June 14, 2017
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT Bi-Weekly NEWSLETTER
Issue: 17.11
OUR MISSION: We
exist to lead people to become fully committed followers of
SUNDAY SERVICE TIMES
Jesus Christ
|| 8:15 • 9:30 • 11:00
Taking Time to Say... Greetings,
HELLO
As I look back at my family’s first Sunday at Church of the Servant, I must say I am still a bit overwhelmed. Each of the services was unique and very special. My family was welcomed at each of the services, and even when my little Bailey ate a bagel during the 9:30 service, everyone seemed to extend her the grace of understanding and hospitality. For me, the day could not have gone any better! One thing got me thinking though…
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
I have to admit that when I looked across the Celebration Center and my precious little girl was eating a bagel, licking her fingers, and bouncing up and down to the music, I wondered what everyone might be thinking. At first, I was a bit nervous thinking about how many toes might have been stepped on and how some would most likely deem her breakfast somewhat inappropriate. Thankfully, so many people mentioned to me how wonderful it was to have my family in all three services and how excited they were that this new day had finally arrived. One person even shared how they will never forget my little girl eating her bagel, licking her fingers, and bouncing up and down to the beat of the anthem.
During this season of excitement, many people will be worshipping with us each week, and some of those seated around us may have not been at Servant for some time, or this could possibly be their first time. Never take for granted who may be seated around you. One challenge I have for each of us at Servant is to think about how we will welcome those we do not know – those who find a way to “our seats” and those who are visiting for the first time. During a hospital visit this week, I learned about one of our members who came to Servant many years ago, and not one person said “hello” during their first three visits. I know this may be hard to believe, but this happens in almost every church every week. Thankfully, this member joined Servant and after becoming a member she became part of the hospitality team so others would be welcomed upon their arrival. This week, find someone new and help them to feel as welcome as you have made each of us! I cannot tell you what a tremendous week we have had because of the love, kindness and excitement you have shared with my family. I can already say Servant and OKC feel like HOME! Join me and welcome someone HOME this week at Servant! You never know; you may help make an eternal difference just by saying, “Hello!” Serving Christ Together, Matthew
Earthglow Reports 2016 Distribution of Profits What a pleasure it is to announce that your 2016 Earthglow shopping has generated a profit of $33,000 that was, in the past week, distributed to some very worthwhile organizations within our community. Skyline Urban Ministries, an outreach of the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, provides groceries, meals, clothing, eye exams, and dignity to Oklahomans living in proverty. Earthglow has designated $4,125 to the clothing ministry, which provides new uniforms to impoverished Oklahoma City school children and has an ongoing clothing closet available for those in need. The Skyline food program was gifted with $3,300, and the Skyline Eye Clinic received $9,900. ...Continued on page 4 Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
WHIZ KIDS: Reflections on Another Great Year by Carolyn Hays & Shirley Rolston
Missions
As we reflect on our six years as Whiz Kids coordinators for Church of the Servant and review the end of the year surveys from both students and their parents, we both feel so humbled and blessed to have been a part of this wonderful program. Whiz Kids is a true ministry, and the success is directly related to the Whiz Kids family of volunteers. We both can honestly say the volunteers with the program – tutors, subs, cooks, drivers, riders, and our good buddies, the Wesley coordinators – have been one of the greatest blessings in all our years of church service. Their dedication and commitment to these inner-city children, who are starved for attention and reading below grade level, is amazing! They are a joy to know and work with. Some go on to mentor after their child graduates, as Carolyn’s husband, John, has done. His young man is now 16. The surveys are exciting to read with comments from the children’s parents such as: “They have improved in all academic areas, in getting along with others, and in their relationship with God.” The students say, “My tutor makes me feel better about myself, and they listen to me; they help me make good choices, and they help me read better.” For those not familiar with Whiz Kids, it is a faith-based tutoring program with 30 sites across OKC. Our site and wonderful partner church is Wesley United Methodist at N.W. 24th and Classen. Our students attend Edgemere Elementary school located at N. W. 31st and Walker. We meet on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. during the school year. The program consists of a meal for the kids, Bible/character lessons and one hour of one-on-one tutoring. Whiz Kids provides all resources and support. There are lots of volunteer positions which include tutoring, subbing in all areas, cooking, driving, and riding to pick up the children at school. Shirley’s husband, Joe, volunteers with the Transportation Team. Our Mondays are not without challenges. Kay Morgan, who brought this ministry to Church of the Servant, once said, “Whiz Kids is like a moving target.” But no matter what happens, each and every time we are faced with something unexpected, God steps in and clears the way to a quick solution. And, the solution usually comes in some unexpected form. Whiz Kids is a wonderful opportunity for people at Church of the Servant to connect in mission and become part of a great, caring group of volunteers! Come be a part of our Whiz Kids Family! Official sign up is Sunday, August 20, but you can contact us at any time with questions: Shirley Rolston: jsrolston@cox.net or Carolyn Hays: chays25@cox.net.
Project Transformation 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 of 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 SERVANT June 14, 2017 I Page 3
Missions Earthglow Reports 2016 Distribution of Profits ...Continued from page 2
The Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care provides Christian help, healing and hope to children and families in crisis to assure a safe, healthy and spiritual future. They operate residential and community programs which impact lives statewide through four programs: Foster Care Services, Preparation for Adult Living, Community Outreach, and Pearl’s Hope Transitional Living Program. Earthglow is contributing $4,950 to these programs. Your Earthglow shopping has also allowed a contribution of $2,475 to each of two Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries projects. The first, Exodus House is a six-month temporary residential project. Small apartment complexes are provided where people newly released from prison can live with their families while they re-enter life successfully outside prison walls. Leaders say those who take this route rarely return to prison. A furnished apartment, complete with linens, cooking and eating utensils, is provided free of charge, except for the cost of electricity. Residents stay for a limited time and are permitted to take all the apartment’s contents when they move. The second donation was made to Penn Avenue Redemption Church, a fellowship of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and friends of faith. Redemption Church seeks to mold prison-formed faith into the walk of discipleship. Their mission is to cultivate and empower peer leaders who can reach out and help others with similar life experiences. Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) serves the at-risk and homeless of Oklahoma City; its mission is to transform lives and encourage independence through safe, healthy homes, dental care and nutrition. NSO received $4,125 this year from your Earthglow distribution. And the final distribution of $1,650 was sent to the Oklahoma United Methodist Hispanic Ministries. Over the past 41 years of its existence, the Earthglow Gift Shop has distributed $779,224 to local ministries. Your faithful shopping in this beautiful gift store truly makes a lasting difference in the lives of folks throughout our community – that’s three quarters of a million dollars in difference! Shop Earthglow OFTEN with a true servant’s heart!
Women Save the Date for Upcoming Women’s Events Friday, August 18 – Women’s Night “Dishes & Dice”
September 8-10 – Women’s Retreat at Chickasaw Retreat Center September 12 – Fall Studies Begin
Thursday, October 5 – Comedian Anita Renfroe
Knitting at Noon on Tuesdays In 13.2 Coffee Shop This group of 20 women enjoys fellowship and working on projects together. This is a welcoming group to join, whether you have knitted for years, or want to learn. This summer, several children have joined the group, and the invitation is there for more! If you are 8 years or older and would like to learn to knit, you are welcome to come. Just show up, as a supply of needles and yarn are already there to begin! Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
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 RENFROEHOST-CHURCH. But wait, EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ALERT! Get another 20% off (only $12!) if you purchase before July 31, using promo code TWEET-TWEET.
Vacation Bible School Report
THANK YOU to everyone who participated in Maker Fun Factory VBS! We had an amazing week learning that God made us for a purpose. Almost 600 kids and more than 150 volunteers learned about Jesus through stories, music, snacks, and games. The kids also brought toothpaste and toothbrushes for Citizens Caring for Children – over 2,300 toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste were collected! It was a competition between the girls and the boys for who could bring the most. This year, for the first time ever, there was a tie between the boys and the girls, but the kids of Citizens Caring for Children were the real winners! Thank you to everyone who had a part in preparing for VBS. The kids loved it! Next year’s VBS will be June 4-7 – mark your calendar now!
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, 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. For more information, contact Paul Gebb at pgebb@churchoftheservant.com.
NextGen
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 June 14, 2017 I Page 5
NextGen Move Up Getaway!
Earlier this month, High School Ministry was able to “getaway” as we welcomed our incoming 9th graders! This was a wonderful opportunity for students to build relationships and begin the foundation for the next four years in High School Ministries! This event could not have happened without our wonderful leaders! Thank you to: Rebecca Valentine, Beth Parker, and Johnny Rocks!
Dayspring – July 6-10
Music
High School Ministries’ BIG SUMMER CAMP will take place at Camp WOW outside of Stuart, Oklahoma. This camp includes incredible recreational time, small groups, worship, and so much more! Registrations are due June 14. You can sign up at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.
Servant Arts Academy Does your kid love music? Are you curious about learning an instrument yourself? Why not give it a try? The Arts Academy at Church of the Servant offers a wide variety of private lesson and class options for piano, violin, viola, cello, organ, saxophone, and composition for all ages and levels. The Servant Academy Orchestra, under the direction of our wonderful Jeremy Sheets, also began in February and is specifically geared toward younger, beginner-level musicians. Each lesson plan and teaching method in this program is uniquely designed to fit the individual student’s needs and learning styles. The Academy is open throughout the summer and school year and will soon offer voice lessons as well! For more information, please contact our Coordinator, Jenny Johnson at 405-728-4730 or jjohnson@churchoftheservant.com.
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Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Susan King-Baker as Susan’s brother-in-law, Gerry Baker, is dealing with health issues. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their granddaughter, Sadie Pitt, is recuperating from recent surgery. u Jim Cross and Roberta Carrier-Cross as Roberta is dealing with health issues and is facing surgery at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. u Gloria Factor as Gloria’s son, Scott Factor, is recuperating from a recent surgery. u Patrick, Michelle, Walker, and Anna Gregory as Anna is facing surgery at the Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia. u Gary and Judy Held as Judy’s mother, Martha Ellen White, is dealing with health issues. u Don and Millie Henderson as Millie is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Bill and Carolyn Hines as Carolyn is hospitalized at the AMG Hospital in Edmond. u Ann Knox as Ann is recuperating from surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Phyllis Mosher as Phyllis is recuperating from a recent fall. u Dale Putnam and Jolene Ingram as they ask for our prayers as Dale deals with health issues. u Ben and Sandy Ratzlaff and Al and Nancy Williams as their granddaughter, Avery Ratzlaff, is facing surgery in California. u Larry and Sara Rosa as Larry is a resident at Parcway Nursing and Rehab Facility. u Delbert and Linda Simmons as Linda is dealing with health issues. u Helen Vaughn as Helen is asking for prayers for her dog, Snickers.
Our Sympathy
u Mary Ellen Baker and Family at the death of Mary Ellen’s mother, Fanny Palmer. u Larry and Marcia Becker and Family at the death of Larry’s sister, Bonnie Easly. u Phyllis Brawley and Family at the death of Phyllis’ husband, Russal Brawley. u Sue Matlock and Family at the death of Sue’s husband, Noel Matlock.
CARE MINISTRIES
When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is sometimes difficult to remember to inform Care Ministries of that special situation. As a church family, all of us can help. If you know of a member who would benefit from our specialized care or our prayers through Care Ministries, call Care Ministries at 728-4738 or 721-4141.
u Sue Miller and Family at the death of Sue’s cousin, Jeffrey Palmer. u Kent and Glenda Potts and Family at the death of Glenda’s sister, Carolyn Parker.
In the Kitchen
u Family and Friends at the death of Ruth Seideman.
June 18 – Lasagna California Veggies, Caesar Salad, and Dessert.
Celebrating
July 2 – CLOSED for Holiday.
u Jim and Miki Farris at the birth of their granddaughter, June Wagner. The proud parents are Ward and Ally Wagner. Jim and Miki Farris at the birth of their grandson, Levi Box. The proud parents are David and Abbey Box. The proud brother is Luke Box.
June 25 – CLOSED for Vacation. July 9 – BBQ Ribs, Baked Beans, Okra, Rolls, and Cobbler. The Kitchen is located just inside Community Hall. Join us on Sundays for hot breakfast or lunch!
New Worship Times Began June 4th! Great news! Church of the Servant now has three Sunday worship opportunities: • 8:15 – The first offering at 8:15 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cross is a traditional service. • 9:30 – At 9:30 a.m. we worship with a second traditional service in the Celebration Center. • 11:00 – Our third worship service is a modern offering held at 11:00 a.m. in the Centrum. Rearranging our worship times in this manner allows Dr. Matthew Mitchell to preach each of our three services and allows 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 meet at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Please check with your Sunday school leaders to see how this affects your Sunday morning programming.
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Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED