Newsletter 06.19.13

June 19, 2013

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 13.12

Believe s Belong s Become Project Transformation July 8-11 and July 15-18

Readers needed! Sign up Sunday June 23 and 30 At the table in the Concourse

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. 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 choose, you go from 9:45-noon to Chapel Hill UMC. 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 or your class is interested, choose your dates by contacting Pat McGarrity at patnleroy@yahoo.com.

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 on Sundays in the Concourse.

United Methodist

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

Notes from Guatemala Mission Trip

I went into this mission trip having no idea what to expect. I had never been out of the country, I’d never been on a plane and I was strapped in ready to go to Guatemala for 8 days. Little did I know that this mission trip would change me forever.

When we arrived we were debriefed on the goals we would accomplish this week. Each day held different responsibilities for our small groups. Three of the groups would go work on houses while the group I was in went and worked on bunk beds. We got to put together three bunk beds, and then stain them, And later in the week we got to deliver them to three different families. It was all women working on these, but surprisingly it went well!

After lunch we would all split up into groups again. People would go back to their houses but I got to go to VBS with a few of the other people. I absolutely fell in love with the kids.

I got to spend three short days with the kids in VBS. We did different activities and crafts. Although there was a language barrier between us, I had absolutely no problem loving those kids. They literally just clung to us the whole time we were with them.

They wanted to be hugged or played with, they appreciate the very little that they have, and it just melted my heart when they hung onto me.

I have a huge heart for children, so when the last day with these sweet Guatemalan kiddos came, it was very hard for me. It was the hardest thing in the world knowing it could very well possibly be the last time I was going to see or speak to them. They just captured my heart. I broke down on the last day because I was so sad.

I was so confused as to what God was trying to tell me even in the goodbyes, but I know I am better because of the hellos and the goodbyes.

I can’t describe in words the smell of that place, or the stuff I saw, or the poverty I saw. It’s something one has to experience to understand. It’s hard to experience because their lives are unbelievably hard and sad. Yet I am so glad that God broke my heart for those people and those kids and that place.

He broke my heart for a reason and it makes me want to go back again, and it makes me want to keep praying for them day after day. It’s helping me view things completely different. It makes me appreciate everything that I have. It’s been a very hard transition for me to be home, it’s hard to cope with the feeling of having everything I need when the people there have nothing. It’s not fair. Yet I believe God is working through those people and is working through me as well. God is everywhere and he has a reason for everything he does. He is with the people and children of Guatemala, he is in the poverty, but he is also with me as my heart breaks for the people there. He was in every project we did, every nail we nailed, every wall we painted, and every child we hugged and prayed for. I am so lucky and blessed to have gotten the opportunity to go on this mission trip and I hope I can go back again someday because leaving that place and saying goodbye to those people was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

-Jordan Picchione

Can You Help?

One of our conference ministries needs our help! Exodus House is an apartment complex and program for people coming out of incarceration. This ministry gives them a place to live within a Christian structure to help reintegrate and have a new start on life. This ministry also picks up furniture to furnish these apartments. Many of us through the years have called Exodus House and they have come to pick up our furniture!

Their old pickup truck is broken beyond repair and Exodus House is hoping that someone in our Methodist connection will have a truck to donate. If this is you, please contact Dale and June Krumme at 749-0509.

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Change Your Life by September!

You could make a big change in your life by September. How? By studying God’s word in an intentional way. Consider the words of one of our best preachers, Barbra Brown Taylor. In her sermon (The Unfettered Word) while accepting Yale’s Award for Distinction in Ordained Ministry Within the Church, she tells the story of a response someone gave to her sermon: Who knows what it was about. All I remember is the man who came out afterwards -- a sensible, well-heeled fellow, looking slightly stunned -- who told me that God had spoken to him during the sermon that morning. He was going to quit his job on Monday. He was going to sell his car. He was going to change his life, he said, to which I said, ‘Good grief! It was only a sermon! Sleep on it!

Go get a cup of coffee! See how you feel in the morning!’

She adds, “Because we are old friends with the word by now, we have forgotten its power. We read scripture out loud as though we are reading income tax instructions to each other.... There is nothing to get excited about. You can Dr. Robert Gorrell buy dish towels with the Beatitudes printed on them. You can give Bibles to your children without worrying what they read there will upset their lives.

She ends her sermon with these words: The word that created heaven and earth, the word that became flesh and dwelt among us, the word that blew through an upper room and set believers’ heads on fire -- that word is still loose in a world that cannot contain it, still seeking those who will hear it and speak it -- waking the sleepers, freeing the prisoners, raising the dead. ‘Let it be ...,’ God said, and it shall be so. Amen.

I believe with all of my heart in the power of God’s word. Commit yourself to hearing God’s word preached. Try a little experiment. Commit yourself to being in worship a certain number of times this summer (you pick the number but I recommend at least eight weeks). Keep a journal about what you hear and experience. In your journal answer these simple questions about the sermon: -What was the main point?

-What did I learn about God? -What did I learn about myself?

-How am I going to respond to this word from God? In September review your notes. Pray for God to guide you through this process. If you go on vacation, take a list of the sermons you’ll miss and read the scriptures while you travel. Make notes in your journal.

See the difference God’s word makes in your life!

- Robert

Support Our Troops with Blue Star Mothers

For two more Sundays, June 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 patriotic containers in the Concourse by the Welcoming Jesus statue on these Sundays. Please do not send anything that might melt in shipment. Also, please send smaller-sized items for individuals. The specific list of items suggested can be found at the Welcome Center. Share God’s love with our military service people! You’ll be so glad you did!

Thank You from Infant Crisis Services

Dear COS Friends, Thank you so much for helping to staff the Infant Crisis Services Tornado Relief Station set up at Platt College in Moore. Everyone was so gracious and hardworking. We served over 400 babies and toddlers during that week and a half while we were there. I love my church and the people who go there. Thanks again for being there for hurting people.

In love and service, Miki Farris, Director SERVANT June 19, 2013 I Page 3

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.

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.

Ladies Night Out with Jennifer Rothschild August 23 at 7:00 p.m.

If you are a woman who wants to know God more and live life more deeply, then join us for a night of worship and inspiration with Jennifer Rothschild, as she talks to us about “real hope when life doesn’t make sense.” Desserts and coffee will be served as 6:30 p.m.

Jennifer Rothschild has been cleaning out her thought closet, and reconciling the missing pieces in her blanket of faith ever since her life drastically changed at the age of fifteen, when she lost her sight. Now, more than 30 years later, she boldly and compassionately teaches women how to walk by faith, and not by sight.

Known for her substance, signature wit, and down-to-earth style, Jennifer weaves together colorful illustrations, Biblical principles, and music to help women live empowered.

Early-Bird special available online for a limited time! Purchase your tickets TODAY in the church office or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.

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Vacation Bible School What do you get when you combine a month’s worth of making decorations, countless hours of preparation, 180 volunteers and 520 kids? One awesome week of Vacation Bible School! For four days we all learned how God helps us STAND STRONG. The kids also collected over 1000 items (fun band-aids, diapers, toddler toothbrushes, etc.) for the pediatric patients at The Children’s Center in Bethany.

Thank you to everyone who had any part in this great week of mission! If you brought push pins or ice cream sprinkles or anything else from the Wishing Tree, thank you! If you came up to the church the week before to help put up decorations, thank you! If you worked with the kids during the week, thank you! If you prayed for the kids and volunteers, thank you! All of you, whether behind the scenes or right up front, were very important to VBS at Church of the Servant.

And for that, I thank you! -- Martha Stone, VBS Director

MILLIONS OF THANKS to these super gals and friends of Jesus who directed the 2013 Kingdom Rock VBS:

Martha Stone, VBS Director; Christi Lynn Bethea, Elementary Coordinator; and Wendi Humes, Preschool Coordinator SERVANT June 19, 2013 I Page 5

Get to Know Me!

Hi my name is Kendall Cook and I attend Edmond North High school. I have gone to this church for a long time, but it was when I moved into High School Ministry that I learned the true meaning of community. I struggled with many things through the years and my youth group has been there for me to lean on. I honestly think of this church as my second family. When I am down they make me laugh, and they celebrate the good with me. In my opinion, middle school and high school years are the most critical times in our lives. This youth group has been a great support system for me. I am so thankful God has blessed me with my amazing youth group, and am excited for the many years to come.

Kendall Cook

High School Ministry Sunday Funday Schedule!

June 23 – Redhawks! We will be downtown watching the Redhawks game! Cost will be $11.00. Meet at the Johnny Bench statue at 5:30pm. Sign up is required!

June 30 – We will have a cookout at the church from 6-8! Bring $5.00 and come HUNGRY! July 14 – Roller Skate party at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73122). Join us from 4-6pm for a fun time! Cost will be $10. Sign up is required, so contact Sang Nguyen at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com.

Summer Programs:

Bagel Tuesday: This Tuesday morning study will take place off campus! We will be at Bekah and Micailah Sander’s home.

We will have a sign up sheet and students will volunteer to bring breakfast. Our study will be over characters from the Bible. Join us Tuesday mornings from 9-11am. Our first meeting will be on June 25.

Collide: Takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. This is an incredible opportunity to worship intimately with our Creator. We will praise the King and spend time in prayer with each other. This take place in the Middle School break out room.

Fuel: Fuel, our Sunday morning program, is packed full of laughter, student-led worship, video, a relevant message, and tons

of opportunities to connect with God! Fuel is a place where you can be excited to bring your friends and expect to grow closer to our amazing God! Join us Sunday morning at 10:45 at the Point Student Center.

Freshmen Move Up Retreat

This past weekend, High School Ministry welcomed the class of 2017. Our local retreat was hosted at the church and it was an unbelievable experience to watch our current high school students love and care for our new friends. We are so excited to see how God will move in the lives of all our students and we are so excited to have the class of 2017 join us!

Thank you to all our wonderful leaders for joining us for this incredible experience -- Hurst Jones, Taylor Barnett, Taylor Dickerson, Michael Loruse, Jordan Todd, Laurie Simpson, Dave Hammons, and Amy Hammons!

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Move Up Sunday

Our children had a great time during Move Up Sunday!

Children moved into the next age group class as we gear up for a great summer of learning more about God! We enjoyed “I Love Jesus” cookie cakes and learned about Jonah and the Whale. We are now in our “new” classrooms, and look forward to a funtabulous summer together! If you weren’t there, come join us!

FUN IN THE SUN

We are getting ready for our FUN IN THE SUN Day, July 7. This is a Water Celebration Day for our children, 5th grade and under during the Sunday School hour.

As we get prepared, we realize that EMPTY, CLEAN dish soap and ketchup squeeze bottles are needed for many of the activities. If you have any of these that you could get to the Children’s Department by July 3 or before, it would be so greatly appreciated! THANK YOU!

Ready… Set… Go! Summer Camp Here We Go!

It is almost time for summer camp 2013 and at Troop 177 we are going through the final checklist to make sure we are ready for our trip to South Dakota. We will spend a week on the shores of the Lewis and Clark Lake in the Missouri river, just west of Yankton, South Dakota. Then we will drive west, through the Badlands National Park to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore.

Follow us on Facebook at BSA Troop 177.

However, the first step towards being fully prepared for this trip was raising the funds to help us get there. On Saturday, June 8, we held our first annual Troop Yard Sale. For a yard sale to be successful you need to have items up for sale; we would like to thank all of you who donated items, mentioned the sale to friends, or attended the sale to shop. Your generosity made this event a success. Even after everything was set and done that afternoon, we were also able to donate some of the unsold clothing items to the Skyline Urban Ministry and some of the unsold children’s books and toys to Hannah’s Promise to support our brothers and sisters with special needs. It was all hard work but very much worth it. Once again we thank you for your generosity.

Another big fundraiser involves our “all you can eat” pancake breakfast at Applebee’s on Saturday, August 3, from 8:00 10:00 a.m. Tickets for this event are currently being sold for $7.00 each. This is a wonderful chance to help our troop and have a nice breakfast with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you and serving you that day.

Once funding was taken care of, we focused on the activities we will carry out over our week at camp. Each scout got to choose a handful of Merit Badges to do each day at camp. Some of these include Swimming, Climbing, Shooting Sports, Nature Study, Personal Watercraft, Motor Boating, Scuba Diving, and Aviation, just to name a few. There are also personal challenges like the Mile Swim and other activities that aren’t Merit Badges. Now we are on the final phase of packing to make sure we have everything we need in our footlockers and our trailer before we depart for our week of adventure.

Although summer camp kept us very busy, we still made time for some community service, which is always at the top of our priorities. Before the recent tornadoes struck our area, we held a work day taking down six dead trees and cleaning down a creek near the corner of Rockwell and Hefner. It was a couple of days of hard work but this will ease the water flow and prevent flooding in that area. We also had Scouts who helped with the clean-up efforts in Carney and Moore. We had to cancel our May campout due to the inclement weather, but we decided to spend part of that weekend helping move furniture and other items at the home of a flood victim here in Edmond. We are also scheduled to assist with the Arise Ministries “Survive N Thrive” conference for single mothers that will take place right here in Oklahoma City June 21-22. It’s shaping up to be a very busy summer but then again, that’s the way we like it in scouting. Learn more about BSA Troop 177 at www.BSAtroop177ok.org.

Thanks, Michael Vallejo Scribe/Bugler/Troop Guide BSA Troop 177

SERVANT June 19, 2013 I Page 7

Our Prayers continued... u Bert and Peggy Akins as Peggy is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Ron and Shirley Beckett as Ron undergoes physical therapy. u Dale and Elaine Cox as Dale’s brother, Billy Cox, undergoes treatment in Amarillo. u Bill and Lilly Dunlap as Bill recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Rehab Hospital. u John and Debbie Epperson as John deals with health issues. u Fred and Nancy Forde as Nancy’s son, Michael Overall, recuperates from surgery. u David and Sandra Gradick as Sandra deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Bob and Jan Green as Jan’s father, Kenneth Hazen, is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Steve and Lisa Hall as Steve recuperates from injuries sustained in a fall. u David and Nancy Landrum as David recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Norman Regional Healthplex. u Henry and Jere Marcotte as Henry’s sister, Theresa Freeman, is hospitalized at Midwest City Specialty Hospital. u Barbara Mayfield as her friend, John Hames, recuperates from surgery. u Sue Miller as Sue’s cousin, Jim Kiesler, deals with health issues. u Tommy and Judith Roberson as their grandson, Trevor Roberson, undergoes tests. u Jim and Kathryn Roberts as Jim’s mother, Wanda Fern Roberts, deals with health issues and is a resident at Bellevue Rehab and Nursing Center. u Robbie Robertson as she deals with health issues and undergoes treatment.

u Heather Slane and George and Jane Anne Slane as Heather recuperates from tests. u William, Lynsey, Kate, Karter, Koleton, and Karson Thomas as Lynsey recuperates from injuries sustained from a fall. u Bryan and Brenda Thomason as Bryan recuperates from surgery.

u Greg and Linda Dial and Family at the death of Greg’s mother, Nan Dial. u Robert and Rachel Mitchell and Family at the death of Rachel’s grandfather, Cleburn Driver. u Mary Porter and Family at the death of Mary’s husband, William Prentiss Porter. u Nancy Richardson and Kailey Richardson and Family at the death of Nancy’s mother and Kailey’s grandmother, Madonna Propps. u Jeremy, Ashley, Bekah, Micailah, and Rachel Sanders and Cooper Etter and Family at the death of Jeremy’s father, Jerry Sanders. u Blair and Jeannie Schoeb and Family at the death of Jeannie’s father, Floyd Hardin. u Delbert and Linda Simmons and Family at the death of Linda’s mother, Maudie Taylor.

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 this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Discussion will follow, led by Dr. Curtis Nigh.

u George and Jane Anne Slane at the birth of their grandson, Graham Isaac Slane. The proud aunt is Heather Slane.

The parents and big brother are Eric, Megan, and Chad Slane of Lancaster, Wisconsin.

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 A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Billie Amis by Betty Smith. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Billie Amis by Harold & Carolyn Wittrock. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Billie Amis by Samuel & Mary Smith. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Billie Amis by Monica Wittrock. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Billie Amis by Tommy & Debra Smith.

4th of July is near, and Earthglow has the decorations you need! Come in and browse the cool decor for this hot holiday. All profits go to missions.