February 26, 2014 CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 14.4
“A Light in the Darkness” MAUA, KENYA MISSION TEAM MORE INSIDE...
Start Living and Stop Dying of Guilt Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Swiss-French moralist, wrote the educational classic, Emile (1762), which argued that a child must be allowed to develop in natural surroundings, protected from the corrupting influences of civilization. What many people didn’t know, however, was that 17 years earlier, Rousseau had taken as his lifelong mistress (he finally married her in 1768) a hotel maid, Theresa le Vasseur, and had five children by her, all of whom he dumped at a hospital door soon after they were born. When he became famous as a writer, philosopher and moralist, Rousseau’s guilt about abandoning his family, and his pain over what he had done to his children, caused a mental collapse and depression that eventually ended his life. When we are wrong we need to follow a simple biblical principal - confess the sin, repent and move on. Dwelling on the mistakes of the past only compounds the pain. One of my favorite Garrison Keillor stories goes like this: Larry the Sad Boy was saved twelve times in the Lutheran Church, an alltime record. Between 1953 and 1961, he threw himself weeping and contrite on God’s throne of grace on twelve separate occasions - and this in a Lutheran church that wasn’t evangelical, had no altar call, no organist playing ‘Just As I Am Without One Plea’ while a choir hummed and a guy with shiny hair took hold of your heartstrings and played you like a cheap guitar - this is the Lutheran Church, not a bunch of hillbillies these are Scandinavians, and they repent in the same way that they sin: discreetly, tastefully, at the proper time, and bring a Jell-O “There comes a point when you should salad for afterward. Larry Sorenson came forward weeping buckets and crumpled up dry your tears and join the building the communion rail, to the amazement of committee and start grappling with the at the minister, who had delivered a dry serproblems of the church furnace…” mon about stewardship, and who now had to put his arm around this limp, soggy individual and pray with him and see if he had a ride home. Twelve times. Even we fundamentalists got tired of him. Granted, we’re born in original sin and are worthless and vile, but twelve conversions is too many. God didn’t mean us to feel guilt all our lives. There comes a point when you should dry your tears and join the building committee and start grappling with the problems of the church furnace and the church roof and make church coffee and be of use, but Larry kept on repenting and repenting.i
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
Getting over a major mistake in life is hard but it can be done. Talk to a pastor or another Christian about it. Start living and stop dying of guilt. - Robert i
Garrison Keillor, Leaving Home, (New York: Viking, 1987), 181-82.
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Missions Vietnam Mission Trip
On February 24, eight members from Church of the Servant will travel from Oklahoma City to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to begin a two-week mission. Working with Ut and Karen To, our United Methodist General Board of Global Ministry Missionaries to the country, the team will travel from Ho Chi Minh City to DaNang where they will be joined with ten Vietnamese United Methodist pastors. This combined group will then travel throughout the central highlands visiting Methodist congregations across the region. The Methodist Church in Vietnam is experiencing rapid growth as the number of congregations has expanded from five to over two-hundred and sixty in less than ten years. In each instance, individuals, families, and entire villages are coming to know the love of Jesus Christ through the dedicated work of the women and men who shepherd these churches. Their goal is to have one thousand United Methodist congregations spread across the country by the year 2020. Church of the Servant is helping the goal become reality as we provide support for training and equipping of new pastors. Please pray for our team--Jim Hammond, Jill Walker, Mike Bible, Dustin Renner, Shannon Schultheis, Jim Farris, Sang Nguyen and Rev. Randy Shrauner - as they make this journey together. May they experience the power of God’s work in Vietnam and return home to share that blessing with Church of the Servant.
Partners in Ministry: Skyline Ministries Serving Oklahoma City’s Needy Together
The different ministries of Skyline serve the needy in several different ways: • • • • • • • •
The Food Pantry serves over 20,000 people. The Eye Clinic provides some 1,000 free eye exams per year. Alive in Christ offers a worship service and meals. JETS is an after-school program for children in OKC Schools. Prime Timers offers a 3x/week meal and place of belonging for senior citizens in the city. Clothes for Kids gave away school uniforms for almost 500 kids in OKC public schools. The Clothes Closet gives free clothes for those referred, and allows others to shop for 50 cents an item. The Prom Dress Program provides gently-used prom dresses for girls who need them.
Members of Church of the Servant are a part of all of these ministries - by our service, our commitment to the food and clothes pantry donations, and the May Fish Appeal for these ministries. Staying connected in our city is an important part of our congregation’s calling and identity. Serving through Skyline might be a calling for you too!
Places Still Available for the Summer Mission Trip to Guatemala June 1-8, Cost $1600
This will be the 5th team to travel to Potter’s House in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Over the week, team members will have an array of life-changing experiences with the ministries of Potter’s House. Working on homes, leading children’s VBS, and visiting people in their homes to deliver food and pray with them are some of the experiences that are available for teams when they go to serve. Potter’s House is in its 27th year in ministry to the poorest people of Guatemala who live in communities around the city dump. In just a 3-hour airplane ride, one can experience serving others in a context that is very different than ours. If you are interested in learning more about this mission trip, please contact team leader, Pat McGarrity at patnleroy@yahoo.com or Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com.
Upcoming Skyline Opportunities: •
•
Prom Dresses needed for 60 senior girls this year! Please bring your gently-used dresses, shoes, costume jewelry and purses for these young women as they prepare and get excited about their senior prom. Most of these young women would not be able to attend the prom without the help of donations to Skyline. Newer styles and larger sizes are in great need this year. Dresses and supplies can be brought to the mission office next door to Dr. Goggs office by March 31. Food Pantry needs a friendly voice on the phone. Could you give 3 hours on either Tuesday or Friday to answer the phones at the Skyline Food Pantry? You might be the voice of grace and compassion that someone who is struggling really needs to hear. Contact Brandy, Director, at 236-5212 ext 216.
Mission Partnership in Action: On, Sat,urday February 15, members of the Church of the Servant Car Seat Tech Team helped install 71 seats at an event held at Infant Crisis Services. Teams members are: Brian Parker, ChristiLynn Bethea, Keri Knutson, Robyn Goggs, Brad Traynor, and Miki Farris. If you are interested in getting certified as a tech and being a part of this rewarding ministry in the 6 events we will have this year, please contact Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT February 26, 2014 I Page 3
Maua, Kenya We are Marching in the Light of God, We are Marching, Marching, We are Marching in the Light of God Those lyrics still play in my mind almost a month after we have returned from Maua, Kenya. After we dedicated the 2-room house we helped build for Nora, her 3 children and 3 sisters, we were treated to the Children’s Brigade. This is a group of 8 to 12-year-old children who donned blue uniforms and performed for us. A young girl ordered Attention, About Face, Slow March Right, Quick March Left, etc. and then they began to sing. Of course we all joined in and soon we were marching into the street adjacent to the new home! We proceeded down the street and around the corner singing: We are Marching in the Light of God and When the Saints Go Marching In! We had all been in tears moments before when the house was dedicated and Robert prayed over one of the sisters who is extremely ill. Now there was wonderful jubilation led by young girls. Such a simple celebration… no party food, no party favors, just people exclaiming the goodness of God in very humble surroundings. Ann Knutson When Robert Gorrell sat at Ann’s and my kitchen table and asked us to lead a medical mission trip to Kenya, I was honored. I had never been on a mission trip but Ann had---thank The Lord! With Ann leading the way and a lot of help from Robert, Prudy, John and Carolyn, Curtis and Linda, Bryan, and Jennifer, we bonded, formed a great team, and went to Maua Methodist Hospital in Maua, Kenya. The trip was grueling. It was also filled with more rewards for me than I could ever give to the Christians we met. Filth, poverty, and base human living conditions are the norm. And yet I found God working with us, through us, and for us every day. I came home spiritually changed and charged by this powerful - and at times, very painful mission. We saw Christ every moment of every day affecting lives in ways I
never imagined. Four years of medical school and forty years of medical practice had just about beaten God out of my heart; but this mission and the Christians serving in Maua let him back in. The hospital we served is 50 to 60 years behind ours here but the doctors and staff get “more bang for the medical buck” than we ever get in the US. HIV, TB, and Malaria are common, but treated very well. Medical wards are horrendous by our standards but function well. God works on these wards in wondrous ways. Ann and I plan on returning on a longer mission. Church of the Servant will return also. We are a small part of Church of the Servant, so we serve. We receive more than those we serve. Come with us. Nick Knutson
There were a lot of God sightings in Maua, Kenya. They were at our daily chapel, in the hospital and the great staff, our missionary hosts Jim and Sue, off-campus sites at the AIDS orphan house, free clinic at a remote Church, and the various schools we visited. The best for me were in the faces of the beautiful Kenyan children. John Hays Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Maua, Kenya Maua, Kenya - A Light in the Darkness “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Matthew 5:14-16
As we left on December 27 from the hustle and bustle of Christmas, having hurriedly packed all the decorations back into the darkness of the garage, I wondered about this “dark” continent where we would be traveling. The town of Maua could be described as literally living in darkness as power outages are commonplace and most people live without electricity. But in the middle of the darkness is Maua Methodist Hospital. For the one million people in this area, it is the only hope they have. The hospital is staffed with spirit-filled people who give amazing care and treatment with minimal resources. It seems as though darkness would overcome it, but God is there
working. It is Holy Ground. I had the privilege of making rounds one day at the hospital with the chaplain, Robert Gorrell, Curtis Nigh and my husband, John. I was touched to the depth of my soul holding hands with the mothers of sick and burned children, giving cards our WOW kids had made, and praying with them. People ask me,”Do you think you made a difference by going?” I can say that it made a difference in me. So from my dark garage to the dark continent, I found the light of the manger and hope in dark faces. I will always carry that in my heart. Carolyn Hays
Kenya Missionary Will Be Here to Share Sunday, March 16 at 10:45 a.m.
We are very pleased to announce that Rev. Jim Munroe will be coming to Servant on Sunday, March 16 to speak to us about the vibrant work being done at Maua Methodist Hospital in Kenya. He and his wife Sue are retired District Superintendents from Oregon. They have served as Individual Volunteers through the General Board of Global Ministries for the past 18 months to help in pastoral care and in coordinating work teams. The presiding Bishop of Kenya has recently appointed Rev. Monroe the acting CEO of Maua Methodist Hospital. Jim will be all over the church on March 16. He will be introduced at all morning services (8:15, 9:15, 9:23 and 10:45) and will give a presentation in the Centrum during the 10:45 service, with the help of the team from our congregation who was recently in Kenya. Would you consider bringing your Sunday School Class or family to listen and learn? In addition, the congregation is invited to have dinner with Jim and the Mission Team on Saturday, March 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Community Hall for a time of questions and answers as to how our congregation can become more involved in the work in Maua, Kenya. There will be a sign-up at Rev. Jim and Sue Munroe the Welcome Center for the dinner. SERVANT February 26, 2014 I Page 5
Student Get to Know Me...
I’ve been a part of youth ministries since my 6th grade year. I’ve been truly blessed by many wonderful role models who have helped me to find my love for Christ, and understand his love for me. Just recently I was able to stretch out of my comfort zone to make new relationships and make new friends. Now, more than ever, I’m able to call High School ministries my home. The best part of our ministry is the people and the bonds we build through Christ. With one another, we extend a helping hand to others through our mission trips and service, and that just brings us closer together. We’re more than just a fun-loving, crazy youth group - we’re a family! Shae Scheffler Junior
Women Single Mothers Ministry Event Sunday, March 9, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
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 scobden@churchoftheservant.com or at 721-4141. Childcare by reservation will be provided.
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. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
ADULT FAITH IN REEL TIME The First Grader
Friday, March 7, 7:00 p.m., Centrum Dr. Curtis Nigh
It’s never too late to dream! Maruge, now in his 80’s, fought for the liberation of his beloved Kenya and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied, even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds! Based on a true story, come see a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. Sign up at the Welcome Center.
Earthglow
New spring merchandise, include stunning new vases and new Easter items at Earthglow. BOOK SIGNING: On Sunday, March 2, Earthglow will sponsor a book signing for Glenda Potts. Glenda’s novel, Whispers in the Tropics, is a tale of strengthening faith and facing fears. An engaging contemporary love story, Whispers is packed with exciting plot twists and turn, as well as natural, cultural, and historical information about its Costa Rican setting.
They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love... The Tuesday Quilters Touch a Family With their Talent and Care
Every Tuesday morning a dedicated and talented group of women gather to quilt on individual projects and on special group projects brought by different members of the group. Sandy Gard asked the group to help her make a quilt for an 11-year old girl named Rian Sanderson, her granddaughter’s friend. Rian was diagnosed with a cancerous lump in her lung on January 2. There was no precursor to her illness. The quilting group finished the top and had all the sixth grade class sign the back, with a special place for her volley ball team. Sandy, her daughter, and her granddaughter took the quilt to the hospital on Tuesday, January 28. Rian passed away on January 30. Rian was a sixth grader at Sequoyah Middle School. She was a wonderful volleyball player and played on a traveling team called PEEK in Edmond. The quilt was placed on her casket at the funeral home. Her funeral was February 4. Her 12th birthday would have been February 6. Her mother really loved the quilt. Rian has a brother in third grade, so the group prays this quilt will be a comfort to them. Rian’s mom is a great single mom. The quilters ask that we would continue to pray for Rian’s mother and brother in their grief.
Have You Always Wanted to Learn to Knit? Join the Noon Knitters on Tuesdays in 13:2
Come with supplies to make your own project or join their mission to make wash clothes for babies in need. Community, new skill, and making a difference - priceless! For questions or details, contact Candy Cavaness at 640-2410.
Prime Time
In the Centrum
On March 13, at 10:30 a.m., in front of the Centrum, Prime Timers will check-in for a joyous musical extravaganza of singing & dancing in the Centrum! Jim Graves, Director of Choral Activities at Southern Nazarene University, will bring 12 to 14 of his auditioned students from SNU for a presentation showcasing their outstanding talents. Jim has 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. These performers had a CD released in July 2013 entitled “By Day or By Night”. After this outstanding program, we will move into Community Hall for a short business meeting, followed by a traditional March meal of corned beef & cabbage, carrots & potatoes and a tasty dessert. Cost of 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 $10.00. Make your reservations now at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141 by 4 p.m., Monday, March 10. Remember, if you make a reservation and later find you cannot attend, please call to cancel. Prime Time must pay for all reservations! See you at a Prime Time Extravaganza!
Driven Closer to Christ
What drives you? What motivates you to be the best you can be? What role do you think the providence of God plays in your life? If these questions intrigue you, consider taking a course that will be offered by Rev. Tim Travers, related to his book entitled, Driven. “Driven Closer to Christ” will be seven sessions, meeting in Commiunity Hall on Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. February 27 through April 24, but not on March 27 and April 17. The course will cover topics like grief, tragedy, family relationships, vocation, dementia, cancer, miracles, hope, Bible, and faith. Tim’s book is available for purchase through Earthglow gift shop. 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 vroberds@ churchoftheservant.com or 728-4738. If you can’t take the course, but you’d like to receive the handouts by mail or email, contact Vicki.
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Church of the Servant
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