Newsletter 02.10.16

February 10, 2016

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 16.3

United Methodist Church

Vietnam Cattle Project CELEBRATING OUR FIRST SHIPMENT OF CATTLE!

Hope in a Scary World Mark writes to people living in a scary world.

In Mark’s gospel, evil is real and confronts Jesus directly, and works to defeat the Savior. Religious leaders and politicians are selfserving and willingly sacrifice common people to achieve their means. Mark’s world is a world filled with terror, economic uncertainty, violence, immorality and a selfish kind of spirituality. Sound familiar?

In this scary world, Mark introduces us to Jesus Christ, the source of all hope. Mark testifies that Jesus is the Son of God and the source of our salvation… should we choose to follow him.

I have selected Mark as the focus of our worship services and the new Lenten Bible Studies because Mark confronts us, convicts us and offers us the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.

And Mark takes evil seriously, as we should.

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

Mark has a message of hope for the single mom about to lose her job, the dad who can’t pay the mortgage, the cancer patient, the person suffering through divorce, and the teenager who feels left out and alone. In short, Mark promises us the power to rise above our scary world in the hope that is Jesus Christ.

Mark’s Jesus doesn’t remove the pain. After all, he endures the cross. Mark’s Jesus crosses through the pain to offer redemption to the world and all who suffer in it.

Mark is the shortest Gospel. After just nine verses, Jesus appears and is baptized: “And immediately, coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, ‘You are My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:10-11).

The word “immediately” appears again in the next verse, introducing two verses about Satan’s tempting Jesus in the wilderness. Mark uses “immediately” another 39 times in this short book, stressing the urgency of the story and the message.

Jesus’ message is paramount in the book of Mark. Mark’s first quote of Jesus sets the

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tone: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).

The Gospel of Mark shows Jesus as the Messiah and proves it by his supernatural power.

The book focuses more on miracles than any of the other Gospels (based on percentage of the book). Over half of the miracles in the New Testament show up in Mark.

Mark tells a human story, focusing on the feelings of those involved. He uses descriptive words to highlight the feelings of the crowds (Mark 1:27; 4:41; 7:37) and to draw attention to Jesus’ emotions as well (3:5; 14:34).

The Gospel tells us how Jesus set the example as a servant (Mark 10:45), and how he compared his followers to servants waiting for their master to return, telling them to watch and pray, “lest, coming suddenly, he finds you sleeping” (Mark 13:36).

The Gospel of Mark does not mention its author directly. But the early Christian writers recognize John Mark as the author including Papias, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria.

He joined Barnabas and Paul on what is often called the first missionary journey; but when he left unexpectedly, Paul lost confidence in him (Acts 15:37-39). His relative Barnabas, however, was willing to give Mark another chance. Years later, Paul indicated that he himself had regained confidence in Mark (Colossians 4:10-11; Philemon 1:24).

Mark knew what it was like to fall apart and to start over spiritually. And that is what Lent is all about – the opportunity to start over again spiritually. Mark would tell us to take the first steps and have hope – Jesus is here and he is real.

Join us every Sunday in Lent as we discover the the Gospel of Mark and God’s message of hope for each of us in this scary world!

- Robert

Vietnam Cattle Project

Missions

It is a blessing to see a dream come to fruition! At Church of the Servant, we are celebrating that dream become a reality, as the “Cattle Project” that is a joint effort between our congregation and the Vietnamese Methodist Church is moving from the drawing board to full operation! Three years ago, conversations began asking questions of how we might work together to provide long-term sustainability to pastors and their congregations. Poverty, and all its negative impact, is a daily reality for the vast majority of our Vietnamese brothers and sisters in Christ. Our choices were to raise short-term emergency financial support, or to work toward providing a means where the pastors and congregations can move forward into economic sustainability and self-support. Out of this conversation, the dream of the “Cattle Project” came into being.

This is a genuine partnership between our churches, as the Vietnamese are providing all the operating inputs for the cattle (feed, medicine and daily care), while we, at Church of the Servant are providing the initial investment capital to purchase the cattle.

In August of 2015, our congregation donated over $45,000.00 toward this dream. This month, our brothers and sisters in Vietnam have purchased the first eight cattle (with thirty-six more to come!) to populate farms in the Lam Dong region of the Vietnamese Central Highlands. Pictured on the cover of this newsletter and in the top right photo on this page is Malinh Koyon who serves as the District Superintendent of Lam Dong and will supervise the cattle projects in the area. She provides outstanding spiritual and administrative leadership to her people and is thrilled to have the opportunity to establish these “Cattle Projects.”

Working together, our gifts are making a difference – both here in Oklahoma City and on the far side of the globe! Men, women, and children are hearing for the first time the Good News of Jesus Christ as a result of your sacrifice! May God bless these cattle projects and the congregations for whom they provide support. God reminds us in Psalm 50:10 that “...every wild animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” Whether those hills be in central Oklahoma or the Central Highlands of Vietnam, the name of our God is lifted high!

Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister

Hannah’s Promise

A wonderful testimony of love and service was given by Harold Leverett on Sunday morning to celebrate 15 years of Hannah’s Promise and to help recruit new volunteers taking the church forward into the future. What a blessing to receive 17 new volunteers interested in serving children and their families in our respite ministry! If you are interested and didn’t have a chance to respond, please contact Lola Burgtorf at lburgtorf@churchoftheservant.com. The ministry open house is this Saturday, February 13 if you would like to come and see what an evening at Hannah’s Promise entails.

Mission Calendar Dates Saturday, February 13 – Hannah’s Promise Open House - 4:30-9pm Sunday, February 14

– Blood Drive in Community Hall

Sunday, March 20

– Special Fish Appeal for Stop Hunger Now

Saturday, April 9

– Rebuilding Together Day

Sunday, May 1

– Stop Hunger Now

Blood Drive

This Sunday, February 14 In the Community Hall Make a Difference, Save a Life, Give Blood!

On this Valentine’s Day, show some love for a stranger by giving blood.

Our church faithfully continues to hold quarterly blood drives in partnership with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. Over the years, some of our faithful donors have not been able to continue due to health and life circumstances. Would you consider taking their place and becoming part of our team of donors here at Servant? Stop by the Community Hall Sunday and in a few moments of information giving, you can help save lives. It is a simple Sunday morning commitment that truly makes a huge impact!

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Adult Church-Wide Lenten Scripture Reading has Begun!

The Bible is God’s Word for our lives. It is to guide us, shape us, move us and remind us who we are! The season of Lent is a time for renewal in our lives. Would you like to be renewed by the Word of God? During the six weeks of Lent, you are invited to join others in reading scripture as an individual or in a small group in preparation for the worship service the following Sunday. Weekly eBlast for Lenten reading arrives each Sunday afternoon to your email.

To view the reading for previous weeks, go to the Servant Blog at churchoftheservant.com.

Wednesdays Lenten Reading with a Group Begins Wednesday February 17, 12-1pm in Community Hall.

No reservations required, just come!

Looking for Renewal... For Spiritual Growth?

You have heard the verses: “And the Word became flesh...,” “For God so loved the world...,” “You who are without sin cast the first stone...,” “I am the resurrection and the life...,” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” But, do you understand the truth of those verses? Carve out 6-weeks this Lent and join many others in an Adam Hamilton study of the Gospel of John. The study is Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. beginning February 16. You can register on the Connect Card, in the Concourse, or at ChurchoftheServant.com/events. Led by John Farr.

Stand in the Gap for Widows

Kindred Community: For women who have lost their husbands Luncheon: Saturday, February 20, 11:30am, Community Hall There is just something, something unspoken, when walking into a room by yourself that is full of other women who know what it is like to be a widow. That shared commonality somehow ushers comfort and community. No words need be spoken, but words of understanding issue from each heart.

If you are a widow, you will truly enjoy attending this lunch. Taylor Barnett, a lovely young woman, recently wrote a remarkable essay entitled Grieving Gracefully. Some who have read Taylor’s paper feel it needs to be published, as she offers unique insights of the grieving process. We will be blessed to hear Taylor’s story; one of hope, of deep sorrow and God’s relentless redeeming love. God shines through Taylor in ways that will deeply touch your heart. This is one lunch you don’t want to miss! Contact Sherri Price, sherriprice@cox.net, 748.3111, with questions or to RSVP.

Earthglow is More than a Gift Shop Did you know that Earthglow is more than a gift shop in our church? It is a vital part of the mission outreach of our congregation. Of course, there are great gifts in the shop, too! Each purchase that you make in Earthglow also gifts others (MISSIONS), as well.

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MARCH 20 – PALM SUNDAY PARADE OF PALMS

Holy Week

Children (3-Yrs to Fifth Grade) will be participating in the traditional Parade of Palms on Sunday, March 20 during the 9:15 and 10:45 worship services in the Celebration Center, and during the 9:23 worship service in the Centrum. All children are welcome! Invite your friends to come with you! We will re-enact the waving of the palms during Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Children should be in the Children’s area by 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. respectively.

FAMILY EASTER CELEBRATION

A fun-filled Easter Celebration is planned for families on Sunday, March 20. Beginning at 3:00 p.m., Servant kids will be performing their Spring Musical, VIP, in the Centrum. The original musical will be directed by Paul and Brooke Gebb. The musical is the story of Jesus’ Palm Sunday journey.

Other activities including egg hunts, crafts, inflatables, pottery painting, and refreshments begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Community Hall. Bring your cameras for pictures with the Easter bunny!

Egg Hunt times are: 3:45 – 4:05 p.m. for 3-Yrs and under 4:15- 4:45 p.m. for 4-Yrs to Kindergarten 4:45 – 5:00 p.m. for First to Fifth Grade Children need to be registered! Register online at churchofthservant.com/events. Church of the Servant will provide the eggs. Be sure and bring your basket. Registration deadline is March 18.

MARCH 24 – MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE 7:00 p.m. – CENTRUM

Dr. Robyn Goggs will lead us in a communion service, commemorating the Last Supper. Nursery available for ages two and under.

What is Maundy Thursday? Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, which means “commandment.” As recorded in John’s gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). While John’s gospel does not record the institution of the Lord’s Supper among the events of this night, the other gospels do. Christians therefore keep this night with celebrations at the Lord’s Table (Holy Communion).

MARCH 25 – GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 7:00 p.m. – CELEBRATION CENTER

A Service of Darkness with the stripping of the Altar. Featuring the Celebration Choir, Soprano Soloist Michelle Knight, and the Worship Orchestra, performing the beautiful “Requiem” by renowned British composer John Rutter. Nursery available for ages two and under.

MARCH 27 – EASTER SERVICES 6:30 a.m. – SUNRISE AT THE RESURRECTION CEMETERY CHAPEL

Location: 7801 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City – Led by Rev. Tim Travers. This service ends at sunrise with Holy Communion.

8:15 a.m.* – CHAPEL OF THE CROSS – Liturgical service with Holy Communion, led by Rev. David Wheeler.

9:15 & 10:45 a.m.* – CELEBRATION CENTER – Classic service with choir and orchestra, led by Dr. Robert Gorrell, Senior Minister.

9:23 & 11 a.m.* – CENTRUM – Modern service with contemporary band, led by Rev. David Wheeler. *Nursery Care available for 2 and under at all services, except Sunrise service. No Youth programming or Adult Sunday morning classes on Easter Sunday.

CHILDREN ON EASTER – Preschool at 9:15 a.m. ONLY. No Elementary programming.

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Children

WOW KIDS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD A recent WOW (Welcome on Wednesdays) lesson was from Exodus 35 and 36, which is the story of how God’s people worked together to build a special place to worship. They gave what they had and worked as a team to make the Tabernacle.

The Bible point for this evening was WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD. The kids and their leaders worked together that evening to make banners which expressed their thanks to God for always being there for them.

Memorizing Books of the Bible Our 4th and 5th-grade Grapple (9:15 Sunday morning) attendees are memorizing the books of the Bible! We will be working on it for a few more weeks, so don’t forget to practice! Come on Sunday mornings and tell either Mr. Dustin, Ms. Laine, Mr. Greg, or Ms. Betsy when you are ready to show what you know for a fun prize!

Taking Applications!

Warm World School (3 & 4 year old Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) and Starbright Children’s Day Out (6 mos - 3 years) will be calling church members on our wait list for the 2016-2017 school year, beginning March 7. Don’t miss this opportunity to enroll your child in quickly filling classes. Visit our Websites to download one or both of our wait list applications at warmworld. com or starbrightokc.com.

SAVE THE DATE for Cave Quest VBS

June 6-9, at Cave Quest, kids – ages 4 through to those entering 5th grade – will explore the rock-solid foundation of Jesus’ love. Registration is free and begins in May. Volunteer registration will begin soon. Get ready for the brightest week of this summer! For more information, contact Martha Stone, VBS Director at marth@hotmail.com or 405-822-7484.

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Our Life Together Our Prayers

u Jon, Stephanie, Sophie and Langdon Anderson as Jon’s stepfather, Jim Evans, is hospitalized in Houston. u Jean Arbuckle as Jean recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Donna Armstrong as Donna’s niece, Cindy Armstrong, faces surgery at the OK Spine Hospital. u Bob and Mary Austin as Bob’s aunt, Norma Dirickson deals with health issues. u Cary and Jennifer Bartlow as Cary deals with health issues. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as Darlene’s sister, Pam Mowery, deals with heath issues. u Betty Bohan as Betty faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Martin, Elene, and Carter Christensen as Martin recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Doris Cline as Doris recuperates from an illness; and her great grandson, Barrett Stubenhofer, recuperates from an illness. u Dale and Elaine Cox as Elaine’s mother, Susie Maroon, recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Jim and Suzie Fentriss as Jim faces surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Gary and Judy Held as Gary’s father, Carl Held, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center; and Judy’s mother, Martha Ellen White, is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Gene and Daveene Hightower as their friend, Shelly Thomas, deals with health issues. u Shawn Hinkel as his great niece, Sydney Henson, deals with health issues. u Jim and Susan Hodges as Susan undergoes treatment. u Rick and Shirley Jackson as Shirley’s mother, Marie Skelton, undergoes rehab. u June Maddox as June is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Derin, Julie, Harrison and Emily Mott as Julie deals with health issues. u Bob and Barbara Neil as Bob and his daughter, Kelly Brown, both deal with health issues.

Our Prayers Continued u John and Cindy Petree as Cindy’s brother, Mike Green, recuperates from surgery. u Kent and Glenda Potts as Glenda faces surgery at Bone and Joint Hospital. u Dustin, Dana, Abbey and Ethan Renner as Dana recuperates from injuries from a fall off a horse. u Johnny and Susan Satterlee as Susan recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Philip, Stephanie, Kate and Olivia Sherwin as their niece, Kelsey Decker, recuperates from injuries from a car accident and is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center. u Bob and Nancy Smith as Nancy recuperates from an illness. u Jay Stout as Jay faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Wayne and Sharon Wallace as Wayne recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Bob and Rubena Wallis as Rubena recuperates from injuries from a fall. u J.R. and Lorene Wolf as Lorene’s grandson, Jesse Carrington, recuperates from surgery in Dallas.

PRIME TIME

March 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Don’t blink twice, or you’ll think you’ve been whisked away to New Orleans on March 10, as we welcome back the 5th Street Jazz Collective, an outstanding jazz band comprised of UCO faculty members and alumni - trumpeter Lee Rucker, trombonist Jeff Kidwell, clarinetist and saxophonist Brian Gorrell, pianist Dennis Borycki, banjo/guitarist Danny Vaughan, bassist Michael Geib, D.M., and drummer David Hardman - all under the leadership of Brian Gorrell, current Director of Jazz Studies at UCO.

Celebrating

u John and Cindy Petree at the birth of their grandson, Gavin Michael Sumner. The proud parents are Phil and Carrie Sumner of Kansas City, Missouri. The proud brother is Jude Petree.

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

u 2/14 – Chicken Alfredo, Garlic Bread, Caesar and Garden Salad, Dessert. u 2/21 – Indian Taco Sale!! $7. Desserts are al a carte. u 2/28 – Chili Cheese Hotdogs, Chili Cheese Fries, Frito Chili Pie, and more!

Our Sympathy

u Dave & Marge Carmichael, Tricia Carmichael and Family at the death of Dave’s son and Tricia’s husband, Dave Carmichael Jr. u Shawn Hinkel and Family at the death of Shawn’s father, Edwin Hinkel. u Hank, Trey, Alexis, Gabriel Holeman Coleen Sporn and Family at the death of Hank’s wife, Trey’s, Alexis’ and Gabriel’s mother, Coleen’s daughter, Carrie Holeman. u Barbara Eskridge and Family at the death of Barbara’s brother, Roger Lynn. u Gary and Judy Held and Family at the death of their niece, Nicole Gentry. u Michael and Melanie Lacido and Family at the death of Melanie’s mother, Ruth Allen. u Rob and Susan Mitchell and Family at the death of Rob’s mother, Melba Mitchell.

u James and Lauri Reeg and Family at the death of James’ sister, Wilma Reeg.

Jazz actually started out at what was then Central State College as an extracurricular venture in 1960, and 10 years later it became an accredited course in Central’s Department of Music. Since then, Central has become University of Central Oklahoma and traditional New Orleans Jazz has been going strong there and throughout the OKC Metro area for all these years. As of now, this love of jazz has fostered eleven student jazz groups, all receiving numerous awards and honors for outstanding performances at events held literally around the world.

So put on your happy face and come to Prime Time at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 10 in Community Hall. We’ll enjoy some wonderful music from the 5th Street Jazz Collective, be served a great meal of Shepherd pie, salad, hot bread, and dessert, and enjoy the fellowship of old and new friends. Program plus meal is $10.00; program alone is $2.00. Sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141 no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, March 7.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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