Newsletter February 2024

EDITION 24 .02

|

FEBRUARY 2024

CONNECT C H U R C H O F T H E S E R V A N T ’ S M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R

A Time for

Loving God

AT C H U R C H O F T H E S E R VA N T The Christian Season of Lent begins on Wednesday, February 14th — which, of course, is also Valentine’s Day. This makes perfect sense, because the 40 days of Lent – culminating with Easter morning – are a time for learning how to deeply love God. Here are some ways you can join this Lenten journey of love at Church of the Servant:

Ash Wednesday Services February 14th, Noon and 6:00 PM

Rev. Jessica Moffatt Lead Pastor Transitions Team

This ½ hour service offers you a time of prayer, commitment, and the imposition of ashes to start the Season of Lent. In this service we are reminded that 1) there truly is a God, and 2) we are not Him! We need to learn both of these truths as we understand the nature of God’s love through the sacrifice of Jesus.

“How to Hear God’s Voice”

Wednesday evenings beginning February 14th, 6:30 PM Following the evening Ash Wednesday service, Pastor Thomas will begin a 7-week Lenten study on how to hear God’s voice. We will spend most of our time together listening to God through the scriptures. We will also identify some of the other ways that God might speak to us today. An optional book will be available for purchase.

Lenten Service of Healing and Wholeness Sundays during Lent February 18th through Palm Sunday

Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoff mann Lead Pastor Transitions Team

9:00 - 9:30 AM, Chapel of the Cross: This weekly time of Holy Communion, prayer and reflection is not a substitute for our Celebration Service, but rather a preparation for it. Bring your hurts, your hardships, and your heartaches and see what Christ can do for you.

Pastors and trained laypersons will offer prayers of blessing and anointing with oil. On most Sundays Communion will be served.

10:00 - 11:00 AM, Celebration Center: Sunday Worship - We will make the most of Lent as we continue to learn about and follow the practices that bring us into the very presence and glory of God.

2

The CONNECT | February 2024

Holy Week 2024 Mark your calendars for each of these Holy Week events in our Celebration Center:

Palm Sunday

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

March 24th, 10:00 AM

Every worshipper will receive palm branches to wave as we welcome Christ into our lives and hearts.

Hosanna, loud hosanna!

Maundy Thursday Communion Service March 28th, 7:30 PM We will join together to recollect Jesus’ last supper with his closest friends.

March 29th, 7:30 PM

“Tenebrae” means “darkness”. On this night, we will hear the story of the final days of the life of Jesus. As lights are lowered and candles extinguished throughout the service, we will move into darkness to help us experience the death of Jesus. At the end of the service, we will shroud the candles, the altar, and the podium with black cloth as we await the Third Day.

A Roman Catholic priest named Genesis Grain provides us with a wonderful prayer as we enter Lent: “During these 40 days, let me put away all my pride. Let me change my heart and give up all that is not good within me.

Let me love God with all that I am and all that I have.” Amen!

Pastor Jess Pastor Thomas The CONNECT | February 2024

3

BIBLE STUDIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES & WEEKDAY STUDIES MEN’S BUCK & A BIBLE AND SERVANT WOMEN IN THE WORD Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. | For Men Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. | For Women Large-group Bible Study led by Dr.Stephen Gunter. No registration is required.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER & BIBLE STUDY

Wednesday Night Dinner - 5:00-6:30 PM Bible Study - 6:30-7:30 PM Ongoing Large-Group Bible Study for Men & Women | 6:30 PM Dinner is available 5:00-6:30 p.m. in Community Hall. Bible study for Men and Women led by Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann will begin at 6:30 p.m. No reservation necessary for the Bible study. If you are planning to have dinner, please register by calling the church office at 405-721-4141 or online at ServantOKC.org/kitchen.

THE LAST DAYS OF JESUS

Beginning February 14th | For Women Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM | “Bible Babes” Bible study group led by Patricia Hocker “Bible Babes” is a women’s Bible study group that is open to everyone and welcomes new friends. They will begin a 6-week Lenten study on February 14 titled “The Last Days of Jesus.”

THE CHOSEN 3

Video Study | For Women Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM | “The Chosen” Bible study group led by Jill Walker & Miki Farris

ABIDE

by Jen Wilkin | For Women Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM | “The Tribe” Bible study group led by Sherri Boyd & Darla Bierig

Looking for a group of people to do life with and learn more about Jesus? Check out Sunday school offerings at Church of the Servant. All classes meet at 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact the church office at 405-721-4141.

CURRENT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS OFFERINGS

4

•

ADVENTURES meets in room 8.

• •

CLASSICS meets in room 11. A classical class in most every sense, such as experiencing thought, approach to life; and desire to follow Jesus. Mostly couples 55+ who are eager to learn.

•

ENCOUNTERS meets in room 12. Couples 55+ who share the responsibility of leading the weekly lessons.

•

KOINONIA meets in room 10. Couples and singles 65+. Currently inviting guest speakers to lead the lesson.

•

MVC meets in room 2. Traditional Sunday School class with weekly curriculum. Mostly couples 55-65ish.

•

NEW BEGINNINGS meets in room 6. The age group is 60’s - 70’s but anyone is invited. Currently using a quarterly for class study and discussion. The class meets at 11:00 and usually a portion of the group goes out to lunch together.

•

PARAKLETOS meets in room 1. A group of senior couples and singles, ages 55 and up, who enjoy community, and love and support each other and their families. PARAKLETOS refers to The Holy Spirit as HELPER – John 14:16-17. Studies and lessons are Christian focused to be more informative in its understanding of the Bible and the messages it provides throughout its history and stories. Speakers, videos, and class members all contribute to the teaching in each class.

•

The Path meets in the Library. Mostly divorced, widows over 60.

The CONNECT | February 2024

SERVANT STUDENTS

GROWING TOGETHER Servant Students is all about helping 6th through 12th grade students become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. We provide opportunities for students to worship, fellowship, serve, and just be together as they learn more and more about their Creator. Servant Students Small Groups meet Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in the Point Student Center (south end of building).

The CONNECT | February 2024

5

SERVANT KIDS Report SUNDAYS ARE FUN AT SERVANT! Bible stories for children are taught through free play, video lesson, games, and crafts on Sunday mornings at Church of the Servant. Children birth through 5th grade meet downstairs in the Nursery and Children’s areas.

Sunday mornings are high energy in our newly renovated kid spaces. We offer a variety of toys for toddlers through elementary age. Children always enjoy the different ways we teach the Bible lesson.

We play games using bean bags, balls or even paper airplanes. The kids might play a hide-and-seek game with teams or a relay race on their own. Every child gets a chance to participate at his or her level.

We also teach fun worship songs with dance moves the kids love to lead into our video lesson. We have lots of true stories from the Bible about Jesus or about characters from the Old Testament. Each lesson includes our Bible memory verse for the month.

Children love to get creative on Sundays with our craft projects. Each week, children get the opportunity to use markers, stickers, glue and even glitter to create a masterpiece reminder of the Bible lesson. We love to give children the opportunity to use a variety of art supplies to make a take-home craft. We hope that children will tell their parents, grandparents, and friends the Bible story when they show off their art at home!

6

The CONNECT | February 2024

The CONNECT | February 2024

7

EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP HOP INTO SPRING WITH STYLE!

Earthglow Gift Shop cordially invites you to an enchanting evening of festivity and flair at our Easter Bonnet Party!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 13th, and let’s spring into the season together at the Church of the Servant from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This is not just any gathering; it’s a vibrant Come & Go event designed for shopping to your heart’s content, mingling with fun and fabulous women, and indulging in delectable snacks. It’s the perfect occasion to showcase your unique style, creativity, and spring spirit.

Dazzle Us with Your Bonnet!

Get your creative juices flowing and adorn your most fabulous, original, or best-themed Easter bonnet. At 6:15 PM, we’ll be awarding prizes for the Most Fabulous, Most Original, and Best Themed Easter Bonnets. Whether it’s bedazzled, feathered, floral, or something entirely your own, your bonnet could win you one of our delightful prizes!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, shopping, and stylish surprises. Let’s celebrate the joy of Easter and the beauty of spring together. Earthglow Gift Shop looks forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a highlight of the season. Don’t forget your bonnet – it’s time to shine!

8

The CONNECT | February 2024

PRIME TIME MARCH 14, 2024

MARCH PRIME TIME FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

In Community Hall We are delighted to announce that the Red River Ramblers are returning to Prime Time on March 14th! The Red River Ramblers are UCO’s faculty Dixieland band. The group plays traditional New Orleans Jazz, made popular more than a century ago. Favorites include: “Honey Suckle Rose,” “Five Foot Two,” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” You may have known the group as the Civilized Tribe, Gloom Chasers, 5th Street Strutters, UCO Faculty Traditional Jazz Group, or countless other names. The band has performed all over the world with jazz greats such as Count Basie, Phil Woods, Clark Terry and numerous others.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, MARCH 11th!

MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY!

ServantOKC.org/prime-time Church of the Servant has an active group of Senior adults that participate in small groups, Bible studies, and other activities throughout the year. On the second Thursday of each month, a special Prime Time Fellowship Program with a luncheon is held in Community Hall.

There’s no membership fee, just a warm invitation to anyone who would like to have a great morning of fun, food and fellowship! You can sign up any time at Guest Central in the concourse, or online at ServantOKC.org/Prime-Time.

The CONNECT | February 2024

9

M I KIDS IS STRONG S WHIZ - THANKS TO OUR GREAT VOLUNTEERS S I O N S This month we are bragging about our 50 volunteers that help our Whiz Kids in all sorts of ways every Monday. Pictured here are Jose and Luisa Medina (father & daughter) who do all the shopping and preparing of nutritious snacks for our kids. They also set up all the tables and chairs for us. Luisa is the Children’s Director at New Hope. Monday is her day off, but she comes anyway to help and stays until 5:00. The next is one group of our transportation team. They take the bus and a van to pick up our kids at Ralph Downs and bring them to us. The next picture is one of our tutors and kids. See how he’s even holding the book while the child reads. Now that is top of the line service!

Then we also have people like Bill White, who is not only on our transportation team but also buys the kids and tutors pizza once a year for a special occasion. In fact, he is doing that for our Valentine party on February 12th. Thank you, Bill! And thanks to our coordinators, set-up team, cookie team and of course the tutors and subs! You all make our site the best!

10

The CONNECT | February 2024

JOIN THE CELEBRATION CHOIR! Choir Rehearsal | Wednesdays, 6:30 PM

Do you like to sing? Make a joyful noise to the Lord? Join the Celebration Choir as we begin a new year! We want to fill the choir loft with adults and high school youth! No prior choir experience is necessary, just a desire to sing praises to the Lord.

The choir meets in the choir room (downstairs) on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. The choir is preparing music to sing in the 10:00 Sunday morning worship services. We are a fun and friendly group who love to sing. We hope you will join us this Wednesday!

SERVE ON SUNDAYS! Are you looking for a place to serve on Sunday mornings? Let us help you find a place to belong! We have positions for sound and camera operators, PowerPoint slides operators, video directors, greeters, parking lot attendants, and ushers!

We would love to have you on our team! Interested? Contact Heather DeShazo by email at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com or by calling the church office at 405-721-4141.

December through January

MISSION FOCUS INFANT CRISIS SERVICES In December we partnered with Infant Crisis Services (ICS) by providing much needed items for the winter season. Thanks to your faithful giving, we provided 745 pounds of much needed items for the little ones!

In January, all Fish Fund offerings went to ICS, totalling $10,000.00!!!!!

Thank you, Church of the Servant for your faithful support in serving our community!

The CONNECT | February 2024

11

Church of the Servant 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142-9725

† Palm Sunday

March 24th, 10:00 AM

† Maundy Thursday Communion Service March 28th, 7:30 PM

† Good Friday Tenebrae Service March 29th, 7:30 PM

† EASTER SUNDAY March 31st, 10:00 AM

† Lenten Services of Healing & Wholeness Sundays during Lent Chapel of the Cross | 9:00 AM (February 18th through Palm Sunday)

† SUNDAY WORSHIP

Celebration Center | 10:00 AM

Follow Us! @ServantOKC

WORSHIP TIME

SUNDAYS @ 10AM

CONTACT US: 14343 N MacArthur Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73142 ServantOKC.org (405) 721-4141

LIVE STREAM Sunday Mornings @ 10AM servantokc.online.church Facebook.com/ServantOKC