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THE SERVANT

CONNECT E D I T IO N NO. 21.08

AU G U ST 2021

MO NTHLY NEWSLE T TE R

A NOTE FROM OUR SENIOR MINISTER

You have a place at the table!

MAKE A RESERVATION FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS

Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister

04-05 Bible Study

06-10 Missions

14-17 Servant Kids

18-22 Servant Students

SERVANT CONNECT

This summer has been a buzz of activity as so much planning has taken place for a fantastic fall! As I type in my office, I realize that these words may be already outdated when you read them. The details of upcoming ministry opportunities, Wednesday night meals, and other special moments of connection could change before you are able to read this newsletter. I genuinely hope this is not the case, but with COVID-19 we have all learned that nothing seems to be set in stone. Back to school kicks it all off; college football and cooler temperatures remind us seasons are changing. August and September are traditionally one of the busiest seasons of the church year. Every one of us hoped this fall would be a fresh beginning, and COVID-19 would be behind us. We all looked forward to seeing old friends and making new ones at the church. I still have this hope! This year, I am looking forward to everything our staff develops to connect to Jesus more deeply and build relationships with other believers. One of the ways the early church thrived was by gathering around a table for a meal. In the early church, believing and professing Jesus Christ had consequences for many. By proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Savior, some early Christians lost their families, livelihoods, and place at a table. Yet, Christians opened their homes, business, and tables for those who had no place to go. The time around the table was essential for creating new

relationships with other believers. The table was a place where food was served, but it was also where conversations about faith, discipleship, and understanding a new faith were developed. This fall, multiple opportunities for time around the table are being prepared for you and your household. The Servant Kitchen will be reopening on Sundays for breakfast and lunch. Wednesday night meals are also being planned so that each of us can gather together for deeper fellowship and develop our faith. Reservations are encouraged for Wednesday night meals. To view the menu and make reservations, go to ServantOKC.org/KITCHEN. Immediately following Wednesday night meal time, I will lead a Bible study for adults (men and women). No reservation necessary. All are welcome. In closing, I want to remind each of us to be careful, and I support you if you are not ready to jump back into church life just yet. To help keep our staff, volunteers, and others safe, I am asking all staff to wear masks in group settings while indoors for now. I hope when you read this, everything on the pages of this newsletter is fully underway. I am looking forward to cooler temperatures and a great fall at Church of the Servant!

Walk Through Bethlehem Crew and Cast First Call September 23, 6:30pm Walk Through Bethlehem will be here before we know it. If you have participated in the past or you would like to be part of this year’s crew, plan to attend an important meeting on Thursday, September 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Community Hall. During this meeting, we will discuss everything from the village construction to the cast needed to make the village come alive. This year’s Walk Through Bethlehem will take place December 10–12. Save the dates, become part of the cast and crew, and help Church of the Servant share the beginning of the most remarkable story ever told!

ServantOKC.org

Music Ministry Bible Study Beginning August 17 John Wesley felt congregational music was essential to the life of the Christian church. In 1761, he wrote out seven directions for singing. The third rule states, “Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.” One of life’s greatest blessings is singing and worshipping Jesus Christ! No matter how mightily or poorly we sing, all of us have been moved in and by worship. If you love music, have participated, and/or wish to learn more about the music ministries of Church of the Servant, you are invited to a four-week Bible study on biblical worship. This Bible study will meet in Community Hall on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning August 17 and running for four weeks. You do not have to register to participate. Bring a Bible, a notepad, and an earnest desire to sing, play, and worship the Lord!

Tuesday Morning Bible Studies Returning August 24 Buck and A Bible and Women in the Word will start back for the fall on August 24. Men’s Bible study will begin at 6:30 a.m., and women’s Bible study will be at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays in Community Hall. As the Bible Studies kick-off, please know the group time will be much more feasible in Community Hall as everyone will gather around tables to listen to and then discuss the weekly lessons. One difference this fall will be the classes will no longer have an online option. Plan to reunite with friends, or come for the first time! I cannot wait to see you at Bible study soon!

Chapel of the Cross Service Returning September 19 at 8:15am The 8:15 Chapel service is scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 19. If you have missed the Chapel service, grab your calendar, and mark the date! The service will be a forty-five-minute service with hymn singing, preaching, and Holy Communion served each week. Volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this service. If you would like to be a Liturgist, Usher, Communion Steward, Tech Volunteer, or know more, please contact Matthew Mitchell at mmitchell@churchoftheservant.com. Your involvement helping get this worship service up and running will be needed and greatly appreciated.

SERVANT CONNECT

PRECEPT INDUCTIVE STUDY SERIES

THE BOOK OF JOHN

EVERYTHING WE DO IN LIFE SHOULD BE LINED UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD. IT IS OUR PLUMB LINE!

THE GOD WHO CARES AND KNOWS YOU The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us . . . (John 1:14)! How well do you know the Son of God? Are you convinced that what He said about Himself is true? From beginning to end, John reveals Jesus as the Son of God. Come join us for an in-depth study on the Book of John. You must register for this study. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 28, 2021. It is our hope that we will be in the classroom setting beginning Wednesday, September 8th at 9:30 a.m. and a Zoom class beginning Thursday, September 9th at 6:30 p.m. Upon registering for this class, you will be provided with an email that will let you know what you will need to bring to class. To register, email Nancy Harris at nancyquilter@cox.net or text her at 405-420-5463. Please include name, address, cell number. COVID vaccinations and masks are required for in-person meeting.

Women’s Ministry FALL OFFERINGS CHASING VINES by Beth Moore

September 15 - October 27 Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM | Dinner in Community Hall 6:30-8:00 PM | Bible Study in North Adult Room 12

MORE FALL OFFERINGS! Don’t see the Bible study you are looking for? Our Website is updated daily! To see all of the Bible studies and classes offered this fall, go to ServantOKC.org/WOMEN or ServantOKC.org/Large-Group-Studies.

In this 6-week Bible study, we will explore the ways God delights in watching things grow―and how the vineyard holds the secret to how we can have a more abundant and meaningful life. The book is available on Amazon. Contact for the class: Jill Walker at jwalker@macciniconstructioncompany.com.

THE CHOSEN by Amanda Jenkins,

Dallas Jenkins, Douglas S. Huffman

September 22 - November 10, 2021 Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM | Dinner in Community Hall 6:30-8:00 PM | Bible Study in North Adult Room 1

This 8-week study of The Chosen is the companion study to season 1 of the television series about the life of Jesus. What does it actually mean to be Chosen? To answer that question, we will take a deeper look at Isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in Jesus and the lives of His followers (including us). We belong to the family of God because Jesus invites us and we invite you to join in this study. Contact for the class: Darla K. Bierig 405-574-2464 or email at bierigd67@gmail.com.

ServantOKC.org

M I S S I O N S 06

THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU IN OUR WHIZ KIDS FAMILY

Volunteer Sign-Up is Sunday, August 22 WHAT IS WHIZ KIDS?

WHERE IS IT? NEW SITE THIS YEAR!

Whiz Kids is a faith-based, city-wide, one on one tutoring/mentoring program for kids in 1st-4th grades. Established in 1996, Whiz Kids is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Our church has been involved for 10 years.

New Hope UMC (11600 Council Road), together with Church of the Servant serving Ralph Downs Elementary.

The program is more than tutoring. It involves learning about God, playing games, improving literacy, loving, celebrating, meeting goals, experiencing special guests, having conversations, building relationships, and receiving blessings.

Mondays, 3:00-5:00pm, during the school year.

WHO VOLUNTEERS? Different areas where volunteers serve include: drivers and riders who transport kids to the church, people who prepare and serve a snack, tutors, substitutes, and coordinators.

SERVANT CONNECT

WHEN DO WE MEET?

WHY? We’re here to lift up kids and to speak words of life to them. Do you have someone who believes in you? What if you did not? The time you give can result in a changed life for both you and a child.

HAVE QUESTIONS? Come to our informational meeting on Monday, August 23 at New Hope UMC (11600 Council Road) at 3:00pm in the Courtyard.

BLESS OUR SCHOOLS

GOODY BOXES FOR TEACHERS As we all pray for a normal start to school for the children of our area, Servant has once again, distributed boxes to be filled with school supplies to the staff at an elementary school. This year we are partnering with Martin Luther King and Thelma Parks OKC Elementary Schools through Restore OKC. Supple boxes were filled and returned by August 1. Thank you to all who took part in this wonderful outreach. There will be additional volunteer opportunities through RestoreSchools which will be detailed once fall semester COVID policies are in place for OKCPS. They include Classroom Care Team volunteers in which a Sunday school class or other group of people adopt a classroom teacher. Amber Neaves and Judy Murnan also plan to provide a homemade appreciation lunch served by volunteers to the staff at Parks and MLK 3-4 times throughout the school year. Contact Amber Neaves for more information at neaves3@sbcglobal.net.

SKYLINE URBAN MINISTRIES NOTES OF HOPE

Members of two Sunday school classes – Genesis and New Beginnings – have been writing notes which Skyline has placed in random grocery sacks in their food pantry. It’s a small random act of kindness that hopefully finds its way to someone who needs it at that particular time. Skyline picks up the notes each Friday when they make their stop to pick up other donated items. The notes can be children’s drawings, hopeful sayings that have been found on the internet, a Bible verse, a stanza of poetry. For more information about how you can contribute, email Ann Knutson at annknut@gmail.com.

ServantOKC.org

MISSION COUNCIL 2021

What Does Mission Council Do? Admit it, you’ve asked yourself that question!

M I S S I O N S

Mission Council currently has 6 members, each serving a rotating 3-year term. Rev. Randy Shrauner is the staff contact person. We meet monthly, and our chief task is to thoughtfully and deliberately distribute the Fish Funds donated f rom the previous year to various entities. For example, in 2021, Mission Council is spending funds donated by our congregation in 2020. One criterion that we use to determine whether an agency should receive funds is that our congregation must have volunteers at the agency. We believe that it’s important to have a relationship with the non-profit before we give them funds. We want to be relational rather than transactional in all that we do. Fish Funds can be dispersed locally or internationally which is different f rom Earthglow funds as those are given to local organizations only. Over the years, funds have gone to support our international missions in Guatemala, Viet Nam, Kenya, Ukraine, and Liberia. There are also ‘well-known’ groups who regularly receive funding: Meals on Wheels, Whiz Kids, Christmas Grace, and Rise Against Hunger, to name a few. Finally, organizations which passed muster f rom the UMC: Circle of Care, Skyline and Exodus House.

In 2021, Mission Council decided to promote groups monthly as a way to ensure the congregation, whether new or a charter member, knows where Fish Funds go. That’s why you’ve seen the staff f rom Exodus House recently, and in the near future, representatives f rom Oklahoma Blood Institute and Restore OKC will present a mission moment during services. Mission Council has also collaborated with Rev. Heather Winner, Skyler Rodriguez, and the youth groups. We worked alongside the youth in the February coat drive, and more joint ventures are planned for this fall. Mission Council also coordinates three or four big Fish Appeals annually for a special cause: Rise Against Hunger, Rebuilding Together, Skyline Clothes for Kids school uniforms, and Infant Crisis Services. Ann Knutson, chair annknut@gmail.com

As of July 31, funds have been dispersed to the following: •

$500 – Orphan Relief Effort – to aid an orphanage supported by a Servant member during the recent unrest in Myanmar.

•

$800 – Days For Girls International – to provide training and sustainable hygiene kits for girls in Kenya

•

$700 – SISU Youth Services/Homeless Alliance – money donated during the February coat drive which was used to purchase thermal underwear and sweatshirts.

•

Some organizations may receive funds because of a need identified by a congregant who agrees to be a ‘champion’ for the project. Two that come to mind are Bless Our Schools and Infant Car Seats (which has been turned over to Infant Crisis Services).

SERVANT CONNECT

$3,200 – Rebuilding Together – we sponsored repairs on a home

•

$900 – Skyline – This was added to the $14,100 which was collected in a big Fish Appeal for school uniforms.

•

$1,500 – Restore OKC Schools – We funded a back-to-school cookout for three OKC elementary schools. Backpacks, uniforms, and water bottles were given to students at the event.

•

$2,000 – Willow UMC in Alaska – to provide supplies for the church when our team is there in late August.

TOTAL $9,600

HAVE YOU DONATED BLOOD RECENTLY?

NEXT BLOOD DRIVE IS SEPTEMBER 19th REGISTER TODAY AT OBI.ORG The Oklahoma Blood Institute is responsible for collecting approximately 1,200 donations a day to support patients in hospitals across Oklahoma. Each of these donations has the potential to save three patients’ lives. Blood is a pharmaceutical and cannot be manufactured. Volunteer blood donors are screened, and their donation is thoroughly tested to keep our blood supply safe. OBI is proud to partner with Church of the Servant to be the “donor-to-patient lifeline,” for those in need. Every 2 seconds someone needs blood, yet less than 10 percent of those eligible actually donate. The next blood drive will be in Community Hall on Sunday, September 19th. All donors receive a mini-physical, cholesterol screening and now thru October 31 donors will receive f ree A1C testing for Diabetes. Fifty percent of people with Diabetes are undiagnosed. On Sunday, September 12, a representative f rom OBI, Julie Gimmel, along with a member of our congregation, Dave Hammons, will speak in all services. Julie is the OBI account rep for Church of the Servant and Dave has a personal story to share about the truly life or death value of blood donations.

VOLUNTEER THIS SUNDAY! Come join us in the 13.2 Coffee Shop on Sunday mornings! If you can push a button, you’re qualified! Shifts are 8:30 - 9:45 and 10:15 - 11:30. It’s a fun way to serve AND it gets you to church on time! Contact MJ Means for details at 405-306-1169 or mmeans@churchoftheservant.com.

ServantOKC.org

ALASKA MISSION TRIP

WILLOW UMC | AUGUST 20-29, 2021 Rev. Randy Shrauner and Jessica King are leading a trip of 10 hardy people to Willow UMC (willowumc.org) in Alaska from August 20-29. Hardy is the appropriate word to describe the team as their primary job will be to chop and stack firewood for people in the area who use wood to heat their homes during the long Alaskan winter. In addition, they will work on the roof of one of the church buildings and sleep on air mattresses.

M I S S I O N S 10

Rev. Shrauner attended a Mission Council meeting in May, and we discussed when mission trips could resume. He started thinking about trips and found one at Willow UMC. He then emailed the pastor who quickly responded and asked if this was Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City? In a God-wink moment, it turns out that he was an associate pastor at Church of the Servant with Dr. Norman Neaves. In addition, Rev. Jeremy Sanders, a former associate minister at Servant, has been to Willow UMC! Randy looked no further; this trip is perfect! Please pray for safe travels, an injury-free work week, and stamina!

SERVANT CONNECT

CONGREGATIONAL

CARE

WHEN A CIRCLE OF SUPPORT COMES FULL CIRCLE One of my biggest joys, during my three decades of full-time ordained ministry, has been facilitating support groups that make a huge difference in people’s lives. When I was in my twenties, I was able to locate a specialized support group that was invaluable to me. I just happened to live close to one of the only groups of its kind in the whole state in which I lived. It was God’s way of providing grace and help to me when I needed it the most. Down through the years, I have found that the two support groups I lead here at Church of the Servant have been crucial to so many of our people at just the right time in their lives. God often provides encouragement for us, and it’s often through the words, presence, and listening ears of people who have been through experiences similar to ours. That’s why I love to offer these kinds of group meetings for people in our congregation and in our community. For instance, there’s a particular woman in our congregation who feels like she benefited so much from the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group (which we formed in 2017 and is still going today) that she wanted to remain part of the group, long after her husband passed away with Alzheimer’s. She felt called to be there for others who were on the journey she had traveled. Furthermore, she decided she’d be trained as a hospice volunteer as a way of “paying it forward” as she remembered what a difference such help made to her & her family members when they needed it. She also participated in the Grief Support Group and connected with people after her husband passed away. In addition, one of her daughters–who had attended the Alzheimer’s Caregivers’ group along with her–is now a trained facilitator for that same support group. In this way, the support groups we offer start a whole cycle of sharing support, caring, and grace. It’s so thrilling to watch how a circle of support that has buoyed us up during the times when we needed it the most also leads us to tap into our own gifts and graces, which we can then share for the benefit of others. It’s as if the “circle of support” comes “full circle” when it wraps back around to us giving support to others! Blessings and peace to you! Rev. Tim Travers Minister of Congregational Care

ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP 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 (2:00-3:30 PM) at Church of the Servant (in the South Conference Room). The meeting dates for the next two months are August 17 and September 21. 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@servantokc.org. 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’s 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.

Tim Travers Minister of Congregational Care

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP FOR SUMMER-FALL 2021 Have you experienced the death of a loved one? If so, we invite you to be part of our Grief Support Group, beginning on Thursday, August 19, 2021. We’ll meet in person again! The course will last for 13 weeks, going through November 11. We’ll meet each Thursday afternoon (2:00-3:30 PM) in the South Conference Room at Church of the Servant. Perhaps it was just recently that you experienced the loss of a loved one...or maybe you’ve been on your journey of grief for a long time. Either way, we think you’ll find it quite helpful to connect with others and benefit from mutual support. We utilize the Grief Share curriculum, which is Christian-based. There’s a helpful video each time, and there’s always plenty of time for sharing and discussion. There’s no cost for the course, and each participant will receive a complimentary workbook. If you’d like to register for the group, just call Vicki Roberds at (405) 728-4738 or email her at vroberds@servantokc.org.

ServantOKC.org

PRIME TIME LUNCHEONS RESUME SEPTEMBER 9TH

SERVANT CONNECT

EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP YOU’RE DOING FINE OKLAHOMA! Earthglow is representing our state well with darling Oklahoma trays, books and so many products made here in Oklahoma. Made in Oklahoma products include soaps, lotions, candles, condiments, jelly, Jerky, and pretzels. We even have samples of some of the new products for you to taste! Come on in to see the wonderful offerings in the shop! Every purchase you make “gifts others” in our community! Thank you for supporting Missions!

NOVEMBER 13 | 9 AM - 3 PM Earthglow Gift Shop sponsors a market each fall, which includes gifts, holiday and home décor, both handmade and commercial. Proceeds from booth and table rental, food/bake sales, as well as the profits from the Gift Shop, go to local missions. Over our history, Earthglow has donated over $911,000 to various missions in our community. Your participation in our Earthglow Market has made a valued contribution to this effort! Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 13. For more information about booth rental, go to ServantOKC.org/EarthglowMarket.

ServantOKC.org

SERVANT KIDS Report LOOK WHAT WE DID... MARTIN NATURE PARK PICNIC Kourtney Aller Director of Servant Kids

Summer isn’t complete without a picnic! We met at Martin Nature Park on July 11 to hike, play on the playground, and eat dinner together. We spent some time with family and friends exploring the park and having some fun playground time, then met up in the pavilion to eat dinner together.

KANAKUK KAMPOUT! During the week of August 2-6, we hosted our second week of Kampout! We had around 200 kids and 40 staff members in our building for a time of learning about and worshipping Jesus, small groups, games, water activities, ziplining, rock wall climbing, and so much more! The kids all had a great time and are already looking forward to next summer!

Josh Snodgrass Assistant Director of Servant Kids

UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND OTHER INFORMATION, SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON COMMUNICATION ABOUT EVENTS! CONTACT KOURTNEY TO CHECK OR UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION AT KALLER@SERVANTOKC.ORG OR 405-728-4715.

SERVANT CONNECT

ServantOKC.org

AUGUST HAPPENINGS... CONSTRUCTION ZONE SUNDAYS IN AUGUST AGES 3 YEARS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN

This month’s theme is Construction Zone, and the incredible machines you see at a construction site are pretty powerful. But we have Someone even more impressive, more powerful to talk about this month. GOD! We can’t wait to teach our preschoolers that God is powerful! Our preschoolers will hear over and over that God is powerful as they learn true stories from the Bible where God displayed His mighty power. We want them to remember that God is more powerful than anything or any person they will ever face in this world. They can always look to God for help because God’s. Power. Is. AWESOME! Our memory verse this month comes from Psalm 147:5 and says, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power.” This month, we will learn that God’s power is awesome and can give us what I need. God’s power helps us make the right choice and can protect me. Who is powerful? God is powerful!

DIG DEEP

SUNDAYS IN AUGUST GRADES 1-5 This month, we will learn about the connection between WISDOM and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Wisdom is finding out what you should do and doing it. When Jesus was a boy, He grew in wisdom. God wants us to discover wisdom, too. When we make a wise choice, we reflect the character of Jesus to the people around us. That’s why giving kids a strong foundation of wisdom is important. We want to equip them to face down whatever choice they may face in the future. Our memory verse for July comes from James 1:5 and says, “If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault.” We will discuss how wisdom is worth searching for and how to think before you act. We will learn how we should trust God to give you wisdom and why you should hang out with wise people. We will talk about why you should never stop growing in wisdom. We can’t wait to see you this month to learn about wisdom!

SERVANT CONNECT

STILL TO COME... SAVE THE DATE FOR SOME FUN EVENTS HAPPENING SOON!

SERVANT KIDS MEETS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS! Kid’s Ministry is meeting in person at 9:30 and 11:00 each Sunday morning. Kids who are in incoming grades 2-5 will meet in The Point Student Center on the south side of the church. Check-in stations are located at the entrance to The Point and parents will need to be present to check-in their kids and get name tags and parent security tags. You can check them out after the worship service by bringing your parent sticker.

PROMOTION SUNDAE (AUGUST 15) We will celebrate the promotion of kids to their next grade level with some sweet ice cream treats during the 9:30 or the 11:00 service! This exciting Sunday will be a time of celebration as we begin a new school year. The big change on this Sunday will be that the outgoing kindergarteners who are currently meeting downstairs with Ms. Dayna will start meeting with the elementary kids upstairs in The Point Student Center (south side of church). These incoming first graders will check-in downstairs like usual on that morning but will then be brought to The Point. That is where parents will bring their security tags to check-out their kids after the service.

Preschool, outgoing Kindergarten, and nursery aged kids will meet downstairs for check-in and for their activities.

FAMILY GAME TIME (AUGUST 15) 4:45-6:30PM Families (and their friends) are invited to a super-fun, highly interactive game time on Sunday before the Back-to-School Bash! The entire family is encouraged to dress in their best Luau attire (think Hawaiian shirts, leis, etc.) and compete in activities against other groups. This friendly competition will end with families heading outside for the Back-toSchool Bash on the south lawn. Prizes will be awarded for best family outfits/costumes, points earned during games, most enthusiastic group, and a few other “surprise” categories. We can’t wait to see you there!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH (AUGUST 15) 6:30-8:00PM Immediately following Family Game Time, we will meet on the Servant Lawn (located on the south side of church) for dinner, games, treats, and fun! This will be a great time to hang out with others, eat a meal together, and enjoy some fun activities for all ages. Families are encouraged to invite friends to this event as we celebrate the beginning of a new school year!

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! WE POST UPDATES, INFORMATION, PICTURES, AND MORE, SO DON’T MISS OUT! GO TO @SERVANTKIDS ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM! SIGN UP FOR TEXT ALERTS BY TEXTING @SERVANTKI TO 81010.

ServantOKC.org

SERVANT STUDENTS 6TH - 12TH GRADE

DaySpring 2021 “ALL HAIL KING JESUS, ALL HAIL THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD” After nearly two whole years in the making, after all the stress and unknown that the last year held, hundreds of high school students stood in worship of our Savior at DaySpring 2021. For the week of July 12th through the 16th, every night students and leaders from churches all of over the state of Oklahoma came together to hear a message, pray, and worship with one another. But this wasn’t all. Nestled in the beauty of SkyRanch Cave Springs in Quapaw, OK, students met with small groups, played games, had dance parties, went rope swinging, shared testimonies, ziplined, dove into scripture and so much more. Their time ended with a greater sense of what it means to be called by God in our world and what they can do about it going forward.

Heather Winner Director of Servant Students

As the theme for the week showed, students focused on a portion of the story of Moses - specifically looking at his identity, purpose, and mission both through the lens of the world and through the eyes of God. The hope was to convey that although people may understand ourselves and our lives in one way, oftentimes God has an entirely different view. Evening messages gave way to speaking into that identity, purpose, and mission by challenging students to see the vastness of God’s work in their lives. Students were so encouraged that many shared what God was doing in and through them by sharing testimony and testifying of His goodness found in faith. It was a week like no other, giving great opportunity for our Servant Students to bond not only with other churches, but also our own. Relationships were made that will last and a great hope was instilled for the time to come for this ministry. We are so grateful for the work God did during DaySpring 2021. - Heather Winner But don’t take my word for it! Here are a few students as they gave their insight into this camp experience.

Skyler Rodriguez Assistant Director of Servant Students

Would you like more information about Servant Student Ministries? Contact Heather at hwinner@ServantOKC.org or Skyler at srodriguez@ServantOKC.org.

SERVANT CONNECT

“My high point of DaySpring was definitely volleyball with my friends. We played a ton of games and did pretty good. I learned to try to see other people’s story and learn from them” – Joel Sahmaunt

DaySpring 2021 “DaySpring was better than I could’ve ever imagined! Going into it, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but not only did I grow closer with so many wonderful and Godly people, I also was able to get to know Him better than before. At Dayspring, we talked a lot about identity and how Christ sees us, and now I’m more sure than ever that above all else I’m a child of God.” – Audrey Barto

“Camp was an amazing experience. The worship was ecstatic, and I had the best time during the Rec games and playing volleyball. While we were at camp, I learned that people look fine on the outside, may have a deeper story to share. I learned to be nice to people because you don’t know what they are dealing with.” – Noah Aller

“My favorite part about camp was being able to hear the testimonies from other kids my age. I really got to see how God has moved through people’s lives and how he can truly take someone’s broken pieces and make them a masterpiece.” – Anna Traynor ServantOKC.org

DaySpring 2021

“DaySpring was a wonderful experience where I learned how to allow God into my light through other people’s experiences. My favorite part was definitely the workshops! I loved hearing about other people’s walk with faith and how their story can help others!” – Kathryn Decker

SERVANT CONNECT

Servant Student CONFIRMATION 2021 WHAT IS CONFIRMATION IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH? United Methodists use the term “confirmation” to mark the first time a baptized Christian publicly “confirms” their intention to live the vows of the baptismal and membership covenant and so becomes a professing member of the local congregation and The United Methodist Church. At Church of the Servant, Confirmation has been an integral part of student ministry that occurs every year. Through Confirmation, our hope and our prayer is to show and teach students the beliefs of the United Methodist Church while inviting them into the greater family of the local church and commissioning them to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Here at Church of the Servant, our students traditionally go through Confirmation during their 8th grade year. We believe that students of this age have reached a point in development and maturity to where they have the mental capacity to go through the Confirmation experience. Confirmation ends with the students making the final decision themselves to fully commit to membership in the local church and a life of faith.

WHAT WILL CONFIRMATION 2021 LOOK LIKE? Students will have the opportunity to absorb and learn so much during Confirmation. We will be looking into the history and foundations of the Church universal, discovering and learning about some of our own traditions at Church of the Servant, and even leaving campus to experience what worship looks like in different faith settings. We hope that by diving into these different experiences, the students would feel moved into asking the question, “How do I fit into the greater picture?” Rather than Confirmation feeling like a seminar or a class that the students are required to take, we hope that Confirmation would spark conversation, curiosity, and interest into becoming a lifelong disciple of Christ.

This fall, our Confirmation class will begin on Sunday, September 19 and end on Sunday, December 5. Our meeting times will be from 11am-1pm every Sunday. For this year specifically, students going through Confirmation will be 9th graders, since the traditional timing of Confirmation had been pushed back this past year. Signups for Confirmation will begin on August 18th and will go through September 1st. If you are interested in potentially leading a group or have questions about what Confirmation leadership might entail, email us at hwinner@churchoftheservant.com or srodriguez@churchoftheservant.com for more information.

Servant Students

SAVE THESE DATES Back to School Bash - Sunday, August 15 Small Groups Begin - Wednesday, August 18 Confirmation Begins - Sunday, September 19 Infant Crisis Service Opportunity - Saturday, September 11 Halloween Celebration - Wednesday, October 20 Infant Crisis Service Opportunity - Saturday, November 6 Gobble Gobble (Thanksgiving Party) - Wednesday, November 17 Infant Crisis Service Opportunity - Saturday, November 20 Confirmation Ends - Sunday, December 5 Christmas Shindig - Wednesday, December 8

ServantOKC.org

WHAT’S AHEAD...

FALL PROGRAMMING It’s crazy to think that in just a little over a month our students will be beginning their school years. We know our students are a little less than thrilled about this, but a new school year means the return of student programming. Our Wednesday night small groups will return on Wednesday, August 18, 6:308:00pm here at Church of the Servant. For many of our students, this is the highlight of their weeks and an opportunity for them to worship and be with their friends. Small groups are in place for students to study Scripture, hear a message, connect with their peers, and encourage one another in their faith walks. Soon after that on Sunday, August 22, we will be starting up our Sunday School programming for middle and high school students. Our focus for this programming is to provide a place for students to come and start their weeks in the Word and in fellowship with one another. After the conclusion of Sunday morning programming, we will attend the 11:00 modern worship service together. This past year, we gathered each Sunday night for times of fellowship and worship. For this upcoming school year, we are shifting these Sunday night gatherings to once a month. Our first Sunday night gathering will be on Sunday, September 5.

FALL SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES As we approach a new school year, we ask ourselves, how can Servant Students serve both our church and our community? This fall, we will have new, amazing opportunities to do just this. During Sunday morning programming, our students will have the option to serve within the church. One way our students can get involved is by helping the church’s tech team in either 9:30 traditional or 11:00 modern services. Tasks in these areas may involve running slides, lights, sound, or even cameras. Another way to serve on Sunday morning is through our children’s ministry. Servant Students will be invited to step in and volunteer with our children’s programming on Sunday mornings as they would assist in leading Bible lessons, organizing games, and helping children have an impactful experience on Sunday mornings. Our hope and our prayer is that Servant Student Ministries would be a ministry that not only serves within its own walls, but also reaches out to the community it is a part of. For the fall semester, Servant Students will be partnering with Infant Crisis Services. Each service opportunity we will have will be focused on Infant Crisis Services and we will be gathering donations for the organization until the end of the fall semester. This will look like creating Infant care packages, fundraising, and even volunteering at Infant Crisis Services. We are so glad that we are able to have a relationship with this wonderful organization and pray that through our service we can impact the lives of many.

SERVANT CONNECT

NEW CHURCH APP #ServantOKC

CONNECTING WITH SERVANT JUST GOT EASIER! We have updated our website and added a brand new church App! To download the church App: 1. Go to the App Store and search for “ServantOKC” 2. Press “Get It” or “Install” 3. OPEN the App and enjoy! Direct link to download App: https://subsplash.com/churchoftheservant/app MORE WAYS TO VIEW LIVESTREAM: There are now more ways than ever before to view the church livestream and worship together! View our services ONLINE in the church App, or on our website (ServantOKC.org). Livestream is also available on Apple TV, Roku, Facebook, and YouTube! Simply search for “ServantOKC”! JOIN THE CONVERSATION! Chat with us during the livestream. Link in church App! BULLETIN: Open the digital bulletin and follow along with the service. Link in church App! CALENDARS: Stay connected with the day-to-day life of our church. GIVE: Giving online has never been easier! Give a one-time donation, or setup a reoccurring gift. Download the App today!

ServantOKC.org

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Church of the Servant 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142-9725

U.S.POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO 99

OKLAHOMA CITY 73125

9:30 • 11:00

LIVE STREAM Sunday Mornings @ 9:30 & 11:00 servantokc.online.church Also on Facebook @ServantOKC