April 19, 2017
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 17.07
Thank You!
What a great day at Church of the Servant! This past Sunday saw six worship services filled with people celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was a day of singing and worship, family and friends, as together we gave thanks for all that God has done, and indeed is preparing to do, within the ministries of Church of the Servant. I want to offer a word of thanks to the Church staff for making such a day possible. If our services go well, they appear effortless, while in actuality many hours of concerted thought and effort go into providing a context for our worship to come together. Chuck Weatherford, Christiaan Osborn, Rachel Mitchell, and Matt Schinske organize the single largest volunteer group within the congregation in the Celebration Choir and Worship Orchestra. From the somber music of Maundy Thursday, to the story told on Good Friday, to the joy-filled Hallelujah Chorus on Easter morning, in so many ways Music Ministries holds us together through Holy Week. The same holds true for the 923 Community as John Gilstrap, Justin Lawrence, and the 923 Worship Team work to construct a worship space designed to draw the congregation’s heart closer to God in both mood and music.
Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister
Our facilities crew in Don Cole, Eric Nance, Hurst Jones, Ryan Armstrong, and Juan Galvin perform countless setups and teardowns to bring it all together. By 7:45 Sunday morning, Don was flying down the Concourse with a mop and bucket cheerfully announcing, “Cleanup on Aisle 3!” with a smile and a laugh. Don, your congregation is grateful for all you and your staff accomplish on our behalf.
The Administrative tasks are countless, with Becky Kittrell, Susie Cobden, and Lola Burgtorf doing extra duty over the course of the week to see that extra bulletins and flyers are in place. The lillies do not just appear out of thin air; Sarah Krivy labors for weeks to ensure our worship spaces are filled with beauty and our traditions honored. Heather DeShazo, Jonathan Edwards, Stan Van Nort, and the Media Crew, working hard to make certain we sound and look as good as possible. Our NextGen Ministries work diligently to communicate the message of the resurrection to our children and youth: John Gilstrap, Cathy Hersom, Cindy Brackenbury, Pam Adams, Sang Nguyen, Jenna Smith, Rachel Gillespie, Jenny Kinkaid, and Dayna Slater. If the opportunity presents itself, ask Sang about the prayer walk he arranged for our students to prepare their spirits for Easter, as it was an experience they will long remember. And our clergy: Michael Carpenter, Tim Travers, and Robyn Goggs. It would be difficult to imagine a more capable group or a group more willing to tackle any task within the life of Church of the Servant. Spanning from hospitality to proclaiming the word of God on a Sunday morning, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with these friends and colleagues – and to make things even better, Michael is looking into personally preparing doughnut holes for the congregation on a weekly basis. When you see him, encourage him in this regard! There are many more to thank, from Scott Smith (who holds the whole organization together), to Mary Strain who greets everyone with a warm smile and a listening ear, to Vicki Roberds and Lola Burgtorf in Care Ministries, to Steve Johns and Cindy Brecheen in Finance, to the dozens of lay volunteers who offer their time in service of the church. Together, we can be the congregation God calls us to be as we reach out with the “Good News” of Jesus Christ! Thank you all for your love of Christ and your willingness to share together the work of his body, the Church. You are each a blessing to me and to many. May the peace of God fill your hearts, and the sure and certain knowledge of his love for you abide in excess. Thank you! – Randy
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Thank You Very Much! Muchas Gracias, Asante Sana!
Missions
Over 350 photos were taken of individuals, families, Sunday School adults, youth, and children’s classes on two recent Sundays. These photos will be attached to cards and given to each and every staff member at Maua Methodist Hospital in late June. The messages which were written in the cards were truly touching. There were heartfelt sentiments as well as a simple heart with a cross drawn inside. It was quite a production to match the numbered card with the photo but we think we’ve done it! Special thanks to Suzy Wilson who helped formulate a smooth process and Delbert and Linda Simmons for pitching in at last minute when our photographers became ill. By participating in this project, you have made the relationship between Church of the Servant and Maua Methodist Hospital very special and very personal.
Message from Sodzo International: March 7, 2017 Dear Church of the Servant,
I send you warm greetings in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It brings great joy to know your gift and support of Watoto wa Ahadi (Children of Promise) Rescue Center in Meru County, Kenya. As you are well aware, there are countless hungry people in the world, including in this section of Kenya. Food scarcity threatens the bodies and minds of the children we serve. Through your gift of $20,000 to purchase a tractor for our farm, we will be able to meet this need more readily, and improve farming in the surrounding community. You should know that our commitment to Giika, Kenya and surrounding communities does not end with the children on our farm. We have been working to transfer farming skills to the surrounding community, and will continue to do so better each year. With the tractor, we are able to offer community members assistance with plowing and preparing their fields, even as we use it to prepare our own land for better food production. The increased food we produce will enable us to reduce our monthly food costs, and have food for sale in the market. Already our boys go to the market to sell produce they’ve helped grow, which is much different than sleeping in those same streets not so long ago. The funds they raise go into savings accounts for each child, and will help sustain them after they leave Watoto. As such, your gift enables greater sustainability of our program, our children and the surrounding community. While addressing the need for food, you also address a deeper need — the need for generosity and true global friendship. It is a gift for me to know of your partnership in this work, and a gift for the community of Giika to be able to come together and share the gifts they have been given — like the tractor. For your leadership and fellowship, we give thanks. If ever I am able to support your ministry, please know that I am in your debt. Sincerely yours, Michael L. Goodman, MDiv MPH DrPH Executive Director/President Sodzo International
Clothes 4 Kids Special Fish Appeal Offering Is Sunday, May 14
$85 dollars will put a child in uniforms for the 2017-2018 school year. For many years, Church of the Servant has partnered with Skyline Urban Ministry to provide two pairs of pants, two shirts, shoes, socks, and underwear to children in need for the upcoming school year. Approximately 89% of children in the Oklahoma City School District are eligible for free or reduced school lunches due to incomes at or below poverty. All Oklahoma City Public Schools require children to wear uniforms, but no financial assistance is offered for the uniforms through the state. It can be a financial burden on families that are already struggling to make ends meet. It is such a blessing to be able to serve these children so that they can attend the first day of school wearing clothes and shoes that are just as shiny and new as the clothes that all the other children are wearing. Skyline begins fitting uniforms the first week in July. Thank you all so much for your support and for helping us, help those in need in our community. SERVANT April 19, 2017 I Page 3
Missions
Rebuilding Together Day Gratitude
Forty people gathered on Saturday, April 9 to make a huge difference in the lives of two older women in Southwest Oklahoma City. The teams spent the day cleaning, painting, and putting in windows, doors and shingles to give a new look to their homes. It was a great day of work and fellowship! Thank you to Clay Cockrill who coordinated the whole day and the projects, to Shawn Hinkle and Scott Braly for being site leaders, and all the people who came to work hard and serve in Jesus’ name! You are so appreciated!
Earthglow Board Visits NSO
One of the wonderful local missions that is supported by the proceeds from your Earthglow purchases is Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO). The director of NSO, Stacey Ninness, aka the Easter Bunny pictured below, invited the Earthglow board members to tour their relatively-new Dental and Housing offices, located at 431 SW 11th, where we were presented with this Easter Basket lovingly prepared for us by the residents of one of the permanent supportive housing facilities for homeless adults with a diagnosed mental illness. The mission of NSO is to “transform lives and encourage independence through safe, healthy homes, dental care and nutrition.” What a delight it was to view the beautiful state-of-the-art facility and to find Earthglow named on their “Good Samaritan” Wall of Fame for our 2016 donation.
Left to Right: Elaine Frizzell, Denise Lingo, Vicki Gilstrap, Donna Armstrong, Janice Flurry, Margy Milewski, Sheryl Dunham, Lisa Fansher, Jimi Hadley, Judy Cooper, Jan and Bob Green, Stacy Ninness
You can be a part of the “Good Samaritan” efforts of Earthglow by making a frequent sojourn into the shop and using it as your place of choice for gifts, cards and decorator items. New interesting items arrive weekly. Just in: a new supply of colorful crossbody purses, stylish reading glasses, adorable wooly-pully animals, and several flavors of Big Little Fudge. Mother’s Day is just around the corner, so stop by soon. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
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Profile of Faithfulness
od calls special people for a specific need. As a volunteer, Mike Frizzell is meeting the needs of students with his Trash Can and Thrift Shop educational program at Bethany High School. Mike retired in 2005 after serving over 35 years in the Putnam City and Bethany school districts, as well as Northwest Classen, but his passion to help students didn’t stop with his official retirement. Mike has been volunteering at Bethany High School three times a week for the past ten years. The students he serves come to him with special needs, emotional problems, or discipline issues. His warm smile and willingness to serve gives these kids something they may not have had before—someone who believes in them and is willing to help them meet their potential. Mike was recently featured in the March 2017 issue of the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) newsletter as a Hero of Compassion.
Mike calls his program the TCTS Program (Trash Can and Thrift Shop). His main goal is to make school enjoyable for the students by building things with them and doing problem-solving tasks. He wants to channel their energy toward something constructive and positive by using things that others might throw away or things purchased at a thrift shop. Mike says, “I don’t have a budget or anyone to help me—it’s just me. But if you show up with a caring heart, you can make a difference whether it’s for young people or anyone else in the community.” Mike’s influence has reached across the world, far beyond Bethany. He has been able to give seven boxes of activities he designed to My Heart’s Appeal, a home for disabled teens and adults in Liberia, through Servant’s own Lovetie Major, whose sister is a resident. Mike is a great example of a servant who is using his skills and passion to meet a need in the community. He says,
Mike Frizzell “I look for ways to continue to contribute. I’ve always loved doing things and giving my time. I want to continue to be a giver.” He and his wife, Elaine, have been members of Servant since 1989.
Another Tree Story
Last year, I wrote an article about replacing the “mighty” palm trees in the Celebration Center. It was to many people’s surprise that those trees flourished in an indoor environment for almost 25 years! And yes, the new palms are acclimating very well. BUT, did you know there is a banana tree that is in the sanctuary too? Yes, it produces a bunch of bananas about every 7 years or so, and they are delicious! This year, the fruit has started to ripen during Holy Week. What a Holy reminder of a loving God feeding his children. There is so much life in this place. Some we readily see and some we have to look a little harder to see. As I ate the first ripe banana this morning, I was reminded of how many of you might not know of this treasure, so I want you see it for yourself. The fruit will probably be gone by the time you are reading this, but the tree itself will be there as a reminder of a God who loves each and every one of us! Don Cole, Director of Facilities
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Women Taste of Faith 2017
“Snapshots of Our Lives” Thursday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.
Make your reservation today for a delightful evening filled with friends and family as the women of our church come together for a Taste of Faith. We will enjoy a delicious catered meal, fellowship and laughter, and hear some inspirational stories of hope, joy and resilience. Our life experiences and how we deal with them lay the foundation for the legacy that we will leave to future generations. Each of us has a story to tell and we all learn from one another’s stories, so join us as we take a peek into the snapshots of the lives of some amazing women within our very own church family at Servant! Reservations can be made for $15 at the Women’s Ministries table in the Concourse on Sunday mornings, or by contacting Susie Cobden at 405-478-4711 or scobden@churchoftheservant.com. Bring a mother, daughter, sister, or friend with you, or come on your own and meet new friends. Our mission focus for the evening will be the YWCA Women’s Shelter. We will be collecting money to be given for items needed at the shelter. It is the only shelter in Oklahoma County for victims of domestic violence and their children, and unfortunately, it is always at capacity. Most women leave an abusive relationship with the clothes on their backs and nothing else. The YWCA provides for their needs, and helps these brave women transition back into society.
Adults Jesus: Understanding His Death and Resurrection - A Study of Mark 14-16 Wednesdays, June 14 - July 19, 9:30-11:30 AM Leader: Nancy Harris
The long-awaited Messiah had finally arrived – only to be betrayed and sentenced to death. Why would Jesus, who knew beforehand all that would happen and who held the power of heaven at His command, submit to being humiliated, tortured, and ultimately killed? In this powerful study centered on the final chapters of the Gospel of Mark, you’ll consider for yourself all that Jesus endured to bring forgiveness to sinners and hope to the hopeless. And you’ll understand as never before why it’s so essential to share with others the good news of His death and resurrection. If you are not familiar with the Inductive Style of Study, this will be a good introduction for you. All work is done during class time so this is perfect if you want to study “light” this summer. This is a great study for individuals or couples and is open to men and women. Begin your summer mornings in the Word. Come join us for 7 weeks of exploring and Understanding the Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and what this means to each of us as believers! Book cost is $8 and deadline to register is June 2. To register, contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com or 728-4711. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Adults PRIME TIME For the May Prime Time meeting, expect an awesome musical program featuring two of Church of the Servant’s finest – Crystal Johnson and Matt Schinske. Join us Thursday, May 11, at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall. Crystal Johnson attended East Central University, studying Vocal and Theatre Performance. After completing her degree, Crystal moved to New York City where she studied under Nancy Opel, well-known singer and acting coach. Crystal has performed in such shows as “Oklahoma”, “Annie”, and “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Dorothy Summers Theatre and Fort Peck Theatre. She now lives in Oklahoma City where she is active in choir, ensembles, and drama at Church of the Servant. Crystal is currently working on a recording project that will be completed in the fall. The project includes beautiful melodic songs, such as “I Won’t Mind” and energetic songs like “I Got Love”. Crystal is working with Matt Schinske on the project. Matt is a freelance composer and performer. He is the principal keyboard player at Church of the Servant where he shares his love through music. Following this incredible program, we’ll enjoy a delicious picnic meal of assorted BBQ, baked beans, potato salad, and a yummy dessert! 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 music!
The Discoveries of Modern Science Give Evidence of God!
On Sunday, April 23, Dr. Michael Strauss will be speaking at Church of the Servant about the Scientific Evidence for God. In particular, he will focus on the discoveries that have been made by modern science giving evidence of the existence of God. Then, on Sunday, April 30, Dr. Strauss will continue to speak about the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus from a scientist’s viewpoint. Both speaking engagements will be held in the Centrum at 10:45 a.m. There is no registration required. Everyone is welcome to attend. Dr. Strauss is a Professor of Physics at the University of Oklahoma. His primary focus is experimental particle physics. He is currently conducting research in that area using data from the CERN laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Strauss is a renowned speaker on various topics about the relationship of science and Biblical Christianity. He has the ability to explain complex topics in easily understandable language and to offer life applications based on science and Biblical ideas.
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NextGen Watching Our Children’s Faith Grow
Recently at WOW (Welcome on Wednesdays), I asked our 1st – 3rd graders to write their praises – what they wanted to thank God for – on a construction paper heart. Their praises made my heart swell with THANKFULNESS: “Thank you for making me safe and everyone in my car that crashed. He helped me with the state test, I love God for my Dad and my Mom and all of my family. I am thankful He is my God and for my Mom and Dad. For Jesus for everything you give me. Thank you for helping me go to class. Please remind me I am strong, brave and smart. Dear Lord, thank you for keeping me safe and thank you for letting me go to church. I praise God for everyone. Dear God, I am thankful for my family; I love them and I wouldn’t be happy without them. I am thankful for my house, my parents and that I’m even alive. Thank you for Tracy and Patrick (WOW leaders).” We are going to balloon-launch these praises next time we meet. If you’d like to learn how God can use you to share His love with young children while sharing your love of God with them, please contact a member of the Children’s Ministries Team – Cindy Brackenbury, Dayna Slater, Jenny Kincaid, or Cathy Hersom at 721-4141. Cathy Hersom, Children’s Ministries Director
Egg Celebration And Egg Hunt
Hundreds of parents, children, grandparents, and friends enjoyed the Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt on Sunday, April 9. Special thanks to all the individuals that made this a fun-filled family event for members of our congregation and the community.
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Family Worship Night – April 26
NextGen Ministries will host Family Worship Night on Wednesday, April 26 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Activities will begin in the Community Hall with a hot dog buffet. First time through the line is free; additional hot dogs are $2.00. Fun family activities will be available, including yard games. Worship will be held in the Centrum from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Reservations for dinner are required at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. Our mission in NextGen is to combine the influences of the Church and the Family to lead the next generation to become fully committed followers of Christ. One way we do that is by creating opportunities for families to come together for a shared spiritual experience; Family Worship Night is one of those opportunities. This great night is designed specifically for families with kids from preschool to 5th grade.
Our Prayers
Our Life Together Our Sympathy
u Justin and Letitia Ashby as their grandson, Brayden, deals with health issues.
u Ron and Mary Clinkenbeard and Family at the death of Ron’s mother, Betty Clinkenbeard.
u John and Sherri Bumps as John deals with health issues.
u Barbara Eskridge and Family at the death of Barbara’s nephew, Wilson Todd Magbee.
u Joyce Carson as Joyce deals with health issues. u Doris Cline as Doris’ sister, Mavine Armstrong, deals with health issues. u Leon and Debbie Gold as their friends, Gerhard Gillman and Mark Smith, both deal with health issues. u Owen and Twila Guy as Twila deals with health issues.
u Marcus, Nicki, Luke, Laney, and Holly Humphrey and Family at the death of Marcus’ father, Robert Humphrey. u Family and Friends at the death of Billie Hunter.
u Melissa Munroe, John and Andrea Fulcher, and Family at the death of Melissa’s niece, and John’s daughter, Rebecca Fulcher. u David and Kim Myers and Family at the death of David’s stepmother, Lottie Myers. u Tim Sieber and Cindy Novotny-Sieber and Family at the death of Cindy’s mother, Ann Briggs. u Chris, Brenda, Christian, and Colin Spencer and Family at the death of Chris’ mother, Connie Spencer.
u Lee, Juli, Emma, and Paul Hudson as Juli’s cousin’s daughter, Sara Wortmann, recuperates from surgery. u Jerry and Sally Liles as Jerry faces treatment; and Sally’s brother, Randy Dennis, deals with health issues. u Ann McDonald as Ann deals with health issues and is hospitalized. u Tom and Judy McGee as Tom and Judy both deal with health issues. u Larry and Cheryl Spears as Cheryl is dealing with health issues.
Celebrating
u Marilyn Schrameck at the birth of her granddaughter, Emma Brooke Schrameck. The proud parents are Mike and Jessica Schrameck.
Sundays in the Kitchen Full Breakfast - $6; Lunch - $9; Kid’s Plate - $3.50
u 4/23 – Taco Salad Served in a Crispy Taco Shell with Mexican Corn, Guacamole/Salsa and Chips, and Dessert. u 4/30 – Chicken Salad Served On a Lettuce Leaf with Pasta and Veggie Salads, Croissant, and Dessert. SERVANT April 19, 2017 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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