April 6, 2016
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 16.7
APRIL 17, 2016
CELEBRATING OVER $700,000
DONATED TO MISSIONS
40
YEARS
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR CHURCH WIDE SILENT AUCTION 4/17/16 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Celebrating
Confirmation
Sunday, we celebrated 39 young people offering their lives to Christ. Through a powerful process we call Confirmation, these wonderful middle school students have grown in their faith and made the commitment of a lifetime. What is confirmation? An article, From Beyond Baptism: What Confirmation means to United Methodists, by Joe Iovino, UMC.org October 2015, describes Confirmation this way: Confirmation is an opportunity to respond to the grace of God available to us, as acknowledged in baptism, and to promise to live as a person of faith. What God offers us must be accepted in repentance and faith. Confirmation includes three aspects: a) God confirms the divine promise to those who were too young to grasp what God was doing in their baptism, b) they respond by professing their own acceptance of the grace they have received and their own faith in Christ, c) the Church, as represented by this congregation, confirms the commitments they make. It is the first time that persons publically declare their intention to live out the vows of the baptismal covenant... It is not intended to be the last time. It is also a time for a congregation to celebrate their young people’s commitment to “live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ,” and to renew their commitment to do the same. Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
No one gets to a commitment to follow Christ on their own. These young people have all been a part of a process that began with great love in their own homes from their wonderful families. Our church stepped up and loved and supported them through their years in Children’s Ministries. And now, through the beautiful process called Confirmation, leaders in our church have offered them the best of the faith. Ultimately though, each of these young people have decided for themselves to follow Jesus. I don’t know about you, but that lifts my spirit up to the gates of heaven! I want to thank Jenna Smith, who leads Middle School Ministries, for her inspirational leadership in putting Confirmation together. Jenna assembled an amazing team of lay volunteers, staff, and our ministers to help each of these young people know Christ more deeply. But most of all this is God’s work. God pursued each of these young people and loved them. Isn’t it awesome to see God at work in our church! - Robert
DO MODERN SCIENTIFIC STUDIES CONTRADICT THE BIBLE?
Christians believe that the Bible is a divinely inspired book that has been given to mankind by God. If that is so, then we would expect that truth claims in the Bible should be accurate. However, some of the discoveries of modern science seem to cast doubt about the veracity of certain accounts in the Bible, particularly in regard to the account of creation and the first few chapters in Genesis. Are these accounts simply myth? Are they contradicted by scientific discoveries? Does the story of creation in the Bible have any relevance to what we have learned from science about our origin? On Sunday, April 17, Dr. Michael Strauss, a Professor in the College of Arts and Science at the University of Oklahoma, will address these and other questions in areas where scientific discoveries and Biblical claims seem to contradict. It begins at 10:45 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cross. No reservation is required. All are welcome. Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Missions
Have You Registered for Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event? 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. We believe with all of our heart that these packaging events help make a tremendous difference in feeding hungry children and giving them hope for tomorrow. Again, our meal goal is to package 151,000 meals! On Sunday morning, May 1, the entire church will work all morning long to package 151,000 meals which will be shipped all over the world to help feed hungry children. If you haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late. Go online to: www.churchoftheservant.com/missions/events, where you will be able to register you, your family and friends, a group, etc. You can register for one of three shifts: 7:30am, 9:15am, or 10:30am. I want to encourage you to register for the 7:30am shift. It is the hardest shift to fill with volunteers. Thank you for joining with over 1300 volunteers to help end hunger in our lifetime! Do you have questions? Feel free to contact Scott Smith at ssmith@churchoftheservant.com.
Rebuilding Together Is THIS Saturday What a great weekend we have ahead of us as we restore two local homes for seniors in our community. Remember if you are participating to look for email coming with information this week and if you are able, attend the short pre-information meeting on this Thursday at 6pm in Community Hall.
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). SERVANT April 6, 2016 I Page 3
Women Explore your Spiritual Gifts Women’s Bible Study Wednesday, April 13, 9:30am-11am for 4 weeks | South Adult Room 1/2
It has been said, “He who buries his talent is making a grave mistake.” How true this statement is for so many Christians. God has given each believer gifts that are to be used for God’s glory, but we often don’t use them. We may deny that we actually have a spiritual gift or if we do acknowledge it, we may doubt its usefulness to glorify God, and then just bury it. But we must realize that God wants us to be involved with His work. God is so gracious that, by the Holy Spirit, gifts are freely distributed to all who have made Jesus Lord over their lives. God not only wants us to know our spiritual gifts, but we are expected to grow in them each day. Over a four week period, Dr. Robyn Goggs will lead us in discovering and exploring our own spiritual gifts using the Bible. Come discover how God can uniquely equip you through gifts and passions to bring glory to the Kingdom.
Covenant: God’s Enduring Promises by Kay Arthur Wednesdays, 9:00 to 11:15 AM, May 11 – July 13 | South Adult Room 6 | All
Covenant: God’s Enduring Promises explores God’s initiatives with humanity by studying His covenants throughout history. Kay Arthur shows that the idea of covenant – God’s enduring promise – is key to understanding our relationship to God. Learn about the remarkable ways the old covenant points to the promises of the new covenant. No more empty promises. Trust issues develop because people fail us, but biblical truths have the power to sustain us, because God’s Word never fails. Join us for this 8-week inductive Bible study that will teach you how to seek and find these truths through documented covenants. You can register on the Connect Card, at the Welcome Center, or online (Deadline to sign up is April 27). Led by Nancy Harris.
“What a great evening! When can we do it again?” This was the consensus after Friday night’s women’s game night in Community Hall. Forty-four women shared great potluck food and two hours of games and tons of laughter. Old friendships were nurtured and new ones discovered as we played Uno, Skipbo, Hand and Foot, Phase 10, Dominos, Scrabble, Apples to Apples and Pictionary. Women moved around to the game they wanted to play all evening. Watch the newsletter for another evening in the summer to do it again! Thank you to everyone who came and helped. Our donation for the evening went to the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary for the good work they are doing in the city.
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HANDBELL CONCERT Sunday, April 24 at 4:00pm
Music
Think handbells only play hymns? Thank again. Both the adult and youth bell choirs will be performing a variety of music. Songs like “Good Vibrations” and several Beatles songs. The group will also play some more traditional handbell music with many added features you don’t often get to experience “close up.” The youth handbell choir, “Bronze,” will be touring in the Santa Fe area on Memorial weekend. You will get to hear many of the songs they will be performing at St. John’s UMC and the famous Loretto Chapel. Please make plans to attend this 45-minute, intimate concert in the Courtyard.
Replacing the Mighty Palms Have you ever watched someone walk into our Celebration Center for the first time and marvel at the beauty of the room? As their eyes dart around to the plants and trees, maybe you remember your first time you saw this beautiful garden too, and thought to yourself this is indeed a very special place! It’s been over 22 years since we began to worship in this holy place. The plants have grown and some have been replaced as their time had come. The trees have grown too, and a couple of them have been taken down, while others have thrived very well. The large palm trees have become a focal point of the room and many, many people have marveled not only of their beauty, but also of their flourishing in an indoor environment. Unfortunately, the time has come to replace those mighty palm trees with some younger ones that have been specifically grown for us in low light conditions, much like they will encounter inside the Celebration Center. The existing palms are over 30 years old and are stretching and bending toward the light, and according to our experts who planted them in 1993, the trees have reached their useful life and it is time to replace them. They will be replaced with the same type palm as is planted now, and will be in the 12 to 14 foot high range. That is the same size as the original trees were when they were planted. They will continue to grow and quickly become a part of the natural beauty of the room. As we plan for this to happen, I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the Heavens” (NIV). This “activity “ is scheduled to begin soon after Holy Week, and will not disrupt our worship services at all. These trees have been central fixtures of our Celebration Center and as they are replaced, we intend to maintain the beauty, the importance, as well as the reason these trees are part of who we are at Church of the Servant. Don Cole Director of Facilities
Adult PRIME TIME Thursday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. Our April program features our own Rita Aragon, retired US Air National Guard two-star General who is currently serving as the 4th Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans affairs (the first woman to hold that position). In addition to her distinguished military career, during which she was awarded 15 US Air Force medals, Aragon has served as an elementary school teacher and principal. She was named OKC Excellent Educator of the Year in 1990, and OKC Principal of the year in 1992. She was named by the Oklahoma Journal Record as 2008 Woman of the Year and in 2009 was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. We are truly blessed to have such a distinguished speaker who is also a member of Church of the Servant, active in the Chapel Community! The title of Rita’s address is: “Veterans: They Touch Our Community.” The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs provides a complete service to the state’s veterans. This service includes: nursing care, financial assistance in emergencies, and field service counseling in the filing of claims for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and state benefits. Rita will fill us in on the valuable work done by this organization, and the importance of nurturing and recognizing our Veterans who have sacrificed so much for all of us. Following the program will be our usual time of fellowship with old and new friends as we enjoy the meal prepared for us: chicken pot pie casserole, salad, peach cobbler, and beverages. You can enjoy the program and lunch for $ 10.00, or if you come only for the program, the cost is $ 2.00. Sign up at the Welcome Center, or call the church office, 721-4141, no later than 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 11, to make your reservation. SERVANT April 6, 2016 I Page 5
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL “Cave Quest” June 6-9, 2016 WISHING TREE The Vacation Bible School (VBS) Wishing Tree is for supplies and materials that are needed for VBS. The items are inexpensive, but because of the quantity needed, they can take a big chunk out of the VBS budget. Beginning April 10 and for the next four Sundays, there will be a table in the Concourse next to the VBS Wishing Tree. Stop by and check out the items to be donated. If you are able to help, select a card or two from the tree, purchase the items, and return the items to the office by the date printed on the card. Since some of the items are needed earlier than others, the return dates are different on some of the cards.
CREATE NIGHTS Come help us create the decorations for VBS! No special skills are needed, just come with helping hands. • April 27 – FAMILY CREATE NIGHT. Specific stations designed for children and families to work together. • May 4 – Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area • May 11 – Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area • May 18 – Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area • May 25 – Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area All create nights are on Wednesdays, from 6pm to 8pm, and include pizza at 6pm and nursery. Please RSVP each week to jill@splatcat.com or by phone or text at 401-330-7136 (mind the area code, that really does say 401).
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER! Don’t you want to experience VBS along with all the kids? Whether you want to be a Crew Leader, a Teacher (Bible, KidVid and Imagination Station rooms are available) or help with Snacks, there is a place for you. Volunteer registration can be found at www.churchoftheservant.com/events – look for the VBS link. If you have questions about VBS, contact Martha Stone at marth@hotmail.com. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our KIDS are SO GREAT!
Since September, Children’s Ministries Leadership Team has led the children of our church in raising money for Water4. They have raised more than $3,000 for this worthy cause!
Children
We will be accepting funds until our WOW closing on April 20. Feel free to join in and help us bring water to economic water scarcity areas. We are so very proud to see these children be a moving force in sharing the love of Christ!
Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, we are bringing money to help African school communities learn to build their own equipment for water wells. Water4 teaches these communities to make the materials needed and how to drill the wells. This helps the families have clean water to drink and because of that, they are more healthy. This project was chosen by our Children’s Mission Leadership Team of 4th and 5th graders.
Troop 177 Troop 177 has recently had some pretty fun campouts. The last weekend of February, we had two campout options that included hiking. One option was a difficult 12-mile hike through Dead Man’s Gap and Horsethief Spring. The second was a 5-mile hike up Elk trail in the Wichita Mountain. In March, at the end of Spring Break, we had Spring-O. At Spring-O, sixteen Boy Scouts improved our orienting skills. Using a map and compass, we navigated through different leveled courses in the woods and trails of Sid Richardson Scout Ranch in Texas. As half the troop was coming back from Spring-O, others were helping by volunteering at the Church of the Servant’s Easter Celebration. An upcoming camping trip is the Eagle District Camporee in Guthrie, Oklahoma in early April. - Aiden Gerst SERVANT April 6, 2016 I Page 7
Students
T
his past March, I had the opportunity to join the High School students on a mission trip to Chicago. I saw God not so much in the mission work that we did, but more in the people we did it with, as well as in our students. Juan Pablo, one of the coordinators from DOOR, is an amazing example; he was always smiling, always had everyone where they needed to be, and had an extremely positive way about handling everything. Our students were also amazing and they all connected very well, which is sometimes hard to do. They had an impact on me and I’m blessed to have been part of this experience.
To be part of a church that has such an amazing youth program is a true blessing. These students all did the right things and where extremely respectful. I was blown away by how well my work group connected in such a short amount of time and how they embraced me as their leader. I also saw God work through Sang. This being my first mission trip with this church, I was able to see the love Sang has for God and these students. No matter what the issue or the situation, Sang was able to lead them with love and God’s Grace. He is a true example of someone who has a servant’s heart. I was truly blessed to be able to share this time, not only with my son but also with an amazing group of adults and young adults. Watching these kids grow in God was beautiful and that’s how I saw God work during this mission trip; through the faces of our leaders and our youth. - Heather Lowry, Volunteer
F
rom our first introduction by Juan Pablo (JP) into the DOOR program and how it was helping the city, I could see that God was at work in Chicago. I also could tell that there were a lot of needs throughout the city, based on the diversity of jobs we were assigned during the week. Our groups would feed homeless people a hot meal, box up food at a warehouse for people in need, work in community gardens, and clean in day cares. There were many different needs that our small group would be a part in helping. I saw God work through our students and leaders in the way they volunteered their time on the jobs, always with a smile, no complaints, carrying on conversations with strangers they came into contact with each day (at job sites, on the bus, train, on the street). Our students could see that helping to provide hot meals for people in the neighPage 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
I am humbled every time I get to do a Mission Trip and was blessed immensely by the incredible and selfless team that shared Christ with our students and the people of Chicago. There aren’t enough words to express the impact they had on these students and myself. Thank you Hurst Jones, Mike Gentry, Nicholas Foster, Shannon Schultheis, Heather Lowry, Beth Parker, Bayli Blanchard, and Mary Stuteville. - Sang Nguyen, HS Pastor
borhood near the Turkey Chop restaurant was needed and appreciated by the people they served. Learning how programs are helping in the communities shows that any personal time people are able to give is valued and appreciated by all people impacted. Students gave up their Spring Breaks, and leaders gave up time from their jobs and families to go work where help was needed, because God was working in them. - Beth Parker, Volunteer
M
icah 6:8 says, “No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Chicago was my third mission trip experience, following Colorado Springs, Colorado and Guatemala City, Guatemala. All three were entirely different. In Chicago, we were constantly surrounded by diverse cultures, amazing communities, highly developed transportation, unique people, and busy lives. Everything in Chicago was different from Colorado and Guatemala, but it was all the same. We were called to the same mission; the same actions were required of us by God. God worked in our lives
in the same creative, intense, ever-present way. That being said, I saw God in Chicago primarily by traveling through the different communities. In the mornings we were in impoverished communities full of families that struggle to feed their kids, then we got on the subway with people who just needed money for a ticket to get them three stops down, and then several more stops down we were in the Chicago that the media portrays - the developed and affluent city. We were continually reminded that what was right in front of us, what seemed pressing and important at home or at school or during basketball practice, paled in comparison to what God was doing on a larger scale in this city and every city. He is working in Chicago, He is working in Oklahoma City, He is working in our hearts; and what we really gained was a greater sense of perspective. So coming out of Mission Chicago, let it be about this: greater perspective, better empathy, a stronger love, and a God just as great as He has always been. - Andi Butler, Junior
Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Bert and Peggy Akins as their son, Scot Akins, deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Ed and Cecilia Beckham as Cecilia deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Jinna Cota as Jinna deals with health issues. u Larry and Sharon Fanning as Larry faces surgery. u Janet Griffin as Janet deals with health issues and faces surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Elizabeth Large as Elizabeth’s brother, Steve Large, faces surgery at the OU Medical Center. u Pat and Linda Lewis as Linda faces surgery at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. u Kevin, Heather and Amelia Lytle as Heather’s mother, Helen, deals with health issues. u Robert and Debbie McCord as Debbie deals with health issues.
Celebrating Memories
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lois Crooks by Bill and Jody Humes. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries in memory of Lou Duncan by Doug and Ella Sprung. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Mission Ministry in memory of Lois Crooks by Barbara Eskridge. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries in memory of Lou Duncan by Billy Hebblethwaithe. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries in memory of Lou Duncan by Jack & Joanne Altekruse. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in memory of Ruth Allen by Jimmie Marrs. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in memory of Ruth Allen by Cheryl & Roy Vandiver. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lois Crooks by Larry & Carol Woodard. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Don Cline by Judith Raulston. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries in memory of Lou Duncan by Cathy Hersom. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lois Crooks by Friendship Force of Oklahoma, Inc. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Building Fund in memory of Melba Mitchell by Koinonia Klass--Church of the Servant.
u Dana Murphy as Dana’s mother, Carol Murphy, deals with health issues.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries in memory of Lou Duncan by Transitions Sunday School Class--Church of the Servant.
Our Sympathy
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in memory of Ruth Allen by Barbara Talley.
u Anna Donat and Family at the death of Anna’s husband, Paul Donat. u Nancy Hyde and Family at the death of Nancy’s father, Robert Yount.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 4/10 – KITCHEN CLOSED for High School Ministries’ “Pancake Breakfast” u 4/17 – Meatloaf, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, Rolls, Salad, Dessert, Tea. u 4/24 – Chicken Florentine Casserole, Crisp Romaine Salad, Rolls, Dessert, Tea.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lois Crooks by Deborah Reardon.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in memory of Ruth Allen by Betty Jewell. u A contribution has been made to the Servant Foundation in memory of William N. Weaver by Terry and Peter Weaver.
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 April 6, 2016 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Stop Hunger Now
On Sunday morning, May 1, we will host our 7th Stop Hunger Now packaging event! This is a day the entire church works together, over a 5-hour span of time, to package 151,000 meals. These meals are boxed and shipped all over the world to help feed hungry children. It truly is an amazing, life-saving event! After this year’s packaging event, we will have packaged over 1,000,000 meals. You, your family, your Sunday morning class and/or small group are invited to join our mission of ending global hunger! This Sunday, you can register and find out more about Stop Hunger Now at the Shack in the Concourse, or register online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.