November 2023 Newsletter by Church of the Servant UMC

EDITION 23.11

NOVEMBER 2023

CONNECT C H U R C H O F T H E S E R V A N T ’ S M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R

CONVERSATIONS AROUND THE

CAMPFIRE

AT C H U R C H O F T H E S E R VA N T

This season of Thanksgiving reminds us that all we have in this life we have received from God. It also reminds us that we are asked to share with others from what we have received.

Rev. Jessica Moffatt Lead Pastor Transitions Team

In November, we are asking every member and active participant of Church of the Servant to take time and consider what “thankfulness to God” means for their families, church, and community. We have a wonderful way for you to do that! Your pastors are hosting “Conversations Around the Campfire” in November over several days and times. These smaller-group gatherings of no more than 60 people will include heart-to-heart discussions, appraisals of what is needed for Servant to end this year well, and some exciting ideas for what lies ahead in 2024. Who should attend these Campfires? If you are a full member of Church of the Servant and look forward to supporting your church in 2024 with your “prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness,”* then these Campfires are designed just for you! If you are an active participant at Servant and plan on staying active in 2024, these Campfires are designed for you, too! Did we say “campfires?” Yes! Since we’ll meet indoors, you must see this for yourself! And what’s a campfire without some great wagon-train grub and some handclapping, guitar-picking campfire songs? The only things you WON’T experience will be the mosquitos and the smoke.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoff mann

We ask you to please join us for either a lunchtime or dinnertime gathering this month. Register online at ServantOKC.org/campfire, or contact the church office for more information. You need to attend only one of these events, as the programs will be the same at each Campfire.

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Lead Pastor Transitions Team

*Supporting Church of the Servant through our ”prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness” is one part of our membership vows.

The CONNECT | November 2023

A special note to those unable to attend our Campfires: we will inform you about one or more online gatherings later this month. We will not be able to sit around a campfire, but we will be able to have the same kind of heart-to-heart conversations with you and others through the miracle of Zoom. Your pastors may also contact you through printed materials sent by mail and one-on-one conversations by phone or home visit. As you look through the rest of this newsletter, you will see so many ways that your faithfulness continues to impact the lives of others. What more does God have in store for us in 2024? Let’s gather around a campfire and find out! Thankful for YOU this Thanksgiving season, Pastor Jess Pastor Thomas The CONNECT | November 2023

Join us for a magical night under the stars with a LIVE nativity and narration of the great story of the birth of Jesus! Enjoy Christmas carols, a petting zoo, cookies & cocoa, and more! Admission is FREE and open to all ages. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Just like any great event, it’s only as good as it’s volunteers. We need: setup and clean-up crew, carolers (choir), cast for the nativity, greeters, and people to pass out cookies and cocoa. We will be set up on the south lawn and we will work in shifts so we can step inside to warm up between shifts. If you are available to help with this wonderful night, please register at ServantOKC.org/events.

The CONNECT | November 2023

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! Please register your family so we can get a head count for the meal. You can register online at ServantOKC.org or by calling the church office at 405-721-4141. 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

The CONNECT | November 2023

BIBLE STUDY

UPCOMING AND ONGOING STUDIES THE CASE FOR CHRISTMAS

MEN’S BUCK & A BIBLE

Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. | Community Hall | Men Grab your Bible and join a group of early-rising, God-filled, fun-loving men in a study led by Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoffmann. No registration required. Each session is essentially an independent study, so even if your schedule will prevent weekly attendance, feel free to attend as often as possible.

SERVANT WOMEN IN THE WORD Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Community Hall For Women

This large group Bible Study is a favorite among many women as it appeals to the beginning follower as well as the seasoned believer. No registration required. Each session is essentially an independent study, so even if your schedule will prevent weekly attendance, feel free to attend as often as possible. Childcare available.

by Lee Strobel | A study for Women Starting November 15, 2023 | 4-week Study Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM in Classroom 9 Led by Patricia Hocker During his faith journey, Lee Strobel investigated the real meaning behind all those nativity scenes he saw outside of churches. In this four-week study, Lee reveals what he discovered from consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy as he sought to separate the truth from the tradition. Regardless of whether the center of your Christmas decorations is the nativity set on your mantle or the presents under the tree, The Case for Christmas study invites you to look beyond the familiar traditions of the season, challenge you to examine the evidence for yourself, and consider why Christmas really matters and why it’s still so relevant today. The study guide can be purchased at Amazon.Contact for the class: Patricia Hocker – 405-535-9121

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER & BIBLE STUDY Wednesday Night Dinner - 5:00-6:30 PM Bible Study - 6:30-7:30 PM

Large-Group Bible Study for Men & Women | 6:30 PM 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 necessary for the Bible study. If you are planning to have dinner, please register by calling the church office at 405-721-4141 or online at ServantOKC.org/kitchen.

The CONNECT | November 2023

LORD, I WANT TO KNOW YOU Discover the Limitless Power of God's Name. So much of our confusion and pain results because we don't know God -- who He really is, how He works in our lives. But with Lord, I Want to Know You, that will all change. When you know God more fully by studying His names -- Creator, Healer, Protector, Provider, and many others -you'll gain power to stand strong. You'll find strength for times of trial, comfort for pain, and provision for your soul's deepest needs. And your walk with God will be transformed. Let Kay Arthur guide you through the Scriptures in this deeply insightful study. Your daily time with God in His Word will introduce you to the limitless treasure available to you as His child. And these are truths you can share easily with others, individually or in small groups. EVERYTHING YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS WE DO IN LIFE SHOULD DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS JANUARY 3, 2024 BE LINED UP WITH THE Fill out the form below and email or text to: WORD OF 405-420-5463 nancyquilter@cox.net GOD. IT IS OUR PLUMB Upon registering you will receive an email with links LINE! to order your book. (Print) FIRST NAME

LAST NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIPCODE

CELL PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Where:

Church of the Servant, North Annex Room 12

When: Time: Leader:

January 10 – May 15, 2024 9:30 am. Nancy Harris The CONNECT | November 2023

SERVANT STUDENTS As we step into November, Servant Students is continuing all the goodness from the months before. Small groups are one of the key components of Servant Student Wednesday Nights as students and leaders gather to open up and dive deep into scripture. Discussion centers around the message for that night, but often moves into how these students can take what they’ve learned and apply it to their own lives. This continues to be one of the most important parts of our time together as groups bond, laugh, and pray for one another. Along with small groups, Servant Students will also continue our time together in worship of God. On our worship nights, our band leads us in a time of praise as this truly becomes one of the sweetest and holiest parts of our week. In the dimly lit Auditorium, Carter David and Abby Rodriguez, along with a few other students, lead us in worship. Hands go up in praise as we all learn how to shut out the world around us and focus our hearts on our Savior. This time is often guided into our message and concluded in more praise. It has been powerful and formidable, and we hope to see this movement of God even more as we round out this year.

Would you like more information about Servant Students? Contact Heather Winner at hwinner@ServantOKC.org or Skyler Rodriguez at srodriguez@ServantOKC.org.

Heather Winner Director of Servant Students

SERVANT STUDENTS The CONNECT | November 2023

Skyler Rodriguez Assistant Director of Servant Students

FA LL F E S T 2 02 3 “Trunk-or-Treat inside? There’s no question about it,” one mom expressed to me as she and her family checked in for Fall Fest 2023. This seemed to be the mindset of every parent that entered Church of the Servant on Halloween night, some attempting to brave the cold in their neighborhoods and then deciding it just wasn’t working for their family. As 1,500 moms, dads, brothers, sisters, and even pups flooded our church, it was clear that our community needed this, and to be frank, so did Church of the Servant. Life filled our concourse as families moved to each of our incredibly decorated trunks, to the bounce house, to the bubble house, to our balloon artists and face painter, to BINGO. Candy was exchanged, but it was the joy that seemed most valuable to each person, whether attendee or volunteer. The faces in the pictures you see are simply a glimpse into the fun that was had and the tangible goodness found throughout our church that evening. As we wrap up this Fall Fest season, I cannot thank each of our volunteers enough for their willingness to help and their patience with each and every change. From the booths to the activities, to the greeting, to the bake sale and Skyline collections: THANK YOU for your servant’s hearts - it was a beautiful thing to serve God alongside each of you. Heather Winner Fall Fest photos by Carl Shortt

The CONNECT | November 2023

SERVANT KIDS Report SUNDAY MORNINGS WITH SERVANT KIDS

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 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.

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.

The CONNECT | November 2023

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS… PARADE OF THANKS

SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER AGES 3 YEARS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN Gratitude sometimes feels like a lost art. Yet gratitude is an idea close to God’s heart. Think about all the Bible stories where people gave thanks to God. The Israelites celebrated God with feasts and festivals. The writers of the Psalms wrote songs of praise to thank God for being faithful. Throughout this month, we hope kids will learn to be grateful for everything God has done: for the world God made, for the promises God has kept, and for the new life God offers the world through Jesus. When we remember all these things, we can always be thankful. Our memory verse this month comes from Ephesians 5:20 which says, “Always give thanks to God.” This month, we will learn to thank God for family, friends, and food. We can thank God all the time. Who can you thank for everything? I can thank God for everything.

SHOUT OUT: WHO HAVE YOU THANKED TODAY? SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER GRADES 1-5

This month, we will learn about the connection between GRATITUDE and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Gratitude is letting others know you see how they’ve helped you. Gratitude sometimes feels like a lost art. Yet gratitude is an idea close to God’s heart. Think about all of the Bible stories where people gave thanks to God. The Israelites celebrated God with feasts and festivals. The writers of the Psalms wrote songs of praise to thank God for being faithful. Throughout this month, we hope kids will learn to be grateful for everything God has done: for the world God made, for the promises God has kept, and for the new life God offers the world through Jesus. When we remember all of these things, we can always be thankful. Our memory verse comes from Psalm 136:1 which says, “Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good. His faithful love continues forever.” We will learn that we always have something to be grateful for, and we should take time to say thank you. We will discuss how to make a habit of being grateful and how to celebrate what God has done.

The CONNECT | November 2023

EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP It’s Beginning to look a LOT like Christmas! We have so many wonderful gift options, home decór and so much more! Holiday towels, treat platters, gorgeous nativities, Christmas trees, kids items, Santas and ornaments! One of our favorites is an ornament that you can scan with your phone each day during December and Santa will give you a personalized message with a task to spread joy and kindness to those around you. We’d love for you to come in and check out all of our goodies - shop daily or at our Earthglow Market on November 11th!

The CONNECT | November 2023

M I S S I O N S

WHIZ KIDS LEARN ABOUT COLLEGE Whiz Kids heard about college from four students who came to speak to them. The students were from OCU & UCO. The kids were given questions to ask them. They asked about why they chose their school, what did they want to do after college, when you were little, what was your favorite book, who was their role model, have you ever failed at anything, and what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? They really enjoyed it and helped them think about the possibility of them going to college. The kids have also been memorizing a quote each month. October’s quote was “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” - Will Rogers

The CONNECT | November 2023

For the months of October and November, we are hosting a Food Drive for The Skyline Food Resource Center. 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 “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 Hanging of the Greens. 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.”

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 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.

The CONNECT | November 2023

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.

The CONNECT | November 2023

DECEMBER

PRIME TIME N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3

PRIME TIME LUNCHEON Thursday, December 14, 10:30 AM Community Hall Special Guest: The VOICES VOICES is a vocal ensemble based in Edmond, OK. Their repertoire spans a vast array of musical genres including gospel, patriotic, Christmas, vocal jazz and pop. From upbeat tunes to lush a capella harmonies, the music of VOICES brings a positive message of hope and light to our world. Members of the all-Christian group attend several different churches in the OKC Metro. For more information about the Voices, go to ServantOKC.org/prime-time.

The VOICES!

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.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 11th!

ServantOKC.org/prime-time

NOVEMBER

PRIME TIME LUNCHEON Thursday, November 9, 10:30 AM Community Hall

Bob Burke, Author

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. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6th. The CONNECT | November 2023

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

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 I believe will speak to your heart. Whether you are a longtime member of our community or are 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!

WORSHIP TIME

SUNDAYS @ 10AM

LIVE STREAM Sunday Mornings @ 10AM servantokc.online.church Facebook.com/ServantOKC