Newsletter 061224

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CHURCH OF THE SERVANT’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Rev. Jessica Moffatt

Lead Pastor Transitions Team

Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann

Lead Pastor Transitions Team

THE S PIRIT OF PENTECOS T BURNS BRIGHT

AT CHURCH OF THE SERVANT

Have you looked around? The flames of God’s Spirit are everywhere at Church of the Servant during this season of Pentecost!

We see the Spirit in our summer activities: the warmth of fire matches rising temps as we enter into summer rhythms. You will notice that the church is being decluttered and spruced up as we make space for new staff, new programs, and new events that are just around the corner.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:6) says that “the concern of the Spirit is life and peace.” This summer we continue to increase the safety of our building. We want to ensure that you and your family always feel at peace and secure in God’s House. For this reason, you may find some additional locked doors, etc., but your staff is always ready to help you.

We see the Spirit in our children and youth: the energy and excitement of Pentecost are evident in the lives of our very youngest! Although we said Goodbye to both Warm World and High School graduates just a few weeks ago, we now have over 120 children each week attending our Starbright summer program. In addition, we have youth working toward their baptisms and confirmations. (And—be sure to see the article announcing our new Director of Family Ministries)

We see the Spirit’s gifts in the People of Church of the Servant: we know we are in Pentecost because of what is happening among our members and visitors. By the Spirit’s grace and power, you are . . . . speaking words of encouragement and blessing!

. . giving generously to tornado victims and cancer patients! . . . . forgiving each other! . . . . welcoming others into your church, your homes, and your lives! . . . . receiving baptism and new life in Christ!

Our new pastors, Kyle Anderson and Sheri Lashley, are also the Spirit’s gifts to Church of the Servant (Ephesians 4:7-16). They have visited us more than once, sharing their dreams and hopes with us. Their excitement about beginning a new chapter at Church of the Servant beginning June 30th may be even greater than ours!

"WELCOME" RECEPTION

for Pastor Kyle & Pastor Sheri

Sunday, June 30, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

We are so excited about the arrival of Pastor Kyle and Pastor Sheri on Sunday, June 30th! We are hosting a "WELCOME" reception on Sunday, June 30, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Courtyard. This is a come-and-go event, allowing those attending Sunday school to participate both before and after their classes.

Come and meet our new Pastors!

"THANK YOU" RECEPTION

for Pastor Jessica & Pastor Thomas

Sunday, June 16, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

We are deeply grateful to Pastor Thomas and Pastor Jess for their incredible support and dedication over the past year. To show our appreciation, we are hosting a "THANK YOU" reception on Sunday, June 16, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Courtyard. This is a come-and-go event, allowing those attending Sunday school to participate both before and after their classes.

THANK YOU cards are available in each Sunday school class and at Guest Central. Please take a moment to fill out a card or bring your own and drop it off at the church office. The pastors will receive these heartfelt messages at the reception on June 16th.

This Pentecost Season, the Holy Spirit is giving us a new confidence that God’s plan for Servant has never faltered. The Spirit is reminding us of what God has already told us long ago:

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for Me, you’ll find Me. Yes, when you get serious about finding Me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed. I’ll turn things around for you. . . . You can count on it!” (Jeremiah 29:10-14, MSG)

Pastor Thomas

Pastor Jess

Church of the Servant LEADERSHIP TEAM

Church of the Servant’s Leadership Team governs the congregation's work and ministry. The nine members (plus three ex officio) are asked to champion Servant’s mission and vision, and provide administrative, trustee, clergy, and financial oversight.

The Leadership Team has scheduled monthly meetings. All Leadership Team meetings are open to the public. For more information about the Leadership Team, go to servantokc.org/leadership-team

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

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

SERVANT KIDS Report

Weekdays at Church of the Servant are full of learning, laughing, and growing with over 100 children in attendance on Mondays and Wednesdays in Starbright's summer program.

Starbright Children’s Day Out is a play and rest program for children 6 months through 2 years of age. Starbright is designed to give children the opportunity to learn developmental skills and preschool readiness through activities such as crafts, music, circle time and free play.

Greetings from Chris Ward

Join us in welcoming Chris Ward to our church family as the Director of Family Ministries!

My Name is Chris Ward. I have worked at the First United Methodist Church in Stillwater for the past 26 years. I am currently the Director of Children’s Ministries. This is a job that I have a real passion for. I love teaching children who Jesus is and that Jesus loves them unconditionally.

I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and a master’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on teaching reading.

I look forward to working at Church of the Servant in the role of Director of Family Ministries and getting to know the children and their families. I am excited to get to know the congregation and to create relationships that will help us to continue God’s work and be in service to others.

I have also worked with Pastor Kyle for the past 13 years. Pastor Kyle is an exceptional Pastor, and I am excited to continue under his leadership. I have gotten to know his family well and feel blessed to have this opportunity to continue our friendship and working relationship.

On a side note, I am also very excited to be closer to my children and grandchildren. They all live in the OKC/Edmond area.

I am looking forward to meeting all of you!

With Gratitude,

Chris Ward

EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP

D

elicious Delights at Earthglow Gift Shop: Perfect for Gifts and Your Pantry!

At Earthglow Gift Shop, we’re not just about fashionable gifts—we’re also your go-to place for gourmet food items that are perfect for gifting or stocking your pantry! Whether you're looking for something unique to bring to a gathering or simply want to enjoy high-quality flavors at home, we've got you covered. Plus, every purchase supports our mission to give back to local ministries and missions. Here’s a sneak peek at some of our delectable offerings:

Sloppy Joe Sauce Mix

Our famous sloppy joe sauce mix is a customer favorite! Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it's perfect for a quick and delicious meal that everyone will love.

Chicken Salad Mix

Our board members can’t get enough of our chicken salad mix, available in several delightful flavors:

• Pecan

• Dill

• Cranberry Almond

• Spicy Chicken (new!)

• Hawaiian (new!)

Add chicken and perhaps mayo or cool whip (all on the package), and you’ve got a gourmet salad ready to go! These mixes make for a great meal or an impressive appetizer to share at your next gathering.

Candied Jalapenos

A versatile treat that our volunteers rave about! Mix a jar with cream cheese for the easiest and most delicious dip you’ve ever had. It’s perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.

Cracker Mixes, Jellies, and Preserves and More

We offer a variety of cracker mixes, jellies, and preserves to complement any meal or snack. These make wonderful gifts or a tasty addition to your pantry.

Every purchase from Earthglow Gift Shop helps us support United Methodist missions in OKC, with over $1 Million donated since our inception. So when you shop with us, you're not just treating yourself or finding the perfect gift—you're also contributing to a greater cause.

Visit us today to explore all these delicious items and more. Let’s make this summer flavorful and impactful together!

DATE: Saturday, July 13, 2024

Oklahoma Regional Food Bank: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tenaciously Teal Cancer Care Packs: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Meet at Church of the Servant at 8:30 a.m.

LADIES: Join us for a mission day on Saturday, July 13th! We will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m. and carpool to the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank where we will spend the morning sorting food for the food bank. We will then travel back to the church for lunch and spend the afternoon assembling cancer care packs for Tenaciously Teal. If you are not available for the full day, you are welcome to sign up for just the morning or afternoon session. For more information go to Servantokc.org/LADIES-MISSION-DAY.

The Regional Food Bank is leading the fight against hunger in Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry. Founded in 1980, the Regional Food Bank distributes food through a network of more than 1,300 community-based partner agencies and schools in 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma. The Regional Food Bank not only distributes food, it is a leader in educating the public on hunger, advocating for those living with hunger and providing access to additional resources.

REGISTER TODAY!

ServantOKC.org/LADIES-MISSION-DAY DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS JULY 3rd!

Tenaciously Teal seeks to inspire hope by providing love, community, and empowerment to cancer fighters in the midst of treatment. Currently operating out of cancer treatment centers within the state of Oklahoma, Tenaciously Teal works with local hospital staff to provide Cancer Care Packs each month along with gas and meal cards to those needing additional assistance. Tenaciously Teal strives to deliver hope to each patient it touches; showing them they are not alone in this battle and there are people who care about their individual fight.

Tenaciously Teal’s founder, Tarah Warren, was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer in December of 2012. After her surgery, she began to notice many patients who needed to be reminded of God’s love for them. Tarah began bringing Cancer Care Packs to treatment, and praying with patients over her sixteen months of chemo. Care Packs contained simple things Tarah used to fight cancer and as she distributed them she was able to share her joy and hope in Christ.

HELP US COLLECT ITEMS FOR CANCER CARE PACKS!

On Saturday, July 13, the ladies of the church will gather together in Community Hall to assemble Cancer Care Packs for Tenaciously Teal. Help us collect items for care packs! Here is a list of items needed before our July 13th Mission Day.

Drop these items in the bins located throughout the concourse:

• 1 oz Size Lotions

• 1 oz Size Sanitizers

• Granola/Protein Bars

• Hand Written Notes

• Journals

• Lip Balm

• Powder Gatorade Packets (NOT Bottles)

• Travel Size Tissues

• Men or Women Fuzzy Socks

• 5 x 8 Puzzle Books

• Individually Wrapped Tea

NOTE: ALL ITEMS MUST BE NEW. NO HOTEL SAMPLES.

CHURCH OF THE SERVANT SUMMER HOURS OF OPERATION

BUILDING HOURS

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM

TUESDAY & THURSDAY 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM FRIDAY BY APPOINTMENT

OFFICE HOURS

8:30 AM - 6:00 PM

MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

FRIDAY - SUNDAY CLOSED

CJAMM & EXODUS HOUSE

Let’s Help Those Who are Hurting

With the rest of the world, we grieve over the recent destruction of property and life in Oklahoma. We also know that Oklahoma United Methodists and Servant members will always step up to help relieve others’ suffering.

Here is how you can help:

• STAY. Emergency response teams or chainsaw operators may be needed in the short term. If so, further information will be communicated. For now, please stay where you are and do not attempt to self-deploy to these sites. This request is coming from all the participating response agencies.

• PRAY. Pray Psalm 46 on behalf of this tragedy. Never underestimate the power of prayer during times of disaster.

• PAY (DONATE). Finally, your generous financial support can help out immediately. Please donate online using the link provided: Oklahoma Disaster Response. 100% of your donation will go to tornado relief in partnership with our churches in those areas. Also, continuing through the month of June, we will ask you to “Feed the Fish” – 100% of our Fish Offering will go to Oklahoma tornado relief efforts. Make checks payable to “Church of the Servant,” with “Tornado Relief” in the notation line. As of today, Church of the Servant has collected over $16,000 for tornado relief. Opportunities will continue to emerge, and we will pass these along to you. Thank you for your generosity and for helping your brothers and sisters in great need.

In Christ,

Pastor Jess

Pastor Thomas

Lead Pastors Transitions Team

WHIZ KIDS ENJOY SPRING FLING

Spring Fling is an annual event usually held on the first Saturday of May. It is a city-wide celebration for all the Whiz Kids sites. This year it was held at the Science Museum of Oklahoma. There were about 500 kids plus tutors that attended. Everyone had a great time. Whiz Kids provided a lunch of hot dogs, chips, cookies, and water. Plus, they had snacks available during the day. Attached are a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Thank you for all the support you have given us for over 14 years!

Carolyn Hays

Whiz Kids Coordinator