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 WORDan edition ofThe United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections, Section A / 039880 / Vol. 159 / N0 28 / November 9, 2012

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

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

Service Award winners 5A

Hoedown winners 8A

Tulsa Symphony joins Chancel Choir at 11:00 Sunday

“The 11:00 worship service will feature especially outstanding music the next two Sundays, which are the last two weeks of Kingdomtide (the end of the church year).Chancel Choir will be joined by members of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra - brass players this Sunday and strings, woodwinds and harp on November 18. . “The liturgy will be streamlined to make time for the beautiful works that will help us celebrate a climatic time in this liturgical year,”

says Dr. Joel Panciera Director of Music. “Come early to worship, as the preludes will be extra special, with pieces for orchestra and voices. The services will include a wide variety of music, including classical works by Henry Purcell and George Telemann, and anthems by English composer John Rutter, Jane Mar-shall, and Randall Stroope. It will be a great way to end the church year. Come, worship and enjoy!

Thirty to be confirmed This Sunday, November 15, is Confirma-tion Sunday! Thirty students have been learning about their Christian faith and their church. They will be confirmed in the 11 a.m. service. Each youth’s family members and close friends are asked to stand as he or she is con-firmed. A chime will sound to reminder us of the presence of God’s Holy Spirit. After the service, worshipers can greet them in Bishops’ Hall. They will then be honored at a luncheon with their families in Jubilee Hall.

Veterans to be honored in worship This Sunday is Veteran’s Day! We want to recognize all who have served in the armed forces in any way. All veterans are especially invited to attend and be honored at the 8:30 or 11:00 worship services.

From the Pastor’s Study

Mouzon Biggs, Jr.

Thank you for getting your “Estimate of Giving” numbers to our financial secretary, Lillian. We have, as of Tuesday, received 794 cards. Comparing those same persons or families to last year, the average increase is 7.77%., and 73.81% of the budget is now covered. We need to hear from the rest of you as soon as possible. On Thurs-day, November 29, our program staff and I will call everyone who has made no response. You can mail in your card in the envelope we sent you. You can call Lillian at 918-583-5181. You can email your estimate to Lillian at lilliandickey@bostonavenue.org * * * * * We have been following Luke’s account of Jesus’ fateful trip to Jerusalem. That trip began in Luke’s chapter nine. Last Sunday, in chapter 19, Jesus was only seventeen miles from Jerusalem. This Sunday he will only be three miles from Jerusalem. The lectionary shifts from Luke’s Gospel to the Gospel of John. Only John tells the story of a woman at Bethany hurrying to meet Jesus. She is distraught because her brother has died. She seems to be-lieve that her brother would still be alive if Jesus had come more quickly. Her first words to Jesus prompt the title for this week’s sermon, “IF YOU HAD BEEN HERE - IF ONLY YOU HAD BEEN HERE!” This Sunday our Chancel Choir will lead our 11:00 service with a brass ensemble from the Tulsa Symphony. It will be special!

Last Sunday our youth Chapel Choir filled the choir loft for the 11:00 service and did a great job of leading in worship through music, joined by members of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. This week brass players from Tulsa Symphony will join the adult Chancel Choir at 11:00 a.m.

Canned food needed Our church will host a semi-annual canned food drive this Sunday and next, November 11 and 18. This drive is part of an agreement with Eastern Oklahoma Community Food Bank that allows our church to refer needy Tulsans who come asking for food. Many are unable to provide holiday meals for their families. Giving to the food bank is a great way to help these families have a great holiday season. Non-perishable items should have a expiration date of at least 2013.

Boy Scout popcorn available Sunday Boy Scouts of Troop 20 will be waiting just outside of Community Hall to deliver popcorn orders this Sunday. The popcorn will also be available again next Sunday, No-vember 18. They have purchased extra popcorn for anyone who wants to purchase some but did not get to place an order.

Page 4A November 9, 2012

B.A. family updateAltar Flowers In loving memory of Pat Hardin, whose birthday was November 12th, and in honor of her granddaughter’s con-firmation, by John and Laura, Joe, Mark and Dieta Hardin, and Diana McGinnis and their families. In loving memory of Dr. Walter Gary, whose birthday was November 13th, from Peggy Gary; daughter, Lucia Leigh Deichmann; and son, Walter Brewster Gary. In loving memory of Wanda Franks, whose birth-day was November 13, from Michelle, Bruce, Kali and Reece.Deaths Patrick D. Murray died October 24, 2012. Private services were held. Survivors include his father, Dave Mur-ray. Herman Young died Oc-tober 31, 2012. Services were held November 3 at Boston Av-enue Church with Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr., officiating. Survi-vors include his wife, Minnie; sons, Marcus and Carol Young and Michael and Karen Young; daughter, Peggy and Joe Duffy; and five grandchildren.Hospitalized Last Week St. John - Belle Clemons, Ruth Kraemer

Mission notes: By the Rev. Paul Staat

Christmas Families Somehow it seems too soon to start preparing for the Christ-mas holidays, but that time is creeping up on us. Our church will again reach out to help needy families experience the joy of Christmas through our sponsorships and gifts. You or your group could help families in need, some of whom are our own church members, by directly sponsoring a family or giving financially to the Good Samaritan Fund. Lists of deserving families, along with the number of fam-ily members, ages, and genders will arrive soon in your Sunday School packets. For more information on how you or your group can get involved, or if you know of a family who needs special as-sistance during the holidays, please contact me at (918) 699-0133 or pdstaat@msn.com. Christmas at Methodist Manor Each year there are residents of Methodist Manor who never have a visitor or receive a gift at Christmas time. Each year our church receives a list of those who could use a remembrance and a little Christmas cheer. This list includes a room number and a suggestion of what that resident wants or needs. Because of confidentiality policies, names are not given out. If you would like purchase a gift (approximately $30.00 worth) or visit someone who is alone at Christmas time, please contact Gayle Teter at (918) 625-9055 or Rev. Paul Staat 699-0133 / pdstaat@msn.com. Bring a smile to someone at Christ-mas. The deadline for delivery of gifts is December 8th. Be look-ing for the list in your Sunday School packets. Recycled paper needed! Since the City of Tulsa started the new trash recycling pro-gram this fall, our paper donations have dropped off significantly. Recycled paper and aluminum cans have been bringing in about $100 each month for missions. This money has supported a por-tion of our mission activities and support groups. Please bring your paper and aluminum to the church. Re-cycled paper goes into the dumpsters located in our west parking lot. Aluminum cans may be brought to any of our blue recycling bins and vending machines located near Community Hall and in Jubilee Hall. The Mid High and Senior High also have pop can recycling bins in the third and fourth floors. Thanks for your help!

Advent study begins Monday There are still a few spots remaining for a special Advent study titled, “THE JOURNEY: WALKING THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM.” The six-week class will be taught by Deanne McArtor on Monday evenings, 6:00 to 7:30, in room J228. Journey with Adam Hamilton as he travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in this fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. As he did with Jesus’ crucifixion in 24 Hours That Changed the World, Hamilton approaches this world-changing event with thoughtfulness. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding Jesus’ birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. The study guide is $12. An Advent devotional booklet is also available for $6. Take a Christmas break and journey on your own through a four-week devotional based on the most joyous event in history. You’ll grow closer to God with these short, reflective devotions combined with scripture readings and heartfelt prayers for this Christmas season.

Need a good child’s book? Our Boston Avenue Week-day School will host its annual Scholastic Book Fair the next two Sundays from 9:30 to 12:30 and this Monday through Friday, November 12-16, from 9:00 to 3:00 on the first floor of the Children’s Building. The fair features beautiful books for children that make great Christmas gifts. Many have been award winners at various literary competitions. All are welcome to shop; proceeds help provide books for the Weekday School. In ad-dition to books for children of all ages, there are art supplies, games, and parenting books available for purchase.

Our senior high volunteer in-mission team is looking for American Express points to help offset their trip to Bolivia. For those who are willing to donate points, they need increments of 149,000 and their deadline is November 10. Please contact Audra Fogle at 918-699-0130 or audrafogle@bostonavenue.org.

Elementary students’ “Meet and Greet” is next Sunday, Nov. 18 The annual “Meet and Greet” for elementary school students (grades 1-5) and their families is next Sunday from 9:40 to 10:00 a.m. Each class will meet in their respective classrooms with their parents so that families can become better acquainted. “We will have refreshments and a time for families to meet the other families with children in the same classes,” says the Rev. EvaMarie Campbell, Minister to Children. “We will also have directories of each class available. “Our plan is to have the schools the children attend included in the directories this year. This has become a great way for fami-lies to connect and make new friends.”

Jubilee Hall is the place to be for this year’s Advent Work-shop! It will take place next Sunday, November 18, from noon to 2:00 p.m.. A light, child-friendly lunch will be served for $5.00. “We will be focusing on Tulsa’s Sister Cities this year,” said the Rev. EvaMarie Campbell. “We will have crafts and food from our sister cities along with our traditional Manger Scene Photo Booth and Reindeer Games.” All are invited! This workshop is always a great event as we prepare for Advent and Christmas together.

Advent Workshop to focus on Tulsa’s sister cities next Sunday

Senior high VIM team needs points

More scenes from last week’s Hoedown Everyone had a great time at this year’s Downtown Hoedown. See page 8A for photos of pumpkin decorating contest winners.

November 9, 2012 Page 5A

Youth News!! . . .

Sunday WorshipNovember 11, 2012

The Twelfth Sunday in Kingdomtide

12:10 p.m. Holy Communion & Service of Healing12:15 p.m. Confirmation Luncheon

Prelude: Pastorale .................................................. Marc Cheban Dr. Susan Panciera, Organist (8:30) Holy Is God .................................... Felix Mendelssohn The TSO Brass Ensemble (11:00) Anthem: Tandi Tanga Jesus ...................... arr. Bradley Ellingboe The Chapel Choir (8:30) Thanks and Praise ........... Ruth Dwyer and Martin Ellis The Academy Choristers (11:00)Anthem: Wells Jubilate ............................................. John Rutter The Chancel Choir & Brass Ensemble (11:00)Offertory: Soliloquy ............................................ Healey Willan Dr. Susan Panciera (8:30)Anthem: Ave verum corpus ............. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart The Chapel Choir (8:30) My Eternal King .................................... Jane Marshall The Chancel Choir & Brass Ensemble (11:00)Postlude: All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.............Gerre Hancock

UMW NewsBy Janet McCutchen Graham

9:30 a.m. Communion Service9:40 a.m. Sunday School8:30 & 11:00 a.m. Worship Services Sermon: “IF YOU HAD BEEN HERE - IF ONLY YOU HAD BEEN HERE!” John 11:17-27, 28-29, 33-44 Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr.Music:

November 11, 2011Psalm 119:137-144

Isaiah 1:10-18Luke 19:1-10

2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Lectionary Readings

Senior High news

6th, 7th and 8th Grade

Memorials

Hymns: 159 Lift High the Cross 318 Christ Is Alive (8:30) 154 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Our youth kept up their tradition of excellence in leading Sun-day evening at our Youth Vesper Service. I am always impressed with the many gifts our youth share with us so willingly. Thank you to each who participated and to the families and friends that came to be part of our service. We appreciate each one of you! Confirmation Sunday is this week..Teachers have been busy preparing our confirmands for this day, lunch reservations are in, students have rehearsed and we are ready. I hope you will be in worship at 11:00 and the sanctuary will be full as our young people make their public profession of faith. Sunday is also our district kick-ball tournament. If you did not register but would like to attend, please let me know so we can make sure we have transportation for everyone. Seventh and eighth graders were mailed a registration for the OCCJ Youth Interfaith Tour on November 18th. Please return your registration to me by Sunday. We are providing transporta-tion so we need an accurate count. All of the information needed is in your mailing. I really encourage each of you to make this a priority. It is so very important to understand our neighbors and other cultures. Step out of your comfort zone and be an agent of positive change in the world. YOU can make the difference. See you in church, Debbie

Toole Tyme will take place November 9-11 at Cookson Hills Mission. UMW members and other helpers from across the Oklahoma Conference UMC will clean the mission’s new main office building which The former restaurant located next to the mission will be an excellent addition to the pres-ent buildings, a much-needed replacement for the present, badly-deteriorated main office. The event will bring much-needed help with raking, planting bulbs, sawing logs for needy clients, cleaning & sorting the resale store. Vol-unteers will also do computer organizing and sorting and organizing of Campbell’s labels and Labels for Education. In addition to cooking turkeys and other Thanksgiving meal components, workers will set up the mission’s Christmas store and stuff Christmas stock-ings for the mission’s clients. Some helpers will also work to construct ramps and meet other client needs at their homes.

God is indeed bigger than our definitions! Thanks to all youth and adults who helped with the Youth Vesper Service. Sharing your faith, reading a scripture, singing a solo, leading a dance or serving communion can all be scary... and thank you to everyone for your show of support as our youth continue to grow in their faith. This Sunday, Nov. 11, is the District Youth Kickball Tour-nament to benefit the Happy Children’s Home in China. Our students have been leaders in gathering support from the district and we are ready. Our goal is to raise enough money through the district youth to sponsor one of the three unsponsored children for a year. We hope this tournament will become an annual event to continue sponsorship. The Happy Children’s home board was a huge support and over $900 has already been raised from across the district! Together we ARE stronger!! It is not too late to participate in the tournament! Please let us know that you are coming by Thursday, November 8th. Cost is $10 and 100% of money raised goes towards our goal. Vans will leave the church at 1:00 and return by 5:30. Live music will be playing during the event. COOL T-shirts will be given to all participants and a grill will be cooking free food all day! A registration form and info was mailed to all senior high for the OCCJ Interfaith Tour. This is an important event and we hope you will make this event a priority on Nov. 18th. Free sack lunches will be provided after the 11:00 service that Sunday so that we can get to the Mosque by 12:30. All youth need to dress modestly; girls will need a scarf to cover their hair at the mosque. We will return to the church around 4:45. This is an excellent event to share with your friends! Please turn in your registration forms so that we can have your lunch ready for you. Congratulations Confirmands! Welcome to the Family! - Audra

Poinsettia order deadline is Friday Orders are due Friday, Nov. 16 for poinsettias to be placed at the altar during Advent in honor or memory of someone special. Call the church, 918-583-5181 to place an order. Names of those being honored will be listed in The Word and the worship bulletin. Cost is $15 each.

GENERAL ENDOWMENTIn memory of Steve Eaton By: Mike and Carol McMahonGOOD SAMARITAN FUNDIn memory of Roy Hanson By: Don and Carmen Marple

Meet our newest members Norval Rose and Helen Dooley, husband and wife, joined Sunday. Both are retired. Larry and Glenda Silvey joined Sunday. He is a retired graphic designer and she is Director of Public Relations for the University of Oklahoma at Tulsa

Students, senior high youth group earn Presidential Volunteer Service Awards Presidential Volunteer Service Awards were presented to several of our outstanding youth during the last Administrative Board meeting. Students who earned recognition in the age 14 and under category included (l to r) Gold Award winner Katherine Eddins (108 hours), and Bronze Award winners (50-74 hours) Abby Schell, Katie Dennison and Sam Embrey. Students who earned recognition in the young adult (age 15-25) category included Paul Dennison, Bronze Award (100-174 hours); Michael Linsky, Gold Award (263 hours); and more Bronze Award winners Lauren Aycock (right) and Adam Fogle (not pictured). Samantha Devlin (2nd from right) received the Gold Award for the Boston Avenue Senior High Youth group. This required over 1000 hours of volunteer service, counting only those students who gave 25 hours or more. Our youth group volunteered over 2300 hours of service!

Page 8A November 9, 2012

Class News . . .

Weekly Calendar

Sunday School at a glance...Adult Classes for Sunday, November 11, 2012

Visitors are welcome in all classes.

Sunday - November 118:30 a.m. Worship Service9:00 Financial Peace University9:30 Communion Service9:40 Sunday School10:00 UMW Hope Circle10:00 God’s Lightning Bolts11:00 Worship Service12:10 p.m. Communion12:10 Confirmation luncheon12:30 BABA CommitteeMonday - November 129:00 a.m. Weekday School10:00 UMW Joy Circle5:30 p.m. Incredible Years6:00 Advent Journey class6:00 Circle of Grace6:00 Men’s basketball7:15 Boy Scout Troop 20Tuesday - November 139:00 a.m. Weekday School4:00 p.m. Messy Art Night6:00 UMW Circle WWednesday - November 149:00 a.m. Weekday School

9:30 Cooking Class5:00 p.m. Snack Supper5:00 Jubilation Ringers5:15 Capriccio Ringers5:50 Festival Ringers6:00 Chapel Choir6:00 LIFE Groups for children6:00 Yoga6:00 Children’s Council7:00 UMW PM Circle7:00 Carillon Ringers7:00 Middle School DTBA 7:00 Senior High DTBA7:30 Chancel ChoirThursday - November 15UMW - See “UMW News”9:00 a.m. Weekday School 10:00 Staff Meeting5:30 p.m. Celebration Ringers6:00 PCCT Parenting ClassesFriday - November 169:00 a.m. Weekday School5:30. Gamblers Anonymous5:30 GamAnon6:30 Respite Care

Dr. Biggs’ Class - Greatest Bible Stories and PassagesCollege and Career - When Christians Get It WrongCornerstone - Jacques Cunningham, “Communion”Disciples - “Christmas is not your birthday”Ephphatha - to be announcedHeritage - David CarpenterHomebuilders - Rev. Charles Herndon, “Defining Faith”Horizons - John McCormack, “Discipleship”Journey - Dr. Virginia Gray, “Prison MinistryMaranatha - Sue Brothers, “Bible Botany, part 2”New Covenant - Steve Jacoby, “Mental Health Issues”New Frontiers - to be announced Pilgrimage - Brenda Reed, “Faith from the Backside”Roundtable - Dr. Howard Plowman, “Who Am I?”Seek & Discover - Dr. Bill CrowellWesley Fellowship - Dr. Joel Panciera

Have a prayer request?Call our prayer line at

699-0158

Wesley Fellowship We enjoyed Dr. Joel Pan-ciera’s lesson, and are looking forward to his teaching us again next week. Rollie Rhodes presided; Harold Reynolds and Philelle McBrayer led our singing; and John Peterson gave the devotional-prayer. Mary Helen Stanley announced that the Christmas party will be Satur-day, December 8, at noon. Save the date! Peggy Gary’s Caring Re-port and noted that Eldon Pow-ers, Marge Neal, Mary Ward and Alice Grubb still need our prayers of healing. Blessings -

Cornerstone We will be serving dinner at the Day Center for the home-less this Friday, Nov. 9th, with a social at Shiloh’s following. Jacques Cunningham will return to continue his series on Methodist communion this Sunday. He will include a video, “In Remembrance.” Mark your calendars for our Christmas party on Dec. 7th! Details to follow Happy birthday to Tommy Sharp. Disciples Sunday we will begin the Advent video series, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, by Rev. Mike Slaughter. We had a large group and a good discussion last Sunday to conclude our series, Why. Leigh Goodson is bringing treats this Sunday.Heritage David Carpenter will con-tinue his lesson this Sunday. Welcome to Judy Haug’s sister Terri. Happy birthday to Chuck Gibson and Carol Bethel and thanks to the Bertrems for our treats. The Gorzkiewiczes will bring them this week.Homebuilders Thanks to Ruth Ann Thompson, Jeanne Brosius Smith, Michelle Gaddis and Sherri Leslie for their lesson on United Methodist Women. We look forward to Rev. Charles Herndon teaching this week on “Defining Faith.” Mission gifts: Charles Herndon for his medical test. Thanks to the Herndons for our coffee and to Donna Cartwright and Richard Gibbs for leading our music. Horizons The guy’s fishing trip is Nov. 16-18. We look forward to hav-ing John McCormack as our teacher this Sunday. Prayer concerns: Becky’s friend, Jennifer Huckaby’s mom, Pam Hartman, Marnie Fernandez, and the Turners. Happy birthday to Katie Wonderly, Leah Raley, Ray Hoyt, Reade Rex, Kali Alger, and Shane Fernandez. Thanks to Rev. Paul Staat for his talk on church missions.

It’s time to give big for the Good Samaritan Fund.Journey We will help serve the confirmation lunch this Sun-day, and in class Dr. Virginia Gray will talk to us about our church’s prison ministry. Happy birthday to Kali Alger on the 8th. Maranatha Remember our note writ-ing for homebound folks on Nov. 18 at 11:00 and noon. Election of officers is coming up - consider committing. Our Christmas party and auction is December 8 at 6:00 p.m. at Tulsa Country Club. This Sunday Sue Venable will teach the second lesson on “Bible Botany.” Thanks to Michelle Place for teaching the first session last Sunday. Welcome to our visitors, Elaine Wilson, Sue Venable, Alex and Michael McCoy, and Lauren Latchem. Happy birthday to Mary Ellen Niblack, Rob Davis, Judith Payton, Janet Purinton, Terrie Niblack, Bill Thomas, and Bob Thomas. Happy anni-versary to Denise Graham and Mike Stephenson. We had 85 in attendance last Sunday. Thanks to the Scotts and Grims for hosting. Next week’s hosts are the Griffins and Russells.New Covenant Class members are sign-ing up for committees. Call Maxine Lees and give her your preference. This Sunday Steve Jacoby, a board member for the Mental Health Association, will con-tinue the series was begun last week with Steve, Dr. Richard Wansley and Mike Brose. Welcome to Justus Ed-mondson’s daughter, Carolyn Busie. Thanks to Ruth Boone and Dorothy Nix for our mu-sic. Dorothy also presided.New Frontiers Please mark your calen-dars for class officer elections next Sunday. Thanks to all who volun-teers at the interfaith Habitat house last Saturday. Happy anniversary to the Glasgows, and thank you to

Scott Barnhart for teaching on Matthew last Sunday. Please sign up to help with a meal at the Day Center for the Homeless on Friday, Dec. 14. Contact Catherine Aufdenkamp.Pilgrimage Our class Christmas party is Dec. 2 and the Mohawk Manor children’s party is Dec. 6th. We serve at the Day Center for the Homeless on Nov. 28. We welcomed Zhu Sun back to class and wish her well as she returns to China. Thanks to Brenda Reed for teaching. She will teach from Faith from the Backside, by Elsworth Kalas, this Sunday.Roundtable Our auction fund-raiser and supper is Nov. 9 at 6:00 p.m. in Community Hall. Dr. Howard Plowman will continue teaching Sunday on “Who am I?” We thank him. Happy birthday to Sondra Martin and Gayle Vrooman. Thanks to Barbara and C.J. Hixson for last weeks’ treats.Seek and Discover Dr. Bill Crowell will continue telling us about his trip to Turkey this Sunday. He was part of an interfaith group sponsored by Turkish Muslims. Welcome to Marilyn and John Berry! Happy birthday to Jeanne Boone! Thanks to Julie and Jim Sluss for a super Italian dinner.

Congratulations to the 2012 pumpkin contest winners!

The Downtown Hoedown featured a pumpkin decorating con-test, and those who wished to do so “voted” by placing a donation in the UNICEF box next to the entry of their choice. Proceeds will help fight world hunger. Congratulations to this year’s winners, Christopher McMurry (1st place - left), Ashley Barrows and Han-nah Campbell (2nd place) and John Brown (3rd place).