Hawaiian Shirt Sunday! Greetings, If you were in the 9:30 service on July 16th you had a wonderful opportunity to really learn how I live life. While walking into the service, I bumped into Rob Holloway. We spoke about various things, but I noticed something he was wearing – a Hawaiian shirt. This caught my eye because I also noticed so many others in our church who were wearing these brightly colored shirts as well. For me, they say fun and are very comfortable, especially in the heat of summer. When I walked up to give the morning welcome, I could see all of these Hawaiian shirts in the congregation; so I thought to myself, let’s have a Hawaiian shirt Sunday on July 30 at all three services! I know some may find this different or even strange, and I can easily see how some might feel this way. Yet, for me, one of my experiences at Church of the Servant has been laughter and joy! From our very first Sunday, my whole family has noticed how much joy is in this special place. Laughter can be heard in the different worship spaces and throughout the Concourse. For me, laughter represents joy. I know a simple Hawaiian shirt does not contain joy – after all, it is only fabric with colors and shapes – but the people who wear these shirts always seem to possess a joy that is noticeable and contagious. I am reminded of David and how he danced before the Lord. The NIV translation proclaims David, was “leaping and dancing before the Lord.” Many of us cannot leap and some of us probably feel we are not good enough to dance, but we all possess a joy that comes from the Lord. Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
This Sunday, July 30, wear a Hawaiian shirt or something that allows you to leap and dance for joy in your heart as we come to celebrate a risen Savior! I cannot wait to be with you in worship this week! Joyfully, Matthew
Welcome Julia Maisch to our Servant Staff! Julia Maisch is excited to join the staff at Church of the Servant as Executive Assistant to Senior Minister, Dr. Matthew Mitchell. She comes to us after having spent the previous five years at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church serving as Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor Bob Long, and as Assistant Director for the Children’s Center at St. Luke’s Edmond campus. Julia was raised in Newalla, Oklahoma. She graduated with a communications degree from the University of Central Oklahoma before spending a decade in California pursuing an acting career. She has appeared in roles on both NBC and ABC, and still records occasional spots on local television and radio. In addition to her new role at Church of the Servant, Julia’s favorites-todate are playing “real life wife” to husband, John A. Maisch, and “Mama” to their five-year-old son, Jacoby, who will begin Kindergarten at Cross Timbers Elementary School in the Fall. Page 2 I ChurchoftheServant.com
What a Purchase in EARTHGLOW Can Mean to Others
Missions
The proceeds from every dollar you spend in Earthglow are allocated to various non-profit agencies in Oklahoma City at the end of every year. One of those agencies that was a recipient of 2016 profits is Neighborhood Services Organization, a group with the mission of transforming lives and encouraging independence through safe, healthy homes, dental care and nutrition. We would like to share the story of one of the beautiful individuals who has benefitted from the services of NSO and, indirectly, from those gift items that you have purchased from the shelves of Earthglow. After moving to Oklahoma to be closer to family, Nikita found out that she was pregnant. Once she had baby Syndal, the family Nikita had been staying with began mistreating her and the baby. With no other choice, she was forced to move out and found herself living in a hotel and unable to save any money for food or an apartment. Thankfully, Nikita found NSO and was able to move into a fully furnished apartment and NSO’s Gatewood housing program. Through life skills classes and peace of mind, Nikita was able to go back to school, spend time with her daughter, and get her life back on track. “I would like others to know how NSO gives me peace of mind, just knowing I have a warm place to go at night,” Nikita said. “Having caring people to turn to is truly a blessing.” Nikita has since graduated the Gatewood program. She now has a full-time position with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and is truly an NSO success story. Thank you, patrons of Earthglow, for making a difference in real, down-to-earth people. Your purchases are not just a blessing to you, but to many unseen lives right here within our community.
Getting Ready for a Great Year with Whiz Kids! Won’t you join us? You can make a difference!
Come tutor a child in reading each Monday for 30 sessions from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Wesley UMC, our site partner. Visit our table on Sunday, August 20 and plan to attend our Ice Cream Social/Informational Meeting on Monday, August 21 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. here at Church of the Servant. There are lots of opportunities to serve, including: tutoring, driving a van, cooking, setting up, telling a Bible story and subbing in all areas. For more information, contact Carolyn Hays at chays25@cox.net or Shirley Rolston at jsrolston@cox.net.
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Missions Path Class Serving Dinner at Project Transformation
Another Year with Project Transformation Is In the Books!
Over the past two weeks, volunteers from Church of the Servant have had a wonderful time reading with children at Project Transformation, a summer literacy camp put on by our Oklahoma United Methodist Conference and AmeriCorps. These two weeks, over 50 Servant members gave their mornings to helping children and showing them the love of God! One of the volunteers, Kimberli Brownlee, came back for her fourth year to volunteer. One girl she read with recognized that the word ‘elephant’ in her book matched the name of her camp group, the “Elephants,” and exclaimed, “This one has a lowercase ‘e’ and mine has an uppercase ‘E!’” “What an honor,” Kimberli said, “to know that we are helping children maintain and improve their literacy skills during the summertime!” In addition to reading with the children of the camp, Church of the Servant also provided dinners these two weeks for the college students who run the camp! Let’s celebrate the awesome ministry done by the six Sunday school classes, families, and small groups! As these college students are discovering how to live out their faith, these Servant members really showed what it means to be a faith family. Lola Burgtorf, a member of the Path Class and a church staff member, said, “Feeding others is in the Path class’s DNA, so it was natural for us to feed supper to the college students. We thoroughly enjoyed the meal and visiting with them, learning their stories of how they became involved in this summer mission. These kids are awesome!”
2017 Project Transformation Readers
BLESS OUR SCHOOLS
Thank you for your amazing response for Hefner Middle School by taking and filling the teacher blessing boxes. All 100 boxes were taken on the first day, this past Sunday! This is wonderful, but some of you felt left out. This Sunday, there will be a supply list of other needs at Hefner if you would like to help. All boxes and supplies for Hefner are to be returned by Sunday, August 13. We will celebrate and and bless all our Church of the Servant teachers this day in worship! Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Women JOIN US FOR 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.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY NIGHT – DISHES & DICE Friday, August 18 // 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Dishes & Dice will be an evening of fun and fellowship as the women of the church gather for a night of Bunco. Everyone should bring her favorite potluck item and come prepared to laugh a lot, as we eat, roll the dice, and roll from table to table making new friends or renewing old friendships along the way. Childcare available by reservation. No charge, but a mission offering will be taken for Oklahoma UM Circle of Care for Children and Youth. Register at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.
“Falling Into Grace” Annual Women’s Retreat
September 8-10 // Chickasaw Retreat Center Mark your calendar for the women’s retreat in this beautiful Arbuckle paradise. A short 1-1/2 hour drive will bring you to a relaxing weekend filled with time to breathe the fresh fall air, commune with friends and nature, as well as experience a time of spiritual renewal. Through soul-stirring worship, reflective Bible study, and engaging small group sessions, you will have plenty of opportunities to connect with God, nature, and other women in fun and meaningful ways. Our guide for the weekend will be the book Falling into Grace: Exploring our Inner Life with God by Rev. John Newton. This retreat is planned and led by a team of gifted women in our church. The retreat will give you space to refresh, reflect, and renew your walk with God. There will be large and small group experiences with plenty of space to exercise, play, or rest during this meaningful weekend. Cost is $199. Register at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. SERVANT July 26, 2017 I Page 5
Adult Half Truths by Adam Hamilton begins August 22! True or False: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Everything happens for a reason. God helps those who help themselves. God won’t give you more than you can handle. God said it, I believe it, that settles it. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
In Hamilton’s book, Half Truths, you’ll learn that although they capture some element of truth, when compared to the wisdom found in Scripture, they’re really just popular sayings. This five-week study will help you discover the whole truth by comparing common Christian clichés with the wisdom found in Scripture. It meets Tuesdays, August 22 through September 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the North Adult Center, room 12. John Farr is the teacher. Register at: churchoftheservant.com/events.
Free From Bondage God’s Way: Galatians and Ephesians Wednesdays, August 16 – November 15 9:30 – 11:30 AM North Adult Center, Room 1 & 2 Nancy Harris – Leader Cost for Book: $8.50
Many people who want to follow Christ find themselves lost and not knowing which direction to turn. The world is confusing and not showing any signs of getting better. There are a lot of quick fixes and easy solutions that are tempting to believe. Are you stuck in not knowing where to turn or who to trust? In this 15-week study of Galatians and Ephesians, you will discover the freedom we all have in Christ Jesus. This study involves class-time discussion and will implement the inductive style of study along with DVD enhancement for the course. God wants us to live with freedom and hope through Christ. Register online at: churchoftheservant.com/events.
Beginning Yoga Class Be good to yourself; awaken your mind, body and spirit with your Yoga practice. This class will focus on basic Yoga poses including stretching, breathing and relaxation. When Yoga becomes a routine in your life it can help with blood pressure, mental clarity, flexibility, and reduce stress. These are only a few of the benefits you may experience. This class is for all ages and abilities. Meeting in Student Center – High School Room. 8 week class $60 or single classes $10. Tuesday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Aug 1 – Sep 26 (No Class Sep 12) Contact Jo Fendrych 405-808-3082 to enroll or if you need more information. Proceeds donated to Church of The Servant and A Place to Grow, Inc. Scholarships available.
Church Golf Event Planned for September 16 The Servant Foundation will sponsor a golf event on Saturday, September 16 at Silverhorn Golf Course. The format will be a four-person scramble for both men and women, with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $55 per player, which covers green fee, cart, range balls, lunch and prizes. Hole sponsorships are available for $100. Put your team together now! Signup will be in the Concourse beginning the end of August. If you have questions, call Tom McGee in the church office, 721-4141. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
NextGen Dayspring Story by Brooke Hester
DAYSPRING
This Summer camp continues to be a wonderful experience for our High School students and our leaders. We went to Camp WOW (Walk on Water) in Stuart, Oklahoma. Our theme was Kingdom. We explored the beauty of God’s Kingdom in the midst of this world. We were challenged to live as citizens of God’s Kingdom and what it may look for us in our lives, schools, and homes. We had 2 students give their lives to Christ. One student experienced God’s call to preach the gospel message to places that don’t hear it. We also had many students share their testimonies in small group, in worship, and with one another. This wonderful week couldn’t have happened without our leaders: Emily Jordan, Glenn Chesley, Abbey Renner, and Tanner Schlinke.
Mission Rio Bravo
Last month, High School ministry went on a Parent/Student mission trip to Rio Bravo. This was a powerful week as we learned more about the people in Mexico. It’s a beautiful thing to see Christ in people and He was present in the people we encountered. It’s a humble reminder that our God is bigger than our church, state, country, language, bubble, expectations, and dreams. We got to experience pure and holy moments. It’s in those moments when we had to communicate with our hands or stumble with our words that we saw Christ. With all of our differences, we were united by the Spirit. I can say without a doubt that we experienced Heaven on earth. This trip was also special because many students got to experience it with their family members (parents, grandmother, uncles, aunts, and mentors). There is nothing more beautiful than watching family members serve together. Parents have the most impact on their children and it’s such a blessing to witness their shared experience.
High School Senior Goodbye Night!
Our Senior Goodbye Night is tonight at Ann Butler’s House! This event is for all our Grads and their families! We will meet from 8:00 p.m. to the end of the Senior Goodbye Video. All 9th and 10th grade students need to bring finger food and all 11th and 12th grade students need to bring dessert to share! Also, bring something to sit on (lawn chair, blanket, etc). Contact Sang for the address and directions at snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com.
The first time I can really remember feeling close to God was the 2016 Winter Retreat. This retreat was very powerful for me, especially the prayer room and the part where we wrote down our “nets.” Just as Jesus asked Peter to drop his nets and follow Him, we often choose to hold onto our own issues or “nets” instead of following Jesus. Seeing what held others back from God was both eye opening and relatable for me; and I was glad to know I wasn’t the only one with such struggles. As I mentioned earlier, the prayer room was also pretty impactful. It was so calm and peaceful and I was glad to see that everyone was taking it seriously. The winter retreat was also the first time I feel like I truly appreciated the worship music. Just hearing everyone’s voices worshipping God made me so happy, and I love it when the band quiets down so there’s just singing and silence. This past Dayspring I’ve felt like I’ve become closer with God again (despite spending the first half of it with doubts). Dayspring helped me realize it’s normal to have doubts, and that there are people that will help you get through them. It also reminded me of Jesus’ sacrifice and how He did it because He loves us. Even though it was just a few days ago, I felt like my whole soul has been cleansed. I’m trying to forgive everyone and let go of grudges, and I feel a lot better now that I’ve done that. I’ve started reading the Bible more, and now I’m currently trying to figure out what my spiritual gift is (I’m 99% sure it’s mercy/compassion) so I can use it to help others and glorify God. Brooke Hester 10th grade SERVANT July 26, 2017 I Page 7
NextGen
FUN IN THE ‘SUN’DAY! On July 30, during the 11:00 Sunday morning time for children ages 3 years to 5th grade, we will have an OUTSIDE in the SUNday FUN-DAY! Wear clothes that can get wet (please, no bathing suits) and appropriate shoes. Bring a towel and something to change into after parents pick up. BIG FUN!
PARENTS NIGHT OUT August 4, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Parents Night Out is for infants to 10 years of age. Reservations can be made at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. Special treat for our parents – this night is FREE!! Pizza dinner will be served to the children, along with lots of activities – inflatables, crafts, and the movie “Trolls”. Deadline for reservation is Sunday, July 30, unless maximum child limit has been reached earlier. Also, we need volunteers to help with this event! If you can help serve pizza, play games, make crafts, or watch a movie with one of our kids, contact Jenny Kincaid at jkincaid@churchoftheservant.com.
Kanakuk Kampout Church of the Servant hosted Kanakuk KampOut the week of July 10th. Nearly 300 children, ages 5-12, spent the week speaking and living the Word of God through a wide array of activities including worship, Bible time, ziplines, inflatables, climbing walls, water games and more. The Kamp was led by a dynamic team of young Christian professionals. At the conclusion of the week, parents and family members joined the campers and staff in the Celebration Center for a time of worship that rocked God’s house. Will we host them again in summer 2018? Of course! The date will be announced by mid-August. KampOut is a ministry of Kanakuk, a Christian summer camp ministry dedicated to developing dynamic Christian leaders through life-changing experiences, Godly relationships and spiritual training. Kanakuk created KampOut as a way to partner with the local church to impact the community by reaching families with the Kanakuk experience – all for the sake of the Gospel. Special thanks to the Servant families who hosted the 60 staffers and to the groups who served them lunch every day. Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Susan Baker as Susan’s daughter, Michelle Guiterrez’s brother-in-law, Ernie Guiterrez, is dealing with health issues in California. u Cary and Jennifer Bartlow as Cary is dealing with health issues and will undergo treatment. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their niece, La Nae Jobe, is recuperating from surgery in Texas. u David and Lynnda Berryhill as David is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Sandy and Kathryn Cashion as their daughter-in-law, Pam Cashion, is dealing with health issues. u Shawn, Susan, Abby, and Levi Cosby as Shawn is recuperating from surgery. u Mary Dickson and Sandy Dickson as Mary is recuperating from surgery and will undergo rehab at Baptist Village Rehab Center. u Steve and Becky Disney as their friends, Mike, Shannon, and Brett Ward, are asking for our prayers. u David and Kay Filson as Kay is recuperating from surgery. u Cary and Terry Fisher as Terry is facing surgery at Deaconess Hospital. u Bill, Melissa, and Emma Gipperich as Emma is recuperating from injuries from an accident. u Connie Harrison as Connie is recuperating from surgery and will undergo treatment. u Danielle Harvey as Danielle’s mother, Kathy Shaw, is recuperating from surgery and will undergo treatment. u Mark and Linda Hill as Linda’s mother, Jean Harden, is recuperating from injuries from a fall. u Donna Inman as Donna’s fatherin-law, Delfred Inman, is dealing with health issues and is hospitalized in Kingfisher.
Our Prayers Continued u Kent, Dana, Blake, and Beckham Israel as Dana’s father, Tim Ebert, is recuperating from surgery. u Steven and Angie James as Angie is dealing with health issues. u Barbara Maillet as Barbara is recuperating from surgery following a bike accident. u John and Jennifer Miller as John is dealing with health issues. u Tom Mosley as Tom is recuperating from injuries from a fall and undergoing rehab at the Warr Acres Nursing Home. u Dave and Kim Myers as Kim is dealing with health issues. u Roy and Trina Ramirez as they both are dealing with health issues. u Robbie Robertson as Robbie’s grandson, Eli Robertson, is dealing with health issues in Virginia. u Craig, Jennifer, Ashleigh, Danielle, Anthony, and Courtney Robinson and Pat McGarrity and LeRoy Ball as Danielle is undergoing treatment and is hospitalized at the Children’s Center Rehab Hospital. u Dayna Slater as Dayna is recuperating from surgery following a bike accident. u Larry and Cindy Stacy as Larry is recuperating from injuries following a bike accident. u Wayne and Sharon Wallace and Jeff, Michelle, Jeffrey, and Jayden Knight as Wayne is dealing with health issues. u Nathan, Sarah, Caleb, and Brooklyn Weber as Nathan is dealing with health issues. u Linda Wright as Linda’s granddaughter, Debra, is recuperating from surgery. u Richard and Charlotte Wylie as Charlotte is dealing with health issues.
Our Sympathy
u Dewayne, Lindsay, Brynn, and Raife Ballard and Family at the death of Lindsay’s cousin and her cousin’s son, Erin Van Horn and Zach Van Horn. u Kathryn Greene, John and Donna Powell, and Family at the death of Kathryn’s nephew and Donna’s cousin, Kevin Clover. u Sherry Robertson and Family at the death of Sherry’s father, Oscar Allen. u Carl and Beth Short and Family at the death of Carl’s and Beth’s granddaughter, Courtney Short.
CARE MINISTRIES
When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is important 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 7284738 or 721-4141.
In the Kitchen
July 30 – Indian Taco Sale w/ Dessert. Aug 6 – Ham and Chicken Chef Salads Served with Crackers and Dessert. Aug 13 – Spaghetti Red Served with Bread Sticks, Salad, and Dessert. The Kitchen is located just inside Community Hall. Join us on Sundays for hot breakfast or lunch!
LOST & FOUND:
Many items were left by Kannakuk Kampers. The items include: beach towels, lunch boxes, sports drink bottles, hats, sun screen, and more! They are on display downstairs at Children’s Ministry Welcome Center. SERVANT July 26, 2017 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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