W
e are making good progress on the strategy that Tom outlined in November. As a reminder, the plan has three major components: outward focus, discipleship development, and worship. All three areas are important. We look at them as parts of an integrated picture. They cannot be addressed independently. Our biggest challenge lies in outward focus. As individuals and corporately, we must recover our desire to look outside of ourselves for influence for the Kingdom. Todd Craig, one of our pastors, is leading this effort. Every area of ministry in the church, including worship, will be affected by this renewed influence. The effort and associated changes begin now and will continue for several years. Our children’s ministry has been reworking their program for the past couple of years. The student ministry is looking at some aspects of their discipleship development to see what changes might be in order to better support the new vision. It is our adult discipleship ministry that will be receiving a new level of attention. We have hired a new adult discipleship director, Jason Jackson. He should be on board in the next few months. Worship is the third piece of the puzzle. We are moving from five worship styles in four different settings to three services. The chapel service will continue generally in its present style. There will be a new traditional service and a new modern service both held in the Sanctuary. The traditional service will meet at the early hour, the modern at the later time. This move helps us in several ways. It brings us more together, facilitating intergenerational interaction. It allows us to focus resources. It makes a broad outward focus more achievable. These new services will debut on April 27. The changes that are most visible now are those taking place in the Sanctuary. Our sound system is getting a major upgrade. This will improve the sound of both our modern and traditional music. It will also greatly improve the quality of the spoken word. Environmental projection lighting and other lighting effects are being installed. This technology offers two major advantages. It helps us transform the appearance of our traditional Sanctuary to one that appeals to those in our church family who are not necessarily drawn to traditional church structure. The other major advantage comes from the impact it will have on adding visual arts to both our music and our sermons. Both the modern and traditional worship services will enjoy this added dimension. Some work is also underway on the stage. To better accommodate the music for both services and the switchover between services, the platform is being enlarged. A redesign will result in the preaching pastor being closer to the congregation. The congregational response to the new vision and strategy has been very good. We greatly appreciate the widespread positive assessments. It is especially gratifying that a large number are not just positive about the new direction; they are excited. While acknowledging that we are still in the early stages, it is good to report that everything is on schedule and going well. On a different subject, Asbury once again had a good year financially. Our offering income was almost exactly what was budgeted. As always, a huge thank you to those who support the church with their gifts. Expenses came in under budget. This 2013 surplus will be used to help in 2014 with the impact of our new strategy. The debt campaign that Tom started at the end of 2012 is going very well. We are paying off the debt and will be able to start an endowment fund for the long-term upkeep of our facility. This is another example of an intergenerational perspective. For your support of time, money and prayers we are very thankful. Dwight Yoder Executive Director
MARCH / APRIL 2014
Contents A Word From Tom Harrison Acts of Love Remembering Sarah Adams Restore Hope Easter Event 2014 Easter People Asbury Promotes the Good Samaritan’s Work Hospitality Ministry Is Changing! Hospitality: Six Easy Steps for You! Ministering to Those Who Minister Acts of Kindness Serving Enthusiastically Volunteer Fair Grandpa John Opportunities Special Announcements
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We need you! Do you have a story of what God has done in your life? Please contact us and tell us a little bit about what God has done. We will all be encouraged by hearing stories of what God is doing in the lives of those around us. Are you a writer or someone who enjoys writing? The Communications Department is always looking for someone to do an interview and write a story for us for Tidings. Have you noticed that we’ve been making some changes in Tidings? Please give us your feedback—both good and bad. Email kmains@asburytulsa.org or call 918.392.1140. Asbury Tidings is a bi-monthly publication designed to tell stories of lives being transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. You may read back issues by visiting www.asburytulsa.org. Editor: Asbury Communications Department, 918.392.1140, kmains@asburytulsa.org Graphic Design: Tim Jurgensen, tjurgensen@asburytulsa.org Photographers: Mark Moore (mark moore.photo.net), Ryan Farran (ryanfarranphotography.com), Matt Lima (wuzabuzzard@yahoo.com) Guest Contributors: Shanon Brown, Lauren Burke, Todd Craig, John Crouch, Jim Davis, Janet Day, Charlene Giles, Marilyn Glass, Jeff Jaynes, Katelyn Moore, David Thomas, John Westervelt