New Service To Launch Soon! It is with great excitement that I announce: A new service is about to begin at Church of the Servant! On Sunday, August 27, a new Modern Worship Service will begin in the Centrum at 9:30 a.m. I know there will be many questions surrounding this new service. Here are the answers to some of the questions I have already been asked:
Does Church of the Servant need another Modern Worship Service? Yes! Throughout the month of July and already in August, the current 11:00 Modern Worship Service has had multiple Sundays with over 80% seating. In fact, I have received word that households have come and left due to lack of seating. While this has not been the norm, I do not want this to become a regular occurrence.
Who will preach this new service? I will! To enable one preaching voice at all the services, the order of the 9:30 and 11:00 Modern services will be flipped. The services will start off with an opening song and then go right into the message. Following the message will be a time of worship, announcements and offering. Yes, preaching twice during the 9:30 hour will be different for me, but I am very excited to grow as a preacher and leader. So often, my best growth comes when I find myself in an uncomfortable season and I have to rely upon God’s strength and not my own. Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
One benefit of flipping the services is that the back half of the 11:00 service hour will now be open to another service in the Celebration Center some day. Stats are being recorded each week on the number attending the 9:30 Celebration service, and just this past week, over 1,000 people attended! Yes, this was over the 80% threshold. Should this number keep climbing for multiple weeks, a new service will be added at 11:00 a.m. as well. I am already dreaming and planning with Chuck Weatherford, Director of Music Ministries. The Servant staff and many wonderful volunteers are working hard on the plans and implementation of the new 9:30 Modern Worship Service. I know we will celebrate many great things and there will be a few challenges along the way. Yet, I am thankful to see what God is doing during this season of excitement. Let us never forget that it is Christ who is to be given all the praise and glory! Thanks be to God for growth and new opportunities ahead, Matthew
13.2 COFFEE SHOP NEEDS YOU!
Exciting things are happening at Church of the Servant! We have two volunteer opportunities on Monday nights to serve the men from Men’s Bible Study Fellowship. Work only one Monday night a month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. We also need more volunteers to make our Sunday mornings even better! Sign up now! Grab a friend and contact Dana Israel at 918-914-0630 or disrael@churchofthesevant.com.
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Ralph Engle – Servanthood Personified Way back in September of 1968 on the very first day that Church of the Servant came into existence, Ralph Engle was one of those that initially joined our congregation. Ralph has always been a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, but he is definitely one of our true “Servants” in every sense of the word. Affectionately known by his fellow Path Class members and many others as “Uncle Ralph”, this compassionate individual has quietly worked in the background for years at various organizations throughout our community to make a huge impact in the lives of others.
L to R: Betty Bohan, Elizabeth Large, Vicki Gilstrap, Ralph Engle, Faye Brownlee, Suzie Drake - All from The Path Class When Ralph sees a need, he is quick to step up to the plate. For the past 17 years, Ralph has single-handedly prepared and served a home-cooked meal once a month to the senior citizens that participate in the Skyline Ministries Senior Program – and he has been quoted as saying “Anything prepared for these meals should be of no less quality than it would be if I were preparing it for my own parents.” Ralph has faithfully volunteered his time and energies with People Caring For People (PCFP), a non-profit organization that works to address the needs of the sick, the poor, the elderly, the hungry, and the dying. PCFP’s Executive Director, Stuart Malloy, says, “Over
the years of serving with Ralph, I soon recognized that when Ralph was made aware of a need, he responded quickly. He gave of his time, energy, and resources to help others without ever assessing judgment of the one in need. We all knew that some of the people we served embraced a lifestyle that actually contributed to their need, but that never seemed to matter to Ralph. He was so faithful to his service of providing meals over the years. He was known for his banana pudding, and the way he prepared it was an art form to those of us who watched him work. He was a stickler for presentation, divided plates, and large portions served. We all learned from him and I am hopeful he learned from us as well.” The concept of serving “the least of these” is certainly the life style exhibited by Uncle Ralph. While local mission work has always been Ralph’s day-to-day routine, he has been a valuable participant in several international mission activities. In 2007, he went with a group from Church of the Servant to the Ukraine to help in the construction of a new sanctuary for the Perechyn United Methodist Church. He has also made several VIM trips to Rio Bravo. Ralph’s career as handyman extraordinaire is another area in which his servant-heart has been exemplified. He has been called upon by folks in our community to handle odd jobs – both large and small. Often when the job was a minor one that did not require parts or a great deal of labor, Ralph would simply say, “Just send the check to Church of the Servant.”
Missions
Uncle Ralph Engle Now if there is anything that is common knowledge about Ralph, it is that he has always been a fantastic dancer, and for years he has been found nightly in the various dance halls of Oklahoma City. Ralph’s policy has always been to invite each and every woman to the dance floor so that none would ever feel she was the wall-flower that didn’t get a dancing invitation. A good friend recently shared, “Ralph and I have been dancing partners for years and years. He always says that he especially likes dancing with me, a married lady, because he knows I won’t hit on him!” Almost two years ago, Ralph was diagnosed with cancer. In spite of increasing weakness, he has continued in his tireless service to others; but in the past few weeks, he has needed to be more confined to home and rest. A beautiful gathering was held this past weekend to celebrate him and offer thanks for his lifetime of selfless contributions to others. If the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart and soul and mind, how does that commandment play out in the lives of you and me? For Ralph, he has demonstrated his love for God by a lifetime of humbly loving and serving others. That certainly will not be a bad way to be remembered, will it?
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What is Whiz Kids? It Could Be for You!
Whiz Kids a faith-based tutoring/mentoring program catering to the educational, spiritual, physical and emotional needs of inner city children from 1st to 6th grade. We meet on Mondays for 30 sessions at Wesley UMC at 25th & Classen from 2:45-5:00 p.m. depending on the role you choose. The children arrive, eat a meal, have a Bible or character lesson/story, and then work on their reading for an hour. The school we serve is Edgemere Elementary. Our site is beginning its 7th year. We have the best people in our Whiz Kids family serving as tutors, cooks, drivers, riders, storytellers and subs in all areas. Oh the Places You’ll go with Whiz Kids: You’ll go to read with a child, cook a meal, or help with transportation. You’ll go to be a stable influence in a child’s life. You’ll go to be a part of something bigger than yourself. You’ll go to be a part of a family of great volunteers. You’ll go to our table on Sunday, August 20. You’ll go to our Ice Cream Social/Informational Meeting on Monday, August 21. We know there is a place for you! Stop by our table in the Concourse on Sunday, August 20 for more information, and plan to attend our Ice Cream Social Informational Meeting on Monday, August 21, 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Courtyard. For more informaiton, contact Shirley Rolston at jsrolston@cox.net or Carolyn Hays at chays25@cox.net.
Exodus House says “Thank You” to Earthglow Exodus House, a part of the United Methodist Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries, is a place where individuals who have recently been released from prison have six months to be reunited with their family and live rent free while working to establish a new life. Our church furnishes and maintains an apartment at Exodus House and partners with Penn Avenue Redemption United Methodist Church in providing Christian outreach opportunities to the families housed there. This organization received part of the 2016 Earthglow profit distribution, and the following message was received from Kristen Harlin, Executive Director: “On behalf of Exodus House Oklahoma City, I would like to thank you for your very generous donation of $2,475. Exodus House relies on the generosity of donors such as yourself and is grateful for your support. In 2016, Exodus House Oklahoma City served 35 residents (22 male, and 13 female). We had 16 weekend-visiting children and 5 children living here. Out of this group, there were 14 graduations and completions along with 10 extensions.” Proceeds from your purchases in Earthglow make such a difference to local missions. Be sure to consider this beautiful gift shop the next time you need a greeting card or special remembrance. Did you know that you can also do a little grocery shopping? There are pretzels, barbeque sauce, delicious dip, and salad mixes – even fudge to satisfy your sweet cravings. Shop often. You’ll be glad you did!
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 is wonderful news! All boxes and supplies for Hefner are to be returned by Sunday, August 13. We will also celebrate and bless all of our Church of the Servant teachers this day in worship!
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Ladies, Why Retreat Is Good For Your Soul... “I can’t be gone for a whole weekend. Who will take the kids to soccer?” “My husband hates it when I’m gone. It’s not worth the hassle.” “It’s out of my comfort zone and a little scary.”
Women
We have a hundred reasons why we shouldn’t go to the women’s retreat. Some years the voices win out, and we stay home. Later, when we hear the glowing reports from others about how wonderful it was, we feel a pang of regret, but it doesn’t last long. “Oh well,” we say, “maybe next year.” Other times we make the extra effort, and we’re the ones sharing happy stories and telling how glad we are that we attended. Here are a few reasons why you won’t want to miss the women’s retreat and why you will come back better. 1. Because it’s hard to hear God’s voice above the noise of everyday life. When is the last time you sat before God without a To Do list hanging over you, a pile of laundry the size of Texas in the background, or family members pressing in on all sides? If you can’t remember, you need to attend a retreat. “To retreat” means to leave our normally occupied positions and go to a place of safety, quiet, and seclusion. By going to a retreat, we physically remove ourselves from life’s distractions, the call of chores, and the demands of people in order to make space for God. If you think you’re less spiritual because you struggle to hear from God in the cacophony of your daily life, be encouraged. Even Jesus recognized the value and need to get away. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). Jesus retreated. 2. Because we need each other. Faith is contagious. Just like a virulent virus, it passes from person to person through close contact. Today’s busy world allows little time for women to share faith stories, pray together, and hear biblical messages written with women in mind.
Fall Studies for Women Begin September 12 There is a variety of studies that are held specifically for women this fall. They are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings and Wednesday evenings. The studies are for women of all ages and in all walks of life. Joining a study for 10 weeks is a great way to connect deeper to God and to other Christian sisters. Explore the studies being offered this fall on our web page: www.churchoftheservant/women.
3. Because meeting together spurs us on to “love and good works.” In Hebrews 10:24, the Greek word for “spur on” is paroxusmus, which means to stir someone up. It has negative connotations, such as stirring up disagreement, but in this passage, it underscores the fact that meeting together as believers helps us love and serve God and each other better. 4. Standing side by side with our sisters in Christ, and worshipping, praying, and learning about our precious Savior makes us stronger. When I join a group of women singing praise songs to God, I experience a taste of what Heaven’s going to be like when we’re gathered around his throne. When I sit with my sisters and open God’s Word, the insights I gain as we study together add weight and credence to its truth. When I pray for others, and they pray for me, I know I’m not alone, no matter how heavy my burden is. Some years their faith strengthens me, and other years my faith strengthens them. Together we bear each other’s burdens (excerpt taken from www.crosswalk.com/faithwomen). SO JOIN US... “FALLING INTO GRACE” ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT SEPTEMBER 8-10 // CHICKASAW RETREAT CENTER // COST – $199 It’s a month away! It is time to register now for the women’s retreat in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountain paradise. A short 1-1/2 hour drive will bring you to a relaxing weekend filled with a time to breathe in the fresh fall air, commune with friends and nature, and experience a time of spiritual renewal through worship and reflection. Bring a friend or come on your own. You will be glad you did! Register at www. churchoftheservant.com/events.
Women’s Game 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. SERVANT August 9, 2017 I Page 5
Adult
Want Help Making Sense of the Old Testament? Is your knowledge of the Old Testament comprised of a jumble of stories, places, and people you may have heard about in Sunday school or a Bible study, but have no idea how they relate to one another or to the New Testament? Are you interested in learning how the Old Testament shapes and informs your life as a follower of Jesus Christ? On Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in Chapel of the Cross, Rev. Randy Shrauner will teach from the book, Epic of Eden by Dr. Sandra Richter. This study will help you organize and make sense of the Old Testament from Genesis 1 and the Garden of Eden to the birth of Jesus Christ in first century Israel. This is an 8-week study broken up into two sessions. The first session begins Sunday, September 10 and ends Sunday, October 1. The second session begins Sunday, October 29 and ends Sunday, November 19. You can register by going to www.churchoftheservant.com/events or pick up a registration form at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings.
Free From Bondage God’s Way: Galatians and Ephesians Wednesdays, August 16 – November 15 9:30 – 11:30 AM 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.
Half Truths by Adam Hamilton Begins August 22 True or False: (1) Everything happens for a reason. (2) God helps those who help themselves. (3) God won’t give you more than you can handle. (4) God said it, I believe it, that settles it. (5) 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 North Adult Center, room 12. John Farr is the teacher. Register at: churchoftheservant.com/events.
Servant Foundation Golf Tournament Sign-Up Starts Sunday, August 20 This year’s Servant Foundation Golf tournament will be at Silverhorn Golf Course on Saturday, September 16. The event will begin with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. The format for the event is a four-person team scramble and is for both men and women. Cost is $55 per person, which covers green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, and prizes. Hole sponsorships are available for $100. Put your team together now and join in the fellowship! Sign up in the Concourse August 20 through September 10. For questions, contact Tom McGee in the church office at 721-4141. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Whiz Kids Recruitment is Sunday, August 20 Tutor Spotlight on Sherri Price Sherri Price never imagined five years ago that experiencing her heart tugged by the Holy Spirit to respond to the call for Whiz Kids tutors would make such an impact on her own life. Her friend, Lisa Boone and daughter, Jessie, had tutored the year before and she saw what an impact interacting with the Whiz Kids’ family had on them and what an impact they were having on the family. “I love children and thought this would be a way to live into that love,” Sherri said.
Five years ago, Sherri was paired with a little first grader named Jayla. Jayla was full of energy and had a hard time sitting still just to get through tutor time. But Sherri stuck with it, even when it was exhausting, and now they have been doing this every Monday together for five years. Jayla will be a sixth grader this year. “The best part of this for me has been entering back into the life of a child and seeing life through her eyes – all the wonder and the fun Jayla shows me. It has been so good for me to enter into a life that is so vastly different than mine and experience her life too.
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I have become friends with her mom, Jackie, her grandmother, and her little sisters. It has been a new awareness of God’s presence in the lives of others,” reflects Sherri. Because there is a difference between their lives, learning a rhythm over time and building trust has been gradual. Sherri said that each encounter is “God’s soft, gentle invitation” to grace. “The most challenging part for me over these years has been seeing the brokenness these children have to live with everyday and knowing I can’t fix it all. I just come alongside them, journey with them and pray for them. I have felt way out of my league at times at the tutoring part, but always feel prepared because Carolyn Hays and Shirley Rolston (our coordinators) have given us such good tools and structure each week for doing what we need to accomplish in our tutor time.” This past month, Sherri took another step in the relationship with Jayla and her sister Jaylen. She invited them to go to Camp Kanakuk at our church and spend the week at her home with her and husband, Ford. The girls had the time of their lives at camp each day. Sherri and Ford were reminded of all the fun and challenges of having little children at home! It was a good week for all of them. “Jayla’s presence has changed our lives. She has widened and deepened our perspective of how we can be a blessing and receive a blessing. Our children are far away and these children have provided us an avenue for offering love and nurture to another child. It all begins with a willingness to spend
Sherri Price with Jayla
this time with a child each week. God provides everything else in the tutoring and the relationship. Our relationship has been a gradual growth over time. I keep this commitment because I believe my presence each week is another source of stability in Jayla’s life. ” On Sunday, August 20, we will be looking for 15 people to share Monday afternoons with a child. We need 15 full-time tutors. We also need substitute tutors, drivers and food preparers. Come by the table on Sunday, August 20 to have a conversation with our coordinators and plan to join us Monday, August 21 at 3:00 p.m. for an Ice Cream Social in the Courtyard followed by an informational session in Chapel of the Cross. For more information, contact Shirley Rolston at jsrolston@cox.net or Carolyn Hays at chays25@cox.net.
Jayla with sister Jaylen at Kanakuk Kampout! SERVANT August 9, 2017 I Page 7
NextGen Fun in the ‘SUN’day
On July 30 during the 11:00 Sunday morning time, we had our OUTSIDE Fun in the SUNday for children ages 3 years to 5th grade! BIG FUN! See some of the pictures to the right.
Join Pack 177 Did you know that Church of the Servant hosts a Cub Scout pack that meets on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at the church? If you are a boy in kindergarten through 5th grade and are interested in building things like boats and cars, camping out with friends and family, archery, shooting BB guns, or visiting local fire or police stations, then Cub Scouts is for you! If you are interested in joining, please stop by the 13.2 Coffee Shop at Church of the Servant between 1:00 -2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 20 or 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 7. Please email join@pack177. us if you have any questions about the pack. Pack 177 would love to talk to you and have you visit to see what Cub Scouts is all about.
4th & 5th Grade Swim Party Church of the Servant Children’s Ministries is excited to invite you to our annual 4th and 5th Grade Swim Party! Boys bring something salty to share. Girls bring something sweet to share. The Baker family will supply the drinks. Parents are invited! Come and get better acquainted with other parents! (Sorry, there are no accommodations for siblings.) Address and directions will be sent to you via e-mail after you RSVP. Invitations were sent via e-mail on July 24. If you did not receive it, make certain that we have your correct information. Don’t forget your towel and church-appropriate swimwear! Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Luke Argo and Rebecca Schoeb-Argo as Luke is serving in Kuwait (U.S. Air Force) for six months. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their nephew and wife, Glenn and Patty Hensley, are asking for our prayers. u Don and Juanita Brown as Juanita is undergoing rehab and is a resident at Epworth Villa. u Allen and Sharon Bumgardner as Allen is facing surgery in Arizona. u John and Sherri Bumps as John is recuperating from surgery. u Pati Carpenter as Pati is recuperating from surgery. u Lewis and Joni Case as their daughter-in-law, Stephanie Smith, is recuperating from surgery. u Edmund and Jo Darling as Jo is recuperating from surgery. u Mike and Leesa Gentry as Leesa is recuperating from surgery and hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Barry and Pam Henthorn as Barry’s brother, Tom Henthorn, is recuperating from injuries from a fall and facing surgery. u Jerry and Shaney King as their friend, Kevin Craft, is dealing with health issues and is hospitalized in Virginia. u Jimmie Marrs as Jimmie’s daughter, Susan Shoemaker, is undergoing tests. u Melissa Marshall as Melissa is recuperating from surgery. u Nan Miller as Nan’s friend, Todd Evers, is recuperating from injuries from a car accident and is hospitalized at OU Medical Center. u Kay Patrick as Kay’s son-in-law’s grandmother, Ginger Poker, is recuperating from surgery in New York. u Gerry Pinkston as Gerry’s mother, Camilla Pinkston, is undergoing rehab at Bradford Village.
Our Prayers Continued u Harlan, Sebrina, Jozzlynne, Mikayla, and Zoe Sale as Harlan’s grandmother, Darlene Mendenhall, is dealing with health issues. u George and Jane Anne Slane and Heather Slane as Heather faces tests at the University of Florida. u Michael, Debra, and Collette Templeton as Michael is dealing with health issues. u Sara Rector-Rosa as Sara is recuperating from surgery.
Our Sympathy
u Brad, Tina, Jack, and Ella Carter and Family at the death of Tina’s father, Clinton “Jack” Ward. u Dixie Grosshans and Family at the death of Dixie’s husband, Richard “Rick” Grosshans. u Ken Marose and Family at the death of Ken’s mother, Jean Marose. u Connie Smith and Family at the death of Connie’s husband, Elmer Smith. u Sue Williams and Family at the death of Sue’s husband, Charles D. “Bud” Williams.
In the Kitchen
Aug 13 – Spaghetti Red Served with Bread Sticks, Salad, and Dessert. Aug 20 – Pot Roast with Vegetables, Crusted Bread, Salad, and Dessert. Aug 27 – Chicken Salad on Croissant, Pasta Salad, Chips, and Dessert. The Kitchen is located just inside Community Hall. Join us on Sundays for hot breakfast or lunch!
Celebrating
u Steve and Muriel Johns at the birth of their granddaughter, Ellis Linn Johns. The proud parents are Tyler and Mary Johns of Oklahoma City.
Celebrating Memories u A contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministries in memory of Dale Putnam by Carolyn and Jon Hays. u A contribution has been made to Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Dale Putnam by Melba and Bill Howard. u A contribution has been made to Servant Foundation in memory of Dale Putnam by Joyce Gaige. u A contribution has been made to Care Ministries in memory of Dr. Gene Garrison by Joyce Gaige. u A contribution has been made to Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Peggy Akins by Opal and Robert Warren. u A contribution has been made to Mission Ministry in memory of Dale Putnam by Mary Alice Young. u A contribution has been made to Care Ministries in memory of Dale Putnam by Roger Burton. u A contribution has been made to Music Ministries in memory of D.A. Heggie by Roger Burton. u A contribution has been made to Mission Ministry in memory of Larry Seward by Mary Alice Young. u A contribution has been made to Senior Minister’s Discretionary Fund in honor of the Congregation of Church of the Servant by Phyllis Mosher. u A contribution has been made to Mission Ministry in honor of Maua Hospital, Kenya by Phyllis Mosher. u An anonymous contribution has been made to Church of the Servant TV/Video Ministries in honor of Heather DeShazo. SERVANT August 9, 2017 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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