September 9, 2015
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 15.17
What to do when you or
someone you love is sick? Medical doctor Wendy Schlessel Harpham, wrote an inspiring book called, Happiness in a Storm: Facing Illness and Embracing Life as a Healthy Survivor (Norton, 2005). In 1990, Harpham, a physician with three young children, was diagnosed with chronic lymphoma. She has lived through reoccurrences, undergone a variety of therapies and is now in her sixth year of remission. In her book, she shares the guidelines she has developed for becoming a healthy survivor: a patient who gets good care and lives as fully as possible. I’d like to share one of the more meaningful passages from that book:
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
My spiritual life took a dramatic turn one sizzling, Texas day in mid-June of 1992 when I was strapped onto an icy-cold table in a chilly room, my head held motionless by a custom-made plastic mesh mask and the rest of me immobilized by fear – fear of imminent radiation therapy, fear of my lymphoma and fear of pain and death. The technician shut the heavy lead door, leaving me the only living creature in the room. The machine’s light focused on my neck and chest, and a buzz sounded. Without realizing what I was doing, I started chanting in my head the familiar Hebrew words of the ancient central prayer of Judaism. The words of the Shema were rote, but the prayerfulness behind them was foreign and emanated from an unfamiliar part of me. I believe it came from my soul. What struck me was not the newfound spirituality of my fervent praying, but that I felt heard. Mine was the only heartbeat in that radiation suite, but I was not alone. With all earthly distractions silenced, I experienced an indescribable sense of spiritual company in my physical aloneness. Once introduced to this awareness, I’ve been able to tap into it ever since. It brings me peace and strength whenever needed. Like Job, I connected with God in that radiation suite… I have faith, and it’s a faith that has made my life happier. (Pages 335-336).
What struck me was not the newfound spirituality of my fervent praying, but that I felt heard.
Being seriously ill changes everything. Things that seemed so important don’t seem important anymore. Other things that never mattered now do. In the middle of it all, Dr. Harpham discovered, through prayer, the divine presence of God present and comforting her. Pray when you are sick or someone you love is sick. Pray and know that God is there to strengthen, comfort and heal. - Robert
What is TSA compliant, has 12 functions, and is made in the USA? Come to Earthglow to find out! Only $12. Thank you for supporting missions!
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Important Dates to Save on Your Calendar:
Missions
Sat, September 12, 5-9 p.m. – Hannah’s Promise Sun, September 13, 5 p.m. – Edgar Cruz Mobile Meals Benefit Concert Sun, September 20, 5 p.m. – 6th Annual Fit to Serve 5K and Fun Walk Wed, September 30, 9-11 a.m. – Kindred Community Special Event Fri-Sun, October 2-4 – Women’s Ministry 2015 Fall Retreat Sun, November 8 – Operation Christmas Child Event Sun, November 8 – Christmas Grace Begins
Edgar Cruz Mobile Meals Benefit Concert with Special Guest, Dr. Robert Gorrell Sunday, September 13, 5 p.m., In the Centrum
Mobile Meals of Oklahoma county is making a difference to seniors in our city, many who are living in poverty right around us. Church of the Servant has partnered with Mobile Meals in addressing hunger and malnutrition in seniors, and delivers meals each week. Edgar Cruz has a great heart for this citywide ministry. He offers this concert at no charge, but with the hope that our community will be generous during the donation time, by purchasing his CDs. Proceeds will go to Mobile Meals. This is a wonderful afternoon, and Edgar will entertain you not only with his unbelievable talent on the guitar, but with his lovely spirit and humor. Our own pastor brings himself to support this as well as they strum and entertain! Please invite someone to attend with you. It’s an afternoon you won’t want to miss!
Mission Central: Relocation of Skyline Bins
Your generosity is so apparent throughout the week as you respond to the mission needs of our partnerships in the community. In an effort to keep track and tidy the items, we have centralized the mission collection stations at Mission Central located in the cove just north of Earthglow. This is the place to come receive information about upcoming mission opportunities and to respond with items in the bins located there. So grateful to you, who give and share of yourselves in this way!
Register this Sunday!
Fit to Serve Sunday, September 20, Starts at 5 p.m.
Fit to Serve is More Than Just a Race! It’s Church Fellowship and Good Exercise for a Great Cause!
Our 6th annual Fit to Serve 5K, sponsored by the Mission Council, helps Church of the Servant maintain our car seat partnership into 2016. Right now we estimate that 250-300 seats will be needed for this ministry next year. Thank you for being part of this event, which is so much fun for the church and does such good in our community. Register this Sunday, September 13 (or online) to save your place in either the 5K or the onemile fun walk through beautiful Gaillardia. Together we seek to be Big Feet Running for Little Feet!
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Women Women’s Fall Bible Studies Begin September 15
Are you looking to connect with a group of supportive and faithful women this fall? There are wonderful classes offered this fall on Tuesday mornings, Wednesday mornings, and Wednesday evenings through Women’s Ministries. From in-depth Bible studies to poignant topical studies, there is something for everyone. See all the details on our new Website and register there at www. churchoftheservant.com.
Kindred Community Special Event For Women Who Have Lost Their Husbands
September 30, 9-11am
Dr. Terri Cox comes to share how walking through grief can lead us to greater purposes and a bright future in Jesus Christ. Dr. Cox joined the Sisterhood in March of 2012, and offers words of hope for the journey. This city-wide event is an invitation for all women in this season of life to come together for support and inspiration. Whether you are new to the Sisterhood of Widowhood or are many years into the journey, Terri’s message will inspire you.
It’s not too late to register for a get-away October 2-4!
Fall Women’s Retreat in Sulphur, Oklahoma Rest, Refresh, Reflect, Renew “Hearing the Voice of God”
How do I know God’s direction for my life? This is a question Christians ask often. The first step in seeking to grow closer to God is to create space for God in one’s life. This retreat seeks to do just this with a 48-hour weekend to slow down and engage our senses in practices that help us notice God in our surroundings. Through soul-stirring worship, reflective Bible study, engaging workshops and plenty of opportunities, we want women to connect with God, nature and other women in fun and meaningful ways. Under the direction of Women’s Minister, Dr. Robyn Goggs, women of our church will lead this retreat, that will hopefully lead to renewal in your own walk with God and new ideas to take home with you. Robyn’s talks this weekend are: •
Too Many Voices…Learning to Listen
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Hearing God’s Voice in Conflict
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God Space: Where spiritual conversation happens naturally
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A life of dialogue with God
Some of the workshops being offered for the weekend are: •
Let the Bible intersect with your life: The practice of Lectio Divina
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The Total Surrender of Forgiveness
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Get out of the Boat: When God calls you out of comfort and into mission
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Walking, Silence, and Sacred Space
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Journaling your Spiritual Life in Art
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Creating Space in Busyness to be with God
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Shortcuts for simplicity in the kitchen
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Vacuum or Vine: What kind of a friend are you and do you have?
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A peaceful, organized peace on the outside cultivates peace on the inside
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Beyond the Dinner Table: Creating a Spiritual Foundation for Children
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Spiritual Direction appointments
This is a weekend you won’t want to miss!
Friday Moms Group Begins Again September 11, 9:30 a.m. in 13:2
School is back in session and the routines have begun! Give yourself a couple of hours of refreshment on a Friday morning by joining a caring, vibrant group of moms that meets all year long to take care of each other. New study this fall is Fight Back with Joy: Celebrate More, Regret Less, and Stare Down Your Greatest Fears by Margaret Feinberg. “What if joy is better than you imagined? The cherished virtue has been wrapped in clichés, stamped on coffee mugs, and sewn onto decorative pillows. Fight Back with Joy declares that joy is more than whimsy, but a weapon we can use to fight life’s greatest battles.” It is a great way to connect with other Christian moms caring for kids! Come join us!
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Children Save the Date for Fall Festival!
Church of the Servant’s annual Fall Festival is just around the corner. Friday, October 30 from 6-8 p.m., we will transform the church into a carnival midway complete with clowns, food, games, candy, inflatables, face painting and more! Mark your calendar and plan to bring your family, friends and neighbors to this great event. Contact Erin Page at 740-1208 or erinepage@ gmail.com for volunteer opportunities.
Third-Grade Bible Presentation
September 27th is the day we will present our third graders with a Bible during the 10:45 church service and provide lunch immediately following for them. This is a very special event in the life of our church as well as in the life of these families. When children receive God’s Word, it’s like their very own special love letter from God. He wants us to read the Bible and apply it to our lives. Making a “big deal” out of getting a Bible shows kids how important the Bible is to our faith and its growth. Contact Cindy Brackenbury if you have a third grader and did not receive information in the mail about this important event.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Students
High School ministry is hosting an all-church Pancake Breakfast with a silent auction – October 4, 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Proceeds will go to support our spring break mission trip to Chicago. In addition to delicious Pancakes, we will have a Silent Auction with the winners announced at 1pm. This is an incredible opportunity to support our students in missions, but also a chance to meet some of our wonderful high school students! The cost is $7. You can purchase tickets in the Concourse on September 20 and 27. You can also buy tickets at the door! Please contact Sang Nguyen if you have any questions! 405-605-9594
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Adult 20th ANNUAL SERVANT FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT
– Saturday, September 26, held at Coffee Creek Golf Course. Sign-up begins Sunday, September 6 in the Concourse. The tournament is a four-person scramble and costs $60 per player, which includes: green fee, range balls, cart fee, lunch, and prizes. Get your team together now and come enjoy the fellowship! Register on Sunday in the Concourse or call Tom McGee at 721-4141.
Join Us in Israel!
Join our Senior Minister, Robert Gorrell, and his wife, Prudy, on a pilgrimage to Israel – June 11-23, 2016. This trip of a lifetime features 13 days in the Holy Land. Stand in the very places where the Bible was written. Travel to The Sea of Galilee where most of Jesus’ earthly ministry took place. Be inspired as you board a fishing boat and travel across the water where Jesus calmed the seas. Visit the valley where the shepherd boy David fought the giant Goliath. Travel to Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus. Walk in the desert where Jesus walked, swim in the Dead Sea, and stand before the cave where Jesus told Peter, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” The trip concludes in Jerusalem, visiting each holy place from the Passion story. Spots are limited and are expected to fill quickly. Join us for an informational meeting September 27 at 2:00 p.m. in Community Hall. Contact Prudy Gorrell at 405-635-4951 for more information. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Life Together Our Prayers
Our Prayers
u Rita Aragon as Rita’s parents, Rhoper and Jimmie Bly, ask for our prayers.
u John and Hilda Riddles as John and Hilda both ask for our prayers.
u Alan and JoAnn Bahan as Alan recuperates from surgery.
u Tom and Elaine Swanson as Tom deals with health issues.
u Ron and Shirley Beckett as their daughter and son-in-law, Chelly and Joe Quinn, recuperate from surgery in Dallas; and Ron as he deals with health issues.
u Charlene Trimble as Charlene’s sister, Sharon Huneycutt, deals with health issues.
u Ed and Cecilia Beckham as Cecilia’s brother-in-law, John Ceballos, deals with health issues.
u Jeff, Lisa and Mark Wedel as Lisa deals with health issues and undergoes treatment.
u Rob and Cindy Brackenbury as their niece and husband, Taryn and Matt Pettersen along with Cindy’s sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Rick Harmon ask for prayers. u Roger and Dorothy Erickson as Roger recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Dean and Judy Gigstad as Dean deals with health issues and is a resident at Legend’s. u Rick and Dixie Grosshans as Rick recuperates from a procedure. u David and Mona Hedrick as Mona’s father, Jack Esford, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Karen Henderson as Karen recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Rob and Sissy Holloway as Rob recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Jack Hope as Jack deals with health issues and is a resident at Concordia. u Jerry and Sally Liles as Sally’s brother, Randy Dennis, deals with health issues. u Tom and Judy McGee as Tom faces surgery at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. u Derin, Julie, Harrison and Emily Mott as Julie deals with health issues and recuperates from a procedure. u Thomas Murdoch as Thomas recuperates from a procedure and is hospitalized at the OK Heart Hospital. u Erik, Trina, Trent and Ethan Nondorf as they ask for prayers for Trina’s brother, Craig Pyeatt, and all the firefighters fighting the fires in Washington. u Don and Kathleen Patton as Don recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OK Heart Hospital.
u Bob and Vertice Turner as Vertice deals with health issues.
u Bill and Mary White as their granddaughter, Morgan White, deals with health issues and undergoes tests in Kansas City. u Don and Eleanor Whitsett as Eleanor faces surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Bill and Nancy Whitten as Nancy deals with health issues.
Our Sympathy
u Bob and Jan Green and Family at the death of Jan’s mother, Jo Russell. u James Gregath and Family at the death of James’ wife, Christeen Gregath. u Hugh, Cathy, Houston and Tyler Joy, Katie Ogint and Family at the death of Cathy’s and Katie’s sister, Pat Marrs. u Family and Friends at the death of Kenneth Koerner. u Ralph and Neoma Shrauner and Family at the death of Ralph’s sister, Martha Morlan.
Celebrating
u Lee and Lindsay Henson at the birth of their son, Cason Freeman Henson. The proud sister is Sydnee Henson.
Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Therese Hardesty by Classics Sunday School Class. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lillian Shaver by L. Wenoa Harber. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dorothy Kepler by T. Scott & Pamela Fordyce. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dorothy Kepler by Kent Fordyce. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lillian Shaver by Zelda Casanova.
In the Kitchen
September 13: Rosemary Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Peas and Pearl Onions, Rolls, Salad, Dessert. September 20: Pork Chops and Apple Sauce, Fried Potatoes with Onions, Pinto Beans and Cornbread, Salad, Dessert.
Grief Support Group Begins September 24
Have you suffered the loss of a loved one? If so, we invite you to a grief support group, which will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. each Thursday, beginning September 24 and continuing through November 12. We’ll meet in South Adult, room 6 (behind the Centrum). There will be time for discussion and sharing, and we will view a helpful video each time. Whether it has been a long time since your loss occurred, or if your grief is new, we think you’ll find this group helpful. The group will be facilitated by Rev. Tim Travers and Don Ellis. To sign up, call Vicki Roberds at 728-4738 or email at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. You will receive a Grief Share curriculum workbook at the first meeting. SERVANT September 9, 2015 I Page 7
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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