Proposed Maranatha 2011 Donations

The items listed will be up for discussion on Sunday, 13 March.

William Meyer

———- Forwarded message ———-
From Sharon Earley

Dear Maranatha Class Members,

Your donations committee has been hard at work.  We solicited donation requests and ideas, met to discuss those items and prepared the following proposal for your consideration.  We took care to stay within the donation guidelines previously drafted in 2003 which focus, first, on the needs of our Church and its outreach missions and ministries and, secondly, on others in need.

An Excel spreadsheet* is available for download here (Maranatha donations 2011) which summarizes the proposal by category.  Additional information is provided in the narrative below.  Please take a moment to review this information and bring any questions you may have to Sunday School this Sunday, March 13.  We will address your questions, make any necessary modifications and vote on the proposal.

Maranatha 2011 Donations

Within Boston Avenue:

Chapel Choir tour  – $800
This is a less expensive, close to home trip, but an extra bus will need to be chartered due to the size of the choir.

Children’s Camp Scholarships – $750
Cost of all camps has risen this year. B.A. tries to pay half tuition for one camp of each child’s choice. EvaMarie has 8-12 Boston Avenue families who need full tuition in order for their children to be able to participate.

Little Disciples Library – $200
Money will purchase books and needed supplies for the children’s library.

Advent Workshop – $400
This would cover supply and food expenses not covered by the Holly Rose Endowment Fund. We will also discuss the option of adding to that endowment.

Middle School computer lab – $500
Debbie needs 3 computers and some software for the youth to use on the third floor. We think 2 computers may be donated.

Senior High furniture – $1400
This will go for group seating in an extra classroom and computer chairs for the fourth floor.

Seminary scholarship – $500
Maranatha’s own Ben Pascoe has received a nice scholarship to Perkins but still needs help with textbooks.

Quilting for Others – $300
This Boston Avenue group gives their time to make quilts for people in need; they just need help to purchase materials.

Boston Avenue Outreach Ministries:

Burroughs Elementary School – $300
These monies would provide special meals for the teachers, supplies for the students and teachers, uniform items, copy paper and any other requests

Boy Scout Troop 20 – $300
Money will be used for scholarships for the boys to attend events and camping equipment.

United Methodist Circle of Care – $500
COC has a great ministry to Oklahoma children who need nurture and care.

New Day Camp – $1250
This would provide 5 scholarships for children of incarcerated parents to attend. Camp helps them feel loved, learn to deal with their situation.

Exodus House – $500
This money will help restock our Apartment M for a new tenant.

Day Center for the Homeless – $300
Helps provide food and shelter.

Meals on Wheels – $300
Helps keep meals affordable for people who cannot get out and need this assistance.

Neighbor for Neighbor – $300
Neighbor for Neighbor offers ten basic programs that assist the uninsured, low income, unemployed, seniors, handicapped and the impoverished.

Good Samaritan Fund – $300
This fund helps people who come in asking for help. No cash is given, but we help purchase food, gas, pay rent, etc. Those being helped include Boston Avenue families.

Bolivia Medical Clinic – Backpacks and ponchos for nurses – $500
We have a covenant relationship with Bolivia UMC. Nurses ride bicycles to their various clinics and the backpacks and rain ponchos would help them carry their supplies with them.

Other Ministries:

Clarehouse – $300
This ministry helps people who are dying, and their families, through those last days – often at no charge.

Car Care Ministry – $300
This ministry repairs cars for people who can’t otherwise afford it. Clients pay for parts and this ministry provides labor.

* You will need the newest version of Microsoft Excel or comparable software to open this .xlsx file.

Published in: on March 11, 2011 at 7:37 am  Comments Off on Proposed Maranatha 2011 Donations  
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Maranatha, April 11, 2010

I regret I was unable to send out the regular Report earlier in the week, but work-related demands have prevented me from do so. But, here it is now:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our teacher/presenter on Sunday was Reverend Stan Basler, Director of the Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries for the Oklahoma Conference, United Methodist Church. Stan, his wife, and local staff members attended our class; we all listened as he described the New Day Camp, a summer camp for children of incarcerated parents. We were all impressed with this very worthwhile and labor-intensive effort of the UM church that is designed to provide a unique, positive experience for these children while also helping reduce the children’s risk for their own incarceration. Statistics show that children of incarcerated parents are from 7 to 10 times at greater risk of criminal acts later in their lives leading to an incarceration.

Reverend Basler’s presentation was most timely given that Sunday was the day that we made a decision regarding distribuition of our class funds, and New Day Camp was one of our designated beneficiaries. Sharon Earley lead us through a description of the process that the Funds Committee and class has used to date in identifying proposed financial recipients. She then presented the proposal; it was approved by the class without objection. Later this week and, again, on Sunday, a final statement of the distributions will be forwarded to you. Thank you Sharon and your Committee for sheperding a good process and great outcome, and my thanks to all class members who contributed financially to our missions within and outside Boston Avenue!

Prior to Stan’s presentation and approving the funds distribution, we recognized several birthdays and anniversaries: Birthdays – LeeAnne Nichols (4/11), Pam Low (4/14), Jerry Russell (4/15), and Joey Manduano (4/16); Anniversaries – Beth and Bob Winchester (4/11), Ginny and Jerry Walker (4/14), Nancy and Joey Manduano (4/15). Happy Birthday and Congratulations to those celebrating annivesaries!

Pam and John Sherman, Beth and Eric Green provided great refreshments, and welcomed class members and visitors. Thank you!

We had a number of visitors including Jeannine Bezotte, Janet Basler, Nancy Morgan (who we hoping to move from “visitor” to “member” soon), Matt North (Beverly’s husband; come again Matt), Brantley Tillery, Delores Ritter, Pat Herron, Kim Orr, and Darren (sorry, we missed the last name). Great members, great visitors!

There were a number of joys, concerns, and announcements; it was a busy morning. Prayers were asked for concerns that included Katie (and her family), young 33 year old mother of 2-year old twins, who recently started chemo for breast cancer, for Noel Ray who recently suffered a serious stroke, and a friend, Dale, who has been disappointed by the actions of a young woman whom she has been mentoring. We were also reminded of Kaiden, the 2 1/2 year child, who has a brain tumor.

One true joy was Beth sharing with us that Eric has received a “clean bill of health” at his last checkup; indeed, good news! Scott Morgan let us know that his adult child and family are moving back to Tulsa for work; however, Scott let me know as class was ending that they have a need – a good rental house. If you have or know of such rental house, or need information about the need, contact Scott Morgan as soon as possible.

Rob Reck led us in prayer prior to Reverend Basler’s presentation.

Several announcements for your calendars:

  • Our mission to assist with the Interfaith Habitat House is this Saturday, April 17th. Contact Suzy or Denny Meredith-Orr for more information.
  • New “Dinners/Lunchs for Eight” will be formulated soon; Pam Sherman will start sign-ups next week.
  • The May 2010 Class Social will be attending with other Church members a Tulsa Drillers baseball game on Sunday, May 23rd. The game starts at 2:05pm but lunch will be provided to all attendees at the new ONEOK Field immediately following the 11am service. Cost for the lunch and ticket is $20 per person. Contact Pam Sherman for details.
  • For those who purchased the Champagne Bruch with Gary Peluso-Verdend, President, Phillips Theological Seminary is Saturday, April 17th. Contact Ginny Walker, your host, for more information.
  • The Designer Showcase party is Monday evening, 7pm to 9pm, April 19th. If you have not paid and want to attend, the cost is $20 payable to Maranatha Class; contact Lynn Russell for more information.

Next week (April 18th) and the Sunday following (April 25th), Dr. Gary Peluso-Verdend will be our teacher/presenter. Be there, you’re invited; invite others as well!

We had a busy Sunday and lot’s going on; isn’t it great? Hope that I got all the facts straight. If not, let me know.

Richard Wansley

Published in: on April 13, 2010 at 6:08 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, April 11, 2010  
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Maranatha Funds Distribution Proposal / Easter Sunday Reminder

Please find attached with this message, the proposal for distribution of our funds raised at the Christmas auction for needs within BAUMC and outside BAUMC but some recipients being within the Conference or denomination. From here, our process is two-fold, asking for your review of the proposal and letting us know if you have any further nominations. Then, on Sunday, April 11, we will have a final draft for your revisions and acceptance.

Sharon Earley has been heading up this process to date, assisted by Bill Gertsen, Shari Goodwin, Kevin Meehan, Meredith Davison, and others (whose names escape my memory at this time). We have had nominations and recommendations from others of you as well, and continue to ask for your feedback before April 8th. Contact Sharon (sharon.earley(at)williams.com) or me (richard.wansley(at)okstate.edu) with suggestions and other nominations. My thanks to Sharon for her leadership and others who have contributed to this important activity of our Sunday School Class.

Remember – Sunday School Class this Sunday, Easter, is a Brunch; bring whatever food you wish. And, the Class hour begins at 9:30am. Ed Payton will be leading us with a devotion. See you on Sunday to celebrate the Risen Christ!

Richard Wansley

[Note that the “attached file” has been changed to a page on this site. You may find the link on the right. If you need help with the password, please contact one of the class officers. – brm]

Published in: on April 3, 2010 at 7:54 am  Comments Off on Maranatha Funds Distribution Proposal / Easter Sunday Reminder  
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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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