Newsletter 08.27.14

August 27, 2014

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 14.17

31 Returning Tutors!

8 Substitutes!

14 NEW Tutors!

2015 Pilgrimage Announced!

The World of Paul “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.

But the greatest of these is love.”

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

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Recognize those words? They come from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians found in I Corinthians 13:13. Soon you could be standing in the very place where those words were written (Ephesus) and visit the place (Corinth) that inspired Paul’s magnificent testimony to love. Next summer my wife Prudy and I will be hosting an exciting pilgrimage we’ve titled, The World Of Paul! Paul was the most influential leader in the first century church.

His New Testament writings are essential to our faith. Seeing and traveling through Paul’s world will open up scripture for you like never before!

And I am pleased to announce that our wonderful guides from Israel, David and Ana Assael will guide this journey and care for us on the way!

Highlights of the trip include three nights in Rome and an eleven-night cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise Lines beautiful Reflection. All meals aboard the ship are included as are airfares and private excursions.

Rome is the cultural and art capitol of the world! Our journey will include all of the major sights including the Vatican, the Coliseum and the Catacombs. Rome represents centuries of our Christian faith. The art…the food…there is nothing like Rome!

On the cruise we will visit Santorini, perhaps the most beautiful island on earth and the subject of many of the early Greek legends. We’ll sail directly into the volcanic crater surrounded by little white Greek villages. We then travel to the amazing city of Istanbul where Europe and Asia meet. We’ll explore the ancient sites and slip back in time hundreds of years.

From there we will make the journey to Ephesus, inspiration for so much of Paul’s writing. Ephesus is truly one of the wonders of the world. There we will walk the streets featured in Paul’s writing and the Book of Acts. We will actually step into the very world of the New Testament.

Then we sail to beautiful Mykonos, a Greek island of exquisite beauty with tiny streets of white shops surrounded by an azure sea. We’ll relax in the middle of our journey at one of the most beautiful seaside villages on earth.

And then we travel to Corinth, the heart and soul of Paul’s life and ministry. Corinth inspired some of the greatest verses in scripture including I Corinthians 13, the love chapter. And here Paul was held for trial because of his faithfulness to Christ.

We sail back to Italy landing at Sorrento for our journey to Pompeii where we will walk the streets of the best-preserved Roman city in the world. We’ll see how Romans lived, relaxed, worked, and worshiped in a location you will remember for the rest of your life!

This is a very extensive trip -- a once in a lifetime experience. The dates are July 16 through July 31, 2015. We are only able to take a limited number of pilgrims on this journey.

Because of the limited number we are taking, I encourage you to get on the “Interested List” as soon as possible if you are interested. Contact my administrative assistant Sarah Krivy at: skrivy@churchoftheservant.com Or (405) 721-4141.

Adding your name to the list will not obligate you but will allow us to send you information as we get it. In the near future you will have the opportunity to send in a deposit to secure your place on the pilgrimage.

For questions of more information contact Prudy Gorrell at (405) 470-0609.

Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV), reminding us that our power to live the Christian life comes from God, not ourselves. I hope you will be able to make this faith journey with us, as we discover The World of Paul.

- Robert

Whiz Kids with Edgemere Elementary Begins This Week!

Missions

What a wonderful response we had on our Whiz Kids recruiting Sunday! Thank you for entertaining the idea of being a part of this ministry and for the dozens of you that came to the information session for the first time. We had nearly 100 people there. This is going to be an important year for Edgemere Elementary, as it has become a community school. Our partnership with the school and with Wesley UMC is one of the many ways that families are served in the inner-city. Please keep our coordinators, tutors and all volunteers in your prayers as they serve every Monday afternoon.

Want to serve in a ministry where Life transformation is at the heart?

Exodus House and Redemption Church, our United Methodist ministry to incarcerated individuals and their families, are looking for people to serve. This is a ministry that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for people giving their time and sharing faith and hope with these families. Here are some of the most urgent needs in this ministry. Exodus House is located at 25th and Walker. Redemption Church is located at NW 10th and Penn.

Exodus House Needs: someone to watch 4 of our residents’ kids on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. during our Tuesday night class. They are 2- 6 year old girls, and 2 boys 10 & 12 years old.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections mandates that we maintain a 1:8 ratio of volunteers to inmates, and as of right now Penn Ave Redemption does maintain that but does so by an uncomfortably low margin. We are in desperate need of volunteers, particularly to drive inmates to and from church on Thursday evenings and on Sunday mornings and afternoons.

If you are interested in either of these ministries, please contact Rev. Adam Leathers, 530-2015 or email: aleathers@okumc.org.

“Thank You” from Project Transformation

Dear Church of the Servant, Thank you so much for providing dinner for the Project Transformation interns and volunteering to read with the children at Chapel Hill. We love having you with us, and we learned so much about what it means to have a servant’s heart from your service. It is because of your support and generosity that Project Transformation is able to exist. Thank you again for your service!

Upcoming Mission Dates to know:

Bless our Schools at Hefner Middle School

Painted and decorated classrooms and concession stand, cleaned desks and a prayed-over school began our relationship with Hefner Middle School this year. Thank you to Amber Neaves, Tim Hedrick and Susy Wilson for coordinating these efforts and to all those who came and served! And, a huge hug of gratitude to all of you who generously filled a teacher box, and to our scrapbooking group who made individual cards for each teacher. They were such a personal touch of faith and love from our congregation!

Sixty-nine (69!) teacher boxes and 31 administration/support staff goodie bags were delivered to Hefner on Sunday afternoon, August 17. With joy and surprise they were discovered Monday morning by the staff! We want to share with you some of the many notes of gratitude received. Please continue to pray for this school and watch for other ways to serve this year in our partnership.

See “Thank You” notes on page 4

Saturday, Sept 13, 5-9 p.m. - Hannah’s Promise

Saturday, Sept 20, 8:30-12:30 - Car Seat Fitting Event at Infant Crisis Services Sunday, Sept 21 - Blood Drive, (postponed from Sept 7) Sunday, Sept 21, Noon - Information Meeting about Guatemala Mission Summer 2015 Saturday Oct. 11, 7:00 - 10:00, Applebee’s - Pancake Breakfast for Guatemala Mission Sunday, Oct 26, 5 p.m. - Fit to Serve 5k and one mile Fun run at Gaillardia SERVANT August 27, 2014 I Page 3

Missions Thank you notes from Hefner:

I don’t even know where to start in thanking your members for the countless hours of service you have given to our school.

You have been angels coming in and out of our building and been the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. I believe this is what the Bible speaks of when his people are asked to serve. I wish you all could have seen and heard the teachers when they came into their rooms and found their surprise boxes filled with supplies and goodies. I was taken aback by your members being willing to give in this capacity. We appreciate all that you have given in the name of Jesus.

Principal, Toye Mitchell I am a new teacher at Hefner and I would like to thank your church for all you have done for our school and kids. When I came into my choir room yesterday and found the box with all the supplies and goodies, I could not hold back my emotions.

Sometimes it can be difficult trying to understand that people that do not know you care enough to show how much they do care and support you. Thank you so much. The one thing that makes me feel the most secure is that if a church body cares enough to do all that you have done for us, I know that you all are praying for God to watch over us all and to guide us and be with us through all that we do. I know that without God’s presence in my life, sometimes things would seem overwhelming.

Thanks for your prayers and all that you do, JL Haxton, Choir Director I would like to thank you for all the wonderful things you have already done to make this year great! The rooms look wonderful thanks to the cleaning and painting that has gone on! Today when I walked into my room and saw the box of goodies, I had tears come to my eyes. Not only was everything useful (including the chocolate), but it really showed that much thought had gone into picking out the items, and love was put into packing them.

Thank you to everyone! I know you aren’t doing it for the thanks, but you are truly Servants of the Church!

Carolyn Clements 8th Grade English I wanted to take a minute and thank you and the church for the awesome goodie box. I always thought teachers are like the church, still in the battle to save the students from making wrong choices. I appreciate very much the time and effort you all took to put this together for us. It put a bounce in my step this morning! God bless your church and the congregation.

Sean Lowell, 6th grade Geography teacher I am always so thankful of our church community who are always there for teachers, staff, and students. Your generous donation of the goodie bag is so appreciated. Wow!! The bag was filled with such a large selection of treats and supplies. Please let the members of your church know that the teachers at Hefner were all raving about the bags. One special request - please keep the teachers, staff, and children in your prayers. We can always use that spiritual lift!! Thanks again.

Dr. Pamela Cadamy - School Psychologist.

I wanted to reach out and thank you for the generous “goodie box.” It was not only unexpected, but also contained many needed items. As a first year teacher, I cannot thank you enough for the extra help in supplies. The snacks do not hurt either.

J Lauren B. Belflower, 7th Grade ELA Teacher

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Adult SERVANT FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT SignUp Begins Sunday, September 7

You will be able to sign up for the 19th Annual Servant Foundation Scramble Golf Tournament in the concourse of the church starting September 7 through September 21. The tournament will be played at Coffee Creek Golf Course here in Oklahoma City on Saturday, September 27 with tee off time at 8:00 a.m. The cost of the tournament is $60 per player, which includes: green fees, golf cart, range balls, lunch, and door prizes. If you played in the tournament before or have never played in the tournament, you will not want to miss this event. Put together your 4-person scramble team now and sign up.

If you would like to be a hole sponsor for the tournament, you can do that by calling the church office at 721-4141.

The cost for a hole sponsorship is $100. If you have any questions about the tournament call Tom McGee at the church 728-4701.

PRIME TIME Community Hall Thurs, September 11, 10:30 a.m.

As we read our newspapers, we are all keenly aware of the on-going struggle between Israel and Hamas. On Thursday, September 11, our Senior Minister, Dr. Robert Gorrell, will headline our first Prime Time program of 2014, speaking about this situation in his address titled: “Israel, Now and in the Future”. This is a program you will not want to miss! Make plans now to attend on Thursday, September 11, 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall.

Following the program will be our usual time of fellowship with old and new friends as we enjoy the meal prepared for us. The menu this time will be: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, salad, chocolate and lemon meringue pie, coffee, and iced tea. You can enjoy the program and lunch for $ 10.00. If you come only for the program, the cost is $ 2.00.

Be sure to sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office at 721-4141 no later than 4pm on Monday, September 8, to make your reservation. If you sign up, and then see you will be unable to attend, please call to cancel your reservation, as Prime Time must pay for all meals reserved.

Faith in Reel Time Sunday, September 14 1:00 p.m., Centrum

In this elegant film, Dustin Hoffman directs a sterling cast to produce a moving, funny film about music, love, and second chances. At Beecham House, a retirement home for classical musicians tucked away in the British countryside, a gala concert is planned, in hopes of raising enough money to keep the home open. At the same time, this home will be welcoming a new resident; word is it’s a star. But the trio of Tom Courtenay as Reggie Paget, Billy Connolly as Wilfred Bond, and Pauline Collins as Cecily Robson are in for a shock when this former “star” turns out to be none other than their former singing partner - and Reggie’s former wife - Jean Horton, played by Maggie Smith. Will the once-famous quartet let old wounds keep them from making music together again, or will they be able to patch up their differences in time for Beecham House’s gala concert? This film is so full of affection, tenderness and charm.

Plan now to spend a great Sunday afternoon by enjoying a meal in Community Hall after worship services, then making your way to the Centrum on Sunday, September 14 at 1:00 to view “Quartet”. Sign up at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141.

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Children We are busy planning all kinds of fun things for our children here at Church of the Servant!

These activities, in addition to the fun Sunday school lessons and activities, are planned for the children of our church to get to know each other. Building strong friendships, helping them become comfortable here at church, and learning more about our wonderful Father are our main goals.

We pray that you and your child will find these activities fulfilling and worthy of your time. We all realize that the more a child is in a place, the more comfortable they become. We want our church to be that place that your child always wants to be!

Here are just a few of the things we have been up to: The Fall 2014 Soccer Fun has begun!

Our teams are made, practice begins the week of August 25 and play will begin September 6. They would love to have your support when they play! You can check the North Side YMCA Quickscores Website to see schedules, or ask one of our amazing coaches: Tiny Tots: Neal Bilger; 5-6yrs: Brad Mitchell; 7-8 yrs: Joe McFarlane; 7-8yrs: Bryan Goodger. Please pray for a wonderful season of safe, fun, Christ-filled play!

On August 10, over twenty 4th- and 5th-graders, along with many of their parents, met at Brent and Kelli Lay’s home for an afternoon of swimming and friendship building. There was LOTS of laughter, fun, food, and fellowship! We are so very happy that so many could make it to this fun event, and want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Brent and Kelli for being such wonderful hosts!

4th- and 5th-grade Girls’ Night Out is October 3, and Boys’ Night Out is October 4. Check the Children’s Ministries page of our church website for the scoop!

We hope that you and your child will take part in the fun!

WOW STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 10

Get ready for football season with Sweet Spirit Salsa.

Labeled for OU and OSU. Delicious and great for football watch parties and tailgating. All profits go to missions.

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WOW (Welcome on Wednesdays) has proven for many years (actually since its beginning) to be another wonderful way to reach children with Jesus’ message of love. Volunteers share their love of Jesus and children on Wednesdays when we study God’s words via games, snacks, dramatics, music and small group time. Kids go home week after week knowing that God’s word is full of love, hope and faith.

2014-15 WOW begins September 10. Register your children online now at www.churchoftheservant.com. Online registration will close on September 8 – after that children must register by submitting a registration form to children’s ministries. These registration forms will be available at the Church of the Servant Welcome counters upstairs and in the children’s area.

Women Fall Offerings

Looking for way to grow closer to God and to others? Consider joining a Women’s Bible Study this fall.

The classes being offered are listed below. You can register on Sundays or online on the church webpage, www. churchoftheservant.com. If you have been a part of a study before, please re-register for your class.

TUESDAY MORNINGS

Girls Night Out is a Success!

One Hundred Ten (110) women came to “Paint Their Art Out” on Friday night, August 22. It was a great evening for women of all ages to share fun fellowship and creativity. A special thank you to our Friday Mom’s group that planned, set up and provided all the food. This is a great active, sharing group on Friday mornings that is just right for a mom looking for fellowship and support in raising small children.

Sharing the Kingdom

Taught by Rev. David Wheeler - 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Children of the Day - 1 & 2 Thessalonians

by Beth Moore - 9:45-11:30 a.m.

Scraps and Scriptures - 9:00-11:30 a.m.

God’s Handiwork Quilting Class - 9:00-11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays Knitting at Noon - Noon -3:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS The Women of Christmas

by Liz Curtis Higgs - 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Precept Upon Precept –

Study of the Book of Jude – 9:30-11:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World

by Melissa Spoelstra When God Rewrites Your Story by Jessica LaGrone Finding Balance in a World of Extremes

by Kimberly Dunnam Reisman Children of the Day: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

by Beth Moore FRIDAY MORNINGS Desperate: Hope for the Mom

Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae –

9:30-11:30 a.m.

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Music I am so excited about the new season! We are offering many opportunities to serve in this vital ministry of the church. Literally there is something for everybody!

Music Ministry Fall 2014 Adult The Celebration Choir -- Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 - Chuck Weatherford, Director The Worship Orchestra -- Wednesdays 6:15-7:15 - Chuck Weatherford and Christiaan Osborn, Directors The Celebration Ringers -- Thursdays 5:30-6:30 - Chuck Weatherford, Director SYNERGY – on call basis - Chuck Weatherford, Director The Way -- Thursdays 7:00 - Chuck Weatherford, Director

Graded Ensembles The Kid’s Musical Project --Thursdays beginning September 4, 6:30-7:30

Paul and Brooke Gebb, Directors

The Revelation Choir -- Sundays beginning September 7, 4:00-5:00

Danielle Soltani, Director

The Bronze Student Handbell Choir -- Sundays Beginning Septmeber 14,

5:00-6:00 - Chuck Weatherford, Director

Suzuki Strings -- Thursdays Beginning September 9, 6pm, Rehearsal Hall

Ali Soltani, Director

THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS December 13 and 14 @ 5:30 Celebration Center

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Our Prayers

Our Life Together

u Bert and Peggy Akins as Peggy recuperates from surgery. u Alan and JoAnn Bahan as Alan recuperates from surgery. u Margaret Beck as Margaret’s daughter Melissa Timmons, father-in-law, Harold Timmons, recuperates from surgery in Nebraska. u Bonita McCoy as Bonita’s brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Nancy Moreland, ask for prayers for Nancy, as she deals with health issues. u Dave and Marge Carmichael as Marge faces surgery at Mercy in Edmond.

Our Sympathy

u Tawanna Barrett and Family at the death of Tawanna’s sister-in-law, Katie Marie Sanford. u Tracy, Becky, Derrick, and Maelin Bowen and Family at the death of Tracy’s mother, Nancy Hall. u Dave Hansen and Family at the death of Dave’s wife, Patricia “Pat” Hansen. u John and Carolyn Hayes, Dee Montgomery, and Family at the death of John’s friend and Dee;s husband, L.D. “Dean Naranche.

u Thomas and Darlene Dooner as Darlene’s mother, Lena Pruett, undergoes physical therapy and is hospitalized at Mercy Rehab Hospital.

u Family and Friends at the death of Barbara Resneder.

u Steve and Lisa Hall as Lisa deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

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 Clyde and Fran Kirk as Fran deals with health issues and faces surgery at Bone and Joint Hospital. u Jimi Marrs as Jimi’s son, Tim Marrs, deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Edward and Susan Mitchell as Susan’s friend, Angie Deason, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center.

CARE MINISTRIES

Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Nancy Woods. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Fred Knight by Barbara Eskridge. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Linda Kepler by Neil & Sheila Barfield. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Linda Kepler by Scott Fordyce. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Linda Kepler by Melanie & Rex Anderson. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jerry Weber by Tom & Robyn Setterstrom. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Dorothy Wellborn by Sue Miller.

u Judy Raulston as Judy deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Camilla Riley as Camilla’s grandson, Ben Riley, deals with health issues. u Annell Thompson as Annell’s mother, Lucretia Thompson, deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Lynn and Joyce Treece as Lynn recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Stan Van Nort and Liz Fajen-Van Nort as Liz’s sister, Janet Fajen, deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u J.R. and Lorene Wolf as Lorene faces surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center.

90th Birthday Bash

Monique Laughlin is celebration her 90th birthday!

Saturday, August 30 Come & Go -- 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Courtyard RSVP - Charlette 405-208-1848 SERVANT August 27, 2014 I Page 9

Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

www.ChurchoftheServant.com