Church of the ServantBi-Weekly Newsletter

October 10, 2012

Issue: 12.20

Believe s Belong s Become

United Methodist Church of the Servant s 14343 North MacArthur, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142 s (405)721-4141 s www.ChurchoftheServant.com

Transforming Lives!In May 1987 I attended services at Church of the Servant for the first time. I was a lost soul then

– my parents had both died recently from cancer, our families lived out of state, and I was lonely for them. I worked full-time and felt deprived of time with my young son and daughter. My husband’s job required a lot of travel - especially on weekends - and we did not share a faith journey together. The message that first morning focused on the fact that God is our rock, and when we’re living in a valley we should hold on, because He never fails to get us out of the valley if we just believe and trust in Him. I left that morning with hope in my heart. “Those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.” Isaiah 40:31

Fast forward 25 years… my children grew up at Church of the Servant, attending Sunday school, participating in student ministries on Sunday mornings, in Bible studies, camps and mission trips, and had made life-long true friends. When each was married, the best man or maid of honor was a “church friend,” and their marriages began in the Celebration Center. When they

hit their own valleys, it was these friends who prayed with them and encouraged them.

My own faith grew stronger through my participa-tion in Bible studies and choir; being part of the Wel-come Team; having the honor of being a Care Chap-lain; and helping with Confirmation classes. When I asked my husband if he wanted to attend Disciple 1 classes with me, without any hesitation he said yes – an answer to many prayers and the beginning of our faith journey together.

...Continued on page 3

Fall Festival ..................................... October 26Pledge Sunday ............................... October 28High School Fall Retreat ........... November 2-4Charge Conference .................... November 13“Home for Christmas” ................December 16

MINISTER’S NOTES:A Week in the Financial Life of Church of the Servant .......pg. 3

MISSIONS:Christmas Grace; Guatemala Trip ...................................pg. 4Fit to Serve 2012 in Gaillardia ..............................................pg. 5

MUSIC MINISTRIES:“Home for Christmas” ...........................................................pg. 6

ADULT MINISTRIES:Conference on Aging; Earthglow Market ............................pg. 6

STUDENT MINISTRIES:High School Fall Retreat; Costume Party ............................pg. 7

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES:Fall Festival; BSA Troop 177 .................................................pg. 8

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A Week in the Financial Life of Church of the ServantLast week I received a text message from a friend in the church that made me smile. He had picked up his mail and with the arrival of October and the annual Stewardship Campaign found a host of material from the Church pointing toward Pledge Sunday, October 28th. He commented that he was certain Pledge Sunday came around far more often than Christmas or his birthday! While it might seem that church finances occupy a great deal of our time and energy, I can say that we work to keep the ratio of “birthdays” to “Pledge Sundays” at one-to-one! But the simple truth is the ministries of Church of the Servant require a great deal of financial support.

When we add together all the financial streams of the church—weekly offerings, the “Fish” mission giving, our “Prepare the Way” capital campaign, and the Servant Foundation—total giving to Church

of the Servant in 2012 is expected to exceed $5.15 million dollars. The question then becomes how those dollars are spent in ministry. Looking at how our giving is used within the life of the church, by far the largest single item is salaries and related cost. Each and every week in 2012 we will invest $40,648.42 in our staff and personnel, approximately half of our overall spending. From the Senior Minister to our part-time security officers, our people are our programming as we work to provide a safe and hospitable environment for our congregation to gather in worship, praise and study. Just under $13,000 a week goes toward our United Methodist apportionments as we participate in the life of the broader church in support of local missions such as Circle of Care and CJAMM prison ministries as well as provide for the administrative costs of the denomination. MidFirst Bank receives $9,230.00 a week in principal and interest payments as we work to eliminate our existing debt on the building (This does not count the additional $953,190.76 of principal we have paid off in the last twelve months through the “Prepare the Way” capital campaign!). The utility bills for gas and electric run $4,358.00 a week, $2,993.00 for bulletins, newsletters, prayer calendars and the copiers to produce them, and $1,065.69 for insurance to make sure we are covered in case of a disaster. While this list does not cover all our expenses, it begins to provide an idea of what it takes to keep the doors of our church open. Without a doubt, a congregation the size and complexity of Church of the Servant is expensive to maintain.

It is easy to get lost in the details of our congregation’s finances, even for me as I deal with them on a daily basis. The challenge is to focus not on the money, but upon the ministry that the money enables and sustains. On an annual basis every dollar given will be used within the year. The 2012 budget approved by the Finance Committee and the Administrative Council projected a $2.09 daily surplus after daily expenses of $11,421.56. Yes, it is that close. When I say that every gift received—whether $10 or $10,000—matters to the ministries of the church, these are the financial truths behind that statement.

As staff and lay leaders in the congregation, our commitment to you is to be faithful in the financial management of Church of the Servant as we work to maximize the effectiveness and impact of your giving. Above all else we pledge to be transparent in our actions and will work to quickly answer any questions you might have about how your giving is utilized in ministry. Our request of you is simply to be faithful to the God you serve. Pray earnestly as to how he would have you respond as we draw near Pledge Sunday. Time and again God has demonstrated to us, his people, that while there might not be enough to have all we want, there will be enough to meet the need. For this, and for you, we give thanks in the name of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Randy Shrauner Executive Minister Church of the Servant

When he became ill in January 2011 and passed away 6 months later, it was this congregation who stood by us with an immeasurable outpouring of prayers, cards, hugs and loving support.

I know that all these faith-enriching experiences are the work of God, who led my family and me to Church of the Servant. God has directed hundreds of families like mine to Church of the Servant over the years, and we have all been abundantly blessed through His grace.

We have the opportunity to give back every day of the year – our time, talents, gifts, service, and witness – in thankfulness for our many blessings. But we have one special opportunity a year to honor God’s request to tithe and support His work. On October 28, 2012, when you complete your pledge card and place it on the Lord’s Table, please be reminded that your gift helps Church of the Servant transform lives, just like it has transformed my family over the past 25 years. Trusting in God’s Grace Everyday. - Cathy Hersom

Transforming Lives! ... Continued from Cover Page

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Guatemala Trip Scheduled for 2013

June 2-9, 2013 will mark the fourth mission trip to the Potter’s House in Guatemala City, Guatemala. This team is made up of adults and young adults (must have finished 9th grade)

who mentor each other and share experiences on this trip. The Potter’s House has existed for 26 years in the heart of Guatemala to minister to and serve the 11,000 people who live and work on the city dump. This is a great trip for a young person and a parent or grandparent to consider for a shared experience in mission. You do not have to have a young person to at-tend this trip as teams are paired as the group comes together.

The first information meeting is Sunday October 21 at 5pm in South Adult room 1. The first deposit of $400 is due November 11. For more information, contact Dr. Robyn Goggs at rgoggs@churchoftheservant.com or pick up a brochure at the Welcome Center or Mission Kiosk.

Many Thanks!On Saturday Sept 29, the Single Parent Network sponsored Queen for a Day for over 220 single mothers. The day

could not have been the success it was without the support and participation of the women, children’s staff and nursery workers, and facilities staff. Each of these areas of ministry gave their very best to help make this day special for these women. Thanks so much for committing your time to change the trajectory of the lives of so many mothers and children for generations to come. The 2012 Queen For A Day was a very special one for so many of the mothers that were present and you made it possible.

I have often wondered what a kind smile or a kind word or gesture can do for one in distress or tired or broken. You have all shown that in a moment, a minute, an hour, a substantial difference can and was made last Saturday. It took well over 200 volunteers to make this day possible and everyone has left a lasting impression on the hearts of many.

On behalf of all the mothers, grandmothers, and adoptive moms represented that day....Thank you to each of you! - Dr. Robyn Goggs

Christmas Grace begins in NovemberEvery year during November there is an opportunity to experience the true spirit of the

Christmas season by choosing to purchase gifts for others through Christmas Grace. Our missions committee works with our community partners to identity families and individuals in need.

Beginning on November 4, you can come by the Christmas Grace table and chose a profile showing details on a child, family, young person or senior adult who would love to re-ceive a gift this year. Most profiles have two suggestions listed in all different price ranges. Gifts must be returned by Sunday, Dec 2 so the agencies can distribute them by Christmas. If you have any questions, please contact Susy Wilson at scoxwilson@aol.com.

SERVANT October 10, 2012 I Page 5

Fit to Serve 2012 in Gaillardia made for a wonderful mission event!It was a beautiful afternoon as 432 participants put on their tennis shoes and came out for a walk or a run. The Gaillardia

course was scenic and easy on the feet. Forty-nine amazing volunteers showed up to help and cheer on the runners. It was so much fun to see all the little children cross the finish line and encouraging to see even 84-year-olds complete it too! After the course, all gathered on the country club lawn for a meal and awards presentation. It was relaxing with fun and fellowship.

Our hope was to have a great event and support a mission that we are very committed to as a church - Whiz Kids. The event raised close to $6,000 for our ministry of Whiz Kids, which mentors 50 children each week, as well as for the greater city-wide program which touches the lives of 900 students weekly. This year we awarded the first Golden Shoe Award to the Sunday school classes with the largest percentage of participation and another to the class with the largest monetary donation. The award this year went to Common Threads Sunday school class for Participation and Encounters for the Monetary Dona-tion. Thanks to each and every class for your participation and support! We hope you will plan to be a part of this event again next year!

It is only because of the leadership of the mission committee and many others that this event happens each year. I am so grateful for their leadership. Jamie Adamson served as race director this year and under his leadership the team did the hard work of preparing months in advance. We are so thankful to have partnered with our neighbors, Gaillardia, so appreciate the willingness of the residents to not only allow us to have the event but participate as well. Glory to God for a good event for a good ministry! - Dr. Robyn Goggs

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Couple’s Golf Weekend in TexasNovember 2-4

If you enjoy playing golf, you will want to be a part of the couple’s weekend of golf in Frisco, Texas at the Wes-tin Hotel on November 2-4. You can play on Friday and Saturday or just one of the days if it works better for your schedule. The cost of a room at the Westin Hotel is ap-proximately $109 per night and a round of golf is $75 per person. This is the third such outing for couples here at the church and it has always been a wonderful weekend with great fun and fellowship. If you are interested in participat-ing, sign up at the Welcome Center this Sunday or call Tom McGee in the church office at 728-4701. For those who do not play golf, there is plenty of shopping and other activi-ties to do in Frisco as well as just relaxing by the pool at the hotel. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, October 21.

Conference on AgingOctober 25

Church of the Servant is proud to co-sponsor a Conference on Aging to address issues which you or a loved one may be dealing. Issues such as Alzheimer’s, balance, home health, residential or rehab facilities, senior daycare, Veteran’s affairs, and others. This conference is free and will be held on Thurs-day October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Centrum here at Church of the Servant. Great professionals are scheduled to speak about a wide range of issues. The Daily Living Center will provide complimentary daycare for your loved ones. They will pick them up here and take them to their 30th and Rockwell site, then return them at the end of the conference. While the conference is free, it is necessary for you to register. You can do that by signing up at the Welcome Center or call the church office at 728-4738 or 728-4735.

Earthglow Market will be the big event here at Church of the Servant on November 10 from 9 to 3! It is a holiday shopping extravaganza that so many people in our com-munity look forward to every year! There is a cafe avail-able for chili pie, hot dogs, beans and cornbread, and of course our famous chocolate sheet cake. The bake sale is always a favorite stop as well as the great variety of merchant booths! Don’t miss it!

Did you know that all the profits from the booth and table rental are donated to local missions and ministries? Additionally funds are raised through Earthglow’s Gift Shop, and through Stars for the Memory and Honor Tree.

We still have booth space available. To sign up for one, or for more information, please contact Jimi Hadley at 722-2563. Be sure to join us at the Earthglow Market! Thank you for supporting Missions!

“Home for Christmas”Music Ministries has been busy in preparation for our new holiday production, “Home for Christmas: A Musical Jour-

ney through Christmas Past and Present”, but we still need YOU! We are looking to cast an ensemble of all ages, no experience required. You won’t have to sing, or even speak! Rehearsals will start December 3 with two performances the evening of December 16. If you, or even your entire family are interested in participating in this very special service in the life of our church, please email Brooke Gebb at bgebb@churchoftheservant.com.

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October will be another fun month for Middle School Ministries! The time for J.A.M. (our Sunday night Bible study) is changing to 6:00-7:00pm. We still need parents to sign up to bring snacks for the month of November and first week of December, December 2nd. Call or email Dana Israel if you are interested in helping!

Other fun events coming your way are our Fall Party on October 24, which will be at Laser Quest on North May from 6:00-8:00pm. The church Fall Festival will be October 26 and the student ministries area has been asked to help with face painting and tattooing and we need volunteers to help! Sign up with Dana today if you would like to be a part!!!

We will not have youth on Wednesday, October 31. As always, contact Dana Israel 405-728-4753 or disrael@

churchoftheservant.com or check out our website for any questions you might have!

High School Fall RetreatFall Retreat is coming quick! On November 2-4, high

school students are invited to an incredible weekend where we will focus on God’s life and how it transforms us from exist-ing to really living. Registrations are due on Oct 21! Pick up a registration and join us!

High School Ministries

Old School and EncountersOn Sunday nights, high school students will learn about

building biblical community through interactive games and by focusing on God’s word. Join us on Sunday nights as we kick it at Old School! And once a month we have our worship ser-vice, called Encounter, for all high school students. We will spend the evening praising God and praying.

High School Ministries Costume Party!

On Wednesday, October 24, High School Ministries will take a break from D Groups and have a frightening evening! We will meet off campus at the Wittrock home from 6:30-8:00pm. Students should wear their most creative costume and be ready for an awesome night! Come by the Point and pick up a flyer!

ONG EMPLOYEE?For as long as I can remember, Pancake Breakfast

has been one of the staples of Church of the Servant. It has been an incredible way for the high school students to serve the church. In order for us to do Pancake Break-fast, we have to rent griddles from ONG. However, they will no longer rent the griddles to churches unless the church has a member that works at ONG and is willing to be present during the duration of use. We would love to continue the Pancake Breakfast tradition, but we need help. We are looking for an ONG employee who is also a church member. If you are that employee and are willing to help, please phone Sang Nguyen at 405-728-4754 or email him at snguyen@churchoftheservant.com.

Middle School Ministries

Page 8 I SERVANT October 10, 2012

Friday, October 26, 6:00-8:30pm, Church of the Servant will be transformed into a carnival midway for our annual Fall Festival. Each year hundreds of people from our church family and the community come to be part of this fun family event. The church is packed with kids of all ages having a great time!

At this year’s festival you can enjoy terrific food - a delicious hot dog supper, cotton candy, popcorn, and a bake sale. For entertainment you can enjoy carnival

games, moon bounce, giant slide, cake walk, bingo, and clowns - just to name a few of the available activities. Children are encouraged to dress in their seasonal costumes (no scary costumes, please) and don’t forget your treat bags!

I would love to challenge you to invite someone to come with you to the Fall Festival this year. This event is a great no-pressure way to introduce someone to our church facility as well as to many of your fellow church members.

There is no charge to enter the festival, and food is sold for a small fee. We ask each year for donations to benefit Infant Crisis Services. Please bring along blankets, diapers, wipes, clothes, toys, or formula to donate at the door.

BSA Troop 177September is a very busy month for our troop! To start off the month, we

cooked patrol dinners at our weekly troop meeting to help our new scouts develop their skills. Like us on Facebook to see what we cooked, along with updated pictures from troop events!

Earlier this month was our troop open house. Boys interested in scouting came and talked with the troop, along with playing Olympic-themed games and enjoying snacks. That weekend you may have also noticed our pioneering tower built on the south lawn of the church. Those visiting enjoyed climbing in the tower and throwing water balloons at targets below. This open house was also a dry run in anticipation of the September 21-23 Webelos Woods Campout.

Each year, Webelos Woods gives Webelos Scouts (4th & 5th graders) an op-portunity to camp with our troop and other troops from the area at John Nichols Scout Ranch in Southwest Oklahoma City. The young boys visit and camp with the troops, experience scouting activities, and start making up their minds about what Boy Scout troop they would like to join once they are finished with the Cub Scout program.

Are you ready for popcorn? We are in the middle of our yearly popcorn cam-paign. We thank you for your support when we sold popcorn and first aid kits at Church of the Servant before and after the Sunday morning services. We also participated in show-and-sells at Lowes and Mardel and many of our scouts are selling door-to-door in their neighborhoods. The proceeds from this campaign will be used to fund our 2013 summer camp trip. Please send a message through our web site if you would like to help us.

Next month we will be camping at Chickasaw National Park and in November we will be climbing and rappelling at Robbers Cave State Park. Boys 11-18 years old who want to have fun outdoors can al-ways contact us about joining the troop. For more information and to follow BSA Troop 177, visit www.BSAtroop177ok.org.

u Larry and Judy Cincotta as Larry faces surgery at Mercy Health Center.u Harold and Jean Coleman as Harold recuperates from an illness.u Ray and Lois Crooks as Lois deals with health issues.u Tom and Carole Garner as Carole’s cousin, Charles Nefmith, has been placed on hospice care.u Rodney, Diane, Peyton, and Parker Glenn as Parker is hospitalized at the OU Medical Center Children’s Hospital.u Leon, Debbie, and Sean Gold as Debbie recuperates from surgery.u Denene Harper as she recuperates from a biopsy.u Dona Kippenberger as she recuper-ates from surgery.u Matthew, Misha, Malley and Mabrey Knight as Misha deals with health issues.u Steve, Amanda, Ashlyn, Landrie, and Karsyn Massey as Karsyn recuperates from injuries from a fall.u I.G. and Betty Murray as they both deal with health issues.u Kay Nichols as her daughter, Julie Stephens, deals with health issues.u Jim Peterson as Jim is hospitalized at Deaconess Hospital.u Ken and Peggy Pointer as Ken un-dergoes treatment.u Kent and Glenda Potts as Glenda recuperates from surgery at the McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital.uBill and Linda Roark as Linda’s mother, Helen Margaret McCullough, recuperates from injuries from a fall.u Paul and Mary Belle Sterling as Mary Belle recuperates from surgery at the McBride Clinic Orthopedic Hospital.u Jay and Margaret Stout as Marga-ret recuperates from surgery at Mercy Health Center.u Dan and Susie Waring as Dan recu-perates from surgery.

u Bryan and Betsy Atteberry and Michael, Amber, and Hannah Miller and Family at the death of Betsy’s mother and Amber’s grandmother, Roxy Arnott.u Phillis Duncan and Family at the death of her husband, James Duncan.uFalon, Jamie, Nathan, Evan, and Catherine Fuller and Family at the death of Falon’s mother, Rita Fuller.uKay Nichols and Family at the death of Kay’s nephew, Robert Erwin.uJim Peterson and Family at the death of his wife, Sharon Peterson.uGary and Rosalie Rahe and Family at the death of Rosalie’s mother, Vivian Tontz; and Gary’s aunt, Phyllis Rahe.uRoy and Kim Wallace and Family at the death of Kim’s mother, Kimmie Croy.uMike and Pam Adams; Chad, Melissa, Truman and Audrey Adams and Jackson Osbourn; and Barbara Seagrove and Family at the death of Mike’s and Pam’s daughter, Chad’s sister, Jackson’s, Tru-man’s and Audrey’s aunt and Barbara’s granddaughter, Kerri Adams.

uA contribution has been made to The Servant Foundation, Inc. in memory of Shirley Martin by Joe & Jean Burke.uA contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Bob Reynolds by William & Melba Howard, Family of Bob Reynolds, Marty & Dorothy Christensen, Donna Armstrong, Judy Denwalt, Stephen H. McDonald & Associates, and Barbara Mayfield.uA contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Music Ministry in memory of Bob Reynolds by Arthur & Charlene Richardson, Bob & Jo Gentry, Phyllis Armstrong, Dale Putnam & Jolene Ingram, Robert & Opal Warren, Michael & Elaine Frizzell, Family of Bob Reynolds, Vince & Marilyn Robison, David & Mar-jorie Carmichael, Robert & Nancy Smith, Art & Joane Schmidt, John Culbertson, Niles Jackson & Barbara Thornton, Joe & Jean Burke, John & Jean Amick, Mary Wright, Cynthia Wright & Cali Givens, Dick & Glenna Tanenbaum, and Susan Dage.uA contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Sr. Minister’s Discretionary Fund in memory of Bob Reynolds by Primetime.uA contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Hannah’s Promise in Bryan Chavez by Patrick & Brenda Atkins.uA contribution has been made to Church of the Servant Care Ministry in memory of Ernie Daffer by Robert & Opal Warren.

uBob and Opal Warren as Bob deals with health issues.uJim and Cheryl Wheelbarger as Jim deals with health issues.u Berry and Linda Wheeler as Berry deals with health issues.uAlan, Jennifer, Katherine, Aidan, and Brendan White as Jennifer’s grandmother, Mary Reynolds, is under hospice care.

Our Prayers continued...

FORGIVENESS: A Time to Love and A Time to HateThis engrossing, provocative film raises significant questions about whether for-

giveness is possible, who is entitled to forgive, and who is entitled to forgiveness. In portraying stories from the most intimate to the most global, we are asked to grapple with our own assumptions and even prejudices. This courageous and comprehensive examination of humanity’s capacity for elevation and degradation provides great value for us to engage in reflection and soul-searching, robust and complex discussion, and authentic spiritual struggle. Join us on Sunday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. in the Cen-trum. Discussion will follow. Sign up now at the Welcome Center.