CONNECT
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT’S MONTHLY
Rev. Kyle Anderson Senior Pastor
Pastor's PERSPECTIVE
EMBRACING FAITH & COMMUNITY
Servant Faith Family,
As the famous song states, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” We gathered as a faith family last week to deck the halls here at Church of the Servant. Many of our own homes are now adorned with lights and greenery in preparation for the holiday to come (with some of us so eager we got a head start before Thanksgiving). We are now truly ready for the season of Advent!
In case you have not heard that term before, the season of Advent is the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. It gets its name from the Latin term
“Adventus,” which means arrival or coming. Advent is a time when we, as a people of faith, remember the initial arrival of Christ as a baby laid in a manger long ago while simultaneously preparing ourselves for Christ to enter into our lives anew this Christmas. In the pages of this newsletter that follow, you will find the many ways you can join with your faith family in preparing yourself to experience Christmas in a whole new way this year.
Additionally, I invite you to think about who in your family, your neighborhood, your place of work, or elsewhere might benefit from experiencing the Good News of Christ’s birth this Advent and Christmas season. I find this is the time of year when the veil between the secular and the sacred is at its thinnest, and people are most willing, even longing, to encounter God. I encourage you to provide an invitation: to the LIVE nativity, to hear the Cantata on Sunday morning (December 22nd), to our candlelight Christmas Eve service, or any other Sunday or special event that is taking place. We have such Good News that we have received. This Advent and Christmas let us not keep it to ourselves, but may we find ways, great and small, to invite others to experience the Good News of Christ our Savior this year. I look forward to celebrating this Good News with you again next Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor Kyle
Join us at 10:00 AM each Sunday in December as we Journey to the Manger and towards Christmas. We will examine the stories of some of those who were there or went to visit the Christ child on that first Christmas: Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, and Wisemen.
YOU’RE INVITED! Come and join with your faith family throughout the Advent and Christmas Seasons as we remember the birth of Christ long ago and celebrate Christ’s continual presence in our lives today! Here is a snapshot of what you have to look forward to in the coming weeks:
CHILDREN’S PAGEANT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th, DURING SERVICE
During our celebration service this Sunday, we will have an extended time dedicated to the children of our church as they share with us, through music and words, the story of Christmas. If you would like your child or grandchild to participate, rehearsals take place during the 11:00 Sunday School hour.
Journey to the Manger SERMON SERIES
Each Sunday we will focus on an individual or group that traveled to celebrate Christ’s birth long ago: Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Angels, and Wisemen. Through song, drama, and messages we will examine how their stories might influence our journey to Christ today.
A Moment at the Manger LIVE NATIVITY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th, 5-7 PM
Join the Servant Youth, Celebration Choir, and friends as they share the Christmas story through our annual LIVE nativity.
CHRISTMAS EVE
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Tuesday, December 24th
6:00 PM
City of Hope CHRISTMAS CANTATA
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22nd, DURING SERVICE
Join us as we receive a special message through music as presented by the Celebration Choir under the direction of Rev. Sheri Lashley. If you desire to participate in the cantata, be sure to join Choir rehearsals at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings now!
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24th, 6 PM
Invite your friends and family to join us as we celebrate the greatest gift the world has ever received: the gift of Christ our Savior. In our service, we will turn to scripture, sing Christmas favorites, and conclude with Holy Communion, candle lighting, and the singing of Silent Night.
"CITY OF HOPE"
A CHRISTMAS CANTATA
There is nothing quite like hearing a choir sing Christmas songs. When we put those songs together, with some fantastic solo voices, and add some narration, we have a Cantata, or a musical composition of voices and instruments. The Celebration Choir will be offering a Cantata for Christmas during the morning worship on December 22, at 10:OO AM. The name of the Cantata is City of Hope, by Tom Fettke and Jay Rouse. As the publisher wrote about this work, the word "hope" is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or will turn out for the best.
We know that Hope was born over 2000 years ago, in the small town of Bethlehem. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” We always need hope in our lives, and there is no better time to feel that hope than at the time of Advent, or the time of Christ’s birth. Hope is no longer a feeling, but becomes a solid truth where we can build our lives.
This Cantata has several tunes that you will know, as well as some words to Christmas Carols that will be familiar. I pray that you will come to hear the choir, and bring a friend or two that might need a little bit of hope as well.
Join the Cantata!
Our choir has already begun practicing for the "City of Hope" Christmas Cantata. I invite you to sing with us as we prepare for the production. We will offer this to God as we perform it on December 22, 2024, during the 10:00 worship service. If you would like to sing with us, we invite you to come to practice on Wednesday nights at 6:30-8:00 PM. Join in the fun!
LOOKING AHEAD PASTOR SHERI
"Hattie May Wiatt, a six-year-old girl, lived near Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia, USA. The Sunday school was very crowded. Russell H. Conwell, the minister, told her that one day, they would have buildings big enough to allow everyone to attend. She said, ‘I hope you will. It is so crowded I am afraid to go there alone.’ He replied, ‘When we get the money, we will construct one large enough to get all the children in.’
Two years later, in 1886, Hattie May died. After the funeral, Hattie’s mother gave the minister a little bag they had found under their daughter’s pillow containing 57 cents in change that she had saved up. Alongside it was a note in her handwriting: ‘To help build bigger so that more children can go to Sunday school.’
The minister changed all the money into pennies and offered each one for sale. He received $250 – and 54 of the cents were given back. The $250 was itself changed into pennies and
sold by the newly formed ‘Wiatt Mite Society’. In this way, her 57 cents kept on multiplying.
Twenty-six years later, in a talk entitled, ‘The history of the 57 cents’, the minister explained the results of her 57-cent donation: a church with a membership of over 5,600 people, a hospital where tens of thousands of people had been treated, 80,000 young people going through university, 2,000 people going out to preach the gospel – all this happened ‘because Hattie May Wiatt invested her 57 cents.'"
The theme of multiplication runs throughout the Bible. What cannot be achieved by addition, God does by multiplication. You reap what you sow, only many times more. What you give to the Lord, he multiplies.
You may think individually that your little bit isn’t much and isn’t helpful. This includes your time (mission and ministry), your presence (you
Rev. Sheri Lashley Associate Pastor
wouldn’t even believe how just showing up helps), your money (yours added to others is a big deal), your prayers for the church, the staff, your pastors, and witnessing to others by how you live, how you show up, how you invite, etc...
May the New Year of 2025 be the biggest year yet in professions of faith, in new missions, and in doing ministry together. Thanks for all you have done, and thanks in advance for all you do.
Pastor Sheri
A first-hand account of this story is in a sermon delivered on December 1, 1912, by Russell H. Conwell, pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia. https://www.truthorfiction.com/hattiemaywiatt/
WOMEN'S MINISTRY
It was a great night all around! The Women’s Ministry of Church of the Servant hosted our first Faith, Hope and Art event. Mary Garrett led over 40 women and young ladies in painting our own Christmas trees on canvas. We had a short Christmas devotion and a song by Pastor Sheri, and then we proceeded to paint, eat yummy cake and cookies, and spend time getting to know each other better. There were sisters, mothers, daughters, and friends painting together. Each of us took home our creation. What a great time, spending time together and kicking off the Holiday Season!
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, camels, 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 its 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.
PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY
WHERE EVERYTHING WE DO IN LIFE MUST LINE UP WITH THE WORD OF GOD!
We have been learning so much about ourselves as we study Revelation and the 7 Churches in Asia that John was told to write to.
John is writing to 7 churches. The Ephesus Church had left their first love – their relationship with Jesus. They were going through the motions – from the outside, it looked like everything was going well, yet God says they had left their first love (Revelation 2:2-5). They had taken their focus off of Jesus and put it on themselves and their surroundings. What a great discussion we had about things that might cause us to lose our love for Christ.
The author of our study gave us fourteen reasons why we might lose our love for Christ. Here are four of them:
1. TRYING TO SERVE TWO MASTERS
Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and [a]wealth." Philippians 4:19 – "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." STICK WITH GOD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS – EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD ANYWAY!
2. NOT LOVING OUR ENEMIES
Matthew 5:43-48 – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." LOVE THOSE WE MIGHT CONSIDER OUR ENEMIES AND PRAY FOR THEM.
3.
LOVE OF SELF / SELFISHNESS
1 John 3:16-18 – 16 "We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters. 17 But whoever has worldly goods and sees his brother or sister in need, and closes his [a] heart [b]against him, how does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but indeed and truth." SHOW YOUR BROTHER AND SISTERS THE LOVE OF GOD BY DOING ACTS OF KINDNESS... HELP OTHERS.
For more information about Precept Bible Study, contact Nancy Harris at nancyprecept67@gmail.com
4. UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE
Ephesians 4:30-32 – 30 "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, [a]by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 All bitterness, wrath, anger, [b]clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven [c]you." Matthew 6:15 – "But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses." BE WILLING TO FORGIVE YOUR BROTHER AT ANY COST, AS IT CLEARS YOUR WRONGS BEFORE GOD AND KEEPS THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN.
Staying in love with Jesus has to be a priority for all believers. When you fall out of love with Christ for one of these reasons, you must take inventory to find out where you have fallen from, repent, and get back to loving God! DON’T LET THE THINGS OF THIS LIFE DISTRACT YOU FOR LOVING YOUR GOD!
Nancy Harris Precept Leader, Church of the Servant
SERVANT KIDS
FAMILY MINISTRIES
Servant Kids meets Sundays at 10:00 AM with Sunday School at 11:00 AM. We also have Wednesday night fun – 6:30-8:00 PM. Come join us! For more information, contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
This school year, the children have been learning about the Fruit of the Spirit. We didn’t expect to have fruit growing in our Celebration Center. We have watched as our very own banana tree has grown fruit and the bunches turn from green to yellow. All the children in service were able to pick their own bananas for breakfast! What a wonderful example of God’s bounty during this Thanksgiving season. The children are thankful for God’s blessings, big and small!
THE CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
Everyone loves hearing the story of Jesus’ birth during Christmas. It is especially heartwarming when told through the eyes of children. This year, Church of the Servant's children will present a sweet Christmas pageant during the December 15th service. Heather Anderson directs the presentation, starring children as the main characters and animals. There will be music and fun moments as we celebrate the Savior!
SERVANT YOUTH
YOUTH CONFIRMATION
Servant Youth grades 7-12 are invited to become part of the 2025 Confirmation Class at Church of the Servant! Classes will begin on January 15 and will continue each Wednesday 4:30-5:30 PM. These classes will be led by Pastor Kyle and Chris Ward. We will meet for an hour, and then you are welcome to join your child for dinner, or they may stay and eat with Pastor Kyle and Chris and then attend youth group! Please let us know if your youth will be attending by emailing Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com.
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday school for youth grades 6-12 will meet at 11:00 AM on Sundays beginning January 12th! We will be covering various topics that are important to the youth while discovering what the Bible has to say about it! For more information, contact Chris Ward at cward@churchoftheservant.com
M I S S I O N S
EDGAR CRUZ
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 3:00 PM
CONCERT TO BENEFIT MEALS ON WHEELS
YOU ARE IN FOR A REAL TREAT! Join us for a benefit concert with world-renowned musician Edgar Cruz on Sunday, January 12, at 3:00 PM. All ticket sales and 50% of Edgar's merchandise sales will support Meals on Wheels of Oklahoma City! Tickets are $10. Purchase your tickets today at ServantOKC.org/events or at the concert on January 12th. Donations for Mobile Meals are also accepted. Click on the QR code for more information.
MEALS ON WHEELS
We are excited to announce our January 5th Fish Appeal will support Church of the Servant’s Meals on Wheels ministry. This deserving program has been delivering meals to homebound seniors for over 30 years!
Our participants were once again very happy to be included in the Christmas Grace program. They are always grateful for the gifts they are given by our church members.
We have been delivering meals to Roberta for several years. She received these meals while her husband was alive and continues to receive them since he passed away two years ago. This year, Roberta included one of her coloring pages (see image to the right) and a note with her gift request. She says “Thanks ya’ll for thinking of me. I love when the girls bring me food. What a blessing! God bless all of ya’ll.”
Meals from the program allow our folks to remain living independently in their homes. Please give generously to our mission's fish fund so that this wonderful mission can continue.
BLESS OUR SCHOOLS
Christmas Eve (December 24th)
Bless Our Schools is the focus for our Christmas Eve Offering on December 24th at 6:00 PM. The funds will support Putnam City and Deer Creek schools clothes closets. Read below about the wonderful things Deer Creek and Putnam City Schools are doing for our community!
Deer Creek Comfort Closet
The Comfort Closet helps students and staff in our community that are in need of resources, such as food, clothing, personal items, school supplies, household essentials and more. For more information, go to https://www.deercreekschools.org/departments/student-services/comfort-closet
Penny's Closet - Putnam City Schools
CareShare has always provided coats and shoes, but as the program grew, we decided to name it after the founder, Penny Poe. Each week a team of volunteers fulfills the coat and shoe needs of children all over the district. Those needs are identified by teachers and other caring adults. Ms. Poe, a counselor, said that having warm clothing is essential for a child’s self-esteem. Penny’s Closet aims to make sure that our children don’t lack any due to a solvable problem. In the 2023-24 school year Penny’s Closet served over 350 students. For more information, go to https://www.putnamcityfoundation.org/pennys-closet
Christmas Trees at Servant!
There are several trees on display this year that have a special meaning. The Chrismon Trees, one in the Celebration Center and one in the concourse, are decorated with Christ Monograms – beautiful handmade ornaments that are handmade gifts by several people in our congregation. They are given as gifts in the colors of gold, white, silver, and cream (all the colors of purity and royalty), and placed on the tree of white lights, all meaning the name or being of Christ.
In the office this year is a tree with ornaments given by church staff and volunteers. Stop by and see if you can tell who might have donated each ornament, and see if you can guess what each person considers their own personality. And if you are a staff member or volunteer, please hang an ornament on the office tree that expresses your own personality.
Outside the Columbarium and the Chapel of the Cross is a blue Christmas tree called the Rememberance Tree. It is decorated with ornaments in memory of family members and loved ones. You are welcome to contribute to this tree in the season; markers and ornaments are available next to the tree.
Be sure to check out the Chrismon trees done by the youth and children. Our Director of Family Ministries, Chris Ward, has taught the children the meaning of Chrismons, and they have created their own Chrismons to decorate trees in the youth and children areas. You will want to check those trees out as well.
And last but not least, we are excited to partner with Infant Crisis Services
Please read more about the ICS Giving Tree on the next page!
again this year for the Giving Tree.
December Mission Focus INFANT CRISIS SERVICES
One in four babies in Oklahoma live in poverty, putting them at a moderate to high risk for developmental delay. Early childhood nutrition is an integral part of our community’s health and future. When our babies and toddlers are able to get the food they need to grow big and strong, we all win.
We are partnering with Infant Crisis Services for the Advent season. Please take a look at the list of most needed items and bring your contributions to the ICS Giving Tree located in the concourse.
• DIAPERS - Preemie size 6; we accept open packages
• COATS - Newborn - 4T; new or gently used
• BABY WIPES & BABY WASH
• BOTTLES & SIPPY CUPS
You can bring your items at any time throughout the month of December. All items will be delivered to ICS at the end of the month.
All Musical Abilities Welcome!
Church of the Servant Music Ministries will be starting handbell ensembles, and we want you to consider playing with us! Whether you have experience or not, there will be a place for you! Explore what it is like to ring bells on December 8 following worship at 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. in the concourse outside of the Celebration Center. Then, sign up for an ensemble that fits your abilities.
3rd graders through adults are welcome and will be divided into two ensembles. One, the learning group, will be for beginners, those of elementary age, or those who need to work on reading music. The other, the Celebration Ringers, will be for youth and adults who read music and are ready to start ringing to prepare for playing in worship. As ringers develop, we will continue to adapt ensembles to find good places for everyone to ring!
The two ensembles will begin rehearsing on Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2025. The learning group will meet from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. and the Celebration Ringers from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the music room downstairs. If you cannot meet with us on December 8, please use the online registration link at ServantOKC.org/events to let us know you are interested! For any questions about ringing with us, please contact Ed Davis at edavis@churchoftheservant.com or catch him on a Sunday morning!
PRIME TIME
DECEMBER 2024
DECEMBER
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Thursday, December 12, 10:30 AM
Community Hall
Special Guest: 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 acapella 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.
VOICES is under the direction of J. Mark Taylor and is mixed by the incredible Russell Davis, whose stellar performances on the saxophone enhance the Voices repertoire. The group has had the privilege of singing throughout the state in churches, for civic and political groups, and for private parties. They present an annual pre-show for the OKC Philharmonic’s Christmas Show, have entertained at many events for the Governor’s Mansion and the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and even spent a week in Santiago, Chile, performing for the second-largest church in the world.
Here’s a word from a fan of VOICES whom you may recognize …
“VOICES performance is truly a worship-filled experience, with every note clearly lifted by the Holy Spirit. From contemporary Christian favorites, time-honored hymns, and many other genres, I have enjoyed VOICES countless times and recommend them wholeheartedly.”
- The Honorable Mary Fallin, former Governor of Oklahoma
Michele Snow will provide us with a yummy meal that includes an entrée, vegetable, salad, bread, beverage, and dessert. The cost for the program and meal is $15 ($5 for program only).
Church of the Servant has an active group of Senior adults that participate in small groups, Bible studies, and other activities throughout the year. On the second Thursday of each month, a special Prime Time Fellowship Program with a luncheon is held in Community Hall.
CARE MINISTRY
ALZHEIMER’S & DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP
Do you have a loved one who is dealing with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? If so, we invite you to come to our support group, which meets on the third Tuesday of each month (3:00-4:30 PM) at Church of the Servant in the Library. The meeting dates for the next few months are: December 17th , January 21st, and February 18th . Our group is an official support group offered by our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and our group facilitators have been trained by that same local chapter. The group is open to anyone in our community whose family has been affected by dementia. You can register by contacting Vicki Roberds at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com or (405) 728-4738. Whether your loved one is living at home, or if they’re a resident at a care facility… either way, we hope you’ll consider attending. If you need care for your loved one during the time you’re at the meeting, you’ll need to make your own arrangements for that care. There is no cost to register for the group. We hope you’ll consider staying connected with others who are going through a similar experience that you are. A burden that is shared is always a burden that becomes lighter. Come and see what kinds of blessings come your way when you become part of the giving and receiving of support.
Many things cause humans to grieve. Of course, losing someone by death is seemingly the most difficult. We grieve because we have loved. At Church of the Servant, we want to offer a safe place for those who need support through the grieving process, a place to talk, listen, and support one another.
We will be offering a support group using the curriculum GriefShare. A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief (in all its unpredictability) and gain solid support each step of the way.
“Each weekly GriefShare group begins with a 30-minute video featuring respected experts on grief-related topics and helpful stories from people who have experienced loss. Their insights will help you manage your emotions, gain clarity, and find answers to your questions as you walk through the grief process.”
Mary Garrett, Marge Carmichael, and Rev. Sheri Lashley will lead and facilitate this 13-week course. We will meet on Thursdays at 1:30 PM starting on January 23rd in the office library. If you know someone interested, please contact Vicki Roberds at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com or (405) 728-4738.
CHRISTMAS OFFICE HOURS
In recognition of the limited number of activities between Christmas and New Years as well as Church of the Servant staff’s extraordinary efforts during the Advent season, there will be reduced office hours between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Wednesday, December 25, Office Closed
• Thursday, December 26, Office Closed
• Monday, December 30, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Tuesday, December 31, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Wednesday, January 1, Office Closed
• Thursday, January 2nd, Regular Office Hours Resume (Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
END-OF-THE-YEAR CONTRIBUTIONS
For those looking to make end-of-the-year contributions that will be credited as part of your 2024 giving, you may place your gift in the offering plate on December 29, turn your gift into the office by 2:00 PM on December 31, mail your contribution ensuring it is postmarked no later than December 31, or make an online contribution by 11:59 PM on December 31 at ServantOKC.org/give-now . For any questions or to make special arrangements, please reach out in advance to our Financial Controller Steve Johns at sjohns@churchoftheservant.com
SCAM EMAILS/TEXTS
This is just another reminder to be aware of requests you receive via the phone or email that purport to be Pastor Kyle requesting financial assistance with a project. These scammers hope to prey on the generosity of our members and the members of other churches. Know that Kyle will never request assistance for Church of the Servant projects in this manner. Always check to see if the message came from an @servantokc. org or @churchoftheservant.com email address, and do not hesitate to call the church office at (405) 721-4141 to determine if a request was genuine.
2025 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN COMING TO A CLOSE
Thank you to everyone who has helped to make our 2025 Stewardship campaign such a success. As of November 30, 217 households in our family of faith have pledged $1.1 million in support of Church of the Servant’s missions and ministries for the coming year. This is fantastic and we have so much for which to give thanks. But know that, if you have yet to make a financial pledge, there is still time. If you want to live out your promise to support your church financially and help us to fully be God’s Kingdom in the year to come, you can do your part and join with your fellow faith family members by turning in a physical pledge card or by going to ServantOKC.org/ commitment-card . You may also scan the QR code below, which will take you directly to that site. Thank you for helping us ensure that Church of the Servant is a light to the Oklahoma City community and beyond throughout 2025 and for years to come!
HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOU?
PLEASE KEEP THE CARE TEAM INFORMED OF THE NEEDS OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY!
Call Vicki Roberds at 405-728-4738 or email at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com.
CHURCH OF THE SERVANT
LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATE
Your Leadership Team has been busy focusing on priority items as we are nearing the end of the first year of the new One Board Leadership Team model. In accordance with our bylaws, three members of the board are rolling off, and three new members chosen by the Nominating Committee will be joining the Leadership Team. Please thank Kay Filson, Susan Wentroth, and Russ Sullins for their service and join us in welcoming new members Julie Kriegel, Jeff Knight, and Kara Mitchell.
Official meeting minutes will be posted on the website, which are about the Stewardship Campaign and budget planning for 2025, as well as the goals of the ministry of Church of the Servant going forward. The team discussed the input received from our first Listening Post session on October 17th. It is great for these conversations to be happening! I would personally encourage everyone to watch the calendar and announcements and plan to attend a Listening Post session in 2025.
From Kyle’s Senior Pastor report, I would like to highlight his statement about the continued growth of new and reestablished ministries:
Ministry for All Ages: I do want to celebrate the continued fruit of some of our new or reestablished ministries. Our Young Adult Sunday School class has a dozen individuals participating with 8-10 present most Sundays, and The Middle Sunday school class has had as many as 22 in a single Sunday after less than two months of meeting. Our children and youth ministries continue to experience growth and seek to engage more fully with the life of the Church as a whole.
We welcome your input and attendance at all the Leadership Team meetings and the Listening Post sessions. You can find all the meeting minutes and Senior Pastor reports on our church website at ServantOKC.org/leadership-team
It is indeed an exciting time to be a part of the Church of the Servant Family.
Russ Sullins Leadership Team Member
