Maranatha Class Website

All, Sharon Earley has asked for a few more folks to bring food dishes for the family lunch our class is hosting after Julie’s service on Thursday. If you can help, please contact Sharon at (918) 629-5327.

Roger

Shari heard from Janet’s daughter Jennifer, who reports that the surgery went "very very well" and that Janet is expected to be up and walking tomorrow for therapy. The doctors expect a speedy recovery. Please continue to keep Janet in your prayers.

Roger

All, Shari Goodwin reports that Janet Purinton fell yesterday and broke her hip while traveling. She is in a hospital San Luis Obispo and expected to undergo surgery at 5:30 today. Her daughter Jennifer is flying out tomorrow and we presently know of no needs except for thoughts and prayers. Shari has suggested that a short text may be appreciated – Janet’s number is 918 230-3416.

Roger

Services will be held on Thursday, August 30, at 11am at the Boston Avenue Church.

Rick

Many thanks to Ken Privett – not Rex – for our next social event on Sunday, September 9. Arrive by 12:30 to enjoy a delicious Sunday buffet together in a private room at Philbrook Museum, followed by a docent-led tour of the museum afterward – no later than 2:00 p.m. Their special exhibit is “Innovative Impressions.” Cost is $32 per person, and guests are welcome. Limit is 35 people. Checks can be made out to “Maranatha Class.” A clipboard will be passed again Sunday if spaces are still available.

Shari

Hello, Maranatha –

Thanks so much to Dr. Don Hertzler for his excellent lesson on the apostle Paul. Don will conclude this Sunday. If you missed his first lesson last week and would like to hear it, you will soon be able to find it at http://www.bostonavenue.org/maranatha.html . Thanks, Don!

CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to our guest, Josh Wansley.

Happy birthday to Dave Shepherd and Andrea Davis, both on August 30. Happy Anniversary to Bill and Susan Thomas, also on August 30.

Thanks to Bruce Chucoski for leading us in prayer Sunday, and to the Wansleys and Campbells for providing our snacks. The Lanes and Shepherds will be our hosts this Sunday, and Sharon Chucoski will lead us in prayer.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Hope you’re planning to participate in BASE Camp this Sunday afternoon. It’s a great mission experience! Some of our class members will work at Burroughs School and some will be packing food in Jubilee Hall. Families are welcome!

(All other upcoming mission opportunities are listed at the bottom of this email.)

JOYS AND CONCERNS:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeff Allen and his family. Julie will be dearly missed in our class. Jeff thanked everyone for their support during Julie’s illness, and announced that his daughter Rebekah gave birth to a healthy, 9–pound 2-ounce baby boy Thursday morning.

Congratulations to Mary and Clark Bundren. Their new granddaughter Charlotte arrived a month early. Charlotte and her mom, Michelle, are both doing well.

Nancy Morgan is battling pneumonia. Please keep her in your prayers.

Please remember the family of Sarah Smith’s friend Nate, who passed away this week.

And continue to remember our classmate, Jennifer Hall, in your prayers as she battles cancer.

SOCIAL EVENTS:

On Sunday, September 9, we will enjoy a wonderful Sunday buffet together in a private room at Philbrook Museum. Arrive by 12:30, then we will enjoy a docent-led tour of the museum after lunch – no later than 2:00 p.m. Their special exhibit is “Innovative Impressions.” Cost is $32 per person, and guests are welcome. Rex Privett, who arranged this social, can take up to 35 people. Checks can be made out to “Maranatha Class.” A clipboard will be passed each Sunday through September 3rd, as long as space is available.

Save the date! Our Maranatha Christmas Party and Auction will be held on December 14.

OTHER

Our church has formed a team to paricipate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held September 15 on the University of Tulsa campus. Please consider walking or donating to support our team. More information is available at Tulsawalk.org – look for “Boston Avenue Support Group.”

Our class will meet in Jubilee Hall at 9:40 on September 23 to hear David Wiggs’s State of the Church update. His report will include results of the recent churchwide survey, along with other information.

UPCOMING CLASS MISSIONS:

August 26 – Boston Avenue BASE Camp: Rise Against Hunger

August 26-September 1 – Family Promise

October 4 – Project School Bell – help fit uniforms, shoes, et. for Burroughs students

October 11 & 25 – Maranatha helps with Compassion Dinners on these Thursday evenings.

November 25 – serve dinner at St. Luke’s Redemption Church

December (tentative) Neighbor for Neighbor Christmas event

We’ll see you Sunday –

Shari

Dear Maranatha class family members,

I had a meaningful conversation with Jeff Allen this afternoon and with his permission, I am sharing this update.

Julie and Jeff’s daughter Rebecca is due to deliver Lincoln at any time. The memorial service will not be scheduled until the birth is complete so that Rebecca and Matt can be present at the service. With that said, it is unlikely that the memorial service will occur in the next 10 days, and maybe longer. That is not definite, it is a best guess at this time. As soon as we become aware of specific plans you will be updated.

Jeff’s personal behavior has been amazing. Don’t misunderstand, he is grieving, but he is working through issues remarkably. Continue to hold Jeff in your prayers. His strength is a gift from God. Your friendship and prayers for Jeff are likewise a gift from God.

Rebecca and Matt and Taylor and Lauren are also dealing with their grief with courage and grace. They are a reflection of their mom, and mother-in-law.

Roger or I will provide an update in class on Sunday. If you have specific questions regarding Caranatha or other needs, we will update those on Sunday. In the meanwhile, please include Rebecca, Matt and soon-to-be Lincoln Williams in your prayers!

Rick
321-303-9873

I am heartbroken to report that Julie Allen passed away this morning. Her family was with her. As details regarding a service become available, we will update you.

Please pray for Jeff, Rebecca and Matt, and Taylor and Lauren.

Jeff and Julie had a repair project underway at their house, so if you are inclined to send something to Jeff you may send it in the following manner and I will make sure he gets it.

Jeff Allen
c/o Rick Evans
10708 S. Forest Ave.
Jenks, OK 74037

Rick
321-303-9873

Hello, Maranatha –

Thanks so much to the Rev. Dr. Gary Peluso Verdend for his excellent series, “The role of religion in public life in the U.S.” He gave us good food for thought! If you missed either of his lessons and would like to hear them, you can find them at http://www.bostonavenue.org/maranatha.html . Thanks, Gary!

Dr. Don Hertzler will teach us the next two Sundays on “Paul and Women.” Don has been a very active UMC layman at the Oklahoma Conference level, and was one of our Annual Conference delegates the last two years. He was a professor at Southwestern State University in Weatherford before he and his wife retired, moved to Tulsa, and joined Boston Avenue. We’re in for a treat!

CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Happy birthday to Gene Martin on August 14.

Happy anniversary to David and June Kooker on the 12th, Ruth and Paul Giessen on the 13th, and Rob Smith and Suzan Morgan, also on the 13th.

Thanks to Scott Morgan for leading us in prayer Sunday, and to Carol and Dave Grim and Sharon and Bruce Chucoski for being our hosts. Carol Maus will lead us in prayer this Sunday, and the Wansleys (guilty/cleanup) and Campbells (healthy/setup) will bring our snacks.

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate in BASE Camp: Rise Against Hunger on August 26. Our class will work at Burroughs School and/or packing food in Jubilee Hall. It’s a great mission experience for all ages!

(All other upcoming mission opportunities are listed at the bottom of this email.)

JOYS AND CONCERNS:

Julie Allen is in acute care now at St. John South and will be there a while. Cards are a great way to let her know you’re thinking about her.

Please remember the family of Sherry Griffin’s friend, David Cane, who was killed in a brush hog accident. He was working on it when the jack failed and it crushed him. David has a 13-year-old son.

Sharon and Bruce Chucoski’s daughter-in-law is expecting a baby in March, but has been very sick and has lost 11 pounds. An ultrasound last week shows that the baby is ok.

Pam Sherman is expecting another great grandchild. It’s a little boy, and she thinks he will be named “Porter.”

Please continue to remember our classmate, Jennifer Hall, in your prayers as she battles cancer.

SOCIAL EVENTS:

The potluck picnic and Bluegrass concert at Keystone State Park, Shelter #5, will take place this Saturday, August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring a side dish to share; chicken will be provided for $5 per couple. Plan now to come and enjoy Dave Shepherd’s Bluegrass band, yard games, great food and fellowship, and even karaoke for those who love to sing.

On Sunday, September 9, we will experience a wonderful Sunday buffet together in a private room at Philbrook Museum. Arrive by 12:30, then we will enjoy a docent-led tour of the museum after lunch – no later than 2:00 p.m. Their special exhibit is “Innovative Impressions.” Cost is $32 per person, and guests are welcome. They can take up to 35 people. Checks can be made out to “Maranatha Class.” A clipboard will be passed each Sunday through September 3rd. Thanks to Ken Privett for arranging this.

OTHER

Our church has formed a team to paricipate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which will be held September 15 on the University of Tulsa campus. Please consider walking with or donating to support our team. More information is available at Tulsawalk.org – look for “Boston Avenue Support Group.”

Our class will meet in Jubilee Hall on September 23 to hear David Wiggs’s State of the Church update. The staff was thrilled with all the completed surveys they received, and those results will be part of his update, along with other information.

All are invited to participate in Restore Hope Ministries’ Annual Golf Tournament on September 10.

The Wesley Foundation at OSU will host an Open House of its new facility on September 8.

UPCOMING CLASS MISSIONS:

August 26 – Boston Avenue BASE Camp: Rise Against Hunger

August 26-September 1 – Family Promise

October 4 – Project School Bell – help fit uniforms, shoes, et. for Burroughs students

October 11 & 25 – Maranatha helps with Compassion Dinners on these Thursday evenings.

November 25 – serve dinner at St. Luke’s Redemption Church

December (tentative) Neighbor for Neighbor Christmas event

You are a blessing to our class. We’ll see you Sunday –

Shari

Hello, Maranatha family and friends-

Here’s this week’s class news:

The Rev. Dr. Gary Peluso Verdend shared an articulate, thought-provoking lesson Sunday, and he will teach us again this week. His topic, “The role of religion in public life in the U.S.,” led him to a comparison of culture to soil. Both need to be healthy in order to enable growth.

Gary is on sabbatical from Phillips Theological Seminary for a year, then he will be creating and leading a new Center for Religion and Culture in Public Life in Oklahoma, which will be based at Phillips. He’s always been a class favorite! If you missed his first lesson and would like to hear it, you can find it at http://www.bostonavenue.org/maranatha.html . Thanks, Gary!

Don Hertzler will teach August 19 and 26 on “Paul and Women.”

CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS

We welcomed guests Heather and Bryant Stein, Jerry Harris and Kate Staat Barnes Sunday. It was great to have them!

Happy birthday to Mary Staat on August 5, and Glenna Arnott and Jill Thomas on August 6.

Happy anniversary to Lisa and Denzil Tallent on the 6th, Patty and Jim Banes on the 7th, Angie Dale and Jim McCann on the 8th; and Frieda and Rob Reck on the 11th.

Thanks to Janet Purinton for leading us in prayer Sunday, and to Rob and Suzy Morgan and Angie Dale and Jim McCann for our snacks. Scott Morgan will lead us in prayer this Sunday, and Carol Grim (guilty/setup) and Sharon and Bruce Chucoski (healthy/cleanup) will be our hosts.

MISSION NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES:

Our class will serve dinner at the Day Center for the Homeless this Friday, August 10. Volunteers will begin loading food at the church at 4:30 that afternoon, then arrive at the Day Center by 5:00 to set up and serve. Everyone should be finished by 5:30-5:45. Meredith Davisson has probably already contacted you if you signed up to help.

Richard Wansley announced a possible upcoming outdoor project at Burroughs. He will share more information as it becomes available.

(All other upcoming mission opportunities are listed at the bottom of this email.)

JOYS AND CONCERNS:

Jimmy Berg is still improving, and he hopes to be back in class in a few weeks.

Please remember Julie and Jeff Allen. Julie is out of ICU, but was still hospitalized and does not need visitors. Cards would be a good way to let them know you’re thinking of them.

Debra Chucoski, Sharon and Bruce’s daughter in law, is expecting her second baby, and she has been battling stomach problems.

Lynn Russell’s friend, Derek Bakeman, needs our prayers, as does Barbara Meehan’s friend, Robert Chase.

Denzil and Lisa were celebrating 35 years of living “happily ever after” on Sunday. Congratulations!

Please remember the families of Jerry Hudson and Jerry Roberson, who both passed away last week.

Julee and Jim Embrey’s son Sam was honored to serve on the Honor Guard last week for the military burial of the sailor whose remains were finally identified and returned home to Oklahoma after he was killed on the U.S.S. Oklahoma during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. (You’ll see his picture from the Tulsa World if you scroll all the way to the bottom of this email.)

Please continue to remember our friend and classmate, Jennifer Hall, in your prayers as she battles cancer.

SOCIAL EVENTS:

The potluck picnic and Bluegrass Concert at Keystone State Park will take place on August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring a side dish to share; chicken will be provided for $5 per couple. Plan now to come and enjoy Dave Shepherd’s Bluegrass band, yard games, great food and fellowship, and even karaoke for those who are love to sing.

OTHER

All are invited to participate in Restore Hope Ministries’ Annual Golf Tournament on September 10.

The Wesley Foundation at OSU will host an Open House of its new facility on September 8.

UPCOMING CLASS MISSIONS:

August 26 – Boston Avenue BASE Camp: Rise Against Hunger

August 26-September 1 – Family Promise

October 4 – Project School Bell – help fit uniforms, shoes, et. for Burroughs students

October 11 & 25 – Maranatha helps with Compassion Dinners on these Thursday evenings.

November 25 – serve dinner at St. Luke’s Redemption Center

December (tentative) Neighbor for Neighbor Christmas event

Thanks for all you mean to our class. We’ll see you Sunday –

Shari