CARE MINISTRIES

During hard times in life, we need all the love and support we can get – both from God and others. In fact, God often manifests His presence through others! Being “God’s heart and hands” is the very purpose of our Care Ministry. We have many ways to minister to Church of the Servant’s families:

  • Our Care Chaplains
  • Various support groups
  • Hospital and home visits
  • Encouraging care notes
  • Intercessory prayer

We also provide care and support during joyous times when a new baby is born, such as gift basket! 


Daily Prayer

Daily Prayer Calendar

The Upper Room, a daily devotional guide for United Methodists, provides a devotional reading for each of the days of the month that goes with each of the Scripture readings and prayers on this month's prayer calendar.  The devotional for each day will enrich your quiet time with the Lord during this month.  


This Week's Prayer Requests

This week's Prayer Requests are listed below. Please join us in lifting up each of these individuals and families.


Funeral/Memorial Services

The funeral and memorial services that have been recently held or are scheduled in our church building, either for one of our church members or for one of their family members, are listed below.


Request Prayer

If you need to be raised up in prayer or just need a hand to hold, please click on the Request Prayer button below to let us know. We are here to be there for you.

This Week's Prayer Requests

CONCERNS FOR WEEK OF APRIL 17 - 23, 2019


OUR PRAYERS:


Doris Cline as Doris recuperates from injuries from a fall.

 

Gayle Dekker as Gayle’s sister-in-law, Nance Lee Dalman, recuperates from surgery.

 

Gavin Drew as Gavin recuperates from surgery.

 

Mary Jessup as Mary deals with health issues and hospitalized at OK Heart Hospital North.

 

Susan King-Baker as Susan recuperates from surgery.

 

Beverly Kirkhuff as Beverly’s daughter-in-law, Kristen Kirkhuff, recuperates from surgery.

 

Bill and Janie Medina as Bill deals with health issues.

 

Ben and Sandy Ratzlaff as Sandy recuperates from surgery; and Ben deals with health issues.

 

Dorothy “Dottie” Smith as Dottie undergoes rehab and is a resident at Epworth Villa.

 

Cheryl Wilson as Cheryl recuperates from injuries from a fall.

 

Mary Alice Young as Mary Alice’s friend, Rogelio Maltos, deals with health issues.

 

 

OUR SYMPATHY:

 

Doug and Ranet Tippens and Family at the death of Ranet’s father, Randal Wayne Hancock.
 
Mike and Jo Ellyn Bible and Family at the death of Jo Ellyn’s mother and Mike’s mother-in-law, Jeanne Squyres.
 
Gerry Pinkston at the death of Gerry’s friend, Laura Switzer.

OUR CELEBRATION:

Bill and Robyn Reed at the birth of their 1st grandchild, Hadley Anne Bolgren. The proud parents are Jarrod and Amanda Bolgren.

 

THIS MONTH'S CARE MINISTRY EVENTS

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...

Funeral and Memorial Services

When a member of our church experiences the loss of a loved one, frequently our church is chosen as the place for the service to celebrate the life of that loved one.  This page will be updated with information on these services if they are to take place at Servant.  Listings will remain available for a few weeks following the event.

  • There will be a memorial service in the Celebration Center on Tuesday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m. for Ken Griffin, former husband of Janet Griffin.  The service will be officiate by Rev. Tim Travers.
  • On Tuesday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m., there was a memorial service in the Celebration Center for Randal Hancock, father of Ranet Tippens.  The service was officiated by Rev. Randy Shrauner.

Planning a Funeral or Memorial Service

When a loved one dies, those grieving often need assistance in planning a funeral or memorial service. Care Ministries at Church of the Servant can provide that assistance in a comforting and efficient way.


First, decide one person who will be the family contact to help coordinate the service. That person should then contact Vicki Roberds, Coordinator of Care Ministries. Her direct phone line is (405) 728-4738. She is available from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours or on weekends, please call (405) 721-4141. You will be directed to an emergency line to contact a pastor on call, who can help you reach Vicki.


Vicki will kindly and efficiently guide you through the process of planning the service, including: choosing a date, contacting the pastor of your choice, those who can help you with music, and any other matters concerning the service.  We can also provide you with the names of some very fine funeral homes, if you need that information. The funeral home you choose will also help you with other aspects of the service. 


After the service is over, you may feel the need for ongoing support as you continue to grieve the loss of your loved one. Church of the Servant has a Grief Support Group that can accompany you during this healing process. It can offer community, understanding, support, and encouragement; and will extend open and loving arms of welcome to you.  Just know that we are here to help make this journey more bearable, and a day of comfort and peacefulness. We want you and your loved ones to experience the love of Christ in action, so please let us know how we can serve you. 


Click here to download a PDF form with these directions to give to the person you’ve chosen as your contact.

Grief Support Group

Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? If so, perhaps you would benefit from our Grief Support Group at Church of the Servant. Being part of a group of people who encourage and build up one another in the faith can make such a difference as we grieve. Whether you have recently experienced the death of a loved one, or if you have been on a grief journey for a long time, we hope you’ll consider joining the group. We’ll meet on Sundays, 3:00-4:30 p.m., beginning February 3, 2019 and continuing through May 5, 2019. There will be no meeting on Sun. April 21. We’ll meet in the Library at Church of the Servant. The Library is located in the office area directly behind the big waterfall. Each session will include a helpful video and plenty of time for discussion and sharing. We utilize the Grief Share curriculum, and each participant will receive a complimentary workbook. Registration never closes, so you are always welcome to join us at any time during the course. To register please email Vicki Roberds or phone her at 728-4738..


Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group

Are you caring for, or giving support to, a loved one who has Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia? If so, we invite you to attend our Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group, which meets from 3:00-4:30 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month and is ongoing. This group is designed to give Christian support and encouragement to people who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Whether you and your loved one are far along on this difficult journey, or are brand-new to dealing with this challenge in life, either way you are invited to join us. Some of you may have your loved one living at home with you, while others have your loved one cared for in a care center. We welcome all of you, the caregivers and supporters. Here’s how it works: just arrange for any care that might be necessary for your loved one during the time of our meeting (we aren’t able to offer such care here at Church of the Servant)…then join us for a time of learning, sharing, and caring for one another in a Christian environment. If you’re interested in this group, please email Vicki Roberds or phone her at 728-4738..

Transportation Access for Non-Driving Seniors

and Others with Disabilities

Many of us take for granted the ability to slide into our cars and drive ourselves to appointments, shopping excursions, or even Sunday services at Church of the Servant.  However, that is a level of independence that is not enjoyed by everyone.  We have learned in the Care Ministry office about many members and their families who have to juggle schedules and responsibilities in order to get a ride to a bridge party, a hair appointment, or even to pick up prescriptions.  While Uber and Lyft are good choices for many, we have found three additional options for non-driving seniors and others who have disabilities.


For someone living near an existing city bus route, Embark Plus might be the answer.  Rides can be scheduled in specific areas for medical appointments and grocery shopping at a low cost, and senior discounts are available if age-eligible.


Having the latitude to schedule a driver in a personal vehicle might be your preference, and for that reason you might choose to join the Independent Transportation Network (ITN) or utilize the RSVP Provide-A-Ride service.  ITN delivers clients to almost any destination of their choice within the OKC metro area, and RSVP transports clients to medical appointments, including a pharmacy stop after that appointment.


Read more about all three in a side-by-side comparison by picking up a chart at the Welcome Center or view it HERE.

Volunteer Driving Opportunities

Church of the Servant has had a mission/volunteer mindset since its beginning 50 years ago, and a new opportunity is available for those who would enjoy an individual service option.  Drivers with good driving records are needed by two organizations, Independent Transportation Network (ITN) and RSVP Provide-A-Ride.


Both organizations connect seniors or those with disabilities to volunteer drivers who have even a half-day of available time each week, and both have waiting lists of those needing rides.  These ride options don’t offer a paycheck the way Uber and Lyft do, but they do offer the opportunity to get acquainted with interesting and appreciative people, all of whom have had a background check.  Many friendships have blossomed through the simple kindness of providing transportation for someone who no longer can drive.

Each organization provides additional liability insurance for the driver’s vehicle and allows mileage to be reimbursed or “banked” for future use.  Both are 501-C3 organizations, so if the volunteer chooses not to be reimbursed or to receive future rides, the miles driven can be submitted for tax purposes as a charitable deduction.


There is no cost involved in becoming a volunteer driver, but if you do sign up and begin driving, Church of the Servant is prepared to make a donation to the organization to help cover the cost of your background and driving record checks.  Please contact Susie Cobden or Camilla Riley at the church if you begin driving for either organization.


For more information, please request the “Volunteers Needed” flyer from the Welcome Center in the Concourse or view it HERE, and you will find a side-by-side comparison of how the process works for the two services.