A Season of
THANKSGIVING
What a Special Day at
Church of the Servant! This past Sunday was a special day at Church of the Servant. Every Sunday is special, but this past Sunday was an extra special day! First, we burned the mortgage note and celebrated that the church is now DEBT FREE! Second, we continued to celebrate what God has done, is doing, and will do in this place and among the people of our great church. So many people could feel the move of God in this place as we celebrated God’s activity. With regards to 2018 commitments, here is what we are excited to announce:
Dr. Matthew Mitchell Senior Minister
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Compared to last year, day one commitments totaled $600,000 more than day one last year!
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The Finance Ministry Team is seeing a number of first-time commitments to the ministry budget!
As excited as I am today, I also realize this is just the beginning of the important work of our team. This first day total is close to two thirds of the way towards our ministry budget goals for 2018. Our work for the next forty-five days will be to finish the race that is before us and to make sure everyone is counted in this exciting and hopeful time at Church of the Servant. To all of you, thank you so much for a great beginning. I cannot wait to share the great news of what we will be able to accomplish for God’s kingdom in 2018. If you have not made your commitment, I want to ask you to do so as soon as possible. Doing so helps the Finance Ministry Team dive into the important work of preparing for a new year. Never forget, it takes all of us – no matter how large or how small the gift, we are making an eternal difference together! Very Excited! Matthew
2018 Commitments
Commitment Sunday was last Sunday, but it’s not too late to send in your commitment card if you have not already done so. Please prayerfully consider your 2018 commitments, fill out a commitment card (extra cards are in the pew pockets and at the Welcome Center), and place it in the offering basket this Sunday, or drop it off at the church office. Thank you for your faithfulness. Together, we can shape the future and make an eternal difference!
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CHRISTMAS GRACE...
20 years of sharing love at Christmas Every year we partner with local community organizations who have identified families who need a little extra love and care this Christmas. Over the last couple of weeks, all of our families have gone out! There are still ways to help during the season by purchasing a Christmas meal for a family. We will be giving 60 meals to families in our ministry partnerships this year. Thank you for your overwhelming response and generosity!
Missions
What a blessing this ministry is for the hundreds of families who will receive gifts and food this Christmas, because of you and your desire to be a blessing to others! Please return gifts and meals by Sunday, December 3.
Connect Your Passion with God’s Mission on UMC GIVING TUESDAY, November 28, 2017
My Heart’s Appeal is an approved Global Ministry of the United Methodist Church Advance, Project # 3022086, and ministry partner with Church of the Servant My Heart’s Appeal sponsors Big Ma’s Care Place, Church of the Servant’s own “Hannah’s Promise” sister respite care program for families with children who have special needs in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. Big Ma’s serves 70 clients monthly, providing meals, crafts, indoor and outdoor play, and time to interact with each other. These clients look forward to the day they can attend My Heart’s Appeal vocational training programs when the ten classroom facility is completed. Please prayerfully consider donating to help furnish these classrooms or assist in funding the transportation program. Give online at www.umcmission. org/give, or call 1-888-252-6174 on Giving Tuesday, November 28, or anytime through the end of the year.
Partnering with Blue Star Mothers of America!
The Juniors of Girl Scout troop 177 of Church of the Servant have partnered with Blue Star Mothers of America for their Bronze Award project. The Girls Scouts are asking for our donations and support to help collect the items needed to assemble and ship care packages to deployed military members! There is a blue collection container right outside Community Hall through the end of November. The following is a comprehensive list of supplies needed for the troops. Please purchase individual-sized food items and travel-sized toiletries. EZ-Mac & Cheese (NOT BOWLS)
Tea bags (individual)
Toothpaste (travel size)
Soup - READY TO EAT (pop top)
Powdered drink mixes (individual packets)
Toothbrushes
Tuna, chicken, or salmon pouches
Spiced apple cider (individual packets)
Disposable razors
Dried fruit (individual packets)
Candy (individually wrapped)
Tylenol/Advil (small bottles)
Beef jerky/Slim Jims (small or individual)
Cream/sugar packets
Cough drops
Instant oatmeal (individual packets)
Baby wipes (resealable bag) unscented
Bandaids
Breakfast/granola bars
Foot powder (travel size)
Socks (100% cotton or wool)
Crackers (individually wrapped packages)
Eye drops (small)
AAA or AA batteries
Pop tarts
Hand sanitizer (travel size)
Ziploc bags (any size)
Ramen noodle packets (NOT BOWLS)
Sunscreen (small lotion or gel)
Puzzle books
Sunflower seeds or trail mix (individual packets)
Chapstick
Pens or mechanical pencils
Coffee (individual)
Mouthwash (travel size)
Dental floss SERVANT November 15, 2017 I Page 3
Adults
OH WHAT FUN! – A Christmas Crafting Morning Saturday, December 9 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in Community Hall $35 (all supplies for 2 projects and breakfast included)
Come join Women’s Ministry for a Christmas Crafting morning! The morning will feature coffee, bagels, fun and fellowship. We will be painting and creating a custom Christmas decoration as well as four wooden ornaments. Remember to wear “paint-friendly” clothes. Register and pay at www.churchoftheservant. com/events or on Sunday mornings in the Concourse. Limited spots available, so register early! The mission outreach for the morning will be to provide a new or gently used baby/toddler coat for Infant Crisis Services.
Earthglow Market – An Overwhelming Success!
Honoring Our Vets!
Last Sunday afternoon the Concourse and 13.2 Coffee Shop were full of people, young and old, who are committed to duty. Over cookies and coffee, veterans reminisced about shared experiences of sacrifice and commitment to our country. Throughout the Concourse moved boys and girls in scouting uniforms who prepared to honor our veterans. When the ceremony began, the colors were presented, the Pledge of Allegiance was proclaimed, and generations were connected by a love for America and an appreciation for our freedom. 5th-grader Noah Goggs shared an essay he wrote in gratitude for Veterans: “I am thankful for Veterans for giving us freedom and making peace at the sacrifice of themselves. I am thankful for the kindness and helpfulness that Veterans offer all throughout their lives. I am thankful that I have a good friend who is a Veteran (Hank Kittrell) who has shown me why this day is important.” Dr. Matthew Mitchell wove together all of the lives present, remembering his own greatgrandfather who fought in the Civil War. The idea of duty to neighbors is what keeps us living the way God wants us to live each day. He ended by expressing gratitude to our veterans and challenging the scouts “to hug and thank a veteran today.” Page 4 I ChurchotheServant.com
Last Saturday, November 11, found the hallowed halls of Church of the Servant literally filled with home décor, Christmas decorations of all shapes and sizes, woodwork, artwork, and handmade items galore. Over 110 vendors cheerfully shared their products to an unprecedented number of happy shoppers. There was a tremendous bake sale and a café filled with yummy lunch items. It truly took a village of volunteer bakers and workers to make this event happen, and the result was a day that was enjoyed by all and that will provide significant funds for Earthglow to distribute to various local mission activities. Thanks to all who worked, shopped, and participated in the event. Mark your calendar for next year’s Earthglow Market on November 3, 2018. The Earthglow Shop is stocked with beautiful new items and is the perfect place to do your Christmas shopping. Nativity sets, ornaments, decorator pillows, gift bags, candles, warm fuzzy socks and scarves, toys, jewelry – there is something for everyone on your list! Stop by this Sunday morning between services and enjoy a sample taste of chips and salsa. Remember that all proceeds from your purchases in Earthglow are given directly to missions. Help Earthglow make this a banner year for giving to those in need right here in Oklahoma!
Adults PRIME TIME Welcomes Kyle Dillingham! Ready for a really outstanding Christmas treat for Prime Time? Well, we’ve got it! Come join us Thursday, December 14, at 10:00 a.m. (note the earlier time) for our very important Annual Bake Sale and Silent Auction, and a morning of musical magic from Kyle Dillingham! World renowned fiddle sensation and Oklahoma Musical Ambassador, Kyle Dillingham, has over 20 years of international experience with performances in 36 countries. The Enid native picked up the violin when he was nine, and eight years later gave two featured performances at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. He later went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in instrumental music performance from Oklahoma City University. Many times Kyle has performed for royalty and government leaders. He has been soloist with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, the Amici New York Orchestra, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Enid Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma City University Orchestra, the UCO Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra and the Oklahoma Community Orchestra. He is a 2009 recipient of the OK Governor’s Art’s Award and is currently “Ambassador in Residence” at the University of Central Oklahoma, using his “musical diplomacy” to help develop and strength-
en new overseas relationships for the university. He also received the 405 Magazine Best of OKC Award for Best Local Musician 2016 and 2017. Perhaps Kyle is best known as part of the very popular Horseshoe Road. These fellows have been thrilling audiences since 2005 with their high energy performances, and they are winners of the 2016 Oklahoma Gazette Music Awards for “Best Americana/Folk.” They just performed with Canterbury Choral Society at a sold out “Bluegrass and Blue Jeans” Concert. And remember, you don’t want to miss bidding on the goodies at the Annual Bake Sale and Silent Auction, the proceeds of which allow us to be generous in our charitable giving. The auction will be from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. Please consider contributing one or more baked items; cakes, pies, cookies and candy are all best sellers! There will be a table
in the Concourse on Sunday, December 3 and 10, so stop by and sign up to make this the best bake sale ever! We’ll round out the morning with a Christmas Feast of ham, praline sweet potatoes, braised cabbage, and assorted crème pies for dessert! $2 for program only, $10 with the meal. Sign up online at www.churchoftheservant.com/ events or at the Welcome Center.
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Music
Travel to Ireland!
Travel with Church of the Servant Celebration Choir and Worship Orchestra in June 2019 to Ireland – the land of St. Patrick and Neolithic sites – to kiss the Blarney Stone, listen for banshees, look for leprechauns, and hear Gaelic spoken. Join with us in sharing the gospel in song (or just listen) in historic cathedrals, halls and abbeys, while you enjoy food, fun and fellowship with a great group of folks! You will experience 8 days and 6 nights visiting Bunratty, Cork, Ring of Kerry, Blarney, Waterford, Kilkenny, Glendalough and Dublin. The price of $3,700 (for double occupancy) includes round trip air fare from OKC, hotels, charter buses, entrance fees to attractions, and several meals. A deposit of $100 is due before January 7, 2018, then 12 monthly payments of $300 beginning March 1, 2018 through February 1, 2019. We typically have 4 or 5 non-choir members participating in the choir with us, and about twenty friends and spouses who accompany us. JOIN US! Brochures detailing the trip, will be available in the Music Ministries office in early December.
NextGen Save the Date
KANAKUK KAMPOUT IS COMING BACK July 9 – 13
Registration will be available online in early 2018
ADVENT FAMILY WORSHIP NIGHT! To help families begin their Advent season centered in Christ, Servant Kids is hosting a Family Worship Night on Wednesday, November 29, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. The evening will include a hot dog buffet in Community Hall, 6:00-6:45 p.m., and worship in the Centrum, 6:45-7:30 p.m. The worship service will be designed for kids 3 years to 5th grade and their parents. Nursery is available for children 2 and under during the worship service. Please register your family for dinner (there is no charge) by Monday, November 27 at www.churchoftheservant.com/events. The theme – Advent Acts of Kindness – will send you home with your heart open to embracing this Holy Season and sharing it with others.
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Our Prayers
Our Life Together
u Rita Aragon as Rita’s son-in-law, Greg Smith, recuperates from surgery. u Ed and Cecilia Beckham as Ed’s cousin, Georgina, deals with health issues. u Gary and Darlene Berkovsky as their daughter-in-law, Ghezal Pitt, deals with health issues. u Landis Byerly as Landis deals with health issues. u Clive and Beryl Cadle as Clive recuperates from a procedure. u Richard and Teresa Carrington as their friend, Doug Allert, deals with health issues. u Jarrell and Wilma Cathey as Wilma deals with health issues. u Randy and Gayle Dekker as Randy deals with health issues and faces surgery. u Holly Gray as Holly recuperates from surgery and is at OK Heart Hospital. u Rhonda Coleman-Jackson as Rhonda recuperates from surgery. u Cecil and Carolyn Jones as Carolyn deals with health issues and faces surgery. u Elizabeth Large as Elizabeth’s brother, Steven Large, is hospitalized at OU Medical Center. u Rick and Joyce McDaniel as Rick recuperates from surgery. u Pat Norton as she deals with health issues. u Brian and Beverly Ratliff as their friend, Katie Cooks, recuperates from surgery. u Joel and Stacey Shaffer as Joel’s sister, Shelli Raines, undergoes treatment. u Annell Thompson as Annell’s cousin, Becky Collins, recuperates from surgery and is hospitalized at Community Hospital South.
Celebrating
u Jeff and Sarah Dunn at the birth of their son, Holden Randal Dunn. The proud brother is Abraham ‘Bram’ Dunn. The proud grandparents are Rev. Randy and Jenny Shrauner.
Our Sympathy
u Steve and Barbara Colton, Cory and Jenny Rutledge, and Family at the death of Steve’s mother and Jenny’s grandmother, Carole A. Colton. u Jim and Janeen Ferguson and Family at the death of Jim’s and Janeen’s daughter, Laura Sneed. u Kathryn Greene, Johnny and Donna Powell, and Family at the death of Kathryn’s brother and Donna’s uncle, Vernon Clover. u Scott and Linda Smith, Jessica, Cody, and Leightyn Keyser, Tyler, Jenna, and Emery Smith and Family at the death of Linda’s mother and Jessica’s and Tyler’s grandmother, Shirley Fite.
Whiz Kids Fruit Sale December 10
The annual fruit sale will once again benefit Whiz Kids of Oklahoma. Boxes of oranges, boxes of grapefruit, and mixed boxes will be available for pre-sale on December 3 (for pick up on December 10) and for sale again on December 10. Look for the tables in the Concourse. The fruit is $20 per box and can be picked up on December 10 or picked up in the church office after the sale from December 11-13. Enjoy a healthful snack or gift to share with your family and friends while helping a FANTASTIC cause! What cause is that? Whiz Kids of Oklahoma – an organization that improves the lives of elementary school students by partnering each child with a caring volunteer tutor. The tutors are there each week to work one-on-one with their student and to build a relationship. The volunteers help primarily with reading, but can help with any schoolwork necessary. The students are picked up from school, driven to a partnering church, fed a meal, spend time learning, and are driven home. The volunteers become invested in their students, get to know their families, and build lasting relationships. This organization relies on volunteers and funding. Please considering helping fund Whiz Kids by purchasing a box of fruit on December 3 and 10.
In the Kitchen
Thanksgiving Feast Buffet!
November 19 Make your class reservations by calling Michele & Will Snow at 405-9737793 or andrea.barnett@live.com. Dec 3 – Pork Loin with Cran-Raspberry Sauce, Roasted Bakers, Potatoes and Carrots, Rolls, and Dessert. Dec 10 – Meat Loaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Seasoned Green Beans, Rolls, and Dessert. The Kitchen is located just inside Community Hall. Join us on Sundays for hot breakfast or lunch!
Christmas In the Courtyard
This Advent season, beginning Sunday, November 26, come experience Christmas in the Courtyard! Enjoy Breakfast-on-the-Go, 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!
The snow is pretty, however...
We do our very best when it comes to keeping the parking lots and sidewalks clean and safe after a snow storm. One way a few brave and sturdy souls could help when that snow comes is to help us clear the sidewalks before Sunday services. If you are able to help, please call Don Cole, Director of Facilities, at 834-2702 or email Don at dcole@ churchoftheservant.com, and he will put you on the call list. SERVANT November 15, 2017 I Page 9
Church of the Servant
14343 N MacArthur Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73142-9725
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