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THE WORDan edition ofThe United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A / 039880 / Vol. 159 / N0 42 / February 15, 2013

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church1301 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119

(918) 583-5181 - www.bostonavenue.org

Pastor’s Study4A

Trip in time8A

Happy Birthday5A

Cookson Hills Mission is growing! Trialogue concludes Sunday with tech fair, 30th Anniversary Dinner

“Music Among Friends” is Feb. 24

NOTE: The worship service will be broadcast at the usual 11:00 time slot on KTUL-TV, Channel 8, this Sunday.

Come enjoy Another Helping!

Symbols to be reminders during Lent

The final session of the 2013 Interfaith Trialogue, entitled “High Tech Global Dialogue,” will be held this Sunday, Feb. 17, 2:00-4:00 p.m. in Jubilee Hall. All are welcome. The new world of digital con-nectivity has arrived. Can a photon express God’s love? Can a glow-ing screen be a place of holiness and shared experience? The trialogue will be followed by a Faith Tech Fair from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Booth demonstrations will have information for both begin-ners and more advanced tech users. From 6:00-8:00, OCCJ is celebrating 30 years of the Interfaith Trialogue Series with an Interfaith Dinner in Community Hall. The dinner will feature culturally diverse foods and an interfaith Skype session with international interfaith communities. Come celebrate this community-building program as they embrace new technology to connect people of faith from around the world. For 30 years, OCCJ’s Trialogue has led Tulsans of many faiths in tackling tough issues to helps us live together in spite of differences.

The Cookson Hills Center is growing - in size and in ministry! The mission has been bursting at the seams in recent years. “We tried to raise $600,000 for a building, but got only half way and it flat lined,”says missionary Meri Whitaker, who heads the mis-sion. “Then a couple who was working here mentioned that the restaurant next door was for sale. I checked, but it was much too expensive. “Then last February it went into foreclo-sure, and we were able to buy it for just over the $300,000 we had raised. God is awesome - He knew we’d have twice as much as planned

Seniors are in for a treat this Wednesday at noon in the Asbury Room! Mary Helen Stanley will review the hilarious book, Being Dead Is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies’ Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral, by Gayden Metcalfe Mrs. Stanley is known throughout Tulsa for her creative, engaging book reviews, and this book provides great material! Come prepared to laugh and have a great time. A lunch is available for $6, or you can “brown bag it” and bring your own, and there is no charge for the program. Beverages will be provided. Call 918-583-5181 to make your meal reservations soon, as seat-ing is limited.

Come enjoy a great evening next Sunday, February 24, at “Music Among Friends: Chamber Music for Voices and Instruments.” The concert will begin at 5;00 p.m. in the sanctuary. It is important to remember that some of the world’s most beauti-ful music was composed for small groups of friends who performed music together in homes and meeting spaces,” says Dr. Joel Panciera. “Much like a stimulating conversation, chamber music draws the listener into an intimate experience.” Although challenging for the performers, but it will amaze and delight listeners. Boston Avenue musicians and Tulsa Symphony players will perform works by Bach, Handel, Schubert, Corelli, and Brahms.

By Dr. Joel Panciera The season of Lent offers a special op-portunity to focus on spiritual reflection and preparation. During the first century, it was the critical time for new Christians to undergo intensive study and spiritual disciplines (fast-ing, penance, prayer, self-denial) to prepare for baptism on Easter Sunday. Today, we are invited to use the weeks of Lent to reexamine our lives and inwardly prepare for Easter. Sunday worship services will include new

elements to encourage spiritual reflection. Each Sunday in Lent will introduce a new Lenten symbol that will be present visually and in our liturgy and prayers. The first symbol, a cross, will be displayed this Sunday, then a new sym-bol will be added each week. As always, the music will be specially designed to support the scripture, sermon, and prayers. We hope that all of these special features will aid in a meaningful journey of Lenten preparation.

for the money we’d been able to raise!” Renovation work to convert the restaurant to usable space is now almost complete, thanks to some dedicated volunteers from Boston Avenue. “We moved the thrift store, and people love it! The community is now watching the progress with great enthusiasm! Special Projects has been moved into the kitchen, which was divided just as we needed.

(See “Cookson” on page 4A)

This photo was taken at a ground breaking a few years ago as the effort to raise money for a new building began. That money was not raised, but a new, affordable building adjacent to current property has now been purchased, and the ministry is growing. Help with utility bills is needed.

Page 4A February 15, 2013

B.A. family updateFrom the

Pastor’s StudyMouzon Biggs, Jr.

Thirty-three years ago we decided to get serious about building endowment funds to perpetuate the generosity of the World War II generation. We began with $200,000. Some began to say, “If we ever have a million dollars, people will quit giving.” Later those same people said, “When you get to $3 million, people will quit giving.” All those statements have proved to be fake. In fact, as the years have shown how carefully the funds are invested and how faithfully the Finance Committee and Administrative Board spend the income, gifts to the endowments grow bigger. We have bought the Fred Jones Ford properties that once stood on three sides of us, removed the buildings, and created landscaped parking for all who come here. We have completely rebuilt our pipe organ and enhanced its beauty; reupholstered sanctuary seating twice; reroofed all of our buildings; scraped, repainted, and resealed; restored original terrazzo floors; completely replaced our boilers in the basement and our cooling towers - all without a single special offering for those purposes in 33 years. Our largest gift to date has now been completed - $2,250,000 from the late Ferrell and Evelyn Roberts - pushing our endowments past $30,000,000. We are truly grateful! * * * * * My sermon for this first Sunday in Lent is going to be, “TAKE AWAY OUR BENT TO SINNING!”

Altar Flowers

Meet our newest members

Help needed after wildfires Last summer’s wildfires brought great heartache for over 603 families in Oklahoma. Most lost their homes and vir-tually all their worldly posses-sions. Oklahoma United Method-ists are leading the Disaster Case Management Ministry in Creek County, where 357 survivor families live. Case managers have identified spe-cific needs, and now they need our help. Specific needs that have been documented include: One family needs help with concrete work, purchas-ing materials, and construction as they rebuild. Another needs help installing a wood floor and purchasing appliances and furniture. Several need help installing skirting o mobile homes. One elderly couple needs help fixing a well and rebuild-ing a porch, and another man needs help cleaning up his property. A family of five needs to find a new home as mold in their current one sent their child to the hospital. If you can help in any way, please contact Rev. Paul Staat, 918-699-0133 or pdstaat@msn.com.

Emmaus can change your lifeBy the Rev. Paul Staat

You will be seeing a great deal of activity here at the church this spring. That activity that will bring a real oppor-tunity to affirm your faith, raise your spirits, and empower you to do great things in service to a loving, caring God. I am talking about the Green Country Walk to Emmaus, which our church will host in April. I want you to know what this 72-hour spiritual retreat has meant to me. In 1988 I participated in the Emmaus Men’s Walk #24. I remember it was in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. I was low in spirit, feeling angry and guilty, disappointed and tired. I blamed myself and others for what was happing in my life. During my walk I was able to see that God loved me and was present for me. In my seventy-two hours, I received such an outpouring of God’s grace. My faith was strength-ened and my spiritual life was changed. It was like being justified in the faith again, filled with reassurance that my sins were forgiven. It stirred my soul and energized my desire to walk a closer walk with the One who created me. I discovered that I am accepted by Christ for who I am; today, right now, de-spite my flaws. My journey into ministry can be traced back in part to my Walk to Emmaus experience. I urge anyone to be a pilgrim on this upcoming Walk. Join us April 4-7 for the Men’s Walk, and April 18-21 for the Women’s Walk. Ask me about Walk to Emmaus when you see me. Ask anyone who has been on a Walk before. Walk to Emmaus changes lives. Stop by the Walk to Emmaus table when you see it in Bishop’s Hall. Let us tell you more and explain what the Walk to Emmaus experience is all about. It will be well worth your time.

Late Night Catechism 3:‘Til Death Do Us Part

Friday, February 157:00 p.m. in Jubilee Hall

Proceeds benefit Living Water UMC, a new United Methodist congregation start in Glenpool

Dr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Stoesser and children in loving memory of their parents and grandparents, David T. and Dorothy Urmston and Paul N. and Kathryn E. Stoesser. In loving memory of Rob-ert Morrow, whose birthday was February 21st, from his wife, children, and grandchil-dren.

Arlene Chriswell joined Sunday. She is a retired educa-tor and nurse.

Clark and Mary Bun-dren joined recently. They are already members of the Mara-natha Class. Clark is a physi-cian in obstetrics and gynecol-ogy and Mary is an attorney specializing in family law.

Have a prayer request?Call our prayer line at

699-0158

Deaths Melvina West died Janu-ary 26, 2013. Services were held February 2 in Wichita, Kansas. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Mike Margrave. Annabelle Monnet died February 6, 2013. Services were held February 11 at Bos-ton Avenue with Dr. Bill Tank-ersley officiating. Survivors include her husband, Burford Monnet; daughters, Maureen

Hyde and Katherine Monnet; sons, Robert Monnet, William Monnet, and John Monnet; two granddaughters; sister-in-law, Gloria Shoemaker; and brother-in-law, Ed and Marjorie Mon-net.Births Allan John ‘Beau’ Ed-wards, V, was born February 4, 2013 to Katie and Chip Edwards. Proud relatives include his grandparents, Jean and Chris Brinlee, aunt, Leigh Brinlee, and great aunt, Sharon Thompson.Hospitalized Last Week St. John - Joe Becker, Justus Edmondson, Katie Edwards, Dub Lovell, Randy Owen, Arnolia Schmorr St. Francis - Regena Bradshaw, Mark Britt, DeAnn McArtor, Carol Moeller, Bill Montgomery, Edna Weger St. Francis South - Dave Jones

Cookson ... (continued)

Regular tickets: $30Teacher’s Pet tickets: $45

(first three rows, interact with Sister)Refreshments and child care

For tickets, callAnn Dietert, 918-527-3564

“Gas logs are being installed to provide heat when the power goes out, which happens regularly,” she continued. “The floors should be refinished and telephones moved next week. Offices will be moved next week, and we’ll have a big gathering room for our people to relax and visit, and for us to talk to visiting groups. We also have it booked for two weddings! “Now special programs are all in one place. Our mat shop, embroidery and ceramics have been moved to the old thrift store and we have room for future growth in cottage industries.” Lights On for Cookson ends February 28, and the need is greater then ever. The annual effort helps Cookson, our United Methodist mission near Tahlequah, pay utility bills. Donations marked “Cookson” can be placed in the offering plate during worship or in the yellow box in Bishops’ Hall. Our church is a vital ministry partner to Rev. Whitaker, and is in a covenant relationship with her to support her work. The mission ministers to Oklahoma’s poorest residents

February 15, 2013 Page 5A

Youth News!! . . .

Sunday WorshipFebruary 17, 2013

The First Sunday in Lent

12:10 p.m. Holy Communion & Service of Healing 2:00 p.m. Interfaith Trialogue, Tech Fair & Dinner

Prelude: Meditation: Lord, Throughout These 40 Days ..... L. Sowerby Dr. Susan Panciera, Organist Anthem: Lamb of God .......................... arr. Allan Robert Petker The Chapel Choir (8:30) God Be in My Head .......................... John Rutter The Chancel Choir (11:00)Offertory: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.........arr. Alfred Fedak Anthem: The Cross of Christ..........arr. Eugene Butler The Chapel Choir (8:30) Create In Me a Clean Heart.............Carl F. Mueller The Chancel Choir (11:00)Benediction Response: Lord, Who Throughout These Forty DaysDepart in silence and peace

Hymns: 400 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing 365 Grace Greater Than Our Sin 88 Maker, In Whom We Live

UMW NewsBy Robyn Aydelott

9:30 a.m. Communion Service9:40 a.m. Sunday School8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services Sermon: “TAKE AWAY OUR BENT TO SINNING!” Romans 5:12-19 Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr.Music:

February 17, 2013Psalm 32

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7Matthew 4:1-11Romans 5:12-19

Lectionary Readings

Senior High news

6th, 7th and 8th Grade

Seamstresses of all ability levels are needed to help with costumes for the youth production, Kiss Me Kate. Work ranges from simple hemming to elaborate gowns. Packets with all needed materials (and much of the cut-out work done) can be picked up at the church and sewn on your own time. To help, please contact Laura Hardin at 918-230-4640 or lauralhardin@yahoo.com.

Seamstresses needed!

Youth Symphony concert is Feb. 18 The Tulsa Youth Sym-phony will present its Annual Winter Concert this Monday, February 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Union Performing Arts Center, 6636 S. Mingo Road. The Concert Orchestra will perform “March Militaire,” by Franz Schubert, selections from Igor Stravinsky’s “Fire-bird Ballet,” and selections from “Evita,” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Symphony Or-chestra will present works by Bach, Beethoven, Rachmani-nov, and Richar Wagner. All are welcome. Tickets are $10.00, or $6.00 for seniors and children 12 and under.

Happy birthday, everyone! Above, Gayle Schell cuts one of the twelve birthday cakes - one for each month - the were enjoyed at the Mid-High Youth’s Happy Birthday Everyone Party recently. At left, a youth demonstrates the “Mid High mohawk.” The annual party is a high-light of the year for mid high youth.. Family members create the cakes.

Growing up in the United Methodist church, I became very familiar and comfortable with our church seasons and looking forward and back as our family took part in the appropriate activi-ties. It still surprises me when I am asked by adults that attend other Christian churches, “What is Advent? What is Lent?” How do they understand the life of Jesus if they don’t go through the seasons? As a youth at Boston Avenue, you will not ask that question as an adult if you participate in our programs. Sunday mornings will have special devotions and lessons, service projects are on the calendar for your participation. Wednesday evening DTBA has a good mix of fun activities and thoughtful conversation, in-cluding a visit with Dr. Biggs in March. (DTBA will not meet on Ash Wednesday) Remember, as we talked last Sunday, that as you choose something to give up for Lent. Make a commitment to pick some-thing that involves serving God and others. Give up chocolate or soda, donate to the food bank, take time away from screens, use your free time to read a devotion and/or use extra time to help others. Make these 40 days meaningful and more than just fluff -Debbie

An exciting day for the Bos-ton Avenue United Methodist Women is fast approaching. UMW Sunday “Be a Cheer-leader for Change” is coming up on March 3rd. On that day, there will be information tables throughout the church and each circle is encouraged to set up a booth in the parlor. The youth circles are invited to partner with their adult sister circle to participate. If circle members would like to volunteer to help during the offering in the 11:00 a.m. worship service, please contact Michelle Gaddis at 918-633-2380 or at umw@bostonavenue.org In January, the Boston Avenue UMW unit donated to United Methodist Women missions in memory of members: Irene Lumley, Virginia Woodard and Alice Grubb. Circle members also provided and delivered food to students at the Wesley Foundation at the University of Tulsa. UMW members also provided and hosted brunch at the annual, city-wide Human Rights Celebration of Church Women United.

On Saturday, some of you attended the ReIgnite Workshop where Bishop Hayes encouraged us to “Start Something!” We then attended a workshop, led by Rev. Jeff Jaynes from Restore Hope, on why we do mission, We followed that with a missional response to pack housekeeping kits for recipients of Restore Hope’s rental assistance program that helps prevent homelessness. Later that afternoon our group had a lively discussion on who we are called to be as the church. Then on Sunday, Dr. Amy Oden challenged us to be curious about our faith “boxes” and challenged us not to limit God, but to be aware of God’s work all around us. SO....How do we connect all the dots? This Wednesday, we enter the Lenten Season. In Lent, we are encouraged to make room for Christ...as Dr. Oden read Matthew 6 from The Message to live a wide open spacious life in Christ. You will have many opportunites to “make room” and allow God to be a priority in your life this Lent.• Begin each day with a text devotion. It’s amazing what 140 characters can do to open our hearts to see God at work in our lives and world!• Sign up for special mission projects. Live LOVE this Lent! (not on the list? Text Audra @ 918-408-1128)• Help us meet the Kaiser Challenge for Restore Hope. Every time you buy a soft drink/water/tea for yourself this Lent, put an equal amount aside for Restore Hope. The Kaiser Foundation will match every dollar we give! (You don’t have to be a youth to participate) On Sunday mornings during our opening, we will bring our gifts and watch the jar fill over the next several weeks. • Join us each Sunday morning on the 4th floor for a special Lenten study series, as well as hands-on Lenten inspired DTBA gatherings each Wednesday evening. Intentionally working to allow God to LIVE BIG in our lives this Lenten season! - Audra

Page 8A February 15, 2013

Class News . . .

Weekly Calendar

Sunday School at a glance...Adult Classes for Sunday, February 17, 2013

Visitors are welcome in all classes.

Sunday - February 17 8:30 a.m. Worship Service9:30 Communion Service9:40 Sunday School10:40 Children’s Worship11:00 Worship Service12:00 8th Grade Girls Group12:10 p.m. Communion and Service of Healing12:30 BAY Troupe rehearsal2:00 Trialogue & Tech Fair3:00 God and Me Scouting Class3:00 God and Family Class5:00 Trialogue DinnerMonday - February 189:00 a.m. Weekday School6:00 Men’s basketball practice6:00 Final Words from the Cross6:00 Immersion Bible Study6:30 Child SHARE Support Group7:15 Troop 20Tuesday - February 199:00 a.m. Weekday School11:30 Retired ministers’ lunch5:30 p.m. Emmaus Reunion GroupWednesday - February 209:00 a.m. Weekday School12:00 noon Another Helping

1:15 Great Decisions5:00 p.m. Snack Supper5:00 Senior High Open Gym5:00 Jubilation Ringers5:15 Capriccio Ringers5:50 Festival Ringers6:00 Chapel Choir6:00 LIFE Group for Kids6:00 Yoga6:45 Senior High DTBA7:00 Carillon Ringers7:00 Mid High DTBA 7:30 BAY Troupe rehearsal7:30 Chancel ChoirThursday - February 219:00 a.m. Weekday School10:00 Staff Meeting12:00 noon Interfaith Storytelling5:30 p.m. Celebration Ringers6:00 PCCT Parenting Classes7:00 Lenten study seriesFriday - February 229:00 a.m. Weekday School5:30 p.m. Gamblers Anonymous5:30 GamAnon6:30 Respite CareSaturday - February 238:00 a.m. VBS meeting10:00 Chamber Music Rehearsal

Dr. Biggs’ Class - Greatest Bible Stories and PassagesCornerstone - Dr. Dennis SmithDisciples - “The Way” Lenten seriesEphphatha - to be announcedHeritage - Rev. EvaMarie CampbellHomebuilders - Kris Hooper, “Afghanistan”Horizons - to be announcedJourney - Dr. Don ForsmanMaranatha - Dr. Susan Panciera, “Lent”New Covenant - Rob ReckNew Frontiers - Angela Hooper, “Religious Literacy”Pilgrimage - Dr. Bill Crowell, “Turkey”Roundtable - Dr. Joel Panciera, “The Language of God”Seek & Discover - Judy Rowell, “Top Ten List”Wesley Fellowship - Dr. Howard Plowman, “Colossians”

A trip back in time ..... Norval Smith and other members of the Archives Commit-tee gave a tour and visited with the Confirmation Class about our church’s history last Sunday.

Cornerstone Dr. Dennis Smith is back this week as our teacher. Happy birthday to Joey Stauffer.Disciples We will begin our Lenten series this week using Adam Hamilton’s latest video series, The Way. We enjoyed our lesson from Max Lucado’s Fear Less. We will finish this series after Easter. Our thanks to Lon for lead-ing our discussion.Heritage Rev. EvaMarie Campbell will be our teacher this Sunday. We welcomed visitors An-nette Thurston and Elizabeth Storey. Please come again. Keep Mike Hopkins in your prayers. Thanks to the Waychoffs for the delicious treats last week. This week Barbara Con-stantine will bring our refresh-ments.Homebuilders Our Valentine brunch is this Saturday, February 16, in the Little Dining Room. Kris Hooper will talk to us this Sunday on Afghanistan. Gifts to missions were given by Norval Smith, the Garlingtons, Ken Southard, and Martha Swezey. Thanks to Angie Hooper for her lesson last Sunday. Thanks to Patsy Setser for our treats and to Oliver Lawson for the coffee.Horizons The girls’ trip is this week-end, February 15-17. We welcomed visitors Kevin and Jennifer Kesselring, who are already Boston Avenue members.Journey We are helping to serve at the OCCJ Interfaith Dinner on Sunday, February 17. Hope you can join us. This week Dr. Don Fors-man will be our teacher. We welcomed Kelsey Nowacki as a visitor last week. We are glad to hear that Lisa’s grandfather is out of the hospital. Thanks to Rocky Goins for teaching our class last Sunday.

Maranatha Dinner at TiAmos is this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Let Pam Sherman know quickly if you didn’t make a reservation but want to attend. Don’t forget Lights On for Cookson. Another Helping is at noon on February 20. Late Night Catechism is this Friday, February 15. This week, Dr. Susan Panciera will be talking about the history of Lent, what it’s all about, and what B.A. is doing for Lent this year. Hosts will be Bob and Lynn Russell and Jim and Julee Embrey. Happy birthday to Jerry LeDoux and Kathryn Thomas. Happy anniversary to Cisco and Sarah Maldonado, Da-vid and Brenda Worthington, Randy and Mary Elliott, and Rob and Suzy Morgan. Keep Dorothy Heath, Sha-ron Bookout’s mother, Kristy Hayes, Louise Reid, Jim Grif-fin, and the Grims’ daughter in your prayers. Thanks to Dr. Richard Ward from Phillips Seminary for his excellent lesson Sunday, and to hosts the Shepherds and Maldonados; and to Paula Scott for the prayer.New Covenant Thanks to the Lees and their committee for the Valen-tine luncheon. Rob Reck will be our teacher again this Sunday. We thank Rob for his musical les-son last week, “Christians and Celebration.” We welcomed Barbara Bond and Don Marple back to class. Keep Justus Edmondson in your prayers. Thanks to Carol Bean and Joyce Byrne for the music, Carol Bean for the devotional, Carmen Marple for greeting, and Sue Brothers for our treats. The class is collecting some apartment furnishings: breakfast table, iron, television, skillet, and pots and pans.New Frontiers Angela Hooper will teach this week on “Religious Lit-eracy.” Thank you to Angela Sexton for teaching from the Serenity Bible about Matthew.

Pilgrimage Thanks to all who helped prepare our Exodus House apartment for the new resident, and to Karen Gaddis for orga-nizing it. Dr. Bill Crowell will return this Sunday to continue his les-son series on Turkey. We welcomed Joe Hanning; Darlyn’s granddaughter, Shyla; and our new Exodus House resident, Richard Wing to class on Sunday. Don’t forget your donations for Lights On for Cookson. Our dinner out for February will be on the 27th at 6:30 at Marly’s Pizza.Roundtable Dr. Joel Panciera will teach again this week on “The Language of God.” We thank him for teaching our class last Sunday. Brice Venable is celebrating a birthday. Ticket sales to support the new Living Water UMC are going well. Call Ann Dietert, 918-527-3564 for tickets to this Friday’s performance of Late Night Catechism. Seek and Discover On March 22 we will be gathering at the Martins’ for an evening of fun, food, and fel-lowship. Judy Rowell gave us more on our “Top Ten List.” Each one is so enlightening. Randy and Mary Elliott came back for another visit. Welcome back. Happy birthday to Dick.Wesley Fellowship Rev. Howard Plowman will teach on Colossians this Sunday. Keep Dan and Eloise Rog-ers, Jinny Wynn, Faye Dean Bath, Jackie Hammerschmidt, Dorothy Heath, and Louise Reid in your prayers. Happy birthday to Ginnie Sload and Wyatt Morgan. Our thanks to Dr. Rollie Rhodes for presiding, Peggy Gary for the caring report, and Philelle McBrayer and Harold Reynolds for our music.

Visit our website, www.bostonavenue.orgfor more information.