March 23, 2016
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 16.6
The Miracle of
Holy Week
Garrison Keillor tells a powerful story about Holy Week:
I came to church as a pagan this year, though wearing a Christian suit and white shirt, and sat in a rear pew with my sandy-haired gap-toothed daughter whom I would like to see grow up in the love of the Lord, and there I was, a skeptic in the henhouse, thinking weaselish thoughts. This often happens around Easter. God, in a humorous way, sometimes schedules high holy days for a time when your faith is at low tide... and, while everyone else is all joyful and shiny among the lilies and praising up a storm, there you are, snarling and grumbling. Which happened to me this year. Holy Week is a good time to face up to the question: Do we really believe in that story or do we just like to hang out with nice people and listen to organ music...?1 There is comfort for the doubter in the Passion story. You are not alone. Jesus’ cry from the cross was a cry for each of us and our doubts. The apostle denied even knowing Jesus three times. The guy spent years with Jesus, saw the miracles up close, the raising of Lazarus, the demons cast out, the sick healed, the water-walking trick, all of the special effects, but when the cards were down, he said, “Who? Me? No way. I don’t know him.” Yet, Jesus is resurrected and claims his doubting friend right after a few leading questions. Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
Holy Week is a gut check reality test for our faith. As we follow Jesus in the steps of the Passion, are we really committed to going all the way with him to the cross? Are we willing to let some parts of our self die so that Christ can raise up new parts that better reflect Jesus himself? It is very hard, right? That is where Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter service itself are so important. The scriptures, the sermons, the music, and the readings walk us through each amazing moment of the Passion. They invite us to take Jesus’ hand and journey with him so that we can appreciate what he did for us and why. They say, ‘You are invited to die... and to live again!’ - Robert Garrison Keillor, “A pagan’s thoughts at Eastertide,” The Old Scout blog entry of March 18, 2008.
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Spring is bringing bunnies, bird feeders, rain gauges, and wind chimes to Earthglow Gift Shop.We also have bright colored messages that can be hung or can stand; perfect gifts for any age.
Mark your calendar for April 17, when we will hold a Silent Auction right outside of the Celebration Center to celebrate and honor Earthglow’s 40th Anniversary! As always, each purchase you make in Earthglow gifts missions! Thank you for your support. Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Mission Calendar Dates Sunday, April 3 – M&Ms Campaign for SHN begins Thursday, April 7 at 6pm – Rebuilding Together Team Mtg.
Missions
Saturday, April 9, 8-5pm – Rebuilding Together Day Sunday, May 1 – Stop Hunger Now
Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event Sunday, May 1
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 on this day. Church of the Servant is sponsoring two homes and we need 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.
Spring Cleaning? Remember Skyline 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 is an organization, which gets food and life-saving aid to the world’s most vulnerable people, and works to end global hunger in our lifetime. Established in 1998, SHN has provided over 225 million meals in 73 countries. SHN is based in Raleigh, N.C., and operates throughout the U.S. and through affiliates in developing countries. Visit www.stophungernow. org for more information. Every day, 30,000 people die of starvation. That is 1250 people per hour, one person every 3 seconds. In 2010, Church Of The Servant partnered with Stop Hunger Now in the mission of ending global hunger! Since then, members and friends of Servant have packaged over 858,000 meals. On Sunday morning, May 1, the entire church will work together, over a 5-hour span of time, to package 151,000 meals which will be shipped all over the world to help feed hungry children. It truly is an exciting and life-saving event! Whether you are 6 years old or 96, you can make a difference by packaging meals. Will this be your first time to experience a Stop Hunger Now meal-packaging event? Please tell your family and friends and join us on May 1. You can register for one of three shifts: 7:30am; 9:15am; or 10:30am. Registration for Stop Hunger Now will open on Sunday, April 3, at the church and online at: http://www.churchoftheservant.com/events. You can register as an individual, a family, or a group. We try very hard to make sure that your group or family can work together in a work area. SERVANT March 23, 2016 I Page 3
Women
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.
New Classes Begin March 30
Below are the classes. More information can be obtained online, or contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com
SAVE THE DATE September 30 - October 2 Second Annual Fall Retreat At the Chickasaw Retreat Center More information to come. Registration will begin in June.
Sharing the Kingdom — “Galatians: Faith and Works” Tuesdays, 9:15-10:30am Begins March 29, Community Hall A large-group Bible study that is a favorite among many women as it appeals to the beginning follower as well as the seasoned believer. What do I have to do, in practical terms, to gain a right relationship with God? Join us for this special study on Galatians and discover its great meaning for us today! Come spend an exciting hour in Bible study, discussion, and Christian fellowship. Led by Rev. David Wheeler. Spiritual Gifts Discovery Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am Begins April 13 South Adult 1&2 A four-week course taught by Dr. Robyn Goggs on how to identify and better understand the gifts God has given you and how to use them to glorify God in kingdom service. 3:16 The Numbers of Hope by Max Lucado Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm Begins March 30, North Adult 12 Best-selling author Max Lucado leads readers through a word-by-word study of John 3:16, the passage that he calls the “Hope Diamond” of Scripture. A twenty-six word parade of hope: beginning with God, ending with life, and urging us to do the same. Brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather two thousand years of storms and questions. If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. We all need the reminder. The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God’s treatment is prescribed in John 3:16. Friday Moms Group — Simplify-Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels Fridays, 9:30-11:30 am Begins April 1, Cafe 13.2 “Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Overscheduled.” Sound familiar? Today’s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That’s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don’t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do. What if your life could be different? By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn’t matter–and start doing what does. Contact Nicole Baldwin for more info, 613-3887. Childcare provided.
Did you know that in addition to Earthglow’s gift shop, we hold the Earthglow Market each November? This year’s Market will be November 12. Last year we had over 100 vendors throughout our building. Booth and table rental boost our donations to local Ministries and Missions. Call the church office for more information - 721-4141. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Adult SILENT AUCTION for Earthglow’s 40th Anniversary Celebration: Excitement is building for Earthglow’s Silent Auction in the Concourse on Sunday, April 17. Among the many items we have already received: Rose Creek Golf for four Four tickets to Bullets Over Broadway at the Civic Center Original artwork Beautiful quilts and craft items Spa and restaurant gift certificates Fine jewelry Family fun passes Join us on the 17th and help raise additional funds to benefit missions! Your class or individual donations may be made in Earthglow store or by contacting Denise Lingo (dlingo82@cox.net).
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.
Pancake Breakfast! High School Pancake Breakfast is Sunday, April 10. Join us in Community Hall for delicious pancakes. The costs is $7 per person. We will serve pancakes from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All funds raised will support High School Ministries! SERVANT March 23, 2016 I Page 5
Children The FAMILY EASTER CELEBRATION on Palm Sunday was an afternoon of fun and fellowship! Thirty-eight children participated in the Children’s Musical Project, VIP – Very Important Person, which was directed by Paul Gebb. The musical was followed by activities for the whole family, which included: photos with the Easter Bunny, pottery painting, inflatables, crafts, refreshments, and egg hunts. Over 1000 individuals participated in the afternoon activities! “We love putting together an event where families can come together and enjoy ‘family time’ with their family and their church family,” said Cathy Hersom, Director of Children’s Ministries. “The saying ‘it takes a village’ is lived out when we sponsor events like the Family Easter Celebration,” added Ms. Cathy. Many thanks to all who were part of the musical team, hiding eggs, serving refreshments, monitoring the inflatables, and coordinating crafts. To view the Family Easter Celebration Photo Gallery, go to... https://servantokc.smugmug.com/Childrens-Ministries/Palm-Sunday-2016/n-FcKMdk/
SERVANT KIDZ CAMP July 15-17, Canyon Camp
A camping we will go to make new friends, hang out with old friends, hike, study our Biblle, make some nifty crafts, swim and, most importantly, WORSHIP our Heavenly Father. Where are we going to do this? At Servant Kidz Camp on July 15-17 at Canyon Camp near Hinton Oklahoma. The 2016 theme is “Friends” and the scripture for the weekend is John 15:12 – “This is what I command. Love each other as I have loved you.” Servant children, grades 1st – 5th fall 2016, are invited to participate in summer camp, a camp created especially for them. Servant Kidz Camp is more than just church camp. It will be 48 hours where lives can be changed, friends will be made, and every camper will come home with their spiritual juices renewed. Camp registration forms are available at www.churchoftheservant. com/events and at the welcome counters in the Concourse and in the children’s area. Camp space is limited and will be reserved on a first come basis, so registrations should be submitted as soon as possible. Adult leaders are absolutely a must for this ministry to succeed – so parents please commit today to experience this amazing weekend with your child/ren. The camp fee for campers is $150 and there is no charge for adults. Comments from parents who have participated at Kidz Camp: • The live band and worship messages were all wonderful! • Hard to pinpoint a favorite event – enjoyed it all!!!! Awesome experience! • Love that we (COS) had the camp grounds to ourselves! • Great experience for kids and adults! • Teens were so helpful and wonderful to all the campers! • Great opportunity for friendship and worship!
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Dear 5th Grade Parents, We would like to introduce you to a ministry of support for our 5th graders at Church of the Servant. This ministry is a parent-formed Circle of Support. We are inviting every 5th grade parent to choose 3-4 close and reliable family members and/or friends to be a part of their Circle of Support in the months of April and May. Each Circle of Support member will pray daily for and anonymously send notes of encouragement to your 5th grader – ideally, once a week, during the months of April and May. On Wednesday, May 18, 2016 we will host a Reveal Party. This will be a highlight event, as the 5th grader find out who has been praying for and supporting them throughout these last few months of this school year. We intend to make this event a momentous one, full of the power of Christ, as well as the love and support of family and friends! If you did not receive this information, please contact me and I will be certain you get it. Cindy Brackenbury Coordinator of Elementary Children’s Ministries
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Geoff Baker and Susan King-Baker as Geoff is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Roger and Evalyn Baldwin as Roger deals with health issues. u Kenyatta, Christi-Lynn, Colby, Sadie and Samuel Bethea as Kenyatta’s father, Robert Bethea, deals with health issues. u Tracy Bonebrake as her daughter, Melinda Crider of Dallas, TX, deals with health issues. u Patsy Brock as Patsy recuperates from an illness. u Sandy and Kathryn Cashion as Sandy recuperates from a procedure. u Jim Cross and Roberta Carrier-Cross as Jim deals with health issues. u Bob Fowler and Sharon Stiles as Sharon’s friend Pat Bevill and Pat’s children, Will Bevill and Jennifer Anderson, deal with health issues. u Neil and Paula Glass as their daughter’s father-in-law, Rick Coe, deals with health issues. u David and Sandra Gradick as David recuperates from a procedure. u Donnie and Shellene Guerra as Shellene deals with health issues. u Jack and Carolyn Hardy as their daughter, Rhonda Platt, faces surgery at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, TX. u Joseph and Nancy Harris as their friend, Mike Castellow, is hospitalized at the Select Specialty Hospital. u David and Mona Hedrick as their niece and husband, Chuck and Shelby Reed, ask for prayers for Shelby who deals with health issues. u Kent, Dana, Blake and Beckham Israel as Dana deals with health issues.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 3/27 – CLOSED FOR EASTER u 4/3 – Chicken & Ham Salad w/Crossants, Bowtie & Macaroni Salad, Chips, Dessert. u 4/10 – KITCHEN CLOSED for High School Ministries’ “Pancake Breakfast”
Our Prayers continued u Steve and Angie James as Steve’s grandmother, Charlene Frazier, recuperates from an illness. u Dona Kippenberger as Dona’s son, James “Jimmy” Kippenberger, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Canadian Valley Hospital. u Al and Carolyn Lowery as Al deals with health issues. u Niles and Brenda Martin as Brenda recuperates from surgery. u Kathlyn Reynolds as Kathlyn recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Johnny and Susan Satterlee as Susan recuperates from surgery. u John Schille and Jimi Hadley as Jimi faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Linda Shaw as Linda faces outpatient surgery. u Bill and Nancy Whitten as Nancy is hospitalized at Mercy Rehab Hospital. u David and Mary Walker as David deals with health issues. u Bill and Mary White as Mary’s parents, Clinton and Mabel Fuhrman, both deal with health issues. u Gary and Janey Zook as Gary and Janey both deal with health issues in Topeka, KS.
Our Sympathy
u Dillon and Ashlee Byrd and Adam and Jenny Maxey and Family at the death of Ashlee’s and Adam’s father, James Ray Maxey, Jr. u Pierce and Barbara Gandy and Family at the death of Pierce’s sister, Annie Leigh Flowers. u Bob and Jane Garrett and Family at the death of their daughter, Helen Elizabeth (Beth) Garrett. u Debbie Knight and Family at the death of Debbie’s mother, Sue Knight. u Ben and Sandy Ratzlaff and Family at the death of their friend, Roger Holloway.
Celebrating
u Scott and Brooke Bartlow at the birth of their daughter, Mae Brooke Bartlow. The proud sister is Faith Bartlow. The proud grandparents are Cary and Jennifer Bartlow.
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 312-4634.
Suzuki Strings is proud to now be offering the world’s leading music and movement program in Kindermusik! We strive to make a creative environment in which children can thrive with music, families can enjoy time and activities together, and life-long friendships and community for both parents and children can be made in the classroom. Our program is based on 45-minute classes assembled to nurture the growing child. Enrollment comes with @Home materials that extend the family learning and fun into the home. Kindermusik is a wonderful bonding experience and a great stepping stone into our instrumental program, Suzuki Strings, providing lessons in violin, viola, cello, guitar, and piano. Classes begin Sunday, April 3 with three available times: 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m. For more information, please visit Churchoftheservant.com/music/suzuki-strings or call/text (405) 673-4946. SERVANT March 23, 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.