Newsletter 03.27.13

March 27, 2013

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 13.6

Believe s Belong s Become

United Methodist

Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com

Rebuilding Together Mission Day Saturday, April 13

Registration continues through Sunday, April 7

On Saturday, April 13, the Mission Council will sponsor a long-standing church tradition of partnering with Rebuilding Together, a national organization striving to keep elderly people in their homes by repairing and updating for their changing needs. Again this year we have adopted two homes here in the OKC metro area. To complete these projects, we need 100 people who are willing to make a 4-hour commitment to work that day. We will also form a group that can prepare lunch and snacks for our workers. Workers on these sites must be at least 18 years old. This is a great opportunity for a Sunday School Class or Small Group to have a mission experience together.

There is a morning shift and afternoon shift. Come by for more info at the table in the Concourse. If you have questions about the projects or about being involved, please contact Clay Cockrill at Clay.Cockrill@boldt.com.

Skyline Food Pantry on 8th Street Needs Some Volunteer Help

Skyline needs a few volunteers to be a receptionist to give callers information on the food pantry. Volunteers are needed: Mondays, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. A volunteer is also needed to be a substitute in the pantry on weekdays, 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in serving in this way, please contact Brandy Conrad, Pantry Director, at 236-5212.

Remember Skyline in Your Grocery Shopping

Skyline Urban Ministries, on an average day, provides food to 72 people in Oklahoma City. The need for groceries - especially protein staple food - is always present. When you are shopping this week, consider purchasing something extra to put in the grocery basket on Sunday. Needed right now: Peanut Butter, Tuna, Canned Meat, Powdered Milk.

Our Exodus House Apartment Is Being Refurnished

Our latest resident has graduated the program and will begin a new life with the things in her apartment that were given to her from members of Church of the Servant. We celebrate her success in starting life again, going in the right direction after a time in prison. The Servant apartment will be welcoming a new resident with high hopes for great success too.

The team that prepares the apartment has gathered most items, but does have some specific needs: a sofa, a living room side chair and a chest of drawers.If you have these items in good condition and are willing to donate them to an excellent ministry, please contact Dale and June Krumme at 749-0509.

Skyline Prom Dress Event

Every Spring Skyline Urban Ministry holds a prom dress shop for high school girls in the urban Oklahoma City area. The dresses will be distributed to young ladies who otherwise would be unable to take part in this special “rite of passage�. On behalf of Skyline, our Missions Ministry is currently collecting up-to-date, gentlyused, one-time-worn prom dresses and formal wear, especially in larger sizes. Accessories, purses, shoes, and jewelry are also needed. Dresses will start to be given away towards the end of March and through April, so the sooner we receive donated dresses, the better. Donations may be dropped off at the church in Dr. Robyn Goggs office. Please try to have donation to the church by Sunday, April 7.

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Is Jesus Just One Of Many Good Choices?

Recently I heard a speaker on CNN make the old argument that “Jesus was a good teacher and that is enough.” He went on to add that no one can prove that Jesus was the Son of God or did any miracles. He concluded by saying that Jesus is one of many good choices for people to follow including Buddha and Mohammed and that the thinking person could pick and chose the best from them all.

There is a problem with that, of course, for Christians. Jesus demands our all and all. Furthermore, he claims to be the Son of God. To believe Jesus is to believe what he says.

Strangely, Sam Webster, a pagan priest, explains it pretty well in a recent article in Patheos, a forum for interfaith dialog. He contrasts paganism and Christianity to show the distinctive demand the God of the Bible makes:

Dr. Robert Gorrell

Fundamentally, Paganism is disjunct from Christianity. A person can only be one or the other. While technically a Pagan is not forbidden to worship Jesus Christ, Christians are condemned to eternal punishment if they worship anyone other than the persons of the Trinity. If you are Christian, worshiping other gods is one of the most massive sins you can commit… Here is a link to a fairly normative, if biblically founded, Evangelical presentation of the Christian understanding of other gods. If, as a Christian, you think you can dodge this problem, you will have to answer to your God. He forbids the worship of other gods. These scriptures dispose of the Christian side of the equation: You can’t be a Christian and do Pagan things.

Webster means it in a negative way and says it differently than I would, but he gets the point: Christians can only worship Christ. We don’t pick from a smorgasbord of faith ideas. Christ’s distinctive claim is that he died on the cross as the Son of God. That act redeemed us from our broken relationship with God. It is a role only the Son of God can fulfill. His miraculous resurrection (literal and real - not symbolic) establishes his reign over life and death.

Should we treat people of other faiths with dignity and respect? Absolutely! Is there value in conversation with people who believe differently than we do? Yes! But faith in Christ is not something we can be wishy-washy about. Being a Follower of Christ demands our total commitment and absolute faithfulness.

Easter reminds us that for Christians, there is only one choice: Jesus!

- Robert

Available at Earthglow...”Oklahoma Guitar” is the new album by Edgar Cruz. If you were at the Mobile Meals concert, you heard him play some great new tracks from it. Also available, beautiful and inspirational wall crosses, some made of wood, some of metal. All profits go to missions.

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Sporting Clay Shoot Scheduled May 4

If you enjoy shooting sporting clays you will want to join a group from Church of the Servant. They will be shooting Saturday May 4 at Silver Leaf Gun Range in Guthrie, Oklahoma, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The cost is approximately $25 and you will need to furnish your own gun and protective wear as well as shells. If you do not have a gun you can rent one at the gun range and you can buy shells there. This event is held each spring and fall and is a great time of fun and fellowship. If you would like to be a part of this shoot, sign up at the Welcome Center beginning Sunday, April 7 or call Tom McGee in the church office at 721-4141.

Servant Foundation Golf Tournament Saturday, June 1

The golf tournament is an annual event and will be played at the Fairfax Golf Course Saturday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m. Reserve this date now and look for more information about the tournament in future newsletter articles as well as the church bulletin. Put together your four person scramble group now and plan to be a part of this special event. Sign up for the tournament will begin on Sunday, May 5. If you have questions about the tournament feel free to call Tom McGee in the church office at 721-4141. If you would like to be a business hole sponsor in the tournament, you can do that at a cost of $100 per hole.

More Great Talent Coming to PRIME TIME!

WOW! Prime Time is really attracting some amazing talents! Our next program, which will start at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, is Deonna Cattledge. Deonna, a native of Michigan, is an Oklahoma City University student in Vocal Performance.

She recently completed her undergraduate degree, and plans to continue her studies in pursuit of a career in professional performance. Deonna has a magical soprano voice, and will thrill us with a wonderfully eclectic program. She will entertain us with operatic pieces, sacred music, spirituals, Broadway musical tunes, and much more.

This is such a special opportunity to hear a truly talented young woman blessed with an angelic voice. Be sure to sign up at the Welcome Center, or contact the church office at 721-4141. The program only is $2.00, and program and lunch is $10.00. If you sign up and cannot attend, please call to cancel your reservation as Prime Time is responsible for all meals reserved. Thank you, and hope to see you at PRIME TIME!

An Evening with SANDI PATTY

Only a few seats left! Purchase your tickets today!

Sandi Patty, Oklahoma’s nationally known recording artist will be presenting a concert and conversation at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City on May 7 at 7:00 p.m.

No other Christian artist at work today is better suited to sing about life’s journey than Sandi Patty. Still bursting with creative energy and magnetic talent three decades into her career, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee with 40 Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, and an armload of platinum and gold albums has seen professional peaks and personal valleys alike while in the spotlight, all of them tempered by the grace of God. Join us for this very special evening as we get to know the woman behind “The Voice.” Purchase tickets in the church office or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.

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Get to know me...

Student ministries has changed my life in the most positive ways. I love being able to come to church and being welcomed every day and feeling more loved by everyone there. The kids in our ministry are incredible and welcome everyone and anyone that walks in. Going on mission trips with the youth brings me closer to all of them and also God. I love being able to act myself with our ministry and open up, knowing someone will always be there to listen. I love how our youth group is like one big family and everyone is there for anyone. I love how everyone can be crazy and have fun, but when it is time to settle down and be serious with each other and God, we do. This student ministry has helped develop me into the person I am and also my relation with God. I’m so grateful and blessed to grow up in our student ministries.

- Kayla Reed

Cub Scout Pack 177

The last few months have been busy for Pack 177 Cub Scouts! We started the new year off with a Pinewood Derby Workshop which culminated in the first ever Church of the Servant Pack 177 Pinewood Derby on March 3. A special congratulations to Mr. Benjamin Power, Mr. Jack McChesney, and Mr. Jack Pratt for their 3rd, 2nd, and first place finishes, respectively. We recently attended Martin Nature Center where we learned about local wildlife, went on a hike, and finally made environmentally-friendly bird feeders. Our upcoming events include an overnight stay at the Science Museum, an evening at the Redhawks baseball game, and an overnight camping trip in May. Please check out our Facebook page (BSAPack177) for upcoming event notifications and feel free to contact Marc McChesney, Cubmaster at 405-990-0497.

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u Carl and Patsy Brock as Patsy recuperates from surgery and faces treatment.

u Carolyn Beavers at the death of her friend, Jack Farris.

u Ray and Lois Crooks as Lois recuperates from injuries from a fall.

u Curtis and Ruby Cline and Steve, Becky, and Peyton Disney and Kylie Harkins and Family at the death of Curtis’ mother and Becky’s grandmother, Creola Edmonds.

u Bill and Melba Howard as Bill faces surgery at McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital. u Richard and Jane Kirby as Jane’s mother, Margo Rost, recuperates from an illness. u George Kouba as he deals with health issues and recuperates from a procedure. u Betty Jo Large as her mother, Ruth Large, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Darryl and Maxine Leslie as their friend, Wylene Armstrong, deals with health issues. u Kenneth and Taelorshae Manley and Melissa and Hope Kincheleo as Kenneth deals with health issues.

u Family and friends at the death of Joan Gilliam. u David and Linda Reed, Mike, Lisa, Emily, and Kathryn Rosenberg, Lance, Ricque, Kelsey, Karley, and Connor Reed, and Lane, Kelly, Jack, Julie, and Drew Reed and Family at the death of Linda’s uncle, Lisa, Lance, and Lane at the death of their great-uncle, and Emily, Kathryn, Kelsey, Karley, Connor, Jack, Julia, and Drew at the death of their great-great-uncle, Jack Farris. u Carol Whittenbaugh at the death of her dog, Baxter.

u Sally Noakes as her father, Bill Noakes, deals with health issues. u Norman and Kipp Neaves as Kipp’s sister, Lynn Jones, deals with health issues in Virginia. u Larry and Linda Nowlin as Linda deals with health issues. u Harrell and Wilma Pickens as Harrell recuperates from an illness. u Dale Putnam and Jolene Ingram as Jolene’s son, Scott Ingram, faces surgery in Texas. u Doug and Ella Sprung as their nephew, Joe Walts, recuperates from surgery in Wisconsin. u Steven, Angela, and Angelica Strozier as Angela’s brother-in-law, Joe Buckingham, deals with health issues. u Dan and Frances Trammell as Dan deals with health issues. u Bill and Ruth Tyo as their nephew, David Ross, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Bill and Mary White as Mary’s uncle, Delbert Fuhrmann, and their granddaughter, Adriane White, recuperate from illnesses; and their daughter-in-law, Amanda White recuperates from surgery. u Judi Worsham as she deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Primetime in memory of Frances Durrett by Bob & Jo Gentry. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Undesignated Memorial Fund in memory of Kent Duncan by Ester Fowble. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Dutch Dennis by Susan Sutter. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dutch Dennis by Robert & Opal Warren. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Mickey Gross by Sheryl Dunham. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Mickey Gross by Wednesday Bridge Club. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Mickey Gross by Irene & Leonard Cowan.

u Al and Carolyn Lowery and Mark, Tammy, Isabella, Connor, and Luke Beard, at the birth of Al’s and Carolyn’s great-grandson and Mark’s and Tammy’s great-nephew, Carter Joe Lowery. The proud parents are Christopher and Kelsey Lowery. u Magan Eissenstadt, daughter of Eric and Sandy Eissenstadt, was just named a National Merit Scholar. She is a senior at Putnam City North High School.

The award begins with the recognition of 50,000 students out of 1.5 million students nationwide who are high school seniors. Those achieving the top scores on their PSAT scores are then evaluated with the top 16,000 being named semi-finalists if they are among the top 1% of the students taking the test in their state.

The process continues through more difficult evaluations until the finalists are named, and then from that very elite group there are 2,500 who are chosen as a National Merit Scholar.

There are only 12 of these from OKC and our Magan is one of them! Congratulations to you, Magan, for this extraordinary achievement.

You make all of us very proud!

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Mickey Gross by Primetime. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Mickey Gross by Patricia Morton. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow in memory of Mickey Gross by Earthglow Staff members. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow in memory of Frances Durrett by Earthglow Staff members. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dutch Dennis by Transition Sunday School Class. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Mickey Gross by Kathleen Schurr. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Mickey Gross by Patty Cortez. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Mickey Gross by Tom & Judy McGee.