THE WORD an edition of The United Methodist Reporter

THE WORD an edition of The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A / 039880 / Vol. 159 / N0 43 / February 22, 2013

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

1301 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119 (918) 583-5181 -

Pastor's column 4A

New members 4A

Easter lilies 5A

Enjoy Music Among Friends Sunday

Members of the Tulsa Symphony added so much when they played with the Chapel Choir (pictured) and Chancel Choir during worship services in November. You have an opportunity to enjoy hearing them perform music for more intimate settings as they perform with some of our best singers during Music Among Friends. The concert is this Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

By Dr. Joel Panciera This Sunday Tulsans have a great opportunity to enjoy a type of music that is rarely heard today ? music composed for "the chamber," with small groups of friends and family. The concert begins at 5:00 p.m. Before the age of television and movies, many of our ancestors spent hours singing and playing instrumental music together for entertainment. Wealthy aristocrats employed groups of musicians to perform during dinners and

parties as entertainment. Much like a stimulating conversation,

this style of music draws the listener into an intimate experience. It is designed to amaze and delight, and is often quite challenging for the performers.

The performance will feature a small ensemble of strings and wind instruments from the Tulsa Symphony and small ensembles of some of our best singers. Many of the pieces

(See "Concert" on page 4A)

New Lenten symbol for second Sunday

On this second Sunday of Lent, another symbol - a money bag will be added in the sanctuary.

Early in the week we call "Holy Week," Judas went to the high priest and agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The money bag reminds us of this tragedy - the betrayal of a trusting friend.

"When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the Chief Priests and the elders. `I have sinned,' he said, `for I have betrayed an innocent man.'"? Matthew 27: 3-4

We realize how easy it can be to betray a friend. We search our own spirits as we add the money bag to our Lenten display.

Sunday begins final week of Lights On for Cookson 2013

The Cookson Hills Mission staff moved into new offices in a new building this week. Their need for assistance with ongoing expenses is greater than ever, but so are the possibilities for the mission's impact in northeastern Oklahoma.

Renovation work to create offices and other usable space in the new building was completed last week.

"We moved the thrift store last week, and people love it!" said the Rev. Meri Whitaker, missionary in charge of the ministry. "It's so much bigger and nicer. The community is now watching our progress with great enthusiasm!

(See "Cookson" on page 4A)

United Methodist Women grow through study, mission

Next Sunday, March 3rd, is United Methodist Women's (UMW) Sunday at our church. The growth of this women's organization will be highlighted more next week, and Boston Avenue has groups for all ages.

United Methodist Women is the largest denominational faith organization for women worldwide, with approximately 800,000 members. Their mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice.

UMW members raise up to $20 million each year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in the U.S. and in more than 100 countries around the world.

Each year, UMW members prepare for faithful living and action by participating in three studies focusing on a spiritual growth topic, geographic area and a current issue. This year's studies include "Poverty," "The Roma of Europe," and "Living Sacramentally and Walking Justly."

The Rev. Meri Whitaker is excited about the ministry growth that will be possible with the new building at Cookson (background). Our church maintains a covenant agreement to support her ministry there. (Photo by Paul Jeffrey, General Board of Global Ministries.)

NOTE: The worship service will be broadcast at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday on KTUL-TV, Channel 8. We appreciate their adjusting to air the service in spite of coverage mandates from ABC news.

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Drive, Dallas Texas 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas Texas and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to The United Methodist Reporter. PO Box 660275, Dallas Texas 75266-0275.

Page 4A

February 22, 2013

From the

Pastor's Study

Mouzon Biggs, Jr.

When the Disciples decided to move their Phillips Theological Seminary from Enid to Tulsa, Dr. Elizabeth Price was named Dean of the Seminary. She and I had been classmates at Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas. Dr. Price called me and asked if I would teach Methodist Doctrine to the Methodist students attending Phillips. For the next ten years I taught that course.

All of my students were dreading their oral exams before the Board of Ordained Ministry. That board determines who moves on to ordination, who needs more work before reexamination, and who will never be ordained.

I helped them prepare as diligently as I knew how, but in our last class session I always advised them, "We Methodists began three hundred years ago. John and Charles Wesley were attempting to revitalize the Anglican Church, but they were also reacting against other groups who believed in the total depravity of the human race. We Methodists are strong believers in grace.

My last sentence to them will be the title for next Sunday's sermon: "IF YOU GET CONFUSED, SAY `GRACE,' `GRACE!'"

Administrative Board meets Tuesday

The February meeting of the Administrative Board will be held this Tuesday, February 26, at 6:30 p.m. in Community Hall. All are welcome to attend this dinner meeting.

The cost of the meal is $6.00. Meal and child care reservations are due by Monday and can be made by calling the church, 918-583-5181, or by emailing your information - number of meals needed or number of children, to infodesk@.

B.A. family update

Altar Flowers Happy 76th wedding an-

niversary on February 25 to wonderful parents, Dorothy and E. L. Thomas, from their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In loving memory of Newton G. Carver, whose 94th birthday would have been February 26th, by Dr. Marilyn Carver.

Deaths Shirley Cowan died Feb-

ruary 7, 2013. Services were held February 13 at Carbondale Assembly of God Church in Tulsa. Survivors include her grandchildren, Corbin Cowan and Kody, Kimberly, and Kelsey Bullard-Cowan.

Walter McDonell died February 7, 2013. Services were held Feb. 11 in Sapulpa. Survivors include his daughter, Elaine and Phillips Breckinridge, and grandsons, Preston and Heath Breckinridge.

Ernest Moody died February 17, 2013. Services are pending. Survivors include his wife, Rhonda; brother, Kevin; sister, Emily Boyd, and niece, Audrey Boyd Johnson.

Larry Payton died February 18, 2013. Services are pending. Survivors include his wife, Kay; brother, Ed and Judith Payton, niece, Catherine Payton; and nephew, Adam Payton.

Dixon Dyer died February 16, 2013. Services are Feb. 21, 10:00 a.m. in Rose Chapel with Dr. Bill Tankersley officiating. Survivors include his wife, Dr. Peggy Dyer, and daughters Rachel and Austin Hilligoss and Milllie Dyer. Hospitalized Last Week

St. John - Dub Lovell, Randy Owen, Arnolia Schmorr, Earl Tuers

St. Francis - Mark Britt, Carol Moeller, Michael Solomon, Doug Turney

Hillcrest - Pat Fulford

Meet our newest members

Rex and Sherlyn Rosdahl and their children, Conley Rosdahl, Avery Rosdahl, Devan Bell and Brittney Bell joined Sunday. Rex is a sales consultant at Ferguson Superstore. Conley is a student at the University of Wyoming

Concert ....

(continued) will feature elaborate and extended solos by some of Tulsa's best instrumentalists.

The concert will include Bach's Brandenburg Concerto, Archangello Corelli's Concerto, W.A. Mozart's Exsulate Jubilate, Johannes Brahms, Leibeslieder Waltzes, and Faure's Arabesque.

B. A. to host Emmaus Walks

By Belynda Clanton As a life-long Methodist, I had heard about the Walk to Emmaus for many years before I made the commitment to attend a walk in the fall of 1997. During those few days, I experienced the presence of Christ in a new way and gained a new perspective on the meaning of grace and forgiveness. I met new Christian friends who still travel with me on my faith journey today. The Emmaus experience continues to rekindle my spirit and it encourages me to share the invitation of Emmaus with you. In April, our church will host two Walks to Emmaus. The purpose of Emmaus is to develop leaders for the church. Emmaus inspires, challenges, and equips participants to life as faithful Christians in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled lives to be lived and shared with others. Those who attend a Walk to Emmaus are inspired to demonstrate servant leadership; expand their own spiritual lives through worship, study, and active participation in their own church; and become more active disciples of Christ in service to the world. Who should go to Emmaus? Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who: ? Are members of a local church; ? Have a desire to strengthen their spiritual lives; ? May have unanswered questions about their faith; ? Understand that being a Christian involves responsibility; ? Are willing to dedicate their lives to God every day The Men's Walk is scheduled for April 4-7 and the Women's Walk is April 18-21. For more information contact Rev. Paul Staat, 918 699-0133 or email: pdstaat@.

Lights On for Cookson .... (continued)

"The new building will have a great room and special services right there by my office, so now I can see our clients and they will have a place to sit and visit with us if they choose. I'm excited about that!

"Gas logs have been installed to provide heat in a large gathering room when the power goes out, which happens regularly," she continued. "That will provide a large, cozy space for people to relax and visit, and a place for us to talk to visiting groups before we take them on a tour.

"We will also host community events and board meetings there, and we already have it booked for two weddings!

"This is going to expand our ministry a lot!" Rev. Whitaker says.

Photo at right shows the exterior of the new ministry and office building at Cookson Mission (photo by Richard Norman)

Below, the new thrift store is open for business (left) and the pack `n snack pantry (right) provides food for hungry children over the weekends. (photos by Debbie Humphreys)

February 22, 2013

Page 5A

UMW News

By Robyn Aydelott Several women from Boston Avenue UMC recently attended the Oklahoma Conference of Churches' Day at the Legislature in Oklahoma City. On Monday, February 11th, Betty Alsabrook, Cyndy Sexson, Darlene Lorenz, and Dolores Ritter traveled to hear a debate on the state income tax in the House of Representatives' Chamber. David Blatt of the Oklahoma Policy Institute and Jonathan Small of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs gave presentations. "A prayer vigil in the Rotunda was a highlight of the day and attendees were able to meet with several Representatives from across the state," said Delores Ritter. The day ended with an advocacy workshop. Church Women United will celebrate a "World Day of Prayer" on March 2nd at Holy Family Cathedral, 8th and Boulder in Downtown Tulsa. The event will be from 9:15 to 11:00 a.m.

All 16 Boston Avenue UMW circles will shine on UMW Sunday, March 3rd, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Circles will be featured at booths in the parlor. Look for flyers to be posted throughout the church. All UMW members are encouraged to wear UMW shirts or bright scarves on that day. The newly designed UMW brochures will be out soon.

Gifts and Memorials

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY In honor of Dr. Bill Tankersley

By: Pat Fulford and Jim Houpe

Have a prayer request? Call our prayer line at

699-0158

Lectionary Readings

February 24, 2013 Psalm 121

Genesis 12:1-4a John 3:1-17

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

Youth News!! . . .

Senior High news

This Lent, make room for Christ by putting others' needs ahead of your own in big and small ways! Two ways that you can make an immediate difference (whether you are a youth or an adult in our church) is in these small ways:

1. Answer the Kaiser Challenge for Restore Hope! The Kaiser Foundation has agreed to match all gifts for Restore Hope up to $50K....so the youth are hoping to double their donations this Easter season! Here's the youth challenge: every time you purchase a fountain/bottled drink for yourself at a restaurant or convenience store, put an equal amount aside for the Restore Hope jar in 420. We will add to the jar each Sunday until Easter arrives and the Kaiser Foundation will match our donation!

2. Help Child SHARE. They are in desperate need of several items for the emergency foster care program. You can help others by purchasing or gathering items from the following list: children's socks, sizes infant to women's small; boys underwear, sizes 2-12; clothes for boys, sizes 0-16; clothes for girls, sizes 0-16; cribs; crib mattresses; crib sheets; bunk beds; sippy cups; and car seats. Bring items to the fourth floor and place them near the altar. Items will be taken to Child SHARE weekly.

Our youth continue to stay busy preparing for the BAY Troupe show, learning about Lent on Sundays,supporting each other on Wednesdays, growing closer in small groups and leading our District and Conference Youth but a team of 19 is also preparing to travel to Bolivia over Spring Break. During our time in Bolivia we will partner with the Bolivians to do ministry together.

Our group will lead a daily Vacation Bible School, work on two construction teams and worship together. Upon arrival, we will meet our Bolivian teen counterparts who will be living at the churches with us. It is our hope that we will be in mission together and learn from each other. Please pray for us as we are making final preparations. We hope you will join our Facebook group and travel with us in spirit! (More details on that later.)

TOGETHER in ministry- Audra

6th, 7th and 8th Grade

Hello Mid-high Youth! Did you receive your Lenten calendar in the mail? If not, pick one up Sunday morning on the third floor. "Grace" is the theme that runs through this Lent. We know God's grace is meant to be shared, so let's keep it going and growing by coming on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Read your calendar and take time to scroll through a Gospel or two.

Sunday morning the Confirmation Class will meet with their parents in Jubilee Hall. Besides great conversation with your parents, yummy treats and hot chocolate await your arrival.

One of our Lenten service projects is schedule for this Sunday evening. We are providing and serving dinner at St. Luke's UMC. It is not too late to sign up to bring food and help serve. Bari Hatheway is our coordinator; she will be pleased to have your help.

Registrations for our Mid-high Lock-Out were e-mailed to parents this past week. Please be one of the first to get your form returned to me! March 8th is the date and we will be out late....

Don't forget to read your calendar!!!!! Faithfully yours - Debbie

It's time to order lilies for Easter

The sanctuary altar will be filled with beautiful lilies on Easter Sunday. If you would like to place a lily on the altar in honor or in memory of someone special, please call the church, 918583-5181, by Monday, March 15. The cost is $15 per plant.

Worth his weight in gold!

Handyman Cecil Smith is a master at making the most of church resources and enhancing our ministries. He has a solution for almost any challenge!

Our Weekday School recently purchased all new cribs to stay in compliance with new safety laws, but the older cribs were in great shape. What to do with the older cribs? They couldn't be sold or used elsewhere, so Cecil got creative. He turned

Cecil Smith with his inventions.

the slatted sides into drying racks for preschoolers' artwork (right front) and the ends were redesigned to create clear easels with Plexiglas panels for the children to draw and write on. (left)

When he learned that our children's bell choirs are now advanced enough to utilize more bells, but the children are not strong enough to lift the heavy lower bells, he created racks so that those bells could be hung and struck with mallets. (back right)

"He's great at running things through walls and ceilings," says church administrator Brenda Reed. "He crawled from the basement through the elevator shaft and above the bride's room ceiling to the air handler to run Cat 5 cable so we could have wifi capabilities throughout the building. He also wired projectors through three classroom ceilings in the Jubilee Center."

In his spare time, Cecil has created and built benches from scratch for the tabernacle at Camp Egan, and done everything from laying floor tiles to patching ceilings for Circle of Care. He is currently working with Richard Gibbs and Mike Sheehan to renovate the new office building for the Cookson Hills Mission.

Sunday Worship

February 24, 2013 The Second Sunday in Lent

9:30 a.m. Communion Service

9:40 a.m. Sunday School

8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services

Sermon: "IF YOU GET CONFUSED,

SAY `GRACE, GRACE'!"

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr.

Music:

Prelude: Prayer ................................................... Arnold Sherman

The Celebration Ringers

Anthem: Thy Perfect Love ........................ John Rutter

The Chapel Choir (8:30)

Santo, Santo, Santo ............... arr. Mary Kay Parrish

The Academy Choristers (11:00)

Offertory: Amazing Grace ................................ Johannes Michel

Dr. Susan Panciera, Organist

Anthem: They Shall Soar Like Eagles ........ Laura Monzo

The Chapel Choir (8:30)

Wash Me Throughly from My Wickedness ... S. S. Wesley

The Chancel Choir (11:00)

Congregational Benediction Response

Hymns: 325 Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus

710 Faith of Our Fathers

500 Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

12:10 p.m. Holy Communion & Service of Healing 5:00 p.m. "Music Among Friends" chamber concert

Page 8A

February 22, 2013

Class News . . .

Cornerstone

on April 24. Details to follow.

We will serve dinner at

The Rev. Mary Ann Em-

5:00 at the Day Center for the mons will continue her lesson

Homeless on February 27, then on attitudes this week. We

eat together at Dilly Deli at

thank her for her lesson on how

6:30 p.m.

attitudes effect the outcome of

Tommy Sharp will teach on situations.

world religions this Sunday.

Happy birthday to Ted

Former members Ross and Dennison, Emily Cross, Jessica

Kasi McLaughlin were in town Cross, and Amy Mills.

from OKC. Tommy Sharp's

Thanks to the Thompsons

mother, Diane, was visiting

for our treats. The Porters are

from Georgia.

set to bring treats this week.

Happy anniversary to

Journey

Adam and Heidi Doss.

Our retreat will be April

Last Sunday Dennis Smith 19-20 at Camp Egan. Bring $5

led a New Testament discus- this Sunday.

sion for the second week of a

Dr. Don Forsman will be

2-week series.

our teacher again this Sunday.

Disciples

We thank him for his lesson

Thanks to Helen for pro- last week.

viding delicious refreshments

Alexis and Chris have

and for beginning our new

bought their first house.

Adam Hamilton series, "The Mark's dad is out of the hospi-

Way." We will be walking in tal.

Jesus' footsteps the next several Maranatha

weeks. We hope you'll join us.

Our March social will be at

Following Helen's lead,

McNellies. Thanks to all who

the Chastangs will provide our helped with the Chili Supper.

treats this week and also con- The class approved our finance

tinue the lesson for us.

committee's recommendations

Ephphatha

for a scholarship honoring Dr.

Souper Sunday is March 3, Biggs.

4:00-6:00 p.m. at Spirit Bank.

This week Roger Rowe

Mike Limas will be our

will continue our Lenten series.

teacher this week.

Our hosts will be the Tallents

We appreciated another

and Gene and Diane Martin.

great lesson taught last week by

We welcomed visitors

Carol Bean.

Larry and Linda, Lauren and

Heritage Dwight Thomas will be our

teacher this Sunday. Thanks to EvaMarie Camp-

bell for her lesson last week. We passed. We are as smart as 5th graders.

Thanks to Barbara Constantine for our treats. The Harringtons will bring them this Sunday. Homebuilders

We wish to thank the committee for the wonderful Valentine brunch last Saturday.

Jerry Jordan was our visitor. She has just moved to Methodist Manor and is a friend of Martha Swezey.

Lt. Commander in the Navy Kris Hooper was our teacher Sunday. He reviewed his service in Afghanistan with slides. Horizons

We will serve dinner at the Day Center for the Homeless

Bethany. Happy birthday to Ginny Walker, Sam Smith, and Dean Todd.

Thanks to Dr. Susan Panciera for her lesson, and to Bob and Lynn Russell and Jim and Julee Embrey for hosting.

Keep Bethany, Sharon Bookout, John, Jim Embrey, Jenna, Louise Reid, and the Low family in your prayers, as well as the Paytons after the death of Ed's brother. New Covenant

Rob Reck will be our teacher this week.

Keep Justus Edmondson in your prayers.

Thanks to the Lees for hosting the Valentine party. Thanks to Joan DeVilbiss and Joyce Byrne for the music, Dot and Jim Kelly for treats, Carol Bean for the devotional, and Carmen Marple for greeting. New Frontiers

Please sign up to help

serve dinner at the Day Center for the Homeless on Friday, March 8. On Saturday, March 23, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. we will have a class social in Jubilee Hall. Further details to follow through evite.

This week Angela Hooper will continue her lessons on "Religious Literacy."

Thank you to the Hoopers for our snacks. This Sunday the Phelps will bring them. Pilgrimage

Dinner Out on the 27th will be at Marly's Pizza at 6:30 p.m.

Last Sunday Dr. Crowell discussed the city of Ephesus from his trip to Turkey.

We welcomed our Exodus House resident, Richard Wing.

Our class will be providing a meal for the Detamores, the Collins family, and the Toblers.

This Sunday Bill will return to continue to talk about his trip to Turkey. Roundtable

Dr. Joel Panciera will speak this week on the language of God and missions. We thank him for his lesson last Sunday.

We welcomed visitors Marilyn and John Berry.

Valerie Judkins is celebrating a birthday. Seek and Discover

Judy Rowell got us up to the last two things on the Top Ten List. Her lessons have been so good and thought provoking.

Happy birthday to Dick. We hope you really enjoyed that grandbaby. Wesley Fellowship

Dr. Howard Plowman will be our teacher this Sunday.

We welcomed a visitor, Jackie Bradley, Mary Ward's niece from California.

Keep Dorothy Heath, Louise Reid, Dan and Eloise Rogers, and Faye Dean Bath in your prayers.

Happy birthday to Doris Combs, Jackie Hammerschmidt, and Eldon Powers.

Thanks to Philelle McBrayer and Harold Reynolds for our music, Peggy Gary for the caring report, Wyatt Morgan for the devotional in memory of Irene Lumley, and Al and Jerri Brownlee for our treats.

Blessings.

Dinner at Debbie's ....

Middle school girls had a great time recently as their youth director Debbie Peterson hosted an annual dinner at her house. The girls enjoyed dinner, crafts, games, and lots of fun!

Weekly Calendar

Sunday - February 24 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 Communion Service 9:40 Sunday School 9:40 Confirmation Parent Sunday 11:00 Worship Service 12:00 Senior High VIM team 12:10 Communion and Healing 12:30 BAY Troupe rehearsal 3:00 God and Me Scouting Class 3:00 God and Family Class 5:00 Chamber Music Concert Monday - February 25 9:00 a.m. Weekday School 6:00 Men's basketball practice 6:00 Final Words from the Cross 6:00 Immersion Bible Study 7:15 Troop 20 Tuesday - February 26 9:00 a.m. Weekday School 11:00 Building Committee 5:30 p.m. Finance Committee 6:30 Administrative Board Wednesday - February 27 9:00 a.m. Weekday School

1:15 p.m. Great Decisions 3:00 Interfaith Dialogue Group 5:00 p.m. Snack Supper 5:00 Senior High Open Gym 5:00 Jubilation Ringers 5:15 Capriccio Ringers 5:50 Festival Ringers 6:00 Chapel Choir 6:00 LIFE Group for Kids 6:00 Yoga 6:45 Senior High DTBA 7:00 Carillon Ringers 7:00 Mid High DTBA 7:30 BAY Troupe rehearsal 7:30 Chancel Choir Thursday - February 28 9:00 a.m. Weekday School 10:00 Staff Meeting 5:30 p.m. Celebration Ringers 6:00 PCCT Parenting Classes Friday - March 1 9:00 a.m. Weekday School 5:30 p.m. Gamblers Anonymous 5:30 GamAnon

Sunday School at a glance...

Adult Classes for Sunday, February 24, 2013 Visitors are welcome in all classes.

Dr. Biggs' Class - Greatest Bible Stories and Passages College & Career - Tommy Sharp, "World Religions" Cornerstone - Jeff Jaynes, Restore Hope Ministries Disciples - George and Rhonda Chastang, "The Way" Ephphatha - Mike Limas Heritage - Dwight Thomas Homebuilders - to be announced Horizons - Mary Ann Emmons, "Attitudes" Journey - Dr. Don Forsman Maranatha - Roger Rowe, Lenten series New Covenant - Rob Reck New Frontiers - Angela Hooper, "Religious Literacy" Pilgrimage - Dr. Bill Crowell, "Turkey" Roundtable - Dr. Joel Panciera, "The Language of God" Seek & Discover - to be announced Wesley Fellowship - Dr. Howard Plowman

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