4A 8A Thank you, Dr. Biggs! - Boston Avenue :: Home · Mouzon Biggs, Jr., from the staff at Boston...
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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. THE WORD an edition of The United Methodist Reporter Two Sections, SectionA / 039880 / Vol. 160 / N0 05 / May 31, 2013 Boston Avenue United Methodist Church 1301 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119 (918) 583-5181 - www.bostonavenue.org UMW news 8A Meet our VLT’s 4A Thank you, Dr. Biggs! Chapel Choir tour to New Orleans begins Sunday When Chapel Choir arrives to warm up for the service Sunday evening, they will do so with suitcases in hand. “We will leave directly from the reception to begin this year’s choir tour,” says director Dr. Joel Panciera. “By traveling all night, we can reach New Orleans Monday morning, then Monday will be our ‘play day.’” The choir will return to Tulsa Friday evening, June 7, and per- form their homecoming concert Sunday, June 9, at 5:00 p.m. On Monday they will visit Jackson Square, Mardi Gras World, and the New Orleans Cathedral, then divide into two groups. One (See “Chapel Choir,” page 4A) Rev. David Wiggs will begin duties June 6 The Rev. David Wiggs The Rev. David Wiggs will begin his responsibilities as senior minister at Boston Avenue Church after being officially appointed during Annual Conference earlier this week. He is no stranger to our congregation, having served as an as- sociate minister here from 1987 til 2000, when he was appointed senior minister at First UMC in Enid. Rev. Wiggs is a native of Okmulgee, Oklahoma and is the son of B.A. member Leona Wiggs Newell. He and his wife Mary have two daughters, Grace and Hope. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, he earned his Master of Theology degree at St. Paul Theological Seminary in (See “David Wiggs,” page 4A) Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. “LET ME TRY THIS ONE LAST TIME!” The Reverend Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr., preaching Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. - first liturgist Celebration Service at 5:00 p.m. - reception following “Worship is the thing I love best of all,” says the Reverend Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr. “It’s the most important thing we do. We proclaim what has worth - and what does not.” “Writing (sermons) is hard work, but when I sense that the service has gone well, it’s a terrific feeling. If something didn’t seem quite right, I can hardly wait for Monday morning, to see if I can do better the next week.” This Sunday, Dr. Biggs will preach his last sermon as Senior Minister at Boston Avenue Church. He is retiring after a wonderful 54 years in ministry. Sunday will be a special day as we celebrate his ministry together! Bishop Hayes will participate in both morning services, then the service celebrat- ing his ministry will begin at 5:00 p.m. It will feature guest speakers who have been long- time friends and special music by the children, youth, and adult choirs and staff. A reception will follow in Jubilee Hall. When asked about his call to ministry Dr. Biggs says, “My dad worked in the oil fields, and growing up, I assumed I would do the same. I knew that the engineers had the good jobs, so that’s what I planned to become. “In the eighth grade I read in Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s book, The Power of Positive Thinking, a suggestion that perhaps those things we most enjoy doing are what God is empowering and calling us to do. I began to realize that I was happiest in Student Council - lining up programs and presiding at the weekly assembly - and performing in plays. “I enjoyed being of front of people. “During my senior year I remember that the curriculum in both Sunday School and MYF (youth fellowship) kept asking, ‘What does God want you to do?’ “That spring, as I read The Upper Room at breakfast with my family and prayed at bedtime, I could not get that question out of my (continued on page 8A)
Transcript of 4A 8A Thank you, Dr. Biggs! - Boston Avenue :: Home · Mouzon Biggs, Jr., from the staff at Boston...
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.
THE WORDaneditionofTheUnitedMethodistReporter
TwoSections,SectionA/039880/Vol.160/N005/May31,2013
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church1301 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119
(918) 583-5181 - www.bostonavenue.org
UMW news8A
Meet our VLT’s4A
Thank you, Dr. Biggs!
Chapel Choir tour to New Orleans begins Sunday WhenChapelChoirarrivestowarmupfortheserviceSundayevening,theywilldosowithsuitcasesinhand. “Wewillleavedirectlyfromthereceptiontobeginthisyear’schoirtour,”saysdirectorDr.JoelPanciera.“Bytravelingallnight,wecanreachNewOrleansMondaymorning,thenMondaywillbeour‘playday.’” ThechoirwillreturntoTulsaFridayevening,June7,andper-formtheirhomecomingconcertSunday,June9,at5:00p.m. OnMondaytheywillvisitJacksonSquare,MardiGrasWorld,andtheNewOrleansCathedral,thendivideintotwogroups.One
(See “Chapel Choir,” page 4A)
Rev. David Wiggs will begin duties June 6
The Rev. David Wiggs
TheRev.DavidWiggswillbeginhisresponsibilitiesasseniorministeratBostonAvenueChurchafterbeingofficiallyappointedduringAnnualConferenceearlierthisweek. Heisnostrangertoourcongregation,havingservedasanas-sociateministerherefrom1987til2000,whenhewasappointedseniorministeratFirstUMCinEnid. Rev.WiggsisanativeofOkmulgee,OklahomaandisthesonofB.A.memberLeonaWiggsNewell.HeandhiswifeMaryhavetwodaughters,GraceandHope. AgraduateoftheUniversityofOklahoma,heearnedhisMasterofTheologydegreeatSt.PaulTheologicalSeminaryin
(See “David Wiggs,” page 4A)
Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. “LET ME TRY THIS ONE LAST TIME!”TheReverendDr.MouzonBiggs,Jr.,preaching
BishopRobertE.Hayes,Jr.-firstliturgistCelebration Service at 5:00 p.m. - reception following
“WorshipisthethingIlovebestofall,”saystheReverendDr.MouzonBiggs,Jr.“It’sthemostimportantthingwedo.Weproclaimwhathasworth-andwhatdoesnot.” “Writing(sermons)ishardwork,butwhenIsensethattheservicehasgonewell,it’saterrificfeeling.Ifsomethingdidn’tseemquiteright,IcanhardlywaitforMondaymorning,toseeifIcandobetterthenextweek.” ThisSunday,Dr.BiggswillpreachhislastsermonasSeniorMinisteratBostonAvenueChurch.Heisretiringafterawonderful54yearsinministry.Sundaywillbeaspecialdayaswecelebratehisministrytogether!
BishopHayeswillparticipateinbothmorningservices,thentheservicecelebrat-inghisministrywillbeginat5:00p.m.Itwillfeatureguestspeakerswhohavebeenlong-timefriendsandspecialmusicbythechildren,youth,andadultchoirsandstaff. AreceptionwillfollowinJubileeHall.
WhenaskedabouthiscalltoministryDr.
Biggssays, “Mydadworkedintheoilfields,andgrowingup,IassumedIwoulddothesame.Iknewthattheengineershadthegoodjobs,sothat’swhatIplannedtobecome.
“IntheeighthgradeIreadinDr.NormanVincentPeale’sbook,The Power of Positive Thinking,asuggestionthatperhapsthosethingswemostenjoydoingarewhatGodisempoweringandcallingustodo.IbegantorealizethatIwashappiestinStudentCouncil-liningupprogramsandpresidingattheweeklyassembly-andperforminginplays. “Ienjoyedbeingoffrontofpeople. “DuringmysenioryearIrememberthatthecurriculuminbothSundaySchoolandMYF(youthfellowship)keptasking,‘WhatdoesGodwantyoutodo?’“Thatspring,asIreadTheUpper Roomatbreakfastwithmyfamilyandprayedatbedtime,Icouldnotgetthatquestionoutofmy
(continued on page 8A)
Page 4A May 31, 2013
B.A. family updateAltar Flowers InhonorofDr. and Mrs. Mouzon Biggs, Jr.,fromthestaffatBostonAvenue. InhonorofTedd and Sharon Sipes,incelebrationoftheir50thweddinganniversaryonJune1,fromEddieandAnnWhite. InlovingmemoryofJohn-ny Mudd,whosebirthdaywasJune6th,fromJinny,daughter,LindaBerney,andson,ChrisMudd.
willtakeaswamptourandthentour“hauntedplaces”inNewOrleansthatevening.ThesecondgroupwilltourtheFrenchquarterandattendajazzconcertatPreservationHallMondayevening. ThechoirwillspendTues-daymorningworkingoncon-structionprojectswithYouthRebuildingNewOrleans,anon-profitthatbuysbuildingsdamagedbyHurricaneKatrina,thenrepairsthemandsellsthemtoteacherswhocannotaffordtopurchaseahomeoth-erwise. TuesdayeveningtheywillperformaconcertinBatonRougeatFirstUMC,thenWednesdaytheywilltraveltoShreveporttotourCentenaryCollege,Dr.Biggs’almamater,andsingaconcertinBrown
Sunday School at a glance...Adult Classes for Sunday, June 2, 2013
Visitors are welcome in all classes.Dr. Biggs’ Class-RevelationCornerstone-brunchDisciples-“HowGodTakesOurLittleandMakesItMuch”Ephphatha-tobeannouncedHeritage-Rev.KenToblerHomebuilders-tobeannouncedHorizons-Dr.HowardPlowmanJourney -EliyahuKriegelMaranatha-BishopRobertE.Hayes,Jr.New Covenant-Dr.BillCrowellNew Frontiers-tobeannouncedPilgrimage -Dr.GaryPeluso-VerdendRoundtable-Dr.DavidRobbinsSeek & Discover - Dr.WarrenDanskinWesley Fellowship-JudyRowell
Chapel Choir ...(continued)
Chapel.Theywillstayindormsthatevening. OnThursdaytheywilltravelandpresentaconcertatFirstPresbyterianChurchbe-forereturninghomeonFriday. “I’mreallylookingfor-wardtothehomeconcert,”saysDr.Panciera.“Itwillincludesomebelovedsongsandsomenewones.Choirtourismuchlikechurchcamp-somuchisaccomplishedduringthatmore-intensetimetogether,andthehomeconcertwillbeamazing!” “Thisgroupisremark-able,”headds.Oftenthereiseitherastrongseniorclassoritisabuildingyear.Thisyearthereisstrengthfromtheveryoldestallthewaytotheveryyoungest,ourseventhgraders Thisyear’stourincludes41singersand15adults.
Deaths Glenn MacediedApril16,
2013.Privateserviceswereheld.Survivorsincludehiswife,ShirleyMace,ofTulsa. William (Bill) Detamore, Sr.,diedMay11,2013.Ser-viceswereheldMay16atBos-tonAvenuewithDr.MouzonBiggs,Jr.,officiating.Survi-vorsincludehiswife,Joanne;son,BillandWendyDetamore,Jr.;daughter,DebbieandJayHarper;fivegrandchildren;andsister,KathleenHouston.
Hospitalized Last Week St. John-EldonPowers St. Francis-CharlesThompson,DarleneVogel
A Note from Meri ....DearFriends, ThankyousomuchforbeingapartofthededicationserviceatCookson.Itwasabeautifulserviceandawonderfulbeginningfortheministrythatwilltakeplacehere. YoudidanoutstandingjobwiththerenovationsandIamthrilledthatyouwerewillingtoacceptfullresponsibilityforthispartofthenewfacilities.Itrelievedusofalargeresponsibility.Itwaswonderfultoshareinthiseffortwithyou. IthankyoualsoforthegenerousLightsOngift.TherearetimesinmissionwhenIwonderwherethenextdollarwillcomefromtokeepusgoing,butIknowBostonAvenuegoesaboveandbeyondtosecureourfuture.Forthat,Iameternallygrateful. PleaseknowhowmuchIappreciateyouandallthatyoudotohelpwiththeministryhereatCookson. InChrist-Rev.MeriWhitaker MissionaryGBGM/CCWS
Meet our Venture Leadership Team! Sixsummerinternswillbeworkingthisyearwithsummercamps,activitiesandSun-daySchoolforchildrenandyouth.
Fromleft,row1,theyareHopeWiggs,asophomoremajoringinmarketingatOklahomaStateUniversity;KatieWonderly,ajuniormajor-
inginmusiceducationatOkla-homaCityUniversity;LindsleyAycock,asophomoremajoringinbiologyandSpanishattheUniversityofTulsa;(2ndrow)MasonMorgan,asophomoremajoringinmarketingattheUniversityofTulsa;LukePanciera,asophomoremajor-inginpoliticalscience(EasternEuropeanstudies)atGrinnelCollege,andDavidSakariason,ajuniormajoringinpublicrelationsattheUniversityofOklahoma. Welcome,VLT’s!
B.A. joins effort to aid tornado victimsBy the Rev. Paul Staat
ChurchFamilyandFriends:OurUnitedMethodistCommitteeonReliefisalreadyworkinginShawneeandMoore,prepar-ingtohelpthosewhohaveexperiencedlossinthewakeofthedevastatingtornadoeswhichhavehitourstateinthelastweek.Thebestwaytohelpatthispointisbygivingamonetarydonation. Everypennyyougivewillgotohelpthefami-liesofourstaterecoverfromthistragedy.YoucanplaceyourgiftintheofferingplateonSundayordropitbythechurchoffice. MakeyourcheckouttoBostonAvenueChurchandwrite“2013TornadoRelief”inthememoline. Wewillbeputtingtogetheraworkcrewassoonasfirstrespondersarereadyforourhelpandhavealocationidentified.Wewillletyouknowbyemail,Facebook,announcementsfromthepulpit,andonourwebsitewww.bostonavenue.orgWecanmakeadifferencenowbyputtingtogethertornadobuckets,cleaningkits,layetteand
hygienekits.Pleaseencourageyourgrouporfamilytobringcompletedbucketsandkits,anddeliverthemtothedonationtablelocatedinBishop’sHall. Instructionsandalistofcontentsareavailableonourwebsite. DuringthemorningaftertornadoeshisMoore,manyvolunteersdroppedoffsup-pliesatthechurch.Thatafternoon,theRev.PaulStaatandMatthewWansleydeliveredtwovan-loadsofsupplies-3600bottlesofwater,15casesofantisepticwipesand160bottlesofhandsanitizer-tofirstrespondersbasedatCrossroadsMallinOklahomaCity.Effortswillcontinue. AnnualConferencedelegatesalsode-liveredsuppliesforkitstoOklahomaCity,andonWednesdayhundredsofvolunteersassembledthekitssothattheycouldbedeliveredtotornadovictimsinneed. Yourhelpisappreciate.
KansasCity,Missouri. AfterhisyearsatBostonAvenue,hewassuccessfulasseniorministeratFirstUnitedMethodistChurchinEnid,leadingthemtogrowinallareasandtodoublefinancialgivingandmissioninvolve-ment. Since2010,Rev.WiggshasservedasSuperintendentoftheStillwaterDistrict.Therehefocusedhiseffortsondevel-opingstronglay-clergypartner-shipsforleadershipofthelocalchurchesinhisdistrict. Welookforwardtohisleadershipinthedaysahead.
David Wiggs ...(continued)
May 31, 2013 Page 5A
June 2, 2013Psalm 46
Genesis 6:9-22; 8:14-19Matthew 7:21-29
Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-26
Lectionary Readings
Have a prayer request?Callourprayerlineat
699-0158
12:10 p.m. Holy Communion & Service of Healing 5:00 p.m. Celebration of Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr.’s ministry
Prelude:I’llPraiseMyMakerWhileI’veBreath......arr.J.KimballAnthem: Sing to the Lord . . . . . . . . . . Christopher Tye TheChapelChoir(8:30) God So Loved theWorld...............John Stainere TheAcademyChoristers(11:00)Anthem:WhenISurveytheWondrousCross....arr.GilbertMartin TheChapelChoir(8:30) Magnificat ...................................HerbertHowells TheChancelChoir(11:00)Postlude: Paean .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Herbert HowellsHymns: 60 I’llPraiseMyMakerWhileI’veBreath 415 TakeUpThyCross 117 OGod,OurHelpinAgesPast
SundayWorshipJune 2, 2013
The Third Sunday in Pentecost9:30 a.m. Communion Service9:40 a.m. Sunday School8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services Sermon:“LETMETRYTHISONELASTTIME!” Romans 1:16-17, 3:22b-26 Dr.MouzonBiggs,Jr.Music:
UMW NewsBy Janet McCutchen Graham and Robyn Aydelott
TenUMWCircleHmembersandfriendswenttotheUnitedMethodistChildren’sHomeinTahlequah,theCook-sonMissionandtheBoys’RanchatGoreonMay9th. AttheChildren’sHome,theytouredandmettwohousemothersandCaitlin,ayounggirlsponsoredbyBostonAvenueUMW.Caitlinshowedthemherhomeanda“pom”routine,thentheyvisitedwithCOCofficerMarkHoward AtCooksontheytouredthemission,includingthenewministrybuildingthatnowhousesthethriftstoreandoffices.Thegroupalsosawthecottageindustryareaswhereceram-ics,silkscreenandembroideryaredone.Theseitemsaresoldatthegiftstorealongwithcannedjamsandjellies. TheBoys’Ranchhasrecentlyexpandedfromanall-boyhometocreateemergencyfosterhomesforchildrenundersixwhohadtoleaveOklahomashelters.TheRanch’srodeoinOctoberwillfeaturebothgirlsandboysonthehorses.
Weekly CalendarSunday - June 2 8:30a.m.WorshipService9:30CommunionService9:40SundaySchool11:00WorshipService12:10p.m.CommunionService12:30BABArehearsal5:00CelebrationofDr.Biggs’s Ministry6:00ReceptionMonday - June 39:00a.m.WeekdaySchool9:30HistoryandArchives6:00p.m.BABARehearsal6:00Men’sbasketball6:00Biblestudy7:15Troop20B.S.A.Tuesday - June 49:00a.m.WeekdaySchool5:30p.m.EmmausReunion6:00BABArehearsalWednesday - June 59:00a.m.WeekdaySchool9:30UMWExecutiveCmte.1:00p.m.DistrictCamp WorkDay6:00BABArehearsal6:00Yoga6:00VacationBibleSchool leadertraining6:00EnglandtripmeetingThursday - June 69:00a.m.WeekdaySchool10:00StaffMeeting12:00InterfaithStorytelling6:00p.m.PCCTParentingClassFriday - June 79:00a.m.WeekdaySchool5:30GamblersAnonymous6:30RespiteCareSaturday - June 810:00a.m.JoyCamptraining
Youth News!! . . .Senior High news
6th, 7th and 8th Grade
GiftsandMemorials
Pictured above are (1st row, l to r): Caitlin (resident spon-sored by B.A.), Louise Reid, Leona Wiggs Newell, Marthanelle Jones, (2nd row) Sandy Matthews, Foster Mother; COC staff member Katie Jordan, Philelle McBrayer, Patsy Byrd, Lou Ann Dale, Linda Reid, Jan Graham, and Jeanne Brosius-Smith.
WelcomeNewSixthGraders!!!!!Ihopeyouareasexcitedasweareforyoutobeonthethirdfloor.Itisthebeginningofmanywonderfultimestogether.Inordertogetacquaintedandfeelathomepleasecomejoinusrightaway.Beginyourmid-highlifewitholdandnewfriends. WednesdayeveningisourSummerintheCityevent...LaserQuestNight.MeetatBostonAvenueat7:00p.m.andhavepar-entspickyouupdirectlyatLaserQuestat9:10p.m.Ourinternswillbeyourleadersfortheevening.FunisalwaysinstorewithourinternsandatLaserQuest. YouareinforatreatonSundaymorningswithKatieWonder-lyandLindsleyAycockasyourteachersforthemonth.BothgirlsarepartofourcollegeinternprogramandprobablywellknowntoyoubecausetheygrewupatBostonAvenue,participatedinev-erything,wereSundaymorningLIT’sandKatiehelpedwiththechildren’schoirprogram.Lindsleyalsohelpedthispastschoolyearwiththechildren’sWednesdayeveningLifegroup.KatiewillbeajunioratOCUandLindsleyasophomoreatTheUni-versityofTulsa.PleasecomeonSundaymorningstoAdventureLearningwithKatieandLindsley.Dresscasuallyaseachweekwillhaveanewandactivitybasedchallenge. IknowyouwillwanttobehereonJune2ndinthemorningandeveningforDr.Biggsfinaldayasourminister.Manyofyouhaveexpressedyoursadnessabouthisleavingandthebestwayyoucanshowhimyourloveistobepresent!!! Withaheartfullofappreciation-Debbie
ItisadelighttointroduceDavidSakariasontoyouastheSeniorHighSundayMorningVLT.Heisanoutgoingleaderwithaheartforministry!DavidwasbornandraisedatBostonAvenueandhascontinuedtoserveasaRespiteCarevolunteerwithourspecialneedskidsevenasacollegestudent.Hebringsmuchexperiencetothetableandiseagertogettoknowourseniorhighyouththissummer! Welcome New Freshmen!Itwasgreatfuntohavetheop-portunitytogreetyouandservebyyoursideonSundaypreparingfloodtubsforOKCtornadovictims! ThiscomingSundaywewillcelebratetheministryofourbelovedDr.Biggs.Formanyofouryouth,hehasbeenapartofyourlifesincebirth.JoinusonSundaymorningtocelebratehisministryasBenPascoeshares“LifeLessonsIhavelearnedfromDr.Biggsin4points!”That’s9:40onthefourthfloor. SeeyouonSundaymorning,June2forDr.Bigg’slastday...Don’tforgettomarkyourcalendarsforthespecialserviceat5:00p.m.! WithGodallthingsarepossible!-Audra
MOUZON AND GAYLE BIGGS ENDOWMENTIn honor of Dr. and Mrs. Mouzon Biggs, Jr.By:LeRoyandFayeDean BathBy:JimandNanci CalderwoodBy:TerryandPamCarterBy:PerryandPatHammondBy:GeorgeandGailGrahamBy:GordonandNancy GreerBy:Mike,Carol,Charlie,An-drewandMadelineMcMahon
Congratulations ...toKristinNichols,whohasbeenhonoredastopaerospaceengineeringstudentinthenation.KristinisarecentgraduateofTexasA&M.
By:LynnandShariGoodwinGENERAL ENDOWMENTIn memory of James L. Hud-son, father of Jerry HudsonBy:DaroleandJudyMottIn memory of Genny GaryBy:Harold,Paula,and MaryEvelynAdamsBy:HeartlandIndustries, Inc.MISSION ENDOWMENTIn honor of Mr. and Mrs. Bob NewkirkBy:RubyFarish
Page 8A May 31, 2013
Thank you ... (continued)
mind.IbegantowonderifthisfaithIhadembracedwassomethingIcouldteachandpreach. “OneSundayinMay,Iwenttothealtarduringthelasthymnandsaid,‘IthinkI’mbeingcalledintoministry.’Thatdecisionfeltright,andI’veneverques-tionedit.
“MyGrandmotherBiggswasespeciallythrilled.Sheinvitedmetolunchandsaid,‘Youremember,don’tyou,thatwenamedyourfatheraftertwoUnitedMethodistbishops-BishopEnochMarvinandBishopEdwinMouzon.Wehopedthathewouldfeelcalledintoministry,butthatdidn’thappen. “‘Thenyouwerebornandgivenhisname,andwebegantohopeagain.Eversinceyouwereababy,yourgrandfatherandIhaveprayedthatyouwouldhearGod’scall.Hewouldhavebeensoproud!’”
Dr.Biggsremembershowthatstoryhelpedso-lidifyhiscallandsustainhimduringthoseearlyyears. “Myhardestchallengewaswritingandpreachingtwodifferentsermonseachweek,”hesays.“IwouldsitwithmythirdgraderBibleonSaturdaynightsandturnthepages,desperatelyhopingsomethingwouldjumpoutatme.EachweekIwonderedjusthowfarawayIcouldbebyworshiptimethenextmorning “PumpinggasinTucumcarisoundedprettygood!
“AtCentenary,thedeanofthechapelgath-eredusnewpre-theologystudentstogetherandIgotachancetoask,‘Wheretoyougetsermonideas?’ “HetoldmewheretofindsmallbookletsofDr.D.L.Dykes’sermonsfortencentseach.Iwentandboughtadollar’sworth.”
Healsofoundabook,The Minister’s Manual1963,andthroughithediscoveredthelectionary. “Thatgavemeaplan,”hesays.“ThatbookevensuggestedoutlinesfortwoSundaysermonsandaWednesdayprayermeetingeachweek. “FinallyIhadastart.”
A Centenary graduate
The Biggs family on their first Sunday at B.A. (1980)
Yearslater,theBiggsfamilywasvacationinginHawaiiwhenthecalltoBostonAvenuecame.
An emphasis on liturgy
“Ihadcomebacktotheroomtochangeintomyrunningclothes,andIsawthelightblinking.WhenIcalledthefrontdesk,IwastoldthataBishopHardthadaskedthatIreturnhiscall.Ididsoandhesaid,”I’mcallingtoofferyoutheseniorpastorpositionatBostonAvenueUnitedMethod-istChurchinTulsa.Willyouacceptthatappointment?” “Ianswered‘Yes,sir,”andthatwasit.Nodiscussion. Dr.BiggshadamonthtothinkandplanbeforehewasallowedtocrosstheOklahomabordertoseehisnewchurchforthefirsttime “Ireallydidn’tcomewithanagenda,”heremembers.“IhaddecidedonsomethingsthatIwouldandwouldnotdo,andIknewIwantedustobealiturgicalchurchwithlotsofenergy.IknewIwouldcontinuetobealectionarypreacher.“ EarliestchangesincludedinvitingtheyouthChapelChoirtosinginthe8:30serviceeveryweek,anoffertheyaccepted.Achoirprocessionalwasalsoadded FivemonthsaftertheBiggsfamilyarrived,thefirsttelevisedserviceairedonKTUL-TV,Channel8. “InknewthechurchhadalreadyvotedtobeginbroadcastingtheworshipserviceliveeachSunday.ThathelpedmetoaccepttheoffertocometoTulsa.Ihadexperiencewiththat.
Healsobegantotalkaboutbuildingthechurch’sendowments,whichstoodat$200,000whenhearrived. “Wehadnocampaign-wejuststartedthanking,fromthepulpitandinthechurchnewspaper,peoplewhomadeendowmentgifts.”
UnderDr.Biggs’sleadership,endowmentshavenowgrowntoover$31million,enablingevenmajorrepairsandprojectsonaregularbasis.Overthepast33years,everysurfaceofthechurch,insideandout,hasbeentouchedorenhancedinsomeway-withoutaskingchurchmembersforadimetodoso. “Westillrelyonourmembers’support,buttheirdollarsgoforthemissionofourchurch-outreach,programsandministries.”
Dr. Biggs’ sermons reach far beyond our church walls, thanks to the worship service broadcasts on KTUL. His sermons are now available to smaller churches throughout Oklahoma on dvd.
Majorprojectsinclude: *purchaseoftheFredJonesFordpropertiestoaddsignificantparkingspacesandabeautifulpark *creationofthecolumbarium,whichhasbecomeanespeciallysacredspace.“Peopleworriedthatitwouldtraumatizethechildreninsurroundingclass-rooms,butinsteadweareteachingthemtoloveandhonorthosewhohavegonebefore,‘theoneslookingoverthebalcony,’”hesays. *TheadditionofbeautifulmosaicsinGreatHallandexteriorlightingatourchurch’scentennial *renovationandexpansionoftheorgan *majorexpansionandrenovationoftheChildren’sBuildingandthethirdandfourthflooryouthspaces.
ChurchmemberallparticipatedfinanciallyinthebuildingofJubileeHall,whichwasdedicated,debtfree,whenconstructionwascompleted. Lookingback,Dr.Biggssayshewouldn’tchange
anythingabouthisyearsatBostonAvenue.Thoseyearshavebeenfilledwithsig-nificantmomentsinthelifeofourchurch-receiving8,572newmem-bers,celebrating973weddings,Baptism is a sacred moment.
makingover10,000hospitalvisitsandofficiatingat942funerals. Weappreciatehisexemplaryselfdisciplineandleadership,butformanyitwillbethosesermonsthatarerememberedbest-thosethattouchedusorcalledustoaccountabilitywhenweneededitmost.
“Iremember,whenDr.TomLongcametodoourBartonClintonGordeySeries,howhecomparedpreachingtobeingaspelunker,”saysDr.Biggs.“OnMondaymorningyouheadintothecave.It’sexciting,dangerous,wet,andsometimesmuddy,buttherearetreasurestobehold.Youhaveawonderfultimeexplor-inguntilfinallyyouhavetoscrambleoutandtrytotellpeoplewhatyouexperiencedinside. “IneverwalkedintothepulpitthatIdidn’tdothebestIknewhowtobeasfaithfultoGod’swordasIknewhow.Ineverpromisedahomerun,butIdidpromisetoswingashardasIcould. “IthinkImanagedthat.”
All relationships are important, worthwhile
