New officers happy to be in Sand Springs

Captains Ben Jr. and Rhonda Walters

Captain Ben Walters continues his family's Salvation Army tradition

There was something very familiar about Captain Ben Walter's ear-to-ear grin when he talked to me recently about his wife and he being the new officers at the Sand Springs Corps and Boys & Girls Club. And then it hit me---it's the same kind of grin my son had after his wife gave birth to their first baby in April! To say Captain Walters is excited about being in Sand Springs is an understatement. He is elated.

I haven't had a chance to talk to Mrs.Walters yet, sadly, she couldn't come to the club that day because she had injured her back during their move. I'm looking forward to meeting her soon. 

The Walters moved from the Muskogee Corps where they managed a Family Store and a Boys & Girls Club which was eventually downsized to a Red Shield Club. They served there for two years.

The Walters family, front row from left,
Bailey, Ben, Raegan, Rorie

Captain Walters has a history of Salvation Army officers in his family. When he was younger, his parents were officers at the Citadel Corps in Oklahoma City where he met his future wife, Rhonda. She is originally from Shawnee and although Captain Walters lived all over the south with parents as Salvation Army officers, he considers Oklahoma home. He and his wife were married for five years before they entered The Salvation Army training college in Atlanta and were commissioned two years after that. They have four children. 

The oldest, Bailey, is 18 and is a lifeguard for the city of Wagoner. She'll go to Connors State College in the fall. Their son, Ben III, is 17 and will attend Sand Springs High School in the fall along with their daughter Raegan, age 15. Rorie, age 12, is currently at the Salvation Army Music Conservatory and she will enter seventh grade in Sand Springs in the fall. 

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the Sand Springs community. It has a hometown kind of feel and I like being surrounded by the beautiful hills and ridges," Captain Walters said. "I love people and I'm looking forward to getting to know people in Sand Springs." 

And I'm sure people in the Sand Springs Corps and Boys & Girls Club are looking forward to getting to know the whole Walters family.

-Sallie

Salvation Army Auxiliaries have busy month

Jake Law, Maj. April Taylor, Janet & Dave Rader, Maj.Jim Taylor

As we've received news today of yet another round of severe weather, I've felt a need to post something on the blog that's not related to the weather disasters. We'll keep you updated when there is news, but for now, let's take a break.

Dave Rader

The Women’s Auxiliary of The Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command and the Sapulpa Auxiliary recently held two events which went off without a hitch. I’m proud to say I had a small part in the Sapulpa event, the first event they’ve had in at least four years. It was their Spring Charity Auction & Dinner, which raised $17,000 for The Salvation Army Sapulpa Boys & Girls Club. Dave Rader, retired football coach from the University of Tulsa, was the keynote speaker. The event packed Freddie’s Steakhouse, in fact it was so packed I didn’t even get to attend, but thankfully, someone took these photos.

Majors Wendy Morris and April Taylor

The other event was the annual installation of the Tulsa Area Command Women’s Auxiliary 2013-2014 officers. In my four years as PR director, I’ve never attended such a fun luncheon for the annual installation. “Sassy Safari” was the theme and Major Wendy Morris, Coordinator of Women’s Ministries for the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division was the featured speaker. Major April Taylor and her assistant Tracy Hamilton had prepared framed prints of jungle animals for each auxiliary officer. Personally, I liked the otter the best: smart, persistent and waterproof – all good traits for an Auxiliary officer to have, especially considering that they are loyal volunteers, no matter what the weather! -Sallie

Face to face with Jesus

The Thursday before that first Easter Jesus observed Passover with His disciples in a private room. As their Rabbi, He probably spoke to them of Israel's slavery in Egypt and how Yahweh rescued them from the hands of Pharaoh when the death angel passed over the homes of those with lambs' blood on the doorposts. Perhaps John (the youngest of the 12) took on the role of asking the four pertinent questions.

As the meal progressed Jesus changed the script when He took the bread, broke it in half, and said, "This is my body, broken for you". Then He took the cup of wine and said, "This is my blood, spilled for you." Don't think for a moment that His disciples didn't notice the change. They had been observing the Passover since birth. I imagine a solemn pall fell over the room when Jesus said, "This will be the last meal I will share with you in this life." What?

The Scriptures tell us that after singing a song Jesus and His followers (save Judas Iscariot) made their way to the Garden of Gethsemane. This was a familiar place of retreat for them. I am sure they felt more relaxed, and may have even forgotten Jesus' remarks at supper. But their peaceful rest was shattered as the Temple Guard arrested Jesus and marched Him away. For most of them, this was the final time they would see Him alive.

After Jesus was questioned, falsely accused, declared guilty, condemned to death, and whipped, He was led to Golgotha for crucifixion. For three long hours His ravaged body hung on the cross. Some of the onlookers mocked Him. Others begged for His release. Finally, Jesus let out a hair-raising, bloodcurdling wail, exclaimed, "It is finished!" and God mercifully let Him die.

Jesus was buried in a garden tomb.

At daybreak on the day following the Sabbath (Sunday on our calendar), Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John all discovered that the tomb was empty. At first they thought someone had stolen their fallen Rabbi's body. But angels posted at the grave revealed to them the truth: "Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is risen!" Later that day Jesus came face-to-face with the rest of His band, and their lives were never the same.

Have you come face-to-face with Jesus? Jesus lived - and died - and lives again, to bring you back into relationship with God your Father so that your life will never be the same.

-Major Jim Taylor
Tulsa Area Commander

Shelter's Sunday service popular

Every Sunday night The Salvation Army conducts a worship service in the chapel at the Center of Hope. As always we invite our shelter guests as well as the public to join us. We offer a lively service filled with rousing praise and worship, prayer time and a stimulating message. This past Sunday 51 people joined me as I began a seven-week series on the Tabernacle and how it relates to us in the 21st century. After the service one man said to me, "I have found something I have been looking for for 22 years."

 He, along with 8 others, came to the altar to pray and dedicate themselves to God.

We meet at 6:30 p.m. every Sunday at the Center of Hope, 102 N. Denver St. in Tulsa. I look forward to seeing you there.

- Major Jim Taylor
Tulsa Area Commander

A GREAT ride!

This year our Broken Arrow Corp and Boys & Girl Club is excited to be hosting their 11th Annual Motorcycle Toy Run! For the past few years we have partnered with Bikers Against Child Abuse to make this event a great success. On November 17th, beginning at 10:30a.m., the riders will take Kenosha (71st) all the way through Broken Arrow from Forest Ridge Golf Club to our location on 91st between Aspen & Elm.

If you haven't seen a big run like this before, it's exciting to see the bikers and their bikes entering the parking lot loaded with toys!  Salvation Army supporters greet riders with signs saying "thank you" in gratitude of their contributions to the start of our toy donation season.

“Everyone always has a great time at the Toy Run and the chili dinner,” said Captain Lori Lucas, the Corps officer who heads up the event. “We’re looking for a better-than-ever turnout this year.”

The public is welcome to join on their motorcycles with an unwrapped toy to get the full experience or come in your car and enjoy the festivities at the Corp location afterward.  Our Corp members, along with the Boy Scout Troop 995, will be serving our participants with a chili dinner. It includes Ron's award winning chili, crackers and beverages. And for dessert, the Tulsa Center of Hope kitchen is baking brownies! There will be numerous door prizes and lots of fellowship to start off "the season of giving". Please join us or feel free to stand along the route and show your support! The event will benefit the more than 4,200 families that have already applied for assistance in the Tulsa Area.

~Lindsay
P.S. Can't make it? Text JOY to 85944 to make a $10 donation via your mobile phone bill!

“Crafty Treasures Bazaar” starts Friday!

Beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Authentic  Native American pottery. Scrumptious baked goods. Hillbilly handicrafts. WHAT? Something doesn’t fit into the much-anticipated Crafty Treasures Bazaar and it looks like it is the hillbilly crafts of  Captain Jay Spalding (photo below right). The bazaar will be held at Area Command and is organized by the Citadel Corps where Jay and his wife Jamie are officers. “Please don’t make it sound like the whole bazaar is some kind of redneck craft show,” asked Capt.  Jamie and the Citadel’s busy assistant, Charity Mitchell.

I promised I wouldn’t  as we checked out the websites of some of the vendors. I’m going to be doing some early Christmas shopping at the jewelry booths if they are as wonderful as they look on line. (photo above left) The bazaar was also held last year, but this year it has expanded from the gym of the Citadel to The Salvation Army’s Area Command at 924 S. Hudson. Charity and Capt. Jamie have been planning the Crafty Treasures Bazaar for months and are proud of the elegant crafts that the hand-selected vendors will be selling.

Porn n Pancakes

Lots of churches have pancake breakfasts. Some churches hold discussions about the harmful effects of pornography. But we are the only church I know of that combines the two on Mother’s Day weekend! Saturday, May 12, 9 - 10:30 a.m., Captain Jay Spalding, minister of the Citadel Corps (church), will flip pancakes with his men’s group and lead a discussion about the damaging effects of porn on young people, marriages, and on the hearts of men, including Christians.

It’s free and open to any men who want to attend. It’s at the Tulsa Area Command, 924 S. Hudson. "What better gift to give the women in your life this Mother's Day weekend than making a pledge as a Christian man to not view pornography?" Capt. Spalding said. He said there would be no pressure to commit to a pledge, it's just an option.

Captain Jay Spalding

The event is for MEN ONLY, ages 15 and older. Boys 12 and older may attend with a father. In talking to Capt. Spalding, the thing that interested me the most was that he is going to buy magazines that every kid with a little cash can buy and talk about how some of the images, photographs and ads, are pornographic. He’ll also bring a Victoria's Secret catalogue. One of the first questions my son ever asked me about sex was if I thought it was "bad" that he kept "dad’s Victoria magazine" under his bed. 'As long as you tell dad you took it, and you know that real women don’t look like that, I think it’s ok,' I said. Although my son has turned out really well, that could have been the wrong answer. I just wish Captain Spalding had been around to ask then!  Call him to make reservations at 918-851-0263.

 -Sallie

Trash to cash

At last - a really, really easy way to recycle, topped with a gift for The Salvation Army. I want to be an conscientious recycler but I live in a condominium where the city doesn’t pick up my recycling. I sometimes just throw it in the back of the car and take it to a Metropolitan Environmental Trust (MET) Recycling Center. But there some things that the MET doesn’t recycle – plastic bottles with a 3, 4 or 5 on the bottom; styrofoam.  I was excited to learn about the "Feed Mr. Murph" bins where you can take almost anything to be recycled and you don’t even need to sort it. I learned about feeding Mr. Murph when American Waste Control, the company that started the program, called to say they had a check to donate to The Salvation Army.

Shout out to Tulsa Gold & Silver

The first Salvation Army Tulsa Area Command was formed in 1906, so it’s not surprising that our connections reach far and wide. Recently, a historic Salvation Army connection and a lot of generosity resulted in great partnership. When our new special events and fundraising director Carrie Salce had just about given up finding a sponsor to match our kettle income for an entire Saturday, she opened her e-mail and found a message from John Davis, the owner of Tulsa Gold & Silver. He pledged to match ALL kettle donations up to $10,000 on Saturday, Dec. 3!  There was more than a little excitement in the development department and hugs all around. John’s generous check could not have come at a better time. (I’ve found that life’s events often unfold that way.) It turns out that John’s wife, Rachel, is a longtime friend of one of my favorite coworkers, Elaine Story. Elaine is a lifelong Salvationist who grew up in a Salvation Army Corps (church) in West Tulsa. Rachel’s parents were officers at the West Tulsa Corps when Rachel was a teenager. When she was older, Rachel and Elaine worked together at the Salvation Army Tulsa City Command, which later became the Tulsa Area Command. So when you’re out and about Saturday and see Tulsa Gold & Silver’s signs on the kettles, remember your gift will be DOUBLED and give generously! Also, if you don't mind – visit their store on 41st and Memorial and thank them for us!

-Sallie

Christmas coming to Sand Springs

Are you in Sand Springs? Do you know someone in need in the area? We will begin Christmas assistance registration on Monday, Oct. 24 and will continue through Oct. 27 from 9a.m.-5p.m. daily. Parents will need to bring photo ID's for all the adults in the household, Birth certificates for each child in the home, proof of all income and expenses and clothing sizes for each child.

We are also looking for a few good Sandites to help us raise vital funds via the Red Kettle Campaign. Volunteers/groups wishing to sign-up can contact Captain Patrick T. Gesner by email at patrick_gesner@uss.salvationarmy.org or by phone at (918)245-2237 ext. 1611 to check available dates and times. Individuals looking for some extra cash for the holiday season can also apply to work full-time or part-time as bell ringers for this campaign. The dates of employment will be from November 17th through Christmas Day.

-Captain Gesner

Make Your Mark, Help Feed the Hungry

Did you know that in the U.S., 49 million people go hungry every day? Did you know that, together, people like you and I can make a difference? This week is a national volunteer week for youth and Saturday, October 22nd is Make a Difference Day for all Americans. The Salvation Army and our Boys & Girls Clubs are joining over 1,400 others pledged to help the issue of hunger in America during Make Your Mark Week and Make a Difference Day.

Join us by donating non-perishable food items during a food drive this week, October 16-22nd. All food raised will go to needy families in the Tulsa Metro Area. You can drop off non-perishable food items at any Boys & Girls Club (Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, Sapulpa or Tulsa) or the Area Command Office (924 S. Hudson, Tulsa). Having trouble finding us, call 918-587-7801.

Read more about Make Your Mark Week and  Make a Difference Day.

-Rhonda, Volunteer Coordinator

BA Welcomes New Officers

Captains Mike and Lori Lucas started their new assignment in Broken Arrow last week and they are thrilled to be in BA. "Everything is so easy to find and I like all the amenities,” Capt. Lori said. Both Captains are also excited about working with the experienced and knowledgeable staff at the B. A. Boys & Girls Club. The Lucas family moved to the BA Corps after being the officers in charge of The Salvation Army in Ponca City.

The Lucas family includes Hannah,10; Mark, 9; Jacob, 7 and Gracelynn, 13 months. The couple had tried for years to have birth children, but each of four pregnancies before Gracelynn ended in miscarriage. They began the complicated process of adoption while serving in Ada, and had an instant family when they adopted a sibling group who was in foster care. “The process went so unexpectedly fast, it was a God thing,” Capt. Mike said. And just as amazing was when Capt. Lori gave birth to Gracelynn on June, 7th, 2010, whom they nicknamed “Miracle Baby.” The three older children are enjoying Day Camp at the Boys & Girls Club and Club Director Janis Fraley held a surprise open house at the Club last week to introduce the couple to the community. Welcome to the Tulsa Area Command, Lucas family. It’s good to get to know you!

-Sallie

Happy Easter

Are you and your family looking for a place to celebrate and worship this Easter? Join us in Sapulpa, Sand Springs or Broken Arrow!

The Sand Springs Corps will be combining for a "SonRise Service" at 8 a.m. with the Sapulpa corps at their building (1721 S. Hickory). Afterwards, there will be a breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Sapulpa Corps for attendees.

The Sand Springs Corps will then be hosting their Easter Celebration service at 11a.m. at their facility (4403 S. 129th West Avenue) in Sand Springs.

The Sapulpa Corps will open a Good Friday Prayer Station Service beginning at 1 p.m on April 22. On April 23rd they will have an amazing Youth Easter Rally with musical entertainment by “Consumed by Fire” a local Christian Rock Band.  On Easter, they will have the early “SonRise Sevice” (see above) as well as their main Easter Service at 11 a.m. at their facility (1721 S. Hickory) followed by a lunch and Easter egg hunt!

Broken Arrow Corps is conducting their annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at their facility (1400 W. Washington) on Thursday April 21st at 5:30 (ages 0-12)  with 5 prize baskets per age group. Easter Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Easter is a great opportunity to find a place to worship that meets your spiritual needs. We hope that you will join us. Hoppy Easter :)

~Lindsay

Chili Yum Yum

 

Click to enlarge. Hope you can join us!

Broken Arrow Toy Run a Success

Special thanks to the more than 150 bikers that participated Sunday in the 9th Annual Broken Arrow Toy Run! More than 100 bikes created the line that started at Forest Ridge Golf and Country Club and ended at the Broken Arrow Boys & Girls Club where The Army provided a hot chili lunch for participants.  The meal was served by 60+ volunteers that helped set up following a morning bible lesson on being a servant, sign making & painting for the kids, and chili taste testing to make sure all was perfect for the bikers to eat.

One biker said, "It's a fast, yet totally fun ride that has the best purpose for the toys." 

Biker Groups that rode included: BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse), Good Will Riders, Rolling Thunder (Coweta Chapter), Buffalo Motor Works, Green Country VRA

Special thanks to the generous donors who provided more than $1,100 in food and gift cards for participants: Ron's Chili, Ballroom Revolution, Frito Lay's, Wal-Mart, Buffalo Wild Wings, El Chico, Applebee's, Taco Bell, Taco Bueno, Warehouse Market, Rib Crib, Sonic, Sante Fe Cattle Co., and  Broken Arrow Lanes

~Lindsay

Salvation Army Responds As Temperatures Rise

Although Summer has not officially arrived, temperatures are rising in Oklahoma forcing residents to seek shade and air-conditioned buildings such as The Salvation Army in search of temporary relief from the heat.  Over the next two to three days, heat alerts are being issued due to temperatures expected to near 100 degrees and higher.


In some areas, cooling stations are offered as a respite from the soaring temperatures and high humidity. Salvation Army facilities are opening cooling centers during the afternoon to allow persons to be in a safe and cool environment. For information on a local Corp or Boys & Girls Club where you can cool down this summer call 918-587-7801.

Shelters are working hard to accommodate those in the most need such as the homeless or those who may not have adequate cooling.  At particular risk are older people, although people of any age or fitness level sometimes develop heat-related symptoms.

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion are two the most common heat-related illnesses.   Signs of heat exhaustion include pale, moist skin; heavy sweating and nausea.  Symptoms of heat stroke include hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; shallow breathing and high body temperatures.   If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion to seek a cooler place, loosen tight clothing and drink cool water every 15 minutes.  Anyone who might be suffering from heat stroke is advised to call 911.

Proactive measures to take during this period are:

1. Stay cool
2. Drink plenty of water.  Dehydration may contribute to many health issues, especially in the young and elderly
3. Check on neighbors and relatives
4. Stay out of the sun, as much as possible, especially during the afternoon hours when the heat will be highest
5. Monitor National Weather Service Radio and local media to be aware of heat advisories and warnings as they occur
6. Plan now what steps to take for long periods of heat

In addition to providing cooling stations, Corps are accepting donations of fans to help pass out to those who have no air conditioning.  Although many may not think a fan is much help, it can mean the difference of life and death to elderly and disabled persons unable to get to an air conditioned environment.  To donate a fan, visit our location nearest you or call 918-587-7801 to find out where you can drop off.

 ~Lindsay

Broken Arrow BBQ Photos

Special thanks to everyone who joined our Broken Arrow staff for a great fundraiser last weekend! Can't wait until next year!

Sand Springs Spring Events

The Salvation Army Corps in Sand Springs have been busy planning some great spring events. We hope you will join us!

Spaghetti Dinner- THIS WEEKEND
April 10, 2010 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Dinner prepared and served by The Salvation Army Corps Cadet Brigade and Brownie Teen Group.
Adults 17-54- $5.00
Children 4-16- $3.00
Seniors over 55- $3.00
Children under 3 are free!

Are you a scrapbooker?  They are hosting a scrapbooking weekend!
Friday, April 23rd 6:00 p.m. - late!
Saturday, April 24th 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Dinner provided)

You can rent a table for only $5.00!  RSVP by April 19.
*Overnight accommodations will be available to those traveling to join this event. 

All Sand Springs events are located at: 4403 S. 129th W. Ave. Sand Springs, OK

Worship with us this Easter

Happy Easter to all of our supporters.  Below is a listing from each area Corps and The Citadel about what they are doing to celebrate this special holiday.  We hope you can attend one of the many events across Tulsa, Sand Springs, Broken Arrow and Sapulpa!

Sand Springs Corps
4403 S. 129th W. Ave.
245-2237
Thursday - 6:30pm Home League- Worship program focusing on Easter
Friday - 6:30pm "Good Friday" Service- We will be viewing the movie "Passion of The Christ" with a short service beforehand (Parents may bring children, but have been notified about the graphic  nature of the film; We will be providing an alternative movie for the kids to watch)
Sunday - 7:00am We are planning on participating  in a "Sunrise" service with Sand Springs United Methodist Church, after which a light continental breakfast will be served at their church. Upon finishing breakfast, we will be returning to our Corps for the following:
9:45am Sunday School Preliminaries
10:00am Sunday School Classes
11:00am Holiness Meeting

Tulsa Citadel
3901 E. 28th St., Tulsa
747-8844
Thursday, April 1st-Corps Dinner 6:00 pm.  Revival with Dr. Captain Roni Robbins to follow (Children will be given activity book for first half and will go out for activities with Captain Robbins during sermon)
Friday, April 2nd-Corps Dinner 6:00 pm.  Revival with Dr. Captain Roni Robbins to follow (Children will be given activity book for first half and will go gout for activities w/ Captain Robbins during sermon)
Sunday, April 4th- SONrise Service 8:00 am, Breakfast 9:00 am, Egg Hunt 9:45 am, Praise Celebration 10:30 am, Morning Worship 11:00 am 12:30 Teens Desert Auction

Broken Arrow Corps
1400 W. Washington
258-7545
The Broken Arrow Women's Auxiliary is having their Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 1st at 5:30 pm.  They will hold Easter Services on Sunday Morning at 11:00 am.

Sapulpa Corps
1721 S. Hickory
224-4415
Friday Afternoon we will have a Good Friday Service starting at 1:00 pm. This will be a walk-through of prayer stations that will conclude at the cross. This is intended to be very interactive and personal.
Saturday Evening we will have an Easter Egg Hunt and showing of the movie "Passion of the Christ". Egg hunt is for the children, while the adults/young adults are watching movie. These events start at 5:00 pm. The Easter Bunny will also be there!

Sunday, we will be having a SONrise service at 8:00 am, followed by doughnuts and coffee. At 10:00 am, we will have Sunday School and at 11:00 am we will have an Easter Celebration featuring a special singing guest.  Following the Easter Service there will be a lunch, everyone is asked to bring a vegetable or dessert.



ONE MORE THING:  Friday and Saturday the teens with Broken Arrow and the Citadel will be holding a Flea Market in the BA gym.  Tables are still available for rental to sell your stuff, only $10! Come shop from 10am-2pm on Friday or Saturday and find a special bargain! Call 747-8844 for more details.

BA Outpost Spreads God's Word

As we look back over the past year since we began enrolling soldiers at the Outpost, we are so blessed and thrilled to have watched life changes that have been made with each of those individuals.  One life has changed from rock n' roll to leading praise and worship.  Another from smoking their spare time away to beginning to minister to others through Angel Tree assistance or social service helps.

God has been good to the faithfulness of many others, therefore; we rejoice in our latest enrollment, the McDonald Family.  This beautiful family of 11, with one more on the way, has been a source of new hopes and faithfulness.  Both parents have jumped in and assisted through the holiday season all the while still caring for their children.  Mom, Aloen, says "she does it all with God's help and leading of the Holy Spirit," as she holds baby, Cherish, on one hip and toddler, Honor, by the hand.

Lt. Jamie Clay
Broken Arrow Outpost Officer