May 18, 2016
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 16.10
WORSHIP
In his book “Simply Christian,” N. T. Wright, Bishop of Durham, England states, “When we begin to glimpse the reality of God, the natural reaction is to worship him. Not to have that reaction is a fairly sure sign that we haven’t really yet understood who he is or what he has done.” He then asks the question, “What is worship?” His response is, “The best way to discover is to join in and find out.” He suggests that the best place to eavesdrop is the fourth and fifth chapters of the Book of the Revelation. In Revelation, John says that ‘a door stood open in heaven,’ he is insisting on that God’s sphere and ours are not far apart, and at certain places and moments they interlock. Sometimes the boundary between them is like a thin partition, in which, to some people and at some times, a door is opened so that people in our dimension can see what’s going on in heaven. Most of the time that place where the door opens is called worship, because when we worship, we match what is going on in heaven. Worship means acknowledging the worth of something or someone. It means recognizing and saying that something or someone is worthy of praise. It means celebrating the worth of someone or something far superior to oneself. That is what worship is all about. It is the glad shout of praise that arises to God the creator and God the rescuer from the creation that recognizes its maker, the creation that acknowledges the triumph of Jesus the Lamb. That is the worship that is going on in heaven, in God’s dimension, all the time. The question we ought to be asking is how best we might join in.
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
Because that is what we are supposed to do. - Robert
As we continue in our series of articles covering the immediate future of Church of the Servant, we want to remain focused on four strategic imperatives. The four are as follows: • To develop a Culture of Integrity • To develop a comprehensive NextGen Ministry (Children and Students) • To have a clearly defined Discipleship Plan for our congregation • To strengthen and refine our Worship Life as a Church
Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister
This week, I want to cover our hopes for supporting our worship life together, because the time that we gather as a congregation on Sunday mornings drives all that we are as a Church. Worship is literally the engine that propels all other ministries within the church. As a congregation, we are blessed to have three very distinct options as to the “style” of worship a person desires. The Chapel community provides an intimate setting where relationships among those who attend are central to the experience. While desiring the full range of ministry opportunities afforded by Church of the Servant, many people are drawn to the smaller setting of the Chapel, where it is easy to both know those with whom you worship, and likewise, to be known. Featuring a full service of communion each week in a peaceful setting looking into our garden courtyard, the Chapel community is a place for individuals and families to worship the risen Jesus Christ and discover their place at Servant. Continued on page 3
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Missions
Mission Calendar Dates
May 25 – Hefner Teacher Appreciation Luncheon
Month of June – Church-Wide Food Drive for Skyline
July 10-14 & 17-21 – Project Transformation: Reading with Children
It’s Project Transformation Time Again! Church of the Servant has had a long history of partnering with Project Transformation, a literacy camp for low-income children to help improve their reading level and their confidence. Every year, lives are changed, and the love of God and of learning are instilled in the hearts of hundreds of children. This year, we’re going back to the Chapel Hill UMC site to volunteer, but for two weeks this year! So, we need reading volunteers for Monday-Thursday during the weeks of July 11-14 (12:30 - 3:00 p.m.) and July 18-21 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.). It only takes a couple hours of your time to make a lasting impact on a child. In just those couple hours, you show them not only the awesome power of reading, but also that there are people in their community who truly care about them. I worked for Project Transformation last summer, and I could fill this whole newsletter testifying to Project Transformation’s power and successes. But instead, I want to encourage you to see for yourself. Please consider signing up for a two-day commitment to read with children and be a part of this ministry. If you can, please give me a call at (405) 7284716, or an email at mcarpenter@churchoftheservant.com. Let’s transform some lives! - Rev. Michael Carpenter
Skyline Clothes for Kids Offering and Serving Opportunities Thank you for your gifts, enthusiasm and faithfulness to the ministry of Skyline Clothes for Kids. The offering on Sunday, May 8 was $14, 600. This offering is combined with the funds we already had, bringing our support for Clothes to Kids to $28,912! This will allow 340 children to receive school uniforms for the coming school year. This will make such a difference in the lives of many families in our city. If you are interested in serving for a couple of hours during the months of June and July by signing up families for uniforms or fitting students in uniforms at Skyline Urban Ministries, please contact Skyline at 632-2644 or skyline@skylineurbanministry.org.
Worship ... Continued from page 2 Our 923 Service offers a more informal and contemporary place to worship. Located in the Centrum, it features audiovisual elements unique within our worship venues, and is driven by a clear sense of community involvement as the congregation seeks to live out and live into Christ’s call to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. This most recent addition to the worship options available at Church of the Servant has become a vibrant and vital part of our worship life together. Our services at 9:15 & 10:45 in the Celebration Center are deeply attached to the great traditions of the church worldwide. Classic hymns, as well as more contemporary offerings, a spectacular choir and orchestra, and a worship venue that is truly unique in its ability to speak to the goodness of God makes worship within this setting profoundly impactful.
Three distinct worship styles joined together through a common understanding of who God is calling us to be as his disciples in the world makes Church of the Servant a compelling place to establish deep ties to the Christian faith. Our hope is to provide an environment where people can come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, experiencing the love, grace, and forgiveness that we all desperately need. Our commitment to you is that we will prepare to the full extent of our abilities as we lead worship through the prayers and the music, through the preaching and the sacraments, so that together we celebrate all that God is, and his powerful work in and through us as his people. - Randy SERVANT May 18, 2016 I Page 3
Women
SAVE THE DATE
Fall Women’s Retreat // September 30 - October 2 Chickasaw Retreat Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma
Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul? Come join a study for Moms offered in two different groups beginning soon. Lysa Terkeurst, best selling Christian author, is learning that there is a big difference between saying “Yes” to everyone and saying “Yes” to God. In The Best Yes, she will help you: • Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love. • Escape the guilt of disappointing others by learning the secret of the small no. • Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom based decision-making process. • Rise above the rush of endless demands and discover your best yes today. This new study kicks off: Sunday, May 15 10:45 a.m. – The SMILE Sunday Group – North Room 6. This is a class for Moms, single or married, who are looking to connect with other Moms seeking to raise children with strong faith by growing and living it ourselves. Class is led by Kelly Bugg. Friday, June 17 for 6 weeks – Friday Mom’s Group in the 13:2 Coffee area. Meets 9:45 - 11:30 a.m. for fellowship, sharing, prayer, and this new study. Childcare provided. Class led by Kim Bilger and Meghan Thompson.
Lemonade Laughter
&
Please Save the Date!
Kindred Community a: sisterhood of widowhood Luncheon on Saturday, July 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Invitation to follow) Id in Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Summer with the Upper Room Study Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 a.m. Beginning May 11 South Adult Rooms 1 & 2 Looking for a place to connect with other women and the Word this summer, but know you might be out of town a week or two? Then this group is a perfect one for you! Using the Upper Room Daily Devotional, women gather to discuss with guided questions how the daily scripture readings of the last week have intersected with everyday life. Each week is a stand-alone week of learning and sharing in the Word. It is a great way to be connected to others this summer in study and prayer. Just show up with your Bible and the Upper Room Devotional which can be purchased in Earthglow. Led by Patricia Hocker and Debbi Marshall.
Children VBS REGISTRATION IS HERE! It is time to sign up for CAVE QUEST! VBS is June 6-9, 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. with a special family celebration on Thursday evening. Children 4 years to 5th grade are welcome to attend (childcare for younger children of volunteers is available). Go to VBS2016.ServantOKC.com to sign up now! T-shirts and music CD’s are available at the VBS table in the Concourse.
KIDZ CAMP REGISTRATION FORMS are available at the Welcome Center and the Children’s Welcome Counter (downstairs). Kidz Camp (1st – 5th grade fall 2016) is July 15-17 at Canyon Camp.
Suzuki Strings Suzuki Strings students and families have been busy this semester! Suzuki Strings has grown to include nearly 100 students! With performances during Church services, recitals, and Hannah’s Promise, the musical community is growing strong through the Church. Through a scholarship program funded by members of Church of the Servant’s congregation, we have been able to offer scholarship assistance to six different students in the last year. Scholarships are presented to students who show an outstanding desire to learn and to grow through music. We are thankful for all the support we receive! With budget cuts eliminating many arts programs in the surrounding school systems, we hope to continue to fill a void and serve our community through creativity. We have a public performance presented by students and staff on June 2 at the Ronald J. Norick Downtown OKC Library for Noon Tunes, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. We’d love to have you join us! Bring your lunch, and enjoy a diverse and wonderful set of music! For more information or to connect with Suzuki Strings, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or at www. churchoftheservant.com/music/ suzuki-strings/. If you’re looking for Summer plans, Kindermusik is here! Suzuki Strings offers a variety of lessons and classes on violin, viola, cello, guitar, and piano as well as Kindermusik classes! We strive to make a creative environment in which students and families can thrive and grow musically. Saturday Kindermusik classes begin June 4 at 9:30 a.m. (Newborns - 2 years), 10:15 a.m. (2 - 4 years), and 11:00 a.m. (4 - 6 years). For more information or to enroll, please visit Churchoftheservant.com/music/suzuki-strings or call/text (405) 673-4946.
Music “SONGS WE LIKE”
A Summer Songs Concert
June 19, 6:30 p.m.
Featuring a new choral work based on “Westside Story” and selections by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Plus, the orchestra will play “Rhapsody in Blue” and Synergy will perform selections from “Beautiful” the musical, based on Carol King’s timeless songs. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (10 and under). Funds will go to support Music Ministry projects and student interns. Purchase your tickets in the Concourse on Sunday or online at www.churchoftheservant.com/
KID’S MUSICAL PROJECT SUMMER CAMP – June 20-23
It’s A NEW DAY! This is the title of the Kid’s Musical Project Summer Camp, which will be held June 20-23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The performance will be on that Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. This musical camp is designed for children going into grades K-5th, and they will learn how to put together a praise musical in only 4 days! This is a great opportunity to invite friends to church! For more information, contact Paul Gebb at pgebb@churchoftheservant.com or go to www. churchoftheservant.com/events. SERVANT May 18, 2016 I Page 5
Students High School Ministries
HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRIES MOVE-UP GETAWAY, May 31 – June 1, is offered to all incoming freshman through graduated seniors. This trip will be an amazing opportunity to welcome the incoming freshman students into High School Ministry! It includes a day trip to Six Flags, an evening of great activities, and loads of fun! Registrations are due May 22. The cost is $65. MISSION OKC, June 13-17, is offered to all incoming freshman through graduated seniors! This week-long mission will be an amazing opportunity to share the incredible love of Christ as we serve our community through local organizations. We will stay at St Mark’s United Methodist Church for the week. Forms are due May 29. The cost is $35. DAYSPRING, July 7-11, is a five-day camp experience for high school youth that includes incredible worship, awesome small groups, and a ton of fun! Join us at Camp WOW in Stuart, OK, where you can climb a rock wall, swim in the lake, ride a zip line and a million other fun things. Forms are due June 12. The cost is $260. Questions? Contact Sang Nguyen at snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com.
Disciple Camp – Middle School
June 2-6 // Heart O’ Hills Camp (just outside Tahlequah, OK) // 6th-8th Grade Students Disciple Camp is just around the corner! On June 2-6, Middle School Ministries will be taking our upcoming 6th-8th grade students for five extraordinary days where we focus on bringing them into a relationship with Jesus Christ and teaching them what a Godly life looks like. We combine students, youth ministers, pastors, and a staff of volunteer leaders from all over Oklahoma to form an event geared to promoting spiritual growth. Cost is $300 and registrations are due now. Please stop by the The Point Student Center to pick up a packet and contact Jenna Smith at 405-728-4753 with any questions. We can’t wait to spend an unforgettable week together!
Thank You, God, For Second Chances! Earthglow, our wonderful mission-oriented gift shop, distributes every dollar of profits to various local outreach organizations. One such organization that received a $5,000 gift from Earthglow’s 2015 profits is TEEM, The Education and Employment Ministry. TEEM is an interfaith, nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking cycles of incarceration and poverty through education, personal development, and work readiness training. The Earthglow Board was invited for a tour of TEEM, where we shared a meal with a new group of individuals being assisted in overcoming the obstacles that they face as they are released from incarceration. We were delighted with the first-hand glimpse at the remarkable work this organization is doing. Carefully screened candidates are provided with interview training and resume building assistance, guidance in obtaining GED’s, and training in several areas (welding, culinary arts, etc.) so that they can find employment and experience successful reentry into society following incarceration. We know that we serve a God of Second Chances, and what an outstanding opportunity we, as a church community, have in helping provide that second chance for a better life to the participants at TEEM. This is just one example of the positive impact purchases made in Earthglow has on our community. Make Earthglow your place of choice when you need a card or a special gift item! Note: TEEM participants still in pre-release facilities are provided personal hygiene items as needed, and the shelves at the TEEM offices looked a little bare. Why not stop by Earthglow and drop off some non-aerosol deodorant (the item most needed right now)? We’ll see that it is delivered to TEEM. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Life Together Our Prayers
Our Sympathy
u Dan and Candy Cavaness as Candy recuperates from surgery.
u Scott Allen and Family at the death of his father, Bentley “Benny” Allen.
u Don and Judie Ellis as their friend, Vicki Nichols, recuperates from surgery.
u Mike and Cindy Brecheen, Ben Brecheen, and Kendall, Lauren and Ava Riley and Family at the death of Mike’s mother, Rita Brecheen.
u Jan Ewing as Jan’s friend, David, deals with health issues and faces surgery. u Shawn, Wendi, Dade and Beckham Humes as Wendi faces surgery at Lakeside Women’s Hospital. u Alven and Helen Lawson as Helen deals with health issues. u Allen and Marilyn McGlasson as Marilyn recuperates from surgery. u Sue Miller as Sue deals with health issues. Richard and Jan Mueller as Jan’s daughterin-law’s mother, Shirley Willis, deals with health issues. u Tate, Gina, Ryan and Jaeden Musae as their friend, Tiffany, deals with health issues. u Kay Nichols as Kay recuperates from a procedure. u Bruce and Sherry Robertson as Sherry’s brother, Eric Allen, deals with health issues. u Ron and Jean Waters as Ron deals with health issues. u Jim and Jo Wheeler as Jim recuperates from a procedure. u Hughlene Brittain-Yarbrough as Hughlene recuperates from injuries from a fall.
Celebrating
u Jim and Lisa Fansher at the birth of their granddaughter, Tinley Myers Wood. The proud parents are Phillip and Neely Wood. The proud big brothers are Thomas Wood and Tucker Wood. The proud aunt is Aubree Fansher. u Alyson (Henry) Crawford, daughter of Jim & Coleen Henry, was honored earlier this month as the High School MATH Teacher of the Year for the Lubbock I.S.D. Alyson has taught Math for 13 years, the last 9 years with the Lubbock School System. Our Congratulations on all that she has achieved!
u Connie Harrison and Family at the death of Connie’s mother, Rita Harrison. u Steve, Angie, and Jenny James and McKenzie Bursch and Family at the death of Steve’s mother, Carolyn Parks. u Flora Osborn and Family at the death of Flora’s husband, John Osborn. u Colby, Martha, Xander and Avery Stone and Tom and Linda Stone at the death of Colby’s stepmother and Linda’s mother, Elloese Burgess. u Bill and Mary White and Family at the death of Mary’s uncle, Norman Fuhrman. u Chuck and Pam Weatherford at the death of their beloved dog, Quincy. u Don and Millie Henderson at the death of their beloved dog, Maggie. u Tom and Valerie McEvoy at the death of their beloved dog, Apollo.
THE COLUMBARIUM will be open for visitation on Memorial Day, May 30, from 9:00 am to noon.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 5/22 – Spaghetti Red w/ Bread Sticks, Chili Cheese Dogs, and More! u 5/29 – Indian Taco Sale $7.00 , Taco Salads w/salsa. Desserts a la carte. u 6/5 – Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad, and Dessert. Kids Menu available.
Summer Sessions of Grief Support Group
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? If so, you might benefit from our upcoming Grief Support Group at Church of the Servant. The group will meet each Sunday afternoon (1:30 3:00 p.m.) starting June 5 and continuing through July 31. We will not meet on June 19 (Father’s Day) or July 3 (Independence Day weekend). We’ll meet at Church of the Servant in the Library, which is in the office area just behind the waterfall. Each session will include watching a helpful video, as well as time for discussion and sharing. Whether you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or if you have been on a grief journey for a long time, we hope you’ll consider joining the group. Each participant will receive a complimentary workbook. RSVP by contacting Vicki Roberds at 728-4738 or vroberds@churchoftheservant.com.
Christianity and World Religions Are you wrestling with questions about other religions? In a new Bible Study beginning June 14, we will explore four major world religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism – and compare the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. This six-week study deals openly and honestly with questions people ask about other religions, including why we should believe the claims of Christianity over those of other faiths. As part of the study, author and presenter Adam Hamilton interviews a religious leader from each tradition. He treats the world religions with great respect, recognizing the unique contributions of each. The study will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in North Adult Room 12 on Tuesdays, June 14 through July 19. You may register online at www.churchoftheservant. com/connect/bible-studies. Please order your Christianity and World Religions online. John Farr will be teaching. SERVANT May 18, 2016 I Page 7
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Register your child(ren) today at VBS2016.ServantOKC.com.