February 13, 2013

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 13.3

Believe s Belong s Become

Stop Hunger Now The Stop Hunger Now experience has caused me to grow in my faith. When Scott Smith approached me about getting involved with the leadership of Stop Hunger Now, my first responses were – We are going to make how many meals? In what time frame? How is that even possible? Purchasing and packaging 50,000 meals seemed daunting. Now four years removed from that initial conversation, our congregation will make over 150,000 this year. Amazing! I believe this year’s total will pass or be very close to 500,000 total meals packaged in our church. Even more amazing! This has become such a wonderful mission outreach for Church of the Servant. Individually, SHN has become something I look forward to every year. I am moved when I look out at the “lines” packaging the meals and see all demographics of our Church working together being the hands and feet of Christ. It is also very tangible to me when I measure, pack and stack the pouches. I know what I have in my hand will feed someone who is struggling to feed themselves, their family, or feed a hungry child. At the end of the experience as I leave Church seeing all the pallets stacked full, I cannot help but think not only did our efforts help a life, but possibly save it. I do not think there is a better feeling! It truly is an experience that changes those who receive, but also us who serve. - Brad Traynor Registration continues through this month at the Stop Hunger Now table on Sundays!

United Methodist

Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com

Ukraine Mission Update

Give Blood, Feel Good !

• Every two seconds someone needs blood. OBI manages the life-saving donations from more than 140,000 individuals each year.

by Stan Mortimer

Our mission outreach in the Ukraine continues with all the church locations, Uzhgorod, Kamyanitsa and Perechyn, experiencing both change and spiritual growth. First, the construction of the church building in Perechyn has moved forward, even during the winter, and draws closer to being ready for limited use. Since our ten-person team was there in mid-September, much has been accomplished. Electricity has been turned on in the building, the exterior and interior walls have been covered (stuccoed), most of the windows have been installed, and the doors are to be installed in the next two weeks. The very large windows, shaped like a cross, are

• There is no substitute for human blood. Supplies must be constantly renewed. • The need for blood donation is constant. Patients in our hospitals have needs 365 days a year. The pool of those who are eligible to give is getting smaller, so please consider donating if you are able. Register in advance by Community Hall each Sunday or come by on February 24 and give blood. Save a life!

currently in customs, and hopefully, will be released in time for a German team to install them in the near future. With completion of these projects, the building will be closed in and ready for the sanctuary floor to be poured and heating units installed. Pastor Vasyl in Kamyanitsa is now serving as the District Superintendent of Western Ukraine and is responsible for 15 churches in his district. He continues to pastor the church in Uzhgorod while his wife, Alla, is serving as Pastor of the Kamyanitsa church. Vova Vuksta, the Pastor in Perechyn, found it necessary to take a year’s leave for family matters, so Vasyl and Alla are sharing responsibilities for Perechyn until that po-

sition is filled or Vova is able to return. Just outside of Uzhgorod, in the local Roma (Gypsy) village, a new Methodist church has emerged, and while our team was there, it celebrated its first anniversary. This is a big step of inclusion for a people who are frequently ostracized throughout Europe. Pastor Vasyl includes this new congregation in his District. Please keep these congregations in your prayers as they enjoy new expansion, and at the same time, contend with the responsibility and personnel changes that accompany that growth. Praise the Lord!

CHILDSHARE Easter Party, Saturday, March 16 Eggs and Cookies Needed!

Each spring Church of the Servant hosts the Easter party and Easter Egg Hunt for foster children and their families who are supported by CHILDSHARE, part of our United Methodist Circle of Care ministry. It is a beautiful experience for these families to be cared for in this simple way and shows them that we love them and appreciate all they are doing for the children. To make this Saturday morning a success, we need the help of the church. Beginning Feb 17, there will be a table Dates for Mission Events and Ministries in the Concourse where you can pick up and drop off eggs that you have stuffed with wrapped candy, sign • Saturday, Feb 23 - Car Seat Fitting (9-Noon) up to bring cookies for the party, and sign up to help decorate on the Friday afternoon before. • Sunday, Feb 24 - Blood Drive at COS Those who can come and help at the party need • Sunday, March 3 - Stop Hunger Now to arrive Saturday morning at 9 a.m. For more details, please contact MJ Means at means1@sbcglobal.net • Sunday, March 10 - Edgar Cruz Concert or come by the table.

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to benefit Mobile Meals

What is Lent Really All About?

Michael Denne, an inmate at Folsom State Prison in Sacramento, shared the following:

It was after midnight when the police came for me. I was standing in the kitchen, stunned, not sure what had just happened or what to do about it. But it all became surrealistically clear as I was led from my own house in handcuffs, bathed in flashing colored lights. Having gone only a few hundred yards on our way to the station, we came upon more flashing lights at the scene of an accident. “See that,” the cop snapped at me. “You did that.” It’s not easy being a menace to society, especially when you always thought you were one of the good guys. But that same society takes a particularly dim view of those of us who drink to excess, crash our cars, and send innocent people to the emergency room with life-threatening injuries. So dim a view, in fact, that they send us to prison. That I deserve to be punished is clearer to me than it ever could be Dr. Robert Gorrell to anyone who hasn’t lived it. Until you wake up in a jail cell, not knowing whether the people now in the hospital will be permanently disfigured (or will cease to be altogether) as a result of your recklessness, you can’t imagine how it feels. The weight of it is oppressive. Thinking it could never happen to you is your first mistake—and it only gets worse from there.

Sin is a powerful thing. I know what you are thinking… But my sin is not as bad as that guy’s… That is the trap. We think we are not too sinful. But good people do sin. As Michael Denne said, “Thinking it could never happen to you is the first mistake.” We all have our excesses. We are all guilty of fleeing the ‘scene of the accident’ - the hurt and the heartache we cause. We are now in the forty days of Lent. It’s time to be honest with God. The path to forgiveness begins with confession. That’s what Lent is about: confession and asking God for help to repent, to change. And how does God respond to our honest confession? How does God handle our sin? Easter! - Robert

Holy Week Prayer Vigil -- March 25 - March 30 Sign Up Begins on Ash Wednesday

Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we’ve done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. The Passion Week leading to the death and resurrection of Christ is a powerful time for us to focus our lives on His great love and sacrifice by offering ourselves as a sacrifice in prayer for others. During Holy Week a prayer vigil in the Columbarium will give us the opportunity to pray for the people who have shared care concerns with the congregation. We want to offer prayer throughout that week for them, and also for the preparation of our hearts for Holy Week and Easter. Would you consider praying for at least 15 minutes during that week over these concerns? During Holy Week, the church will be open for prayer Monday-Friday, 7a.m. to 7p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come by the table in the Concourse on Sundays through March 24 to sign up and take a reminder card of your time. Begin to pray that as we offer ourselves to God in this commitment, each of us will see transformation in our own lives! SERVANT February 13, 2013 I Page 3

He Chose the Nails: What Decisions is Christ Leading Me to Make? Begins Wednesday, Feb 20. Register this week!

Lenten Luncheons begin Wednesday, February 20 for five Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m. Using a Max Lucado curriculum, a team of amazing women will lead our Lenten Luncheons Series. Sherri Price, Julane Borth, Karla O’Hara, Sara Kyte and Dr. Robyn Goggs will be leading each week and bringing their own unique perspective on this holy season and how it speaks into our lives as women. Lunch will be served for $9 or you can brown bag at no cost. Reservations can be made on Tuesdays at Sharing the Kingdom beginning January 22, and through Mary Jessup at mjessup@churchoftheservant.com or 721-4141. Prepayment for lunches is very helpful!

Early-Bird Discount Tickets on Sale Next Two Sundays in Concourse! An Evening with SANDI PATTY

Sandi Patty, Oklahoma’s nationally-known recording artist, will be presenting a concert and conversation at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City on May 7 at 7:00 p.m. No other Christian artist at work today is better suited to sing about life’s journey than Sandi Patty. Still bursting with creative energy and magnetic talent three decades into her career, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee with 40 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, and an armload of platinum and gold albums has seen professional peaks and personal valleys alike while in the spotlight, all of them tempered by the grace of God. Join us for this very special evening as we get to know the woman behind “The Voice.” For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.churchoftheservant.com or stop by the church office. Special Early-Bird discount tickets on sale in the Concourse for the next two Sundays! Don’t delay! Tickets are going FAST!! Discount ticket price is $15. Regular ticket price is $20. Presented by: Esther Women (www.estherwomenokc.org)

Spring is here at Earthglow. Come in and browse our new spring items... Aromatique Hydrangea and Lime Twist scents; new totes; prayer boxes; guardian angel visor clips; and more. Remember, all profits go to missions.

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Adam Hamilton

“Living as a Christian Today” We are proud to welcome Adam Hamilton to Church of the Servant on Thursday, February 28 as part of the Lemons Lecture Series. This series is open to everyone who would like to attend. The lectures are free. Dinner with Q&A is SOLD OUT. For more information about Adam Hamiton’s lecture series and how to register, go to www.churchoftheservant.com.

Outreach Opportunity

I wanted to give you a little more information on the “Readiness 360” survey in which you have been asked to participate. This survey comes our way as a part of a pilot program within the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Church of the Servant is one of eighteen congregations from across the state chosen to participate in this initial effort. This survey is of no cost to our congregation. The data generated by your responses will be available to the Annual Conference as well as to us at Church of the Servant. The questions are largely designed around issues of congregational health, hospitality and evangelism with the hope being that we can come away with a clearer understanding of how our congregations are received in their local setting. Would you please set aside 20 minutes to take the survey? Just go to http://readiness360.org/r360/survey_login.php and type in our congregation’s pass code - 546204481. The survey needs to be done between now and Monday, February 18 by midnight. Thank you so much for your willingness to participate in this process. If you have any additional questions in regard to the survey, feel free to contact me at (405)728-4767 or via email at jsanders@ churchoftheservant.com. Blessings, Rev. Jeremy L. Sanders Minister of Hospitality

Have You Lost a Loved One?

At Church of the Servant, we will offer a course using a book called Beyond the Broken Heart, which is an 11-week support group for anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. Leaders for the group will be Don and Judie Ellis, long-time members of Church of the Servant. A complimentary copy of the book will be provided for each participant. We will meet each Thursday, 6:30-8:00 PM, room 1 & 2 South Adult Area. The first session is Mar. 7 and the last session is May 23. We will not meet on Mar. 28 (Maundy Thursday). To sign up for the group and reserve a book, call Vicki Roberds at Church of the Servant at 728-4738 or email her at vroberds@ churchoftheservant.com. Books will be distributed at the first session.

DALIA WOODLIFF, COS member…introducing The Jade Trilogy… Her first eBook - LAIR of the JADE - out on Kindle, iPad, Sony, Nook, BookPie.

This mystery series is built around a personal experience - a murder - witnessed by a child, suppressed by everyone and the disappearance of a valuable Jade Pendant. This is an imaginative Tolkien-like quest for the Jade and how this quest changed the flawed characters for better or worse. Book 1 – LAIR of the JADE Lia Mekas wakes up to a nightmare and she looks down at a Jade Stone writhing in the darkness. Could it be a memory of a girl who was drowned wearing a similar Jade…which vanished? She asks her fellowship to help her sleuth out the puzzle before the University Reunion. At the ominous Reunion, they meet the sinister Vitas – who lures their friend, Tomas, to the library tower where he falls. Someone is stalking the fellowship in an attempt to drive them to their destruction. The book ends with evil reined in - or is it? - as evil always comes back in another form. Book 2: THREADS of the JADE – coming in May …. Book 3: TORN from the LAIR – coming in September…… More on: www.daliawoodliff.com and www.facebook.com/LairoftheJade SERVANT February 13, 2013 I Page 5

Pioneer Country Emmaus Gathering

Saturday, January 19, was a very special evening at Church of the Servant. The Servant Emmaus Community hosted the Pioneer Country Walk to Emmaus monthly gathering. This was our fifth year to host the January gathering, and what a blessing it was to feed 200+ people, both physically and spiritually. The evening began in a beautifully decorated Community Hall, with a Baked Potato & Salad Bar, prepared and served by Servant Emmaus volunteers, with Will Snow assisting. After dinner, attendees were entertained in the Centrum with a mini-concert by “The Gospel Guitar Guys.” The highlight of the evening was our very own Senior Pastor Robert Gorrell leading our Service of Holy Communion, assisted by Pastor Tim Travers. The Lord’s presence was surely with us for the evening. Emmaus gatherings are open to everyone, so if you missed this one, mark your calendar now for next January 18. We would love to have you join us! We will even remind you as the date gets near. Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers. The mission of Emmaus is to empower church leaders to be the hands and feet of Christ. If you would like to know more about the 72-hour Emmaus experience, please contact Judie Ellis, Servant Emmaus Coordinator, at 748-6771 or 250-1333.

GET TO KNOW ME... When I first came to Church of the Servant in October of 2012, I was lost spiritually. Servant has given me the avenue to growth for my spirituality. I was shy at the beginning, but when I opened up and got out of my comfort zone, I experienced unity. Getting to be a part of something bigger than me and seeing how people can work together amazes me. Servant’s High School Ministry has given me more opportunities to be of service to God and showed me you can be of service through your day with the simplest of things. I admire watching students worship and serve God, but being able to go to dinner or to play basketball with a group of students and to feel Gods love and presence is absolutely incredible! I personally strive to be Gods lamp. I believe the whole high school ministry strives for that. We strive to always be of service. We strive to see and love our brothers and sisters through Christ the way He sees and loves them. Most of all, we strive to share Gods love with others. We are His servants. - Mary Stuteville Page 6 I SERVANT February 13, 2013

- CONFIRMATION -

It is more difficult than ever to be a kid these days. They are pushed faster and stronger in school and in just about every extra-curricular activity that they have. Sometimes it is nice to get away and be able to concentrate on just you and just your relationship with Jesus. Confirmation retreat is a great experience for the kids to get just that. The kids are thirteen or fourteen and about to make the biggest decision of their lives on whether or not to be a follower of Jesus. The weekend is about group worship services, small group discussions, and a lot of fun thrown in. The most amazing thing is to be with them in a small group session and start to ask them questions about who God is, and talk about what a difference He can make in their lives. These are tough questions even for adults; but for maybe the first time in their lives, it is not about their parents or friends and what they want for them. It is about what they want for themselves. Jesus’ presence in that process is tangible. You can feel Him as those kids start to realize the love He has for them, how he cares for them, how he wants them to become a part of Him. It is moving to see kids embrace Jesus and ask for his Grace and salvation. On Saturday night, many kids gave their lives to him - maybe not with the right words, but with the right heart. Tears were flowing from them and from the leaders as the joy of that decision came upon us. We will go • Girls Lock-in February 22, 7 p. m. to February 23, 10 a.m. - for all 6th-12th on meeting every Sunday night with the grade girls. This is a night of fun for the girls to have fellowship with one another. kids for the next six weeks to explore It well be at held in the Student Ministries area, and cost is $10. Registrations what it means to be a follower of Jesus and money need to be turned in no later than February 20. If you have questions, but for most, the decision to be one has contact Jenna Savage, 728-4753 or jsavage@churchoftheservant.com. already been made. The presence of • Dude’s Day February 23, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. - For all 6th-12th grade boys. Jesus at this camp, at this time, showThis is a day of fun-filled activities that encourages fellowship and bonding. Cost is ing his love, has made them followers $20 to cover Laser Quest, lunch, and various activities. Registrations and money forever. need to be turned in no later than February 17. If you have questions, contact - David Hammons Sang Nguyen, 728-4754 or snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com. Confirmation Leader • High School Spring Break Mission Trip - March 17-22. The High School Ministries is headed to New Orleans to work with Kenner United Methodist Church. Registration forms are due March 3. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to serve and to bond together.

COMING UP!!

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Our Prayers continued... u Roger and Marilyn Bailey as Marilyn’s son, Michael Kuebler, deals with health issues. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their grandchildren, Sawyer Scott Pitt and Kaylee Ann Berkovsky, both recuperate from an illness. u Gene and Susan Brantley as Susan undergoes rehab and is a resident at Grace Living Center. u Don and Judie Ellis as Judie faces surgery at McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital. u Mark and Diane Emrick and Randy and Gayle Dekker as Mark’s mother and Gayle’s aunt, Ima Jean Matthews, is hospitalized at the OU Medical Presbyterian Hospital. u Larry and Sharon Fanning as Larry recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at OK Heart Hospital South. u John and C.K. Farr as C.K’s mother, Dorothe Bailey, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Jim, Rachel, Jacob, and Regan Gillespie as Jim deals with health issues. u Joan Gilliam as she deals with health issues. u Roland and Kathy Haney as Roland faces surgery at the Bone and Joint Hospital. u Denene Harper as her friend, Carey Walton, is hospitalized in Blackwell. u D.A. and Carol Heggie as Carol deals with health issues. u Ron and Sharon Hendricks as Sharon recuperates from a procedure at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. u Max and Paula Hire as Paula’s mother, Myra Wilkinson, undergoes rehab and is a resident at Manchester House. u Joe, Nicole, and Macey McFarlane as Macey recuperates from surgery. u Earl and Sandy Mills as their granddaughter, Emma Waggoner, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Jack and Nancy Morgan as Jack deals with health issues. u Larry and Linda Nowlin as Linda faces surgery at Deaconess Hospital.

u Dale Putnam and Jolene Ingram as Jolene’s son, Scott Ingram, deals with health issues. u Sherri Rector as she recuperates from surgery. u Larry and Suzanne Rogers as Larry deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Clodus and Paula Smith as Paula deals with health issues. u Helen Vaughn as her son, Dennis Vaughn, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at OU Medical Presbyterian Hospital. u Annette Van Nort as she faces surgery at the VA Hospital. u Linda Wright as she recuperates from an illness and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center.

u Max and Debbie Colclasure and Family at the death of Max’s mother, Gladys Colclasure.

u Katelyn Jones and Jacob Wittman at the birth of their daughter, Paisley Louise Wittman. The proud grandmother is Leigh Baker. u Jay and Margaret Stout at the birth of their grandson, Myles Riley Stout. The proud parents and brother are Craig, Danielle, and Zachary Stout of California. u Matthew and Paula Thomas at the birth of their daughter, Claire Amelia Thomas. The proud grandparents are Paul and Sandy ChiChester, G.W. and Bertha Thomas, and Tim and Lynn Boyce. u William and Lynsey Thomas at the birth of their son, Karson Liam Thomas. The proud siblings are Kate, Karter, and Koleton Thomas. The proud grandparents are John and Sienna Glass. The proud aunt is Andrea Glass. u Congratulations to Dale Putnam and Jolene Ingram for receiving the 2012 CASA of Oklahoma County Rena Ellis Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor is awarded to CASA volunteers who have given a minimum of seven years as a CASA and 15 years of service to children in other related areas.

u Randy and Gayle Dekker and Family at the death of Gayle’s uncle, Kenneth Matthews. u John and Debbie Epperson and Family at the death of John’s father, Donald Epperson. u Tom and Susan Page and Jordan, Erin, and Addison Page and Family at the death of Tom’s father, Jordan’s grandfather, and Addison’s great grandfather, Tom Page Sr. u Chloe Roberts and Family at the death of Chloe’s sister-in-law, Lu Ann Wade. u Peter and Terry Weaver and Family at the death of their son-in-law Lance Humphreys’ father, Kent Humphreys.

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.

u Steve and Ivy Snider and Family at the death of Ivy’s mother, Ora Pitman.

Trading in Your Truck?

The maintenance department here at the church is in need of a good used pickup truck to help in everyday chores. The truck we have been using is over 25 years old and in poor condition. Perhaps you have been thinking of trading your truck in on a new one, or maybe you have a truck you just don’t use much. We could certainly use it here! Donating a vehicle to the church can be beneficial to you tax-wise too. Please call Don Cole if interested.