CONNECT
LENTEN SERMON SERIES
March 9th - April 20th
In this series, we are examining faces/perspectives of Christ as he journeys to the cross of Good Friday. There is excitement, love, anger, and possibly even fear. How can these stories help us to not only better understand Christ this Lenten Season, but also see the face of our Lord in one another?
Rev. Kyle Anderson Senior Pastor
Pastor's PERSPECTIVE
EMBRACING FAITH & COMMUNITY
Greetings Servant Faith Family,
I recently took some time off while my kids were out of school for Spring Break. We ventured out on a number of day trips, one of which was a trip to the OKC Zoo. On our visit, we stopped by the Lions, where we got to see the five lion cubs for the first time since a visit our family made this past fall. I was amazed at how big they have grown! What were cute little cubs rolling around playing with one another a handful of months ago now look close to full-size, intimidating lions!
I’m sure you’ve had that experience before as well. Maybe it’s not lion cubs but that family member who seems to have sprouted a foot taller since the last reunion or that High School buddy you no longer recognize now that they are a full-grown adult. While it’s easy to miss the growth taking place in the lives of those we don’t see all too often, I believe we sometimes miss the growth taking place in the life of the person we spend the most time with, someone we can’t escape: ourselves.
The season of Lent is a time of self-examination and reflection. While this is a time in which we, as a people of faith, often acknowledge our shortcomings and deep need for God, I believe our examination can also lead to celebration. Think back to where you were in your life of faith 6 months ago, a year ago, 10 years ago, or more. What has God accomplished in and through your life? How have you been the hands and feet of Christ? How have you grown in your faith? Not only you personally, but your family, your church, the community that surrounds you?
When my wife, kids, and I saw the lion cubs for the first time last fall, it was on a trip to the zoo meant to provide needed time together and an opportunity for rejuvenation following a difficult summer – a big move, children changing schools, my nervously stepping into a new church with all new people for the first time in 13 years. Looking back and examining where I was only a handful of months ago to where I am now, while I may not have become a fierce lion in that time, I thank God for the growth I, we have experienced together. As I’ve come to know you, heard more and more of your story, and served alongside you, I have come to deeply love this church, this community, and the work for God’s Kingdom that we are accomplishing together. For this and so much more, I celebrate and am thankful. This Lent, may you take the time to do the same, to examine the growth you’ve experienced, and may we look forward with excitement toward where God is leading us next!
Blessings,
Pastor Kyle
“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
- Philippians 1:6
JOIN US FOR A MEANINGFUL HOLY WEEK
As we journey through the sacred season of Lent, we prepare our hearts to remember Christ’s sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection. Holy Week invites us to walk with Jesus, from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His last supper, His suffering on the cross, and finally, the glorious hope of Easter morning.
Palm Sunday - April 13, 10:00 AM
Join us for a joyous celebration as we wave palm branches in worship, remembering Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Children and youth are invited to carry in the palm branches—please meet at the Children’s check-in station by 9:45 AM.
Maundy Thursday - April 17, 6:00 PM
Gather in the Celebration Center as we reflect on Jesus’ final night with His disciples. Through scripture and sacred moments, we will remember the profound love He showed in the breaking of bread and washing of feet.
Good Friday - April 18, 6:00 PM
Through the power of drama and music, we will journey to the cross and witness the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. This moving service in the Celebration Center invites us to sit in the solemnity of the moment and prepare our hearts for the hope to come.
Easter Sunday - April 20, 6:30 & 10:00 AM
SUNRISE SERVICE - 6:30 AM (South Lawn)
• Just as the women ran to the tomb at dawn, we will gather early to greet the sunrise, celebrating the risen Christ with a short time of music, message, and Holy Communion.
EASTER WORSHIP - 10:00 AM (Celebration Center)
• Our journey through Holy Week culminates in a joyous celebration of resurrection! Join us for a powerful Easter worship service as we proclaim, “He is risen!”
May this Holy Week deepen our faith and renew our spirits as we reflect on Christ’s love and victory over death. All are welcome! Childcare is available for ages 10 and under.
Rev. Sheri Lashley Associate Pastor
"“Will there still be occasional weeds? Of course, there will be. But there will be a much more beautiful life, filled with the God things, the fruits that God has given to us when we fill it with the
Life
PRE-EMERGENT
As I am now living again in my home and traversing the things that a homeowner deals with that a pastor in a parsonage might not, I found myself outdoors today doing “yard” things. The gentleman who has sprayed the lawn in the past texted me to say that he was coming tomorrow and could I please clean up the natural “fertilizer!”
As I was outside in this beautiful weather, cleaning up after my puppy dogs and picking up and raking what the wind has done to my trees, I started thinking about the words that label that which he will be spraying on my lawn.
As a preacher for the last 20 years would do, I find a sermon in everything, and as I picked up toys and sticks and all the other things, the words pre-emergent kept going through my mind. So when I finished outside, I went to the dictionary to find out what that is, that he will be doing. What I found was this: Preemergent herbicides act as growth inhibitors of weed seedlings. They prevent germinated weed seeds from developing roots, shoots, or both by depriving them of nutrients and
erecting a chemical barrier in the soil surface so the weeds cannot break through. Although pre-emergent herbicides do not prevent weed seeds from germinating, they need to be present in the soil when the weeds germinate.
Sounds like a sermon to me. If we have a pre-emergent of scripture, prayer, and study, and being with those who do the same, if we immerse ourselves in the things of the divine instead of the things of the world, the bad things can be prevented from happening, our lives can be a much more beautiful thing. Will there still be occasional weeds? Of course, there will be. But there will be a much more beautiful life, filled with the God things, the fruits that God has given to us when we fill it with the good stuff.
In this time of Lent, this time of selfexamination, I will ponder further that which is pre-emergent. I love a green, weed-free lawn.
In His Grip,
Pastor Sheri
TAKE US OUT TO THE BALLGAME!
Friday, May 2, 7:00 PM
Church of the Servant is going to Bricktown Ballpark on Friday, May 2 at 7:00 PM, to see the Comets play the El Paso Chihuahuas! Join us for a fun evening of fellowship! Tickets are $20.00 per person, and you will receive a ball cap and a Braums meal voucher. Sign up before April 25 at ServantOKC.org/events.
FAITH NIGHT!
We had a great time at the Thunder Faith Night game against the 76ers! Mark your calendars now and plan to join us at our next game night outing to see the OKC Comets baseball team play the El Paso Chihuahuas! Our reserved seats are all together, so we can have great fellowship too!
LADIES: Join us for our annual "Savor the Savior" Ladies' Fellowship Dinner on Thursday, April 3rd, at 6:30 PM. Lisa Boone* will be joining us to share her journey of the hard and hurt, finding hope and help in the midst of a loving community, and the faithfulness of a compassionate God. Lisa's artist friend, Kristi Self, will make a special appearance to capture His Essence on canvas during our time together. You will not want to miss this abundant feast of food, music, books, art, prayer, worship, flowers, hope, and love offerings to help clothe the babies! The cost is $25 and includes dinner and a signed copy of Lisa's book – Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone
For more information and to register, go to ServantOKC.org/savor DEADLINE TO REGISTER ONLINE IS MONDAY, MARCH 31.
*Lisa Boone is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Registered Nurse, advocate, spiritual director, writer, and speaker who brings the light of hope into dark places.
EASTER LILY SALE
Purchase a lily for $20/ea in memory or honor of a friend or loved one. Orders can be made online by credit card, or by cash/check at the table in the concourse on Sunday mornings or in the Church Office on weekdays. The lilies will bring our worship area to life on Easter Sunday! They will be available to take home after service on Sunday, April 20. Purchase your lily today at ServantOKC.org/lily
DEADLINE TO PURCHASE A LILY IS SUNDAY, APRIL 13.
PRIME TIME
MARCH/APRIL 2025
APRIL
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Thursday, April 10th, 10:30 AM
Community Hall
Special Guest: Red River Ramblers
The Red River Ramblers are UCO’s faculty Dixieland band. The group plays traditional New Orleans Jazz, made popular more than a century ago.
The UCO Jazz faculty have performed all over the world with jazz greats such as Count Basie, Phil Woods, Clark Terry and numerous others.
MAY
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Thursday, May 8th, 10:30 AM
Community Hall
Special Guest: Rev. Sheri Lashley
Join us for a special time of stories and song with our very own Rev. Sheri Lashley! Pastor Sheri has been involved in church life, all of her life, and then started the Seminary process in 2003. Sheri was ordained an Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church in 2011, and has served in churches as Senior Pastor since then until coming to Church of the Servant as Associate Pastor in 2024. Of course, as she has a degree in music, music is a passion of hers, and her ministry has always been wrapped in music.
MONDAY, April 7th!
SERVANT KIDS
FAMILY MINISTRIES
Children ages 3 through 5th grade are encouraged to join us on Sundays, 10:00-11:00 AM, for children’s church and Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM, for special weeknight programming.
SAVE THE DATES!
• APRIL 13– Meet at 9:50 AM at the children’s check-in area to carry the Palms into service for Palm Sunday.
• APRIL 13, 3-5 PM – Easter Eggstravaganza! We will have inflatables, free sno-cones, games, egg hunts, and
• pictures with the Easter Bunny! Bring your friends!
• APRIL 15 – Last day of discounted camp rates! Children grades 3-5 (next school year) will attend Camp Canyon - July 7-9. Use code serv72142 for a scholarship! (First time campers and all leaders go free with this code!)
• APRIL 27 – Sign up for Rise Against Hunger! There are jobs to do for all ages!
• MAY 2 – Servant goes to Bricktown Ballpark! Bring your family and friends, sign up soon!
Let Chris know if you have any questions - cward@churchoftheservant.com
Children’s Choir
Children grades Pre-K through 5th grade are invited to join children’s choir! The choir will be led by Heather Anderson. Practice takes place on Sundays, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, downstairs in the children’s area. Children will be learning a special song for Mother's Day and will sing in the church service on May 11. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chris Ward at 405-614-2333 or cward@churchoftheservant.com
Easter Egg-stravaganza!
Sunday, April 13, 3:00-5:00 PM
The Easter Egg-stravaganza is a fun-filled afternoon for children of all ages.
VOLUNTEER HERE >>
We will have games, face painting, Egg hunts, inflatables, goodies, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny! The fun begins at 3:00 PM. The egg hunt begins at 4:00 PM.
WE NEED CANDY: We are collecting small, individually wrapped candy to fill Easter eggs for the children. Please donate bags of candy in the bins located in the concourse.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: If you would like to volunteer for the Easter Egg-stravaganza, please fill out the paper form in the concourse, or register online by clicking on the QR code above, or go to ServantOKC.org/events to sign up. We need lots of positions filled, so everyone is welcome!
IT’S TIME TO SIGN UP FOR SUMMER CAMP!
SERVANT CHILDREN & YOUTH will be going to Camp Canyon in Hinton, OK.
• Children going into 3rd-5th grades: camp will be July 7-9. Cost is $235 (price increases April 15)
• Youth going into 6th grades (and recent graduates), camp will be July 21-25th. Cost is $380 (price increases April 15)
Scholarships are available for first come first serve when you register on the website. First-time campers and adult leaders are FREE; when you sign up for camp, check "pay through church" and use code SERV73142 Register at https://okcamps.org/campbook/
• 3-5th grades use code CYNG2
• 6-12th grades use code CYNU1
After you register, please let Chris know! 405-614-2333
Take us out to the ballgame!
Church of the Servant is going to Bricktown Ballpark on Friday, May 2 at 7:00 PM to see the Comets play the El Paso Chihuahuas! Join us for a fun evening of fellowship! Tickets are $20.00 per person, and you will receive a ball cap and a Braum's meal voucher. Sign up before April 25 at ServantOKC.org/events
SERVANT YOUTH
Servant Youth has been busy! In the month of March, we learned about Ash Wednesday, forgiving others, and what it means to be the light of the world! We have played lots of hide-and-seek, flashlight tag, and made some glow in the dark bracelets to help us remember to shine Jesus to everyone! In April, we will start a new series titled: The Comeback Kid - The Significance of Easter!
• Youth is requested to help carry in the Palms at 10:00 AM on Palm Sunday, April 13. Meet at the children’s check-in area at 9:50 AM.
• The Easter Eggstravaganza is April 13 from 3-5 PM. All youth are requested to help run the games! Please sign up with Chris or on the church website!
• In Confirmation, we have learned about what it means to take communion and about the Holy Spirit. April 27th is Confirmation Sunday! This will be an exciting day for our Confirmands and their families!
• Youth (6th grade and up), join us Wednesdays at 6:30 PM and/or Sundays at 11:00 AM in The Point Student Center!
• Sign up for camp! The youth (6th-12th grade) will be attending Camp Canyon July 21-25. Use code serv73142 to get a scholarship! Using this code gets first time campers in for free! Let Chris know if you have any questions.
BIBLE STUDIES
Wednesday Night Women’s Bible Study: Spring Session
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 | Dinner in Community Hall 6:30-8:00 PM | Bible Study in Classroom 4 Led by Cathy Maxwell, Darla K. Bierig, and Miki Farris
Wednesday night Women’s Bible study group is continuing a Lenten Study, Finding Jesus in the Psalms (6 Sessions), and then will conclude with the remainder of the Epic of Eden: Psalms study.
The Church Father Athanasius said it best –"Most of Scripture speaks to us, but the Book of Psalms speaks for us.”
March 12, 2025 – April 16, 2025, - Lenten Study: Finding Jesus in the Psalms, by Barb Roose
• Why Do We Need to Find Jesus in the Psalms? Psalm 2, Romans 8
• Finding Jesus with Us in Our Hard Places: Psalm 16
• Finding Jesus as our Shepherd: Psalm 23; John 10:1-18
• Finding Jesus as Our Hope: Psalm 110, Psalm 100, Hebrews7
• Finding Jesus as Our Strength: Psalm 69, Matthew 26, John 18
• Finding Jesus as Our Savior: Psalm 22, Matthew 27, John 20
We welcome you to join us for all or part of the study! For more information about the Wednesday Night Women’s Bible study group, contact: Darla K. Bierig – 405-574-2464 | dbierig@churchoftheservant.com Cathy Maxwell – cmaxwell20012001@yahoo.com
Wednesday AM Women’s Bible Study: Spring Session
"Bible Babes"
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM | Classroom 4 Bible study group led by Patricia Hocker
March 26-April 16-The Power and Promise of Easter by
Christine Caine & Lisa Harper
In this study we walk through the four weeks of the Lenten season taking in the details of Jesus’ life, the agony of his death, and the overwhelming joy of his resurrection. We will see it all with the eyes of faith and celebrate Easter in more ways than we ever have.
April 23-June 4-Psalm 23,The Shepherd With Me by Jennifer Rothschild
Every woman longs for someone to protect and care for her-someone to guide her when she’s not sure of her next steps, to provide rest when she’s worn out, to walk with her when the valley is dark. Join Jennifer as she explains how God is the good shepherd whose companionship provides the confidence and comfort every woman needs.
“Bible Babes” is a women’s Bible study group that is open to everyone and welcomes new friends. For more information, call Patricia at 405-535-9121.
WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS?
Leaders and staff of the church have been looking forward to doing some dreaming and planning for summertime and beyond! Can you believe it?! We are planning Christmas in July! What in the world might that be? Interested in a Singles group…Disciple Bible study…a group for widows and widowers…? Perhaps a new members class…a class on United Methodism…? What is it that interests you? A Bible study, a small group of a special interest? Eric Nance and Rev. Sheri Lashley are seeking ideas that would interest you. Call the church office and ask for Eric or Sheri, or catch them at church to share your ideas.
We have no more breaks until our last session with our kids on May 19th. So, we are getting busy trying to finish strong. We will have our Family Night on April 7, and we are looking forward to that. We are proud to show off our sight to everyone.
Speaking of showing off, Heather DeShazo came last week to film our session, so you will be able to see a glimpse of what we do each week. We have been chosen as one of three Whiz Kids sites to be filmed for recruiting purposes. They will use it to show to businesses and to help generate donations. Also, Whiz Kids has been chosen as a finalist for the Oklahoma Nonprofit Education Award! The winner will be announced in April. We will keep you posted on the outcome.
Come visit us any Monday that school is in session at New Hope United Methodist Church, 11600 N. Council Rd. We meet from 2:45-4:45 PM. M I S S I O N S
SPRINGING FORWARD WITH WHIZ KIDS
One of the fun things we do each week is to honor two children as our Stars of the Week. Pictured is Marilyn Staats and her child as she talks about her. This is a special time when we speak about positive traits that each child exhibits.
Do you remember Rise Against Hunger? Are you aware that Church of the Servant has packaged over 1.6 million meals for school children and feeding programs worldwide? It is time to renew our commitment to Rise Against Hunger and send out another 45,000 meals!
Why?
• 1 in 9 people on our planet go to bed hungry each night.
• Hunger kills more people each year than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.
• The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from pregnancy through age two, are critical. A proper diet in this period can protect children from the mental and physical stunting that can result from malnutrition.
• 66 million primary school-age children attend classes hungry across the developing world, with 23 million in Africa alone.
• With your help, it’s possible to put an end to extreme poverty, hunger and injustice for all!
Church of the Servant’s Mission Team has voted to host a meal packaging event at the church on April 27, 2025. We will package 45,000 meals beginning at 1:00 PM. We will have two shifts: 1:00-3:00 PM and 3:00-5:00 PM. We hope to have 100 volunteers (or more) to make it a fun and successful event. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather in mission as a church. Invite your Sunday school class, Bible study group, family, friends, and neighbors to join us! All ages are welcome. Watch the video on YouTube @ServantOKC.
Mark your calendars for April 27th and register at ServantOKC.org/rah. If you have packaged meals in the past and/or would like to serve on the leadership team for the event, please contact the church office at 405-721-4141 or Roger Cude at 405-919-8717 or rcude1@cox.net.
MAKE A DONATION: During the 40 days of Lent in March and April, a Fish offering will be taken each Sunday to raise the funds needed to package 45,000 meals. Thank you in advance for helping us meet this year’s meal goal. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so by going to ServantOKC.org/fishfund
EARTHGLOW
Stock Up and Give Back at Earthglow!
It’s the perfect time to stock your pantry with Earthglow’s best-selling kitchen staples! From flavorful chicken salad mixes and savory dips to crowd-pleasing cracker seasonings and more, these tasty treats are perfect for whipping up a quick meal, bringing a delicious appetizer to a party, or giving as a thoughtful gift. Whether you're a longtime fan of these pantry favorites or just discovering them, there's always something new and delicious to try.
One volunteer favorite we can’t recommend enough is the chicken salad mix. It comes in several flavor varieties and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and great for sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps. Don’t forget to explore our newest additions—you might just find a new go-to recipe or a perfect item to bring to your next potluck or family get-together.
As always, shopping at Earthglow Gift Shop means more than just bringing something lovely home. Every purchase you make supports vital mission work in our local community. So, treat yourself—or a friend—with something delicious, knowing that you're also helping those in need. Your pantry (and your heart) will be glad you did!
HOURS
Sunday: 9:00 -10:00 AM & 11:00 -11:30 AM Monday: 6:00 -7:45 PM Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
EXODUS HOUSE MISSION TRIP to Lydia Patterson Institute
The Mission Team and Pat McGarrity would like to announce that there will be a Mission Trip to Lydia Patterson Institute. Lydia Patterson Institute is a Methodist Christian collegepreparatory school located in El Paso, Texas, United States. Founded in 1913 it offers programs for Spanish-speaking children, primarily from Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua to attend high school in the United States and attend a Methodist graduate university. All high school classes are taught in English, and the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Oklahoma Annual Conference is a great supporter of Lydia Patterson Institute.
The team of 16 (14 plus the leader and a pastor) will leave on October 11, 2025, and return October 17, 2025. There will be a cost to participate and the Mission Team will help with the cost. There will be light construction, painting, and cleaning, and the team will be staying in a house connected with the Institute. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Rev. Sheri Lashley, 580-210-0013 cell, or Pat McGarrity, 405-990-2265 (leave message), or call the church office at 405-721-4141.
M I S S I O N S
Exodus House is a ministry of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church offering a six-month, temporary residential program for newly released prisoners and their families, aiming to help them re-enter society successfully. Read their latest newsletter by scanning the QR code or click HERE
CARE MINISTRY
ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP
For many years, there has been a lifesaving meeting place for those who support a loved one who suffers from Alzheimers or Dementia. The ones who have found solace among others who have traveled this road, have become the leaders of this group, giving love and care to those who came after. What a great ministry it has been for Church of the Servant to offer. It has now come to a time for it to rest awhile. There are few and far between those who have a need for this ministry. And there may come a time when it will begin again. We give thanks to those who have offered leadership to this ministry, and pray their journey has been enhanced by the love and care that they have shown.
If there are those who need help and support as they live with those who have Dementia or Alzheimers, we want to inform you of another place to receive help – Healthy Living OKC. Alzheimer’s Support. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 1:00-2:00 PM. Tim Smith, Alzheimer’s Association facilitator; he helps caregivers learn new skills by focusing on meeting the loved one where they are and providing tools for challenges. The support group is for caregivers, spouses, parents, or friends taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Healthy Living OKC 11501 N. Rockwell Oklahoma City, OK 73162 405-773-6910 www.healthylivingOKC.com
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT HOSTS TRAINING EVENT FOR UMC CLERGY
This past month, Church of the Servant hosted clergy and staff from the Oklahoma Annual Conference for a day of training. The day was filled with worship, a keynote speaker on healthy pastoral leadership, an amazing lunch in the Community Hall, and so much more. Thank you to the Servant staff and volunteers who provided such great hospitality to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
C HURCH OF THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE
As we gather today in this season of Lent, a time of reflection and renewal, we are reminded of the beauty of transformation. Just as spring breathes new life into the earth, this season invites us to renew our spirits, refresh our mission, and embrace the opportunities for growth and rebirth within our church community. Just as nature slowly awakens from winter’s slumber, our leadership team, too, seeks to awaken new ideas, deepen connections, and sow seeds that will bloom into something beautiful in the months ahead. Let’s take a moment to reflect on where we’re headed as we walk this journey of faith and service together.
Leadership Team Meeting Overview – March 2025
The March Leadership Team (LT) meeting began with a review of the Consent Calendar. The minutes from the previous meeting, the financial reports for February 2025, and the Pastor’s Report were all presented for approval.
Senior Pastor's Report Highlights – Kyle Anderson Kyle Anderson provided an update on the ongoing Gifts and Passion Surveys for congregants. Around 90-100 surveys had been completed as of the end of February. Kyle highlighted the importance of keeping this information confidential. Still, he also emphasized that it would be accessible in some limited way to the leadership team to help foster more intentional connections with the congregation. It was particularly encouraging that several youth members participated in the survey, and Pastor Kyle plans to share their results with Ms. Chris Ward. Pastor Kyle is personally reaching out to each person who responded to the Gifts and Passion Survey. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey!
Future Planning and Strategic Goals
The Leadership Team will schedule a special Strategic Goal-Planning session. A date in June was proposed for the team to meet and focus on long-term strategic planning. In addition, there was a discussion about planning a May Listening Post. This listening post will serve as an opportunity to survey the congregation and gather feedback on various ministry areas, strengths, and areas for improvement.
We will utilize an online tool called Mentimeter, where congregants can scan a QR code and provide live responses. This system would enable the LT to gather real-time feedback during the May Listening Post. During this process, attention will be given to the differing needs of online and in-person participants.
Please be on the lookout for the date and time of the Listening Post in May; plan to attend, and bring your smartphone or device. It is so important that this be a priority of our congregation. It is an intentional way to involve everyone in sharing their thoughts and ideas.
Team Updates
The LT and Pastor Kyle have created “teams,” which will include ongoing groups such as the Leadership Team, Servant Foundation Team, and Nominations Team, which will meet regularly. Other teams, such as those focused on facilities, missions, financial matters, and church policy, will be formed as needed for short-term projects. Updates from the work of these teams will be provided on a regular basis at future LT meetings. For example, an update was provided by Clarke Farmer on the Servant Foundation Team:
Servant Foundation Team Update
The board recently met with Billy Mead from the OK Methodist Foundation, who manages the Servant Foundation’s assets. The board is in the process of refining the foundation’s bylaws to ensure clarity around its operations. One key takeaway was the need for the LT to be more intentional about fundraising requests, as different funds may have specific purposes. The OK Methodist Foundation will continue to serve as the fiduciary for the foundation, with the goal of supporting the LT’s efforts more effectively.
Next Steps and Action Items
As the meeting came to a close, the team expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming initiatives and the collaborative efforts that will help drive the church's mission forward. The next LT meeting will be held on April 27, 2025, in Room 12. All are welcome to attend!
Dana Renner Leadership Team Member
