E D I T I O N N O. 18 .9 |
SEPT 2018
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MO NTHLY NEWSL ET TER
HeiferRanch
Middle School Experience « page 10
PREPARING FOR A NEW TRADITION
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
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ervant 5.0 will be a season where Church of the Servant celebrates our past and prepares for our future together. One way I want to celebrate is by beginning a new tradition at Church of the Servant surrounding Veteran’s Day. On Sunday, November 11, Church of the Servant will celebrate and thank our veterans, and we need your help! We would like for every Veteran to share TWO pictures: one in uniform from when he/she served and one current picture in civilian clothes. Email your pictures with full name of veteran to Heather DeShazo, Director of Communications, at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com. If you do not have digital pictures that can be emailed, drop off your original photos to Heather DeShazo at the church office; she will scan your photos and get them back to you very quickly. We will be producing a wonderful slideshow with these photos, and we want every veteran to be included in the slideshow. So please don’t delay! Send your photos today! Deadline to submit photos is Sunday, October 21. On Sunday, November 11, we will also have a parade of veterans at the beginning of the 9:30 and 11:00 worship services. Bag Pipes will kick off the parade! You will not want to miss out as we say THANK YOU to all those who have served our country.
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Beginning Sunday afternoon, September 23, join us for “Servant 5.0: Preparing for Our Future” vision meetings with Dr. Matthew Mitchell, Senior Minister, where he will share exciting future plans for our church! No registration required. Mark your calendar and plan to attend ONE of the following: Sunday, September 23 (4:30 - 6:00 p.m.) Wednesday, October 3 (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.) Sunday, October 14 (4:30 - 6:00 p.m.) Wednesday, October 17 (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)
My Walk in
WHITECLAY We believe, as followers of Christ, that God has gifted us and empowered us to make a difference in the world. There are people throughout our church that are doing just that! One example of someone who has used his talents to make a significant difference is John A. Maisch, former state liquor prosecutor. Here is John’s story....
Also Speaking at Church of the Servant!
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ormer state liquor prosecutor John A. Maisch worked to close four beer stores in Whiteclay, Nebraska, from 2013 to 2017. Whiteclay is an unincorporated town of a dozen residents in northwestern Nebraska. Whiteclay’s four beer stores sold approximately 3.5 million cans of beer per year, or 11,000 cans of beer per day, primarily to Lakota tribal members who resided on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, a tribal reservation located 200 yards from Whiteclay, where alcoholic beverages have been banned for over 120 years. Maisch left the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission to become an Assistant Professor of Legal Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he filmed a documentary about Whiteclay’s beer sales. The film’s title, Sober Indian | Dangerous Indian, is derived from Lakota activist Debra White Plume, who utilized the phrase to refer to how alcoholic beverages were used to control tribal governments in the United States for centuries, and how one of the first steps required for tribal members to become dangerous, or empowered, is to become
John A. Maisch
Frank LaMere, leader of the Whiteclay Movement, and John A. Maisch, former state liquor prosecutor, will speak in the Centrum on Wednesday, September 19, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. Come early to get a seat.
sober. Maisch’s documentary chronicles the lives of four tribal members struggling with addiction while drinking on the streets of Whiteclay. On September 29, 2017, the Nebraska Supreme Court upheld a decision by the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to close Whiteclay’s beer stores. The documentary has been created by Nebraska’s two largest newspapers, the Omaha World Herald and Lincoln Journal Star, for reigniting efforts to close those four beer stores. Maisch will speak at all three services at Church of the Servant on Sunday, September 16, 2018.
Frank LaMere Native American activist, Frank LaMere, a Winnebago tribal member who lives in Nebraska and is widely credited as the leader of the Whiteclay Movement, will attend a public screening of the documentary at the University of Central Oklahoma on Thursday, September 20, at 7:00 p.m. The film screening will take place in Constitution Hall in UCO’s Nigh University Center and is free and open to the public. LaMere and Maisch will also speak at Church of Servant on Wednesday, September 19, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
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ALPHA starts September 16
BIBLE STUDIES for Men & Women The Alpha Course
September 16 - December 2, 2018 Sundays, 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. // Community Hall Led by Rev. Randy Shrauner and Dr. Robyn Goggs (Childcare available) Have you ever wanted a safe place to ask questions about Christian faith – those questions that you think everyone else knows the answers to, but you don’t? Alpha is the course for you. Over 12 weeks on Sunday mornings, in a setting including a video and discussion, we will address the questions like: Why did Jesus die? How and why should I pray? How and why should I read the Bible? Who is the Holy Spirit? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? An important part of Alpha is the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and discuss it in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything. And there’s nothing you can’t say. It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment. Cost of Material: $15 (Material available at first class meeting) Register online at: www.churchoftheservant.com/events
Living Your Strengths Journey
September 16 – October 28 Sundays, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. // South Adult, Room 1 Led by Dr. Dave Carmichael (Childcare available) This journey is based upon 30 years of research by the Gallup organization whose findings show that you will be most successful in whatever you do by building your life around your greatest natural abilities. Most of us have been conditioned at home, in church, at work, and in school to correct our weaknesses. Contrary to this, the Gallup organization states that our talents should be our primary focus, not our deficiencies. The program will put you in touch with the unique combination of strengths that you have been given which places you with a calling—a calling to serve others and to advance the cause of Christ and the Church, a calling to ministry. When you discover your talents, you begin to discover your calling. Cost of Material: $45 (Material available at first class) Register online at: www.churchoftheservant.com/events
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At
Church of the Servant, we believe that becoming a fully-committed follower of Christ involves more than simply coming to worship each week. It is a three-fold process that involves worship, service, and small group experiences. One way of becoming involved in a small group is by joining in one of the several Bible and book studies that are being offered this fall. Consider becoming a part of one of these classes and you will enjoy great teaching, discussion, and prayer while building friendships that enrich your life. For more information, contact Susie Cobden at 405-728-4711 or by email at scobden@churchoftheservant.com.
Disciple Fast Track
September 16, 2018 – March 17, 2019 Sundays, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. // Community Hall Led by Rev. Matt Patrick (Childcare available) Have you ever wanted to read the Bible but found it overwhelming and that you don’t even know where to begin? Disciple Fast Track is a new and accelerated version of the popular Disciple Bible Study series. If you are looking to take a deep spiritual dive into the entirety of scripture, this Disciple Fast Track study is for you. This course will be 10 weeks in the fall covering the Old Testament and 10 weeks in the spring covering the New Testament. Our newest minister, Rev. Matt Patrick, will be leading it, and he says this: “I’m so excited to be teaching Disciple Bible Study this fall! Throughout my life, I have watched countless people be transformed by this wonderful class. In fact, as a child I watched this class transform the way my parents viewed their faith. I hope that you will consider committing to this class. I can promise that together, we will dig deep into the Bible and ask the tough questions that, in the end, will drive us closer to Jesus Christ.” Cost of Material: $35 (Material available at first class) Register online at www.churchoftheservant.com/events
Companions in Christ
Beginning September 19, 2018 (Ongoing for 28 sessions) Wednesdays, 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm North Adult Center, Room 1 // Led by Sherrie Price Beginning Tuesday, September 19, men and women are invited into a 28-week Spiritual Formation experience that will change the way you relate to God, to others, and to yourselves, 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 ourselves and others differently in God’s light.
The Way of Blessedness
September 18 through November 28 Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. North Adult Center, Room 1 // Led by Karla O’Hara THE WAY OF BLESSEDNESS is a 10-week study that includes an Introduction and 9 weeks of study, using The Beatitudes from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The journey invites participants to discover Jesus’ vision of the kingdom of God on earth, and to develop a personal “rule of life” that helps us reside in that kingdom. It is recommended that participants complete the 28-week Companions in Christ course before participating in The Way of Blessedness. ChurchoftheServant.com
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WOMEN’s MINISTRIES
Bible Studies & Small Groups Join other women in a relaxed class setting to enjoy great teaching, discussion, to pray and to build friendships that become “strong towers” while facing various trials in life. We organize weekly meetings, events and service opportunities designed to encourage spiritual growth. We’d love to have you join us! Here is a list of classes and studies with information about current availabilit y. For more information or to sign up for a class, contact Susie Cobden at 405-728-4711 or by email at scobden@churchoftheservant.com. Register online at w w w.churchoftheservant.com/women/classes-studies/.
Servant Women in the Word Fall Season Resumed September 4 Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Community Hall Led by Dr. Robyn Goggs
This large-group Bible Study is a favorite among many women as it appeals to the beginning follower as well as the seasoned believer. This fall, Dr. Robyn Goggs is leading us in a study of the “Women of the Bible”. Each session will essentially be an independant study, so even if your schedule will prevent weekly attendance, feel free to attend as often as possible. Join us on Tuesdays at 9:15 for coffee and donuts, and the program begins at 9:30 a.m. in Community Hall. No registration required.
“JOB! A Story of Unlikely Joy” by Lisa Harper Beginning September 25 for 7 weeks Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. South Adult Center, Room 3 Led by Lou Ann Morris
Joy is the constant companion of the woman who trusts in the Lord. And while you can find it in friends, family and circumstances, unfailing, persistent joy will only ever overflow from your relationship with Jesus. Just ask Job, the man from UZ who clung to God’s goodness while all his worldly joys were stripped away. But how is it possible to hold onto such joy in times of sorrow? In this study, discover the redemptive facet of Job’s suffering. Learn to view pain as a way to strengthen your faith, point others to the gospel, and trust in the Lord. Because His province will never take you to a place His grace will not sustain you.
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BEGINNING YOGA CLASS
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. The Point Student Center Led by Jo Fendrych (405-808-3082) 8 week class - $60, or single classes – $10 Be good to yourself; awaken your mind, body and spirit with your Yoga practice. This class will focus on basic Yoga poses including stretching, breathing and relaxation. When Yoga becomes a routine in your life it can help with blood pressure, mental clarity, flexibility, and reduce stress. These are only a few of the benefits you may experience. This class is for all ages and abilities. Contact Jo Fendrych 405-808-3082 to enroll or if you need more information. Proceeds donated to Church of The Servant and A Place to Grow, Inc. Scholarships available.
Men’s Morning Bible Study
BUCK and a BIBLE Fall Season Resumed September 4 Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. // Community Hall Led by Dr. Matthew Mitchell, Senior Minister Grab your Bible and $1.00 to cover the cost of a donut or muffin, and join a group of early-rising, God-filled, fun-loving men in a study led by our Senior Minister, Dr. Matthew Mitchell.
Support Group for
Crohn’s Disease
In February of this year, my son, Xander, was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease just a few days before his 12th birthday. With that kind of life changing diagnosis, I knew I needed to look for other kids and parents on the same road. That’s when I found that there wasn’t a support group for children with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis in our area. I immediately started the process to get one started here in Oklahoma City through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. I’m excited to start this group for my son and for me. I know he will benefit from talking to other kids his age with the same difficulties. And it will be good for him to be reminded that he is more than his Crohn’s. I’m so thankful for Church of the Servant for allowing us space to meet. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in North Adult Center, room 1/2. If you have any questions or are interested in attending this group, please call/text me at 405-8227484 or email me at marthastone@gmail.com. – Martha Stone
Grief Support Group
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? If so, perhaps you would benefit from our Grief Support Group at Church of the Servant. Being part of a group of people who encourage and build up one another in the faith can make such a difference as we grieve. Whether you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or if you have been on a grief journey for a long time, we hope you’ll consider joining the group. We’ll meet on Sundays, 3:00-4:30 p.m., beginning September 23 and continuing through December 16. We’ll meet in the Library at Church of the Servant. The Library is located in the office area that’s directly behind the big waterfall. Each session will include a helpful video and plenty of time for discussion and sharing. We utilize the Grief Share curriculum, and each participant will receive a complimentary workbook. Registration never closes, so you are always welcome to join us at any time during the course. Contact Vicki Roberds at (405) 728-4738 or vroberds@churchoftheservant.com. ChurchoftheServant.com
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“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13.2 (NIV)
13.2 Coffee Shop Join the 13.2 Coffee Shop Team! Several shifts are available! Contact Dana Israel for more information.
13.2 Coffee Shop is in a very immediate need for volunteers. We have many shifts available! •
Tuesday Mornings – 9:00-11:30
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One Thursday a month – 9am-12pm
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Monday nights 6:00-7:15
This job requires some training to learn how to operate the machinery. Please let us know if you can help! Contact Dana Israel at 918-914-0630 or disrael@churchoftheservant.com.
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PRIME TIME LUNCHEON – September 13 Folks, can you believe it’s almost time to fire up Prime Time for our 32nd year?! There are lots of great programs already in the works, and we will start off the year with a familiar guest speaker - our Senior Minister, Dr. Matthew Mitchell – this Thursday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. Wow, what a year we’ve had!! Matthew will give us a good recap of this past year since he came on board, and excite us with his vision for the months and years ahead. This is a Prime Time you won’t want to miss! Following the program, we will enjoy a yummy meal from Michele, including Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, seasoned green beans, and white cake with chocolate frosting for dessert! And of course, there will be time for catching up with old Prime Time friends and making new ones too! The program and meal will be $10; program alone is $2; but Prime Time fellowship is always free! Sign up online at www.churchoftheservant.com or call the church office, 721-4141. See you at Prime Time!
Servant Foundation Golf Outing Saturday, October 13 LET’S PLAY GOLF!! The 22nd annual Servant Foundation Golf Outing is scheduled for Saturday, October 13. All the proceeds from this year’s outing will go to support the Intern program that Church of the Servant Music Department coordinates with the Oklahoma City University Music Department. The outing will be held at The Golf Club of Edmond, 4001 Fairfax Drive, Edmond. There will be an 8:00 a.m. start and the format will be a 4-person team scramble with shotgun start. The cost per player is $75, which covers a continental breakfast, green fee, range balls, cart, lunch, and prizes. Hole sponsorships are available for $125, and contributions to the intern program are always appreciated. Signup for the outing will begin Sunday, September 16, in the Concourse. Put your team together now, come play and enjoy the fellowship, and support the music intern program. If you have questions concerning the outing, call Tom McGee at 728-4701 or email him at tmcgee@churchoftheservant.com.
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Heifer Ranch
HEIFER RANCH MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
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ix adults and seven middle school students immersed in hands-on learning and experienced Heifer Ranch in Arkansas! They thoroughly enjoyed pulling weeds, milking goats, sleeping in an urban slum, and all of it in the middle of July! This inaugural adventure for Church of the Servant was geared for a parent/child or grandparent/child. The purpose was to fully engage in an educational and sustainable agricultural project to gain a deeper understanding of hunger and poverty, sustainable food systems and community development. •
We learned that service is JOY!
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We learned the world produces twice the amount of food needed to feed the globe and yet hunger persists.
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We learned that an American taking a 5-minute shower uses more water than the average person in a developing country uses in an entire day.
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We learned that a dinner which consists of an ice-creamsized scoop of rice with green onions and squash can be the best meal ever!
Heifer Ranch is a 1200-acre property in Perryville, Arkansas and is part of Heifer International. Everyone who attended this trip is ready to go again! We hope to take another group in 2019 and we want you to join us! – Ann Knutson
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KENYA MISSION
Donation List for 2019 A team of thirteen Church of the Servant members have signed up to go to Kenya in February, 2019! That means this team can take along with them 13 suitcases, each containing 50 pounds of donated goods to help the Maua Methodist Hospital. A donation box has been placed in the mission area of the Concourse next to Earthglow Gift Shop so that you can help in providing the items currently needed and specifically requested by the hospital. The list may be found here (https://bit.ly/2O5D1Sb), or by going to the Missions page on our website. A printed copy is also available at the Welcome Center. In making your donations, remember that simple is better. While you might be tempted, for example, to purchase a backpack with all kinds of zipper and pouches, remember that Kenyan school children will be thrilled with a very simple backpack. Link to Donation LIst for 2019 is: https://bit.ly/2O5D1Sb The generous contributions of our Servant family make a significant difference in the lives of our friends in Kenya. Thanks for your help! ChurchoftheServant.com
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SERVANT KIDS
JUMP 4 JESUS!
We had a blast at Jump 4 Jesus last Wednesday night! We had pizza, learned about how sin separates us from God and only Jesus can be the bridge between us and Him, and jumped on inflatables and played games upstairs! While the kids were learning and playing, the adults had a great time as well. They had burgers, played their own games, and got to know each other better while also meeting new friends. If you missed this month, don’t worry! We meet again on October 3. Join us!
NEEDING SERVANT KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERS... WE NEED HELP LEADING CHILDREN TO CHRIST! SERVANT KIDS IS SEARCHING FOR ADULTS WHO ARE WILLING TO BE Follow us on Social Media! We post updates, information, pictures, and more, so don’t miss out! Go to @servantkids on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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LEADERS, OR SUBS WHEN A SUNDAY MORNING LEADER NEEDS TO BE GONE. WE NEED PEOPLE FOR AN HOUR ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, EITHER AT THE 9:30 OR THE 11:00 HOUR.
SERVANT KIDS W E D N E S DAY N I G H T S AND THE SERVANT TABLE
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e are excited to announce that our Wednesday Nights have a brand-new look! We meet the first Wednesday night of each month (October 3rd, November 7th, and December 5th) from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Our next event is October 3. The theme is “Team Jesus!” Wear your favorite team’s gear and invite your friends for a fun night of dinner ($2 per person) plus giant games! We will have activities for preschool through 5th grade. Drop-off and pick-up will be downstairs. Also, on the same night, “The Servant Table: A Parent Gathering” will meet from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Life with kids keeps us extremely busy. Often, we need a moment with other adults to relax and refresh. This is what The Servant Table is all about. Drop off your kids and join us for food, fun, and friendship. No reservation needed. You can wear your favorite team’s gear (optional) and join us for a chili cook-off!
Third Grade Bible Sunday September 30
Third Grade Bible Sunday Church of the Servant celebrates our third graders each year by presenting them with their own Bible. These celebrations will take place in the 9:30 Celebration Service, and the 9:30 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. The celebration will extend into our Courtyard from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with donuts and fellowship.
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omewhere between leaving childhood behind and treading wide-eyed into the teenage years lurk a thousand bewildering questions. Where did God come from? How come I’m not perfect? Why doesn’t everyone go to Heaven? Preteens need the truth.
Grapple helps them find it. The lessons in Grapple – based on real questions asked by real 10 to 12-year-olds – grab their attention and don’t let go. Kids will learn how to search the Bible for answers and build a faith foundation that guides wise choices. Each lesson of Grapple plunges preteens into the Bible to find answers to their biggest questions about relationships, faith questions, and choices. Each Grapple lesson includes irresistible Bible studies that encourage kids to explore the truth with their heads and their hearts, thought-provoking videos to get preteens thinking and talking, and Grapple Dares that challenge kids to apply what they’ve learned. Join us the second Wednesday night of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for dinner ($2 per person), friendship, fun, and to “Grapple” with some of the issues our preteens face today.
HONK HONK!
SAVE THE DATE FOR
SERVANT FALL FEST Servant Fall Fest and Trunk-or-Treat is back! Join us on Friday, October 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. as we continue the new format for Church of the Servant’s annual family-friendly Fall Fest. Again this year, Servant Fall Fest will include a Trunk-or-Treat, where children can safely trick-or-treat and play games in our parking lot. 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. New this year will be a costume contest! Attendees are encouraged, but not required, to bring donations of diapers or wipes for Infant Crisis Services. In case of rain, all activities (other than the cars!) will be moved indoors. A fireworks show will conclude the evening. The excitement and outreach generated from Fall Fest last year was incredible. Can you help us continue that success? Please stop by the Servant Fall Fest table in the Concourse on Sunday, September 23 or 30 to sign up to lend a hand – or a 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, and there will be prizes awarded! We also need hospitality volunteers during the event, help with set-up and clean-up, donations of baked goods for the bake sale and cake walk, and donations of bags of individually-wrapped candies (candy can be placed in any of the drop boxes around the church by Sunday, October 21). For group or individual volunteer opportunities, contact Erin Page at 740-1208 or erinepage@gmail.com, or sign up to provide a trunk at https://www. signupgenius.com/go/30e0f48a4ae28a5fb6-church.
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EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP A GIFT BOUTIQUE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
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It’s Fall, Y’all
abor Day is over and Pumpkin Spice Latte went on sale last week, so break out your cute boots because fall is officially here. And if you need a cute new raincoat to protect you during the rainy season we seem to be encountering, Earthglow is the place to visit. The shop offers a diverse selection of boutique items and you are sure to find some treasures to fit any occasion. Earthglow is pleased to introduce you to the artwork of Sharon Nowlan. Sharon’s artwork is reflective of the beautiful land and seascapes of Nova Scotia where she grew up drawing, painting and creating a variety of media. We are proud to have available to our shoppers selections from the Sharon Nowlan Collection, which transforms a mix of composite pebbles and other materials into inspirational designs, from angels and devoted friends to sentiments such as “With You”, “Birds of a Feather”, and “The Angel”, all pictured here. These fine artisan reproductions capture the joy and emotional experience of relationships, depicting couples, family, friends and individuals. They make a meaningful gift for the special people in your life on special occasions or “just because”.
While you are in the shop, be sure to visit the candy counter. There is a terrific selection of delicacies to satisfy your sweet tooth. These bite-sized treasures come in a multitude of flavors, some even sugar free, and at bargain prices. And as you can see from the photo, “Calories don’t count on the WEEKEND”. Store hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, and Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shop in Earthglow! All profits from sales go to local missions!
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Church of the Servant 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142-9725
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO 99
OKLAHOMA CITY 73125