March 25, 2015
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 15.6
THE WITNESS OF TWO
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
In Jewish tradition, testimony for or against another must be corroborated by an “authenticating second” in order to be legally accepted as truth. Jesus upheld that tradition when he sent his disciples out in pairs to proclaim the Good News, to heal and teach. The Holy Spirit continues to uphold that principle by appearing wherever “two or three” are gathered together in Christ’s name. Luke emphasizes this witness principle in his resurrection narrative. Two heavenly messengers testify to Jesus’ resurrection to three (or more) of the women. Two travelers along the Emmaus road encounter the risen Jesus. To authenticate the truth of Jesus the Christ takes two. After Jesus appears to all the disciples, “opens their minds” to the truth about his identity and the saving action of his resurrection and triumphantly
Jesus appears to all the disciples… and triumphantly proclaims, “You are witnesses of these things!” proclaims, “You are witnesses of these things!” Jesus knew that his disciples, even with all their enthusiasm and good intentions, were only ordinary human beings.
LARGE PRINT BIBLES...
Counting on an unassisted human spirit to embody Christ’s mission on earth simply asks the impossible. To be the second witness, the church needs that anointing from the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit that made it possible for a scraggly band of fishermen and tentmakers to witness about Christ across all of Asia Minor. It is the Holy Spirit that continues to make it possible today for any gathering of disciples, no matter how diverse their interests, weak their strengths, or strong their weaknesses, to become the body of Christ on earth. Remember: The Holy Spirit does not dwell within us so much as among us. The church is a community of faith, a communion of witnesses, a collective of love. Alone we are incapable of being vital witnesses to God’s redeeming activity through Jesus Christ. But with the Spirit in our midst, we can do the impossible. You can do the impossible! You are not alone! I have asked you to make a special effort to invite your friends and neighbors to church starting Palm Sunday and continuing through Holy Week. You will be joining with the work of the Holy Spirit that goes before you. Trust the story of Jesus. It will change the lives of the people you invite. And be confident - you won’t have to tell it alone. You and the Holy Spirit make quite a team! - Robert
And additional ‘over the ear’ hearing devices now available to be checked out at the Welcome Center. If you or a family member have need of these, please stop by the Welcome Center and pick one up. They were made available through Sunday school class donations and individual donations.
Missions
Kenya Mission Team Trip 2015 Updates
Plans are in full swing for our trip to Maua, Kenya in September. We have 8 people committed to the trip but can accommodate 2-4 more. It’s not too late to join us! The cost based on airfare which we just purchased is $3085. This covers ALL expenses for the two week trip except for souvenirs. We plan to once again build a home for an AIDS orphan family, conduct a medical clinic in a rural community and distribute deworming pills (along with suckers to kill the bad taste!) to school children. Last year we de-wormed about 1400 children! I didn’t buy nearly enough suckers last time! This year we will also go to a second site, one of several that is run by the Methodist Church in Kenya. It’s a Bio-Intensive Farm in Meru. The farm teaches basic training courses for small farmers in ecologically sound agricultural practices and livestock management under zero grazing. While we are there we hope to complete the building of a chicken house! Two other teams will have worked on it before we arrive, so we get to miss all the heavy construction and will work on the finishing touches. Our share of the cost is $1400. The cost includes construction as well as electricity (chickens need 14 hours of sunlight to lay well and so power is needed during winter months) and feed and 400 chicks. For questions or more information, please contact Ann Knutson 405-323-4292 or annknut@gmail.com.
APRIL MISSION FOCUS:
REBUILDING TOGETHER DAY
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. GREAT IDEA FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES OR SMALL GROUPS TO SERVE TOGETHER! Shifts will be 8 a.m. - Noon and Noon – 5 p.m. 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 29.
HELP A YOUNG MAN REACH HIS EAGLE SCOUT GOAL by Scott Kincannon
For a Life Scout to become the rank of eagle, they must complete a set of requirements. One of these requirements is the eagle project. The eagle project is to display leadership in a service project that benefits the community. My eagle project is for Deer Creek Elementary schools and the project is to build Little Free Libraries to be placed outside each elementary school. The Little Free Library will be stocked with books and will give elementary students a chance to read throughout the year with the Library placed outside each school. However, these libraries have one rule: you take a book - you leave a book, so each library is forever updating. Would you help me fill the libraries? If you would be willing to donate new or gently used elementary level books, please bring them to church during April. I will have a table in the Concourse on Sunday, April 19, to pick up any donations; or during the month they can be left at the Welcome Center. Scott Kincannon Life Scout BSA Troop 177
Important Dates for Mission: Sunday, April 12
Guatemala Team meeting after worship at Noon
Wednesday, April 15 Car Seat Technician Training Event at COS Thursday, April 16
REBUILDING TOGETHER Participants Meeting 6:30 pm
Saturday, April 18
REBUILDING TOGETHER DAY SERVANT March 25, 2015 I Page 3
Missions
Thank you for the support of the March Mission Focus: Skyline Urban Ministries
We celebrated the Special Fish Appeal last Sunday, which will help Skyline to continue the work happening here in the city. Our initial offering given this week was $15,980. If you would still like to support the ministry, please mark your check in the Fish Offering to be designated to Skyline Urban Ministries. Skyline is a United Methodist Ministry with many services: The Food Resource Center; The Eye Clinic; Primetime - senior adult 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.
VOLUNTEERS ARE ALWAYS NEEDED AT SKYLINE!
Forty-two people toured Skyline’s new mission facility and learned of the great ministries happening there each day of the week. Right now the Food Resource Center could use volunteers, especially on Wednesday afternoons until 6 p.m. Escorting clients while they shop is a great way to help and care for others. These extra hours to serve the community are creating many opportunities for service. Please call Director, Brandy Conrad 215-6947 to serve.
EARTHGLOW: Easter decor available at Earthglow, including lovely lawn ornaments, and for picnics - plates decorated with painted ants. And ceramic leaves… these leaves were created by hand from trees growing on the church grounds, and make very nice home accents or small trays. All profits go to missions.
Adult
PRIME TIME Church of the Servant Community Hall Thursday, April 9, 10:30 a.m.
Our program this month is ‘VOICES’, a vocal ensemble from Edmond. Their repertoire spans gospel, patriotic, Christmas and pop music. From upbeat light urban tunes to lush a cappella harmonies, ‘VOICES’ always brings a positive message under the direction of J. Mark Taylor, worship leader, producer, and past president of Oklahoma Alliance for Liturgy and the Arts. Governor Mary Fallin comments, “A ‘VOICES’ performance is truly a worship-filled experience, with every note lifted by the Holy Spirit.” Following the program we will enjoy a spring meal of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans and banana pudding, all while enjoying fellowship with old and new friends. Enjoy the program and lunch for $10.00, or just the program for $2.00. Make reservations at the Welcome Center, or call the office, 721-4141 no later than 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 6. If you later see that you will be unable to attend, please call to cancel your reservation, as Prime Time must pay for all meals reserved. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Good Friday Worship - 8:00 p.m.
Our service will be quite different from years past. We will observe the traditional “Stripping of the Altar.” At the close of the service in silence the clergy will begin the process by removing their stoles and then various symbols such as the cloth on the cross, the chalice, altar candles, and finally the Paschal Candle or the Christ candle. They will then process out in the darkness, leaving the Celebration Center without light until the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. Preceding this powerful act of worship will be the presentation of the “Seven Last Words of Christ” by Dubois’. Unlike years past, there will be no actors, but the Liturgical Dance Troop from Oklahoma City University will interpret each movement as the choir and orchestra sing and play. The light in the Celebration Center will drop with each word. This Good Friday promises to be a dramatic, impactful service of worship (suitable for the whole family). I hope you will plan to join us… “there cannot be Easter Sunday without Good Friday!” Grace and Peace, Chuck Weatherford Director of Music
Palm Sunday March 29
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.
Church of the Servant will provide the eggs!
SERVANT March 25, 2015 I Page 5
Join us for Holy Week *
HE HAS CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Palm Sunday Buffet Feast
Breakfast As Usual: 8-10:45 a.m. / Ala Cart pricing Brunch Buffet: 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. / $9.00 adults, $3.50 children Location: Community Hall MENU Honey Glazed Ham Mashed Potatoes w/Red Eye Gravy Brown Sugar Yams Corn Pudding Green Beans Almondine Five-cup Fruit Salad Broccoli/Cauliflower Salad Fresh Greens Salad Deviled Eggs Fresh Veggie Tray Corn Muffins and Dinner Rolls Assorted Spring Desserts Beverages
Reservations appreciated for parties of 6 or more Sign up at Welcome Center or Contact Michele @973-7793
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Holy Saturday Prayer Vigil
What does it mean to you to watch and wait prayerfully by the tomb? As the dark settles on Good Friday until daybreak Easter, you are invited to pray. Take half an hour during these 33 hours to pray and thank God for the gift of Jesus and all that he promises to us in his life, death and resurrection. The sign-up poster for the prayer vigil will be in the Concourse during Holy Week. Come by and find a time to commit to prayer as we await Easter Morning. Your prayer time can be done at home or at the church.
TEACHERS NEEDED!
Starbright Children’s Day Out is seeking teachers for the Summer Session. If you have a heart for children under age 6 and would like to work in a fun environment, please contact Dayna Slater at 728-4778 or email starbrightokc@gmail.com. We have weekly themes with activity ideas, pizza days, special snacks, and all supplies are provided. Mondays & Wednesdays June & July (except VBS week) 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
HELP A YOUNG MAN REACH HIS EAGLE SCOUT GOAL by Scott Kincannon
For a Life Scout to become the rank of eagle, they must complete a set of requirements. One of these requirements is the eagle project. The eagle project is to display leadership in a service project that benefits the community. My eagle project is for Deer Creek Elementary schools and the project is to build Little Free Libraries to be placed outside each elementary school. The Little Free Library will be stocked with books and will give elementary students a chance to read throughout the year with the Library placed outside each school. However, these libraries have one rule: you take a book - you leave a book, so each library is forever updating. Would you help me fill the libraries? If you would be willing to donate new or gently used elementary level books, please bring them to church during April. I will have a table in the Concourse on Sunday, April 19, to pick up any donations; or during the month they can be left at the Welcome Center.
Children GIRLS’ Night Out BOYS’ Night Out Coming in April!
4th and 5th grade Girls’ Night Out Will be Friday, April 24 from 6-9 pm
4th and 5th grade Boys’ Night Out Will be Saturday, April 25 from 6-9 pm
This is a great night of fun and fellowship! We will have pizza, snacks, pop, and a great movie as well as other fun things to do! The fun begins when the 4th and 5th graders are checked in at Suite 45 and continues until you pick them up at the front doors of the Church at 9pm. LOTS of FUN!!! Please RSVP to to Cindy at cbrackenbury@ churchoftheservant.com by April 17, 2015 Cost: $4 **An adult helper is needed for each night. Please let Cindy know if you can help.
Troop 177
Scott Kincannon Life Scout BSA Troop 177
The first weekend in March, the Boy Scout Troop attended the Baden Powell Encampment in Chandler, Oklahoma. At the camp there were many things to do, like: throwing knives, blacksmithing, candle making, atlatls (an ancient hunting tool), and black powder shooting. The camp was really fun for all the boys that went. Recently, we had a special guest join the Troop, Ben, who is a Venture Scout from England. The Troop adopted the street in front of the Church and we will be cleaning it once a quarter. This summer, the Troop is going to Cris Dobbins Summer Camp in Colorado. Also, the troop is doing some service projects over the summer. Visit www.BSAtroop177ok.org to learn more about Troop 177 or follow us on Facebook at BSA-Troop-177. Max McChesney BSA Troop 177 Scribe SERVANT March 25, 2015 I Page 7
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 8 Who is This Man? John Ortberg Sherri Boyd Begins April 8 Fight back with Joy
Dr. Robyn Goggs
Begins April 8
Friday Mom’s Group A.M. Keep it Shut
Nicole Baldwin
Begins April 10
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 8 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 Life Together Our Prayers
u Donna Armstrong as her brother-in-law, Fred Muller, recuperates from surgery in Tulsa. u Phyllis Armstrong as Phyllis deals with health issues. u Susan Barnes as Susan’s mother, Helen Barnes, recuperates from surgery. u Neal, Kim, Maddie and Micah Bilger as Neal’s mother, Beth Bilger, deals with health issues.
Our Sympathy
u Family and Friends at the death of Nancy Burgess. u Larry and Judy Cincotta and David Brambrink and Family at the death of Larry’s and Judy’s friend and David’s wife, Paula Prambrink. u Rocky Cooper and Family at the death of Rocky’s sister, Elsie Cooper. u Fred and Janet Curren and Family at the death of Janet’s father, Marvin Gibbs.
u Hazel Bishop as Hazel deals with health issues.
u Betty Garris at the death of Betty’s friend, Billie Whitaker.
u Jason, Jacque and Emma Bruce as Emma recuperates from a procedure.
u Walt Hawkins Jr., and Lauren Hawkins and Family at the death of Lauren’s grandmother, Betty Silas.
u Max and Debbie Colclasure as Debbie’s mother, Paris Osborne, deals with health issues. u C.J. Frederick as C.J. recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Charlie Graham as Charlie’s grandmother, Mazelle Chrouch, deals with health issues. u Danielle Harvey as Danielle asks for our prayers for peace and healing. u Nick and Ann Knutson as Ann’s mother, Kathryn Conwell, deals with health issues. u Shelia, Langston, and Jasper McPherson as Shelia’s mother and Langston’s and Jasper’s grandmother, Virgie McPherson, deals with health issues. u Jeff Murray as Jeff’s mother, Julia Murray, deals with health issues. u Brian, Angela, Josh and Kylie Perry as Angela’s mother, Pauline Beck, recuperates from surgery in Houston, Texas. u Johnny, Donna, Lauren and Jill Powell as Johnny recuperates from surgery. u Charles and Nancy Waggoner as Charles recuperates from surgery.
Celebrating
u Kent and Dana Israel at the birth of their son, Beckham Clark Israel. The proud brother is Blake Israel. The proud grandparents are Michael and Susan Ketchersid. The proud aunts and uncle are Sandy Ebert and Kyle and Tara Israel.
u Dick and Susan Muehleisen and Family at the death of Susan’s uncle, Bob Martin. u Bill and Mary White and Sherry Thurman and Family at the death of Bill’s and Mary’s friend and Sherry’s husband, Bill Thurman.
Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Youth Ministry in memory of Bob & Jo Gentry by Claudia Ingram.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lilly Dunlap by Betty Nakagawa. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lilly Dunlap by Sandra and Roger Dunlap. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of The Stevens Family by Robert and Prudy Gorrell. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of Larry & Donna Miles by Robert and Prudy Gorrell. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Harrell Pickens by Prime Time. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant 13.2 Coffee Shop in memory of Bob Gentry by Candyce, Amanda & Audrey Adams.
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.
IT HURTS : A single person is missing, and for you, the whole world is empty.
“Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it. We anticipate (we know) that our husband could die, but we do not look beyond the few days or weeks that immediately follow such an imagined death. We misconstrue the nature of even those few days or weeks. We might expect this shock to be obliterative, dislocating to both body and mind. We might expect that we will be prostrate, inconsolable, crazy with loss. We do not expect to be literally crazy, cool customers who believe their husband is about to return and need his shoes.” - Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking. The reactions to grief are as varied as each of us, but being a widow doesn’t have to mean being alone with our grief. Please consider contacting Sherri Price, 405.202.6954, sherriprice@cox.net, to discuss options for connecting with others who understand where you are. Whether you are grieving a loss that happened recently or years ago. Church of the Servant Stand in the Gap desires to walk closely with those who are hurting, support them in practical and emotional ways, and form Kindred Communities who can empathize with, learn from, and support each other. Being a widow should not have to mean being alone. SERVANT March 25, 2015 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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HE HAS CHURCH OF THE SERVANT