October 8, 2014
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 14.20
COMMITMENT SUNDAY OCTOBER 26
Fully ALIVE! Alyce Mckenzie shared the following story: A woman tells of a conversation with her elderly mother, in her early nineties, still active in visiting the sick, preparing communion elements, and tutoring children at the elementary school. “Mother,” she told her, “don’t you think at your age you could back off from these activities and enjoy a lighter schedule? You’ve earned it after all these years, and I’m afraid you’re tiring yourself out.” Her mother drew herself up to her full five feet tall and answered, “When I decided to follow Jesus, I did not promise to follow him part of the way. I promised to serve him all the way. And that is what I intend to do.” I don’t know what her daughter said to that. What could she say? And then Dr. McKenzie points to a quote from the Apostle Paul: “I do not consider that I have made it my own, but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:13-14).
Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister
In Roman culture the circus, with its chariot races, provided the most popular form of entertainment. The first and the greatest circus of all was the Circus Maximus in Rome. Philippians 3:13-14 describes the charioteer, intent on the race, his eyes fixed on the front, not daring to look behind lest the slightest pressure on the reins (wrapped around his body) produce a false move and cause him to lose the race and possibly his life. (Williams, Paul’s Metaphors, 262). Finishing is everything in a race. Finishing is everything in discipleship too! Finishing means completing what you started. I want to invite you to join me in completing the most important thing in life - our service to Jesus Christ. A huge part of being a complete disciple is being a generous disciple. Every year I need a reminder of what it means to be generous in the name of Christ. So every year I fill out a pledge card to our church. Not because I am the pastor…not because I’m supposed to…I fill it out and turn it in because I need to in order to be the disciple Christ calls me to be. Why is that important? Because being a fully committed follower of Christ is what makes me feel alive. Our scripture for the stewardship campaign this year is I Timothy 6:19b: “Take hold of the life that is truly life.” October 26, I’ll turn in my card with everyone else. I’ll complete what I have started. I’ll finish the race. I’ll give and not look back! Make a list. Start today. - Robert
…the charioteer, intent on the race, his eyes fixed on the front, not daring to look behind lest the slightest pressure on the reins… produce a false move and cause him to lose the race and possibly his life.
Sources Consulted: Alyce M. McKenzie, Preaching Proverbs: Wisdom for the Pulpit. Dr. Mckenzie is the George W. and Nell Ayers Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. David J. Williams, Paul’s Metaphors: Their Context and Character. Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
New at Earthglow: Christalinas hand cream, in 4 scents; Vanilla & White Flowers, Peony Garden, Fruit Delight, and Rose Petals. Great smelling and very nourishing for your skin. All profits go to missions.
Upcoming Mission Dates to Know:
Sundays, all October: Registration for Fit to Serve 5K In-house and Online Saturday, Oct 11, 8am-10am: Pancakes at Applebee’s for Guatemala Mission Saturday, Oct 11, 5-9pm: Hannah’s Promise Tuesday, Oct 14, 5:45pm: Mission Council Monthly Meeting Friday, Oct 24, 6-8pm: Packet Pickup for Fit to Serve at Fall Festival Sunday, Oct 26, all a.m.: Packet Pickup for Fit to Serve 4 p.m.: Event - Fit to Serve 5K and One-mile Walk at Gaillardia Sunday, Nov 2: Christmas Grace Begins Thursday, Nov 13, 3:30 p.m.: Skyline Ribbon-cutting Ceremony for New Facility on S.E. 15th
Missions Bless Our Schools: Hefner Middle School
Church of the Servant is coordinating and preparing weekly 23 food pantry weekend backpacks of food for students. Two volunteers meet mid-week to fill the backpacks for distribution on Friday through the school administration. Coordinator, Amber Neaves said, “This service is saving the staff valuable teaching and leading time because our volunteers are removing the burden of shopping and preparing the bags. The principals are amazed and so grateful!” In November we plan to host a luncheon for teachers and staff themed “So Thankful for You!” If you would like to help host the luncheon and or preparing of food, gifts, or sunshine notes this month, please contact Amber Neaves at neaves3@sbcglobal.net.
Car Seat Ministry: New Tech Training
Looking for a Few Good People to Fill This Van!
There will be an informational meeting on Sunday, October 19 at Noon in the South Adult Ed Room #1 to begin planning our next trip to Kenya. The tentative dates are September 24 – October 6, 2015. The trip is open to anyone over the age of 18 but due to transportation limitations, we are limited to 12 people. We will answer any questions you may have about trip costs, itinerary, safety (both security and health). Please feel free to come even if you are just curious! Call me at 323-4292 or email me at annknut@gmail.com with any questions.
Your Fish Funds at Work This Month:
$2,000 to Ebola Relief supplies in Liberia, distributed through our partner, My Heart’s Appeal
$2,000 to Ukraine for winter relief, distributed through our partnering United Methodist Church in Ukraine $1,700 to Skyline Food Pantry to finish details inside the new building
In 2014 to date, approximately $7,200 in car seats has been distributed through appointments at the church, and through our partners Infant Crisis Services and DHS. The techs trained in 2011 have been fitting these seats faithfully at the church and at events. The hope is to train new individuals to be certified for the next few years in this ministry, so that if need be, some of our techs can step back. The commitment is to be at a 72-hour Thurs-Sat training event, and assist at four set events a year. Currently we are having an appointment-only installation time every Thursday from 10-noon as needed because of the demand. Techs that can be available for these are helpful as well. The upcoming Fit to Serve 5K will benefit our car seat ministry, which required about $10,000 to facilitate. If you would like to explore being involved in this vital mission ministry in our community, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs rgoggs@ churchoftheservant.com.
$800 for supplies for Hefner Middle School SERVANT October 8, 2014 I Page 3
Missions Fit to Serve 5K and Mile Walk
Why you should participate in the 5th Annual Fit to Serve 5K and Mile Walk on Sunday, October 26, held at the Gaillardia Country Club: •
Exercise is good for us all!
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It is a beautiful course to run/walk!
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The energy of the evening and fellowship of others is so much fun!
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Good food and entertainment afterward are great!
• The proceeds of the race benefit one of our great missions for children in OKC, Safe Kids Oklahoma and our car seat ministry as the Northwest OKC fitting station. Registration is $25 (includes run, T shirt, giveaways, and meal). Sign up at the table in the Concourse on Sundays or at www.churchoftheservant.com. Plan to be there as once again we will be Big Feet running for Little Feet!
STRIVE
On September 27, middle school and high school students combined to go and serve the Oklahoma City community for a project called Strive. Strive is a fundraising project that was implemented by Church of the Servant to help continue fund the fun, extra activities offered by the youth programs throughout the year to help foster fellowship among the students. It was also implemented to help provide money for the kids and their families that cannot afford the cost of attending things like the upcoming fall retreat. The money gained from this project will go toward continuing extra activities and, most importantly, providing for those students in need. The students worked long and hard on that Saturday to serve in four different places in OKC. First, the church visited the urban mission, a partner of the Regional Food Bank. The urban mission is set up to provide a shopping experience to help restore dignity to those who have the misfortune of having to come and ask for food. The student ministry helped in organizing their warehouse as well as stocking their grocery aisles for the coming week. Afterwards, the students moved to Will Rogers Park where they ate lunch and picked up trash. After a short stay there, the students moved to the Regional Food Bank where they packed 1,475 meals that the Food Bank will distribute to those in need! Finally, they returned to church and worked to clean up the east facing entrances by pulling weeds and sweeping the sidewalks. It was a successful and fun day that helped raise money for the ministry as well! - Justin Richert Middle School Intern Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Travel with the Celebration Choir to Rome June 13-22 You don’t have to be a singer to attend! We will: Tour Rome - Florence - Venice Individual concerts - we have 3 Combined Festival concert with the University of Colorado Sing Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
Music
ROME/FLORENCE/VENICE PRICE PER PERSON $3,895 IF PAID BY CHECK OR DIRECT DEBIT $3,695 INCLUSIONS • Round-trip airfare from Oklahoma City, economy class • Private motor coach throughout with driver • 3.5 star accommodations, based on double occupancy • Breakfast and dinner daily • Professional tour escort throughout tour • All scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees • Concert organization and promotion listed in itinerary • Group tips EXCLUSIONS (required) • Air taxes and surcharges – currently estimated at $450 Air taxes and surcharges include airport, government agency and security fees as well as fuel surcharges. The actual airline taxes and surcharges are determined by the airlines at the time the airline tickets are issued. Interested contact Pam Weatherford at 405-550-3017 or pweatherford@okumc.org
Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You
Adult
When is the last time you thought about the state of your soul? The health of your soul isn’t just a matter of saved or unsaved. It’s the hinge on which the rest of your life hangs. It’s the difference between deep, satisfied spirituality and a restless, dispassionate faith. In an age of materialism and consumerism that tries to buy its way to happiness, many souls are starved and unhealthy, unsatisfied by false promises of status and wealth. We’ve neglected this eternal part of ourselves, focusing instead on the temporal concerns of the world—and not without consequence. Bestselling author John Ortberg presents another classic that will help you discover your soul, the most important connection to God there is, and find your way out of the spiritual shallow-lands to true divine depth. With characteristic insight and an accessible story-filled approach, Ortberg brings practicality and relevance to one of Christianity’s most mysterious and neglected topics. Soul Keeping begins Tuesday, October 28 from 7 to 8:30pm in the North Adult Center, room 12. John Farr is teaching the six-session study. Register at church or online at www.churchoftheservant.com.
Servant Foundation Golf Tournament was a Big Success!
Thank you, golfers, for supporting the 19th Annual Servant Foundation Golf Tournament. It was a wonderful day for the tournament, great play, and exciting fellowship. The winner of the tournament was a team of Mike Bible, Randy Allison, Trent Fisher and Roger Pieffer. The tournament made in excess of $2600 for the Foundation’s administrative costs. Also, a big thanks to the Hole Sponsors, organizations, and individuals that donated gifts and prizes for the tournament. They were: B.C. Clark Jewelers, Jim and Carolyn Clark; Arvest Bank; Biggs Financial, Greg Biggs; Encounters SS Class; Farmers Insurance, Roy Wallace; Interurban Restaurants; Two by Two SS Class; OU Medicine; Kent & Martha Bradford; Mid-First Bank, James Boggs; Extreme Pyrotechnics, Levi Clark; ING Financial Partners, Kevin Wittrock; Stan & Marcia Mortimer; Choice Financial Services; John & C.K. Farr; TLC SS Class; Classic Printing, Brian Harper; Russell & Phyllis Brawley; Earl’s BBQ on Memorial; Renny & Harli Reeves; Parakletos SS Class; Jerry Thomason; Dr. Robyn Goggs; Limelight Productions; Golf Galaxy; Golfsmith; Revolve Pizza; San Marcos Mexican Restaurants; Louie’s on the Plaza; Parakletos SS Class; and Lynn Hunt. And a big thanks to all the volunteers who worked to make the tournament possible, and to the organizers, Renny Reeves, Mike Bible and Stan Mortimer. You should plan to join us next year! SERVANT October 8, 2014 I Page 5
Children On Friday, October 24 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Church of the Servant will be transformed into a carnival midway for our annual Fall Festival. Each year hundreds of people from our church family and the community come to be part of this fun family event. The church is packed with kids of all ages having a wonderful time. At this year’s festival, our entertainment will include carnival games, moon bounces, a giant slide, a cake walk, BINGO, clowns and the always popular therapy dogs. A delicious hot dog dinner will be available for a small fee, as well as cotton candy, popcorn and a bake sale. Children are encouraged to dress in their seasonal costumes (no scary costumes, please) and to bring their treat bags! New this year, we will be holding a raffle with some great family-oriented prize packages. This event is a great, no-pressure way to introduce someone to our church facility and family, so please consider inviting family or friends to attend this year’s Fall Festival. There is no charge to enter the festival. We do ask for guests to bring donations to benefit Infant Crisis Services. Diapers, wipes and formula are always greatly appreciated. We still have opportunities to volunteer on the evening of the Fall Festival. For more information, please contact Erin Page at 405-740-1208 or erinepage@gmail.com.
KIDS ARE WORTH IT! Parenting with Wit & Wisdom with Barbara Coloroso Save Thursday, November 13, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. for an evening with Barbara Coloroso. Ms. Colorosa is not one of your ho-hum parenting consultants who will throw out a lot of statistics and information on raising children today. What she will do is share lots of solid practical advice on how to use the stuff of everyday life to teach children to act with integrity, civility and compassion. Beginning with the idea that it is in us to care, that we are born with an innate capacity for compassion, Ms. Colorosa shows parents how to nurture
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and guide children’s ethical lives from toddlerhood through the teen years using everyday situations at home, at school, at church, in social setting and in the world at large. Ms. Coloroso is an international best-selling author and for the past 38 years an internally recognized speaker and consultant on parenting, teaching, school discipline, positive school climate, bullying, grieving, nonviolent conflict resolution and restorative justice. She has appeared on Oprah, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN and NPR and has been featured in the New York Times, Time, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek and other national and international publications. There is no cost for the evening, childcare will be available and registration will be required. Register online at www.churchoftheservant.com. Ms. Colorosa appearance at Church of the Servant is part of her visit to Oklahoma City where she will be speaking to groups of school counselors and teachers during the day. We are honored to be able to co-sponsor this evening with the Oklahoma City National Memorial.
Children COOKIE DOUGH SALE November 2 and 9
Children’s Ministries will be selling delicious cookie dough on Sundays, November 2 and 9. Each box includes 48 pre-portioned cookies and sells for $15. Money raised from this fundraiser supports Children’s Ministries summer camping program. Purchase your favorite flavor (chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin, sugar, peanut butter, white chocolate macadamia, snicker doodle and monster) at the Cookie Table in the Concourse.
3rd Grade Bible Sunday
We are elated to share God’s Word with our 3rd Graders! Children’s Ministries provided Bibles for over forty 3rd graders on Sunday, September 28th during the 10:45 service. Afterwards, these 3rd graders and their families were treated to lunch in our Community Hall. We celebrate these children and what they represent. Please join us in praying for them, their families, and their teachers. Together, we are loving and serving people as we share Jesus Christ!
Girls’ Night Out was a BLAST!
Evening with Bishop Hayes
Children’s Ministries Sunday morning and Wednesday night volunteers were honored at an Appreciation Sunday on October 1 at the home of David and Sherri Boyd. Special guest was Bishop Robert Hayes. He thanked this group of adults for their commitment to helping raise the children of this congregation as Disciples of Jesus Christ. “You have no idea how your service to HIM will impact a child, in fact you may never know – just know it does.,” said Bishop Hayes.
4th and 5th Grade Rock ‘N Box!
We are happy to announce that 4th and 5th Graders along with their parents will be taking part in the Rock ‘N Box night at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma on October 16, 2014! This fun night gives us a chance to make a difference for others while enjoying fellowship and music. We had a great time last year, and know this will be big fun, as well! Check out the information here: http://www.churchoftheservant.com/sub-ministry.php?m=childrens&s=special-events-andprograms or contact Cindy Brackenbury at 728-4756, or cbrackenbury@churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT October 8, 2014 I Page 7
Student M
HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION
y high school confirmation experience was unlike anything I have ever done. I decided to take the next step in my walk of faith, which was accepting Christ. I grew up in a Christian home. Jackson Schultz invited me to Servant and this transition introduced me to the Methodist Church. This was around Christmas time of my freshman year. I went to Dayspring this past summer. When I was at Dayspring, the speaker described our relationship with God like a house. He said something about being on the front porch with our relationship with God, and I realized that I never took the next step of getting inside the door. When Sang said something about HS confirmation, that same front steps analogy popped up into my mind. My friend Evan Jordan helped me take the next step this past month as being my “Spirit partner”. I’ve never been baptized and on Confirmation Sunday, I had the honor of not only being confirmed, but baptized. My friends PK Hammons, Jackson Shultz, Evan Jordan and Jake Strickland came to support me along with other family and friends. I will be very excited to see the way God moves in me these next few months. - Cole Parker, Sophomore
M
y confirmation experience was one I’ll never forget. We started out going to Escape OKC, which is actually a really cool place and the secret nerd in me loved it. We built our team skills and grew closer as a group. From there we sat in a quaint little park and talked about God the Father and who he was and what we could do to be more like him. We took time to talk with our Spirit partners and that helped bring our discussion full circle in my opinion. The next week we discussed how Jesus was human just like us and felt the same things we did, yet He did not fall into temptation. We were reminded how Jesus died in place of our sins now and forever. The final week David Wheeler came and talked to our group about sin and salvation, and those who ask for forgiveness will be accepted by The Lord. The most powerful moment of this process was when I was on stage on that Sunday morning in 9:23 service. As David spoke the words of confirmation and I felt the presence of all my family and friends who supported me in my faith walk, I could feel my eyes watering and that pre cry lump in my throat. I closed my eyes to try and stop myself but when I opened them to find Sang smiling at me with a look of such happiness--that’s when I lost it. I burst out it tears and made the ugliest crying face. Ha. But knowing that all those people were there for me and to help me grow closer to God is one of the best experiences of my life. - Glenn Chesley, Senior
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y experience with confirmation was one I won’t likely forget. After Dayspring, Sang introduced the idea of a high school confirmation to Glenn and I and we gladly agreed. It took a while to plan but Sang, Hurst, and Karla worked diligently to form an experience for us that we couldn’t have with all of our friends in 7th grade. It was a three week course and on the fourth week we had our ceremony. The meetings were every Sunday and I found myself looking forward to them because of how enlightening and fun they were. When Confirmation Sunday came, it was met with excitement and something almost like nervousness. When it was time to stand up on stage with each other, I was pretty nervous I would mess something up. For the most part, everything was great. When Glenn went up for her Confirmation ceremony, she came back in tears. I honestly thought to myself “why is she crying” and laughed to myself because she always does that kind of stuff. I went after her and kneeled down while David put water on my forehead. At this time, my family came up and everyone laid their hands on me and I instantly started tearing up. I laughed to myself realizing that this is why Glenn was crying, because it was truly an amazing experience knowing that my family and friends supported me in taking this next step in my faith. - Elayna Wilson, Senior Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Alan Bahan and JoAnn McLain-Bahan as Alan recuperates from surgery.
Our Prayers Continued...
u Jimi Hadley as Jimi’s daughter, Carrie Attalla, deals with health issues.
u David, Lynda, and Drew Barnes as David deals with health issues.
u Garnett and Marsha Haubelt as Garnett recuperates from surgery.
u Lloyd and Carolyn Bean as they ask for prayers from a recent fire in their home.
u Ron and Sharon Hendricks and Tracy, Heather, Emma, Deacon, and Tiegan McLain as Sharon’s brother and Heather’s uncle, Dennis Kelley, recuperates from surgery.
u Richard and Anna Becerril as Anna recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Larry and Marcia Becker as Larry faces surgery at the OU Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. u Neal and Kim Bilger as Kim’s father, Henry Contreras, recuperates form surgery. u Sharon Breeding as Sharon deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Jo Duncan as Jo recuperates from tests. u Rick and Connie Fitzgerald as Rick recuperates from tests. u Bob and Jo Gentry as Jo deals with health issues and is hospitalized at the OK Heart Hospital. u Jim and DeAnna Gregory as DeAnna’s mother, Cleta Ann McMurphy, deals with health issues in Alva, OK.
u Fred and Sharon Knight as Sharon recuperates from surgery. u Teresa Kruta as Teresa recuperates from an illness. u Winona Madison as Winona deals with health issues. u Jimi Marrs as her son, Stephen Marrs, deals with health issues and faces surgery. u Kevin, Andrea, Riley, Asher, and Annie Miller as Kevin’s mother, Margaret Jacque Miller, deals with health issues. u Curtis and Linda Nigh as Linda recuperates from surgery. u JoAnn Pace as JoAnn recuperates from surgery. u Jordan, Erin, Addison, and Hutch Page as Addison recuperates from outpatient surgery.
u Nancy Grindstaff as Nancy deals with health issues.
u David and Linda Reed as David recuperates from surgery.
u Ton and Linda Gulley as Tom’s sister, Margie Barker, recuperates from surgery.
u Kathlyn Reynolds as Kathlyn recuperates from outpatient surgery.
u Lynn and Joyce Treece as Lynn recuperates from surgery.from surgery.
u Vicki Roberds and Family, as Vicki’s brother, Ronnie Butler, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist.
u Bob and Opal Warren as Bob recuperates from outpatient surgery. OCTOBER 22, 29, and November 5
u Will, Jennifer, and Tennyson Ross as Jennifer recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Johnny and Susan Satterlee as Susan’s friend, Sandra Kulhman, deals with health issues. u Steve and Ivy Snider as Steve recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OK Heart Hospital.
FACILITATOR: Brooke Bartlow WHEN: 6:30 - 8:00PM COST: $15.00 Community Hall
u Tom and Evelyn White as Evelyn undergoes rehab and is a resident at Concordia Nursing Home.
Our Sympathy
u Roger and Marilyn Bailey, and Richard, Sherri, Taylor, and Madison Kuebler, and Family at the death of Marilyn’s sister and Richard’s aunt, Lovena Keever. u Mike and Jo Ellyn Bible and Family at the death of their brother-in-law, Terry Finley. u Family and Friends at the death of Maxine Booth. u John and Genny Brewer and Marcia Massey and Family at the death of John’s nephew and Marcia’s nephew, James Hugh “Sandy” Brewer. u Don and Doris Cline, Kevin Mayfield, Chuck Mayfield, Chris Mayfield, and Family at the death of Don’s and Doris’ nephew and Kevin’s, Chuck’s and Chris’ father, Carlton Ray Mayfield. u Larry and Michele Compton and Family at the death of Larry’s father, Dee Compton. u Don and Judie Ellis and Family at the death of their friend, Jerry Pebley. u Robert and Prudy Gorrell and Family at the death of Raylene Colbert. u Denene Harper and Family at the death of Denene’s brother, Keiven Dean Neufeld. u Clay and Anne Moore and Family at the death of Anne’s mother, Bobbie Moffat. u Tom and Susan Page and Jordan, Erin, Addison, and Hutch Page and Family at the death of Susan’s aunt and Jordan’s great aunt, Rose Mae Brown. u Randy and Lainey Robinson and Family at the death of Lainey’s mother, Thelma Green. u Dan Short and Family at the death of Dan’s son, Dean G. Short. u Phillip Stegall and Drew Stegall and Family at the death of Phillip’s son and Drew’s brother, Ben Stegall. u Helen Vaughn and Family at the death of Helen’s son, Dennis Vaughn.
Grief Support Group Begins October 23
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 October 23 and continuing through November 20. We’ll meet at Church of the Servant in Room 6 of the South Adult Center (classrooms located behind the Centrum auditorium). There will be time for discussion and sharing, and we will view a helpful video each time. The group will be facilitated by Rev. Tim Travers and Don Ellis. To sign up, just call Vicki Roberds at 728-4738 or send her an email at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT October 8, 2014 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED