July 16, 2014
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 14.14
CIRCLE OF CARE Thank you for your continued support! ...More on page 4
Q
uarterly report
As we have passed through the mid-point of 2014, I included a letter with the quarterly giving statements, which were mailed this week giving an update on the financial status and health of the congregation. In part the letter reads as follows:
Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister
I am pleased to report at the close of June, we are spot-on target, as the net financial result for the year is closely matched to our budget expectations. While the figures for the first half of the year are not yet complete, our expectation is that we will show a positive variance of a few thousand dollars against year-to-date revenues and expenses of over $2 million dollars each. It is the faithful and steady support of the congregation that allows Church of the Servant to function with such efficiency. Each gift, no matter how large or small, is critically important to the work of your church, and your offerings are immediately put to use in our local, regional and worldwide ministries. We owe another word of celebration to the ongoing success of our “Prepare The Way” debt reduction campaign.
The combined total of our regularly scheduled note payments coupled with giving to “Prepare The Way” has allowed us to reduce our existing debt by over $1 million dollars in the last twelve months! While the campaign is slated to close this coming December 2014, with approximately three-quarters of a million dollars in outstanding pledges remaining, our hope is at year-end Church of the Servant’s total debt will stand at approximately $1.8 million dollars—a dramatic reduction of over $4.5 million dollars in slightly more than three years. If this dream can be realized, it becomes possible for Church of the Servant to imagine a day where, with continued effort, we might be completely debt free as soon as Christmas 2016!
This good news is a result of the faithful giving of almost 1,000 families who are committed to the mission and ministries of Church of the Servant. Week after week a decision is made as to how together, we will share of the resources we have been given. As we respond to God’s call upon our lives these gifts make possible a new operating table at Maua Hospital in Kenya, make possible a Vacation Bible School filled to the brim with children eager to experience the love of God, make possible our worship experience as a community each Sunday, and make possible the youth camps, the Care Ministries, and the outreach of Church of the Servant. It is a blessing to serve within a congregation so committed to God’s work in the world. As we make our way into the second half of 2014, new blessings and new celebrations will be ours together as we continue to step out in faith and generosity. May God’s grace and peace be yours in the days to come!
It is a blessing to serve within a congregation so committed to God’s work in the world.
Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister Church of the Servant
/ChurchoftheServantOKC Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
@servantchurch
Missions Infant Crisis Services Donations
Fit to Serve Sunday, October 26 Seeking Sponsors
The Fit to Serve 5K held at Gaillardia Country Club is a wonderful evening of fellowship for Missions Ministry. This year’s 5K and one-mile fun walk will benefit our car seat ministry. Over the last 4 years, Church of the Servant has given away 829 free car seats throughout the OKC metro area for our cost of $41,500. Church of the Servant is recognized through many partnerships with city agencies as the northwest OKC fitting station. Businesses and individuals come alongside us to sponsor the race so that the proceeds can go to mission. Would you consider being a sponsor or know someone who would? For a sponsorship packet, contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@ churchoftheservant.com.
Thank you for all the ways you continue to support Infant Crisis Services by bringing donations that are shared with mothers around the city. The collection area in our building is downstairs near the children’s area. Just a reminder that the things that benefit the babies are clothes size 5T and smaller, children’s shoes, diapers, wipes, formula, blankets and bibs, educational toys and books, baby equipment. ICS also appreciates your donations of plastic bags. Most other items that don’t fit these categories have to be removed by our staff, so please be mindful of what you bring to the donation area.
Guatemala Mission Team will share their trip on Sunday, August 3 9:15 in Chapel of the Cross - 10:45 in the Centrum
July and August Mission Focus: School Supplies
School will be here again quicker than we think! A big expense for many parents is preparing their children for the return to school. This year we will collect School Supplies for ChildSHARE and for single parents in the local area. Lists for suggested supplies are on the Mission Kiosk, but any supplies you might pick up on sale are helpful. The big yellow wagon near the Mission Kiosk is the collection point through August 10.
Summer Opportunities to Serve in Mission
July and August Mission Focus -- Bring school supplies for teachers. July 14-25 - Help fit children for uniforms at Skyline July 16 - Sunday Blood Drive Sunday, August 3 - Guatemala Mission Presentation, 9:15 and 10:45
SAVE THE DATE
Bless our School: Hefner Middle School
Our task force met and we will be moving forward into a partnership with Hefner Middle School this year. As our first step, we are going to focus on Back-to-School Appreciation Boxes for the teachers and we plan several work days the week of August 11 in the school, cleaning and organizing. Amber Neaves will be leading the teacher appreciate box collection during the next few weeks. Come by the Bless our School table on Sunday and see all the ways that you can serve and be a part of this new ministry. Information and registration forms will be available at the table.
Sunday, Oct 26 - Fit to Serve 5K in Gaillardia SERVANT July 16, 2014 I Page 3
Circle of Care Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care provides Christian Help, Healing, and Hope to children and families in crisis. That means we operate Child SHARE which works all across the state with children who are abused and/or neglected and in need of a home. That means we operate Pearl’s Hope which works with homeless women with children in Tulsa to help them get back on their feet and break the cycle of poverty. That means we operate the Independent Living Program which helps children in need finish high school and college. In 2013, we served more than 400 youth in our care daily. None of this would be possible without the generous support of Oklahoma United Methodists in general and Church of the Servant in particular. Your leadership in giving and inventiveness in giving is inspiring. Just recently we received a letter from the Earthglow board announcing a significant gift that will help us achieve our mission. And when we write “our mission,” we mean the joint mission of your church, our ministry, and the entire Oklahoma Conference of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Circle of Care has been working with “at-promise” kids in Oklahoma for 97 years. Thank you the many years of generosity and for continuing to provide the support we need for this important ministry!
Women Girls Night Out Friday, August 22, 6-9:30 p.m.
Fellowship, Devotion, Hors d’oeuvres and Painting!
Cost: $30
Location: Community Hall Childcare: Provided by reservation Hosted by: Friday Moms’ Faith Group for women of all ages Registration: Begins in the church and online July 27 Come for a fun, casual evening where art and fellowship meet. Dr. Robyn Goggs will be leading the opening devotion that will set the theme for our creative evening. Jay Tracy, artist of Paint Your Art Out, located in downtown Edmond, will be here to help you discover your inner artist - and yes, everyone has one! You will be amazed at your own creativity as an artist guides you step by step in painting a masterpiece. Adding your own personal style makes each piece uniquely yours. This artistic experience is for everyone, from seasoned painters to the “young at art”. In the time of about two to three hours, you will have a beautiful painting for your home or an original gift to share. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Mark Your Fall Calendar
Women’s Offerings Bible studies for women will begin the week of September 8. Brochures for classes will be available the first week of August.
Music Suzuki String Method Begins Fall of 2014
Suzuki String Method is coming soon! Registration will begin in August 9 for the Fall Term, which will begin after Labor Day. Ali Soltani, Director of the School, is coordinating with Chuck Weatherford, Director of Music Ministries. Offering Elementary through adult classes. An information brochure will be available soon at the Welcome Center. Go to churchoftheservant.com for more information and to download a registration form.
Troop 177 Troop 177 has had a very exciting and fun-filled summer so far. Our biggest event that we took part in was summer camp Base Camp Powhatan in Virginia. We started our eleven-daylong journey very early in the morning on Friday, June 20, and once we had all of our gear loaded in the trailer, we began the eighteen hour road trip to camp. On the way we stopped at a few museums and roadside attractions, dined at the restaurants that could handle a swarm of hungry scouts and leaders, and we camped out in a church in Jackson, Tennessee. Once we got to camp and everyone was situated, the older leadership team, Mitchell, Scott, Josh, Nicholas, and Michael, split off from the rest of the Troop and went to Claytor Lake Scout Camp to enjoy a week of water sports, good food, games, and cabins with electricity. The rest of the troop stayed at Base Camp Powhatan and had fun playing at the lake, especially on “The Blob”. They also focused on merit badges and completing rank requirements. Needless to
say, most of our scouts had a great time at camp and are looking forward to next year’s camp. Also, we hosted three very successful flag ceremonies during the Independence Day celebrations at the Touchmark at Coffee Creek Retirement Home, Gaillardia Country Club, and the LibertyFest Parade in downtown Edmond. With all of those events taken care of, all the scouts have to worry about now is getting their rank requirements signed off before the next Court of Honor, which is coming up very soon on Sunday, July 20. We hope to have a successful Court of Honor and we hope you’re enjoying summer while its here. Happy Scouting! For more information, visit our website at www.BSAtroop177ok.org or follow us on Facebook at BSA Troop 177. Mitchell Dye Scribe/Troop Guide BSA Troop 177 Life Scout
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Children FUN in the SUNday!
Mark your calendar for July 27, during the Sunday school hour (10:45-11:45). Instead of the traditional Sunday school lesson being presented in classrooms, leaders will be taking the children outside for some fun-filled and perhaps WET activities. We will be putting our Bible verse, “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with celebration! Come before him with shouts of joy!” (Psalm 100:1-2), into action with shouts of joy in the water and sun! Be certain to wear clothing suitable for getting wet at church (NO bathing suits, please!), shoes that can get wet, a towel, and perhaps bring a change of clothes to wear home. Looking forward to a FUN in the SUNday!
Parent’s Night Out Friday, August 15
Children’s Ministries is offering a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, August 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. You don’t have to worry about childcare; we are providing that for you! You will be able to drop them off in the Children’s area and enjoy an evening out. There will be lots of activities and fun. Dinner will be provided for the children. The cost is $15 for one child; $25 for two children; and $30 for the family. If you have a child(ren) 10 years old or younger, you can register today by going to the church’s website: www.churchoftheservant.com. Click on the “Parent’s Night Out Register Here” button and fill out the registration form. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6. A full refund will be given if the cancellation is made no later than Monday, August 11.
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Fall Soccer Sign-up
Fall Soccer Sign-up is in full swing! You may pick up paperwork at the Welcome Counters or find it in the Special Events section of Children’s Ministry on our church website. The LAST day to register is August 3.
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Geoff Baker and Susan King-Baker as Geoff recuperates from surgery. u Lola Burgtorf as Lola faces surgery at the OK Surgery Center. u Don and Doris Cline as Don’s nephew, Jerald Higgins, deals with health issues and is under hospice care. u Darrel, Kellie, and Chandler Hardy, as Chandler faces surgery at the Georgia Health Sciences Center in Augusta, GA.
CARE MINISTRIES
Our Sympathy continued... u Greg and Anne Skuta and Family at the death of Anne’s mother, Elizabeth Phelan. u Rose Welch and Family at the death of Rose’s father, Wayne Wann.
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.
u D.A. and Carol Heggie as D.A. recuperates from surgery. u Bill and Carolyn Hines as their friend’s daughter, Lee Haynes, recuperates from surgery and undergoes treatment. u Barbara Holland as Barbara faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Rick and Shirley Jackson and Stuart Jackson as their friend’s Brian and Teecia Brown’s infant son, Foxx Brown, recuperates from surgery in Washington D.C. u Phyllis Mosher as Phyllis recuperates from surgery. u Tom and Susan Page as Susan’s mother, Hazel Hutchinson, deals with health issues. u Judy Raulston as Judy faces surgery at St. Anthony Hospital.
Our Sympathy
u Mike and Pam Adams and Family at the death of Mike’s mother, Hertha Adams. u Warren and Sue Collins and Family at the death of Sue’s sister, Jo Anne. u Gina Hunt and Vicki Ihrig and Family at the death of Gina’s and Vicki’s father, Caroll Hunt. u Gwendolyn Jones and Family at the death of Gwendolyn’s husband, James Jones. u Kent Keper and Family at the death of Kent’ wife, Linda Kepler. u Charles and Dorothy Luke and Family at the death of Dorothy’s mother, Dorothy Wellborn. u Toby and Heather McGee and Family at the death of Heather’s brother, Mark Haynes. u Jack and Louise Pebworth and Family at the death of Jack’s and Louise’s son, Ross Pebworth.
Precept Upon Precept – Study of the Book of Jude
Jude had to speak up. He was not an apostle and he wasn’t a pillar in the church, like his brother James. Although he was the half-brother of Jesus, he did not claim any relationship to Jesus Christ other than that of being His bond-servant. He had grown up in the presence of the One who came to save His people from their sins. No wonder he wrote about problems within the church. He had to preach a strong message about God’s judgment of sin. How would you contend for your faith? How would you stand up against such sin in the church and ultimately God’s judgment of sin? Come be a part of this new study process of using the Inductive Study Style of Observation, Interpretation, and Application. Taught by Nancy Harris and will start Wednesday, September 10, 9:30-11:30 a.m., and run through October 15. Workbooks are $15.00.
Listen to Our Sermons on Podcast!
We now have a sermon Podcast of the Celebration services and Servant 923 services! You can listen to the sermons on your computer, on your iPhone/iPad/ Android devices, or you can subscribe to the iTunes Podcast. Website: churchoftheservant.podbean.com iPhone/iPad/Android: churchoftheservant.podbean.com/mobile iTunes: Church of the Servant Podcast Website: servant923.podbean.com iPhone/iPad/Android: servant923.podbean.com/mobile iTunes: Servant 923 Podcast SERVANT July 16, 2014 I Page 7
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Servant 923 meets Sunday mornings in the Centrum at 9:23 a.m.