October 24, 2012

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 12.21

Believe s Belong s Become

Ordinary People with an Extraordinary Mission All of our ministries at Church of the Servant depend first on God. Without God’s life-giving and sustaining presence, we simply would not exist. All that we are and all that we have is a gift from God’s hand. However, God extends his invitation for us to work together with him in this incredible mission! Here at Church of the Servant, we like to put it this way: we are ordinary people with an extraordinary mission. In Genesis 2:5, we read these words: “Now no shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, for the Lord God had not sent rain on the earth and there was no one to work the ground...” Miroslav Volf, in his book Free of Charge: Giving and Forgiving in a Culture Stripped of Grace notes the profound point of this passage, “For creation to exist as a habitat for humanity, both God and human beings have to do their part.” The author of Genesis reminds us that without God sending rain, the earth wouldn’t be fruitful. At the same time, the productivity of the field also depends on men and women working the ground. This week marks my fourth year of ministry here, and over that time I’ve seen extraordinary mission in many forms. I have seen relationships restored between spouses who had very little hope. I have seen a community of believers surround those who have lost loved ones with love and care. I have seen thousands of people in mission and ministry feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and teaching young people in poverty how to read. These ministries happen because of men and women like you “working the ground,” and trusting God to “send the rain” of his grace-filled presence and power.... ... Continue reading on page 3

United Methodist

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

Christmas Grace

“Michael is a single parent of a 16-year-old son, Joshua. He is working hard to take care of Joshua. They are living in transitional housing. Michael had several surgeries this past year, but also found a better job and he loves his work. He does not have extra money for Christmas this year.” This is just one of the many honest stories of struggle of the people we will help during Christmas Grace this year. Every year during November there is an opportunity to experience the true spirit of the Christmas season by choosing to purchase gifts for others through Christmas Grace. Our missions committee works with our community partners to identity families and individuals in need. Beginning November 4, you can come by the Christmas Grace table and chose a profile 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, Dec 2 so the agencies can distribute them by Christmas. If you have any questions, please contact Susy Wilson at scoxwilson@aol.com.

Baby It’s Cold Outside!

We are collecting children’s coats for Infant Crisis Services in November. If you have any new or gently used children’s coats you would be willing to donate to Infant Crisis Services during November, please bring them to the brightly decorated box next to the Mission Kiosk. The box will be there during the entire month of November. Then, later this winter we will be collecting coats for adults and children for Skyline as well!

My Heart’s Appeal

Car Seat Fitting

The next Car Seat Event held here at Church of the Servant will be Saturday, November 3, from 9am - Noon. If you are in need of a car seat or know anyone who does, please send them to this event.

One of our Church of the Servant members, Lovetie Major, is working in partnership with Church of the Servant and several other Oklahoma organizations and ministries to grow a model of Hannah’s Promise for children with special needs in West Liberia. “Big Ma’s Place” has been meeting in Liberia since July and momentum for the ministry is beginning to take off. To celebrate and grow the success, we want to invite you to an open house Thursday, Oct 25 from 11:30-1:30 at My Heart’s Appeal corporate office here in Oklahoma City at 5909 N.W. Expressway, Suite 224. Food and drinks will be served. It will be an opportunity to learn about the ministry, Lovetie’s reasons and passions for wanting to do this, and how we can be a part of it.

Wesley Tour in England June 2013

Next June 17-25, Dr. Robert and Prudy Gorrell and Dr. Robyn Goggs will be leading a group on a tour in England that will see and share the history of our Methodist roots in the ministry and life of John and Charles Wesley. Both clergy have spent time in England, have studied the Wesley’s, and are excited to share their experiences on the tour. The cost of the trip is $3599.00 which includes airfare, travel while in England, hotels, and most meals. There are 40 spots available and $300 will reserve a place. Registration is being taken at the Welcome Center with checks taken to the church office and marked “Wesley Tour”. Brochures are also available with all the details of the trip at the Welcome Center. Page 2 I SERVANT October 24, 2012

The Big Why... On Sunday we turn in our pledge cards. Some of you may ask why we go through a stewardship campaign and formally make a pledge every year. A yearly pledge campaign is important to help us get our spiritual house in order. Let me explain... Giving is a spiritual sacrifice and 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. In 1 Corinthians 16:1–2, 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, God will meet our needs (2 Corinthians 9:6–10). The Bible instructs us to “let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The motives that God desires for our giving are to: express our love to Him, please Him, lay up treasures in heaven, and help reach the world for Jesus Christ. Dr. Robert Gorrell 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 the 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. 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. Finally, We give because we recognize that nothing we have can last forever. 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 eternity is to give it away while we’re still here on earth. - Robert

Ordinary People with an Extraordinary Mission... Continued from Cover Page Alongside our regular ongoing ministries, I have been a part of our congregation’s efforts to create an additional worship venue to reach new people for Jesus Christ. Each week in Servant 923, which will turn a year old this December, we introduce new people to the vision and passion of this congregation. We’ve seen families bringing their children for baptism, new people placing their trust in Jesus, and families and individuals finding a place to believe, belong, and become. Combined with the incredible existing worship opportunities at 8:15, 9:15, and 10:45 and extended life of community and mission, I believe Church of the Servant is poised for a season of incredible growth and ministry. In this year’s pledge campaign, Learning to Fly, we are inviting you to join with us in “working the ground.” Many of you are already giving in incredible ways, and for that I say, “Thank You!” Others of you are giving but want to experience what it means to reach greater heights of generosity, and to you I say, “God is with you, helping you take that additional step forward!” Finally, there are some of you who are new to our church, and you might be wondering what this is all about. To you, I say, “God is doing incredible things here, and we would love for you to be a part of God’s extraordinary mission!” - Dr. Matt Judkins SERVANT October 24, 2012 I Page 3

Women’s Advent Luncheons Begin Tuesday, November 27

Dr. Robyn Goggs will be leading a time of festive reflection and sharing as we eat and study for three Tuesdays during this Advent Season. Tuesdays Nov 27, Dec 4 and Dec 11, we will be looking at “Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break”. Those are the gifts of love, joy, peace, and hope that this season offers to each of us and beckons to offer to others. If you are struggling with your shopping list, let the Christmas story shape it for you this year. The cost for all three luncheons is $24 or you are welcome to brown bag. Registration will begin Sunday, November 11, and lunches must be prepaid.

Church of the Servant Cookbooks On Sale!

Last year, Women’s Ministries published Taste of Faith, a collection of the best recipes in this congregation! These wonderful cookbooks are on sale again through the season for $20! You can purchase them on Tuesday morning at Women’s Offerings or anytime from Mary Jessup in the office. They make great gifts! Contact Mary at 721-4141 to reserve your copy.

Women’s Offerings this Fall and Looking Into the Winter Season

We have had a great response from women with over 250 participating in Bible Study small groups this fall! The last official week for our studies is the week before Thanksgiving, but Offerings will begin again the week of January 14. The new Offerings brochure will be out at the first of the year. Mark your calendar now to join a women’s group in the new year! There are now groups on Monday evening, Tuesday morning, Wednesday morning and evening, and Friday morning. There are MANY opportunities for sharing and personal growth through these wonderful groups.

It has been a great start to the new season for the Celebration Choir as we welcome these new and returning members: Kate Shiels-OCU intern Kenna Warren-Alto Allen Warren –Baritone Justin Barnes-Tenor Katie Hock-1st Soprano Kim Spring-1st Soprano Lee Wait-1st Soprano Jennifer Robinson-1st Soprano Michelle Knight-1st Soprano Cheryl Bryant-2nd Soprano Nancy Tool –Alto Jack Bedingfield-Bass Tom Byrant-Bass Jay Stout-Tenor Pam Ballard-Alto Christiaan Osborn-Bass Stephanie Patterson-Alto 1 Donna Robinson-1st Soprano We welcome these 18 new choir members! They are already making a tremendous addition to the group. There is still room for you! Our goal is 70 singers in each service. We’re getting close… YOU could make the difference! Questions concerning the Celebration Choir? Call Chuck at 550-3016 or email, cweatherford@churchoftheservant.com. Page 4 I SERVANT October 24, 2012

THERE IS STILL TIME TO SIGN UP

Shooters Have Shot

...for the couple’s golf weekend in Frisco, Texas on November 2-4. Couples who enjoy golf, shopping, eating out, lying by the pool and just an all-round good time with other couples from the church will head to Frisco, Texas for our church couples golf weekend. If you can play both Friday and Saturday, that’s great. But if you can only come down Saturday, that’s okay too. The group will be staying at the Westin Hotel and playing their golf course both days. Those who don’t play golf will have the opportunity to shop or just relax at the hotel. Couples will eat together in the evening and attend a local church on Sunday morning before returning home. The cost of the hotel is $109 plus tax per night and each round of golf is approximately $60 per person. Couples are responsible for their own transportation. If you would like to go to Frisco, sign up at the Welcome Center on Sunday or call Tom McGee in the church office at 728-4701. The deadline for signing up has been extended to October 28.

And the results of their shooting sporting clays at Silver Leaf Gun Range are:

Conference on Aging October 25

Join other grandparents in Community Hall here at the church on November 29 at 6:00 p.m. The cost of the dinner and program is $8.00 per person. Rev. Jeremy Sanders will be the speaker, talking about one of the greatest gifts we as grandparents can give our grandchildren during this holiday season. You can sign up at the Welcome Center on Sunday, or contact the church office at 721-4141 to make your reservation.

Church of the Servant is a co-sponsor of the Conference on Aging to address issues with which you or a loved one may be dealing - issues such as Alzheimer’s, balance, home health, residential or rehab facilities, senior day care, veteran’s affairs, and others. The conference is free and will be held Thursday October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Centrum. Great professionals are scheduled to speak about a wide range of issues. The Daily Living Center will provide complimentary day care for your loved ones. They will pick them up at the church and take them to their 30th and Rockwell site, then return them at the end of the conference. While the conference is free, we do request that you register. You can do that by calling the church office at 728-4738 or 728-4735. It is not too late to do that now!

1st - Grant Flurry, hitting 39 out of 50 clays 2nd - Jerry Hocker, hitting 38 out of 50 clays Other shooters scored from 36 to 2 out of 50, but everyone had great fun! There will be another shoot in the spring, so plan now to be a part of it and to enjoy the fun and fellowship of shooting sporting clays with others from the church.

Grandparent’s Dinner Thursday, November 29

PRIME TIME Church of the Servant November 8, 2012, 10:30 a.m.

Great entertainment, food and fellowship await Prime Timers on Thursday, November 8 at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Sure, it isn’t 76 trombones, like the song, but the air at Prime Time will be filled with rousing trombone music at our November 8th meeting! Jeff Kidwell of the University of Central Oklahoma will be bringing at least 12 of his trombone students to provide us with an absolutely thrilling musical program. Jeff, known as the unofficial “dean” of Oklahoma professional trombone performers, has played with such superstars at the Supremes, Toby Keith, Wayne Newton, and Vince Gill. He teaches trombone at UCO, as well as being the director of the Jazz Ensemble, and assistant director of the Jazz Lab and the Jazz Lab Operations. He is a much sought after musician/clinician who has extensive teaching experiences at many schools. Don’t miss this terrific program, as well as a tradtional Thanksgiving feast. The cost for the program only is $2.00 and for the program and delicious lunch is only $9.00. You can make your reservations at the Welcome Center or call the church at 721-4141, by 4:00 p.m. Monday, November 5. And please, if you make a reservation and find you cannot attend, please call to cancel, as Prime Time is responsible for all lunch reservations.

ATTENTION:

All Veterans, Family of Veterans, and Friends of Veterans Please Join Us Sunday, November 11 2:00-4:00 in 13.2 Annual Veterans Day Reception Come and Go

SERVANT October 24, 2012 I Page 5

Earthglow Market November 10

Have you marked your calendar for Saturday, November 10 from 9 to 3? It is the day of The Earthglow Market, a holiday shopping extravaganza! We already have over 70 vendors that are committed and are expecting even more as the date gets closer! A booth of baked goods is one of the popular features and lunch will be available in the Earthglow Cafe! Don’t miss the fun and get a start on your holiday shopping! See you soon!

High School Ministry

The Costume Party on Wednesday, Oct 24, has been moved back to the church! It will be at the Point from 6:30-8! Bring your best costume and get ready for a awesome evening!

Cookie Dough Available November 4 and 11

Just in time for holiday baking, Children’s Ministries will be selling delicious cookie dough on Sundays November 4 and 11. Each box includes 48 pre-portioned cookies and sells for $15. Money raised from this fundraiser supports the Children’s Ministries summer camp program. Purchase your favorite flavor at the Cookie Table in the Concourse. A special “Thanks” to the Two by Two Sunday school class for coordinating the sale on Sundays.

FALL FESTIVAL IS THIS FRIDAY

On Friday, October 26, 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 having a great time. There is food – the hot dog café, cotton candy, popcorn and a bake sale. There are games – go fish, pumpkin bowling, moon bounces, inflatable slides and twister games, tattoos, face painting and more. Children are encouraged to dress in their seasonal costumes, and don’t forget your treat bags. I want to challenge you to invite someone to come with you to the Fall Festival for the first time. This event is a great nopressure way to introduce someone to our church, as well as to have them meet many of your church friends. There is no charge to enter the festival, and food is sold for a small fee. 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! Page 6 I SERVANT October 24, 2012

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 did not receive a card in the mail, please complete the 2013 Estimate of Giving Card below and lay it on the Lord’s Table on Commitment Sunday (October 28, 2012) or return it in the offering plate or to the church office. We ask that everyone return an Estimate of Giving 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...

2012

2013

Commitment

Commitment

$_______________

Annual

Isaiah 40:31

$_______________

Annual

Choose One: $__________ weekly for 52 weeks $__________ monthly for 12 months $__________ as follows ___________________

But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. (TEV)

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 2013 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 2013 q VISA

q MasterCard

Card Number ______________________________

VIN# ____________ Exp. Date ________________ Please charge $___________

q on the 15th of each month, q each quarter, or q one time on _____________________ Month/Year

Signature for Bank Draft Authorization

Signature for Credit/Debit Card Authorization

Print Name

Name on Card (Print)

SERVANT October 24, 2012 I Page 7

Our Prayers continued... u Dustin, Laine, Bennett, Riley, and Ramsey Baker as Ramsey deals with health issues.

u Brad and Tami Woodard as Tami deals with health issues; and her brother, Troy Weber, deals with health issues.

u Danny and Dana Baze as Danny recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the Stillwater Hospital.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Memorial Fund in memory of Eugene “Duby” Atteberryt by Sue Miller.

CARE MINISTRIES

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Memorial Fund in memory of Gerald Warner.

u Lou Anne Blackburn as her mother, Mary Lou Farmer, deals with health issues and is a resident at The Wellington. u Joe and Helen Dekker as Helen recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OK Heart Hospital. u Bill and Lilly Dunlap as Lilly is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.

When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is sometimes difficult to remember to inform Care Ministries of that special situation. As a church family, all of us can help. If you know of a member who would benefit from our specialized care or our prayers through Care Ministries, call Care Ministries at 728-4738 or 728-4735.

u Denene Harper as her mother, Eileen Neufeld, deals with health issues. u Curtis and Mimi Hendricks as Curtis’ mother, Belle Hendricks, recuperates from an illness. u Mary McHard as she recuperates from surgery and hospitalized at the McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital. u Charlotte Hough as her mother, Bessie Pendley, is hospitalized at the Midwest City Hospital. u Richard and Sharon Krivy as Sharon is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Mary McHard as she recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital. u Carl and Jo Robinson as Carl undergoes treatment. u Randy and Lainey Robinson as Randy recuperates from surgery. u John and Darlene Smithhart as Darlene’s sister, Marianne Long, undergoes treatment. u Marcie Upp as her daughter, Renee Kajadasz, deals with health issues. u Bill and Mary White as Mary recuperates from surgery at Lakeside Women’s Hospital. u Josh, Jill, Ella, Haylie, and Jacob Wickham as Jill deals with health issues.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Memorial Fund in memory of Joe Hock by Robert & Nancy Smith. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Memorial Fund in memory of Mary Dell Lindley by Roger Burton. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Ukraine Mission in memory of Owen Sutter by Jerry & Sally Liles.

u Aaron, Hanna, Parker, and Easton Hensley and Family at the death of Hanna’s father, Pete Davis. u Russell and Sherry Lawson and Family at the death of Russell’s mother, Frances Lawson. u Corinne Madison and Family at the death of Corinne’s husband, John Madison. u Johnny, Donna, Lauren, and Jillian Powell and Family at the death of Johnny’s brother-in-law, Charles Halter. u Roy and Trina Ramirez and Family at the death of Roy’s mother, Leonor Ramirez. u Matt, Christy, and Kendall Ruebel and Family at the death of Christy’s grandmother, Sue Ferguson.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Memorial Fund in memory of Shirley Martin by Gary & Rosalie Rahe, Ocella White, and Bill & Gail Bright. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Shirley Martin by Patricia Morton. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister Discretionary Fund in memory of Shirley Martin by Primetime. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Skyline “Clothes for Kids” in memory of Vi Wild by Marla Eichholtz. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Bob Reynolds by Chloe Roberts. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Skyline “Clothes for Kids” in memory of Shirley Martin by Classics Sunday School.