CHURCH OF THE SERVANT’S MONTHLY
Rev. Kyle Anderson Senior Pastor
Pastor's PERSPECTIVE
EMBRACING FAITH & COMMUNITY
Servant Faith Family,
I only remember a few things from my baptism at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd in Yukon, OK. I was four years old at the time. Some extended family was there and I remember my hair getting wet…in church! I remember thinking that was weird. Additionally, I remember it was not lost on me that, in that moment, I was the center of attention. I was important, valued, yes, by my family, but also by the pastor and this sea of smiling faces who I didn’t really know, but they were happy and excited for me. I was beloved.
This past Sunday, we had the opportunity to not only celebrate the baptism of one of the young children of our church, but also the opportunity for each of us to remember our own baptism, the pouring out of God’s grace and that name we each carry, beloved child of God. This came as the final Sunday in a month filled with committing ourselves to expressing a new level of faithfulness in 2025.
This month, we look to the Vision, Mission, and Values of Church of the Servant. As we do, let us not quickly move on from the Good News we just celebrated. Let us remember that it is in response to the great love we have been shown, the name we’ve been given, that we choose to accept God’s vision, God’s mission as our own. It’s as beloved and valued children of God that we choose to love and value that which God says is of importance. I look forward to praising our Lord and celebrating you and all God’s children this and every Sunday. See you then!
Blessings,
Kyle
Sunday Worship
10:00 AM
Join us for worship this Sunday. We will be gathering together to celebrate and give thanks, to connect with one another, and to seek guidance and inspiration for the week ahead.
Sunday service time is 10:00 AM and includes uplifting music, prayer, and a message that I believe will speak to your heart. Whether you are a longtime member of our community or are joining us for the first time, we welcome you and look forward to seeing you there!
What You Can Look Forward To On Sundays at Church of the Servant!
This past month, our pastors, worship leaders, and other staff met to make plans for Celebration Services through the month of August. Here are some of the themes you can look forward to in the coming months. Be thinking of who amongst your friends, family, and coworkers might find one of these areas especially meaningful:
We Are Servant: Vision, Mission & Values (February)
What is the vision and mission of Church of the Servant in 2025 and how do our values of Service, Education, Relationships, Venturous, Active, Nature, and Trust connect to the Christian faith? Through scripture, interviews with congregants and more, we will come to proclaim together “We Are Servant!”
Faces of Christ (March 9 - April 20)
In this Sermon Series, we will be examining faces/perspectives of Christ as he journeys to the cross of Good Friday and the empty tomb of Easter Sunday. There is excitement, love, perceived anger, possibly even fear, and more. 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?
Proverbial Wisdom (May)
In this Season of celebrating family, graduations and more, we pause to examine biblical wisdom for our journey of faith. Looking to the Book of Proverbs and other wisdom sources in the Bible, we will examine how scripture instructs us to be faithful students, parents, community members, and more.
Heroic (June)
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus uses stories to help people come to better understand the life of faith. In today’s world some of the most popular stories being told are of larger than life superheroes. For the month of June, grab your superhero loving family member, friend, co-worker, and neighbor and join us at Church of the Servant as we learn how what makes our pop culture heroes heroic might also be part of what can make us…faithful.
Praise-Tastic July (July)
There are many ways to express your faith. Through word and speech, prayer, service, and more. Many find that it is in music that they are most accurately able to express their faith. Over the centuries, songwriters and musicians have used their faith to inform the music they create. In the lead up to this series, the Servant Faith Family will have the opportunity to share their favorite music, which will be utilized throughout the month of July, while our sermons will highlight some of the stories that have led to beloved music of the faith over the decades.
Childlike Faith (August)
As we return from summer vacations and children, youth, and young adults head back to school, we will be examining how we all might adopt the mindset of a child and discover opportunities for new learning and growth in our faith. This series will incorporate a number of stories and practices that, while maybe thought of as childish, may actually be instructive for all God’s children.
Rev. Sheri Lashley Associate Pastor
"I GIVE UP
“Breathe in. Breathe out. Fill yourself with the silence, the peace, just for a moment. And in the next few minutes, know that God is breathing right next to you, seeking for you to give up….. everything that is not a part of the good, that is not a part of the Kingdom, that stuff you need to get rid of…..”
"I GIVE UP!"
I am rebellious when it comes to Lent. Ok, so maybe I am rebellious other times, but I am willing to admit it at the time of Lent. I haven’t always been so honest in past years, but I’m ok with telling you now. In the past, when someone asked me what I am giving up for Lent, I made something up, like… "I like to keep that private," or "that is between me and God." Sometimes when asked that question, I have just smiled, mysteriously I like to think, and I never answer the question.
You see, when I first learned that during Lent, we are to give something up, or fast perhaps, I didn’t understand what it meant. Fasting for me has a bad rap, for I have always been overweight, and there have been days that I have jumpstarted a diet with a fast. I had never put together God, and self-examination, repentance, or Jesus, with fasting or giving something up…..when I knew that I would likely take it back up on Sundays, (cheat days) or when I was finished.
I was kind of bothered by those who “complained” about what they had given up, it seemed to me that in a way, they were bragging….. “I gave up coffee for Lent,” and “I sure am dragging……I gave up desserts, can’t wait until Sunday. I might have to eat a whole cake.”
I couldn’t understand what that has to do with Lent. You see, the giving up thing is so that you can fill it up with God stuff, you and God stuff, real ‘working on your soul you and God stuff’ …..and if you don’t use it for that, well, you might want to eat cake, and have a cup of coffee with it.
I started thinking of the words, ‘I give up.’ I leave off what I am giving up. Just I give up. I was trying to figure out what I give up on. I rarely give up on people. I hate giving up on a task, for when I get to the point of where it just isn’t working, I must find another way. So, giving up is usually not an option for me, and when it is, I have tried most everything.
I give up. When you say it like that, it is as if I am defeated. I can’t do it, I give up. My life is a shambles, I give up. I don’t know what to do or how to do it, I give up. Relationship is broken, I give up. Children aren’t doing what they should do, I give up. I can’t find a job, I give up. I don’t have enough money, I give up. I hate my job, I hate school, I’m fat, I’m sick, life really just sucks right now, I give up.
Sometimes, as I live in these times, I feel weary and I don’t think I’m alone. I feel weary of a world torn by violence. I feel weary of impending war. I feel weary of divisive politics. I feel weary of debating. I feel weary of social media, being bombarded every day by this post, this article, this meme. I feel weary of my to-do list, which seems to be growing faster than I can check things off. I feel weary of the list of things that I can’t get done, the paper pile on my desk, and the boxes I have yet to unpack.
And now Lent comes and I’m supposed to give something up, and I decide if I should or I shouldn’t give something up, so that I might fill up, and with all the things that are going on around me, I don’t even know if I could keep it up….. So, I give up.
...cont. on next page
Pass me the ashes, I give up. I give up my plan. I give up my power.
I give up my ability to affect other peoples change. I rub ashes on my head, and mark myself “given up.” Hurt. Depressed. Weary. Tired. Defeated.
I remember that out of dust I was formed. To dust I will return.
I give up. I confess my failures. I examine my shortcomings. I reflect on the ways that I cannot do it all. I resign myself to God’s will, not my own. I remember that I will die, and pain and suffering will remain, but I will have lived. I will live without the need to be right every time. I will live without the need to follow my plan, without the need to check every box, without the need to fix everything. Out of dust I was formed, and to dust I will return, but in between I am going to live. I am going to live!
I fall on my knees and cry out to God, “I give up!” God smiles, embraces me and says, “Finally. Now, allow me…” And suddenly the dam is lifted, and a tidal wave of grace comes pouring out. Not because my actions will solve the world’s problems, but simply because God is. God is justice. God is mercy. God is kindness. God is love. This same God took a pile of dust and breathed life into me, so how else can I live?
I give up. I get up with God, and I live again. Breathe in. Breathe out. Fill yourself with the silence, the peace, just for a moment. And in the next few
minutes, know that God is breathing right next to you, seeking for you to give up…..everything that is not a part of the good, that is not a part of the Kingdom, that stuff you need to get rid of…..
Say, "I give up."
Pastor Sheri
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
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025
FEBRUARY
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Thursday, February 13th, 10:30 AM
Community Hall
Special Guest: Matt Schinske
No stranger to the Church of the Servant family, Matt Schinske is known for an exquisite touch on the piano that comes from a warm spirit. Blending elements of classical, jazz, and pop, Schinske has a distinct sound that is instantly recognized. His performing and composer career continues with seven recordings, nine books, and over 100 individual piano compositions and arrangements. His works have been recognized nationwide, receiving Editor’s Choice awards. Come join a performance at Prime Time that will leave you refreshed and at peace.
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).
MARCH
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Thursday, March 13th, 10:30 AM
Community Hall
Special Guest: June Carter
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: MONDAY, February 10th!
June Carter has directed music at Classen Blvd Baptist Church for twenty years. For many years, he has led Men's Bible Study on Tuesday evenings. Retired from Tinker AFB, he now spends more time with family (wife, Lula, three children, and four grandchildren) and ministers weekly to residents in retirement centers in OKC and Edmond. With his strong voice and dynamic personality, he is a favorite when he performs at the Oklahoma Opry in Stockyards City, and at other churches throughout the community!
Matt Schinske
SERVANT KIDS
FAMILY MINISTRIES
The children’s ministry at Church of the Servant is growing! We are loving all of the new faces! We have been learning about Parables in Sunday school! Ask your child if they remember what a parable is – a story that Jesus tells to teach us a lesson!
We will present Bibles to children in grades 3 through 5 on Sunday, February 16th. Then, we will have a Bible study for the following three weeks to teach these children how to use their Bibles. If you would like your child included in Bible Sunday, or if you have questions, please contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
PICKLEBALL CLINIC
Pickleball has started at Church of the Servant! Forty children signed up for the first-ever Pickleball Clinic! The clinic was run under the supervision of Linda Shaw and her coach friend, Rocky. The children had a great time and look forward to next Saturday when we do it all again! Teams are forming! If you are interested in getting your child (1st-8th grade) signed up for a team, contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
SERVANT YOUTH
Servant Youth have been busy! Pastor Sheri has graciously committed to helping the youth develop worship! The youth began by singing and discussing what they want worship to look like. Stay tuned for more! It’s going to be amazing!
The youth also began a Sunday school class that meets every Sunday at 11:00 AM. The first few Sundays were spent learning about what our purpose is! We learned that our identity is in Christ. We talked about spiritual gifts and how we can use them!
Any youth grades 6-12 are welcome to join us Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM and Sundays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. For more information, contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
YOUTH CONFIRMATION
Confirmation has started! Three students have committed to taking the classes with Pastor Kyle, Pastor Sheri, and Ms. Chris. Classes will continue through April as they learn what it means to be a member of the church. If you have a youth (grades 6 and up), they are welcome to join us on Wednesdays at 4:30 PM in the Point Student Center! For more information, contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com.
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
On February 5, The Wednesday Night Women’s Bible Study will begin a 14-week journey into the Psalms. This study will begin with four sessions from The Epic of Eden: Psalms, by Sandra Richter. Following Ash Wednesday, we will transition to a Lenten Study, Finding Jesus in the Psalms for 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.”
These sessions will help you answer the ever-present question, “so what does this have to do with me today?”
You will discover:
• How to bridge the gap between the culture and practices of ancient Israel and today
• How you can trust God with all your emotions: grief, anger, praise, fear, and hope
• How and why the people of Israel used the Psalms in worship
• Why the book of Psalms is critical in our devotional lives today
• How Psalms can empower your prayer life
February 5. 2025 – February 26, 2025 – The Epic of Eden: Psalms, by Sandra Richter
• The Hymnbook of Ancient Israel
• Who Wrote the Psalms & Why
• Interpreting the Psalms: Sacred Space
• Interpreting the Psalms: Theocracy
March 5, 2025 – No Class – Ash Wednesday
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
April 23, 2025 – May 14, 2025, The Epic of Eden: Psalms, by Sandra Richter
• The Power of Poetry
• Lord, Like A shepherd Lead Us
• The Anatomy of a Lament
• Jesus & the Psalms
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
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!
I S S I
O N S WHIZ KIDS
CHRISTMAS & JANUARY ACTIVITIES
Whiz Kids celebrated Christmas with two special guests. Sally Riffey shared some of her Christmas stories with us, and Santa Joe told us the Christmas story of Jesus being the light of the world, and he gave the kids flashlights to remind them to let their light shine on others, too. Ms. Evans, our teacher liaison, was chosen as Teacher of the Month by the Putnam City Schools Foundation Board, and she received the award from Mayor David Holt. We also were visited by Senator Carrie Hicks, who spoke to the kids. She and Ms. Evans used to teach together. We are looking forward to our Valentine’s Party on February 10, where we will decorate Valentine’s sacks. 86% of our kids have shown growth in reading. That is 31 out of 36 children. We are very proud of them and are working hard to bring the rest of them up to their appropriate reading level.
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. More information and registration will be announced in the coming weeks. 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.
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.
For more information on Rise Against Hunger, go to YouTube and watch their wonderful videos.
EARTHGLOW
Celebrating
Earthglow Volunteers: Thank You for a Fantastic Year!
As we reflect on another incredible year for Earthglow Gift Shop and Earthglow Market, one thing is clear— our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. From assisting customers in the shop to organizing the bustling market, our volunteers make it all possible, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your dedication and hard work.
Thanks to your efforts, we’ve had a year filled with success, enabling us to support several local non-profits that serve our community. Through the proceeds from the shop and market, we were able to contribute to these organizations: Skyline Urban Ministries, Neighborhood Services Organization, Circle of Care, Exodus House, and Redemption Church. These incredible groups provide vital services, from feeding the hungry and supporting foster families to helping individuals transition out of incarceration. Your work makes a tangible difference in the lives of so many.
Volunteers, you’ve done more than stock shelves, greet customers, or clean up after Earthglow Market—you’ve brought light and hope to our community. Your countless hours of service ensure that Earthglow continues its mission of offering beautiful, meaningful gifts while giving back to those in need.
This year, your commitment turned the Earthglow Market into a lively hub of holiday cheer and fellowship. Your warm smiles and helpful hands in the shop made every shopper feel welcome. It’s because of you that Earthglow continues to be a place of community, generosity, and love.
If you’re inspired by this mission and would like to join our amazing team of volunteers, we’d love to have you! Whether it’s helping in the gift shop or lending a hand at the annual Earthglow Market, there’s a place for you to get involved and make a difference. For more information, stop by Earthglow Gift Shop—we can’t wait to welcome you to the team!
As we look ahead to another year, we celebrate each of you who give your time and talents to make Earthglow’s mission a reality. Thank you for everything you’ve done to support the gift shop, the market, and our community. You are truly a blessing, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the coming year!
EXODUS HOUSE
I am excited to let everyone know that we have four residents coming in this month and have received three in the past two weeks. We currently have six here. We are expecting to have seven more within a few months and are continuing to accept more on a waiting list. We are in need of comforters, pillows, all hygiene products for men and women, and laundry supplies, as well as towels and wash cloths.
We are currently looking for a church or group to take on Apt 12 and need male mentors as we have a lot of guys here right now. If you know any AA/NA men willing to sponsor a resident, let us know. We want to create a list so they can get started right away with one. If you need any work done, we have several who could use a little spending money or some job leads. M I S S I O N S
Site Director Robin Wertz C.M.,CPRSS Exodus House OKC
CURRENT NEEDS & WISH LIST
We are asking our supporters to collect items on our WISH LIST, and we also included our QR Codes for Exodus House/ CJAMM if you just would rather make a donation. We are restocking for the New Year and are grateful for any help. Thank you so much for your continued support. For more information about Exodus House, please contact Melanie Taylor at 405.408.5158 or Donna Powell at 405.637.6490.
EXODUS HOUSE is a Christian organization established for the purpose of helping released ex-offenders and their dependent children to become productive, cohesive family units. We offer assistance in job placement, budgeting, homemaking, living skills, and parenting.
WISH LIST DONATION
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: February 18, March 18, and April 15. 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
“All Things New…Cont.”
With this being the beginning of the new year, I thought I would kick off this update with a story about a fresh start or fresh starts in our lives. So, I did what most Americans do in 2025 and that is go to Google for stories about “fresh starts” or “new beginnings.” When typing in “stories about a fresh start,” Google then assisted me by giving me choices (that I didn’t ask for) and naturally I selected one that seemed to make sense for my article - “Bible stories about a fresh start.” Of course, I figured we are a church and the Google search mentioned “Bible” so I must be on to something here…
After clicking on “Bible stories about a fresh start” I quickly realized I’m wasting my time. Why am I wasting my time you ask? Because the WHOLE Bible is about “fresh starts.” The whole Bible is about new beginnings. Shoot, the fact that I forgot that Kyle literally just finished a sermon series about “fresh starts” (All Things New) says a lot about my attention span (Sorry, Kyle). So, even though my attempt to be clever by talking about “fresh starts” with this firstof-the-year Leadership Team article certainly seems like white noise now, but I bet that all of us would say that it truly does feel like a new day at Church of the Servant and a fresh start.
The Leadership Team met on Sunday, January 26, and welcomed our three new members: Kara Mitchell, Jeff Knight, and Julie Kriegel. Kara, Jeff, and Julie are all exceptional in their own right. Each of them brings a thoughtful, caring perspective to our Leadership Team and we could not be more excited to have them as a part of our group. In the meeting, we also discussed new Ministry teams, our 2025 Budget, and planned for our February 20th Listening Post, as well as discipleship goals that Kyle and the Staff are working on.
MINISTRY TEAMS
We currently have a few Ministry teams already in process, but we are in the process of establishing a couple of other teams and would greatly appreciate the participation of our congregation. Do you have any experience or a desire to serve in areas such as Personnel and Policies or a
Financial Accountability team? If so, please let one of us on the Leadership Team know about your interest or you can let Kyle or one of the other members of the staff know. We also have a Facilities team, which will include the “Green Team” for our plants in and out of the Celebration Center, as well as the Building Use team where we are developing policies and “best practices” for the appropriate use of our space for events and programs. Where do you fit in and where would you like to serve? Let us know.
2025 BUDGET
Kyle and Steve Johns presented our 2025 budget. This budget of $1,982,151 was approved by the Leadership Team and includes expenses that are 6.6% higher than the expenses in the 2024 budget. Steve and Kyle both have had to take several unknowns into consideration, but they have done this in a very thoughtful and reasonable way.
MINISTRY FOR ALL AGES PLUS DISCIPLESHIP AND FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Due to the increase in the number of children attending Church of the Servant on Sunday mornings, a second children’s Sunday School class will begin soon. This second class will allow for different groups broken out by age and, therefore, a more targeted curriculum specific to the appropriate ages. What an exciting time in Children’s ministries and impact that Chris Ward is having on these children! Thank you, Chris! It is so enjoyable to see the number of children in Children’s Church. A true joy!
Other exciting and fulfilling discipleship and fellowship opportunities that are beginning here at Church of the Servant include the GriefShare ministry, the Celebration Ringers, and a weekly lunchtime Bible Study during the season of Lent.
Exciting stuff! This is truly a new day and new season in the life of our church family! You can feel the excitement all around you and we look forward to traveling on this journey together with each of you!
Todd Neaves Leadership Team Chair
