Hustle For Haiti by Asbury Church

WINTER 2016

Hustle For Haiti

Holy Week 2016 Worship Schedule Ash Wednesday, February 10 Join us as we celebrate the beginning of Lent. The disposition of ashes on each congregantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forehead is a part of this meaningful service focusing us on the sacrifice our Lord made for us. February 10, 6:00 pm, in the Sanctuary.

Maundy Thursday, March 24 On the eve of Jesus crucifixion, He shared a final meal with His disciples before going to the Garden to pray. During this significant service, we will share a communion meal, worship and walk with Jesus through the watches of His final night on earth using scripture. March 24, 7:00 pm, in Mason Chapel.

Good Friday, March 25 Join us for this hour-long service which marks the end of our Lenten season and prepares our hearts for the celebration of Easter Sunday. March 25, 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary.

Easter Services, March 27 All services will be in the Sanctuary- 8:00, 9:15, and 11:00 am.

Contents WINTER 2016 Asbury Tidings is a quarterly 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.

Joanne Miller, Retiring?

Hustle for Haiti

We Love You Joanne

Change From the Inside Out

Weekend to Remember

A Compelling Life

Children and New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolutions

Anonymous

World Won

Spring Break Missions

Q Commons

IF Conference

PASTOR TOM

A Word From Tom Harrison “WHY?” is an all important question for an organization! Simon Sinek’s book, “Start with Why,” insists that it’s very hard to achieve success before the “Why do we exist?” question is addressed. Why does the church exist? What its mission? Jesus was clear! When meeting His disciples after the resurrection, He gave them their marching orders: “Go, make disciples of all nations.” Simply put, He said: “Disciples making disciples.” There are many ways to say it, but that’s the essence of the mission of EVERY true church.

growth groups, mission trips, Purpose Driven Life Groups and K-Groups are some wineskins I’ve seen God use. But the means have always been to a greater end: disciples making disciples. Following Jesus and helping others follow Him is the bottom line. Asbury will always have worship, instruction, service and fellowship. Yet, God also gives us new ways to reach and equip people in new places. We’re creating a new Discipleship Pathway at Asbury that will bless our current ways, while creating a new way forward. I’m tremendously excited about this!

Coming 2016

After the primary question is answered, the followup question is: “HOW do we do it?” The “delivery system” comes in a variety of ways. What works at one place may not work at another time and place. The “cheese moves.” Jesus said there’s a time when the containers of the wine (wineskins) wear out and must be switched. When the wineskins (how we’ve always done it) become more important than fulfilling the mission (why we do what we do), then the mission suffers. The church, like every organization, must explore the best methods of fulfilling its ultimate mission. I’ve seen MANY “wineskins” in the church. The Lay Witness Mission, Dayspring Camp, the Walk to Emmaus, revivals, Bethel Bible Study, Disciple Bible Study, Covenant Discipleship,

A New Year’s Proposal

Roadmap

Grandpa John

Special Announcements

We haven’t had the right strategy and personnel in place to pull this off before. I’m very excited that we’re finally birthing this new Discipleship Pathway in 2016. Like anything new, challenges are inevitable. But I also want you to know of my tremendous excitement! I think it presents some unique opportunities to engage the hearts of people in some exciting new ways. In particular, Jason Jackson and his team are developing a number of new groups and curriculum for our LEARN model. Todd Craig and his team will be exploring new SERVE models. God has blessed us with these two gifted leaders. We feel we know not only WHY we want to this, but HOW we will go do it.

We need you! Do you have a story of what God has done in your life? Please contact us and tell us a little bit about what God has done. We will all be encouraged by hearing stories of what God is doing in the lives of those around us. Are you a writer or someone who enjoys writing? The Communications Department is always looking for someone to do an interview and write a story for us for Tidings. Have you noticed that we’ve been making some changes in Tidings? Please give us your feedback—both good and bad. Email kmains@asburytulsa.org or call 918.392.1140.

Fall 2015 TIDINGS

Please join me in prayer for this endeavor for 2016. Remember again why we’re here: We want to develop all generations for significant lives in Christ. We want to bless the world with the Good News in Jesus Christ!

Dr. Tom Harrison, Senior Pastor

Editor: Asbury Communications Department, 918.392.1140, kmains@asburytulsa.org Graphic Design: Tim Jurgensen, tjurgensen@asburytulsa.org Bryan Thomas, bthomas@asburytulsa.org Photographers: Mark Moore (mark moore.photo.net) Guest Contributors: Guy Ames, Marilyn Glass, Diane Thompson King, Christina Lee, Landon Lee, Marilene Long, Joanne Miller, Jon Odom, Floyd Plummer, Susan Rizzotti, Christina Treat, John Westervelt

CHILDREN

Joanne Miller, Retiring? By Joanne Miller

Sometimes, we can be placed on the path to an entirely new direction in life as quickly as a driver encounters an unexpected detour on the road. Such was the case for Joanne Miller, Asbury United Methodist Church’s preschool director, when she received a phone call 29 years ago. Susan Schmidt, the director of Asbury’s Preschool at that time, was asking Joanne to take a temporary, twoday position teaching 4-year-olds. When the mother of five said yes to the caller, she had no idea how profoundly her life would soon change. Shortly after Asbury opened its doors on Sheridan Road, some mothers started a program called Asbury Mother’s Day Out, and a new ministry took shape, Joanne recalls.

over these last 29 years? It is impossible to calculate,” she reflects. “But I pray that the love of God has filled every one of those hugs and greetings and that every child has known they are priceless treasures formed by God’s own hand.” There are approximately 240 children enrolled throughout the week, some of whom are secondgeneration attendees, including Susan Schmidt’s grandson, Luke. There is a school-year calendar of seasonal events: Dad’s brunch, food collection for Restore Hope (called our Blessing Basket time – a teaching tool as several classes count and graph their donations), a visit from the puppet ministry, a Christmas pageant and others. There is always something exciting going on.

“When Susan and her family moved to Bartlesville, I was hired to be the new director, and Susan Rizzotti, “I must recognize and express my gratitude for the the assistant,” she says. “We immediately thought we volunteers who are such an integral part of this program. inherited a good program and, with the Lord’s leading They join us in investing in these young lives. There is and direction, we would strive to grow this ministry by Grandpa Westervelt, who was with us for more than 17 educating and caring for the children in this wonderful years every day of the week; Grandma Fay; and Barbara Graves playing the piano for our Christmas programs. Christian environment.” Mike Mastraccio comes to read every Monday and When she looks back on that decision to say yes to Susan Thursday, and Rex Smith comes every Thursday with his Schmidt and Asbury, she realizes that God was doing service dog, Lucy. something much bigger and deeper than she could have “And this preschool could not exist without the support ever imagined. of maintenance, administrative assistance and security “When I accepted this position, my husband had lost – thanks, Doug!” his job through downsizing, so a little extra money was surely a help to our family. It was a growing and Joanne approaches retirement with mixed emotions. humbling time for my large family; little did I know how will miss this so much, but there is a season for this life trial would help me have a more sensitive heart “Ieverything,” she says. “My household of five children has to share and pray with preschool parents facing similar grown to include their five spouses and 11 grandchildren trials. – with a 12th due in January – and two precious ones in “Yes, I am the director – a title – but this ministry wouldn’t heaven. be able to exist if it weren’t for the church’s support, the has blessed me so. My life is filled with the love of parents who trust me with their most precious gifts, “God my family and I am so proud of each one of them. I look their children, and the awesome teachers.” forward to spending more time with my husband Kent Every morning of every day the school is in session, the and our family. teachers gather for a short word and prayer. The days As she contemplates the next big milestone in her life, begin and end with “Hi!” and “’Bye!” to all the children. her thoughts turn to the children of Asbury. “A cute story of one of our children was shared by his “This has been a wonderful journey, and as I prepare to mom: Out of frustration in trying to say, ‘Miss Joanne,’ retire at the end of this month, I will be leaving with a he said, ‘You know, Mom, the lady who says hi and bye!’ grateful heart that God has used me to love, educate and “How many hugs, hellos and good-byes have been given care for the families in this program.”

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CHILDREN

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CHILDREN

WE LOVE YOU, JOANNE! NOTE FROM SUSAN ROZZETTI

During that time, I often wondered if the Asbury administration knew what a jewel they had. Joanne was a manager. She took the 7 o’clock calls on those winter mornings when a teacher had a child get sick during the night and could not come to school. Joanne had to call a teacher who was hoping to enjoy her day off and ask her to come teach.

Joanne and I “inherited” the preschool in 1986 when Susan Schmidt moved to Bartlesville and have worked together ever since. By my count, we have worked under seven different supervisors. When we were on Sheridan, we shared the nursery rooms with child care, so preschool/mothers day out was offered only Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Within a few years, we added kindergarten playtime, transporting children from/to Jenks East and Darnaby elementaries the half-day they were not in school. We accommodated about 100-120 families at that facility. In 2004 when we moved to Mingo, we had enough rooms to co-exist with child care and added Tuesday/Thursday classes. We currently have about 240 children (from approximately 200 families) a year, five days a week. The children are ages from 8-months-old through pre-k. It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with the wonderful families who entrust us for the temporary care of their children from year-to-year. It’s very special that now some of the children from our earliest years together are bringing their little ones back to Asbury Preschool! Joanne’s leadership and organizational skills have made very smooth transitions from year-to-year in both the classrooms and with the staff. We have a staff of 30-36 teachers each year. I doubt that Joanne will miss getting those 7:30 am phone calls that a teacher’s child just got sick and she has to immediately start calling to find a substitute teacher! Working side-by-side with someone for 29 years is like adopting another sister. It’s definitely a bond that will remain long after her last day here.

Joanne was a salesman. She escorted a mom, a dad and a child to a classroom in session and showed them what the child could expect to learn. Joanne was a chaplain to her staff and to the families in the Asbury program. A young child out of control was taken to Joanne’s office to sit in a chair beside Joanne. The child would be given some books to look at and a chance to mend his or her ways while listening to Joanne. Occasionally a teacher had a family crisis and needed a friend who would listen. She was there for them as well.

Grandpa John NOTE FROM CHRISTINA TREAT Joanne has been like a second mother and grandmother to so many of her staff and the families of Asbury Preschool. She has led the program with heart and compassion, always offering her shoulder for anxious new moms, her wisdom to guide families through phases in early childhood and her love to everyone that walked through the preschool doors. She has been such a blessing and leaves behind an incredible legacy built on faith, family and fun.

Christina Treat

Susan Rozzetti NOTE FROM GRANDPA JOHN Joanne Miller was director of Asbury weekday preschool when I retired from an engineering career. I was a widower. She felt it would be good for me and good for the children if I were to volunteer in the classroom. She welcomed me each morning of the school year for the next 20 years.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CARE CHILDREN AND MARRIAGE

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CHILDREN

Children and New Year's Resolutions We asked our kids the following two questions on a Sunday morning in the children's ministry. As you read their responses, consider how you would answer the same questions. #1. How do you know your parents love you? #2. What do you want to do together more as a family in 2016? Rhett Wilson, 7 years old, 2nd grade #1. They tell me all the time they love me. #2. Play outside more. Norah Wilson, 9 years old, 4th grade #1. They are so caring for us. They take care of us, and they take us places we don’t deserve. #2. I want to play outside with them more. We all play separately with our friends, but I want us to all do it together. Sophie Wilson, 8 years old, 3rd grade #1. They cook for me, they help me with my homework to make sure I did it right, and they read with me. #2. Play more together; I like board games. I would like us all to play Clue ® together. Cayla Rippy, 11 years old, 6th grade #1. Because they hug me and kiss me and tell me they love me; it’s just really great. #2. Pray more before we eat. Aaron Sageser, 10 years old, 5th grade #1. Because they care for me, they are always doing everything they can for me. They cook all my meals and make sure I am taken care of. #2. My brother is in middle school and he is gone a lot, so I would like him to spend more time with us. Marissa Bartee, 9 years old, 4th grade #1. Every night they tell me they love me. #2. Get along more.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

Isley Steger, 10 years old, 5th grade #1. They tell me all the time they love me. They give me clothes and a home to live in. #2. More family game nights. Addison Thomas, 6 years old, 1st grade #1. Because they care for me, always make sure I’m taken care of. #2. Go to the park and playground more. Gabe Stone, 6 years old, kindergarten #1. Because they are always praying for me. #2. Go to the park more. Carsen Cole, 6 years old, 1st grade #1. Because they bought me a bed to sleep in. #2. Go out to eat, but do it together. Darcy Lybarger, 11 years old, 6th grade #1. They buy me food and clothes and take care of me. #2. Spend more time together. Lucas Perdue, 11 years old, 6th grade #1. They tell me every day. #2. Spend more time together in general. It’s going to be better because my dad got a new job so he can spend more time with us. Jack Monaghan, 12 years old, 6th grade #1. They treat me nice, we do things together, and we just have fun. I can just tell they really love me. #2. I want us to play more games together. We have a closet full of games!

CHILDREN

Elise Hunt, 8 years old, 2nd grade #1. Well, they adopted me when I was 2 or 3 weeks old, because my birth parents didn’t have enough money to take care of me. They took care of me and they didn’t have to and I have been their daughter ever since. #2. Spend more time together playing, we have a lot of games at our house; I’d like to play those and maybe help me more with my Spanish in school. Miller Barnes, 8 years old, 2nd grade #1. They care for me and are nice to me. #2. I want to visit McKenzie more. She lives in Arkansas for college.

Izzy Renfrow, 8 years old, 3rd grade #1. They give me hugs and kisses and tuck me in at night. #2. Family picnics. Pack a lunch and go to a park together. Baxter Robertson, 11 years old, 5th grade #1. They do everything they can to make the best life for me. #2. Spend more time together and maybe go on a fun trip. I know we are busy because I play three sports but I’d just like to hang out together.

Ellison Sher, 6 years old, kindergarten #1. Because they take good care of me and cook me dinner. #2. PLAY! I want them to play Candyland® and Chutes and Ladders® with me. Kaylee Grace Grisaffe, 7 years old, 1st grade #1. Because they chose to have me after already having two kids! #2. Go out to eat more, I ‘d like to go to Oliveto. Finnley Whisman, 5 years old, kindergarten #1. They take care of me. They tuck me in every night! #2. Go to Paris! Or we can play games, I like Candyland®!

Harper Horton, 4.5 years, old prekindergarten #1. Because they play with me and take me to my favorite places. #2. I want to play more games together. We like matching games; I’m really good at those. Mack Abernathy, 4 years old, prekindergarten #1. Because they are always taking me somewhere fun! #2. I want to go outside and play more! Anna Rhodes, 8 years old, 2nd grade #1. Because they always make sure I have food. #2. I would like us to go to the beach!

s: t n e r a p l l a o t Question the here among all

on thread m m o c a e ic t o ime with n t d n e p s Do you to t n a dren just w il h c r e fresh u k o a Y ? m s r to e e im t answ t a r, and a gre a e y w e n a is 6 1 you. 20 resolutions.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

LOCAL OUTREACH

Asbury Joins Hands (and Voices and Instruments) with World Won for Christ Family Life Ministries By Diane Thompson King

sbury’s annual Day of Service last September 13, 2015, offered many opportunities for members of our congregation to go out into the Tulsa community and nearby areas to serve others outside of our doors. One of those was the outgrowth of a partnership that had been forged in the past with a nondenominational church in north Tulsa, World Won for Christ Family Life Ministries (WWFCFLM). The founder and pastor, Melvin F. Cooper, and his wife and co-founder, Joyce A. Cooper, had established the church in October 1994 with six members, but the congregation has grown to over 400 members currently. Their motto is “Getting back in right relationship with God and winning the lost at any cost.”

In March 2009, the World Won Development Center was established to meet the social services needs of the community. Its mission is dedicated to reaching underprivileged individuals and at-risk children in Tulsa and surrounding neighborhoods. The programs provided include after school mentoring and tutoring for ages K-8, early learning center for ages 6 weeks-5 years, food pantry, academic summer camp for ages 5-14, prisoner reintegration program, and an EDU-REC Youth Center. “We also have 125+ students attending our charter school, Langston Hughes Academy,” stated Pastor Cooper.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

LOCAL OUTREACH

For worship, the church had been meeting in a building they are converting into a conference and event center. They purchased another building at 2121 North Harvard, which belonged to another church at one time. They planned to turn this into their new sanctuary in which they would worship on Sundays, but vandalism and weather damages left it in disrepair and in desperate need of some major renovations. Asbury adopted it as one of the Day of Service sites in 2013, and so it was fitting to include it again as a 2015 D.O.S. site. The WWFC church set its move-in date for October 4, so Asbury included it as a work site for several 2nd Saturday workdays, as well, in order to help get it ready. It was a huge, seemingly insurmountable project. All the second story ceiling tiles had to be removed, carpet had to be ripped up, vandalized bathrooms had to be repaired, floor tiles scraped, and new paint applied. Robin Brush had served as a site coordinator for the 2nd Saturday projects at WWFCFLM, so it was a natural fit for her to do the same for the Day of Service this September, with Chris and Missy Cooper acting as site leaders. In harkening back to the work day, Brush commented, “You can’t imagine the thrill it was for those teenagers to be told they could rip out those ceiling tiles. They were having a ball! It was the most beautiful thing to watch Asbury members working alongside WWFCFLM, people of all ages, working together, singing to the worship music playing in the background. It was so fun and just a beautiful picture.”

The WWFCFLM made sure everyone was well fed that day. A whole line of smokers with fresh barbecue was provided for all the workers. They all held hands and prayed together and then ate together at the tables. It was a time of very special koinonia (fellowship and communion) for all. One of the needs that arose for creating the worship space in the building was a sound system. Brush took that need to Asbury’s Worship Coordinator, Ryan Redding, and asked him if there was some way we could help with that. As it turned out, when Asbury had upgraded the sound system in our Sanctuary, there was several thousand dollars of pre-renovation inventory, including speakers, monitors and amplifiers we were able to donate. Working with World Won’s volunteers, George Schultz (worship associate) and Redding spent a day helping install their new systems: pulling cable, running electric, mounting the amps, etc. After the backbone was installed, they have been able to offer onsite consultations for mic techniques for their new space, as well as ongoing technical training to help them further develop their skills with the whole system. Earl Stutzman, who works on Asbury’s staff as a jack-of-all-trades, also accompanied Redding later to diagnose an electrical issue with their sound board, which demonstrates the multi-level involvement of Asbury staff in this endeavor. Says Redding, “At least in my mind, I don’t view our participation as a project but rather as a partnership in ministry. I am continually struck by their front-lines approach to ministry, and

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

LOCAL OUTREACH

if I have the skills to help them, or if Asbury has spare resources to donate, it’s both a tremendous stewardship opportunity for Asbury’s heritage and investments, as well as our collective skills and gifts.”

“I don’t know how many we had that morning, but the space will hold about 500, and it was packed!” declared Pastor Cooper.

As Brush and Redding were discussing the possibilities for helping with the sound system, the idea arose for Asbury to help with their projected opening day worship service on October 4. Sean Groombridge, Asbury’s Director of Traditional Music, overheard the conversation and jumped right in with the idea. “How about we take our choir to join them on that day in leading their worship? Better yet, we could take our choir AND our orchestra, if they want us!” This idea was met with enthusiasm on the part of Pastor Cooper of WWFCFLM who agreed wholeheartedly that this would be a wonderful idea. He had always envisioned that someday they would have a church with an orchestra playing in the sanctuary. On October 4, 2015, that dream came true. It developed quite quickly, and the choir and orchestra were enthused about blessing the church by offering music for their celebration. Several choir and orchestra members, including Rosanna Corrales (organist) and her husband Alan, Skip Sidner (trumpet) and Johnny Fuller (traditional music associate) accompanied Groombridge to the new space days in advance to set up chairs and musical instruments, to learn about the organ and keyboard, and to figure out where to place the musicians. On the designated Sunday morning, the entire Asbury Chancel Choir and New Covenant Orchestra sang and played as usual for Asbury’s 9:15 am worship service. As soon as they finished with the Doxology, they slipped out of the Sanctuary, hung up their choir robes, and carpooled to 2121 N. Harvard for the grand opening worship service for World Won for Christ Family Life Ministries. Choir and orchestra members assembled outside of the church and marched in together up the church aisles behind Pastor Cooper, with the WWFCFLM choir following behind them. Taking their seats in the choir loft, in the baptistry, on the sides and on the floor level, they waited as the pastor opened the worship service with a welcome to all attending. The choir and orchestra played and sang their usual “Joyful, Joyful” rendition, then the whole congregation joined the WWFCFLM worship team in singing “Every Praise.” Asbury choir and orchestra then performed “Worthy Is the Lamb,” “Be Thou my Vision,” and “Total Praise,” which the WWFC choir joined in singing from the pews. Many Asbury members who were not singing or playing with the choir and orchestra came to participate in this debut worship service as a show of support to our brothers and sisters in Christ at WWFCFLM.

Regarding the joint worship service that day, Groombridge said, “All reports were that we should do it again, and that we should have them join us at Asbury sometime. We had a great time getting to know them in the hours we were together, and it is obvious that their worship is joyful, and their desire to bless others through their church and outreach ministry is strong. We would love to partner with them again and hope to keep in touch with Pastor Cooper.” According to Pastor Cooper, the whole encounter has been a miracle. “You would’ve had to have been there to feel the camaraderie. The scriptures were lived out and fulfilled. It was an awesome day. The choir and orchestra were the icing on the cake. It all seemed impossible, but we were able to make it happen with the help of Asbury church. We could not have done it without the Asbury family. It was ordained by God, an absolute godsend. It would’ve cost us thousands of dollars to do what we did together on that building. It was a blessing, and we will always be thankful!” This is what “outward focus” is all about. This is the church being the hands and feet of Christ. How wonderful for us to partner with a church like World Won for Christ Family Life Ministries in order to make this happen! “We are blessed to bless others.” For further information about WWFCFLM and its ministries, visit their website at www.worldwon.org or www.edurectulsa.com

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LOCAL OUTREACH

This is what “outward focus” is all about. This is the church being the hands and feet of Christ.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

DISCIPLESHIP

March 3, 7:00 pm Equipping Christians to Engage our Cultural Moment. During the two-hour live event, attendees hear fast-paced national and local talks educating them on how to thoughtfully engage their city and our cultural moment. by Jon Odom I came to faith in Christ when I was 5 or 6 years old. I will always remember my children’s pastor quoting 1 John 1:9-“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I don’t know what sins little Jonathan Odom had committed until that point in life, but I remember walking away from the altar that morning feeling clean. My home church was a wonderful seedbed for my

faith. It was in that congregation that I learned to pray, developed affection for Christ and had my first opportunities to practice being a leader. But there were two things I longed for, but found lacking in my home congregation: robust Bible study and the freedom to think critically. It wasn’t until a required Bible class at my Christian high school that I was empowered and encouraged to explore these longings.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

DISCIPLESHIP

As I began to read the Bible regularly, one theme that first grabbed my attention was the lordship of Jesus. To claim “Jesus is Lord” meant so much more than merely showing up at church, raising my hands in worship and throwing away all my non-Christian CDs. No, to say that “Jesus is Lord” meant that every aspect of my life now fell under the jurisdiction of God’s rule and judgment. I remember one evening in particular after an intense night of worship with my youth group, I went out to eat with some buddies. Our behavior that night was no worse than it was on any given night, but that night I noticed the mess that we’d left behind for the waiter. I noticed the sarcastic and biting way that we would talk and joke with one another. And all of this felt like illfitting behavior for a group of friends who univocally professed Christ as Lord. In this way, God started slowly expanding my imagination for what it meant to profess Jesus Christ as Lord. All of our lives – our words, our behavior, our friendship, our finances, our politics, our work, our everything— was forever altered because of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ and the in-breaking kingdom of God. More than a decade has passed since I first started wrestling with questions about lordship and Christian faithfulness. And I have become convinced that the Church in general has a deeply insufficient imagination for what it means to submit to the lordship of Christ in every aspect of our lives. It’s for this reason that I am so drawn to and appreciative of the work of Gabe Lyons and the organization he founded called Q Ideas (often just called “Q.” Here’s how Q is described on their website: “Q was birthed out of Gabe Lyons’ vision to see Christians, especially leaders, recover a vision for their historic responsibility to renew and restore cultures. Inspired by Chuck Colson’s statement, “Christians are called to redeem entire cultures, not just individuals,” Gabe set out to reintroduce Christians to what had seemed missing in recent decades from an American expression of Christian faithfulness; valuing both personal and cultural renewal, not one over the other. Re-educating Christians to this orthodox and unifying concept has become central to the vision of Q.” Lyons’ organization asks questions (Q actually stands for “Questions”) about how Christians can engage thoughtfully, redemptively and faithfully to the challenges of our day in all aspects of society: church, education, business, social sector, arts and entertainment and media. These seven spheres should sound familiar. If you’ve ever done the prayer walk around our building, you’ll recall that each stop emphasizes one of these spheres of society. So, this kind of thinking is already built into our DNA as a church. What I appreciate about Q— and perhaps most about Lyons himself— is the courage to wade into difficult and controversial issues in winsome, yet uncompromising ways. For example, at the last national Q Conference, Lyons invited several presenters who identify as experiencing same-sex attraction and yet are committed to maintaining an historically Christian sexual ethic through lifelong celibacy. This was a

bold move on Lyons’ part. For those who advocate that it’s time to move beyond heteronormativity, Lyons was thought to not be inclusive enough. And for those who would rather not talk about these issues altogether, Lyons was thought to be simply provocative. But neither was the case. Lyons was navigating the awkward middle that Christians throughout history have found themselves in. And the Church must continue to navigate that tension as we hold firmly to orthodoxy in the face of relativism, mercy in the face of accusations of bigotry and boldness in the face of overwhelming cultural opposition. I had the opportunity to spend a week with Lyons in November 2014 touring the Dominican Republic as a guest of World Vision. In our time together, I concluded that Lyons— and Q— are the real deal. I learned how both publicly and privately they are doing their part to call the Church to faithfulness in mission and submission to Christ as Lord. I was impressed and encouraged, to say the least. It’s for all of these reasons that I’m pleased to announce that Asbury will serve as a local host site for the upcoming Q|Commons conference. Different than Q’s annual national gathering, Q|Commons is a biannual event that features three nationally-simulcasted and three locally-curated presentations about various topics. The goal of the evening is to help start conversations and develop imaginations for how Christians can act redemptively for the common good. Over 80 cities around the world have already confirmed their participation in the March Q|Commons event. The national speakers have yet to be announced publicly (be sure to pay attention to our website and email blasts for updates), and we are in the process of identifying our featured local speakers. But there are just so many pressing issues in the Tulsa community that we could discuss. For example, education. Did you know that nearly 70 percent of Tulsa Public Schools received an “F” rating from the Oklahoma Department of Education? Did you know that 60 percent of students at Union High School qualify for free-or-reduced lunches? Don’t you think that Christians should be in the middle of exploring solutions to these issues? Or consider mental health. Are you aware that Tulsa has disproportionately higher rates of persons with mental illnesses? Shouldn’t the Church lead the way in talking about ways to care for persons who deal with these and other issues? This gives you just a taste of the kinds of issues and opportunities that the Church has an opportunity to respond to that we’ll address at Q|Commons. Q|Commons is a great opportunity for us as the people called Asbury to look beyond the walls of our building and consider how together we might embody the life and love of Jesus Christ in the broader Tulsa community. It’s a chance for us to explore new ways in which we might submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ together.

For more information, visit: www.asburytulsa.org

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

OUTREACH

Hustle For Haiti By Christina Lee “GO EVERYWHERE in the world and TELL the GOOD news to EVERYONE.” - Mark 16:15 Mission trips always include three sets of people to make them happen. There are the people who pray and encourage, the people who provide financial support or donations, and the people who actually GO on the trip. We had been the first two, but this time it was our turn to GO. My husband, oldest son (Landon, age 12), and I went on a mission trip to Haiti over fall break this year. Many people that we served with commented on how great it was that we took him with us and what a neat thing we were doing. I was quick to tell the truth that he was actually taking us. After the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Landon’s Uncle Matt spent some time in medical missions in Haiti. In 2011, he was able to bring a Haitian woman back to the states for a heart procedure that she needed to save her life. Our family got to know her and more about Haiti, and this sparked an interest for Landon on the needs in Haiti. He began asking if he, too, could go to Haiti with his uncle and serve. We promised that when he turned 12 (which seemed like forever away) he could go if that was still his desire. Landon turned 12 this June, and it was now time to keep our promise, so we went. We joined a group called Mission of Hope Haiti and served at their campus for a week in October. They have people come and serve most weeks of the year and have more than 5,000 people per year come and serve through their organization. The mission base was much like a church camp and was a neat way to connect with other people all there to serve the people of Haiti. We felt we had made lifelong friends by the end of the week and enjoyed our team so much. Some of our days in Haiti were spent much like a Day of Service or 2nd Saturday as we painted and worked hard to meet the physical needs of others. We participated in painting a new school building inside and out. As we worked, the heat would wear on us, but we were refreshed by the singing of children in little Haitian voices across the street in a school. We were both empty and full at the same time. Physically empty, as if we could not give anymore, and yet spiritually full of JOY as we saw first hand how God used our efforts to share His LOVE. We also spent a great deal of time in a village close to the Mission of Hope campus called Source Matelas. It is home to almost 12,000 people. The goal of Mission of Hope is to reach every man, woman and child living in Haiti for the Lord. We met many people who had nothing. Barely a shelter, tattered clothes, very little for food, and yet knew that their Provider was all they needed. This was eye-opening to see the love and hospitality of these people as they welcomed us and enjoyed us sharing the good news of Jesus and praying over their needs. It was as if we had been sent at that exact time for them. We also met people who have not yet made a decision to follow Jesus and were hesitant to give their life to God. We had the awesome privilege of praying over a young man who

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

OUTREACH

asked the Lord into his heart during our visit with him. We were able to get to know the people in Source Matelas, play with the children, share God’s truth and love and pray over the families. We laid hands and prayed over many people and families, and it became such a powerful force as we experienced the Spirit of God through us. LANDON’S STORY ABOUT THE TRIP: After deciding to go to Haiti, I wanted to bring something to give to the children. I love sports, all sports, but especially baseball. After doing some research, I discovered that the children of Haiti love soccer, so I made it my mission to collect soccer equipment to take to Haiti on our trip. I called this ministry Hustle for Haiti. I started by collecting items at my 11th birthday party, and then Asbury Children’s Ministry helped me collect items during one month this year. I also had many friends, teachers and church volunteers who donated to our efforts. We carried more than 250 pounds of soccer equipment to Haiti. It was a dream come true for me. We were paired with a Haitian village leader, Papitass, who is a semi-pro soccer player in Haiti and very well known. He set up a special day of soccer while we were there, and I was able to distribute the soccer equipment and watch the kids enjoy all we brought. I even got a chance to play soccer with the kids! The conditions they play in are very tough, and they hardly ever get to play with tennis shoes or cleats. As we got to know children in the village, we would ask if they liked soccer, and they immediately lit up and replied “yes, yes” but when we asked if they had a soccer ball or tennis shoes, we did not find anyone who did. Papitass told the kids before the game that sometimes sharing God’s love is just hanging out and playing with them and that is what we came to do. At the end of the game, a coach for some of the kids came up to us and thanked us for bringing the items. He asked if this was a one-time thing or if I would be back. My mom looked to me to answer the question, and I exclaimed, “I will be back!” On one of the days we were there, we were able to throw a party. We gathered up children, played games, told them a Bible story (which my dad and I served as actors), fed them a snack of rice and beans, and just had fun with the children.

do.

I was reminded of how much I have to be grateful for back home as I looked at all the poverty in Haiti and yet saw how happy they still were. I was amazed that I was able to go up to people that spoke a different language than me and still able to share God’s love with them. I also grew as I began praying over people and their needs. This is something that I didn’t know I could

I am hoping to go back to Haiti soon. I found out that my favorite football team (The OU Sooners) have several players who go and serve in Haiti at Mission of Hope every May. I am going to continue to collect soccer equipment to bring with me the next time I go. Used and new equipment was so much appreciated and enjoyed by the children. This trip was so meaningful and powerful to me. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to GO!

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CARE AND MARRIAGE

Change From the

One Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story of Growth By Floyd Plummer

How blessed are we to belong to a church like A reasons one belongs to a church but also for Asbu activity, so many ways to serve God and the comm to build our faith in service to others to the glory anyone wants to serve, there is a place at Asbury for

I came to Asbury in 1996, drawn by the spirit of the ch under the capable leadership of Hart and Marty Morr feeling it was my place to serve, having been in a

As time went on, I began to feel t another area of ministry. I didn Pondering this matter, I sub work pattern to accom Still, I did not know wh

On a Sunday mornin the words â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stephen Pastor Tom. It wa promotion for beginning in Ja if this could b

I was poin director over m v

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CARE AND MARRIAGE

e Inside Out

h through Ministry

Asbury. Not only for the obvious ury’s uniqueness. There is so much munity, and so many opportunities y of God through Christ Jesus. If r them.

hurch as well as the music ministry ris. I joined the choir immediately, church choir since age 17.

the Spirit leading me to find yet n’t know what or where it was to be. bconsciously adjusted my daytime mmodate this new mission effort. hat it was.

ng in the early fall of 2000, I heard n Ministry” for the first time from as in connection to the annual fall the new Stephen Ministry class anuary of 2001. I began to wonder be my answer.

nted toward Charlene Giles, the r over the care ministry that rsees the Stephen Ministries, for more information. Following that visit, I knew this was where I was being led. I would be receiving 50 hours of training, one day a week from January to May 2001. Things were working out perfectly. It was an answered prayer. Then came my bout with shingles. I had not

anticipated that attending training would require overcoming the pain and trials of this debilitating disease. Yet I persevered, with the support of my fellow trainees. In fact, we bonded even more through the sharing of our various struggles. I was not the only one who had to work hard to make it to the weekly meetings. Getting to know my classmates was a joy, and nearly all of us ended up with perfect attendance. The training was exceptional! The lectures, role playing, class participation, questions and discussions were all enlightening. It quickly became apparent that the gist of this training was to be able to help others who are experiencing difficulties in their lives that are common to all of us. Learning how to help using various techniques of dealing with others and relating to them in a safe and confidential way was most exciting and very important. Early on we learned the value of listening and observing body language to detect emotions and attitudes. These skills are important to understanding the nature and extent of someone’s dilemma. If we were later to find ourselves in a position to have an influence on a person in distress, the more we could discern about the problem and the person, the better we could help. Exploring their relationship to God was also extremely beneficial. Space does not permit an exhausting list of all the important aspects included in training, but suffice it to say, “My life was changing.” I was 68 years of age and had experienced many things. I reasoned, therefore, that I might be able to combine my life experiences with this great training and the grace of God to help others. As my life was slowly changing, my horizons were also expanding and my attitude was different. Emerging in me was an outward focus and care I had never experienced. As I began to understand the needs of other people in deep and challenging situations and learned how I could help them, my passion for this ministry grew along with my self-confidence. My thinking changed, and my desire to learn more of the principle and concepts embraced in God’s love and mercy was firmly in place. Yet, I was reminded that a person cannot do it alone. The Holy Spirit must be an integral part of this work. The Holy Spirit is what brings about change. As a result, each visit with our assigned care receiver, we pray that we will be led by the Holy Spirit in every word and deed and that God be glorified. In closing, may I emphasize that as I grow in the work of Stephen Ministry, my own faith grows. I find I can use all I have learned in every encounter with people in life, be it at home, office or the market place. My knowledge has increased, my compassion has grown and my horizons have widened. Opportunities to witness to the grace of God are everywhere. Come join us in Stephen Ministry and let it change your life!

Does Stephen Ministry sound like a fit for you? Classes begin Thursday, January 7. Contact cgiles@asburytulsa.org

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

WORSHIP

by Jon Odom

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

WORSHIP

New Sermon Series Starts January 3 Through February 9. A Compelling Life is enthralling and captivating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; It evokes attention in a powerfully irresistable way. We will be looking at the most compelling figure in the history of the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Jesus Christ. We will discover how His identity and mission affects our identity and mission because it is His love that defines us and compells us to fulfil our purpose.

January 3: Compelling Person | January 10: Compelling Purpose | January 17: Compelling Proof January 24: Compelling Provision | January 31: Compelling People | February 7: Compelling Calling

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

A N O The words to Big Daddy Weave’s new song, My Story (see left), are true for every one of us. But he isn’t the first one to say this. Revelation 12:11 says that in the end, the enemy will be overcome in two ways, one being the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, the other being the word of our testimonies. So, John and Big Daddy Weave were on the same page – to tell your testimony is to tell of the faithfulness of Jesus and to give Him glory. And no matter where you are in life right now and no matter where you have been and no matter where you are going, Jesus wants to use your story for His glory. There’s only one problem with that: oftentimes, we don't want to tell our stories. People either think their story is too boring, not dramatic enough, too status quo, or they are too embarrassed by their messy past, their sin, their reality. Both of those mindsets reflect the mindset of the world, which says that we must be not too hot and

Lyrics to My Story If I told you my story You would hear hope that wouldn't let go If I told you my story You would hear love that never gave up If I told you my story You would hear life but it wasn't mine If I should speak then let it be Of the grace that is greater than all my sin Of when justice was served and where mercy wins Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in

To tell you my story is to tell of Him If I told you my story You would hear victory over the enemy If told you my story You would hear freedom that was won for me If I told you my story You would hear life overcome the grave If I should speak then let it be This is my story this is my song praising my Savior all the day long

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

O N Y M O U S not too cold but just right. While the world is filled with these impossible expectations and while it encourages putting on a mask, the church should be more and more open to inviting people in as they are, inviting them in to tell their story and use it to give glory to the Lord. This should be the place where people can be themselves, talk about the hard stuff, and experience the healing of our sweet Savior. So, if you would allow me this opportunity it would be my honor to tell you my messy and imperfect, yet God-given, story.

Let me start by saying that I am completely comfortable claiming my story as my own and making my identity known. The past does not define me, I know I have been made new, and I am not embarrassed. However, this article will remain anonymous in order to protect and respect other participants in my story. Until I was 20-years old, every one around me assumed I had no problems – I was one of the kids with the “boring testimony.” My family looked perfect, I always seemed put-together, I even seemed to have the coveted perfect relationship with Christ. It wasn't until I was in college that I decided to let the truth be known. I began to believe that the Lord could use my story for His glory; I just had to be brave enough to share it. I went out on a limb and told my mentor this: Growing up, I was consistently molested by a family member until I was old enough to prevent it on my own. As a result, my view of sex and relationships was skewed. On the outside I was a great Christian lady, but in the

darkness I was promiscuous in my actions and my dress. I struggled with pornography and letting boys take advantage of me. This led to a deep time of anxiety and depression in my life, which I still fight against today. Between the sexual abuse, sexual sin, and mental health issues, my identity was not found in Christ and I began to believe the world – I began to believe that I wasn’t good enough, I was too messy, and if I told anyone my true story I wouldn’t be loved. The enemy was pleased with that mindset, but as always, our Lord defeated him.

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ,” and this is exactly what happened in my life once I confessed my true story. He began by shining the light into my own heart, exposing the root of my sin, mending relationships, and sculpting my once-anxious heart into a trusting, whole heart. Through counseling, prayer, and a lot of encouraging friends, I was able to work through my issues of identity and continue to work through my fight with anxiety and depression. Now, my favorite part comes – Jesus has indeed “let light shine out of darkness” in my life. I have been given countless opportunities to tell my story to girls only to meet others who have been abused and have told no one but me. I have gotten to open up the honest conversation about girls struggling with pornography and Christians struggling with mental health issues. God willing,

my near future consists of a license in professional counseling. The story I was once ashamed of, I am now thankful for. Thankful for the opportunity to know Christ and His suffering and to love His people from a place of “I’ve been there. Sometimes I still am there.” I always tell people, the first step to anything is to bring it into the light. Let the Lord shine on every area of your life. Let your friends know what is really going on and what has really gone on in the past. When we step back and look at the life of Jesus, we see that this is exactly why He came: to heal our old selves and to make us new for the purpose of the Kingdom. But, are we brave enough to let that happen?

We are lucky to have a church that is willing to walk beside us in our struggles. Asbury has a wonderful ministry called Celebrate Recovery, and they are starting a new program for women called Sexual Purity. When I finally shared my story, there was no group like this one, and I know I would have benefited from it greatly. I hope every person in this body of Christ knows that joining a group like this one comes with no stigma or judgment. In fact, to the people courageous enough to admit their messiness, accept support through their struggle, and seek God’s glory through their story, thank you. Thank you for letting God shine His light into your life and use your life to shine into others. My friends, may the Lord be glorified and the enemy defeated by the words of my testimony, and yours as well.

This story is from an actual Asbury member. TIDINGS WINTER 2016

STUDENTS

The Vision of Spring Break Missions by the Student Ministry Staff Jesus lays out our mission as His followers in Matthew 28:18-20. We are to go and make disciples of all nations. There are still almost 7,000 people groups, or “nations,” in the world today that are unreached and do not have access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of these unreached people groups are found in what is known as the 10/40 Window, which consists of Northern

1. Educational/Learning component

a. Information on the location and culture of where we will be serving

c. Our involvement in global missions (prayer, giving, welcoming, going and mobilizing)

Biblical mandate for missions

How to share your testimony and the gospel

Africa, the Middle East, China, India and Malaysia. We realize, as a student ministry staff, that a week-long mission trip to one of these areas would not be financially possible, productive or even safe for our students. So how do we reconcile God’s call to take the gospel where it has not yet gone with our current limitations and just one week in March? Our goal with Spring Break Missions is to mobilize students for God’s heart for the world. SBM will help students to both make disciples at home AND call them to consider how they might help see disciples made in all the earth. Our prayer is that students 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. There are three components to every mission trip we take that will help us reach these desired outcomes. These components are:

2. Service/Relational component

a. Meeting physical needs (nursing homes, construction, soup kitchens, tutoring, etc.)

b. Some people don’t need to be served, because they have plenty, but they might love a friend. (Mission isn’t from the wealthy to the poor, but from the found to the lost)

3. Gospel/Evangelism component

a. Tangible ways to share the gospel or our testimony (VBS, sports camp, prayer opportunities, one-on-one conversations, etc.)

We have continued to prayerfully evolve our missions plan to best serve the communities we partner with, as well as our students and families. In January 2016 we added 6th grade students to our student ministry, bringing us to a total of seven grades, each with a unique service location. Here is a little bit about each trip.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

STUDENTS

The Trip Profiles

This trip challenges our 7th graders to have eyes to see both the homeless living around us, and the emotional poverty of the corporate world. The students are empowered with ways they can help bring the joy of Christ to everyone they meet. It’s an awesome multi-cultural experience!

GRADE: 6TH Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma Years of Partnership: First year! Trip Leader: Mark Fowler

GRADE: 8TH

This is the first year for our Tulsa trip! Students will be introduced to God’s heart for missions right here in their own city. We will live at the Venue for three nights as we partner with the EduRec ministry to run Spring Break Programs for children in the North Tulsa area. We will also be helping their sponsor church, World Won, by doing some manual labor. On this trip, students will be challenged with their first mission trip experience. They will learn to serve sacrificially, and to live in a manner worthy of their calling to carry the gospel. They will be broken into teams for service and small group learning, they will worship together and they will be stretched beyond their comfort zone.

Location: Rural Kentucky Years of Partnership: 15 Trip Leaders: Greg and Kim Renkema Students will assist with interior and exterior home repair and improvement for residents of the area. Projects will consist of porch and ramp construction, repairing and replacing

floors and roofs, and more. They will have the opportunity to worship at a local church in the Beverly, KY community on Sunday morning along with the area residents, and they will also participate in a chapel service with the Red Bird School Students. GRADE: 7TH

This trip challenges our 8th graders to work hard to help those in need. Their newfound construction skills give them confidence in their capabilities, and proves to them that they really can

Location: Inner City Houston, Texas Years of Partnership: 20 Trip Leader: Caroline Smallwood We help the Center for Student Missions as they partner with a number of different agencies to bring the Kingdom to many of the inner city residents of Houston. Our students serve meals, sort food and clothing, deliver lunches to underprivileged preschoolers, dance with Alzheimer patients, and help elementary students with homework. They experience street evangelism in an urban context, are exposed to new cuisine each night, and take an “urban plunge” to see the stark contrast of corporate America with extreme poverty.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

STUDENTS

change somebody’s whole world. These students are learning to be Jesus in tangible ways for the people in this community. GRADE: 9TH Location: Memphis, Tennessee Years of Partnership: First year! Trip Leader: Josh Coats This trip will offer students and leaders the opportunity to lead a daily vacation Bible school, participate in relational ministry at a nursing home, and work on service projects in the community. We will be partnering with Street Reach, a ministry in Memphis that has ministered to one of the poorest zip codes in Tennessee and the nation for more than 20 years. It’s an area that has historically been plagued by drugs, crime and joblessness. Students will be challenged to engage relationally with others to gain a better understanding of how they can serve the community in Memphis, as well as in Tulsa when they return home. GRADE: 10TH

level, many for the first time. They are challenged to put names and faces on “the least of these,” and to reconcile the allure of the tourism and resort industry as it bumps up against the reality of life for the Jamaicans. GRADE: 11TH Location: Belize Years of Partnership: 2 Trip Leaders: Dave and Kim Broadhurst, Dan and Kathy Owens

Location: Trelawny Parish, Jamaica Years of Partnership: 6 Trip Leader: Katelyn Moore

Our sophomores continue to serve in third world poverty with a unique twist…they understand us, and we understand them. We partner with Praying Pelican Missions, who in turn partners with local pastors and churches in construction, evangelism and relationship building. Each pastor and church has a connection to their local public schools so we spend our mornings serving children in the schools, and our afternoons completing construction projects for local churches. Because the language barrier is small but the cultural barrier is large, our students are exposed to abject poverty on a personal

The juniors also partner with Praying Pelican Missions as they come alongside local churches, pastors and schools to help teach and care for the local community. PPM’s local presence is ongoing and we are grateful to join in with their long-term work. Students and leaders will be exposed to another unique Caribbean culture while being given the opportunity to speak in churches, serve in schools and work on construction projects for local churches and homes. Our students are challenged to know and be able to articulate their faith story as they build relationships with locals throughout the week. Whether they are building a chicken coop or playing soccer with the kids, they are learning to be the literal hands and feet of Jesus.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

STUDENTS

GRADE: 12TH

SO... HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Location: Guatemala City, Guatemala Years of Partnership: 14 Trip Leader: David Read Our seniors will again be working in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Central America. With a combination of construction, evangelism and relationship building, we continue to help Engadi Boys Home and Hope for Tomorrow orphanage expand their ministries to an area that desperately needs Christ and His kingdom. Our students will be running a family festival, sharing the Gospel message to crowds and passing out food baskets in places of extreme poverty. Our students will face many new challenges while in Guatemala and will be asked to particularly focus on the spiritual battle we are fighting in Guatemala. While working in places of Spiritual darkness, they will be challenged to look for the Holy Spirit and where He is moving. Many of them will experience what it is like to be a light in a dark place.

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. 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 and desire. Applications are available each fall.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

DISCIPLESHIP

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

DISCIPLESHIP

RoadMap Winter 2016 BIBLICAL STUDIES Acts Part 1, A Precept Study Nancy Staab Tuesdays, 9:30–11:00 am January 5–March 1 Room 2820 Cost $20 Acts Part 2, A Precept Study Dee Paige Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm Orientation, January 6 Classes January 13–March 2 Room 1504 Cost $20.00 Believers Bible Study Don Herrold and Brock King Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm January 13–April 20 Room 1508 No cost Understanding Daniel: History, Visions and Dreams Gail Knox Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm January 20–April 20 Room 2818 Cost $20 We Want to See Jesus Pastor Dick Read Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm January 13–April 20 Family Room No cost or registration

CARE Reconnecting Adult Family Relationships Betty Higgins Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm January 26–March 1 Room 1508 No cost

FINANCIAL

GriefShare Shared Leadership Wednesdays, 3:00–4:30 pm OR 6:00–7:30 pm February 3–May 18 Room 2319 Cost $15 Beyond GriefShare Shared Leadership Wednesdays, 3:00–4:30 pm OR 6:00–7:30 pm February 3–May 18 Room 2319 Cost $15 What Do I Do Now? Practical and Legal Matters to Know Before Someone You Love Dies John & Rita King Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm January 13–February 3 Room 1506 Cost $20/family

CHRISTIAN LIVING Discovering Your One Degree Dr. Pat Calhoun Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 pm January 13–February 17 Room 2201 Cost: $35 Asbury / $50 nonAsburian Pay in class Raise Your Spiritual IQ Rod Giles, Christian Life Coach Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm January 20–March 9 Room 1502 Cost $30 Q Commons Thursday, March 3 7:00–9:00 pm Asbury Venue Cost $29

Christian Estate and Legacy Planning Pastor Guy Ames Wednesday, 3:30–5:00 pm or 6:00–7:30 pm January 13, again on April 20 In the Parlor No cost Getting Out of Debt, Community Outreach For Financial Education Chuck Maddin Wednesday, 6:30–7:30 pm January 27 In the Parlor No cost Financial Peace University John Curley Tuesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm January 12–March 8 Room 2821 Cost $95 (First class is a free preview)

MARRIAGE & FAMILY Dates with your Mate 2nd Tuesdays, February–May Only cost is for child care: $5/ child, $20 max per family Child care hours: 6:00–8:45 pm Weekend to Remember Valentine Getaway Hosted by FamilyLife Friday, February 12 at 7:00 pm through 12:30 pm Sunday, February 14 Renaissance Tulsa Hotel, 6808 S. 107th East Ave. Intentional Parenting Betty Higgins Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm January 13–February 24 Room 2821 Cost $15

Peaceful Parents, Happy Kids Betty Higgins & Kori Neely, LMFT Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm March 2–April 13 Room 2821 Cost $15

WOMEN A Beth Moore Study, Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman Cindy Read Tuesdays, 9:15–11:15 am January 12–March 8 Room 2818 Cost $15 A Beth Moore Study, Breath Julie Barlow Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm January 13–February 24 Room 2820 Cost $10 A Beth Moore Study, Stepping Up Julie Barlow Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 pm March 2–April 13 Room 2820 Cost $15 IF: Asbury Tulsa Friday, February 5 from 7:00–10:00 pm Saturday, February 6 from 9:00 am–5:00 pm Asbury Venue Cost $10 + what you can pay Register online at: ifgathering. com/gather/local Mother’s Fellowship, Experiencing God at Home Katie Ruley Wednesdays, 9:45–11:45 am January 13–April 27 Room 2820 Cost $12

For more information, pick up a RoadMap brochure at any Guest Services desk or visit www.asburytulsa.org/roadmap. If you have questions, email discipleship@asburytulsa.org or contact Robin Brush at 918.392.1133.

WINTER 2015 TIDINGS

ASBURY FOUNDATION

A New Year’s Proposal by Pastor Guy Ames

“Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8 “A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!” Proverbs 13:16 Wise old King Solomon understood the importance of saving for the future, but our human nature seems more interested in enjoying today what we might need for tomorrow. Among the top 10 New Year’s resolutions is always either getting out of debt or saving more and spending less. We Americans have more than any other people in history and still are deep in debt to the point that one of the leading causes of family troubles has to do with debt. For this reason, Asbury’s Foundation and discipleship ministry continues offering a series of workshops and seminars aimed at teaching the art of debt reduction and building savings. The goal of Financial Peace University is to help students find new ways of dealing with mounds of debt and the power of living within our means. Christian Estate Planning offers basic information about planning your estate so that you might provide for the late years of life. “The good leave an inheritance to their children’s children.” Proverbs 13:22

from that campaign has been invested with our Foundation. The benefit from those gifts will be to provide annual support for our church maintenance well into the future through our capital maintenance fund. In addition to this fund, the Asbury Foundation supports Oklahoma seminarians who attend Asbury Seminary and return to serve here in Oklahoma through the Mason Scholarship Fund. Dozens of pastors and other ministry leaders have benefited from these generous gifts. The Mary Ann Smith Global Outreach Fund provides ongoing support to a variety of mission projects over and above the annual budget. One of those projects, Tulsa’s International Community Outreach, provides hands-on ministry to international students at the University of Tulsa. Many of these students come to Tulsa having never heard the Gospel and go home as new witnesses for Christ. The generous gifts of many over the years continue to grow and the interest from those funds will continue to give for decades to come. One survey notes that almost 70 percent of Americans die without a will or trust, leaving decisions about the distribution of their final estate or belongings to our courts. The Asbury Foundation Board encourages you to learn how to plan for those days as an act of loving stewardship.

Have you considered tithing your will? The mission of Asbury’s Foundation is providing a vehicle for us to provide resources for Asbury ministries for years to come. In essence, as we make donations to the Foundation, we are providing for Asbury’s children of future generations. This past year as we finalized Asbury’s capital campaign to pay off our debt, the overflow

If we can help you, contact Pastor Guy Ames at games@asburytulsa.org.

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

GRANDPA JOHN

The Jesus I Know By John C. Westervelt

hen I became a widow 28 years ago, I began reading in bed at bedtime. Our master bedroom had lights hanging on either side of the headboard.

With regular Bible study during the day, at night I read two pages of the Gospels. I wanted to sleep with Jesus on my mind. At the end of John’s Gospel, I returned to the beginning of Matthew. In 25 years, I read through the Gospels about 50 times. I wrote historical stories like an author would write a historical novel. When I moved to Oklahoma Methodist Manor retirement home, I no longer had lights over my bed. I began reading my Jesus stories at bedtime. My son Paul put the stories on Kindle and gave me a Kindle reader. Living with 88-year-old eyes, the larger font size makes reading easier. If you would like to know Jesus better, read my stories. You can print them at www.jwestervelt.com or download “Jesus’ Friends” from Kindle for 99 cents. You are familiar with Martha’s story: In my frustration, I walked into the living room and said, “Jesus, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me!” “Martha, my dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details. There is really only one thing worth being concerned about, and Mary has discovered it. I won’t take it away from her.” The gospel writer would not have heard the rest of Martha’s story as it might have been: I was a little taken aback by Jesus’ response, and I could feel my face flush as I returned to the kitchen. As we began the meal, I didn’t break into the conversation because I was busy getting more bread and wine, or maybe I was pouting with a smile. I was finished with the dishes and was wiping down the water basin when I sensed someone approach me from behind. “Martha. Martha.”

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

I continued looking out the window while slowly wiping my hands. My eyes welled up with tears until they were so full that they began to roll down my cheeks and drip silently into the basin. Because I am the strong one in the family, I didn’t say a word. Then Jesus touched me on the shoulders and gently turned me around. I felt so ashamed that I covered my face with both hands, but Jesus’ long arms reached around me and pulled me close. It was then that I really began to cry. He continued to hold me with His left hand and stroked my hair with His right. I moved my wet hands from my face and laid my head and the palms of both my hands on His chest. Then with a comforting sigh, Jesus said, “I love no one more than you, Martha. I want Mary to be Mary, and Martha to be Martha.”

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Deaths John Cawthon died 8-16-2015 Edie Washburn died 8-11-2015 Vera Gray died 8-19-2015 Wayne Crockett died 9-29-2015. Father of Brian and Susan Crockett. Joe Fusco died 10-3-2015. Husband of Veneta Fusco Imogene Worthley died 10-4-2015. Mother of Stephen (Louise) Worthley Tara Mize died 10-12-2015. Wife of Kirk Mize. Philip Essley Jr. died 10-12-2015. Husband of Jean Essley. Bee Chaffin died 10-16-2015. Mother of Elain (Jack) Reusser. Lew Edmonson died 11-6-2015. Father of Richard (Judy) Edmonson.

Carl Willis died 11-9-2015. Husband of Novella Willis Marion Neary died 11-10-2015. Wife of Walt Neary. Curtis Biggers died 11-12-2015 Vivian (Vickie) Hogue died 11-23-2015. Mother of Novella Ponder. Nona Ryser died 12-7-2015. Mother of Charlie (Sally) Ryser. Eunice Wright died 12-10-2015 Nancy Baird died 12-10-2015 Ireta Tarwater died 12-13-2015. Mother of David Smith. Dean Smith died 12-15-2015. Husband of Marilyn J. Smith. Ruth Bauer died 12-18-2015. Wife of Don Bauer

Milestone Anniversaries 70 YEARS John & Joanna Neely 01/06/46

65 YEARS Jerry & Imogene Headley 02/02/51 Jim & Betty Jane Bailey 02/03/51 Ray & Betty Gordy 02/17/51 Dave & Janet Wehrenberg 11/25/50 A.B. & Gwen Steen 12/23/50

60 YEARS Ed & Rita Lenfestey 02/19/56 Larry & Jeri Myerley 02/26/56

55 YEARS Tom & Pat Hailey 01/14/61 Jess & Mary Mitchell 02/03/61 30

David & Shirley Wilkinson 02/21/61 Don & Pat Hardin 03/17/61 Warren & Lydia Reichert 11/11/60 Dean & Vesta VanTrease 12/24/60 Burton & Freddie Howard 12/27/60

50 YEARS Roger & Mary Laney 01/22/66 Dennis & Karen Linscheid 02/12/66 Steve & Terry Curtis 02/19/66 Dave & Jan Meilner 03/05/66 Dick & Mary Kay Secrest 03/26/66 Joe & Paula Staires 11/06/65 Allen & Norma Robison 11/07/65 Mike & Jan Reynolds 11/27/65 Rex & Mary Ann Smith 11/27/65 TIDINGS WINTER 2016

Jerry & Laverle Graefe 08/28/65

45 YEARS Tom & Sandie White 12/30/70

35 YEARS Mike & Karen Wackenhuth 03/07/81

30 YEARS Craig & Delise Tomlinson 12/30/85

25 YEARS Jack & Diane Harr 02/23/91

20 YEARS Scott & Regina Jordan 02/14/96 Rodney & Tiffany Huss 12/23/95

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jim & Betty Jane Bailey 02/03/51

Ray & Betty Gordy 02/17/51

Dave & Janet Wehrenberg 11/25/50

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

Ed & Rita Lenfestey 02/19/56

Larry & Jeri Myerley 02/26/56

Tom & Pat Hailey 01/14/61

Jess & Mary Mitchell

David & Shirley Wilkinson 02/21/61

Don & Pat Hardin 03/17/61

Warren & Lydia Reichert 11/11/60

Dean & Vesta VanTrease 12/24/60

Burton & Freddie Howard 12/27/60

Roger & Mary Laney 01/22/66

Dennis & Karen Linscheid 02/12/66

Steve & Terry Curtis 02/19/66

Dave & Jan Meilner 03/05/66

Joe & Paula Staires 11/06/65

Allen & Norma Robison 11/07/65

Mike & Jan Reynolds 11/27/65

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

Rex & Mary Ann Smith 11/27/65

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Members

Art Alltizer

Joanne Ardner

Erica Claudio

Mike and Jerry Fretz

Terry Goins

Melinda Hickerson

Bill Jeffers

Shary Kaser

Don Law III

Joy Modenbach

Michael and Earlene Page

Erlita Renner

Shannon with Kaylee Ross

Cheryl Stovall

Chad and Ladonna Whisman

TIDINGS WINTER 2016

Mike and Amy Plew

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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