March 9, 2016
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 16.5
Meeting Jesus Means
Sharing Jesus
In the Gospels, the most common response to encountering Jesus was to spread the word about Him. When Jesus healed a man with leprosy, the man couldn’t stop telling everyone. When a crowd saw Jesus raise a widow’s son back to life, they immediately went out to spread the word. The same thing was true when people encountered Jesus after the Resurrection. At Emmaus, when two of Jesus’ followers realized that they had broken bread with the risen Christ, they raced the 7 miles back to Jerusalem…at night! Meeting Jesus means sharing Jesus. At Easter, you have the chance to meet Jesus, to encounter the risen Christ in your midst. And just like at the first Easter, this good news, this Gospel, is meant to be spread. This upcoming Holy Week and Easter Sunday, we will welcome in many visitors, guests, and those drawn back to the church during this holy time. Knowing this, will you try something with me? Deepen your encounter with the resurrected Jesus by spreading the word beyond the people you normally encounter. As you worship on Easter Sunday, talk with someone you don’t know, not just those you do know. That person you meet may be a lifelong member who just needs to hear again that Jesus is alive. Or it could be their first time in a church, and they desperately need to hear this message. Whoever it is, God is calling you to do what people who know Jesus have done for 2,000 years: spread the word. Rev. Michael Carpenter Associate Minister
I pray that each one of you will witness and witness to the risen Christ this Easter season! Rev. Michael Carpenter Hospitality Ministry
Spring Forward MARCH 13 Celebrating 40 Years!
Did you know that April 5, 1976 will be the 40th Anniversary of the beginning of Earthglow? The 40th Anniversary celebration will be a Silent Auction on Sunday, April 17. We are still collecting donations of vacation spots, sports memorabilia, gift cards, and event tickets. For more information about donating, go to www.churchoftheservant.com/events and click on Earthglow 40th Anniversary Silent Auction. Thank you for your support! Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Missions
Mission Calendar Dates Saturday, March 12 – Hannah’s Promise 4:30-9pm Sunday, March 20 – Special Fish Appeal for Stop Hunger Now Saturday, April 9 – Rebuilding Together Day
Spring Cleaning? Remember Skyline
Sunday, May 1 – Stop Hunger Now
A Big Thank You! Easter Party and Egg Hunt for Foster Families was wonderful! Last Saturday morning, the building was abuzz with foster children and their families as they came for an Easter luncheon and egg hunt. The families experienced Church of the Servant hospitality at its best with a room full of loving and helpful hosts. Butterfly Lilly came and made animal balloons for two straight hours!! The Apawstles therapy dogs came for the children to pet and play with in the building. The highlight was all the beautiful cookies and the 1200 eggs that were found! A special thanks to all the groups and individuals who participated: TLC Sunday School Class, Journey of Faith Sunday School Classes, Sharing the Kingdom Tuesday morning women, Nancy Collins as Butterfly Lilly, The Apawstles and their faithful owners, and countless others who helped. It was a team effort under our faithful and organized leader, Mrs. Shirley Rolston. Thank you Shirley for organizing all the details. What a blessing of volunteers that made for a meaningful day for the families who serve the foster children in our ChildSHARE ministry.
Remember that the blue bins located in the Concourse are for Skyline. Clothes, household items and appliances are received to help individuals struggling in our city. Food is also appreciated for the pantry and can be placed in the grocery cart. Thank you!
Stop Hunger Now Fish Appeal Sunday, March 20 On May 1, we will host Stop Hunger Now for the 7th year! Each year, in one day, this congregation has made over 150,000 meals together to go around the world. This year we will celebrate as we make our one millionth meal! The cost for us to make this difference is $40,000 and we begin raising the funds with our special fish appeal on March 20th. Mark your calendar as we prepare to share and support this wonderful experience of ministry again this year.
Rebuilding Together Day Saturday, April 9 Would you be willing to bring your tools and your skills? Maybe just throw a paintbrush or swing a hammer for a morning or afternoon? Would you help an older person with a deep cleaning of their home? Rebuilding Together is a day in our city to help someone who would otherwise not have the help on their home and is a great day of fun community building as we work together. Each spring, Church of the Servant partners with Rebuilding Together to help our city’s seniors as we serve in the community to repair their homes Pics from Easter Party and Egg Hunt on this day. Church of the Servant is sponsoring two homes and we need for Foster Families 50-60 people to get all the work done this day. Fish funds pay for the supplies, and our people do the work. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to work side-by-side and make a difference for one person. There is a morning and afternoon shift. You can register on Sundays right outside the Centrum at the Rebuilding Table or online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. Informational meeting is Thursday, April 7 at 6:00 p.m. in Community Hall to prepare for the home projects and pick up T-shirts. SERVANT March 9, 2016 I Page 3
Adult
Women’s Annual Game Night Friday, April 1, 6:30-9pm Last spring was our first time to have this event and it was so much fun! We had 88 women from all ages and walks of life share an evening of great food and fun games. It is a great way to bring someone into a women’s Bible study or small group to invite them for the evening. This year is going to be just as much fun. Plan to come for an evening of games all around as we gather in Community Hall for your choice of games including dominos, dice and cards and a few board games thrown in. Bring your own game if you would like and a dish to share as we spend an entertaining evening together! NO cost, but a $5 donation will be taken for a local ministry to women. Reservations can be made at the Welcome Center or online at www.churchoftheservant.com/ events. Deadline is March 25 for childcare reservation.
Prime Time Friendship Dinner SENIOR CITIZENS FOR FUN - UNITE!! Give yourself a treat by joining us for a warm and wonderful potluck supper on Thursday, March 31 at 5:30 p.m. in The Point student center. This is our semi-annual opportunity to spend quality visiting time with “old” friends and make “new” friends, as we dine on our favorite foods. You will be as welcome as the showers in April and the flowers in May (and it’s only March!) We may have a game or two to play. If you have one you like, please bring it along. With the Good Lord’s blessing, let’s UNITE for FUN! For additional information or to let us know that you are coming, please contact Lola at 728-4735 or lburgtorf@churchoftheservant.com, or Jo Duncan at 204-8856 (cell) or dcoohoo@gmail.com.
Replacing the Mighty Palms Have you ever watched someone walk into our Celebration Center for the first time and marvel at the beauty of the room? As their eyes dart around to the plants and trees, maybe you remember your first time you saw this beautiful garden too, and thought to yourself this is indeed a very special place! It’s been over 22 years since we began to worship in this holy place. The plants have grown and some have been replaced as their time had come. The trees have grown too, and a couple of them have been taken down, while others have thrived very well. The large palm trees have become a focal point of the room and many, many people have marveled not only of their beauty, but also of their flourishing in an indoor environment. Unfortunately, the time has come to replace those mighty palm trees with some younger ones that have been specifically grown for us in low light conditions, much like they will encounter inside the Celebration Center. The existing palms are over 30 years old and are stretching and bending toward the light, and according to our experts who planted them in 1993, the trees have reached their useful life and it is time to replace them. They will be replaced with the same type palm as is planted now, and will be in the 12 to 14 foot high range. That is the same size as the original trees were when they were planted. They will continue to grow and quickly become a part of the natural beauty of the room. As we plan for this to happen, I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the Heavens” (NIV). This “activity “ is scheduled to begin soon after Holy Week, and will not disrupt our worship services at all. These trees have been central fixtures of our Celebration Center and as they are replaced, we intend to maintain the beauty, the importance, as well as the reason these trees are part of who we are at Church of the Servant. Don Cole Director of Facilities Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Walk to Emmaus Walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a 3 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 through other believers. Our spring Walks are in April this year and are being hosted by New Covenant UMC in Edmond. Men’s Walk #139 is April 7 - 10, and Women’s Walk #140 is April 21 - 24. If you would like more information, please contact Judie Ellis, our Servant Emmaus Coordinator, at 405-250-1333. If you want to give someone the gift of sponsorship, application kits are available on the home page of our website - www.pioneercountryemmaus.com. And if you need help with the paperwork, Judie will be happy to assist you.
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. SERVANT March 9, 2016 I Page 5
Children Palm Sunday, March 20
VIP – Very Important Person The Children’s Musical Project will perform their spring musical VIP on Sunday, March 20 at 3:00 p.m. in the Centrum. Thirty-eight Kindergarten thru 5th-grade students have been rehearsing on Sundays for several weeks and are anxious to share their gifts of music, creativity and most importantly their love of Jesus. The group is under the direction of Paul Gebb.
Children (3 years old through 5th grade) will be participating in the traditional Procession of Palms on Sunday, March 20 during the 9:15 and 10:45 worship services in the Celebration Center, as well as the 9:23 service in the Centrum. Please come. All children are welcome! Invite your friends to come with you! We will reenact the waving of the palms during Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Children should be in the Children’s Area by 9 and 10:30 respectively.
Family Easter Celebration Sunday, March 20, 3-5 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE Bring your family and friends to the Family Easter Celebration, Sunday, March 20, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. in the Centrum, The Kids Musical Projects kicks off the afternoon of fun with the presentation of their musical VIP. At 3:30 p.m., the activities continue in Community Hall, which include: egg hunts, pics with the Easter Bunny and other photo ops (bring your own camera), inflatables, crafts, pottery painting (small fee), and refreshments. Register at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.
Pics from Trip to Water4:
Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
A Trip to Water4 The Children’s Mission Leadership Team traveled the short distance to 10th and Villa to experience some of the God-lead things that happen at Water4 for people a long distance away. These children and their parents heard a wonderful message of building hope and saw amazing contraptions that help areas without clean water accessibility, as well as rendering these villages water self-sufficient. We were amazed and blessed by the visit, and are even more proud to be helping raise money for Water4! At this point, we have raised close to $3000, which purchases equipment for 2 wells.
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u J. Robb Bartlett and Linda Foster as Linda deals with health issues. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as Darlene’s sister, Laura Hensley, deals with health issues. u Don and Maurie Cole as Don recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Dennis and Darla Bierig as Darla recuperates from surgery. u Steve, Shelley and Emma Conrad, Greg, Emily, Grace and Caroline Hall and Kathy Parr as Emily’s sister and Kathy’s daughter, Shelley Conrad, recuperates from surgery. u Frank and Fran Esch as Fran recuperates from an illness and is hospitalized. u Frances Ferguson as Frances’ granddaughter, Alexandra “Alex” Ferguson, recuperates from surgery. u Jim and Coleen Henry as Jim’s sister and brother-in-law, Gary and Carol McKay, ask for prayers for Carol who deals with health issues. u David and Nona Hill as Nona’s brother, Kendall Randolph, undergoes rehab in Virginia; and Nona as she deals with health issues. u Heather Hire and Max and Paula Hire as Heather undergoes tests. u Steve and Angie James and McKenzie Bursch as Steve’s mother, Carolyn Parks, deals with health issues; and Steve’s uncle, Bob Frazier, recuperates from a fall. u Sue Knight and Debbie Knight as Sue deals with health issues. u Joe and Mary Legako as Joe deals with health issues. u Jack and Denise Leonard as Denise recuperates from surgery. u Bob and Debbi Marshall as Debbi recuperates from injuries from a skiing accident.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 3/13 – Catfish, Hushpuppies, French Fries, Coleslaw, Peach Cobbler, and Tea. u 3/20 – BBQ Brisket Sandwiches, Baked Beans, Okra, Dessert, and Tea. u 3/27 – CLOSED FOR EASTER
Our Prayers continued u Melissa Marshall as she undergoes tests. u Tad and Margy Milewski and Toni Milewski, As Toni’s son and Tad’s and Margy’s grandson, Kyle Reichel, recuperates from surgery in Atlanta, Georgia. u Norman and Kipp Neaves as their nephew’s wife, Kristin Jones, recuperates from surgery at the University of Virginia. u Bob and Barbara Neil as Bob’s daughter, Kelli Brown, recuperates from surgery. u Kay Nichols as Kay recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Mark Porter as Mark’s home was destroyed by fire last week. u Ben and Sandy Ratzlaff as Sandy’s sisterin-law, Tari Mitchell, deals with health issues. u Jerry and Nancy Stearns as Nancy’s mother, Dolores Troyer, deals with health issues; and as Nancy ask for our prayers. u Steven, Angela, and Angelica Strozier as Angela deals with health issues. u Bill and Kathy Turner as Kathy’s sister, Debra Ransom, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at John Peter Smith Hospital in Texas. u Dennis and Helen Vaughn as Dennis deals with health issues.
Note Writers Needed
Our Sympathy
u Allen and Sharon Bumgardner and Claudia Bateman and Family at the death Claudia’s husband, Grady Bateman. u George Crooks and Family at the death of George’s mother, Lois Crooks. u David and Mona Hedrick and Family at the death of Mona’s father, Jack Esford. u Rick and Lisa Harris and Family at the death of Lisa’s father, Rex James. u David Kinser and Family at the death of David’s mother, Margaret Kinser. u Elizabeth Large, Steve Large, and Tom, Becky, T.J., and Christine Large and Family at the death of Elizabeth’s and Steve’s sisterin-law, and Tom’s wife, and Becky’s, T.J.’s, and Christine’s mother, Diana Large. u Brian and Kristi Potts and Family at the death of Brian’s mother, Eleanor Ann Potts. u Jan Probst and Family at the death of Jan’s husband, David Probst. u John and Hilda Riddles and Family at the death of John’s stepmother, Virginia Lee Riddles. u Keith and Lynne Roller and Alex Roller and Family at the death of Keith’s mother, Lynne’s mother-in-law, and Alex’s grandmother, Lou Roller Duncan. u Wilda Russell and Family at the death of Wilda’s husband, Aristle C. “Pistol” Russell.
Would you like to bless others by becoming a Note Writer? If you enjoy writing notes of encouragement, this would be a wonderful way for you to become part of the Care Team. Note Writers rotate approximately every 6 weeks, lifting up 5-7 families who might be dealing with health issues, or have lost loved ones, or are joyfully welcoming new arrivals in their families. We furnish supplies and stamps and even examples to help you write your notes. To sign up, call Vicki Roberds, Care Coordinator, 728-4738, or Coleen Henry, Care Note Coordinator, 341-9212. It’s a very special ministry, reminding people how much they are loved by their church family. Bless others. Bless yourself. Be a Note Writer.
Remember or honor a loved one with a beautiful Easter lily! Lilies are $15 and are on sale at the table in the Concourse beginning March 6. You may also purchase one by contacting Sarah Krivy at skrivy@ churchoftheservant.com or by calling the church office at 721-4141. SERVANT March 9, 2016 I Page 7
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
SPECIAL CONCERT - FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 7PM
ALL ARE WELCOME | ADMISSION IS FREE
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.