Newsletter 07.31.13

July 31, 2013

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 13.15

Believe s Belong s Become That’s Church!

TV Ad Starts TODAY in Oklahoma A special United Methodist television ad is airing in our state! Alert your friends - and not just United Methodist friends - to watch for the ad on Oklahoma City and Tulsa stations. It will appear multiple times through Aug. 11. Post this announcement on your Facebook wall. Tweet it for your followers on Twitter! Tag it!

“That’s Church!” sends the message to everyone that The United Methodist Church is helping people suffering from the May tornadoes in Oklahoma. In so many ways, United Methodists immediately responded to meet needs and offer comfort, and we will stay to help until recovery and healing are complete, however long that takes. That’s fulfilling God’s mission. That’s church!

For a sneak peek, click on the video (pictured) or go to www.okumc.org.

The TV spot will air on these Oklahoma City stations: KFOR (NBC affiliate), KWTV (CBS affiliate), Fox News Channel, TNT, ESPN, and A&E. And on these Tulsa stations: KJRH (NBC affiliate), KOTV (CBS affiliate), Fox News Channel, The History Channel, TNT, and A&E. All the costs for this awareness campaign are covered by the denomination’s media agency, United Methodist Communications, based in Nashville, Tenn.

--- from the Oklahoma Conference Department of Communications

United Methodist

Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com

August Food Drive for the Skyline Food Pantry

All during the year Church of the Servant is donating to the United Methodist Skyline Food Pantry, with many of you bringing groceries and putting them in the grocery carts throughout the building. During August we are drawing awareness to just how great the need is and asking everyone to be a part of getting the pantry supplied through the end of the year. At this time of year, the donations get lower and the need gets higher. See the good work Skyline is doing with its resources: •

Skyline can stretch all donations and feed a family of 4 for 4 days with just $3.85!

•

Last year, the Skyline food pantry served 7,076 families and 17,996 individuals.

•

During the first half of this year, the Skyline food pantry has already served 3,423 families and 8,199 individuals - about 65 people every day!

•

The greatest needs right now are: Peanut Butter (16oz), Canned Meats (esp.

Tuna), Powdered Milk, Hearty Soups and Canned Fruit.

Please make an extra effort to bring non-perishable goods throughout this month.

Let’s send tons of food to help feed the people of Oklahoma City!

Whiz Kids Mentors Needed For the 2013-2014 School Year

As school begins again, our mentors are preparing to be with the children of Edgemere Elementary again! This reading ministry with children every Monday afternoon at Wesley UMC is not just about reading but about being a person of influence in the life of a child so he or she might have a chance at a better future.

The children we serve all live challenging lives and are at high risk of poverty and school drop out. The two hours a week a mentor spends in this relationship can change the life of a child.

Our ministry needs new volunteers this year to sustain our commitment to 45 children. Would you prayerfully consider serving this year?

The commitment is for one year at a time. Sunday, August 18 is the day to make a commitment, with training for new mentors being the following day, Monday, August 19, at 3:00 p.m. in Community Hall.

If you have any questions about Whiz Kids and being a part of this ministry, please contact Kay Morgan at 823-3491.

SAVE the DATE! All Month of August - Skyline Food Drive

Sunday, August 11- Skyline Food Pantry Fish Appeal

Sunday, August 18 - Whiz Kids Recruitment in Worship

Monday, August 19, 3pm - Whiz Kids Information Meeting Saturday, August 24, 8-noon - SERVANT DAY! Sunday, September 22, 4pm - Fit to Serve 5K

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Skyline Special Fish Appeal

On August 11 during worship services, we will be taking a Special Fish Offering for the Skyline Food Pantry. In its relationship with the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, Skyline has the opportunity to purchase food at discounted rates to go along with the food that is donated by churches. In Oklahoma, one in four children is at risk for hunger every day. Skyline is working to change this. Our offering will go to purchase food and continue the programs that Skyline offers to help people learn to make a better life for their family. Please mark your calendar for this Special Fish Appeal and help us address hunger in Oklahoma.

The Loving Arms of God Recently I had the opportunity to write a book, which I’m still revising. Writing it was a spiritual experience. When a friend suggested I write a book, I was intrigued by the notion, but hadn’t yet decided what kind of book it would be.

Then this past spring I felt inspired to write a spiritually autobiographical work.

Our awesome God has brought me through some amazing things. I decided to create a work that would give credit to God for those amazing things which have been done, and are still being done, in my life. In 1984, God led me through a journey of grief when I, as a teenager, experienced the tragic death of my father from a car accident. In 1998, God miraculously protected me and my family as the vortex of a powerful tornado struck us, while we lay in a ditch. The Lord has guided, helped, and healed me through the process of life-threatening blood cancer not once, but twice. These are just a few of the ways the powerful and loving arms of God have enveloped me with care and protection. It was a religious experience to sit down and pound out on my computer keyboard how Rev. Tim Travers God has always been there for me. I am not special or different from others, but I love and serve a God who is unmatchable and awesome. Hopefully, the book will be published sometime soon. I found myself thinking the other day how different my story would be if not for the help that the Body of Christ (the Church) has always given to me. Love and support from church members during each of those times in my life made a huge difference. When we help support our brothers and sisters in Christ, we can turn even the most difficult life circumstances into precious memories of experiencing the love of a faith community. It is one of the key ways we live out our mission as the Church.

Peace and grace to you. -- Tim

THANK YOU!

Thank you for hosting a blood drive on Sunday, July 14, 2013. Oklahoma Blood Institute appreciates partners like Church of the Servant who understand the challenge of sustaining the blood needed by our communities.

We want to extend our gratitude to J.R. Wolf and Nancy Collins for dedicating the energy and organization that resulted in participation by 38 people willing to give blood. From among those, 32 were eligible to donate the day of the drive. Each person who receives blood donated at your drive represents a concerned family and a beloved friend, co-worker or neighbor. Time and again, we hear from those who have received blood and their families, expressing how amazing it is to have life-saving help from total strangers who selflessly give blood.

We value our partnership and its impact on thousands of patients in our area. Your dedication to saving lives gives us much for which to be thankful!

Sincerely, Julie Gimmel Blood Program Consultant

Now at Earthglow -- yummy Gourmet Apple Spread, by Southern Okie - all natural, no preservatives, and irresistible.

All profits go to missions.

SERVANT July 31, 2013 I Page 3

do you get when you put 76 elementary children, 11 teens W hat and 50 adults together for 48 hours? It could be a lot of

things actually, but what I experienced was 48 hours where Jesus was the buzz word and learning how to serve Him and those around us was the priority. Where did happen? Servant Kidz Camp, which was held July 19-21 at Canyon Camp near Hinton, OK. The camp theme IT’S ALL ABOUT SERVICE was driven home all weekend through small group learning centers, recreation, games, crafts and special events (swimming, games galore and movie night). It was the Planning Team’s goal that every child would come home having a better understanding that it is God’s desire that we serve others. Our scripture theme for the weekend was “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45.

The worship times were full of God’s word, with music that had everyone singing God’s praises. The messages of God’s examples of serving were delivered by Rev. Matt Judkins. Worship was led by 9:23 Worship Leader, John Gilstrap.

Cindy Brackenbury, Children’s Ministries elementary coordinator, planned the curriculum that was led by adult leaders from Church of the Servant. The curriculum encompassed serving our Family, serving our Friends, serving our Neighbors, serving the Community, and most importantly serving Jesus.

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Servant Kidz CLICK ON GROUP PHOTO TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE

Camp 2013

group lessons began with Exodus 2: 1-10 when Miriam T hetooksmall care of her family member/brother, Moses. In Mark 2:1-12

we were reminded about the four men who carried their friend to Jesus. Luke 10:25-37 was the Scripture used to demonstrate how God gave us neighbors and he wants us to take care of them – it was the story of a Samaritan man who helped a hurt neighbor. The Bible story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) is a beautiful example the kids studied about how one man gave back to his community – even though he had wronged them earlier. And in Acts 3:1-19, serving Jesus was shown through the story of Peter and John and how they showed their love and dedication to Jesus by telling people about Him. These scriptures give examples of how and who God expects us to serve. They also identify many different ways to serve.

When the campers were in recreation time, they served the camp staff by picking up trash, washing windows and cleaning the dining hall.

To successfully complete the games, campers had to work together like a family, help each other like friends, and watch out for each other like we watch out for our neighbors.

Craft time was spent making beautiful crafts to take home, but also making fleece scarves to donate to Jesus House and decorated pillow cases for children going into Foster Care.

Eleven teens from Church of the Servant attended camp with us and served in every aspect of the weekend. They were amazing! What a wonderful witness for the campers to see these CTIAs – Christian Teens in Action!

They always say it takes a village to raise a child. My testimony to this experience is that it took a village so these children could experience God in this setting. To those that helped us prepare, to those that shared the weekend with us, and to those that prayed for this experience – Thank You. Cathy Hersom, Director Children’s Ministries SERVANT July 31, 2013 I Page 5

Ladies Night Out with Jennifer Rothschild Friday, August 23, 7:00 p.m.

Jennifer Rothschild will be here for our second annual Ladies Night Out. Bring a friend for a sweet evening of dessert, coffee and conversation with Jennifer as she shares with us her amazing journey of God’s presence through the darkest period of her life. Even though she lost her sight, the eyes of her heart has revealed God’s constant companionship along the way. She will be an inspiration for all of us to experience.

Tickets are on sale now for $15 on Sundays and in the church office or online at www.churchoftheservant.com. Price goes to $18 on August 8. Don’t wait to get your tickets!

Get to Know Me!

Missions have always been on my mind, but never part of my life. Growing up, the whole idea of traveling the world and sharing the news of Jesus sounded awesome, but not too practical. As I grew older and started getting more involved in church, God continued to tug on my heart. This past spring, I went on the New Orleans mission trip. It was a spectacular experience that opened my eyes to viewing all people as God’s children. It also showed me the effects of sin and brokenness in our world. God continued to tug on my heart. And at Dayspring 2013, one of my best friends told me that he was called to missions and it finally hit me; I don’t have to live a “practical life or the American dream”.

It has changed my outlook to live missionally now. I am planning on going on short-term mission trips throughout college and after college I will use my major in water resource management to go on long term missions. I am blessed to have the support of my church, family, and friends. Jacob Gillespie and I are going to start a foundation to store our money for future trips and do our best to honor God’s calling on our lives. I ask that you to continue to pray for my journey as God leads me.

Jake Lackey

High School Ministry

Sunday Funday @ Dodgeball Party Zone! Grab a registration at the Student Point and join us for a great evening!

Aug 4 from 5-7 p.m! Cost is $10 dollars!

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We Have Extraordinary Youth at Church of the Servant!

Well, I have a confession to make. I admit that up until July 13, I had sorta’ dismissed the youth in this church as just a bunch of silly teenagers, who made a lot of unnecessary commotion and mess wherever they were. You know what I mean – one teen walks into the room and it seems like five actually enter; reincarnations of Pigpen from Charley Brown, with a little cloud of dust and big cloud of noise following them.

Then they came to the Hannah’s Promise Prom on July 13… and oh, my goodness! Now I can’t quit thinking about how remarkable they were with our special kids that night, and I have a whole new appreciation for them. They were SO loving and encouraging, coaxing the children to dance with them and making them all feel like Prince Charmings and Cinderallas at the ball. And the Hannah’s Promise kids responded with such excitement and huge grins and giggles. What a very special thing to see, and all because about 15 Missionary Coming to teenagers were willing to take the time to get all dressed Oklahoma Needs Items up and spend a Saturday night, yes, a Saturday night, helping make our prom come alive and making the During Her Stay Hannah’s Promise kids feel both very special and very In August the General Board of Global Ministries normal – something they seldom experience - all at the is sending a missionary from Seattle to Oklahoma City same time. to coordinate a new program for children at St. John’s I invite all of you, the entire congregation, to beUMC. Kristina is 22 years old and she will be connecting come more aware of the youth in this church and see to Church of the Servant as her supporting congregathe beautiful servant hearts they are developing under tion, worshiping and participating here for the next two the fine leadership of Sang Nguyen and Jenna Savage, years. In preparation for her arrival there are still a few with the help of some dedicated adult volunteers. We things needed for her. She will need a modest, reliable need to encourage these youth, and love and support car. The conference is supplying an apartment for her. them in their various endeavors. I won’t be complaBedroom furniture, bed, and a television are needed to cent about them any more, and I encourage you to do complete the furnishings. If you have these items to dolikewise. Thank you, Megan, Anna, Mackenzie, Macy, nate or would like to help be a part of welcoming KrisAbby, Audrey, Kristen, Isabel, Bayli, Josh, Phillip, Jortina to our congregation in late August, please contact dan, Taylor, Michael, Micha, and Sang, for coming to our Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com or Prom and thank you for bringing the party with you!

721-4141. All donations are a tax deduction.

Lola Burgtorf Hannah’s Promise Coordinator

Annual Fit to Serve 5K and Mile Fun Run September 22 Sponsors Needed for Event

The Mission Council is seeking businesses and individuals to sponsor the Fourth Annual Fit to Serve 5K Mission Run. Our church people who are out in the community are our best resources for finding the sponsors we need to make this event for mission a success. The race will be Sunday, Sept 22 at 4 p.m. at Gaillardia Country Club. This will be the second year for our partnership with Gaillardia. Sponsorship begins at $250 to get a name on the t-shirts; a $500 sponsorship includes name on t-shirts, banner, posters, and 4 spots in the run; $1000 and up donations include all those, plus an advertising spot at Gaillardia on the day of the event. The race this year will benefit the Whiz Kids literacy ministry for children as well as other ministries with children in the inner city, in which many of our congregation serve. If you are a business owner or know of a business that would be interested, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com or 721-4141 for more details. Sponsorship deadline is August 26 for publication purposes.

SERVANT July 31, 2013 I Page 7

Our Prayers continued... u Helen Akers as she deals with health issues and recovers from surgery.

u Lynn and Joyce Treece as Joyce recuperates from injuries from a fall.

u Joe and Helen Dekker as Helen deals with health issues.

u Bill and Ruth Tyo as Bill recuperates from outpatient surgery.

u Robert and Joyce Ezell as Robert recuperates from surgery. u Gloria Factor as her son, Scott Factor, recuperates from outpatient surgery. u David and Kay Filson as David recuperates from surgery. u Chuck and Marsha Gunter as Chuck recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Dave and Pat Hansen as Pat is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Katie Hock as her son, Kris, recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Barbara Holland as she recuperates from tests.

u Larry Hardin and Family at the death of Larry’s wife, Martha Hardin. u Mary Strain and Family at the death of Mary’s nephew, Jonathan Wildes. u Jeanette Richardson and Family at the death of her husband, Jack Richardson. u Bob and Susy Wilson and Family, Margaret Beck and Family, at the death of Bob’s father, and Margaret’s uncle, Joseph Wilson.

u Jerry and Sally Liles as Sally recuperates from surgery.

u Roy and Trina Ramirez as Trina’s mother, Tina Wylie, deals with health issues. u Robbie Robertson as she deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Johnny and Susan Satterlee as Johnny recuperates from surgery. u Louise Skinner as she undergoes rehab and is a resident at Bellevue Rehab and Nursing Facility. u Charles, Alaine, and Brian Thigpen as Charles was re-admitted to Mercy Health Center.

u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Billie Amis by Diane Hardin. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Floyd Hardin by Primetime. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant PrimeTime in memory of Floyd Hardin by Bob & Jo Gentry. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant PrimeTime in memory of Floyd Hardin by Bill & Jody Humes. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant PrimeTime in memory of Floyd Hardin by William & Melba Howard. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant PrimeTime in memory of Floyd Hardin by Martha Ann Schoeb. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant PrimeTime in memory of Floyd Hardin by Brenda Edge.

u Melissa Marshall as she recuperates from tests and faces surgery. u Sue Miller as she recuperates from injuries from a fall.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Bill Bright by Joe & JoAnn Matthews.

u Barbara Eskridge at the birth of her 1st great grandchild, Evelyn Eskridge.

The proud parents are Ed and Megan Eskridge. u David and Sandy Jensen at the birth of their granddaughter, Davey Aline Jensen.

The proud parents and sister are Jake, Melissa, and Lili Jensen. u Lizette Stephens, Steve and Dawn Houchin, and Eric Nance at the birth of Lizette’s granddaughter, Steve and Dawn Houchin’s niece, and Eric Nance’s niece, London Ray Nance.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant PrimeTime in memory of Floyd Hardin by Ed & Sue Cowan. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Billie Amis by Mack & Marcia Morgan. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Bill Bright by Donna Armstrong. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Mary Lou Acers by Donna Armstrong. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of 4th of July is near, and Earthglow has the decorations you need! Come in and browse the cool decor for this hot holiday. All profits go to missions.