Vol. 01 / N0 01 / June 28, 2013

Moore mission photos2

Vacation Bible School4

Broadway at B.A.’s 17763

THE WORDBoston Avenue United Methodist Church

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

The Word is published weekly by Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 South Boston, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-3297. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at the Post Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Postmaster: Send address changes to Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 South Boston , Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119-3297.

Meet ‘n Greet: a place to share ideas, visit with Rev. Wiggs, make new friends

Help save a life this Sunday

David’s Word of the Week:

Heritage Vesper focus: “steadfast servants” Did you know that our head usher at the 11:00 service on Sundays has been an usher at Boston Avenue for over 50 years? Who is he? If you’ve come through Bishops’ Hall on your way to the 8:30 service on Sun-day mornings, chances are you have been hugged and greeted by at least one of these two ladies. One has greeted there for almost a quarter century. Do you know them?

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive this Sunday morning, June 30, from 8:30 to 12:30. Their supply is critically low. If you did not get an opportunity to sign up for a time to donate last week, you can still walk in and donate as space is available. Come roll up your sleeve and help save a life!

Above, the Rev. David Wiggs and Anajean Bishop enjoy visiting and shar-ing ideas at this week’s Meet n Greet at Inverness Village..The photo was taken by Dr. Bill Crowell. In the coming weeks he will be meet-ing with each adult Sunday School class, and meetings will be scheduled as long as necessary through the fall months. He wants to hear your dreams and ideas for our church’s future. He also has ques-tions for you to answer. There is a maxi-mum number for each meeting, and addi-tional meetings will be added as needed. If you will not be meeting with Rev. Wiggs in your Sunday School class, contact

Dr. Bill Crowell, 918-699-0127, or go to the church website - www.bostonavenue.org - and follow the link to reserve a day and time: Tuesday, July 9 - 6:30 p.m. at Royse and Sheila Parr’s midtown home Wednesday, July 10 - 6:30 p.m. at Tom and Nancy Gorzkiewicz’s home in Broken Arrow Tuesday, July 23 - 6:30 p.m. at Janet Pu-rinton’s home in midtown Dates for August Meet ‘n Greets will be an-nouned soon, and Bill Crowell is also working on setting up meeting with some special interest groups (young adults, etc.). Stay tuned! All of the meetings have been well attended, and some trends are starting to emerge from the

You’ll meet these three “steadfast servants” and hear their stories at this Sunday’s Vesper Communion Service at 5:00 in Jubilee Hall. You’ll also to hear stories from three men who have helped lead our TV ministry since its inception in 1981. They’ll even tell you about the wedding that included armed guards at the doors. After they share their faith stories, Dr. Bill Crowell will have a brief sermon and be the chief celebrant for Holy Communion. All are welcome.

(See “Meet ‘n Greet” on page 4)

July Revival: just a week away!

Many good things are happening at Boston Avenue. This week we have Vacation Bible School during the day. Their theme is “Everywhere Fun Fair.” The program Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. is a big finale. Also, we have three Meet ‘N Greets. Rehearsals continue to get our Broadway play ready for your viewing pleasure later in July - we will be presenting 1776. Vesper Communion is set for this Sunday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. Their theme is Pillars of the Church. Dr. Bill Crowell will be our celebrant for Holy Communion. This Sunday morning in worship at 8:30 and 11:00 we will wrap up our series which I have been calling “Could We Start With A Few Questions?” Our text takes us back to John’s Gospel. We will be reading from John 10:1-10. As all of our scripture readings have been this month, this is one of my favorites and one I think is central to the Gospel message. Je-sus is discussing why he came and what he brings. He uses the image that he has come as the Good Shepherd and his sheep will follow. He finishes the section we will read with the well-known verse in which he says, “I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I find that statement to be a very good summary or mission state-ment for Jesus and his commission. We will examine what Jesus is saying and the role it plays in our own Christian walk today. Join us as we discuss the final question in our series: Are We Ready To Follow? Start thinking ahead as you make your 4th of July plans and be sure to include Boston Avenue worship as you make your weekend commitments. Remember that we will be studying Faith At The American Founding during the four Sundays of July Revival. I will be drawing from the book, On Two Wings, Humble Faith and Com-mon Sense at the American Founding, by Michael Novak. I encourage you to read it. It is a beautiful exposition of the criti-cal role faith played in the particular way our country and our govern-ment were founded. At 11:00, the Chancel Choir will do the peren-nial favorite, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” It will be a great service to attend and bring a family member or friend with you!

FOLLOW

Page 2 June 28, 2013

B.A. family update . . .Altar FlowersBaptisms

B.A. volunteers accomplish a great day of service in Moore! Almost a hundred youth and adult volun-teers recently spent a Saturday working to help victims of the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. They worked on demolition of two houses and moved the debris to the curb to be picked up, saving the homeowner about $15,000. Many of the damaged and destroyed homes were under-insured, so this savings was a huge

Meet our newest members

Want to help? Rev. Paul Staat and the Work Area on Missions are developing an ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) Disaster Relief Volunteer Database so that teams can be mobilized quickly when disaster strikes. All are welcome to par-ticipate. Needs include those who can listen, cook, sew, do carpentry, gather supplies, clear debris, give medical care, etc. Sign up in Bishops’ Hall or call Rev. Paul Staat, 918-699-0133. Name and contact information are needed so that they can reach you if needed.

As an ordained minister, the Rev. David Wiggs is a member of the Oklahoma Conference, but his family - Mary and their daughters, Grace and Hope Wiggs - joined Boston Avenue on June 14. Mary and Grace are designers for Brian D. Wiggs Homes Inc. and Hope is a sophomore at Oklahoma State Univer-sity.

Bobby Johnson joined recently. He is employed at the Holiday Inn downtown.

Mike Workman joined on June 14.

Allison Embry joined June 2. She is a librarian at Rogers State University.

Steve and Marilyn Been rejoined June 21. Steve is a retired Tulsa fireman and Mari-lyn is a physical therapist with Concentra Urgent Care.

Deaths James Shuman died June 15, 2013. Services were held June 22. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth; granddaughter, Jamie and Dustin Light; and grandson, Robert Shuman. Dr. William Holland died June 16, 2013. Services are pending. Survivors include his wife Irene; son, Robert Holland; and daughters, Daniele Holland and Michele and Jack Dane. Olive Maxine (Midge )Ramsey died June 22, 2013. Services are pending. Survivors include her son, Paul and Karen Ramsey, and grandchildren, Will, Jack, and Allie Ramsey.

In loving memory of Burt Tyler, whose birthday was June 27th, by Sybil Tyler and daughters, Laurie Wilson and Christie Forbes. In loving memory of Carol Moeller, whose birthday is June 29, from Bob Moeller and daughters, Joyce and Doug Jus-tice and Joanne and Kurt Black. In loving memory of Roger C. Blackwood, whose birth-day was June 30th, by his wife Carol; sons, Russell, Randall, and David; daughter, Sally Weldon, and their families. In loving memory of Lois Adams, whose birthday was July 5th, by Don Adams, Doug Adams, Twila Rios, Lori Das-kam, and Kevin Adams.

Ezra Jakob Marlin, son of Adam and Mary Marlin, was baptized Sunday with Rev. Da-vid Wiggs officiating. He was born December 9, 2011. Proud relatives include his grand-mother, Jo Lowe and aunt, Laura Swatsenbarg.

William James Wans-ley, son of Josh and Michaela Wansley, was baptized Sunday with the Rev. David Wiggs offi-ciating. He was born November 9, 2010. Proud relatives include his brother Lukas; grandpar-ents, Richard and Meredith Wansley; uncle, Matthew Wansley; and great grandmoth-er, Dorothy Heath.

Joe Becker died June 23, 2013. Services were held . Sur-vivors include his wife Gerry; daughter Barbara Meehan; and granddaughters, Erin and Lisa Meehan.

Births Jonah Quinn Sexton was born June 21, 2013 to Jeff and Angela Sexton. Proud relatives include his brother, Xander; grandparents, Allene and Rex Donley, Marian Sexton and Larry Sexton; and great-grand-mother, Martha Eskridge.

Susan Hamilton joined Sunday. She works in human resources at Bank of Oklahoma.

help. The need is great and there is still much to be done. The next mission trip to work in that area will take place on Saturday, July 20. More information and registration forms are available Sundays in Bishops’ Hall, or contact Rev. Paul Staat, pdstaat@msn.com or 918-699-0133.

Hospitalized Last Week St. John - Catherine Nixon, Angela Sexton St. Francis - Darlene Vogel

June 28, 2013 Page 3

Youth News!! . . .

Sunday WorshipJune 30, 2013

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

12:10 p.m. Holy Communion & Service of Healing 5:00 P.M. Heritage Vesper Service

Prelude: Aria ............................................................... Paul Manz Fred Elder, Organist EmeritusAnthem: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us ...... William B. Roberts Janet Purinton, soloist (8:30 & 11:00)Offertory: Hymn to Joy ........................................ Robert Hobby Fred Elder Anthem: The Call ........................................... Z. Randall Stroope The Chapel Choir (8:30) Christ’s Flock ................................ Robert Shaw The Chancel Choir (11:00)Postlude: Trumpet Tune .................................... Michael McCabe Hymns: 340 Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy 92 For the Beauty of the Earth 567 Heralds of Christ

UMW NewsBy Robyn Aydelott

Gifts and Memorials

9:30 a.m. Communion Service9:40 a.m. Sunday School8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services Sermon: “ARE WE READY TO FOLLOW?” John 10:1-10 The Rev. David WiggsMusic:

June 30, 2013Psalm 77: 1-2, 11-20

Isaiah 6:1-10John 10:1-10

Romans 6:12-23

Lectionary Readings

Have a prayer request?Call our prayer line at

699-0158

Senior High news

6th, 7th and 8th Grade

YOUTH MISSION FUNDIn memory of Kevin Meehan By: Britt and Sharon WilliamsMOUZON AND GAYLE BIGGS ENDOWMENTIn memory of Kevin Meehan By: John and Jane Campbell By: Mark & Linda Lewis

Sermon series will coincide with BABA production 1776

By Janet Purinton With July on the horizon, it’s time to think about Fourth of July and the story of our country’s independence. The sermon se-ries preached by Rev. David Wiggs, Faith at America’s Founding, and the BABA musical, 1776, will reinforce the patriotic theme of the month. Directed by Angelyn Dale, the musical is the inside story of the very real men who created the Declaration of Independence and a new nation. The human drama and humorous bickering al-low the audience to go inside the room where history was changed by Judge James Wilson (played by Rob Morgan), whose only desire was to retain his anonymity. Tensions in the show reach their height as the courageous Caesar Rodney (played by new church member Bob Jones) returns to the Continental Congress in spite of a serious illness to break a deadlock in the Rhode Island delegation. General George Washington continues to send gravely pessimistic messages to the men charged with steering the colonies into freedom. The musical is filled with men who miss their wives, grow impatient with those who cannot see the potential of freedom, and struggle to retain a sense of humor. They are spurred by the always mischievous Benjamin Franklin (played by Joel Panciera). Although he misses the vote on independence, the Rev. David Wiggs (portraying Charles Carroll) will make an appearance on the BABA stage as well to sign the declaration. Performances are July 19, 21, 25, 26 and 28. These dates include two Sunday matinees. Tickets go on sale July 7th.

Our garage sale was a success! With everyone’s help, we were able to raise right at $2500.00! Thank you to everyone who donated items, helped pick up items, worked the sale and helped with clean up. Thank you McCann family for allowing us to take over your garage and driveway to hold the sale! The weather was blazing hot and the weekend was long....but in the end, well worth the ef-fort! Li Qi will be able to continue to grow in his faith, live in a safe environment and attend school for another year. We are so blessed! This week our senior high will eat a meal with the clients at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. We will serve the meal on Wednesday and then spend time in fellowship around the table. Following the meal at the Day Center, we will go to Josh’s for a snowcone then on to Monsters University! At Boston Avenue we work and play TOGETHER! If you have not turned in your District Camp registration forms- DO IT NOW! Camp is almost here! Friends are always welcome and some scholarships are available. Remember that GOD is BIGGER! - Audra

Wow, we had a great time at the Great Unknown! We visited Restore Hope, the Day Center for the Homeless, and Methodist Manor. We painted a Sunday School room at St. Paul’s UMC, recognized and thanked our church staff, delivered flowers to some of our shut-ins, made special birthday bags for Child SHARE and movie night goodies for Pearl’s Hope, and delivered treat bags to Exodus House and fire stations. (See below) “A Heart for Mission” was and will continue to be our theme. We were busy but we also had time to play. We had a swim party at the Schells’, went out to dinner and to see Monster’s Uni-versity on Saturday night and really enjoyed that time together at the movies. This Wednesday evening we will meet at Boston Avenue at 6:00, then off to dinner and Bounce-U and enjoy our last Summer in the City event with our interns. There is still time for 6th graders to register for Tween’s Camp and for 7th and 8th graders to be part of Tulsa District Camp. Both camps are at Camp Egan and we know that is “holy ground”. Won’t you come spend five days on holy ground and see what God has in store for you!?!!!! Love, Debbie

Joy Circle, Circle E and Circle H will not meet again until August. All circles have been asked to elect their 2014 officers by September and get the informa-tion to Coe Ann Patton ASAP for the 2014 yearbook. Membership Chair Mi-chelle Gaddis has updated information on the youth sister circles: As the youth circles move up a grade level, sister adult circles will continue to mentor that same youth circle. Circle H will still have the Cooking Circle. Those girls will also help mentor the 4th & 5th grade-Hope Circle. Circle W will be contact-ing the new 6th grade circle. All sister circle relationships are a work in progress. The Mission U Spiritual Growth study is “Living Sacra-mentally, Walking Justly. Mission U weekend school is July 19 – 21. The day and a half school is July 21- 22. The other two studies are “The Roma of Europe” and “Poverty.” Mark your calendars for the Mission Tea on Thursday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the home of Monte and Jane Butts. The theme is “Son Flower Power.” Money raised will go to UMW mis-sions.

Page 4 June 28, 2013

Class News . . .

Weekly Calendar

Sunday School at a glance...Adult Classes for Sunday, June 30, 2013

Visitors are welcome in all classes.

Pastor’s Class - Dr. Bill TankersleyYoung Adults - Meet in Bill Crowell’s officeCornerstone - Tommy and Mindy, “Blessing of a Skinned Knee”Disciples - “How God Takes Our Little and Makes It Much”Ephphatha - Charles Dye, “Joyful Worship Restored”Heritage - Ben PascoeHomebuilders - Ruth Ann Thompson, “Bolivia mission”Horizons - David Carpenter, “Pagan Christianity”Journey - New member brunchMaranatha - Dr. Don ForsmanNew Covenant - Dr. Bill Crowell, “Turkey”New Frontiers - Shari Goodwin, “Annual Conference 2013”Pilgrimage - Rev. David WiggsRoundtable - Dr. David Robbins, JohnSeek & Discover - Dr. Warren DanskinWesley Fellowship - Sue Venable, “Bible Botany”

Sunday - June 30, 2013 8:00 a.m. Blood Drive (til 12:30 p.m)8:30 a.m. Worship Service9:30 Communion Service9:40 Sunday School10:40 Children’s Worship11:00 Worship Service12:10 p.m. Communion and Service of Healing12:30 Rehearsal for 17765:00 Heritage Vesper ServiceMonday - July 19:00 a.m. Weekday School6:00 Men’s basketball practice6:00 p.m. Rehearsal for 1776

7:15 Troop 20Tuesday - July 29:00 a.m. Weekday School6:00 p.m. Rehearsals for 1776Wednesday - July 39:00 a.m. Weekday School6:00 p.m. Yoga6:00 p.m. Rehearsal for 1776

Thursday - July 4Church closed -Fourth of July holidayFriday - July 510:00 a.m. Program Staff5:30 p.m. Gamblers Anonymous5:30 GamAnon

Vacation Bible School has great start Children are having a great time at Vacation Bible School, as shown below. This year they are enjoying an “everywhere fun fair.”

surveys. Most who have responded like mostly traditional music, but with a variety of styles included. Many would like to see a fo-cus on expanding our ministry to singles, young adults, and men specifically. There has been great enthusiasm and energy at all of the meetings. As one participant said, “I loved getting to meet and visit with David this early in his ministry at Boston Avenue. It’s great to share ideas!”

Meet ‘n Greet .... (continued)

Cornerstone Our Family Skate Night with New Frontiers is July 12, 4:30-6:30. The Family Pool Party is July 13. This week Tommy and Mindy will continue the three- week series we began Sunday, “Blessing of a Skinned Knee.” We welcomed visitors Allison Embry and Mark and Rachel Denny.Disciples The Burguieres are having a summer social on July 14. We will have a sign up the next few Sundays. This Sunday Lon will conclude our lesson on James Moore’s book, How God Takes Our Little and Makes Much.Ephphatha We look forward to our teacher Charles Dye’s leading “Joyful Worship Restored.” We appreciated another great lesson taught by Mike Limas.Heritage On the first Sunday of each month we will bring dona-tions for the Day Center for the Homeless. The first Sunday in July we are to bring socks. We are scheduled to help with Project Transformation on July 16. David Wiggs will be in our class on July 14. Ben Pascoe will teach us again Sunday. We thank him for his lesson last week, “A Brief History of Sin.” We welcomed Yona Willis, Cathy Perlingiere’s mother, and Nancy Duncan, Maurice and Sara’s daughter, as visitors. Linda Barry, Diane Fallis, and Vonnie Graham are cele-brating birthdays. The Rambos are celebrating an anniversary. Thanks to Linda Larson for our treats. Carol Bethell will bring them this week.Homebuilders Our class party at the Mor-gan’s is Saturday, June 29 at 6:00 p.m. at 2301 S. Florence Pl. We will help with Project Transformation on July 13 at 9:00 a.m.

This week Ruth Ann Thompson will tell us about the latest Bolivia mission trip. Donna Cartwright had successful eye surgery. Jan Fitzgerald is improving. Kathryn Parker is celebrat-ing a birthday and the Gibbs and the Setsers are celebrating anniversaries. Thanks to Richard Hedger for his lesson on the heritage and openness of Methodism. Keep Ruth Weston’s daughter in your prayers. Thanks to Elizabeth Bartlett for our treats and Don Rubottom for the coffee.Horizons Mission to Moore II is coming up July 20. Contact Rev. Paul Staat for details. David Carpenter will teach on Pagan Christianity Sunday. Happy birthday to Madi-son Gradney, Lucy Collins, and Jennifer Huckaby. Thanks to David for teach-ing and the Davises for treats. Class elections are coming up. Consider taking on a class leadership role.Journey We will have a new mem-ber brunch Sunday. Madison’s house-warming party is July 26. We will have a party soon at Lauren and Will’s house. Welcome to our visitorsGrace Wiggs, Christian Mark-ers, Sarah Roberts, Lynn Sco-field, and Grant Carpenter. Happy birthday, Merritt. Continue to keep the Meehan family in your prayers.Maranatha Don Forsman will be our teacher this week. Welcome to visitors Ken Tate, David Cooley, Steven and Marilyn Been, Maurine Perry, Rick and Melanie Evans, Josh Wansley, Erin Meehan, and Diana Swafford!. The Donleys have a new grandson, Jonah Quinn, and the Wansley’s grandson, Wil-liam, was baptized Sunday. Thanks to the Russells and Smiths for our refreshments. Our prayers continue for

the Meehans and the Greens.New Covenant We are looking forward to David Wiggs visiting us and Wesley Fellowship together on July 28. Sunday Dr. Bill Crowell continues his tour of Turkey. Happy birthday to Myra Critz. Keep Joyce Byrne in your prayers. Thanks to Carol Bean and Ruth Boone for the music, June Cleverdon for the treats, and Felix Morales for greeting. The ice cream party at the Johnson’s was “cool.”New Frontiers July 12, 4:30-6:30, is the family skate party at Route 66 Skate Park. Megan has details. Thanks to Rev. Mary Ann Emmons for your lessons on family and Christ. Thanks to the Mortons for our snacks. This Sunday Jeff Hansen will bring them.Pilgrimage Our Day Center for the Homeless meal is July 12. Din-ner out will follow at Mexicali Border Cafe. We need three more readers for Project Trans-formation. Let Carol Burnett know if you can help July 18. Our speaker Sunday is David Wiggs. Don’t miss him. Thanks to Brenda Reed for her series on transitions. Roundtable David Robbins will teach Sunday on the book of John. We thank him for teaching us. We welcomed guest Jane Roberts from Weatherford.Seek and Discover We will have a cook out at the Boone’s this Sunday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks will be furnished. Bring a side dish to eat along with our main dish. See you there. This Sunday Dr. Warren Danksin will complete his series on John Wesley. We welcomed Nancy and Gary McDonald. Hope to see you again this week.Wesley Fellowship Thanks to Sue Venable for teaching. She returns Sunday. We welcomed a guest, Brice Venable. Joy Gray is celebrating a birthday. Keep LeRoy Bath and Eldon Powers in your prayers. Thanks to Judy Rowell for teaching, Dr. Rollie Rhoads for presiding, and Philelle McBray-er for the music.