Newsletter - 01.13.16

January 13, 2016

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT NEWSLETTER

Issue: 16.1

What is the

Fish Fund?

Page 4

A GOD-GIVEN

OPPORTUNITY Recently, I read a wonderful story by David Purdue at ESPN.com (January 7, 2016 edition). It was about 5-year-old Keaton Barron who suffers from cancer. More than three years ago, on August 30, 2012, Keaton was diagnosed with leukemia. He was very sick and faced a grueling regimen of chemotherapy. But he rallied and kept rooting on his favorite team – the Oklahoma City Thunder – the entire time.

On December 27, Keaton completed his final round of chemotherapy and has been deemed cancer-free. A week later, the Barróns celebrated by going to see the Thunder play the Sacramento Kings. Keaton wore his “KD is my homeboy” shirt and brought a sign showcasing his three goals for 2016. “Beat Cancer” – Check. “Plan trip to Disney” – Check. The third goal, “Meet KD,” was unchecked. Kevin Durant took care of that.

“I’ve been waiting to meet him my whole life,” Keaton told his mom.

Durant saw Keaton’s sign and made arrangements to meet the Barron family at halftime. KD even gave Keaton a pair of his size 18 shoes – a real prize to a basketball fan of any age.

Anyone who follows sports knows that Kevin Durant is that kind of person. He is by every description a kind and compassionate man. And on several occasions he has publicly shared his faith and even faced some pretty hard criticism for his witness.

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

But there was something else about this story that grabbed my heart.

If you are a Thunder fan, you remember that night pretty well. On December 27, Durant sat out the game with a sprained right toe. A mediocre Sacramento team killed us. It was one more of a series of nagging injuries that have cast a shadow over Durant and the Thunder the last two seasons. I can only imagine Durant’s frustration as he sat there injured and missing another game while his team pursues a championship. Any normal person would have But very close to each of us there is been completely justified in focusing on their their own a God-given opportunity for ministry. problems in such a moment.

And that gentle nudge you feel to do something is nothing less than the Holy Spirit at work in your life.

But KD noticed. In the middle of his own struggle he had the heart to notice a little boy and took the time to make a difference in that child’s life.

It is easy to get busy and even overwhelmed with everything we go through in life. We may even be justified in focusing on our own world and our own problems. But very close to each of us there is a God-given opportunity for ministry. And that gentle nudge you feel to do something is nothing less than the Holy Spirit at work in your life.

In the middle of facing your next challenge, pause for a moment and look around. I believe you’ll discover a God-given opportunity for ministry.

- Robert

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Bible Studies

Winter Studies begin this week. Below are some highlights being offered this winter.

BUCK AND A BIBLE

The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30am, Community Hall Begins January 12 This is a morning Bible study for adult men of all ages. Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through modern-day Greece and Turkey. Coffee, donuts, and fresh muffins are provided (that’s what the “buck” is for).

The sessions are led by Rev. David Wheeler, Associate Minister. No registration is needed – simply show up! We look forward to seeing you!

SHARING THE KINGDOM

The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul Tuesdays, 9:15-10:30am, Community Hall Begins January 12 A large group Bible study that is a favorite among many women, as it appeals to the beginning follower as well as the seasoned believer. Follow the journeys of Paul, beginning with his dramatic conversion, as he spread the Gospel through what is now Greece and Turkey. Travel to the early church sites and explore Paul’s conversations with the Romans and Corinthians. In this study, you are invited to experience faith through Christ’s greatest teacher and missionary. Come spend an exciting hour in Bible study, discussion, and Christian fellowship, led by Rev. David Wheeler.

Other Women’s Offerings Include: The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m., South Adult 3 All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you’re tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you. Led by Lou Ann Morris. Begins January 19.

Lord, Where Are You When Bad Things Happen?

by Kay Arthur Wednesdays, 9:15-11:30 a.m. / South Adult 6 Led by Nancy Harris Begins January 13 Artful Prayer Journaling Wednesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Adult 1 & 2 If you’ve ever tried to journal and found yourself at a loss for words, you may find that an art journal is the answer for you.

The Artful Prayer Class will explore how creative journaling can deepen your prayer life. Creativity and the longings of our prayers come from the same place deep inside us. When combined, they are a powerful tool for spiritual growth. We will learn techniques to create beautiful journal pages that are not difficult and can be enjoyed by artists of all skill levels. Led by Elizabeth Johnson. Begins January 20.

Death and Resurrection of the Messiah, Bringing God’s Shalom to a World in Chaos by Ray Vander Laan Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., South Adult 3 Led by Patricia Hocker & Debbi Marshall Begins January 13 God Is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., North Adult 7 Led by Sherri Boyd, Mary Jessup, and Marsha Gunter Begins January 13 Final Words from the Cross by Adam Hamilton Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m., South Adult 1&2 Led by Miki Farris and Ellen Bennett Begins January 13 Friday Moms Group — What Love Is by Kelly Minter Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 13.2 Coffee Shop The letters of 1, 2, & 3 John were written to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful to the truth. Believers are challenged to look at contrasting themes such as walking in the light instead of darkness, truth versus lies and deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the meaning of true fellowship and community rather than shallowness. This study, by Kelly Minter, reveals not only the heart of John but also the heart of Jesus. Contact Nicole Baldwin for info, 6133887. Childcare provided. Begins January 15.

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Missions

What is the Fish Fund?

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

- John 6:9

This verse – John 6:9 – is such a beautiful reminder of how God takes a small gift and does something big with it. I think of that when I see God’s children, young and old, sharing a gift in the Fish Fund on a Sunday morning, bringing their offering, believing God will do something great with it. The tradition of taking a Fish Offering during the worship service has become part of our identity at Church of the Servant. The story of the little boy who brought his fish and loaves that Jesus multiplied to feed 5,000 people is told in all four gospels, not only to demonstrate Jesus’ miraculous power, but what can be done when we offer ourselves to be used by his power. The story itself is about being moved with compassion for the needs that are present. The little boy saw a hungry crowd and decided to offer what he had. So it is with the Fish Offering. There are needs inside and outside the walls of Church of the Servant that are met by the continued generosity of our congregation. The time in worship for the Fish Offering is a moment for continuing to develop a culture of generosity within ourselves, our families and our community. It is about celebrating God’s goodness and responding with our heart attitudes. Generosity is an outworking of the love of Christ that has been placed in our hearts.

Jesus fed 5000 people plus women and children because of one little boy’s generous heart. Every dollar that goes into our Fish Fund counts! Your generosity above and beyond your normal giving makes it possible for our Mission Ministry programs to continue! Thank you for making the Fish Offering part of your life and the lives of your family!

Celebrating and Sharing the Fish Fund

Each year, the gifts in the Fish Fund allow the mission work of the church to continue into the next year. The funds given in 2015 are $36,891. These funds will be used in 2016 for mission. Below, you will see how the funds of 2014 were used in 2015. God bless you and thank you for your faithfulness to sharing with others. You will never know the individual lives or difference that these funds make, but they are a representation of Kingdom work beyond our doors!

Funds Distributed in 2015

$6,000 Mobile Meals $7,000

Hannah’s Promise Respite Care for families

$3,000

Whiz Kids OKC

$2,600

Whiz Kids-COS site

$3,000

Operation Christmas Child

$2,000

Christmas Grace

$5,000

Potter’s House Guatemala

$2,500

My Heart’s Appeal Liberia Mission

$1,000

Car Seat Ministry

$1,000

Grace Fellowship Feeding the Hungry Downtown

$1,500

Project Transformation

$1,500

CJAMM New Day Camp Scholarships

$3,800

High School Mission Trips

$1,500

Vietnam Mission Trip

$1,000

Maua, Kenya Chaplain Missionary

$450

UMCOR Local Flooding

$250

Help with Books for OCU Student

$3,905

Benevolence and Food Fund for those who come to church needing assistance

Christmas Eve Mission Offering was $14,100 to Skyline Urban Ministries Clothes for Kids in 2016. Thank you for your generosity!

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PRIME TIME

Community Hall Thursday, February 11, 10:30 a.m.

Adult

Our program for February will be: “John Adams – Historical Revue” (a presentation

by R Clark Musser – Political Historian). Clark will be lecturing on the life of John Adam and his influence on our country in its infancy. John Adams was an American lawyer, author, statesman, and diplomat. He served as the second President of the United States, was a founding father, and a leader of American Independence from Great Britain.

Our guest, R Clark Musser, holds a Juris Doctorate from OU, was past President and Director of Musser and Bunch PC law firm, former Adjunct Professor of Oil & Gas Law at OU, as well as former General Counsel Oklahoma Corporation Commission. He has many other distinctions too numerous to mention.

Following the program, we will enjoy fellowship and a meal of Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, bread, and dessert. Enjoy the program and lunch for $10, or if you come only for the program, the cost is $2.

Be sure to sign up at the Welcome Center, or call the church office, 721-4141, no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, to make your reservation. If you sign up, and then see you will be unable to attend, please call to cancel your reservation, as Prime Time must pay for all meals reserved.

Emmaus Gathering Saturday, January 16

The Servant Emmaus Community is once again blessed to be hosting the Pioneer Country Emmaus Community Gathering on Saturday, January 16. Rev. Tim Travers will be conducting the Worship Service. We will begin with a potluck dinner in Community Hall. As people finish eating, they may want to move to the Centrum for a pre-concert by our very own “Gospel Guitar Guys (G3)” until Praise & Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. Please come and bring your favorite entree, dessert or drinks to share with our Community.

REMEMBER THAT GATHERINGS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE, SO BRING A FRIEND OR SOMEONE YOU WANT TO INTRODUCE TO EMMAUS. THE ONES YOU BRING MAY WELL WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE APRIL WALKS! AND DON’T FORGET TO WEAR YOUR LANYARDS AND NAME TAGS. Childcare for toddlers through 4th Grade will be provided with PRIOR RESERVATIONS. Call Judie Ellis at 250-1333 to reserve your child’s spot.

13.2 Coffee Shop is looking for two different teams of two people to work one Monday night a month during the school year for the men’s Bible Study Fellowship, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

We have the 1st and the 4th Monday’s open! Please let Dana Israel know if you are interested, 918-914-0630.

Calling All Guitar Players!

Join us for a fun jam session the first Thursday of every month. Beginners are welcome. This will be a great time of music, fellowship and fun. We meet in the Bride’s room (by Chapel of the Cross), 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The sessions are led by Don Cole, Dennis Gilstrap, and Sally Gilstrap. There will be mandolins, banjos, dulcimers, bass, fiddles, a keyboard and several guitars. Step out into the new year with that instrument that has just been collecting dust and join us for a fun evening. Music charts are provided and are projected onto a screen, so no need to bring music stands. Bring a friend with you!

Earthglow Gift Shop has cute new Valentine’s pens, bracelets, earrings, and more for your special someones.

Earthglow is transitioning from Christmas and there are bargains galore!

Christmas ornaments are $2 each, while they last. Other Christmas merchandise is 1/2 off!

Remember that all of our profits go to Missions! All of our staff members are volunteers! Thank you, as always, for supporting MISSIONS!

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Children PARENT’S NIGHT OUT: Children’s Ministries is sponsoring a Parent’s Night Out on February 5, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Drop off your kids (age 10 and under) and enjoy a night out. Cost is $10 for 1 child; $15 for 2, and $20 per family. This includes dinner and a fun night of activities for kids! Reservations are required by January 29 and can be made at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.

There are limited spots, so registrations are taken on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact Jenny Kincaid, Nursery Coordinator, at jkincaid@churchoftheservant.com.

– Children’s Ministries – 1/13

WOW Winter/Spring Start-up

2/5

Parent’s Night Out

6/6-6/9 VBS Week

2/10

Ash Wednesday

7/15-7/17 Kidz Camp

3/20

Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt

7/31

Water Day

4/20

WOW Closing

9/14

WOW Fall Start-up

5/25

5th Grade Circle of Support Party

9/18

Acolyte Consecration

6/2-6/6 Disciple Camp (upcoming 6th graders)

9/25

Third Grade Bible Sunday

5/31

10/28 Fall Festival

VBS Decorating Week

Students High School Spring Break Mission Trip High School Spring Break Mission Trip 2016 will be in Chicago! We are working with an incredible organization, DOOR. We will work with an elderly care center, urban garden, local churches, and an outreach center. This is is a great opportunity to build relationships within the youth group and also to expose ourselves to missions. The trip will cost $350; first payment and registration are due January 17. Registration forms are available at The Point student center or on the church Website!

High School Ministry Shirt Fundraiser High School Ministry is raising money for their Spring Break Mission Trip by selling Church of the Servant shirts and Student Ministry sweatshirts! Buy a shirt to support your church and our high school students! Purchase the shirts online at www.coshiblog. wordpress.com, or contact Sang Nguyen. Deadline for orders is January 31 and will be deliverd the week of February 15.

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Our Prayers

Our Life Together

u Bud and Alana Atkins as Alana’s brother, Danny Swopes, is hospitalized at SW Integris Medical Center. u Rob and Cindy Brackenbury as their friends, Mary Booth and Ron Fennell, ask for our prayers. u Dan and Cathy Bush as Dan recuperates from tests. u Dan and Candy Cavaness as their grandson, Ethan Cavaness, deals with health issues. u Don and Doris Cline as Don deals with health issues. u Max and Debbie Colclasure as their friend, Marsha Thompson, deals with health issues. u Ab and Sherilee Deakins as Ab recuperates from surgery. u Ralph Engle as Ralph deals with health issues. u Mike and Leesa Gentry as Leesa recuperates from surgery. u Carol Gifford and Allen and Judy Marlin as Carol’s and Judy’s mother, Gladys Witt, recuperates from an illness. u Dennis and Sally Gilstrap as Dennis deals with health issues. u Daniel and Connie Hawbaker as Connie recuperates from surgery. u Shawn Hinkel as Shawn’s father, Ed Hinkel, is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Jim and Susan Hodges and Edith Rutledge as Susan deals with health issues. u Walt and Barbara Kendall as Barbara deals with health issues. u Sue Knight as Sue deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Kurt and Cathy Leichter as Kurt deals with health issues. u Bob and Marilyn Long as Marilyn’s sisterin-law, Becky Fisher, deals with health issues. u Melissa Marshall as Melissa is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Vicki Muir as Vicki’s mother, Jerre Stanley, deals with health issues. u Dana Murphy as her brother, Todd Murphy, deals with health issues. u Bob and Barbara Neil as Bob deals with health issues.

Our Prayers continued u Randy and Beth Plant as Beth recuperates from surgery. u Kathlyn Reynolds as Kathlyn deals with health issues. u Sherry Robertson as Sherry and her parents deal with health issues. u Larry and Sara Rosa as Larry is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u George and Marilee Tomek as their son, John Tomek, deals with health issues. u Dan and Linda Trammel as Linda’s mother, Frances Kim, deals with health issues. u Tull and Pat Tully as Tull deals with health issues. u Tricia and Joey Waugh as Joey recuperates from surgery. u Bill and Mary White as Mary’s father, Clinton Fuhrmann, deals with health issues.

Our Sympathy

u Faye Brownlee and Sean, Kimberli, Kyle and Mianna Brownlee and Family at the death of Faye’s sister and Sean’s aunt, Doris “Dori” Young Thompsopn. u Rick and Shirley Jackson, Norman and Jacque Long, Jama, Jason, Reagan and Avery Baskin, Christy, Carter and Mason Adams, Stuart, Whitney, Jase and Grady Jackson and Sean and Liz Jackson and Family at the death of Shirley’s and Jacque’s father and Jama’s, Christy’s, Stuarts’ and Sean’s grandfather, Quenton Skelton. u Nick and Ann Knutson and Family at the death of Ann’s mother, Kathryn Conwell. u Al and Jere Litchenburg and Family at the death of Jere’s mother, Jean Williams. u Linda McMurtry and Family at the death of Linda’s mother, Lisa McMurtry. u Mark Rhodes and Family at the death of Mark’s step-mother, Etolia Rhodes.

u Lloyd and Zoe Williams as Lloyd recuperates from surgery.

u Susan Sutter and Family at the death of Susan’s sister, Judy Wood.

Celebrating Memories

u Bob Turner and Family at the death of Bob’s wife, Vertice Turner.

u Chris and Tarryn Henderson at the birth of their daughter, Brooklie Reese Henderson.

The proud brother is Cooper Henderson. u Justin and Erin Lawrence at the birth of their daughter, Charlotte Rae (Charlie) Lawrence. The proud brother is Jackson Lawrence. The proud grandparents are Bill and Lisa Boone. The proud aunt and uncle are Jessie Boone and Joe Boone.

Grief Support Group Begins January 17

u Jon Trudgeon and Family at the death of Jon’s wife, Sandy Trudgeon.

Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50

u 1/17 – Spaghetti & Meatballs, Sautéed Veggies, Salad, Dessert. u 1/24 – Pork Chops, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, Dessert. u 1/31 – Meatloaf, Mashers, Veggies, Salad, Dessert.

Are you grieving the loss of a loved one? If so, we invite you to a grief support group, beginning on January 17, which will meet from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. each Sunday through March 6. We’ll meet at Church of the Servant in Room 6 of the South Adult Center (located behind the Centrum auditorium). There will be time for discussion and sharing, and we will view a helpful video each time. The group will be facilitated by Rev. Tim Travers, using a curriculum called Grief Share. You’ll receive a complimentary workbook when you come the first time. The group is always open, so even if you can’t make it for the first session, feel to join us whenever you can come! You can register by contacting Vicki Roberds at (405) 728-4738 or vroberds@ churchoftheservant.com.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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