November 19, 2014
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 14.23
Honoring our Veterans
The Circle of Generosity
Have you turned in your pledge card for 2015? Many of you have and we are so grateful for your generosity and promptness. Others of you may still be pondering what to give or you’ve simply been forgetting. Whether or not you have turned in your pledge card, I would like to share a story with you about the amazing way generosity works.
Rev. David Wheeler Associate Minister
There were once two young men working their way through Leland Stanford University. Their funds got desperately low, and the idea came to one of them to engage Paderewski for a piano recital and devote the profits to their board and tuition. The great pianist’s manager asked for a guarantee of two thousand dollars. The students, undaunted, proceeded to stage the concert. They worked hard, only to find that the concert had raised only sixteen hundred dollars. After the concert, the students sought the great artist and told him of their efforts and results. They gave him the entire sixteen hundred dollars, and accompanied it with a promissory note for four hundred dollars, explaining that they would earn the amount at the earliest possible moment and send the money to him. “No,” replied Paderewski, “that won’t do.” Then tearing the note to shreds, he returned the money and said to them: “Now, take out of this sixteen hundred dollars all of your expenses, and keep for each of you 10 percent of the balance for your work, and let me have the rest.” The years rolled by--years of fortune and destiny. Paderewski had become premier of Poland. The devastating war came, and Paderewski was striving with all his political might to feed the starving thousands of his beloved Poland. There was only one man in the world who could help Paderewski and his people. Thousands of tons of food began to come into Poland for distribution by the Polish premier. After the starving people were fed, Paderewski journeyed to Paris to thank Herbert Hoover for the relief sent him. “That’s all right, Mr. Paderewski,” was Mr. Hoover’s reply. “Besides, you don’t remember it, but you helped me once when I was a student at college and I was in a hole.” One of the wonderful things about being a part of a community of faith like Church of the Servant is, we’re able to experience this circle of generosity. Christians have historically called it, “reaping and sowing.” If you’ve yet to turn in your pledge card, consider that it just might be your pledge that helps us to touch a life that will one day be instrumental in sharing God’s love with even an entire nation, like Herbert Hoover did for Poland. Thanks in advance for your generosity. 2015 is going to be an incredible year at Church of the Servant! Blessings,
Rev. David R. Wheeler Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Upcoming Mission Dates to Know:
Missions
Sundays, Nov 30 and Dec 7 –– Christmas Grace gifts to be returned Friday-Monday Dec 12-15 –– The Compassion Mobile Experience Sunday, Dec 14 –– Blood Drive
Skyline News: A new building brings new opportunities for ministry! - Dr. Robyn Goggs
Last week, Skyline Urban Ministries had the dedication and grand opening of the new facility on SE 15th Street that is all encompassing of its ministries. Previously, the food pantry and the eye clinic were at the 8th street location. But now with a new facility and all the ministries located together, there are great new opportunities and possibilities. I was blessed to be there for the opening and see the excitement around all these changes. For 40 years, Skyline Urban Ministries has served some of the poorest people in Oklahoma City. As a United Methodist ministry, it has survived and thrived because of the commitment of many volunteers. This commitment is still needed as Skyline moves into this new era. I want to share some opportunities with you as individuals or groups. Primetime: A ministry to seniors that provides lunch brought in by groups Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Groups to prepare a meal for about 40 seniors are needed all throughout the year. The Skyline Store: Traditionally, I thought it was mainly clothes that were needed. But when walking through the store, I saw that appliances for the home, shoes, books, home decor, and most household items are received and shared at the store. All items are sold to the community for 50 cents and larger items like appliances are $1. You are welcome to bring your items to the blue bins around the church building as they are picked up each Monday. The Food Resource Center: The 5-mile area around Skyline is called a “food desert” because there are no grocery stores. This new partnership with the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank has taken Skyline from a food pantry to a food resource center for the surrounding food pantries as well as its own food pantry. The facility is three times the size and now has a full service freezer and warehouse. We can continue to support this ministry by bringing our food goods, especially canned meats, cereal, peanut butter, powdered milk, and other protein-oriented foods. If you are looking for a place to give a few hours to serve a week, this is such a worthwhile ministry with which our congregation is deeply rooted in relationship. I would encourage classes, groups, and families to go and see the facility and allow a tour to inspire your service! Please feel free to contact Dr. Robyn Goggs: rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com; or our Skyline Chairperson, Jimmie Pallesen: s8216j@hotmail.com.
All of the Christmas Grace families have been adopted! Thank you for your faithfulness! Remember gifts are to be returned for two Sundays: November 30 and December 7 in the Courtyard.
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. Guatemala City: June 14-21 cost: $1,600; Team Leader: Robyn Goggs and Sang Nguyen Maua, Kenya: Sept 24 - Oct 8 cost: $3,800; Team Leader: Ann and Nick Knutson If you are interested in these trips please contact the missions office at church.
Christmas is at Earthglow! ‘Message from God’ Christmas ornaments are in. Mailbox has a message with John 3:16, and room for personalization. Get them while they last! All profits go to missions.
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Adult Annual Women’s Ministry Advent Luncheons: Contagious Christmas! Tuesdays, December 2, 9, 16 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bring a Brown Bag Lunch. Drinks and Dessert provided. The luncheons this year are centered on spreading the joy of Christmas. Women will enjoy getting to know one another as they share their own stories of joy as well as embracing the joy of the Christmas Story. Each week, Dr. Robyn Goggs will teach, and then we will make something to give to someone else to share the joy of Christmas. These luncheons are so much fun and uplifting during the season. Bring a friend with you! Please register by Sunday, November 30 for all or several of the luncheons. Register online at www.churchoftheservant.com, at the Welcome Center, or by
Healing Hearts for Wives with Heavenly Husbands Community Hall Saturday, December 13 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Bob Willis is a talented sculptor from Edmond, Oklahoma. As a demonstrating sculptor, he frequently entertains groups with his fascinating method of sculpting a bust in clay. He holds workshops at his Edmond studio and the House of Clay in Oklahoma City. Bob will lead us through an experience that engages our senses and encourages us to experience Christmas in new and creative ways. Lunch included. Please R.S.V.P. by Monday, December 8 –– Susie Cobden at 721-4141 or scobden@churchoftheservant.com.
Prime Time Church of the Servant - Community Hall Thursday, December 11, 10:30 a.m.
This month, we will have two items of entertainment and fun on the agenda: the annual bake sale/silent auction and a musical presentation by David Anderson and friends. The silent auction of the baked goods will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to bid on delicious cakes, cookies, candy, etc. prepared by our own Prime Timers. The proceeds of this auction are used for Christmas Mission Gifts given by Prime Time. Following the auction, singer David Anderson and gifted pianist/composer Dr. Matt Schinske will perform THE MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS. This will be a profusion of artistry and unexpected pleasures to make your spirits bright. In addition, there will be a delightful surprise guest from ABC’s “Good Morning America” that you will long remember. Don’t miss this presentation of the music, innocence, and power of Christmas! Following the program, will be our usual time of fellowship with old and new friends as we enjoy the festive holiday meal prepared for us. 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. on Monday, December 8, to make your meal 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. Prime Timers: Deliver the pies, cakes, candy, etc. by 9:45 a.m. Please label your items as follows: Your name and description of each item. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Compassion International’s Change the Story: The Compassion Experience is Making a Four-Day Stop at Church of the Servant –– December 12-15 We’re hoping you can join us for a brand-new, potentially lifechanging experience from Compassion International. December 1215, Church of the Servant will host Change the Story: The Compassion Experience. It’s an immersive, traveling exhibition that lets you walk through the life of an actual child who has suffered the crippling despair of severe poverty. We’ll hear his story through the voice of a child; we’ll stand and walk through spaces that look and feel just like the world of poverty where he grew up. But the journey does not end there. In less than 20 minutes, the child’s story changes from hardship to hope, and from hope to a life transformed... because someone cared enough to step up and “change the story” for that child! We’ve heard that Change the Story is an eye-opener. World-renowned artists like Michael W. Smith, Bebo Norman and others have attended the Experience and are raving about it. And it’s free. Would you join us? Even if you can’t go with us, we encourage you to check it out on your own. You can reserve a spot at compassion.com/change or go to churchoftheservant.com.
For Those That Wish to Volunteer!
Contact Shaun Caraway at caraway.compassionec@gmail.com if you’re interested in helping bring the experience to life! Just let him know which date you are interested in volunteering, along with your name, email address, and sponsor number if you have one. He can provide you with available slot times as well as information on training and logistics. You must be at least 13 years old to volunteer. Rev. Scott Bartlow & Dr. Robyn Goggs, Associate Ministers
Church of the Servant
14343 N. MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City Fri Dec 12
Sat Dec 13
11:00 am-5:40 pm 10:00 am-5:40 pm
Sun Dec 14
Mon Dec 15
8:00 am-6:40 pm 11:00 am-5:40 pm
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Children Kids Are Sponges
One of our best-known ministries at Servant is Warm World, our Christian school for three to six year-old children. One of their values is to provide social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs of children. Every week, the children are being taught biblical principles in a fun environment at the Chapel. Typically, Mr. John teaches and sings fun songs to help equip the kids with God’s Word. However, this week Mr. John was out of town, and I was asked to step in to assist with teaching the kids for Chapel. This week, we learned Colossians 3:2, which states, “Keep your mind on things above and not things of the world.” As I was teaching the kids the scripture and asking them questions about Jesus and the Bible. I was floored by how much these kids knew about God and their ability to share with me how they follow Jesus in their families. I simply thought, these kids are sponges, and their ability to take in God’s word was amazing. Warm World and our children’s ministry is fostering a safe and authentic environment for kids to learn God’s word and begin to learn to be followers of Jesus. May you be like a sponge and take in God’s word. May his words take shape in your heart and mind to become more and more like Jesus. - Rev. Scott Bartlow
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Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Robert Adams as Robert’s brother, Max James Adams, deals with health issues. u Geoff Baker and Susan King-Baker as Geoff recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Larry and Marcia Becker as Larry deals with health issues. u Dan and Cathy Bush as Dan recuperates from outpatient surgery. u John and Margaret Curless as Margaret recuperates from surgery. u Susan Dage as Susan recuperates from surgery. u Dean and Judy Gigstad as Dean deals with health issues. u John, Robyn, Noah, Daisy, and Julia Goggs as Robyn’s grandmother, Thelma Thompson, recuperates from a procedure. u Dean and Merin Gracey as Merin’s father deals with health issues. u Georgia Lynn as Georgia deals with health issues and is hospitalized at the AMG Specialty Hospital. u Johnnie Martin and Dick and Susan Muehleisen as Johnnie is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Wes and Jeanie Mills as Wes deals with health issues. u Larry and Linda Nowlin as Linda’s uncle, Chan Tysor, deals with health issues and is under hospice care. u JoAnn Pace as JoAnn recuperates from surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Gus Schmid as Gus deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Jim Thorpe Rehab Center. u Lizette Stephens as Lizette deals with health issues. u Eric, Jeanna, and Amelia Stewart as Jeanna recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at the OK Heart Hospital. u Nicole Welch and Amber Welch as Nicole’s and Amber’s grandmother, Katie Welch, deals with health issues and is under hospice care. u Bill and Mary White as their son-in-law’s father, Mr. Huddleston deals with health issues. u Gary and Mary John White as Gary deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.
Our Sympathy
u Bill and Julane Borth and Family at the death of Bill’s sister, Ella Herndon. u Melody Garnett, and Jerry Gamble and Jane Jayroe Gamble and Family at the death of Melody’s mother and Jane’s aunt, Betty Smith. u Bob Gentry and Family at the death of Bob’s wife, Margaret Jo Gentry. u Niles and Brenda Martin and Family at the death of Niles mother, Pansy Martin. u Wayne and Sharon Wallace, Jeff, Michelle, Jeffrey, and Jayden Knight and Family at the death of Wayne’s and Sharon’s grandson and Michelle’s nephew, Blaine Michael Wallace. u Bill and Mary White, and James, Amanda, Morgan, and Adriane White and Family at the death of Amanda’s grandfather, Mr. Wilson.
CARE MINISTRIES
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 312-4634.
Celebrating u Clyde and Fran Kirk at the birth of their granddaughter, Madison Grace Wilson. The proud parents are Ben and Sarah Wilson of Midland, Texas. u Rob and Christy Peterson at the birth of their daughter, Matilda Grey Peterson. The proud sister is Elyse Peterson. u Matt and Ashley Pollock at the birth of their daughter, Ella Kate Pollock. The proud sister is Channing Pollock. The proud grandmother is Brenda Curtis. The proud uncle, aunt, and cousins are Brent, Kelli, Avery, and Alice Lay. u Blake and Katie Middleton at the birth of their son, Judson Sullivan Middleton. The proud grandmother is Cathy Hersom. The proud uncle, aunt, and cousin are Robbie, Kristin, and Cole Hersom.
Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Joanne Saunders. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Michael Coffelt. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Curtis & Ruby Cline. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Larry Stewart. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Dr. Stanley Rogers. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Theia Hulse by Justin & Kimberly Groom. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Jerry Weber by Jon & Rebecca Schoenborn. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Pat Hansen by George Malone. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Barbara Naranche. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Whiz Kids in memory of Dean Naranche by Michelle & Scott Griffin. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Exodus House in memory of Pat Hansen by TLC Sunday School Class. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Exodus House in memory of Pat Hansen by Ronald & Shirley Beckett. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Ray Mayfield by Donald & Doris Cline. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Ramon Sutton by James & Glenda Payne. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Ramon Sutton by Primetime. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Ted McCourry by Primetime.
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Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED