CONNECT
CHURCH
M I S S I O N D A Y
Rev. Kyle Anderson Senior Pastor
Pastor's PERSPECTIVE
EMBRACING FAITH & COMMUNITY
Servant Faith Family,
As I write this, I am completing my first full month here at Church of the Servant. All I can say is, “Wow!” Once again, the support and encouragement I have felt and the joy that is permeating this place has been palpable. Together we have examined what it means to be part of a place called Church of the Servant, I’ve had the chance to share my personal faith journey and call to ministry, and Sheri reminded us that every day is an opportunity to begin again. What a great first month it has been.
Now, we get to be the church, together! You will notice in the following pages there are numerous events taking place in the coming months. Saturday, August 10th, is our Servants 4 Servant day where we will come together to work as a family on caring for our church home. Saturday, August 17th, is our one-day Vacation Bible School! If you have not yet signed up your children to attend or yourself to volunteer please do so today. This is going to be a joyful day of sharing and experiencing Chirst’s love with God’s children. Then, looking further ahead, a number of our fall ministries will be kicking off during the month of September. To commemorate this event, we will be having our official Fall Kick-Off on Wednesday, September 11, from 5:00-6:30 PM. The church will supply hamburgers and hotdogs and we’re inviting Sunday School classes, Bible study groups, the choir, and anyone else to sign up to provide sides. Contact Eric Nance at enance@ churchoftheservant.com to let him know what your group would like to bring as we fellowship together as a family of faith and celebrate the beginning of fall ministries here at Church of the Servant.
Know that this is just the beginning of what will be an exciting remainder of 2024 here at Church of the Servant. I cannot wait for us each to discover what the Lord has in store for our family of faith in the months to come. I look forward to celebrating our Lord right alongside you this Sunday. See you there!
Blessings,
Pastor Kyle
For more information and to register, go to ServantOKC.org/kick-off
SUNDAY
WORSHIP
10:00 AM
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!
NOTES FROM PASTOR SHERI
For the past four weeks, I have been in and among the COS family, singing in the choir, preaching, singing a solo, working with an incredible staff (who all go way above and beyond), and with incredible volunteers. I have been working with our incredible Senior Pastor, Kyle, and couldn't ask for a better Team leader and Pastor than he. I have been working with and going on mission projects with incredible women in our church. I have been planning an incredible retreat with the woman of our incredible church.
I figure you have now seen a theme in my writing about my presence at Church of the Servant. There is a spirit here that is… OK, I won't use that incredible word again! No really. The Holy Spirit is in this place. I can't wait to be here each day or visit someone in pastoral care. I have received so many wonderful comments about the future at COS. I know that God is in this place, helping us to move into a new chapter, moving into a new mission, doing new things in worship, great things, bringing new people into our family, starting new programs, welcoming children and youth, and young adults, and leaning on the wisdom of those more senior among us. I can't wait to begin leading our Celebration Choir and perhaps soon start a bell choir, a men's choir, a women's choir, a bell choir, a children's choir, and a youth choir… the opportunities are endless.
We are truly blessed, and I am personally grateful for the warm greetings, kind words, well wishes, and warm welcomes I've received. Your efforts and contributions have not gone unnoticed, and I'm excited to see how we can continue to make COS an even better place. I'm ready to embark on this journey with you. How about you?
Pastor Sheri
Rev. Sheri Lashley Associate Pastor
FALL PROGRAMMING
BIBLE STUDIES AND CLASSES
At Church of the Servant, we believe that becoming a fully-committed follower of Christ involves more than simply coming to worship each week. It is a three-fold process that involves worship, service, and small group experiences. One way of becoming involved in a small group is by joining in one of the several Bible and book studies that are being offered each fall and spring. Consider becoming a part of one of these classes and you will enjoy great teaching, discussion, and prayer while building friendships that enrich your life.
FALL PROGRAMMING FOR WOMEN
RESUMES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd
• MEN'S BUCK & A BIBLE
Tuesday Mornings at 6:30 AM
• WOMEN IN THE WORD
Tuesday Mornings at 9:30 AM
Led by Dr. Stephen Gunter
Both classes meet in Community Hall. Bring a dollar for Coffee and a Donut!
STARTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th/5th
Precept Bible Study led by Nancy Harris
• THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Take the mystery out of the Book of Revelation. By letting the text speak for itself, you'll discover that you really can comprehend the events surrounding the end of this age. The Book of Revelation is a letter written to seven churches as both encouragement and challenge. It uses visions and symbolic imagery to offer a glimpse of God's plan for a new creation. See how the strange visions of Revelation point to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his purpose for humanity. You must register for this class. For more information, go to ServantOKC.org/bible-studies, or email Nancy Harris at nancyquilter@cox.net
TWO OPPORTUNITIES:
• In-Class Study - Starts September 4 Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 AM
• Zoom Study - Starts September 5 Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 AM
MEET WEDNESDAYS, 9:30-11:30 AM
"BIBLE BABES" SUMMER/FALL SESSION
Bible study group led by Patricia Hocker
“Bible Babes” is a women’s Bible study group that is open to everyone and welcomes new friends. For more information, call Patricia at 405-535-9121.
• August 14: Lynn Clapper shares Life in Los Almos.
• August 21: Kathy Kennedy tells her story.
• August 28: Rock painting and pot luck.
• September 4: "The Study of Luke" by Lisa Harper
STARTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th "THE CHOSEN" WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY (FALL SESSION)
Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM | Classroom 12
Led by Miki Farris, Cathy Maxwell, and Darla K Bierig
On September 11, "The Chosen" Bible study group will begin a new 20-week series titled, "God’s Goodness for the Chosen" (Season 4) by Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, and Douglas S. Huffman.
“Just as it was for the early followers of Jesus, suffering is a painful reality of life. But the hard things we experience are always eclipsed by the bigger things God is doing in and through them. Which means even in our suffering we can know and hold fast to how radically good God is. God uses suffering to bring about good in the lives of those He loves.”
For more information about "The Chosen" Bible study group, contact Darla Bierig at dbierig@servantokc.org
more fall programming on page 6 >>>
MORE FALL PROGRAMMING & DINNER MENU
Fall is right around the corner. Cooler temperatures, kids back in school, football, and the best part – our fall activities kick off in a big way! Wednesday, September 11, is our official Fall Kick-Off day! We have new Bible studies beginning, choir rehearsals, children and youth programming, and Wednesday night dinners are back! Join us for our Fall Kick-Off Cookout on Wednesday, September 11th, 5:00-6:30 PM. The Church will provide hamburgers, hotdogs and all the fixin’s! We are asking Sunday school classes, small groups, and choir to provide the sides. For more information, please contact Eric Nance at enance@churchoftheservant.com. PLEASE REGISTER FOR DINNER SO WE KNOW HOW MUCH FOOD TO PREPARE. Register for Wednesday Night Dinner at ServantOKC.org/kitchen
FALL PROGRAMMING
STARTS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th
THE STORY – Bible Study
September 11, 2024 – May 2025
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 | Classroom 9
Led by Eric Nance
What is The Story ? The Story Bible study is an abridged and chronological version of God’s story. It reads like a novel rather than a traditional unabridged Bible. I have found this brings an easier understanding of the overarching story found in the Bible. This is a great way to learn the Bible and to have a clearer understanding on how the books of the Bible affect our lives today. If you are looking to understand how the whole Story fits together, then this Bible study is for you.
Come and eat dinner beforehand in Community Hall, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, then join The Story as we study and fellowship together. You will need to purchase The Story Bible, easily purchased from Amazon . You may choose whatever your favorite format for reading is: hardback, paperback, audio, or even digital. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday nights! - Eric Nance Look for the sign-up table in the concourse, or you can register online at ServantOKC.org/bible-studies
SERVANT
KIDS WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
Resumes September 11th
Meet Downstairs | 6:30-8:00 PM Children's programming is starting back in a big way!
WEDNESDAY DINNER
RESUMES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11th
Served in Community Hall | 5:00-6:30 PM
IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO EAT DINNER AT CHURCH, PLEASE REGISTER SO WE KNOW HOW MUCH FOOD TO PREPARE. You can register for one meal, or for the whole season at ServantOKC.org/kitchen .
All meals are served with salad bar, tea/water.
• $12.00 - ADULTS
• $4.50 - KIDS (under 10)
• $2.50 - DESSERT
• $4.00 - BAKED POTATO (available upon request)
• $3.00 - 1-TRIP SALAD BAR (included with meal)
SEPT 11 - FALL KICK-OFF! - FREE
Hamburgers and Hotdogs with all the fixin's. Sunday school classes, small groups, and choir are planning to provide the sides. If you are one of these groups, please let Eric Nance know what you are bringing by emailing him at enance@churchoftheservant.com
SEPT 18 - FRIED & BAKED CATFISH - $12
Fried & Baked Catfish with Hushpups and Choice of two sides.
SEPT 25 - HAWAIIAN CHICKEN - $12 Hawaiian Chicken with Seasoned Fried Rice and Salad Bar.
DEADLINE IS AUGUST 18th!
CHOIR CLINIC
L ed by Ed Davis
Saturday, August 24, 9AM - 3PM
The Celebration Choir is a very important component of worship at Church of the Servant. We are looking forward to learning new music, working on a Christmas Cantata, and singing in worship each Sunday morning. We invite anyone who has a song in their heart, to come and sing with us. Pastor Sheri Lashley will be leading the choir and Debbie Knight will be playing for us.
We have an exciting announcement to make about choir! On Saturday, August 24, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, we will have a choir clinic to begin working on songs that we will be singing this fall. We are thrilled to announce that we have a guest conductor, Ed Davis, to meet with us that day to learn new pieces! Ed Davis was the Director of Music and Worship at Stillwater First United Methodist Church for 21 years. He is excited to come and conduct us for the day! We are grateful to him for coming to help learn several new pieces to sing. We will have lunch together, and sing, sing, sing! I hope you can come and join us that day! Let me know if you can attend so I can get a headcount for sheet music and food. Look for a sign-up sheet in the concourse or call the church office to sign up.
Pastor Sheri
Ed Davis
CHOIR REHEARSAL
L ed by Pastor Sheri Lashley
Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Music is so very important to our lives. It plays a role in everything we do. It is a way that we communicate with God, with each other, and it touches our souls. As I begin a season in leadership with the Celebration Choir, I just want to take a moment to invite anyone that sings, to come join us! We will be doing an anthem, or musical special, each week during worship. A Christmas Cantata is being planned, and it is also our plan to do a Spring Cantata for either Easter or during Holy Week. No audition is needed to be in the choir, and you do not have to be able to read music like a pro. You just need a willing heart and song in your soul. Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, and we meet on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Pastor Sheri
Chrismons
It is that time again to begin getting ready for the Advent Season, and part of this is the making of the Chrismons. Chrismons are a decoration for the Chrismon Tree, and the name tells us what it is: Christ Monogram. Chrismons are typically colored white and gold, sometimes silver or cream. White is the liturgical color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Silver is also a color of Royalty. Chrismons can be made from nearly anything, but common materials are wire, beads, ribbon, gold thread, and so on. The symbols used in Chrismons are ancient Christian symbols, and each has its own significance. While Chrismons are a more recent development in the long history of Christmas traditions, they embody the same spirit of faith and celebration that has always been central to the holiday. They are handmade, and are gifts to the church by those that make them. If you would like to be a part of Chrismon making, please call the church office so that you can be added to the list to be notified with more details.
I S S I O N S
LADIES' MISSION DAY!
JULY 13, 2024
Our Ladies’ Mission Day was a great success! A group of 47 women participated in the event. In the morning, we went to the Regional Food Bank, where we filled snack bags for children. Everyone had a great time stuffing healthy snacks into bags, then placing them in boxes and stacking them on the pallets. A total of 3,480 snack bags were assembled. Thanks to the amazing group of assembly-line workers!
We returned to the church, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal hosted by Pastor Kyle and his family. After lunch, Pastor Sheri provided a devotional, and we sang some songs.
In the afternoon, the group gathered again to pack 150 Cancer Care Packs for Tenaciously Teal. These care packs are designed to show cancer patients that they are not alone in their journey and that there are people who care about them. The packs are provided to local hospital staff to distribute to the patients.
We thank everyone who sewed the bags, wrote care cards, and generously donated the items and their time to make this project a success. By participating in these events, we aim to inspire love in our community and serve as God’s servants in the world.
M I S S I O N S
I S S I O N S
IT’S TIME FOR SCHOOL TO START AGAIN!
Whiz Kids Recruitment Sunday August 11th
Amazing as it is, this will be the 15th year that Whiz Kids has been one of Servant’s most active and productive ministries. On Sunday, August 11, before and after 10:00 worship service, there will be a table in the concourse for you to ask questions and sign up. Returning volunteers are encouraged to stop by the signup table to say "Hello!" Volunteer opportunities include the transportation team, setup team, tutors, substitute tutors and the cookie team. If you have questions in advance, please contact Shirley Rolston at sdrolston@outlook.com or text/ call her at (405) 850-7675. Actual tutoring will begin Monday, August 26, for all returning tutors. New tutors and subs will shadow. Everyone will start on Monday, September 9. We are looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, August 11, in the concourse!
Shirley Rolston Whiz Kids Coordinator
August 10, 2024, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Worship Space
Windows
Flowerbeds
Restrooms
Children's Area
Did you know that the Church of the Servant building is approximately 180,000 square feet? It is a beautiful facility, and I love hearing that from people who walk into our church. However, the size of the building is challenging, and sometimes things don’t get finished in a timely manner.
We are looking for 30 to 40 servants to volunteer for a day of service. Help is needed with: Celebration Center, Centrum, Chapel of the Cross, windows, flowerbeds, filters, restrooms, and touch-up painting in the children’s ministry area. This is a great way to give back to the church and to enjoy a day of fun and fellowship. Look for the sign-up tables on Sundays, July 28 and August 4 outside of the Celebration Center, or you can call me at 405-728-4744, or email at enance@churchoftheservant.com
Eric Nance Director of Facilities
M I S S I O N S
SERVANT KIDS Report
SUNDAY MORNINGS WITH SERVANT KIDS
Servant Kids meet in person on Sundays. Kids ages 3 years old through fifth grade will check in upstairs and join their parents in the 10:00 Celebration Service. After the Children's Conversation in service, the children will go downstairs with Miss Chris Ward, Director of Family Ministries.
SUMMERS ARE SUPER AT CHURCH OF THE SERVANT!
Church of the Servant is full of superheroes, cowboys, scientists and chefs this summer for our SPARK program. SPARK is the summer play and rest program for kids ages 6 months through kindergarten. There are more than 100 children enjoying a day camp experience with games, crafts, pretend play and, more.
Our theme this year is “Now Showing.” The kids get to pretend they are in movies! This summer they are starring in Emoji, Pets, Science, Superhero, Princess, Cowboy, and Cooking movies. We have creative crafts, snacks, and even pizza days. The kids also love to play on our expansive playground.
SPARK is a fun-filled way for Servant to reach dozens of families in our community and make them feel like this is their home!
BUILDING THE KINGDOM
1-DAY VBS!
Saturday, August 17 | 9 AM - 4 PM
Children ages 3 through 6th grade are welcome to join us at Church of the Servant on August 17, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for a fun-filled day of VBS while we learn to Build God's Kingdom!
We will hear Bible stories, play games, create crafts, do epic science activities, and make our own snacks! Pizza will be served for lunch. This event is free, but you must sign up!
"Everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man. He builds his house on the rock. The rains come down. The water rises. The wind blows and beats against the house, but the house does not fall. It is built on the rock." – Matthew 7:24-27
REGISTER TODAY! For participants and volunteers, go to https://vbspro.events/p/d15815
Calling all teachers and students of all ages! On Sunday, August 18 , you are invited to bring your backpacks and school bags to Church of the Servant for a blessing of the backpack event. We will hand out tags to remind you that you are a Child of God and that you are loved! Join us at 10:00 AM for this special blessing at Church of the Servant.
ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP
ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA
CAREGIVERS' SUPPORT GROUP MEETS THE THIRD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Do you have a loved one who is dealing with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? If so, we invite you to come to our support group, which meets on the third Tuesday of each month (3:00 – 4:30 PM) at Church of the Servant in the Library. The meeting dates for the next few months are August 20, and September 17, and October 15. Our group is an official support group offered by our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and our group facilitators have been trained by that same local chapter. The group is open to anyone in our community whose family has been affected by dementia. You can register by contacting Vicki Roberds at (405) 728-4738 or vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. Whether your loved one is living at home or if they’re a resident at a care facility… either way, we hope you’ll consider attending. If you need care for your loved one during the time you’re at the meeting, you’ll need to make your own arrangements for that care. There is no cost to register for the group. We hope you’ll consider staying connected with others who are going through a similar experience that you are. A burden that is shared is always a burden that becomes lighter. Come and see what kinds of blessings come your way when you become part of the giving and receiving of support.
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT
HOURS OF OPERATION
BUILDING HOURS
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
TUESDAY & THURSDAY 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
FRIDAY BY APPOINTMENT
SATURDAY CLOSED
SUNDAY 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
FRIDAY - SUNDAY CLOSED
Calling All Military Veterans
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
As we move forward in our mission to support and honor the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces, we are working on several upcoming events designed specifically for our military veterans. One such event is Veterans Sunday, which will be held on November 10, 2024.
Veterans Sunday: Honoring Our Heroes
Veterans Sunday is a special day dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans. We will be hosting a special church service and a recognition ceremony. This day is not only a time for us to show our gratitude but also an opportunity for veterans to connect and share their experiences.
To ensure that you receive timely and relevant information about Veterans Sunday and other events, we kindly request that all military veterans update their current emails and mailing addresses. This will allow us to provide focused informational emails and keep you informed about all the activities we have planned.
Please update your information by filling out the form at ServantOKC.org/veterans, or by contacting David Myers at 479-586-2212 or bugmesh@gmail.com. The following information is requested:
• Name
• Mailing Address
• Branch of Service
• Rank at Separation
• Theater of Operations
Stay Connected
Staying connected with our veteran community is a priority for us. By updating your contact information, you will receive:
• Personalized invitations to events like Veterans Sunday.
• Important updates and news relevant to our veteran members.
• Information on resources and services available to veterans.
We are committed to making sure that our veterans feel supported and valued within our church community. Your participation and engagement are vital to the success of our events and initiatives. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our veterans for their service and sacrifice. We look forward to celebrating Veterans Sunday with you and hope to see many of you there. Please take a moment to update your contact information so that we can keep you informed and connected.
For questions or assistance with updating your contact information, please contact David Myers at 479-586-2212 or bugmesh@gmail.com. Thank you for your cooperation and support.
Update your contact information at ServantOKC.org/veterans.
C HURCH OF THE SERVANT LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE
Church of the Servant’s Leadership Team governs the congregation's work and ministry. 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.
Inthe early 1990’s, one could argue that the most successful National Football League franchise was not a team like the Dallas Cowboys or the San Francisco 49ers, but instead it was the Buffalo Bills. The Buffalo Bills hold the honor of being the only NFL team to advance to four consecutive Super Bowls only to lose all four, but imagine that though - four straight Super Bowls!
Those Buffalo Bills teams were led by an unlikely source. These teams were coached by an unassuming, scholarly, older gentleman named Marv Levy. He somewhat looked out of place, next to these huge, athletic football players, but clearly, he had an impact on them as he guided them to great results – never achieved before and not since has a team reached the heights of Coach Marv Levy’s Buffalo Bills in the early 90’s.
Before every game, before every kickoff, Coach Levy would gather his team around him as the crowd cheered loudly and uncontrollably, and he would give his pregame speech. At the end of every speech, Coach Levy would look his team in their eyes and yell over the cheering crowd, “Where else would you rather be than right here, right now.” These words have become legendary in Buffalo where they still start every game saying that phrase, but these words are also how I feel right now at Church of the Servant –Where else would I rather be than right here at Church of the Servant, right now! No place else. I would not want to be anywhere else than right here, right now!
I cannot think of a better start to the ministries of Pastor Kyle Anderson and Paster Sheri Lashley. Our last month in
the Celebration Center has been exciting, filled with hope, refreshing, emotional, thoughtful, nurturing, and on, and on, and on. Thank you, Pastor Kyle and Pastor Sheri for an amazing month of July!
The Leadership Team has been busy during this time, and we would like to take this opportunity to update our congregation on the status of a few of our more elevated issues.
• Servant Foundation Board – Clarke Farmer has been working diligently to re–establish the Servant Foundation Board of Directors. We have had quite a bit of turnover in this area and need to make sure we fill a few open spots within this Board rather quickly. We will continue to notify the congregation as to our next steps in this effort but suffice it to say we are at a time in our church’s history where alignment between the Servant Foundation and Church of the Servant is critical and having this Board established and ready to serve is essential.
• Audio Visual/Technology Needs –We cannot state enough how much our staff here at Church of the Servant means to our congregation. One of those individuals who has been doing so much with so little is Heather DeShazo. Heather has been working with Russ Sullins to identify the gaps in the areas of technology and audio/visual and frankly there are quite a few significant gaps. Our systems are many years behind where they should be. To begin to close these gaps, the Leadership Team has approved a new Check-In
system for the Children’s area, the purchase of new audio devices for our Celebration services, and the funds to address as much as possible with our server and the computer issues that make us vulnerable to viruses and equipment failures.
• Mission Statement/Vision – Brian Dickerson, Kay Filson, and Susan Wentroth have worked very hard in crafting a Vision and Mission Statement for our church. These statements acknowledge our church’s past while at the same time establishing a focus on our core values as a faith family in today’s world. Last night, the Leadership Team approved their work, and we look forward to introducing our Vision, Mission Statement and Values in a more formal way to our community very soon.
Once again, these are just a few items that we discussed in last night's meeting, but they are items where we have concrete, next steps in place for each of them. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our Leadership Team members and we will be happy to help you out as best we can. Also, we would love to have you join us at our next Leadership Team meeting which will be held on August 25, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Room 12.
Thank you all and see you on Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Take care,
Todd Neaves Leadership Team Chairperson
