Newsletter 10.07.15

October 7, 2015

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 15.18

October 25 A Special Day!

On October 25, we turn in our pledge cards for 2016.

Here are a few things to consider: Your Decision to Give

No one can tell you how much you should give. You are the only one who actually decides what to contribute, since the financial obligations of each person are different. What you give will be held in the strictest confidence. This is our church and only through sacrifice can we achieve our goals. All contributions from the smallest to the largest will be gratefully appreciated. Your decision is a personal one. It should be made in good conscience and in true Christian spirit.

A Need for Special Generosity

Everyone is asked to prayerfully consider how their generosity can reflect their gratitude for the gifts that God has given them. In Deuteronomy 16:10 we are reminded that - the measure of your own free will offering should be in proportion to the blessing the Lord has bestowed on you.

All contributions to the campaign are fully tax deductible. Pledges are not legally binding, but rather an indication of your intention to donate. If you have any questions about the campaign or making a pledge, please contact our office at 405-721-4141 for more information.

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

A Special Thank You

We have added something special this year. You may make your pledge in honor or memory of someone to show your gratitude for their life. In our Thanksgiving worship services, we will have a bulletin insert listing those honored (but not those who pledged – your pledge is confidential).

Pledging and giving are about gratitude to God. Give thanks!

- Robert

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Operation Christmas Child Packing Party

Missions

Sunday, November 8

A small shoebox can have a big impact. What goes into the box is fun, but what comes out of it is eternal. Be a part of changing children’s lives all over the world in Jesus’ name through the power of a simple gift with Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child was a ministry formed by Samaritan’s Purse in 1993 and over 124 million children have received shoeboxes and Christ’s love over these years. Last year, 10 million boxes were distributed in 123 countries. This will be Church of the Servant’s first year to partner and host a packing event for our congregation.

This is a great opportunity for families, friends and groups to have an experience together preparing a Christmas gift for a child filled with Christ’s love. There will be a prayer card to take after the party

Pack a Box, Bless a Child

Boxes will be distributed beginning Sunday, October 11 in ALL worship services. Take a box, pick out a “WOW” item (a doll, a soccer ball with pump, or a stuffed animal are just some ideas), and brring your box back with $7 (for shipping) to finish filling it with your church family on Sunday, November 8.

Sign Up For a Shift!

At the Packing Party on November 8, there will be packing shifts: 8:30-9:10, 9:209:50, 10:00-10:40 a.m. Sign up in the Concourse.

During your shift you are invited to finish packing your box with items that will be provided. Then take a picture at the photo booth and write a note to go to the child.

The worship services that day will be an opportunity to pray for the children who will receive the boxes. Boxes will be shipped to children by Christmas.

Watch this informative video by Dr. Robyn Goggs: https://vimeo.com/139514796

PACKING PARTY LOCATION: Church of the Servant Community Hall DATE: Sunday, November 8

Fit to Serve 5K Medals – Go to www. churchoftheservant.com/mission/local and click on 2015 Fit to Serve 5K Race Results. If you placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in your age group and didn’t pick up your medal after the race, come by the Welcome Center on Sundays and claim your medal.

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Women

The Gifts of Christmas

Presented by Women’s Ministries Friday, November 20 in the Centrum Prepare your heart for the season of Christmas. Give your guests a welcome to remember. Will you have bright paper packages under the tree and the presence of Christ? We will present you with the greatest gift you will never forget! Join your friends and special women in your life for a night of fun, fellowship and inspirations. Leave with ideas and gifts to get your Christmas started right. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased in the Concourse on Sundays, online, or Women’s Ministry office during the week. Event begins at 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM). Contact Susie Cobden for more details.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY for the evening: Please bring a new or gently used coat – size 0-5t – to donate to the Infant Crisis Services.

“Counting our Blessings” –

Kindred Community Dinner – A Sisterhood of Widowhood

Thursday, October 22, 6:00 p.m., in Community Hall

Bring a friend, the dinner is for fun and friendship, and inspriration – open to all widows.

RSVP: melissamarshall11@gmail.com or 405.314.6755 Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com

Sharing Holy Moments

In almost twenty-four years of ordained ministry, I have been privileged to be present with people during some of the most holy moments of their lives. It may sound strange, but one holy time in a person’s life is when they are ill.

In 1992, I sat at the bedside of hospice patients who had such diseases as advanced lung cancer or AIDS; and I prayed with them when they had no family to be with them, even as they took their final breaths. I have prayed with people who were in their own homes or in nursing homes, even as the veil between this life and the next grew thinner. I remember a family who presented me with a handmade “Cherish Tree” as a keepsake gift many years ago, because it symbolized the “cherished” and holy moments we had shared when I had gone regularly to visit the patriarch of that family, as he was dying of esophageal cancer. All the way up to the present, I have had the honor of seeing the power of God come in very peaceful ways, even as family members gather around a sick loved one. In the last month, I have witnessed how such love and grace, shown on behalf of the Church, has led to at least two terminally ill men devoting their lives to Jesus Christ. And many others, who already had an active faith, have had that faith renewed

Fall Retreat

Stewardship

and strengthened… all because they felt the power of the love of God and the love of their church family. People sometimes ask me how I am able to maintain being a person of optimism, hope, and positivity, despite the fact that I minister to people in this way every day. I always respond to that question the same way. I tell them that the key to being a person of joy and hope is that you must first be a person of gratitude. When our hearts are grateful – because of how good our loving God is to us – there is no room in our hearts for anything negative. That doesn’t mean that I never have days of discouragement; but it means that even in my times of discouragement, I know that God is supremely good… and that God loves me dearly. Recently, I ministered to a family while we prepared for the funeral service of the matriarch in that family. They told me about how the young grandson (only six years old) sat down by his grandmother’s bedside a couple of days before she passed away. The young boy told his grandma that there was no reason to be afraid, because the place where she was going would be wonderful, and she would have more fun than she’s ever dreamed about. Friends, that youngster has it perfectly right!

Our hope is in the Risen Christ, and

High School Ministry is getting away on the Fall Retreat! It is for all 9th to 12th grade students.

This is an incredible chance for us to get away to Canyon Camp and focus our attention on God. This year’s theme is Brave. We are going to look at what it really means to be brave in the eyes of God and how God calls us to so much more. Fall Retreat will be November 13-15. Registrations are available online and at the Student Point.

Forms are due October 25. Please contact Sang Nguyen at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com if you have any questions!

no matter what we go through, Christ is there and Christ loves us. And when all is said and done, we will go to be with Christ forever. Frankly, that truth is all I really need, in order to keep me a grateful person. All other things are “bonus blessings” in my book! My source of joy? It is knowing that God loves me… and I get the added blessing of going out to people – in our congregation and beyond – and reminding them of that same hope and joy. Furthermore, YOU are an important part of that ministry… all because you support the ministries of your church. So if you ever wonder if giving generously to your church makes a difference, please know that it makes the ultimate difference in people’s lives!

Rev. Tim Travers

Students

Spring Break Mission

High School Ministry’s Spring Break Mission Trip will be in Chicago! We will work with DOOR, a missional organization that works in various cities in the US. We have an incredible opportunity to work in a soup kitchen, the homeless community, elderly, and after school programs. The total cost of the trip is $350. Registration and first payment is due November 1st. We have limited spots available. It would be a good idea to get your registration in soon to reserve spots. Registrations are available online and at the The Point student center. Please contact Sang Nguyen at snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com if you have any questions.

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Troop 177

Webelos Woods Campout!

Do you want to join a scout troop? Almost 11 years old? Then Webelos Woods is for you!

Every year, all the troops from Oklahoma’s Eagle District gather together for Webelos Woods. It is a place where Webelos can choose which troop they wish to join from the hundreds that are out there. They go through rotations of different troops to see what they have to offer. This year, Troop 177 built the wooden tower by using expert knot tying skills, and had a knot relay, and even Dutch oven cooking! Many Webelos came, and they all loved it! For lunch on Saturday, the troop served hotdogs with chips, and a dessert! For dinner was a delicious chili.

All the meals were cooked by the adults here at Troop 177! The campfire on Saturday night was amazing! There were many skits, including penguins! By the start of Sunday morning, we had the tower taken down, and headed back home! All in all, it was an amazing trip that I will never forget! We hope to have an even better surprise planned for next year!

Adult

Visit www.BSAtroop177ok.org to learn more about Troop 177 or follow us on Facebook at BSA-Troop-177.

Wesley Reser BSA Troop 177 Scribe

What Is Your Love Language?

Falling in love is easy. Maintaining a healthy relationship is a daily, lifelong pursuit. But it doesn’t have to be that hard.

The secret is learning the right love language! How would you finish the following open statements:

It’s more meaningful to me when…

A) I hear praise from my partner.

B) My partner gives me something that shows he/she was really thinking about me.

It’s more meaningful to me when…

A) my partner reacts positively to something I’ve accomplished.

B) my partner does something for me that I know they don’t particularly enjoy.

It’s more meaningful to me when…

A) I get the chance to just “hang out” with my partner.

B) I unexpectedly get small gifts from my partner.

Once you know your love language, as well as your partner’s, you will find yourself more motivated and confident that you can succeed in having the relationships you’ve always wanted.

On Wednesday evenings, October 21 through November 18, Dr. Robert and Prudy Gorrell will lead a 5-week study on the book The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman. The study will be held in the Community Hall from 6:30 to 8p.m. The cost is $15 per couple. To register go to www.churchoftheservant.com/blog/events/the-five-love-languages.

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Children Fall Festival Help Wanted!

Stop by the Fall Festival table in the Concourse this Sunday and sign up to lend a hand! This year’s festival takes place Friday, October 30 from 6 to 8 p.m., and we are expecting more than 1,000 visitors, including many first-time guests to our church! Whether you are a Sunday School class interested in manning a game booth, a family or couple seeking a fun volunteer opportunity, or an individual who can bake or serve on the night of the festival, we need YOU to help make this year’s festival fun for kids of all ages! We could use baked goods for the cake walk and help with setup, cleanup and running games. Contact Erin Page at 405-740-1208 or erinepage@gmail.com for more information.

Third-Grade Bibles Sunday We were so very blessed to present Bibles to our 3rd graders on September 27. Each child present (as well as some who weren’t able to be here) received their own precious copy of God’s Word, a cover, book mark, and a special letter from Pastor Robert. We pray that our children will read this Bible and cling to the messages it holds. As a church family, we celebrate the ability to share God’s word, as well as the children with whom we are allowed to share that treasure.

We Need Bars of Soap!

In preparation for Church of the Servant’s Mission event, Operation Christmas Child, on November 8, our children are being asked to bring at least one wrapped bath-size bar of soap. These bars will be used as part of the supplies for the “packing party” that will take place here in the Community Hall on that date.

We are asking that these bars are brought on Sundays (either the 9:15 or 10:45 hours) during the entire month of October.

We pray that you and your family will take part in this amazing outreach.

Water4 Mission Project

Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, we are bringing money to help African school communities learn to build their own equipment for water wells. Water4 teaches these communities to make the materials needed and how to drill the wells. This helps the families have clean water to drink and because of that, they are more healthy. This project was chosen by our 4th and 5th-grade Children’s Mission Leadership Team.

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Adult 20th Annual Servant Foundation Golf Tournament Everyone had fun at the 20th Annual Servant Foundation Golf Tournament held Saturday, September 26 at Coffee Creek Golf Course. It was a beautiful day, tasty meal, wonderful prizes, and great fellowship! Over the years, the tournament has contributed over $50,000 to the Servant Foundation for operating expenses.

First place winner of the tournament this year was the scramble team of: Charles Carpenter, Danny Foster, Steve Zamarippa, and Monte Newton.

Second place finishers were: Levi Clark, Dave Hammons, P.K. Hammons and Ty Avants.

Third place winner was team: Tyler Neaves, Trent Neaves, Norman Neaves, Todd Neaves and Brady McDonough.

Individual winners were: Carolyn Clark, closest to the pin on Hole #8 for women; also for the straightest drive on hole #15. Closest to the pin on Hole #5 was Brady McDonough. Closest to the pin on Hole #11 was Luke Lucas.

On Hole #6, the longest drive winner for the men was Warren Cunningham and for the women was Jane Haskin.

Special thanks to the tournament organizers: Renny Reeves, Mike Bible and Stan Mortimer. Also, many thanks go to the volunteers who helped run the tournament: Jo Ellyn Bible, Harli Reeves, Roger and Priscilla Cude, Ted Milewski, Floyd Blair, Sharon Freeny, Scott and Carla Seitz.

Those individual and companies who were Hole Sponsors for the tournament were: Jim & Carolyn Clark, B.C. Clark Jewelers; Tom & Bobbie Roe, Broken Bread; Gregg Biggs, Biggs Financial; Encounters SS Class; Two by Two SS Class; Kent & Martha Bradford; Mid-First Bank; John & C.K. Farr; Russell & Phyllis Brawley; Brian Harper, Classic Printing; Levi Clark, API Pyrotechnics, Inc.; Choice Financial Services; Renny & Harli Reeves; Stan & Marcia Mortimer; Kevin Wittrock, ING Financial Partners; Arvest Bank; Roy Wallace, Farmers Insurance; Randy Allison; Interurban Restaurant on Memorial; San Marco’s Mexican Restaurants; Floyd & Pat Blair; Jerry Thomason; Mike & Jo Ellyn Bible; Earl’s Rib Palace; Golf Galaxy; Golfsmith; Louie’s on the Plaza; Charleston’s; Hideaway Pizza; Tommy’s Italian Grill; Lynn Hunt; Parakletos SS Class.

JOB OPPORTUNITY! The church is currently looking for a person to work in the building services department. This person should have experience in mowing and landscape care, and be able to do maintenance and custodial duties. Requires some Heavy lifting (50 lbs). Please contact the church office at 721-4141.

Don’t miss PRIME TIME - A RETROSPECTIVE

It will be a great trip down “Memory Lane”, lovingly prepared by Jimi Hadley, followed by a yummy meal! After lunch Elene Christensen, Pharmacist at Walgreen’s Pharmacy, 23rd & May, will offer to Medicare participants free flu vaccinations as well as BOTH types of pneumonia vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring your Bingo prizes for our booth at the Fall Festival on October 30!

Prime Time meets on October 8 at 10:30 in Community Hall. If you want to come but haven’t signed up, it’s not too late! Just call the church office, 721-4141.

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Our Life Together Our Prayers

u Donna Armstrong as her granddaughter, Ali Menendez, deals with health issues. u Jerry Black as Jerry’s father, R.D. Black, deals with health issues. u Dan and Cathy Bush as Dan deals with health issues. u Robert and Linda Carson as Robert deals with health issues. u Randy and Barbara Fowler as Randy faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Jean Grass as her ex-husband, Lee Grass, and son, Aaron Grass, both deal with health issues. u Donnie and Shellene Guerra as they both deal with health issues. u Denene Harper as Denene deals with health issues. u Rick and Lisa Harris as Lisa’s father, Rex James, recuperates from surgery. u Garnett and Marsha Haubelt as Marsha faces surgery at St. Anthony Bone & Joint Hospital. u Trevor and Kristy Hayes as Kristy recuperates from surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Gary and Pat Ingram as Gary deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Walt and Barbara Kendall as Barbara deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Mary Lu McEuen as Mary Lu deals with health issues. u Phyllis Mosher as her son and daughterin-law, Kevin and Becky Mosher, ask for our prayers. u Warren and Iris Muller as their son, Kody Muller, deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u David and Kim Myers as David recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Ben and Sandy Ratzlaff as Ben’s cousin, Mary Leppke, recuperates from a car accident and undergoing rehab at Valir Rehab Hospital. u Judy Raulston as Judy deals with health issues and undergoes rehab at Epworth Villa. u Brad, Annessa, Anna and Taber Traynor as Annessa’s cousin, Tina, and her friend, Ruthie, both recuperate from surgery. u Bob and Vertice Turner as Vertice deals with health issues.

Our Prayers

Our Sympathy

u Jim and Elise Weed as Elise deals with health issues.

u John Branam and Linda McCuan-Branam, John and Sherri Bumps and Family at the death of Linda’s and Sherri’s father, Jack Hope.

u Troy, Amy, and Rachel Weber as Amy’s mother, Sue Merrill, deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

Celebrating

u Trevor and Kristy Hayes at the birth of their twins, Addison Katherine Hayes and Samantha Grace Hayes. u Josh and Jill Wickham at the birth of their son, Noah Wickham. The proud siblings are Ella, Haylie, and Jacob Wickham. u Rob and B.J. Moore at the birth of their grandson, Jack Doty. The proud parents are Adam and Linsey Doty. The proud great grandparents are Bob and Carma Moore.

Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lillian Shaver by Jane & Steven Yates. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Carol Heggie by Employees of High Point Bank, High Point Bank Board of Directors, and High Point Bank Insurance Group.

u Lynda Barnes and Drew Barnes and Family at the death of Lynda’s mother-in-law and Drew’s grandmother, Jean Barnes.

u Barbra Case and Family at the death of Barbra’s husband, Danny Lee Case. u Bill, Melissa and Emma Gipperich and Family at the death of their friend, Linda Jordan. u Dean, Merin, Tyler and Reid Gracey and Family at the death of Merin’s father, Jerry Morris. u James Gregath and Family at the death of James’ wife, Christeen Gregath. u D. A. Heggie and Family at the death of D.A.’s wife, Carol Heggie. u Jim and Coleen Henry and Family at the death of their nephew, Jeff Stroud. u Ron and Angie Johnson and Family at the death of Angie’s mother, Lelia Jones. u Kathy Kennedy at the death of her guide dog, Pasha. u Jonnie Larson, David, Jacob and Kaeley Larson, and Ean, Tyler, Beckett and Blake Ray and Family at the death of Jonnie’s husband, David’s father and Tyler’s stepfather, Larry Larson.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Earthglow in memory of Jo Russell by Jim Cross & Roberta Carrier Cross.

u Brenda Morris, Tyson Morris, Grant, Leslie and Harleigh Morris and Family at the death of Brenda’s father, Tyson’s and Grant’s grandfather and Harleigh’s great grandfather, James McAlister.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Carol Heggie by Jim Cross & Roberta Carrier Cross.

u Kathleen Patton, Rachel McClendon, Grant McClendon and Family at the death of Kathleen’s husband and Rachel’s and Grant’s stepfather, Donald “Don” Patton.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Lillian Shaver by Brian & Charlotte Mitchell.

u Tommy and Judith Roberson and Family at the death of Tommy’s brother, Ed Roberson.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Carol Heggie by Robert & Opal Warren. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Carol Heggie by TLC Sunday School Class.

u Jim and Kathryn Roberts and Family at the death of Jim’s brother, Larry Roberts. u Randy and Lainey Robinson and Family at the death of Lainey’s brother, Steve Green. u Lorre Troyer and Kelly Miller and Family at the death of Lorre’s and Kelly’s mother, Elnita Kay “Nita” Miller.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED