Newsletter 07.30.14

July 30, 2014

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 14.15

Guatemala Mission Team will share about their trip!

Sunday, August 3

9:15 in Chapel of the Cross & 10:45 in the Centrum The first week of June, our Guatemala Mission Team worked with the Potter’s House and served the people that live and work around the Guatemala City Dump. Members of the team were: Pat McGarrity, Leroy Ball, Lauren Branch, Jonathan Foster, Susan Foster, Jacob Gillespie, Rachel Gillespie, Jay Hines, Jeffrey Knight, Al Litchenburg, Jordan Picchione, Jo Edwards, Melinda Jordan, and Emily Jordan.

THANK YOU,

Meriam Yahia Ibrahim!

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

Does the name, Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, mean anything to you? It should because she is a real hero of the faith. She stood firm in her commitment to Christ even as she was held in a prison in Sudan and sentenced to death for being a Christian.

Sudan has finally allowed her to leave. Having given birth to her second child while shackled to prison chains just two months ago, Merriam Yahiya Ibrahim arrived in Italy and met with Pope Francis after U.S. and Italian efforts to free her. Ibrahim and her husband, dual South Sudanese/U.S. citizen Daniel Wani, arrived in Rome on an Italian government jet with plans to continue to the United States. A Vatican spokesman told The Associated Press that the pope “thanked her for her faith and courage, and she thanked him for his prayer and solidarity.”

The media has barely made note of the tens of thousands of Christians being persecuted all over the world.

Muslims claiming to be relatives had accused her of leaving Islam. Ibrahim says that she was raised a Christian by her Ethiopian Orthodox mother, and that her Muslim father disappeared when she was 6 years old.

Ibrahim had received a sentence of death by hanging for allegedly leaving Islam after a Muslim claiming to be a relative accused her of marrying a Christian man – the crime of “adultery” under Islamic law for which she was also sentenced to 100 lashes. Sudan revoked the death sentence on June 23 after defense lawyers presented their case.

Witnesses for the defense had been prohibited from testifying during the trial. Islamists clamored for her death throughout the trial, and her attorneys have received death threats.

The media has barely made note of the tens of thousands of Christians being persecuted all over the world. But you and I must not forget. They need our prayers. And we need them to remind us what being a follower of Christ is all about - putting Jesus above everything else in our lives.

God bless you Meriam!

And thank you….

- Robert

Makes a piece of toast taste like pie -- yummy gourmet pumpkin or apple spice jams by Southern Okie -- pick up both flavors at Earthglow. All profits go to missions.

/ChurchoftheServantOKC Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com

@servantchurch

Missions 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.

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.

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: In the Concourse or online at churchoftheservant.com

Bless our School: Hefner Middle School

Our task force met and moving forward into a partnership with Hefner this year we are going to focus on Back to School Appreciation Boxes for the Teachers and several work days in the school cleaning and organizing the week of August 11 as our first step. 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 ways that you can be a part of this new ministry. There will be several key ways to serve and information and registration for them at the table.

Guatemala Mission Team will share their trip on Sunday, August 3 9:15 in Chapel of the Cross 10:45 in the Centrum

Women 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.

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.

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Adult Bible Studies New Studies Beginning this Fall!

What is your next step? Refresh your soul and jump into one of the amazing studies that will be offered this Fall.

Take a look:

Sundays, 9:15-10:15am, September 7, 14, 21, 28

Discovering and Doing God’s Will - On Sunday, August 31, Dr. Robert Gorrell will begin a compelling new sermon series called Discovering and Doing God’s Will.

Aimed at going more in-depth and helping answer the “Why?” questions with which we all struggle at one time or another, a 4-week class will be offered each Sunday in September taught by Prudy Gorrell. It will meet in the Chapel of the Cross at 9:15am on Sundays, September 7 – 28. Registration begins Sunday, August 17 at Church of the Servant or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.

Sundays, 4-5:30pm, Session 1: Sept 14 – Nov 16, Session 2: Jan 4 – Mar 8

Disciple I – over two 10-week sessions you will have an in-depth overview of both the Old and New Testaments. You will not only gain information which will help you understand the bible, you will discover how God’s word can transform your life. Taught by Alan Warren and Alex Wright Disciple II – over two 10-week sessions you will focus on four key books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. This study will take you deeper into the Scripture. This is the next step for those who have taken Disciple I. Taught by Blair Schoeb.

Each of these Bible studies will meet Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. for two 10-week sessions beginning Sunday, September 14, through November 16. Each will resume Sunday, January 4, 2015 and end March 8. Registration begins Sunday, August 17 at Church of the Servant or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.

Tuesdays, 7-8:30pm, September 16 – October 21

The Case For Christ - Who is this Jesus? Is it possible for us to know if Jesus was, in fact divine?

Examine the evidence for who Jesus is and why Christianity is worth thinking about. It begins September 16 and will be taught by John Farr. Registration begins Sunday, August 17 at Church of the Servant or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am, September 10 – October 15

Study on Jude - Although he was the half- brother of Jesus, Jude 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. He had to preach a strong message about God’s judgment of sin. How would you contend for your faith? Taught by Nancy Harris. Registration begins Sunday, August 17 at Church or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.

Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm, September 4 & 11; October 2 & 9; February 5 & 12

Seminary Lite – a program of Saint Paul School of Theology designed to help lay persons go deeper in their faith and serve as disciples of Jesus Christ. Three courses will be offered this school year: Old Testament – Sept 4 & 11; New Testament – Oct 2 & 9; Church History – Feb 5 & 12. All will be taught here at Church of the Servant. Registration begins Sunday, August 3.

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FamFest

come and celebrate our ministry kick off and join us for sunday services!

REGISTER ONLINE

PrizesiPod Shuffle kids bicycle Events inflatable obstacle course balloon art

CHURCHOFTHESERVANT.COM

family movie pass (4 tickets)

DAVE & BUSTER’S gift card for family of 4

pony rides

macarthur

*

petting zoo

fire truck inflatable playground FOOD TRUCKS

b lvd

memorial road

join us at

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT 14343 N MACARTHUR BLVD OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73142 DR. ROBERT GORRELL, SR. MINISTER WWW.CHURCHOFTHESERVANT.COM (405) 721-4141

Fam Fest

Are you looking for a fun family friendly event? Church of the Servant invites you to Fam Fest on Sunday, September 7, 11:45-1:30pm, where families will experience great fun, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, games, and prizes.

Online registration begins August 3 and will close at Noon on Friday, September 5. After September 5, you can register at our registration table in the courtyard on Sunday, September 7.

Entry to Fam Fest is FREE. Food charges are based on food truck prices.

Pick-up your Fam Fest packet, which includes wristbands and drawing tickets for prizes, in the Courtyard on Sunday, September 7.

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Adult 5 Reasons The Hospitality & Connection Ministry Is A Perfect Place To Serve 1. Free Food. Yes, it’s true. The hospitality & connection volunteers receive free coffee and donuts every Sunday! Volunteers absolutely love building community and serving people to make great first impressions.

2. It’s an awesome group of people. Volunteers set the tone for everything else that follows the services.

This team has a lot of fun together.

3. It’s a great family ministry. This ministry is a great way to get your family to serve together by greeting guests and members and pointing them in the right direction.

4. You are the first impression a guest receives. By joining the Hospitality Team, you can make all the difference in a person’s attitude toward the Church and possibly their eternal destination. It has often been said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

5. You help people grow. By joining the connection team, you get to listen and help people take their next steps toward Christ.

What are you waiting for? Take the plunge and join our amazing team. Our mission is to create great first impressions so that the Holy Spirit can work in people’s lives. Contact Scott Bartlow at sbartlow@ churchoftheservant.com or call 728-4767.

Parking Lot & Parking Assistance Ministry Where does worship begin at Church of the Servant? Surprisingly, it begins in the parking lot. Each and every Sunday, the Parking Lot & Parking Assistance Ministry Team, made up of dedicated volunteers, has the distinct opportunity to create great first impressions as people drive onto our campus. To guest and regular attenders, they are the first to extend a warm, friendly greeting and offer assistance to those in need!

We are looking to add 20 people to our ministry!

What to Expect: •

Creating great first impressions with enthusiasm

•

Greeting people as they pull into the church campus

•

Managing the flow of traffic by ushering cars into spaces in a safe and feasible manner

•

Protecting the safety of our pedestrians

•

Offering parking assistance for any individual in need of parking assistance being a young mom or elderly person in need.

Contact Scott Bartlow for more information at sbartlow@churchoftheservant. com or call 728-4767.

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Student

DAYSPRING My experience at Dayspring is defined by many incredible moments, but one clearly sticks out among the others. I always thought I would attend The University of Oklahoma and major in Health Sciences with the hopes of enrolling in medical school. However, I don’t think that’s the case anymore. For a couple of months, I’ve been thinking I’d really like to work with people the rest of my life, in ways like helping them with their problems or even teaching. When I’m at church I would notice how much Sang and Taylor enjoyed teaching lessons or leading worship for the students.

During church I would think about how incredible it would be if I were able to do that with my life, but never really entertained that thought after arriving home from church.

That is, until I went to Dayspring. Upon arriving at Camp WOW, I was excited for a long weekend with my friends and learning more about God. I never dreamed my relationship with Him would expand after just one day.

I was reluctant to go to my first elective of camp, solely because I was going alone. All of my friends attended other electives, and

I hardly ever separated from their side. My elective was Callings: Ministry. I chose it because of the thoughts that went through my head every Sunday morning. The elective was a question and answer seminar with 6 or 7 current youth ministers from different Methodist churches. They would tell their story on why and when they felt called to ministry. Most of the stories were extreme, telling about how they felt God pulling them towards ministry and they fought it as long as they could and then gave in to His will.

I was thinking to myself, “No way this could be right for me, I’ve never felt anything close to what these people are describing.” Right

after that thought passed through my head, I heard one of the youth pastors speak that had not spoken yet. His first words were, “I don’t know about you guys, but I have never had anything close to that. I never heard God say ‘You will do ministry.’ It was always just something I was passionate about and enjoyed doing.” After I heard him say that, I felt like God was responding to my thought since it was immediately after. I felt like He was doing it on purpose and I decided then and there that that would be a good enough reason to pursue something that I felt passionate about, something that I felt I could really excel in. From that moment I’ve been praying more, feeling that I’m becoming a better person, and thinking about how I’m going to accomplish this mission non-stop.

I hope to volunteer at Servant more and maybe one day become a youth leader. If not there, then another church. If I had not gone to this incredible camp, I would have none of this figured out. I’m blessed I got the opportunity to go and ecstatic about God’s plan for my future.

- Elayna Wilson, Senior

D

ayspring Camp 2014 was an amazing week of learning and worshipping with my closest 600 friends...wait a minute. Yes, Dayspring had over 600 students, leaders, staff and clergy all coming together to praise Jesus and learn more about our Creator God and the plans He has for our lives. Even if I didn’t get to personally meet or talk to every single person at the camp, when everyone gathered together every night to worship our Father God, it overwhelmed my heart with gladness.

Witnessing the church come together as one body, as brothers and sisters in Christ to be in community with each other and our God is one of the most powerful things I have ever been blessed to experience. It is truly a beautiful sight to watch believers young and old surrender into an act of worship. Now, while worship was my favorite part of camp, God was at work in everything around us all week. We had small groups which created fruitful friendships and conversations, as students dug deeper into our theme for the week, which was arise. We focused on what we as sons and daughters of Christ arise from, arise with, and what we can arise to. During this week, we also focused on testimonies and callings. Campers and leaders shared their beautiful personal accounts about how Jesus has come into their lives and how He is at work in them. Several students spent time in prayer and workshops and got the first tugging on their hearts to be called into ministry, singers, artist, teachers, you name it. All in all, Dayspring is always a powerful week in the lives of students and leaders, and Dayspring 2014 will forever be engraved in our hearts, to God be the glory!

- Grace Oliver, Leader

Dayspring was absolutely incredible!

We had students share their called to ministry, their desire to follow Christ, and many relationships growing closer to Christ and one another.

This week would not have been possible without our awesome leaders: Taylor Barnett, Amy Hammons, David Hammons, Mackenzie Carpenter, Brice Dickerson, Jacob Gillespie, Jake Lackey, Michael Loruse, Levi Clark, Grace Oliver, Tyler Slife, and Ashlee Adams.

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Children

BIBLE BOOT CAMP Servant Kidz Camp 2014

94 Campers and 53 adults shared a weekend (July 18-20) at Servant KIDZ CAMP, which was held at Canyon Camp near Hinton OK. The weekend was spent learning how to be a warrior for God. The campers were reminded that Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are all caught in the middle of a spiritual war. It was reinforced that he doesn’t tell us this to scare us, but to prepare us for life’s everyday battles. All weekend the campers were shown how to use the tools God has given us to strengthen their faith in order to win their spiritual battles. These tools are laid out in Ephesians 6:11-18. During the weekend the campers learned how to “put on the full armor of God” by their participation in worship, small groups, games, crafts, recreation (hiking and low ropes course) prayer and reading their Bibles. In addition, there was plenty of time for swimming, outdoor games and just hanging out with their friends – new and old.

To put a fun spin on this theme, everything the campers did was designed for them to feel like they were attending a spiritual BIBLE BOOT CAMP.

Servant KIDZ CAMP is held every summer for elementary aged children 1st – 5th grade.

KIDZ CAMP 2015 will be held July 17 – 19.

4th and 5th Grade Swim Party!

When: August 10, 2014 , 2:00-4:00 Where: Home of Brent and Kelli Lay Bring: Boys bring something salty to share, Girls bring something sweet to share The Lays will provide drinks.

RSVP by August 9: cbrackenbury@churchoftheservant.com Directions will be sent to you via e-mail.

Don’t forget your towel and appropriate swimwear!!

Can’t wait!!!!!

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Our Prayers

Our Life Together

u Alan Bahan and JoAnn McLain-Bahan as Alan faces surgery at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Roger and Marilyn Bailey as Marilyn’s sister, Lavena Keever, recuperates from surgery in Dayton, Ohio. u Marty and Doris Blazy as Marty deals with health issues and undergoes physical therapy. u Bill and Harriet Brewer as Harriet recuperates from surgery. u Marty and Dottie Christensen as their daughter, Teri Shipp, recuperates from surgery in Denver, CO. u Tom and Linda Gulley as Tom’s sister, Margaret Barker, recuperates from outpatient surgery.

Our Prayers continued... u Tommy and Rita Team as Rita deals with health issues. u Rachel Whelan as Rachel undergoes tests; and her grandson, Ethan Schlect, recuperates from surgery in Texas.

Our Sympathy

u Sharon Breeding and Family at the death of Sharon’s husband, Marvin “Bud” Breeding. u Don and Doris Cline and Family at the death of their nephew, Jerald Higgins. u Dorothy Conley, Lee and Margaret Hudson, and Family at the death of Dorothy’s granddaughter and Lee’s and Margaret’s niece, Mary Margaret “Mimi” Bilyeu.

u Nancy Hall as Nancy is hospitalized at the Integris Hospice House.

u Marilyn Staats and Family at the death of Marilyn’s husband, Arvon Staats.

u Garnett and Marshal Haubelt as Marsha and her granddaughter, recuperates from injuries in an accident; and her father deals with health issues.

Celebrating

u Gene and Daveene Hightower as Daveene’s friend, Connie Stuart, recuperates from surgery in Nebraska. u Marcus, Nicki, Luke, Laney, and Holly Humphrey as Holly recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Hank and Becky Kittrell as Hank faces surgery at the McBride Orthopedic Hospital. u Elizabeth Large as Elizabeth recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Allen and Judy Marlin as Allen undergoes tests and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Tom and Valerie McEvoy as Valerie recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Elaine Regier as her friend’s, Richard and Rene Wester, ask for prayers for Richard as he recuperates from an accident and surgery. u Bill Roby as Bill recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Leona Russell as Leona recuperates from surgery. u Linda Shaw as Linda’s daughter, Jenny Shaw, deals with health issues. u Randy and Jenny Shrauner as Randy recuperates from outpatient surgery.

u Paul and Ruth Johnson at the birth of their granddaughter, Sophie Rene’ Johnson.

The proud parents are Mark and Stephanie Johnson of Texas. u Steve and Linda Sullivan and Sue Sullivan at the birth of their granddaughter and great granddaughter, Amelia May Stall. The proud parents are Ben and Stacy Stall.

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.

Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dorothy Wellborn by Bill & Eileen Humes.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Dorothy Wellborn by Cal & Eleanor Moser. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Fred Knight by Cal & Eleanor Moser. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Helen Hail. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Wanda Glenn & Anne Lafitte. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by David & Nell Gean. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by William Bennett. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Patsy Reser, Kathy Enos & Donna Quick. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Christine & David Coffee. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Paul & Joan Shafer. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Paul & Rose Coulter. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Bill & Melba Howard. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Mary Beth & John Emery.

SERVANT FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

Reserve the date now for the upcoming Servant Foundation Annual Golf Tournament scheduled for September 27 at the Coffee Creek Golf Course. This is a tournament that has been played for the last 20 years and one that you will not want to miss. The tournament is a scramble 4-person format with a shotgun start beginning at 8:00 a.m. with lunch and awards presentation at noon. The cost will be $55 per person which includes range balls, cart, golf fee, and lunch. Sign up for the tournament will begin on Sunday, September 7 so reserve the date now and plan to play.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

www.ChurchoftheServant.com