April 8, 2015
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 15.6
Palm Sunday with Children’s Ministry... always a Blessing!
AFTER EASTER
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
Keep Easter alive in your heart everyday! Sounds good but how do you do it, right? Find some inspiration. Read a book - the kind that will really challenge you. Here are quotes from some of my favorite authors to get you started: N.T. Wright from Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, “Jesus’s resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord’s Prayer is about.” Frederick Buechner from The Magnificent Defeat, “And now brothers, I will ask you a terrible question, and God knows I ask it also of myself. Is the truth beyond all truths, beyond the stars, just this: that to live without him is the real death, that to die with him the only life?” Bishop William H. Willimon, Thank God It’s Friday: Encountering the Seven Last Words from the Cross, “Despite our earnest efforts, we couldn’t climb all the way up to God. So what did God do? In an amazing act of condescension, on Good Friday, God climbed down to us, became one with us. The story of divine condescension begins on Christmas and ends on Good Friday. We thought, if there is to be business between us and God, we must somehow get up to God. Then God came down, down to the level of the cross, all the way down to the depths of hell. He who knew not sin took on our sin so that we might be free of it. God still stoops, in your life and mine, condescends. “Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” he asked his disciples, before his way up Golgotha. Our answer is an obvious, “No!” His cup is not only the cup of crucifixion and death, it is the bloody, bloody cup that one must drink if one is going to get mixed up in us. Any God who would wander into the human condition, any God who has this thirst to pursue us, had better not be too put off by pain, for that’s the way we tend to treat our saviors. Any God who tries to love us had better be ready to die for it. As Chesterton writes, “Any man who preaches real love is bound to beget hate.… Real love has always ended in bloodshed.” There are now wonderful Bible study and devotional Apps out there for your phone or tablet, and many are free. I use the Upper Room App, Explore by John Piper, The Alpha Daily Devotional, and The Book of Common Prayer Daily Office. My wife loves Jesus Calling. There is worship every week along with Sunday School and Bible study. The key is to be intentional. It takes effort and sacrifice. A small thing in light of what Jesus gave us. - Robert
“Any God who has this thirst to pursue us, had better not be too put off by pain, for that’s the way we tend to treat our saviors. Any God who tries to love us had better be ready to die for it.” Bishop William Willimon
Volunteers Needed for April 18 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. Register this Sunday. Forty people are still needed to fill the shifts.
Photos from Vietnam Mission Trip - March 2015
Missions HELP A YOUNG MAN REACH HIS EAGLE SCOUT GOAL
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: if 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 gentlyused elementary level books, please bring them to church during April. I will have a table in the Concourse 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
Second Annual Night Out At the Philharmonic Saturday, April 25
Important Dates for Mission: Sat, April 11 - Hannah’s Promise, 5-9pm
Sun, April 12 - Guatemala Team meeting after worship, noon Wed, April 15 - Car Seat Technician Training event at COS Thur, April 16 - REBUILDING TOGETHER Participants’ Meeting, 6:30pm Sat, April 18 - REBUILDING TOGETHER DAY Sat, April 25 - Car Seat Fitting at Infant Crisis Services
Would you be willing to serve as a host to the Philharmonic? Would you or someone you know like to attend? This is the second year that members of our congregation have participated in this special night to show our love and care for older members of our community that might not otherwise be able to get out at night and enjoy a group event like this. The production that evening is called, “A Night at the Cotton Club.” Each volunteer will be matched with a guest. The commitment involves picking up your guest around 7 p.m. on April 25, escorting your guest to the Civic Center then taking them home afterward. There is no cost for the evening. Last year we had 40 volunteers and recipients participate. Please sign up over the next few weeks at the Mission Kiosk or contact Susie Cobden at 728-4711. SERVANT April 8, 2015 I Page 3
Children EASTER CELEBRATION AND EGG HUNT!
Hundreds of children and their families joined in the fun and fellowship on Sunday afternoon, March 29 for the annual Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt. The Children’s Ministries staff want to thank all the volunteers who helped make this a fun and memorable event for the families of our congregation, as well as the community surrounding us.
4th and 5th Grade Girls’ Night Out will be Friday, April 24 from 6-9 pm
Boys’ Night Out will be Saturday, April 25 from 6-9 pm We are asking that RSVPs are made for these times.
Please RSVP to cbrackenbury@churchoftheservant.com by April 17 Cost: $4 Adult helpers are needed for each night. If you can do this, please let me know! We would love to have you!
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VBS: EVEREST June 8-11
Wishing Tree
The 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 12, and for the next three 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.
Sign up to Volunteer during the week
Don’t you want to experience VBS along with all the kids? Whether you want to be a Crew Leader, a Teacher (Bible, KidVid - formerly Chadder and Imagination Station rooms are available) or help with Snacks, there is some place for you. Volunteer registration here: http://goo.gl/kox9FS
Create Nights
Come help us create the decorations for VBS! No special skills are needed, just come with helping hands. • April 29 – FAMILY CREATE NIGHT. Specific stations designed for children and families to work together in the Community Hall. •
May 6 - Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area
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May 13 - Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area
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May 20 – Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area
•
May 27 - Downstairs in Children’s Ministry area
**All create nights are 6-8pm 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). If you have questions about VBS, contact Martha Stone at marth@hotmail.com
SERVANT April 8, 2015 I Page 5
Student
Mission Trip - City On A Hill
This mission trip has been one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had. The students went through the week without complaining. Students worked hard and learned more about the Navajo tribe. This incredible experience couldn’t have happened without our incredible leaders. If you get a chance, be sure to thank the following - Hurst Jones, Mike Gentry, Nicholas Foster, Michael Loruse, Zack Travers, Phillip Oliver, Joey Simpson, Nicki Humphrey, Amy Johnson, Jordan Todd, Jordan Picchionne, and Bekah Sanders! - Sang Nguyen
Until about a week before the mission trip, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to go or not. I have been raising money for Guatemala and I just wanted to focus on that. But, my mom told me one day that I would be going and that she had already paid for it. I was so excited! Going on the mission trip as a freshman, I was a little nervous. I didn’t really know what to expect but I was looking forward to meeting upper-classmen and serving God’s people. The very first day of mission work, my group went out to the middle of nowhere and we were going to help put insolation and drywall inside a house. It was a very hard task. The drywall was heavy and the insolation was itchy. But during our lunch break, the owner of the house, Gilbert, came out with us and he told us stories about his culture and it was so interesting. That was when I really realized how lucky I was to be experiencing Mission Shiprock. All the people that lived there were so kind and they cooked us the greatest dinner. I got so close to all of the people that went on the trip and I will never forget it. I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to go and make God smile. - Hillary Neaves “City on a Hill” was my first mission trip, but it won’t be my last. I have done mission work in my own community, through working at thrift shops, soup kitchens and fixing up properties that need some love and attention. The experience at Shiprock, New Mexico was a new level of understanding God’s love and grace. Being an adult/parent leader I was blessed to see our youth make a difference in the lives of the Navajo community. They did everything our Mission Facilitator, Mr. H, asked of them. Many times, they were asked to do something a little out of their comfort zones. Whether because they were learning a new skill or put in a position to visit with a complete stranger, they all rose to the opportunity to serve God. My favorite part of the trip was small group time and worship. I enjoyed listening to them describe the work they completed that day, watching them work through questions and discussing scriptures that apply to our daily lives allowed me to grow in my faith as well. Making intentional choices to serve God for God’s glory not their own is an amazing change in a person’s life that I was privileged to witness. Youth that barely spoke the first day in small group eventually prayed out loud for a member of our small group by the end of our week together. To me, this shows the power of a mission trip and how God works through every minute of that week to help us grow as His servants, not only for the people of the Shiprock community, but to one another. If you have a high school aged child, I strongly recommend that you be a part of their church life. Go on a mission trip with them over spring break or help with a small group on Wednesday nights; you will treasure the time that you have with them and their friends. To watch them grow as young Christians and to get to be a part of that growth is a priceless opportunity. - Amy Johnson Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Adult We are delighted to announce that the meals from our recent meal packaging event in February have been shipped to Catholic Relief Services in Burkina Faso. The most vulnerable populations in Burkina Faso will be receiving these Stop Hunger Now meals. The meals go directly to organizations supporting people living with HIV, orphans, the elderly, widows, the disabled, and young women forced into marriage. These individuals desperately need assistance before they can learn to provide for themselves. If you would like to find out more about Catholic Relief Services visit their website at: http://crs.org/ countries/burkina-faso. Save the date of Sunday, May 1, 2016 for the next Stop Hunger Now meal packaging event. This event is open not only to friends and families, but coworkers and organizations as well. For more information about next year’s SHN event, please contact Scott Smith at ssmith@churchoftheservant.com.
Happily Even After: Rewriting Your Storybook Ending Widows Event - Monday, April 13
Stand in the Gap Ministries was founded on listening - listening to God’s voice and His calling to “help widows in their distress” (James 1:27). For the past two years, Stand in the Gap has been listening to our widows’ voices, pain, stories, thoughts and feelings. Healing and growth come when we truly listen. Our widows have told us they need, among other things, social opportunities to join in fellowship with other widows. With this in mind, all widows and those with a heart for widows are invited to join Stand in the Gap Ministries to welcome Doug Manning, pastor and best-selling author. Manning’s 30 years in ministry have given him great insights into loss and the feelings, anxieties, and frustrations that come with widowhood. He blends humor with a message to produce a meaningful and motivational experience. Monday, April 13, 2015 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Crossings Community Center 10255 North Pennsylvania Oklahoma City, OK 73120 RSVP - RSVPOKC@sitgm.org (appreciated, but not necessary) Church of the Servant will have a group there. With your help, we can connect widows in need with people who care. We prayerfully ask you to invite the widows in your network of life to the Doug Manning event. If you would like to talk more about the event, please contact Sherri Price at 202-6954.
Brooke and Dr. Scott Bartlow and daughter Faith It is my great pleasure to announce that our Scott Bartlow is now Dr. Scott Bartlow having completed all requirements for his Ph.D in Leadership at Tennessee Temple University. I am so proud of Scott and all the hard work he has put in to achieve this goal. I know all of you join me in congragulating Scott for his achievement! - Dr. Robert Gorrell
Financial Peace University Coming in September!
We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! FPU will be held at Church of the Servant from 6:30 to 8:30pm beginning Wednesday, September 23 through November 18. Tom McGee and Peter Weaver will be instructing the 9-week event. For more information and to register go to: www.churchoftheservant.com SERVANT April 8, 2015 I Page 7
Women First Women’s Game Night Is a Great Success!
Sixty-four women gathered Friday, March 27 for fun with a purpose. We collected $360 to support the women’s program, called Bridge to Life, at the City Rescue Mission. It was a great evening of fellowship, amazing potluck and Bunko. Moving around the tables, many new friends were made. The evening was such a roaring success, that we hope to do it again this summer. Special thanks to the Women’s Leadership Team for their organization and planning for a great evening in Women’s Ministries.
SPRING OFFERINGS
Mark your calendar: Spring Offerings of women’s groups have just begun. It’s not too late to join a group for the next 6 weeks. For details and registration, visit the women’s page on the Church Website.
youyou are seen are known you are
free
PATSY CLAIRMONT
SARAH JAKES
MARILYN MEBERG
MARY GRAHAM
SANDI PATTY
WOMEN OF FAITH Share the Love: The Farewell Tour July 24-25
JEN HATMAKER
KORIE LUCI ROBERTSON SWINDOLL
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK JULY 24-25, 2015
CONTACT NAME:
THELMA WELLS
Susie Cobden
CONTACT INFO: scobden@churchoftheservant.com AMOUNT:
$85
FRIDAY 7-10pm | SATURDAY 9am-5pm COX CONVENTION CENTER ARENA
WOMENOFFAITH. COM 1.888.49FAITH Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
(1.888.493.2484)
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 a first come, first serve, basis until they are gone. To reserve your seat contact Susie Cobden at scobden@ churchoftheservant.com.
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Neal, Kim, Maddie and Micah Bilger as Neal’s mother, Beth Bilger, is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Martin and Doris Blazy as Martin is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u John and Sherri Bradford as John deals with health issues. u Marty and Dottie Christensen as Dottie deals with health issues. u Ryan, Sarah and Alaina Eads as Sarah faces surgery at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Ralph Engle as Ralph recuperates from a procedure. u Bryan, Lara, Geneva and Dorothy Gaston as Geneva recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Rick and Shirley Jackson as Shirley’s parent’s Quinton and Marie Skelton, both deal with health issues. u Ted, Denise, Sierra and Aidan Kraver as Denise recuperates from a procedure. u David, Sarah and Jackson Krivy as Sarah’s father, Larry Seward, undergoes treatment in Little Rock, Arkansas. u Ed Latham as Ed is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Darrell Nelson as Darrell recuperates from surgery. u Dianna Peters as Dianna deals with health issues. u Allen and Carrie Schlegel as Carrie deals with health issues. u Kenneth and Janie Sylvester as Janie’s cousin, Bobbie Streeter, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Don and Eleanor Whitsett as Eleanor is hospitalized at Mercy Rehab Hospital. u Bill and Nancy Whitten as Nancy deals with health issues. u J.R. and Lorene Wolf as Lorene’s brother Milton Evans, faces treatment.
Our Sympathy
Celebrating Memories
u Leigh Campbell and Family at the death of Leigh’s sister, Joyce Rumery.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jo Gentry by William & Jennifer Scimeca
u Rev. Linda Brinkworth and Steven Brinkworth and Family at the death of Linda’s father and Steven’s grandfather, Robert Owen Bennett.
Ivan and Alice Denny and Family at the death of Alice’s brother, Jack Finney. u Barbara Eskridge and Family at the death of Barbara’s sister-in-law, Pat King. u Lucy Shank, Larisa Leichter and Kurt and Cathy Leichter and Family at the death of their daughter, mother, and sister. u John Schille and Jimi Hadley and Family at the death of Jimi’s daughter, Carrie Attalla. u Warren and Suzanne Wilson and Family at the death of their son, Robert Wilson.
Celebrating
u Don and Doris Cline at the birth of their great-grandson, Cooper Byron Marick. Proud parents are Josh and Jessica Marick. Proud siblings are Jacob, Lexie, and Hadlie Marick of Flower Mound, Texas.
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.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Children’s Ministry in memory of David Barnes by MVC Sunday School Class
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Christopher Gilbert by Patricia McGarrity & Leroy Ball u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Christopher Gilbert by Friends of Lonnie Williams u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Phyllis Pease by Sue McGuire u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Youth Ministry in memory of Greg Muehleisen by Bill & Carol Burnett u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Phyllis Pease by Art & Joane Schmidt u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jo Gentry by James & Barbara Gayle u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jo Gentry by Tom & Evelyn White u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Bob & Opal Warren u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Marty & Dottie Christensen
Television Ministries
We are looking for volunteers to help with setup, tear down, sound checks, and run the soundboard on Sunday mornings. Schedule is as follows: 7:30-9:00am - Setup and soundcheck 9:00-10:30am - Run sound for 9:15 service 10:30-11:50am - Run sound for 10:45 service 11:50am-12:15pm - Tear down equipment If you or anyone you know might be interested in helping with any or all of the above, please contact Heather DeShazo at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT April 8, 2015 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
YOU can start over! The Bible tells the story of God, who loves you and gives you the opportunity for a new kind of life. Join us for this powerful sermon series, beginning this Sunday, April 12 at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.