Newsletter April 2023

SPECIAL SESSION of the Oklahoma Annual Conference

Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister

Dear Church of the Servant,

Our Church will host a special one-day meeting of the Oklahoma Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 22. Conference staff, clergy, and laity from across the State of Oklahoma will gather at our church that day to conduct the business of the Annual Conference. This meeting will be a time for those United Methodist Churches who have held a congregational vote with 66.7% of the cast votes “Yes” to disaffiliate. The meeting of the annual conference will be the final step for those congregations who wish to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church and gain final approval from the Annual Conference. Please be in prayer for the Annual Conference and all those who will attend.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There will be multiple volunteer opportunities on April 22. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office. Shift One: 7:45-10:45 a.m.; Shift Two: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., and Shift Three: 2:30-5:00 p.m. Those volunteering for Shift Three will being moving tables and chairs to prepare the campus for Sunday worship. I hope to have twelve volunteers for each shift. The 13.2 Coffee Shop and Earthglow Gift Shop will be open during the conference.

Please note, only those members of Church of the Servant who were duly elected at last fall’s Charge Conference as

Saturday, April 22, 2023

representatives to Annual Conference will have a vote at this special called meeting. These lay persons are:

Dot Cruzin, Beth and Carl Short

In closing, and to help all of us better understand what the day will entail, I have included communication from the resident Bishop of the Oklahoma Annual Conference, Bishop Jimmy Nunn, on the next page (pg 3). Of course, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Sincerely,

Greetings in the name of Christ.

In accordance with ¶603.5 of the 2016 Book of Discipline and with the support of the District Superintendents, I hereby call a Special Session of the Oklahoma Annual Conference to be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., at Church of the Servant (COS) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This call replaces the call made in November 2022.

The purpose of the called session is as follows:

1. To worship together as an Annual Conference,

2. To act on enabling motions of the Annual Conference,

3. To act on the disaffiliation report from the Conference Board of Trustees on recommendations for disaffiliation.

In consultation with Cabinet and conference leadership, I made this decision in light of the best interest of the conference. Many members of the Annual Conference have raised concerns about the ability to debate, be recognized and vote in a normal manner.

A pre-conference report will be published by April 1, 2023 on the conference website as well as emailed to all members of the conference. This report could change before the conference session. If it does, the updated report will be sent in advance of the conference.

Grace and peace, Bishop Jimmy Nunn

CONFERENCE SPECIFICS

On site check-in/registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, in the main concourse of Church of the Servant (COS). There is ample parking at the church and the building is completely handicapped accessible. Seating will be by districts inside the Celebration Center (sanctuary).

We will be utilizing the voting platform provided by GNTV, the same platform we used at the special called conference in October. You will need an internet-accessible device like a phone or an iPad. Wifi will be available but using your data plan would be preferable.

Due to the schedule for the day, COS has graciously offered to make their space available for lunch at a cost of $10/person. The lunch will be a boxed sandwich lunch with chips, dessert and drink. You can choose the lunch option and pay for it in the online registration if you do not want to go off-site for lunch. We have only scheduled 1 hour for lunch and voting will resume promptly at the end of lunch.

The registration form is open now but will close on April 10, 2023.

Voting members must register online so we can ensure all credentialing can be completed prior to conference.

Earthglow, COS’s mission driven gift shop, will be open the day of our conference. They are less than $27,000 away from their goal of distributing $1 million in mission giving since opening. You can help them reach that goal by visiting the shop that day.

Finally, we will be offering child care but all of the details have not been finalized. You will need to check the “interested in childcare” box on your registration form and the information will be sent to you after April 1.

Questions regarding the conference can be directed to ac2023@okumc.org

Planning Committee

Rev. Dr. Joe Harris, conference secretary

Joe Holt, CPA, conference treasurer Mary Myers, conference registrar

WOMEN’S Ministry

BIG EVENT!

Saturday, November 18

We are thrilled to announce that we have officially booked Bethany Allen as our speaker and teacher for our Women’s Ministry BIG EVENT on Saturday, November 18th!

Bethany is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development at Bridgetown Church in downtown Portland, Oregon. She has a deep passion to see women defined by who they were created to be: image-bearers of God. Compelled by her affection for the scriptures and her desire to be an effective learner in order to be an effective teacher, Bethany works hard counseling women, developing curriculum, and planning alongside Bridgetown’s pastoral team. A southern belle by birth, Bethany moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2007. She earned a Master of Arts in Specialized Ministry with a focus on Pastoral Care to Women from Western Seminary in 2011.

Pastor of Spiritual Formation | Bridgetown Church

Bethany will lead multiple sessions on Saturday, November 18, for the women in our church and community. Then, on Sunday, November 19, she will preach during our Sunday morning service(s).

As we get closer to the event, we will let you know more details, but for now, don’t forget to mark this date on your calendar, as we are sure you won’t want to miss it!

BIG EVENT!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Jessica

BETHANY ALLEN

WOMEN’S MINISTRY MISSION DAY

WHO: All the ladies from our church and community are invited to participate.

WHAT: This is a day filled with laughter and fellowship as we join together with other women of faith and work together to help our church and community with projects suited for all ages and abilities.

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 2023

WHERE: We will meet at the church at 9:00 a.m. and carpool to Infant Crisis Services to help in their warehouse. Afterward, we will return to the church and eat lunch together before beginning our second project here on campus.

Once you arrive at the church, please park in the front of the building and enter through the front portico. Once inside, you will sign in at the registration table and receive a free t-shirt to wear for the day. This event is open to all women from our church and community, so please invite as many friends as you would like. To register, visit our website at ServantOKC.org or sign up at the Guest Central table next time you are in the building.

P.S. Our next event will be Pumpko on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Please save the date!

PRIME TIME ADVENTURE Shrine of the Blessed Stanley Rother

Thursday, April 27

Recently, many in Oklahoma City and throughout the country have gathered at Oklahoma City’s newest Roman Catholic Parrish. On Thursday, April 27, the Prime Time Senior Ministry will have a special guided tour of the new church, museum, and grounds. All are invited to this special moment for the Prime Time Ministry of Church of the Servant.

Our morning will begin at 10:00 a.m. after everyone in our group arrives at the shrine. Then we will tour the Pilgrim Center, tour the museum, have a guided tour of the Shrine Church and Chapel, and depending upon weather and physical ability, we will visit Tepeyac Hill behind the church. The time will conclude by 12:30 p.m. Lunch is on your own after the tour.

To be part of this special day, don’t hesitate to contact the church office and make your reservation for the tour. There is no cost to attend the tour. Transportation will not be provided by the Prime Time Ministry. You are more than welcome to drive yourself or ride along with friends. If you would like to carpool or need a ride, please meet at the church at 9:00 a.m. to carpool together to the shrine.

To register, call the church office at (405) 721-4141, or sign up at Guest Central in the Concourse.

PRIME TIME

MAY PRIME TIME FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON

Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. In Community Hall

SALLY RIFFEY – “Her stories will tickle your funny bone and pluck at your heart strings.” (Daily Oklahoman)

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 the Church of the Servant “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”. She was awarded First Place and Best of Show at the “Voice of the Fair” contest at the 2021 Oklahoma State Fair. In 2022 at “Voice of the Fair” contest, Sally was awarded Most Inspirational Poem

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.”

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, May 8th!

REMINDER: APRIL PRIME TIME FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON

Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. In Community Hall

Mr. June Carter is always a crowd pleaser and will once again bless us with his baritone voice at Prime Time on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. You won’t want to miss it!

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.

MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY!

ServantOKC.org/prime-time

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 B. Riffey

Kourtney Aller Director of Servant Kids

SERVANT KIDS Report

EASTER JAM AND EGG HUNT

We had a great time on April 2nd at Easter Jam! Families experienced the interactive event together and sang songs, played crazy games, and heard the Easter story. There were lots of laughs and memories made. That fun experience was followed by an egg hunt, crafts, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. It was a great way to celebrate Palm Sunday while getting ready for Easter!

UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND OTHER INFORMATION, SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON COMMUNICATION ABOUT EVENTS! CONTACT KOURTNEY TO CHECK OR UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION AT KALLER@SERVANTOKC.ORG

OR 405-728-4715.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! WE POST UPDATES, INFORMATION, PICTURES, AND MORE, SO DON’T MISS OUT! GO TO @SERVANTKIDS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM! SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS BY TEXTING @SERVANTKI TO 81010.

SUNDAY MORNINGS WITH SERVANT KIDS

Servant Kids meets in person each Sunday morning at 10:00 and/or 11:00 am! Elementary kids (grades 1-5) will meet in The Point Student Center on the south side of church. Kids in kindergarten and younger will meet downstairs. Two-hour programming is available. The same topic will be covered all morning long, but each hour will have different activities and videos to reinforce the lesson. This is a great option for parents who want to attend both a class and worship service on Sunday mornings. Drop your kids off between 9:45-10:00 and pick them up again at noon! Virtual options are available on our website each week. If you can’t make it in person on a Sunday morning, check out the lessons and videos online at ServantOKC.org/kids

LOOK WHAT WE DID…

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS WITH SERVANT KIDS

This semester we will DIG IN to the life of Jesus and what it means to really know Jesus and His heart, not just to know ABOUT Jesus. We will lead kids in walking Jesus’ footsteps through a chronological look at his life from birth to his death and resurrection. Join us in the downstairs children’s area from 6:30 to 8:00 pm!

APRIL HAPPENINGS…

1, 2, 3

SUNDAYS IN APRIL

AGES 3 YEARS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN

1, 2, 3... it’s Easter! And we are SO excited to share with our youngest friends that Jesus is alive! We want our preschoolers to know that Jesus isn’t just a character in stories. Jesus is alive, and He wants to be their friend forever! This month, we are sharing the most important event in history with our preschoolers. Jesus changed the world, and He still has the power to change people’s lives today. Why? Because Jesus is alive!

Our memory verse this month comes from Revelation 1:18 which says, “I am alive forever and ever!” This month, we will learn that we celebrate Jesus because He is special, and He is alive. Jesus wants us to tell others He is alive. Jesus wants to be our friend forever and to love one another.

Who is alive? Jesus is alive.

COMMUNITY GARDEN: GROWING FROM THE GROUND UP

SUNDAYS IN APRIL

GRADES 1-5

This month, we will learn about the connection between HUMILITY and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve.

We live in a “me-centered” world, where people act as if the world revolves around them. It can be hard to figure out how to be humble throughout the different circumstances we face. Thankfully, we don’t have to figure this out on our own. When Jesus was on earth, He gave us the ultimate example of humility. Jesus is God, and He put that aside for us. Through His life and death, Jesus also showed us how to serve others and put them first.

Our memory verse comes from Philippians 2:3 which says, “Don’t do anything only to get ahead. Don’t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves.”

We will learn that Jesus put others first and we should put others first because Jesus put us first. We can put others first by helping them understand and by making things right. We will also celebrate Easter because Jesus is alive.

STILL TO COME…

Kanakuk Kampout is coming again this summer –June 5th-9th! We need some help in order to make it a successful week! We need one more group to provide lunch to the Kanakuk staff (approximately 35 people) on Tuesday, June 6. We also need around 5 more host homes. At least 3 counselors must stay in each house. They will have their own transportation to the church each day. If anyone has questions about hosting or wants more information, please contact Kourtney

Last thing needed for the week is a nurse. This can be an actual nurse, a doctor, an EMT, or even someone who is CPR certified. This person will be at Kampout each day and in exchange will receive a full scholarship for 1 child to attend.

It’s first-come, first-served on all these spots. Let Kourtney know if you have any questions.

LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

MISSION FORT MYERS

It is hard to comprehend all that God did over our week in Fort Myers, FL. From the months of preparation, the endless amount of financial and prayerful support, and the number of students going with us – we knew that God was going to move, we just had no idea how. After taking a deep breath, Skyler and I have begun to unpack and process what March 11th through 17th really held. Here is a brief rundown of the week...

SERVANT STUDENTS SERVANT STUDENTS

Heather Winner Director of Servant Students

March 11th-12th TRAVEL AND COMMUNITY DAY

We took off for Florida early on Saturday morning, and when I say early – like the first flight out that weekend. With all the excitement and coffee these bodies could handle, we set our sights on the city we had been praying about for months. Once we landed, we found ourselves ready to see the city. We drove through Fort Myers and realized how beautiful of a place it truly is. A perfect beach town that looked untouched by these mighty winds and destructive swells we had heard so much about. We drove through this beach town to find our host Church, Anthem Church, and settled in for the evening.

On the morning of our first full day in Fort Myers, we attended our host church’s service to get to know the congregation. We worshipped alongside them and got to meet so many incredible people. Right off the bat, we were invited to several of the church’s weekly activities that we knew we couldn’t pass up: Monday Night Pickleball, Tuesday Putt-Putt Club, and Wednesday Night Youth. We could tell that a genuine love for others and a need to show hospitality and care were at the forefront of so many minds.

After church, we split off into two groups. A small group took on our first service project for the week, while others got to head to the beach and view some of Fort Myers’s most damaged locations by Hurricane Ian.

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Would you like more information about Servant Students? Contact Heather Winner at hwinner@ServantOKC.org or Skyler Rodriguez at srodriguez@ServantOKC.org

Skyler Rodriguez Assistant Director of Servant Students

The small group of students and leaders went to meet Mrs. Sally – an older woman who found herself, her paralyzed husband, her stepdaughter, and her husband’s best friend in her home when the storm hit. After facing a great deal of trouble, and water that rose to her chest, all present survived through a heroic movement to the second story. In her gratefulness for surviving Hurricane Ian, her home was far from untouched. For only a few hours, our team worked to clean out areas of her home that would soon be mucked, gutted, and restored. The work in itself was secondary though, to hear her story and her testimony was the truest gift. Her faith in the midst of disaster is one that our team celebrated and brought back to the rest of the group. Along with this, we got to take a little project with us: Mrs. Sally’s beloved reindeer. We worked to put these 40-year-old reindeers that had been nearly destroyed in the storm back together. It was the smallest of “thank yours” we could possibly do as she gave us a glimpse into the glory God would show us throughout the whole week.

The remainder of the team took a trip to Fort Myers beach to hang out, but to also see what destruction still remained five months after Hurricane Ian. So many students returned with memories of playing on the beach, but more than anything, students were shocked to see all of the damage still there, especially after seeing untouched parts of the city. All of these encounters brought students to understand that they weren’t just here to see a new part of the world, to hang out with friends, to even just go to the beach – God had a purpose and a plan for us to participate in what He was already doing to restore Fort Myers, both physically and faithfully.

March 13th-15th COMMUNITY COOP AND MUCKING AND GUTTING

On these days, our team was split yet again into two teams – one small group headed to a food pantry and soup kitchen known as Community COOP, and the other to muck and gut 3 different homes. Throughout these three days, students were given the choice to decide where they wanted to serve, and in the end, all students were provided the chance to participate in many types of service.

Mucking and gutting is a task we had no idea God would speak to us so much through. This act of stripping a home down to its bones is a necessary process to help

support homeowners avoid the huge costs that come with completely knocking a home down. Our students worked harder than I have ever seen a crew of students to help these families restore their homes. Beginning with removing destroyed personal items, taking out walls, removing showers, and pulling up floors – students could see a tangible difference in their work by the end of the third day. Many times this process was related to the goodness of God, coming in and removing what may no longer be of use for the purpose of renewal and transformation. And our students witnessed this firsthand.

For the group headed to Community COOP each day, we would spend each morning in downtown Fort Myers passing out waters and granola bars and offering prayer. This was a sweet time of praying over the city and specific individuals who were open to it. We then left for Community COOP where we spent time within the food pantry, creating pallets of food for Meals on Wheels, organizing clothing and toiletries, helping in the soup kitchen, and so much more. This was a personal touch where we got to learn about Hurricane Ian impacting the number experiencing homelessness and the range of people still in need of food even as their homes are being restored. It was an eye-opening time that led many of us to a deeper understanding of the need within the area.

Every evening we had time to just spend together doing fun activities like grabbing ice cream, playing pickleball, and playing minigolf. At the end of each day though, we made time for worship and devotion. Our Praying Pelican staff led us in devotions, sharing words God had placed on their hearts along with their testimonies of faith. This gave students opportunities to respond in faith and relate their experiences that week in Fort Myers. On the third day, we were able to go downtown on a waterfront to worship and pray over the city. It was a powerful evening that closed three days of service declaring God’s power and glory over Fort Myers.

March 16th REC DAY

This was a day of rest, fellowship, site-seeking, and praise. Praying Pelican is known for end-capping their trips with a time of recreation. We began our day kayaking in the Orange River in hopes of seeing manatees.

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MISSION FORT MYERS CONTINUED...

We didn’t get to see one (outside of the one in an enclosure), but the time on the river with one another was so relaxing and good to just be all together. We then headed to a Spring Training Baseball game. This again was a great opportunity to be together and enjoy a game. We ended our afternoon back at the church and prepared for dinner. We went to BBQ and ice cream that evening just to head right back to Anthem for one last night of worship. Late into the night, we took time to worship together, pray over one another, and wash one another’s feet. It was an unexplainable, holy time that many of us will never forget. It was so special that students and leaders didn’t leave the sanctuary for long as we all packed up to leave the

church at 2:30 a.m. With no sleep but with full hearts and joy unexplainable, we left Fort Myers praising God for all He had done in and through us.

WHAT NEXT?

This was a bird’s eye view of Mission Fort Myers, and honestly, it doesn’t do it justice as it only comes from my perspective. We invite you to hear the stories of our students and leaders at a Night of Testimony for Mission Fort Myers on Wednesday, April 26th. We will have a normal Wednesday Night Dinner from 5:00-6:30 p.m., and then a service to follow from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Please join us and hear and look and see what the Lord has done!

Heather Winner

BREAKAWAY 2023

Our third edition of Breakaway is just a few days away! Breakaway is a mission-focused weekend for 4th thru 8th grade students. This was an event that started in 2021 and has had an amazing response from students and leaders. One of the greatest joys of student ministry is seeing our students come together to serve our community. This weekend is chock-full of the usual suspects – games, worship, fellowship, service, community. Registration for Breakaway ends on Wednesday, April 12, and costs $50. This year’s Breakaway will be Friday, April 14 thru Sunday, April 16. If you have any questions or would like more information about Breakaway contact Heather or Skyler!

WE LOVE CAMP! SUMMER CAMPS 2023

April is here. That means camp season is just around the corner! This summer we will be attending two camps with two sets of students. First, our middle school students will be heading to Camp Heart O’ Hills in Talequah, Oklahoma on June 1st thru 4th for Disciple Camp. This week is an amazing opportunity for middle school students to get to grow closer to one another, meet students from around the state, play some amazing games, and worship the Lord together. The students that are eligible for Disciple Camp are rising 6th graders thru recent 8th graders.

Just a little over a month after Disciple Camp comes Dayspring! Dayspring is a camp for our high school students and is at Sky Ranch Camp in Miami, Oklahoma on July 10th thru 14th. Dayspring is a camp that was created with the intention of students sharing their testimonies and God’s work in their lives. That spirit has remained throughout the years. Students get to be a part of small groups and attend workshops that are Scripture-focused. There is also plenty of opportunity for games, community, and worship. Students eligible for Dayspring are rising 9th grader thru recent high school graduates.

SERVANT STUDENTS

These camps are an amazing way for our students to grow closer to one another, other students and leaders throughout the state, and deepen their relationship with God. We highly recommend for students to attend the camps they are eligible for. Camp registration opens soon, so be on the lookout!

Skyler Rodriguez

SERVANT STUDENTS

THREE NIGHTS OF WORSHIP

We believe that worship is one of the greatest ways to connect with God and make space for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is in worship that we fixate our eyes from this world toward Heaven. Last fall, we began to implement nights of worship into our student programming. We worshipped together just a few times during the fall semester, but each of those nights showed us that our students have been hungry and eager to worship with one another. As the semester begins to come to a close, we thought the best way to end our time together this school year would be to worship each week. These final worship nights of the school year have a focus to them – the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We want to not only invite the Spirit into our lives, but we want to open ourselves to the renewal that God promises us in His Word. We have had so many events throughout this school year that have showed us that God is up to something in the lives of these students. We believe we would be foolish not to invite the Holy Spirit into this ministry by worshipping our God and praying for the Spirit to transform us as individuals, as a student ministry, and as a church. We ask that you would be in prayer for our students. We ask that you would pray for God to reveal Himself to each of them in a new way, a way that would allow them to see His goodness and His peace. We are so excited for these opportunities to worship together and pray for one another. We truly believe this is what student ministry is all about.

Skyler Rodriguez

2023 CHARIS SUMMER CAMP

Are you looking for a FUN Learning and enhancing summer camp? Come and join the ONE and ONLY Asian Cultural Camp in OKC – July 10-14 and July 17-21 at Church of the Servant.

Charis Camp provides bilingual learning opportunities for Pre-K through Grade 12 through talent enrichment and character development. The fundamental courses include learning Mandarin, cultural etiquette, and traditions in various Asian countries (including India). We also provide Elective Courses such as Arts and Crafts, Traditional Dance, Martial Arts, Music, Cooking, Digital Arts, and Social Media Content Design. High School students receive Life Coaching sessions plus Community Service hours for volunteering.

Early Bird Registration receives a 10% discount before June 1. There is a chance for a FREE camp!

Visit our camp website for more information https://www.charisalive.org/camp

TESTIMONIALS:

“My son said he loved the camp so much that he wished the whole summer was Charis Camp only!”--Lisa (mom)

“Charis Camp is our first pick above any camps”--Kiki, Sophia (campers)

“We love that our kids’ friends and cousins can attend the same camp and spend time together. We plan to do it every year!”

--Diana, Kris, & Hai (parents)

“Our kids attended many camps over the years, and Charis Camp is the BEST ever!”

---Rachel (mom)

M I S S I O N S

AFGHAN HOUSING UPDATE

Several weeks ago, we asked for prayers that the Afghan family of 12 that COS sponsors would somehow find a house within their budget to rent. I am so pleased to let everyone know that the family moved into their new home on March 31st. Church of the Servant rented the U-haul and provided moral support as needed. Their new home is located just south of Oklahoma City University, and while quite modest, has a nice yard for the children to play in. The family picked up the keys to the house on Friday and completed moving their belongings shortly after midnight.

As their English improves and they become more familiar with living in Oklahoma, they are quickly outgrowing the need for our support and mentoring. But as with all of our friends and neighbors, I am sure they will always need and appreciate our prayers. Thank you.

James Maxwell

What James hasn’t mentioned is that he took the parents to look at several rental homes. At the particular one they ended up renting, he talked to the landlord while they toured the house. When the landlord asked why James was there with the family, James said that he was part of a church team who is helping this family find their way in OKC. He also mentioned he goes to Church of the Servant. At that the landlord said that one of his closest friends was a member of Servant (his friend is now deceased). We can’t help but feel that the Servant connection gave our family a slight advantage in being approved for this home.

Rental homes for a large family with little means are extremely difficult to come by and many homes were rented before they could even complete an application.

I can’t help but think there was a little Divine Intervention in leading our family to this particular house.

KENYA TRIP PROJECTS

It’s been four years since a group has gone to Maua Methodist Hospital from Servant and I’d like to share the projects we will undertake while we are there. Most of these are what we do each time with the funds that our congregation has raised over the years.

1. Build a home for a family with AIDS, usually a grandmother and her grandchildren – $3,000. The cost includes all building materials as well as bedding, pot and pans, health insurance for a year, school uniforms, and a few other items.

2. Hospital Project - teams are asked to bring $3,000 over to assist with various projects on the hospital grounds. This year, we will be helping to complete a perimeter fence for the housing area of the hospital, paint (there is always painting!), and smaller projects like replacing window screens (there is no AC and it is important to keep the pesky mosquitos out). We work with Kenyans and of course they can do the work without us, but it’s invaluable in the relationship building process.

3. Medical Clinic – $600 – the team will accompany hospital staff to a rural area to provide a number of services - test for HIV and malaria, do eye exams, hand out readers, and medications. People are treated on site or given a referral to the hospital with a voucher for transportation. Last summer when I was there, two people with very serious injuries came and were immediately taken to the hospital. One was a boy of around 9 who had an infected leg that had been locally treated; he was facing a possible amputation when he was taken to the hospital that day. Fortunately, the hospital staff were able to save his leg. Approximately 250-400 people are seen that day.

4. School deworming – $300 – this is everyone’s favorite. We visit several schools K-12 and give the kids a pill to kill intestinal parasites. That is followed up with a dum-dum as there may not be running water at the schools. We treat between 800-1800 kids in one day. We go classroom to classroom, sing songs with the kids, meet the teachers, and give them the school supplies we have collected.

Working alongside Kenyans in each of these areas allows us to get to know our partners and to encourage and affirm them. We will be there for two weeks while they work day in and day out to create a better life for the community.

Thank you for your continued support!

Ann Knutson

AFGHAN FAMILY PRAYER REQUEST

Prayer Warriors of Servant, our small Afghan family really needs our prayers for healing. Both Mom and Dad have ongoing health problems. Mom was recently diagnosed with diabetes and because she is illiterate, it is difficult for her to understand what a healthy diet is or even how to read her blood glucose numbers. She knows it is a serious illness and with the help of a nurse from the Spero Project, she is slowly learning. In addition, she has ongoing women’s health issues and it has been very difficult to get her in to see the proper medical person. Her husband has also had multiple health concerns since we first met him 16 months ago. He has physical as well as mental health problems. It is hard for either of them to understand our health care system and the sometimes-lengthy diagnosis process. Both Mom and Dad have been in the ER in the past week and the father is likely having surgery in the near future. This impacts his ability to work at a time when they are taking over all their bills. Please pray for referrals to come through for specialists, for him to be able to continue to work, and for patience for all as we work with them in the heath care systems.

REBUILDING TOGETHER 2023 - 31 HOMES FOR 31 YEARS!

Our annual workday with Rebuilding Together will be SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2023 .

TWO SHIFTS AVAILABLE: 8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. AND 12:00 - 4:00 P.M.

Thirty-one years ago (1992 to be exact), an organization was created to repair Oklahoma City homes, one at a time. Church of the Servant has been part of this wonderful organization for about 20 of those years. Saturday, April 29, will be the date this year when all ages and skill levels can come together to make a huge difference in the life of someone in our city.

Mark your calendar - April 29th!

Registration at ServantOKC.org

EARTHGLOW BEAN LUNCH

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Join us on April 23 for Earthglow’s Beans and Jeans lunch! Don’t miss this all-church event and be the first in line immediately following 10:00 church service to enjoy beans, cornbread (a hot dog option will be available), and homemade desserts. There is no charge for this yummy lunch, but all donations made that day will help Earthglow “make it to a million!”

Did you know that Earthglow was established in 1976? And since that time, proceeds from the gift shop have been donated to the least, the last, and the forgotten in our community to the tune of almost One Million Dollars!

So, please join us on the April 23 to help us reach our goal of the first million and to launch us towards the next!!

Reservation are appreciated and can be made at Guest Central, online at ServantOKC.org, or by scanning the QR Code.

MAKE A LUNCH RESERVATION!