Newsletter 10.22.14

October 22, 2014

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 14.21

COMMITMENT SUNDAY OCTOBER 26

THE LIFE This week, as you receive your estimate of giving commitment card in the mail, please spend time in prayer and reflection, considering what offering you will make to God through your church during the coming year. Fill out your card and, with joy and thanksgiving in your heart, bring it with you to lay on the Lord’s Table during worship on Sunday, October 26.

“We dae cam, we nor dae far again.” In English, that means, “We are coming, we are now very close to the village.” Villagers in the Serra Leone village of Mamakah were crying out for help. Only the United Methodist church responded. The mission team repeated, “We dae cam, we nor dae far again.”

In West Africa at least 4000 people have died from Ebola. Many more are sick. Because of the terror that comes with the disease, most villages are completely cut off and have not even heard from government officials, much less received aid of any kind.

They are hungry, thirsty and spiritually crushed. And in village after village it is only the United Methodist Church that responds. In I Timothy 6:19 Paul tells a young Christian named Timothy, “… take hold of the life that is life.”

Paul’s words have two meanings.

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

First, Paul is telling Timothy that real life is found in “the life.” That is, real life is found in the life of Jesus Christ. Second, Paul is telling Timothy to make something of your life by serving Jesus Christ.

Life is the most precious thing on the planet. Life is God’s ultimate gift.

And you are part of a great church that saves uncountable lives every week and shares the life of Jesus Christ all over the world.

Paul is telling Timothy to make something of your life by serving Jesus Christ.

Without you, people will die. Without you, people will miss the opportunity to know Jesus.

Give generously to the ministry of the church.

Turn in your pledge card October 26 in worship.

Take hold of the life that is life! Join me in telling the people of the world, “We dae cam, we nor dae far again!”

- Robert

Veterans Day Celebration!

Sunday, November 9

2:00 - 4:00 p.m., 13.2 Cafe’ All are invited!

Special presentation at 3:00 p.m.

Refreshments will be served.

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Missions Fish Funds... What Are They?

In our worship service we take a special offering each week that invites each of us to use our dollars to be a part of mission beyond our walls. Your Mission Council works hard to be informed and discern the best directions to send those funds in ministry. Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing in the Fish Offering each week in worship.

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 $1,000 to Mobile Meals $800 for supplies for Hefner Middle School

Car Seat Ministry Update: New Tech Training in 2015

To date in 2014, 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 special 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.

Christmas Grace Begins November 2

Each holiday season Church of the Servant works with 11 different agencies throughout the Oklahoma City Area to coordinate gifts for their clients who need a little extra help providing gifts for their families at Christmas. During the month of November you are invited to come by the Christmas Grace table and choose a family or individual for whom to purchase gifts. Church of the Servant has a long history with this ministry that serves our community. Sunday school classes, families, and groups are invited to come adopt clients together. Come by the table on Sundays for details.

It is not too late to register for this weekend’s big mission event Fit to Serve - this Sunday, October 26 at 4:00 p.m.

The temperature is supposed to be amazing, it is a beautiful course to walk or run, and a great evening of fellowship with entertainment and giveaways will follow on the Gaillardia Country Club Green. It’s not too late to participate!

This 5K event was created 5 years ago to fund one of our missions with children. This year the ministry partners selected as beneficiaries are Safe Kids Oklahoma and Church of the Servant Car Seats for Kids Ministry.

Registration is $25 (includes run, T shirt, giveaways, and meal). Come by the church this week or sign up online until Friday morning at www.signmeup. com/103687. Packet pickup will be Friday evening at Fall Festival and again on Sunday morning. You can register at these times for $35. Volunteers are still needed for Friday and Sunday. Contact scobden@churchoftheservant.com if you want to volunteer. Plan to be there, as once again, we will be Big Feet running for Little Feet!

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Adult

Ebola in Liberia and the Global Church Response Sunday School Hour Speaker This Sunday, October 26, 9:15 a.m.

Chapel of the Cross

We hear so much in the news about what is happing around the world and the effects of Ebola in West Africa, and this Sunday we have a missionary from Liberia to talk to us about how the global church is responding.

Helen Roberts-Evans, a United Methodist missionary to Liberia, returned from Liberia earlier this spring and has been sharing her witness to United Methodist Churches around the country. Church of the Servants’ own member, Lovetie Major, will also be present to answer questions about our school and the local situation in Monrovia, Liberia. Dr. Robyn Goggs will moderate a time of questions and answers at the end.

S.M.I.L.E. –– Single Mothers In our Lord’s Embrace

“I was raised by a faithful, courageous single mom who surrounded me with the village of the church and together they made me who I am today. This is what inspired me to create a community for single moms here at Church of the Servant.”

-Dr. Robyn Goggs Since March, this community has been meeting Sunday mornings at 10:45 in North Adult room 6. It has grown in relationship and commitment and continues to be a safe place to share, learn, and support women who are raising children without a partner in the home. Each week we have a faithbased topical conversation about life, led by Dr. Robyn Goggs. If you know a woman who would benefit from this kind of support, send her this way! The SMILE ministry will be attending Jingle Jangle together on Friday, November 21, and begin a Christmas mission project together. It is a dynamic group of women offering support to each other and the community. If you would like to attend, support, or come be a part of a leading group, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@ churchoftheservant.com.

Prime Time Thursday, November 13, 10:30 a.m.

This month our entertainment will be Byron Berline, 3-time National Fiddle Champion. Go to Byron’s website at http://www. doublestop.com/byron.php for his complete biography, a sample performance, photos, etc. Byron’s professional career reads like a Who’s Who in the music business as he has performed with or recorded with so many notables: The Byrds, The Eagles, Bill Monroe, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, John Denver, Elton John, Vince Gill, Arlo Guthrie, Emmylou Harris, and many others. Byron was inducted into Oklahoma’s Musicians Hall of Fame, named Oklahoma’s Ambassador of Goodwill. He has also been the featured artist at the international convention of the Violin Society of America, and conceived and planned the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival since its beginning in 1997.

Following the program we will have our usual time of fellowship with old and new friends as we enjoy the meal prepared for us. The menu this month will be: turkey and all the trimmings, rolls, salad, pumpkin pie, coffee, and iced tea. You can enjoy the program and lunch for $ 10.00. If you come only for the program, the cost is $ 2.00.

Be sure to sign up at the Welcome Center, or call the church office at 721-4141 no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, to make your reservation. If you sign up, and then see you will be unable to attend, please call to cancel your reservation, as Prime Time must pay for all meals reserved. Also, Prime Timers, please keep in mind our up-coming annual bake sale at the December meeting. We will need all the pies, cakes, candy, etc. possible for the silent auction.

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REGISTRATION AVAILABLE FOR EVENING WITH BARBARA COLOROSA

Online registration is now available for the evening with Barbara Colorosa on November 13 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Centrum. In addition, you can register at the Barbara Colorosa table in the Concourse on Sundays October 26, November 2 and 9.

Her presentation “Parenting with Wit and Wisdom” is something you don’t want to miss – whether you are raising preschoolers, elementary, middle school or high school children. Childcare is available for children ages 10 and under. Reservations for childcare are required by Wednesday, November 5 and are made at the time you register.

Children

Her accolades are amazing:

“She’s witty, she’s wise, she’s compassionate, she’s sensible .. she offers adults clear, management tips for building nurturing relations with children and teens” - Canadian Guider

“Hearing Barbara Coloroso talk about raising kids is like being exposed to good art – both experiences resonate with clarity, insight, honesty and all of the components are in ideal proportion” – Chicago Parent “Sure kids rebel; it’s part of that process called growing up. Just knowing that doesn’t make parenting easier, but knowing Barbara Coloroso might” – The St. Paul Pioneer Press

Her credentials are impressive: She is an internationally recognized speaker and author in the areas of parenting, school discipline, non-violent conflict resolution and reconciliatory justice. She is an educational consultant for school districts, the medical and business community, the criminal justice system and other educational associations around the world. She has been a classroom teacher, a laboratory school instructor and a university instructor.

Ms. Colorosa 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. Check out her website at www.kidsareworthit.com.

This event is a coordinated effort with the Oklahoma City National Memorial , and has been been made possible through the generous support of Devon Energy Corporation.

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. Thanks to the “TWO BY TWO” Sunday school class for again coordinating.

We had such a great time working at the Regional Food Bank on October 16! Fourth and fifth graders, as well as many of their parents, met there to enjoy a fun time being the hands and feet of Christ. I was so proud of the enthusiasm and work ethic of these wonderful angels.

We had a blast getting to know each other a little better and filling boxes and backpacks with food to help those in need.

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Estimate of Giving Commitment Card

This card represents a tangible opportunity to worship and serve God through generosity. When we return a portion of our financial blessings to God through our tithes and offerings, we invest in God’s vision and mission, and we create an opportunity for God to work through us and through our church. Giving literally changes lives in our church, our community, and our world!

If you do not receive a card in the mail this week, please complete the 2015 Commitment Card below and lay it on the Lord’s Table on Commitment Sunday (October 26, 2014) or return it in the offering plate or to the church office. We ask that everyone return a Commtiment Card, even if you can only make a limited financial commitment at this time. You can always increase or decrease your commitment if your situation changes by calling our Finance Department at Church of the Servant, 405-721-4141.

Electronic Funds Transfer

Pledges paid through Monthly Bank Draft and the use of a Credit Card are both a convenient and reliable way to fulfill your financial commitment to the church. These methods are also the most cost-efficient means of giving to the church since they reduce administrative costs and help maintain a predictable cash flow. To choose either of these methods, simply complete the information below.

Name(s)_______________________________________________________

Env #___________

Address_________________________________________ City/State/Zip______________________ I will support the church with my prayers, my presence, my service, my witness, and the following financial gift...

2014

2015

Commitment Annual

Commitment

$__________ weekly for 52 weeks $__________ monthly for 12 months $__________ as follows

Annual

I Timothy 6:19b

Choose One:

“…Take hold of the life that is truly life.”

If you choose, your pledge could be automatically drafted from your bank account or charged on your card.

Monthly Bank Draft Authorization

I authorize United Methodist Church of the Servant to draft my account during 2015 on the q 3rd or q 20th of each month in the amount of $_________.

I have enclosed a voided check which will be used to set up the draft with my bank.

Credit/Debit Card Authorization for 2015 q VISA

q MasterCard

Card Number ___________________________

VIN# ____________ Exp. Date _____________ Please charge $___________ q on 15th of each month, or q one time on ________________

Signature for Bank Draft Authorization

Signature for Credit/Debit Card Authorization

Print Name

Name on Card (Print)

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Our Prayers

Our Life Together

u John and Carol Adams as John deals with health issues. u Mark, Rebecca, Trent, Katelyn, Phillip, and Travis Bailey as their home was destroyed by fire. u David and Amy Chao as Amy deals with health issues. u Don and Doris Cline as Don’s brother, Rex Cline, deals with health issues. u Esther Fowble as Esther deals with health issues and is a resident at Gran Gran’s Place in Yukon, OK. u Carol Gifford as Carol’s grandson, Derek Flesner, deals with health issues. u Dennis and Sally Gilstrap as Dennis recuperates from tests. u Danielle, Brice, and Cole Harvey as Danielle, recuperates from surgery. u Bill and Jody Humes as their daughter-inlaw, Lynn Humes, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Bob and Marilyn Long as Bob recuperates from surgery. u Winona Madison as Winona recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at St. Anthony Hospital. u Tracy, Heather, Emma, Deacon, and Tiegan McLain as Tracy recuperates from tests. u Mark and Sheree Norman as Mark deals with health issues. u Chris, Lori, Connor, and Landyn Phillips as Lori’s father, Greg Duffy, deals with health issues. u Roy and Trina Ramirez as their nephew, Cassius Naelon, recuperates from surgery in Boston.

Our Prayers Continued...

u Larry and Suzanne Rogers as Larry deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Bob and Nancy Smith as Nancy deals with health issues. u Alex, Jennifer, Jackson, and Mitchell Wright as Jennifer deals with health issues. u Bob and Carolyn Wright as Bob recuperates from surgery.

Our Sympathy

u Lynda and Drew Barnes and Family at the death of Lynda’s husband and Drew’s father, David R. Barnes. u Don and Pam Germany and Family at the death of Don’s son, Mike Germany. u Rick and Shirley Jackson and Norman and Jacque Long and Family at the death of Shirley’s and Jacque’s uncle, Joe Garrison. u Allyson Wolfe and Stan and Kathy Templeton and Family at the death of Allyson’s son and Stan’s and Kathy’s grandson, Ryan Jaxon Wolfe.

Celebrating

u Kendall and Lauren Riley at the birth of their daughter, Ava Elizabeth Riley. The proud grandparents are Mike and Cindy Brecheen.

The proud great grandmother is Gail Bright and the late Bill Bright. The proud uncle is Ben Brecheen. u Buck and Reagan Held at the birth of their son, Harrison Fisher Held. The proud sister and brother are Halston and Hudson Held.

The proud grandparents are Gary and Judy Held. u Mike and Heather Beckham at the birth of their daughter, Kenzie Leigh Beckham. The proud brother is Carter Beckham. The proud grandparents are Ed and Cecilia Beckham. u Eddie and Brittany Bowman at the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Nadine Bowman.

The proud sister is Emma Bowman.

Hope for the Season Sunday, November 16, 10:45 Chapel of the Cross

Have you recently lost a loved one and the thought of the approaching holidays leaves you feeling sad, anxious or unsure how you will make it through this time without your loved one? Hope for the Season will be a hour of ideas, thoughtful reflections, and short worship as Dr. Robyn Goggs and Rev. Tim Travers share how the holidays can be hopeful even through a season of grief.

The hour will end with the decorating of the Blue Christmas Tree where everyone will be invited to write the name of their loved ones on blue bulbs for our white tree.

This tree will be displayed in the Courtyard during the holiday to remind us that this time of year can hold celebrations as well as grief-filled remembering.

If you have a friend or loved one who is struggling this time of year because of loss, invite them to come with you for this annual event. Resources will be given; also an introduction to our Kindred Community Ministry for Widows.

Mark your calendar for the Earthglow Market Event on Saturday, November 8 at Church of the Servant. Over 100 booths of crafts and antiques, plus a silent auction and bake sale. Plan on eating lunch while you’re there!

Delicious menu includes: Frito Chili Pie, Chili Dogs, Beans and Cornbread, and the ever popular Texas Cake! All profits go to support local missions.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED