Spec Ed Newsletter 09.25.13

September 25, 2013

Church of the Servant

SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER Issue: 13.19

2014 Pledge Campaign United Methodist

Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com

“Upon this ROCK I will build my church.”

- Matthew 16:18

J

Dr. Robert Gorrell

ack is thirty-seven years old.

Recently he returned home from a business trip to an empty house. After 9 years of marriage his wife had moved out. Jack was heartbroken.

After a week alone he made a decision. Although he had not been to church in over twenty years he felt a need to reconnect with God. So he went back to the church where he grew up: Church of the Servant.

Jack came hoping for a miracle.

At first nothing happened. Then slowly he began to feel the presence of God. After several weeks of worship he made a recommitment to Jesus Christ. Now he is on a path to healing.

“I thank God every day for the people of this church. Most of them probably don’t realize it, but they saved my life.”

Jack told me, “I thank God every day for the people of this church.

Most of them probably don’t realize it, but they saved my life.”

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That is why we give. Because people are important to God, they are important to us. Please know that your giving to Church of the Servant is, for many people, a matter of life and death.

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church.” The rock Jesus is talking about is the faith of his followers people like you. Jesus is building his church on your faith.

Giving is a spiritual sacrifice and an expression of love and gratitude, because everything we have comes from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). The way we give indicates a great deal about our spirituality. Our giving reveals our value system. In Matthew 6:21, Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” God does not ask us to give because He needs our resources.

Rather, He challenges us to make Him the focus of our lives instead of our money and possessions.

Prayerfully consider your pledge for 2014. Invite God to be a part of your decision. Pray for God to lead you to a specific amount to pledge.

And remember, there are lives at stake.

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

Contents 4 A Transformed Life

4

“For me, the clearest view of who we are called to be came some 9,000 miles away.”

6 Becoming a Servant Serving is who we are called to be.

7 Servant 923 Worship Belonging to a community of faith.

8

8 God Is With Us

“I knew our church was praying for us.”

10 Music Ministry

A few members share some thoughts on their participation in the ministry.

12

12 Student Ministry

“I believe I’ve been called to ministry.”

14 Children Ministry

“God has commissioned us to be contractors in ministry.”

15 The Rock

We are called to build the church on a FIRM foundation!

THE ROCK September 25, 2013 I Page 3

A Transformed Life “Each week a broken heart is comforted and a cloud of loneliness is lifted.

Each week a life is transformed.”

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Church of the Servant is a place of ongoing transformation, as week by week we come together in the presence of Jesus Christ. This might be an obvious (if hopeful!) statement when we consider the thousands of people that walk through our doors on a weekly basis seeking an encounter with the risen Christ. Yet, there is one aspect of this process that you might not consider— the impact of our ministries on the lives of our staff and clergy. Certainly there is a vocational aspect to our experience of church, but each of us has come to be here as a result of a deep desire to live out the call to discipleship that God has placed on the lives of all who would follow him.

Immersed in the daily work of the Church, it is a challenge not to get lost

in the noise and confusion. For me, the clearest view of who we are called to be as Church of the Servant came some 9,000 miles away from Oklahoma City.

I gained this perspective while traveling with a group of Vietnamese and American pastors moving from church to church through the Vietnamese countryside. From Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, we were surrounded at each stop by smiling, excited faces eager to tell us about the difference that Jesus Christ is making in their lives. The Church in Vietnam is experiencing phenomenal growth as entire families, villages and communities are encountering the gospel message for the first time. I was at once thrilled and humbled to encounter such a powerful movement of God.

Rev. Randy Shrauner in Vietnam

As I continue to process that experience, what lingers most is the reminder of the basics of the Christian life. Sharing the gospel message of grace and salvation, one person to another. Gathering to search out God’s voice in Scripture, study, and worship. Caring for one another in simple acts of kindness and fellowship that have been a part of the Church from the beginning. In this, the core DNA of a house church in the Vietnamese Highlands is no different than Church of the Servant. We, too, are called to make the same difference in our families and our communities for the sake of Jesus Christ.

As my wife and I evaluate how we will financially support Church of the Servant in the coming year, our decision does not revolve around keeping the utilities paid and the plants watered, but on how many

lives will be transformed through the ministries of our congregation. Each week we have guests and new members. Each week a child or a student hears the gospel message in a manner they can grasp.

Each week a broken heart is comforted and a cloud of loneliness is lifted. Each week a life is transformed. This is why we support Church of the Servant. And if, like me, you find yourself on a mission trip somewhere in God’s wonderful creation, that transformed life might just be your own as you minister to those around you here in Oklahoma City or around the world!

Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister

THE ROCK September 25, 2013 I Page 5

Becoming a Servant

Hi, my name is Bekah Sanders and I am an active member of Student Ministries here at Servant. I have been a part of the Guatemala mission team two different times. The mission trip greatly impacted my life in the way I look at things daily. While there, I saw new forms of poverty that I did not think actually existed. We were taught that poverty is more than just a lack of money, but can be a lack of anything, including spiritual living. When I returned home, the poverty at home became more evident. I began to see the hurt in the hearts of people I would come in contact with everyday. The lack of love and the lack of a strong faith are two things that I see a lot more now that I have had this experience in Guatemala.

Another thing that impacted my life in a huge way was the happiness that the people of Guatemala would find in even the smallest thing. No matter how rough life seemed to be, each person continued to have a smile on their face because they knew there was someone greater out there that was watching over and taking care of them.

Because I was blessed with the opportunity to go on this trip, I now live life with a more positive attitude and I am thankful for everything I have.

Even the things that we might see as worthless are considered a treasure in God’s eyes.

Bekah Sanders

Our family began attending Servant a little over a year ago, having been away from the United Methodist church for over ten years. I grew up in the Methodist church. Mona and I met in youth group and we were married in a Methodist church.

Being a member at Servant has been like coming home -- not just because we have so many long-time friends here, but because the focus of ministry in this place is so near to our hearts. We came here searching for the opportunity to serve and have been blessed during this last year to serve with the college group on Sunday mornings and in multiple service events and trips. Getting to know the students and working alongside staff and volunteers has really made us feel like part of the team. The ability to invest in the lives of young people and share the joy of serving is such an important part of our personal calling as followers of Christ. In addition, we are also members of the 923 community and are blessed each week by great music and encouraging words. We are excited about our future here at Servant and look forward to the many ways that we can engage in serving the community and supporting the mission of the church.

David Hedrick Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com

A young man starts attending Church for the first time in years, professes his faith in Jesus Christ, and is baptized. Couples and families find a spiritual home to connect with Jesus Christ in a new city. A beautiful seven year old girl is so excited to be baptized that she runs down the aisle, bypasses the steps, and jumps on the stage when her name is called to be baptized! All of these are snapshots in time of the amazing stories of transformation that are happening in Servant 923, our newest worship community here at Church of the Servant. This worship community, led by Dr. Matt Judkins and John Gilstrap, meets each Sunday at 9:23 a.m. in the Centrum. Beyond the obvious connection with the gathering time, the name Servant 923 also serves as a reminder of Christ’s calling in Luke 9:23, where we hear Jesus say, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

This service started on December 4, 2011, and each week men, women, students, and children are challenged to become disciples of Jesus Christ through modern worship songs, video, and a message grounded in Scripture.

Even though Servant 923 has a slightly different style than our other worship opportunities, it is still very much an integral part of the life of Church of the Servant as a whole. We share the same mission, vision, and values as we work to help ordinary people become a part of God’s extraordinary mission in the world.

After the initial launch in the Chapel of the Cross, the Servant 923 worship community outgrew the capacity of that worship space and moved to the Centrum in September 2012. This increased our worship capacity for this community in a significant way and provided space for us to continue inviting our friends, relatives, and neighbors to connect with God and grow as followers of Jesus by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Since moving into the Centrum we’ve seen attendance increase by over 60 people every week and we are now averaging over 220 people in worship each Sunday, with as many as 455 in worship on Easter Sunday this year! More importantly, each of these numbers represent individuals experiencing gospel transformation as we see men, women, students and children responding in faith through baptism, increased commitments to Christ, transforming the world in mission and inviting friends, coworkers, and family to join them in worship each Sunday. We are blessed to see brand new faces every week, and we look forward to seeing what God has in store for the future!

This is an amazing time to be a part of Church of the Servant as we continue to grow and work together with God to help ordinary people believe in Jesus Christ, belong to a community of faith, and become Christ’s servants in the world!

Rev. Matt Judkins Associate Minister THE ROCK September 25, 2013 I Page 7

GOD IS WITH US

Cravens Family Chad and Jennifer Cravens with son, Logan

W

e were at our 20-week doctor’s appointment eager to find out the gender of our baby. But instead we were told that our baby boy had a rare condition in which there was not enough fluid surrounding his body.

Instead, the fluid was in his bladder leading the doctor to think he had a bladder outlet obstruction. The doctor projected that our son would be born and live only a few hours as his lungs would not be developed enough to sustain his life. We were shocked, devastated, and angry. The doctor told us our different options, one of them being to end the pregnancy, but that was not an option for us. But how did I plan to carry a baby knowing that soon after he was born, he would die?

One of our pastors, Matt Judkins, lives in our neighborhood and I shared with him what we were facing. He suggested I go talk to Robyn Goggs, the women’s minister at church. I met with Robyn throughout the pregnancy and together we talked about what control I had in the situation and what it meant to bring something to completion. I couldn’t control my child’s death, but I could give him life and I chose to birth him and believe that somehow I had to trust God for what would follow.

June 1, 2012, the day of delivery came. I was 32 weeks pregnant. I was nervous yet surprisingly calm.

Surrounded by family, friends, and Robyn, we welcomed Mason Alexander into the world, weighing 3 pounds, 13 ounces. He came into the world crying. We were shocked when we heard this as we did not expect him to be able to cry. His little lungs were stronger than everyone expected. We felt hopeful and wondered if maybe the doctors had been wrong. As I recovered, Chad went with our baby and found that he was breathing fine with just a little help from oxygen. But some of his other organs, in particular his kidneys, were underdeveloped. He had a very rare condition called prune belly syndrome. This condition causes very weak or absent abdominal muscles and also abnormalities of the urinary tract. Hours after he was born, Robyn baptized Mason in my hospital room, and we dedicated him to God and tried again to trust God was going to help us through this.

The next morning, once stabilized, Mason was moved to Children’s Hospital. I left Mercy Hospital later that day and for the next 25 days we went to the hospital every day to spend precious moments with our Mason.

“I knew our church was praying for us.”

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“In my heart I knew that for all the moments I felt angry, being in the church was going to remind me of the truth of God. The truth that God loves me...”

His older brother Logan, 3 years old, loved him immediately and wanted to be close to him. During this time, I knew our church was praying for us. Yet all I could do was focus on being there for Mason. Even though I knew his chances of survival were slim, I still held out hope and prayed for a miracle.

More than anything, I prayed that Mason would know no suffering or pain. On June 25th, late in the afternoon, we released Mason into God’s arms.

Watching my child pass from this life to heaven was the most difficult moment of my life.

We had a beautiful service in the chapel. Afterward, everyone went outside and together we celebrated each day of Mason’s special life with us as we released 25 blue balloons.

The grief that followed was overwhelming. Chad and I processed it differently. He talked about it and allowed people to comfort him. I internalized the loss to the depth of my soul. As much as I wanted to trust God, I was hurt and angry that Mason was gone. People wanted to comfort me and sometimes the well-meaning words they said just came out wrong. But I kept talking with Robyn Goggs and together we gracefully prayed and processed the toughest moments.

One thing I didn’t stop doing was coming to this church. There were some Sundays I just wanted to cry through the whole service. But in my heart I knew that for all the moments

I felt angry, being in the church was going to remind me of the truth of God. The truth that God loves me and when I cried over Mason, God was crying with me. I have spent this past year shifting between disbelief, anger, overwhelming sadness, and just being numb. But I kept coming here. I kept trying to connect with God and keep my family connected to God. At home, I was having to help my 3 year old understand how his baby brother lived in heaven as I was struggling to allow that to be a comfort to me and not a resentment.

On June 1st of this year, we went to Mason’s grave and released balloons and watched them travel heavenward. Again, a reminder God is in this with us. June 25th was a much harder day for me. As I remembered and mourned the child I had lost a year earlier, I gently touched my tummy where my third child was growing and just prayed that God would protect this little life so I could have a healthy baby and share life with him. I am still scared,

but I choose to trust.

I have mostly good days now and am hopeful of what the future will hold for us as a family. We will never, ever forget Mason, but we will live to tell his story to his baby brother on the way and celebrate the way he changed our lives. It brings a smile to my face to hear Logan tell people that he has two brothers, one in heaven and one in his mommy’s tummy. Logan loves to talk about his brother Mason, and it is comforting to hear these words from the innocent perspective of a now 4-year-old little boy.

Each Sunday, I walk through the doors of this church with all of you, who have your own stories, losses, and burdens and together as a family of Christ, we are looking for signs that show us that God is with us.

My feelings are not always sure, but here in my church I am reminded that no matter how I feel, the truth is that God is with me.

Jennifer Cravens

Pictured: Dr. Robyn Goggs holding Mason THE ROCK September 25, 2013 I Page 9

Music Ministry Each Sunday and throughout major events during the church year, you are aware of the music we offer. The Music Ministry is so much more! I decided to ask a few members of the ministry to share some thoughts about their participation in the various groups. After all, it is about PEOPLE and their relationship with each other and our Savior.

-- Chuck Weatherford (Director of Music Ministries) Being a part of the church choir has given me so much over the past several years. These people have become an extension of my family. We pray together, we laugh together, and we make music together. We take our job of spreading Jesus’ love and joy through music very seriously. It may seem a small thing, but singing for Jesus keeps me going, it keeps me renewed. If I miss a Sunday or a Wednesday, I lose a little something in my step for the week.

Attending rehearsal on Wednesdays and singing in the loft on Sunday mornings recharges me like nothing else does. I have no doubt that it is God’s joy that makes choir so special. I feel God’s love through the words we sing and the music that is played, and by the people whose hands I hold during prayer, but mostly by the hearts that I pray we touch. -- Kara Mitchell Two years ago, Chuck asked me if I would like to be involved in our Good Friday service.

I said, “Sure.” I’ve always enjoyed acting. I did it in high school and college and had already been one of the wise men for our Christmas Service. Little did I realize what a life-changing experience having the part of “Leader of the Guard” who whipped, punched and hammered nails into Christ on the cross. Needless to say, this was not an easy part to play, and I haven’t been the same since. To be asked to do it again the next year was especially difficult. I had experienced children and adults looking at me with anger and disgust. I hoped the audience would understand this was a “role” I was playing for them to better understand what Jesus went through. -- Robert Clark Growing up on a farm has several advantages, such as: If you are good at milking a cow then you probably would be great at playing the handbells! Plus, working together as a team to produce a crop is the same as working together in a choir to produce music. I was asked to substitute for another vacationing handbell ringer in 2011 by a co-worker at the FAA Center.

Since that time I have enjoyed being with the Church of the Servant Celebration Ringers.

I am hoping that other folks will try the handbells to find out how much fun it is to play together! -- Mary Lynne Hoegstrom My name is Ashleigh Robinson and I am a junior in high school. I have been in Revelation for two wonderful years. Each week I look forward to rehearsal on Sunday afternoon. Over the years, Revelation has become a second family for me. Chuck is loving and goofy, and the kids are fun and energetic. Revelation has been a great way to get involved in the church music program. I love to sing and perform, and Revelation is a great opportunity to praise God while doing both. We go on tour at the end of the year and sing for churches and nursing homes. Going fun places is great, but the real reward is seeing faces light up when we sing or someone saying that we were a blessing to them. Another great part of Revelation is that my sister, Danielle, gets to perform with us. She absolutely loves to perform but doesn’t get much chance to because she has Down’s syndrome. It is amazing to get to dance and sing with her and know how happy she is. Revelation is nothing but a blessing to all that participate and witness. -- Ashleigh Robinson (Student) My name is Ulises Serrano and I play viola at the Church of the Servant orchestra. I love playing here because everyone is really friendly and the atmosphere here is extremely chill.

I’ve been given this opportunity to play here and have learned so much from all my fellow musicians. I want to thank all my fellow musicians and other people that support us and the intern program. I hope everyone enjoys our music and I want to thank Chuck Weatherford for everything he has done for me and this great program. -- Ulises Serrano, OCU Intern I have been a part of Revelation for 2 years now. I have enjoyed meeting new friends and doing one of my favorite things, singing! In June, we went to St. Louis to perform Godspell for a church and 2 retirement centers. It was a great trip. Youth choir is a very important part of my life. -- Shelbie Tener, Student Page 10 I ChurchoftheServant.com

I have been a part of the church orchestra since I moved to Oklahoma City in 1998. Coming from a small church, it was easy to be overwhelmed by the size of Church of the Servant. But my involvement with the orchestra gave me an easy way to start meeting people who shared my interest in music. The church didn’t feel quite so big when I had a new group of friends.

Since then, I have been blessed to be a part of worship through my playing flute, handbells, Celebration Choir and helping with children’s choir.

Whether you’ve played your instrument this week or it’s been stuck in a closet since college, please consider bringing it along and joining us at our next rehearsal. We can always add an extra seat for someone willing to make a joyful noise in praise! Not only will you be blessed by being a meaningful part of the worship service, but you’ll be blessed with some great new friends! -- Martha Stone I joined the COS choir when I moved here for college four years ago. Coming from a small Methodist church in Kansas, I was a bit worried about how I was going to fit into this large, unfamiliar congregation. Becoming a part of this church choir showed me that God had His hand in it all. Everyone was so welcoming and inviting. It became a place of peace and refuge when things got tough at school or when I started to miss home. When Chuck began asking me to bring other students from OCU with me, I was worried that I would somehow become dispensable or less wanted. My church choir family put those fears to rest with their constant love and validation. Worshiping with these people every week has brought me closer to God through the thing that I love to do most - sing. James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” -- Kylie Groom, OCU Intern I am so glad you asked me to write about my involvement in the choir. Prior to coming here I had not been involved in choir for over 15 years but music has always been a big part if my life. When we moved to this area from Casper we knew right away that Church of the Servant was going to be the first place we would try to plug into because of Ezelle. What I didn’t know is how blessed my family was about to become at that time. For me the most important ministry to find in a church is a good children’s and youth ministry for my children. Everything else is secondary. Finding a church that is solid in all points is difficult, but Church of the Servant has everything. I have grown in my relationship with Christ by being involved in the choir because of the leadership of the Music Ministry as well as the fellow members of the choir. The choir is my extended family and every single member has had such a huge impact on me and my walk with The Lord. I am truly blessed and we are truly family in The Lord. God is Great! -- Rhett Pigg I have been Principal Hornist with the Church of the Servant Orchestra for two years. Being a member of this group has really been a special experience. I have gotten to know so many amazing people as friends and musicians. I love being able to play in our seasonal shows (Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and our final summer concert). These shows are rehearsed separately at first, but when everything comes together it becomes an overwhelming sensation of joy that gives me goosebumps every single time. There is no other experience than being in the middle of something so amazing. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to participate in this ensemble, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything else. -- Stephanie Culbertson, OCU Intern I grew up in the arts. When I was 8 years old, my impersonation of Ethel Merman would wake the neighbors! Singing and dancing my way through adolescence, I eventually graduated Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. I am so grateful to God for an amazing career performing in regional theaters, cruise ships, theme parks, and off-Broadway.

When Chuck first approached me about directing a large scale musical production at Church of the Servant, I was skeptical - how would we cast such a show here? Costume it?

How would we perform with no stage? Three years later I can honestly say that our shows here are another amazing highlight in my life. From show conception to final applause, God’s guiding hand is apparent in every aspect of production. We have an amazing technical team, talented musicians, dancers and actors, all in our Servant community! Everyone is so giving of their time and talents, and God is so glorified in this process. If you’ve ever been interested in participating in one of the Music Ministry’s shows, be looking for information in the bulletin. We would love to have you be a part of this important ministry in the life of our church!

-- Brooke Gebb THE ROCK September 25, 2013 I Page 11

S T U D E N T

M I N I S T R Y

My name is Joey Simpson. I’m a senior in high school and an active member of Student Ministries here at Church of the Servant. I believe I’ve been called to a career in ministry, specifically as a full time pastor for the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference. Until my junior year, I had my heart set on being an engineer for the rest of my life and wasn’t sure how I’d work in God in my everyday life. I guess for some odd reason it wasn’t at the top of my priority list, but throughout my junior year I was really struggling in my math and science courses and realized I probably wouldn’t be a good engineer. For a few months, I struggled with discerning my gifts and passions and how it would shape my future career.

One evening during the spring break mission trip in 2012, Sang asked me to give a talk about what missions meant to me. As I shared my heart, I expressed where my love for the Lord played into missions and the relationships I built on mission trips. After this experience, I felt very close to my youth group. Things felt almost perfect! I told myself I would strive for that feeling and that closeness. It was there that I felt God telling me that this desire for relationships and my love for Him were where I could find passion. I could reflect His love in every relationship. That night I was encouraged by many people who heard me speak. I began to think Page 12 I ChurchoftheServant.com

Joey and Laurie Si

mpson

that God wanted me to do something with that as well. Through lots of prayer I began to feel God calling me to ministry.

I decided I’d explore some avenues for that, including taking a religion class at Oklahoma City University. I’m reading my Bible every day and I’m spending the month in prayer with Dr. Gorrell, hoping that I can gain more knowledge of what God wants. However, with all the encouragement I’ve gotten and with the talks I’ve had with Robert Gorrell and Matt Judkins, I’m confident this is where God is calling me. I’ve constantly struggled with confidence and matters of “am I really good enough for God to use me?”, yet somehow I still receive encouragement. As long as I put my best foot forward and trust that God will take care of the rest, I’m sure it’ll all work out. I’m closer to God now than before, and couldn’t be happier. God is using this church to mold and build me up into being the man that I am called to be.

Joey Simpson

When I was asked to share how Student Ministries has impacted my family, I didn’t hesitate to accept the opportunity, because I thought that it would be so easy to do. Upon reflection though, I find that there are so many ways we have been impacted that it is hard to share all of them in a few short paragraphs. I’ll touch on just a couple of areas.

As a parent with a child in student ministries, I have found this to be a place where Joey can grow in his faith, a place where he has built many lasting friendships, and a place where he truly enjoys being. They have structured events, of course, such as worship and small groups, but even more so they have the opportunity to grow together in friendships centered on Christ. During the school year, it is not uncommon to drop by the church on a Sunday afternoon and find a large group of students sitting together and actually working on homework. During the summer, many of them congregate for impromptu longboarding, volleyball, or just hanging out. I like knowing that Joey and his friends have some of the same beliefs and that they feel like the relationships they have formed give them the opportunity to lean on Christ, but also each other, when life’s challenges arise. They hold each other accountable to their beliefs and offer love and support during difficult times.

Student ministries and this church give them a safe, common place to come together and just “be”.

As a leader, my blessings are insurmountable. A few years ago, I was called to get involved personally with Student Ministries.

This initially started with a mission trip and has led to small groups, camps, and many other opportunities. My hope in being there is that God will use me in whatever way necessary to make sure that every student knows they are loved, they are not alone, and that they have a divine purpose in this life. But if I’m being completely honest, I must admit that I get so much more out of being involved than I feel I give. I get the opportunity to learn and grow from amazing individuals, much younger and much wiser than I will ever be. I get to see the hunger for God’s word and the application of His promises in action. I have witnessed these students organizing new Bible studies, initiating mission projects both within and outside the walls of the church, and stretching beyond their small groups and age groups to others in an effort of uniting in love. I’ve seen them sacrifice their time to share meals together, organize or assist in events throughout the church, travel to various school activities in support of each other and come together when tragedy occurs. The things that are learned within the walls of Student Ministries stay with the students as they embrace college and life beyond. Some of the previous students have returned to volunteer, and many of the students feel called to give back to others through various mission outreaches in the community.

One of the songs often sung in worship during mission projects and camps says, “What we do in here fills the streets out there.” I stand back with such pride as I watch these amazing individuals share what is learned inside the walls of Student Ministries in the streets of their communities and beyond. They get what God’s love is all about. I am grateful for the opportunity to know these students and challenge anyone who hasn’t had this experience to get involved. They will truly change your life.

Laurie Simpson THE ROCK September 25, 2013 I Page 13

C H I L D R E N

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“God has commissioned us to be contractors in ministry.”

- 1 Corinthians 3:10

Just as a building contractor must be sure all the blueprints, timelines, budgets and staff work together to complete a building project successfully, the Children’s Ministries staff works together to make sure that programs, special events, curriculums and volunteers work together to fulfill the Children’s Ministries purpose to lead children to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Each of the following aspects plays a critical role in fulfilling the Children’s Ministries purpose – the programs have to be relevant, the special events have to be

timely, the curriculums have to be accurate, and the volunteer must operate at the highest degree of excellence.

You can have the most relevant programs, special events for every occasion and award winning curriculums, but without faith-filled, loyal volunteers, hereafter referred to as disciples, none of it matters.

These disciples give their time to the body of Christ every time they prepare a lesson, walk into Children’s Ministries or write a note. Their presence reminds us that they are the hands and feet of Christ.

They can give no greater gift than sharing their faith, and their service exemplifies exactly what God has called us all to do in His kingdom. And what greater witness to the future of our Church than earthly disciples that demonstrate their faith in God without expecting a material reward for their work.

These disciples are answering God’s call to build the church by serving over 300 children weekly and being part of transforming them to be His followers.

They are not only helping transform the lives of our children, but their time, presence, gifts, service and witness have an impact on myself and the entire children’s staff, as well as other disciples serving in children’s ministries and parents.

As you pray and ponder your commitment, consider how one ministry is working, with the help of these disciples, in building His church on The Rock!

Cathy Hersom Director of Children’s Ministries

We are called to build the church on a FIRM foundation!

What an exciting year this has been at Church of the Servant! We have made new friends, shared special times, grown in our walk with Christ, and witnessed many lives being transformed. And now it is that time again when we evaluate our commitments to Christ and to the many areas of ministry at Church of the Servant. As good stewards, we are to be fruitful and prosper through our prayers, presence, service, witness, and our gifts. Paul told the believers at Corinth that they are to give generously from a cheerful heart to all that are in need, and God will always provide enough to supply that need.

We have witnessed Christ’s hands at work within our many areas of min-

istry. We have clothed the poor and fed the hungry. We have taught children how to read. We have provided a safe haven for healing from addiction and abuse. But most importantly, we have opened our doors and our hearts to thousands of people who have now been led to Christ. Hallelujah! None of this would have been possible without your faithful commitments year after year.

Our theme for 2014 is The Rock.

Over the course of the next several weeks, members of our church family will be sharing stories about their personal experiences and the blessings they have received through their experiences within the ministries at Servant.

Pledge Sunday October 27

Our sermon topics for the month of October are as follows: October 6

THE ROCK -- Matthew 16:13-19

October 13 ACCORDING TO NEED -- Acts 2:43-47

October 20 IN THE SERVICE OF LOVE -- II Corinthians 7:1-7

October 27 A DWELLING PLACE FOR GOD -- Ephesians 2:20-22 Pledge Sunday During the last week of October, you will receive an estimate of giving commitment card in the mail. On a practical level, we ask our members to turn in estimate of giving cards each year so that our Finance Committee is able to set an accurate ministry budget for the coming year. This allows us to make the most of every dollar given to the church.

On a personal level, the commitment card is an opportunity for you to spend time in prayer and reflection, considering what offering you would make to God through our church in the coming year. Please be watching for the mailing to come the last week of October. Then fill out the card and bring it with you to worship on Sunday, October 27.

We thank you for your generous acceptance of stewardship and pray you may find the level of giving that is right for you as you progress in your journey of faith and commitment.

Your pledges and contributions are a critical part of how we can make a difference in our church, our community, and our world.

Thank you!

Without your support, we could never have been on this Rock!

September 25, 2013 I Page 15

October Sermon Series: October 6 - The Rock Matthew 16:13-19 (World Communion) October 13 - According to Need Acts 2:43-47 October 20 - In the Service of Love II Corinthians 7:1-7 October 27 - A Dwelling Place for God Ephesians 2:20-22 (Pledge Sunday)

Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725