Newsletter 07.01.15

JULY 1, 2015

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 15.12 report from guatemala city more inside!

twenty-six members return from guatemala city with many stories of mission and faith to share!

Getting to know Rev. Tim Travers

Rev. Tim Travers Associate Minister

I have served as full-time clergy at Church of the Servant since 2003. I am currently Minister of Congregational Care, specializing in hospital, home, and nursing home visitation, plus bereavement ministry. Prior to that, I served for six years as the minister in charge of evangelism to newcomers, visitors, and new members. I have served churches full-time since 1993. My wife, Jacki, and I have been married since 1993, and she has a career as a pharmacist. We have two children--Zack, who is a junior in college, and Zoe, who is a senior in high school. I was raised on a small farm in Nebraska. From my father I learned the value of perseverance, a solid work ethic, and loyalty to my family. My mother was the biggest influence upon my life of faith, and she taught me that studying the Bible helps us learn to love others. I grew up in the life of the church, attending each week, and I felt a call to ordained ministry when I was sixteen.

God has a wonderful way of utilizing our most painful and sorrowful experiences.

My family and I experienced the tragic death of my father from a car accident as I began my senior year in high school. Partly because of that experience, I knew I wanted to help people who are on a grief journey. I have known the amazing power of God in many miraculous ways. In June 1998, my family and I survived being hit by the vortex of a tornado in Nebraska. My pregnant wife, our three-year-old son, and I got down in a ditch as the twister assailed us. Our daughter was born one week later. It was God’s amazing power that saved us! My mother passed away in 1999 with advanced Alzheimer’s. It was always my mother’s biggest fear that she would one day have Alzheimer’s. One might think this is only a story of sadness. In actuality, I was able to see God’s love and grace, even while I supported, loved, and helped care for my mother. I am also a two-time survivor of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, being first diagnosed in 2003 and experiencing a recurrence in 2010. The most recent occurrence was stage four. God is so good! I am now a twelve-year survivor, and I am currently in remission!

I have known the powerful help and encouragement that comes from prayer support— including the loving prayers of so many people at Servant. I try to live each day in joy and faith, even as I encourage those who are suffering.

Wanting to share hope and inspiration to others, in 2013 I decided to write a book about my life. My spiritual autobiography, called Driven, is available at our gift shop, Earthglow, for those who would like to read more about how God’s love and grace have led me through many amazing things in life. My biggest passion is to love God and to know God more and more. I cherish any opportunity to help others go deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ. I have always considered it a blessing to serve in ministry at Servant--a very special place with special people of deep faith!

- Tim

Earthglow will keep its regular store hours this summer: Mondays thru Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and Sunday mornings until noon. So come in and browse… plenty of books for summer reading, and plenty of cute toys to help entertain small children. Thanks for shopping at Earthglow!

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Reflections from Guatemala, Part One

Just three hours away on a plane and our world changed. Twenty-six of us went to Guatemala City to serve with the Potter’s House. For almost 30 years now, The Potter’s House has served the 16 communities of people who are the poorest of the city, living and working in the city dump. During this week, the team built a cinder-block house, restored another home, built bunk beds, and led a VBS each day for 100 children.

It was hard work physically and spiritually, but we saw God at work in many ways. We saw it in the way we worked together; we saw it in the commitment of the workers of the Potter’s House; and we saw it in the “treasures” who live in the dump area.

In many places there was a lack of hope, but just seeing someone come from the U.S. to help was a sign of hope for them. Many of the people of Guatemala are unaware of the depth of poverty in their own city. One woman told me she always feels better when she sees teams from the Potter’s House during the summer, because it tells her that her people are not forgotten.

What brought me hope was the smiles on the children’s faces. They are still hoping and dreaming for better lives. I believe that if we can continue to work alongside the Potter’s House, we can be a part of helping God’s dream of restoration and healing happen there. I will go back! - Dr. Robyn Goggs In June, I was blessed to help Robyn Goggs lead a trip to Guatemala City. There are many ways to describe this experience, but I’ll share one. I believe we all want to be inspired. And after spending a few days with Potter’s House you are left in awe. Potter’s House, in many ways represents the Bride of Christ - the Church. They have recognized the need in their community and were proactive in sharing the Kingdom with those around them.

The biggest dump in Central America lies in Guatemala City. Over 11,000 people are affected by the dump. Potter’s House has established programs to educate kids; provided resources for families in need, including cinder -block homes and vocational training to help people get out of the dump; sponsored programs for kids so people can financially and prayerfully support them; and so much more.

You arrive in Guatemala City expecting to make a difference without the expectation that the people you encounter will minister to you. Potter’s House has inspired us to open our eyes to the needs around us. God calls us to be a City on a Hill. When Potter’s House gives someone a home, they paint the outside blue and yellow. This is one of their ways of leaving a mark in their community. One quick look around and you know they are answering the call - to be a City on a Hill. - Sang Nguyen, Youth Pastor ... More on page 8

Missions School Supplies for CHILDSHARE

Throughout the summer, school supplies go on sale. Why not pick up a few extras to help the foster children connected with CHILDSHARE? Drop your supplies at the Mission Kiosk on Sundays or bring them to the Missions office during the week.

TEEM Summer Hygiene Drive

The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM) is an interfaith, 501(c) 3, nonprofit organization. TEEM has served Oklahomans in need with education, social services, job training and job placement assistance since 1987. Each summer we support TEEM by bringing small travel-sized hygiene items for their drive. These items are given, along with professional clothes, to the clients as they reenter the workplace. Items need to be unused and can be brought to the box found at the Mission Kiosk during July.

Clothes 4 Kids Volunteers Needed

Each summer Skyline Urban Ministry provides two new school uniforms, underwear, socks, and shoes to hundreds of children in need.

Donate your time! With the large volume of clients we receive during Clothes 4 Kids, we always appreciate volunteers! Below are the dates of volunteer opportunities: Clothes 4 Kids Distribution July 13 – July 24: Mondays – Fridays Shifts Available: Mondays – Fridays 8:30 a.m. – Noon & 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Description: Personal shopper – personally take each child to designated areas to try on shoes and school uniforms to ensure a proper fit for the child.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, contact Melissa Ramey at mramey@skylineurbanministry.org or 405-632-2644.

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Music SUMMER SINGERS New in July

Women Annual Girls Night Out August 28 $30, Plus a Snack to Share

Crafting with Emily Buckingham

Come and bring a snack to share as we fellowship and paint a beautiful sign for our front door. Local artist Emily Buckingham will bring all the supplies for the evening to create a fun piece of decorative art.

On this evening, information about all the Fall Women’s Discipleship Groups will be available to explore, and you can join as well. Fall Studies begin September 15.

Mark your Calendar: October 2-4 Fall Women’s Retreat Sulfur Oklahoma

This weekend will offer an opportunity for renewal, fellowship, worship, and inspirational learning in a beautiful setting at the Chickasaw Nation Retreat Center overlooking Arbuckle Lake. Early registration is $199 and will begin online July 15.

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This summer, we are trying something brand new - a new program for worship music in the 9:15 and 10:45 services! We are introducing Summer Singers! Each Sunday throughout July we are inviting people that would love to sing in the choir but can’t make the weekly commitment during the school year to sing! We will meet each Sunday at 8:40am and quickly work up an anthem for that day! The fun part is you can bring your family members as well.

Elementary and up are welcome!

Our first meeting will be July 5, which is also patriotic Sunday - wear your red, white, and blue! I know you will pray about this and make this a new fun tradition here at Servant! We will remind you through your Sunday school classes and in worship.

SWEET SUMMERTIME Kindred Community Dinner Gathering

Please join Church of the Servant’s Kindred Community for good food and good company in the Community Hall on Thursday, July 9 at 6:00 p.m. Easy casual summer attire. RSVP by July 2nd to Sherri at 405.202.6954 or sherriprice@cox.net Kindred Community is our ministry for widows. We host a quarterly dinner to bring widows together in our community.

Get Connected with Women’s Ministry information and stories on our blog: cos-women.com

Troop 177

Troop 177 recently completed 25 4 ft. by 8 ft. vegetable boxes for the Oklahoma County Senior Nutrition Program (OCSNP) Center located on 5016 NW 10th, Oklahoma City. In total, approximately 30 Scouts, Scout parents and leaders contributed over 300 service hours on the weekends of April 18th, 25th, and the grand opening on May 16th.

The Nutrition Center prepares 1,200 hot meals and delivers them every day Monday through Friday to seniors. In total, 3000 meals are served daily to Oklahoma County seniors. ‘’Sometimes, this is the only square meal that some seniors receive each day’’ according to Ellen Bennett, member of the Church of the Servant and Assistant Project Director, OCSNP. OCSNP identified a need to provide seniors with a source of fresh vegetables to supplement the existing nutrition program. This location serves as the pilot location for what could be 18 additional community garden locations.

OCSNP requested and received assistance from several volunteer organizations. Troop 177 was the first Boy Scout Troop to respond by providing the basic site layout, the box design and bill of materials, coordination and delivery of building materials, and fabrication and installation. Troop 177 continues to work with OCSNP to identify community needs and solutions.

Max McChesney BSA Troop 177 Scribe and Troop Guide SERVANT July 1, 2015 I Page 5

Children

“Fun in the Sun”day

Please mark your calendars for Sunday, July 26th, because your kids won’t want to miss Sunday FUNDAY during the 10:45 Sunday school hour.

Kids are invited to wear SUPER HERO, water-friendly attire to celebrate their real SUPER HERO – JESUS. Instead of the traditional Sunday school lesson, a brief message will be shared with all grades, and then the teachers will be taking the children outside for some fun-filled and wet activities.

(Parents: NO SWIMSUITS please. Shorts, t-shirts, tennis/water shoes, and a TOWEL will be perfect!)

KIDZ CAMP NEEDS YOUR OLD T-SHIRTS!

Look through your dresser drawers and closets. If you find you have an abundance of t-shirts that you don’t need, we would love to repurpose them at camp! Please bring them to the Children’s area and we will put them to great use! Any color, any size will do! THANK YOU!!

[Deadline is July 10th]

Nursery Hiring

Church of the Servant is hiring nursery caregivers for Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday mornings, beginning in late August. If interested, contact Cathy Hersom, Children’s Ministries Director, at 728-4715 or chersom@ churchoftheservant.com.

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KIDZ CAMP – July 17-19 Canyon Camp (near Hinton OK) For in-coming 1st – 5th graders

Children

Servant Kidz Camp, a week-end 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 understanding that we build our strength by learning God’s Word.

This year’s theme is HEROES OF THE BIBLE and the Bible point that will be driven home all weekend is Nehemiah 8:10B Don’t be “down in the dumps” and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. The kids will come home understanding that they can build their strength by learning and living God’s Word. Kids are invited to arrive at camp in their favorite SUPER HERO costume as they begin their weekend of growing in their relationship with their real SUPER HERO – JESUS!!!!

The weekend will include small group sessions where the Bible points will be driven home through interactive/fun activities, lots of interesting and creative crafts, recreational and game times that will include lots of swimming. And the BEST PART IS WORSHIP led by John Gilstrap and Dr. Robyn Goggs.

So that your child/ren doesn’t miss out on this wonderful, fun and meaningful weekend, PLEASE REGISTER THEM NOW. Registration forms are available on the church Website in the Children’s Ministries section or at the Welcome Counters at Church of the Servant. Camp registration fee is $125. A $25 non-refundable deposit per registration will hold a spot until July 6, when the remaining balance is due. No registrations will be accepted after July 10.

Some frequently asked questions: What time does camp start on Friday, July 17th?

Check in time is 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at camp.

What time do we pick the children up on Sunday, July 20?

3:30 p.m.

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. The camp nurse administers all prescription and over the counter drugs.

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.

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Missions

Reflections from Guatemala, Part Two

On the mission trip to Guatemala, I was asked by another member of our team why I would want to come here and what individual thing would I like them to experience. At the time, we were sitting on top of a hill overlooking one of the many narrow, impoverished streets of Guatemala City. I replied that I would like for my debate team to start at the top of the street, walk all the way down past all the houses and all the people, and end by talking to the families and spending time with the children. I said this for two reasons: First - as privileged kids in a private school that attend church every Sunday and talk about foreign political issues, we have no idea what the rest of the world is actually like.

Actually experiencing it changes that completely. Second - because there is no other way to experience Guatemala than full force, straight forward, all at once. From day one, we hit the ground running, and it’s incredibly challenging to process it in the midst of long, emotional days, but I believe that is the best way to go about it, because there is no other way to experience GOD than full force, straight forward, all at once. He is eager and willing to show us the world and to bring us His compassion and His empathy for these people. After all, we are called to Him in radical measures, and this trip was exactly that for me. Colossians 1:6 ~ “This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.” The attached picture is of the street I was talking about. - Andi Butler, 11th-grader The team this year was made up of 10 high school youth, 6 college students, and 10 adults. They are Virginia Aldridge, Kailee Anderson, Maegan Bene, Lauren Branch, Serena Branch-Evans, Andi Butler, Vicki Gilstrap, Jaydan Gilstrap, Jeremy Gilstrap, Robyn Goggs, David Hedrick, Mary Holland, Emily Jordan, Melinda Jordan, Jeffery Knight, Hillary Neaves, Todd Neaves, Sang Nguyen, Jordan Picchione, Jennifer Purvis, Katie Purvis, Sarah Sanders, Mariah Slothower, JJ Valentine, and Paige Wyatt. The team will be doing a reflection and presentation in late September. More information coming soon.

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Our Life Together Our Prayers

u Chery Andrews as Cheryl’s granddaughter, Michelle Funk, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Children’s Center Rehab Hospital. u Lloyd and Carolyn Bean as Lloyd deals with health issues. u Larry and Marcia Becker as Marcia faces surgery at Mercy Outpatient. u Eldon, Luwayne, Ethan and Elijah Burns as Eldon’s step-mother deals with health issues. u Dan and Cathy Bush as Cathy recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Joyce Calderwood as she asks for prayers for her family members. u Kinlee Farris as Kinlee deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Milt and Frances Ferguson as Milt deals with health issues. u Peggy Hull as Peggy deals with health issues. u Ken Koerner as Ken deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Al and Jere Litchenburg as Jere’s mother, Jean Williams, deals with health issues.

How To Be a Good Neighbor

One of my family’s favorite shows is HGTV’s Fixer Upper. It’s a reality show that follows Chip and Joanna Gaines in Waco to help couples find and fix up their dream home. When watching the show, you’ll notice when looking for a home, almost everyone focuses on what’s inside and outside of the house itself. What type of floors, countertops, kitchen sink, and cabinets do you want? Do you like open concept? Is the house located in a great school district? I have never heard someone say, who are my neighbors?

In the grand scheme of things, relationships are much more important than brick and mortar. My wife Brooke and I have lived in a few different homes over the years.

A few years ago, God opened our eyes to value of neighboring. Since then, we have tried to make it a priority to get to know the people who lived around us. From the great commandment to the Good Samaritan to Jesus’ reminding us that we will be known to the world based on how we love. How do we love where we live? How can we begin to know are neighbor? Dave Ferguson, a pastor in Chicago developed a simple acronym called, “BLESS” as a tool for Christ followers to take first steps in knowing and loving your neighbor.

• B- Begin with prayer. ‘God how do you want me to bless the people in the places you’ve sent me to?’

• L- Listen. Don’t talk, but listen to people, their struggles, their pains, in the places God sent you.

• E- Eat. You can’t just check this off. It’s not quick. You have to have a meal with people or a cup of coffee. It builds relationships.

• S- Serve. If you listen with people and you eat with people they will tell you how to love them and you’ll know how to serve them.

u Bob and Barbara Neil as their friends, Jack and Katherine, ask for our prayers.

• S- Story. When the time is right, now we talk and we share the story of how Jesus changed our life.

u James and Lauri Reeg as James’ sister, Wilma Reeg, deals with health issues.

This is an invitation to be the presence of Christ in your neighborhood. I would love to hear your stories on how you love where you live. Email me at sbartlow@ churchoftheservant.com.

Happy Neighboring, Pastor Scott

u Jennie Schmidt as Jennie recuperates from injuries from a fall and is a resident at The Lakes. u Jennifer Tippin as Jennifer’s grandmother, Lola Tippin, deals with health issues.

Bill and Nancy Whitten as Nancy deals with health issues.

Celebrating Memories

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Youth Ministry in memory of Jerry Potter by Bill and Melba Howard u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of Fred & Sharon Knight by Lynn Knight u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Jim French by Ryan and Stephanie French

Our Sympathy

u David Conrady and Family at the death of David’s wife, Toni Conrady. u Karen Henderson and Family at the death of Karen’s brother, Bill Barnard. u Susan and Raye Leonard and Family at the death of Susan’s mother and Raye’s grandmother, Paula Josephson. u Cindy Phipps and Family at the death of Cindy’s sister, Dianna Lynn Peters. u Ezell Potter and Family at the death of Ezell’s husband, Jerry Potter. u Larry, Cindy and Lindsay Stacy and Family and Friends at the death of James Wheeler.

CARE MINISTRIES

When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is sometimes difficult to remember to inform Care Ministries of that special situation. As a church family, all of us can help. If you know of a member who would benefit from our specialized care or our prayers through Care Ministries, call Care Ministries at 728-4738 or 312-4634.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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