May 2013 Newsletter

Vol. 21 Issue 5

Kelli

May 3, 2013

Office Hrs. 9a.m.—2p.m. 918.492.1353

Just last week I walked into Sandy Randolph’s office over in the

Bethany Community School wing and was struck by the simple,

wonderful site in front of me. This cross-stitch was created by our

new Financial Administrator, Elizabeth Johnson for Sandy. The

detailed, hand stitched piece highlights a quote from A.A. Milne’s

books about Winnie the Pooh. A fuller quote is this: “If ever there is

tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must

always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger

than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart…

I'll always be with you.”

As I began reflecting on the incredible journey the graduates we celebrate are about to begin,

this simple reminder from A.A. Milne, came to mind. Beyond this page are the thoughts, wisdom,

and stories of some incredible young people whom this congregation loves greatly. We’ve

been shaped by them, and they, in turn, have been shaped by Bethany Christian Church. Their

lives are now taking them further away from the known into a great big world that is filled with

new adventures. Make sure to read their words in the following pages. This pastor was brought

to tears and laughter, marveling at the joy of being connected at all to their lives.

Because of the love of this congregation, people young and not so young anymore have

known the truth of A.A. Milne’s words. These graduates are indeed, “braver than [they] believe,

stronger than [they] seem

and smarter than [they]

think.” All that is true in

some small and some

large ways because Beth-

any makes a commit-

ment to sharing the love

of God with all people. So

remember, you too…

Kelli’s

Kiln

Dear Bethany Family,

I would like

to thank each

member of this

congregation be-

cause each of you

played a role in

guiding me in my

spiritual and life

journey up to this

point. It is much

more than just a

church family, all

of you have

helped raise me

and grow me into

the person I am

today. Bethany has not only taught me what

it is to walk with Jesus, but it has taught me

life skills and ideals that will serve me well for

the rest of my life. The culture of service is the

ideal I most value that has been not told to

me, but shown to me. The tremendous sup-

port that anyone and everyone feels in this

family Is also something I really will take away

and have appreciated.

Its easy to say how something has

shaped you, but this community of faith has

shaped me! The things I believe today and

feel most strongly about are a direct result of

this church and what it stands for. And I can-

not thank you enough for that. It has always

been hard for me to explain Bethany to peo-

ple. I usually start out by saying it’s a really

small church at about 61st in Sheridan, but

that’s really pretty irrelevant. I don’t know

why its so hard for me to describe, its really

rather simple, we love Jesus and we love

you. Maybe it’s the culture and attitude

that’s hard to get people to understand. Or

maybe I should just say its like walking into a

big, warm hug by the most compassionate

and friendly people you'll ever meet every

Sunday morning. All I know is that its hard to

see myself anywhere else and I will always

know where I can come for guidance, love,

and family. It takes a village to raise a child;

thanks for being my village!

I am excited to be graduating from

Memorial High School on Wednesday,

May 22 at 9:00 PM at the Mabee Center. Next

year I will attend Oklahoma State University

and study Mechanical Engineering. I am still

deciding if I want to join a Fraternity and live

in their house, otherwise, I will be in the Engi-

neering dorm. Call me if you get to Stillwater

and want to share some cheese fries at Es-

kimo Joes! Dad is already looking at tickets

for all the sports so he can come visit often

and Mom says I should go to First Christian

Church as soon as possible and tell Pastor

Cayton and Lori Krase-Cayton, "Hello" from all

of us. It is going to be a great adven-

ture! Thanks again for helping me get where I

am today.

Sincerely, Jesse Fate

Mailing Address: 10123 S. Granite Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74137

Email Address: [email protected]

kellidriscoll

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kellidriscoll

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Goodbye Bethany,

In August I move to

Dallas to attend col-

lege at Dallas Baptist

University. I will major in

Political Science or

Marketing. I absolutely cannot wait to see

what The Lord has in store for me in the next

phase of my life! I have so much excitement

and anticipation; at the same tone i am

reflective of the awesome experience and

precious friends that have defined my child-

hood. I graduate from Broken Arrow High School on May 16th at 7:30 PM at the ORU

Mabee Center.

Bethany will forever have a very special

place in my heart. I have made friendships

with such beautiful people in my years at

Bethany. It was hard for me to decide on a

college with many hesitations because of my

love for my family and my love for my church!

I still can't imagine leaving all of you! Although

I'm leaving, I am only a few hours away (4

hours and 47 minutes from church to my dorm

room!) and my door is always open if you're in

town. I'm very excited to start the next chap-

ter of my life! My sweet Bethany family, I love

you all immensely and I am so thankful God

led me to be a part of your congrega-

tion...our congregation! I'm going in Peace, to

Dallas!

A big thank you to: my choir friends for

putting beautiful music as well as laughter in

my life; for the close friendship of Wanda

Adams, Steve and Marilyn Bowers, AJ Lanier,

Ruth-Anne Fate; Peggy for sitting next to me

and always giving me sweet words to "Go in

Peace"; Don Armstrong for being a close

friend, teacher and mentor to me; Momma

Rob for her sweet spirit and spunkiness; Don

Lanier for our conversations and for agree-

ing to be the minister (when the time comes)

at my wedding; Pastor Kelli for being my

pastor and allowing me to be so involved in

the church even though I'm young. Each

member of Bethany has had a life-changing

impact on my life. I am forever grateful!

Sincerely, Megan Castles

Mailing Address: 6965 South 309th East Ave.

Broken Arrow, OK 74014

Email Address: [email protected]

kellidriscoll

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Patrick Madaj will graduate with honors from

Booker T. Washington High School. This takes

place on May 23. Patrick will have com-

pleted the IB (International Baccalaureate

degree) program and will be attending the

University of Oklahoma in the fall as an OU

National Merit Scholar. He is planning to

major in International Studies and minor in

Japanese.

Christopher Madaj is graduating cum laude-

from the University of Tulsa on May 11. He will

receive a BS in Psychology. Christopher will

also be receiving the TU Medicine Wheel

Award for the outstanding senior community

service volunteer. He will be enrolled at the

Masters of Industrial/Organizational Psychol-

ogy at the University of Akron in the fall.

Mailing Address for both Madaj graduates:

6750 S. Atlanta Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74136

Megan and Luke are ready for

their senior prom!

Chris Madaj with younger brother Michael

“I wanted to thank the congregation

for supporting me all these years and

helping me get to where I am today.”

kellidriscoll

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Every year I take the entire fifth grade from Rosa Parks to an evening performance of the Tulsa Op-

era. The Opera does have a student matinee but it’s an abbreviated version of the opera and the au-

dience is entirely students and their teachers. That is not the experience that I want for my students. I

want them to have a complete “night at the opera” experience.

For the last six or seven years, Paragon Films in Broken Arrow has given us the money to pay for the tick-

ets. The Opera give us a half-price deal on the tickets. In past years, we’ve had pizza or barbecue

brought into the school and the kids ride a bus from Rosa Parks to the PAC. This year, I had seven fan-

tastic donors who wanted to make sure that our students had a nice meal at a downtown restau-

rant. Spaghetti Warehouse has a dining room large enough to accommodate our group 95 students

and 15 adult chaperones. Much of my student population struggles every day with poverty. I use this

trip to teach them that they can hold their heads high in any crowd because they have the appropri-

ate social skills. Seeing them all dressed up in their very best is a beautiful sight. For some of them, this

means simply wearing a clean shirt. Others wear “church clothes.” In any case, they’re all so beautiful.

Before our trip, I make sure that the students know the opera very well. This year we saw Verdi’s

“Aida.” We made a map of the characters and their relationships, we learned many operatic terms,

we learned how to read supertitles, we learned about the culture of ancient Egypt.

I frequently have older students stop by for a visit and they often tell me that going to the opera was

their most memorable experience from elementary school. Among others, we’ve seen “The Little

Prince,” “Rigoletto,” “La Traviata,” and “The Barber of Seville.” Next year we are hoping to see Bizet’s

“Carmen.”

I’ve never figured out why, but I’m the only teacher in the metro Tulsa area who provides this experi-

ence for our students. It is a LOT of work. But when eleven-year-old students who probably listen to

nothing but rap at home tell me that they now love opera and want to see more, I think I’m doing

something right.

by Charles Johnston

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club will be on Saturday, May 25…

yes, the 4th Saturday, not the 3rd, 9:00 AM at Shiloh's Restaurant, 2604 N. Aspen

(145th E. Ave. & 61st Street.....Broken Arrow.)

Come and have good food - great fellowship

and a good start to the Memo-

rial Day weekend. Missed being

together in April - so come in

May. Questions...call or see Phil

or Nancy Gray - sign-up sheet on

bulletin board.

Disciples Women Celebration

DISCIPLES WOMEN is having a

drive to collect women and

children’s clothing to help

transform the lives of women

and children in crisis. Because

of caring people like you, the

DaySpring Villa can continue its mission.

You may place your clothing donation(s)

in the bin by the front North doors. This drive will

be ongoing throughout the months to come.

2nd Sunday Donuts

May 12th

Please join us in the Fellowship Hall after Sun-

day School to celebrate May birthdays!

Our final meeting of the

year will be a Brunch on Satur-

day, May 11, at 10:00. We’ll

be saying thank you to Peggy Cameron,

Allison Fate, Ruth Ann Fate, Nancy Gray,

Myrna Jones, Mary McCurry, Jennae

Mullins, Maria Taveau, and Grace Young,

who guided us during through a year that

has been filled with many opportunities for

study, service, and companionship. These

women will also serve as hostesses for the

brunch.

Our pastor, Kelli Driscoll, will lead a ser-

vice of installation for Marilyn Bowers,

Peggy Cameron, Allison Fate, Mady Fraser,

Bettye Jackson, Judy Krase, and Jennae

Mullins, who will be our leaders for 2013-

2014.

As a result of our Applebee’s fundraiser

efforts, we raised $218 for Stone Soup, for a

total of $518 dollars contributed to that or-

ganization this year. In May, some of our

group will be volunteering at Disciples Vil-

lage. We’ll also be taking sheets of postage

stamps to be given to residents as birthday

gifts.

All women of Bethany Christian Church are

invited to attend the Brunch on May 11.

Church Women United

“May Friendship Day” Celebration

Saturday May 4, 2013

“Swinging Wide the Doors of Hospitality”

Revelation 3:20

9:15am Registration 10am Worship/Program

2716 N. Yorktown Ave., Tulsa, Zion Church

V o l u n t e e r s N e e d e d

It is our joy to have the need for childcare

every Sunday! We will employ one person

every Sunday and need a volunteer each

Sunday as well. For safety, we always want

two adults in our childcare room. If we have

8 volunteers, it would mean only one Sunday

every other month. Are you interested in

affirming this new life-filled step in our

ministry?

Let Kelli know.

The Northeast Active Timers (NEATs), is a faith based agency

providing program and services for 55+ including centenarians,

Tuesday, May 7,14,21,28: Tuesday at Trinity, Free concert, 12:05, Sanctuary.

Tuesday, May 7: Volunteers needed 3 pm to set up for NEATs Gathering!

Tuesday, May 7: TCC Community Orchestra & Band Concert at 7:30 pm. Senior Admission: $4

Wednesday, May 8: NEATs Monthly Fellowship (see front page) Following lunch ORIENTATION

FOR TRIP TO ALBUQUERQUE/SANTA FE AT 1 PM

Thursday, May 9: Excursion to Designer Showcase Home, 2723 S. Birmingham Place Depart

at 11 am for tour and lunch

Cost: $16 for tour and bus plus lunch; $20 if late. Payment deadline: May 8

Friday, May 10: Excursion to PAC for Town Hall to hear Rex Ziak speak on “In Full View: the

True Story of Lewis & Clark”. Bus departs at 9:45 am. Lunch afterwards at Rusty

Crane in the Brady District. Cost: Bus donation plus lunch Deadline: May 8

Please see the NEAT’s Newsletter posted on the Bulletin Board. Be sure to sign

up in advance at 918-743-1303 for most attractions!

Need your lawn mowed, other yard work done, or heavy items moved?

Jesse Fate would be happy to help. He is planning to mow lawns

for work this summer and would love to quote your job small or

large. Give him a call anytime at 918-260-4637. Dependable,

amiable, and great service guaranteed.

19th, 2013

BETHANY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES:

[email protected]

(to reach Rev. Driscoll)

[email protected]

(to reach Secretary Marci )

[email protected]

(to reach Sandy, Preschool)

Please change your directory! Start using

the new emails today. The old addresses

are no longer used.

Elders Serving

(Bread, Wine)

May 5 Tommie Kinyon, Steve Bowers

May 12 Ruth Ann Fate, Kelly Kirby

May 19 Alice Jane, Marilyn Bowers

Deacons Serving

(Door/Acolyte, Door/Prayer)

May 5 Maria Taveau, Judy Krase

May 12 Steven Fate, Mady Fraser

May 19 Jesse Fate, Kathy Herwig

May 3 May Friendship Day with Church Women

United – see page 5

May 5 Sunday School, join us at 9:15 a.m.

Worship at 10:45 a.m.

Committee Meetings 5:00 pm

Cabinet/Board Meeting 6:15 pm

May 8 Choir Practice 7pm

May 11 Disciples Women 10am Installation



Mother’s Day

Second Sunday Birthday Donuts

May 14 Tulsa Public Schools Bond Issue—Voting

Listening Session for Regional Church at

Bethany, 6:30 pm



Graduation Sunday, Worship at 10:45 am

Pentecost Offering

Congregational Meeting after worship


May 25 Breakfast Club—Shiloh’s 2604 North Aspen,

9:00 am , Broken Arrow



Lunch Bunch

May 27 Memorial Day


Serenity Groups: Sunday, Tuesday, & Friday 7:30pm

Bethany Christian Church

1ST BETTYE JACKSON

5TH TROY JACOBS

9TH MEREDITH HOWARD

12TH JENNAE MULLINS

18TH LISA DAVISON

24TH CHRISTOPHER MADAJ

25TH JANELLE GILLISPIE

31ST ERIK JOHNSON

May 2013 Newsletter

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