EDITION 23.12
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DECEMBER 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
The
Christmas Holidays
AT C H U R C H O F T H E S E R VA N T What a wonderful time of year we are experiencing at Servant! Here are some of the many ways that Servant invites you to celebrate this Christmas season.
ADVENT Rev. Jessica Moffatt Lead Pastor Transitions Team
This is the traditional beginning of the Christian year, as we prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ-child. At Church of the Servant, we are doing this in so many ways: •
Our 149-foot Christmas tree is a beacon of hope to people for miles around—including the patients at Mercy Hospital.
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On December 16, our “Moment at the Manger” with a live nativity and special music will invite young and old alike into the mystery of a Bethlehem manger so many centuries ago.
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As families light the Advent wreath each Sunday morning, we are inspired by the special music of the season and encouraged by the preaching of the scriptures.
CHRISTMAS EVE It’s time to come home again for Christmas Eve, and this year the 24th of December falls on a Sunday. Our morning Advent services continue at 10:00 AM, and our evening Christmas Eve Candlelight service begins at 6:00 PM in the Celebration Center.
NEW YEAR’S EVE Rev. Dr. Thomas Hoff mann Lead Pastor Transitions Team
One of our wonderful Methodist traditions is the “Wesleyan Covenant Service.” This important time of yearly reflection and commitment was first practiced by the earliest Methodists in Britain more than 250 years ago, and we continue this tradition at Church of the Servant on Sunday, December 31, at 10:00 AM.
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The CONNECT | December 2023
THE SEASON OF EPIPHANY The winter Christian holidays extend into the season of Epiphany. On the first Sunday in January, we remember how the mysterious “magi” brought gifts to the infant Jesus. This will be an important day for Church of the Servant as we will be asked to promise our gifts to God through our 2024 pledges.
A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM YOUR PASTORS In this season’s onrush and busyness, it can be easy to forget what’s truly important. As your pastors, we have never lost sight of how much we have been blessed by you during the months we’ve been with you. We have been privileged to pray with you, listen to you, cry with you, and hope with you. And you have been so gracious to us and have included us in your lives, even when moments have been difficult for you. And for those of you whom we have not yet had a chance to know better, it is a hope we carry for 2024. To all of you and your loved ones, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Pastor Thomas Pastor Jess The CONNECT | December 2023
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Have you heard? On Saturday, December 16th our take on a live nativity will take place just beyond the south end of our building. A Moment at the Manger will begin at 5:30 p.m. as our Servant Choir leads us in Christmas Carols that will warm your heart. Following this time will include our Youth Band, music from Joyful Noise, and of course, the telling of the story of Christ’s entrance into our world. Participants will also find a petting zoo, hot chocolate, and a few more surprises during this wonderful evening. This will be a great night for the family full of music centered around the coming of Christ as we pause for just a moment at the manger. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers – and make sure you bundle up! This will be a time you will not want to miss.
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The CONNECT | December 2023
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 throughout the month of December. •
DEC 3 - “FEED THE BABIES” (Bottles & Sippy Cups Sunday)
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DEC 10 - “WIPE OUT!” (Wipes Sunday)
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DEC 17 - “COVERING BOTTOMS” (Size-6 Diaper Sunday)
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DEC 24 - “WARMTH SUNDAY” (Coats, Socks, Warm Sleepers)
You can bring your items at any time throughout the month of December. All of items will be delivered to ICS at the end of the month.
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BIBLE STUDIES UPCOMING AND ONGOING STUDIES
MEN’S BUCK & A BIBLE
SERVANT WOMEN IN THE WORD
Grab your Bible and join a group of early-rising, God-filled, fun-loving men in a study led by Dr. Stephen Gunter. No registration. Each session is essentially an independent study, so even if your schedule will prevent weekly attendance, feel free to attend as often as possible.
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.
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 a.m. | Community Hall | Men Resumes January 16, 2024
THE GOD OF THE HOW AND THE WHEN
THE CHOSEN 3
by Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel Starting January 10, 2024 | For Women Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM Led by Patricia Hocker “Bible Babes” is a women’s Bible study group that is open to everyone and we welcome new friends. On January 10, we will begin a new book study, The God of the How and the When, led by authors Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel. They will take us to the Holy Land, where God made his covenant with people like Abraham, Sarah, Joshua, and Mary. Throughout history we see God weaving his plan through the lives of people who had to step out in faith long before they knew what their creator was up to. These are the same questions that are ours today. “How can we learn to trust God’s timing and his methods?”
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER & BIBLE STUDY Wednesday Night Dinner - 5:00-6:30 PM Bible Study - 6:30-7:30 PM Resumes January 17, 2024
Large-Group Bible Study for Men & Women | 6:30 PM Dinner is available 5:00-6:30 p.m. in Community Hall. Largegroup 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 405721-4141 or online at ServantOKC.org/kitchen.
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Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. | For Women Resumes January 16, 2024
Starting January 17, 2024 | For Women Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM | Dinner in Community Hall 6:30-8:00 PM | Bible Study Led by Jill Walker & Miki Farris As the biggest crowdfunded project in TV history, The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus. This series allows viewers to see the life of Jesus through the eyes of those that knew Him. Follow the transformations of His fol- lowers through the ministry of Jesus as He journeys to change the world.
ABIDE
by Jen Wilkin Starting January 17, 2024 | For Women Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM | Dinner in Community Hall 6:30-8:00 PM | “The Tribe” Bible Study Led by Sherri Boyd and Darla Bierig “The Tribe” study group will be doing a 10-session Bible study called Abide by Jen Wilkin. This study guides us through 1 , 2, and 3 John teaching us how: •
we can hold onto assurance of our faith,
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we discern the truth from a lie,
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we know God loves us, and
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reminds us to hold fast to what we know and how to live what we believe.
The CONNECT | December 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 | December 2023
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SERVANT STUDENTS WRAP UP 2023 The fall semester for Servant Students has come and gone. It seems like just yesterday we were coming out of camp season and gearing up for our Back to School Bash. But just as you know, time goes by way too fast. On the final Wednesday of November, we gathered together for one last worship night for the semester. Throughout the entirety of the semester, we focused on a sermon series called “Undefeated.” This series looked at God’s faithfulness throughout Scripture and His faithfulness to us today. “Undefeated” refers to the many battles that God has fought, is fighting, and will fight for us. And He has never lost, nor will He ever lose a battle. On this final worship night, we gathered together to learn about our response to God’s faithfulness. We looked at examples such as the Woman at the Well, Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man, and Jesus’ final words to His disciples, the Great Commission. Our hope and our prayer throughout the semester is that our students feel the love and empowerment from God to go and make disciples of Jesus Christ in their schools, their communities, and their families.
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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
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SERVANT STUDENTS The CONNECT | December 2023
Skyler Rodriguez Assistant Director of Servant Students
But it’s not the end of the fall semester without a Christmas party! On Wednesday, December 6, we celebrated the end of the semester with one another. We catered Chick-Fil-A, decorated Christmas cookies, ate tons of ice cream, and played a massive game of White Elephant. One of our favorite parts of ministry is seeing the joy the students have for being with one another. These special gatherings do not have to have the best games or the best prizes, they just need to have the students and their leaders. We are so happy to have a group of students and leaders that genuinely love one another. These Christmas parties are always the best ways to end the semester. Please pray for these students as they take semester finals and go into the Christmas break. We look forward to being back with them in January!
The CONNECT | December 2023
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SERVANT KIDS Report 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.
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The CONNECT | December 2023
DECEMBER HAPPENINGS … CHRISTMAS TRAIN
SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER AGES 3 YEARS THROUGH KINDERGARTEN Christmas is such a special time of year! Preschoolers will experience a lot of excitement and wonder. We all do! But as they get older—and as we take time to stop and remember—we hope that the good news that God gave us Jesus will become the most wonderful part of Christmas. So get ready because we are hopping aboard the CHRISTMAS TRAIN, and it’s carrying the true story of Christmas! Our memory verse this month comes from John 3:16 which says, “God loved the world so much that he gave his only son.” This month, we will learn that God tells Mary she is going to have His Son Jesus. When Jesus is born, the shepherds run to Jesus and the wise men go to see Jesus. Happy Birthday, Jesus! How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus!
DECK THE HALLS: COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER GRADES 1-5
This month, we will learn about the connection between CHRISTMAS and God’s character, as shown through God’s big story. Christmas is celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift. With the busyness of the Christmas season, it’s easy to lose sight of why we celebrate in the first place. We forget that at the time of the first Christmas, God’s people were anticipating a Rescuer who would come and save the world. That’s what makes a countdown like an advent calendar so powerful. It allows us daily moments to stop and reflect on God, who loved us so much and sent Jesus to be our Savior. This December, we’re “decking the halls” and taking the whole month to focus on nothing but Christmas by celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift! We can’t wait to shine a spotlight on crucial moments in the story of Jesus’ birth as we count down to Christmas. Because of Jesus, it’s possible for us to have a relationship with God that will last forever. As we take this month to count down to the fun of Christmas Day, let’s take time to remember the reason we celebrate in the first place: Jesus, the greatest gift the world has ever known. Our memory verse comes from Isaiah 9:6 which says, “A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us.” We will learn that we can have peace because God has a plan. God’s love is for everyone. We can have joy because God sent Jesus, and we should celebrate Jesus all year long. The CONNECT | December 2023
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EARTHGLOW GIFT SHOP $1,000,000,000 How much is one million dollars? Ever really thought about that? It’s a LOT of money, isn’t it? A WHOLE LOT of money! More than many of us will ever see in our lifetimes. And yet we have a small and special enterprise in our own church that has just given away 1 million dollars to all sorts of groups and ministries in our own city since the beginning days of our church! And yes, you know what we’re highlighting right now, don’t you? It’s our own little gift shop on the main concourse of our building… Earthglow… which first came into being way back on April 5th of 1976! The idea was hatched in the minds of Kipp Neaves and Jean Burke. They began to share their little idea/dream with others in our church, women, who wanted to do something to help others less fortunate. How can we help folks like that? And you know, what began as a little dream and idea began to grow week by week and month by month as other women caught the dream and volunteered their personal services. At first the little store was open Monday through Friday in a small makeshift place in our first building down on the Northwest Expressway. It was open from 9-3 and staffed by the many women who volunteered their services. And almost exclusively the items for sale were hand-crafted
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items made by people in our church. But the word got around about this little shop and people would stop in during the week to take a look and actually buy these hand-crafted items for sale. Whatever the seller wanted to charge for their creation was priced 10%-15% higher than
that amount - and that small sum of money was kept by the store for one purpose only: to place in a special account to eventually be given away to worthy and worthwhile groups in OKC making a difference in the lives of others who were struggling in some basic way. And guess what: The very first year ended with Earthglow being able to give away $3,000 to help the poor and struggling in our community! But the next year, the amount was higher and the following year even higher more! And this last year, forty seven years later, Earthglow gave away over $50,000! It’s been doing
The CONNECT | December 2023
that faithfully year after year after year for almost a half century, volunteers coming up to the church to take their shift for the week. Maybe all morning in our church building. In the winter when it’s cold and very inclement outside or in the summer with it’s sweltering heat, week after week and month after month and year after year… for almost one half of a century… and then the official word came from the accounting folks: Earthglow, little Earthglow, had finally reached the point that they had given away over One Million Dollars! Isn’t that fantastic? Aren’t we all proud? Ordinary folks in our church, women all of them, had volunteered their services - and still do today - for almost fifty years! And they have been able to give away One Million Dollars to help others in real and sometimes even stark situations! This is one of the most remarkable stories ever in the history of our church and in the last half century in OKC. It’s happened right here in our midst week after week and month after month and even year after year. When we go into our special store on the concourse and buy something, however small or however large, we are making possible an outreach to literally hundreds and probably even thousands of people who are struggling to make ends meet.
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Tell your friends about Earthglow. Take time to stop in yourself on Sundays or during the week and take a look at what’s there. Amazing items of all sorts for personal use and for families and loved ones. You too can have a hand in making a wonderful difference in the lives of others. And you can help Earthglow continue to be a blessing in our community as it has been for the last half century. It is an amazing story, an amazing shop, and a huge blessing to those struggling and living without basic things because they just don’t have the money to acquire what they need and sometimes must have!
The CONNECT | December 2023
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M I S S I O N S
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WHIZ KIDS GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS We are excited about our Whiz Kids Christmas gatherings this year! Misty Farmer came to help the kids with some Christmas songs, and we were so surprised that her daughter Darci Lynne came with her puppet Petunia, too! They sang with the kids, and taught the kids a song called Happy Birthday Jesus. Everyone loved it! Next week, Sally Riffey is coming to tell some Christmas stories, and our last week, which also is our party, a Christian Santa is coming to tell the Christmas story.
The CONNECT | December 2023
HOSPITALITY HELPERS We want you! “Welcome, We’re glad you’re here.” What wonderful words to greet us on Sunday morning as we come through the doors on Sunday morning. WE NEED HELP WITH THIS! It’s a fun and easy was to serve our church. Another part of our hospitality team that is the Valet parking. This is a wonderful opportunity to help some of our members who are struggling to get from their car into church. The Welcome Center is another opportunity to help on Sunday morning. This is where visitors or members can get guidance to activity’s that are going on. The New Year is the perfect time to join our Hospitality Team. It’s a joyous mission that makes a big difference. Interested? Please contact Patricia Hocker at (405) 535-9121 so we can get you in just the right place to serve our church.
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 would love to have you on our team! Contact Heather DeShazo in the church office or by email at hdeshazo@churchoftheservant.com.
TREE LIGHTING SPONSOR
The CONNECT | December 2023
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Christmas Grace... Upon Grace... Upon Grace... On December 3, we witnessed an overflow of love and support as so many walked through the doors that Sunday morning, arms full of gifts. Bags filled to the brim with Christmas gifts to bless others within our community continued Church of the Servant’s long history of Christmas Grace. This annual gifting and outreach opportunity has been a congregational favorite that gives a personal element to fulfilling the wish lists for those in need. From bikes to books and from candles to clothing and from skateboards to shoes, Church of the Servant came through to bless so many families and individuals right here in Oklahoma City. The agencies supported with this year’s adoptions include Infant Crisis Services, Circle of Care, Meals on Wheels, the Putnam City Schools Foundation, Neighborhood Services Organization, and Exodus House. Each picked up their gifts the days following December 3rd with huge smiles on their faces as they declared how this act of service was going to bring so much joy to so many children and adults. Thank you so very much for your willingness to select wish lists, shop for items, wrap the gifts, and pray for these individuals and families. This is only a small glimpse into the goodness as the Church comes together to serve our community as the hands and feet of Christ. 18
The CONNECT | December 2023
PRIME TIME DECEMBER / JANAURY
JANUARY 2024
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON Thursday, JANUARY 11, 10:30 AM Community Hall Special Guest: JUNE CARTER Mr. June Carter is an energetic and talented baritone vocal soloist who has been singing ever since he was a little boy at St. Jude Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. June has been the lead singer for many gospel quartets, as well as one the tenor singers with the Ambassador Choir at St. John Baptist Church. He sings a variety of sacred and secular songs at churches, weddings, civic groups, retirement centers, and other venues throughout the southwest. June is the director of music at Classen Blvd Baptist church in Oklahoma City and thanks God for giving him a gift to share. For more information about the Voices, go to ServantOKC.org/prime-time.
JUNE CARTER DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, JANUARY 8th!
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).
ServantOKC.org/prime-time
You can sign up at Guest Central in the Concourse, online at ServantOKC.org/prime-time, or call the church office at 405-721-4141.
DECEMBER
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON Thursday, December 14, 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 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 Bob Burke, go to ServantOKC.org/prime-time. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 11th. The CONNECT | December 2023
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Church of the Servant 14343 North MacArthur Boulevard Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142-9725
Follow Us! @ServantOKC
WORSHIP TIME
SUNDAYS @ 10AM
CONTACT US: 14343 N MacArthur Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 ServantOKC.org (405) 721-4141
LIVE STREAM Sunday Mornings @ 10AM servantokc.online.church Facebook.com/ServantOKC