Tidings Winter 2020 by Asbury Church

TIDINGS WINTER 2020

HELPING Others

JESUS

TIDINGS WINTER 2020

BAPTISM PAGE

Editor: Angie Brashears

Graphic Design: Belinda Wilson

Photographers: Mark Moore (markmoore.photo.net) Deana Spyres (inspyredimages.com) Ryan Goodnight

OUTREACH PAGE

Guest Writers: Laura Beth Schwier, Steve & Paula Berry, Abigail Wendt, Erika Elijah, Nicole Waltman, Stephanie Hurd, Lisa Witcher, Andrea Stephens, Jonathan & Christa Bartlett, Daniel & Cindy Fugatt

24 FAITH

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How have you grown closer to the Lord in the last few months?

TRIBUTE

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BETTER TOGETHER

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WOMEN PAGE

FINANCIAL UPDATE

Baptism Paul wrote in Romans 6:3-4: Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Baptism is symbolic. The water (its amount or method) does not save. We are saved by trusting in Jesus Christ. While I think immersion is a stronger symbol of “burial, death and resurrection,” the symbol is not the important thing. The main reason for baptism is to publicly state that we trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and truly repent of our sin. When a child is baptized, the parents answer the questions for the child until “he or she, by the power of God, shall accept for themselves the gift of salvation and be confirmed into Christ’s holy Church.” Baptism, the sacrament of initiation, identifies us as followers of Jesus. Communion, the sacrament of nurture, does the same thing. These are the only two sacraments (sacred moments) that Jesus told all His followers to do.

We finished November with a small surplus which has been our goal each month since COVID began. We anticipate finishing the year at $ 8 million in expenses, which is about 90% of our original budget. In order to finish the year strong, we need to bring in approximately $1.2 million to the General Operating Fund in December. Thank you for being dedicated to the mission of Helping Others Follow Jesus through the ministries of Asbury!

We rejoice that these pictures in this Tidings edition show Asbury’s mission statement, Helping Others Follow Jesus, being fulfilled.

BAPTISM Allie Lowry

BAPTISM is a sacrament JESUS told ALL people to do.

Jayla Raglin

Olivia Bedrosian 5

BAPTISM

Kieran Kappers

Allison Galapon

Emmerson Holcombe

Pierce Holcombe

BAPTISM Audrey Bedrosian

Hudson Locher 8

Hannah Sutterfield 9

BAPTISM Austin Booker

Alice Newhouse 11

BAPTISM 12

AIDAN'S DECISION

By Daniel and Cindy Fugatt

It is a new life to which our Savior beacons us. A new identity! As Paul

writes to the Colossians, “When you came to Christ, you were ‘circumcised,’ but not by a physical procedure. It was a spiritual procedure—the cutting away of your sinful nature. For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to a new life because you trusted the mighty power of God who raised Christ from the dead.” (Colossians 2:11-12, NLT).

What a powerful statement! To

know that, in Baptism, a spiritual procedure has occurred in us, a very real, yet also very visible act has been done before all, leaves us with great pause. An eternal statement has been made before God and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I’m sure every believer, young and old, who has experienced the joy of water Baptism can attest to similar feelings and emotions... including our son, Aidan. You see, our son has Autism.

At first glance, one might challenge if someone on the spectrum can truly understand the choice to be baptized. I must emphasize that our son told us he wanted to be baptized.

Now his way of telling us was different from how I told my parents. He simply started trying to baptize himself during bath time, complete with saying “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!” Soon after, all of his stuffed animals joined him in the faith. Our son’s verbal skills are not quite at a level of carrying on conversation, so we look at the bigger picture of what he is trying to communicate through his use of broken phrases and nonverbal communication.

The look in my son’s eyes after his Baptism is something my wife and I will never forget. The joy! The elation! In his own way, I believe he had an encounter with God, which was just as real for him as for any of us in the mainstream. The “spiritual procedure” has truly happened in his life. He is new. He is identified with Christ in life, death and resurrection. I believe the Holy Spirit communicates with our son, in ways our Aidan truly feels and understands. It was evident to all at his Baptism. Truly, something beautiful happens in the midst of Baptism.

BAPTISM 14

ONE SPIRIT, ONE FAMILY By Jonathan and Christa Bartlett

Many times in life, we get visible indications for our development. Boys know they are growing into men when they have to shave. We know we are adults when we start getting bills and (hopefully) paychecks. But, in the Christian life, many of our transformations are relatively invisible. Christian sacraments

serve to help make the invisible seen by everyone and experienced by the person going through them.

as a sign of our commitment to Christ. After we were married and pregnant with our first son, we were both immersed in Baptism at the church we had joined in Champaign, Illinois. We wanted our children to have the experience of proclaiming their own personal faith publicly through baptism. There are good reasons for infant baptism (if nothing else, that has been the norm through church history), but, for our family, we chose to proclaim our faith through adult Baptism.

In 2020, all three of our children were baptized. Two were baptized at Asbury, and one was baptized at a revival meeting. As parents, this had a lot of meaning for us. We view Baptism as the point where our children cease to be Christians merely because they were born into a Christian family and begin to be full-fledged participants in Christ’s Church by their own choice. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us, “in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” Baptism is the gateway through which we acknowledge our participation in the unity of Christ’s church, and Confirmation is the gateway in which the local church recognizes that membership back.

Each of our children approached baptism differently. Our oldest waited and waited and waited until he felt the Holy Spirit move and send him to Baptism at a revival he attended this summer with a friend. Our middle child had a great interest in Baptism when he was younger but was more hesitant about it later because he does not like to be the center of attention at all. Finally, our youngest child wanted to be baptized on his 13th birthday, but that was not possible because of the current pandemic. We scheduled it as quickly as possible after the church returned to having services in-person.

We dedicated our sons to the Lord when they were babies, but we did not choose to baptize them at that point. We were both baptized as infants. We

(and myself) know where I stood. Likewise,

were disappointed when we went through confirmation at two different Methodist churches that we could not be baptized then

When I graduated from college, I wasn’t any smarter the day after I walked across the stage than I was the day before, but having the experience of graduation was what let others

for baptism, our children were not any less believers the day before their baptism than the day after.

But the public proclamation through Baptism makes it clear for all (including themselves) where they stand. 15

ATTENDANCE | MEMBERSHIP 1616

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME TO THE ASBURY FAMILY!

Josh & Candis Cummings with Callan

Joyce Kellione

Delores Fennell

Bill & Michelle Fisher

Michael & Tawnua Lewis

Terri Holton

Kacy Jackson

Tracy Jackson

NOT PICTURED: David & Jean Dearhamer, Doris Figueredo, Joe & Barbara Glenn, Kathy Hoss, Evelyn Kess, James Rogers, Chris & Kristin Stephens, Jim & Sandy Stilwell, Linda Teague

Stan Meyers

Bailor & Blake Toellner

GONE HOME TO BE WITH THE LORD... Donna English Richard (Dick) Loerke Elva Jean Terrell Jan Lakin Jeanette Sessom Dee Paige Mary Boltinghouse Margot Henthorn Ron Shook Perry Partney

8-24-19 8-12-20 8-18-20 8-19-20 8-19-20 8-21-20 8-23-20 9-2-20 9-2-20 9-3-20

Jim Neel James (Jim) Yeager Dolly Thomas Dixon Basil Ray James Adrienne Reinkemeyer Ken Meyers Robert E. (Bob) Wilson Dr. William C. (Bill) Mason

9-10-20 9-19-20 9-21-20 9-24-20 9-25-20 9-30-20 10-12-20 10-13-20

Amy (Piquet) Francisco

10-21-20

Spouse of Nevin Loerke Mother of Anne Terrell Spouse of Phil Lakin Mother of Wade Sessom Spouse of Barbie Paige

Spouse of Sue Shook Spouse of Yvonne Partney Spouse of Jan Neel

Spouse of Gay James Spouse of Sue Myers Spouse of Wanda Wilson Father of Peggy Nash, Robyn (& Ron) Tanner, Cameron (& Adriane) Mason Daughter of Beverly Francisco

John Westervelt

10-21-20

Royce Currieo Tom George Marge Bohannan

10-24-20 10-25-20 11-9-20

Naomi Culver

11-11-20

Lindsey Donaldson Wanda Adams Bob Hunt Nancy Reese Rick Riddle Nola Dickson Alta Jo Yadon Floyd Plummer

11-11-20 11-14-20 11-14-20 11-18-20 11-23-20 11-24-20 11-29-20 12-6-20

Brother of Wally (& Barbara) Westervelt Spouse of Glenda Currieo Spouse of Janis George Mother of Cindy (& Dick) Read, Polly (& Brad) Richison, Tracy (& Brad) Rinehart and Kelly (& Bill) Dudney Mother of Ron (& Melanie) Culver Spouse of Vince Donaldson Mother of Deb Potter Spouse of Joan Hunt Spouse of Garnell Riddle Mother of Doug Dickson Mother of Karen Yadon Brother of Al Plummer

ANNIVERSARIES

70 A.B. & Gwen Steen 12/23/50

70 Dave & Janet Wehrenberg 11/25/50

Burton & Freddie Howard 12/27/60

Stephen & Nancy Smith 10/2/55

Rex & Mary Ann Smith 11/27/65

D.L. & Barbara Hovland 10/9/70

60 Don & Sandy Nowlin 10/14/60

60 Dean & Vesta VanTrease 12/24/60

55 Joe & Paula Staires 11/6/65

55 Mike & Jan Reynolds 11/27/65

50 Phil & Nancy Baxter 10/17/70

50 Joe & Pam Crowder 11/22/70

45- Steve & Paula Berry, 8/9/75 40-Trent & Terri Baker, 12/20/80

50 Tom & Sandie White 12/30/70 17

YOUNG ADULT

GRIEF at the

Holidays By Laura Beth Schwier

Melissa Williams

As a young adult, no one anticipates grieving the loss of a parent; but for roommates Patty Mitchell and Melissa Williams, that is part of their story. The chapter they wish they could change has shown them who they are and who God is in ways that have dramatically altered the way they live their lives. 18

Instead of getting bitter and giving up on God, Patty and Melissa choose to see their circumstances from God's perspective.

They know the story God is writing through them is so much better than what they can see in the painful moments.

Through GriefShare, Patty began to feel more empowered to help others experiencing loss of a loved one. “GriefShare is amazing and provides a space for any person there to begin to open and heal the wounds of grief. It is a safe space and you build rapport with the group you are placed with. Since I had lost my parents, I was in a group with others who had lost parents. We understood what relationship(s) we had lost and how to care for each other,” Patty added.

Patty Mitchell Both were baptized December 22, 2019, and became members of Asbury that day.

“The hardest thing about grief is that person not being there or feeling like you’re losing a tradition because that person was the crux of that tradition,” says Patty. “It is hard figuring out how to remember those who are gone and how to continue or create new traditions without that person.”

At the beginning of their grief journey, Asbury's GriefShare was a catalyst in their healing process. Patty went through

the course and shared what she learned with Melissa. Through that ministry, both had many opportunities to meditate on the faithfulness of the Lord.

“We could share information about what we learned during the process after someone dies and their funeral. Throughout the course you answer questions and journal. You get to keep those and it is a wonderful resource to go back to when you may be feeling down with grief. I feel more equipped to approach others who are going through grief.” As a result, Melissa also benefited from Patty’s experience with GriefShare. “I learned after experiencing major grief I needed to take time to for myself, I needed to learn to grow in my relation with Christ,” she said. “For that first year, my

relationship with Christ is the only one I put work into growing, and through scripture I started to feel whole again.” While they acknowledge their mutual grief this Christmas, they will be able to turn the topic to the greater hope of Jesus in whom we will one day receive a new heaven and a new earth — free from death, free from tears — and reunited with all those we have loved.

OUTREACH 20

JOY of

The

WORDS FROM THOSE WHO SERVED

Serving

First off, it is so rewarding to be a part of such a wonderful ministry during this pandemic. The food distribution ministry was so helpful and beneficial to so many people who were in need at this challenging period of time. This particular activity was not part of the original plan regarding the food distribution ministry. My wife Paula was assigned to be a greeter along the line of cars entering the Asbury campus. She would welcome the guests and provide direction toward the next station along the route to the boxed food items. As my role at the Food Distribution Saturdays consisted of directing the traffic lines, I stood at an intersection and directed traffic into “Lane A” or “Lane B." As I was motioning to a middle-age man to pull forward and go into the second lane, he rolled his window down and said with a big smile on his face, “You are like Jesus!” I was rather taken aback, not exactly sure what he meant. But, he continued, “You are like Jesus. You are showing me the way to go.” A lump formed in my throat and my eyes got a little moist as I was so utterly grateful and humbled by this man’s words. I’ll never forget what his words meant to me. Hopefully, I will always strive to live up to them!

PAULA BERRY Our neighbor across the street had access to excess donuts from a local donut shop, Farmhouse Donuts. It just seemed to be a good idea to give away the extra donuts to those receiving boxed food items at Asbury. (This gesture was in keeping with the Asbury theme of providing donuts on Sunday.) We typically had approximately 10 to 12 dozen donuts available, so we would approach the cars waiting in line and offer a donut to everyone. Nearly everyone perked up and was so grateful for the gesture. It really brought a smile to their faces and it was the “icing on the cake” (no pun intended). The people were so appreciative of this extra bonus on an early Saturday morning. It was such a blessing to bring a little joy to these people, which in turn brought so much joy to our day.

STEVE & PAULA BERRY 21

OUTREACH

During the food distribution, I had the honor of handing out the “You Are Loved” cards and greeting our guests who came for food boxes, The "You Are Loved” Cards gave our guests the salvation message and opened a door for the Prayer Team. On return visits, our guests often asked for more cards to give out as they shared with others the food they received. I feel I received

more joy from working the distributions than anyone who received food. All of the guests were so thankful, so patient as they waited in long lines for their boxes.

THANK YOU to all those who gave of their time and energy to Helping Others Follow Jesus. 22

Our guests started lining up shortly after seven for the nine o’clock line opening. I was so blessed to get to visit with everyone as they patiently waited. Many of our guests were there every week so we got to know them. There were four mature sisters who came every week who were just so much fun to visit with. The last week they sadly said, “I guess we won’t be seeing you again!” Of course I invited them to church. A lady I’ll call Carrie came through who had ALS. She was single and also caring for her elderly mom. She had been a teacher until her disease forced her to retire. She was physically failing more each week, and I worried about the fact she was still driving. Her greeting was most times, “I’m still alive.” She attended a smaller south Tulsa church when she was able. Her smile out the car window is burned into my heart and reminds me to pray for her. There were guests who just really wanted to talk, to be out of their homes and around people.

LINDA FURMAN

I recall a couple, maybe in their 60s. The man introduced himself and his wife and we talked a bit about the church they had attended. They mentioned they were attending Asbury online (in the early stages of COVID) and that they had picked up some food for their cleaning lady. I paused and said, “This is a crazy time so we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to know God. Do you have a relationship with Jesus?” The man looked down into his hands and said, “I don’t know.” We then prayed the sinner’s prayer together for him to accept Jesus. I haven’t seen that couple since then, but the interaction encouraged me.

God is working all around us in ways we don’t expect. I’m not sure why God chooses us to participate in sharing his Gospel, but He does.

ABIGAIL WENDT

a thank you card from a grateful heart.

FAITH

Praying. Am I good at it? Am I doing it right? Will I sound like I know what I am doing? Maybe? Probably? Who cares? God hears me. I am coming to Him more and more these days with my swirling, overwhelming thoughts. Not much feels secure or sure these days except for Him.

Depression has stalked me these past months and I know I’m far from alone. When Pastor Tom called me on my birthday in July, I cried. I love my birthday and I so wanted to be cheerful, but cheer was elusive. My husband Matt was down, also, because he hated not being able to elevate my mood. Then we prayed together. While we’re no poster couple for goody-twoshoes prayers, I share this story with you so you will know you don’t have to wait to be ready or think you have to be good at praying to do it together. Just as I am... My friend Abby told me about her experiences praying with people at the food pick-up line. I knew she was stepping out of her comfort zone, but her testimony prompted me to join in though I had vulnerabilities of my own. But, we are in this faith walk together with unemployment, distance learning, new jobs, medical issues, mental health issues and more. Nothing makes sense, our plans are scattered, we are afraid and we need help. But You, God, are

the same: You are faithful, You are with us. Grant us your peace and wisdom, and help us be content in You

while we wait, while we take each day at a time. You, God, are never overwhelmed. I don’t know who or how many of you are struggling, but I want you to know you are not alone; I’m struggling right along with you. I do know that my God — our God — gives us hope and peace that makes zero sense. After I prayed with Cheryl and Zoe from the prayer team in November, my whole family could see the change in my face. I had peace that surpassed all understanding.

I still feel that peace of mind despite having to clamor through decisions and worries that threaten to take over. My house is a mess of everyday stuff and Christmas decorations. I don’t have anything together. I’m barely floating my kids’ education along and they have seen me struggle, mentally. Life still has us regrouping and reassessing on a weekly basis, but they have noticed my happiness and peace return. They know I’m praying, and praying with them with my husband often. I’m desperate to cling to the hope and peace Christmas will bring this year. While we all wish we had everything figured out, we just don’t.

But I can tell you who does — our Heavenly Father.

THOUGHTS FROM ERIKA

MUSIC

A MUSICAL MENTOR By Nicole Waltman Sometimes unexpected blessings and opportunities end up being the most exciting “light bulb moments” a music minister experiences.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael Kemp, director of traditional worship, has been teaching and assisting student musicians with their musical abilities and their faith. Kemp has a background in

music education from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Even though he’s never officially taught music, he’s always known he would end up doing it someday. After connecting with a local school in his former hometown in Mississippi, Kemp recalls a time when the principal of that school thanked him for all he'd done for the students and said, “And I don’t mean musically.” “That was the first ‘light bulb moment’ to me where it felt like this could be another way to do ministry,” Kemp said. “From that point on I just always saw teaching as another opportunity to minister outside the walls and in different ways.”

MICHAEL KEMP

“One of my hopes and dreams is that the music ministry here would in time be known as a teaching ministry where part of the way we minister is by giving students what I would call ‘real world experiences,’” he said. “There is certainly a difference between what we learn in the classroom versus practical application.” Recently, Kemp has worked with several students to get them more involved in Asbury’s music ministry. “Even during COVID when you think we can't do anything because we’re shut down, God has opened some doors for us to be able to connect with some people. That’s just the tip of the iceberg and I want that to certainly grow from there.” Kemp works with different age groups and walks-of-life. He believes a person’s musical ability and faith can grow simultaneously in a music ministry setting. “When you're part of any of these groups, you’re immediately part of a community of faith,” Kemp said. EVE SADA, a student from Baghdad, Iraq, was raised in an Assyrian Christian family. She recently studied to receive her doctorate in choral conducting at the University of Oklahoma. When the pandemic interrupted

“God got me into a place that I can do what I need to do to continue my education,” Whittington said. “He worked it all out for me with Michael’s help. I’m just really thankful.” EVE SADA her final semester, Sada came to Tulsa where Kemp helped her successfully put together her final program recital. “The Lord put him in my path to help me out with this. In rehearsals or when I would meet with him, his advice and directing was always about making connections to the meaning of the piece, not just the music and the parts and the voices.”

ALEX SELLERS is studying music education at ALEX SELLERS Tulsa Community College and wants to be a conductor. She joined Asbury after a member invited her to play in the orchestra, where Kemp started helping her with conducting.

Sellers was raised as a Catholic and always wanted to serve the church through her music. “It wasn’t always easy to do that just because it’s not really an orchestral setting,” she said. “After going to Asbury, even at the first rehearsal, I was like, ‘Wow, I can feel the connection with God.’ CALEB WHITTINGTON CALEB WHITTINGTON Learning and getting experience as a is a Tulsa native studying conductor through the church is so music education at good for my faith. I’m so blessed to be Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas. there where people are helping and supporting me Because of the pandemic, Whittington stayed in through it.” Tulsa for his studies this semester. Whittington needed a space with instruments in order to complete his coursework and said he received an answer to prayer when he got in contact with Kemp.

BROOKE OLIVER is a sophomore music education major at the University of Oklahoma. In the sum-

MUSIC BROOKE OLIVER mer, she was asked to play the flute for Asbury’s Fourth of July concert. Shortly after that, Kemp invited her to keep playing with Asbury and also gave Oliver conducting lessons, which she’d never had.

“The main thing he helped me with was being confident in myself,” Oliver said. “I’m a band kid so I’m used to sitting in my chair and playing next to other people. As the conductor, I was now being stared at by a whole ensemble. He opened the door into my next step of going from a player in a band to being the leader of an ensemble.”

Oliver considers him a mentor. “Something that sticks out to me about his teaching style is just how nice he is,” Oliver said. “He makes everyone involved in the rehearsal know that he’s happy that they’re there. He’s happy that everyone is making music together.”

ADVENT

2,020 YEARS AGO TODAY… By Stephanie Hurd My mom had a way of making birthdays special. She would prepare a family gathering with a meal, gifts, a story and a cake. The birthday girl (or boy) got to pick the menu (mine was always steak with macaroni and cheese or pepperoni pizza). After dinner, but before cake, she would tell our birth story to the whole family. If my mom was still alive this year, she would have told mine in her traditional way: “51 years ago today….” For a middle child of six kids, this was a meaningful moment of recognition that I looked forward to every year. We all have favorite events and seasons that we celebrate: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, spring, summer and fall. Some of these events help define who we are. We look forward to them annually— sometimes even counting down the days. The Church has her own calendar filled with events and seasons. The Church calendar has a long history based on Scripture and tradition. Most importantly, it is centered on Jesus. The Christian year begins with the birth of our Lord. More accurately, it begins with anticipation of His birth. The Jews waited thousands of years for the Messiah (Jesus) to come and we are waiting for Jesus to return. You might say we are counting down the days. This time of preparation that leads to Christmas is called Advent.

“Advent” is from the Latin word, adventus, which means “to come.” Advent is the first season on the Christian calendar. It always includes the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. “Christmas Season,” a.k.a. Christmastide and the Twelve Days of Christmas, begin at sunset on Christmas Eve and ends at sunset on January 5. Advent is reflected in our worship services in special ways. It is tradition to light four Advent candles—one each Sunday—to represent themes of anticipation (or peace), joy, love and hope. These gradually increase the light during the shortest days of the year (as we near the winter solstice). They, along with lighted Christmas trees, represent the light of Christ coming into our dark and troubled world. During Advent, we sing songs of anticipation and longing. On Christmas Eve, we light the Christ candle, symbolizing the arrival of Jesus. We conclude the service with “Joy to the world the Lord is come!” The end of Advent marks a mood shift from longing to rejoicing. These elements, and many others, work together to tell the wonderful story of Jesus’ first coming and His future return. The Christian calendar, like Communion, is active and participatory storytelling. It engages the heart and mind and all the senses. To quote Dr. Suess, “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” The Church has given us a deep, rich and meaningful way to remember (2,020 years ago today…), to celebrate, and to look forward. Another author said, “Christmas is the day that holds all time together.”

VOLUNTEER

Consider it a CHRISTMAS Gift By Laura Beth Schwier At his mother's insistence, Kevin Caruthers served as a greeter for Asbury's Christmas Eve service four years ago. Initially, he committed to greeting one time and one time only.

relationship forms. I see others serving in the background, and I praise God for them. I see the joy of service in others, and I want to follow suit. I notice a need, and I want to meet it.”

“Honestly, it was because my mom heard Pastor Tom talk about a need for more Christmas Eve volunteers. She wasn’t wanting anything in particular for Christmas that year, but she did encourage me to volunteer. She told me to consider it her Christmas gift.” Much to his surprise, he ended up enjoying it so much he decided to serve consistently.

Kevin knows serving in church is not intended to meet our own demands for self-fulfillment or self-worth; it's about the satisfaction found through self-denial. It is meant to bring Christ honor ... even on the days when showing up is hard.

“I liked it because it helped me become more sociable. I could form relationships with other people and be a reflection of Christ when interacting with them.” Today, it’s safe to say Kevin has found his niche. He serves as the captain of the Guest Services’ Alpha Team. During the first half of every month, you'll find him smiling at the door as you enter the church.

Kevin's love for Asbury reveals a heart that seeks to give. He realizes

when he is “part of a congregation that loves and serves and gives, a wonderful 30

“One time, I was helping an older lady with bone cancer get inside the church. I thought, “If she can joyfully show up, so can I. There is no excuse for me.” We love because we have been loved, and we serve because we have been served. When we serve unto the Lord, what is ordinary becomes sacred. “I really just enjoy connecting with people and showing them Jesus. Some people only come to church on Christmas Eve, so I really just try to make those around me feel special,” Kevin said. Like Kevin, how can you use your gifts to worship God?

BILL MASON 1927 - 2020 TRIBUTE

To my dearest friends and all those who carry the Name of Christ Jesus and Asbury United Methodist Church of Tulsa, including pastors and staff, long-time members and visitors both present and future… From the Reverend Dr. William Cameron Mason, known more often as Pastor Mason or even Bill to many of you. The grandson of a United Methodist pastor, raised in church by my family, versed in the right language but not engaged with the right heart. I once heard there was a voice of one crying in the wilderness. So I went to the Billy Graham Crusade in Oklahoma City and heard a story of two roads: a wide road and a narrow road. As I laid in bed that night, the reality of my own life passed before me. I realized I was on the wide road that leads to destruction, and it was not the way I wanted to live my life anymore. I prayed and went to sleep. The next morning, I was a new person. I lost my appetite for alcohol, for lying to cover my tracks, for foul language, for using church as a social function. I was astounded at how vibrant I felt. I was 28 years old, yet I was born again in Jesus Christ. Eight years later, a husband and father of four, I left my successful office supply and printing business to bring others to the same lifealtering unconditional love that I had found in Christ Jesus. When I went to seminary at Perkins in Dallas, Texas, I had no training in the Word or theology—I had only a love for the Lord in my heart. When I completed my education, the Lord sent me here to you to labor among you for His glorification.

Thanksgiving and Prayer Asbury, “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3-6 I cannot imagine a more wonderful life than what we’ve had here because of all of you. You have been our family and our friends, but never our foes. Not only have we felt love for you, but we have felt love from you. God has used you as instruments of His grace to raise my family into the people He created us to be. You allowed me to be myself and do the work for which God called me.

God Grows a Big Church

Originally published in Tidings March 2012 32

Brothers and sisters, the truth is this: It was never my desire for Asbury to be a big church. The Lord chose to grow the church around me while I was busy being faithful with every opportunity I had to show that Jesus was present in times of crisis and trouble

when people are most interested in the Lord. It is our natural human need crying out for supernatural strength and wisdom. Therefore, I went to the hospital morning, noon and night according to your needs, and joined hands with you and your concerned family members in trustful prayer. Because God blessed you through Asbury’s very tangible ministry, you witnessed to others and invited them to come explore this great loving God. This was where the real Kingdom-building of Asbury took place. We learned together that you just have to do what you have to do. Sometimes, the going gets tough, so the tough get on their knees. With great humility, we sought God’s will and favor on our church. Asbury was young and slight in the early days. The salary didn’t support my family of six, so rather than assume we had misunderstood God’s leading and seek a more lucrative situation, we made sacrifices and sold personal investments in order to buy groceries. The choir practiced in my living room; the office was in my dining room; the mimeograph sat on my washer and dryer in my utility room; the bathroom doubled as a prayer room. For Sunday school and worship services, we shared space at Key Elementary School with our brothers and sisters in the faith from Park Plaza Church of Christ. God kept growing Asbury, and the time eventually came to build, so we sold church bonds door-to-door to raise the capital funds. All the while, I prayed and preached, learned and taught, and visited. We counted loss as gain, trials as triumphs. And God our Heavenly Father taught us that if you “turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.” He taught us that no matter what, “He is Lord! He is risen from the dead and He is Lord!” Oh, that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! Indeed, this is our very purpose. Amen!

God Grows a Big Vision God gave me a strong vision to reach beyond the doors of the church into and beyond Tulsa, and I was confident this would also bring God’s favor. In many ways, little has changed since I started ministry at Asbury over 48 years ago. We are still doing the same things Jesus told his disciples to do, and as we fulfill these, we make more disciples. You see, friends, people like to be involved in something that’s growing, that’s pregnant with promise and potential. They catch the vision of doing something bigger together than they could ever do by themselves, and they also get involved in making disciples with three Scriptural goals in mind: 1. “The Great Commandment” (Matthew 22:37-40) “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Loving God and loving others is core to the gospel and what Asbury is.

2. “The Great Compassion” (Matthew 25:35-36) “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Love reaches out to help others in need. 3. “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19) “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of this age.” This is what Jesus told us to do, thus I opened our worship services for many years with these words: “To all who sin and need a Saviour; To all who mourn and seek comfort; To all who are lonely and need a friend; To all who are weary and need rest; To whosoever will come, this church opens wide her doors and her heart, and in the Name of Jesus, bids you welcome!

God Grows Big Leaders I want you to know I believe whole-heartedly these responsibilities are central to our Kingdom-work, yet I could not do them all alone. Others led our mission efforts, singles, children’s and youth ministries and did our administration. Many fail because they do not share responsibility. Not only isn’t this conducive to good health of the pastor or the church, but others cannot grow as leaders if you follow them around and look over their shoulder. Throughout my ministry I sought out more successful churches and pastors to learn good practices, and from them I also learned that I did not fit the pattern of a typical pastor of a growing church. You see, sometimes God does extraordinary things through ordinary people. Wait and work expectantly for this miracle in your midst. The first step in sharing leadership is to pray, then to look for evidence of being Spirit-led and the gifts in others’ lives. Then mentor them to ensure their success in advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Remember, people do grow. I did. As a young Christian, I set the goal of getting up to pray for 10 minutes even though I had no idea how to fill up 10 minutes. With four young children in house, time alone with God was a challenge, but I did it. That eventually turned into getting up at 4 a.m. to spend two to three hours a day in prayer and study. My goal is always to recognize the Holy Spirit in my life, turn to Him and listen to Him. I’ve kept a prayer journal all these years as a reminder of what the Spirit has said and done. Friends, seek out vehicles by which men, women and young people can be built up in their faith and equipped for every good work. Invest in those younger than you. This is how our story continues 33

to be written and how the good news of Jesus is spread. One of Asbury’s great successes was in discovery classes and growth groups. The guiding principle for me was that until we understand the basics of the Christian faith in our minds and spirits, until we know what Jesus taught, we cannot know how to live an effective Christian witness. You simply cannot depend on what you hear and experience in a weekend worship service to be sufficient to live a Christian life all week. It requires every one of us setting aside significant time to let God grow us through Scripture, prayer, fellowship and learning to share our faith with others. Many years ago, leaders from Estonia, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Philippines visited Asbury to study discipleship and evangelism with us. A pastor from the Philippines explained that Communism was gaining such a stronghold there that he feared Christian pastors might be assassinated. His goal was to make the laity of his church strong enough disciples and disciple-makers that they could carry on the work of Jesus Christ without a pastor. What does the future hold for our denomination, our faith, our country, our world? Only God knows. But we are charged with the task of preparing our young people to be faithful in that future. There are two more verses that have guided my life and my ministry at Asbury. I think they hold much instruction for our present and future:

Proverbial Words of Wisdom 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says: “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” • Truth is found in Scripture. Believe that with me until the day we die. • If truth is found in Scripture, you should be in Scripture, too. • Seek its authority as the only appropriate guide to life. • Deal with things that distract you or diffuse your interest in the things of God. Ephesians 4:11-13 says: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” • Yes, you have spiritual gifts and abilities. Find them, nurture them, use them. • Pray daily for your pastors and leaders. Pray daily for the work of Asbury. • Equip and empower the Body of Christ for every good work to the glory of Lord Jesus Christ. • Do not use guilt or fear to motivate others. Instead, draw out love, passion and conviction. 34

• Support one another. Use the blessings God has given you to bless others. • Let the Church bring out the very best that God has placed in you. • Get busy. Do things. Start things. Finish things. But don’t run ahead of the Holy Spirit. Let Him stop you if you take the wrong path. • Do not use others or opportunities as stepping stones. • You do not always need praise or a raise. You need to discover contentment. • Settle. Plant flowers. Put down roots. Commit for the long haul to your church and your Lord. • Pray that God will free you from bondage to scripts, addictions, crutches and bitterness. • You need not like everyone. They need not like you. • And do not let ‘dislike’ and ‘disagree’ quench relationship or fellowship. • Be quick to apologize and forgive for the sake of unity in the Body of Christ. • Being young is a poor reason for lack of generosity or engagement with the Body of Christ. • Let God grow trust in His provision within your spirit. • Be joyful. Give thanks all the time. For God is good all the time.

Closing Remarks Someone once said to me, “I cannot see any reason for Asbury to stop growing unless you get in the way.” Asbury friends, it grieves me that people get lost along the way. I hope that you never see Asbury as so big that people, their problems, processes and progress don’t matter. The lost, those who don’t yet know the love of Christ, should always be on your minds and hearts. And you must pay close attention to one another so that none who are already in Christ are lost. I pray that God will show you how to cooperate with what He wants to do in the world. May you invest the very best of yourself and your church in this endeavor, for what else yields so high a return? The future of Asbury is in God’s hands. As we daily seek the leading of the Holy Spirit for Asbury, may His will be done!

Bill Mason’s Favorite Scriptures Matthew 6:14-15

Ephesians 4:12-13

New International Version (NIV)

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Galatians 6:7

to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:32

New International Version (NIV) 7

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Ephesians 2:8-9

New International Version (NIV) 32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Philippians 4:13

New International Version (NIV) 8

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

New International Version (NIV) 13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

God Bless You, Pastor Mason! The William Cameron Mason bust was unveiled on Sunday, February 26. The bust will be permanently placed in the front foyer of Mason Chapel. The idea was proposed by an individual community in August 2011. A noted sculptor, Rosalind Cook, was commissioned in October of that year to actually create the sculpture. She was delighted to be able to create the piece as she knew Bill personally. Bill sat in Rosalind’s studio while the clay version was created, modeling for it as well as having various measurements taken of his face. Money was raised by anonymous donors for the cost of the bust and a unique pedestal to hold the bust with a large bronze plaque affixed to the front which says: William Cameron Mason June 1964-June 1993, Senior Pastor June 1993, Pastor Emeritus “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” John 12:21

The Bill Mason I Know It was Friday evening August 14, 1987, the day my wife Nelda died unexpectedly. My daughter Mary Kim would fly in from Dallas as soon as she could get an airplane. Bill Mason showed up on my doorstep. We talked and prayed and just sat quietly for hours until time to pick up Mary Kim. I remember Bill best for "just sitting quietly." - Grandpa John, Deceased 2020

Absolutely the most wonderful man. He always tells you that he “loves you." - Larry and Judy Lairmore

Bill Mason is an example of a true Christian that loves the Lord and follows the teachings of the Bible. He is a friend, confidante and comforter and is always there for you. Thank you, Bill. We love you! - Dick and Nevin Loerke

TRIBUTE

JOHN WESTERVELT "GRANDPA JOHN" 1927 -2020 36

If there ever was a man that emulated the image of Jesus, it was John Westervelt. He was a man of integrity, grace, compassion, love and great wisdom. He was a mentor to many just through his actions and demeanor. His careful words were always seasoned with endless grace and kindness and he was dearly loved. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12 If there ever was a man who consistently showed unconditional love for children, it was John Westervelt who was also lovingly known to Asbury preschoolers as, "Our Grandpa John." John carried a spirit of calm gentleness with him wherever he'd go and it was especially appreciated when a typical preschool day drifted into chaos. Whether it was helping a little one improve their cutting skills, organizing the daily snacks, tying a shoe or wiping a nose, John completed his task with the hands and love of Christ. John did these things with an unselfish spirit and was a true reflection of his Savior. John would be the first to tell you he was a broken man, but he had his Jesus to light the way. As Jesus said, "Let these little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Luke 18:15

purposeful intention, excitement and joy. I can personally say that John's writings have given me a deeper and more intimate knowledge of the love and grace of Jesus. "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34 If there ever was a man who loved fellowship, it was John Westervelt. Whether spending time with church friends, community believers or having dinner with his preschool ladies, John was ready with his ever-present words of encouragement and Godly insight. "God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:9 If there ever was a man who left his mark on many, it was John Westervelt, who was so very loved and will be deeply missed.

If there ever was man who loved to write, it was John Westervelt AND WRITE HE DID. Whether writing on biblical perspective or his own life experiences, he did it with

TRIBUTE

BASIL1929-2020 R. JAMES “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” - Matthew 5:16

Basil James did let his light shine. For 42 years as a member of Asbury, he was involved in many ministry activities, always with a smile – ready to greet both friends and new friends. Most recently, he and his wife Gay were Communion Stewards, Ushers and members of Asbury Singing Ambassadors. But in years past, he and his late wife, Barbara, were volunteers in the Couple to Couple Ministry, group leaders in Intimate Life classes and teachers in Discovery 101. The joy he experienced serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was evident in everything he did. Coming from a broken home, Basil realized the importance of family and made time with family a priority. While his occupation was “traveling salesman” he spent a good part of each week on the road – but always made it home for weekends, which included church on Sundays, as well as all important family occasions. His children, Denise, Dan, and Bill remember the love he lavished on them and his simple philosophy – love God and love people. Basil had a long connection with both Pastor Emeritus Bill Mason and Senior Pastor Tom Harrison. Upon returning to Wagoner (where he was born) from serving in the Korean Conflict, he enrolled at OU to finish an engineering degree. There he met and became friends with Hugh Harrison – Tom’s father. Hugh graduated ahead of Basil, and recommended he consider moving to Tulsa following his graduation the next year. Tulsa became home and Hugh and Katherine Harrison became lifelong friends. His connection to Bill Mason also started in Wagoner where Bill’s grandfather, A.S. Cameron, was pastor of the First Methodist Church and baptized his oldest child. Basil loved both Bill and

Jayne Mason, enjoying Sunday night Hide-A-Way pizza and cheering for the Sooners. Basil became a Christian at 34, while attending a Methodist Men’s retreat at Lake Fort Gibson. He realized that even while going to Sunday School and church his whole life, he had not consciously repented of his sin and asked Jesus to be his Savior. From that day on – for the next 57 years – he knew the joy of the Lord each day. He began to be a witness for Jesus in both his work and personal life, bringing both family members and friends to know Christ as their Savior. Basil used his talents, not to receive applause, but to serve God to the best of his ability in gratitude for his deliverance. He honored God's word as contained in Holy Scripture. His actions represented a deliberate choice to walk with God, accepting the freedom he was offered as he cultivated a deep, personal relationship with his Savior. Basil leaves a legacy of love as God used His faithful servant to mark future generations. His prayers, his actions, his words and his service were powerfully used by God while he was alive and will continue now that he is in heaven. “We thank Thee that there is no good-bye. We ask Thee that Thy crown and seal may be upon everyone until we meet Thee face to face.” – Oswald Chambers (Basil’s Obituary may be found at moorefuneral.com/ obituaries/Basil-Ray-James_) 39

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS A S B U RY

HARVEST HAYDAY

COUPLE'S Trivia Night

150

People 8 couples recognized for milestone anniversaries (10, 25, 40 years)

40 40

5,000

People

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS GIRLS NIGHT

Girls

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Confirmations

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS NIGHT 204 OF JOY Women ASBURY WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GATHERING

Ages 15-85

STUDENTS

ASBURY OFFICIAL A Confirmation Story By Laura Beth Schwier

For 13-year-old Carly Borgelt, Confirmation was not merely a ceremony or a class to finish. It is part of the life-long mission of discovering the weightiness of God's love for her. During her recent Confirmation, she promised to live in a relationship with Jesus for the remainder of her life. "Confirmation gave me a deeper understanding of what my faith meant to me.

The most special thing about the ceremony was recognizing that I would officially be a member of Asbury when the service ended." For any eighth-grader, Confirmation is the first public declaration of the church's faith becoming their respective faith. The confirmand is taking charge of living as a member of the body of Christ and fulfilling God's plan for their life. That involves building relationships with peers and adults who will encourage them in their faith. For Carly, those relationships were formed since the sixth grade in a group led by Kim Broadhurst, Kylee Eden — and more recently —Andrea Shafer called "Chicas for Christ." In preparation for Confirmation, the group met for 10 weeks and got an in-depth, biblical education about what it meant to be a United Methodist. Some days the discussions were more serious, and other days they were more lighthearted. "My faith has grown because of the wonderful small group leaders I had. I hope I can take the knowledge I learned from my small group and spread it to others to show what amazing things Jesus can do."

Carly also met with Pastor Dick Read as part of the process. “Each of the students had a personal visit with a pastor, just as all new members do,” he offered. “It was the first time we have done that, and I got to be Carly’s pastor visit.” The fun family connection in that, he said, was that he officiated her parents’ wedding 20-plus years ago and he believes he was the pastor who visited with her grandparents when they joined Asbury. “Confirmation is an important time in the lives of our students when they profess their faith before our church family. The Confirmation process is one of learning the basics of our faith and asking hard questions,” said Jesse Johnson, student ministry small group associate.

“The goal is that at the end of Confirmation, our students not only have a relationship with Christ, but that they can also articulate their faith to others. In Confirmation, our students learn that they can help others come to know the love of Jesus and follow Him by the power of their testimony,” he added. Carly evidently leaned into the process and came away with a thorough understanding of what it is to be a follower of Jesus, and to help others follow Him. "Jesus has had such a positive impact on my life. I hope others can see that and want to experience Him for themselves,” she said.

“The lessons I learned through Confirmation will help me stay true to God and continue to be active at church." 45

NEW MEMBER

Laura Beth Schwier

FOLLOWING GODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEAD TO ASBURY By Laura Beth Schwier

I'm not going to lie; 2020 has been a painful year for many. But after completing my last semester of college, getting a job and attending a new church, my season is joy-filled.

I wake up very aware of my blessings each morning. These days, birds chirp, the sun shines and I praise God for that. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m reminded of "Thy Will," a beautiful song by Hillary Scott. The song, if you haven't heard it, is full of pain. Heartache wrote those words, and when I hear it, I step into her pain like a very familiar, very well-worn pair of shoes. "When I try to pray, all I've got is hurt and these four words: Thy will be done." I've been there, too. When you're standing in the sun, how easy it is to forget how much storms 46

hurt. To forget, when God's goodness feels like it is on full display, how much you've questioned and doubted it before. How frequently you believed your plans were those best-laid, and how often you whiteknuckled them when God said, "Let go." I'll never forget how my relationship with the Lord began to change when I started saying, "Thy will be done." When I began to trust Him with my future, I realized that true faith does not cure a fallen world; but it does create the foregone conclusion that we will indeed make it to the beautiful finish line intended for us.

In the sunshine, Thy will be done. In the storms, Thy will be done. In everything, Thy will be done.

For me, saying "Thy will be done" in this season meant following the Lord's leading to attend Asbury in August this year. I was searching for a strong community of Spirit-filled believers, and Asbury has been the perfect fit for me. My grandparents Sig and Jan Schwier called Asbury home for more than 30 years, so to follow in their footsteps is a great privilege. Asbury has always felt like a welcoming second home to me. I am so thankful I said, "Thy will be done" when the Lord directed me to Asbury. Had I not, I would have missed out on an incredible blessing.

As I drove away from the first Asbury worship experience of my adult life, I felt an enduring hope start to fill my heart. I suddenly had a glimpse of how good life was â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and was about to get â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and my heart stayed in that building hours after my feet had left. While I go about everyday life placating myself with comfortable Jesus-following, I realize that there is a pastor who preaches bold sermons and lives a courageous life; the kind of life

also lived by those who call Asbury home. The kind of life I was called to live. It's the life that says, let me walk farther than my feet can go. Because, at the end of it, I want to know that Jesus is waiting for me.

Let me give more than I have. Let me stay up with you when I'm tired. Let me love you when you are challenging. Let me raise you up when I'm weak. Let me forgive when you are unforgivable. Let me pray on your behalf. Let me offer you my coat when you steal my shoes. Let me go hungry so that you can eat. Let me break my body for you. Let me wring myself out until there is no more of me left. Let me live every second of this life God has given me so that you can know Him, too. Let me go thirsty for you.

A lot of life is ridiculously confusing and it always will be. But, oh the joy! It's not a copout. It's a rock-solid, take-it-to-the-bank promise from God about life with Him.

And it's enough.

NEW MEMBER

Establishing THE FAITH By Lisa Witcher

After attending Asbury’s New Member class and experiencing the emphasis Asbury places on serving and discipling young families, Josh and Candis Cummings knew they had found a new church home. Raised in the church from a very young age, Candis remembers “loving the sense of peace, calm and comfort that she felt learning and living in Christ.” Candis became a Christian at 8 or 9, attending prayer services with her parents and watching her mom sing on the praise team. Josh was raised in a Baptist church, proclaiming his own faith as a middle school student. He enjoyed his youth groups, choir and volunteering at different church events, but didn’t attend church as regularly after high school.

Candis began worshipping with the Asbury church family 11 years ago attending the 8 or 9:30

am service before she reported to work. The church’s convenient location to her work made Asbury the right place at the right time to minister to her. Just before Josh and Candis welcomed their first child, Josh could sense God calling him back to the structure and support of a church home. When COVID stole the congregational in-person worship, he gratefully worshipped online with Asbury and continues to do so, although he cannot wait to be back in one of Asbury’s pews. Six months ago, Josh and Candis welcomed baby boy Callan to their union. Having

watched Catholic christenings and more recently, infant baptisms at Asbury, the new parents admired the spiritual dedication of the church’s collective accountability to guide children down a path to find and follow Jesus. So, it was with great joy that they presented Callan for infant baptism this fall, the same Sunday they formally joined the Asbury family. Candis noted, “I consider it a

blessing to present [Callan] to the congregation… who will join in

common, powerful prayer with us.” Having seen the power of prayer, the Cummings welcome Asbury’s offering to pray with and over them just as they pray nightly with and over God’s gift – sweet baby Callan. “I love the volunteering opportunities Asbury offers and look forward to raising Callan with a servant’s mindset,” Josh adds. He and Candis want Callan and any future babies to grow up in the faith and be active in church functions. Candis is grateful Asbury has a servant’s focus and varied opportunities for children, new parents and developing families. She says it has reassured her that “all will be well.”

Praising her own grandfather as a servant leader, a follower of God and a significant hand in her own spiritual growth, Candis offered,

“I want my son to grow up knowing and feeling God’s love and experience His unending grace. To know the peace, calm and comfort of God’s presence from childhood throughout his life – just as I have known. My grandfather was the kind of man I hope my son will become, and I feel Asbury can help him find his way.” Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 49

BETTER TOGETHER Student Entrance

Student Auditorium

North Portico

Save the Date 50

NEW ASBURY STUDENTS BUILDING Ribbon Cutting - February 28

Development Center Floor Plans

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN FROM 51

WOMEN

Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holiday Workshop 52

Nearly 150 women gathered with anticipation to hear local expert Denise Lopez share about opening our heart and home to others during the Christmas season. She gave great ideas for overcoming the usual excuses for not hosting: I’m not the type, I don’t have time, I don’t cook, my house doesn’t measure up. Wrapped into her message on hospitality, she offered creative tips for decorating (placing fresh greenery, adding cranberries and cut limes to your water dispenser or pitcher, layering items for added interest and depth) and cooking (making take-out look homemade, easy Mexican that everyone loves, great cookbooks). She made us all want to rush out and buy a cake stand to make that Walmart Bundt cake look amazingly homemade—especially when freshly drizzled with icing we can make with powdered sugar and milk (or water). To top off her segment, Denise selected several giveaways that each woman received in a hand-painted Christmas bag … a Magnoliastyle apron, an instructional book to learn

fancy lettering, prayer cards for each room in your home, Advent scripture cards and a leather Dignity bracelet that helps support women in Southeast Asia. After enjoying Virginia’s magical homemade bread pudding and peppermint brownies, we heard the inspirational message Keeping Christ in the Center of Christmas with Becky Williamson (read a portion of her message in the Women’s December Newsletter). It was a wonderful reminder that focusing on Jesus, being selective about activities, and adding an Advent emphasis can bring the hope, faith, joy and peace that we truly desire in our lives.

WOMEN

“Denise really helped me look at hospitality with new eyes. I’m committing now to inviting my neighbor ladies over for coffee, dessert and an ornament exchange.” Karen “Though I’ve been in church for years, I hate to admit that I’ve never paid much attention to the meaning of the Advent wreath. Becky did a great job explaining each one: peace, love, joy and hope and how they relate to the coming of the Lord. So helpful!” Debra

“Loved the idea of using Advent conversation cards with my kids, then clipping each one on a string to create a banner. What a fun way to take some focus off Santa and Elf on the Shelf.” Kristin

“I feel so much better knowing I’m not the only one who gets lost in the craziness of the season and my best intentions—like driving the family around to see Christmas lights, gets reduced to pointing out lights on our way from one activity to another!” Sarah 54

COMING IN 2021 JANUARY 21 REVEAL: Women’s Ministry Kick-Off Event 6 pm, CLC

FEBRUARY 11 Widow’s Valentine Lunch and Dinner CLC

FEBRUARY 18 Bunco 6:30 pm, CLC

MARCH 12 Spring Gathering with special guest Neile Jones (Channel 8) 6:30 pm, Sanctuary

APRIL 16-17 Beth Moore with Living Proof LIVE Ministries. Tickets are available now!

To purchase tickets online, go to lproof.org/events and scroll down until you see our dates and location. Enter the access code: AUMCMEMBER21. Save your confirmation email for the event. IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER AND SAVE $20, CONTACT CHRISTINA at mleechrisy@cox.net. Limited volunteer spots available.

MAY 15 Mother and Daughter Royal Tea 11:30 am, CLC

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

PRODIGAL FATHER

MIDWEEK CLASS

When we hear the word “prodigal,” we tend to think of “wandering” or “errant,” but the actual meaning of the word is “lavish,” “luxuriant," or “extravagant.” The young son in Jesus’ famous story was prodigal in wasting his inheritance, but the Father is prodigal in His love and forgiveness. This teaching series will explore themes of God’s creation, justice and salvation with a continual focus on our generous, loving Father. Wednesdays January 13-March 24 (except February 17) 6-7:45 pm | Mason Chapel | Cost:

FREE