Newsletter - 08.12.15

August 12, 2015

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 15.15

Vietnam Offering August 30

Sunday, August 30 we will have the opportunity to partner with the Methodist Church in Vietnam as together we work to provide economic stability to pastors, their families, and congregations across the country.

Something Very Special in

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

9:15 & 10:45 Services!

Soren Kierkegaard tells a wonderful story about a barnyard village of geese. The geese have jobs, go to school and generally behave like us except… except they are geese.

One Sunday, the geese are all in church and the goose preacher is preaching away. He points at the sky and tells them they were created to soar and fly. He tells them that God created them to travel and see the world. He calls them to remember that they are in fact, geese.

The geese loved the message. They dreamed and discussed what the wonderful world beyond their barnyard village might be like. They dreamed, discussed, visioned and met to talk about it.

But they never flew…

It is easy to get comfortable and set in our ways. And sometimes the very things that make us feel secure form a kind of spiritual trap for us.

If you are ready to fly and are hoping for spiritual renewal, I’d like to invite you to be a part of something very special. Starting August 23 in both the 9:15 and 10:45 Celebration Services, I will be preaching on the topic being taught each week in classes studying the new Believe series. My sermon series, called Rooted, will go week-by-week focusing on the topic being taught by the Believe curriculum. (If you attend the 8:15 or 9:23 services, the curriculum is designed to stand-alone as well).

Believe: Living the Story of the Bible to Become Like Jesus is a curriculum designed to help people discuss their faith in God. Most of us believe in God. But could you tell someone why? Believe covers the ten key beliefs of Christians, the ten key practices of Christians, and the ten key virtues or fruits of Christians.

It’s time to fly!

- Robert

BRANDING A recent Oklahoman article claims the OKC metro area is growing by 1,729 people per month. With rapid urbanization in our world and a healthy economic outlook, projections say OKC will continue to grow at a rapid rate. How will the church keep up with population growth?

In some parts of the world, the church is flourishing, but the church in the West is on the decline. Even in the places where churches dot the landscape, church attendance is decreasing, especially among the young.

Our mission is to love and serve people as we share Jesus Christ. Our desire is to be the presence of Christ in Oklahoma City and continue to be an influential church that meets the physical and spiritual needs of our local community. With a changing climate, Christ’s message is never changing but our mode by which we effectively communicate the Gospel has to change.

We are introducing a new brand which includes a new logo, website, and other communication mediums that will allow us to effectively communicate God’s story in an ever changing world.

Branding is the visual representation of a church’s identity. The best brands become iconic representations of the core values, which in return allow a church to effectively communicate their ministry in a changing and cultural context. If we don’t have laser-focused church branding, our church won’t have a familiar face in our community.

We are an ordinary people with an extraordinary mission. At Church of the Servant, our passion is introducing people to God and giving them a place to serve. Will you join us?

- Pastor Scott Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com

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.

Big Feet Running for Little Feet!

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

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 Welcome Center through August.

Important Dates to Save on your Calendar: Friday, August 28

- Annual Girls Night Out “Crafting and Christ”

Sunday, Sept 20

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

Fri-Sun, October 2-4 - Women’s Ministry 2015 Fall Retreat 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 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 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 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. Please return your box by Sunday, August 16.

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

SERVANT August 12, 2015 I Page 3

Women What Is Kindred Community?

Kindred Community- A support group for women who have lost their husbands Losing a spouse creates membership in a club that no one really wants to join. Learning to live alone after being married for years can be a difficult and isolating experience. As much as others try to support and understand, no one really understands if they haven’t been through the same loss.

Kindred Community is a support and prayer ministry that is part of Stand in the Gap Ministries. Our chapter here at Church of the Servant currently has 4 small groups. The small groups meet twice a month for 90 minutes to share and pray.

There are women ready to begin a new small support group and the invitation is open for others as well. If you would like to be part of a Kindred Community or know someone who might benefit from this support - no matter where they are in the journey – please contact Sherri Price at 202-6954.

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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Together, we work to provide economic stability to pastors, their families, and congregations across the country!

Missions Vietnam Offering August 30

Sunday, August 30, we will have the opportunity to partner with the Methodist Church in Vietnam as together we work to provide economic stability to pastors, their families, and congregations across the country. Our gifts will be used to purchase cattle that will be the basis for twenty farms that in the years to come will allow our pastors to continue in ministry to their people as they share the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the years, to come these foundational gifts will be returned to the broader Church to be reinvested, perpetuating a cycle of economic security.

The growth of the Methodist Church in Vietnam over the past decade has been nothing short of phenomenal as God has gathered thousands of new disciples into fellowship. The freedom, the hope, and the future that can only be found in Jesus Christ is breaking out across their land. We can join in that work of God. We can make a difference that will strengthen and sustain that movement. Prayerfully consider how you can contribute and be a part of this ongoing miracle!

Our gifts will be used to purchase cattle.

SERVANT August 12, 2015 I Page 5

Adult Pioneer Country Walk to Emmaus

De Colores! Did you know that Church of the Servant has over 300 Servant Emmaus members? On August 16, 2015, all churches involved in Pioneer Country Emmaus will be celebrating “Emmaus Sunday”. Here at Servant, we will have an information table in the Concourse for applications, questions, answers, comments, etc. If you haven’t yet experienced the Walk to Emmaus, we would love for you to come by to learn what the Walk is all about. We will have brochures, information about upcoming Walks and application kits. If you’ve already been blessed by this experience, please stop by the table to say “Hi” and to update your contact information. AND be sure to wear your lanyard!

Look forward to seeing you on August 16!

BELIEVE LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE TO BECOME LIKE JESUS On Sunday, August 23, many of our Sunday morning classes will begin a new curriculum series, called Believe: Living the Story of the Bible to Become Like Jesus. Believe is a curriculum designed to help people discuss their faith in God. While most who attend Servant would say they believe in God, many may have a difficult time explaining why. We all wrestle with questions about faith, but may not have a class or small group to ask. Believe is designed to help spur on faith conversations as it covers the 10 key beliefs of Christians, the 10 key practices of Christians, and the 10 key virtues or fruits of Christians.

Also, in both the 9:15 and 10:45 Celebration Services, Dr. Robert Gorrell will be preaching on the very topic being taught each week in the class. His sermon series, called “Rooted”, will go week-by-week, focusing on the topic being taught by the Believe curriculum. So, not only will you hear it from the pulpit, you will get to go further in discussing it with your class. If you attend the 8:15 or 9:23 services, the curriculum is designed to stand-alone as well.

To learn more about Believe: Living the Story of the Bible to Become Like Jesus go to the following link: http://believethestory.com.

Are you looking for a Sunday morning class? You can get more information and signup with a participating class by going to www. churchoftheservant.com.

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Children Pack the House September 13

LET’S FILL THE BUILDING! Children’s Ministries welcomes everyone from 3 years old to 5th grade to come meet in our usual spaces downstairs at 9:15 a.m. for a fun time with breakfast, craft, and learning about prayer - moving from area to area for each activity. During the 10:45 hour, we will meet again in our usual spaces, then move up to the Centrum together where Darcie Farmer will entertain us with her ventriloquism act! This will be an exciting time to bring new friends, get back into the habit of going to church after a busy summer, and see everyone! At the end of all these fun activities, children will go to their Sunday school classrooms to be checked out by their parents. We look forward to seeing all our kiddos and their friends as well as strengthening our bond with our Savior through prayer. Please help us spread the word about Pack the House!

Troop 177 On June 27 through July 5, Troop 177 went to Cris Dobbins Scout Ranch in Elbert, Colorado, near Colorado Springs. This is a week-long camp with adults and scouts camping in canvas tents.

On the way to camp, the troop hiked up the Black Mesa Trail in Oklahoma, covering 8.4 miles and a 650 foot elevation change. A few scouts investigated the dinosaur tracks by the trailhead.

Camp Cris Dobbins activities range from life saving, environmental science, horsemanship, scuba diving, shotgun shooting, movie making, nuclear science, and small boat sailing. Thirty-two scouts earned a total of 94 merit badges. This was a really fun camp for all the scouts and adults. One night, there was a thunderstorm and lightning struck the beach next to the lake and turned the sand into glass. Everyone was sad to leave, but happy to return home.

On our way back, we stopped at the Garden of The Gods in Colorado. It is a giant rock formation. We also went whitewater rafting at The Royal Gorge and visited Mt Capulin, a dormant volcano in New Mexico and had a great time! By the time the trip was over, everyone was glad to come home and see their parents again!

Troop 177 is currently making plans to go to Corpus Christi, Texas to spend the night on the USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier in February 2016, and take a High Adventure week-long canoe trip near Canada in June 2016.

Visit www.BSAtroop177ok.org to learn more about Troop 177 or follow us on Facebook at BSA-Troop-177.

Max McChesney BSA Troop 177 Scribe SERVANT August 12, 2015 I Page 7

Children WOW – STARTS September 9

WOW – Welcome on Wednesdays starts September 9.

WOW is Children’s Ministries mid-week program for children 3 years old through 5th grade.

Parents can begin registering their children ONLINE August 23. When registering, there will be a calendar available so parents will know which Wednesday evenings WOW will be in session. The evenings are filled with Jesus learning – through Bible time, games, snacks and MORE! The evenings activities are led by Dayna Slater (preschool), Cathy Hersom (lower elementary), and Cindy Brackenbury (upper elementary), but Children’s Ministries staff cannot do it alone - WE NEED adults that: •

love Jesus and have a desire for children to love HIM;

•

who understand that having a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in life and have the desire for children to also have that relationship;

•

are committed to serving Jesus and have a desire for children to learn this commitment;

•

are ready to build relationships with these children and have the desire for children to experience how it feels to have someone (other than family) care about them;

•

desire to strengthen their own relationship with Christ!

If you are an adult who identifies with these traits, contact Cathy Hersom NOW for more information – chersom@ churchoftheservant.com. We promise you will not be sorry, and at the end of the year you will say, “I got so much more out of it than I could ever have imagined.”

Missions Leadership Team

We are so excited to recognize the new Children’s Ministries Missions Leadership Team! We have the returning group - Ellery Graff, Amelia Stewart, and Avery Lay; and are welcoming our newest members - Xander Stone, Paige Hester, Alyssa Caywood, and Sarah Gilstrap.

These children will be the driving force and brains of the operation. They will be looking for great ideas of mission opportunities for children in our elementary and younger areas to help others. Along with determining what missions our Children’s area will be taking part in, this team will learn valuable skills in evaluating ideas and concluding where they can make the biggest impacts.

Please pray for this group of leaders. We are very proud of the interest they are showing and the impact they will make!

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4th and 5th Grade Swim Party When: August 23, 2015, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

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 16:

cbrackenbury@churchoftheservant.com Directions will be sent to you via e-mail.

Don’t forget your towel and appropriate swimwear!

Our Life Together Our Prayers

Our Sympathy

u John and Carol Adams as Carol recuperates from surgery.

u Frances Ferguson and Family at the death of Frances’ husband, Milton Ferguson.

u Dick and Lynda Adcock as Lynda recuperates from surgery.

u Joyce Tyson and Family at the death of Joyce’s husband, Wesley Wayne Tyson.

u Bud and Alana Atkins as Bud recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Faye Brownlee and Sean, Kimberli, Kyle and Mianna Brownlee as Faye deals with health issues. u Max and Debbie Colclasure as Debbie’s mother’s caregiver, Shelly Mitchell, deals with health issues and is hospitalized. u Frank and Fran Esch as Fran deals with health issues. u Cary and Terry Fisher as Terry recuperates from surgery; and Terry’s mother, Mary Smith, recuperates from a procedure. u Jim and Coleen Henry as Coleen recuperates from injuries from a fall. u Rob and Sissy Holloway as Rob recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Edmond. u Nick and Ann Knutson as Nick recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Elizabeth Large as Elizabeth recuperates from a procedure. u Dick and Bonnie Lierman as Dick is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Judith Malarkey deals with health issues.

Barbara Malliet as Barbara faces a procedure at Oklahoma City Orthopedics. u Phyllis Mosher as her daughter-in-law, Becky Mosher, recuperates from surgery. u Larry and Suzanne Rogers as Larry faces surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Jeff, Gaybra, Savannah, Jackson and Molly Schultz as Savannah recuperates from surgery. u Greg, Stacye, Luke, and Allie Stevens as their niece and cousin, Callie Stevens, deals with health issues. u Reynolds and Kathleen Toney as Kathleen deals with health issues. u Dennis and Cheri Warren as Dennis deals with health issues. u David, Cheri, Joshua and Isaac Wheeler as Isaac deals with health issues.

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

u On August 1, 2015, Luke James Snyder and Sarah Catherine Snyder, children of Chip & Brandy Snyder, both received the Sacrament of Christian Baptism. Rev. Tim Travers officiated the baptisms. u Congratulations to Colonel David Jordan!

On Sunday August 2nd, our own Colonel David Jordan assumed command of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. As a unit, the Brigade consists of six battalions of the Oklahoma Army National Guard and is headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma. At the current time there are nearly 3,500 active soldiers attached to the 45th. David and his wife Melinda are active members of Church of the Servant along with their two children Emily, who will be a freshman at Oklahoma State University this fall, and Evan, who is moving into his junior year at Deer Creek High School. Congratulations, David, on this command and know that the prayers and appreciation of Church of the Servant go with you. Semper Anticus!

In the Kitchen August 23:

Salmon Patties or Stuffed Bell Pepper, Rice Pilaf, Creamed Peas, Corn August 30:

Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Kenya Mission in honor of Stephanie Henson by Frank & Debora Gresh. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Milt Ferguson by Joyce Gaige. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Milt Ferguson by Steve & Muriel Johns. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Alex Hamilton. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jerry Potter by Charles & Gloria Elliott. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Chuck & Anita Ashley. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Wesley Mills by Bill and Melba Howard. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lloyd Bean by Bill and Melba Howard. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Suzi Steed. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Wayne Tyson by Bob & Rubena Wallis. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Servant Foundation in memory of Wayne Tyson by TLC Sunday School Class. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Kay Lynn & Ed Sturm. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Deborah & Thomas Hardy. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Karen James & John Gray. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Lloyd Bean by Jim & Sally Whitten.

Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans SERVANT August 12, 2015 I Page 9

Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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