Newsletter April 2021

THE SERVANT

CONNECT E D I T I O N N O. 21.04 |

A PRIL 2021

|

MO NTHLY NEWSL ET TE R

A NOTE FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER

SUMMERTIME, SLINKIES AND A PANDEMIC

Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister

08-13 Missions at Servant

14-19 Servant Kids

20-22 Servant Students

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G

reetings! I hope you are well! I also hope the spring is beginning to excite you.

Easter Sunday was a fantastic day at Church of the Servant, and it was so good to see so many of you in person. Just before Easter Sunday, a friend in the church mentioned they felt bad they were not ready to attend in-person worship, but they were closer than they had been in some time to return. I could genuinely sense their remorse for not being willing to participate in church activities. Their feelings impacted me greatly.

Another friend gave me a giant hug on Easter Sunday, and we both were probably a bit too loud as we exclaimed our excitement to see one another. While talking to this friend, he mentioned they would be around a great deal more until Mother’s Day. However, after Mother’s Day, their family would travel to see friends and family most weekends because they longed to spend time with people they had not seen in over a year. As we began to go our separate ways, he mentioned that once school starts back after the summer, his family would be back and ready to plug back into their lives at Church of the Servant. His comments also got me thinking.

What was I thinking about, you ask? A Slinky! Yes, a Slinky. Remember that childhood toy? I can remember racing to the top of the stairs, time and time again, and watching my Slinky work its way to the bottom of the stairs in my parents’ home.

The systematic way the Slinky moved was fascinating to me. The movement of the Slinky was both fast and slow. Once the first part of the Slinky began to move, it quickly dropped to the stair below the one above. However, no matter how promptly the Slinky started to move, I had to wait for the remainder of the mass coiled metal to complete its progress to the stair below. There seemed to be two speeds with each stair of progress, one fast and the other a bit more deliberate.

What does this have to do with summer, you ask? I believe over the summer, the people of Church of the Servant will be moving at two different speeds. Some will be ready to jump to the next level of the stairs. Yet, others will be waiting until they can begin their journey.

Some of us have had both vaccine shots, others have had one, and many of our younger members are not yet ready or able to begin the process of vaccination. Nonetheless, just like a Slinky racing down the stairs, we are all connected. Like the Slinky, our goal is to arrive at the destination together and not lose our momentum and become stuck along the way.

This summer will present many fantastic opportunities, and the summer will also present new challenges as Church of the Servant begins to reopen fully. Here are two points of advice I hope you will consider. First, if you are ready to get back to motion, do not forget others are coming along just behind you.

They may not be alongside you, but they are not far behind. To those who are waiting to jump into motion, do not worry or feel wrong about not being back into action just yet. Your time is coming, and making sure we are moving along at the correct speed and timing is essential. After all, if you ever had a Slinky get out of sequence and become kinked, you and I both know it never really worked properly again.

Until we all get to the bottom of the stairs, let us never forget we are all in this together. We need some to take the lead, and we also need others to help us keep a proper pace along the journey. So far, 2021 is looking great. After all, this year, we were able to celebrate Easter much differently than last year, and I will take it.

Serving Christ Together,

LARGE-GROUP BIBLE STUDIES Join us for Tuesday morning Bible Study in the Centrum and online! Men’s Buck and a Bible meets at 6:30 a.m., and Women in the Word meets at 9:30 a.m. Each session is essentially an independent study, so even if your schedule will prevent weekly attendance, feel free to attend as often as possible. All are welcome.

Join us Tuesday mornings in the Centrum!

ServantOKC.org

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March 7, 2021 12-1 pm

DISCOVER SERVANT SERVANT DISCOVER

Whether you’ve been attending Church of the Servant for months, or you’re planning your first visit, we would love to meet you and get to know you better. When you arrive at a big church, we know that it can be really difficult to figure out how to get involved and how to connect with other people. It can be especially difficult to move beyond Sunday morning to know others and to be known by them.

If you’re new to Church of the Servant and want to learn how to get involved, we want to invite you to join us for Discover Servant. We would love the opportunity to meet you and get to know you a little better. We will meet for about one hour and introduce you to some of the staff and leadership, tell you about what we believe and how to get connected, and answer any questions you have.

Our next meeting will be Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 12–1 p.m. in the Community Hall on the north side of our building. Lunch will be provided!

To register, head over to our website at ServantOKC.org/DISCOVER and fill out the short form. We look forward to connecting with you!

DISCOVER A PLACE FOR YOU

Discover who we are

DISCOVER A PLACE FOR YOU

MAY 16, 2021, 12-1 PM

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SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETINGS We are thrilled that we have been able to open up spaces for our Sunday school classes to gather on Sunday mornings again. This ability has come sooner than we all anticipated and has brought so much joy to us all!

Over the last year, when in-person gatherings were a challenge due to CDC guidelines and our efforts to protect all our people from crowding, we decided to address meeting space by opening our building more instead of less. We offered rooms throughout the week for any small group that wanted to gather. Our belief is and remains that we value fellowship and the community-life of our church. We want to reduce as many obstacles as possible to allow those relationships to thrive.

Now that we can safely gather again on Sunday mornings we have made the decision that we also want to continue to provide spaces in the building for groups to meet throughout the week as well. If you would like to talk more about reserving a space for your Bible study or a Sunday school class, or you would like to join a class, please contact Jessica King at jking@churchoftheservant.com.

Jessica King Director of Connections QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP, BIBLE STUDY, OR HOW TO GET INVOLVED? CONTACT JESSICA AT JKING@CHURCHOFTHESERVANT.COM.

Easter Pics | Photo Cred. Carl Shortt

ServantOKC.org

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LOOK AT THIS SHELL! Recently, Stacey and I enjoyed a few days at Gulf Shores. It was fabulous!

The location was a private beach right on the gulf. We fished, watched dolphins, and shared walks on the beach.

When we walked the beach, finding cool shells became a focus. We stared at the ground finding amazing varieties of sizes, colors, and shapes. Even finding identical shells was amazing.

Matt Schinske Interim Director of Traditional Worship Arts

Matt Schinske is a concert pianist known for an exquisite touch that comes from a warm spirit. As a composer and arranger, Matt has over 40 pieces and 3 books published by Alfred Music, Lorenz Publications, and Shawnee Press. Matt is also the music director and pianist for Darci Lynne and Friends.

Do you sing or play an instrument?

Join the Worship Arts Team! Contact Matt at mschinske@ServantOKC.org.

I love birds. (How is that for a quick change of subjects?) I’ve had several pet birds and also enjoy watching wild birds. Last summer I was ecstatic when 3 hummingbirds decided to become regulars at our feeders.

Back to Gulf Shores: On one of the Gulf Shores walks, I happened to look up and saw that while staring at the shells, I had been missing out on magnificent birds – and I love birds! Some of these birds fly (or dive bomb) up to 60 mph when targeting a fish. I was fascinated and forgot about staring at the ground looking for shells…and then I realized I was missing the beautiful waves of the ocean. What else am I missing? Is it possible to look at shells, birds, and waves all at the same time?

I often find my life similar to this scenario. Focus turns to a cause and that’s

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all I see. It may be a great cause, but the big picture is lost. When I focus on a cause, that’s where I pour my energy, and I strive for perfection. Of course, the way I think it should be is my definition of perfection. The result is impossible goals that lead to frustration, tension, and even anger. I justify my anger and classify it as “righteous anger” because it’s an important cause.

Is it really righteous anger? What is actually happening? An imbalance in my life is what is happening. That’s painful to admit, but it is absolutely true.

Matthew 6 has several passages about focus — “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be; you cannot serve God and money.” Verse 33 tells us, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” Where is your focus? Do you find yourself, as I often do, stuck in a cause, or are you putting your focus on the kingdom of God? Focusing on Jesus will bring balance to your thoughts and your life. Remember that He is with you. Talk to Him all day!

He is listening.

Matt Schinske

M I S S I O N S 08

REBUILDING TOGETHER DAY!

Saturday, April 24 | 8 AM - 5 PM Every spring since 1992, Church of the Servant has partnered with Rebuilding Together OKC to help rebuild lives by volunteering one Saturday to repair homes of low-income seniors and families in our community. Volunteer teams make free home repairs to a home they have been assigned based on skill level. This year Rebuilding Together Day is Saturday, April 24, 2021.

Rebuilding Together teams complete repairs such as: interior and exterior painting, laying new carpet, repairing kitchen cabinets and countertops, and many more needed repairs. This is a great experience for small groups, families, and classes.

All ages are welcome, anyone under 14 should be accompanied by an adult. There are two shifts, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:00-5:00 PM. For more information and to register, go to ServantOKC.org/RTOKC.

SERVANT CONNECT

Skyline needs volunteers to mentor Skyline clients for 12 weeks in a program designed to provide new ways to combat diabetes. For more info, contact Laura Sikes at lsikes@skylineokc.org or call 405-632-2644 x 114. A couple or two friends could volunteer together!

ON THE ROAD TO HEALTH AND HOPE Skyline recently received a $25,600 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and its Access to Health Care iFund grant program. The grant will be used to assist in funding “On the Road to Health and Hope: Combating Chronic Disease Through Food Pantries,” a partnership between Skyline and the Lynn Institute for Healthcare Research focused on empowering people to make healthier nutritional choices and inspire them to live more hopeful lives.

“On the Road to Health and Hope” is a free, yearlong program beginning in April targeting patrons with diabetes and/or its comorbidities. Participants will receive twelve weeks of instruction from a registered dietician, licensed clinical social worker, and hope facilitators, fitness instruction, nutritional cooking classes and 1-on-1 consultations with healthcare providers.

Additionally, participants will receive weekly groceries to reproduce recipes and supplemental boxes with healthy food items to support the class content and goals.

MISSION IS A VERB Missions is not something that we pack for, and complete a task in a week.

Mission is who we are as people of faith.

It is how we respond to our faith and live out our faith.

Mission is responding to the call to feed the hungry, to cloth the naked and so much more.

Mission is how we engage with one another, how we treat one another.

It is our mission to strive to live out our lives in a holy way.

To feel the pain of a broken world and to react to the pain.

Each day we are faced with decisions to be kind, thoughtful and make a difference.

It is not always easy, most of the time we fall short of the goal.

Spring offers us a new beginning, to walk through Lent and be changed.

It is my prayer that we recognize the change in us and in our world and that we reach out to a hurting world with a mission mindset with every breath we breath.

I pray that we open our eyes to see and our ears to hear the needs of our community and of our world. (reprinted from OKVIM “Connectional Ministries for Mission” newsletter)

ServantOKC.org

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EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP WE’RE OPEN! COME SEE US! We are grateful to announce that we recently donated another $1,000 to each of the following ministries/missions: Penn Avenue Redemption, Exodus House, Circle of Care, Neighborhood Services Organization, Skyline Eye Clinic, Skyline Clothing and Skyline Food.

As everyone knows, this past year has had its challenges.

We were unable to be open “as usual.” Earthglow Market was not held due to COVID constraints. But we were open a couple of days a week for curbside service, and people were able to make appointments to come inside to shop.

Now people are free to come inside to shop without an appointment! Thanks to our volunteers and customers that made all of this possible.

Going forward, we are working towards being open normal hours. The buyers have been to Market in Dallas and new things are coming in and rearranging is going on. Please come in to see the volunteers and shop the new merchandise! Remember, profits from your purchases will be donated to local Missions! Thank you so much for your support.

NOW AVAILABLE IN EARTHGLOW: The Big Picture is a short study of the Bible, written by Al and Jere Litchenburg that gives readers a quick look into how the overarching story of the Bible fits together. The Big Picture explains important concepts in an easy and understandable way, to reintroduce believers to the Bible’s meaning or to be used as a way to spread the Gospel of Christ. It can help anyone understand just how much God loves us--His children--completely and unconditionally. Love, hope and relationship are all part of His master plan, a story illustrated with key scripture verses in The Big Picture.

Stop by Earthglow Gift Shop to purchase your copy (ALL PROCEEDS from the first 90 copies go to support missions), or purchase a copy at Amazon.com.

NOVEMBER 13 | 9 AM - 3 PM Earthglow Gift Shop sponsors a market each fall, which includes gifts, holiday and home décor, both handmade and commercial. Proceeds from booth and table rental, food/bake sales, as well as the proceeds from the Gift Shop, go to local missions. Over our history, Earthglow has donated over $911,000 to various missions in our community. Your participation in our Earthglow Market has made a valued contribution to this effort! Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13. For more information about booth rental, go to ServantOKC.org/EARTHGLOWMARKET.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREFULLY RE-ENTERING LIFE SEMI-POST COVID As more and more people are receiving their vaccine doses, it’s thrilling to think about what we can do that feels more normal.

I imagine most of us are “chomping at the bit” to DO something! However, as Rev. Mitchell said recently, “We can’t trip just before the finish line”, but we can think about and plan for our re-entry! Mission Council has a list of activities to fit almost any segment within our church community. All of these opportunities are available NOW and will continue. COVID precautions are in place at each of them.

RESTOREOKC - 2ND SATURDAY WORKDAY All ages are welcome, so bring the whole family. Each month, projects are lined up either working on repairs on older homes or working in the community and/or school gardens. This is primarily outside and all COVID protections are in place. To sign-up go to: https://x.gldn.io/bss8ynzO7db OR go to the website https:/restoreokc.org, click on GET INVOLVED and then VOLUNTEER and then Restore Homes.

HOPE CENTER AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS – 1220 NE 33rd, OKC 73111 To help OKCPS parents on virtual learning days, tutors are needed at the Boys and Girls Club for two hours one day a week.

This activity is indoors, but spacing is maintained and masks worn. The elementary-age children come from several schools supported by RestoreOKC. You will be helping children to stay on top of their studies, and their parents will know that their children are safe and continuing to learn. The director of The Hope Center has asked for tutors to help assist with the kids’ virtual learning from 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. If you are interested contact Justus Hill at justus@restoreokc.org or call him at 405-763-9906.

WELL-SPRING ALLY - https://www.restoreokc.org/volunteer Another program of RestoreOKC is being a mentor to women who are re-entering the workforce. Most of the women have completed the ReMerge program https://www.remergeok.org/.

Remerge serves as an alternative to incarceration that keeps women in the community and out of prison. They are now employed as housecleaners under supervision of Restore employees. At RestoreOKC, they are enrolled in Work Life which is a faith-based job education curriculum designed by the Chalmers Center for Economic Development to teach “soft-skills” to those coming from generational poverty. “We believe that lasting change happens in community, and many of the adults we employ do not have healthy support in their lives.” The role of an Ally is to check-in/meet with their participant weekly while they are in the Work Life class and monthly thereafter. For information contact Sara Hawke 405-623-2852. The next Work Life Ally Training is Saturday, April 17th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

SISU YOUTH SERVICES – sisuyouth.org Sisu is a homeless shelter which provides services to homeless youth, ages 15-23. They rely on volunteers to provide dinner 7 days a week and also lunch on the weekends for 20 people.

This would be a great Sunday School or small group activity!

Meals can be home-made, store bought or catered and then dropped off at 3131 N. May Avenue. Because most are minors, dinner deliverers are not allowed inside to protect privacy.

For more information contact Jimmy Nguyen at jnguyen@sisuyouth.org.

ServantOKC.org

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ORPHANAGE IN MYANMAR Written by Yvonne Morgan Pictured Left:

M

yanmar is a country in South Asia. The population mainly identifies as Buddhist, with only 6% reporting to be Christians.

Myanmar was a closed country until 1992 when a Civilian government took over. Our orphanage sits in Western Myanmar in a small, rural town called Kalaymyo (also known as Kalay). This town is almost 40% Christian. Persecution of those Christian is commonplace. The home now serves 50 orphans. Pastor Go Pau and his family run the orphanage for us, and we started working with them over ten years ago. We visited them in Myanmar three times over those years.

During our visits, we like to spend time with the children to get to know them. We play games and take them on trips around the area. In the attached pictures, you can see us interacting with our orphans. Bill and I also like to learn about the local community, so we better understand the culture. When possible, we visit churches, local stores, surrounding areas, and restaurants. This knowledge allows us to serve the children and the community better.

After our first visit, we learned that women in the rural areas lack access to churches, and they hungered to hear the Gospel. Pastor Go Pau asked if we would be willing to hold a conference for these women on future trips.

During the subsequent two visits, we had women’s conferences in villages far away from Kalay. The first year our event reached

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Playing in the river with the kids. Top; All the children at Home of Hope.

Right: Game time with the children.

over 500 women in a village about an hour out. The second conference took us further away and reached over 200 women with the Gospel. I included a photo from each of these fantastic gatherings of women eager to learn more about Christ.

We could not visit Myanmar during 2020 due to the pandemic. Now, any future visits remain uncertain due to the recent military coup. Here is some information on how these situations are impacting the orphans directly.

COVID impacted them just like it has for us here in the US. But the situation worsened recently when a military coup occurred. The military crackdown on civilians spread rapidly. We prayed that the remoteness of the town would spare the orphanage, but the unrest has now reached the area. Communications remain spotty at best, so updates don’t happen often enough. Below is one of the more recent emails from Pastor Go Pau (English is not his native tongue): “Today in Kalaymyo, the military fired the peaceful protesters. More than 15 were wounded, and 5 were hurt very badly, and they are in a coma. Yesterday and the day before yesterday, two churches’ quarters have been burned. Till now, the police are still silent, and nothing is being investigated. Our future is uncertain, and we are helpless.”

Schools, banks, and many stores are closed in town. Using creative means, we are still able to get funds to support the operation of the home. And, by working directly with farmers, they can buy supplies and food.

Please continue to pray for the peace and protection of our orphanage. Their future is in the hands of God at this time.

Pictured Left: Spending time at the park together.

Above: Women’s Conference 2019 Right: Art & craft times with the kids.

You can follow our work with this orphanage as well as our one in Nepal on our website at https://orphan-relief-effort.org/ Grace and Peace, Yvonne Morgan

ServantOKC.org

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SERVANT KIDS Report LOOK WHAT WE DID...

Kourtney Aller Director of Servant Kids

We have loved seeing new faces and also the return of familiar faces in Servant Kids!

Leading up to Easter, the Servant Kids and Students team “egged” around 70 houses by placing candy-filled eggs in their yards. The kids came home to a fun surprise and got to do an egg hunt at home. Thanks to everyone who signed up to participate in this first-time event!

Josh Snodgrass Assistant Director of Servant Kids

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.

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These faithful volunteers assembled the bags of eggs for all 70 houses!

ServantOKC.org

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FRIDAY MORNING DEVOTIONAL TIME!

APRIL HAPPENINGS...

Josh and Kourtney will share a short video devotional each Friday for you to watch with your kids! These videos are typically around three or four minutes long and a great way to open discussion about different topics with your kids. The videos can be found on the Servant Kids Facebook page and on our YouTube channel (a link to the channel is available on the website under Kids Ministry).

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.

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SERVANT KIDS IS OPEN! Kid’s Ministry is meeting in person at 9:30 and 11:00 each Sunday morning. Grades 1-5 will meet in The Point Student Center on the south side of the church. Check-in stations are located at the entrance to The Point and parents will need to be present to checkin their kids and get name tags and parent security tags. Temperatures will also be taken during check-in. The kids need to bring a mask with them to wear, but they will have opportunities once we are socially distanced from others to take a mask break to get some fresh air. We will have a lesson and games and a craft activity and all will be conducted with safety and social distance in mind. You can check them out after the worship service by bringing your parent sticker.

Preschool, Kindergarten, and nursery aged kids will meet downstairs for check-in and for their activities. For those younger kids, temperatures will also be taken but masks are optional.

SERVANT CONNECT

FLY A KITE

SUNDAYS IN APRIL AGES 3 YEARS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN This month, we are going to be talking about something that is high and wide and deep. Do you know what it is?

Yes, it’s the love of Jesus. Jesus’ love for each of us is so wide and long and high and deep that we can’t even measure it! And, we are going to have so much fun introducing this truth to our preschoolers this month!

We started the month with the best Sunday of the year— Easter! How exciting that we get to share the story of Easter with our youngest friends this month. Some of them will be hearing for the very first time that Jesus wants to be their friend forever. Yes! Jesus is alive, and He wants to be our friend forever!

We want to share the good news that Jesus is alive with our preschoolers all month long. We want them to hear over and over again that Jesus wants to be their friend forever. We want this foundational truth of Jesus’ great love for them to live in each preschooler’s heart.

Our memory verse this month comes from Ephesians 3:18 and says, “How wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”

This month, we will learn that Jesus is alive and wants to be our friend forever. He taught us how to love one another. We can tell others about Jesus. Who wants to be your friend forever? Jesus wants to be my friend forever!

RECONNECT: BUILD A BRIDGE SUNDAYS IN APRIL GRADES 1-5

This month, we will be learning about the connection between PEACE and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story.

Peace is proving you care more about each other than winning an argument.

When Adam and Eve decided that their way was better than God’s way and broke God’s rule, they changed the relationship between God and His creation. When once everything and everyone could be in the presence of God, now we were at odds with God. God could have done anything He wanted, including wiping us out and starting over. But instead, God decided to make peace with us.

Ultimately God did this through His Son, Jesus.

When Jesus rose from the dead, He paid the price for everything that was wrong and unfair in this world. Because of Jesus, we can have peace. We don’t have to get even. Instead, we can reflect the character of Christ by caring for others and making peace.

Our memory verse this month comes from Roman 14:19 and says, “So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build up one another.” We will discuss how God made peace with us and we can make peace with others. We will learn how you can show you care about others by walking away from a fight and by being part of the solution. We can’t wait to see you this month to learn about peace!

ServantOKC.org

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STILL TO COME...

SAVE THE DATE FOR SOME FUN EVENTS HAPPENING SOON!

5TH GRADE MOVE-UP event is Wednesday, April 21 from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Centrum.

5th graders and their families are invited to attend during that time as we reflect back on their time spent in Servant Kids and introduce them to the Servant Students group. At 6:30 p.m., the 5th graders will be invited to stay for small group time to play games, have a snack, and get to know the Servant Student pastors – Heather Winner and Skyler Rodriguez. Register at ServantOKC.org/EVENTS.

KANAKUK KAMPOUT

AUGUST 2-6, 2021

Mark your calendars now for the return of Kanakuk Kampout! this summer!

The dates are August 2-6.

The cost is $275, and kids ages 5-12 are invited to attend.

Registration is open at kanakuk.com.

NEW DATE ADDED! MAY 31 - JUNE 4 18

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Save the date!

SERVANT KIDS

APRIL 4TH--EASTER SERVICES AT 6:30AM, 9:30AM, & 11:00AM APRIL 11TH--CARNIVAL DAY 9:30/11:00 APRIL 11TH--FAMILY FINANCIAL FUN DAY FROM NOON-1:30PM APRIL 21ST--MOVE-UP EVENT FOR 5TH GRADERS APRIL 23RD-25TH--BREAKAWAY-WEEKEND EXPERIENCE FOR SERVANT 45 (4TH/5TH GRADERS) MAY 5TH--END OF YEAR BASH MAY 31ST-JUNE 4TH--KANAKUK KAMPOUT JUNE 13TH--WATER DAY AT 9:30/11:00AM JULY 11TH--MARTIN NATURE PARK PICNIC 4:00-6:00PM AUGUST 2ND-6TH--KANAKUK KAMPOUT AUGUST 15TH--FAMILY GAME NIGHT AUGUST 15TH--BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

WWW.SERVANTOKC.ORG

ServantOKC.org

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SERVANT STUDENTS 6TH - 12TH GRADE

COME ONE, COME ALL 5TH GRADERS! 5TH GRADE MOVE-UP WEDNESDAY APRIL 21 | 6-8 PM

Heather Winner Director of Servant Students

Skyler Rodriguez Assistant Director of Servant Students

Would you like more information about Servant Student Ministries? Contact Heather at hwinner@ServantOKC.org or Skyler at srodriguez@ServantOKC.org.

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Witness the excitement of the current 5th graders of Church of the Servant as they talk about moving into Servant Students has been nonetheless inspiring. Making the transition from children’s ministry into youth ministry can be intimidating, so even as their enthusiasm remains, we still want to move them up in a way that is celebratory, empowering, and care-filled. With that, Skyler and I are more than ready to announce our 5th Grade Move-Up Date as Wednesday, April 21st. After this date, all 5th graders are invited to attend all Servant Student programming going forward. These are our thoughts and plans for 5th Grade Move Up Wednesday.

We want to transition our rising 6th grade students into Servant Student programming during a Wednesday Night Small Group for many reasons.

For one, we know that small groups are a huge part of this ministry – seeing so many students come out for this night every single week. We want our youngest Servant Students to feel this eagerness for authentic faith, fellowship, and discipleship as the groundwork of this ministry. We also want these students to experience a small group for themselves that is led by Skyler and me, giving

them the chance to ask questions and think about what this transition means for their relationship with God. Trust takes time, so we want students to be given the space to grow comfortable as a new Servant Student from April 21st on!

So what will 5th Grade Move Up Wednesday look like? All 5th graders and their parents are invited to attend a welcome meeting from 6:00-6:30pm in the Centrum to learn the basics about Servant Students and ask any questions they may have. During this time, they will also receive a little gift as they transition from Servant Kids as well! Then, from 6:30-8:00pm, our youngest Servant Students will join in with the rest in Wednesday Night Small Group programming as we worship, play games, hear a message, and engage in small group time to finish off their first night as youth group students!

We cannot wait to celebrate your 5th graders and help them feel all the more comfortable as part of this ministry! We know God has huge plans for them and it will be an honor to witness their faith grow at such a time as this.

Heather Winner

ALOHA SPRING BREAK… AND SO MUCH LAUGHTER! On March 10th, Servant Students celebrated Spring Break early with our “Aloha Spring Break” luau party. The concourse was filled with palm trees, a party stage, music, and plenty of energy. We were able to bring the Kona Ice food truck out for our students to enjoy shaved ice to go along with the rest of our food. Senior Minister Matthew Mitchell graciously sacrificed his time and effort to provide the students with some excellent barbecue for our meal. The night really came to life as we gathered all together in the Centrum for our games, like reverse charades, movie minute, and even a hula skirt relay.

The greatest joy came f rom the excitement and energy that the students had during this time. Even behind masks, the smiles on the students’ faces were apparent and obvious as we celebrated this time of the year together. The school year has been long, difficult, even confusing for some, not knowing what days of the week they are expected to be in-person or online. Being able to provide even a speck of relief and fun in the middle of their chaotic weeks was well worth the time spent on this event. Now that Spring Break has passed, Summer is right around the corner, and we cannot wait.

Skyler Rodriguez ServantOKC.org

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BREAKAWAY 2021 Now that it is April, our middle school Breakaway weekend is approaching fast! Servant Student Breakaway 2021 is an opportunity for our middle school students (current 6th-8th grade) along with our 4th and 5th graders to do something out of the norm, out of the ordinary, and transforming for themselves and their community. What does that look like? It looks like an action-packed weekend full of games, worship, service opportunities, breakout groups, and so much more. We want students to walk away knowing the goodness found in Romans 12:2 – knowing that we are called not to conform to the ways of this world, but to be transformed through the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Your student will not want to miss out on this opportunity to breakaway for an unforgettable weekend!

If you wish to register a student for Breakaway, scan the QR code above!

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SERVANT CONNECT

As of Monday, March 29, every Oklahoman, age 16 and over, is eligible for COVID-19 vaccine!

There is NO cost to anyone for the vaccine.

The following are websites that can be used to search for and schedule appointments. https://vaccinefinder.org https://www.vaxokc.com https://vaccinate.oklahoma.gov/ https://www.mercy.net/VaccineOklahoma https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/Covid-19-vaccine https://www.Walmart.com/cp/1228302 https://ppok.timetap.com/#/ (Independent Pharmacies) https://portal.immylabs.com/vaccine https://www.goodrx.com/covid-19/walgreens • Call Thrifty Pharmacy 10904 N May (Quail Plaza Shopping Center - May and Hefner) 405-751-2852. They schedule both doses.

• Email Ann Knutson annknut@gmail.com.

She’s happy to help!

• Call 211 from your cell phone or (405)425-4489. This is the OK City County Health Department and they will give you information but they will NOT schedule a Covid vaccine for you.

Thanks to Sherri Lawson for compiling these websites and sharing them!

• As a last resort you can email VaccinateOK21@gmail.com or call (405)896-0523. The email belongs to a small group of volunteers who help people who have trouble with the websites.

ServantOKC.org

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Church of the Servant 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142-9725

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO 99

OKLAHOMA CITY 73125

Follow Us! A United Methodist Congregation @ServantOKC SUNDAY MORNING SERVICE TIMES

9:30 • 11:00

CONTACT US: 14343 N MacArthur Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73142 ServantOKC.org 405.721.4141

LIVE STREAM Sunday Mornings @ 9:30 & 11:00 servantokc.online.church Also on Facebook @ServantOKC