February 12, 2014 CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 14.3
Do You Have a Plan? Here is a story I love! The author is Jon Walker and I read it in issue 23 of Challenge Weekly:
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
If you want to be a successful fisherman, you don’t look for the most comfortable spot on the lake,” said Rick Warren, senior pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, California. “Instead, you go to where the fish are, and you make it as easy and attractive as possible for the fish to swallow your hook. Warren said the same is true when you’re fishing for men: Unfortunately, many churches don’t take the time to understand the people they want to reach, and they don’t have a strategy. They want to win people to Christ as long as it can be
“If there was only one fish in a lake or stream, my dad would catch it…” done in a comfortable way. Speaking before 2,500 ministers from 34 countries during a recent Purpose Driven Church seminar, Warren said he learned this principle
from his father, who was a fisherman. If there was only one fish in a lake or stream, my dad would catch it, said Warren. As I got older I realized his secret: My dad understood fish and caught them on their terms. In contrast, I never had a strategy whenever I went fishing. I’d cast out anywhere in the lake, hoping something might bite. While my dad would crawl through brush or get wet up to his waist in order to get to where the fish were, my fishing spots were usually determined by what was most comfortable to me. I had no strategy, and my results showed it. Warren said Jesus gave five fishing guidelines for evangelism and that Saddleback grew from only four members to over 15,000 by using this simple strategy. Know what you’re fishing for ... Go where the fish are biting ... Learn to think like a fish ... Catch fish on their terms ... Use more than one hook ...
I love what Rick Warren says. My dad was an avid fisherman. I know just what he is talking about. Do you have a plan for sharing your faith? On Sunday mornings I’ll be sharing how you can do just that in ways that are effective and relational. Join us! - Robert
New dog treats are at Earthglow! ‘CANINES for VETERANS’ - Peanut Butter flavored treats for dogs. Proceeds go to provide therapy dogs for Veterans, enriching the lives of our Veterans and the Dogs who serve them.
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Missions
STOP HUNGER NOW Register Sunday!
Last year, after Stop Hunger Now was over, I shared with so many people what a moving experience it is to see over 1,200 people working together to make 151,000 meals and make a difference in the world. I talked about how much fun the day was and how good it felt to be a small part of something so significant. Everyone I shared it with said, “That sounds wonderful. When is it happening again?” I made a mental list so I would contact each of those people this year; maybe you did too. Have you made your phone calls to invite someone to join you on February 23? It’s time! Don’t let someone you know miss out on a great opportunity. - Dr. Robyn Goggs Our efforts continue as we prepare for this big day on February 23. The next three steps for each of us are: 1. PRAY -
Pray for that day and for the financial goal we are well on our way to meeting. Use the M&M collection as a way to help get closer to that goal.
2. REGISTER -
Registration has begun for classes and individuals for the three shifts available. We always need more people for the 7:30 a.m. shift. Would you consider doing it earlier this year?
3. INVITE -
Stop Hunger Now is a good opportunity to introduce your friends, family, and neighbors to your church. The excitement and activity around this day are a wonderful and tangible way to show that your church is about helping people follow their call as disciples of Jesus Christ. Invite, and then sign up with the group you will bring.
OBI is in dire need of blood donations, so today please consider donating a “pint of life.” Check in at the table near Community Hall on Sunday.
Upcoming Mission Opportunities Saturday, Feb 15
Car Seat Fitting Event at Infant Crisis Services, 9-Noon
Sunday, Feb 16 Blood Drive All Morning in Community Hall Tuesday, Feb 22 Sunday, Feb 23
923 Mission Event at the Regional Food Bank, 1-4 p.m. (meet at the Food Bank) STOP HUNGER NOW!!
WE NEED YOUR HELP…
This past Sunday, we had many congregants that decided to weather out the snow storm in the comfort of their homes, and they were so thankful that they were able to watch our 9:15 service online. But we are VERY short-staffed and could REALLY use your help. If you are available to run a camera on Sunday mornings at 9:15 (even once a month will do), please contact Heather at hdeshazo@ churchoftheservant.com or 721-4141. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. And if you find yourself at home on a Sunday morning and can’t make it to service, join us online at http://churchoftheservant.churchonline.org at 9:15 a.m. SERVANT February 12, 2014 I Page 3
Women Single Mothers Ministry Kickoff Event Sunday, March 9, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Do you know a single mother who is looking for a place to connect and share life with others with similar life circumstances? A community is in formation here to support the single mother in her journey. Invite her to this experience and come with her. Topic for Discussion: “What are the tools you are putting in your child’s toolbox for life?” Dr. Robyn Goggs will lead the lively discussion for moms and share some ways Church of the Servant wants to help address this need for families. Dinner for the whole family and introduction to church and ministry will follow. Reservations can be made with Susie Cobden at cobden@churchoftheservant.com or at 721-4141. Childcare by reservation will be provided.
LENTEN OPPORTUNITIES: Lenten Lecture Series Opportunity “Sabbath Time in a 24/7 World” Tuesday, April 1
As we move more deeply into the 21st century, the pace of life and momentum of change continue at an exponential rate. Thus our hunger to be spiritually-centered and grounded in God grows more urgent as well. How might reclaiming the ancient wisdom of Sabbath guide us? In an era marked by fewer boundaries and constantly expanding technologies, what spiritual disciplines are most important and which seem most realistic for our day? Join us as we consider the relationship of Sabbath time to spiritual survival in a 24/7 world. Our Speaker: The Reverend Marjorie J. Thompson brings to her ministry over 25 years of experience in retreat work, teaching, and writing in the area of Christian spiritual formation. For 12 years she served as director of Pathways in Congregational Spirituality with Upper Room Ministries. As the author of Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life and Family, the Forming Center, she considers writing a central dimension of her calling as an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Marjorie has served two congregations in pastoral ministry, and as adjunct faculty for six seminaries. She had research fellowship at Yale Divinity School, where she was deeply influenced by her mentor, the late Henri Nouwen. In her years with Upper Room Ministries, Marjorie worked closely with all facets of Companions in Christ, an innovative small-group resource series for spiritual formation. Designing the foundational 28-week resource, writing participant books and leader’s guides for various titles in the series, and training Companions trainers, she helped guide and shape this small-group ministry for more than a decade. Currently she works on a freelance basis from home, offering retreats, lectures, and spiritual guidance under the banner of Transforming Practice Ministries. Marjorie lives in the woods of Kingston Springs, Tennessee, with her husband, John Mogabgab. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Living a “Gospeled” Life Brown Bag Lenten Luncheons Wednesdays: March 12, 19, 26 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Taught by: Dr. Robyn Goggs
What does it mean to be “gospeled”? An encounter with the living Christ demands response. Looking at biblical characters who had such an encounter, we will see how those encounters resonate with our own encounters with Jesus Christ. Some of these persons responded with joy and gratitude. Some ignored or rejected Christ’s offer of good news. Where do we find ourselves in the stories? Come listen and share as we explore this topic for an hour each week.
Rev. Marjorie J. Thompson Pastor/Author/Speaker
Adult A PRIME TIME EXTRAVAGANZA… awaits you on Thursday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall, when we welcome Jim Graves, a multifaceted vocal artist, arranger and educator, who came to serve as Director of Choral Activities at Southern Nazarene University in 2008. Jim has a Bachelor of Music Education from Boise State University and a Masters of Music Performance in Conducting and Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. In just four short years, Jim brought his performing groups to national recognition and they have been invited to sing at the national convention of the American Choral Directors Association. For our March program, Jim will bring 12 to 14 of his auditioned singers from SNU for a presentation showcasing their outstanding talent. These performers had a CD released in July, 2013 entitled “By Day or By Night”. A short business meeting follows this fabulous program, after which we will be treated to another tasty meal. Make your reservations at the Welcome Center after February 16 or by calling the church office, 721-4141, by 4 p.m., Monday, March 10. Price for the program only is $2.00, but as always, we strongly recommend you stay for the meal and fellowship with old and new friends for a total cost of $10. Remember, if you make a reservation and later find you cannot attend, please call to cancel. Prime Time must pay for all reservations! These past few months have been great for Troop 177. In the month of January, the scouts attended Trappers Rendezvous in Kansas. This was a campout where scouts were able to bring assorted items (animal furs, skeletons, pocket knives, patches, toys, trading cards, camp tools, etc.) and trade with scouts from other states. We had a great time, enjoyed the cold weather camping, and on the way to the campsite we were able to visit the Kansas Cosmosphere. Here we got to witness live experiments in Goddard’s Lab, and see decommissioned planes like the SR- 51 Blackbird, a plane that in its heyday could fly at over three times the speed of sound. As for the month of February, we were unable to go camping due to bad weather, but we did host a Court of Honor at Church of the Servant. The Court of Honor is a ceremony in which scouts get recognized for their accomplishments since the previous Court of Honor. So if a scout achieves a higher rank, acquires merit badges, gets a
FAITH IN REEL TIME
Friday, March 7, 7:00 p.m., Centrum
The First Grader - you won’t want to miss this one, especially since our mission team just returned from Kenya, where this true story takes place. Full of vitality and humor, this film explores the remarkable relationship Maruge, an old Mau Mau veteran in his 80’s, builds with classmates some 80 years his junior. Maruge fought for the liberation of his beloved Kenya, and now feels he must have a chance at the education so long denied – even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-old children. Through Maruge’s journey, we are taken back to the shocking untold story of British colonial rule 50 years earlier – a time when Maruge fought for the freedom of his country and eventually ended up in the extreme and harsh conditions of the British detention camps.
Troop 177
new position in the troop, or wins some other award during the six-month period since the previous Court of Honor, then they are congratulated in front of their fellow scouts, family members, and scout leaders. After the recognition ceremony, we had a fantastic dinner together in Community Hall. In March, the troop is looking forward to volunteering to help with the Stop Hunger Now program at Church of the Servant, where we will help package rice and vegetable meals for hungry children in Africa. We will also be going to the Baden Powell Encampment on March 7-9 where we will take part in various shooting sports, precision and accuracy contests, item trading, etc., as well as our Lexington campout over spring break, where we will camp in the bunks of a retired Naval Aircraft Carrier - the U.S.S. Lexington - in Corpus Christi, Texas. We will learn about the traditions and ways of life that the ship’s crew would experience, learn about the ship’s history, and visit surrounding attractions such as the Dallas Aquarium.
This young man (pictured) is James Carpenter, a scout from England visiting Oklahoma and joining our troop for a span of three months. He has been diagnosed with a brain tumor that has to be treated at the proton therapy hospital next to the church, so he and his family will be staying with us in Oklahoma until he has been treated. Mitchell Dye Life Scout BSA Troop 177 Scribe and Troop Guide
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Student Spring Break Mission Trip!
This year we are going to Colorado Springs March 16-21! We will partner up with Sunrise United Methodist Church to work with local ministries. The cost of the trip is $250! Forms can be found on the Church website or at the Student Point. Registrations and a down payment of $100 are due Feb 16. We have limited spots available! Please contact Sang Nguyen with any questions! snguyen@churchoftheservant.com, or 728-4754.
GET TO KNOW ME...
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n 2006, my family moved to Oklahoma City and immediately joined Church of the Servant, where our Ardmore Minister, Dr. Robert Gorrell, had relocated. Our girls began developing friendships in the middle school and children’s groups, with the adults leading, and with their small group friends. The youth groups and leaders continued to be a regular part of their lives inside and outside of the church. In 2011, we were transferred to Enid, OK and missed our Church of the Servant family every day. Although we were blessed to be loved by the First United Methodist Church of Enid, we knew our home was always Church of the Servant. God brought us back to Oklahoma City, and we immediately came back to be with our friends and family. I will never forget coming alone to Ash Wednesday in 2013, as my family was still in Enid, straight from a 6-hour drive from working all over Oklahoma. I was tired and trudged in only to be
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i, my name is Isabel Johnson. I am one of the many freshmen in Church of the Servant High School Ministry. I have been a part of Servant since the end of seventh grade. The relationships I have built within this ministry are some of the strongest relationships I have. It is so neat to me that I am able to come to a place with people I love and all of us be there for the same thing - God. Church of the Servant is honestly one of my favorite places to be. I love getting to come learn about my faith Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
hugged and greeted by so many of the youth leaders who had taken care of my girls while in Oklahoma City. Mackenzie and Kendall have been blessed to have other Christian adults to counsel, love and support them when they needed other adults in their life besides their parents. Upon returning to Church of the Servant, the Holy Spirit has been calling to me to serve the ones who have served my family for so many years. Once again, God opened the door and heard my prayers. When Sang called and asked me to lead a wonderful group of young ladies in small group, I thought about the many prayers and hours others devoted to my children and it made it so very easy for me to say, “YES!” I only pray that I may be of service to these amazingly-talented and Godly ladies as the other youth and children’s leaders have been to my daughters. Karie Carpenter High School Volunteer
while being with my friends. I love watching the faith of my friends grow. This year I have gotten the opportunity to lead worship on Sunday morning for the ministry. While I am up there worshiping, I can look out on all the high school students and see possibly the most beautiful thing - seeing my friends sing about God and even smile about the lyrics that stand out to them is so amazing! This ministry has so many amazing things and I am so blessed to be a part of it. Isabel Johnson Freshman
Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Geoff Baker and Susan King-Baker as Geoff is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u David and Lynda Barnes as David undergoes treatment and deals with health issues. u Bill and Harriet Brewer as their son, Brian Brooks, recuperates from surgery. u Cary and Terry Fisher as Terry recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Deaconess Hospital. u Denene Harper as she undergoes physical therapy and deals with health issues. u Nan Miller as Nan is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Randy and Beth Plant as Randy faces surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center; and Randy’s sister, Sharron Masterson, deals with health issues. u Ben and Sandy Ratzlaff as Ben recuperates from surgery. u Harold and Peggi Schnack as Peggi’s niece, Brenda Owens, deals with health issues. u Bob and Pat Sholar as Bob recuperates from surgery. u Nancy Tessier as Nancy’s son, Todd Tessier, deals with health issues in Nevada. u Lonnie Williams as Lonnie recuperates from injuries from a fall.
Celebrating Memories
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Marcie Upp by Marvin & Norma Denny u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Marcie Upp by Transition Sunday School Class
Celebrating
u Jim and Coleen Henry at the birth of their grandson, Mason James Crawford. The proud parents and big sister are Scott, Alyson, and Paige Crawford. The proud aunt is Amy Henry. u Brandon and Amber Mayes at the birth of their son, Hudson Robert Mayes. The big sister is Molly Mayes.
Our Sympathy
u Lance and Stephanie Schmidt at the birth of their daughter, Stella Holston Schmidt. The big brothers are Solomon and Theo. The proud grandmother is Elaine Schmidt.
u Patty Ruby and Roland and Kathy Haney and Family at the death of Patty’s husband and Kathy’s father, Bruce Ruby.
In the Kitchen
u Bob and Marca Floyd and Family at the death of Bob’s mother, Charlotte Ann Floyd.
CARE MINISTRIES
When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is sometimes difficult to remember to inform Care Ministries of that special situation. As a church family, all of us can help. If you know of a member who would benefit from our specialized care or our prayers through Care Ministries, call Care Ministries at 728-4738 or 728-4735.
February 16:
Turkey Tetrazzini, Veggie Medley, Garlic Toast, Salad, Dessert
February 23:
CLOSED for Stop Hunger Now Event
March 2:
Baked Potato/Soup/Salad Bar, Dessert
March 9:
Shepherd’s Pie, Glazed Carrots, French Bread, Green Dream Delight
Driven Closer to Christ
Have you ever experienced some life-changing event--like grief or illness in the family--which has caused you to pray, doubt, grow, or be assured in your faith? Rev. Tim Travers will lead a 7-session class on his book, Driven, his spiritual autobiography. The class will meet on Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning February 27 and going through April 24. No class on March 27 and April 17. The course will cover topics like grief, tragedy, family relationships, vocation, dementia, cancer, miracles, hope, Bible, and faith. Many life experiences—whether happy or sad—can drive us closer to the love and power of Christ. If you’d like to pinpoint, discuss, and reflect on some of those times in your own life...this class is for you! Tim’s book is available for purchase through Earthglow gift shop at Church of the Servant. Aside from the cost of the book, there is no cost for the course. If you’d like to sign up for the class, contact Vicki Roberds at 728-4738 or vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. This will enable us to have handouts for each participant. If your schedule doesn’t permit you to take the course, but you’d like to receive the handouts to go with your own reading, contact us...we can send them to you by mail or email.
www.facebook.com/ ChurchoftheServantOKC
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Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO 99 OKLAHOMA CITY 73125
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