Newsletter 03.22.17

March 22, 2017

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER

Issue: 17.06

The Prodigal Son Returns

As we continue to make our way through the Gospel of Luke, this coming Sunday we land in Chapter 15. In composing his Gospel, Luke combined in this very special chapter three familiar and beloved parables telling the stories of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In the longest and most involved parable of the three, a young man, chaffing at the restrictions of family life and the incumbent responsibilities, breaks from his father’s house to lead a life of wanton freedom. Soon enough, the young man comes to his senses and recognizes what has been lost. The passage is packed with tension at this point as all are asking (the young man included), “What place for him might remain in his father’s household?”

In his short book The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, Author Henri Nouwen explores the parable through the lens of Rembrandt’s great painting of the same title. Nouwen writes: The prodigal’s return is full of ambiguities. He is traveling in the right direction, but what confusion! He admits that he was unable to make it on his own and confesses that he would get better treatment as a slave in his father’s home than as an outcast in a foreign land, but he is still far from trusting his father’s love. He knows that he is still the son, but tells himself that he has lost the dignity to be called “son”, and he prepares himself to accept the status of a “hired man” so that he will at least survive. There is repentance, but not a repentance in the light of the immense love of a forgiving God.1 Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister

How many of us have at some point in our lives found ourselves in such a place? Knowing that bridges have been burned and relationships broken, but knowing, as well, the only way to move forward is to go back. Within the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the concept of repentance is a dominant theme. The clearest translation in this instance of the word “repent’ is to understand it as a call to turn around, to stop traveling the direction you are traveling, to go home, even if that homecoming has challenges of its own.

Who knows who might be anxiously scanning the horizon looking for a sign of your return? Likewise, there are people within our hearts for and with whom the hope of reunion is a cherished dream. The grace of God abounds and that same grace should flow from the people who bear his name in the world. May we always be quick to extend the same measure of forgiveness we have first received.

– Randy 1

The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, Henri J. M. Nouwen, Image Books, Doubleday 1994.

If you would like to follow along with the Gospel of Luke reading plan that is tied to our current sermon series, go to www.churchoftheservant.com/luke/.

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Mission Calendar Dates March 26 & April 2

Cards for Kenya Booth

Thurs, April 6 at 6 pm

Rebuilding Together Team Mtg.

Sat, April 8 at 8-5pm

Rebuilding Together Day

Sunday, May 14

Missions

Clothes for Kids Fish Appeal

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 to help someone who would otherwise not have the help on their home. It 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.

Spring Cleaning? Remember Skyline Remember that the blue bins located in the concourse are for Skyline. Clothes, household items, and appliances are needed to help individuals struggling in our city. Food is also appreciated for the pantry and can be placed in the grocery cart. Thank you!

Bless Our Schools:

Test Monitors needed at Hefner Middle School Each year in April, Hefner Middle School does schoolwide testing and always needs volunteers to serve as room monitors. It is a simple role of just being a presence in a classroom as the students are testing. If you are available on any of the dates below, please contact Amber Neaves at neaves3@sbcglobal.net to volunteer. One or two volunteers are needed for each date, and help is especially needed on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13. All of the testing is in the morning and any monitors would need to be there by 7:45, with testing beginning by 8:00. The test will last up to 2 ½ hours. There will be a very short training session to prepare each volunteer.

Testing dates: Thursday, April 6 Monday, April 10 Wednesday, April 12

Have you ever thought that wearing shoes might extend your life?

Thursday, April 13

The team going to Kenya this summer would like to take your picture on March 26 or April 2 and give you a bag of gummi worms! Most children go barefoot or wear broken down sandals and parasites easily penetrate their skin. Those parasites compete with the child for the one meal a day that most rural Kenyans eat. A two-cent pill given twice a year can change all that.

We plan to give pills and suckers to help the medicine go down to about 1200 children.

Monday, April 24

Monday, April 17 Thursday, April 20 Tuesday, April 25

In addition, we hope to create 375 photo appreciation cards to be given to the entire staff of the hospital. They work hard, make little money and often feel overwhelmed with what they face each day. We need YOUR picture in a card along with a personal note. These cards will go to the cooks, nurses, doctors, administrators; everyone from the top to the bottom. Come see the fun ways we have to say hello to a Kenyan!

Not everyone has the desire nor the ability to travel to Kenya, but the Servant congregation has shown time and time again that we have a heart for mission both at home and far away.

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Adults HOW CAN I BAG IT? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS! Earthglow is getting in new spring items every day. You are certain to like the assortment of bags for every occasion. Some are stylish, heavy-duty bags ideal for carrying your workout or beach gear. There are gift bags of various sizes complete with matching tissue. You’ll also find cute, zippered make-up bags perfect for filling and stashing in your suitcase as you head out on that long-awaited vacation. Stop in and check out Earthglow today.

Not only will you find wonderful merchandise, but every dollar you spend will benefit local missions.

PRIME TIME

Beginning Yoga Class Be good to yourself and awaken your mind, body and spirit with your yoga practice. This class will focus on basic yoga poses including stretching, breathing, and relaxation.

When yoga becomes a routine in your life, it can help with blood pressure, mental clarity, flexibility, and stress relief. These are only a few of the benefits you may experience.

This class is for all ages and abilities.

Location: The Point Student Center 8 week class – $60 or single classes $10 Tuesdays 10:50 – 11:50 a.m.

March 28 – May 23 (no class April 11) Contact Jo Fendrych, 405-808-3082, to enroll or if you need more information. Proceeds donated to Church of the Servant and A Place to Grow, Inc. Scholarships available.

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The Elderly Brothers? Who in the world are they? Come to Prime Time on April 13 to get acquainted! In reality, they’re just local boys who happen to like entertaining with great music, especially music from the 50’s and 60’s.

Steve Coleman and John Hochgraefe comprise The Elderly Brothers - and when they’re asked if they really are brothers, the answer is always the same: “Yes, we are brothers - from different mothers!”

Both musicians have deep roots in Oklahoma. John played through his late high school and college years with a successful local band (The Ho-Dads), performing for radio stations such as WKY and KOMA. Steve began playing professionally while studying at the University of Oklahoma. Although John took a “time out” from music, Steve continued as an outstanding musician and vocalist playing with too many bands to name. Steve’s musical travels have taken him across the United States and Japan.

In 2004 John’s father became a resident at St. Ann’s Retirement Community. His mother insisted that John dust off his guitar. With the help of his friends, they began playing for the residents there, giving birth to The Elderly Brothers. Since then, they have played hundreds of times for church groups, weddings, retirement communities, and social gatherings.

Their mission statement and purpose is to bring happiness and quality entertainment to those they are privileged to serve. According to Steve and John, they are blessed to have this ministry, blessing others through their music as The Elderly Brothers.

This fun, entertaining program will whet our appetite for another delicious meal of ham, sweet potatoes, dressing, salad, rolls and coconut cake! Program alone is $2; with the meal it is $10. Prime Time fellowship is free!

Sign up soon at the Welcome Center or call the church office, 721-4141.

Don’t miss the fun!

APRIL 9 – PALM SUNDAY PARADE OF PALMS

Children (3-Years to Fifth Grade) will be participating in the traditional Parade of Palms on Sunday, April 9 during the 9:15 and 10:45 worship services in the Celebration Center, and during the 9:23 worship service in the Centrum. All children are welcome! Invite your friends to come with you! We will re-enact the waving of the palms during Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Children should be in the Children’s area by 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. respectively.

FAMILY EASTER CELEBRATION AND EGG HUNT Join us on Sunday afternoon, April 9, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. for the FAMILY EASTER CELEBRATION. The activities include the Children’s Musical – “Happy Day”, Easter egg hunt, crafts that symbolize our Christian heritage, inflatables, refreshments, the Easter Bunny, and photo ops.

Registration: Please register online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events, or use a registration form available at the Welcome Counters upstairs and in the children’s area. Registration deadline is April 7. Church of the Servant will provide the Easter Eggs.

3:00 p.m. – Children’s Musical “Happy Day” in the Centrum 3:30 p.m. – Activities begin in Community Hall The hunts will be held in the Celebration Center: 3:45 p.m. – 3’s and under 4:00 p.m. – 4’s – Kindergarten 4:15 p.m. – 1st – 5th Grades WANT TO HELP? We especially needed are individuals to decorate munity Hall beginning at 1:30. Contact Cathy Hersom at chersom@churchoftheservant.com.

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APRIL 13 – MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

7:00 p.m. – CENTRUM – Dr. Robyn Goggs will lead us in a communion service, commemorating the Last Supper. Nursery available for ages two and under.

APRIL 14 – GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

7:00 p.m. – CELEBRATION CENTER – “A Journey to Hope” featuring the great American spirituals with soloist, choir and orchestra, built around an ancient “Service of Darkness.” As the service continues, the Celebration Center will plunge into darkness, lit only by candles, symbolically representing the darkness that overcame the world with the death of Christ. This is a moving service that will include all of our clergy staff and over 100 musicians. One cannot experience the joy of Easter morning without the reflection of Good Friday. Join us on April 14 at 7:00 p.m. for this life-changing experience. Nursery available for ages two and under. A great event to invite someone to come with you!

APRIL 16 – EASTER SERVICES

6:15 a.m. – SUNRISE AT SERVANT – Led by Rev. Tim Travers.

8:15 a.m.* – CHAPEL OF THE CROSS – Liturgical service with Holy Communion, led by Dr. Robyn Goggs.

9:15, 10:45 a.m.* – CELEBRATION CENTER – Classic service with choir and orchestra, led by Rev. Randy Shrauner.

9:23, 11:00 a.m.* – CENTRUM – Modern service with contemporary band, led by Dr. Robyn Goggs. *Nursery Care available for 2 and under at all services, except Sunrise service. No Youth programming or Adult Sunday morning classes on Easter Sunday.

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NextGen Kanakuk KampOut! Representatives at Servant Sunday, March 26 Church of the Servant is hosting a Kanakuk KampOut! for children, ages 5-12, July 10-14, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Kanakuk is a non-denominational, Christian summer camp ministry dedicated to developing dynamic Christian leaders through life-changing experiences, Godly relationships, and spiritual training. The camp fee is $250 for the week program.

On Sunday, March 26, representatives of Kanakuk Camp will be here to register campers, host families, and lunch hosts for the staff during camp week, July 10-14. Be sure and stop by their table in the Concourse this Sunday.

We have been to Kanakuk’s K-Kauai Family Kamp for six years...

It is the highlight of our summer and an experience our kids talk about all year long. There is no place they would rather be. It is great to go as a family and be together in the “bubble” of Kanakuk. We are able to play, worship, meet new people, meet new counselors and have crazy family game nights in a Christian atmosphere. Kanakuk will always be a special place for our family.

they work with in their groups. They are patient, loving, fun and they are the ones who make the week so great. Cooper and Caroline always love the counselors the best and can’t wait to see them again the next year. They start the day with so much energy, help with games all day in the hot sun, eat meals at our table and are still laughing and taking care of kids at 10:00 p.m. with a smile! Kanakuk hires the best college students to be in charge of our children for the summer in all of their kamps—and safety is their number one concern. We fully trust all of the staff and have been very thankful for all of them that we have met. They are all such great role models for our kids, too. I love that that they can see these college kids having Bible studies with each other and encouraging each other during the week.

Being at Kanakuk with about 45 families for a week has been very impactful for our children.

Cooper and Caroline have both seen how much fun you can have encouraging others and being positive. The counselors have a way of making every child feel important, loved, and valuable.

They learn to cheer for others and really encourage others in situations that may otherwise be a negative experience for them.

L to R: Grant, Cooper, Caroline, Leslie Flurry They learn Bible verses and stoWe have had several of the ries and how to apply them to counselors stay in our home and the activities during the week. Learning to look to God in the I think my kids would let them move in if we would let them! fun times and sports-type activities really brings God into their Kanakuk Kamps is such a unique experience for every child daily lives, in the things that children are involved in—not just who participates. They are each encouraged to become a when sitting at church. better person and to strive towards the “I’m Third” attitude: There is not one single thing about Kanakuk that is the best— God first, others second, and myself third. They give awards it is ALL great! Grant and I are so thankful for the time we through the week at all of the kamps to the kampers based on have had with our kids at Kanakuk and what we have been this principle. When kids are being loved on and encouraged able to experience as a family. Whether it is conquering the while being able to have fun and play games, it really makes ropes course, being out on Table Rock Lake in the boat, sitting an impact on them. We are truly thankful for all 6 years we at meals, participating in themed family game nights in crazy have experienced Kanakuk with our family! costumes, swimming in the lazy river and waterslides, or just Kanakuk brings its Kanakuk Kampout to Church of the Serbeing in a one-room cabin for the week, we felt God’s hand in vant July 10-14. To find out more about being a host family, the whole week and through all of the fun kamp had to offer. providing a lunch for counselors, or to register your child for But, we are most thankful for the people who are counselors camp, go to www.churchoftheservant.com/events, or contact for kamp. These college kids pour their lives into our kids for Cathy Hersom at chersom@churchoftheservant.com. the whole summer. They get down on the level of each child – Leslie Flurry Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com

Our Life Together Our Prayers

Our Prayers Continued

Celebrating Memories

u Cary and Jennifer Bartlow as Cary deals with health issues and undergoes tests.

u Joyce Tyson as Joyce recuperates from surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center.

u Ron and Shirley Beckett as Ron recuperates from surgery at Summit.

u David and Mary Ellen Walker as their son, Mark Walker, is hospitalized in Seattle, Washington.

u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Scott Krumme by Jim Cross and Roberta Carrier-Cross

u Mike and Jo Ellyn Bible as Mike recuperates from surgery. u Richard and Teresa Carrington as Teresa recuperates from surgery at OCCO Community Hospital. u Dave and Kay Filson as their son, Mike, faces surgery at Norman Regional Hospital. u Rick and Dixie Grosshans as Rick recuperates from injuries from a fall and receives rehab therapy at Baptist Village Rehab. u Joe and Nancy Harris as their niece, Jennifer Watt, is hospitalized in Massachusetts. u Rhonda Haumpo as Rhonda deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Jim and Coleen Henry as Jim recuperates from surgery. u Chris, Shea, Kaelin and Ayden Hoskinson as Ayden deals with health issues. u Susan King-Baker as Susan’s brother-inlaw, Gerry Baker, deals with health issues and undergoes tests. u Melissa Marshall as Melissa recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Billy Maxwell and Linda Nichols-Maxwell as Linda faces surgery at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u David and Kim Myers as David’s father and stepmother, Frank and Lottie Myers, both deal with health issues, and their grandson, Kyle Sandefur, recuperates from surgery. u Norman and Kipp Neaves as Kipp faces surgery at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. u Henry and Darlene Neff as Darlene recuperates from an illness. u Sam Rogers as Sam’s son, Rick Rogers, deals with health issues. u Jerry and Nancy Stearns as their grandson, Jordan Magness, recuperates from a diving accident. u Greg Thomas and Conni Smiley as Greg’s father, Earl Thomas, deals with health issues.

Our Sympathy

u Cristi Andrews and Brian Harris and Family at the death of Cristi’s father and Brian’s grandfather, D.A. Heggie. u Michael and Georgene Blaschke and Family at the death of Michael’s mother, Ruth Iles (Word) Blaschke. u Phyllis Mosher and Shirley Davis and Family at the death of Phyllis’ niece and Shirley’s daughter, Ginger Shaw. u Nancy Tessier and Family at the death of Nancy’s sister, Patricia Thompson. u Harvey and Judy Weathers and Family at the death of Harvey’s mother, Nell Weathers.

Celebrating

u Chaille Burgtorf and Lola Burgtorf at the birth of Chaille’s great-nephew and Lola’s great-grandson, Briggs Ky Pearcy. Proud parents are Trenton and Carly Pearcy; proud brother is Trotter Pearcy.

u A contribution has been made to Servant Foundation in memory of Frank Gross by Terry and Peter Weaver u A contribution has been made to Servant Foundation in memory of Mickey Gross by Terry and Peter Weaver u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Emily Jackson by William and Allene Fletcher u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Mary Lu McEuen by Terrie and Fred James u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant TV/Video Ministries in memory of Sharon Gradick by Sherry and Russell Lawson

Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50

u 3/26 – Beef & Chicken Tacos, Rice, Bean Medley, Chips & Dip, and Dessert. u 4/2 – Baked BBQ Chicken, Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans, Salad, and Dessert. u 4/9 – Come join us for “Easter Dinner” with all the fixins!

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.

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Church of the Servant

14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725

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