Servant Newsletter - June 6, 2012

June 6, 2012

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 12.11

Believe s Belong s Become Guatemala Mission Team

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SeaSide Escape for Women

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Revelation Youth Choir

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Sign up for SKY! Registration for this year’s VBS, SKY: Everything is Possible with God is underway. Join the fun and register your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends for Vacation Bible School.

VBS will be held June 11-14 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. each day.

A big Family Celebration will be held Thursday night at 6:30 to wrap up our week. VBS is free for kids 4 years to 5th grade.

We could still use Crew Leaders for VBS week! We have over 350 kids registered already, and we need caring adults to help lead a small group from classroom to classroom. You could work with Preschool or Elementary age kids! Register Online to attend VBS or be a volunteer: https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/servant.

United Methodist

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

Save Your Box Tops

One of our members, Carol Green, is the new Box Tops for Education coordinator for Deer Creek Elementary. If you’re not already clipping those pink rectangles for another school, would you consider clipping and saving them for DC? Box Tops can be found on Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Land O Lakes and Hefty products, many cereals including Cheerios and Chex, Totino’s pizzas, Nature Valley granola bars, Yoplait yogurt, Juicy Juice, Ziploc baggies, Kleenex – just to name a few. Much more information on www.btfe.com.

Each one is worth ten cents, and though it doesn’t sound like much, they add up quickly and allow us to do some of the “extras” that the budget never seems to allow for. Carol will have a small box at the mission kiosk for collection. Thanks for your help!

e r the Skylin fo rt o p p u al. for the s l Fish appe Thank you ia c e p s s r Kid 7,000 to Clothes fo en over $1 iv g e v a h nts! u s for stude To date yo rm o if n u l choo purchase s

SAVE THESE DATES!

Saturday August 25 - Servant Day

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

Pray for Our Guatemala Mission Team

Don’t forget to follow Church of the Servant’s Guatemala Mission Team and pray for their travels as they head out to be Christ’s servants in the world. We are so proud of their faithfulness! http://missiontrashandtreasures.blogspot.com/.

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Ireland Mission Trip Belfast, Ireland

Informational meeting on Wednesday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m., SAE Room 3. Come find out about the Christian culture in Belfast, as well as discussing the details of the mission and fundraising ideas.

Trip: October 16-23 Cost: $1,800 Team Leader: Connie Harrison

Congratu la Servant fo tions to Church o f the r being o ne of the giving ch to p five urches to Ministry.

Circle of The chur Care ch was re and pres cognized ented this a w a r d at Annua Conferen l ce last w eek.

How to Listen for God’s Voice!

How do we know when God is speaking? We all have those situations where we want God to speak to us…to give us direction…to help us find an answer. But how do we tell its God speaking and not just last night’s pizza?

(Or even worse- just our own thoughts bouncing around in our heads)!

Didn’t God only speak to people in the Bible? In Scripture, people were regularly led by God, and they describe it in terms of God’s speaking to them. Abraham. Moses and Aaron. Gideon. David.

Samuel. But God doesn’t just speak to important people for special works of redemption. He speaks to normal people like Hagar (Genesis 16) and Ananias (Acts 9) ... and us?

We should note how Jesus describes our very conversions in Revelation 3:20: “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” Christ describes our coming to faith as hearing his voice and responding. The result is an intimate picture of communing together over a meal.

How does God speak? The primary way God speaks is through the Scriptures. We call the Bible the “Word of God,” and believe it to be God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). But this isn’t a pat theological answer; it’s a perspective that should shape how we read the Bible.

The Bible is not just conceptual -- words that we read as information. The Scriptures are words spoken and inspired by God, and reading them is listening to him speak. Bible reading is relational first and informational second.

But beyond the words of Scripture, people may be led by God’s Spirit in some specific ways: An internal voice.

A sense of conviction. A seemingly inspired reflection. The wise words of a friend. Experiences that undoubtedly defy coincidence. People often describe these experiences as “God speaking” or “hearing God’s voice.” Instead of writing this off wholesale, we should be wisely discerning about it.

How do we know it is God speaking? The voice of the Lord is powerful and awe-inspiring in Psalm 29, but still and small before Elijah. So what would God’s voice be like for us? Dallas Willard notes three qualities by which we can know God’s voice from others. Quality: God’s voice carries substance and weight. It makes an impact -- bringing peace, inclining us toward ascent and inspiring compliance. Spirit: It is rarely loud, flashy or dramatic. It doesn’t argue, but calmly assures us of itself. Content: Words from God will always conform to God’s nature, God’s Scripture, and his heart as revealed in Christ. God’s voice will never tell you that you’re worthless, encourage you to

Dr. Robert Gorrell

lie or mislead you about God’s character. In essence, these factors are akin to the spirits of consolation and desolation that Saint Ignatius wrote about. When a voice consoles us -- brings peace, calm, assurance, worship -- it’s more likely from God because it draws us toward him. When a voice leaves us desolate -- confused, chaotic, anxious -- it’s not from God because it pulls us away from God.

- Robert

Sources: Eldredge, John. Walking With God. (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 2008).

Willard, Dallas. Hearing God. (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsityPress, 1999).

$589,224! How does that number relate to Earthglow? It is the total amount that has been donated to ministries and missions since the shop began in 1976! How can you help us expand that number? Check out the merchandise that we have in the store when you are looking for cards or gifts for others (or yourself). Thank you for all of your purchases to date. We could not have done it without our wonderful volunteers and customers!

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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 - June 10 through June 17

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.

Oklahoma City, OK August 10 - 11

Heads Up, Ladies! You’ve never seen Women of Faith like this before! LIVE Worship Band! New Speakers! Ballet Magnificat!

Premium Seating! And much more!

Chesapeake Energy Arena Friday: 7pm – 10pm Saturday: 9am – 5pm Artists/Speakers: Sheila Walsh, Liz Curtis Higgs, Ken Davis, Angie Smith, Pat Smith, CeCe Winans, Selah, and more!

We all experience good times and bad days, triumphs and tragedies. But no matter what life throws at you, this is what matters: God loves YOU. (Always has. Always will.) You’re invited to be part of a very special celebration. Compelling stories, Bible-based teaching, world-class music, unstoppable inspiration, and a few surprises combine for an experience like no other. God loves you! And that means there is always a reason to celebrate.

DEADLINE - FRIDAY, JULY 6, 2012

Reserve your seat today! All tickets must be paid in full by the Deadline - Friday, July 6, 2012. Call Heather DeShazo at 405-7284704 or email, hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com. $99 PER TICKET**, plus a $2 service fee.

Pay by check, cash, or Credit Card (add $3 fee for CC) ** Price of ticket does not include lunch.

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MacArthur Renovations

At some point during summer 2012 the city is set to begin an extensive project to widen and improve MacArthur Boulevard. The widening project will extend north from Memorial to just beyond 150th. Upon completion we will have four full lanes for traffic as well as an interior turn lane into the Church’s property. Additionally, the ever-present drainage problems south of the church will be eliminated.

Oklahoma City estimates the project will take approximately a year to complete. During that construction period they have promised us that at all times a minimum of one north bound and one south bound lane of traffic will remain open. Without a doubt there will be periods of added inconvenience as we make our way to and from the Church, but those days will be shortlived. Soon enough a new road with increased accessibility will greet us as we arrive. We look forward to these changes!

- Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister

The Walk to Emmaus

PRIME TIME Presents Bingo Mania!

Are you an active church member looking for “something more”? Have you felt like you needed to further your spiritual jourJune 14, 10:30 a.m. ney? Have you wanted to grow more spiritually? Would you like to Stars and Stripes Park see your spiritual journey revitalized, bringing new life and vision to It’s the place to be - Thursday, June 14, 10:30 you and your family? a.m. in the covered pavilion at Stars & Stripes Park We once asked ourselves these same questions. Thanks to (Portland and Lake Hefner South Shore). LaughBobbie & Tommy Roe and Sharon & Fred Knight, we went on our ter and fellowship prevail when Prime Time plays Walks to Emmaus in February, 2002. bingo! If you plan to play, bring a wrapped prize Let us tell you a little about the Walk to Emmaus. around $10, marked man or woman if pertinent and First of all, the primary purpose of The Walk to Emmaus is to something you, yourself, would like to receive. build leaders for the local church. The experience begins with a This is a picnic, so dress casually and for the 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by weather—heat, cold, wind, rain, etc. Whatever the lay and clergy on the themes of God’s grace, disciplines of Chrisday brings, bingo prevails! tian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. The course Following many frenzied games of bingo, Will is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship and and Michelle will provide a yummy picnic of brisket, daily celebration of Holy Communion. The “Emmaus community,” potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, and cobbler! made up of those who have attended an Emmaus weekend, supCost is only $8 per person for this fantastic meal port the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil, by preparing and and more fun than you can imagine! serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Emmaus Make your reservations at the Welcome CenWalk begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. ter or call the church, 721-4141, by 4 p.m., Monday, The Walks are held at local churches, and you would be at that June 11. If you make a reservation then find you location from about 6:30 p.m. on Thursday until about 6:30 p.m. on cannot attend, please call to cancel, as Prime Time Sunday. All sleeping arrangements and meals are provided for a must pay for all reservations. nominal fee of $100.00. Men and women attend separate weekends. Those attending are called “Pilgrims.”

See you at Prime Time!

Did you realize that Church of the Servant has approximately 300 Emmaus members, including most of our Clergy. Our next set of Walks is scheduled as follows: the Men’s Walk is October 4-7, and the Women’s Walk is October 18-21. We are the Walk Leaders for those Walks, and several Servant members are on our teams. We would love for you to join us. Please take some time to pray about it.

We know that God has mighty plans for these Walks, and we can’t wait to see what those plans are.

Wouldn’t you like to see those plans unfold! Please give us a call at 748-6771 or 250-1333, or e-mail us at jellis1103@cox.net. We’re anxious to help you get started on this amazing journey.

- Judie & Don Ellis SERVANT June 6, 2012

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Our Prayers continued... u Roxy Arnott and Michael, Amber, and Hannah Miller as Roxy deals with health issues, recuperates from surgery, and hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Alan Bahan as he deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Hazel Bishop as she deals with health issues. u Paula Brassfield as her mother, Myra Wilkinson, deals with health issues and hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Dave and Marge Carmichael as Dave’s sister, Beth Beale, deals with health issues and recuperates from her second surgery. u Don and Doris Cline as their brotherin-law, Bill Yowell, deals with health issues and hospitalized at the VA Center in Clinton, OK. u Chad, Jennifer, Logan, and Mason Alexander Cravens as Mason deals with health issues, faces surgery, and is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Children’s Hospital. u Edgar, Danielle, and Sadie Cruz as Danielle’s uncle, Robert Gammell, deals with health issues. u Phil and Betty Fair as Phil’s mother, Aline Fair, deals with health issues. u Ken and Linda Farrell as they both deal with health issues. u Jim and Suzie Fentriss as they ask for prayers for their nephew, Mark Wilson Anderson. u Rick and Connie Fitzgerald as their friend, Jim Wheat, deals with health issues. u Annette Gonzales as her brother, Tommy Gonzalez, deals with health issues, recuperates from surgery, and is a resident at Manor Care. u Roland and Kathy Haney as Kathy’s father, Bruce Ruby, deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

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u Lee, Lindsey, and Sydnee Henson as Lee’s grandmother, Jean Henson, deals with health issues and hospitalized in Indianapolis, Indiana. u Bradley and Robin Krieger as Robin’s sister, Kathy Potter, deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Donald and Kay Moore as Don deals with health issues, undergoes rehab, and is a resident at Grace Living Center. u Linda Moore as she deals with health issues. u Jack and Nancy Morgan as Jack deals with health issues and faces surgery at the OU Medical Center. u Matt, Windy, Riley, Sydney, and Reagan Muehleisen and Dick and Susan Muehleisen as Sydney and Reagan both deal with health issues and are hospitalized in the NICU at Plano Presbyterian Hospital. u Tate, Gina, Ryan, and Jaeden Musae as Gina deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Chris and Cindy Renshaw as Cindy deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Bob and Kathlyn Reynolds as Bob deals with health issues and is a resident at Belleuvue Health and Rehab Center. u Mike, Jessica, and Noah Shelton as Mike’s mother, Barbara Shelton, deals with health issues and hospitalized in Memphis, Tennessee. u Andy and Linda Snyder as Linda’s mother, Marie Barnes, deals with health issues and is a resident at Epworth Villa. u Steven, Angela, and Angelica Strozier as their brother-in-law, Joe Buckingham, deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Larry and Donita Thomas as Larry deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Tony Zahn and Maggie Ball as Tony deals with health issues, recuperates from surgery, and is hospitalized at McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital.

u David, Lynda, and Drew Barnes and Family at the death of David’s brother, Steve Barnes. u Doug and Jaci Finch and Family at the death of Doug’s mother, Dorothy FinchFooter. u Rev. Michelle McCarty and Family at the death of Michelle’s mother, Mary McCarty.

u Chad, Jennifer, and Logan Cravens at the birth of their son and brother, Mason Alexander Cravens. u Heather DeShazo at the birth of her nephew, Cameron Michael Johnson.

The proud parents are Buddy and Cassie Johnson. u Matt, Windy, and Riley Muehleisen at the birth of their twin daughters and sisters, Sydney Lynn Muehleisen and Reagan Marie Muehleisen. The proud grandparents are Dick and Susan Muehleisen.

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), 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the S. Conf. 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.

REVELATION YOUTH CHOIR

Our very first Youth Choir tour is in the books! We had a great time as 24 of us traveled to San Antonio and sang in a United Methodist Church and a retirement center. The choir sang very well and represented our church in a great way. I am so proud of what the students have achieved this year!

Some major thanks are in order. My thanks to all the parents that supported us in such a big way. This cannot work without parental support.

And thanks to the staff - especially Dr. Gorrell; the Choir for their generous gifts; those that supplied auction items and those that bid on them (we raised $10,000!); and finally, thank you to our Church that has taken the choir into its heart and loved it from the very first time we sang in worship.

- Chuck Weatherford Director of Music Ministries

Join the Fun!

Next year, the Revelation Youth Choir will travel to Atlanta, GA. The choir is open to students ages 6th through 12th grade. This choir meets each Sunday during the school year at 4pm in the choir rehearsal hall. Revelation is on break right now, but will resume after Labor Day.

Joyful Noise Summer Camp: We Can Praise!

Children going into Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to join us for this exciting camp! Monday, July 23 through Friday, July 29, 9:30 a.m. - Noon, the children will work on familiar music (from VBS 2012) and new music to prepare for a performance on Friday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. and again in both church services the following Sunday. The cost for the week will be $40 for the first child and $30 for each additional child from the same family. The deadline to register is July 9, so register soon! You can find the registration form on our website http:// joyfulnoise.servantokc.com or email joyfulnoise@churchoftheservant.com for more information.

Servant Kidz Camp

Where Everyone Matters 1st – 5th Graders (Fall 2012) June 29 – July 1 Canyon Camp, near Hinton OK Information and Registration forms are available at the Welcome Counters and on the church website. For questions and additional information contact Cathy Hersom, Director of Children Ministries, at 728-4715 or chersom@churchoftheservant.com. Registration Deadline is June 17.

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