marriage is first and the children are second. Your new family is the most important thing in your life. Let me state this again—the most important part of your new family is your new marriage. Your strong, successful new marriage is the best surrounding for raising all of your children. Our church is offering a blended family support group on the second Wednesday of each month in Room 2502 at 6:30 pm. People who have blended family members or planning to have blended family members are invited. The group is facilitated by blended families for blended families. We invite step-dads, step-moms and biological parents. If you are single and considering remarrying, this group is for you and your spouse-to-be. It is best if both parents come; but if only one can make it, that’s fine.

Asbury support groups: Blended Family Support Group Second Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm, Room 2502 Divorce Recovery Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30 pm, Room 1335 Divorce Rebuilding Thursdays, 7:00–8:30 pm, Room 1335 Mental Health Support for Families Fourth Thursdays, 1:30–3:00 pm, Parlor S.M.I.L.E. (Single Mothers in the Lord’s Embrace) Third Wednesdays, 6:00–8:45 pm, Room 2502 GriefShare and Beyond GriefShare Offered twice per year

The blended family support group is intended to give a non-judgmental, confidential place to share your story or listen to someone else. It can beneficial to know how others are managing the same challenges.

Overcoming Job Transitions Third Tuesday, 6:30–9:00 pm, Venue 2nd floor

You are not alone in this journey.

Celebrate Recovery Every Monday, praise and worship at 7:00 pm, small groups at 8:00 pm

Asbury Blended Family Support Group questions please email: aumcstepfamilygroup@gmail.com

TIDINGS March / April 2015

GLOBAL OUTREACH

Simultaneous events were held in 18 soccer stadiums around Honduras.

Can a Nation Be Changed in a Day? A Country Rise in a Moment? By Jim Davis

In 2013, Honduras answered: Yes it can. In July 2013, the 2,000 missionaries who also said yes to that audacious question made the trip to Honduras and were the pioneers. Honduras was changed forever. In the year following, violence dropped nearly 40 percent, school attendance rose to an all-time high and the nation experienced its first peaceful election in over a decade. The inspiration for 1Nation1Day comes from Isaiah 66:8. “Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?” Co-founders of Missions.me, Dominic Russo and Gabe Bahlhorn, had the vision to saturate the nation with teaching, evangelism, medical clinics and water projects for a week and then conclude with simultaneous events in the largest soccer stadiums in each of the 18 states. In the initial planning of this event, they met with the President of Honduras and boldly asked him for the following five provisions:

1. For the president to be physically present and participate in the event. 2. Legislate 1Nation1Day as a national holiday. 3. Provide open access to every high school in the nation. 4. Allow the import of 18 shipping containers with no delays and no fees or customs duties. 5. Provide use of the largest stadium in each of the 18 states for free. They didn’t know if they would be laughed at or thrown out of his office, but the president agreed to each of these and even recorded a video message that day inviting 1Nation1Day to Honduras. He later said it was single greatest moment of unity in the nation’s history. However, 1Nation1Day Honduras was never meant to be just one moment for one nation. It was never meant to be just the largest mission campaign in history. It was meant to be the first. Now, the sun rises on the dawn of a new missions era. Can a nation be saved in a day? A country brought forth in a moment? It’s time to say yes again. To another nation. The Dominican Republic. Over the course of the week, 1Nation1Day will impact every neighborhood in the country, bringing practical aid and a message of hope to every citizen in the nation. There will be medical clinics across the country, treating people who may have never seen a doctor before. Thousands of shoes will be distributed to needy children, and clean water projects for entire communities will be dedicated.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

In order to do this, they will once again assemble the largest foreign missions team in history, over 2,500 missionaries to serve the over 10 million people throughout this beautiful island nation. 1Nation1Day wants to make sure this event has long-term sustainability, so they will gather and train the local leaders in the country. Government officials, small business owners, teachers and spiritual leaders will gather in two massive arenas for training events. Each leader will walk away with books, materials, and a personal and business growth plan. This unprecedented campaign will culminate on Saturday, July 25, 2015, as millions of people from every corner of the country gather in the 20 largest stadiums. United they will stand to celebrate a new era of peace, prosperity, and purpose – standing together for “A Better Domincan.”

Asbury is excited be part of this event, sending a medical team to participate. Asbury members, Sid and Nancy Eckerd, participated in Honduras in 2013 and brought the idea to Asbury’s Global Outreach Team. They are also the 1Nation1Day coordinators for Northeast Oklahoma. If you are interested in participating from July 18–26, 2015, there may still be time to sign up! For more information, contact Marilene Long at 918.392.1164 or visit the website missions.me.

GLOBAL OUTREACH

Rio Bravo 2015 By David Read

To ring in the New Year, we loaded up two vans filled with nine college students and five adults and headed down to Mexico. After a quick stop at the Brower Ranch in Texas, we made our way across the Rio Grande into the border town of Rio Bravo. We have been partnering with an organization in Rio Bravo, called Manos Juntas, for years now. This trip was the second trip that we have done over Christmas break with our college students. Let me tell you this; if we continue to invest in our college students and give them the opportunity to lead within the church, the outcome will be phenomenal. Our main purpose for going to Rio Bravo was to share the good news that the “Kingdom of God is near” through our actions, words and our service. We were able to practice this by continuing construction on a building that the local church in Rio Bravo meets at throughout the week. Our Asbury men’s group has been working on this building for a couple of years now, and it was wonderful to get to continue to work on a project that has been completely built by our Asbury community. Our everyday projects consisted of: tearing up old sidewalks and pouring cement to

TIDINGS March / April 2015

GLOBAL OUTREACH

form new sidewalks, digging holes, stuccoing the interior walls of the building, digging more holes, installing electrics in the building, building a roof for a large storage closet, digging more holes, working alongside our Mexican Maestros’, building a new fence and gate at the front of the building and, of course, digging more holes. One of the highlights of our trip to Rio Bravo is visiting the “Big Heart Orphanage” in Reynosa. Big Heart is run by a man called “Gator.” Our relationship with Gator began a few years back after God used Gator as an answer to prayer on one of our men’s trips. Big Heart Orphanage is an incredible place where the presence of God is heavy and His love is felt through the workers and the children. We visited the orphanage twice on this trip, and each time we went for dinner. There is something special about being in community with others during meals, especially when you get to share that meal while playing with children and hearing stories of how God is moving in Reynosa. The hospitality and the grace that welcome us each time we go to Big Heart is a perfect reflection of God’s love and grace for us. Not to mention, the food is out of this world! If you want to learn more about “Big Heart Orphanage,” you can visit the webpage here: http://bigheartorphanage.org/. One of the best parts of this trip was the size of our team. Because we had a smaller team, we were able to be much more intentional with each other and grow together as a group. It was a joy to see the different gifts that each team member had to offer, and how God used those gifts collectively to benefit His Kingdom. This was best exhibited during the hot dog cookout that we put on for the local community.

On a rainy evening, we served dinner to well over 100 people and had the opportunity to spend time in community with those people. As I looked out over our team, there were people serving food, others playing soccer with the kids, others spending time speaking with the families in attendance and others hearing the life stories of one of the pastors in attendance. I left there feeling so blessed to have been a part of the cookout and felt great joy in seeing our college students sharing the love of Christ with others. Who knew that something as simple as cooking hot dogs could so greatly benefit God’s Kingdom? The most rewarding part of our trips to Rio Bravo is always our nightly time of worship. Each night we would get together to share about our day, sing to God and read His Word together. The passion, depth, understanding and ultimately the love that comes from our college students is something to be greatly treasured. These are students who are not only serving around the world, but students who are committed to making Christ known on their college campuses; dare I say students who are putting Jesus Christ ahead of their education? The vision that they have for the church is admirable, and I believe that we can expect great things from our college students in growing the Kingdom of Heaven. If you would like to hear more about our trip, or would like information on future trips, please contact David Read at davidread@asburytulsa.org.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

Holy Week By Pastor Dick Read

s I sit to write this article, the Christmas decorations have just been put back into storage. However, our Nativity sets at home are still out for display, the last reminders of the wonderful season worthy of extending in celebration: Emmanuel! God is with us in our beloved Jesus! As I look again upon the shepherds who worship at the side of the manger, I remember the words they heard from the angels: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests. In the cold season following Christmas, we are quickly taken to the reminder that springâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Easter is quickly coming upon us. Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!

TIDINGS March / April 2015

While days measured on the calendar may be few, the reality is that so much life happens between Glory to God in the highest! and He is not here; He is risen! Those are the days when we encounter Jesus: Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of people! Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor just as you love yourself. Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone. Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save. For what does it profit a man it gains the whole world, yet forfeits his own soul? You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Life definitely happens, doesn’t it? And I am so very grateful that Jesus speaks into our everyday (sometimes even mundane) lives and, with the companionship of the Holy Spirits, lives life with us. Beginning with Ash Wednesday, Lent is the season of 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter Sunday. Lent calls us to remember our daily humanity and invites us to a season of focused prayer, including fasting, and calls us to observe times of extra sacrifice, all to remind us what we already know…we need a Savior. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when Christ followers gather for a time of worship, recalling the story of our need for salvation, the story that causes us to be thirsty for relief from the mundane, hungry for someone to rescue us from ourselves. The high point of Ash Wednesday worship comes when a trusted one crosses our foreheads with ashes with the words, You are only dust and to dust you shall return. Repent and believe the Gospel. Humbly, almost humiliating, being reminded what I already know about myself…I am one human being, amongst 7 billion in the world, deeply in need of salvation. The week before Easter is called Holy Week. Beginning with Palm Sunday, we are reminded of each of the last days of the earthly life of Jesus:

ÊÊ Spy Wednesday: Judas Iscariot met with the religious leaders to arrange his moment of betrayal the next night in the garden. ÊÊ Maundy Thursday: Maundy, from the Latin word meaning “mandate” recalls the words of Jesus to His disciples, A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34) This mandate was given even as Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples in that Upper Room. Maundy Thursday worship includes a deeply moving service of Holy Communion, remembering as Jesus took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying “Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” ÊÊ Good Friday: Jesus died by crucifixion, the sacrificial death that set the stage for the promise of eternal life to be fulfilled. ÊÊ Holy Saturday: A quiet day of anticipation. ÊÊ Easter Sunday: The cross of crucifixion is humiliated by the victory of the resurrection of Jesus! Death is conquered, a promised is fulfilled, and hope for eternity is assured to all those who would dare believe, to those who proclaim with their mouths and their lives, JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! I encourage you to plan in advance how you will observe, yes even celebrate, the forty days of Lent and the seven days of Holy Week. The celebration of Easter Sunday takes heightened significance when it is given context of Lent and Holy Week. You might consider focusing on a new spiritual discipline (fasting, journaling, Bible study, prayer, serving, etc.); stretching yourself in your relationship with Jesus through worship, praying, serving others and encouraging; or you might choose this season to cut back on your busyness of life and pay focused attention on the most important, even “simple,” aspects of living. Although Ash Wednesday is past (we celebrated that on February 18), Asbury will host meaningful worship services on Palm Sunday (March 29), Maundy Thursday (April 2), Good Friday (April 3), as well as magnificent Easter Sunday worship on April 5. You are only dust and to dust you shall return. Repent and BELIEVE the GOSPEL.

ÊÊ Palm Sunday: Jesus came into Jerusalem riding a donkey as the crowds shouted out their praises.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

ÊÊ Fig Monday: Jesus cursed the fig tree as though condemning Israel itself.

Christ is risen…He is risen indeed!

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

STUDENTS

Spring Break Missions: How Can YOU Get Involved? By Katelyn Moore

pring Break Missions play a big role in the life and culture of Asbury! Each year, with your help, our student ministry mobilizes more than 300 students and more than 100 leaders to six different mission locations in the U.S. and Central America. Sending this many people at once is a team effort, and we would LOVE your help! Here’s how you can get involved: Pray – Prayer is the most important and most accessible way to get involved. We need prayer for every aspect of our trips including travel, health, the communities and people we will meet, and boldness to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, prayer is such a foundational part of our trips that our prayer team will again be hosting the Youth on Mission 24/7 Prayer Watch the week of March 14–21 in the Venue. The goal of the prayer watch is to saturate our students and leaders in prayer 24/7 while they serve on the mission field. Get involved by signing up on Asbury's website. You will sign up for an hour of your choosing, come at the time reserved for you, and use the prayer guide and prompts to know what the teams’ needs are. The hours from 1:00 am to 4:00 am are prayed from home with a prayer guide. Asbury provides security during the other hours. We need a lot of help to cover all 192 hours! Give – Depending on the trip, each student or leader pays between $500 and $1050 for the privilege of going and serving. This covers only part of the cost of the trips. Many students have worked all year to raise their portion of the cost. Every year our congregation joyfully participates in our stock campaign by supplementing the costs of these trips to make them affordable to our participants.

We are asking for your help in raising $150,000. This money goes toward things like food, lodging and transportation for our students, as well as providing materials needed for construction projects and ministry supplies. Students can change the world, and your donation can help them do it. Go – Last but certainly not least, come with us! Where you take students, you must take leaders… lots and lots of leaders. There are opportunities for construction ministry, classroom ministry, relational ministry, prayer ministry, music ministry, and more. We have needs for every level of experience among students, leaders and staff. Applications are available each fall. We serve a God whose heart desires glory from all of the nations. Our goal with spring break missions is to engage students and leaders in that plan and to teach them about God’s heart for the world. Mission trips push us to consider how we can make disciples in all the earth and what it means to make disciples right here at home. Our prayer is that participants return from a mission trip: • With a better understanding of the biblical mandate for missions and God’s heart for every tongue, tribe and nation. • With a better understanding of their role in the bigger picture of global missions. • More capable of sharing their faith and more inspired and committed to doing so. Getting involved in Spring Break Missions and seeing the hearts of our students at work will change your life and your perspective. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can get involved. We look forward to the opportunity to serve with you in any way you feel called to help. Please feel free to contact the student ministry staff with any questions you may have.

What Is a Stockholder? Every March, Asbury sends hundreds of students out on Spring Break Mission trips to be the hands and feet of Jesus and share His love with others. A “stockholder” is someone who supports those students through their prayers and financial giving as our students go out into the world. Not everyone is called to physically serve on the mission field, but a stockholder joyfully acknowledges and responds to this need through generous giving.

TIDINGS March / April 2015

STUDENTS

7th Grade Students – Houston, TX Houston is a big city with lots of opportunities to do urban missions; it's a great place to serve all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Students and leaders will serve and help out already established ministries like Kids Meals, Houston Food Bank, Open Door Mission, and many others.

8th Grade Students – Red Bird, Kentucky Students and leaders will have the chance to plug into the work Red Bird Mission does in serving the rural poor. The objectives for this trip include exposing students to a wide variety of cultures and needs as well as to challenge students to see what their role/ responsibility is as Christians.

9th Grade Students – Tucson Students and leaders will have the chance to plug into the work Praying Pelican is already doing in Tucson. Their ministry revolves around showing mercy and forming relationships in the area.

10th Grade Students – Jamaica Student and leaders will be exposed to different cultures as well to create an opportunity with their relationship with God to grow by sharing the Gospel and serving others.

11th Grade Students – Belize The Belize mission trip will offer students and leaders the opportunity to serve in orphanages, speak in churches, work in construction, play on sports fields or assist in schools.

12th Grade Students – Guatemala Student and leaders will be exposed to different cultures as well as create an opportunity for their relationship with God to grow by sharing the Gospel and serving others.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

We need your help! Our goal for the 2015 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.

TIDINGS March / April 2015

PRAYER

Private Places Promoting Prayer… Asbury’s Prayer Rooms

church, our goal is to saturate our students with prayer 24/7 as they go onto the mission field during spring break. Sign up on Asbury’s web page for an hour of your choosing, then come to the prayer room at the time reserved just for you. A prayer guide and prompts are provided causing the hour to fly by!

By Cheryl Steffen

“G

od meets people in quiet private times to promote worship and share His heart.” This was a recent principle in the Bible Study Fellowship class I attend on Tuesday mornings. My experiences in Asbury’s prayer rooms have proven this principle to be true. Discovering Asbury’s prayer rooms and meeting God there was the highlight of coming to Asbury over 10 years ago and still is today. Going to the prayer room is like having a rendezvous with God where time stands still. They are private places that promote prayer and promote a close and intimate relationship with God. They are places to be still and know that He is God. They are places to worship. They are places to cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. They are places to express your heart. They are places to hear God’s heart. They are places to partner with God for His plans upon the earth. Prayer becomes a delight and a passion when it is born out of a love relationship with God. Like any good relationship, spending concentrated time together is vital; yet in our world that abounds with noisy disruptions and distractions, this is difficult to accomplish. Asbury’s prayer rooms provide that perfect place to spend concentrated time drawing near to God. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

The Mason Chapel prayer room* is located off Asbury’s beautiful prayer garden adjacent to the Columbarium and sits off Asbury’s one-half mile guided prayer walk. Sunny spring days are perfect for walking the prayer walk ending in the Mason Chapel prayer room to worship and rest in God’s peace.

All three of Asbury’s prayer rooms are unique spaces, each having their own vibe and feel. Asbury’s Prayer Ministry offers opportunities to experience each space in a more purposeful way, apart from a visit on your own.

The main building prayer room located near the elevator on the south side of the Sanctuary has just undergone a major transformation and is the current location for a newly formed Second Thursday Kingdom prayer meeting from 7:00–8:00 pm. It is on the second Thursday of every month and meets for the purpose of praying for our church, nation and world. Do you have a purposeful private place to meet with God? Check out one of Asbury’s prayer rooms today. The Venue prayer room* is home to the Spring Break Missions 24/7 Prayer Watch held this year the week of March 14–21. As a

*The Venue and Mason Chapel prayer rooms require a code available from the main office or adult ministries.

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

GRANDPA JOHN

Life moved on. In time, I became a widower, and a few years later reached retirement age. To fill my mornings, I volunteered to help with the Asbury weekday preschool. I began accumulating memories of children and their hugs. So today, I remember the faces of the children that shared a classroom with me for nine months. Each fall for 11 years, a new group of children arrived. The memory of these children is my new nostalgia, and it, too, is sweet.

Nostalgia Old and New

By John C. Westervelt From my archives of 2006:

n the way home from the grocery store, I was first beside, and then behind, a bright yellow 1962 Volkswagen. I recognized the year by the size of the taillights. I sensed a sweet nostalgia. I bought a new Volkswagen in 1962 for $1600 after going to work for North American Aviation and losing my car pool at Century Electronics. The Apollo program had just begun. With a singlecar garage on 23rd Street, I parked the new car on the yard beside the driveway. As soon as tire tracks showed in the grass, I gathered used bricks from a dirt and rock dump area down the street and across Sheridan. I dug out the grass to the depth of a brick and laid a drive one brick wide in each track. In the winter, I bundled up because there wasn’t much heat in a VW. In the summer, I turned the wing windows out to blow air across my perspiring body. Five years later when my son Paul was a Boy Scout, I would let him shift gears in the Volkswagen as we drove to troop meetings. My brother Wallace had two boys in the same troop. Having been Eagle scouts as boys, Wallace and I helped at scout meetings and camped with the troop once a month for several years. After another five years, with Paul in high school and working after school as the maintenance man for an apartment complex, I sold him the Volkswagen for $200. Some time later, I watched Paul unbolt a fender, knock out some dents, fill the crevices with body putty, and sand the area smooth. He then used matching paint in spray cans to paint the repaired fender before reassembling. On this day, going back into the garage for a second load of groceries, I thought, “My Honda is a much better car than the old Volkswagen.” Then I realized that the sweet nostalgia was not so much about the car as about the times. I was young and robust. My life revolved around family, scouting and my church.

The nostalgia continues today: od blessed me with good health that allowed me to teach weekday preschool children for 20 years before retiring in 2014. If I need a reminder of the good times, I walk into the entrance area of the children’s division, stop, stand and soak up the view of the stained glass in the wall that separates the entry area from the gathering room just inside. Noah’s lions, elephants, giraffes, camels, zebras, monkeys and turtles greet the viewer. An anonymous giver provided the stained glass for the pleasure of the children and their parents for generations to come. Inscribed in a lower corner is – IN HONOR OF JOHN WESTERVELT “GRANDPA JOHN” Loman Studio Tulsa To the anonymous giver I say, “Thank you for the nostalgia. I’ll share my appreciation face to face when we both are in heaven someday.

To read more stories go to www.jwestervelt.com. You can click on a link there to download my books from Kindle.

TIDINGS March / April 2015

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Deaths James Maupin died 11/30/2014, spouse of Eloise Maupin John Middleton died 12/30/2014, father of Michelle Naylor

Bill Veatch died 1/5/2015, spouse of Rosalie Veatch Norma Jones died 1/8/2015, spouse of Russ Jones Ada Miller died 1/12/2015, spouse of Ray Miller

Marge Creager died 1/24/2014, mother of Carol Creager, Connie Duvall and Robert Creager

Milestone Anniversaries 55 YEARS Ken & Beverly Capron 03/19/60 Chuck & Ginny Scott 04/03/60 Ray & Barbara Boone 04/30/60 Ed & Ann Parker 04/14/60

30 YEARS Scott & Debbie DeGeer 03/23/85

Ken & Beverly Capron 03/19/60

15 YEARS

Chuck & Ginny Scott 04/03/60

Ray & Barbara Boone 04/30/60

Ed & Ann Parker 04/14/60

Alan Stroup & Julie Wilson 02/26/00

New Members

Adam Foudray

Conner and Ashley Johnson

Corinne and Scott Asakevich with Mirielle

Craig Duff

March / April 2015 TIDINGS

DJ and Elaine Welte with Gretchen and Megan

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

David and Brenda Dubois

Jon and Savannah Ensor with Graeme and Ansen

Melinda and Don McKinney

Sarah Bales

Ellie and Claude Oyler

Ken and Lou Johnson

Kent and Madison Weinkauf

Nora Jones and Cameron Crupper

Sarah Pradhan

Grant and Stephanie Moore

Enos and Carol Moore

Lantz and Tara Day with Henry

Patty and Jeff Bales

Steve and Janelle Lull with Samantha and Bryan

TIDINGS March / April 2015

Rev. Jeanne Pearson

Trey and Sophie Nunley

Haley Smotone

Lynn Flinn and Rocky Goins

Sandy and Larry Grindstaff

Virginia Dolton

Worship Times 8:00 am Traditional Service in Mason Chapel

Looking for Tidings Opportunities?

9:15 am Traditional Service in Sanctuary

We’ve moved that information to Asbury’s Resource Area located in the main lobby.

11:00 am Modern Service in Sanctuary

You can also find information online at www.asburytulsa.org.

General Information Surgery or Hospitalization When you enter the hospital, please designate Asbury as your church. Otherwise, we will not know you are there and a pastor will not know 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, Monday–Thursday from 8:30 am–5:00 pm and Friday 8:30 am–noon. The after-hour hospitalization and surgery line can be reached at 918.392.1198 and is checked each weekday at 8:30 am. If you know ahead of time and would like a pastor to do a pre-surgery visit, please call 918.492.1771. We encourage you to use the Hospital Visit Online Form. This can be accessed at any time and is a great way to get your message seen in a timely manner. (Go to www.asburytulsa.org and click on “Get Help” in the center of the page. Next, you will see “Hospital Visits” as the second option where you can click on the “submit a hospital request” link). If this is a surgery, please let us know the date and time of surgery in the comments section. Please know that Asbury pastors want to be in prayer for you and your family. After-hour Emergencies If you have an emergency or death to report after hours, please

call 918.392.1192 and leave a message for the pastor on call. You will be contacted as soon as possible. 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 which 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.

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