July 27, 2016
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 16.14
Bless Our Schools
TEACHER BOXES FOR HEFNER MIDDLE SCHOOL Pick up a box to fill: July 31 & August 7
MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 3...
Broken Bones, Patience, and Colossians 1 I am still pondering Paul’s words to the Colossians, which we have studied in our worship services over the past two weeks. My reflection continues to center on Paul’s prayer and the fact that he did not ask God to provide relief for his brothers and sisters in the church, or change their circumstances and their setting. Instead, he prayed that the church might receive “knowledge of God’s will” along with “spiritual wisdom and understanding.” He asked God that the church might be “strengthened with all power” and blessed with “endurance and joyful patience.” I have been struck by the difference between Paul’s prayers and the prayers I tend to offer for myself, for my church, for my children, and for those around me. With more frequency than I would care to admit, I find myself petitioning God to change a situation, to remove an obstacle, or to clear a path leading toward easy and certain progress. Rarely do I find myself asking that the change be in my own thinking, or my perception of the world around me, let alone a request of God for the strength and patience to simply endure the challenges before me in a faithful manner.
Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister
I just got home from my six-week checkup with the doctor who is working to repair the foot I so thoroughly splintered. The healing process is on track and we have set the date for one final surgery to remove the hardware that has been aiding the process. This has been a new experience, as I have been fortunate to generally “bounce” rather than “break” when tossed off a horse or a motorcycle. But now, some new limitations have forced changes in my day-to-day routine and have demanded an approach to life contrary my usual “head-first” methodology. I have been obligated to sit (for forty-three days now), with another month and a half yet to come. I am powerless to speed the healing process or alter the circumstances. My response can only be a prayer for spiritual wisdom, endurance and patience... lots of patience.
Has our modern culture, where speed and convenience dominate, weakened our ability to work our way through the inevitable challenges we are certain to encounter in life? Have we been so conditioned to go around hard patches rather than methodically working our way forward with the sure and certain knowledge that the struggle itself has benefit? Paul’s prayer to the Colossians reminds us that God remains at our side in even the most challenging of situations. He is ready and able to provide the resources necessary to see us through, but more importantly, to see us mature as fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. May Paul’s prayer extend to us as well, and may our own prayers reflect what we have learned. Lives of fruitful and faithful abundance will be the result. – Randy
“FULLY COMMITTED” New Sermon Series Starts August 14
What is faith? Is faith a set of beliefs, or is it something more? What does it really mean to be a fully committed follower of Jesus Christ? Faith is more than what our minds believe; it is what our hearts feel, what our mouths say, and what our hands do. With faith and with God’s help, we can be fully committed.
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Bless Our Schools:
Hefner Middle School Teacher Blessing Boxes Two years ago, the Mission Council at Church of the Servant voted to adopt/ partner with a school in our community that needed extra help and resources. Hefner Middle School (HMS) was chosen due to its proximity to the church and its need. HMS does not receive Title I funding, as the percentage of economically disadvantaged students at the school is just below the level to become a Title I school. This leaves Hefner in a precarious position of having a large number of students from low income families, but not quite enough to receive federal aid. Severe budget cuts are in place for this school year. The teachers are given a very small stipend for supplies, but that doesn’t go very far. Church of the Servant can help the teachers at Hefner Middle School get off to a great start for the new school year by providing a box filled with supplies in every teacher’s classroom when school begins! Last August, the teachers and staff of Hefner Middle School were speechless when they arrived to their classrooms the first day to find a box of supplies and goodies given to each one by our congregation. Pick up a box on Sundays, July 31 or August 7, fill it, and return it by Sunday, August 14. Lists of suggested items are included. Boxes will be delivered to Hefner on Monday, August 15. Prayer dolls will be available to pick-up on Sunday, August 14, as well. Each doll will have a staff member’s name on it that you will pray for throughout the school year. This is a strong partnership forged over the last two years that connects our church to the community. It is a great way to make a small difference in the lives of teachers who are giving their best to the students they serve. Bless Our Schools also sponsors an end of school teacher appreciation luncheon for the teachers and staff at HMS, along with providing volunteers for the food backpack program.
Earthglow Shoppers –
You make SUCH A DIFFERENCE in our community! One of the missions supported by the profits from Earthglow in 2015 was Exodus House, a part of the United Methodist Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries. Exodus House is a six-month temporary residential project where people newly released from prison can live with their families while they successfully re-enter life outside of prison walls. Leaders say those who take this route rarely return to prison.
Missions Whiz Kids Celebration & Volunteer Recruiting Sunday, August 21 Serving one afternoon a week could change a child’s life forever! Monday afternoons during the school year, our congregation serves approximately forty-six children – grades 2 through 5 – in the program known as Whiz Kids. The children are supported by a staff of dedicated tutors from Servant and our partner church, Wesley UMC. When the children arrive at Wesley UMC each week, they are served a hot, nutritious snack. They share a Bible story lesson with a club-time leader. For many of them, this is their first introduction to the Lord Jesus Christ. They then spend the next hour in supervised reading practice, under the direction of a oneon-one adult. We are beginning our 6th year with Whiz Kids. There are so many blessings to be shared, as children are mentored and adults share Christ’s love in such a practical way of being present with them. On August 21, we will be asking you to consider making a one-year commitment to our Whiz Kids ministry on Monday afternoons. Each year, we trust that God will provide the people we need to continue this amazing ministry. Maybe this is the year you could serve? Please mark your calendar to be in worship on August 21 and again at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22 at the church for an ice cream social and an introduction to tutoring. If you have any questions about the program, please contact our coordinator Shirley Rolston at 850-7675.
The furnished apartment, complete with linens, cooking and eating utensils, is provided free of charge, except for the cost of electricity. Residents stay for a limited time and are permitted to take all of the apartment’s contents when they move. Exodus House welcomes donations of items for the apartments. ... Continued on page 4 SERVANT July 27, 2016 I Page 3
Missions
Volunteer of the Year Award Goes to Clay Cockrill
Church of the Servant sends its people into the community to serve Oklahoma City and beyond. One of our ambassadors is Clay Cockrill, who was recently given the Clyde Riggs Volunteer of the Year award for his service with Rebuilding Together.
Rebuilding Together seeks to “transform the lives of low-income homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes and revitalizing their communities.” Clay, a project manager at Boldt Construction, has volunteered since 2010, performing applicant home evaluations and serving on fund raising committees as a member of the Board of Directors. He also served on the Missions Council at Church of the Servant where he learned of our long-time involvement with Rebuilding Together. He soon volunteered to coordinate Servant’s team for a yearly project in April. Clay is passionate about using his talents to serve God in the community and growing spiritually through service. “Involvement in this mission has impacted my spiritual life in so many ways. Rebuilding Together has provided me awareness of the
breadth of need in our community. I have met so many older people who live alone in homes that are hazardous, and in need of serious care. I’ve learned that it is our responsibility as a church and as Christians to love and serve these vulnerable neighbors. I’ve learned to trust God to provide the people, knowledge and tools we need, even when we take on projects that seem to stretch what we believe we can accomplish. Each year, the task seems daunting, but we always find a way to complete the repairs we set out to do.” Clay shared one of his favorite stories from Rebuilding Together: “This April, we refurbished a home of a widow in the northeast part of town. The day before our work day, we visited her home one last time in preparation. During our visit, we discovered her air conditioner/heater was not functioning. That same evening, I received a call from a church member who explained he was an electrician and would have his tools and truck and would be able to help in that capacity if needed. The next morning, I asked him to look at her AC unit to see if he could diagnose the problem. By the end of the day, he had replaced the fan motor and restored comfort to her home. It was an inspiring example of God providing the resources we needed to fully serve the needs of our home owner.” Church of the Servant has given Clay a way to connect his skills to mission. “The friends and experiences I’ve enjoyed through this mission have given me a new level of connectedness to the Church. The fellowship and passion of our congregation inspires me every time we step out in faith to serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community,” he said.
Second from Left: Clay Cockrill
Congratulations, Clay! Thank you for representing Christ and Church of the Servant well as you serve in our community.
Earthlow Shoppers ... Continued from page 3 Because every dollar of profits made in Earthglow is distributed within our community, we were blessed to make a $3,000 donation to Exodus House this year. In a message from Kristen Harlin, Executive Director, she shares these words: “On behalf of Exodus House OKC, I would like to thank you for your very generous donation. Exodus House relies on the generosity of donors such as yourself and is grateful for your continued support. In 2015, Exodus House OKC served 28 residents, 18 male, 10 female, with 17 weekend visiting children and 12 children living here. Out of this group, there were 14 graduations and completions.” Remember, every time you purchase a treasure from the Earthglow Gift Shop, you are making a real difference in the lives of people within our community. Stop by soon, and pick up a gift, card or special something for yourself. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Church of the Servant sends out a team to serve with Rebuilding Together in April every year. To find out more, visit their Website at www.togetherwetransform.org. Watch the KFOR interview with Clay Cockrill: http://kfor.com/2016/04/06/rebuildingday-on-saturday-nearly-1200-volunteers-will-renovate-about-30-homes/
ANOTHER GREAT YEAR WITH PROJECT TRANSFORMATION! Over the past two weeks, Church of the Servant has had an incredible time volunteering with Project Transformation, a summer literacy camp put on by our Oklahoma United Methodist Conference and AmeriCorps. Over eight days, 30 Servant members gave their mornings or afternoons to helping children read and experience the love of God! These volunteers had a powerful time, and as Carolyn Hays put it, “One of the things that encouraged me to keep coming was that the children would ask hopefully each day, ‘Will you be back tomorrow?’ It made me feel connected and committed to them and them to me. This is a great way to help these kids keep up reading skills during the summer.” Please join me in a prayer of joy for the Kingdom work done by these volunteers!
Missions
Beyond reading with the children of the camp, Church of the Servant also provided dinners over the two weeks for the college students who run the camp! I want to celebrate the awesome ministry done by the Path Class, Brownlee family, Seekers Class, Seasons Class, MVC Class, and Treasures Class! As these college students are discovering who they are and what their faith means, these Servant members really showed what it means to be a family of faith. Lauri Buchanan, from the Seasons Class, said, “It was great to hear about where they attend school and what they are aspiring to be. It was even fun to pick up the food! Experiences like this give me hope for the future.” Blessings, Rev. Michael Carpenter
Bible Study 24 Hours That Changed The World No single event in human history has received more attention than the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. In this study, you will be guided through the last twenty-four hours of Jesus’ life. Each of the 7 sessions is designed to help you experience and understand the significance of Jesus’ suffering and death in a way you have never done before. Whether you are a long-time Christian or simply curious about the story of Christ’s crucifixion, you will want to join us in retracing the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life. 24 Hours That Changed The World is a seven week study taught by John Farr beginning Tuesday, September 6, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will be held in the North Adult Room 12. Registration begins Sunday, August 14. Once registered, be sure to purchase the book at a local Christian bookstore or online. SERVANT July 27, 2016 I Page 5
Women FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT
In the hustle of everyday life, we frequently find it hard to know just how to slow down and talk – one-on-one – with our heavenly Father. In the beautiful, peaceful surroundings of the Arbuckle Mountains, this retreat seeks to help each of us to find new ways to pour out our hearts in real, open conversations with God. Through soul-stirring worship, reflective Bible study and engaging small group sessions, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with God, nature and other women in fun and meaningful ways. God wants to enter into a conversational relationship with each one of us. We will be hearing some of the specific questions God asks of us, and discover answers which will draw us into a relationship of deeper sharing and intimacy with God. The resource for our time together will be Questions GOD Asks Us by Trevor Hudson. Under the direction of Dr. Robyn Goggs, Associate Pastor and Director of Women’s Ministries, several women of our church will lead a retreat that will bring renewal in your own walk with God and new thoughts on how to communicate with Him. There will be large and small group experiences, and plenty of space to exercise, play, rest, be with others, or to simply be alone as you seek conversations with God. For more information about the retreat, go to www.churchoftheservant. com/events, or contact Susie Cobden at 405-721-4141 or scobden@ churchoftheservant.com.
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Potluck and Bingo Night to Benefit Hannah’s Promise
Ladies, mark your calendars for Friday evening, August 26, 6-9 p.m. for an evening of food, fun, fellowship, and prizes! Bring your favorite potluck crowd pleaser to share, along with a $10 missions donation. Then settle back for some serious BINGO and a great time visiting with friends, both new and old. Our mission for this evening will be our own Church of the Servant’s Hannah’s Promise. Hannah’s Promise is a ministry for families in our community who have children with special needs. We have the honor of having Sandy Jensen, the grandmother of Hannah Jensen, for whom the ministry was named, as our speaker and official Bingo caller. Sandy will share Hannah’s story and information on how the ministry has made a significant difference to many families within our community. Game nights have been extremely popular events, and this promises to be a great evening. Women’s Ministry is busy collecting various prizes to be awarded to the lucky Bingo winners. Word has it that there will be some awesome prizes! Please take time to register for the evening so that we can have adequate Bingo equipment as well as plenty of prizes. You can sign up online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events, at the Welcome Center on Sunday, or by calling Susie Cobden at 405-728-4711.
2016 SERVANT KIDZ CAMP 75 kids and 50+ adults and teens embarked on yet another spiritual journey, 2016 SERVANT KIDZ CAMP, the weekend of July 15-17 at Canyon Camp.
Children
“Friends” was the theme for the weekend, and the Bible passage was: “THIS IS WHAT I COMMAND: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The weekend was filled with worship, small groups, and activities including: crafts, hiking, games, swimming, and more! In reviewing the evaluations of the adults, teens, and campers, it is very obvious that the weekend has an impact on everyone. Campers can’t wait to go home and share their memories with their families and friends, adults are asking for the dates for 2017 Servant Kidz Camp, and the teens are asking for more responsibilities next year, saying that camp was an incredible leadership learning opportunity! And if you ask the staff what they love about SERVANT KIDZ CAMP, it’s the bonding of kids to kids – kids to adults – adults to adults – and EVERYONE to Christ. View the Kidz Camp photo gallery: https://servantokc.smugmug.com/Childrens-Ministries/Kidz-Camp-2016/n-m6pDMd/
Children’s Mission Leadership Team Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries is beginning a new program. We are building a leadership team of 4th and 5th graders who are interested in guiding our Children’s Ministries Outreach. Our vision is that these young people will begin their journey of serving others here, and have a great basis from which to build as they grow older. Also, we hope that they will understand our calling to serve others through our faith and build leadership skills in working for Jesus.
FUN IN THE SUN-DAY (WATER DAY)
Sunday, July 31 at 10:45am
Join us for FUN in the SUN-day (Water Day) this coming Sunday during the 10:45 worship hour (3 year olds - 5th grade). Remember your towel and sun screen! Wear clothing and shoes that can get wet (please, no bathing suits), and perhaps something to change into before you go home.
This leadership team will be responsible for searching for needs, determining choices, and being involved in, as well as, leading the missions we support in our Sunday School, WOW, KOW, and Grapple groups. ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? We will meet to determine the missions we are interested in, what we want to accomplish, and how we will facilitate those missions. This will be a student-led endeavor. I will supervise, but the ultimate decisions will be made by the leadership team. If you would like your child to be involved in this fantastic opportunity of learning and leading, fill out the application at the Children’s Welcome Counter. I look forward to the amazing things this leadership team will accomplish! Cindy Brackenbury Coordinator of Elementary Children’s Ministries SERVANT July 27, 2016 I Page 7
Students DAYSPRING! Going to Dayspring for my third year, I told myself to not have any expectations. In previous years, I always had high expectations and sometimes would be let down. But going to Dayspring this year without any expectations was a great decision. I was able to have an open mind about everything and that allowed me to grow closer to my friends and grow closer to God. I had an incredible week. – Hillary Neaves, Junior Dayspring is my favorite part of the year. Celebrating, being around friends, and worshiping God all in one week is awesome! This year though, I almost didn’t get to go. I was devastated. It ended up working out, and I couldn’t be more thankful that it did. I’ve learned not to take these moments I have with my church family for granted. I connected with God in a way that I never have before, bonded with new friends, and got closer to old friends! I thank the Lord everyday for the wonderful people I’m blessed with! – Kammy Bene, Junior The best event all summer, if not all year, is our summer camp at Dayspring. It isn’t the best because of the great worship band that comes, the awesome camp speaker, or camp food. It’s the best because students come to camp with an expectation to encounter the living God. Something about camp brings out a desire to experience Christ in tangible ways that does not normally happen on Sundays or Wednesdays. Now don’t get me wrong. The worship band, speaker, and camp food are absolutely phenomenal and are a great conduit for the Spirit to move into the lives of these students (well, maybe not the camp food). These kids come with an openness to see God; and when we come with expectant hearts, God shows up! This year was special because we looked at the story of Joseph and his journey. The three main points were: 1.) we all have been set apart with unique gifts; 2.) trials will come, but God stands with us in the midst of them; and 3.) God has redeemed us, and our response is to share our gifts with the world. I love the theme because it relates so well with our students. This year would not have been possible without your prayers and support. It’s wonderful to be part of a faith community that cares deeply for the youth! This week was also possible because of some of our extraordinary leaders! Big thanks to Makenzie Dean, Taylor Burrow, Lindsay Hansen, Emily Jordan, Abbey Renner, Jordan Picchione, and Stephen Snider! – Sang Nguyen, High School Coordinator Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Middle School Ministry...
We just finished our local mission event on July 18-20. Each morning ,we volunteered at local missions, which included: Water4, Urban Mission, and The Regional Food Bank. On Monday at Water4, we learned all about their mission to eradicate the world’s water crisis by putting the solution into the hands of the men, women, and children it affects most. Tuesday at Urban Mission, we helped pack and sort food for their food pantry and also helped pack backpacks for the children heading back to school. Finally, on Wednesday at The Regional Food Bank, we filled 930 food backpacks that will be handed out to kids in Oklahoma. This experience helped our students learn more about the needs of our community, and it also helped them be the hands and feet of Christ to our community. We are so proud of our students and their servant hearts! – Jenna Smith, Middle School Coordinator L to R: Hillary Neaves, Kammy Bene
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Our Life Together Our Prayers
Our Prayers Continued
u Robert Adams as Robert’s brotherin-law, Thomas Spillman, recuperates from surgery at Deaconess Hospital.
u Sue Miller as Sue deals with health issues and faces surgery at Summit Hospital.
u Bob and Mary Austin, as Bob deals with health concerns and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.
u Nick and Ann Knutson as Nick deals with health issues and faces surgery.
u Martin, Elene, and Carter Christensen as Martin’s mother, Debbie GrangerChristensen, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Marty and Dottie Christensen, as their daughter, Terri Shipp, deals with health issues. u Doris Cline as Doris’ great grandson, Barrett Stubenhofer, deals with health issues. u Mary Lou Dickson as Mary Lou recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Hayley Esau as Hayley’s friends, Quintin and Cindy Smitherman, ask for our prayers. u Kay Ewing as Kay’s son, Chris Ewing, recuperates from an illness. u Joyce Gaige as Joyce’s son, Matthew Gaige, recuperates from surgery in Ft. Myers, Florida. u Tammie Garrison as Tammie deals with health issues. u Jim and Coleen Henry as Coleen’s sister, Carolyn Stroud, deals with health issues. u Don and Barbara Hensley as Barbara deals with health issues. u Lee and Margaret Hudson as Lee deals with health issues. u Bill and Jody Humes as Bill recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Rick and Shirley Jackson as Shirley’s cousin, Diana Duke, recuperates from surgery in Arkansas. u Phil and Luelsa LaRue as Luelsa’s sister, Megan Bradford, deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Margie Malone, as she recovers from a fall, and may face surgery.
u David, Sarah, and Jackson Krivy as Sarah’s father, Larry Seward, deals with health issues. u Vicki Muir as Vicki’s mother, Jerre Stanley, deals with health issues; and her beloved dog, Sugar Bear, recuperates from surgery. u Phyllis Narcomey as Phyllis deals with health issues. u Patti Pickhard as Patti’s brother-inlaw, Roy Miller, recuperates from injuries from a fall.
Celebrating Memories
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Sue Knight by Patsy M. Reser. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Sue Knight by Gregg and Libby Lindahl. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Sue Knight by Juanita Krittenbrink. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Al Lowery by Stephen & Becky Watkins and Mark & Carol Watkins.
u Sean and Bonnie Riley, as Bonnie’s mother, Joy Fink, deals with health issues and faces treatments.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in memory of Ruth Allen by Rebecca Bartsch.
Our Sympathy
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in honor of Rob Holloway & Gena Alexander by Blair & Jeannie Schoeb.
u Bill and Rachel LaFortune, at the death of Rachel’s father, Bill Ruth. u Phyllis Narcomey and Family at the death of Phyllis’ aunt, Wilma “Aldene” Williams. u Judy Raulston and Family at the death of Judy’s mother, Winona Madison.
Celebrating
u Cody and Jessica Keyser at the birth of their daughter, Leightyn Rae Keyser. The proud grandparents are Scott and Linda Smith and Jeff and Jackie Keyser. The proud great grandmother is Dorothy Keyser. The proud uncles and aunt are Cory Keyser and Tyler and Jenna Smith. u Matt and Paula Thomas at the birth of their son, Shepherd Clark Thomas. The proud sister is Claire Amelia Thomas. The proud grandparents are Paul and Sandy Chitchester and G.W. and Bertha Thomas.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of Robert Gorrell by Blair & Jeannie Schoeb. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Executive Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of Church of the Servant Staff by Blair & Jeannie Schoeb.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 8/7 – Chicken/Beef Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Frijoles, Guacamole, Salsa, and Churros. u 8/14 – Indian Tacos, Dessert. u 8/21 – Meat Loaf, Mashers, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls, Dessert. SERVANT July 27, 2016 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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