Newsletter 12.04.13

December 4, 2013 CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER Issue: 13.24

Hello and

Goodbye Hello!

Dr. Robert Gorrell Senior Minister

Advent is the season of hello: Hello to Jesus! Advent is when the Jesus story begins. It is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an Anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”.

Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming.

Late in 1943, imprisoned by the Nazis for his resistance to Hitler, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote to a friend: “Life in a prison cell reminds me a great deal of Advent - one waits, and hopes and potters about, but in the end what we do is of little consequence, for the door is shut and can only be opened from the outside.”2 Theologian Kenneth S. Kantzer begins his theology of Christmas in this way: “Christmas is good news - the best of all good news. It tells us what God is like, it tells us what we are like, and it tells us what the Christian life is like. This is all we need to know to live and die by - but we need to know all of it.”3 In medieval time a custom arose during Advent. People knew that Jesus was coming again. But they didn’t know how he would look. He might be a beggar. He might be an older person on a cane. He might even be a child.

So it became customary for devout Christians to welcome into their homes all who knocked at their doors during 1 Advent. To turn any away may have meant the rejection of the Christ Child, who had come in an unfamiliar garb.

The lights we put up in and on the outside of our homes join the candles we light at church on Christmas Eve to welcome and guide Jesus to us.

This Advent, invite someone to join you at church. You never know... it might be Christ himself you welcome!

This is all we need to know to live and die by - but we need to know all of it.

Goodbye...

It is with real sadness I say goodbye to Jeremy Sanders from our clergy staff.

Jeremy and I have worked together for thirteen years on two different church staffs.

He has a dream and a calling to become a drug and alcohol counselor. An opportunity has arisen for him to follow his calling and I wish him all the best. There is such a need in that area.

Jeremy’s family will continue to worship at Church of the Servant. Join me in thanking Jeremy for his ministry and caring for his family.

- Robert Christianity Today, 1 December 1978, 20.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers From Prison (New York: MacMillan, 1972).

3 Christianity Today, 1 December 1978, 20.

1 2

Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com

Missions Christmas Eve Mission Offering To Benefit Car Seat Ministry

Over the last three years, Church of the Servant has given away 603 car seats to families in the Oklahoma City area in a ministry partnership with Safe Kids Oklahoma.

Safe Kids is dedicated to the prevention of unintentional childhood injuries- the leading cause of death and disability for children 1 to 14. Safe Kids educates families, provides safety devices to families in need, and advocates for better laws to help keep children safe, healthy, and out of the emergency room. Through this partnership we have helped in aiding Oklahoma children be safe and shared the ministry of Church of the Servant.

Our Christmas Eve offering will help to continue this ministry through our church.

Each week at least one seat is fitted by appointment here at the church and then throughout the year we have events where our church member technicians install and check seats. Our event partner in 2014 will be Infant Crisis Services. ICS will be hosting several of our events this year alongside the ones we will hold at Servant and at St. John’s UMC. Please keep this special offering in your thoughts. If you are interested in being a car seat technician in 2014, contact Robyn Goggs at 721-4141 or rgoggs@ churchoftheservant.com.

Celebrations! Preschool Fruit Sale Sunday, December 8 Oranges and Grapefruits - $15 a Box

Celebrations! Preschool is a bilingual preschool education for low-income children that Church of the Servant became a part of beginning years ago. Its purpose is to enable children ages 3 to 5 years to learn the English language and the essential skills necessary to enter public school ready to learn and succeed. The children have a better chance at success in elementary school if they can speak English before they get to first grade. The Fruit Sale each Christmas season helps fund the school for the year ahead.

The Gallery: St John’s UMC After-School Academic and Arts Academy

St John’s UMC will begin The Gallery on January 8, after school. The church is located at 1755 N Meridian and will be working in partnership with Hilldale Elementary. Volunteers for this program are needed! There will be many different roles in this new ministry. To find out more about the roles and the programs, contact Kristina Thorson, our US2 Missionary directing the program, at 425772-8131.

Christmas Grace

Thank you, Congregation, for your support this year of 178 families - a total of 628 people to whom you have given Christmas gifts. This ministry serves agencies and their clients throughout Oklahoma City that are so grateful when Church of the Servant helps make Christmas a joyful time for their families. Special thanks to Susy Wilson for the months of coordinating she does with the agencies and our volunteers. And thank you to everyone who volunteers to serve in this ministry throughout November and December.

Dates for Mission Events and Ministries: Sunday, December 8

- Noon, South Adult room 1: Gathering for Potter’s House Guatemala Team Members and those interested in going in June 2014 - Fruit Sale for Celebrations! Preschool

Sunday, December 15

- Blood Drive In Community Hall - Blessing in Worship of Mission Team leaving for Mau, Kenya (Dec 27)

Special Projects:

- December/January - Share the Warmth Coats for Skyline

SERVANT December 4, 2013 I Page 3

Women Single Mothers Reception

On December 15 before the 5:30 “Carols for Christmas” program, there will be a reception in North Adult room 12 for single mothers and their children and they will also receive tickets to the program. If you know of a single mother who is looking for a church home and whom you may have wanted to invite, please do. You can make a reservation for these tickets through Women’s Ministry by contacting Mary Jessup at mjessup@churchoftheservant.com.

By welcoming and identifying single mothers at this event and by following up after Queen for a Day, the hope is to begin a new Sunday school class as a support for women in this walk of life. If you know someone who might be interested, please be in contact with Women’s Ministries.

Women’s Advent Brown Bag Luncheons Tuesdays, December 3 and 10 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Teaching begins at Noon Dr. Robyn Goggs will present “Gather ‘Round the Table” Living and Sharing Faith like Susanna Wesley

Do you believe that behind every good man is a good woman? Me too! The woman behind John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist Church, was their mother, Susanna Wesley. Not only did she set the course of faith and service for her sons, but she did that for many others who would gather ‘round her table all those years ago. Come and hear about her inspiring life and how when we gather ‘round our tables today, they can still be places where faith and life are shared in deep ways.

Bring your own lunch. Drinks will be provided. No reservations necessary.

Hannah’s Promise Special Gifts

Hannah’s Promise, our respite ministry for children with special needs and their families, is offering unique Christmas gifts made by the children who attend monthly. Once a year, the children of Hannah’s Promise create special pieces to be sold for our ministry fundraiser.

This year the children have decorated canvas bags and aprons that will be available again on Sunday, Dec 8.

These precious, limited-edition items will be very special gifts because they have a beautiful story behind them of children who find a place of their own here at Church of the Servant. Support Hannah’s Promise and come by the table to purchase gifts for loved ones, or even for yourself.

Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com

Check out the small flocked tabletop Christmas trees at Earthglow…the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table!

Plus…Duck Dynasty baby beard bibs and blankets… say that fast three times!

Remember, all profits go to missions.

This tree filled with shoes and socks was donated by the Earthglow Managing Staff for Infant Crisis Center.

Adult Staff Transition

Sunday, December 8 will be Reverend Jeremy Sanders last day on staff at Church of the Servant. Jeremy is leaving to accept a new position coordinating a Substance Abuse Program which aligns well with his interests and prior work in suicide prevention training. Jeremy has been a valued member of our clergy staff over the last six years. His energy and welcoming smile will be missed, even as we wish him well in this new chapter of ministry.

Church of the Servant will host an informal come-and-go reception in our hospitality area 13.2, on Sunday, December 8 from 10:45 to 12:30. Please take time to swing by and thank Jeremy for all he has done for our congregation in his time with us.

Join Prime Time for a Christmas Celebration!

On Thursday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. (note time change) in Community Hall you will be in for a “treat” when Prime Time holds its Annual Silent Auction Bake Sale. If you have never attended our silent auction and would love a frenzied good time, this is THE place to be! We will start one-half hour early to allow plenty of time for bidding. If you are contributing to the sale, please have your items (cookies, cakes, pies, candies, breads, nuts) in Community Hall by 9:45. Be sure your name is on the items you bring, and if your items contain peanuts, please indicate this on your name tag.

Following the bidding, two of our favorite musically-talented church members, Rob Holloway and Michelle Knight, will present a delightful Christmas program.

You know we love to listen to both of them!

Hopefully you will plan to stay for a delicious meal of glazed ham, mac & cheese, baked beans, salad, roll and red velvet cake. If can stay for the program only, the cost is $2.00, but we recommend you stay for this yummy meal and fellowship with old & new friends for a total cost of $10.00.

Make your reservation now at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141, no later than 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 9. If you make a reservation and later find you cannot attend, please call your cancellation, as Prime Time must pay for all reservations.

Examining the Prophets

This is not just another study about the Old Testament prophets, but a study with two clear points: First, every Christian must understand that the Old Testament is not to be dismissed as old, outdated, and a mere historical document against the more important New Testament.

Second, every believer should understand that he or she is a prophet just like the Old Testament prophets. Examining the Prophets will throw a fresh light into what Christianity is all about. Participating in this study will help one grow closer to God in both maturity and a longing to serve Him the way the Old Testament prophets did in their day.

Dr. Arthur Richardson will be leading this study beginning Sunday, January 12 through March 9. It will be held in North Adult room 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The cost is $11, which covers the cost of the book. Registration begins Sunday, December 8, in the Concourse or go to www. churchoftheservant.com.

Hope for the Season

Last Sunday evening, Hope for the Season was an experience for those who are dealing with grief and loss during the holidays. The evening ended with a meaningful worship and opportunity to place a bulb on the Tree of Remembrance. The white tree with a blue ribbon will be in the Courtyard throughout the Advent season to remind us that while we celebrate our Savior’s birth, we also remember those whom we have lost, and that the loss often makes this a hard season. Please come by the tree and write the name of your loved one on a bulb and hang it on the Tree of Remembrance.

SERVANT December 4, 2013 I Page 5

Music Carols by Candlelight Sunday, December 15 5:30 and 7:30

Imagine our Celebration Center transformed into a “Gothic Cathedral”. The room will be filled with the soft glow of 25 candelabras. As the hour approaches, you will hear our wonderful Celebration Ringers “ring in” the Advent and Christmas season. Suddenly the Celebration Center will be filled with children’s voices proclaiming the good news. The Revelation Youth Choir will celebrate the season with an African Noel. The Orchestra takes their place and the overture begins. The 100 voice Celebration Choir proceeds in to the familiar tunes of the season.

What follows is a glorious, joyous celebration of the Christmas season through song and dance and a surprise or two. A very special twist to this year’s presentation is the moving of the choir and orchestra to the main floor of the Celebration Center. You will be right on top of everything!

Last year, unfortunately, we had to turn more than 500 people away from our Christmas Celebration! This year as a way to avoid this, we have printed 1,000 tickets for each service, leaving 200 for each service for visitors arriving without tickets.

The tickets are FREE and will be available on Sundays at a table in the Concourse.

You will not want to miss this one!

Merry Christmas from the Music Ministry!

CAMERA OPERATORS!

We need your help! On Sunday, December 15, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m., we will be LIVE streaming our Christmas program - Carols by Candlelight. In order to make this possible, we will need camera operators to run the three cameras in the Celebration Center. The only requirement is a servant’s heart... no experience necessary. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please contact Heather DeShazo at 721-4141 or hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com.

Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com

Our Life Together Our Prayers

Celebrating Memories

u Sarah Chastain and Martha Hammett as their cousin, L. Boyd Baker deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Bill Snyder by Garnett & Marsha Haubelt.

u David, Amy and Christian Chao, and Kailee Anderson as Amy deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Memorial Fund in memory of Darold McMurphy by Mark & Linda Hill.

u Frank and Fran Esch as Fran deals with health issues.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of David Landrum by David & Robin Croninger.

u Robert and Joyce Ezell as Joyce deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of David Landrum by Mary Alice Young.

u Elvan and Nancy Lombard as Nancy deals with health issues. u Bob and Marilyn Long as Bob deals with health issues and faces surgery at the Surgicare Center. u Kevin and Cindy Long as their friend, Ann Hankins, deals with health issues and faces treatments. u Larry and Linda Nowlin as Linda’s mother, Fran Tysor, deals with health issues and recuperates from surgery; and their daughter-in-law’s fathers, Martin Welch and Dale Henning, deal with health issues. u Charlotte Smith and Patrick and Karla O’Hara as Charlotte’s mother and Karla’s grandmother, Lillian Venable, recuperates from an illness and is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.

Our Sympathy

u Patsy Brock and Family at the death of Patsy’s husband, Carl Brock. To share condolences please visit memorialwebsites@ legacy.com. u Nancy Landrum and Family at the death of Nancy’s husband, David Merle Landrum. u Nan Miller and Family at the death of Nan’s husband, Dr. Kenneth Miller. u Tom and Bobbie Roe and Family at the death of Tom’s mother, Elisa Marsh.

Celebrating u Chad and Jennifer Cravens at the birth of their son, Carson David Cravens. The big brother is Logan Cravens.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Dorothy Adams by Mary Alice Young. u A contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Dorothy Adams

by Pathfinders Sunday School Class.

Pictorial Directory Update

Progress is being made toward finalization of Church of the Servant’s pictorial directory. For years the Olin Mills Company has been the gold standard for providing this service to congregations, but sadly they went out of business in the recent past. The new group that was recommended to the church in their absence has experienced a number of “growing pains” in the interim, causing a significant delay in the delivery of the finished directory. However, we have received a final draft and our staff is in the process of proof-reading the material to be certain that it is accurate and acceptable. We hope to have the completed product ready to distribute in the early months of 2014.

If you purchased photos from the directory company and they have not been delivered or if the quality was unacceptable, please contact the office of our Executive Minister, Rev. Randy Shrauner. Church of the Servant will work to ensure your satisfaction with your purchase or seek the return of your money. Thank you for your patience!

Stewardship Campaign

The annual stewardship campaign is progressing very well. I am pleased to report a solid increase in the amount pledged to this point in the campaign as compared to the same period last year. We have received $3,494,017.00 in total pledges from 776 giving units for an average of $4,502.60 per pledge. This represents an increase of 4.41% over last year and includes a number of new individuals and families participating for the first time. For all these blessings, we are thankful!

However, we have a distance to go to complete the campaign before the end of the year. There are a number of pledges outstanding to be recorded. If you have not yet submitted a financial commitment toward the ministries of Church of the Servant, I would encourage you to do so quickly. The Finance Committee of the church uses these Estimate of Giving cards to budget for the coming year.

Each pledge represents an opportunity for us to reach out in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Prayerfully consider how you might support these efforts in 2014.

SERVANT December 4, 2013 I Page 7

Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED