Newsletter 08.13.14

August 13, 2014

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 14.16

Get to Know Me...

Dear Church Family, It has been a fantastic two months since Cherie, Isaac, Joshua, and I arrived here to serve alongside you. In this brief time, you have been so very kind and welcoming to us. We are so very grateful to you for your hospitality. Already, your faith has been evident by your generous actions.

Every Sunday morning, I am so excited to begin my day by worshipping with the Chapel of the Cross community at 8:15. The folks in the Chapel inspire me with their warmth towards each other and their faithfulness. Then, I walk (sometimes sprint if I’ve been long winded with the sermon!) over to the Centrum and get to preach at the Servant 923 service. The energy and passion this community brings with them in following Jesus together is contagious. So, you see, my Sunday mornings begin and end with wonderful people who are committed to following the teachings of Jesus Christ and putting their faith into action the rest of the week.

Rev. David Wheeler Associate Minister

In addition to preaching every week, I am truly looking forward to another part of my duties which have yet to begin: teaching “Buck and a Bible” men’s Bible study and “Sharing the Kingdom” for women, both on Tuesdays. I have yet to experience being a part of these groups, but from what others have shared with me, it should be a tremendous experience as well on Tuesdays (beginning September 9). I have selected the gospel according to St. Luke as our starting place for these groups and have begun initial preparations.

I am still really looking forward to getting acquainted not only with the folks within the worshipping communities (Chapel and 923), but also from all over the church family. If you’d like to get acquainted, I would love to sit down with you and share stories and life experiences.

I’m prioritizing my time to allow for meals together, coffee breaks, and informal visits to build our relationships these days. So, call or let me know if you’d like to visit!

We feel so very blessed to be a part of this remarkable church family and are looking forward to the days ahead!

If you think of it, please continue to pray for my family as Cherie begins her job as elementary music teacher in Mid-Del schools and my sons (Isaac and Joshua) begin school at Deer Creek High School. We feel so very blessed to be a part of this remarkable church family and are looking forward to the days ahead!

Grace and peace, Rev. David Wheeler

/ChurchoftheServantOKC

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@servantchurch

Missions Bless Our School - Hefner Middle School Thank you for your involvement!

Now let’s pray for the school and staff!

What an enthusiastic response this mission has received! All the teacher appreciation boxes went out in one week and have come back overflowing with supplies and treats for the teachers of Hefner! We have had three workdays to help the school get prepared for the beginning of the year, these days have included painting, cleaning, redecorating the teachers’ workroom and lounges, remodel of the concession area and helping teachers decorate their rooms.

On Sunday, August 17, come by and pick up a paper doll person with a staff person’s name on it and commit to praying for that person this year. Our relationship with Hefner is not only about helping in practical ways, but about how we can pray faithfully for this school and staff this year.

Thank you for your willingness to start something new right here in our community, in a school with which many of us have connections. This partnership will continue and have opportunities throughout the year that will be shared in the newsletter and announcements. If you would like to receive emails about ongoing opportunities, please contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com.

Whiz Kids for Edgmere Elementary Recruiting New Tutors for 2014-2015 School Year

Whiz Kids meets each Monday from 2:30-5:30 at Wesley UMC on 25th and Classen. Mark your calendar for Monday, August 18 at 3:00 p.m. for the ice cream social and information session that will inspire you and answer any of your questions.

Tutor Requirements: Read at a 5th grade level, be 18 years old, love children.

Being a tutor is a life-changing experience. It is filled with ups and downs, blessings and challenges, but all moments are ones that make a difference in the life of a child. Over the last three years, our tutors have shared stories and celebrated when all the hard work comes together in the classroom and in the relationship.

Sherri Price shared these words about her experience this past year as a tutor: “Spending Mondays with my Jayla opened a new place in my heart - not only for Jayla, but for her little sisters, Jaylyn and Jayde, and their sweet mom, Jackie, too. I’m so grateful for this life-changing experience and relationship with this precious family.”

Prayerfully consider if you might be willing to make this commitment to a child for one year, then come by the Whiz Kids table on Sunday, August 17, or contact Carolyn Hays at chays25@cox.net.

Thank You Note from Blue Star Mothers

Dear Church of the Servant Family,

It is special organizations like Church of the Servant that renews my spirit in our mission. The troops will love everything that was donated. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

- Blue Star Mothers, Edmond N/OKC Chapter 8, Sherry, First VP

Skyline Ministries

Clothes 4 Kids was a wonderful experience for me this year. Most years I help in getting the funds raised in our congregation to help provide uniforms for 400 children in the Oklahoma City School District.

Church of the Servant has been so faithful to this ministry through Skyline for many years; this year, not only did we raise almost $19,000 but 35 Servant people were there to register and fit children in uniforms. It had been a couple of years since I had been down to help with the fitting of uniforms, so I committed to a morning of serving there in July.

The little children came in timid, and sometimes their parents did as well.

It was a beautiful thing to watch them smile and share their hopes of the school year ahead as we picked out and tried on their uniforms. The timid children left happy and ready to start school! It’s easy to organize mission in my role, but doing mission is very important for my soul, for all of our souls. Thank you for the way you inspire me to share in mission right alongside you with the commitment you make to serve.

- Dr. Robyn Goggs SERVANT August 13, 2014 I Page 3

Missions Thank you letter received from Skyline Ministries Dear Church of the Servant Family, Your gift to Skyline was received on July 19, 2014 from Oklahoma Conference for $18,357 from Church of the Servant for Clothes 4 Kids. Many, many blessings to your congregation!

I want to thank all of you who saw our plea in the June newsletter and took action by making a monetary contribution to Skyline. Because of you, more children in need will be able to go to school on their first day looking just as great as all the other children.

Because of you, the many who struggle to provide food for their families will be able to put a meal on the table.

Because of you, many more will receive eye care, groceries, clothing, hot meals and support for children and youth to stay in school. Because of you, we will soon be able to offer our services more efficiently in

one central location at 500 SE 15th Street.

Thank you!

We see many more families than in the past needing help. The donations you provide are vital to Skyline’s ministry to the “least of these” among us. We know that, as stewards of your money, you want us to offer the most we can to the most in need. We hope you will drop by to see the new facilities and pray for our ministry and for those who come to us for help.

Skyline’s mission is to impact lives, to empower those in need and to address the roots of poverty in Oklahoma. Working to serve a genuine need, we have programs to help all ages and stages and we are grateful for your generosity and support in helping our neighbors.

- Rev. Claudia Lovelace, Executive Director Skyline Urban Ministry

Women 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: Last day to register is Sunday, August 17 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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Come in and browse the new scarves and jewelry at Earthglow, just in time for accessorizing or updating a fall wardrobe.

All profits go to missions.

Fall Offerings!

Begin the Fall with a new commitment to Bible Study and fellowship. Women’s Offerings brochures for Fall Study Groups are now available at the Welcome Center and online. Registration begins Sunday, August 24, or you can register online for a study. If you have previously been in a group, please plan to register again, as we are beginning with new rosters this year.

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.

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Children 6th ANNUAL PACK THE HOUSE Children’s Ministries - Sunday, Sept 7

Come one – come all to the 6th annual CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES PACK THE HOUSE SUNDAY on September 7. An entire morning of fun and entertaining Jesus time is being planned for preschool and elementary children. A pancake breakfast will be served at 9:15, and during the 10:45 hour we will celebrate with Mr. Paul and Ms. Brooke.

Their FUNday Sunday show will be a time of celebrating Jesus and back to school – there will be skits, dancing, prizes, singing and MORE. Mr. Paul and Ms. Brooke, also known as Paul and Brooke Gebb, are members of our church and very involved with Children’s and Music Ministries. We promise they will entertain and deliver a wonderful message to our kids.

“We feel that there isn’t a better way to set the standard for a new school year than to make worshipping on Sundays and participating in Sunday church activities a priority. We want all our kids here to celebrate the new school year and to make a commitment to their faith,” said Cathy Hersom, Director of Children’s Ministries.

SERVANT KIDS – be here for the entire morning, bring a friend and wear your favorite Christian t-shirt.

And after services, make sure your entire family stays for FAM FEST. FAM FEST is a fun family friendly event. It will be held from 11:45 to 1:30. Families will be able to experience great fun, food trucks, inflatables, petting zoo, games, and prizes.

Register online for Fam Fest – www.churchoftheservant.com. You can also register at the Fam Fest registration table in the courtyard on Sundays, August 17, 24, and 31. Entry to Fam Fest is FREE. Food charges are based on food truck prices.

Like always, it will be a great day at Church of the Servant.

Do you enjoy helping others? Do you ever think about doing more?

Have you ever wondered if YOU could make a difference? YOU CAN!

Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries is beginning a new program, the Children’s Mission Leadership Team. We are planning to build a leadership team of at least six to eight 4th and 5th graders who are interested in guiding our Children’s Ministries Outreach. Our vision is that these young people will begin their journey of serving others here, and have a great basis from which to build as they grow older. Also, we hope that they will understand our calling to serve others through our faith and build leadership skills in working for Jesus. This leadership team will be responsible for searching for needs, determining choices and being involved in as well as leading the missions we support in our Sunday School, WOW, KOW, and Grapple groups.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? We will meet at least once a month to determine missions we are interested in and what we want to accomplish, and then, when we get things going, we may move to once a quarter. This will be a student-led endeavor. Adults will supervise, but the ultimate decisions will be made by the leadership team. If you would like to be involved in this fantastic opportunity of learning and leading, fill out the application on the Children’s page of our church website. I look forward to the amazing things this leadership team will accomplish! - Cindy Brackenbury, Coordinator of Elementary Children’s Ministries If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3:17-18 Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com

WOW WILL BE BACK! What is WOW? WOW – WELCOME ON WEDNESDAYS - is the mid-week ministry program sponsored by Children’s Ministries for children, ages 3 through the 5th grade. Each week at WOW, children explore a different Bible point with their small groups, which are led by an adult. The activities the children participate in help build everyone’s relationship with Jesus. It’s an evening where Christian relationships are developed between kids and kids, kids and adults, and adults and adults.

Why is a mid-week ministry for children so important? It is another means of learning God’s Word and learning how to apply His Word to their daily living.

For children who participate on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, they have the double opportunity to be learning God’s Word; many children bring, and are encouraged to bring, friends who might not otherwise participate in a spiritual growth ministry. It helps bond church friendships, is another opportunity for a child’s spiritual growth to be strengthened, and it helps establish

the importance of regular participation in church activities other than Sunday mornings.

As always, adults are needed to be small group leaders. Contact Cathy Hersom at 728-4715 or chersom@ churchoftheservant.com if you are interested. If your child is participating, it is a wonderful way for a family to spend an evening together, and there is no greater gift a parent can give their child than witnessing their faith in action. Registration will be available on Sunday, August 17 in the children’s area.

WE NEED JESUS LOVERS IN CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

On an average over 250 children are served in Children’s Ministries on Sunday mornings. These are children in the nursery, in Kid’s Own Worship services and/or Sunday school. God has blessed us with some amazing individuals who serve year after year and Sunday after Sunday. But in order to maintain the quality of programs that we strive to offer -- quality being an hour filled with Jesus learning, love and relationship building with Christian adults and other children from Christian homes -- help is needed.

We can’t do it alone. We are asking individuals from our congregation who have

never served in Children Ministries or have not served recently, to pray deep and hard about being involved with our children’s Christian education. We are not asking for a lifetime commitment, but a minimum of 9 months and 2 Sundays a month. Our greatest needs for this fall are Sunday school teachers and teacher helpers during the 10:45 hour. If the 9:15 hour is better time for you, we always have a place for leaders who will sit with a small group of children and guide them through the hour. You have little or no preparation, as all the materials are prepared and waiting for you – the lessons

are emailed to you very week. We try to make this commitment as easy as possible for you so that your energies can be given to the task of leading our children to Jesus. We are constantly communicating with our teachers and leaders so that they have a clear understanding of their responsibilities.

If interested in serving in Children’s Ministries or have any questions, please contact me at 728-4715 or chersom@ churchoftheservant.com.

God Bless Cathy Hersom, Director Children’s Ministries SERVANT August 13, 2014 I Page 7

Music Suzuki String Method Begins Fall of 2014

Suzuki String Method is coming soon! Registration deadline is September 7. Ali Soltani, Director of the School, is coordinating with Chuck Weatherford, Director of Music Ministries. Offering Elementary through adult classes. An information brochure will be available soon at the Welcome Center. Go to churchoftheservant.com for more information and to download a registration form.

Student Triple Play

During the last week of July, the middle school students had the opportunity to participate in an event called Triple Play -- three days of local missions and other fun activities. They got the chance to serve at the Regional Food Bank on Monday and at the Urban Mission on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mixed in with each of these days were a trip to the zoo on Monday, an afternoon at Pelican Bay on Tuesday, and bowling on Wednesday. Through this opportunity, the students got a chance to serve others as well as learn a little bit about some of the hardships they are enduring right now. At the Regional Food Bank, the kids participated in a program that provides backpacks with food for kids across Oklahoma. In three hours there, they packed over 10,000 pounds of food, providing meals for 3,024 kids! During their service at the Urban Mission on Tuesday and Wednesday, the middle school students stocked and organized food from the warehouse, helping them distribute food to those in need that come through the doors to shop. All three days were marked by joyful kids with a great serving attitude who got to learn more about how to love like Christ in service of others.

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Our Life Together Our Prayers

u Bob and Mary Austin as Bob deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their son Scott’s father-in-law, Tor Arsala, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized in Virginia. u Dan and Cathy Bush as their friend, Claudia Bryant, ask for our prayers. u Patricia Estep as Patricia recuperates from injures from a fall. u Kay Ewing as Kay’s friend’s daughter deals with health issues. u John and Carolyn Hays as their friends, Dee Montgomery and Dean Naranche, both deal with health issues. u Jeanne Mapes as Jeanne deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Pat Marrs as Pat’s friend, Marie Stitcher, deals with health issues.

Our Sympathy

u Family and Friends at the death of Nancy Hall. u Sue McCourry and Family at the death of Sue’s husband, Ted McCourry. u Tom and Susan Page and Jordan, Erin, Addison, and Hutch Page and Family at the death of Susan’s mother, Jordan’s grandmother, and Addison’s and Hutch’s great grandmother, Hazel Hutchinson. u Family and Friends at the death of William “Bill” Roby. u Johnny and Susan Satterlee and Family at the death of their nephew, Brent M. Satterlee.

u Brenda Morris as Brenda’s father, James McAlister, deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

u Hughlene Brittain-Yarbrough and Family at the death of Huglene’s husband, George Yarbrough.

Winter Plants

Ladies, fall is coming... Do you have a plant that’s too big to bring in this winter? I would love to talk to you. Please call Susan Satterlee at 405-638-5555.

u Judy Raulston as Judy recuperates from surgery and faces treatment. u Ramon and Patricia Sutton as Ramon deals with health issues. u J.R. and Lorene Wolf as Lorene 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.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by The Servant Singers. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Bill & Eileen Humes. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by William & Martha White. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by George & Jo Hall.

u Chuck and Pam Weatherford and Family at the death of Pam’s sister.Theia Husle.

u Melissa Marshall as Melissa deals with health issues. u Kevin, Andrea, Riley, Asher, and Annie Kate Miller, as Kevin’s mother, Jacque Miller, is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.

Celebrating Memories

Woodcarving Class

Woodcarving classes taught by Bob Gentry will begin Wednesday, September 3, and continue through Wednesday, November 19. You will learn basic woodcarving techniques and create your own work using carving tools, sharpening devices, and simple whittling. You choose your project from pattern “cutouts”. No previous experience is required, but you need to call Bob at 721-2569 to learn the necessary type of knife to bring to class.

Join Bob September 3, 6-9pm in the Television Studio. Cost is $15.

13.2 Cafe’ Needs Your Help!

Have you ever considered volunteering in 13.2, Church of the Servant’s own coffee shop? It truly is so much fun, yet fulfilling to serve our church. As the school year begins, we have several openings to fill. Here are the shifts: •

Sunday Morning 1 time a month -- 7:20-9:30 (team of 2)

•

Sunday Morning 1 time a month -- 9:10-10:50 (team of 2)

• •

Every Monday morning of the school year -- 8:45-11:15 (can be individual or a team of 2)

• •

Every Thursday morning of the school year -- 8:45-11:15 (can be individual or a team of 2)

• •

1 Monday night a month for Men’s BSF -- 6:00-8:00 during school year (team of 2)

Please contact Dana Israel if you are interested or have any questions!

918-914-0630 or disrael@churchoftheservant.com SERVANT August 13, 2014 I Page 9

Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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www.ChurchoftheServant.com