May 23, 2012

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 12.10

Believe s Belong s Become

My Heart’s Appeal

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Summer Songs 2 June 24

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SKY VBS June 11-14

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Servant Foundation Golf Tournament June 2

For the next two Sundays, you have an opportunity to sign up for the Servant Foundation 4-person scramble golf tournament, which is scheduled for Saturday morning, June 2 at the Fairfax Golf Course. Proceeds from the golf tournament are used for operating expenses of the Servant Foundation. The 4-person scramble tournament is made up of teams of men, women, and youth. The cost per person is $55 which includes range balls, golf fee, cart, lunch and prizes. The tournament starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Fairfax Golf Course, ending at noon with lunch in the clubhouse and prizes awarded. This annual tournament is always well attended and provides a great deal of fun and fellowship for all who participate. Sign up this Sunday at the special table in the Concourse, or call Tom McGee at 721-4141.

United Methodist

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

My Heart’s Appeal Hosting Silent Auction - June 1

My Heart’s Appeal is hosting its first big fundraiser - a silent auction - Saturday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Conference center (5909 NW Expressway, Lower Level Conference Room). Theme Baskets are needed and anything else that would be donated for the auction. The Hannah’s Promise community hopes that our church might donate and also come by to support by placing a bid. The goal with this fundraising is to begin services for Bigma’s Care Place-Respite Care on June 27, 2012 in Liberia, West Africa. Candidates have submitted applications, but are on a waiting list to be enrolled in the program. The applicants need sponsors. Proceeds from the silent auction will underwrite cost to assist disadvantaged individuals. This program allows parents who have children with special needs a Saturday to themselves while the children - including siblings - are treated to one-on-one care and attention. Items for auction to be collected by May 25. Contact Lovetie Major at info@myheartsappeal.org.

My Heart’s Appeal, A Woman with a Mission….

Every second Saturday, volunteers gather at COS to care for children with special needs to give their parents a respite. Lovetie Major, one of our newest church members loves the church family here and has found her place to serve in this ministry as she was also listening to God’s call to minister to children with special needs in her home country of Liberia, West Africa. Lovetie had already established her nonprofit (My Heart’s Appeal: www.myheartsappeal.org) several years earlier, but becoming a volunteer for Hannah’s Promise has helped her partner with us to create the same kind of ministry in Liberia. “Lola Burgtorf (Hannah’s Promise Administrator) spent an afternoon with me walking me through all the paper work that Hannah’s Promise has for registering volunteers and children. Now we are using that paperwork in Liberia.” Hannah’s Lovetie Major Promise has also sent craft and story ideas with Lovetie for her next visit to Liberia later this summer. Lovetie was inspired by a passion to help her younger sister, Titema, who is an adult with Down Syndrome. There are no special education systems in Liberia. Her work is about helping provide opportunities for teens and adults with intellectual needs to learn and have abundant lives. Her goal also includes educating others to their challenges. Her mother runs the program with a team in Liberia, while Lovetie is learning and partnering with other organizations for support, as she now lives in Oklahoma.

SAVE THESE DATES!

Saturday August 25 - Servant Day

Sunday September 30 3pm - Fit To Serve 5k (note date and time change)

Oklahoma Indian Missionary Church Needs

One of our conference missionary churches is in need of a riding lawn mower to care for their church grounds and cemetery. We are trying to help coordinate a donation. If you have a working riding lawn mower you would like to donate, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs.

SERVANT May 23, 2012

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SKYLINE Clothes for Kids Special Fish Appeal Success!

Thank you for stepping up again this year with your support for the Clothes for Kids ministry, which will distribute 1,100 school uniforms this summer for the upcoming school year. Sunday, May 13, we raised $12,000 with our Special Fish Appeal. If you missed an opportunity to give, you still can by putting your check in the Fish Offering with “Clothes for Kids” in the memo. Thank you Church for the way you continue to be involved in ministry throughout Oklahoma City!

Anything and Anyone Can Be Restored! Bacteria -- let’s say germs -- can be the greatest friend of art lovers. These germs can help restore a painting’s patina. It’s what? Patina is a painting’s natural sheen and luster, which is often lost through age and use. Frescos were painted by Antonio Palomino on the vaults and presbytery of the Santos Juanes Church in the late 17th century. Their subjects include the Virgin Mary with the moon under her feet, John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, the Patriarchs, the Glory of the Sacred Trinity, the saints of the Apocalypse, the church’s patron saint San Vicente Ferrer, and the choirs of the Virgins and the Patriarchs. They’re great works of art, but were damaged by fire in 1936. They continue to deteriorate because of white incrustations growing on them, caused by the buildup of crystallized salts after the fire. But, a creative solution has been found. Biologists from the Centre for Advanced Food Microbiology and restorers from the Institute of Heritage Restoration -- both divisions of the Polytechnic University of Valencia -- have joined to “train” a strain of the harmless Pseudomonas Stutzeri bacteria to eat salt and glue but not paint. And it turns out that

these little bugs have quite an appetite for art. If we’ve hit bottom in some places, we may be pessimistic about whether any kind of deep restoration is even possible. But, of course, the “impossible” is where God’s work is often seen most clearly. Consider God’s words to Jewish exiles in Babylonia, spoken through Jeremiah. God first characterizes their plight, saying, “Your hurt is incurable, your wound is grievous. There is no one to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound, no healing for you.” Wow! Talk about people whose circumstances have deteriorated. But then God says, “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal... I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob, and have compassion on his dwellings.” When we think about restoration in our own lives, it’s important to see that the Bible is not talking about putting something back in its exact original condition. The restoration work on the frescos in the Valencia church is not aimed at making them look like they did the day the artist completed them. Rather, it’s to remove grime, repair damage, and stabilize them so that their inherent beauty and message -- and even their age -- can be seen and speak to today’s viewers.

Dr. Robert Gorrell

And this brings us back to patina, with its sheen produced by age and use, making a highly desirable commodity, not just in old paintings. It’s beautiful in Christians as well. You are a work of art! Your life can be restored - with a touch of the Master’s hand!

- Robert

Sources: “Bacteria ‘trained’ to clean ancient artworks.” Environmental News Service, June 15, 2011. ens-newswire.com/ens/ jun2011/2011-06-15-02.html. “Experts train bacteria to restore 17th c. frescos in Spain.” The History Blog, June 18, 2011. thehistoryblog.com/archives/ date/2011/06/18.

What’s Going On At the Mission Matters Kiosk?

Every Sunday you will see a smiling person standing in the Mission Matters Kiosk. This is the place to come to find ways to serve. Every ministry we partner with has information the Kiosk. If God is moving you outside yourself to serve, stop by the Kiosk to find out more details about some great opportunities to serve. What you will find at the kiosk... Information about two newly scheduled mission trips:

Ukraine - September 13-23, 2012; Cost $1,900; Team leader: Stan Mortimer Belfast, Ireland - October 16-23; Cost $1,800; Team leader: Connie Harrison

Project Transformation still have opportunities for reading in July and bringing meals to interns at the kiosk. SERVANT May 23, 2012

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SeaSide Escape for Women “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Need a day at the beach? A time to slow down, wiggle your toes in the sand and bask in the warmth of God’s presence? Join us this summer on Tuesdays for SeaSide Escape. This beach-themed summer series, taught by Dr. Robyn Goggs, will be filled with meaningful Bible Study, worship, connection with other women, and a time for quiet reflection and lots of laughter. Where: Community Hall When: Five Tuesdays - Starts June 19 (skip July 3) Time: 11:30-1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served for $8 or brown bag. Register in the Concourse on Sundays, or call Mary Jessup at 721-4141.

Signups begin June 10th!

Ladies Night Out with Jen Hatmaker

Friday, August 24, 6:30 p.m.

Does it ever seem like we are burdened with excess? Too much spending, too much media, too much waste, too much stress? Best selling author Jen Hatmaker, who wrote the book, 7 - An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, will be here to speak and share an amazing Friday evening for women. Find out about Jen’s social experiment and how living a greatly reduced life helped her discover a greatly increased God.

Women’s Wednesday Class Offerings Begins June 6, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

“Can I Get a Do Over?” The Grace of Second Chances is an insightful and humorous look at life that will inspire you to walk in the freedom of the God who made you. Taught by Patricia Hocker and Debbie Marshall, this group with gather beginning June 6 through the 25 (no class June 13 or July 4) in SAE room 1. A great group that fellowships, learns and shares each other’s lives. If you are interesting in attending contact Mary Jessup at mjessup@churchoftheservant.com.

Church of the Servant Financial Update:

As we are heading into the summer months, I thought I would give the congregation an update on the overall financial condition of the congregation. Briefly stated, we are in great shape! In April, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of our “Prepare the Way” capital campaign which has been a stunning success to this point. Over the course of this twelve-month period we are nearing two million dollars in debt elimination. Truly a blessing in every regard! On top of that special giving, our monthly giving toward the operating budget has actually INCREASED when compared to the prior year. Giving to the direct ministries of the church is running over four percent higher to this point in 2012 than in 2011. God has blessed Church of the Servant in many ways. In turn, your ministers, church staff and lay leaders, strive to be faithful stewards of the resources available to us. Thank you for your faithful support of the work of God’s kingdom that is being accomplished here. Know always that we are available to answer any questions that you might have about the congregation’s finances. Feel free to contact my office at any time. - Rev. Randy Shrauner, Executive Minister

SERVANT

May 23, 2012

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Summer Songs 2 June 24 at 6pm in the Centrum

Music Ministries is excited to present a Pop Music Concert, featuring: the Celebration Choir, Orchestra, Celebration Ringers, soloists, and special guest - renowned guitarist, Edgar Cruz! The selections include: A Salute to James Bond, The Best of Michael Jackson, Highlights from Jersey Boys, and The Sound of Silence, just to name a few. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale June 3. Only 400 will be sold. All proceeds will go to special projects within Music Ministries. Last year was a sellout, so don’t wait! Get your tickets through the music office or at the Music Ministries table in the Concourse. You won’t want to miss this fun night of music!

PRIME TIME PRESENTS BINGO MANIA! Thursday, June 14, 2012 -10:30 a.m. Stars and Stripes Park

It’s the place to be - Thursday, June 14, 10:30 a.m. in the covered pavilion at Stars & Stripes Park (Portland and Lake Hefner South Shore). Laughter and fellowship prevail when Prime Time plays bingo! If you plan to play, bring a wrapped prize around $10, marked man or woman if pertinent and something you, yourself, would like to receive. This is a picnic, so dress casually, and for the weather—heat, cold, wind, rain, etc. Whatever the day brings, bingo prevails! Following many frenzied games of bingo, Will and Michelle will provide a yummy picnic of brisket, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and cobbler! Cost is only $8 per person for this fantastic meal and more fun than you can imagine! Make your reservations at the Welcome Center or call the church, 721-4141, by 4 p.m., Monday, June 11. If you make a reservation then find you cannot attend, please call to cancel, as Prime Time must pay for all reservations. SEE YOU AT PRIME TIME!

Have You Seen the Newly Completed Columbarium?

The columbarium has been constructed just south of the Chapel of the Cross, and if you have not seen it yet, you need to take time to do that. It is a beautiful area provided for individuals to place cremated remains of loved ones. If you have an interest in purchasing a niche in the columbarium for you or your family you can contact Tom McGee at 721-4141. If you have questions about the Columbarium, there will be a special table in the Concourse on Sunday, June 3, where you will be able to have your questions answered, as well as picking up informational material about the columbarium.

COS/North Side YMCA Sports

Be watching! Fall Soccer signups will begin June 5 and continue through July 30. Children ages 3-10 are welcome to participate. A parent meeting will be held on August 21 at 6:00 pm, with a coaches meeting afterward. Practices will begin the week of August 27, and games will start on September 8. If you’d like to coach a team, please notify Susan Easttom at 728-4756 or seasttom@churchoftheservant.com. Summer Baseball will be starting the week of June 11, with about 35 kids participating on COS teams. Coaches are Tracy McLain - 3’s; Paul Gebb, Clarke Farmer, Beau Galloway and John Gilstrap - 4’s; Clay Cockrill, Jason Ramsey, Brian Blake, Trent Gibson, and Mike Watters - 5’s & 6’s. We are grateful to these great dads for volunteering their time to coach. SERVANT May 23, 2012

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Our Prayers continued... u John and Carol Adams as Carol’s brother, Paul Gaillardet, deals with health issues and is hospitalized in the VA Hospital in Nashville, TN. u Robert and Dorothy Adams as Dorothy deals with health issues, recuperates from surgery, and is hospitalized at the McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital. u Suzanne Allen as her brother deals with health issues. u Dennis and Darla Bierig as their daughter, Ronda deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery; and Larry Tisdale and Betty Tisdale both deal with health issues. u Bill, Lisa, and Jessie Boone as Jessie deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Jon and Lauren Cottings as Jon’s uncle, David Toothnan, deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Elliott and Lu Fenton as they both deal with health issues. u Rodney, Diane, Peyton, and Parker Glenn as Diane’s father, Charles Brock, deals with health issues and is hospitalized in Wichita Falls, Texas. u Leon and Debbie Gold as Debbie deals with health issues and recuperates from a procedure. u Denene Harper as her mother, Eileen Neufeld, deals with health issues. u Ron and Sharon Hendricks as Sharon deals with health issues, recuperates from a test, and undergoes treatment. u Tim and Diana James as Diana deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Kip and Beverly Kirkhuff as their son, Jeff Kirkhuff, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Georgia Lynn as she deals with health issues, undergoes physical therapy, and is a resident at Tuscany Village Nursing Home. SERVANT

May 23, 2012

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u Ted and Sue McCourry as their granddaughter, Makayla McCourry, deals with health issues and recuperating from an illness. u Brian, Angela, Josh, and Kylie Perry as Angela deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Jerry and Pam Russell as Jerry deals with health issues. u Betty Smith as she deals with health issues and is a resident at Town Village Retirement Center. u Andy, Linda, Christopher, Jeffrey, and Stephen Snyder as Andy’s mother, Helen Snyder, deals with health issues and is a resident at Epworth Villa. u Bill and Martha Snyder as Bill deals with health issues and faces surgery at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. u Steven, Angela, and Angelica Strozier as Angela’s sister-in-law, Debbie Phillips, deals with health issues and is hospitalized in Carbondale, IL. u Tony, Regina, Samantha, and Tim Valuikas as Regina deals with health issues.

u David and Janet Battles and Family at the death of Janet’s mother, Betty Walker. u Faye DeLong and Pat GiessmanCoursey and Family at the death of Ann Barnes. u Brian and Tamie Dickerson and Family at the death of Brian’s mother, Dorothy Dickerson. u Sheryl Dunham and Family at the death of Sheryl’s mother, Marion Winters. u John and Debbie Epperson and Family at the death of Debbie’s stepfather, Jay Collins. u Tom and Valerie McEvoy and Family at the death of Valerie’s grandfather, Frank Dent. u Charlotte Smith and Patrick and Karla O’Hara and Family at the death of Charlotte’s father and Karla’s grandfather, Raymond Venable.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Betty Schmid by Marty & Dorothy Christensen. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow Gift Shop in memory of Gary Adams by Earthglow Staff Members.

When Grief Breaks Your Heart

Have you experienced the loss of someone close to you, and now you’d like to receive some learning and support that will aid you in your journey of grief? If so, we invite you to come to a short-term study and support group, which will meet each Monday evening in July (5 sessions). Each session will be 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the South Conference Room. We will encourage one another in our journeys toward healing, and we will discuss the book, “When Grief Breaks Your Heart,” by James W. Moore. Each participant will receive a free copy of the book. The course will be led by Rev. Tim Travers, Minister of Congregational Care. To sign up for the class, please call Vicki Roberds at 728-4738 or Rev. Tim Travers at 728-4708 or you can email us at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com or ttravers@churchoftheservant.com.

SERVANT KIDZ CAMP June 29 – July 1, Canyon Camp (near Hinton OK) For In-Coming 1st – 5th Grade Servant Kidz Camp, a 48-hour camping experience that is more than church camp – it is where lives will be changed, friends will be made and every camper will come home knowing that they matter, especially to God. The weekend will include small group sessions where the bible points will be driven home through interactive/fun activities, recreational and game times that will include: nature hikes, outdoor mazes, and special events, such as a luau, movie time under the stars, and games galore. And the BEST PART IS WORSHIP led by Church of the Servant clergy. The weekend will conclude with a family worship time and cookout. So that your children don’t miss out on this wonderful, fun and meaningful weekend, PLEASE REGISTER THEM NOW. Registration forms are available on the church website at www.churchoftheservant.com, or at the Welcome Counter. Camp registration fee is $125. A $25 deposit will hold a spot until June 3 when the remaining balance is due. After June 3 a $10 late fee will be applied. No registrations will be accepted after June 17.

Some frequently asked questions:

Sign up for SKY!

Registration for this year’s VBS, “SKY, Everything is possible with God,” began with a bang and is in full swing. Join the fun and register your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends for Vacation Bible School. VBS will be held June 11-14, 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. each day. A big Family Celebration will be held Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. to wrap up our week. VBS is free for kids 4 years to 5th grade. Parents, before school ends, invite your children’s friends from school to join them at SKY. Send them a link to our online registration. Let’s Invite! Register Online to attend VBS or be a volunteer: https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/servant

What time does camp start on Friday, June 29? Check in time is 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. There will be no dinner served at camp, so feed your campers before you arrive at camp. What time do we pick the children up on Sunday, July 1? 5:00 p.m. Load your cars then, and then join us for Family worship is at 5:30, which will be followed by a cookout. Can parents attend camp? Yes, we need parents to serve as small group leaders and cabin leaders. Contact Cathy Hersom at chersom@churchoftheservant.com if interested. Is there a camp fee for parents? No, but parents will be actively involved in the weekend’s activities by serving as small group leaders, cabin leaders, etc. Does the church provide transportation to and from camp? No. Is there a nurse on-site? Yes. She will administer all prescription drugs and be available to take care of headaches, etc. We pray as part of your commitment to lead your child/ren to Christ that you will make sure they are able to attend SERVANT KIDZ CAMP.

JOIN US FOR VBS DECORATING:

The Vacation Bible School theme this year is SKY, where everything is possible with God. Members of the congregation have been meeting on Wednesday nights preparing the decorations that will transform the Church of the Servant into a cloud-filled sky during VBS week, June 11 - 14. We still need help to accomplish this huge feat so join us on Wednesday night, May 30, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Children’s Area. Or, save Sunday afternoon June 3, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. for VBS DECORATING JUMPSTART, when we begin to deck the church with clouds, pinwheels and much more. We provide dinner on Wednesday nights, so please let Jennifer White, VBS Decorating Chair, know if you can join us - jennifermwhite@cox.net SERVANT May 23, 2012

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