Sunday, 25 September 2011

What a wonderful presentation given by Michelle Place. I hope all who were there found something that can help.
Thank you to Sharon Earley for a wonderful prayer.
Thank you to those who Greeted and Refreshed us:
Jim McCann and Angelyn Dale
Michelle Place

Visitors:
Bobbi – Our new Apartment M Resident

September Birthdays:
26 Margaret Been
28 Alan Smith
30 Dan Blevins

September Anniversaries:
25 James and Denise Kilman

October Anniversaries:
1 Scott and Sandi Gardner

Announcements:

Our speaker for Sunday October 2 is Patricia Johnson who is a BA Intern in Pastoral Care

Greeters and Refreshments for Sunday October 2:
Paul and Barbara Loyd
Ed and Judith Payton

Cookson Hills Christmas Giving October 1 through 31
It is time once again to collect gifts for our United Methodist Mission at Cookson. Tables will be in Bishops’ Hall each Sunday in October to receive these gifts. All gifts must be NEW and UNWRAPPED. They will be taken to the Cookson Center for their Christmas store shopping. Gift list are available in Bishops Hall, Information Desk Window and in the church Paper (The Word)

Just a Reminder Flu Shots are on the way.
When: Sunday October 2, 2011 From 9:30AM to 12:30PM in the Aldersgate Room at Boston Avenue United Methodist. Cost $25.

If you want to learn the basics of Fly Fishing, including casting, knots, rigging, and more! Instructor John Sherman has over 50 years of Experience and is past President of Trout Unlimited & Tulsa Fly Fishers. He is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor with over 20 years of Teaching Experience.
When: Tuesdays 6:30PM to 8:30PM, October 4 through November 8. Cost $15 for printed material. To register please contact Paula Gradney 918-699-0129 or paulagradney(at)bostonavenue.org

Discover Islam: Come and learn about Islam and help dispel the many myths about Islam in America.
October 4 Islam: Faith & History
October 11 Islam: A Faith Hijacked
October 18 Christians & Islam
October 25 African Americans 7 Islam
November 1 Islam: An American Faith
November 8 Women in Islam
One hour session begins at 6:30PM. For more information please call 918-583-5181 or billcrowell(at)bostonavenue.org for free reservations. Respected members of the Tulsa Islamic Community will be present to hear comments and answer questions.

Thursday 6 October, Clarehouse’s Under the Harvest Moon from 6PM to 9PM at Southern Hills Country Club 2636 E 61st Street Tulsa OK
Special Honoree: Jim Geurin , M.D.
Tickets $95 Cocktail Attire

Thursday October 13 2011 at 1:00PM: TU Wesley Foundation The 18th Annual Golf for Student Missions Tournament
Location: WhiteHawk Golf Club 14515 South Yale Avenue Bixby OK 74008
Phone: 918-366-4653
Cost: $100 per player (Sorry for the mistake in class). $50 for Golf and Meal and a $50 tax deductible donation to campus ministry at TU. Come at 11:30AM to sign up, buy some mulligans and hit a bucket of balls. The $100 player fee includes range balls, cart, green fee, door
prizes, meal and great fellowship. Sponsors who sponsor a hole get a color sign courtesy of Dunbar Signs, recognized in our tournament program and in our newsletter. Par-$150, Birdie-$200, Eagle-$250, Hole-In-One-Sponsor $500. Additional we are looking for gifts/merchandise we can offer as gifts or prizes to our players. AKA: golf clubs, gift certificate, sport blankets, Cd’s, umbrellas, craft items. Please contact wesley(at)wesleytu.org or 918-592-5778 if you can provide
gifts or merchandise.

15 Oct is Downtown for Good: We are looking for people who need help. Specifically, people who would not be able to do the task needed on their own. If you know of such a person please email Denny and Suzy Meredith-Orr, odms2(at)yahoo.com
Registration being taken in Bishop’s Hall. T Shirts are now available, the color is gray.

Please sign up for picture directory appointment at http://www.bostonavenue.org. All who participate will receive a free 8X10 portrait and pets are welcome.

The Front Porch Project of Tulsa, 2 day Community Training Sunday, October 9 12PM to 5:30PM and Sunday October 23 12PM to 5:30PM at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. Lunch and Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by September 26. Kathleen Benfield 918-699-0503 or kbenfield(at)parentchildcenter.org. The Front Porch Project is aimed at training people from all walks of life on how to safely and appropriately intervene in such circumstances and this past year became the latest Primary Prevention Program of The Parent Child Center of Tulsa, a child abuse prevention agency.

Ugandan Orphan Choir , November 18, 19 and 20th. Anyone who is willing to open there house and provide Choir members and their Families a place to stay please contact Dr Joel Panciera.

Maranatha Christmas Party is Saturday December 10 at 6PM. More details to come.

Joys and Concerns:
Barbara’s Daughter – Breast Cancer
Denise – Needs a car
Parker – severe burns
Robert and Theresa

Have a great week.
I hope to see all on Sunday

William

Note that in order to help avoid spam, the email addresses in this message will need to be edited before they will work. Simply replace the “(at)” with a “@.” – Barbara

Published in: on September 26, 2011 at 9:57 pm  Comments Off on Sunday, 25 September 2011  
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Sunday 22 May 2011

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.  John 20-29
Scripture Reading:  Luke 16:19-31

I hope all have enjoyed Don Forsman the last three Sundays. What a Blessing those Sundays have been.
Thank you to Karen Campbell for a wonderful prayer.
Thank you to Ruth Giessen for keeping the class minutes.

Thank you to those who Greeted and brought Refreshments:
Rob and Frieda Reck
Brenda Spencer

Visitors:
Alexis
Chris
Rebbecca
Lauren

All are welcome back anytime.

May Birthdays:
22nd Angelyn Dale
22nd Mary Elliott
22nd Jerry Walker
22nd Bill Gertsen
25th Jane Smith
26th Amy Michaels
27th Bethany Willyard

May Anniversaries:
23rd  Denny & Suzy Meredith-Orr
25th Rex & Allene Donley
27th Gene & Diane Martin
27th Bob & Lynn Russell

Congratulations to Maranatha High School Senior Graduates:
Jason Earley: Son of  Ray and Sharon Earley
Ryan Latchem: Son of  Ray and Shannon Latchem
Larkin McCann:  Son of James McCann and Angelyn Dale
Danny Rose: Son of David and Susan Rose
Alex Rounds: Son of Mark and Anita Rounds
Scott Solomon: Son of Stuart and Dana Solomon

Announcements:

Thursday 26 May: Utica Square Christmas – For those who bought into
this at the Christmas Party, you should have received an email. If not
and you want to attend contact Allene Donley.

Sunday 29 May: Brunch – Come share your favorite dish we us.

Monday 30 May: Memorial Day

Apartment M is ready to go and looks great. Congratulations to all.

In class a list was passed around for Day Center for The Homeless. If
you purchase an item on the list be sure to check it off.

Joys and Concerns:
Bethany Willyard
Doris Bell
Kirk & Michelle Place – Family Vacation
Sarah – Retirement
High School and College Graduates
Storm Victims in Kansas and Minneapolis

Have a great week.
I hope to see all on Sunday.

William Meyer

Published in: on May 24, 2011 at 10:06 pm  Comments Off on Sunday 22 May 2011  
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Sunday 3 April 2011

“What we think about things determines our actions.  What we think about God is the most important thing about us. How we answer that question will determine our spiritual future, as well as how we live day by day.”
By James Bryan Smith,  The Kingdom and the Cross..  Thank you to Paula Scott for the wonderful lesson.

Thank you to our Greeters and those who brought Refreshments:
Paul and Ruth Giessen
Jim McCann and Angelyn Dale

Visitors:
Susanne Taylor  – Houston TX

April Birthdays:
4th Anita Rounds
7th Rob Reck
7th Eric

April Anniversaries:
7th Dan and Martha Blevins
7th Jim and Sherry Griffin
9th Judy Harkins

Announcements:
Our speaker for 10 April will be Jim Embrey

Greeters and Refreshments for 10 April:
Set Up:  Ed and Judith Payton
Clean Up: Mark and Beverly North

11 April Golf Tournament to Benefit MSgt Tom Garrett and Family at MeadowBrook Country Club.  Lunch and Registration 11AM, Start 1PM.  Cost: 4 Person Team $260, Single Player $65 – will be paired into 4 man teams.

15 April Easter Egg Stuffing and Potluck – contact Skip and Paula Scott for more details.

We continue to restock Apartment M. We still need some items, please consult list being passed around or see Sharon Early.

Joys and Concerns:
Paul – Pet Scan
Dana’s Father passed away
Pam Sherman – Presentation Roots of Islamic Terrorism and Politics
Tom Garrett and Family
Bethany Willyard – Bethany will visit us on 17April
Laura – Abdominal Pain

Have a Great Week. I hope to see all on Sunday

William Meyer

Published in: on April 6, 2011 at 6:39 pm  Comments Off on Sunday 3 April 2011  
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Sunday 20 March 2011

Thank you for the wonderful turn out Sunday. It was a pleasure to here Dr Howard Plowman talk and we’ll experience the same pleasure this Sunday when Dr Plowman returns.

Thank you to Pam Sherman for keeping the class minutes.

Thank you to all those who Greeted and brought Refreshment:  Bob and Lynn Russell,  Dave and Carol Grim and David and Brenda Worthington.

March Birthdays:
20th Meredith Davison Wansley
26th Doug Tye

March Anniversaries:
21st Neal and Debbie Pascoe
24th Keith and Sue Madden

The pray was given by Rex Donley – Thank you.

Announcements:
Our Greeters and Refreshments for 27 March will be:  Bill Gertsen and Mark and Beverly North.

We are still needing supplies for Apartment M. Please check off items obtained, a list is being passed around.

Saturday 26 March we are having a work day at Apt M. Any help will be appreciated.

The Work Area on Missions wants Your Help:  The National Subcommittee which focuses on mission trips within the United States, will meet Wednesday evening, 23 March at 5:45PM in the Asbury Room to decide a mission site for this summer or fall(2011).  Any suggestions please call Mike Sheehan at 918-671-7596 or Michael-Sheehan(at)utulsa.edu .

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Daily Lenten Devotional book at Boston Avenue. The book was written by church staff and members. Once you have your copy join the great discussion on the Boston Avenue Facebook Page.

Joys and Concerns
Tom Garrett – ALS
Bethany Willyard – Thank you to Bethany for the wonderful letter to the class presented by Meredith Wansley
Richard and Jeanie Payton – Premature Grand Baby
Don – Cancer, Medical Retirement
Nancy – Improving, Thank you for the food.
Todd – Broken leg and hoof injury (horse accident)
Garrett – Broken Foot
Ben – Knee Surgery
Olin – Surgery
Mason – Rotator Cuff
Johnnie Romo – Thank you to Maranatha for your support.

Have and Great Week. I hope to see all on Sunday.

William Meyer

Published in: on March 22, 2011 at 11:43 pm  Comments Off on Sunday 20 March 2011  
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Sunday 6 March 2011

Thank you to all who came Sunday, our speaker was Brantley Tillery, Pastor of Redemption Church and Director of Exodus House
We also would like to Thank those who Greeted and provided refreshments:
Set Up: Karey and Pam Low
Clean Up: Rex and Allene Donley

March Birthdays
6th Kenny King
6th Barbara Loyd
8th Kendall Carpenter

March Anniversaries:
7th Kirk and Michelle Place

This week March 13th:
Class Discussion and Vote
Daylight Savings Time Begins – Spring Forward
Greeters and Refreshments:
Set Up: Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Clean Up:  Steve and Debbie Jacoby

Announcements:
Boston Avenue is handing out devotional books for Lent. The devotional materials were written by Boston Avenue members and compiled by Joel Panciera. Ann White helped to put the book together.
There will be a discussion of the devotional material on the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church Facebook page. All are welcome to join the discussion.

Wednesday 16 March at 12PM in the Asbury Room: Senior Wise Safety at Home and Out and About. Must RSVP with Paula Gradney 583-5181 Ext 129 or Paul Staat 583-5181 Ext 133

Sunday March 20th and 27th Our speaker will be Howard Plowman – For those whohave scriptures they would like Howard Plowman to discuss please contact Michelle Place.  Email: mplacetul@sbcglobal.net

Apartment M: There is a list of items needed for Apt M. Please initial the list by items you have supplied.  There will be a workday for Apt M Saturday 26 March.

Congratulations to Rob Reck for the wonderful anthem during the Sunday Service.

Congratulations to Johnnie Romo who know has an Apartment of his own.

Joys and Concerns:
Please pray for :
Bethany Willyard – Bipolar
Nancy
Kirk Place’s Mother
Beverly Lightner – Surgery
Rhonda – Chemo
Kate – Low Immune System
Student Athletes
Children in DHS custody or are wards of the court

Published in: on March 11, 2011 at 7:42 am  Comments Off on Sunday 6 March 2011  
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Maranatha, April 18, 2010

“Today the world changes so quickly that in growing up we take leave not just of youth but of the world we were young in.”
Peter Medawar (Nobel Prize Winning Zoologist, 1960)

Our Quote of the Day above was appropriate to our Class’ lesson this morning, delivered by Dr. Gary Peluso-Verdend, President, Phillips Theological Seminary. Gary began a two part series entitled, “Adolescents and Christianity in the United States: A Look Back Since WWII.” This moring, he acquainted us with the many ways in which young people of today are growing up in an environment different from many of us, older folks; he particulary pointed out the influence of technology on adolescents. Dr. Peluso-Verdend has set the stage for next weeks lesson discussing the relationship of these factors to the formation of values, ethics, and faith.

Prior to our lesson, we celebrated two birthdays this week, Mickey Maus (4/19) and Sarah Smith (4/23), and two anniversaries, Mary & Charlie Ninde (4/22) and Anita & Mark Rounds (4/23). Greeters who also brought great refreshments were Julie & Jeff Evans and Suzy & Denny Meredith-Orr. Congratuations to those celebrating special days, and thank you for the delicious food!

Nancy Morgan was a visitor for the last time; she now is a member! Welcome, Nancy! Our other visitors were Mary and Ed, parents of Susan Panciera. Mary and Ed, come again.

Lot’s of announcements were heard today. Suzy Meredith-Orr announced that Maranatha Class members have contributed 207 hours toward missions benefitting 450 people since January. Great job, Maranatha, and our thanks to Suzy and Denny for coordinating this activities!

“Dinners/Lunch for 8” groups will begin again this month. If you have signed up, then you’re in a group. If you haven’t signed up, then contact Pam Sherman for an assignment for this month. Also, contact Pam if you are interested in attending the May social event, a Drillers baseball game on May 23rd, immediately following the 11am service (lunch and the game for $20 per person).

Carol Grim showed us beautiful quilts made by her church quilting group, an activity supported in part by the Maranatha Class. She announced that one the quilts will be donated to Apartment M, Exodus House, another mission our our Class. Thanks, Carol and all the other quilters!

A special request was announced, looking for drivers to assist Disabled American Veterans access medical visits and other services. If you are interested in volunteering, call 628-2607.

We had a number of concerns mentioned this morning, the death of a friend and work colleague, illnesses of family and friends, the death of a grandson of a church member, a family who is facing a stressful legal matter, and a joy for a son who is to receive a fellowship to study for his PhD. Those in class this morning heard these concerns and joys; if you were not able to attend, please speak with me or another member about details about these expressions of joys and concerns.

Jim Embrey lead us in prayer following our announcement, joys and concerns.

Beginning next week, we will be asking all those who wish to have their specific joys and concerns placed in the weekly Class Report to write them down for us so that we can make certain that we get the correct details.

We’re always happy to have a large number of members as we did this morning, but we miss those of you who could not join us today. Come when you can, keep in touch! Have a wonderful, blessed week! Gary Peluso-Verdend will be our teacher again next week, completing his teaching series.

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents

Published in: on April 18, 2010 at 6:21 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, April 18, 2010  
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Maranatha, March 14, 2010

“Be kind to those who meet you as you rise, you may pass them again as you fall”
Irish Proverb

About 70 or so people joined us today to hear from Dr. Sandra Costen Kunz, a professor at Phillips Theological Seminary, present her lesson, entitled “The Human Spirit We Nurture in Christian Education: A Human Part or a Human Capacity?”. It was a fascinating, thoughtful presentation that challenged us to consider the role of our biology, specifically the workings of the brain, in the formation of our spiritual self. She help us better appreciate the importance of our “Christian community” and Christian eduation in modelling the principles taught us by Jesus, speculating about how this process triggers our “spiritual gene”, a unique quality of humans, that connects us with God. Thank you, Dr. Kunz; we hope you will join us, again, in the future. And, our appreciation to class member Ginny Walker in our class who has facilitated invitations to Phillips Seminary faculty members who have been sharing their scholarship with us.

Prior to Dr. Kunz’s lesson, we celebrated several birthdays, Joe Harris (3/18), Susan Panciera (3/19), and Meredith Davison Wansley (3/20), and one anniversary, Jeanie and Richard Payton (3/14). A lovely and very appropriate St. Patrick’s Day theme adorned our table of delicious refreshments. Christi and Kraemer Luks prepared the table and provided the healthy snacks, including muffins with “green” zucchini. Yummy! Bill Gertsen tempted us (and many of us yielded to the temptation) with guilty snacks – donuts, donuts! Thanks, Christi, Kraemer, and Bill for the snacks and serving as greeters.

Beverly North, who has done a marvelous job with organizing refreshmens and greeters needs your help; more volunteers are needed for future weeks. Please contact Beverly at bevjnorth(at)earthlink.net.

We had two visitors, Adam Wood and Melissa Young. Please join us, again, at any time!

Several announcements were made by class members. Darlene Lorenz asked for help with moving furniture at Exodus House, next Saturday, March 20th, at 3:00pm. Pam Sherman told us that we can join her and others to “stuff Easter eggs”, an annual Maranatha project, on Friday evening, March 26th. Contact Pam for additional information. Denny Meredith-Orr announced that our class will be helping with the Church’s Habitat for Humanity project on either April 10th or 17th. More later on this opportunity to serve.

David and Susan Rose informed us that they have learned of yet another grandchild that is expected in the future, the second of such announcements for two weeks in a row. John Sherman’s mother was hosptalized but is now successfully recovering from her illness. John also let us know that he has a contract on the sale of his house; he has been looking forward to its sale for some time.

Lynn Russell asks that we all “save the date” for an evening at the Designer Showcase, scheduled for April 19th, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Ginny Walker share a prayer and meditation with us this morning following announcements.

If you there this morning, it was great fellowship and education, as you well know. If you were unable to be with us this morning, we missed you, and recommend that you check out our website (www.maranathaclass.org) for what’s going on in the future. Also, Dr. Kunz’s lesson will be posted on our podcast soon; look for it at http://www.bostonavenue.org/maranatha.shtml.

Next Sunday and the following week (Palm Sunday), we will have Reverend Bill Tankersley as our teacher. Later this week, I’ll send you an announcement about his topic. Remember that Easter Sunday will a “brunch Sunday” for us. Have a blessed week!

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents

Published in: on March 16, 2010 at 6:50 am  Comments Off on Maranatha, March 14, 2010  
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Maranatha, March 7, 2010

“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.”
Elbert Hubbard, American writer, publisher, artist, and philosopher (1856 – 1915)

Elbert Hubbard made the above statement about 100 years ago, demonstrating that, even then, there was debate regarding health care and how much you need versus how much you want. Earlier today, Michael Lapolla, a professor at OU-Tulsa, presented to our class on the standards that he uses to “score” health care reform proposals. He also informed us about several local efforts to serve those in our community who are uninsured or under-insured, the Unused Prescription Medicine program and the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner’s State Coverage Intiative, the latter which is designed to subsidize insurance coverage for many who cannot otherwise afford health insurance.

Following Mr. Lapolla’s presentation, there was a long line of Class members who sought more conversation with him. Several members asked if it were possible to set up a special event at the Church to allow more time to hear and talk about this important issue that is currently much in the news and our thoughts. I’ll be speaking with our Church officials and Mr. Lapolla to see if this option might be feasible.

Several celebrations were noted in class, Kendall Carpenter’s birthday (3/8), as well as Michelle & Kirk Place’s anniversary (3/7) and Pam & John Sherman’s anniversary (3/10). Our Greeters who also provided tasty refreshments were Kendall & David Carpenter and Nancy & Joey Manduano. Dave and Carol Grimm are no longer visitors, they are MEMBERS! Welcome Dave and Carol! Other visitors for some or all of today were Ashley Ann Payton and Alexis Brownlee. Come back, anytime!

Denny Meredith-Orr reported on the mission “painting party” on Saturday at Exodus House. Thank you to all those Class members and your families who helped with this important Methodist program yesterday. In April, our Class will be invited to help with the Habitat for Humanity houses being built jointly by Christians, Jews, and Muslims in Tulsa. Stay tuned for more information from Denny on this opportunity.

Sharon Earley reported that the Funds Committee met earlier this morning to begin its deliberations on distribution of those dollars raised at our annual Christmas auction. The next meeting will be held at 9:00am, Sunday, March 21st, in our classroom, prior to Sunday School. If you wish to nominate a candidate for our funds, please send an E-mail or other message to Sharon (sharon.earley(at)williams.com) or Richard Wansley (richard.wansley(at)okstate.edu). Please be specific about the interest and the amount of funds that you are recommending. Be reminded that our agreed upon policy regarding funds distribution prioritizes our own Church’s needs, then Methodist interests, and finally, other community programs or projects.

An unusual joy was reported by Ginny Walker. A baby was born at “Methodist Manor” this past week! Yes, a baby! Apparently, a staff member unexpectedly give birth at the Manor before being able to get to the hospital. The child who is doing well was dutifully named “Miracle” by the parents. Other joys included Beverly’s report of having finally found a teaching job, and Judith Payton who is recovering with success following surgery. It’s a blessing to us to share your joys with you!

Concerns were expressed for Lynn’s friend, Nancy, who has suffered a massive stroke, children at Sharon’s school whose parents were killed recently, and Jim’s friends who are struggling with post-traumatic stress. William gave us an update on his health; he’s been dealing with chest pains without any meaningful diagnosis from physicians. Gabriele’s mother has had a heart attack, and Gabriele is heading back to her mother’s home to help as best she can. Our thoughts and prayers are with all these people, family, and friends mentioned here and reported this morning. If you wish members to know about concerns that our Class might address, please contact our Caranatha Chairs, Karen Campbell or Barbara Meehan.

Lynn Russell gave our prayer before the presentation by Mr. Lapolla.

Next week, our teacher will be Professor Sandra Costen Kunz, Phillips Theological Seminary, who will address the topic entitled, “The Human Spirit We Nurture in Christian Education: A Human “Part” or a Human “Capacity”?” We do so hope that you will be with us next week. Have a marvelous week!

Don’t forget to check out our website from time to time, http: www.maranathaclass.org.

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

Published in: on March 7, 2010 at 6:01 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, March 7, 2010  
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Maranatha, February 28, 2010

“Being a missionary doesn’t mean you have to cross the sea, just see the cross.”

When Reverend Marsha Alexander, our teacher/presenter at class this morning, made this comment to us on Saturday evening at our home where she spent the evening, we knew that this was to be Sunday’s Quote. Our Class was blessed by Reverend Alexander’s description of her journeys as a United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries’ missionary, not only those journeys of geography (the Phillipines and Mexico) but also the one of her calling by God to mission. Marsha shared with us that many people over the years have said that “…she must have given up so much to be in such service”, but Marsha simply concluded that “…she can’t think of a thing that she’s given up that hasn’t been replaced 10-fold by God through her service to our Lord, Jesus Christ.” Whether called across the sea, across the border, across town, across the street, or across the room, we give up nothing but we gain everything! God speed, Marasha; we are blessed by your message to us this morning!

Our classroom was filled to near capacity earlier today; what a great Sunday! However, there were those of you who weren’t able to be with us, and you were missed. Hope to see you soon!

We celebrated several birthdays inlcuding Ruth Giessen (3/4), Kenny King(3/6), and Barbara Loyd (3/6), and one anniversary, Christi and Kraemer Luks. To each and all, congratulations! Our thanks to Susie and Mark Butterworth, Sarah and Cisco Maldonado for delicious refreshments, both healthy and not, displayed with loving care over a quilted tablecloth. Our lone visitor was a family member, Ms. Lisa Meehan. Come again, Lisa!

Suzy Meredith-Orr announced our next mission opportunity, a painting party at Exodus House, on Saturday, March 6th, 9:30am till about 1:00pm. Contact Suzy for more information.

Pam Sherman let us know that the annual “Easter egg stuffing” is scheduled for Friday evening, 6:30pm, March 26th. Contact Pam, but we’ll provide more information in future Sunday Reports as well.

Sharon Earley is heading up the Funds Committee effort to nominate recipients for our donations. She asked that the Committee and other interested folks meet with her next Sunday at 9:00am in our classroom to discuss the process. Nominations will be presented to the class in April (probably the 11th) for our actions on this important mission of our Class. Contact Sharon or me if you have a nominee or comments/questions.

Jennifer Hall expressed her joy at the news of being an expectant grandmother. Judith Payton will have surgery next Friday; our thoughts and prayers are with you, Judith. Glenna Arnott shared concern for a granddaughter who is in harms way; she distributed information regarding this matter, asking for prayers and support. Glenn has asked to send this information to you via E-mail, and we will do in a seperate mailing later this week once she has provided it to us. Bob Russell led us in prayer following these expressions of joy and concerns.

March 2010 should be another interesting month of informative presentations and Christian education leading us into the Easter week (Palm Sunday is March 28th). Next week, Professor Michael Lapolla will be in our class to help us better understand some of the critical points within the national and local debate on “health care reform”. Professor Lapolla’s research and thoughts are often reported in our newspapers and other media locally and regionally, especially as it pertains to policy affecting underserved and underinsured people, a population of great concern to all us who are Christians. Professor Lapolla’s presentation is expected to be an unbiased report to you with an opportunity for questions and answers.

On other Sundays in March, expect teachings by Professor Sandra Costen Kunz (3/14) and Reverend Bill Tankersley (3/21 and 3/28). Also, please remember that Easter Sunday (April 4th) will be a Brunch Sunday at Maranatha.

Have a wonderful week; contact us anytime.

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents

Published in: on February 28, 2010 at 10:00 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, February 28, 2010  
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Maranatha, February 14, 2010

“Life must be understood backwards; but … it must be lived forward.”
Soren Kierkegaard, Philosopher/Theologian

We had an inspiring lesson today from our resident “composer” and musician extraordinaire classmate, Rob Reck, about his trip to London during the Christmas holidays to the premier performance of his composition, “Close to Thee”. It was interesting to hear about his trip and understand more about Rob’s passion for composing music.

Today, we recognized birthdays: Keith Madden (2/14), Sam Smith (2/17), and Ginny Walker (2/23) and anniversaries: Mary and Randy Elliott (2/15) and Suzy and Rob Morgan (2/16).  Celebrate!  Valentine refreshments and greetings were provided by Michelle and Kirk Place as well as Barbara and Paul Loyd.  There were announcements about the Chili Supper on February 22st (contact Suzy or Denny Meredith-Orr) and the March social, stuffing Easter Eggs on Friday evening, March 26, for the children’s Easter egg hunt.  Upcoming mission opportunities include an Exodus House project in March and working on the Habitat for Humanity house in April. Joys and Concerns were expressed by members.  Concerns were shared for Terry, Pam Sherman’s friend, who has been put in hospice; Lynn’s friend Larry who was diagnosed with cancer, Allen Briggs brother-in-law who has prostate cancer; Patricia Ketter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer; and a friend who lost her grandfather and grandmother soon after the birth of her child. Ginny Walker expressed joy over her upcoming trip to California to celebrate her birthday with her daughter.  We also expressed sympathy to Joe Harris whose mother Margaret died last week; it was a joy to hear Joe talk about his wonderful memories of his mother and the influence she had on his life.

We welcomed several visitors: Jim and Sarah Young, former members who were visiting from Colorado Springs, Samantha Luks, and Lauren Tallent. We also welcomed a new member, Laurie Spencer to the class. Laurie is an artist whose pottery chalices are used in our communion services.

Next week, Debbie Petersen, BAUMC Mid-High Youth Director,  will discuss her work with the church youth programs.  Join us; invite others!

Have a great week!

Meredith Davison and Richard Wansley
Presidents

P.S., See this informative note from Allene and Rex Donley:
Hopefully you will never need this service but it is good information for everyone to have.
Cleaning for a Reason
If you know any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning – 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment.

All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service.  http://www.cleaningforareason.org
Please pass this information on to bless a woman going through Breast Cancer treatment. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along.

Published in: on February 15, 2010 at 8:38 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, February 14, 2010  
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