Newsletter April 2024

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

A Greeting from OUR NEW S ENIOR PASTOR AT CHURCH OF THE SERVANT

(But first, a message from your Transitional Pastors)

Rev. Jessica Moffatt

Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann Lead Pastor Transitions Team Lead Pastor Transitions Team

When we first arrived as your Transitional Pastors nine months ago, we told you that our Number One task would be not to establish our own ministry or programs but to help pave the way for the ministry of your next appointed Senior Pastor. During these months, we have been asking you to pray for that new pastor (whoever they might be), that they might be just the right fit for Servant and that all of us would be open to the ministry, compassion, and leadership they bring with them.

We feel that God has truly answered these prayers! The Rev. Kyle Anderson is being seated as Servant’s new full-time Senior Pastor, beginning Sunday, June 30th. Pastor Kyle comes to us from Stillwater FUMC, where he has led that congregation to stand as one of the most prominent in Oklahoma Methodism. Now, Pastor Kyle and his family feel a genuine call to relocate to the Oklahoma City area and assist Church of the Servant as faithfully as they did Stillwater First. We are convinced that you will be inspired by the Andersons’ energy, enthusiasm, genuineness, and commitment to their Lord and Savior. You’ll catch some of this in Pastor Kyle’s own letter of greeting that follows.

Pastor Kyle still has important work to do at Stillwater for the next few months, just as we do here at Servant with you. In the meantime, keep praying for your new pastor and his family—which you can now do by name! Oh, and one more request: pray for the new pastor to be appointed to Stillwater First UMC, so that both of our churches might continue to be blessed by God.

With joy and excitement,

Pastor Jess

Pastor Thomas

Greetings from Kyle Anderson

Greetings Servant Faith Family,

My name is Kyle Anderson and I have the pleasure of writing to you today to share that I have been offered and accepted the opportunity to serve as your next Senior Pastor. Church of the Servant has a storied history of being the hands and feet of Christ in Oklahoma City and beyond. I am excited and honored by the opportunity to participate in the next chapter of that story. My first Sunday with you will be June 30th.

I also wanted to use this opportunity to provide a bit of an introduction. Outside of my faith, my greatest passion in life is my family. My wife Heather and I met while pursuing our undergraduate degrees at Oklahoma City University and we have now shared over 15 years of marriage together. Heather’s profession is in education, and she currently works as a curriculum designer and educational technologist who specializes in digital learning. Together we have two children. Our oldest is our 9-yearold son Kaden who is compassionate, imaginative, and possesses a love for Cub Scouts, science, and all things Minecraft. Our daughter Rowan is 4, and can usually be found coloring, caring for one of her many dolls, or dancing in her tutu or any dress that will unfurl as she spins.

Professionally, following my time at OCU, I received my Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul School of

Theology. Currently I am completing my MBA remotely through Dakota Wesleyan University. My first pastoral appointment came at the age of 23 when I was appointed to the United Methodist Churches in Manchester and Wakita, Oklahoma where I like to say my true pastoral education took place. For the past thirteen years I have served alongside the tremendous people of the First United Methodist Church in Stillwater: Eight years as an associate and the past five years as the Senior Pastor.

Those are just a few pieces of my story, and I am excited to listen to and begin to be a part of yours for years to come. Until we worship together for the first time on June 30th, know that I will be praying for you and your transitions team pastors Rev. Jessica Moffatt and Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann. I am humbled to know for months you have been praying for me without even knowing my name. I request that you continue to do so and for my family as well during this time of transition. We look forward to joining with the family of faith that is Church of the Servant and to begin dreaming of how the Lord will use us to build God’s Kingdom, together. See you soon!

Blessings,

Pastor Kyle

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.

REVELATION

Bible Study | For Women

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

Bible study group led by Patricia Hocker

Get Ready! Get Set! Bible Babes is diving into Revelation! We will be studying the Book of Revelation with beloved Bible teacher, Margaret Feinberg. If you have ever been hesitant when it comes to Revelation, this is the study for you! God is saving the best for last. You will see that Revelation is a survival guide for the suffering, a book of promises, and a banner of hope.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER & BIBLE STUDY

Wednesday Night Dinner - 5:00-6:30 PM

Bible Study - 6:30-7:30 PM Ongoing

“Crossing the Finish Line: How to Run the Race Set Before Us.” Taking his cue from Hebrews 12:1-3, Pastor Thomas will be sharing insights from scripture and church history about how we can continue to be faithful to our Christian calling, day by day. (Hint: it’s all about grace!) Everyone is welcome to join this exciting study on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Dinner reservations can be made at ServantOKC.org/kitchen. No registration necessary fo the Bible study.

REGISTER FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER

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.

“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!

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).

Easter and Holy Week photos by Carl Shortt and Church Staff

EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP

Celebrating Easter in Style: A Recap of Our Easter Bonnet Party

Earthglow recently had the pleasure of hosting an unforgettable Easter Bonnet Party, and what a joyous occasion it was! From the dazzling array of bonnets to the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie, the event was a true celebration of spring and all its splendor. The bonnet contest brought out the competitive spirit in many, with prizes awarded for the most fabulous, most original, and best-themed creations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this special occasion. Your presence and enthusiasm made the Easter Bonnet Party a resounding success. We are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the joy of Easter in such a fun and memorable way.

In addition to the festivities, the Easter Bonnet Party also served as a fundraiser to support missions

in our community. Through the shopping opportunities available at Earthglow Gift Shop, attendees had

the chance to contribute to meaningful causes while indulging in a bit of retail therapy. Purchases made at the party and every day make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, and we are truly grateful for your contributions.

As we bid farewell to another Easter season, we carry with us the memories of this wonderful event and the joy it brought to all who attended. We look forward to future gatherings

and opportunities to come together as a community, spreading love, joy, and goodwill wherever we go.

Thank you once again to everyone who made our Easter Bonnet Party a day to remember. May the spirit of Easter continue to inspire and uplift us all throughout the year… and when in need of a gift for someone or yourself be sure and visit Earthglow where your purchase also supports missions!

SUSANNA WESLEY

PORTRAYED BY REV. JESSICA MOFFATT

MOTHER’S DAY, MAY 12, 2024, AT 10:00 AM

Rev. Jessica Moffatt

It has been said, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world!” No woman exemplified this more soundly than did Susanna Wesley. Susanna Wesley was the mother of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. It is possible that if not for the influence of John Wesley’s mother, there would be no Methodist Church. It was Susanna Wesley who taught her son John Wesley a theology of grace and modeled for him the “methods” that would come to make up the core practices of Methodism. Susanna Wesley’s spiritual principles would first shape a son who influenced England and America and then the entire world.

Susanna Wesley showed herself to be a person of extremely varied talents and spiritual wisdom. She undertook the education of each of her children with great zeal, even to the point of writing textbooks for home use. Her principles for raising children still ring true today. Every word of the presentation comes from the letters, journals, and diaries of Susanna Wesley.

Susanna Wesley will be portrayed in word and song by Rev. Jessica Moffatt on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Servant at 14343 N MacArthur Boulevard, Oklahoma City. Rev. Moffatt studied Theatre Arts at Southern Methodist University and the University of Tulsa. She earned a Master of Divinity degree at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta and is an ordained United Methodist elder. While living in Atlanta, she was also a member of the Atlanta Opera Company. Rev. Moffatt is one of the Lead Pastors at Church of the Servant.

SUNDAY WORSHIP - 10AM

Join us for worship this Sunday. We will be gathering together to celebrate and give thanks, to connect with one another, and to seek guidance and inspiration for the week ahead.

Sunday service time is 10:00 a.m. and includes uplifting music, prayer, and a message that I believe will speak to your heart. Whether you are a longtime member of our community or are joining us for the first time, we welcome you and look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions or need more information, go to the PLAN A VISIT page on our website. Otherwise, we hope to see you on Sunday!

PRIME TIME

MAY PRIME TIME

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON

Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 10:30 a.m.

In Community Hall

“A portrayal of a women from biblical times... her story is perhaps one you have not heard before!” We welcome Sally Riffey as our special guest for Prime Time on Thursday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall.

Sally is a native of Oklahoma City and feels that her roots go deep into Oklahoma’s red clay. Her stories have been called “Stories from the Heart.” As a Storyteller, Sally has a deep passion for biblical stories. A highlight of Sally’s storytelling career was the opportunity to tell biblical stories at several sites in Israel including in Jerusalem and at the Sea of Galilee. Sally does portrayals of Mary the Mother of Jesus, including at Church of the Servant’s “Walk Through Bethlehem,” Mary Magdalene, and other women from Scripture, all in biblical costume.

Sally also enjoys telling folktales, original stories and “stories of the season.” Most recently she was awarded First Place and Best of Show at the “Voice of the Fair” contest at the 2021 Oklahoma State Fair. Sally has taken her stories behind prison walls to our State and Federal prisons. She has been a featured teller at events such as the Oklahoma City Arts Festival and for the opening of the Oklahoma Trails at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Sally has been a featured teller at “Tellabration,” “Oklahoma Olio,” and has also told stories at “WinterTales.”

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. Make

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.

Sally Riffey, Storyteller

M I S S I O N S

WHIZ KIDS CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS & HOLY WEEK

On March 25, we celebrated four birthdays. Each child receives a birthday bag filled with lots of goodies including a blessing balm. The tutors use it by blessing their child by making a cross or a heart with the blessing balm on their hand or forehead. Then the child blesses their tutor the same way. The kids also painted Easter eggs with markers that Shirley Rolston had purchased. Sherri Price, our Club time leader, used palm branches with little eyes glued on to show how happy people were on Palm Sunday, but then turned to sadness as she explained the events of Holy Week.

Carolyn Hays Whiz Kids Coordinator

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!

OPENINGS FOR: CAMERA OPERATORS & POWERPOINT SLIDE OPERATORS

Are you looking for a place to serve on Sunday mornings? Let us help you find a place to belong! We have positions for camera operators and PowerPoint slides operator (we use ProPresenter). We would love to have you on our team! No experience necessary! We will train you. Interested? Contact Heather DeShazo by email at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant. com or by calling the church office at 405-721-4141.