Our First 100 Days Memorial Day 2017 will be a very special day in the Mitchell’s family life. For all six of us, Memorial Day was the day when we officially crossed into the State of Oklahoma. It is hard to believe we have been here for close to 100 days. The time from Memorial Day to Labor Day is significant for us because this was a season of settling in and finding our way around this wonderful community. Many of you have asked how things are going, and I must say, our whole family could not have expected how wonderful it has been so far. To all of the great people of Church of the Servant, we cannot thank you enough. You have cooked us meals, called and written notes to say hello, you have asked with sincerity how our children are settling in and enjoying school. You have asked if they are making friends, and Amber and I have quickly felt your genuine love and concern. You have shown us around and shared your favorite restaurants for us to enjoy. You have even given us gift cards and gifts to help us feel at home. I have to admit, one very special University of Georgia hat showed up on my desk with an amazing autograph. Even a pine tree was delivered to my office when I Dr. Matthew Mitchell mentioned how much I missed the tall Georgia pines; and even the Oklahoma Senior Minister peaches…wow, the peaches! So many wonderful things have come to us! I have to admit I am behind on my thank you notes. Please know they are coming. Furthermore, every single one of you has quickly made us feel at home, and please know how wonderful our first 100 days have been. Your kindness has been such a blessing for our family; and because of you, Oklahoma has quickly become home! In this week’s newsletter Amber and I wanted to simply say, “Thank you all so very much!” With much love and and pride in calling Oklahoma Home, Matthew, Amber, Mackenzie, Carter, Harrison & Bailey
Carter, Bailey, Mackenzie, and Harrison
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Turning Mountains
INTO MOLEHILLS
Spotlight on Member Yvonne Morgan by Dr. Robyn Goggs
Yvonne and Bill Morgan’s lives were going just as they pictured them: high school sweethearts, two beautiful daughters, homeowners, and fulfilling careers. Life was unfolding just as they imagined. Then in 1993 everything changed with the birth of their third child, a son, and his death nine days later. Yvonne articulated the grief as a dark place for her soul as she grappled with the enormity of the loss. She said she felt nothing would ever be the same. In her book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, Yvonne shares how this loss and the mission experiences her church provided her to in the following years helped her heal and find a purpose she never imagined. Yvonne shares the amazing stories of how she and Bill saw Christ in ac-
tion through the highs and lows of their journey into being missionaries. God led them to set up a charity about twenty years ago. Through this charity they now care for orphans in Nepal, Myanmar, and Sierra Leone. They do travel there, but most of the time there are people in those countries accomplishing the mission on behalf of the charity. Not only are they helping children, but working with the church and employing people in poverty-stricken countries. This fall, Yvonne and Bill, at the invitation of a pastor in Myanmar, will be helping to lead a conference for women who have yet to hear of Christ’s love for them. Last year this church led hundreds of disenfranchised women to Christ. Yvonne hopes her story will inspire readers to reach out and be the hands and feet of Christ to others.
we are called by life. The discovery of purpose is not found inside us, but in serving the world around us. This story will encourage anyone who feels lost in their lives to trust God and look for HIS direction to living beyond one’s self. Turning Mountains Into Molehills can be purchased at www.4rvpublishingcatalog. com/Yvonne-M-Morgan.php.
Yvonne says, “When you step out in obedience, then move out of the way in faith as God handles the details, He makes the impossible possible by turning the mountain into molehills.” There is a universal truth in Yvonne’s unique story that reminds all of us that we don’t really create our lives, but that
Servant Women in the Word
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. // Women
Servant Women in the Word (formerly Sharing the Kingdom) will resume on Tuesday, September 12. This large-group Bible study, led by Dr. Robyn Goggs, is a favorite among many women as it appeals to the beginning follower as well as the seasoned believer. Come spend an exciting hour in Bible study, discussion, and Christian fellowship as we dive into Romans this fall. No registration required. For more information, contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com.
Buck and a Bible
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. // Men
Beginning Tuesday, September 12, Buck and a Bible will kick off the new season with Tim Tebow’s new book, Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms. Let’s face it, has any other athlete experienced so much negative press due to his or her faith in recent times? In this exciting book, Tim will help each man discover how and why our individual circumstances do not define us, but GOD does. Join with other men beginning Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30 a.m. in Community Hall as Dr. Matthew Mitchell leads. Purchase the book and Bible study guide fon the internet and get ready for an exciting new opportunity for your faith to grow deeper this fall.
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Missions One of the organizations that was a recipient of Earthglow’s 2016 profits was Penn Avenue Redemption United Methodist Church. It is a fellowship of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and friends of faith. The church seeks to mold prison-formed faith into the walk of discipleship. The mission of Redemption Church is to cultivate and empower peer leaders who can reach out and help others with similar life experiences. Inmates attending the services have the opportunity to visit with family members and even share a meal provided by the church or brought by family members. Getting a chance to socialize in a relaxed environment is significant in allowing inmates to begin to think about transitioning back into the community.
What’s New in Earthglow? Guess you’ll have to come into the shop to find out!
Here is what Redemption’s volunteer coordinator, Marcia Manning, shared with us recently: Thank you for your most generous donation of $2,475. Your generosity and thoughtful consideration of our ministry blesses our work beyond measure. Your most welcome gift helps provide many resources for the men and women ministered to by Redemption UMC. We offer worship, classes and weekly UMMen’s and UMWomen’s groups. The ladies are so hungry for God’s Word that we offer them in-depth Bible Study. We also have different projects around the church for their participation. It is so amazing and exciting to watch as they start to grasp God’s Word and understand how His Word applies to their lives. One of the most exciting changes we observe in our congregants is how they are learning to give of themselves. The men have quite a ministry of mowing the yards for several of the elderly people who live next to the church. The men mow the church grounds and then keep that lawn mower moving right on around the neighborhood. What a blessing for all! God bless you and thank you so very much for your part in helping us as we help those God brings through the doors of Redemption. We pray they grow in the love and grace of Christ. Shop Earthglow to help provide ongoing assistance to local missions, such as Redemption Church. Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
A BIG Thank You Is In Order!
The 2x2 Adult Class repainted the fire lane curbs and did some heavy trimming around our church building. Thank you, Amber Neaves, for heading up that work evening! And to the MVC adult Class, thanks again for changing the A/C filters on the roof last Saturday! Fifteen men “disrupted” their Saturday morning activities to replace about 200 filters in 2 hours. Thanks to Jim Burroughs for leading that. There is such a great new spirit around the church these days. Great times are ahead!
Women
“FALLING INTO GRACE” Annual Women’s Retreat September 8-10 Chickasaw Retreat Center
“It was the best weekend of my year. The relaxing space to be with other women in worship and fellowship filled my cup for the rest of the year.” – Jill Perrin This is the weekend of the women’s retreat in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains 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. Please be in prayer for the women who will be travelling and experiencing this spiritual renewal.
Fall Studies for Women begin September 12
There are 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 at www.churchoftheservant.com/women/ classes-studies/.
A New Wednesday Evening Group for Women
Believing God: A video and discussion-based study by Beth Moore
6:30-8:00 p.m., September 13-November 15, 2017 Led by Elizabeth Johnson North Adult Center, Room 10
A brand new group with a seasoned leader who shares a favorite Beth Moore study which asks, “Do you believe God or merely believe in Him?” Do you take God at His Word, believing what He has told us, or do you just believe in his existence and the salvation He offers? Based on Isaiah 43:10, this study explores what it means to believe in God through studying the lives of Abraham, Moses, and others from Hebrews 11 as examples of persons who believe in God. We will be encouraged to deepen our own trust in God and receive a fresh word from Him. Each session will have a video. You can register online at www.churchoftheservant.com/women/classes-studies/.
Companions in Christ
A Class for Spiritual Formation
9:30-11:30 a.m., begins September 12 (Ongoing for 28 sessions) Led by Sherri Price Beginning Tuesday, September 12, women and men are invited into a 28-week Spiritual Formation experience that will change the way you relate to God, to others, and to yourself, opening the door to a lasting impact on your heart and God’s Kingdom. In a spiritual formation experience, our goal is spiritual growth. It is more about transformation than information. Together we will explore different types of prayer – looking at ways to connect our spiritual life to our everyday routine, allowing a deeper awareness of God in our daily being and doings. We will look at scripture and how it connects and illuminates our lives and our experiences. The spiritual disciplines of prayer, scripture, study, worship, ministry, and conversation are explored as ways to meet Christ, renew our faith, and deepen our love of God. Perhaps we will even begin to see others and ourselves differently in God’s light.
ARE YOU A MOM CARING FOR SMALL CHILDREN WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONNECT WITH OTHER MOMS?
Come join the Friday Moms’ Group this fall! You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are by Rebekah Lyons 9:30-11:30 a.m., September 8-November 17, 2017 Led by Kim Bilger and Meghan Thompson 13.2 Coffee Shop
This is a vibrant group of moms with toddlers and school-age children. They are a network of support and fellowship for each other as they seek to grow deeper in their faith walk in this season of life. The study this fall asks us this question: Have you bought the lie? Many of us do. We measure our worth by what others think of us. We compare and strive, existing mostly for the approval of others. Pressure rises, anxiety creeps in and we hustle to keep up. Jesus whispers, “I gave my life to set you free. I gave you purpose. I called you to live in freedom in that purpose.” Christ doesn’t say you can be, or may be, or will be free. He says you are free. Freedom is for everyone who wants it–the lost, the wounded, and those weary from all of the striving. Short video each week. Register at www.churchoftheservant.com/women/classes-studies/. SERVANT September 6, 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 divided 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.
Prime Time Welcomes
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Servant Academy of the Arts: Ballroom Dancing!
Starting on Thursday, September 7 at 7:00 p.m., we will offer a ballroom dance group class under the direction of Crystal Johnson! Individuals or couples are welcome. Join any time! We also offer private lessons throughout the year for: ballroom dancing, strings, piano, organ, saxophone, and trumpet. Slots are filling up fast for 2017! To register or for more information about classes and private lessons, contact CoordinaServant tor Jenny Johnson at jjohnson@churchoftheservant. academy of the arts com or 405-728-4730.
Servant Foundation Golf Tournament Saturday, September 16 LAST CHANCE THIS SUNDAY TO SIGN UP for the Servant Foundation Golf Tournament at Silverhorn Golf Club on Saturday, September 16. The format will be a four-person scramble for both men and women, with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $55 per player, which covers green fee, cart, range balls, lunch and prizes. Hole sponsorships are also available for $100. Put your team together now, sign up Sunday, then join the fun and fellowship on September 16!
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It is with great excitement that Prime Time announces that Dr. Matthew Mitchell, our awesome new senior minister, will be our guest speaker on Thursday, September 14, as we begin our 31st year together! As Matthew brings us his vision for Church of the Servant, you will sense why there is such an electric atmosphere around the church these days! Matthew recently expressed that one of the best experiences he has witnessed here has been laughter and that from the very first Sunday his family has noticed how much joy is in this special place. So, Matthew, you should feel right at home at Prime Time, as we share our laughter and joy with you and with each other! Following this incredible program, we will enjoy a delicious meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, salad, rolls, beverages, and pineapple upside-down cake! Cost for program and meal is $10; program alone is $2. Prime Time fellowship is free! Sign up at the Welcome Center, call the church office at 721-4141, or register online at www. churchoftheservant.com/events. Don’t miss this joyous Prime Time gathering at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall on Thursday, September 14!
NextGen 3rd Grade Bible Sunday September 24
Church of the Servant celebrates our 3rd graders each year by presenting them with their own Bible. These celebrations will take place in the 8:15 Chapel Service, 9:30 Celebration Service, and 11:00 Modern Service in the Centrum, sharing this beautiful milestone with the congregation. Third graders and their families can choose the service in which they will be recognized.
Can We Borrow Your Trunk?
Have you heard that Servant Fall Fest is adding an exciting new element this year? TRUNK-OR-TREAT! Children from across the community will be in our parking lot, dressed in their festive costumes, to safely trick-or-treat and play games on Friday, October 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. So, can we borrow your trunk? We need Sunday School classes, Bible study groups, small groups, families, groups of friends and individuals to commit to providing a car and passing out candy during Servant Fall Fest. We welcome decorated trunks and costumed volunteers!
The celebration will extend into our Courtyard from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with donuts and fellowship. Make certain that your 3rd grader’s information is in our records by checking with Pam Adams at our Servant Kids Welcome Counter downstairs, or by emailing Pam at padams@churchoftheservant.com.
Indoors, guests will enjoy favorites like inflatables, face painting, balloon animals, a cake walk, therapy dogs, the Hot Dog Cafe, cotton candy and popcorn sales, and a bake sale. In case of rain, all activities (other than the cars!) will be moved indoors. If you are interested in providing a trunk, and for other group or individual volunteer opportunities, please contact Erin Page at 740-1208 or erinepage@gmail.com.
High School Small Group
Our 4th and 5th graders had a SWIMMINGLY GOOD time! Thank you so much to Laine and Dustin Baker and their family for hosting such a fun event!
Our mission in Servant High School is to lead students to become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. One of the ways we do that is with our small group ministry. Small group consists of students (same gender and grade) and two caring adults. We will meet in Chapel of the Cross for a time of worship before heading off into our small group space! We meet all semester on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Register at www.churchoftheservant.com/ events and join a group today! What if I have questions? Contact Sang Nguyen at 405-728-4754 or at snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com. SERVANT September 6, 2017 I Page 7
NextGen
Servant Kids Wednesday Nights Begins September 20
We are so excited to announce that beginning on September 20, “Wednesday Nights” for Servant Kids will have a brand new look! But as always it will be a time of meaningful worship, fun activities, and opportunities to build relationships with other kids and adult leaders. Here are some significant changes parents need to be aware of:
Family Worship Night September 13
Our NEXTGEN Ministry at Servant is about combining the influences of the Family and the Church to lead the next generation to become fully committed followers of Christ. We believe a great way to make this happen is by creating shared spiritual experiences for the families. Family Worship Night is one of these experiences. Our next Family Worship Night is planned for September 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m. The evening will begin with a FREE pizza/salad dinner in Community Hall. Families must register for dinner at www.churchoftheservant.com/ events. Dinner will be followed by worship in the Centrum.
o NEW TIME: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Extended care will be available for children whose parents or siblings are participating in an activity in the building beyond 7:30 p.m. When children are registered, parents can indicate if extended care will be required for their children. o 1st thru 5th graders will check-in upstairs at the Centrum and will be part of a 20-minute high energy program which will include: music, dancers, interactive games, and teaching time. This time will be led by Susan Cosby, Brooke and Paul Gebb, John Gilstrap, Tommy Glenn, and Ryan McGee. After the opening, the kids will go downstairs for activities, a mission moment, and small group time where the Bible point of the week will be discussed. Parents will pick their children up downstairs. 1st through 3rd grade will be facilitated by Cathy Hersom and 4th & 5th will be facilitated by Cindy Brackenbury. o Preschoolers will check-in downstairs and meet there for the entire evening. Their evening will be full of fun and faith adventures. The opening each week will include music and a teaching time with Don Cole. It will be followed with activities that will emphasize the Bible point for the evening. Preschoolers will be facilitated by Dayna Slater. o Register your children for Wednesday Nights at www.churchoftheservant. com/events. o Wednesday Nights are also incorporating several evenings of Family Worship Nights into the schedule. If families are not participating in “Wednesday Nights”, they are still welcome to participate in Family Worship Nights.
Servant Kids Camp September 29 - October 1
Servant Kids Camp, 1st – 5th graders, will be held September 29 – October 1 at Canyon Camp near Hinton, OK. This year’s theme is ENCOURAGER. The weekend’s activities will be based on Romans 1:12 – “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” Activities will include worship, nature hikes, games, crafts, small group, and lots of fun. These 48 hours of church camp will be an amazing time for our kids to get to know each other and share God’s love. As they expand their understanding of being an encourager to others, it will strengthen their faith, their Christian friendships, and most importantly, their knowledge of our Lord. The activities will help them focus on ways to Know and Love God and to Trust and Accept Jesus. Check-in time is 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29. Dinner will not be served Friday night. Families are invited to join their camper for lunch on Sunday, October 1 at 11:45 a.m. Family worship will follow lunch at 12:30 p.m. and camp will conclude following worship. Register your camper at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. Deadline for registration is September 13. Camp fee is $150. After a camper’s registration is received, they will receive a confirmation and information on what to bring to camp. Page 8 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Donna Armstrong as her cousin, Caitlyn McOsker, deals with health issues. u Christian and Stacey Brim as Stacey’s mother, Cathie Harris, undergoes tests; and lost her home in the flood.
Our Prayers Continued u James and Lauri Reeg as Lauri recuperates from surgery. u Ralph and Neoma Shrauner as Ralph recuperates from surgery.
u Jane Bronnenberg as Jane’s cousin, Susan Squires, deals with health issues.
u Don and Sharon Soergel as Don deals with health issues.
u Randy and Penny Crownover as Randy recuperates from outpatient surgery.
u Robert Swisher and Lia Lea RichmondSwisher as Robert deals with health issues.
u Jo Anne Davis as Jo Anne undergoes treatment; and her son, Rick Davis, recuperates from surgery.
Our Sympathy
u Pauline Douglas as Pauline is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Tom and Linda Gulley as Linda’s son, Bill Ross, recuperates from surgery. u Garnett and Marsha Haubelt as Marsha faces surgery at St. Anthony Bone & Joint Hospital. u Ralph Engle as Ralph deals with health issues and is a resident at Tuscany Village Nursing Center. u Ira Hart as Ira deals with health issues and is a resident at Town Village Nursing Center. u Rhonda Coleman-Jackson as Rhonda recuperates from surgery. u Susan King-Baker as Susan’s friend, Joan Sherwood, undergoes tests. u Elizabeth Large as Elizabeth’s brother, Steve Large, deals with health issues. u Pat and Linda Lewis as both Pat and Linda deal with health issues. u Henry and Jere Marcotte as Henry undergoes tests. u Billy and Linda Maxwell as Linda’s daughter, Jennifer Higgs, recuperates from surgery. u Phyllis Mosher as Phyllis’ grandson, A.J. Mosher, is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Tom Mosley as Tom is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Gerry Pinkston as Gerry’s mother, Camilla Pinkston, undergoes physical therapy and is a resident at Veraden Nursing Center. u Ronald and RaSonya Pruitt as RaSonya recuperates from surgery.
u Jeff, Karlee, and Evelyn Chill and Family at the death of Jeff’s and Karlee’s son, and Evelyn’s brother, Griffin Chill. u Nate and Susan Webb and Family at the death of Susan’s mother, Kathleen Weidley. u Cheryl Wilson and Alie Faye Johnson and Family at the death of Cheryl’s brother and Alie Faye’s son, Harl Johnson. u Leah Woods and Family at the death of Leah’s mother, Agnes Schaller.
Finding Healing and Comfort in Our Grief
Celebrating
u Barbara Eskridge at the birth of her great granddaughter, Lilian James Eskridge. The proud parents are Ed and Megan Eskridge of Norman, OK. The proud sisters are Evie and Eloise Eskridge. u Cathy Hersom at the birth of her granddaughter, Lexie Middleton. The proud parents are Blake and Katie Middleton of Edmond, OK. The proud brother is Judson Middleton. u Chloe Roberts at the birth of her great grandson, Cooper Douglas Tatum. The proud parents are Brett and Tiffany Tatum of Oklahoma City, OK.
In the Kitchen
Sept 10 – Pork Chops served with Grilled Onions, Fried Cabbage, Seasoned Pinto Beans, Rolls, Salad, and Dessert. Sept 17 – Parmesan Chicken served with Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Saute´ Veggies, Garlic Toast, Salad, and Dessert. The Kitchen is located just inside Community Hall. Join us on Sundays for hot breakfast or lunch!
In my role as Minister of Congregational Care at Church of the Servant, I frequently have the honor and privilege to support and minister to persons who are grieving the loss of a loved one. One of the best things about doing such ministry is knowing that people who are spiritually and emotionally hurting end up receiving precious support from--and building a sense of community with--others who are experiencing grief. That’s why I am passionate about offering our Grief Support Group as part of our Care Ministries here at Church of the Servant. Here’s what Bob Turner, a longtime member of Servant, had to say about his experience of being part of our Grief Support Group: “Not long after my wife, Vertice, passed away in December of 2015, I attended sessions of the grief support group here. These sessions were valuable in helping me survive those dark days.” Bob’s experience rings true for many others, as well. That’s why I’m pleased to announce the dates of our next “round” of Grief Support Group. The group will meet on Sundays at 3:00 p.m. beginning October 1, 2017 and continuing through January 7, 2018. We’ll meet in the Library, which is in the office area just behind the waterfall. Each session will include watching a helpful video, as well as plenty of time for discussion and sharing. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, we invite you to be part of a group of people who will encourage and build up one another in the faith, which makes such a difference as we grieve. Whether you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or have been on a grief journey for a long time, we hope you’ll consider joining the group. We utilize the Grief Share curriculum, and each participant will receive a complimentary workbook. Register by contacting Vicki Roberds at 728-4738 or vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. – Rev. Tim Travers SERVANT September 6, 2017 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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