Newsletter 07.29.15

JULY 29, 2015

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

G N I R P S Y DA

Issue: 15.14

A Safe Place

Dr. Robyn Goggs Associate Minister

I did something last week I said I would never do. I took my children, ages 2, 4, and 9 to White Water Bay. I had sworn off this monstrosity of a water park for two reasons. One, I am not a person who loves wearing a bathing suit, much less walking around in it in public. Second, the idea of getting on waterslides with lots of tanned college lifeguards standing around, prepared to help me if needed, gets me redder than a third degree sunburn.

But I did it in the name of motherhood. We played in the tots section and the girls were pretty independent, no real drowning threats. I thought, “I got this, I am having fun.” Then the nine-yearold talked us all into going into the “lazy river”.

Now the name “lazy river” is a bit of an irony. The lazy river is not a relaxing, lazy place. It is a fast-paced current packed with people - moms and dads on inner tubes trying to relax, and kids in goggles swimming and staring at you underwater. It is even less relaxing with two children in floaties who think they can swim, but can’t. My youngest, Julia, decided to test the waters. She would swim away from me (in floaties), turn around, and see how far she had gotten, then panic. She would reach out her arms and yell, “I come back to you!”

Then I would reach out my arms and she

would take my hand. I would pull her to me and as she wrapped her arms around my neck, she whispered in my ear, “I safe now, momma, I safe now.” We did this over and over again, like a game. Same movement away, same words as she relaxed into my arms. It became a beautiful moment for me.

Isn’t this like our relationship with God? When the world seems in chaos and life feels fragile, in the midst of our independent façades, we realize we need to reach out our arms to our Savior and say, “I come to you.”

These words of Psalm 46 are words for us to cling to in our faith: “God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart... The LORD of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety (vv. 1-2, 11).

What a message of strength and hope the Scriptures have for our life. Do you need to feel safe today? Do you need strength and comfort in your frailty?

Allow the tender Lord of Mercy to be your strength and safe place. Wrap your heart around his truth.

I look forward to being in worship with you this Sunday!

Blessings, Pastor Robyn

Cute Round Top candles in glass holders with checkered lids... new in Earthglow! Come in and browse assorted serving pieces, including a flip flop serving tray.

Thanks for shopping with us!

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Missions Why should I participate in the 6th Annual Fit to Serve 5K and Mile Walk?

• Exercise is good for us all.

• It is a beautiful course to run/walk.

• The energy of the evening and fellowship of others is so much fun!

• Great food and entertainment afterward!

• The proceeds of the race benefit one of our great missions for children in OKC - Safe Kids Oklahoma and our car seat ministry in partnership with Infant Crisis Services.

Registration is $25 (includes run, T-shirt, giveaways, and meal), and will begin in the Concourse on Sunday, August 30 or online now at www. churchoftheservant.com.

Plan to be there, as once again we will be Big Feet Running for Little Feet!

Sunday, September 20, 5:00 p.m. at Gaillardia Country Club

Important Dates to Save on your Calendar: Saturday, August 8 - Hannah’s Promise Family Respite Friday, August 28

- Annual Ladies Night Out

Sunday, Sept 20

- 6th Annual Fit to Serve 5K and Mile Walk

Fri-Sun, October 2-4 - Women’s Ministry 2015 Fall Retreat

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 by this Sunday, the final collection day. The supplies will be delivered on Monday, August 3.

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.

Sunday, November 8 - Operation Christmas Child

Whiz Kids

Serving one afternoon a week could change a child’s life forever

TEEM Summer Hygiene Drive

On Monday afternoons during the school year, our congregation serves approximately 46 children - grades 2 thru 5 - in the program known as Whiz Kids.

The children are supported by a staff of dedicated tutors from Servant and partner church, Wesley UMC. When the children arrive each week, they are served a hot, nutritious snack meal. 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 one-on-one adult.

We are beginning our 5th 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 presence with them.

On August 16, we will be asking you to consider making a oneyear 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 August 16 and at 3 p.m. on Monday, August 17 for an ice cream social and introduction to the tutoring that will be happening at Wesley UMC. If you have any questions about the program, contact our coordinator, Shirley Rolston, at 850-7675.

Bless our Schools Hefner Middle School Teacher Blessing Boxes Pick up boxes on Sundays, August 2 and 9; Return boxes on Sunday, August 16

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 Church of the Servant congregation!

The Mission Council is thrilled to sponsor this opportunity again. Pick up a box or two with a suggestion list, fill and return it by Sunday, August 16.

Boxes will be delivered to Hefner on Monday, August 17.

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Women 2nd Annual Ladies Night Out Friday, August 28 Crafting with Emily Buckingham $30 plus a Snack to Share

Come and bring a snack to share as we fellowship and paint a beautiful sign for our home front doors. Local artist Emily Buckingham will bring all the supplies for the evening to create a fun piece of decorative art. Pre-registration required: please register online at www.churchoftheservant.com, or come by the Women’s Table on Sundays, beginning August 2.

During that evening, information about all the Fall Women’s Discipleship Groups will be available, and you can join as well.

Fall Studies begin September 15.

Women’s Ministry 2015 Fall Retreat “Hearing the Voice of God” Rest, Refresh, Reflect, Renew Sulphur, OK, October 2-4, 2015 Christians often ask, “How do I know God’s direction for my life?”

The first step in seeking to grow closer to God is to create space for God in your life.

This retreat seeks to do just that with a weekend to slow down and engage your senses in practices that will help you notice God in your surroundings. Through soul-stirring worship, reflective Bible study and engaging workshops, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with God, nature, and other women in fun and meaningful ways. Under the direction of Dr. Robyn Goggs, Director of Women’s Ministries, the women of our church will lead a retreat that will bring renewal in your own walk with God and new thoughts to take home with you.

There will be large group experiences, workshops for reflection and learning, and plenty of space to exercise, play, rest, be with others, or simply be alone as you seek closeness with God. Once registered, participants will be emailed a list of workshops and experiences from which to choose.

When: Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, 2015 The retreat begins with dinner at 6 p.m. Friday evening, but participants can arrive as early as 4:30 p.m. to check into their rooms. The retreat will end Sunday at noon.

Who: Women of all ages and walks of life Participants do not have to be members of Church of the Servant.

The retreat center space is limited to 90 participants; reservations will be registered as they are received.

Accommodations: The breathtaking scenery of autumn in the Arbuckle Mountains will be our gathering space for this fall women’s retreat. Surrounded by undisturbed beauty, the Chickasaw Retreat Center is tucked in between Lake of the Arbuckles and the Arbuckle Mountains. It is an easy 1½-hour drive from Oklahoma City, just outside Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Cost: Early registration before September 1 is $199; September 1-27 is $225. Prices are based on double occupancy; some rooms have kingsize beds. This registration includes two nights in a room, all meals during retreat, and all retreat materials. Lunch will not be served on Sunday.

Registration: Register online at www.churchoftheservant. com, or at the Women’s Table in the Concourse on Sunday.

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2015 SERVANT KIDZ CAMP

Children

Eighty-one campers (1st grade – 5th grade) and over fifty adults and teens participated in 2015 Servant Kidz Camp, July 17-19 at Canyon Camp near Hinton, OK. The theme, HEROES OF THE BIBLE, was reinforced the entire weekend – in Worship and in every activity. We learned that we can build our spiritual strength by learning and living God’s Word. Besides Worship, the weekend activities included: small group sessions, creative crafts, recreational and game times, where the Bible points were driven home.

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Children

Sunday “Fun-in-the-Sun”day

We had a BLAST during “Fun-in-the-SUN” day! Our children celebrated Jesus as our Super Hero, got WET, and enjoyed ourselves! The OKC fire department came out to share in the fun and SHOWER us with their truck. What a great time! Because of the outpouring of love and donations of t-shirts by our wonderful church family, we also were able to give each child a Super Hero cape to remind them that they have the power of their very own Super Hero, Jesus Christ!

“We want to thank you for providing Gatorade at Shiloh Camp for 700 inner-city kids this summer. Camp Shiloh reaches the heart of the inner city to show kids the love of Christ, wrapped up in the best week of their summer. We could not do this without you. Thank you once again for providing the mountain of Gatorade to keep our campers safe in the hot summer sun.”

- Stephan Moore, Shiloh Camp Executive Director Gatorade for Camp Shiloh was the 2015 VBS mission project at Church of the Servant. Over 5,000 bottles of Gatorade were donated.

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SAVE THE DATE!

DAYSPRING

Dayspring camp continues to be a staple here in student ministries. We have been involved with this summer camp for over 20 years. I truly believe that we can experience God anywhere, but for some odd reason our students are more open to Him during this week. Historically, this is a place where students have recognized their need for God for the very first time, answered the call to ministry, or realized that God is better than anything this world has to offer.

This year, I saw these students step out in bravery. Students shared their testimonies without fear of rejection, because their love story with God is more powerful than any earthly judgment. Young people praying bold prayers over one another and for themselves. People asked God to take away their shame and be filled with the confidence that they are children of God. God worked in the lives of these young people – opening their eyes to needs of those around them and of this world.

In addition to watching these students have their lives rocked for Jesus, my favorite part of camp is working with extraordinary leaders to share Christ with our students. God uses people to make His name known and this team did just that. I just want to recognize the incredible leaders at Dayspring. Thank you Rachel Gillespie, Shele Cook, Grace Oliver, Bayli Blanchard, Kyrsten Bene, Lauren Branch, Bekah Sanders, Brice Dickerson, Jacob Gillespie, Joey Simpson, and Robert Russell. - Sang Nguyen, High School Youth Pastor When I was in high school I had the chance of going to Dayspring every summer as a student, but this year was my first chance being involved as a leader. It’s so awesome to see the youth grow together and individually throughout this week. You get to see their hearts and how God has and will continue to shape their lives. Even though I was in the leader position, I feel that I learned more from the youth than they could imagine. It is a great experience to watch these students pursue God and push each other along the way.

- Lauren Branch, Leader Hello, my name is Ethan Renner and I will be a sophomore at Deer Creek High School this upcoming school year. I recently returned from my second trip to Dayspring with High School Ministries, and the experience was amazing. The atmosphere was perfect for anyone wishing to encounter God, and it was great to be surrounded by His beauty while we were there. For any high school students that have never been, I would highly recommend going in upcoming years.

What stuck out to me the most in my time at Dayspring was the closeness of our youth group. We were composed of students entering their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years of high school and others entering their freshman year of college. However, there were no boundaries formed due to age. Friendships were built between students of each age, even if they had never spoken with each other in their lives. It’s incredible to see everyone encourage each other and not be scared to be himself or herself. I can definitely say that COSHI is a great big family and I look forward to growing in my relationships with each individual that make it up. - Ethan Renner, Sophomore

Student This was my first Dayspring experience, and I have to say I am really glad I went. It was many “first’s” for me. Camp for me is usually a time where I can bond with my friends, and to be honest, let all my problems out. But this time was different, in a way where I didn’t have a major problem. So I just focused on the glory of the Lord. During the second night of worship I could physically feel the Holy Spirit enter through me. We were walking through a “prayer tunnel”, and like many of my piers around me I was overwhelmed. Worship music started playing and the beat of the drum was not only pounding throughout the room, but I could feel it in my heart. This was new to me because it was something that never happened before. Then after a few times, it stopped. In that moment, I knew that this wasn’t just the drum, but God’s presence was pounding in me. I knew he was making his way around to everyone in the room.

I am not one for putting my hands up while worshiping; I’m usually pretty conservative and spend my time in prayer or just singing softly.

But by the end of camp, I had my hands up and I was singing as best as I could. I remember trying to find my friend to experience this moment together, when a guy who I did not know, or had ever seen, stopped to give me a hug. In the moment I was very confused, but after it happened, my mood turned into happiness and a joy I could not contain. This was the first time something like this had happened, and it was something I never expected. But I think that was the icing on the cake for my experience at Dayspring. These moments are definitely something I will keep around in the back of my mind and in my heart forever. - Sydney Monkres, Sophomore

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Adult

Help Us Welcome

Michael Carpenter!

We are pleased to announce an addition to our Church of the Servant staff. Effective August 1st, Michael Carpenter will be joining us as a parttime Associate Minister in conjunction with the beginning of his seminary education. I asked Michael to write a short biography introducing himself to the Servant community: God called me to ministry in my senior year of high school in 2009.

For six years, I have been exploring, preparing, and refining my faith and call, and I am so excited to begin as a part-time Associate Minister at Church of the Servant!

After I graduated high school in Ardmore, Oklahoma, I moved up to Oklahoma State to major in Civil Engineering. I knew God called me to be a pastor, but I wanted to broaden my education. As I learned roadway and bridge design, I started to understand how to build roads to faith and bridges to Christ. In college, I was also heavily involved in Alpha Tau Omega, a Christian-based fraternity, where I served as President, Vice President, and Chaplain. It was at OSU where I met my beautiful bride, Rachel, and we were married this past December in Stillwater First UMC. This month, I begin seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU. I was honored to be chosen as one of two Saint Paul Fellows, which has resulted in this appointment to Servant. Rachel will begin medical school at OU, and we are so excited to be a part of this vibrant faith community!

As Michael mentioned, his being named a Saint Paul Fellow means that as a part of his educational experience he will be appointed to serve part-time in a local congregation for the three-year duration of his graduate career. This service comes at no expense to the congregation and asks of us only that we introduce Michael to a comprehensive range of ministry experiences. We are thrilled to have this opportunity and look forward to welcoming Michael and Rachel into the full life of Church of the Servant.

Servant Foundation Golf Tournament September 26

The twentieth annual Servant Foundation Golf Tournament is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Coffee Creek Golf Course in Edmond. The tournament is a four-person scramble, and the cost is $60.00 per person, which includes range balls, cart fee, green fee, lunch, and prizes. Sign-up for the tournament will start Sunday, September 6. Plan now to be part of this special Church of the Servant event!

Financial Peace University Coming September 23 We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

FPU will be held at Church of the Servant from 6:30 to 8:30pm beginning Wednesday, September 23 through November 18. Tom McGee and Peter Weaver will be instructing the 9-week event. For more information and to register go to: www.churchoftheservant.com.

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Our Life Together Our Prayers

u Gary Adair and Karen Steele and Carol Whittenbaugh as Gary recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Cary and Jennifer Bartlow as Cary deals with health issues. u Kinlee Farris as Kinlee deals with health issues and undergoes treatments. u Milt and Frances Ferguson as Milt is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Randy and Barbara Fowler as Randy recuperates from surgery and is undergoing rehab. u Steve and Dawn Houchin as Dawn recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Lynn and Barbara Hunt as Barbara recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Robert, Kay and Parker Jenkins as Robert undergoes treatment. u Dennis and Edie Mesenbrink as their son, Adam Mesenbrink, is hospitalized in Dallas, Texas. u Nan Miller as Nan deals with health issues. u Brenda Morris as Brenda’s father, James McAlister, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Kent and Glenda Potts as Glenda recuperates from surgery. u Willie Lester and Lauren Powell as Lauren recuperates from surgery and faces a procedure. u Bob and Nancy Smith as Bob deals with health issues. u Eric, Jeanna and Amelia Stewart as Jeanna deals with health issues. u Wayne and Sharon Wallace and Jeff and Michelle Knight as Sharon’s mother and Michelle’s grandmother, Mollie Lovelace, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Harvey and Judy Weathers as Harvey’s mother, Nell Weathers, deals with health issues and is a resident at Grace Living Center. u Lloyd and Zoe Williams and Dave and Crystal Williams as Lloyd deals with health issues.

The Chair

A few years ago, I was introduced to an idea called, “Chair Time.” My previous senior pastor, Bill Hybels, challenged his church to find 15 minutes a day to find a chair and read the Bible. Today, I want to challenge you to do the same.

Before I lose you, you may be thinking, I don’t have time to read the Bible. Or, you don’t understand my personal or work schedule. Although I don’t know your schedule I believe you make time for the things that matter most in your life. I have found in my personal life, when I’m not rooted in scripture or time with God, my life feels out of sync. However, not because God is distant, but I believe God speaks to my soul through scripture and prayer.

Reading scripture is one of the most catalytic things you can do to jump-start and fuel your spiritual life.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Where do you sit down to take in God’s Word? Where do you take time to allow God’s Word to come alive in your life? Where do you meet with God and open yourself to His power? You can meet with God anywhere. No matter your situation, we’re not too busy to find a space and a place to listen, reflect and soak in scripture in our life. I believe God speaks to his sons and daughters through the Bible.

Fill your mind and heart with the Word of God. Let me encourage you to find your chair.

Maybe your chair time is at a coffee shop, your breakfast table, living room couch, your office, or your commute.

It could be morning, afternoon or evening. Your chair time will change your life and help you gain perspective. What do you say… will you find a chair?

- Pastor Scott

Our Sympathy

u Carolyn Bean and Family at the death of Carolyn’s husband, Lloyd Bean. u John Walker Fannell, Jeanie Fannell and Family at the death of John’s and Jeanie’s mother, Hazel Fannell; and John’s and Jeanie’s father, Louis Fannell. u D.A. and Carol Heggie and Family at the death of D.A.’s and Carol’s brother-in-law, Fred Rose. u Jeanie Mills and Family at the death of Jeanie’s husband, Wes Mills.

Celebrating

u Willie Lester and Lauren Powell at the birth of their son, Jax Vernon Lester. The proud grandparents are Johnny and Donna Powell. The proud great grandmother is Kathryn Greene.

Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Cal & Terry Moser. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Classics Sunday School Class. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jerry Potter by James & Glenda Hargis. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jerry Potter by Vince & Marilyn Robinson. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Odean Murray by Virginia Hughes. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of Steve & Ivy Snider by Don & Judie Ellis.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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