Newsletter 12.05.12

December 5, 2012

Church of the Servant Bi-Weekly Newsletter Issue: 12.24

Believe s Belong s Become

“Home for Christmas”

Experience the most wonderful time of the year with your family in a brand new way!

Church of the Servant is proud to present “Home for Christmas” – a musical journey through Christmas past and present, complete with over 200 musicians, actors, dancers, live animals, and so much more!

The evening will feature inspirational scenic design, accompanied by a one-of-a-kind musical score, and compelling choreography and costumes that are guaranteed to get you and your loved ones in the Christmas Spirit! Come along as we take the journey from Christmas Present to Christmas Past! The show includes your favorite Christmas songs and hymns performed by our very own Celebration Choir and Orchestra, a visit from Santa Claus himself, and culminates in the greatest story ever told! Behold the manger, the shepherds, the kings, Joseph and Mary, and the Christ child - all in our “Living Nativity”. Bring the kids out early and enjoy our “nativity” petting area. Refreshments will be served. Show times are 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 16.

United Methodist

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

A WORD FROM YOUR MISSION COUNCIL

One of the principle themes of our church is mission. In this context, we think of mission as the duty of Christians to be in service to others. This is described in the Bible in Matthew 25:34-37: “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Any time we are engaged in this type of service to others, we are in mission!

The importance of mission in our church is described in our theme to Believe in Jesus Christ, Belong to a community of faith, and Become Christ’s servants in the world. Mission is a way for each of us to fulfill the third part of this theme. In performing our mission to serve others, we are, in fact, becoming Christ’s servants in the world.

The 2013 Mission Council under the direction of Dr. Robyn Goggs, Associate Minister, seeks to inspire, plan, lead and celebrate the mission experiences and ministries of our congregation. The incoming Chairperson of the Council is Martha Stone. Members are Brian Parker, Brad Traynor, Valerie Tilkens, Michelle Knight, Denise Lingo, Lisa Fansher, Dave Carmichael, D.J. Bruner, David Krivy, Evan Brown, Joe McFarlane, Stan Mortimer, and Susy Wilson. This team for 2013 extends an invitation to the whole congregation to find a way to serve in the coming year. Should you wish to be involved in mission, feel free to contact anyone on this list to find out how and where you might serve.

In coming issues of this Newsletter, you will see regular articles on the subject of mission in this new column entitled “Mission Focus”. These articles will be prepared by members of the Mission Council in our hope to keep you informed and inspired!

VOLUNTEERS FOR HANNAH’S PROMISE NEEDED!

Hannah’s Promise is an opportunity to share, care and serve children with special needs and their families. On every second Saturday each month, approximately 45 children with special needs gather here at the church to be cared for by volunteers while their parents have a respite evening away. This is such a gift offered in Christ’s love to these families and blesses them beyond what we can imagine.

Right now we have 12 children on the waiting list to become part of this ministry. Twelve new volunteers to serve one-on-one with a child are needed. The requirements are a loving and willing heart, a faithful commitment of your time each month on this second Saturday from 4:30-9 p.m., and you are 16 years or older.

All volunteers must have a background check.

If you sense this as a calling you could fulfill and you would like to visit more about Hannah’s Promise ministry, please contact Lola Burgtorf at 728-4735 or lburgtorf@churchoftheservant.com.

Dates for Mission Events and Ministries: • Dec 9 - Fruit Sale for Celebrations! Preschool • Dec 16 - Blood Drive Sunday

Special Projects:

• December/January - Share the Warmth Coats for Skyline

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UNEMPLOYMENT A Season of Struggle

Need a place to share? Unemployment is a real situation that is affecting the lives of people right here in our church. Maybe it is a reality you are dealing with at this time and you feel you could benefit by processing it with others here in your faith family that are also struggling. If you would be interested in being part of a group that can support you during this season through healthy, faith-filled dialogue, shared loss, networking, and - most of all prayer, please contact Dr. Robyn Goggs rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com .

Home for Christmas!

In the 1960s, Tokyo’s largest department store decided to have its first-ever Christmas display. On the first day of Advent, the management called in the VIPs of the city’s American and British colony for an unveiling. The managers of the store were intent on impressing the many Westerners who were now visiting Japan. They had carefully studied American pop culture and developed a display they were sure would rival anything in America or England.

The Brits and Americans were really excited. Most were terribly homesick, especially with Advent starting and Christmas on its way.

They were delighted that their Japanese hosts had worked so hard to give them a touch of home.

Those gathered there that day were confronted by the biggest Santa they had ever seen... nailed to a cross! As far as the Japanese could Dr. Robert Gorrell discern, Santa, nailed to a cross, represented Christmas.1 The world is confused about the meaning of Christmas. They wonder what the Jesus event is all about. How do we as Christians tell the world about the birth of God’s son? We invite them to church.

Yes, that’s it. We invite them to hear the Scripture, to sing the songs, and to pray the prayers.

We welcome them into the church - our home. We trust the story!

Years ago during Advent season, the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town, South Africa, used to present a pantomime — an interactive story in which the audience, particularly children, was invited to participate.

One hot summer afternoon (remember that Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere comes in the middle of their summer) the presentation of Jack and the Beanstalk was going really badly. The audience was lethargic, and the play seemed pedestrian. Eventually, the lead actor playing the part of Jack waved his hands, stopped everything, stepped to the front of the stage and asked, “What are we going to do?” To his surprise, a little boy sitting off to the side yelled out, “Let’s sing!” Inviting the boy on stage, the actor asked, “And what shall we sing?”

Taking the microphone, the little boy began to sing, “If you want joy, real joy, let Jesus come into your heart,” a little chorus he had learned in Sunday school.

When the boy had finished, there was silence. Then the whole theater burst into applause. That moment of joy breathed new life, energy and a little magic into the afternoon’s performance. The joy in the gift of the Christ child is an invitation for us to be a source of joy in the giving of ourselves and in the receiving of others.

Invite someone to join you in your spiritual home this Advent and Christmas season. Invite them to come home for Christmas!

- Robert 1

Santa Crucified, Christchurch Press, 1993.

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WOMEN HELPING WOMEN – The YWCA SANTA STORE

Here is another opportunity at Christmas to share with others if you missed Christmas Grace. Several of our women serve at the YWCA and wanted to share this ministry with you. YWCA operates a shelter for victims of domestic violence and provides counseling services to these victims, as well as victims of sexual assault.

About the YWCA Santa Store

How it works: The store consists of two rooms, one with gifts for moms and one with gifts for children. The women can pick out gifts for their children, while the volunteers help kids choose gifts for their mom. All the gifts are free and gift wrapped once they are picked out!

Why: The YWCA puts on Santa Store instead of letting donors “adopt” a family because the store gives the women and children the precious power to choose. The store empowers women and children by letting them “shop” and make decisions on their own. Not only does it provide them gifts for the holiday season, it also lets them experience the joy of giving gifts to the ones they love.

How to get involved: See what items we need on our Comfort and Joy List! The Santa Store will also accept gift cards from Walmart and Target in $10 or $25 increments as well as gift wrapping paper, tape, boxes and bags. All gifts can be dropped off unwrapped at the YWCA administration building at 2460 NW. 39th Street, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The deadline for receiving items is December 10.

Give items for children’s holiday gifts:

Board games (for all ages) Learning and developmental toys (for all ages) Children’s reading books (for all ages) Baby dolls, Barbies and accessories Tonka cars and trucks Action figures Basketballs, footballs, soccer balls Sports equipment Children’s pajamas and slippers (for all ages) Manicure kits, nail polish and make-up for girls Infant toys and rattles Building blocks (for all ages) Non-violent computer and video games DVD players Coloring books and Crayons MP3 players Handheld video games Bikes, scooters and skate boards

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Give items for women’s holiday gifts:

(for the women in shelter & other YWCA programs) Robes and slippers or house shoes Restaurant gift certificates Hair products, including culturally-specific products Tote bags and purses Hair dryers and flat-irons Gloves, hats and scarves Manicure and pedicure gift certificates Watches and bracelets Earrings Manicure sets Lotions, body washes and perfumes Coats and sweaters Craft items Picture frames Cameras, MP3 players Books, family movies

PROGRESS AT CANYON CAMP Earlier this year our congregation generously gave a special offering to fund the demolition of old cabins and completion of new dorm buildings at Canyon Camp. Well, the demolition is complete - removing Cabin 6, the guys’ bathhouse, and Knox cabin on the north end of camp, and Workers, Nurses, Cabin 10 and Cabin 14 on the south end of camp. The new cabins – one on each end of the camp - will be metal buildings (for maintenance and durability reasons), each one approximately 3100 square feet. One building will be completed “turn-key”. The other will be “framed in”, and the hope is that volunteers will be able to complete the interior work on that dorm, which will decrease the final cost.

At this point, the sub-soil engineering has been completed and sewer lines have been re-routed. The contractor is expected to begin excavation this week, followed by cement work. Then the buildings can be constructed. The expectation is that the “turnkey” building would be completed by mid-February. Then in the Spring, they hope to use volunteers to finish the inside of the “framed in” dorm and construct bunk beds for both buildings.

By summertime and for many summers to come, the new dorms should be able to house a whole new generation of campers, as well as many seasoned veteran campers, all transformed by their experiences at Canyon Camp!

Guess what just arrived in Earthglow? Battery controlled Candles! You have the glow of a candle without the safety issues of a real one. We have three sizes and they can be set on a 4-hour timer or an 8-hour timer. All you need to add is batteries! We also have a large selection of Nativities, from small to quite large.

Come in today and see our merchandise. Also remember that the proceeds from your purchase will be given to Missions! Thank you for your support!

Earthglow will have a “Star” table on Sunday mornings between services through December 16. You may purchase a star to “honor” or “in memory” of special people in your life. Each star is $5. In addition to the star on the tree, a letter will be sent to the “honoree”, or to someone in the family if it is purchased “in memory”.

The funds generated will go to Missions through Earthglow!

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The next few weeks will be full of fun times together in Middle School Ministries!

Here are some dates to keep in mind: December 2: Last night of regular JAM Bible Study December 5: Middle School Christmas Party at the Brinner’s Home, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

December 9: JAM Christmas Party FUEL will continue as usual on Sunday mornings throughout the Christmas season!

Confirmation!

Attention Parents of 7th and 8th grade students! Confirmation 2013 will begin January 27.

Registration forms are available at the church and on our middle school website. Please contact Dana Israel for more information, disrael@churchoftheservant.com or at 405-728-4753.

Deadline for registration will be January 6. Please consider letting your child to be a part of this incredible experience!

Capture this Moment of Time in Portraits

We are doing a pictorial directory to draw our church family closer together and to celebrate our church. We will begin scheduling appointments in early January for photography sessions beginning February 5. There is no cost to the church and no sitting fee for your family. You will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and a copy of the directory for participation. You will be photographed, choose your pose for the directory and have the chance to make additional purchases all in one trip to the church. Look for more information in the newsletter and bulletin in the coming weeks, and please make an effort to participate in this great opportunity! Our directory won’t be complete without you!

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u Lewis and Joni Case as Joni faces surgery at the McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital.

u Grant, Kim, and Reagan Spring and Family at the death of Grant’s grandmother, Marie Wilson.

u Frances Durrett as she deals with health issues.

u Barbara Waters and Family at the death of Barbara’s husband, Rev. Donald Waters.

u Joan Gilliam as she recuperates from surgery. u Annette Gonzalez as she undergoes rehab and is a resident at Quail Creek Nursing and Rehab Center. u Ron and Sharon Hendricks as Sharon faces surgery at the Cancer Centers Treatment of America in Tulsa, OK. u Jack and Nancy Morgan as Jack deals with health issues. u Blair and Jeannie Schoeb as Jeannie’s father, Floyd Hardin, is hospitalized at Midwest City Regional Hospital.

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 728-4735.

u Storm Leslie at the birth of her son, Tyler Wayne Lusk. The proud grandmother is Laura Leslie. The proud great grandparents are Darryl and Maxine Leslie.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Stephanie Muller by Donald & Doris Cline. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Helen Adams by Mary Dickson.

u Steven, Angela, and Angelica Strozier as Angelica deals with health issues. u Lynn and Joyce Treece as Lynn recuperates from a procedure. u Bob Tehan and Linda Quinlivan as Bob’s sister, Cathy Rackley, deals with health issues. u William, Lynsey, Katelynn, Karter, and Koleton Thomas as William’s grandmother, Phyllis Thomas, deals with health issues.

Camera Operators Needed!

We are looking for camera operators to help with Sunday morning services. No experience necessary. Contact Heather DeShazo for more information at 728-4704.

u Bill and Barb Yuill as Bill is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center.

Volunteers Needed!

Join the publications crew every Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the Staff Lounge to help fold papers, stuff envelopes, and update the cards in the pew pockets. It’s a great way to meet new people and to participate in the ministry life of our church.

Have You Considered Becoming a Member of Church of the Servant?

Some of you have been attending for a short time and others among you have been here longer than you even remember. One thing you may have in common is that for one reason or another, you have not taken the step to church membership. We would like to offer you the opportunity to give God the gift of your commitment to the church. Contact Jeremy Sanders at 405-728-4767, or jsanders@churchoftheservant.com for more information.