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March 11, 2015
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Week Issue: 15.5
HE IS NOT
HE IS NOT Here
Here
HE HAS
HE HAS CHURCH OF THE SERVANT
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT
Live Bravely
when you face lions!
Last year when we were in Kenya I talked with a young father who walked through lion country every day to bring his children to a Methodist school. When I asked him why he did it he replied, “When you face lions everyday you must live bravely.” What a great answer! Many people face lions every day, but they don’t know how to live bravely. As Christians, we can help. After all, we know Jesus, the Lion Tamer. Jesus faced lions everyday - the lion of rejection, the lion of fear, the lion of pain, the lion of temptation… And Jesus tamed those lions through faith. As Christians, we know Jesus’ story. But how often do we share it? In a world filled with people facing lions, how often do we tell them about the lion tamer? For Lent this year, I want you to live bravely. I want you to share Jesus. On Palm Sunday, March 29, I want you to invite someone you know to church. If you are reading this, I hope you will experience this as a God Moment - one of those special moments when you feel like God is speaking directly to you. My prayer is that God is already encouraging you to invite someone specific. We are asking everyone in all four services to invite someone to church on Palm Sunday. We want to share the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection with as many people as possible, but we need your help. We need you to invite someone to join you in worship that day! Try it. Live bravely! - Robert
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
Many people face lions every day, but they don’t know how to live bravely. As Christians, we can help. After all, we know Jesus, the Lion Tamer. Children’s Ministry Needs YOU!
Walk into the children’s area any Sunday morning and you will see many busy bodies, some very small and some very tall. They are busy playing, talking, sharing, enjoying, and in many other ways experiencing the love of Christ through each other. This is what we pray for and hope to enable everyone who comes here to experience. As we strive to make this happen, we find ourselves in need of your help. We have a few young children with special needs requiring consistent, one-on-one people to be their “person”someone who can know them and be with them to navigate through these Sunday mornings and help them to be comfortable with their surroundings. These children desire and deserve an adult who can support them and allow them the ability to be with the other children when they are ready, but also to move out of that space when it isn’t what is best for them at that moment. They need someone to help alleviate stresses they may find overwhelming on some mornings. You can be that person! WE NEED YOU! At this time, we need one person for the 9:15 hour and two people for the 10:45 hour. This commitment from you would be enhanced by the support of our Children’s Ministries team. We will be there to help every step of the way to enable this to be a great experience for you and the child you work with. This commitment of your time and love is very important. Please pray about this and contact Children’s Ministries to sign up for this amazing opportunity! Biggest Blessings! Cathy Hersom, Director of Children’s Ministries Cindy Brackenbury, Elementary Coordinator of Children’s Ministries Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Missions March Mission Focus:
Skyline Urban Ministries
Skyline is a United Methodist Ministry with many services: The Food Resource Center; The Eye Clinic; Primetime - senior adults’ meals 3 days a week; The Clothes Closet, open daily with special events for School Uniforms; and Teen Prom Dress Station. The mission and vision of Skyline is to impact lives, empower those in need, to address the roots of poverty in Oklahoma, and to foster a new era of compassion & respect for those living on the margins by promoting a change in attitude. Located on SE 15th street, this ministry serves people in the poorest zip code of our city. Last year, Skyline served more than 22,000 people. Skyline projects - with the opening of a new food resource center last fall - that they will feed well over 30,000 people this year. And we are a part of this! Skyline has a multitude of wonderful ministries that serve our community. We will be sharing and celebrating this throughout the month as we seek to raise $35,000 this year for Skyline.
Learn about Skyline Urban Ministries this month:
Sunday, March 15: Tour the newly-opened Skyline Mission Food Resource Center and see all the ministries up close and personal. Great opportunities for groups and families to have an outing together! Gather after worship at 12:15 in 13:2. $5 will cover a sack lunch and transportation to Skyline for all who want to go! Bus will return to church by 3 p.m. Make reservations at the Welcome Center or at scobden@churchoftheservant.com. Sunday, March 22: Special Fish Appeal for Skyline in all worship services to reach our goal of $35,000.
Mission Trip to Kenya September 24 - October 6
Pray for the Vietnam Mission Team
Vietnam may be far removed from Oklahoma City when the distance is measured on the map, but through the love of Jesus Christ, that gap is narrowed to but one small step. The Methodist Church in Vietnam is growing at an exponential pace, as men, women and children - whole villages at times - are professing Jesus Christ as Lord. God is in the process of raising up his Church through the dedicated work of his people. On March 9-21, our team will be traveling to share life and worship, and exchange ministry ideas and visions with our Methodist friends in Vietnam. Please keep this team in your prayers: Rev. Randy and Jenny Shrauner, Sara Kyte, Cathy Hersom, Russ Sullins, Joe and Terry Carter.
Places are still available! If you want to experience a life-changing (yours!) event, join us for our next trip to Maua, Kenya. Contact Ann Knutson, annknut@gmail.com or 323-4292.
Blood Drive
Thank you to Church of the Servant for another successful blood drive! Blood donations are critical during this time of year. Due to the effort and diligence of J.R. Wolf and Nancy Collins, 39 people came forward to give the gift of life. Mark your calendar for our next blood drive scheduled for May 3.
SERVANT March 11, 2015 I Page 3
Missions
SAVE THE DATE: REBUILDING TOGETHER DAY Church of the Servant will sponsor two homes again this year as we spend the day transforming a house with paint, repairs, and cleaning for an older person in need in our community. Registration will begin on Sunday, March 22.
A Life-changing Story from Skyline Urban Ministries “So Glad I’m Not Alone”
Michael was only 24 and he walked in on the arm of the person accompanying him; but it wasn’t until Dr. Diehl had examined him that we knew he probably could not have walked in on his own. He had always worn glasses but it had been over 5 years since he last had some, due to his inability to afford them. Dr. Diehl and wife Pat, who also serves as an optician with us, immediately let me know that his visual needs were going to be great. The prescription was sent on to Larry Seitz, our volunteer optician and the person who handles the making of our glasses. We got the bad news that his glasses were going to not be able to be made easily. Dr. Diehl researched options, but not many labs could make them for us as they needed specialized lenses. New View (previously League for the Blind) had previously given me a source that might help, but that ended up as a dead end. Larry found one lab in southern Oklahoma who could make them, but the lenses alone were over $300.00. Larry Seitz kept thinking and “out of the blue” (as Larry Seitz calls it) a memory of a lab who used to be in OKC but left years ago popped in his head and he called them. He was so excited to report to me that they were willing to make them for $125.00. Then “out of the blue” a person from New View called just to update information about our move to 15th street. During the conversation we told her Michael’s story. She then told me that she “happened” to be the president of the Downtown Lions Club. All the pieces were falling into place, as that particular club provides us with an ongoing fund to assist those in need. We generally use it for reducing expenses for those who can’t pay for our small charge for glasses, but of course they would love to have it pay for Michael’s glasses. Alone I was useless to this young man as his visual needs are not really in the scope of services offered by our eye clinic. But with Dr. and Mrs. Diehl, Larry Seitz, New View, Downtown Lions Club, his Case Manager and all of the caring people who assist clients at Skyline, there was no thought of giving up. We need each other to do God’s Work. If you want to be a part of encouraging me to dream big, come volunteer and enrich your life. - Gail, Director of the Skyline Eye Clinic
Important Dates for Mission: Sunday, March 8
Monthly Mission focus for Skyline begins
Monday, March 9-22
Vietnam Mission Team travels
Thursday, March 12 Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at Hefner MS (rescheduled) Saturday, March 14
Hannah’s Promise 5-9 p.m.
Sunday, March 15
Lunch and Tour of Skyline Ministries
Sunday, March 22
Special Fish Appeal for Skyline
Saturday, April 18
REBUILDING TOGETHER DAY
Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Just Arrived at Earthglow
Izzie and Owie leggings for little ones: two sizes - 6-12 months and 12-24 months. Very cute and stylish in bright colors and stripes with animal images. Get them before they are gone! All profits go to missions.
BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
Adult
Stretch * Breath * Release Stress Beginning Yoga Class – 8 Sessions
Everyone can participate – all ages and body types are encouraged to try. There are many benefits of Yoga: When you stretch your muscles you feel less stiff, because you can move better. Yoga can improve your posture, and is good for your heart by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Each class ends with relaxation techniques to help you calm your mind and release stress. Some students believe this is the best part and most helpful. Classes Meet: Tuesday March 17 through May 12, 5:00 - 6:00 pm (No class March 31) Donations will go to: A Place To Grow, Inc. 501C3 nonprofit. Suggested donation of $50 to $100 * Scholarships available * Please contact Jo Fendrych at 405-808-3082 for information.
Children
Palm Sunday March 29
Church of the Servant will provide the eggs!
Children (3 years old through 5th grade) will be participating in the traditional Procession of Palms on Sunday, March 29 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 re-enact the waving of the palms during Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Children should be in the Children’s Area by 9 and 10:30 respectively, so they can travel with their friends and leaders upstairs. SERVANT March 11, 2015 I Page 5
Women A Fun Evening with a Purpose Friday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.
Bring a dish to share and a fun competitive spirit for a night of bunko. Our $5 donation for the evening will go to support a women’s shelter called Bridge to Life, which is connected to the City Rescue Mission. You won’t want to miss the food and fellowship of the evening! Childcare will be provided with advance registration. Registration is online and at the Welcome Center.
Mark your calendar:
Spring Offerings of women’s groups begin right after Easter! For details and registration visit the women’s page on the church website.
Classes offered this spring: Tuesdays A.M.
Broken and Blessed Sharing the Kingdom Artful Prayer
Lou Ann Morris
Begins March 24
Rev. David Wheeler
Begins April 7
Elizabeth Johnson
Begins April 7
Wednesdays A.M. Forgiveness: Breaking the Power of the Past Nancy Harris Begins April 7 Who is This Man? John Ortberg Sherri Boyd Begins April 7 Fight back with Joy
Dr. Robyn Goggs
Begins April 7
Friday Mom’s Group A.M. Keep it Shut
Nicole Baldwin
Begins April 7
Get Connected with Women’s Ministry information and stories on our blog: cos-women.com Women of Faith July 24-25, 2015 Share the Love: The Farewell Tour
After 20 great years of Women of Faith, this is the last year of this wonderful weekend format for women all over the country to come together to celebrate their love for Christ and to discern God’s direction for us. Through worship, great speakers, and amazing fellowship, this will be a life-changing weekend. To see the details of speakers and events, check out www.womenoffaith.com. Right now, Women’s Ministry has secured 40 seats at the amazing price of $85. Tickets online are $110. These are on a first-come, first-serve basis until they are gone on March 27. To reserve your seat, contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Women’s Ministries in partnership with The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary
Generations of Hope
28th Annual Celebration of Hope You’re invited to join us as we give thanks to God for lives transformed through the ministry of The Salvation Army. Tuesday, April 7, 2015 10:30 a.m. Silent Auction 11:45 a.m. Luncheon & Program At Church of the Servant Tickets: $40 per person Checks payable to: The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. Mail to Jill Walker, 1704 Dorchester Place, Nichols Hills, OK 73120. The Celebration of Hope benefits the ongoing programs and services of The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command. Space is limited. Please respond by March 27.
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Bud and Alana Atkins as Bud faces surgery at St. Anthony Bone & Joint Hospital. u Larry and Marcia Becker as Larry faces surgery at OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Hughlene Brittain-Yarbrough as Hughlene recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at St. Anthony Hospital. u Kim Byrd as Kim’s fiancee’, Rick Spaniol, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Dan and Barbra Case as Dan deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Don and Doris Cline as their granddaughter, Jessie Marick, deals with health issues. u Warren and Sue Collins as Warren’s aunt, Neva Grant Summers, undergoes rehab in Dallas. u Clay and Julie Cockrill as Julie’s mother, Cathy Woodall, recuperates from surgery. u Nancy Grindstaff, as Nancy deals with health issues and faces a procedure. u Walt Hawkins and Lauren Hawkins, as Walt recuperates from surgery; and Lauren’s grandmother, Betty Silas, deals with health issues. u Ann Murphy as Ann deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Fran Parkhill as Fran’s daughter, Lari Huey, deals with health issues. u Janice Reynolds as Janice deals with health issues. u Patti Ross as Patti deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Doug and Ella Sprung as their granddaughter, Madison Sprung, deals with health issues and faces surgery. u Annell Thompson as Annell’s mother, Lucretia Thompson, deals with health issues. u Bill and Mary White as their friend’s, Bill and Sherry Thurman, ask for our prayers. u Billie Whittaker as Billie deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Judi Worsham as Judie recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Kent and Glenda Potts as Glenda’s mother, Waunita Williams, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.
Our Sympathy
u Brian and Karyn Burrell and Mike and Michelle Burrell and Family at the death of Brian’s and Mike’s mother, Mary Patricia Burrell. u Bill Dunlap and Family at the death of Bill’s wife, Lilly Dunlap. u Susan Jones and Cecil and Carolyn Jones and Family at the death of Susan’s friend, Tom Mullins. u George and Barbara Kurey, Jake, Stephanie, Cameron, and Dominic Kurey and Michael, Jenny, Brooke, and Blakeleigh Bitsche and Family at the death of George’s mother, Jake’s and Jenny’s grandmother, and Cameron’s, Dominic’s, Brooke’s and Blakeleigh’s great-grandmother, Mary Kurey. u Yvonne Morgan and Family at the death of Yvonne’s mother, Dorothy Mulholland. u Lynda and Drew Barnes and Family at the death of Lynda’s mother and Drew’s grandmother, Kathy Precure.
Celebrating
u Nicole Gilbert at the birth of her daughter, Zamirah Nicole Miles. The proud big brother and sister are Darrion and Samara Gilbert. The proud grandmother is Pam Gilbert. The proud great-grandmother is Jean Arbuckle. u A hearty congratulations to Dana Renner, principal at Central Middle School in Edmond, upon being named “Middle School Principal of the Year” for the entire state of Oklahoma! She will be honored in Washington D.C. in early September and will also be competing for the recognition of the top Middle School principal in all of America. Dana and Dustin are active members of the Two By Two Sunday school class. They are the parents of Abby and Ethan Renner and Dana is the daughter of Susan Dage and the late Gary Dage. Congratulations to you again for this awesome award and accomplishment, Dana! Your whole church family is proud of you, indeed!
Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Audio Video Fund in memory of Harrell Pickens by Russell & Sherry Lawson u A contribution has been made to Earthglow in memory of Bob Gentry by Earthglow Managing Staff u A contribution has been made to Earthglow in memory of Nancy Ayers by Earthglow Managing Staff u A contribution has been made to Earthglow in memory of Lorraine Vignatelli by Earthglow Managing Staff u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Mission Ministry in memory of Nancy Ayers by Rebecca A. Hadsell
Dana Renner Middle School Principal of the Year!
Television Ministries
We are looking for volunteers to help with setup, tear down, sound checks, and run the soundboard on Sunday mornings. Schedule is as follows: 7:30-9:00am - Setup and soundcheck 9:00-10:30am - Run sound for 9:15 service 10:30-11:50am - Run sound for 10:45 service 11:50am-12:15pm - Tear down equipment If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping with any or all of the above, please contact Heather DeShazo at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT March 11, 2015 I Page 7
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Register ONLINE! –– www.churchoftheservant.com