Presidents: Richard and Meredith Wansley
Vice Presidents for Funds: Bob Russell, Sharon Earley, Bill Gertsen, Shari Goodwin
Vice Presidents for Missions: Suzy and Denny Meredith-Orr
Secretary: Sharon Earley
Treasurer: Kevin Meehan
Reporter: Lynn Russell
Chairs: CARE-anatha: Karen Campbell, Barbara Meehan
Chair: Social Events: Pam Sherman
Chair: Food and Greeters: Beverly North
Chairs: Auction: Michelle Place, Lynn Russell
Historian: Pam Low
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dear Friends,
We had yet another great class earlier today, with many of our class members able to attend. For those of you who could not be present with us, we missed you, and hope to see you soon in class!
We acknowledged several people who will be having birthdays this week, including Martha Blevins (January 21st), Joyce Justice (January 21st), and Pam Snodgrass (January 22nd); the Jennings, Teri and Mark, will celebrate an anniversary (January 18th). Happy Birthday and Anniversary to you!
Our Greeters who also provided refreshments were Skip and Paula Scott as well as Allene and Rex Donley. Thank you!
We had some visitors, Amanda and Matt DeDonder, Patti and Gary Smith, and Meriel P. Evans. Welcome, come again, join our class!
Bob Russell and Meredith Davison Wansley reported on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative events being held today and tomorrow (Monday). Boston Avenue Church is a main sponsor of these events, and Bob is a member of the MLK Board of Directors. Later today, a march will be held leading from downtown to Boston Avenue Church where a worship service will be held for all who attend the march as well as others wishing only to attend the service. Bob, Meredith, and many other Maranatha class members will participate in these events.
Denny Meredith-Orr reported on an opportunity for class members to help with the relief effort for the those in Haiti. The class will sponsor purchase of supplies to package for the United Methodist Commission on Relief (UMCOR) to distribute to needy Haitians. Further, we will also be putting the package together at some point in the next week. The supplies are simple, but essential, items such as toothbrushes, wash clothes, bandages, and other items. Allene Donley stepped up by offering to provide the toothbrushes. We’ll be putting together about 50 packages. Denny will contact you about the time and date for when and where you can come to help out with this effort. If you wish to contact him or Suzy, please use the following E-mail: odms2(at)yahoo.com.
Pam Sherman reminded us that the February social will be a Valentine’s Dinner held at Tia Amo, the restaurant’s Southside location, February 12th. Contact Pam if you are interested in more information or signing up: psherman(at)cityoftulsa.org. Please remember that this is an “everybody” event, not just a “couples” event; you’re all “sweethearts”!!
Several class members expressed concerns, for David and his son Eddie, the family of Jerry who died earlier this week, Karl, the employees of the City who face layoffs and furloughs, and Dee Copeland. Please let Karen Campbell or Barbara Meehan know if you have concerns that should be shared to the class before next Sunday or if you feel there is a need for “care”. Our class prayer was given by Scott Morgan.
The Reverend Ken Tobler was our teacher today, and we were blessed by his continued presentation to us regarding the unique way that Jesus told his stories as lessons for our faith and life. Next week, our teacher will be the Reverend Debbie Peterson, followed on January 31st by a Brunch where we will hear about our class’s new website.
Blessings to all,
Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents
*Note that you will need to type email addresses into an email program substituting “@” for “(at).” I have edited email addresses so that recipients will not pick up additional spam from autobots that might be searching our posts. Also, for contact information, you can find our newest roster on the Class Member Page. -brm
Nancy wrote late Sunday in response to the class news that Richard emailed that afternoon:
Thanks for email. Had to miss last 2 weeks my father had surgery at
Cleveland clinic doing very well. Were supposed to
Come home today but Cleveland airport lost power . No flights out. Hope to see you next week. Nancy Manduano
“Without faith, nothing is possible; with it (faith), nothing is impossible”
Mary McLeod Bethune
Thank you for your acceptance of Meredith and me as your Presidents in 2010. We are excited about the new year and the ability to work with magnificent people who are serving as other offices for our Class.
Earlier today, we had a large number of Class members who heard a lesson given by Reverend Ken Tobler; Ken will continue to “surprise, shock, and, perhaps, offend” us next week as he continues his teaching. If you weren’t able to attend this week, we’ll be looking for you next week.
We recognized several members who are having birthdays in the next several days, including David Rose, Jim Seymour, and David Worthington. No anniversaries this week.
Refreshments and greetings were provided by Debbie and Neal Pascoe as well as Jennifer Hall.
Several concerns were raised for others, including Noel Copeland; a friend, Chuck, who lost his wife; Jim’s friend (Charlie Snow) who died, Charlie’s wife and daughter; Kim who lost her son. The prayer was delivered by Shari Goodwin.
Announcements highlighted the Dinners (or, better named, “Meals”) for 8 (contact Pam Sherman for more information). Pam also is planning a February social as a “Valentine’s Dinner” at Ti Amo on February 12th (again, contact Pam if you are interested). Shari Goodwin solicited volunteers to participate in a Focus Group on the “church/denomination and HIV/AIDS”. Contact Shari if you are interested in being a part of this Group. Denny and Suzy Meredith-Orr reminded us that our next mission opportunity is January 27, helping at the Day Center for the Homeless. Let Denny or Suzy know if you are willing to participate and have not yet signed up for this activity.
We had visitors this morning, Carol and Dave Grim, and Beth Lyons. We encouraged them to return next week; look for them and welcome them!
If you have any Caranatha announcements or requests for help from our very giving class, contact either Karen Campbell or Barbara Meehan, or me.
You are welcome to get in touch with me at any time. Use the E-mail, richard.wansley(at)okstate.edu,* or call me on my cell phone, 918/520-8787.
By Later this month, we hope to announce the opening of a new Maranatha Class website/blog that will be a “one-stop” communication tool for the class. At that time, communicating needs, your thoughts, mission opportunities, and social events will all be possible through this site. Our thanks to Barbara Meehan for her dedicated work on this project. Until that time, however, please use our individual E-mail addresses, and, of course, telephone numbers.
Have a terrific week!
Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
*Note that you will need to type Richard’s email address into an email substituting “@” for “(at).” I have edited his email address so that he will not pick up additional spam from autobots that might be searching our posts. Also, for contact information, you can find our newest roster on the Class Member Page. -brm
From Melanie Evans:
Jess (Rick Evans’s father) was released from the hospital today and is doing very well. Rick and Melanie have returned to their home in Florida. She says, “Thanks for everyone’s prayers and good wishes. Even when we didn’t need a thing, it’s great to know we have so many good friends that care.”
Welcome to the first web-based home of the Maranatha Class of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.
Maranatha Class Website 