Maybe you're looking for a place to begin your faith journey. Maybe you're searching for a new church home to continue that journey. Maybe you've stopped going to church altogether, but are thinking about going back. Maybe you've seen us in an article about art deco. Maybe you've caught us on TV while channel surfing on Sunday morning. Or maybe you've just driven by and wondered what it's like inside. Regardless of where you are in life, we're blessed because you're here.
On this page, we hope you'll get to know us better by learning about:
"Our hearts, our minds, and our doors are always open."
The Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church is an 8,000-member congregation that has met in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, since 1893.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage by visiting the official United Methodist Church website at http://www.umc.org.
top of page
Our Mission Statement
The Boston Avenue Church is a part of God’s family that celebrates the grace of God revealed in Christ Jesus. Through vibrant, historic United Methodist worship, study and mission, we invite all to join us in loving God and others with all our hearts, minds and hands.
Our Goals
All that we do as a family of faith affords us an opportunity to be accepted, claimed, and changed by God.
- Our worship is God-centered, inclusive, and welcoming.
- Our study is biblically based and scholastically informed to open our hearts and minds to God's active presence.
- Our mission is to meet human need as a response to God's work in our lives.
top of page
Boston Avenue's Senior Minister, Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr., welcomes you!
Sunday Mornings at Boston Avenue
Visitors are always welcome at Boston Avenue Church!
Worship Services (on the second floor of the main building)
8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Services in the Sanctuary (11:00 service televised live each Sunday morning on KTUL-TV, Channel 8)
9:30 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. Communion Services in the Rose Chapel (the 12:10 service is also a service of healing)
Sunday School & Child Care
9:40 - 10:40 a.m. Sunday School Classes for all ages, infants through adults
8:00 a.m. - noon Child Care and Enrichment Sessions for Infants - Preschoolers
top of page
What to Expect on Your First Visit
How do I get there?
The
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church is located on the southeast corner of 13th Street and South Boston Avenue in Downtown Tulsa. Click here to MapQuest® our location, or click here to view detailed directions.
Where do I park?
Parking is available within a one block radius of all sides of the church: (On the map, our church building is depicted in purple, the parking lots are outlined with green trees, and the yellow space is our park to the north.)
Handicapped-accessible parking spaces are reserved on both the north and south sides of the church as well as in the "underdrive," the area that lets you drive underneath and between the buildings. Ramped entrances are available on the north side of the church on 13th Street (first floor level) and on the southeast side of the church's new Jubilee Center (ground floor level). Multiple elevators are available throughout the building. Click here to learn more about the special needs we address.
Where do I go?
On Sunday mornings, greeters are stationed nearby the main entrances of the church to welcome and point you in the right direction. All of our ministers will be wearing black robes and will be happy to visit with you about our worship services, ministries, and faith or suggest a Sunday School class that might interest you and your family. You are also welcome to visit any of the information centers and kiosks located on the first and second floors of the church which provide a wealth of informational brochures and materials about our church and its programming.
During weekdays, please visit our receptionist at the Information Desk located on the first floor of the main building.
What is worship like?
Both of our worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. are traditional, nearly identical services that last about 60 minutes. View this Sunday's bulletin. We begin with a musical prelude, followed by a processional hymn, opening prayers, and liturgical readings. Anthems are then sung by our youth choir at 8:30 and adult choir at 11:00. Following additional music and announcements, our senior minister, Dr. Mouzon Biggs, Jr., delivers his sermon, and the service concludes with an invitational hymn and postlude. For your convenience, hearing aids and large print bulletins are also available upon request from any of our ushers.
Can I participate in communion if I’m not a member?
Yes, Holy Communion in the United Methodist Church is open to all who want to participate. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be claimed and changed by God. Holy Communion is celebrated approximately six times a year during our 8:30 and 11 a.m. services, monthly during evening Vespers, and weekly on Sunday mornings in Rose Chapel.
What should I wear?
Most people wear "church clothes" - dresses, skirts, slacks, suits, and ties, but please come as you are!
Should I try Sunday School?
Go on, give it a try! We have classes for all ages, infants through adults, that meet individuals where they are in their life. You'll find a wide range of options for adults, including classes for young adults, those young at heart, singles, and couples with or without children. Some engage in theological discussion or lecture; others focus on current events and missions. Each class has its own "personality," and we encourage you to take a look at our offerings or visit with one of our ministers to find one that's right for you! In the meantime, going to our Pastor's Bible Study Class, which meets in the Sanctuary at 9:40 a.m., is a good place to start. Click here to listen to one of Dr. Biggs' Sunday School lessons.
Dr. Biggs' Bible Study Class is a great place
to begin looking for a Sunday School home.
Can someone take care of my young children?
Yes! Child care for infants through preschoolers is always provided during worship services and Sunday School free of charge. From 8:00 a.m. until noon, age-appropriate lessons and activities are provided by loving teachers. For additional peace of mind, pagers can also be given to parents to carry upon request. Click here to learn more information about our available child care.
What's next?
If you feel called to become a part of Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, we would love to have you! Simply contact Dr. Biggs or any one of our ministers to let them know, and they'll take it from there. Most people join at the close of a Sunday morning worship service, but other options are available if that doesn’t work for you.
If you’ve never been baptized, one of our ministers will be happy to baptize you. We acknowledge all Christian baptism, so if you've already been baptized, we will not re-baptize you, but will simply ask a few questions about your beliefs and your desire to be a member here. We would love to welcome you as one of us!
Anything else I should know?
Please explore our website to learn about our ministries and find ways to get involved. If you would like to learn more about something, please contact any one of our staff members, and we'll be glad to help!
top of page
General Information
Office Hours
From Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m., a receptionist is present at the Information Desk located on the first floor of the main building or can be reached by calling the main church number, 918.583.5181, or emailing her at infodesk@bostonavenue.org. She will do her very best to get you the help you need.
top of page
Building Tours
Guided tours of the building are given every Sunday after the 11:00 worship service, beginning in the church library on the second floor. Guided tours can also be arranged during the week by calling the church office, 918.583.5181, or emailing Paula Gradney. Self-guided tours are also available any time the building is open, subject to room accessibility. Flash photography is permitted at all times except during worship services.
top of page
Child Care
Child care is always provided for worship services and is also available for for meetings and classes by advanced reservation. Contact Rev. Mary Ann Emmons, 918.699.0121, for further information or to make a reservation.
top of page
Prayer Requests
To make a prayer request, please complete a card from one of the pew backs and drop it off in one of the boxes near the back doors of the Sanctuary, call 918.699.0158 to leave a message, or email us your request. Our team will begin praying for your concern today.
top of page
Recordings of Sunday Morning Sermons
Recordings of Dr. Biggs' Sunday morning sermons are available on CD for $5 and DVD for $10. To order, contact Paula Gradney at 918.699.0129. Dr. Biggs' messages may also be heard here.
top of page
Changes of Address
Please notify the church any time you have a change of address, telephone number, employment, etc. Contact Dick Hairston at 918.699.0128. Contact Sheri Nellis, 918.699.0134 to change your address for The Word.
top of page
Church Paper & the Latest Church News
Articles and information to be included in our church newspaper, The Word, are due by noon the Monday before the Friday issue in which you want it to appear. Contact our newspaper editor, Shari Goodwin, at 918.699.0132 or email her at sharigoodwin@bostonavenue.org. You can also view current and back issues of the paper online anytime.
For the latest church news, you can always check out our home page or visit our church portal at http://bostonavenue.okl.umportal.org.
top of page
Altar Flowers
Contact Sheri Nellis, 918.699.0134, two weeks in advance to place flowers on the sanctuary altar in honor or in memory of a special friend or family member. Watch The Word and Sunday bulletins for deadlines on placing orders for lilies on Easter morning, or poinsettias during Advent.
top of page
Scheduling a Room
To place an event on the church calendar, make requests through your staff representative or contact Sheri Nellis at the church, 918.699.0134.
top of page
Columbarium Niches
Niches in the columbarium to place the cremained ashes of loved ones are available for church members and their immediate families on a first come, first served basis. Contact Brenda Reed at 918.699.0135.
top of page
Report a Website Issue
When visiting our site, if something isn't quite clear, you run into a problem, or have a suggestion,
please contact our webmaster, Ann White, at 918.699.0139 so she can improve our site and
better your experience!
top of page
