E D I T I O N N O. 18 .12 |
DEC 2018
|
MO NTHLY NEWSL ET TER
CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM I cannot believe 2018 has less than a few weeks remaining; the past eleven and a half months have flown by! Yet, before the year is complete, Church of the Servant still has Walk Through Bethlehem (December 14, 15 & 16) and Christmas Eve (December 24) to enjoy and celebrate. A great deal of work has gone into making this year’s walk a reality, and I cannot wait to see everyone come and experience something new on our campus. Walk Through Bethlehem will be a wonderful way to invite friends and family to enjoy an evening at Church of the Servant.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES I am also excited about Christmas Eve. Three services are planned on Monday, December 24. The 3:00 p.m. Kid & Family Service has been developed for our younger members and friends. A shorter service and earlier in the day, this service will give an age-appropriate option for families with younger children who go to bed earlier and have a harder time sitting through a more traditional service. The 6:00 & 8:00 p.m. services will be Candlelight & Holy Communion services, and both services will be the same format.
02
Photo: Chris Roughgarden (GWINNETT Daily Post)
BEGINNING THE NEW YEAR‌ On Sunday, January 7, COS will begin a new worship series, titled: How Will You Measure Your Life? I recently discovered a book by the same title, written by Harvard Business School professors Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth and Karen Dillon. In the book, these professors and scholars dive
into those important questions many of us ponder. While reading the book, I wondered how this simple question could help each of us ask meaningful questions and grow in our personal lives, in our walk with God, and with each other. Here is a quick description of the book from iTunes preview: From the world’s leading thinker on innovation and New York Times bestselling author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton M. Christensen, comes an unconventional book of inspiration and wisdom for achieving a fulfilling life. Christensen’s The Innovator’s Dilemma, notably the only business book that Apple’s Steve Jobs said “deeply influenced” him, is widely recognized as one of the most significant business books ever published. Now, in the tradition of Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture and Anna Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Christensen’s How Will You Measure Your Life is with a book of lucid observations and penetrating insights designed to help any reader — student or teacher, mid-career professional or retiree, parent or child — forge their own paths to fulfillment. I hope you will find this book is a great starting point for the
New Year. It brings up questions that will lead each of us into a deeper walk with the Lord, such as: How do we discover fulfillment in the Lord Almighty? Looking forward to the Christmas Season and 2019 with each of you!
Inspiration for
JANUARY
WORSHIP SERIES
ChurchoftheServant.com
03
WOMEN’s MINISTRIES
Bible Studies & Small Groups Servant Women in the Word
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Community Hall Led by Dr. Robyn Goggs
This large-group Bible Study, led by Dr. Robyn Goggs, is a favorite among many women as it appeals to the beginning follower as well as the seasoned believer. There will be no meetings in December. Our studies will resume on Tuesday, January 15. Each session will essentially be an independent 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. Other Women’s Studies will begin the week of January 14-19. Information can be found on the church website.
Women’s Mentoring Program Orientation Sunday, February 3, 2:00-4:00 p.m. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up...” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Ladies, YOU have a story! Yes, YOU... I’m talking to YOU. How are you using your story to impact just one person? Beginning in the new year, you are going to have an opportunity to use your story to help someone else. Women’s Ministry will re-launch a Woman-to-Woman mentoring ministry. This will be the focus and heart of women’s ministry in the year ahead. In 2005, Church of the Servant Women’s Ministry introduced a mentoring program that was a life transforming ministry that brought women together to walk the journey of life. It’s time to once again reconnect women. Christian friends are a vital part of our survival in today’s society. There is no substitute for a friendship with a woman that is based solely on the love of Christ. On Sunday, February 3 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., there will be an Orientation Meeting to further explain this new mentoring program. Please prayerfully consider being a part of this vital ministry. Registration for this ministry orientation is necessary and will begin in early January.
04
Men’s Morning Bible Study
BUCK and a BIBLE 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. This group will resume on January 15 and will be ongoing throughout the winter and spring.
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Coming January 16, 2019!
Does the topic of finances ever come up in your home, or is it avoided at all costs? What does the financial future look like for you and your family? Discussing finances, developing budgets, and creating a financial plan for your life can be difficult if you don’t know the steps to take. Every year, Church of the Servant offers a 9-week course called Financial Peace University (FPU) that will teach you the financial steps to take! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. This is a class that millions of people have taken. They have pulled worries off their shoulders and put on confidence. They have rewritten their futures and secured their futures. On average, those families have paid off $5,300 in debt and saved $2,700 in the first 90 days. That is an $8,000 turnaround. Are you ready to carve out 9 weeks in your schedule to learn the steps to get where you want to be? You can do it! You just need a plan. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! FPU will be held at Church of the Servant from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, January 16 through March 13. Tom McGee and Peter Weaver will be instructing the 9-week event. For more information and to register go to https://www.financialpeace.com/classes/1075590/registration.
ChurchoftheServant.com
05
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP Grow deeper in your walk with Christ and consider joining a group study in the new year. Some of the classes being offered in January 2019 are listed below, and all classes can be found on the church website.
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY
Sundays, beginning January 20 Led by Rev. Matt Patrick Join this class ready to immerse yourself in a 12-week study of the New Testament. Disciple is a Bible course for busy people seeking comprehensive engagement over time with the entire biblical text. Participants read a manageable 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings, which last approximately 75 minutes and include: lecture, reflection and discussion. Rev. Matt Patrick is our newest clergy member on staff; come share an evening each week listening and sharing scripture with him.
WHY METHODIST? WHY SERVANT? Winter Series begins Sunday, January 20 Led by Dr. Stephen Gunter
Church of the Servant has a distinct Methodist identity, and we will explore our Servant culture in the light of the theological guidelines as outlined in historic Methodist: Scripture, Tradition and Reason. Hold the dates and consider bringing your class to join us in the Chapel of the Cross on January 20, January 27, and February 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dr. Stephen Gunter, our Servant Theologian in Residence, will be describing his faith journey into Methodism and into ministry at Church of the Servant starting in 1992. January 20 – Scripture: Can a Methodist be a fundamentalist on the Bible? January 21 – Tradition: Is Traditional a bad word? February 3 – Experience: Does my experience trump your experience? Each talk will be 30-40 minutes in length, with 15-20 minutes for discussion at the close. 06
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
on HOW CAN I Sermon BE BLESSED?
the Mount -
Wednesdays, beginning January 23 Led by Nancy Harris
How Can I Be Blessed? Faith that does not compromise is promised a reward in the world to come, and also a life free from anxiety in this world. Get a deeper understanding of the fruit and security that come with righteousness in the life of a true believer. You'll never look at the Beatitudes the same way again!
Class begins: January 23, 2019 (11 weeks) When: Wednesday’s 9:30—11:30 am Where: Church of the Servant Room: North Adult 12 Workbook Cost: $29.00
Who should take this class? Anyone who wants to be blessed by God!!!
DEADLINE TO ORDER BOOKS: January 2, 2019 Call Susie Cobden (405) 721-4141 and register today or email Nancy Harris at nancyquilter@cox.net; you can also register online at www.churchoftheservant.com ChurchoftheServant.com
07
ANOTHER GREAT YEAR! CHRISTMAS GRACE serves others during the Christmas Season! The gift collection room was full to the brim with everything from a huge play kitchen to baby dolls and bicycles! During November, 187 families (inclusive of 581 individuals) were given Christmas gifts because of the generosity of this congregation. These gifts will be distributed through our partnering agencies and schools: Infant Crisis Services, Care Share Putnam City Schools, Exodus House, Mobile Meals, Skyline Urban Ministries, CJAMM, Neighborhood Service Organizations, Child Share United Methodist Foster Care Program. Thank you for the leadership of Susy Wilson who organizes all year and leads an incredible team of “elves” who work all November and early December to make this wonderful ministry happen!
CARDS FOR KENYA: SIGN A CARD OF CARE ON SUNDAYS, JANUARY 6 OR 13 In early February, the 2019 Kenya mission team will go to represent Christ and Church of the Servant on pilgrimage to Maua Methodist Hospital in Maua. Kenya. This team of 14 led by Ann Knutson and Jaci Finch will be focused on work in the hospital, ministry with local people, and the programs that the hospital leads in the community. One of the ways we go with the team as a congregation is by signing cards that are handed out to people in the hospital. These cards let them know that someone on the other side of the world is praying for them and is a partner in the ministry of the hospital. Come by the Kenya Table in early January to send your words and prayer with our team.
UPCOMING MISSION EVENTS: Sundays, January 6 & 13 – Cards for Kenya Sunday, January 20 – Special Fish Appeal for Rise Against Hunger Sunday, January 27 – Blessing of Kenya Mission Team Sunday, February 24 – Rise Against Hunger Day For more up-to-date information on our mission outreach see the mission blog, which is updated weekly: https://www.churchoftheservant.com/missions/mission-blog/
08
Remembrance THE REMEMBRANCE TREE: If you have recently lost a loved one, we know you are painfully aware that the holidays won’t be the same as years before. We all handle this kind of loss in different ways. Some old traditions may need to fall by the wayside, and new traditions emerge to provide healing for a joyful and meaningful holiday. You and your family can remember and honor your loved ones this Christmas by inscribing their name on a beautiful blue ornament and hanging it on the white Remembrance tree that is located at the window near Earthglow in the Main Concourse. Perhaps you might want to do that after a church service, or you and your family might decide to do that with a special visit to the church. What a meaningful way to honor your dear one this Christmas season.
ChurchoftheServant.com
09
servant kids HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY Servant Kids are invited to the most important birthday party of the year on Sunday, December 23 – a birthday party celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. This special party will take place downstairs in the kid’s area during morning programming.
THANK YOU!! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped with shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! Servant Kids packed 70 boxes on the night of November 14th to be distributed to kids on the other side of the world. The boxes were covered in prayer before being sent away. These special Christmas boxes will help brighten the Christmas of several children!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE Wednesday night programming will resume on January 9th with programming for kids of all ages and the Servant Table from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Servant 45 (4th and 5th grade) will meet the following Wednesday night on January 16, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss these fun events!
10
UNDERCOVER CHRISTMAS Make Others Your Mission Every Sunday morning in December Grades 1-5 This month, we will be learning about the connection between compassion and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Compassion is a reflection of the character of God. Our memory verse for the month comes from John 3:16. God loves the world so much that He wants to spend forever with us. That was made possible through Jesus! Jesus was God’s gift to the world. We pray that kids start to understand their need for a Savior and put their trust in Jesus. Join us each Sunday morning as we learn more about how God shows love to us and wants us to show that love to others.
FOLLOW US on Social Media! We post updates, information, pictures, and more, so don’t miss out! Go to @servantkids on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need help leading children to Christ! Servant Kids is searching for adults who are willing to lead a small group or Sunday School class or to sub when a Sunday morning leader needs to be gone. This is for an hour on a Sunday morning, either at the 9:30 or the 11:00 hour. We also need help once a month on the first Wednesday night from 6:30-8:00. For more information, contact Kourtney Aller, Director of Servant Kids, at kaller@churchoftheservant.com or 405-721-4141.
UPCOMING SERVANT KIDS EVENTS June 10 - 13, 2019:
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!
July 8 - 12, 2019:
Kanakuk Kampout is coming back next summer! Registration will be available in early 2019. ChurchoftheServant.com
11
t n a Serv DENTS
Middle school
STU
Servant Middle School Confirmation 2019 Confirmation is a special experience in which students will join together with other middle school students and caring adults to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the United Methodist Church. The purpose of Confirmation is two fold. First, to allow the “confirmands� to claim their faith in Christ as their own and publicly profess that faith during a Confirmation Service. For those who have been baptized they will be confirming their baptism. For those who have not been baptized, they will be baptized during the service. The second part of the purpose is to allow the confirmands a chance to take the membership vows and become full members in the United Methodist Church. WHO IS IT FOR? Confirmation is for all current 8th grade students who have not yet participated in Confirmation. WHEN: Confirmation 2019 will meet every Sunday from January 27 through April 7 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. (we will not meet Spring Break). Lunch will be provided each Sunday. Confirmation Sunday will take place Sunday, April 7. For more information and to register, go to www.churchoftheservant.com/ events. Questions? Contact Jenna Smith at jsmith@churchoftheservant.com.
12
Servant Middle School Sunday Morning Program Servant Middle School Sunday Morning program is for 6th8th 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 Servant Middle School Wednesday Night program is for 6th8th 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.
High school
Servant High School Confirmation
Servant High School Sunday Morning Program
This is a special experience in which students will join together with other high school students and caring adults to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of the United Methodist Church. If your student hasn’t participated in Confirmation and would like to, they can register on the church website!
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 405-728-4754 or snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com.
Mission Houston
High School Winter Retreat DATE CHANGE
High School Spring Break Mission Trip will be March 17-22, 2019. This week-long mission experience 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. You can get more information and register on the church website!
Go to www.churchoftheservant.com/events for more information and to register. Questions? Contact Sang Nguyen at snguyen@ churchoftheservant.com.
High School Winter Retreat: ALL 9th-12th GRADE Students are invited to come! Join us for this wonderful weekend led with worship, biblical teaching, small groups, games, hiking, and so much more! The deadline for registration is December 19, 2018.
ChurchoftheServant.com
13
EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP A GIFT BOUTIQUE THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
THE TREASURES YOU FIND IN EARTHGLOW ARE A BLESSING TO MANY.
O
ne of my very favorite Christmas songs is a little-known number. It was a part of the Wiley Post Blue Angels Christmas program each year when my children were elementary school age. Our own Kathlyn Reynolds would direct the children in a beautiful rendition of these poignant words:
Christmas is a feeling filling the air. It’s love and joy and laughter of people everywhere. Christmas is a feeling bringing such good cheer. It reaches out to touch you as the holiday draws near. It’s mistletoe and falling snow and candles burning bright. It’s a baby in a manger on a cold winter’s night. It’s glad Noels and chiming bells and presents by the tree. It’s the spirit of giving in you and in me. Yes, Christmas is a feeling filling the air. It’s love and joy and laughter, and people everywhere. But if Christmas is a feeling bringing such good cheer, Then why, oh why, can’t you and I Try to make it last all year? I loved the message then, and I still feel the power of the message today. And, as a member of the Earthglow Shop’s Board of Directors, I have come to believe that by doing much of my Christmas shopping in Earthglow, I can share “love and joy and laughter” with my family and friends on Christmas morning. But even more important, that love and joy and laughter actually does last all year. Every dollar of profit from your purchases in Earthglow is turned into blessings for local missions such as Neighborhood Services Organization, Skyline Urban Ministries, Exodus House, Redemption Church, and Circle of Care. The love we share with them brightens the lives of so many in our community. There are still many Christmas treasures available in Earthglow. Stop by and shop today! Merry Christmas! Vicki Gilstrap
Shop in Earthglow! All profits from sales go to local missions! 14
Stewardship
COMMITMENT CARDS Our annual Commitment Sunday was Sunday, November 18. This is always a great celebration of the continued faithfulness of our church family! We ask our members to turn in an estimate of giving card each year so that our Finance Committee is able to set an accurate ministry budget for the coming year. This allows us to make the most of every dollar given to the church. The Commitment Card is also an opportunity for you to spend time in prayer and reflection, considering what offering you would make to God through our church in the coming year. If you have not yet turned in your Commitment Card, please fill out your card and bring it with you to worship services this Sunday or mail it into the church office. If you do not have a Commitment Card, there are extra cards in the pews and at the Welcome Center, or you may print the card below.
Name(s)__________________________________________________________
Env #___________
Address____________________________________________ City/State/Zip______________________ I will support the church with my prayers, my presence, my service, my witness, and the following financial gift...
2018
2019
Commitment
Commitment
$_______________
Annual
2 Cor 9:11
$_______________
Annual
Choose One: $__________ weekly for 52 weeks $__________ monthly for 12 months $__________ as follows ___________________
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.� (NIV)
If you choose, your pledge could be automatically drafted from your bank account or charged on your card.
Monthly Bank Draft Authorization
I authorize United Methodist Church of the Servant to draft my account during 2019 on the q 3rd or q 20th of each month in the amount of $_________. I have enclosed a voided check which will be used to set up the draft with my bank.
Credit/Debit Card Authorization for 2019 q VISA
q MasterCard
q Discover
Card Number ______________________________
VIN# ____________ Exp. Date ________________ Please charge $___________
q on the 15th of each month, q each quarter, or q one time on _____________________ Month/Year
Signature for Bank Draft Authorization
Signature for Credit/Debit Card Authorization
Print Name
Name on Card (Print)
ChurchoftheServant.com
15
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