June 5, 2013
Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 13.11
Believe s Belong s Become
VBS STARTS MONDAY, JUNE 10! REGISTRATION IS HAPPENING NOW! It is not too late to sign up for KINGDOM ROCK: Where Kids Stand Strong for God, our Vacation Bible School for this year. VBS will take place June 10-13, 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., and is open to kids age 4 - 5th grade (childcare is available for younger children of volunteers). Online registration is available at vbs.servantokc.com until Thursday, June 6. Come downstairs to children’s ministries welcome area on Sunday and sign up to join the fun!
United Methodist
Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com
Reading With a Child Can Change a Life Forever!
Project Transformation Dates Set for July 8-11 and July 15-18
Each summer members of Servant read with the children of Oklahoma City who are part of the Project Transformation Ministry of the United Methodist Church. This ministry was founded here in the Oklahoma Conference by one of our own members, Pat McGarrity. Many of you volunteer to keep this ministry alive and vibrant in our city. We need you and we need others who might come as new volunteers to Project Transformation this summer. The commitment is that each morning of the week you chose, you come from 9:45-noon. As a volunteer, you listen to children read, one child at a time for 30 minutes (4 children total). It is a small commitment that makes a big difference. During those two weeks the church is also responsible for meals for the college interns that run the program. The meals are delivered in the evenings to OCU. It is a great opportunity for a class or small group to serve together one evening. If you are or a class is interested, choose your dates by contacting Pat McGarrity at patnleroy@yahoo.com.
Support Our Troops with Blue Star Mothers On Sunday, June 16, 23, and 30, we will have a special collection in coordination with our local chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. This is a non-partisan, non-political group of mothers who have or have had children honorably serving in the military. They make care packages to send to the women and men serving in the military. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we’re going to share God’s love by collecting items for these care packages. We will collect them in the blue containers in the Concourse by the Welcoming Jesus statue on all three Sundays. Please do not send anything that might melt in shipment. Also, please send smaller sized items for individuals. ITEMS NEEDED: FOOD (bold items are requested often): Coffee (instant or ground) Kool-Aid (pre-sweetened) Gatorade mix in small packets Beef jerky Slim Jims, Trail Mix, Nuts, Protein bars Microwave popcorn Pringles or other canned chips Cereal (individual servings) Cereal bars, Pop Tarts Sugar and Spices (no glass) Candy (nothing chocolate or sticky) Cheese & Peanut butter crackers Tuna or chicken, Ramen Noodles Baked beans, Gum & Breath mints PERSONAL ITEMS (travel, individual sizes): Baby wipes, Toilet paper, Vaseline New Pillow cases For Women Hair bands and scrunchies, Emery boards OTHER (Fun things): Hand-held, battery-op fans (with misters) Dominos, Frisbees, Batteries AA, stationary, pens, pencils, Yo-Yos, Magazines (women & men), comic books, puzzle books, books (paperbacks preferred), stamps, note pads, and neck coolers. All items need to be small, individual-size for mailing overseas.
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Well Done Servant! This last week we were a part of the Oklahoma Annual Conference, a yearly meeting of Methodists from around the state. There were many highlights during the conference as our shared ministry was celebrated. But two moments stand out for me. First, we received the Circle of Care Award. We often don’t make a big deal about awards here, but I want to pause and celebrate this one. Circle of Care is the Oklahoma Methodist group that ministers to children and youth in need. Think children’s homes and foster care. They do a tremendous job caring for some of the most vulnerable people in the state and they do it in the name of our church. Many of our church members volunteer in various ways for Circle of Care ministries. This award, which we have won several years in a row, signifies that our church is one of the top five churches in supporting the ministry of Circle of Care. Well-done Servant! Dr. Robert Gorrell Second, do you remember Tiffany Smith? Tiffany was a student at Perkins School of Theology, SMU. The school contacted us to see if we could receive Tiffany for a one-year internship to complete her Masters in Divinity degree. Although we didn’t have that covered under the budget, we found a way. Why? Because Tiffany is a native Oklahoman and her goal was to become a military chaplain. We believe military chaplains serve a crucial ministry for our church. This year on Wednesday at Annual Conference, Tiffany was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church. And then on Thursday she stood before the entire Conference and was commissioned as a Naval Officer. She then received her assignment to the First Marine Battalion, Paris Island. Tiffany has done a marvelous job. She gives much of the credit for her success to the support and training she received here at our church. Well-done Servant! And one more thing happened last week. And it happened away from Conference. We responded to the tornado. We responded by raising over $45,000 in one week to help. We responded by donating 1,071 baby items for those little one affected by the storm. We responded by sending two clean-up teams to the area and 56 volunteers working through our faithful partner, Infant Crisis Services. So join me in saying, Well-done Servant! - Robert
Lots of new things in Earthglow for 4th of July, like non-flammable sparklers and firecrackers. There is also the ever-popular Duct Tape Necktie… great gift for Father’s Day, or for those guys who don’t have a thing to wear to church on Sunday. All profits go to missions.
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Serving Our Community During This Time of Need
After the tornadoes on May 19 and 20, many of us were looking for ways to respond. As a church, we want to support the people who have lost so much. On Sunday, May 26, a special fish appeal was taken and as a church we gave over $45,000 to tornado relief which will be distributed through the United Methodist Foundation. We also partnered with Infant Crisis Services to bring relief to the youngest of the victims. Last Sunday we collected 1,071 baby items. Items like diapers, wipes, formula, soap, bottles, blankets and cups have been distributed this past week by our volunteers at the Moore Platt College distribution site. Thank you for your response and participation! We will continue to send clean-up teams through the summer. If you interested in serving, come by the Mission Kiosk on a Sunday or call the church during the week. Special Thanks to all who took home a cleaning bucket and filled it. We have 150 buckets ready and prepared that will be used here in Oklahoma in light of all the weather events that have happened this month. They will go out with our clean-up teams and also will be distributed through the United Methodist Foundation. Infant Crisis Services
Servant Members with people from Utah and Chicago who drove to OKC to help others.
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David Simpson, Scott Smith, Jeffery Knight, Zach Travers, and Sang Nyugen spent last Tuesday helping one our of church families in southwest OKC after the May 20 tornado hit their home.
PATRIOTIC CONCERT
Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.
Summer Songs Series: The story of our “Homeland” is told through stirring music and video. The Celebration Choir, Worship Orchestra and Celebration Ringers unite forces for this concert. Join us for a very special salute to our Armed Forces. AMERICA — A land uniquely blessed of God – a staggering mosaic of natural beauty and resources. America – Sweet Land of Liberty! $5 – Proceeds go to support our music intern program. Tickets available in the church office and online at www.churchofthservant.com. “Homeland” created by Jay Rouse and Randy Vader. A Music Ministry production of Church of the Servant. Chuck Weatherford, Director of Music; Dr. Robert Gorrell, Sr. Minister.
Women’s Summer Bible Study on Grace
Does simply thinking of chocolate bring a smile to your face? Imagine spending a sweet hour with other women to share lunch, and talking together about the wonderful grace of God. Dr. Robyn Goggs will be sharing four Tuesdays, beginning July 9, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch each Tuesday and enjoy a sweet treat of the Word and chocolate we will share together. Registration will begin on Sunday, June 30.
Body and Soul Dance Blast
Summer Special - 5 weeks unlimited classes for $25
June 23 - June 29
Body & Soul is “where faith and fitness meet”. It is an international nonprofit fitness organization led by national fitness leader, Jeannie Blocher. Founded in 1981, Body & Soul offers cardio/strength, boot camp, power strength, basic & beyond, dance blast and strength/flexibility workouts. ACE certified instructors lead the workout, providing options for beginners. Each class begins with prayer, and the energetic Christian music will inspire all to get moving, no matter what fitness level we are. Dance Blast is the newest cardio and toning workout. The high energy and fun moves feature Jive, Cumbia, Latin, Reggaeton, Middle Eastern, the Waltz, and more. Intermittent intensity levels paired with dynamic toning and stretching provide a fun exercise experience. The Dance Blast class is for women and will be offered here on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p. m. in the Youth Auditorium. For this special, one can attend as many classes a week as desired. The schedule of classes held throughout the city can be found at www.bodyandsoul.org or contact rdreyer1@cox.net or 359-6124. Walk-ins are welcome to come and see if this might be a way for you to experience faith and fitness together. SERVANT June 5, 2013 I Page 5
Picnic Time for PRIME TIME
Yes, it’s picnic time and that means it’s also BINGO BONANZA time for Prime Time! Date – time – place – June 13th, 10:30 a.m., the covered pavilion at Stars and Stripes Park. Come dressed for any type of weather and for a GOOD time. Bring a wrapped prize (cost of no more than $10 and something you would like to win) and mark for “man”, women” or “either”. Following many bingo games the traditional picnic meal of several barbequed meats, baked beans, cole slaw, etc. will be served. Cost of all this fun, food and fellowship is just $9.00 Make your reservation at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office at 721-4141 by 4:00 p.m., Monday, June 10. If you make a reservation and later find you cannot attend, please call the church office to cancel. Prime Time must pay for all reservations. Because our picnic is held in the covered pavilion, it has never been cancelled due to weather conditions. Just come dressed for the weather, as the picnic and bingo will go on. Come enjoy the games and to meet and greet old and new friends!
Get to Know Me...
Hi my name is Jeffrey Knight. I am a sophomore in Student Ministries. We all know what happened May 19 & 20. Tornados hit Shawnee, Newcastle, and Moore. I knew I needed to help. I went with some of the youth on Saturday, May 25. When I got there I was shocked. Seeing it first-hand is so much more impacting then on T.V. We helped two families. One, we moved a pile from the side of the house to the front. And for the second family we helped them clean rubble. But I know God is watching over everyone that got hit by the tornadoes. I pray for the families who lost loved ones. And I’m thankful that God allows us to be his hands and feet to help share his love. Jeffrey Knight
SIGN UP TODAY! High School MissionOKC forms are available! Join us as we spend a week serving our community -- June 17-21. MissionOKC forms are due June 5. Contact Sang Nguyen for more information -- snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com. DAYSPRING! High School Ministry’s biggest camp of the year! Join us July 6-10, as we join in with other youth groups around the state to learn more about God’s grace. Forms are due June 5. Contact Sang Nguyen for more information -- snguyen@churchoftheservant.com.
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SERVANT KIDZ CAMP, July 19 – 21, Canyon Camp
A-camping we will go to make new friends, hang out with old friends, hike, make some nifty crafts, swim and most importantly, WORSHIP our Heavenly Father. Where are we going to do this? At Servant Kidz Camp which will be held July 19-21 at Canyon Camp near Hinton Oklahoma. Servant children, grades 1st – 5th fall 2013, are invited to participate in summer camp, a camp created especially for them. Servant Kids Camp is more than just church camp. It is 48 hours where lives can be changed, friends will be made and every camper will come home with their spiritual juices renewed. Camp registration forms are available at the church welcome counters and on the church website. Camp space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come basis, so registrations should be submitted as soon as possible. Adult leaders are absolutely a must for this ministry to succeed – so parents, please commit today to experience this amazing weekend with your child/ren. The camp fee for campers is $125 but there is no charge for adults because they are part of the leadership of the camp – in other words – we put everyone to work. KIDZ CAMP 2012 was the inaugural session. This experience was amazing for everyone and this year’s camp will again knock the socks off the leaders and kids. Comments from 2012 Leaders included: • • • •
The live band and worship messages were all wonderful; Hard to pinpoint a favorite event – enjoyed it all! Awesome experience; Great experience for the kids and adults; Great opportunity for friendship and worship.
Comments from 2012 Campers included: • • • • •
I wish we had the high school kids every year; I liked it all; it was awesome; I can’t wait to tell my friends how much fun it was; Worship was the one activity that I will never forget; I liked it all – worship, small groups, movie, luau nights, and making stuff.
Who would not want to be a part of this amazing weekend! For information contact Cathy Hersom at 728-4715 or chersom@churchoftheservant.com.
Girl Scout Troop 177
Girl Scout Troop 177 has been very busy with several activities and we are looking forward to many fun activities during the summer. In April, we attended an event to present the Girl Scout cookies that were donated during the cookie sale to the troops. It was impressive to see all the cases of cookies that are being sent to the soldiers serving our country abroad. Also in April, our leaders attended Troop Camp Training for certification to take the girls out camping. We are planning our first campout this fall. We also cleaned and waxed the bronze statue of the man who reads the newspaper in front of the Edmond Library. We clean him every spring and every fall as a community service project. In May, two of our scouts, Shelby Dye and Deanna Palmer, were recognized for earning the highest award that a Junior Girl Scout can earn, the Bronze Award. We are very proud of Shelby and Deanna for taking the initiative to serve the community and to earn this award. Also in May, we had another opportunity to honor our troops by placing flags on the graves of veterans for Memorial Day. We were pleased to join the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts in this activity. Many of our girls will be attending Twilight Camp in June at Fink Park in Edmond and some of our older girls will be attending Resident Summer Camp where they will have the opportunity to do many fun things like swimming, horseback riding, and archery. Our troop is having a lot of fun. If you are in K-12 and interested in becoming a girl who is courageous, confident, and strong, come join us! Contact Lori Vallejo at lori@vallejos.com or visit our website at www.GStroop177ok.org. SERVANT June 5, 2013 I Page 7
u Dennis and Darla Bierig as Dennis recuperates from surgery.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Billie Amis by Fred & Sue Knight.
u Joe and Helen Dekker as their granddaughter, Isabella Coffee, recuperates from surgery in Tulsa.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dutch Dennis by Robert & Aliene Wherry.
u Bill and Glynda Henderson as Glynda recuperates from surgery. u Don, Amy, Ethan, and Kamryn Holland as Kamryn recuperates from surgery. u Ted and Sue McCourry as Sue recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Bob and Connie Patteson, as their son and daughter-in-law, Shayne and Sarah Patteson, and Sarah’s mother, Sharon, as Shayne, Sarah, and Sharon lost their homes in the Moore tornado. u Larry and Suzanne Rogers as Larry deals with health issues.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dutch Dennis by William & Melba Howard. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Stop Hunger Now in memory of Myra Wilkinson by Carol Muirhead. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Billie Amis by Prime Time. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Bill Bright by Prime Time. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Billie Amis by Lynn Waite. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow in memory of Lynn Jones by Bob & Jo Gentry. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Skyline-Clothes For Kids in memory of Lorraine Gelvin by Pete Gelvin.
u Marilyn Schrameck as she deals with health issues. u Barbara Seagrove and Mike and Pam Adams as Barbara undergoes rehab and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Delbert and Linda Simmons as Linda’s mother, Maudie Taylor, undergoes rehab at Belleview Rehab and Nursing Facility; and Linda’s cousin, John Porter, deals with health issues. u Bob and Nancy Smith as Nancy’s brother, Jim Holland, recuperates from surgery. u Jay and Margaret Stout as Margaret deals with health issues. u Joe and Jeanice Trindle as Joe deals with health issues. u Bill and Ruth Tyo as Ruth recuperates from a procedure. u Ellen West as she recuperates from surgery and undergoes rehab at Belleview Rehab and Nursing Facility.
FAITH IN ‘REEL’ TIME presents
Precious Life. This is a raw film that reflects the real Middle East, where a Palestinian infant’s life can only be saved by a Jewish doctor – a film revealing the best of man and the worst of man, side by side and face to face. Gather in the Centrum at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. Discussion will follow. Sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141.
u Ron and Judy Brown and Family at the death of their son, Michael “Harley” Morrison.
THANK YOU!
Milt and Frances Ferguson would like to thank all who prayed, sent cards, visited, and made phone calls during Frances’ Cornea Transplant Surgery.
Servant Foundation Golf Tournament Rescheduled
This past Saturday, June 1, the 18th Annual Servant Foundation Golf Tournament had to be postponed and could not be rescheduled until September 21. All those who have paid their fees to play will automatically be able to play on September 21. If you had not yet paid your fees, you can pay them now or when registration opens again on September 8. For those who were not able to sign up to play this past Saturday, but will be able to play on September 21, we would be glad to accept your entry fees and put you on the play roster. If you have any questions about the tournament, please feel free to call Tom McGee at 721-4141.