May 31, 2017
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 17.10
ABRAHAM
As my family began to prayerfully prepare for our journey to Church of the Servant, our first worship series began to take shape. After much prayer and study, I will begin with a worship series focusing on one of the Old Testament’s greatest men of faith, Abraham. Abraham has been a source of great encouragement for me as I prepare to leave everything I know in Georgia and venture to Oklahoma to be with each of you. Here is a quick look at what each sermon will focus upon during our first six weeks together. See you SOON! Matthew
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister June 4, 2017 – The Journey Begins! Primary Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5a On June 4, I will share our story and how God has called each of us to journey with Him. Each of our journey’s will take faith and courage, especially when God calls us away from everything we know. How is God calling you to journey during this new season at Church of the Servant? June 11, 2017 – Passing Through… Primary Scripture: Genesis 12:10-16 Abraham arrives in the promise land and then immediately has to leave. Often each of us want God to answer our questions, deliver us from our present reality, and when we think we have it all figured out, God sends a curve ball that is almost impossible to hit. Does life seem to be unsettled at the moment? If so, know you are in great company and never forget God is at work! June 18, 2017 – Mistakes Along the Way Primary Scripture: Genesis 16:1-6 Even one of the most important Old Testament figures made mistakes – in fact, two major mistakes. So what will God do with us when we fall short along the journey? Abraham was still used by God in spite of his failure. God fulfilled His promises and God wants to use each of us too! June 24, 2017 – Prayers for Others Primary Scripture: Genesis 18:20-33 Abraham questions God and survives. Some of us were raised thinking we are not allowed to question God, but Abraham’s story teaches us something very different. When Abraham questions God, his focus is on others, not his own needs. July 2, 2017 – Understanding Old Testament Covenant Primary Scripture: Genesis 17:1-8 Covenant is important! Promises are hard to keep at times, but God has never broken one of His covenants yet. God’s promise to Abraham is lifelong and Christ’s new covenant is still being fulfilled today! On July 2, we will look at Old Testament covenant and the New Testament covenant available to each of us today! July 9, 2017 – God Provides Primary Scripture: Genesis 22: 1-8 Abraham is asked by God to do something unimaginable. Was this a test of Abraham’s faith or was it something much deeper? Abraham could have easily felt as though God had forgotten His promises. Nonetheless, God provides the perfect sacrifice in Abraham’s greatest hour of need. No matter what you may think, God has never forgotten you! Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Missions
Whiz Kids: Celebrating Six Years! On Monday, May 22, after 30 weeks of tutoring every Monday afternoon, our Whiz Kids mentors celebrated the end of the school year with the Edgemere Elementary students. Each week, the children and tutors have met at Wesley UMC on Classen for tutoring and mentoring. This year, we had 34 students and 37 tutors work together. Over this school year, we have had over 109 volunteers regularly in this ministry – driving buses, preparing food, working one-on-one with children, and holding the ministry together administratively. We are especially grateful to Carolyn Hays and Shirley Rolston who continue to lead this ministry with grace, precision and amazing skills. Awards were given for perfect attendance by tutors and children and graduating sixth-graders were honored. Special entertainment was provided by Super Steve the Magician. The celebration always ends with a slide show to show what a great year we had together in Whiz Kids! Whiz Kids will begin again in August!
Project Transformation
Mission Trips
Sherri Price and Gayle Dekker waiting with their whiz kids to watch the slide show.
Rio Bravo, Mexico – June 18-24
Sally Nickel, Kathy Dick, Gayle Dekker, Lark Tipton, and Sherri Selvidge were given tutor perfect attendance awards, not missing even one of the 30 weeks with their children.
Church of the Servant has a long history of partnering with Project Transformation, a literacy camp for children in need, which builds their reading level and confidence. This year, we’re going back to the Chapel Hill UMC site for two weeks to volunteer. So, we need reading volunteers for Monday-Thursday, July 10-13 and July 17-20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It only takes a couple hours of your time to make a lasting impact on a child. I worked for Project Transformation when I was in college, and I could fill this whole newsletter testifying to Project Transformation’s power and efficacy. But instead, I want to encourage you to see for yourself! Please consider signing up for a two-day commitment to read with children and be a part of this ministry. If you can, please contact Susie Cobden at (405) 728-4711, or via email at scobden@churchoftheservant.com. Let’s transform some lives! Rev. Michael Carpenter Associate Minister
Church of the Servant will send out two international mission teams this month. It is a total of 30 people who will be going to serve around the world in the name of Christ and our church. Please hold them in your prayers over the next weeks.
High School Ministry is excited to lead a team of students and their families to Rio Bravo, Mexico. This will be an incredible opportunity for families to serve together. We will work with Manos Juntas, an organization affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Mexico. Our projects include building a classroom and leading vacation Bible school for students. While we know that God will use this experience to bless our friends in Rio Bravo, we also know that this will be a wonderful blessing for those going! The team this year is: Andi Butler, Kendall Cook, Mary Dennehy, Mike Gentry, Micha Edwards, Victoria Foster, Jonathan Foster, Susan Foster, Juan Galvan, Trent Neaves, Tyler Neaves, Amber Neaves, Todd Neaves, Megan Neaves, Sang Nguyen, Jay Smith, JJ Valentine, Samantha Wichert, Allison Wichert.
Maua, Kenya – June 28 - July 12
Troy Weber and Fran Parkhill have both tutored their children for multiple years.
Vivi Grisby and Myeiaha Brown celebrate three years of perfect attendance by Myeiaha! Vivi has been her tutor all three years, forming a special bond.
The team will travel 19 hours and 9,000 miles to get to Maua, Kenya. During their time, they will be a part of building and dedicating a two-room home for an AIDS family. They will spend a day at the children’s rescue center playing soccer and providing a meal for children and staff. The team will conduct a medical camp in a rural area (diagnosing, dispensing medicine, etc) and then visit five or six schools to dispense deworming pills and give out lollipops. They will also deliver school supplies we have collected and give each school a Oneworld durable soccer ball. This will be a full and intense two weeks of service for this team. They will take the pictures of our congregation to give out in the hospital. The Kenya team is: Ann Knutson, Carolyn Hays, Jim Hammond, Doug and Jaci Finch, Jo Edwards, Helen Harkreader, Suzi Lillard, Jeff Hoffman, Conni Smiley.
SERVANT May 31, 2017 I Page 3
Adult
Jesus: Understanding His Death and Resurrection
A Study of Mark 14-16
Wednesdays, June 14 – July 26, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 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. Join Nancy for seven 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.
Father’s Day Finds at Earthglow Another special day is just around the corner. And where is the best place to go for any special occasion shopping? Earthglow, of course! There are many gift items that will be just right for Dad, and Father’s Day cards are available too. While you are there, remember that there are beautiful wedding gifts, baby gifts, children’s toys and games, and other items sure to please the most discriminating shopper. When you make a purchase in Earthglow, all of the profits are used to support local missions.
Summer Mission Opportunity in Earthglow One of the projects that Earthglow proudly sponsors each summer is the collection of hygiene items for TEEM (The Education and Employment Ministry). This local agency helps recently-released prisoners in the process of re-entering society after incarceration. TEEM maintains a closet of personal items that may be shared with their clients, and this is the time of year that we at Church of the Servant can help them fill their shelves with shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, etc. Please help make a difference in the lives of these men and women by picking up a few new hygiene items. Personal-sized unopened items that you may collect in your summer travels are also welcome. Bring them to the Earthglow drop-box for TEEM, and while you are in the store, help other local missions by making a purchase from our broad selection of gift items.
A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH ANITA RENFROE on Thursday, October 5, 2017, 7:00 p.m. We all need a good laugh sometimes. Anita Renfroe will surely have you rolling with her unique take on being a woman, growing older, motherhood, and pop culture. Get tickets at www.churchoftheservant.com/ events. Church of the Servant members and friends get a discounted rate of $15, using promo code RENFROE-HOST-CHURCH. But wait, EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ALERT! Get another 20% off (only $12!) if you purchase before July 31, using promo code TWEET-TWEET.
Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Children’s Ministries had a FANTASTIC time on Move-Up Sunday! We saw new faces in our areas and are looking forward to even more new faces in the very near future! To kick off our Move-Up festivities, we sent out MANY postcards to our 1st through 5th grade kiddos, inviting them to bring the postcard back for a $25 ToysRUs drawing during the Opening for Sunday School… and the winner is: Mason Stewart!! Congratulations, Mason!
NextGen
We will be sending postcards inviting our children to bring them back for another drawing in the near future! If you did not receive one this time, please contact padams@churchoftheservant.com to give us your correct mailing address and other contact information.
VBS STARTS MONDAY! REGISTRATION IS HAPPENING DOWNSTAIRS THIS SUNDAY! It is not too late to come down and sign up for MAKER FUN FACTORY VBS. VBS will take place June 5 - June 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. each day, and is open to kids age 4 - 5th grade (childcare is available for younger children of volunteers). Come downstairs this Sunday to Children’s Ministries Welcome Counter and sign up to join the fun!
KID’S MUSICAL PROJECT SUMMER CAMP – June 19 – 22 Calling all Kids entering Kindergarten – 5th grade (fall 2017) for a fun musical experience! Building on this year’s VBS theme for this summer, the Kids Musical Project summer camp will be presenting the musical “Built for a Purpose”. The kids will share through song how God has a special purpose for everyone’s lives. The kids will learn how to put together a praise musical in only 4 days. The musical performance is Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. The camp fee is $50 (one child); $75 (2 children) and $90 (3 or more children). The fee includes a t-shirt, DVD of music, and snacks. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to church, SO INVITE and spread the word. Camp is again led by Paul and Brooke Gebb. Register online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. Registration deadline is June 11. For more information, contact Paul Gebb at pgebb@churchoftheservant.com.
Change In Sunday Worship Times And Children’s Ministries On June 4 when Worship Service times at Church of the Servant change to 9:30 traditional and 11:00 modern, Children’s Ministries Sunday morning programming will also make some changes to align with the new worship times. Kid’s Own Worship will meet at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday school will meet at 11:00 a.m. Preschool and Elementary doors will open at 9:15 a.m. Nursery is open at 8:00 a.m. for children of individuals attending the Chapel Service and 9:15 a .m. for children of individuals attending Worship or Sunday school classes.
The KAMPOUT! Day Camp Adventure sponsored by Kanakuk Camp Ministries from Branson, MO still has openings for children ages 5-12. The camp will be July 10-14, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Church of the Servant. Camp fee is $250. The Day Camp experience is filled with fun and adventure. Incredible activities include: a climbing wall, zip line, and water slides. The camp is run by the professional, servant-hearted Kanakuk staff. Kanakuk describes KampOut! as a “one-week high energy, non-stop excitement, traveling Christian day camp.” Parents are encouraged to register their child as soon as possible at kanakuk.com/kampout. There are security scholarships available and if interested, or even curious about what a security scholarship is, contact Cathy Hersom at chersom@churchoftheservant.com.
SERVANT May 31, 2017 I Page 5
NextGen Senior Sunday In NextGen Ministry, we want to make an effort to celebrate milestones in the life of our students. During the month of May, we got to celebrate our Senior Class. It was a beautiful morning as students led us in music, scripture reading, and prayer. Many of you look at these students and are brought back to the moment when they were six years old running through the church. What an occasion to stand with our students as they begin the next chapter!
Dayspring High School Ministry’s biggest summer event is Dayspring! It is our summer camp at Camp WOW. This is a wonderful opportunity to get away with an amazing youth group to study scripture, worship, participate in small groups, and recreational activities. Register online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. Forms are due June 14. Contact Sang Nguyen for more information at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com.
Small Group Leaders Our goal at NextGen Ministry is to lead students to become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. One of our primary strategies is having capable leadership for our small groups. These leaders have invested 90 minutes every Wednesday evening to pour into the lives of our students. That doesn’t include the countless hours invested in Pancake Breakfast, mission trips, retreats, camps, and school events. I get to partner with some of the most wonderful, God-filled people. Earlier this month, we had an opportunity to celebrate our leaders and I just wanted to spend a moment and acknowledge them. Thank you so much for allowing Christ to move through you in leading the Next Generation to become fully committed followers! Thank you: David Hammons, Todd Neaves, Sidney Barton, Christy Strickland, Amy Hammons, Tyler Smith, Cody Keyser, Rebecca Valentine, Jill Wickham, Marcus Humphrey, Daley Spear, Tim Lloyd, Andi Neaves, Karla O’Hara, Leslie Flurry, Scott Means, Dustin Renner, Joey Punneo, Stacey Brim, and Lynda Barnes. Sang Nguyen High School Pastor Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Brad and Tina Carter, as Tina’s father, Jack Ward, deals with health issues and is hospitalized at Baptist Integris Health Center. u Robert and Deanna Clark, as Deanna recovers from a fall. u Larry and Sharon Fanning, as Larry deals with health issues. u Trent and Stephanie Gibson, as Trent is hospitalized at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, AZ. u Kent and Dana Israel, as their son, Beckham, recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Steve and Angie James, as Angie deals with health issues. u Joann Pace, as Joann deals with health issues. u Jim and Kathryn Roberts, as Kathryn recuperates from recent surgery.
Our Sympathy
Welcome, Mitchell Family! This Sunday, June 4, is Senior Minister Matthew Mitchell and the Mitchell family’s first Sunday at Church of the Servant. We are thrilled to have the Mitchells in worship! Dr. Matthew Mitchell spent most of his life in Georgia where he was most recently the Lead Pastor of Sugarloaf UMC. Matthew is the husband of Amber and father of four wonderful children. Matthew was born in Denver, Colorado but grew up in Lilburn, GA where he attended Parkview High School. After high school, Matthew enrolled in LaGrange College in LaGrange, GA where he was the first four-year Letterman of the nationally ranked LaGrange College Men’s Golf Team. While at LaGrange, he earned a Bachelors in Business Administration with a management concentration and minor in Latin American Studies. For seminary, Matthew attended the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and finished up his schooling with a Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary. Please help us welcome the Mitchell family to Church of the Servant!
Matthew and Amber Mitchell, Mackenzie (13), Carter (12), Harrison (8) and Bailey (6)
u Family and Friends at the death of Ad Acers. u Bryan and Lara Gaston and Family at the death of Lara’s grandmother, Dorothy Parkes. u Family and Friends at the death of George Koubas. u Sue Miller, at the death of her cousin’s husband, Larry Burk. u Rob and Christy Peterson, at the death of Rob’s uncle, John Klapp. u Family and Friends of Karen Schotts.
Celebrating
u Ryan and Rebecca McGee, at the arrival of their daughter, Lyla Elizabeth Wilson McGee. Proud brothers are Micah and Ezra. Proud grandparents are Tom and Judy McGee.
New Worship Times Begin June 4th! Great news! Beginning Sunday, June 4, Church of the Servant will have three Sunday worship opportunities: • 8:15 – The first offering at 8:15 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cross will be a traditional service. • 9:30 – At 9:30 a.m. we will worship with a second traditional service in the Celebration Center. • 11:00 – Our third worship service will be a modern offering held at 11:00 a.m. in the Centrum. Rearranging our worship times in this manner will allow Dr. Matthew Mitchell to preach each of our three services and will allow us to focus supporting resources in Music Ministries and personnel to provide the best worship experience possible. The schedule also permits time for fellowship between the services as the Concourse is filled with people. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Please check with your Sunday school leaders to see how this will affect your Sunday morning programming.
SERVANT May 31, 2017 I Page 7
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED