WHAT’S INSIDEPage 2 Adult Education DEATH: A New Series Welcome Mat SchedulePage 3 Children's Ministry Notes VBS Set for July 29-Aug. 2 From the HartPage 4 We Are the Church Women's Encounter Spiritually Speaking Craft Crowd

Page 5 Make the Reach by Rev. Briley Summer Sunday School Series Back Page Upcoming Events HACC Youth Summer Calendar

Sunday Mornings: 9:00 a.m.–The Rising 10:00 a.m.–Sunday School 11:15 a.m.–Traditional Worship

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. -- Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Friday

Next Welcome Mat Deadline: Tuesday, July 16, before noon Visit us on our website at www.hacctulsa.org

Harvard Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Volume 54 June 19, 2013 Number 12

Be loved. Believe. Become.

The Welcome Mat

This year we experienced one of the mildest springs on record. Then, seemingly overnight, we have shifted into the slow simmer mode of mid-summer in Oklahoma. That’s right folks. Take a look at your calendar. We have blown past the middle of June and we are racing toward the Fourth of July.

This date is celebrated as our National Birthday. Although Congress had already voted to declare independence on July 2nd, the final wording of the Declaration was ratified by the full Congress on July 4th. By choosing the latter date to be designated as our National Holiday, the Continental Congress solidified their feeling that the document itself was a vital, essential expression of our national identity. The Declaration is elegantly written and is a closely reasoned explanation of why the American colonies felt they were forced to separate from Great Britain. Its second sentence is one of the best-known passages in the English language. It reads, ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’

The use of ‘our Creator’ is the first of several (such as Supreme Judge of the world, protection of divine Providence) mentions of God that are imbedded within the Declaration. It was recognized by these wise men that Liberty is a gift from God. Over time, our nation has valued the gift of independence enough to fight and sometimes die for it. We’ve even tried to share it with oppressed peoples around the world.

As people of faith, we are taught to share our God given gifts. We traditionally think of these as ‘time, talent, and treasure’. On the eve of Independence Day, our church will be hosting a blood drive. It’s a great way to share God’s gift of good health. On July 3rd, 4-7 PM, you have the opportunity to share the gift of life with those in need. Plan to sign up and show up with your photo ID and a willing spirit. Then, on the following day, as you ponder God’s gift of our nation’s independence, you can smile to yourself- knowing you have shared another of His gifts in a meaningful way. Hope to see you there! -Rick Langenheim, Outreach Team

Independence…and other special gifts

BLOOD DRIVEJULY 3, 4:00-7:00 PM

ADULT EDUCATION Please join the combined classes for the Summer Sunday School Series, June 23-28, 10:15-11:00 am in the sanctuary.

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Harvard Avenue Christian Church, 5502 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135 -- 918-742-5509 -- www.hacctulsa.org

Alpha & Omega/Seekers -- We will join the other adult Sunday school classes for the summer series on June 23. Hope to see everyone there.

Challengers -- On June 9, Mike Burton led a lively discussion about worldwide poverty through several TED videos. The first one was by popular singer Bono who presented encouraging statistics about the current trajectory towards dramatic decrease in world poverty. This video was followed by Pete Singer, who discussed “effective altruism” to alleviate poverty, showcasing several worthwhile world organizations devoted to this cause. His belief is that by practicing effective altruism, we can develop a healthy self-esteem that makes our lives seem more worthwhile.

On June 16, we welcomed Connie Cronley, journalist and radio- TV commentator. Connie spoke to us about Iron Gate, whose mission is to feed Tulsa's hungry and homeless every day. In addition to providing food, Iron Gate also offers a safe and welcoming place to get out of the “storm” for awhile. Connie said, “these are people we know and care about”. Iron Gate feeds 600-800 people a day…200,000+ annually! 55% of these are homeless, and the numbers are growing, an increase of 286% since 2008! It takes $2900 a day to keep the gates opened. Connie emphasized their need not only for funds but prayers.

Disciples -- On June 16 we welcomed Oliver Howard, whose lesson was from Paul’s letter to Philemon. He was writing on behalf of Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus. Paul appealed to Philemon to do the right thing and free Onesimus on the basis of love, not out of duty, and asked that he receive Onesimus as he would Paul—not as a slave, but as a partner in Christ. As Christians, we are all brothers.

Explorers -- For Explorer opportunities, please contact Faith Simmons at fksimmons@gmail.com or Tamara Cornell at tamara@cornelldds.com.

Genesis -- Beginning this Sunday, we will join the other Adult classes for 6 weeks during the Summer Series. Watch your email for information about class get togethers during

The Welcome Mat is published twice a month. The article submission deadlines for 2013 are: July 16 & 30, August 13 & 27, September 10 & 24, October 8 & 22, November 5 & 19, December 3 & 17. E-mail articles to hacc.betsey@sbcglobal.net before noon on those Tuesdays.

The Welcome Mat Schedule

Sunday AttendanceJune 9: Rising -- 109; Trad. -- 145; Total --254June 16: Rising -- 117; Trad. -- 118; Total -- 234

Death is one of those topics we prefer to avoid. Yet what we believe about death profoundly shapes the way we live. Death comes close to all of us regularly. We see it on the news. We experience it with friends and family. Ultimately, we will face our own mortality. While we may shy away from the topic, it is important and healthy for us to consider it and how our faith strengthens our ability to do so with hope. Join us for worship at Harvard Avenue Christian Church for this four week series as we consider issues surrounding death from a faith perspective. Rev. Mark Briley launches the series this Sunday with a look at the afterlife with a message, “Life after Death”.

the summer. We hope to have a social event or service project in the next few weeks. Thanks to Lyn Courtial for leading class Sunday in a discussion of priorities, based on Acts 5:33-6:7. It was interesting to hear about the disciples delegating as their ministry grew, a good reminder for all of us! Our thoughts and prayers remain constant for each other during this time of vacation and traveling.

Death -- a New Series

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Harvard Avenue Christian Church, 5502 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135 -- 918-742-5509 -- www.hacctulsa.org

"Everywhere Fun Fair!Vacation Bible School

July 29 - August 2, 10am - NoonRegistration will begin soon!

To Volunteer, please contact VBS Director,Christina Maxwell,

cabmaxwell@aol.com

The Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless is excited to be a part of From the Hart; a benefit concert being performed by members of Disney's The Lion King. On a scheduled day off, cast members and musicians will perform selections from famed composers Cole Porter, The Gershwins and Richard Rodgers & Lorenz Hart. The event will take

place at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, Monday, June 24, 7:00 pm. If you have any questions, you may email the Development Director at scatalano@tulsadaycenter.org.

From the Hart

Our first LEGO Club was a great success! Children ages 3-11 are invited to join us for 4 more summer events on June 27th, July 11th & 25th, and August 15th from 9:00am – 1:00pm. Participants need to bring a sack lunch – all other materials are provided. Adult and youth volunteers are welcome to contact Pastor Darlene at hacc.darlene@sbcglobal.net to assist with any or all of the remaining events.

CHILDREN’S LOCK-IN: Friday, June 28th, 6pm through Saturday, June 29th, 10am. For First through 5th Graders. Kindergarteners may attend with a parent. We’ll meet at Gilligan’s Island for pizza and miniature golf, then stop for sno cones on the way back to the church. We’ll camp out in the Disciples Annex for a late-night movie with light’s out around midnight. A continental breakfast will be provided before departure Saturday morning. Invitations will be mailed this week!

Children's Ministry

Displaying the tall robot are L-R: Max Gerkin, Reagan Martin, Riley Bradley, Dane Briley & Ben Cornell, with youth assistants Abby Clary & Zoey Martinez.

Holding the "Towering LEGO" board game are Ava Kuykendall, Evey Bradley, Morgan Briley, Macy & Maddy Gerkin.

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Harvard Avenue Christian Church, 5502 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135 -- 918-742-5509 -- www.hacctulsa.org

We Are the Church!

. . . Spiritually SpeakingNew Member:

Congratulations:Blaise Daniel Simmons was born

Sunday, June 9, 2013 to Faith and Kyle Simmons. Blaise weighed 7 lb 10 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Keith Huffman joined HACC on Sunday, June 9. Keith lives at 500 N. Palm, Broken Arrow, 74012.

His phone number is 918-806-6668.

The time will soon come to pour the foundation on Phase II of The Next Chapter building project. The dirt work is complete. 127 piers are being drilled deep into the earth to stabilize the ground upon which our structure will rise. The equipment being used is fascinating. Large vessels tower over what remains of our facility. Cranes dangle steel from several stories up. Experts test the soil and measure the depths and monitor with precision to ensure the foundation will be strong and trustworthy.

A strong foundation has long been a metaphor for building a solid faith; Jesus often being called our “cornerstone.” Just as we will move about our new building without questioning its sturdiness, it is a blessing to know that even in our ever changing world, our foundation in the love of God, experienced through Christ, is unwavering. It is why the old hymn brings us such assurance: “On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand.” We’ve got some building to do… with concrete and steel; with study and prayer. Thank you for growing with us!

OK Disciples Women EncounterFriday – Saturday, June 21-22

(Encounter -- bringing new ideas and new ways of thinking to the women of the Christian Church)

Phillips Theological Seminary, 901 N. Mingo Rd. Tulsa

Encounter to be held in June

Craft Crowd: The Craft Crowd continues to meet for crafting, good conversation and snacks! Join them at 9:30 am Tuesday mornings in the "construction" quarters at 8148 East 17th Street, Unit U. Call Lynn Fisher (918-492-8274) for directions or for more information about the Craft Crowd.

Tulsa CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) works to make a difference in the lives of children in Tulsa county. For over 28 years, CASA has trained community volunteers who care about children, to become “a voice in court” for abused and neglected children in state custody. No legal expertise is required.

A CASA volunteer is assigned to a case by a judge and then makes reports and recommendations to the court based on court documents and information gathered during interviews with parents, attorneys, teachers, relatives and, of course, the child. During the life of the case, CASA monitors the child’s situation to make sure he/she remains safe.

In 2012 there were cases involving over 1100 children on the Tulsa Juvenile Court docket. CASA is currently providing advocates to approximately 300 of these children. CASA needs more advocates to help children during this frightening and bewildering time.

Abused and neglected children in the Tulsa area need your help. Become a volunteer. Encourage your friends to become volunteers. Tell others about how CASA is helping children here in our community. You can’t alter the past experiences of these children, but you can positively influence their future. For more information, call Tulsa CASA at 918-584-2272 or visit www.tulsacasa.org. As a member of the CASA Board of Directors, I encourage you to “Help a Child” any way you are able. Larry Hollingsworth, 918-629-6906.

Help a Child

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Harvard Avenue Christian Church, 5502 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135 -- 918-742-5509 -- www.hacctulsa.org

Make the Reach

Mark Briley

Do you ever wake up with a fired up soul? Maybe it comes later in the day when you encounter someone with a need that moves your gut to help them in some extraordinary way. Too often, the fire passes like heart burn and you’re left with the thought, “I don’t think I could have made a difference anyway.”

One of our issues seems to be that when we ask ourselves what Jesus would do in this situation or how Jesus would respond to a particular need or person we tend to aim incredibly high and then think that is the only response worthy of our action. But that superhero-like response leads us to count the extraordinary cost or overwhelms us with the requirement of a skill foreign to us and we pull back. We get stuck in the impossible details and conclude that there’s nothing we can do and so we excuse ourselves from doing anything at all.

Entering such a realm limits our potential to be useful. In the end, the person we wanted to help or the need we imagined resolving is passed off as the responsibility of someone we deem more qualified, capable or skilled.

Jesus’ ministry is most often seen only in the larger-than-life moments: the miracles, the healings, the resurrection of life (not just his own but that of others). Most all of those moments hinged on the first efforts of compassion: the moments when Jesus saw the need, took the time, or made the first step toward justice. It was generally the reality that he simply saw them as a child of God in need that made the biggest difference. The miraculous had its place, yes, and created the Gospel story as we know it. Its impact on our world today, however, begins in the starts and smiles, something as small as seeing another as valued and worth the effort of the reach.

When that fire finds your soul again, make the first move. Don’t get stifled by the miraculous end-picture that seems too good to be true and will lose you in the detail. Make the first reach and let God do what God does. The picture, that once seemed impossible, just might surpass your imagination. Compassion rises to the occasion. Love finds a way. Make the reach.

What do technology, entertainment and design have to do with your faith? Are you curious about the capacity of the human mind? What about the creativity and genius of the human spirit? What do you think about the way we give – of ourselves and our resources?

Combining popular TEDTalks videos with guest and HACC speakers, we’ll spend six weeks together looking at everything from world population studies to Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees, from international adoption stories to local elementary schools, from charitable giving to the reaches of human imagination.

Join us between worship services, 10:15 – 11:00 am for Summer Series, our annual combined Sunday School gathering. (You don’t have to be in a Sunday School class to participate!) This will be a fun way to explore faith, creativity and life’s wonders together.

June 23 – July 28

The WELCOME MAT (USPS 736-590) is published semi-monthly by Harvard Ave Christian Church at 5502 S Harvard, Ave. Tulsa, OK 74135-3859. Periodicals postage paid at Tulsa, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The WELCOME MAT, 5502 S Harvard Ave., Tulsa, OK 74135-3859

Visit us on our website at www.hacctulsa.org

Senior Minister: Rev. Mark P. Briley— hacc.markb@sbcglobal.net Associate Minister: Rev. Courtney Richards -- hacc.courtney@sbcglobal.netDirector of Children’s Ministries: Darlene Martinez — hacc.darlene@sbcglobal.net Director of Youth Ministries: Colt Stubblefield — hacc.colt@sbcglobal.net Communication/Administrative Director: Betsey Owen — hacc.betsey@sbcglobal.net Finance Manager -- Lynn Fisher -- hacc.lynn@sbcglobal.netDirector of Music Ministries/Organist: Susie Daugherty — susie@susiesings.com Chancel Choir Director: Brad Burnham — bradb1007@cox.netThe Rising Band Leader: Isaac Herbert — betterway86@yahoo.com

Welcome Mat DeadlinePlease e-mail your articles to hacc.betsey@sbcglobal.net, drop them by the church office or fax them to 918-742-5501. The next deadline is July 16 before noon.

UPCOMING EVENTSJune 21 Friday Tot Time, 9:00 am-1:00 pmJune 26 Chancel Choir Party, 6:30 pmJune 27 LEGO Club, 9:00 am HACC Bridge Group, 10:00 amJune 28 Friday Tot Time, 9:00 am-1:00 pm Children's Lock In, 6:00 pmJuly 3 Blood Drive, 4:00 pmJuly 4 Independence Day -- Office ClosedJuly 5 Office Closed

HACC YOUTH

In His Grip, Colt (918) 691-6525 hacc.colt@sbcglobal.net

Serve TuesdaysDay Center for the Homeless – 9:30am – 1pm

We are continuing our annual tradition of giving back to our local community throughout the summer. On designated Tuesdays, we will meet at the church at 9:30 am and carpool to the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. We will work in their store and share in their children's program. This is a great opportunity to connect our youth to their local community and show them ways they can serve year round. Three Serve Tuesdays remain! (July 9th, July 30th & August 13th). We would love to have you join us. If you would like more details please give me a call or an email.