Newsletter 11.05.14

November 5, 2014

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 14.22

357 Runners, 38 Volunteers, and $9,025 raised for Safe Kids Oklahoma and the Car Seat Ministry.

Beautiful day, great run, and good fellowship for a great ministry!

Hope in the Face of Evil

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

Today we live in a world where so many evil things seem to happen. So how do we stay hopeful in the face of so much evil? Consider the Book of Revelation? I think Revelation is the most hopeful book in the entire Bible!

It was written by a man named John who was spending some time on the lovely island of Patmos, a few miles off the coast of modern Turkey. But in John’s day, it was not so lovely a place. It was in fact a Roman prison where the Romans sent persons, or certainly this person, to get him out of the way, to isolate him from the Roman populace. Why? John’s answer is that it is “because of the word of God and the testimony of (or to) Jesus” (Rev 1:9). In short, John was a Christian, and a preacher, and the Romans late in the first century were very leery of both. After all, in the sixth decade of the first century they had executed both Paul and Peter in Rome, and several Roman emperors had persecuted Christians throughout the empire, beginning with Nero up to Domitian at the end of the century. Rome saw people like the Christian preacher John as seditious and dangerous to proper order, so they sent him to Patmos.

Crying and pain and sorrow will be gone.

In short, the world will eventually be what God had in mind for it at the very beginning, a place of order, structure, design, a place ruled by love.

The key to the whole thing is found in the astonishing Revelation 5. John in his vision is wafted into heaven, and there looks in vain for someone who is worthy to open the scroll of the book of the meaning of life. “I began to weep bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or (even) to look into it” (Rev 5:4). But one of the heavenly elders comforts him, urging him not to weep, because “the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals” (Rev 5:5). But when John gazes around the throne room of God, instead of seeing a lion, a massive creature of power and fearful strength, he sees a lamb, “standing as if it had been slaughtered” (Rev 5:6). The lamb takes the scroll, and after suitable praise from the heavenly choir, he proceeds to open the scroll and its seals. And what, does all that mean?

The key to God’s purpose for the world does not consist of power; conquering does not mean victory in any traditional sense. It means that the slain lamb is the key to life’s meaning.

The key to life is service, a service that may lead to suffering and sacrifice and dying. Little wonder that the Romans did not want John mouthing such things into a Roman world built by armies and fighting and glorious death. The Revelation of John contradicts the Roman view of the world at every turn, so John was sent to prison to shut him up.

That’s how evil works. Evil always tries to shut good up and smother hope.

But your job and mine is to point to the hope that is Jesus Christ. Our job is to stay hopeful even when evil does it’s worst because we know the promise!

- Robert

Our job is to stay hopeful even when evil does it’s worst because we know the promise!

John certainly endured his share of evil…

On the island, John receives a word from Jesus. Jesus’ message in Revelation is in fact about one thing: God wins and the powers of evil lose. And at the end of all things, God will make “all things new,” not “all new things.” There will be finally no sun or moon (those objects made on the fourth day of creation in Genesis), because God and the lamb will be all the light that everyone needs.

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Missions

Compassion International’s Change the Story: The Compassion Experience Three-day Stop at Church of the Servant December 12-14

International Mission Trips in 2015

Have you ever thought of serving others in a different part of the world?

There are two international mission trips set for next year and open to the church community.

This tour takes visitors on an immersive journey into the lives of three Compassion beneficiaries living in developing countries around the world. Over 1.4 billion people in these countries live on less than $1.25 per day - facing questions, choices and challenges you’ll have to see to believe. The true stories featured in The Compassion Experience belong to three children who grew up in situations just like this. Through the use of a personal iPod, a headset and over 3,100 square feet of interactive space, you’ll visit homes, walk through schools and markets, and hear life-changing stories of hope – all from the perspective of a child growing up in poverty.

This free event is appropriate for all ages and an excellent opportunity for anyone who has never had the chance to travel outside the US to get a small glimpse of what life is like in some developing countries. Reservations for the event will begin in midNovember.

54 volunteers are needed to host the different shifts and provide hospitality and care for the 3,000 people that will be expected to come from the community for the experience. If you are interested in volunteering for a shift on one of the days, please contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com.

Guatemala City: June 14-21; cost, $1,600; Team Leaders, Robyn Goggs and Sang Nguyen Maua, Kenya: Sept 24-Oct 8; cost, $3,800; Team Leaders: Ann and Nick Knutson If you are interested in either of these trips, please contact the church.

Christmas Grace continues throughout November.

It was a great beginning, with 200 families adopted the first week!

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 to provide 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. It is a ministry that serves our community, with a long history at Church of the Servant. Sunday school classes, families, and groups are invited to come adopt clients together. Come by the table on Sundays for details.

5th Annual Fit to Serve 5K Is Another Success!

On Sunday, October 26, 357 participants gathered for a warm run/walk, and fun was had by all! Special thanks to the planning team Jamie Adamson, Joe Lake, Susie Cobden, and Tim Hedrick. Thank you to all those who volunteered throughout the weekend at packet pick up, registration tables, and on the course. $9,025 was raised to fund our car seat ministry for the year ahead.

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Adult

Hope for the Season

November 16 at 10:45 a.m., In 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 an 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 that will be displayed in the Courtyard during the holidays, to remind us that this time of year holds celebrations as well as grief-filled remembering.

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

How You Can Make a Difference

God is calling us to be the church. Everyone. Everyday. Everywhere. No matter if it’s within our church walls, inside the community or around the world. We live to give as we focus the stewardship of our lives for eternity.

The apostle Peter instructs the church, “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” -1 Peter 4:10 God cares for every need. You and I cannot. So in His wisdom, God chose to take a piece of His heart and put it into your heart and mine in the form of a ministry passion. That is why you care about some things more than other things. That is why different people care about different things. It is by design.

God is in the business of inviting people into places and spaces where his radical love can change a life. It takes each of his followers to take a risk and take the plunge to serve. Where is God asking you to serve? Where is God inviting you to make a difference in his kingdom community? The risks are high but the reward is great.

This is not a time to volunteer less but to volunteer more.

This is not a time to give less but to give more.

Passion without action…is merely a dream.

Action without passion…passes the time.

Passion with action…can change the world!

-author unknown You have a purpose. Start the journey of discovering it.

Contact Scott Bartlow at sbartlow@churchoftheservant.com for more information about serving at Church of the Servant.

Prime Time

Community Hall November 13 at 10:30 a.m.

This month our entertainment will be Byron Berline, 3-time National Fiddle Champion. For his complete biography, go to Byron’s website at http://www.doublestop.com/ byron.php, where you can also see 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 the Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival since its 1997 beginning.

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 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.

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

November Study - Plan B: When God Doesn’t Show Up the Way You Thought He Would

Meeting Sunday mornings at 10:45 in North Adult room 6, SMILE seeks 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 faith-based topical conversation about life, led by Dr. Robyn Goggs, with this new study beginning in November. 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, Nov. 21, and will 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, be a part of a leading group, contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com.

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The Music Ministry is sponsoring a tour of 4 homes for your viewing pleasure this holiday season. The money raised will help support the choir on their trip to Italy next June 13-22. The choir will have the privilege of singing Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, along with several other concerts in Rome, Florence and Venice. Anyone can still join us on our trip by contacting the music office for information. Tickets for the open houses will be for sale in November at a cost of $15.00 for a single ticket or $25.00 per couple. Transportation from the church to all the homes will be provided for an additional $5.00 per person with advance reservation, leave your car at the church and be chauffeured! A selection of different hors d’oeuvres will be served at each home and you can visit the 4 homes in any order. Thanks to the following folks for opening their homes to us: Dr. Nick & Ann Knutson, Rhett & Nicole Pigg, Dr. Norman & Kipp Neaves and Kevin & Monica Wittrock. Purchase your tickets at the table on Sunday mornings or in the Music Office during the week.

Friends of Maua Hospital Meeting October 23 – 24, Fort Worth, TX

Mission

What a joy to reunite with some of the people who made our mission trip to Kenya so memorable! About 40 people gathered in Fort Worth to discuss ways to coordinate the efforts of the approximately 15 churches who regularly send teams to Maua Methodist Hospital in Maua, Kenya. Churches from College Station, Midland, Germantown, TN, Oregon, North Carolina, several from the Houston area and of course OKC were represented. Church teams from California and Illinois were unable to attend. Twelve of these churches have scheduled mission trips to Kenya in 2015.

We were thrilled to meet the Presiding Bishop of Kenya, Joseph and his wife, Pauline. They traveled all the way from Nairobi to provide a powerful statement of validation and support for the work of teams that have been traveling to Maua since 1999.

The management team of the hospital, headed by Rev Jim Munroe (who visited Servant this past spring) has formulated a document entitled Vision 2020. Currently the hospital runs in the red about $200,000 each year. Since its mission is to serve ALL people, it will most likely always teeter between red and black. However, $200,000 per year is unsustainable.

Vision 2020 addresses a number of ways to change the course of the hospital. The purpose of the meeting in Fort Worth was also to address ways that we could lower the deficit and grow Maua Methodist Hospital. “The goal is for MMH to become a national and East African regional destination hospital while maintaining its core mission to serve the poorest of its catchment area.” (Vision 2020 Plan) Our group of 40 broke into 3 focus groups, Medical Partnerships, Publicity/Fundraising and Foundation Plans. The Medical Group hopes to establish an internet based calendar so that medical specialists and personnel can designate when they will be there and the hospital staff will be able to adequately prepare for their visit. We hope to recruit bio-technicians to travel to Kenya to assess, repair or discard broken equipment. It is hoped that through Facebook, LinkedIn and Whats App, young medical professionals can be recruited to go to Kenya. The doctors, nurses, physical therapists who have gone have unequivocally stated that their clinical experience at MMH was extraordinary.

Publicity/Fundraising discussed using social media to fundraise and promote awareness of volunteer opportunities as well as fund-raising possibilities. We also brainstormed launching a “Maua Monday” on Easter Monday 2015 in which funds donated to the hospital service fund would be matched. A $10 donation will suture a wound or provide school immunizations. A $100 will pay for a C-Section or surgery for a traffic accident victim. The group wholeheartedly supported creating a Foundation to coordinate and oversee fundraising and volunteer opportunities at MMH. Church of the Servant is sending a team to Maua, Kenya in the Fall of 2015. If you are interested in a trip that will change your life, please contact Ann Knutson, annknut@gmail.com or call 405-323-4292.

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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 did not turn in your card this past Sunday, please complete the 2015 Commitment Card below and return it in the offering plate on Sunday 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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THANK YOU

The church was filled with the sights and sounds of a carnival midway on October 24 for our annual Fall Festival. Kids of all ages played fun games, had their faces painted, jumped in the moon bounces, petted therapy dogs and were amazed by the clowns’ balloon animals. A delicious hot dog supper, popcorn, cotton candy and a wonderful bake sale filled hungry tummies. The new raffle of family-oriented prizes was a big hit and allowed us to tally the number of attendees and capture contact information of our guests – we had more than 1,200 attendees, with nearly 300 of those being first-time visitors to our church!

The Fall Festival would not be possible without the support and volunteer efforts of so many in our church. Sunday school groups, bible study groups, youth, Warm World, Starbright, Choir, Women’s Ministries and so many more all pitched in to make this event a success. Our Children’s Ministries and Facilities staff spent many hours preparing to make the Fall Festival a wonderful evening for our guests. So, whether you filled goody bags for the event, donated goods or funds, helped promote the event, invited friends or family to attend, made goodies for the cake walk or bake sale, volunteered at the event, or helped clean up afterward, THANK YOU for your service!

Not only did you all make a fun, free event possible for so many families in our community, you also provided a positive, welcoming impression for our first-time guests. Through the hot dog supper, cotton candy, popcorn and bake sale, your efforts grossed more than $1,500, and the proceeds from the Fall Festival will support our Children’s Ministries. Attendees also brought donations for Infant Crisis Services, which amounted to more than $4,600 of diapers, wipes and other baby essentials.

WOW! What a wonderful night of fellowship, and what an incredible example of our church community coming together to serve! THANK YOU!

Children

Special thanks to Erin Page and Meghan Thompson for chairing the Fall Festival. I was so inspired by their leadership and encouraged by their commitment of excellence to this wonderful Christ-filled fun evening that our congregation and community experienced.

- Cathy Hersom, Children’s Director

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Student This fall break, I went on the High School Fall Retreat, Exodus. While I was on this trip, I noticed one thing; I am so blessed to be in a youth group with a community that is so strong. Could it be stronger? Well of course it could. But the relationships we have and also the ones we built are so strong. Everyone was just so happy to be with each other.

You wouldn’t just look and see someone sitting all alone without anywhere to go. Everyone always had people asking them to join in on what they were doing. And that’s a way I saw God, through the love and relationships in everyone else. How everyone was being so kind and lovely with one another trying to build strong bonds that are almost impossible to be broken, worshiping God and praying together, comforting each other, playing games together, just living as one unit and one community. I think that’s why God puts these opportunities in our lives is so we can take advantage of the relationships we are so privileged to have and use those people in times of need.

I think it makes God very happy to see us all together and happy to be together for Him. - Isabel Johnson, Sophomore Throughout my years in Student Ministries, I have been able to attend many retreats and camps at Canyon Camp. Every event that I attend I am able to see God move in incredible ways. Every time that I step into the camp and am able to get away from technology and see the beauty of God’s creation, it is a nice escape. As kids walk into the canyon for the first time and experience this same reaction, I am reminded of God’s presence. This was the same this year as the HS Youth went on our fall retreat. With so many new students attending Fall Retreat this year, I saw God move. New friendships were made all weekend as we danced to Just Dance and saw some kids break out of their shell, to running all around camp during a scavenger hunt as a small group, to when we were in our small groups sharing with each other little pieces of our lives. Gods presence was everywhere, and I saw him move.

One of my favorite things is worship. No matter if it’s a camp or a retreat I always look forward to worship. This year we had incredible worship sessions where we were able to stand in a old building where thousands of times before worship had happened, and as a group prayed that what we learned and experienced that weekend would fill the streets of our community. As we prayed these things I was able to see hearts touched as everyone in that room was praying for Gods movement to continue. Our theme this year was Exodus and as we learned about God breaking the chains of the Israelites and freeing them from slavery, we learned in the same way God frees us from the slavery if sin in our own lives. Hearts changed,movement happened, and God was glorified. - Madison Cude, Senior “What am I thinking?” Well, that is what I thought as Friday morning arrived and I knew that later that afternoon I would have to leave work early in order to be at the church parking lot to leave for the High School Ministries Fall Retreat two weeks ago. My schedule is so filled with work deadlines and numerous other activities that I just did not know how I was going to fit this event in. My expectations were already in my head – late nights, cold showers, some strange, creaky bed, and not really knowing many of the students in High School ministries.

However, my old, past expectations were quickly replaced by a newfound respect, appreciation, and love for this ministry and these students. Throughout the weekend, I was caught completely off guard by the sincerity and depth of our High School students’ faith and their desire to connect in a very real way with our very real God. These students very intently communicated with God during the personal prayer time, but I was also struck by the fact that they are a generation of “doers” and look for opportunities to physically and personally demonstrate their faith to others. I had the privilege of meeting so many students who right now are serving the most vulnerable in our community with their time and presence. Doing such things with such grace at this age absolutely floors me. It is a maturity that I was not expecting (another “old and past” expectation). I also had the privilege to hear about very real life struggles that these students deal with day-in and day-out, as well as the faith in which they tackle these struggles. But even as many of them have experienced so much already, life will continue to challenge and change for these students. It is with that in mind that I became so appreciative of the foundation that is being built by Sang Nguyen and the other volunteers throughout our High School ministry. I witnessed the Holy Spirit shining continuously through their sacrifices, consistent faith journey, and genuine love for each student there.

So, again, “what am I thinking?” Well, I am thinking that I witnessed a holy moment that I was honored to be a part of and will gladly do again! (Just give me a few days to recover first. Ok, Sang?) - Todd Neaves, Leader

Our Prayers

Our Life Together

u John and Carol Adams as John recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their daughter-in-law, Ghezal Pitt, deals with health issues.

Our Sympathy

Celebrating Memories

u Don and Doris Cline and Family at the death of Don’s brother, Rex Cline.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Linda Kepler by Patricia McGarrity & Leroy Ball.

u Don and Doris Cline and Family at the death of Doris’ sister-in-law, Mary Scott.

u Don and Donna Combs as Don deals with health issues.

u Allen Pease and Family at the death of Allen’s wife, Phyllis Jean Pease.

u Ben and Sammye Cravens as Sammye recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.

u Stan Van Nort and Liz Fajen-Van Nort and Family at the death of Liz’s sister, Janet Fajen.

u Paul and Susan Foster as Paul recuperates from surgery and injuries from a fall. u D.A. and Carol Heggie as Carol deals with health issues and will undergo tests at the OU Medical Center Edmond. u Rick and Shirley Jackson as Shirley’s parents, Quinton and Marie Skelton, both deal with health issues. u Marcia Massey as Marcia deals with health issues. u Don and Kay Moore as Don deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Dick and Susan Muehleisen as Susan’s mother, Johnnie Martin, recuperates from surgery and is a resident at Epworth Villa. u Kent and Glenda Potts as Glenda’s sister, Carolyn Parker, deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Justin, Nicole, Samantha, and Ben Power as Nicole recuperates from surgery. u Roy and Trina Ramirez as Trina deals with health issues. u Kathlyn Reynolds as Kathlyn recuperates from surgery. u Linda Shaw as Linda’s son, Daniel Shaw, deals with health issues and faces surgery at Baylor Medical Center.

Celebrating

u A hearty congratulations goes to Don Wentroth who is the principal at Bethany High School. His school received perhaps the most prestigious award given to any school in the United States by the national department of education. The school was given the National Blue Ribbon School award for academic excellence, the only one in the metro area and one of only five in the entire state. There are only 51 schools in the entire nation to be so recognized! Don used to be the principal of Putnam City High School before moving to Bethany and leading it to this very distinguished level of achievement and recognition. We’re proud of you, Don!

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Arvon Staats by Steven & Karen Mueller. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Arvon Staats by Joe & Shirley Rolston. 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 Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Carolyn & John Hays. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Patrick & Janis Hutchinson. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Robert & Cindy Long.

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.

u Pat Watson as Pat recuperates from surgery.

Reserve the day, November 8, for Earthglow’s annual Market event. Over 100 booths of crafts, a silent auction, and delicious lunch served by the bake sale in the cafeteria, including: beans and cornbread, chilidogs, frito chili pie, and Texas cake. Don’t miss it!

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED