Newsletter 03.12.14

March 12, 2014 CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 14.5

He Turned It Into Victory!

Gayraud S. Wilmore tells this story from World War Two:

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

When I was in Italy they told me that every Italian is born with something called sistemare - I don’t know that term’s exact translation, but it has to do with an obsessive instinct to put things in order, to arrange the natural world according to some standard of elegance, to forever be tidying up one’s immediate living space.

I witnessed sistemare in the coastal mountains of Tuscany during the Second World War. Whenever a lull in the fighting came, I would see paesani out shoveling dirt and carrying rocks to shore up the terraces where they grew their olives and grapes in the shell-shocked, mine-strewed earth.

My Italian was pretty good in those days, so I asked one of them why they risked their lives rebuilding terraces with a war going on all around them. He said something like this: Every winter the ground freezes, thaws - rains come, and winds - maybe there’s even an earthquake, or a war - the soil constantly erodes, the terraces crumble and slide down the mountainside. So every year we have to build them up all over again. For hundreds of years we have done this. It is our life.i

…they told me that every Italian is born with something called… an obsessive instinct to put things in order…

That is a powerful story to me… putting things back together even in the middle of a war. That is what Jesus does. He puts our lives back in order. Sometimes our lives make us feel like we are in the middle of a war, or at least a great conflict. Lent is the season when we reflect on the battle and regain the courage to continue the journey.

How? By focusing on the cross.

Yes there is pain, but there is also healing and hope. Yes there is suffering, but Jesus will help us overcome it.

After all, he did. And he turned it into victory!

- Robert

i Gayraud S. Wilmore,Struggling against racism with realism and hope, Journal for Preachers, Lent 2000, 34.

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Missions Rebuilding Day is April 12

Are you willing to give a few hours on a Saturday to change someone else’s life? Each spring Rebuilding Together OKC hosts a one-day, city-wide build called “Rebuilding Day.” On Rebuilding Day, thousands of volunteer teams from local businesses, churches, corporations, hospitals, etc. join together to provide free home repairs for senior citizens living across the Oklahoma City metro. Since 1992, Rebuilding Day teams have restored more than 2,000 homes! Teams complete repairs, including general cleaning, interior and exterior painting, laying carpet, repairing kitchen cabinets and countertops, repairing floors, hanging new doors and windows and many more necessary home remodels.

We are sponsoring one house this year. There will be two shifts available for service - 8 a.m. to noon and noon to 5 p.m. Register for our team at www. churchoftheservant.com or come by the registration table in the Concourse on Sunday, March 30 and April 5.

Prayers Needed for Our Friends in the Ukraine Church!

“Dear brothers and Sisters at Church of the Servant, Your friendship and bond as Christian brothers and sisters are important to us. We are thankful for your continued prayers and support. We are thankful that you pray for us each day and we also pray for you and your ministries.

We ask you and your church now to be in prayer for our country of Ukraine. Our hearts grieve and are broken because our country is broken.

We all pray for peace and unity of our country again. All of our churches, pastors and church members are safe. We ask that you join all of us as we pray for God’s peace and guidance during these difficult days. Pray that our leaders will make best decisions for the future of our country.”

With these words from his recent email, Pastor VasylVuksta of our Ukrainian partner churches of Uzhgorod, Kamyanitsa and Perechyn ask that we add our prayers for peace, unity and God’s guidance for their country.

As many in our congregation are aware, the Ukraine has been shaken by demonstrations concerning recent decisions to move the country closer to ties with Russia and to move away from a budding relationship with the European Union. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the country has long been politically divided between the Russian-influenced government located in the eastern part of the country, and the capitol of Kiev and the more western-leaning faction of Western Ukraine. Although the demonstrations have been mainly located in Kiev, opposition to the government’s decision has begun to emerge in some of the other larger cities of Ukraine. The country is sharply divided as to the direction they should move, particularly in how to best move the country toward a more prosperous economy and progressive state.

Pastor Vuksta and his family and churches are safe and continuing to work in these difficult days to spread God’s Grace. Please join those who have traveled to the Ukraine and all the faithful supporters of this mission in prayer for safety, peace and a peaceful solution for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.

Prayers for Mission Team traveling to Liberia, Africa March 15-24

Five members will be traveling to assist with the mission and ministry of My Heart’s Appeal, a ministry based in Liberia for children and adults with special needs. Lovetie Major, member of COS and founder of MHA, will be hosting the team in her home country.

The team will work on a bakery which has been built to teach vocational skills, assist with the respite program which was modeled after our own Hannah’s Promise ministry, and coordinate the local Down Syndrome Awareness Day. This team goes to explore how other teams might serve in partnership. Over these days, please keep in your prayers team members: Lovetie Major, Leroy Ball, Kimberli Brownlee, Arthur and Charlene Richardson.

The Mission Work of Friendship and Fellowship A Night Out at the Symphony Friday, April 25

Our COS volunteer teams of 2-3 persons will escort our guests to the OKC Symphony that night, featuring Neil Sedaka. Our guests are church members and friends who would enjoy an evening out but might not have someone to attend these events with them or they might just need help getting there with Christian friends. If you would like to host a guest or be a guest, register at www.churchoftheservant.com or contact David Hedrick for more information at david.hedrick@ guernsey.us.

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Stop Hunger Now! 707,000 Meals in 25 Hours!

In 25 hours, over 707,000 meals have been packaged at Church of the Servant. It began in 2010 when we joined Stop Hunger Now and their mission to end hunger in our lifetime, a mission which has involved over 1300 volunteers each year.

Thousands upon thousands of people have received a meal because of volunteers, young and old, who came on a Sunday morning and gave of their time to package meals. The results are immeasurable. Lives have literally been saved because of the cumulative efforts of ordinary people on an extraordinary mission to save lives by packaging meals.

These meals have been shipped all over the world to countries like Angola, Ghana, and South Africa; Columbia, Brazil, Peru, and Haiti.

Our volunteers range from 5 years of age to 99 years of age. Not only are our members involved, but groups like Mathis Brothers and the Taiwanese Association of Oklahoma joined us this year. Our Cub Scout Pack 177, and Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troup 177

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provided not only volunteers during the packaging event but were instrumental in helping set up each of the work areas. Family members as far as from Virginia participated that Sunday in making meals! The Thunder Cats basketball team also worked very hard in packaging meals. These are just a few of the examples of how the word is getting out to people outside the walls of Church of the Servant who want to join in the effort of ending hunger.

A world without hunger is the vision for Stop Hunger Now. Thanks to all who continue to invest their time and money towards this mission. What a blessing it is to be a part of the body of Christ and to have the opportunity to give in such a way that has a profound impact on God’s children!

It is not too early to start talking to family members, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and organizations about joining us next year for Stop Hunger Now. Sunday, February 22, 2015 is the day of the next packaging event.

Adult Living a “Gospeled” Life

Faith in Reel Time The First Grader

Brown Bag Lenten Luncheons Led by Dr. Robyn Goggs Wednesdays, March 12, 19, 26, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

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. Where do we find ourselves in the stories? Come to Community Hall to listen and share as we explore this topic for an hour each week.

March 12: Called and Challenged by the Gospel March 19: Transformed by the Gospel March 26: Empowered by the Gospel: The desire of a Mother’s heart is to see that her children walk with the Lord and fulfill her calling to guide them on this journey. As we finish off this powerful Lenten series, hear Sally Riffey present a dramatic presentation of a Mother’s great love for her son and for her Lord.

Prime Time with Skeeter

Friday, April 11, 7:00 p.m.

Led by Dr. Curtis Nigh

Yes, we had to postpone the movie, so if your schedule didn’t allow you to attend the movie earlier this month, now you have a second chance! The movie, The First Grader, has been rescheduled for Friday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Centrum. You really should make plans to come see this very special movie, which will give you a close-up view of beautiful Kenya, from where our Maua Hospital Mission Team just returned earlier this year.

The movie is a fascinating truestory account of Maruge, now in his 80’s, who 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 sixyear-olds! Come see a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. If you want to see this movie, please sign up at the Welcome Center, or call the church office, 721-4141, so we will have enough material available.

Skeeter Hall, longtime friend of Prime Time, book reviewer and entertainer, will present our Prime Time program on Thursday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Come for the time of your life as you find yourself envisioning the days of the cowboy brought out in a book review presented by Skeeter and a surprise guest. The books, “Cowboy” and “Humor of the American Cowboy,” take you along on a trail drive as the cowboys face many perils along the way, but also incorporate cowboy humor which was a vital part of their heritage. Lots of laughter will be included! Skeeter’s background includes years of bringing the art of ventriloquism to all ages. Skeeter also is a bus coach tour director, having toured with travelers (including Prime Time) throughout Oklahoma and other states, bringing laughter on and off the buses. Her entertaining way of presenting book reviews will be a day to remember!

Following a short business meeting, we will be served another delicious meal.

Cost for the program only is $2.00, but we always recommend you stay for the meal and outstanding fellowship with old and new friends for a total cost of $10.00.

Make your reservation at the Welcome Center starting March 23 or call the church office before 4 p.m., Monday April 5. Remember, if you make a reservation and later find you cannot ALL ARE INVITED TO COME AND HEAR attend, please call to cancel. Prime Time must pay for all reservations.

REV. JIM MONROE SPEAK ABOUT:

Meet Missionary, Rev. Jim Munroe

Join others at a free dinner, Saturday, March 15 at 5:30 in Community Hall. Come and learn more about the partnership our church is building with the Methodist hospital in Maua, Kenya.

Register at the Welcome Center. Rev. Munroe will also speak in all services on March 16.

THE MAUA METHODIST HOSPITAL MISSION, HAVING SERVED THE LAST 18 MONTHS IN PASTORAL CARE AND COORDINATING WORK GROUPS.

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Women Knitting Group Tuesday at Noon in 13:2

Whether you have been doing it for years or always wanted to learn, the new knitting group invites you to come and work on your own project or contribute to their mission of making washcloths for new babies in the church. Bring your own supplies, but there are experts there to teach and get you started! For more info, contact Candy Cavaness at 640-2410.

New Sunday School Class - S.M.I.L.E. Single Moms In our Lord’s Embrace 10:45 a.m., North Adult room 6

Do you know a mother raising children on her own, 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. This new Sunday school class begins March 16 at 10:45 in North Adult room 6. The class will begin by studying the book, God Loves Single Moms. Dr. Robyn Goggs will teach and lead the lively discussion for moms as we become a community of support for each other.

Earthglow News

Shop Earthglow for all your baby gift needs - Cute, cute tooth fairy pillows; also a wall scroll to keep records of height changes through the years. New spring items arriving weekly. Shop here first! All profits go to missions!

BOOK SIGNING: On Sunday March 16, 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.

Children SAVE THE DATE! VBS is coming!

Weird Animals: Where Jesus’ Love is One-of-a-Kind

Our Vacation Bible School for this year, is scheduled for June 9 - 12. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends ages 4 years through 5th grade won’t want to miss the fun! Volunteer Signups will start in March.

Registration will begin in May! Pictured Left: WOW Suite 45 kids and adults got to experience an Ash Wednesday service in the Centrum. It was an experience we will treasure.

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Our Life Togther Our Prayers

u Bud and Alana Atkins as Alana recuperates from surgery. u David and Lynda Barnes as David deals with health issues. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as Darlene deals with health issues. u DJ, Amanda, Slayton, and Harper Bruner as Amanda recuperates from injuries from a car accident. u Robert and Linda Carson as Linda deals with health issues. u Lewis and Joni Case as Lewis recuperates from an illness. u Harold and Jean Coleman as Harold deals with health issues. u Esther Fowble as Esther recuperates from an illness. u Jewell and Peggy Garrison as Jewell recuperates from surgery. u Roy and Martha Gillett as Roy undergoes rehab and is a resident at Grace Living Center. u Leon, Debbie, and Sean Gold as Debbie recuperates from surgery. u Dean, Merin, Tyler, and Reid Gracey as Dean recuperates from surgery. u Donnie and Shellene Guerra as Donnie and Shellene both deal with health issues. u Darrel, Kellie, and Chandler Hardy as Chandler deals with health issues. u Bob and Jacklynn Haynes as their daughter, Laura Lyons, is hospitalized at St. Anthony Hospital. u Barry and Charlotte Hough as Barry deals with health issues; and Charlotte’s mother, Bessie Pendley, deals with health issues. u David and Sandy Jensen as David recuperates from surgery. u Kathleen Kennedy as Kathleen’s granddaughter, Rylee Kennedy, recuperates from an illness. u Elvan and Nancy Lombard as Nancy recuperates from surgery. u Bruce Lowrance and Leigh Ann Campbell-Lowrance as Bruce recuperates from surgery. u Georgia Lynn as Georgia deals with health issues and is a resident at Tuscany Assisted Living Center.

Our Prayers continued... u Marcia Massey as she undergoes rehab and is a resident at Tuscany Assisted Living Center. u Henry and Jere Marcotte as their daughter, Sherry Nunziato, asks for our prayers. u Ricky and Nancy McClendon as their granddaughter, Lily Andrus, recuperates from surgery in Texas. u Rick and Joyce McDaniel as Rick recuperates from surgery. u Darrell Nelson as Darrell undergoes rehab at Epworth Villa. u Sean, Bonnie, Ben, and Jacob Riley as Bonnie’s father, Bob Fink, deals with health issues in Columbia, South Carolina. u Robbie Robertson as Robbie recuperates from surgery. u Bob and Nancy Smith as Bob recuperates from a procedure. u Gregory Thomas and Connie Smiley as Gregory’s father, Earl Thomas, deals with health issues in Washington D.C. u Jon and Sandy Trudgeon as Sandy undergoes treatment. u Wayne and Sharon Wallace as Wayne is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Bob and Rubena Wallis as Rubena undergoes tests. u J.R. and Lorene Wolf as J.R. undergoes tests. u Roger and Patty Zody as their daughter, Sarah Zody, deals with health issues.

Celebrating

u Steve and Doris Morrison at the birth of their great granddaughter, Elliott Jane Frazier. The proud parents are Derrick and Ryan Frazier in Corpus Christi, Texas. u Kathy Whitwell at the birth of her grandson, Giovanni (Jack) Musmecci. The proud parents are Jon and Katie Musmecci. The proud brothers are Payton and Kelley.

Our Sympathy

u Benton Ashabranner and Laura Winchester and Family at the death of Laura’s mother, Georgia Winchester. u Lewis and Joni Case and Family at the death of their niece’s husband, Tom Aldridge. u Erik, Angela, Nick, and Alex Gee and Family at the death of Erik’s grandmother, Carlie Marie Gee. u Leon, Debbie, and Sean Gold and Family at the death of Leon’s aunt, Zoye Downen. u Tommy Gonzalez and Family at the death of Tommy’s sister, Annette Gonzalez. u Family and Friends at the death of Lela Graham. u Max and Patricia Johnson and Family at the death of Patricia’s mother, Jeannette Morris. u Jay and Julie Kriegel and Family at the death of Jay’s father, Herbert Kriegel. u Marcia Massey and Family at the death of Mracia’s husband, Jim Massey. u Donna McKnight, Darla Pellegrino, and Debbie Strawser and Family at the death of Donna’s, Darla’s, and Debbie’s mother, Gail Roberts. u Sue Miller and Family at the death of Sue’s cousin, Elly Stevens. u Mary, Sijuola (Ola) and Tunmishe Ogunsanya and Family at the death of Mary’s mother and Ola’s and Tunmishe’s grandmother, Janet Fagbohun in Nigeria.

Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Cindy Stoklasa by Donald & Doris Cline.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Bruce Ruby by Mary Jessup. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Bruce Ruby by David & Marge Carmichael. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Missions Ministry in memory of Bruce Ruby by Carolyn S. Dollar.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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