CONNECT
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
Rev. Kyle Anderson Senior Pastor
Pastor's PERSPECTIVE
EMBRACING FAITH & COMMUNITY
Greetings Servant Faith Family,
“When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). It’s hard to believe, but Easter is right around the corner. As I write this, we are two months away from hearing the good news that life has defeated death, the tomb has been found empty, Jesus is alive. While that joyous day of celebration will be here before we know it, we have quite the journey before we get there.
The season of Lent, a forty-day journey (not counting Sundays) of preparation,
begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. This is a day of acknowledging our human frailty and deep need for the Lord. We will hold two services that day, one at noon in the Chapel of the Cross and the second at 6:00 p.m. in the Celebration Center where we will receive the imposition of ashes and the gift of Holy Communion. Sundays during the season of Lent we will be hearing a sermon series called "The Faces of Christ" as we examine the many perspectives and emotions of Christ as he journeys toward the cross. On Thursday, April 17, we will celebrate Maundy Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in the Celebration Center as we recall Jesus' final night and that last supper he shared with his disciples. On Friday, April 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Celebration Center will be our Good Friday service where, through the gift of drama and music, we will hear the story of Christ’s sacrifice anew this year. Then, on Easter Sunday, April 20 at 6:30 a.m., like the women who ran to the tomb early in the morning, we will gather on the south lawn to greet the sun and celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a modest time of music, message, and Holy Communion. Our journey to Easter will conclude at 10:00 a.m. with our full Sunday service in the Celebration Center.
As you can see, Easter is not far away but we have quite the journey to take before we get there. And this is a journey that I strongly urge you to embark upon. Sure, all are welcome at our Easter Sunday service, but it is my experience that the empty tomb of Easter Sunday loses so much of its meaning when we fail to remember what it took for Jesus to get there. So together, as a family of faith, let us not forget to remember, give thanks, and celebrate the one who took so many steps to the cross and the empty tomb so that we might experience abundant life. I look forward to walking alongside you on that journey celebration and praise this and every Sunday. See you soon!
Blessings,
Pastor
Kyle
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 a.m.
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 a.m.
Maundy Thursday - April 17, 6:00 p.m.
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 p.m.
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 a.m. (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 a.m. (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
"“Have you thought about your faith history, your faith family, and how you live your life these days?”
F aith
LIVING OUT OUR
When I think of March and I am writing an article for the church newsletter, I think of a couple of things. First, I think of St. Patrick’s Day, as I am Irish. Well, at least quite a bit of Irish. My mother’s maiden name is Murphy, and we know that Grandpa Murphy’s ancestors are from Northern Ireland. The other thing that March reminds me of is, of course, the season of Lent and the coming of Easter. My family was from Northern Ireland; therefore, they were Protestant, and from what I understand, they began as Presbyterians.
I came from a family and parents who believed that their four kids should be reared in church. We began in the First Christian Church in Elk City, Disciples of Christ, and I spent time in the nursery there, in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School; and when I
was in the 5th grade, I was baptized by immersion on Easter Sunday. We had to attend a Pastor’s class to learn everything about our faith, or at least what we could understand. This would be like the confirmation classes we have for our youth in this church.
Isn’t it interesting to hear each other’s stories about faith and family history and how that has played out in our adult lives? It makes a difference in how we raise our children, how we attend church, how we tithe to our church, and generally, in how we live. Have you thought about your faith history, your faith family, and how you live your life these days? I believe Lent is a time to look within ourselves, our faith, and our beliefs, spend time with God, and discern how we continue to live out our faith. That’s what I am working on. How about you?
Pastor Sheri
LENTEN LUNCHEON STUDY - MARCH 12 - APRIL 16
Beginning March 12, Rev. Sheri Lashley will lead a 6-week Lenten study based on the book, “Give Up Something BAD for Lent,” by James W Moore. The class will meet in Community Hall at Noon on Wednesdays – March 12 through April 16.
During Lent each year, many of us give up something as an act of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. Often, it is something like chocolate, knowing that after Easter Sunday, we can once again enjoy what they have given up. The writer, James Moore, challenges readers to take it further―to give up something spiritually that they would be better off not doing. The Lenten study, led by Pastor Sheri, will use his book to seek God's help and focus on eliminating one destructive habit or attitude. Imagine giving up envy, jealousy, self-pity, apathy, procrastination, gossip, resentment, or negative thinking. How much better would life be?
The forty days of Lent are ideal for this study, as well as to prepare to give up something bad while fully embracing the Good News of Easter. Each session features a Scripture reference, a personal reading, questions for personal reflection or group study, and a closing prayer. We will meet at Noon on Wednesdays, beginning after Ash Wednesday. Bring your lunch and a Bible, and we will spend time together and with God. The study book will be provided. Register at ServantOKC.org
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.
Ash Wednesday is a Christian religious holiday observed yearly, 46 days before Easter Sunday. It is the first day of the Lenten season, a time of self-examination, fasting and abstinence, penitence, and prayer for observant Christians. It is the beginning of the season of Lent.
We will be offering two Ash Wednesday worship services on March 5th – one at Noon in the Chapel of the Cross and one at 6:00 PM in the Celebration Center. Each service will include Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes. The service will last 30-40 minutes. Please plan to join us at one of these reflective and meaningful services.
PRIME TIME
MARCH/APRIL 2025
MARCH
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Thursday, March 13th, 10:30 AM
Community Hall
Special Guest: June Carter
Mr. June Carter is an energetic and talented baritone vocal soloist who has been singing ever since he was a little boy at St. Jude Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. June has been the lead singer for many gospel quartets, as well as one the tenor singers with the Ambassador Choir at St. John Baptist Church. He sings a variety of sacred and secular songs at churches, weddings, civic groups, retirement centers, and other venues throughout the southwest. June is the director of music at Classen Blvd Baptist church in Oklahoma City and thanks God for giving him a gift to share.
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.
Michele Snow will provide us with a yummy meal that includes an entrée, vegetable, salad, bread, beverage, and dessert. The cost for the program and meal is $15 ($5 for program only).
June Carter
SERVANT KIDS
FAMILY MINISTRIES
The Servant children have been busy this month learning about being kind and loving to one another. We have learned the Bible verse of Ephesians 4:32, all while hearing the stories of Jesus and the Leper, the Unloved Woman, Zacchaeus, and all about the love that Jesus has for the children.
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.
PICKLEBALL AT SERVANT
Pickleball continues to go strong! Children are being coached by “Coach Rocky.” He is helping them to learn the proper techniques and how the game of pickleball is played. If anyone wants to join us, please message Chris at cward@churchoftheservant.com We alternate meeting on Thursdays and Saturdays!
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Family Game Night on Friday, February 21st! It was a blast from start to finish—games played, balloons tossed, and laughter echoing all around. Stay tuned for our next game night announcement, coming your way soon!
Family Game Night
Bible Sunday!
Pickleball
SERVANT YOUTH
The Servant Youth welcomed Alton Carter to come and speak to them about his life in foster care, the hardships and the faith that he learned to have through it all. It was an inspirational evening, and we look forward to Alton coming to Servant again in the Spring! Be watching for an advertisement! You won’t want to miss him!
Youth Sunday School has been learning all about integrity. Integrity means doing the right thing. We have had great discussions and situations come up to help us talk about what the right thing to do is. Join us on Sundays at 11:00 AM in The Point Student Center.
Wednesday night Youth Group takes place each Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM. We have been learning about what worship looks like. We are beginning to add music to our evening. On March 26, we plan to go to the Regional Food Bank to help package meals. If you are interested in helping or just want more information on youth group, contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
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 2125th. 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
YOUTH
Confirmation of our Servant Youth continues to meet on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30. Youth, 6th grade through High school are welcome to join us. Contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
Easter Egg-stravaganza!
Sunday, April 13, 3:00-5:00 PM
VOLUNTEER HERE >>
The Easter Egg-stravaganza is a fun-filled afternoon for children of all ages. 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!
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.
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 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.
MVC CLASS
On Saturday, February 8, the MVC Sunday school class took Valentine's balloons to the Warr Acres Nursing Center. "We visited every room and tied balloons to their wheelchairs, beds, and anything else we could find. It was wonderful visiting with the residents." On Sunday, February 9, Priscilla Cude and Jim Burrow returned to the nursing center to pass out handmade valentines made by Madison Cude Briadbent’s class (Madison is the daughter of Roger and Priscilla Cude). The Warr Acres Nursing Center is decked out for Valentine’s Week!
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
Beginning March 12, join the Wednesday night Women’s Bible study group a Lenten Study, Finding Jesus in the Psalms (6 Sessions), and then 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
February 19-March 19 -JAMES by Margaret Feinberg
If you take the Sermon on the Mount and overlay it with the book of James, you’ll find oodles of connection. It is written by the beloved half-brother of Jesus. It is packed with doable and down to earth teaching and a call for believers to grow in their faith.
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.
BIBLE STUDIES
PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY CLASS | For Men & Women
1st, 2nd, and 3rd JOHN - How to Know You Have Eternal
Life
MARCH 26 (IN-PERSON CLASS) OR MARCH 27 (VIA ZOOM CLASS)
9:30-11:30 AM | Classroom 12 Led by Nancy Harris
Take a journey through the scriptures with the Apostle John, an eyewitness to the life of Jesus Christ. John walked with Jesus on earth, so it’s no wonder that he steps up to the plate when deceivers try to weave a story to lead believers away from the truth. In this Bible study on I John and 2 & 3 John, we will explore questions like, “How do you know if you're really born again?” “What does it mean to be holy?” “What does it mean to love God?” “How do you know the truth?” “How do you stay confident in the truth that you have learned and loved?” Find answers to these and other questions as you take an in-depth look at several fundamentals of Christian beliefs.
PRECEPT USES THE INDUCTIVE METHOD OF STUDY:
• Observation – What it says
• Interpretation – What it means
• Application – How to apply truth to your daily walk with God.
• Color coding key words and phrases
• Making lists of what you learn from color coding key words
• Discussion time with tablemates
• Watching a DVD each week
Upon registering for one of these classes, you will be given a link to order your book. Each student must have their own book.
REGISTER ONLINE by clicking on the QR code or fill out the information below and drop offat the church office.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND ORDER BOOKS IS MARCH 20.
CHOSE ONE: [ ] Wednesday In-Person Class [ ] Thursday Zoom Class
NAME: __________________________________________ CELL PHONE:___________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP: ___________________________________________________________________
EMAIL: ___________________________________________
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Nancy Harris at nancyprecept67@gmail.com.
EVERYTHING WE DO IN LIFE SHOULD BE LINED UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD. IT IS OUR PLUMB LINE!
M I S S I O N S
We finished February with our Valentine party; we had pizza and ice cream for everyone. The kids decorated their sacks and the tutors filled the sacks with Valentines and all kinds of treats.
We are looking forward to our Family Night which is coming up after Spring Break. The Mary/Martha Circle at New Hope prepares Walking Tacos for the tutors, kids, and families. The tutors show the parents their manuals, book carts, game carts, and where they tutor. It is a fun evening for everyone.
The kids and tutors are working diligently on their reading. About ¾ of the group can read all their sight words, and they are improving their reading skills.
We are also proud to let you know that OKC Whiz Kids is a finalist for the OK Nonprofit Excellence in Education Award. We are proud to be a part of this great organization! Feel free to drop by any Monday that school is in session to see this program in action. We meet Mondays, 2:45-4:45 PM.
MARCHES INTO SPRING
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.
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
For more information on Rise Against Hunger, go to YouTube and watch their wonderful videos.
EARTHGLOW
Earthglow Gives Back: $35,000 Donated to Local Missions!
We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, shoppers, and donors, Earthglow is able to give away $35,000 to our partner non-profits this year! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the generosity of our community and the dedication of those who make Earthglow possible.
Since its founding in 1976, the Earthglow Gift Shop has been more than just a place to find unique and meaningful gifts—it has been a beacon of giving, sharing all profits with local ministries and missions. As we approach our
50th anniversary in 2026 and celebrate over $1 million in charitable giving, we remain committed to expanding our reach and impact, ensuring that our mission continues to bless those in need.
Rooted in Hebrews 13:16, which reminds us to “do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased,” our mission is to serve and connect people through the joy of giving. Each purchase made at Earthglow Gift Shop helps us support vital ministries in our community, making a tangible difference in the lives of many. All the more reason to make Earthglow your first stop for gifts for others and YOU!
Your support allows us to donate to these impactful organizations:
• Skyline Urban Ministries – Providing food, clothing, and essential services to those in need, bringing hope to vulnerable populations in Oklahoma City.
• Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) – Dedicated to ending homelessness and offering housing, healthcare, and support for individuals and families striving for stability.
• Circle of Care – Empowering children and families in crisis through foster care support, counseling, and housing to create brighter futures.
• Exodus House – A residential program that helps formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society with guidance, support, and hope for a fresh start.
• Redemption Church – A vibrant faith community focused on outreach and restoration, offering programs that uplift and serve those in need.
This incredible milestone could not have been reached without YOU—our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and loyal shoppers who make it all possible. Thank you for shopping with purpose and helping us share God’s love through these vital missions!
We look forward to continuing this journey of faith, giving, and community impact with you. Be sure to visit the Earthglow Gift Shop and stop at Earthglow first for gifts for others and YOU! Together, we can continue supporting missions and making a lasting difference in our community.
THANK YOU, Church of the Servant Family!
Pictured (L to R): Barbara Minton (Penny's Closet), Rev. Sheri Lashley, Rev. Kyle Anderson.
Because of your incredible generosity, our December mission offerings raised $6,778.96 to "Bless Our Schools!" Your kindness is making a real difference for students in need. Our Servant Mission Team has thoughtfully allocated these funds to support:
• Deer Creek Comfort Closet – $3,389.48
• Putnam City Penny’s Closet – $3,389.48
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ in our community!
BLESS OUR SCHOOLS EXODUS HOUSE
M I S S I O N S
Our Exodus resident, Deanna Alvarez, is scheduled to graduate from the program on March 25, 2025. She recently obtained a vehicle and is now driving herself to work and to church. Deanna will be renting a house in South OKC. The landlord's church assists with Exodus also, so what a blessing this will be for Deanna! She is working on gaining full custody of her two girls also. Deanna has been a joy to the MVC Class.
If you'd like to consider donating through Servant, please indicate in the "memo" line of your check. If you'd like to assist an incoming resident who may not have a sponsor church, Exodus is also accepting comforters, pillows, hygiene products for males and females, laundry supplies, towels or gift cards for work clothes. If you need any work done, they have several men that could use some extra spending money or job leads.
CARE MINISTRY
ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP
Do you have a loved one who is dealing with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? If so, we invite you to come to our support group, which meets on the third Tuesday of each month (3:00-4:30 PM) at Church of the Servant in the Library. The meeting dates for the next few months are: March 18, April 15, and May 20. Our group is an official support group offered by our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and our group facilitators have been trained by that same local chapter. The group is open to anyone in our community whose family has been affected by dementia. You can register by contacting Vicki Roberds at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com or (405) 728-4738. Whether your loved one is living at home, or if they’re a resident at a care facility… either way, we hope you’ll consider attending. If you need care for your loved one during the time you’re at the meeting, you’ll need to make your own arrangements for that care. There is no cost to register for the group. We hope you’ll consider staying connected with others who are going through a similar experience that you are. A burden that is shared is always a burden that becomes lighter. Come and see what kinds of blessings come your way when you become part of the giving and receiving of support.
Many things cause humans to grieve. Of course, losing someone by death is seemingly the most difficult. We grieve because we have loved. At Church of the Servant, we want to offer a safe place for those who need support through the grieving process, a place to talk, listen, and support one another.
We have begun a support group using the curriculum GriefShare. A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief (in all its unpredictability) and gain solid support each step of the way.
“Each weekly GriefShare group begins with a 30-minute video featuring respected experts on grief-related topics and helpful stories from people who have experienced loss. Their insights will help you manage your emotions, gain clarity, and find answers to your questions as you walk through the grief process.”
Mary Garrett, Marge Carmichael, and Rev. Sheri Lashley are facilitating this 13-week course. We meet on Thursdays at 1:30 PM in the library. You may join the class at any time. When we begin again, you can attend the sessions that you missed. If you know someone interested, please contact Vicki Roberds at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com or (405) 728-4738.
C HURCH OF THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE
As the recent arctic blast lingered, many of us turned to familiar habits to shield ourselves from the frigid air such as dripping faucets, hunkering down indoors and over indulging in our favorite comfort foods. Yet, as we approach the vibrant seasons of Lent and Easter, we are reminded that the transition from the starkness of winter to the renewal of spring symbolizes a fresh start.
In this season of reflection and growth, we are called to jump into the warmth of new possibilities with energy and enthusiasm. Just as nature begins to awaken, we too can emerge from our winter hibernation, ready to engage in the Vision, Mission and Values that Pastor Kyle presented in his last sermon series. This is a time to shed our fears and hesitations, replacing them with hope and joy.
In this spirit, the leadership team had a very enthusiastic start to the February meeting as we sang Happy Birthday Kyle. Todd (Andi sourced) dressed Kyle in a flashing headband and necklace, which he wore for a good portion of the meeting. The giant cookie and disco accessories looked as if we were celebrating his 4th birthday rather than one of a much larger number. Kudos Pastor Kyle… you’re a fantastic sport!
Of course, there was also work to be done. Kyle started with a brief report on the month. He highlighted the months activities related to support of the UMC and other ministries. COS hosted a meeting of the Annual Conference Council and an all staff for Circle of Care. Also, our local Scout Troops greatly appreciated the Scout Sunday held on February 2nd. It was such a success that we intend to make this an annual event on the first Sunday in February going forward.
Kyle also highlighted the Lent and Easter Plans. Be sure to save the dates and opportunities to participate in all of the activities noted in this edition of Servant Connect. They will include: Ash Wednesday, Rise Against Hunger, Palm Sunday and Easter services and activities.
One of the reasons we are getting so excited for this upcoming season at COS is the steady growth in attendance. Kyle also reported that January attendance averages were
up nearly 20% from last year. And what is better than the sight of all of those kiddos down in front during children’s time at the beginning of each worship service?
Social Media & How You Can Help: At our last meeting we expressed the importance of leveraging social media to tell the story of COS. Please be sure to like, comment, and potentially share these posts as this spreads them further. The biggest need we have is content. When your Sunday school class or ministry group serves somewhere or has a special event or celebration, please take a photo, write a couple of sentences, and submit it to Heather DeShazo at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com. Or invite your Sunday School Class or ministry leader to do so. This will help us tremendously to celebrate on social media, in our eNews, monthly Connect, and more the great work of Church of the Servant.
Organization and Structure: Great work has been accomplished through the first two months of 2025. The Servant Foundation Board has already met twice and is having important and productive conversations on how to support the work of Church of the Servant now and into the future. The Mission’s Team is continuing to operate; Eric Nance has formed the Facilities Team with a meeting scheduled for early March.
Ministries for All Ages: Kyle highlighted the consistency with which we are seeing children and families in church and we all express our appreciation for the great work of our staff and volunteers assisting with ministries for these groups. Some great special events recently include Pickleball, Bible Sunday giving Bibles to young children 3rd grade and up, Family Game Night, an evening for our Youth and guests with speaker Alton Carter, and Youth have a Mission Night planned at Regional Foodbank.
Spring, Lent and Easter…here we come. We are energized by the presence of the Spirit as our community blooms yet again.
Clarke Farmer Leadership Team Member
