March 2024 Newsletter

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CONNECT

RESURRECTION

31, 2024, at 10:00 AM

EDITION 24.03 | MARCH 2024
SERVANT’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
CHURCH OF THE
CELEBRATION
MARCH

There is NEW LIFE AT CHURCH

OF THE SERVANT

Spring is the time for new life in the world, and we certainly are seeing new life bloom at Church of the Servant. Here are just some of the many ways:

NEW PEOPLE!

You may have already met our newest members, Scott Weber and Kaleb Wilson. Scott has been across the global as a medical expert and sings in our choir. Kaleb is a finance guru and is engaged to long-time member Hillary Neaves.

No matter who you are or your experiences, you can learn more about Church of the Servant and what membership means at our next Discovery Luncheon with the Pastors – Sunday, March 17, at 11:15 AM. Just come to Guest Central, and we’ll go together from there. And lunch is on us!

A NEW SEASON!

Spring springs up on us on March 19th this year! Need a new and fun way to celebrate better weather? Here’s 125 of them! https://tinyurl.com/springcos

A NEW MEAL!

Maundy Thursday | March 28th, at 7:30 PM

On Thursday, March 28, at 7:30 PM, in the Celebration Center, we will remember the last supper Jesus had with his friends when he was on this earth. This turned out to be no ordinary meal: the disciples fed on the life of Jesus, and they drank in his overflowing forgiveness. Then Jesus told them to remember this new meal often until they joined him again for feasting in the New Kingdom.

This year, legendary guitarist Edgar Cruz will help lead us in a new expression of Maundy Thursday and Holy Communion. Young and old are invited to come to Jesus’ Table.

A NEW “OLD RUGGED CROSS!”

Good Friday | March 29th, at 7:30 PM

You have seen the beautiful new Crosses in our Celebration Center and in our Concourse. The meaning of the Cross will be made real to us on Friday,

>>>> The CONNECT | March 2024 2
Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann Pastor Transitions Team

March 29, at 7:30 PM, in the Celebration Center. This is a dramatic service of readings, hymns and choir anthems. We will walk through the final days of Jesus. One by one, candles will be extinguished, and lights will be brought low until we are in complete darkness. The “three days” begin.

NEW LIFE!

Easter Sunday | March 31st, at 10:00 AM

New Life is what the entire Christian faith and our existence is all about. Here’s how the Apostle Paul puts it: “Anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life emerges! Look at it!” (2 Cor. 17).

Of course, this starts for us on Easter morning, when Jesus ushers in New Life for everyone and to everything. Our Resurrection Celebration begins at 10:00 AM on Sunday, March 31st. With songs of joy and the proclamation, “He is risen! He is risen, indeed!” we celebrate the greatest news in all of history: Jesus is alive! We hope you will be with us for the wonderful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the hope of the world!

Finally, let us leave you with this encouragement from the Prophet Isaiah: “Behold, I am doing a new thing [says the Lord]; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).

If you need something new growing in your life, maybe March is the time to make Church of the Servant your new church home. We would love to welcome you!

Pastor Thomas
The CONNECT | March 2024 3
Pastor Jess

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

Lenten Study | For Women

Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM | “Bible Babes”

Bible study group led by Patricia Hocker

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

• 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. Adults 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 | March 2024

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“Savor the Savior” Ladies’ Fellowship Dinner

Thursday, April 18th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM

LADIES: Join us for a memorable and meaningful evening of food, fellowship, worship, and a special message titled “Hope Abounds” from author, speaker, and former Miss Oklahoma Jennifer Zabel.

Jenni Zabel is on a passionate pursuit of the Lover of our souls and desires to bring others along with her. As a fellow traveler on this journey of faith, she is humbly moving forward in obedience to share God’s goodness and biblical truth through writing, teaching, and speaking, and trusting Him to provide the encouragement others need. It is the beat of her heart to see God’s people live in the fullness of the gospel: redeemed, loved, transformed, surrendered, set apart. Read more on Jenni at ServantOKC.org/savor-the-savior!

REGISTER TODAY!

ServantOKC.org/savor-the-savior

Tenaciously Teal’s Tarah Warren will also be present to share with us her journey of faith and how the dream of Tenaciously Teal was born. On this day, we will begin collecting items for Tenaciously Teal Care Packs that we will assemble on our Ladies’ Mission Day on Saturday, July 13th. Details at ServantOKC.org/savior-the-savior!

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, APRIL 15th. For more information about his wonderful evening and to register, go to ServantOKC.org/savior-the-savior

SAVE THE DATE! More events to come...

• Ladies’ Mission Day (Saturday, July 13th) - OK Regional Food Bank & Tenaciously Teal Care Packs

• Ladies’ Spiritual Retreat (September 6th - 8th) - Chickasaw Retreat Center in Sulphur

• Winter Craft Event (Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 PM) - Painting led by Mary Garrett

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!

The CONNECT | March 2024 6

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 | March 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!

The CONNECT | March 2024 8

PRIME TIME

MARCH & APRIL

APRIL PRIME TIME

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON

Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

In Community Hall

Kendrik McKinney is an Oklahoma City based keyboard player, pianist, arranger, and bandleader. Kendrik started playing piano at a young age, and was around 5 years old when he began classical training. Coming from a family of musicians, he always knew that music would be his profession and his passion. Both his mother and father were jazz musicians, who were music educators throughout his childhood. Growing up, Kendrik developed a deep love for all kinds of music. This education by his father lead him to be influenced by artists such as Prince, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, George Clinton and Parliament, Bill Evans, Hank Williams Jr., Erykah Badu, and Miles Davis.

Kendrik has traveled all of the United States recording and performing music with various artists, bands, and jazz bands. He has toured with original soul band Matt Stansberry and the Romance, as well as Nashville artist Bryce Merritt.He currently lives in his hometown of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where you can find him playing with over a dozen different artist and projects. He plans to move to Miami to pursue a Masters Degree in Jazz Arranging at The University of Miami. In his free time, Kendrik likes to travel and play golf. He is married and has two daughters, who all keep him in line at home.

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.”

Make a reservation today!

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

ServantOKC.org/prime-time
The CONNECT | March 2024 9
Kendrik McKinney, pianist

MI S S I O N S

On Monday, March 4, we had to say goodbye to our New Hope Coordinator, Pastor Marla Lobo. She has been appointed the Director of Project Transformation for the state of Oklahoma. It is a great program for kids. It is held in different churches. The kids come for one month in the summer. They are served breakfast and lunch. They participate in art, PE, music, devotionals and reading. Volunteers come every day to read with the kids for 30 minutes. This a wonderful opportunity for Pastor Marla, but we will miss her very much! She has been with our Whiz Kids site for 14 years. We collected money to contribute to Project Transformation in Marla’s name. Our volunteers collected over $1,000! Shirley tied the money to a little tree, and we presented it to her. She was overwhelmed!

We also celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a child doing a reading. Then, we had family night on Monday. We had over 100 people attend. They enjoyed walking tacos and dessert made by the Mary/Martha Circle at New Hope.

Many thanks go out the ladies who cooked, served and cleaned up. We appreciate you!

Shirley Rolston

Pastor Marla Lobo

Carolyn Hays

The CONNECT | March 2024 10
Whiz Kids Coordinator Pictured (LtoR):

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.

What a tremendous blessing these crosses are to enhance this season of Lent!

Thank you, Carl Shortt, for your generous gifts, talents and time to make this possible!

The CONNECT | March 2024 11
† Palm Sunday March 24th, 10:00 AM † Maundy Thursday Communion Service
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 Church of the Servant 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142-9725 Follow Us! @ServantOKC WORSHIP TIME SUNDAYS @ 10AM LIVE STREAM Sunday Mornings @ 10AM servantokc.online.church Facebook.com/ServantOKC CONTACT US: 14343 N MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 ServantOKC.org (405) 721-4141
March
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