Newsletter 10.10.18

E D I T I O N N O. 18 .10 |

O CT 2018

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MO NTHLY NEWSL ET TER

Fall Festival

Friday, October 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS SEASON

Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister

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he great staff of Church of the Servant is diligently preparing for the Christmas Season. I cannot believe Advent will begin in less than two months. As we all continue to plan and prepare I want you to save the date for two new events and one event many of you already know and love. Here is a breakdown of events you will not want to miss:

A SPECIAL EVENT It is going to be big!

Sunday, November 25 I cannot say what we are up to, but it is going to be big! I am waiting on one more permit to be issued. Let’s just say if all the hurdles are passed, it is going to be so big that you will be able to see it for miles and miles. I bet I have your attention now. Read Matthew 5:14-16 and get ready. We are going to have some fun, and perhaps we will even make the news!

THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL & Polar Express Party Saturday, December 8 & Sunday, December 9 This year’s CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL is jammed packed with great music. Our 100-voice choir is working hard with our 40-piece worship orchestra to create a special night

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of Christmas memories. While last year’s performance included some secular music, this year we focused completely around our Lord, the babe of Bethlehem. Jane Jayroe Gamble will be our hostess for this year’s festival. We are so excited to have Jane with us this year. In addition, we will have the Hill Irish Dance Troupe! We will elevate the center floor so you can get a good look at their award-winning step dancing!

While the music is all sacred, it is at times very spirited, especially when the drum lines from Deer Creek and Santa Fe High schools join in on “Little Drummer Boy”. On the opposite side of the scale is “Mary Did You Know” with an original dance from choir member Shauna Gerlach. “O Holy Night” will take you to a splendid place of peace. The soulful voice of Lindsay Ballard will have you on your feet and clapping your hands.

This Year, the music festival will be on Saturday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m.

The POLAR EXPRESS PARTY will be a special event for Children who may not want to sit through the Christmas Music Festival. Of course, all are welcome. However, sometime children really want to have fun in their own special way. Children’s ministry is planning and preparing for a special showing of Polar Express during the music festival. Golden tickets, hot chocolate, and maybe even dancing waiters will be highlights of this special event. The event will only take place on Sunday afternoon during the music festival (NOT Saturday).

Please plan accordingly.

A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM Friday, December 14 through Sunday, December 16 (THREE DAYS ONLY!) A new tradition where all hands will be on deck for three evenings of wonder and story, as the back lawn of the church property is turned into the streets of Bethlehem. Running from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, both children and adults will be able to experience the real reasons for this special season of the year. If you enjoy acting, dressing up, and getting into character, you will want to be on the lookout for a casting call this month, so that you can help Church of the Servant begin a new ministry to help celebrate this most wonderful time of the year.

CHRISTMAS EVE December 24 Need I say more? Christmas Eve service times will be 3:00 p.m. for our child-friendly service led by NextGen Ministries, and 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. for our Candlelight Communion services led by our Celebration Choir and Worship Orchestra. More information coming soon!

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ow that I have your attention, I hope you will continue to be on the lookout for updates and more information in the days and weeks ahead. Remember to check your email inbox for Servant eNews. You will not want to miss out on what is in store for us this Christmas season at Church of the Servant!

Getting ready for a wonderful Advent & Christmas at Church of the Servant,

Join us for the final “Servant 5.0: Preparing for Our Future” vision meeting with Dr. Matthew Mitchell, Senior Minister, where he will share exciting future plans for our church! No registration required.

If you have not been to one of Matthew’s meetings, plan to attend Sunday, October 14 (4:30 - 6:00 p.m.) in the Centrum.

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WOMEN’s MINISTRIES

Bible Studies & Small Groups Servant Women in the Word

Ongoing Bible Study 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.

2018 Women’s Retreat A Refreshing Break in the Arbuckles A beautiful weekend of sharing, worship and relaxation happened in September for the fifty-eight women who attended this year. The theme: “Give Yourself a Break: Turning Your Inner Critic into Your Compassion Friend” provided small groups with great conversation and many tools for showing themselves self compassion within the context of our Christian faith.

We walked away realizing that each of us, with help from Jesus Christ, is called to be an active part of our own rescue. It matters how we talk to ourselves and care for ourselves because it impacts our relationships with others.

Each fall, this 48-hour retreat provides an opportunity to worship and establish personal connections to others with whom we might not normally meet and share life. We will be putting out the date soon for next year and hope you will plan to attend!

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Men’s Morning Bible Study

BUCK and a BIBLE Ongoing Bible Study 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.

Dr. Stephen Gunter, Theologian in Residence Offering a 3-week seminar November 3, 11, and 18, 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Cross Advent 2018! Are you ready for the arrival of Jesus?

Daily events and headlines increasingly numb our hearts and minds to the vertical dimension of what it means to be human. God has come to us “in the flesh” and Jesus is a reminder of what it means to be fully human. Our three-week journey into the significance of Advent will open us afresh to the Christian Truth that God was in Christ for us and for our salvation. Come journey with us the first three weeks in November as we prepare for God’s arrival. Plan this event for your Sunday School Class or small group, or attend as an individual with the idea of preparing yourself for the season that is quickly approaching.

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 meet 3:00-4:30 p.m. each Sunday through December 16 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 405-7284738 or vroberds@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!

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Tuesdays and Thursdays – 9:00-11:30 a.m.

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One Monday night a month – 6:00-7:15 p.m.

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 – October 11 For the October meeting, Prime Time presents Skeeter Hall and her entertaining way, bringing a terrific book review on October 11 at 10:30 a.m. in Community Hall. She will give you a morning to remember as she reveals life stories about a beloved comedian. The entertainer to be highlighted brought in such greats as Lucille Ball and Cary Grant as guests on her wildly successful television show that was happily watched by millions. She has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Kennedy Center Honors. Who in the world could this entertainer be? None other than CAROL BURNETT! Whether or not you’ve enjoyed Skeeter before, this is a presentation you will not want to miss! Skeeter’s background includes over 30 years of bringing the art of ventriloquism to all ages. She also served as a bus coach tour director for years, having toured travelers throughout the country, always bringing laughter on - and off - the buses. It is going to be SO MUCH FUN! Following this entertaining program, we’ll enjoy another great lunch from Michele. Program only is $2; with lunch, the total is $10. As always, Prime Time fellowship is free! Sign up at the Welcome Center or register on the church Website at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.

ENDLESS HOPE TOUR with Liz Curtis Higgs Saturday, November 17, 9:30 a.m.

Christian author, speaker, and encourager, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Prison Fellowship International are partnering to present the Endless Hope Tour, a series of uplifting women’s events held in churches across the nation. This exclusive tour comes to us on Saturday morning, November 17.

An international speaker, and best-selling author of 37 books with 4.6 million copies in print, Liz Curtis Higgs’ messages are biblical, encouraging, and profoundly funny. “I can’t wait to dive into the Word and share with you the hope-filled stories of two sisters, Mary and Martha, as together, we discover the deep-down joy and the absolute peace that comes in knowing Jesus,” Higgs says.

With music and worship

by Austin and Lindsey Adamec, join Liz Curtis Higgs for an event overflowing with joy and laughter, and celebrate God’s boundless, matchless, endless hope. Tickets can be purchased in the women’s ministry department at the church for a discounted rate of $15.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, go to www.churchotheservant.com/events.

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Sermon Series A 2019 STEWARDSHIP JOURNEY

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n Sunday, October 28, our congregation will begin a new worship series entitled There Are No Giants.

The series will focus on the journey, trials and tribulations of Moses, Joshua, and the people of Israel once they left Egypt and began to travel to the Promised Land. The foundational text for the series will be the same scripture I mentioned on Sunday, September 9, as Church of the Servant celebrated its 50th anniversary. On that special day, I referenced Joshua 4: 1-8 when the Servant Cross was dedicated in honor of Rev. Dr. Norman and Mrs. Kipp Neaves. I believed then, and still believe now, that this scripture delivers an important message for all of us – to remember and share the great story of Church of the Servant! The series will culminate on Sunday, November 18 – Commitment Sunday. I hope that you will begin now to pray over what your household’s commitment will be in 2019 to support the general budget of our church.

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The 2019 budget is being developed as I type, and I plan to share that budget with you during the worship series. I am confident 2018 will end up as a tremendous year for Church of the Servant, and help to establish a new normal for future budgeting and planning.

In 2019, we hope to add a few key staff members to help expand and embolden key ministries. It is imperative that at least one new full-time staff member be added to the Worship Arts overall budget, as a Worship Leader/Director is critically needed to fully support the 9:30 and 11:00 modern services.

While I am aware that this position will not impact everyone at Church of the Servant, I do believe adding the correct person will allow the modern worship services to begin to achieve a new level of engagement for many in our church family. Not only will this new position help the modern worship services become more creative, but by adding this position, John Gilstrap, Director of

NextGen Ministries (Students and Children), will be able to focus more energy and attention on Servant Students and Servant Kids Ministries.

If you would like to get a jump on the scripture readings for the worship series, I suggest reading the Book of Joshua in its entirety. It would not hurt to read Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, if you have the time. Make note anytime you discover a reference to the Promised Land and the Giants living in the land.

Serving Christ Together, Dr. Matthew L. Mitchell Senior Minister

COMMITMENT SUNDAY IS NOVEMBER 18 Look for a Commitment Card to arrive in your mailbox within the next few weeks. And then bring that Commitment Card with you to church on Commitment Sunday – November 18

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 zippers 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! For additional information contact Jaci Finch at jacf@ cox.net or Ann Knutson at annknut@gmail.com. With questions about the medical supplies, please contact Nick Knutson at nickknut@gmail.com.

UPCOMING MISSION EVENTS Month of October:

School and Medical Supplies collected for Kenya Mission

Tuesday, October 16: Bless Our Schools Teacher Dinner at Hefner Middle School Sunday, November 4: Christmas Grace begins!

Sunday, December 2: Christmas Grace gifts are returned to the church.

February, 2019:

Kenya Mission Trip

March, 2019:

Servant High School Mission Houston ChurchoftheServant.com

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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 Parents Gathering is all about! Once a month, you have the chance to join together with other parents to for food, fun, and friendship. This month’s theme is Friendsgiving Potluck and will take place on Wednesday, November 7 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Programming will be available for kids from birth to 12th grade at the same time, so all you need to do is drop of your kids and plan to join us for a great evening!

We will need meat, sides, and desserts for this great night. Reservations are not necessary, but we would love to know who is bringing food.

If you plan to contribute to the Potluck, please let John Gilstrap know by emailing him at jgilstrap@churhoftheservant.com. We hope to see you at this great event!

HONK HONK!

Who will you invite to

SERVANT FALL FEST? Servant Fall Fest is almost here! Our family-friendly event on Friday, October 26 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. is FREE to attend and the perfect opportunity to invite your friends, family and neighbors to visit our church. “You’ve Been BOO’d” packets are available at the children’s Welcome Counter (downstairs) for families to invite friends and neighbors to Fall Fest. We provide the instructions and materials, you just add treats!

Fall Fest will feature Trunk-or-Treat in our parking lot for children to safely collect candy and play games, and indoor activities will include a costume contest, movie playing in the Centrum, inflatables, balloon artists, face painting, therapy dogs, the cake walk, BINGO, hot dog dinner, cotton candy and popcorn sales, and the bake sale. Costumes are welcome on attendees and volunteers, but no scary costumes, please!

Children should bring their treat bags to collect goodies throughout the evening. Guests 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.

Sunday, October 21 is the last day to drop off candy donations for the Fall Fest candy drive. Please place your bags of individually-wrapped candies in any of the drop boxes around the church.

There are still plenty of Fall Fest volunteer opportunities available. 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. There will be prizes awarded for the best decorated trunks! We also need hospitality volunteers during the event, help with set-up and clean-up, and donations of baked goods for the bake sale and cake walk. For group or individual volunteer opportunities, contact Erin Page at 740-1208 or erinepage@gmail.com.

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Special night designed for

4TH & 5TH GRADE STUDENTS Somewhere 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.

High school Servant High School Winter Retreat “LIGHT” Servant High School Students, mark your calendar for December 7-9. This is our Winter Retreat. ALL 9th-12th grade students are invited to come! Join us for this wonderful weekend filled with worship, biblical teaching, small groups, games, hiking, and so much more! Registration is available online. Register by November 18. Contact Sang Nguyen at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com if you have any questions.

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Servant High School Students Servant Student’s Back To School Bash On September 12, Servant Students hosted our Back To School Bash. We celebrated with over 140 students and 35 adults as we kicked off the school year with extreme inflatables and epic water games! This was a great place where students invited their friends and created some awesome memories with their leaders!

This event would not have been possible with our leadership team: Tanner Schlinke, Leah Segress, Hurst Jones, Karla O’Hara, Andi Neaves, Leslie Flurry, Marcus Humphrey, Zack Travers, Tim Lloyd, Lynda Barnes, Stacey Brim, Scott Means, Joey Punneo, Juli Hudson, Kendall Carpenter, MJ Means, Kearstyn Murphy, David Loftis, David Hammons, Amy Johnson, Kristen Todd, Ron Sahmaunt, Chad Berry, Joe McFarlane, Dustin Baker, Wendi Humes, Leahla Barrett, Ryan Aller, Colby Stone, Courtney Lindenborn, Megan McDaniel, Jeremy Patman, Jeremy Sanders, Mike Todd, Abby Hammons, and Nicole Nelson.

Servant High School Sunday Morning Program Our Servant High School Sunday Morning program meets at 9:30 a.m. in the high school auditorium at The Point Student Center. This is for all 9th-12th grade students! Our morning is filled with breakfast, games, a teaching time, and discussion groups with adult leaders. We want students to know and love God, trust and accept Jesus, to grow in their faith, to serve God and others.

High School Wednesday Evening Small Groups All High School students are invited to join a small group! Our small group consists of students (same gender and grade) and two caring adults. We meet in the 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 6:30-8:00 p.m. Register and join a group today. What if I have questions? Contact Sang Nguyen at 405-7284754 or snguyen@churchoftheservant.com.

Servant High School Mission Houston The High School Spring Break 2019 Mission Trip is a week-long mission experience that will be an amazing opportunity to share the incredible love of Christ. Jesus calls His followers to go and be His hands and feet. This is our chance to answer the call to be like Jesus. This is one of the greatest opportunities to grow in your relationship with Jesus, our leaders, and other youth students. For more information, go to www.churchoftheservant.com/events.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Servant Middle School Fall Retreat “Imitator” WHAT: Servant Middle School Retreat”Imitator”– All 6th-8th grade students are invited to come enjoy this wonderful weekend at Canyon Camp spent learning how to live life as a God Imitator.

Parents!

Don’t forget to sign up for our email subscriptions! You can do this under Newsletter on the church Website at www.churchoftheservant.com/ resources/newsletter.

WHEN: Friday, November 2 – Sunday, November 4 WHERE: Canyon Camp in Hinton, Oklahoma COST: $125.00 (cost covers: transportation, lodging, all meals, t-shirt, worship experience, and all recreational activities) DETAILS: Meet at Church of the Servant at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. We will be return to the church on Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Eat dinner before you come to church on Friday. Get ready for the greatest weekend ever! Please register at www.churchoftheservant.com/events.

Questions? Contact jsmith@churchoftheservant.com.

Middle School Sunday Morning Program

MIddle School Wednesday Night Program

Servant Middle School Sunday Morning program is for 6th-8th grade students and starts at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday in The Point Student Center. During this time, students gather together with other middle school students and caring adult leaders to experience games, a relevant message, and group discussions. Our Sunday Morning program is all about helping students to know and love God, and to grow in their faith.

Servant Middle School Wednesday Night program is for 6th-8th grade students and takes place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in The Point Student Center. During this program, students will take part in games, a lesson, and age/gender-based small groups. Wednesday Night is all about helping students to connect with each other, adult leaders, and most importantly, to our Savior. Please join us this week!

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EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP A GIFT BOUTIQUE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

EARTHGLOW IS BURSTING WITH BEAUTIFUL NEW ITEMS

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ith the holiday season just around the corner, Earthglow is filled with seasonal items to make Halloween and Thanksgiving a decorating delight. There are lovely new serving pieces made from Melamine and Melaboo (an interesting combination of Melamine and bamboo) to make your entertaining festive. There are assorted placemats, decorator towels, candles, and much more to add to the ambience of your holiday scenes. And the shop is scheduled to come alive with Christmas items before you know it.

Many of you purchased the Church of the Servant commemorative tee shirts on the morning of our 50th anniversary celebration, but for those of you that missed out, they are available for only $10 each in Earthglow. We are sure to have opportunities to dress in “church attire” in the future, and you’ll want to have one of these terrific tees in your wardrobe. You will note in the photo, that the tee looks really nice with one of the stylish and warm wraps that are a new item in the shop. Come by today and decorate you and your home while also helping Earthglow’s mission outreach – all profits are given to local missions!

2018 EARTHGLOW MARKET Earthglow Gift Shop sponsors a market each fall, which includes gifts, holiday and home décor, both handmade and commercial. This year, the Earthglow Market will be held on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will include the wares of over 100 vendors.

Proceeds from booth and table rental, food/bake sales, as well as the proceeds from the Gift Shop, go to local missions. Over our 42-year history, Earthglow has donated over $817,000 to various missions in our community. Your participation in our Earthglow Market has made a valued contribution to this effort!

Thank you for your continued patronage!

Mark this date on your calendar as an opportunity to kick-start your Christmas shopping, enjoy some down-home beans and cornbread, and Texas sheet cake for lunch, and take home some great treasures, including delicious baked goodies for the family to enjoy.

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VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION Sunday, November 11 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.

WHO AM I??

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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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

Earthglow Gift Shop sponsors a market each fall, which includes gifts, holiday and home dĂŠcor, both handmade and commercial. This year, the Earthglow Market will be held on Saturday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and will include the wares of over 100 vendors.

Mark this date on your calendar as an opportunity to kick-start your Christmas shopping, enjoy some down-home beans and cornbread, and Texas sheet cake for lunch, and take home some great treasures, including delicious baked goodies for the family to enjoy.