February 22, 2017
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 17.04
Feeding Hungry Children Around the World
Stop Hunger Now has become deeply ingrained in the culture and tradition of Church of the Servant. The blessing it provides unfolds before us in multiple ways: it is a platform from which we, as a congregation, can engage the world beyond our walls, it is one of the few intergenerational activities where members of all ages play a significant role in its execution, and it demonstrates the ability of Church of the Servant to make a difference in the world through Christ when we are aligned and all pulling in the same direction. As a congregation, we owe a profound “Thank You” to Scott Smith, as it was Scott who first introduced the concept and possibility of Stop Hunger Now to Church of the Servant. I remember the morning staff meeting where Scott (complete with props and visual aids) proposed this particular mission. There are ideas that come along from time to time that ring like a bell in the hearts and minds of those who hear them. Stop Hunger Now was one such idea. Support among the staff was instantly unanimous, and a great idea quickly moved from concept, to plan, to event! Pierce Gandy is the man responsible for the logistics and layout of the morning. His organizational skills and planning are what make possible having the proper number of tables and extension cords, bags of rice and pallets of dehydrated vegetables in all the right places and at all the proper times for the morning to be a success! From the beginning, Tom McGee has helped coordinate crews of volunteer – from setup to final clean up of the project. I have always been amazed to see the state of the building at noon following the packaging event (there is food and trash strewn across Rev. Randy Shrauner the campus). But, if a person will check in forty-five minutes later, they will find a building in Executive Minister which a church mouse might starve for want of a single kernel of rice! All this is due to the hard work and upfront planning of a committed leadership team. Over a million meals packaged and shipped with an additional one hundred and fifty thousand planned for next month. What an accomplishment of which we can all be proud! Thank you, Scott, for your leadership in this great missional adventure! And, thank you to the thousands of volunteers who have made this ongoing mission possible. Together, as members of the body of Christ and Church of the Servant, we are feeding hungry children around the world in the name of Jesus Christ. With that, the God we love and serve celebrates! – Randy
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Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event Register Today!
Missions
STOP HUNGER NOW Meal Packaging Event is Sunday, March 5. Individuals, families, and groups will volunteer for one of three shifts to package 151,000 meals. Register for Stop Hunger Now this Sunday at the Shack in the Concourse, or register online at www. churchoftheservant.com/hunger. 4th & 5th GRADERS – Register for Stop Hunger Now! Check in Suite 45 for more information, or register at www. churchoftheservant.com/hunger.
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here are many avenues to get involved in Church of the Servant’s faith community. All of these avenues help guide us on our faith journeys both individually and also with family and friends. One of these avenues is Stop Hunger Now. Every year, my family and I look forward to participating in the event. Stop Hunger Now is an event that we can participate in as a family and discuss what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Further, the fact that the event is so tangible, it provides a wonderful example of what being the hands and feet of Christ looks like. I believe Stop Hunger Now has, and will continue to be, a great event in the spiritual life of my family and the Church.
my daughter’s faith journey through this mission. Anna said, “What I like about Stop Hunger Now is just simply helping people. I like coming together with my church members, and having fun with it. Why I do Stop Hunger Now is because I just think of how much I have, and I just want
loading the finished meals back up on the truck Sunday, and everything in between. It is really amazing to see our congregation pulling together for one common goal. I really enjoy walking through all the active production lines during the event and seeing all various demographics of our church side by side in mission. The experience is very unique. The words exciting, caring, encouraging, and thankful come to mind every year. While the event is incredibly inspiring, I always pause to give thanks for the blessings in my life, my family’s lives, and in our Church.
Church of the Servant has been instrumental in my and my family’s spiritual growth. Annessa and I were just dating when we began attending Church of the Servant and the Two by Two Sunday school class. Over the past 20 years, Each year, as the Stop Annessa and I, and now Anna Hunger Now event is and Taber, have had the opLtoR: Annessa, Anna, Taber, and Brad Traynor winding down, my eleven portunity through Servant to year old daughter, Anna, participate in many missions, runs up to me asking, “When is the event to give some of what I have to the less camps, classes/groups, studies, and renext year?” Her excitement over being fortunate. And I know that what I am do- treats. All of these have allowed us to in mission is very touching to my wife, ing makes God smile and in doing that I create meaningful and lasting relationAnnessa, and me. Anna’s enthusiasm is am walking in the path of God.” ships with others, but more importantly, beyond being with friends at an exciting brought us deeper into our spiritual life. event. She understands the objective of I like to refer to the event as a 48-hour The Servant community has been and Stop Hunger Now and the fact that she’s frenzy, and I wouldn’t change the cra- continues to be a vehicle that drives our doing work in the name of the Lord. ziness for anything. Being a part of or- family’s spiritual life and growth, and I Having her participate with me side by ganizing the event has given me the am very thankful for it. side, with this comprehension and ex- opportunity to participate in the event – Brad Traynor citement, is something incredibly special globally; from unloading the trucks on to me. I value the ability to be a part of Friday, staging everything on Saturday, SERVANT February 22, 2017 I Page 3
Missions Watoto Wa Ahadi Children of Promise Rescue Center On December 4, Church of the Servant collected over $25,000 for Maua Methodist Hospital and its outreach programs. Our goal was to raise enough money for the rural rescue center to purchase a tractor, plough, and money to cultivate two acres. We accomplished our goal and then some! While the Kenyans work on buying the equipment, there is heart-warming news to share about the center. Funds have been collected from other sources to send three of the children to a technical school! The paragraph below is written by Michal Raimer-Goodman, Director of Sodzo International, who is another partner of the hospital. Sometimes you start on a journey because you believe it is right, but you don’t know where it’s going to go. Along the journey, you find friends who also believe the cause is right and just. It wells me up with joy and love to know that, due to the generosity of many, three of our young men will be able to go to technical school and gain skills to help them into a new life – off the streets, off of glue, and into their God-Blessed future. Thanks to all who support Watoto Wa Ahadi and the children we love and serve. Please pray for these young men as they begin their technical education.
Adult
– Michal Raimer-Goodman
PRIME TIME
It’s not every day we have the opportunity to hear beautiful music played by a true child prodigy, but that will be our treat at Prime Time on March 9, at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall. We will welcome 16-year old Nathaniel Parker, who will entertain us on both piano and violin. A student at Classen School of Advanced Studies, Nathanial also currently studies piano with Greg Fisher, and violin with Peter Nguyen. Nathaniel started playing violin at age 3 and piano at age 4. At the age of 8, he began composing for piano and the following year won the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Composition Competition. He continues to compose, and is currently working on his first piano concerto. He has also won many other string and piano awards, the latest one in February – the prestigious Oklahoma City Orchestra League’s Buttram String Competition. Nathaniel hopes to be a great concert pianist as well as a violin soloist. He is still trying to make up his mind which direction he wants to pursue, but who knows – maybe he will achieve both! This outstanding program will be followed by another delicious meal of Chicken Chateau, Baby Bakers, Peas and Carrots, Salad, Rolls, and Fruited Jell-O. Program alone is $2; with the meal, it is $10. There will also be lots of Prime Time fellowship! Sign up soon at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141. This is one Prime Time you won’t want to miss! Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Ash Wednesday Marks the Beginning of Lent
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s our church has read the Gospel of Luke recently, the narrative of Advent has flowed ceaselessly toward that of Lent. On Christmas Eve, God’s love drew our church family to lift our candles as one body, symbolically receiving the hope of Christ’s light and carrying it together into this world’s darkness.
Tommy & Bobbie Roe For me, Ash Wednesday’s liturgy is just as loving an invitation to acknowledge my own darkness and ceaseless need for Christ’s saving grace. The words of Psalm 51, which our church family usually prays in unison, give voice to my soul: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love... a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (NRSV, verses 1-17). In solitude, regardless of season, I often pray Psalm 51 “by heart”; but I am deeply grateful for the communal sharing of our mortality and brokenness on Ash Wednesday. The ashes know no bias. No matter how different our life
circumstances or stages of faith, we all receive the ashen cross on our foreheads in humbling solidarity with our spiritual ancestors, with each other, and with Christ. In 1994, when my husband, Tommy, and I returned to church after a 25-year absence, I knew nothing about Lent or the intimacy with which the Bible could engage me in Christ’s life. But as I studied scripture, I also learned prayer practices for immersing myself into that “living Word.” Now, the beginning of Lent is marked by those scriptures that compel me to journey closely with Jesus and his disciples to the cross and beyond. Various Lenten devotionals, as well as our weekly sermon verses, guide my prayers. With the disciples, I squirm, I question, I doubt; I profess undying faith, only to deny Jesus, for fear that I will die. In a significant way, I do experience little dyings throughout the journey, as I let go of things or attitudes that are habitually competing with God for my time and attention. The Lenten spiritual practice that has become most meaningful for me is the daily reflection 1Fasting and Feasting by William Arthur Ward. “Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling them,” he begins. “Fast from such attitudes as anger, impatience, negativity; feast on gratitude, hope, trust, unity.” As I pray for the Spirit to examine my heart, I become aware of my resistance, pride, self-justification — the bent of a “divided heart” that wants to tell God what is best for the universe, my family, and me. My unloving, unforgiving attitudes and actions belie my professed faith. But under God’s loving gaze, I can express my remorse, receive forgive-
ness, and begin to feel the transformation of the Luke 7 woman, who bathes Jesus’ feet with her tears: “She who has been forgiven much, loves much” (Luke 7:36-50).
No spiritual practice will make me holy. My family and friends can attest to my repeated need for repentance! But praying scriptures, sharing Lenten experiences as a church family, and allowing God to “empty” me in order to be “filled” with his Spirit are all means of grace that can deepen my relationship with Christ and engage me more intentionally, and perhaps more consistently, in loving action. Dusty, ashen mortal though I am, I can still receive and live his abiding love— an irresistible motivator and redeemer. As Macrina Wiederkehr reminds me, “Your life is entwined with the God who gave you birth. Frail dust, remember, you are splendor!” (A Tree Full of Angels: Seeing the Holy in the Ordinary, xvi). – Bobbie Roe -----------------------------William Arthur Ward’s Fasting and Feasting is easily found on the Internet. One link is gloriadeihudson.org/ documents/Fasting_and_Feasting.pdf
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NextGen Kanakuk KampOut! at Servant
KampOut! is a ministry of Kanakuk, a non-denominational Christian summer camp ministry dedicated to developing dynamic Christian leaders through life-changing experiences, Godly relationships, and spiritual training. Kanakuk created KampOut! as a way to partner with the local church to impact the community by reaching families with the Kanakuk experience – all for the sake of the Gospel. Kanakuk describes KampOut! as a “1week high energy, non-stop excitement, traveling Christian day camp experience!” KampOut! will take place on July 10 to 14 for ages 5-12 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Servant. Camp fee is $250. Camp and registration information is available at www.kanakuk.com/kampout Every KampOut! Kamper will see and hear that God is a loving Father and wonderful Creator who loves them and desires for us to love others. Kids will have a blast flying down a zip line, scaling the climbing wall, bouncing in the incredible inflatables, and laughing at our crazy skits! We are hosting KampOut! at Servant because we want to offer as many opportunities as we can to reach our community for Christ. We know that families, in and around our community, are often looking for summer activities that provide a safe and fun experience for their kids. We believe that KampOut! will provide this opportunity for families while sharing with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Plus, our mission at Servant is to combine the influences of the family and the church to lead the next generation to become fully committed followers of Christ. We know that KampOut! is another opportunity for us to lead our kids to become committed followers of Christ. WANT TO HELP? KampOut! registration and activities are managed by Kanukuk personnel. However, the following are some opportunities to help support the event. Host families for 60 staff who will be coordinating the KAMP. The following are the requirements as outlined by Kanukuk: •
Staff will need housing July 8 – July 14 (AM)
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A place to sleep for a minimum of 3 staff (same gender) – bed/mattress/couch
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Simple breakfast. The staff will leave homes by 6:30 every morning.
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Dinner except Tuesday and Thursday evenings of Camp week.
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A washer/dryer so the staff can do laundry if needed.
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Guest at Host Family Night, July 13
Host Families are a huge part of the KampOut! ministry. The Host Families play an important role by supporting, encouraging and extending hospitality to the Kanakuk staff while they serve the kids in our community. The staff is trained on how they can be a blessing to Host Families while staying in their homes. Overnight security is required for assets that reside in the parking lot the week of KampOut! – Camp scholarships are available for parents of children attending KampOut! who help provide security. These scholarships are provided by Kanakuk. Staff lunch for 60 staff Monday-Friday – great service project for a Sunday school or Bible Study group. Camp nurse/on-site health care professional on premise Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information or to sign-up to help and be part of the KampOut! experience, contact Cathy Hersom at chersom@ churchoftheservant.com or 728-4715.
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NextGen
FAMILY WORSHIP Family Worship Nights were created to meet a strategy of the NextGen Ministry: To create shared spiritual experiences to help families play together, worship together, and serve together. Here are some fun pictures from our last Family Worship Night.
2017 SERVANT KIDZ CAMP With the addition of Kanakuk KampOut! to other summer opportunities for kids at Servant, the decision was made to move the annual Kidz Camp to the fall of 2017. This great event will now take place on the weekend of September 29 – October 1 at Canyon Camp. Making this change means families with children will have at least one unique ministry opportunity every month from June through November. This is outside regular programming.
WARM WORLD SCHOOL...
(3 & 4 year old Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and Starbright Children’s Day Out (6 mos - 3 years) will be calling church members on our wait lists for the 2017-2018 school year beginning March 6. Don’t miss this opportunity to enroll your child in quickly-filling classes. Visit our Websites to download one or both of our wait list applications today at warmworld.com or starbrightokc.com. Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
ALL KIDS WHO LOVE TO SING! The Kids Musical Project will be performing an original musical on Palm Sunday afternoon, before the annual Easter Egg hunt. Parents, please save these dates on your calendar – March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 8 (dress rehearsal), and April 9 (performance). Sunday rehearsals will begin after morning services, 12:00-1:30 p.m. We will provide pizza for the kids who attend. All kids in grades K-5 are eligible to participate. Contact Paul Gebb with any questions, pgebb@churchoftheservant.com. Register at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.
Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Phyllis Armstrong as Phyllis undergoes rehab and is a resident at Parcway Nursing and Rehab Facility. u Gene and Susan Brantley as Susan is recuperating from surgery. u Ron and Shirley Beckett as Ron is recuperating from surgery. u Robert and Deanna Clark as Deanna deals with health issues. u Doris Cline as her daughter and son-inlaw, Wayne and Lisa Tate, are asking for prayers for Wayne as he faces surgery. u Randy and Penny Crownover as Randy faces surgery at the OK Heart Hospital. u Doug and Jaci Finch as Jaci is recuperating from surgery. u Joe and Nancy Harris as Nancy’s sister, Susan Kratovil, is hospitalized in Massachusetts. u Talova Jones as Talova recuperates from an illness. u Don and Marygaye LeBoeuf as Marygaye is recuperating from surgery. u Bob and Marilyn Long as Marilyn undergoes rehab and is a resident at Epworth Villa. u Ken Marose as Ken’s mother, Jean Marose, recuperates from an illness. u Ann McDonald as Ann is hospitalized at St. Anthony Hospital. u Bill and Janie Medina as Janie faces surgery at St. Anthony Bone & Joint Hospital. u David and Kim Myers as David’s stepmother, Lottie Myers, deals with health issues. u Larry and Linda Nowlin as Larry’s and Linda’s brother-in-law, Robert Franke, deals with health issues. u Craig, Jennifer, Ashleigh, Danielle, Anthony, and Courtney Robinson as Courtney and Danielle both deal with health issues; and Craig’s father, Lawrence Robinson, deals with health issues. u Tom and Elaine Swanson as Tom’s brother, Carl Swanson, deals with health issues. u Carrington and Katelynn Tibbetts as Katelynn faces surgery at Mercy Health Center. u Tony Zahn and Maggie Ball-Zahn as Tony is recuperating from surgery.
Our Sympathy
Celebrating Memories
u Dan and Terri Bruner, James and Tiffany Simonson and Braden Ross and Family at the death of Dan’s and Terri’s infant granddaughter and James’ and Tiffany’s daughter, and Braden’s sister, Paisley Bell Simonson.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Vince Robison by Susan & Dave Amis.
u Jane Adair and Family at the death of Jane’s husband, John Ralph Adair.
u Fred and Lana Lou (Boyd) Daniel and Family at the death of Lana Lou’s mother, Melba Boyd. u David Gradick and Sierra Gradick and Family at the death of David’s wife and Sierra’s mother, Sandra Gradick. u Marie Harris and Family at the death of Marie’s husband, Rodger Harris. u Tate, Gina, Ryan, and Jaeden Musae and Family at the death of Gina’s nephew, Layne Meriwether. u Cory and Jenny Rutledge and Family at the death of Cory’s father, Richard Rutledge. u Tony Zahn and Maggie Ball-Zahn and Family at the death of Maggie’s daughter, Suzanne Miller.
CARE MINISTRIES
When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is sometimes difficult to remember to inform Care Ministries of that special situation. As a church family, all of us can help. If you know of a member who would benefit from our specialized care or our prayers through Care Ministries, call Care Ministries at 728-4738 or 312-4634.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 2/26 – Rosemary Baked Chicken, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad & Dessert. u 3/5 – Spaghetti Red Served w/ Corn on the Cob, Garlic Toast, Salad & Dessert.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Mobile Meals in memory of Roger Erickson by Susan Murray.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Martha Hardin by Mary White, Cathy Bush, Jo Wheeler, Jeanie Mills, Carrie Schlegel, Peggi Schnack. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Roger Erickson by Marian Hill. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Mobile Meals in memory of Roger Erickson by Susan Murray. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Vince Robison by Susan & Dave Amis. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Martha Hardin by Mary White, Cathy Bush, Jo Wheeler, Jeanie Mills, Carrie Schlegel, Peggi Schnack. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Roger Erickson by Tesoro Companies. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Vince Robison by Willard Moran, Jr. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Zachary Jennings by Mike & Elaine Frizzell. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Vince Robison by Ike Glass, Jr. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Kenya Fish Appeal in memory of Sarah Adams by Todd and Andi Neaves. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Roger Erickson by Susan Murray. u An anonymous contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in honor of Shawn Hinkle. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Zachary Jennings and Mildred Edmonson by Ron and Sharon Hendricks.
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Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED