Newsletter - October 2023

CONNECT

A CHANGE OF SEASON AT CHURCH OF THE SERVANT

The recent start of autumn and the drop in temperatures remind us that change is happening all around us.

This is true for our Servant family as well. We have had to say goodbye to valued staff persons who are moving on to serve other churches, non-profits, and schools. Others from our staff are moving into new responsibilities here at COS. Some of our “pew-mates,” Sunday class members, and friends are no longer with us because of so many kinds of circumstances. As we continue to pray for God’s blessings to be with each of them in these new chapters, we also give thanks to God for all of the new members who will be joining Servant in the weeks ahead.

Times of change are moments when new life can emerge. Here in the Oklahoma City area, we are in the middle of the annual Monarch butterfly migration, and it is a miracle to realize these beautiful creatures resulted from the changes that happened to their lives as caterpillars.

New life is happening here at Servant, too, bringing us again to our roots and our name. Many among us are continuing to ask, “If we are ‘Church of the Servant,’ then shouldn’t we be following our Master’s life of servanthood in everything we do?” The Christian community often calls this “being in mission.”

Servant has a decades-long tradition of serving others, here in the OKC metroplex, throughout the US, and even across the globe in Kenya and Vietnam. We believe that “mission” is the purpose of everything we do at Church of the Servant. Every time we gather as a part of the Servant family, for any reason, at any age, we gather not only for our own benefit but also to bless someone else.

What does this mean? This means that our upcoming Fall Festival on October 29th isn’t only about celebrating with our neighbors and friends and watching their children get sugar-jagged, but it’s also about donating items to benefit Skyline Ministries (more information on page 17 ).

Rev. Jessica Moffatt

Lead Pastor Transitions Team Lead Pastor Transitions Team

SUNDAY WORSHIP - 10AM

Join us for worship this Sunday. We will be gathering together to celebrate and give thanks, to connect with one another, and to seek guidance and inspiration for the week ahead.

Sunday service time is 10:00 a.m. and includes uplifting music, prayer, and a message that will speak to your heart. Whether you are a longtime member of our community or joining us for the first time, we welcome you and look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions or need more information, go to the PLAN A VISIT page on our website. Otherwise, we hope to see you on Sunday!

This means that November’s youth program at Servant focuses not only on spiritual growth but also on helping lead “Christmas Grace,” an opportunity for many of us to help families at Christmastime through area aid agencies (more information on page 9).

This means that December is not only about caroling and garlands and candlelights, but it’s also about becoming the biggest blessing that Infant Crisis Services will have seen all year! (Didn’t it all begin for us one night long ago with an infant and family in crisis?)

Change is almost always hard. Sometimes it is very hard. But we at Church of the Servant will always find new life when we follow our Master’s example to serve (John 13:13-17).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER & BIBLE STUDY

Wednesday Night Dinner is available 5:00-6:30 p.m. in Community Hall. Large-group Bible study for Men and Women led by Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann will begin at 6:30 p.m. No reservation is necessary for the Bible study. If you are planning to have dinner, please register online at ServantOKC.org/kitchen or call the church office at 405-721-4141.

Pastor Thomas Pastor Jess

BIBLE STUDY

TUESDAY MORNINGS WITH THOMAS

As we thank Randy Shrauner for his amazing facilitation of the men’s “Buck and a Bible” and the “Servant Women in the Word” Bible studies over the last several years, we welcome the Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann to the Tuesday morning teaching spot.

Beginning October 10th at 6:30 for men and 9:30 for women, Pastor Thomas will continue the in-depth study of the Letter to the Hebrews begun a few weeks ago. “My personal study of Hebrews over the years has taught me so many important lessons,” Pastor Thomas says. “It’s in Hebrews that I learn that Jesus takes priority over everything else in life. That no matter how difficult it is to be Christian, I can’t give up. And that whenever we fight for what is holy and righteous, we never fight alone. And that’s just the beginning!”

Thomas is a teacher at heart and has spent most of his adult life as an educator. His first profession was teaching Kindergarten and preschool in Wisconsin. He later worked his way through college and seminary as an Instructor with EMSA ambulance and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor with the American Heart Association, training physicians, nurses, and paramedics.

Thomas understands his ministry calling to be “pastor-teacher” (see Ephesians 4:11-12, The Message). He served for years as Tulsa First Methodist’s Minister of Adult Education. He has been an adjunct instructor with Northeastern State University-Tahlequah, Oklahoma City University, Moscow State University in Russia, the Russia Methodist Seminary, Regent University, Philipps Theological Seminary, and St. Paul’s School of Theology. Thomas has published papers internationally in missiology, church history, and space science. He has given presentations to various organizations, including the American Optometric Association and the US Department of Defense’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and has written curricula for the US Army’s war school.

“But mostly,” Pastor Thomas says, “I love teaching in churches. To open up the scriptures with others and discover God’s treasures, both new and old—well, it’s just the very best!” Thomas uses a variety of teaching methods. His style is to invite participation from the group through questions and answers, small group discussions, and creative activities.

“I always want students to end a session with two things: more curiosity about the subject than what they came in with, and, at least one practical way to put into action what they just studied. I want all of us to become better doers and not just hearers of God’s word.”

So, bring your buck and bring your Bible, and join Pastor Thomas as we continue our Tuesday morning study of the Letter to the Hebrews. For more information, please email pastorthomas@transitions.team.

Pastor Thomas

Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann

VETERANS SUNDAY

November 12, 2023

On Sunday morning, November 12, during the 10:00 service, we will be celebrating and recognizing the sacrifice of our veterans. Did you know we have members at Servant that have served from the time of WWII to the current conflicts overseas – that’s over 75 years!

We will have a parade of Veterans that will be accompanied by the “Highlanders of Oklahoma City” Pipe and Drum Corps at the start of the service. Each military service will have a flag bearer representing and preceding their respective service and service members.

We would like to gather all the Veterans together in Community Hall at 0900 hrs (9:00 AM for the civilians) to have coffee, fellowship, and provide information about how the parade will proceed.

We look forward to seeing all the Veterans and their families here at the Church of the Servant on Sunday, November 12, at the 10:00 service so we can give each of you a sincere “THANK YOU” for your service and sacrifice to and for this country.

SERVANT STUDENTS

LOOK WHAT WE DID!

FALL KICKOFF 2023

On the final Wednesday of September, Servant Students gathered for the 4th annual Fall Kickoff! We established this event as a tradition that allows for students to come together, play games, and compete in some fun competitions as the weather begins to change.

Some of the competitions have included pumpkin painting, pumpkin carving, a pickleball tournament, and, our favorite, a football tournament. However, this is no regular football tournament. Instead of playing tackle football, we play ultimate frisbee style. And even better, we don’t even use a football! This year, some of our items included pumpkin spice latte, a bale of hay, some Halloween lawn ornaments, pumpkin guts, ears of corn, and much more! This year, Team Weathermen took home first prize.

This has become one of our favorite events of the school year. We do so many great events throughout the year, but it is so great to see the energy and excitement of the students early in the school year. This has been a great event to springboard us into the rest of the semester. We are praying for our students as they navigate this new school year and that they continue to pursue God’s calling for their lives.

Heather Winner Director of Servant Students

SERVANT STUDENTS

Team Weathermen took home first prize!

SERVANT STUDENTS

As we look ahead to the rest of this semester, we have a great deal of exciting events to look forward to. Throughout the next three months, students and leaders will have the opportunity to worship all together on a regular basis with Wednesday Night Worship, along with nights specific for small group time. In this time, we are brought together in unity to worship the One True God led by some amazing youth and adult leaders.

Alongside time of worship, Wednesday nights are focused around one keyword that makes way for our focus for the semester: undefeated. This word is the theme of our messages for the months ahead as we look at how the faithfulness of God brings us hope at all times. We do this by looking back – at reminding ourselves of the endless amount of times God’s faithfulness is unmatched and his reign is constant. He is undefeated in character, in power, and in love as He reveals Himself as unrivaled. Through these reminders shown through the Word, we look back to gain perspective on our own circumstances. In this, we remember, that if God was there then, He is here now – and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is in this, that we place our hope.

UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND OTHER INFORMATION, SO YOU DON’T MISS OUT ON COMMUNICATION ABOUT EVENTS! CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 405-721-4141

SERVANT KIDS Report

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.

SUNDAY MORNINGS WITH SERVANT KIDS

Servant Kids meets in person each Sunday at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. (two-hour programming is available). The same topic will be covered all morning long, but each hour will have different activities and videos to reinforce the lesson. This is a great option for parents who want to attend both a class and worship service on Sunday mornings. Drop your kids off between 9:45-10:00 a.m. and pick them up again at noon!

Kids ages 3 years old through fifth grade will meet in The Point each Sunday morning. Once the lessons start for the morning we will split into age-appropriate groups: preschool and kindergarten will be in a group and elementary kids will be in a different group.

Virtual options are available on our website each week. If you can’t make it in person on a Sunday morning, check out the lessons and videos online at ServantOKC.org/kids

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS…

SUPER KIDS

SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER

AGES 3 YEARS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN

Now is the time for our preschoolers to begin learning that God can help me be brave because the need to be brave— God-brave—will only grow throughout their lives.

What is God-brave? God-brave is . . .

• the kind of brave that does the right thing even when others don’t,

• the kind of brave that stands up to seemingly impossible circumstances,

• the kind of brave that trusts God during the darkest of times,

• the kind of brave that looks to God to help us be strong and courageous,

• the kind of brave that makes us SUPER KIDS—not because of what WE can do but because of what GOD can do.

Our memory verse this month comes from Deuteronomy 31:6 which says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you.” This month, we will learn to be brave because God is powerful and is with us. We can be brave and trust God and help others. God can help us do brave things. Who can help us be brave? God can help us be brave.

DRIVEN: WHAT’S INSIDE MATTERS MOST

SUNDAYS IN OCTOBER

GRADES 1-5

This month, we will learn about the connection between INTEGRITY and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Integrity is choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.

God is always good. Since the very beginning, God has been faithful and true. If God makes a promise, God keeps that promise. We are created in God’s image . . . and when we live with integrity, we reflect God’s integrity.

When Jesus lived on earth, He lived a perfect life and showed integrity in ways we can’t because of our sin. Jesus makes it possible for us to live as new creations. Through the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into people of integrity. Who we are in private should match who we are in public. When we trust in God, we can make the wise choice and be truthful in whatever we say and do.

Our memory verse comes from Proverbs 10:9 which says, “Anyone who lives without blame walks safely. But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.” We will learn to be truthful with your whole life because when you’re not truthful, you lose trust. We will discuss how to do what’s right wherever you are. When you do what’s right, others can see God. We should focus on what’s true.

STILL TO COME…

WE NEED YOU FOR FALL FEST!

Please stop by the Servant Fall Fest table in the Concourse on Sunday to sign up to lend a hand – or a trunk! Fall Fest will be Sunday, October 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. and includes a trunk-or-treat in our parking lot where kids can safely trick-or-treat and play games. 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! We also need hospitality volunteers during the event, help with set-up and clean-up, inflatable monitors, donations of baked goods for the cake walk, and donations of bags of individually wrapped candies. If you are interested in providing a trunk, and for other group or individual volunteer opportunities, please contact Skyler Rodriguez at srodriguez@servantokc.org. You can also register online at ServantOKC.org/events.

This FREE family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to invite your friends, family, and neighbors to visit our church. Other activities will include inflatables, balloon artists, the cake walk, BINGO, and more!

We are partnering with Skyline Food Resource Center (FRC) for the month of October! All who attend Servant Fall Fest are encouraged, but not required, to bring donations for FRC. Their most needed items are: Cereal, Canned Meat, Peanut Butter, Chunky Style Soups, Pasta, Canned Fruit, Toilet Paper. Drop these items in the bins located in the Concourse or at marked locations at Servant Fall Fest. See you there!

M I S S I O N S

FALL IS IN THE AIR AT WHIZ KIDS

To welcome our Ralph Downs teachers back to school and to show them how much we appreciate them, we took donuts, cinnamon rolls, fruit, and juice to school. Some of the teachers set up and decorated the serving table. It was very nice!

Each week we have been getting to know our new Whiz Kids and tutors by doing different activities to get acquainted. We’ve played games with dice, name cards, M & M’s, and a Find a New Friend game.

We’re looking forward to some guest speakers for fall & other fun outside activities, also.

If you would like to see what we’re up to, just drop by New Hope UMC (11600 N Council Rd.) any Monday of the school year between 3:00-5:00 p.m. We’d love to show off our great site!

OCTOBER COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Skyline Food Resource Center

For the month of October and in conjunction with our Servant Fall Fest, we are hosting a Food Drive for The Skyline Food Resource Center and Mobile Pantry. The Food Resource Center (FRC) helps people get food. It works in a different way than most food pantries. At the FRC Store, people can go shopping and choose the food they want. The FRC provides about $180 in groceries to those in need, and they service over 36,000 patrons in a given year.

The FRC Mobile Pantry goes to different places in Oklahoma City to help people who don’t have a nearby store. The Mobile Pantry gives out groceries, clothes, blankets, and things like soap and toothpaste to those in need. Go to the Skyline calendar page to see Mobile Pantry locations.

The “most wanted” food item list for Skyline includes: Cereal, Canned Meat, Peanut Butter, Chunky Style Soups, Pasta, Canned Fruit, and Toilet Paper. We will have donation bins available throughout the concourse and at Servant Fall Fest. Please consider donating items from this list to a family in need. As we do so, we intentionally respond to the teachings in Isaiah 58:7 – “share your food with the hungry.”

We have spots to fill on Sunday mornings for sound and camera operators, a person to advance the slides on the screens, and a video director! We are also looking for greeters and people to help park cars! Interested? We would love to have you on our team! Contact Heather DeShazo in the church office or by email at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Dinner & Decorating for the Whole Family!

Join us on Sunday, November 19, at 5:00 p.m. in Community Hall for an old-fashioned church family potluck dinner! Families with a last name beginning with letters A-M, please bring a side item. Families with a last name beginning with the letters N-Z, please bring a dessert. The church will provide the meat. Everyone is invited! In early November, we will distribute a registration form to get a head count.

After a delicious meal, we will divide into groups and decorate our church for the Advent season! We will hang lights and fluff the 40+ trees that are placed throughout the church. This is an activity that is fun for the whole family! Mark your calendar now - November 19th - and plan to join us for a wonderful evening of food and fellowship!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6

PRIME TIME

NOVEMBER

PRIME TIME LUNCHEON

Thursday, November 9, 10:30 AM

Community Hall

Special Guest: BOB BURKE

Bob Burke has written more historical non-fiction books (167) than anyone else in history. He was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and now practices constitutional law and writes books in Oklahoma City. All his books are about Oklahoma’s incredible history. Four have won the Oklahoma Book Award and four have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. For more information about Bob Burke, go to ServantOKC.org/prime-time

Michele Snow will provide us with a yummy meal that includes an entrée, vegetable, bread, beverage, and dessert. The cost for the program and meal is $12 ($2 for program only).

There’s no membership fee, just a warm invitation to anyone who would like to have a great morning of fun, food and fellowship! You can sign up anytime at Guest Central in the Concourse, on the website at ServantOKC.org/prime-time, or by calling the church office at 405-721-4141.

OCTOBER

PRIME TIME LUNCHEON

Thursday, October 12 10:30 AM in Community Hall

Special Guest: Erica C. Thomas

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

ServantOKC.org/prime-time

FUNDRAISER CONCERT!

Tuesday, October 24 @ 6:30 PM

G3 has agreed to play again for our annual Prime Time Fundraiser Concert on Tuesday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Centrum! Cost is $10. Pay in advance at the table in the Concourse on Sundays, October 15 & 22, or pay at the door on October 24th!

Erica C. Thomas attended the University of Oklahoma where she received the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Erica’s voice teacher, the late Thomas Carey, introduced her to the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company where she served as Executive/Artistic Director from 2002 to 2008. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, OCTOBER 9th.

Bob Burke, Author