Newsletter 10.23.13

October 23, 2013

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER Issue: 13.21

PLEDGE SUNDAY - OCTOBER 27

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 27.

United Methodist

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

A

On the ROCK!

friend asked me, “Why should we give money to the church?”

Here is my answer…

Giving is an expression of love and gratitude, because everything we have comes from God (1 Chronicles 29:14). Some people say, “I can’t afford to give!” In reality, we can’t afford not to give. David said that he would not give to the Lord that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). No matter what we give to God, what is left will always sustain us better than if we hadn’t given at all.

The way we give indicates a great deal about our spirituality. Our giving reveals our value system. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). 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.

The Apostle Paul summarized it like this in 1 Corinthians 16:1–2, where we find specific guidelines for giving: it is to be a universal practice for believers (v. 1); it is to be done weekly (v. 2); it is a personal act (v.

2); and it is something we should be prepared to do (v. 2). As we give,

resources well and use them to glorify God. We give because God told us to.

We give because we will never reach the full potential of what God has called us to do, if we don’t meet this radical minimum standard of obedience. We give because we desire to cultivate generosity within ourselves – and where our money goes, our hearts are sure to follow. Obedience will always precede epiphany, so we give even when we don’t desire to give, in the faith that God will honor our obedience by creating within us that very desire.

We give because we believe it is a direct act of worship. If we are clear about who the owner really is, we give out of the pure joy and appreciation that we have anything to give at all. Giving is no less an act of worship than singing songs of praise – it is a direct act of faith in the character of God, about which we are singing.

We give because we recognize that nothing we have can last forevDr. Robert Gorrell er, but that we have the opportunity to use these fleeting things to contribute to something that can. God can and will use our finite resources to accomplish his eternal purposes.

We give because, ultimately, the only way to take our wealth with us into God does not ask us to give because he needs our eternity is to give it resources. Rather, he challenges us to make him the away while we’re focus of our lives instead of our money and possessions. still here on earth.

I invite you to join my wife PruGod will meet our needs and prosdy and me as we turn in our 2014 per us (2 Corinthians 9:6–10). pledge card during worship Sunday Jesus taught that we are God’s October 27, 2013. We are placing stewards. A steward oversees the afit on the Rock of Jesus Christ and fairs and property of another person. making a commitment to the work of Stewardship implies that everything our Savior’s church. we have belongs to God. Being a Will you join us? good steward means to manage our - Robert Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com

MISSION IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS

Missions

Christmas Grace Volunteers Needed

Beginning November 3, profiles will be available showing details on a child, family, young person, or senior adult who would love to receive a gift this year.

Most profiles have two suggestions listed in all different price ranges. Gifts must be returned by Sunday, December 1 so the agencies can distribute them by Christmas. If you have any questions or could be a volunteer this year, please contact Susy Wilson at scoxwilson@aol.com.

Support the Ministry of TEEM

During TEEM’s Fall Hygiene Drive, you are invited to bring travel-size and full-size toiletries for their clients. TEEM takes a three-pronged approach to reducing poverty in Oklahoma City by providing their clients with education, social services, and job training and placement.

There is an item list with suggestions, and a box to receive items near the Mission Kiosk.

The annual Earthglow Market will be Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Concourses will be full with many booths offering gifts, home decor, jewelry, holiday items, and more. Earthglow cafe will be serving beans and cornbread, hot dogs, chili dogs, Frito chili pie, and of course Texas sheet cake! Be sure and stock up at the bake sale too! A day of fun and deliciousness! All profits go to support local missions.

Mission Trips 2014 Mission trip to Liberia, West Africa Date: March 15-24

Cost: $2400 inclusive of travel, lodging, food and mission.

Serving children and teens with special needs, the team will be helping to assist the mission of My Heart’s Appeal Inc. MHA was begun in 1996 by Lovetie Major and now serves a group of these individuals monthly in a respite ministry similar to Hannah’s Promise. The team will be serving in the ministry as well as helping to do preparations for a new vocational center. The week will also be a time to celebrate with a walk for National Down Syndrome week. If you would like to know more, please come to an information meeting Sunday, October 27, 5:00 p.m. in the South Conference room, or contact team leader Dr. Arthur Richardson at IBMI@sbcglobal.com or 317-6909.

Mission trip to Potter’s House Guatemala City, Guatemala Date: June 1-8 Cost: $1600

This will be the 5th team to serve at Potter’s House from Church of the Servant. This youth and adult team will serve the people in the dump community where 16,000 people live and work in the center of the city.

The team will do a construction project, go on prayer walks, Present VBS, and learns so much about how to change the direction of poverty in the lives of these families. There are many great testimonies in our congregation about this trip. For more information, contact Pat McGarrity at 990-2265.

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Hospitality One of the challenges of a large church building is accessibility. It can be a long walk across our huge parking lot for a single mother with young children, an individual with mobility issues, or for guests who might be unsure where to go.

To make sure everyone can enter the building and worship with us, Church of the Servant will further extend our hospitality ministries beginning Sunday, November 3. As you pull into the parking lot that morning, you will find parking lot attendants helping guide and direct traffic. If you need assistance, you

Women

will be directed to the main portico on the east side, facing MacArthur, where you will be met by attendants who will park your car as well as direct you into the building. We are also going to set aside six parking spots specifically for guests so that they will know how honored we are by their presence.

These small changes can make a large difference in the life of our congregation. I encourage you to use these ministries and tell others who might need them. Our goal is a warm welcome for everyone as we come together in worship.

PRIME TIME

Queen for a Day - Saturday, November 16

Church of the Servant, along with the Single Parent Support Network, will be hosting “Queen for a Day”, which is a day of learning and support for single mothers. This event is for mothers, grandmothers and adoptive mothers in all walks of life raising children on their own. Women of all ages, races and incomes need encouragement when parenting alone. The theme this year is “What Does a Queen Need to Run Her Kingdom?” The workshops will include topics that address body, mind, spirit, and practical issues of single parenting.

Our hope is that we will have participants from this church. Sponsoring women this day who are connected to Church of the Servant is a great way to Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com

participate. Sponsorship of a woman for the day is $125. More and more, we are made aware of single parents in this church that need and want support in this very important role they are playing.

We need volunteers - to care for children in shifts throughout the day, donating items for giveaways, and being available on November 16. Perhaps your Sunday school class or small group might choose this as a mission opportunity together in November. Please contact Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@ churchoftheservant.com if you or your group might nominate and/or sponsor a mother, or to be a volunteer to serve on that Saturday.

On Thursday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall, Prime Time will be extremely honored to present pianist extraordinaire, Manuel (Tony) Carrillo.

Tony has taught in private and public schools at all levels of education and holds two master’s degrees in piano performance. He currently serves as Music Director and organist at Peace Lutheran Church in Edmond and adjunct professor of piano and voice at Oklahoma City Community College. In 1999, Tony made his New York debut at Steinway Hall in New York City. In 1998, he was guest of the cultural exchange program sponsored by the People’s Republic of China. Tony promises to bring us a variety of popular, classical and hymns to delight one and all!

Following this exciting program and a short business meeting, we will be served a traditional Thanksgiving menu featuring turkey, dressing, candied yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.

Make your reservations now at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141, by 4 p.m., Monday, November 11. Cost of the program only is $2.00, but we recommend you stay for a delicious meal and fellowship with old and new friends for a total cost of $10.00. If you make a reservation and later find you cannot attend, please call your cancellation, as Prime Time must pay for all reservations.

H

ear how lives are being changed by the people and ministries at Church of the Servant. Click on the video links below to hear the Phillips’ story and the Knight’s story.

The Phillips’ Story

The Knight’s Story

Scan QR Code or go to Phillips.ServantOKC.com

Scan QR Code or go to Knight.ServantOKC.com

Building a Foundation Through Ministry: Hannah’s Promise

Our family first heard about Hannah’s Promise in 2005 when we moved back to Oklahoma. We had recently purchased a home nearby and we were looking for a church home. We chose Church of the Servant primarily because of the Hannah’s Promise ministry and the church’s commitment to serve people with special needs.

Our name remained on the waiting list for about a year and when we were finally called, I don’t know who was more excited my husband and I, or our two boys. In those early years, Hannah’s Promise provided us a safe place to take our boys each month while we enjoyed a much needed night out alone. We had rarely used a traditional baby sitter because of our child’s disability and the grandparents were no longer able to take care of him.

Now, seven years later, my oldest son (who is 13 and has Down syndrome and was also recently diagnosed with epilepsy) looks forward to Hannah’s Promise so much. He

begins to ask me about the next month just a few days after he has just attended! He looks forward to all the fun scheduled activities (especially the Prom!) but he also enjoys just being able to do whatever activity he chooses at his own pace. My younger son is now 11 and is involved with the Grapple group. He really looks forward to all the fun activities and especially enjoys his time with Bruce. He has created a unique friendship with some of the other kids in Grapple and I believe that it is great for him to be able to talk to them about his feelings and experiences with his sibling that has special needs.

We are so thankful for the Hannah’s Promise ministry and especially for the many volunteers that it takes to make this program so special. May God bless each one of you as you have blessed us over the years!

Sincerely, Dana Helton

Commitment Cards!

THIS WEEK, 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 fill out the card and bring it with you to worship on Sunday, October 27. Or download a PDF of the 2014 Commitment Card at 2014Commitment.ServantOKC.com and mail it to the Finance office at Church of the Servant, 14343 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142.

Pledge 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.

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Our Life Together Our Prayers

Our Sympathy

u Gary and Victoria Adams as Gary deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

u Frank and Jean Horner and Family at the death of Frank’s former mother-in-law, Helen Carrigan.

u Russ and Tawanna Barrett as they both deal with health issues.

u David, Melinda, Emily and Evan Jordan and Family at the death of Melinda’s father, Noel Wright.

u Shirley Bassett as her daughter, Tammy, deals with health issues in California. u John and Genny Brewer as John deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Deaconess Hospital. u Joyce Carson as she deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Don and Doris Cline as Don deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Ben and Sammye Cravens as Sammye undergoes tests, recuperates from surgery. u Kip and Beverly Kirkhuff as their brotherin-law, Bud Purvis, deals with health issues. u Elizabeth (Betty Jo) Large as her mother, Ruth Large, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Kindred Acute Care Hospital North. u Ted and Sue McCourry as they both deal with health issues. u Linda McCuan as Linda recuperates from injuries from a fall. u David and Kim Myers as their daughter, Patricia, deals with health issues. u Linda Kay Nichols as her brother, Leonard Gene Harrison, deals with health issues. u Jim and Kathryn Roberts as Kathryn deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery. u Elaine Schmidt as her mother, Bennie Holston, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Deaconess Hospital. u Annell Thompson as Annell’s cousin, James Collin, deals with health issues. u Bill and Mary White as Mary’s father and mother, Clinton and Mabel Fuhrmann, both deal with health issues.

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u Kent, Dana, and Blake Israel as Dana recuperates from a procedure.

Celebrating u Storm Leslie and Tyler Lusk at the birth of their son, Dawson Ryan Lusk. The proud brother is TJ Lusk. The proud grandmother and great-grandparents are Laura Leslie and Darryl and Maxine Leslie. u Justin and Erin Lawrence at the birth of their son, Jackson Lawrence. The proud grandparents are Bill and Lisa Boone. The proud aunt and uncle are Jessie Boone and Joe Boone. u Nicole Diehl and Joshua Schoenborn were united in Christian marriage on September 22, 2013. The early evening ceremony was officiated by Rev. Tim Travers in downtown Oklahoma City.

ATTENTION: All Veterans, Family of Veterans, Active Military Families, and Friends of Veterans Please Join Us Sunday, November 10 2:00-4:00 in 13.2 Annual Veterans Day Reception Come and Go

Sunbeams Ministry Sunbeams Ministry is dedicated to serving children with special needs and their families on Sunday mornings. The purpose of this Ministry is not just a babysitting service so that parents can worship and attend Sunday school. But the purpose is two-fold – yes, it allows parents the opportunity to worship and attend their Sunday school class, but more importantly it is an opportunity for a very special child to develop relationships with adults in our church who will care for them, love them and help them understand that Jesus loves and care for them.

Cindy Brackenbury, Elementary Program Associate in Children’s Ministries recently shared the following with me: “One of our Sunbeam angels is in the age group of our 3rd graders, and Children’s Ministries wanted to be certain that he received a Bible from our church. When I handed him his Bible, he was so very excited! He

wouldn’t put it down, or if he did, he didn’t walk away from it. When his mom came to pick him up, he told her about it with the biggest grin, and they both were so thrilled!!

It is wonderful to share his enthusiasm and love in the weeks I have gotten to spend with him!”

Recently I had the opportunity to spend some Sunday mornings with another of our Sunbeams kids and in a very short time he has stolen my heart. When I asked him who would always care about him, he said “Jesus” with a big grin on his face.

There are several opportunities for individuals to serve and be part of this Ministry. Please contact me at chersom@ churchoftheservant.com or 728-4715 if interested. I promise it will have an impact on your heart and life that you cannot imagine.

Cathy Hersom, Director Children’s Ministries

Adult Driven: The Real-Life Journey of a Minister

The Reverend Tim Travers, Minister of Congregational Care at Church of the Servant, has recently written a book, Driven: The Real-Life Journey of a Minister. A limited number of copies of his book are now available for sale through Church of the Servant’s gift shop, Earthglow. The book, which is an inspirational and spiritual autobiography, tells of the amazing ways that God’s love and miraculous power has enabled Reverend Travers and his family to come through life’s most difficult circumstances. In his book you will find: his grief over losing his father to a car accident; surviving be-

ing struck by the full force of a tornado’s vortex; the passing of his mother who had Alzheimer’s; surviving life-threatening cancer not just once, but twice; and many other amazing stories illustrating the love of God. If you’d like to purchase a book, please visit Earthglow, or call them. Contact information is included below. Provided the supply of books lasts, a special book-signing will occur in the Concourse at Servant during our usual Sunday morning schedule on November 17 and 24. One-half the proceeds from the sale of each book goes right back into Church of the Servant’s

Laughing on Purpose with Your Grandchildren November 21 - Grandparents’ Dinner Ellen Mercer, the state’s only certified laughter yoga teacher and leader will be showing how laughter can be beneficial, both to grandparents and to grandchildren.

This wonderful, fun presentation is something no grandparent of any age will want to miss. The dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Hall on Thursday November 21 at a cost of $9.00 per person for both the dinner and program. You can make your reservation now by signing up at the Welcome Center on Sunday or calling the church office, 721-4141. Mark your calendar now to be a part of this event of fellowship, laughter, and entertainment.

mission fund. Store hours: Mon-Thurs, 9-3; Fri 9-Noon; Wed evening 6-8; Sun 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Earthglow Church of the Servant, United Methodist 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725 728-4722 (direct) | 721-4141 (church)

Shoot Sporting Clays Silverleaf Gun Range November 2

Men, women, and youth are invited to this event. The cost is approximately $25 if you furnish your own gun and ammunition, or gun and ammunition can be rented at the gun range. This is always a special event for all those who participate and enjoy shooting sporting clays. We will start at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning and should conclude around noon. Sign up at the Welcome Center this Sunday or call Tom McGee in the church office at 721-4141.

Troop 177

The 177 Scouting family has had a fun and exciting month! First, Troop 177 would like to thank Church of the Servant members for supporting the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts with the purchase of popcorn and for helping the Girl Scouts with their HUGS project.

The three Church of the Servant Scouting units went to Roman Nose State Park October 11-13 for a family campout. We had 176 people participate in this event. The Girl Scouts made first-aid kits, worked on fire safety, and went on a hike. The Cub Scouts worked on multiple advancement items in the great outdoors, and the Boy Scouts carried out a shakedown hike in preparation

for their November hiking campout.

We had a great joint campfire Saturday evening and after playing Taps at 11:00 p.m., a group of older scouts, including me, set out for a wilderness survival overnight experience unique to Troop 177. It’s called S.N.A.K.E. training and it stands for Survive, Navigate, Aid, Know & Empower. It kept us busy all night testing our survival skills and our reactions under simulated stressful situations. We made it back to camp wet, muddy, and tired but very excited at 6:20 a.m., just minutes before Reveille.

Last Friday Troop 177 assisted Angie Debo Elementary setting up and running a jail cell to raise funds for their

PTO. Our Scouts will also run a game at this year’s Fall Festival at Church of the Servant.

We are looking forward to the Boy Scout November campout when we will be hiking the Horsethief Spring trail in the Ouachita Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma.

Learn more about BSA Troop 177 by visiting www.BSAtroop177ok.org or by following us on Facebook at BSATroop-177.

Scott Kincannon, Life Scout BSA Troop 177 Scribe/Troop Guide

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Children Fall Festival Finally Here!

Cooke Dough Sale November 3 & 10

Children’s Ministries will be selling delicious cookie dough on Sundays, November 3 and 10. 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. A special “THANKS” to the Two-by-Two Sunday school class for coordinating the sale on Sundays.

Happy Hairy Seeds!

The seeds that the kids used to make their Happy Hairy Heads didn’t look like much; but when they added a little sun, soil, water, and care, the seeds turned into the hair for their Happy Hairy Heads. They are a great reminder that with some special attention to our lives, asking Jesus into our hearts and living the life he asks us to live, that we too can be changed – just like the seeds.

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On Friday, October 25, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., Church of the Servant will be transformed into a carnival midway for the 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 who always have a great time!

There is food – the hot dog café, cotton candy, popcorn and a bake sale. There are games – go fish, pumpkin bowling, inflatable slides, twister game, moon bounces, and many more games; and other activities – face painting, nail polishing, a MASH unit and the always popular BINGO. And our favorite clown troupe will be here making balloon art for attendees. Children are encouraged to dress in their seasonal costumes (please no scary ones!) and to BRING THEIR TREAT BAGS! Please invite someone (neighbor, friend, family, co-worker) to the Fall Festival who has never visited Church of the Servant before. This event is a great no-pressure way to introduce someone to our church, as well as to have them meet your church friends.

There is no admission fee to the Festival, only a small fee for the food items being sold. We do ask attendees to bring a donation to benefit Infant Crisis Services – diapers and formula are always needed staples at the Crisis Center.

Come and have a great time!

WOW – Welcome on Wednesdays

WOW (Welcome on Wednesdays) has again proven to be another wonderful way to reach children with Jesus message of love. Thirty-two volunteers (hereafter referred to as disciples) share their love of Jesus and children on Wednesdays when we share God’s word that is full of love, hope and faithfulness. With nearly 150 kids present on Wednesdays, we need every one of those 32 disciples and would welcome other adults who want to share their faith with our children.

The kid’s mission project this fall is “Cash for Kenya”.

The monies brought by the kids on Wednesday evenings will support the Medical Mission Team from Church of the Servant that will be serving in Kenya in December 2013. There is a wish list for the hospital in Maui where the team will be serving and the kids will vote on what item they would like to purchase for the hospital at the end of this WOW session in November.

Preparation is also underway for WOW KIDS IN WORSHIP on Sunday, November 17 at the 9:15 and 10:45 services. The kids will be involved in many aspects of the worship.

The fall session ends November 20 and will begin again on January 8.

Youth Get to Know Me!

It is unreal to walk into a room and see, as well as feel, God working in people’s lives. His tangible presence within everything around you is an experience like no other. However, that is exactly what this ministry is and does. I knew that from my first day here at Senior Goodbye Day. God’s presence was so visible and tangible – it was something only He could have created. Little did I know that was only the beginning of seeing God in this ministry!

I didn’t realize how much I had missed out on by not coming to Student Ministries in middle school. I don’t know what I would do without it and the people here now. Student Ministries is a place where I can fully experience God, first and foremost. The sermons and small groups on Sunday mornings and the worship on Sunday nights are something I look forward to throughout the week. I can hear God speak, and focus on Him with no distractions during those services and I take those messages with me into the week. Student Ministries also provides an environment where I can say anything that’s on my mind and heart, ask for prayers knowing I’ll receive them, and have people I can confide in and get advice from anytime I need it. The prayer circles at the end of Sundays lead me into the next week with peace, and that’s something

Fall Costume Party!

High School Ministry’s fall party will be October 27 from 5-7 p.m. It will be filled with fun, games, food, and our annual costume contest! Contact Sang Nguyen for more info at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com!

that I don’t have anywhere else. That kind of support is absolutely priceless in my life.

I wouldn’t trade the world for the people here. I know that my youth pastors are always there for me, the seniors are amazing Christian examples, the guys’ jokes and the smiles can brighten my darkest days, and spending time with the girls talking about the most random things are one of the highlights of my week.

The memories we’ve all made together are some of the best I’ve ever had and will ever have. Every person here has welcomed me and shown me Christ at every turn, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I love them so much! Student Ministries has provided an experience unlike any other for me and I can’t wait to see what God has planned for us in the future!

- Andi Butler, freshman

High School Fall Retreat!

Join us for an incredible weekend filled with fun, community, and worship! It’s November 22-24 at CANYON CAMP! Cost is $100!

You can pick up a registration at the Student Point Center or register online on the church website! Contact Sang Nguyen for more info at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com.

Pancake Breakfast!

Silent Auction Baskets Still Needed!

High School Ministries is in need of several more baskets for our Basket Silent Auction being held during our Pancake Breakfast. If you, your Sunday school class, or any other group with which you are involved would like to donate a basket, please contact Sang Nguyen at 7284774. Your help is greatly appreciated!

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

November Sermon Series: November 3 - Suffering Job 1:8-11 November 10 - Helping People Who Hurt Job 13:1-5 November 17 - Why? Job 30:19-26 November 24 - Faith Job 42:1-5