August 14, 2013
Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 13.16
Believe s Belong s Become
SERVANT DAY!
Saturday, August 24
Registration continues through this Sunday, August 18 in the Concourse. Servant Day is an annual tradition in the life of Church of the Servant where we gather to eat breakfast, share a devotional, and go into our community and serve. It is a day in our congregation that crosses all ages and demographics because our common goal is mission in the name of Jesus Christ. It is a fun day for parents and children, Sunday school classes, small groups, families, friends and individuals to join in making a difference in our community. This year we will be serving at Skyline McGee Center, ChildSHARE, OK Regional Food Bank, Penn Avenue Redemption Church, St. John’s UMC, Servant Hands, Exodus House, on location in Moore for tornado clean up, and right here in our own building as we do a deep cleaning of the building. There is a nursery for children under age 9, but children must be registered in advance at the sign-up table in the Concourse. A full, hot breakfast, plus cereal and fruit, will begin at 8 a.m. for $5 for adult, $3 for children. Then we will head to our projects where we will work from 9 a.m. until noon.
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
Did you know 1 out of 4 children goes to bed hungry every night? 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 make a meal for .34 cents. • Last year, the Skyline food pantry served 19,998 individuals. • During the first half of this year, 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!
Thank You Church for Your Generosity
Items Still Needed for Young Missionary Coming to Oklahoma
In August the General Board of Global Ministries is sending a missionary from Seattle to Oklahoma City to coordinate a new program for children at St. John’s UMC. Kristina is 22 years old and she will be connecting to Church of the Servant as her supporting congregation, worshiping and participating here for the next two years. In preparation for her arrival there are still a few things needed for her. She will need a modest, reliable car. The conference is supplying an apartment for her. A bed is still needed to complete the furnishings. If you have these items to donate or would like to help be a part of welcoming Kristina to our congregation in late August, please contact Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com or 721-4141. All donations are a tax deduction.
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Last Sunday in our worship services we had a special Fish appeal for the Skyline food pantry here in Oklahoma City. In our four worship services you generously gave $12.240. Skyline has the opportunity to purchase food at discounted rates to go along with the food that is donated by churches. Our offering will go to purchase food, and to continue the programs that Skyline offers to help people learn to make a better life for their family. Thank you so much for being a part of addressing the hunger problem in Oklahoma.
Whiz Kids Mentors Needed Mentor Recruitment is This Sunday
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. This Sunday is the day to make a commitment, with an ice cream social and information meeting for all volunteers to be held 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.
Making Our Time Count Lately I have been contemplating time quite a bit. There comes a time for all of us when God drops a sign in our lives that causes us to seriously question our life-path, our priorities and be forced to deal with our dreams and aspirations. It is a defining moment when one can see life screaming by; you question the past, you evaluate the short-cuts taken, and you’re not sure if you’re prepared for tomorrow. This crisis moment involves intense introspection. “Is this worth it? Am I taking the time to experience and enjoy whatever it is I am working so hard to accomplish?” I started reading a book recently called The Happiness Project about a young professional woman trying to balance work, marriage, motherhood and everything else and do it well by the culture’s standards and she realized she wasn’t a happy person. She was riding the bus to work one day when she saw the words pass her on another bus, “The days are long, but the years are short.” So she spent the next year on her happiness project, to shape her life and her time in a way that she didn’t miss a moment on doing and being in ways that made her happy.
Dr. Robyn Goggs
Think about how you spend your time? Think about it in terms of these words... “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and with that one, is what we are doing.” Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
And who we are becoming. I don’t think I am the only one that struggles with the way we spent our time. Here are some statistics from a study published in the book Simple Life: 44% of people say that their current pace of life will likely lead to health problems. 84% of people say they spend too little time with their spouses. 64% of people say they would change their life.
I think to stop the train wreck of whatever challenge we might be facing concerning our time, we have to ask ourselves two questions. What is important to me? Is this important to God? The Bible doesn’t have a salary scale by which we can gauge our happiness, or give us a number of how many Facebook friends we should have. It does have a blueprint for an authentic life of peace found in following Jesus Christ. He came so we can have abundant life in God’s time, but I believe in our human time too. So how do we make our time count? We bring clarity to the way we spend our lives maybe by asking these questions... What makes me experience wholeness in my life? What am I doing when I most feel like I am being the person God wants me to be? Then ask, “How do my choices align with my clarity of what it important?” When we make our choices according to our clarity: We make choices that have less regret. We live a life of love and service beyond ourselves. We trust God more and see God at work more with this clarity. We have a better grasp of our individual purpose as a child of God. We have more joy, more peace. We are loving the people in our lives well. We have more passion for living. As the busyness of fall activities and a new school year begins, maybe these ideas are ways we can gauge how we make our time count. - Robyn
Back-to-School Fun Stuff in Earthglow!
Check out the cute, collectable tin lunch boxes shaped like sandwiches, for a back to school novelty. All profits go to missions. Stop in at Earthglow! SERVANT August 14, 2013 I Page 3
Are You Interested in a Bible Study this Fall?
There are several Bible Studies from which to choose. Registration for all Bible studies begins Sunday, August 18 through Sunday, September 8. You may register at Church of the Servant on Sunday mornings or online.
Sunday Afternoon Bible Studies -
Invitation to Romans is an 8-session study exploring how Paul addresses judgment, attitudes, lifestyle, responsibility, accountability, faith, salvation, marriage, peace, the weak, the strong and much more. Led by Dr. Robert Gorrell and Allen Warren, Invitation to Romans begins Sunday, September 15, in North Adult Center, Room 12 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $15, which includes the participant’s book. Invitation to the New Testament is an 8-session study exploring the writings of the New Testament using the story of Jesus as the starting point. This survey of the testament looks at how the early church took ownership of, and was shaped by, the story of Jesus; and how the church learned how to develop as disciples and create communities of faith. Led by Randy and Lainey Robinson, Invitation to the New Testament begins Sunday, September 15, in North Adult Center, Room 4 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. The cost is $15, which includes the participant’s book. That the World May Know will help bring the Bible to life by showing you where biblical events actually took place. It weaves together historical, cultural, and geographical contexts to reveal insights into how people in biblical times understood God and Jesus. Led by Blair Schoeb, this 20-session study meets for two sessions. The first session is from Sunday, September 15 to November 17, 2013. The second session is Sunday, January 5 to March 9, 2014. Both sessions will meet in North Adult Center, Room 6 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. There is no cost.
Tuesday Evening Bible Studies -
Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine is a Max Lucado study which will explore the true meaning, depth, and beauty of God’s amazing grace. It will ask the questions: Have you ever been changed by grace? Shaped by grace? Strengthened, emboldened, softened by grace? It will help you discover that grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off. Led by John Farr, this 7-session study begins Tuesday, September 24 - November 5, in North Adult Center, Room 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Participants can purchase the book at Mardel or LifeWay bookstores. God is Closer Than You Think is a study written by John Ortberg. Intimacy with God can happen right now if you want it. That’s what the Bible promises, so why settle for less? God is closer than you think, and connecting with him isn’t just for monks and ascetics. It’s for business people, high school students, busy moms, single men, single women... and most importantly it’s for YOU. Led by John Farr, this 6-session study begins Tuesday, November 12 through December 17, in North Adult Center, Room 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Participants can purchase the book at Mardel or LifeWay bookstores.
Servant Foundation Golf Tournament Saturday, September 21
The Servant Foundation Golf Tournament, originally scheduled for June, was rained out and has been rescheduled for September 21 at Fairfax Golf Course at 8:00 a.m. Those who had signed up to play in June and have paid their entry fees are still entered in the tournament and are anticipated to play. Those who have not paid their entry fee or were unable to sign up for the original scheduled date, will have an opportunity to sign up to play starting Sunday, September 8 at the special table set up for the tournament in the Concourse. The cost of the tournament is $55 per person which includes range balls, green fees, golf cart, and lunch along with prizes. The tournament is a 4-person scramble format. Put together your team today and plan to play in this fun event! For information about the tournament, contact Tom McGee at the church at 728-4701. Page 4 I SERVANT August 14, 2013
Music Offerings for the Fall Celebration Choir – Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (childcare provided). The Choir is the anchor group for our Music Ministry, offering weekly musical leadership to the 9:15 and 10:45 Worship services. The Choir sings a wide variety of music, including the Christmas Presentation, Good Friday and the Summer Songs Concert. Worship Orchestra – Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (childcare provided). This group plays every other week in 9:15 and 10:45 Worship services and for special events. The orchestra is open to players high school and up. We welcome new members throughout the year. The orchestra has become a very important part of the worshipping life of our church. Celebration Ringers – Thursdays, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. This bell choir is open to advanced ringers. The group plays throughout the church year and for special events. The Way – Thursdays, 6:45 p.m. The Way is a contemporary ensemble devoted to creating beautiful, worshipful music for the 9:15 and 10:45 Worship services. Revelation Youth Choir – Sundays, 3 p.m. Revelation is a wonderful group of youth grades 6-12. The choir tours each summer and sings in worship on a regular basis. Revelation Bronze (Youth Handball Choir) – Sundays, 4 p.m. This bell choir is for youth that have a firm grasp of musical fundamentals. The choir will tour each year with Revelation. This group has four open spots remaining for this season. Synergy - A new vocal ensemble is forming this Fall. More about this new group in a few weeks. Children’s Music - Is now part of WOW! If you are interested in joining any of these groups, please contact Chuck Weatherford Director of Music at cweatherford@ churchoftheservant.com.
Love To Stay: A Love That Lasts a Lifetime!
“There lies within the heart of most human beings a deep longing for close companionship with another – one who is like us, yet mysteriously and sometimes maddeningly different from us.” writes Adam Hamilton. On Sunday, September 22, a four-week journey begins to explore the meaning and mission of marriage. Using the resources, Love to Stay by Adam Hamilton, Dr. Robyn Goggs and Rev. Jeremy Sanders will lead this 4-session study with the hope of offering an honest, real, and hope-filled picture of the blessings and the challenges of marriage, and what it takes to make it work. Though the focus is on marriage, many of the principles being taught can also be applied to other committed relationships and to nearly every other relationship in our lives. So, whether you are married, considering marriage, or are in a committed relationship, we are offering this 4-week journey to help you achieve a love that lasts a lifetime. It will be offered two separate times on Sunday mornings, 9:15 and 10:45 in Community Hall. The cost per couple is $25.00. You can register at Church of the Servant or online at churchoftheservant.com beginning Sunday, August 25, through Sunday, September 15. For more information, please contact Scott Smith, Director of Discipleship, at ssmith@churchoftheservant.com.
Financial Peace University
We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! FPU will be held at Church of the Servant from 6:30 to 8:30pm beginning Wednesday, September 25 through December 4. Tom McGee and Peter Weaver will be instructing the 9-week event. For more information and to register go to: www.churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT August 14, 2013 I Page 5
Middle School Ministries had a fun, service-filled Mission Week in July. Our group of 30 students took three days out of their summer to be the hands and feet of Christ to our community. Along with serving, we had fun fellowship together swimming, bowling, and playing dodgeball. What a blessing they are to this church, and I strongly encourage you to get to know some of them and investing in their lives! In his love, Jenna Savage Middle School Coordinator
Troop 177 Went Big and Got Wild!
SAVE THE DATE
PACK THE HOUSE - Sunday, August 25 in Children’s Ministries.
Wear your favorite Christian t-shirt. A pancake breakfast will be served The 2013 National Scout Jamboree took to the kids at 9:15, and during the 10:45 hour we will be led in worship by place last month at the brand new Summit Rev. Matt and Mr. John. “We feel that there isn’t a better way to set the Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia under the standard for a new school year than to make worshipping on Sundays and motto Go Big & Get Wild! This was the first participating in Sunday church activities a priority. We want all our kids here time this event, taking place every 4 years, was to celebrate the new school year and to make a commitment to their faith,” hosted at The Summit. It was also the first time said Cathy Hersom, Director of Children’s Ministries. SERVANT KIDS – Be Boy Scouts from Troop 177 at Church of the here for the entire morning and bring a friend. Servant were in attendance. Six of our higher WOW – Registration begins Sunday, August 18. ranked scouts where part of a group of 150 representing our council. There we saw, with our Registration tables will be in the Children’s Area and also upstairs in the own eyes, more than 40,000 other scouts and Concourse. WOW begins on September 11. Children (3 years-old – 5th volunteers who camped together with us. Now grade) and adult leaders are needed. we really know how big scouting is. The opening ceremony at the AT&T Summit Stadium set the tone for ten days of excitement. We were able to experience, first-hand, what scouting is all about. Scouting is not only kayaking, whitewater rafting, zip lining, hiking, climbing, rappelling and mountain biking; but it is also an opportunity to make new friends and learn new skills that will help you through life - a chance to have fun while providing community service. At the Summit, on Sunday, it was also an opportunity to worship together as one, with the other 40,000 souls from across the nation. No matter how you look at it, scouting is huge and scouting is AWESOME! Your elementary school children or grandchildren (both boys or girls) can be there but they need to start preparing now. That’s why elementary school boys and girls are invited to join us for a FUN POOL PARTY on Friday, August 30, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Fenwick Community Pool. Beat the heat! Make a splash! Swim, make new friends and play games. RSVP to Marc McChesney (405-990-0497) or Charisse Dye (405-255-6618) - Michael Vallejo / Scribe, Bugler & Troop Guide / BSA Troop 177 Page 6 I SERVANT August 14, 2013
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, September 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 sponsorships 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. Mark your calendar! Registration begins Sunday Sept 2 for the Fit to Serve Race!
Single Parent Ministry
On November 16, we will be hosting the Queen for a Day Event for the second year in partnership with the Single Parent Support Network. This is a day of information and pampering for single mothers. In anticipation of this event and using it as a springboard to beginning our own single parent support group, I am looking for a group of people who are interested in serving in this area of new ministry for the November 16th event and beyond. This would be the core group to help discern what would be the best way forward. If you have an interest in this area of ministry and are willing to serve, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com.
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 $18 on Sundays and in the church office or online at www.churchoftheservant.com. Discount available online for groups of 10 or more.
Boys are from Mars Moms are from Venus
Do you need help with common issues we face as single moms raising boys and young men? Single Mothers and Sons Conference Sponsored by the Single Parent Support Network Sept 6 and 7th in the Northwest Oklahoma City area For details or to register log onto www.supportforsingleparents.org or 405.917.1817
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Our Prayers continued... u Geoff Baker and Susan King-Baker, as their brother-in-law, Earnest Goforth, recuperates from surgery.
u Camilla Riley as Camilla’s aunt, Ellen Pearson of Idabel, recuperates from surgery.
u Dan and Cathy Bush as Cathy’s daughter, Nancy Smith, deals with health issues.
u Jenna Savage as Jenna’s aunt, Betty Myers, deals with health issues.
u Sandy and Kathryn Cashion as Kathryn faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Don and Doris Cline as Don deals with health issues. u Tony and Linda Coffee as Tony recuperates from an accident. u Nancy Deal as she faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Tom and Linda Gulley as their granddaughter, Autumn Lewis, recuperates from a treatment. u Chuck and Marsha Gunter as Chuck undergoes rehab and is a resident at Parc Way Nursing and Rehab Facility. u Denene Harper as Denene’s mother, Eileen Neufeld, and Denene’s cousin, Stella Schmidt, both deal with health issues. u Rick and Shirley Jackson and Norman and Jacque Long as Shirley’s and Jacque’s mother, Marie Skelton, recuperates from surgery in Arkansas. u Cecil and Carolyn Jones as Cecil recuperates from a procedure; and a friend of theirs from Colorado, Ann Gonzales, recuperates from surgery. u Ted and Sue McCourry as Sue deals with health issues. u Linda Moore as she deals with health issues and undergoes rehab at Epworth Villa. u Vicki Muir as she deals with health issues. u Rusty and Piper Pfister as Rusty recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Richard and Charlotte Osborne as Richard recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.
u Bob and Nancy Smith as Bob recuperates from tests.
u Nancy Morgan and Family at the death of Nancy’s husband, Jack Morgan. u Jerry and Ezell Potter and Family and Rhett and Nicole Pigg and Family at the death of Ezell’s brother and Nicole’s uncle, Abbott Overton Nelson.
u Harry Stults as he deals with health issues and is a resident at Bellevue Rehab and Nursing Facility. u Bill and Ruth Tyo as Ruth recuperates from outpatient surgery.
PRIME TIME
Thirty-four members of our staff and congregation traveled to Ireland and London earlier this year. We are so excited to have our Senior Minister, Dr. Robert Gorrell, headlining our first program of our new year to share highlights of their experience. Through narrative and photos we will be able to follow their path as they walked in the footsteps of John Wesley as he forged the beginning of our denomination. We will also be able to gain insight of things to come. Make plans now to share their experiences on Thursday, September 12, 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Lunch $10.00. Program only, $2.00. Make your reservation now at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office, 721-4141 before 4:00 p.m., Monday, September 9. Remember, if you make a reservation and later find you cannot attend, please call the church office to cancel. Prime Time must pay for all reservations made.
Interested in Trying your Hand at Woodcarving?
You don’t need any previous experience. A woodcarving class taught by Bob Gentry will begin Wednesday, September 4 through November 20, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Television Studio in the lower level. After learning basic woodcarving whittling techniques, you will create your own work, using carving tools and sharpening devices. You chose your project from patterned “cutouts”. To register and find out the type of knife you need, contact Bob at 721-2569. The cost is $15.
Body and Soul Dance Blast
Fall Session begins August 27, 6:45 p.m.
Body & Soul is “where faith and fitness meet.” It is an international nonprofit fitness organization led by national fitness leader Jeannie Blocher. Founded in 1981, Body & Soul offers cardio/strength, boot camp, power strength, basic & beyond, dance blast and strength/flexibility workouts. The Dance Blast class is for women and will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning August 27, from 6:45-7:45 p.m. in the Youth Auditorium. ACE certified instructors lead the workout, providing options for beginners. Each class begins with prayer, and the energetic Christian music will inspire all to get moving, no matter what fitness level we are.