March 8, 2017
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 17.05
A Change on the Horizon
With last week’s announcement of the coming appointment of a new Senior Minister at Church of the Servant, there has been an expected mix of both relief and anxiety sweeping through the building! Let me take a minute to address both emotions. Part of the anxiousness arises from the fact that while we know an appointment has taken place, we have not yet been granted permission to reveal the full details of the individual stepping into the role. As excited and as ready as we are to move forward, I think it is helpful to understand there is another side to the equation: that of a congregation, and indeed an Annual Conference, who are in the beginning stages of the process of saying “goodbye” to a family with whom they are deeply attached. Our turn to celebrate will come soon enough, but for now we continue to wait with patience and a sense of hopeful anticipation of what is to come.
Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister
Also, contributing to the butterflies fluttering in our collective stomach is the understanding with new leadership will come changes to the status quo. I will be the first to admit the thought of change makes me nervous! However, the fear of not changing to address the mission field around Church of the Servant, or of our failing to adapt to the constantly evolving world surrounding us, far exceeds my concerns as to the short-term bumps and disruptions we might face. Throughout its history, Church of the Servant has positioned itself on the cutting edge of ministry, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in innovative and exciting ways. The time is now for us to reclaim that heritage knowing the excitement generated will leave our current fears and concerns in the dust as they fade from our sight in the rear view mirror.
Within the staff and congregation, there is also a profound sense of relief in knowing the answers we have been seeking and the breakthroughs for which we have been praying are at last at hand. On a personal note, I will tell you I am thrilled with this new appointment and am staggered by the possibilities this individual brings to our church. This appointment is significant in that it is not “business as usual” within the Oklahoma Annual Conference. This is a bold move by Bishop Nunn, our District Superintendent Rockford Johnson, and our own Pastor Parrish Relationship Committee. This decision and this appointment is missionally directed with an eye to the future of the congregation. In the months and years to come, I expect to see us make a significant difference in our community and in the surrounding neighborhoods as a result of this bold choice. It is an exciting time to be a part of Church of the Servant. I would encourage you to continue in your prayers asking God to break through in new ways and open doors to new ministry opportunities. Hold on tight because this train is leaving the station and the ride is going to be spectacular! – Randy
Volunteer for Care Ministries
Are you interested in volunteering for our Care Ministries? Perhaps you have a knack for encouraging others with words of comfort and care. Maybe you like sending cards and letters to people when they face difficult times. Perhaps you even feel a calling to go and visit people on behalf of our church, so that you can pray with them and let them know God loves them. If you’d like to help support people during important times of their lives (like when they are hospitalized, having surgery, or experiencing grief in the family), we’d love to hear from you! There are various opportunities for you to serve in Care Ministries here at Church of the Servant. You can write notes and cards to our members, pray for them, or even become trained as a lay Care Chaplain. For more information, please call Vicki Roberds at (405) 728-4738 or email her at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Serving at Skyline The Monache Sunday school class served at Skyline Urban Ministry on February 11 by sacking groceries in the food pantry. This was the latest in a long tradition of Monache serving the community. One member of Monache, Janis Ridgell, said that Servant has allowed her to serve others and has reinforced how important it is to serve and how all of us can serve, even in small ways.
great experience when they come to Servant.
Janis had a wonderful experience serving at Skyline, saying “It was heartwarming to see that those in need had the opportunity to shop for what they need. At the same time, it made me realize how fortunate I am to have plenty of food in my life.” Janis was also impacted by serving close to home. “Serving in your own home town not only wakes you up to the realities of the needy, but also gives you some joy when you are able to make a difference in other’s lives,” she said.
Janis said she was surprised by the breadth of ministry at Skyline. “I didn’t realize how many things Skyline offered to the people who are in need. They don’t just offer clothing and food, but also health, wellness, and special occasion items like back to school uniforms, backpacks and prom dresses. They provide eye exams and glasses for those in need as well,” she said.
Church of the Servant has had a rich history as a partner with Skyline. Special “Fish” offerings are taken every year for Clothes for Kids, and Christmas Grace is a long-standing tradition. A Skyline staff member comes to Servant every Monday to pick up donations. Janis said that they have a
Missions
Another class member, Mark Turner, said that the Skyline staff can’t believe the things that are donated. They said the employees at Servant always welcome them with open arms. Janis agreed, adding, “The Skyline employees said that Servant is probably their biggest supporter in OKC.”
If you, your family, or Sunday school class would like to follow Monache’s example and serve at Skyline, contact Skyline’s volunteer coordinator, Rachel Winner, at (405) 632-2644, ext. 104. Skyline accepts gently used clothing, linens, dishware and small kitchen appliances. Place food donations in the shopping cart by the church office. Place other items in the blue bins in the Concourse.
Rebuilding Together Day – Saturday, April 8 Would you be willing to bring your tools and your skills? Maybe just throw a paintbrush or swing a hammer for a morning or afternoon? Would you help an older person with a deep cleaning of their home? Rebuilding Together is a day in our city to help someone who would otherwise not have the help on their home and is a great day of fun community building as we work together. Each spring, Church of the Servant partners with Rebuilding Together to help our city’s seniors as we serve in the community to repair their homes on this day. Church of the Servant is sponsoring two homes and we need 50-60 people to get all the work done that day. Fish funds pay for the supplies, and our people do the work. It’s an opportunity for people of all ages to work side-by-side and make a difference for two families. There are morning and afternoon shifts. You can register on Sundays right outside the Centrum at the Rebuilding Table or at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. There will be a project information meeting on Thursday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m. in 13.2 coffee area to prepare for the home projects and pick up T-shirts. SERVANT March 8, 2017 I Page 3
Missions
Mission Calendar Dates Sundays, March 26 & April 2 – Cards for Kenya Booth Thursday, April 6, 6pm – Rebuilding Together Team Mtg. Saturday, April 8, 8-5pm – Rebuilding Together Day Sunday, May 14 – Clothes for Kids Fish Appeal
It’s SPRING in Earthglow Easter bunnies, duckies and chickens! Oh my! Spring rug inserts. Gardening gloves. Eco-cloths to help with spring cleaning. Picture frames just right for a Mother’s Day family portrait. Greeting cards for every occasion. Earthglow is alive with items for spring. Stop by today and find a treasure for your home, your family, and your friends. Proceeds from all purchases benefit local missions. Stay tuned for an announcement of the distribution of profits from 2016 sales!
NextGen Circle of Support Dear 5th Grade Parent(s), We would like to introduce you to a ministry of support for our 5th graders at Church of the Servant. This ministry is a parent-formed Circle of Support. We are inviting every 5th grade parent to choose three or four close and reliable family members and/or friends to be a part of their Circle of Support in the months of April and May. Each Circle of Support member will pray daily for and anonymously send notes of encouragement to your 5th grader – ideally once a week, during the months of April and May. On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, we will host a Reveal Party. This will be a highlight event, as the 5th graders find out who has been praying for and supporting them throughout these last few months of this school year. We intend to make this event a momentous one, full of the power of Christ, as well as the love and support of family and friends!
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Our WOW 4th and 5th graders with their wonderful leaders got to participate in the Centrum Ash Wednesday Service.
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salm 100 opens with “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Countless volunteers are doing just that as they serve behind the scenes at Church of the Servant. When you open your bulletin, read your newsletter, marvel at the beautiful plants in the Celebration Center, or receive a card at just the right time when you have a crisis in your family, thank God that there are servants in our midst who are serving Him in unique ways. Pat Coffman arrives every other Tuesday to fold the newsletter. She returns every Thursday with her husband, Lindsey, to fold and assemble the bulletin. They always have a kind word and a smile for everyone they meet. The Publications Team is a group of ladies who bring breakfast, helping hands, and a great sense of humor
A Servant’s Heart when they arrive on Wednesdays to assemble the newsletter. They have so much joy as they visit, tease each other, and prepare the newsletters. Susan Satterlee is the green thumb behind the health and beauty of our plants. Susan takes her knowledge as a former owner of a nursery and adds a willingness to serve. She carefully waters, trims, and watches over each plant. She has made a big difference in the aesthetics of our church. As beautiful as the plants are, it’s really Susan’s heart that adds the most beauty to our building.
Volunteers quietly do what must be done, without thought of accolades. They are a vital and essential part of doing ministry at Church of the Servant. As they joyfully serve, we know God is pleased. Well done, good and faithful servants! If you are interested in finding a place to serve, see www.churchoftheservant.com/connect/volunteer or contact Michael Carpenter at mcarpenter@ churchoftheservant.com.
Church of the Servant’s Care Chaplains are often invisible until they are needed. They spring into action whenever an illness or death occurs, or when someone finds themselves in crisis. They visit, pray, and write cards.
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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 “oneweek high energy, non-stop excitement, traveling Christian day camp experience!” KampOut! will take place on July 10-14 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 them 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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Be a 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 premises 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 Confirmation is about getting out of your comfort zone. Walking into a room full of semi strangers and talking about God can be awkward and hard. It’s hard for the students too. This My journey through Church of the Servant High School Conwinter, nine Servant students came together each Sunday affirmation was a time I will always remember. I will look back ternoon to engage in the confirmation process. It was an 8 on how inspiring it was for me week journey to get to know more about God, themselves to officially start my life with the and what God expects of them. I was privileged to walk Lord. I will be able to see how beside them on their adventure. High school confirmation my faith has grown. I rememis a little different than the “standard” middle school experiber getting a call from my youth ence. First of all, these students didn’t go through confirleader, Sang Nguyen, asking mation because it was what everyone was doing that year. me if I wanted to go through In fact, most of them opted out of middle school confirmaConfirmation and I was so extion because they wanted to be sure they were saying yes cited to accept the opportunity for the right reasons. Also, these students already have of getting closer to God. Those a relationship with God and are walking a journey of faith. seven Sunday nights getting Confirmation for them is more about supporting their exto spend with my new friends, periences with biblical understanding so that the foundaand talking about the scriptures tion of their relationship with God is strengthened by the of the Bible were some of my knowledge of who God is and what God expects of them. favorite times. I had amazing Helping them to fully embrace life with Christ. Being sure leaders that dedicated their of their faith then leads them to express their faith though time to teach our open hearts Savannah Burgin (R) service. Ephesians 4:12 says that God equips his people about the importance of Him. with leader, Karla O’Hara and Ephesians 2:10 says: “For we are God’s handiwork, Hurst Jones and Jill Perrin are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God preawesome people and you should really get to know them if pared in advance for us to do.” Each one of these students you don’t already! Having been Confirmed into the Methodist is a unique reflection of God’s image. Each student already Church on February 26 in the 923 service, I will now carry on serves using the gifts and graces they were given. Being a my faith to bigger and greater things and not stop just beconfirmation leader is the easiest job in the world because cause the time of Confirmation has come to an end. My eyes God is already there moving. My job is just to remind them have been opened to such great things and I’m blessed to be that the God of the universe has been calling their name and part of Church of the Servant. It feels like another home. that God has a purpose for each one of them that he will help – Savannah Burgin, 10th Grade them fulfill. Getting to see a glimpse of that confidence in faith sink in to these students is a gift for me, never a chore. I have loved getting to know each of these students and look forward There is nothing more beautiful than a student standing up to seeing how God uses them in His kingdom. in front of their church to proclaim that they are a follower of Jesus Christ. Being around these students, you could see – Jill Perrin, Confirmation Leader how hungry they were for something much more: a deeper relationship with the Father. I am blown away by their commitment and drive to study the Word, but also to stand tall and tell the world, “I am a follower of Jesus.” These are incredible moments that will propel confirmands to Kingdom things. I truly believe this season will prepare them for incredible moments to come, moments that will allow others to see the power of Christ at work. I can’t help but be overwhelmed with joy. It’s really all I could ask for – students passionate about their faith. This incredible experience would not have been possible if it weren’t for Jill Perrin and Hurst Jones. These are wonderful leaders who understood the gravity of this process and poured everything they had into these students. Our church is incredibly blessed by the gifts that these leaders share. As High School Confirmands and Leaders. we celebrate confirmation, may we be reminded of the work L to R: Tripp Chesley; Hurst Jones, Leader; Taylor Gleichof Christ in our lives and boldly proclaim it! man; Savannah Burgin; Mariah Slothower; Bennett Hill; – Sang Nguyen, High School Youth Pastor Jill Perrin, Leader; Rachel Slothower; Megan Wortmann; Lauren Wilson; Katelyn Wilson.
High School Confirmation
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Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Bud and Alana Atkins as Alana’s son, Jack Jencks, is dealing with health issues. u Susan King-Baker as Susan’s neighbor’s daughter, Ada Amen, is dealing with health issues. u Dewayne and Lindsay Ballard as their daughter, Brynn Ballard, is dealing with health issues.
Our Prayers Continued
Celebrating Memories
u Todd, Shannon, Sara, and Jake Schultheis as Todd’s sister, Shauna Knowles, is dealing with health issues.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministries in memory of Roger Erickson by Ron and Sharon Hendricks.
u Eric, Jeanna, and Amelia Stewart as Jeanna is dealing with health issues and undergoing tests. u Jim and Elise Weed as Elise is dealing with health issues.
u Pati Carpenter as Pati is dealing with health issues and faces possible surgery in Amarillo, TX.
u Bill and Mary White as Mary’s mother, Mabel Fuhrmann, is dealing with health issues; and Bill is recuperating from surgery.
u Marty and Dottie Christensen as their daughter, Terri Shipp, is hospitalized in Colorado.
u Lonnie Williams as Lonnie is recuperating from surgery and is undergoing physical therapy at Bellevue Rehab Nursing Home.
u Ben and Sammye Cravens as Sammye is dealing with health issues. u David and Kay Filson as their son, Mike Filson, is dealing with health issues.
Our Sympathy
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Executive Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Vince Robison by Ron and Sharon Hendricks. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Executive Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Larry Derryberry by Ron and Sharon Hendricks. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Bob Wilson by Doris J. Cline. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Kenya Mission Trip in honor of Ann Knutson by Janet & Mark Price.
u Roy and Doris Floyd as Roy is recuperating from surgery.
u John Baldwin and Family at the death of John’s father, Timothy Baldwin.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Vince Robison by Church of the Servant Newsletter Volunteers.
u Nick and Vonda Hail as Nick is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center (AMG Unit).
u Ferris Barger and Linda Pizzini-Barger and Family at the death of Linda’s father, Harold Cusack.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Mary Lu McEuen by Paul & Mary Belle Sterling.
u George and Deanna Davis and Family at the death of Deanna’s mother, Virginia Lois Keathley.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Executive Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Leota Mix by Prime Time.
u Stephen Hankins and Family at the death of Stephen’s wife, Ann Hankins.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Christmas Grace in memory of Bob Wilson by Stanley and Sherry Selvidge.
u Winston and Tasha Harbin as Winston is dealing with health issues; and Tasha’s sister, Sheila, is dealing with health issues. u Mark and Kay Harsha as Kay’s mother, Emily Cravens, is recuperating from injuries from a fall. u Henry and Jere Marcotte as Jere is recuperating from surgery. u Stan and Marcia Mortimer and Jeremy and Ashley Sanders as Stan and Ashley both deal with health issues. u Vicki Muir as she is recuperating from surgery. u Steve and Tamara Patterson as Tamara’s mother, Donna Golliver, is dealing with health issues and is a resident at Tuscany Village. u Chloe Roberts as Chloe’s brother, John Roberts Jr., is hospitalized in Olympia, WA. u Craig, Jennifer, Danielle, Ashleigh, Anthony, and Courtney Robinson as Danielle is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Children’s Hospital. u Brad and Lisa Rodgers as Brad’s father, Bill Rodgers, is dealing with health issues. u Matt, Christy, and Kendall Ruebel as Christy’s father, David Ferguson, is recuperating from surgery.
u Lee and Margaret Hudson and Family at the death of Margaret’s mother, Dorothy Conley. u Norman and Kipp Neaves, Tim Jones, and Family at the death of Norman’s and Kipp’s niece and Tim’s wife, Kristin Jones.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 3/12 – Roasted Chicken, Spring Vegetables, New Potatoes, Salad, and Dessert. u 3/19 – Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Baked Beans, Choice of Potato Salad, Coleslaw or Chips, and Dessert. u 3/26 – Beef & Chicken Tacos, Rice, Bean Medley, Chips & Dip, and Dessert.
u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Vince Robison by Bari Johnson. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Mary Lu McEuen by Bob and Judy Henry. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Pat Chandler by Gene and Linda Harris. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Mary Lu McEuen by Virginia Calame. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Diane Norton by Mildred Parsons. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Mary Lu McEuen by Robert and Jacklynn Haynes. u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Mary Lu McEuen by Kent and Glenda Potts. SERVANT March 8, 2017 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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