MERRY CHRISTMAS! CELEBRATE THE JOY OF THE SEASON WITH US!
Christmas Eve at Servant Christmas Blessings, As Christmas Eve quickly approaches, I want to say how wonderful the first seven months of ministry have been here in Oklahoma. Our family is finding our footing more and more with each passing day. One thing that jumped out to me over Thanksgiving was a question my parents were asked multiple times while they were here for the holiday. On both Sundays, they were asked if we “really” liked it in Oklahoma.
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
Let me say how much we love our new home! Oklahoma is more than just a place to which we have moved. Oklahoma is truly home for us now and we cannot wait to celebrate our first Christmas here with our Servant family! Yes, the landscape is different and we are still finding our way around the city. However, the people of this great church have helped us feel at home, and you will never know what a GREAT GIFT your friendship, love and care has been for all of us. We cannot thank you enough.
I only hope you will share this same gift of love with others this Christmas, because we all know there are others around us that feel lost and forgotten. When you think of these people, take the next step and invite them to a Christmas Eve service. Here is the line up of services on Sunday, December 24: •
9:30—Celebration Service. Wrapping up the final lesson of Reel Christmas with The Polar Express.
•
11:00—A Modern Christmas Eve Candlelight service in the Celebration Center. The modern worship team will lead those who are looking for an early, kid-friendly service.
•
6:00 & 8:00—Candlelight and Holy Communion in the Celebration Center. A traditional Christmas Eve.
Invite someone you know and share the love of our great church! Matthew
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RISE AGAINST HUNGER Sunday, February 25, 2018
It’s not just an event Church of the Servant does each year! It is a mission we have committed to for the past 8 years to help feed children all over the world. Think how many children have been fed as a result of our church committing 5 hours on a Sunday morning and approximately $44,000 each year to package over 151,000 meals! Since 2010, 1,162,792 meals have been packaged and shipped all over the world! We are making a tremendous impact on reducing the number of children who wonder when and where their next meal is coming from. On Sunday, February 25, 2018 we will experience the 8th Rise Against Hunger packaging event. Our goal is to package 151,000 meals! At .29 cents per meal, we will have to raise approximately $44,000. Through generous donations to our Fish Appeal on January 21 and the M&M fundraiser, we hope to quickly raise the money to reach our meal goal. Invite family, friends, and co-workers to participate in Rise Against Hunger on Sunday, February 25. Registration will be open on Sunday, January 28. Contact Scott Smith at 721-4141 or ssmith@churchoftheservant.com.
Missions
A New Mission Partnership Begins with Upward Transitions
Each week individuals come into Church of the Servant needing help with basic needs, and helping meet those needs is important to our church. Therefore, we have entered into a new partnership with Upward Transitions. Last year, nearly 3,700 people received direct assistance from Upward Transitions with some of their most basic needs, including: transportation, housing, food, legal documents, and state IDs. Case workers network opportunities for individuals with agencies and resources throughout the city. By supporting Upward Transitions with some of Fish Funds, we are making the services of this organization available to the vulnerable citizens that find their way through our doors. Thank you for your continued support of the Fish Fund.
Deliver a Christmas Meal
Merry Christmas from EARTHGLOW If there are last minute gifts to be purchased, Don’t fight the traffic and crowds at the mall. Just stop by the concourse at Servant,
Earthglow has treasures for one and for all. Those lovely volunteers in Earthglow
Have been so glad to serve you all year,
For they know that each thing you purchase Also gifts those less fortunate with cheer.
May the season be filled with God’s blessings,
Remembering His love’s the reason, you know! May peace, love and joy enfold you!
That’s our wish from the staff at Earthglow!
Do you know a family that might need and appreciate one of the Christmas meals this year? There will be several extra meals available. Contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com, and a meal can be available on December 17 for you to deliver.
VIM Training: Training to Lead Mission Trips Would you be interested in learning more about leading a mission trip? It could be in the state, the country, or international. The mission council is looking for 7-10 people to send to VIM mission team leader training on Saturday, February 24. To complete the certification, each participant would then go on a mission trip to compliment the training. As we are planning for 2018, the hope is to send more teams out this year with new leaders. Please contact Susie Cobden at scobden@churchoftheservant.com if you are interested and willing to attend the training in February. SERVANT December 13, 2017 I Page 3
Christmas Happy Birthday, Jesus!
CHRISTMAS EVE AT C H U R C H O F T H E S E R V A N T
Servant Kids are invited to the most important birthday party of the year on Sunday, December 17 – a birthday party celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The theme for the morning’s activities at both 9:30 and 11:00 is from How the Grinch Stole Christmas – “Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more” than just presents and feasting. This coincides with the Reel Christmas Sermon Series and the movie being highlighted that morning. 9:30: The Total Group Time will include the reading of the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas and will be followed by a short lesson and game activities.
DECEMBER
24
9:30am 2017
4th Sunday of Advent
Traditional Service in Celebration Center
Final Cut of “Reel Christmas” only one 9:30 service today
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – 11:00am– Modern *Kid-Friendly* Christmas Eve Service – 6:00 & 8:00pm – Candlelight Communion Services Nursery available for ages 2 & Under – 9:30, 11:00, and 6:00 services
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11:00: During Sunday school, an animated version of the movie will be shown. The kids will feast on popcorn and make an ornament to share with their family. Church of the Servant • www. 14343 N MacArthur Blvd • Oklahom Every activity of the morning will emphasize this theme. Make plans for your children to be with us all morning on Sunday, December 17.
Invite a Friend!
Christmas at Servant is always so beautiful and festive... share the joy with a friend! Do you have a neighbor that you have been thinking about inviting to church? Now is the perfect time! Go to www.churchoftheservant.com to see all of the wonderful opportunities we have this Christmas at Servant, and then invite a friend to join us!
The Holy Spirit Unleashed In You by Kay Arthur
Adults
Wednesdays, January 10 - April 11, 2018 For Men and Women Nancy Harris – Leader Cost for Book: $10.00
Do you know what it means to “walk by the Spirit”? Is your life filled with power to serve? Do you wonder whether the Holy Spirit is given only to certain believers — or active in your life at all? Now you can know firsthand who the Holy Spirit is, to whom the gift of the Spirit is given, and how He fulfills His marvelous purpose. The book of Acts is a gold mine of invaluable truths about living and walking by the Spirit. Explore for yourself the dynamic working of God’s Spirit in the lives of early believers — and in the lives of believers today. Experience power in everyday living — the Holy Spirit unleashed in you! Come join us Wednesday mornings, January 10 – April 11 at 9:30 a.m. for this precept-style study on the exciting topic of the Holy Spirit! Books are $10.00 and will be available the first day of class. Be prepared to learn how to “Walk by the Spirit of God” in your everyday living, just like the early believers did. For more information, email Nancy Harris at nancyquilter@cox.net.
Women’s Bible Studies Begin in January See the classes being offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for details and registration on our website at www.churchoftheservant.com/women/classes-studies/.
Financial Peace University Begins January 17 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 which millions of people have taken. They have taken worries off their shoulders and put on confidence. They have rewritten 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. on Wednesdays, January 17 through March 14. Tom McGee and Peter Weaver will be instructing the 9-week event. For more information and to register, go to: www.ChurchoftheServant.com/events. SERVANT December 13, 2017 I Page 5
NextGen
Servant Kids Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve There will be no programming on Christmas Eve for preschoolers and elementary children. The nursery will be open for all morning services and the 6:00 pm Candlelight service. Nursery is for babies 2 years and younger. The New Year will be celebrated on Sunday, December 31 with a movie and PJ day in Servant Kids during the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services.
Family Worship Night January 10
Mark your calendars for the first Family Worship Night of 2018 on January 10. We will have Spaghetti Dinner at 6:00 p.m. in Community Hall, followed by Worship at 6:45 p.m. in the Centrum. Make reservations for dinner at www.churchoftheservant.com/events by Monday January 8. Dinner is free, but reservations are required. This is a wonderful way for families to begin the new year!
Servant Kids Wednesday Nights Begin January 17 Servant Kids Wednesday Night will resume on January 17. Even if children didn’t participate during the fall session, they are welcome to join in January. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Counter in the Children’s area. Page 6 I ChurchoftheServant.com
Our Life Together Our Prayers
u Jean Arbuckle as Jean recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Alex and Kristin Blazy as Kristin deals with health issues and faces surgery at OU Medical Center. u Rob and Cindy Brackenbury as their nephew and his wife, Scott and Kim Harmon, ask for prayers as Kim deals with health issues. u Dan and Cathy Bush as Dan deals with health issues. u Robert and Deanna Clark as Deanna deals with health issues. u Don and Donna Combs, as Don is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Shawn, Susan, Abby, Levi, and Jordan Cosby as Shawn deals with health issues. u Jim Cross and Roberta Carrier Cross, as Roberta’s daughter, Lana Little, deals with health issues. u Barbara Eskridge as Barbara’s greatgranddaughter, Evie Eskridge, deals with health issues. u Harvey Hampton as Harvey recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Don and Millie Henderson as Millie faces surgery and is hospitalized at Integris Baptist Medical Center. u Bob and Judy Henry as Bob deals with health issues and undergoes treatment. u Rick and Shirley Jackson as their friend, Jim Osteen, deals with health issues. u Jenny and Tyler Kincaid as Tyler deals with health issues and faces surgery. u Susan King-Baker as Susan recuperates from outpatient surgery. u Niles and Brenda Martin, as Brenda’s mother, Lois McKaughan, is hospitalized at Mercy Health Center. u Phyllis Mosher as Phyllis’ grandson, A.J. Mosher, faces surgery and is hospitalized at OU Medical Children’s Hospital. u Rob and Christy Peterson as their friend, Lynn Westbrook, deals with health issues. u Linda Shaw as Linda’s son, Daniel Shaw, deals with health issues.
Our Prayers Continued
u Dottie Smith as Dottie’s granddaughter, Jillian Nicole Hunsinger, recuperates from surgery. u Todd and Irish Stogner as Todd’s mother, Vonieta Stogner, recuperates from surgery.
Our Sympathy
Celebrating
u Ryan and Holly Browning at the birth of their daughter, Rose Browning. The proud sister is Georgia Browning. u Pat Norton at the birth of Pat’s greatgrandson, Shepherd Henry Read. The proud parents and brother are Conrad, Teri, and Beau Read. The proud grandparents are Rick and Sondra Hawkins.
u Carter and Beckie Cooper and Family at the death of Carter’s step-father, James Walls. u Ryan, Cayse, Landon, and Callen Deane and Family at the death of their friend, Mackenzie Markstone.
In the Kitchen
Dec 17 – Christmas Dinner
Dec 24 – Closed for Holiday The Kitchen is located just inside Community Hall. Join us on Sundays for hot breakfast or lunch!
u Friends and Family at the death of Connie Gray. u Lia Lea Richmond and Robert Swisher and Family at the death of Lia Lea’s nephew, Heath Richmond.
Christmas In the Courtyard
u Earl Schott, Carl Schott, and Family at the death of Earl’s and Carl’s mother, Mary Schott.
CARE MINISTRIES
When a family is faced with an illness or crisis, it is important to remember to inform Care Ministries of that special situation. As a church family, all of us can help. If you know of a member who would benefit from our specialized care or our prayers through Care Ministries, call Care Ministries at 7284738 or 721-4141.
This Advent season, experience Christmas in the Courtyard! Enjoy Breakfast-on-theGo, with a choice of an Express breakfast for $3 or a Deluxe breakfast for $4.50. Grab a holiday drink, like a new Peppermint or S’more Mocha Latte, from our 13.2 Coffee Shop. Mingle in the Courtyard after getting your coffee and breakfast and feel the warmth of Christian community. We’ll have places to fellowship and opportunities for pictures as your family and our church family prepare our hearts for Christmas this year. You won’t want to miss it!
Volunteer for Care Ministries
Are you interested in volunteering for our Care Ministries? Perhaps you have a knack for encouraging others with words of comfort and care. Maybe you like sending cards and letters to people when they face difficult times. Perhaps you even feel a calling to go and visit people on behalf of our church, so that you can pray with them and let them know God loves them. If you’d like to help support people during important times of their lives (like when they are hospitalized, having surgery, or experiencing grief in the family), we’d love to hear from you! There are various opportunities for you to serve in Care Ministries here at Church of the Servant. You can write notes and cards to our members, pray for them, or even become trained as a lay Care Chaplain. For more information, please call Vicki Roberds at (405) 728-4738 or email her at vroberds@churchoftheservant.com.
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Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED