May 6, 2015
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 15.8
A Visit from Vietnam!
Reverend Ut To
Reverends Ut and Karen To, along with Pastors Jeff Nguyen and Le Quang from the Vietnamese United Methodist Church will be joining us at the 9:15 and 10:45 services Sunday morning, May 24. Come hear their amazing story and learn how each of us can join in God’s ongoing work in Vietnam.
Lost Children
AND A DAY FOR MOTHERS
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
The little girl with the pink Velcro-fastening sneakers scuffed her well-worn shoes back and forth while she waited. Her mommy was late again. She knew that sometimes Mommy got busy, but she also knew that sometimes Mommy just forgot -- she forgot about time passing, she forgot whom she had dropped off her daughter with that day, she even forgot she was a parent with a 4-year-old child depending on her, counting on her. Even at her young age, the little girl with the pink sneakers already knew that it was the drugs and the drink that made Mommy forget. They moved often. Mommy would spend the rent money on more drugs, and they would have to sneak out in the middle of the night. The little girl reached down to try to re-stick the Velcro strap on her left sneaker -- half the fuzzy little grippers didn’t work anymore, making the strap flap open and her shoe fall off. That was probably why they were in the garbage where she’d found them in the first place -- but at least they were a pretty color. The little girl sat quietly on her most recent neighbor’s porch and wished her mommy would remember where she was, and that she needed her mother to take her home. Every one of us has known what it feels like to be lost -- that scary, confusing, out-ofcontrol feeling that takes hold of your heart and squeezes it hard. For many people, feeling “lost” is a much more permanent condition. The little girl in the pink sneakers feels lost -- but she is not alone in her lostness. Her father, who had long ago abandoned both her and her mother in a prodigal search for the pleasures of the world, was lost without a moral compass. Now, the addictions that grip her mother’s body and soul have plunged both mother and daughter into a directionless void. The little girl has lost her innocent belief that “Mommy will always be there; Mommy will always take care of me.” She knows that neither of those statements is true. Her mother has lost control of her life, lost any vision of herself, and lost the chance to offer her child a better way and a better hope. Even when they are together, this mother and daughter are still lost -- for each knows that the other is vulnerable and alone and fragile, and beyond the healing abilities of the other. No father, and a mother who can’t cope -- this little girl is lost. But her life is changing. Someone “found her.” Who? The lady who found her is a teacher who cares about her… a teacher from our church who teaches in an inner city school…a teacher who is making a difference in her life and the lives of other children. This teacher always finds her no matter where she moves… always makes sure she has food and…love. If you ask this little girl who her best friend is, she won’t mention another child, not her dad, and not even her biological mother. She’ll tell you about her preschool teacher - the lady from our church. And she’ll give you a long list of all the things her teacher has done for her. I learned about her story because another lady visited our church and she is also a teacher. When I greeted her and introduced myself she said, “I want to tell you about one of your members who teaches at our school.” And then she added, “That’s why I came today. I wanted to see her church.” We Methodist folk created Mother’s Day - not so much as a day to celebrate our birth mothers (although that is certainly appropriate), but as a day to show our gratitude to the women who are our spiritual mothers. We have a lot planned for Mother’s Day. We’ll have a great place for you to take family pictures. We’ll have a table with cards and envelopes where you can write a note to those special women who mean so much to you. Bring your friends and your family as we focus on saying thank you to the women who stand up and do so much in our church and community. I already know who I’ll be thanking. How about You? - Robert
…She also knew that sometimes Mommy just forgot -- she forgot about time passing, she forgot whom she had dropped off her daughter with that day, she even forgot she was a parent with a 4-year-old child depending on her, counting on her.
Missions
School Supplies for CHILDSHARE
Throughout the summer, school supplies go on sale. Why not pick up a few extras to help the foster children connected with CHILDSHARE? Drop your supplies at the Mission Kiosk on Sundays or bring them to the Missions office during the week.
“Let’s go on a Picnic!” Hefner Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, May 26
Come help us transform the Hefner Middle School cafeteria into a picnic-themed party as we celebrate the teaching staff there at the end-of-the-year luncheon on Tuesday, May 26. Sandwiches will be catered in, but we’re looking for salads, fruit, and desserts to finish it, as well as helping hands to decorate and serve. We will meet at Hefner at 10 a.m. that morning. Come by the table in the Concourse this month or contact Amber Neaves at neaves3@ sbcglobal.net to serve.
May Mission Focus: UMCOR Cleaning Buckets
Every year when disaster strikes around the world, the United Methodist Committee on Relief responds to serve people in practical ways. One of those ways is to provide a cleaning bucket full of supplies so those affected can begin putting their lives back together. This practical gift says, “You are not forgotten; there is hope.” Would you be a beacon of hope this month to another person around the world by taking and filling an UMCOR bucket? A supply list is included and the cost to fill is approximately $65. Please return your bucket by Sunday, May 24, as buckets will be blessed and taken to the Oklahoma United Methodist Annual Conference the following week.
Rebuilding Together Day Blesses Two Very Grateful Homeowners
Important Mission Dates: June 22-25 - Reading Week with Project Transformation
40 people gathered on Saturday, April 18 to work hard for a day of transformation in northeast Oklahoma City. Cleaning, scraping, and painting transformed two homes that were the eyesores of their streets into showcase homes in the neighborhood. Great thanks to Clay Cockrill, Shawn Hinkel and David Hedrick for their leadership in planning the event and to all who came and served on a shift. The day you gave has forever changed the lives of Ms. Ruby and Ms. Mabin. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!
Sunday, Sept 20 - 6th Annual Fit to Serve Walk and 5K Sunday, Nov 8 - Operation Christmas Boxes
SERVANT May 6, 2015 I Page 3
Women Mother’s Day Luncheon Given by SMILE Ministry Single Moms in our Lord’s Embrace
When a single mother is raising children on her own, there are special days in the calendar that don’t feel very special for her. The children are too young to have the means to make her feel cared for and sometimes there is no one in her life that remembers holidays and special moments. A simple thank you or gesture would remind her she is valued. On Mother’s Day, our SMILE ministry will host a luncheon at noon for single mothers and their children. With a catered lunch and some inspirational reflections, these mothers will know they are loved. The children will be making something special to give to their mothers during the program too. If you know a single mother who could join us this Sunday for lunch, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com to make her reservation.
Kindred Community Opportunity
Do you enjoy party and event planning? Would you like to use that gift to make a difference in the life of another? Kindred Community, our ministry for widows, is looking to form a team to host quarterly dinners to bring widows together in our community. Contact Sherri Price at sherriprice@cox.net; 405-202-6954.
Summer Bible Study Spending Time in the Upper Room
Introduction begins May 13
Would you like to connect to the Word and a great group of women this summer? Then come on Wednesday mornings to study and share the Scripture devotions from the Upper Room Publication. This small treasured book can be purchased in Earthglow. Each week, under the leadership of Debbi Marshall and Patricia Hocker, the group will share Scripture as it intersects with everyday life. Prayer and a time of reflection are also included. The class will run Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30, May 13 - July 29. Each week is a stand-alone study, so in the midst of vacations and summer commitments, one can drop in and still receive a sacred moment of connection with Christ.
WOMEN OF FAITH Share the Love: The Farewell Tour July 24-25
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 8 tickets left 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.
youyou are seen are known you are
free
PATSY CLAIRMONT
SARAH JAKES
MARILYN MEBERG
MARY GRAHAM
SANDI PATTY
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
JEN HATMAKER
KORIE LUCI ROBERTSON SWINDOLL
CONTACT NAME:
CONTACT INFO:
THELMA WELLS
Get Connected with Women’s Ministry information and stories on our blog: cos-women.com
Vietnam Sunday, May 24, we will have the privilege of hosting a group of very special guests here at Church of the Servant. Reverends Ut and Karen To, along with Pastors Jeff Nguyen and Le Quang from the Vietnamese United Methodist Church will be with us on that day. Ut and Karen escaped Vietnam in the late 1970’s seeking an opportunity for theological training and education in preparation for a life of service to Jesus Christ and the Church. Making their way to Canada and ultimately the United States, they found their home among the United Methodists. Knowing their call was always to return to their homeland, Ut and Karen began the journey back in the early 1990’s. Placing themselves at great personal risk, they began the slow work of planting churches throughout the country. Working in secret and always on the move, the seeds they worked to sow are now beginning to flourish as over 350 United Methodist congregations now exist where once there were none! We here at Church of the Servant have been working to support these efforts for the past three years - sending teams, providing training for pastors, and supplying twenty-five scooters that enable local pastors to travel their regions spreading the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. Our hope going forward is that Church of the Servant can continue this precious relationship as we work together with the Vietnamese United Methodist Church. Together, our goal is to discover ways in which we can promote ministry partnerships, leading to strong congregations and healthy church families. Ut, Karen and the others will be joining us at the 9:15 and 10:45 services Sunday morning, May 24. Come hear their amazing story and learn how each of us can join in God’s ongoing work in Vietnam.
SUMMER SINGERS New in July
Music
This summer, we are trying something brand new - a new program for worship music in the 9:15 and 10:45 services! We are introducing Summer Singers! Each Sunday throughout July we are inviting people that would love to sing in the choir but can’t make the weekly commitment during the school year to sing! We will meet each Sunday 30 minutes before the 9:15 service and quickly work up an anthem for that day! The fun part is you can bring your family members as well. Elementary and up are welcome! Our first meeting will be July 5. I know you will pray about this and make this a new fun tradition here at Servant! We will remind you through your Sunday school classes and in worship. SERVANT May 6, 2015 I Page 5
Children
Church of the Servant Invites YOU to EVEREST VBS: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power! Vacation Bible School is coming to Church of the Servant: Monday, June 8-Thursday, June 11, 9:30am-12:15pm each day. We will have a huge Family Celebration the night of June 11 beginning at 6:30pm to wrap up an amazing week. Kids from age 4 (as of June 1) through those entering 5th grade are invited to take part in this FREE week of fun… and we also need lots of adult volunteers to make this incredible week happen. Registration is free and available online NOW. Go to: http://www. churchoftheservant.com. VBS T-Shirts and Music CD’s will be available to purchase for $10 each at the table near Earthglow on May 10 and 17 and downstairs in Children’s Ministries on May 24 and May 31. Sign up and invite your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends! This year, Church of the Servant will embark on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God’s awesome power. Our four-day VBS program will anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths that will guide them through life’s challenges.
Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
At EVEREST, kids will trek through activity stations and learn that God is there for us, no matter the situation! They’ll participate in memorable Biblelearning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and dig into yummy treats, experience cool Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of God’s awesome power, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day begins and ends at Base Camp — a celebration that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in a mission project during the Vacation Bible School week. Each year we collect supplies to benefit an organization. This year we will support Shiloh Camp. These donations really have an impact in the community! Can you help make an impact on a child’s life by volunteering with Vacation Bible School? We need help with a
variety of tasks and are sure to have an area that corresponds to your particular talents! Participating in VBS is guaranteed to touch your life as well as that of the children involved. You can help out even if your children are too young or old to participate in VBS. We can always use teen helpers, and nursery care is available for children of volunteers who are younger than four. I have been a VBS volunteer since my first child was old enough to participate. It was so fun teaching the Bible story each day and getting to experience the fun of VBS along with the kids, all the while knowing my child was having a great time with friends. Please prayerfully consider how you can help support this tremendous ministry. Volunteer registration is also on the Website. I hope to see ALL of you at Vacation Bible School this year! It will be the coolest week of the summer! Martha Stone VBS Director
Eagle Scouts
Thomas William Jauch & Daniel Robert Jauch, age 15, sons of Robert & Susan Jauch, were awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on January 28, 2015. They are members of Troop 479 in Edmond, OK and were recognized at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor on April 12, 2015. Tommy created and installed 21 new informational signs made of eco-friendly composite material at Arcadia Lake Park Campground for his service project. Danny constructed a retaining wall and refurbished a campsite at the same campground for his service project. Both boys are also active in the youth programs at Church of the Servant, including: Sunday morning Anchor and Wednesday Night D Groups. They both sing and tour with the youth Revelation Choir and ring bells in the Bronze handbell choir. They enjoy participating in the mission opportunities at Church of the Servant, such as: Stop Hunger Now, UMCOR Disaster Recovery and Servant Day. They are freshman at Edmond North High School and play in the school band.
outreach event team Are you administrative? Do you like to plan events big or small? We are looking for volunteers that want to help from ideation to creation to execution of different outreach events or programs. This team will help develop a strategy working along with detailed plans and milestones of each event and work with different leadership teams to address logistics including registration, marketing, and volunteer recruitment. Upcoming Event: Outdoor Movie Night Contact Scott Bartlow at 405-728-4767 or sbartlow@churchoftheservant.com Mother’s Day Photo Booth Don’t miss our photo booth on Mother’s Day. We have a special set design to make this day special in the Courtyard. It will be a self-run photo booth with fun props. Be sure to post your photos on Facebook.com/churchoftheservantokc and use hash tag #servantlovesmoms. SERVANT May 6, 2015 I Page 7
Adult Prime Time
Thursday, May 14, 10:30 a.m.
Our entertainment this month is BINGO in Community Hall, lovingly put together for us by Milt and Frances Ferguson. Each bingo participant should bring a bingo prize to the meeting (wrapped or bagged) for around $10. Prizes should be brought to Community Hall no later than 10:15 a.m. that Thursday. Following the program we’ll picnic with old and new friends and enjoy BBQ pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, rolls/bread, cobbler, and beverages. You can enjoy Bingo plus lunch for $ 10.00, or if you come only for Bingo, 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., Tuesday, May 12, to make your reservation. If you sign up, then see that you cannot attend, please call to cancel your reservation, as Prime Time must pay for all meals reserved.
Three Ways You Can Meet People at Church
One of the criticisms I hear about a big church is that it’s too hard to get to know people. How can the pastor know if you’ve got something going on in your life if there are thousands of people there? But here’s what I’ve experienced. A church of ANY size seems too big if you don’t know anyone. Here are three ways you can get to know people at Church of the Servant. #1 - Linger in the lobby. When the service is over, don’t rush to the parking lot. Take your time. Grab a cup of coffee in 13.2 coffee shop, and introduce yourself to someone. Stop by the Welcome Center and meet one of our volunteers. If you have children in our Children’s Ministry, talk to the other parents and the volunteers. They aren’t too busy to talk with you. #2 - Join a small group. One of the best ways to “do life” with people is to join a small group. At Servant, we call them COS groups or Sunday school classes, because we want community to develop there. Whether it’s 50, 500 or 5,000 people in a church service, it’s tough to talk about life on Sunday morning. So these community groups meet in homes throughout the week and right in our own church. You can give one a try, and if it’s not right, you can try another one. For a full list of groups, go to churchoftheservant. com/adult ministry. #3 - Join a volunteer team. This is one of the best ways to get to know people. No matter your stage in life, there’s a certain camaraderie that comes from working together. For example, the 25 or so adults who work in Student Ministry or Children’s Ministry programs on Wednesday nights have become like family. Same goes for our parking assistance workers! Serving at Servant isn’t complicated. Just go to the Welcome Center in the Concourse to learn about each of the teams and contact the leader. Those are just three ways you can meet people and make church feel a whole lot smaller! - Pastor Scott
Ever Wonder About the Aluminum Cans in the Parking Lot?
The trailer has been in the west side of the parking lot since 2003. A member of Church of the Servant, Carrol Hunt, wanted to raise $3,000 as a capital campaign contribution and came up with the idea to collect and recycle cans. Charles Waggoner, a close friend of Carrol’s, helped build the trailer and stairs. And the project was off! Since that time nearly $20,000 has been raised! Dan Campbell and Charles took over the project in 2006 due to the poor health of Carrol Hunt and when Dan passed away a few years ago, Charles’ wife, Nancy inherited the helper position. Charles has compiled a few fascinating facts about the project! To date, Servant members have donated almost a million cans which is equal to about 29,000 lbs of aluminum. The content of those 950,000 cans equals more than 89,000 gallons of liquid refreshment! After the capital campaign was completed, the revenue from the cans has been designated for missions. One man’s small, simple idea has grown and is a steady source of income from something that often is just discarded! It can’t be said enough that one person can indeed, make a difference! I wondered why somebody didn’t do something. Then I realized - I am somebody. - Author Unknown
Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
The contents of this trailer was recently sold for $210 and contained 380 pounds of aluminum.
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Donna Armstrong as Donna’s sister-inlaw, Frankye Armstrong, deals with health issues. u Geoff Baker and Susan King-Baker as Geoff is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Rev. Don and Donna Combs as Don recuperates from surgery. u Ron and Donna Kozak as Ron faces surgery at the McBride Orthopedic Hospital. u Jerry and Sally Liles as Sally’s brother, Randy Dennis, deals with health issues. u Kevin and Cindy Long as Cindy’s brother, Brad Fink, deals with health issues. u Pat Marrs as Pat deals with health issues. JoAnn Pace as JoAnn recuperates from an illness. u Sue Park as Sue is hospitalized at Deaconess Hospital. u Jeremy, Amy, Cap and Ella Patman as Jeremy deals with health issues. u Jack and Louise Pebworth as Louise undergoes treatment. u Kathlyn Reynolds as Kathlyn deals with health issues. u Tom Sauter as Tom recuperates from a procedure. u Roger and Marlene Wilkinson and William and Jennifer Scimeca as Roger deals with health issues. u Chuck and Pam Weatherford as Pam recuperates from surgery. u Rob and Sissy Holloway as Rob’s cousin, Janet Taylor, deals with health issues. u Jeff, Lisa, and Mark Wedel as Lisa undergoes treatment. u Bill and Nancy Whitten as Nancy deals with health issues.
Celebrating
u Jeremy Collins and Megan Watts-Collins at the birth of their son, Addison David Collins. The proud grandparents are Jay and Nancy Collins. u Ryan and Katrina Eaton at the birth of their daughter, Seras Eaton. The proud brother is Paul Eaton. The proud grandparents are Robert and Rhynda Eaton.
Our Sympathy
u John and Linda DeFrees and Family at the death of Linda’s mother, Maxine Holland. u Steve Donnell and Family at the death of Steve’s father, John Robert Donnell. u David and Donna Henderson and Family at the death of David’s brother, Wilbert Henderson. u Eric and Allison Latham and Family at the death of Eric’s father, Edwin Milton Latham. u Joe and JoAnn Matthews and Family at the death of JoAnn’s mother, Shirley Sievers. u Donna Wade and Family at the death of Donna’s mother, Mildred Abercrombie. u Clarke, Misty, Nick, Dalton, Darci, and Nathan Farmer and Family at the death of Clarke’s mother, Helen Ann Farmer.
Celebrating Memories
Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow in memory of Jo Gentry by Earthglow Staff members u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Bob Gentry by George & Jo Hall u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Youth Ministry in honor of Sean Brownlee, Scott Seitz & Josh Bellieu by Scott Snider u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Harrell Pickens by Opal & Robert Warren u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Primetime in memory of Harrell Pickens by William & Melba Howard u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Primetime in memory of Don Schille by William & Melba Howard
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Missions Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Roger & Marlene Wilkinson
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Virginia Williamson by Janey Kennedy Moore
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Primetime in memory of Jo Gentry by William & Melba Howard
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Stop Hunger Now in memory of Rev Argus Hamilton by Su An F. Burton
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Candyce, Amanda & Audrey Adams
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Stop Hunger Now in memory of Marion Miller by Su An F. Burton
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Kathlyn Reynolds u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Margie Malone u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jo Gentry by Jo Hall u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Phyllis Pease by Jo Carol Cameron
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Don Moore by Jolen Ingram & Dale Putnam u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow in memory of Lorraine Vignatelli by Sherrie Anderson u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Mission Ministry in memory of Nancy Ayers by Rebecca A. Hadsell u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Andy Gibbs by Linda & Gene Harris
Great Mother’s Day gift ideas at Earthglow!
Come in and browse for ideas, including: “Blue” lotion, hand cream, body butter, and soap (great fragrance and moisturizing), sparkly headbands, and new African bracelets. All profits go to support missions. SERVANT May 6, 2015 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED