Lenexa, Kansas, United States - Nazarene Communicatins Network Global News Summary - Volume 1421 of the Global Church of the Nazarene for Friday, 23 May 2014
2014 USA/Canada Commencement Report
Global Ministry Center
NCN News compiled the following list of spring commencement reports from each of the Nazarene institutions of higher education on the USA/Canada Region:
Ambrose University College
President: Gordon T. Smith
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 26
Commencement Speaker: Melanie Humphreys, President of The King's University College
Number of Graduates: 128
Fast Facts: This was Ambrose's 73rd Undergraduate Convocation and the 43rd Seminary Convocation... Ninety-three students graduated from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, 16 from the School of Ministry, and 19 from the seminary … Convocation events were held in Ambrose Gymnasium and broadcast live over the Internet... Full story.
Eastern Nazarene College
President: Corlis McGee
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Web: enc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 3
Commencement Speaker: Gabriel Salguero, Co-Pastor of Lambs Church of the Nazarene in New York, New York, and president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition
Number of Graduates: 306
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Gabriel Salguero
Fast Facts: This was ENC's 92nd Spring Commencement ... John U. Free, professor of physics, was recognized as faculty emeritus ... The college presented awards to Raymond Cheung and Julianne Atwater (outstanding seniors), Ashley Tamara Alvaro (outstanding student, adult studies), Shawn Lynch (outstanding graduate, Master of Science in Management), and Vickie Mello (outstanding graduate, Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy) ... The senior class presented ENC President Corlis McGee with a gift of $10,000 to begin a fully-endowed scholarship ... Photos ... Video.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David J. Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Dates of Graduation Exercises: May 3-4
Commencement Speakers: Cmdr. Brian D. Weigelt, deputy chaplain for the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon
Number of Graduates: 783
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Michael G. Palmer and Cmdr. Brian D. Weigelt
Fast Facts: MNU's 43rd Commencement was held at Olathe College Church of the Nazarene ... The Harvest Prayer Ceremony continued after the Baccalaureate on the Campus Mall in the Legacy Circle ... Honorary doctorates of divinity were awarded to Michael G. Palmer, Missouri district superintendent and MNU Board of Trustees member, and Cmdr. Brian D. Weigelt ... Stephen L. Cole, professor of biology, was recognized as faculty emeritus ... Duane Buchanan received the Robert I. Brower Award for excellence in teaching Professional and Graduate Studies ... The American Heritage Award, the highest award for one undergraduate male and female, was awarded to Luke Letsinger, ministry major, and Hannah Young, nursing major ... Young was also commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force ... Photos ... Full story.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Henry W. Spaulding II
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 17
Commencement Speaker: Carla Sunberg, President of Nazarene Theological Seminary
Number of Graduates: 488
Fast Facts: This was MVNU's 45th Spring Commencement ... The Class of 2014 included 250 traditional undergraduate students and 238 graduate and professional studies students ... Commencement details.
Nazarene Bible College
President: Harold B. Graves Jr.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Web: nbc.edu
Dates of Graduation Exercises: May 23-25
Commencement Speaker: Eugénio R. Duarte, Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent
Number of Graduates: 82
Fast Facts: This will be the 44th Spring Commencement at NBC ... The traditional Call and Response of the Apostles will be held in the Apostles Court ... Awards will be bestowed on seven Delta Epsilon Chi members and 10 students on the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges list ... Bachelor of Arts in Ministry degrees will be awarded to 74 individuals, with 31 of those individuals majoring in pastoral ministries, the largest single designation of majors among the graduates.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
President: Carla Sunberg
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Web: nts.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 11
Commencement Speaker: Henry Spaulding II, President of Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Number of Graduates: 49
Fast Facts: This was the 68th Spring Commencement at NTS ... Commencement activities were held at Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene ... The 49 graduates of the Class of 2014 received degrees as follows: 17 Master of Arts, 25 Master of Divinity, and 7 Doctor of Ministry ... Sixteen of the graduates earned additional certificates or diplomas along with their degrees, including four who received the Diploma in Cross-Cultural Ministries (365m Program) and four who received the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Wesleyan Pastoral Theology ... The graduates represented three countries: U.S., Canada, and Germany ... Janette Platter preached the Corlett Senior Sermon at Kansas City First Church.
Northwest Nazarene University
President: David Alexander
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Web: nnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 10
Commencement Speaker: Gene Schandorff, NNU Chaplain
Number of Graduates: 527
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Gene Schandorff, William "Bill" Jackson, Anna Marie Jackson, and James "Jim" Jackson
Fast Facts: Degrees were conferred on the Class of 2014, made up of 191 graduate students and 224 undergraduates ... The following honorary degrees were awarded: Gene Schandorff, Doctor of Divinity; William "Bill" Jackson, Doctor of Science; Anna Marie Jackson and James "Jim" Jackson, Doctor of Humane Letters ... NNU's graduates represented 18 countries ... The university honored 44 "Golden Grads" who received their NNU degrees 50 years ago ... The NNU School of Nursing held its 12th annual pinning ceremony on May 9 ... Photos ... Commencement citations.
Olivet Nazarene University
President: John C. Bowling
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Web: olivet.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 10
Commencement Speakers: Gustavo A. Crocker, Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent (undergraduate student ceremony), and John C. Bowling, Olivet President (graduate and adult student ceremony)
Number of Graduates: 1,537
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Gustavo A. Crocker, Lindell Browning, Kay (Embick) Browning
Fast Facts: This was Olivet's 101st annual commencement... The Baccalaureate Service was held in Centennial Chapel on May 9 with Olivet President John C. Bowling addressing the graduates ... At the undergraduate ceremony, awards were presented for outstanding male and female graduate and for scholarly and teaching excellence ... During the Graduate and Continuing Studies ceremony, degrees were awarded to the first cohort of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the first cohort of the fully online Reading Specialist Degree program, and the first student in the Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry program ... Awards were presented for teaching excellence and student excellence ... The university celebrated its largest graduating class, 1,537 ... There were 541 undergraduate degrees, 244 continuing studies bachelor's degrees, 718 master's degrees, and 16 doctoral degrees ... Full story.
Point Loma Nazarene University
President: Bob Brower
Location: San Diego, California
Web: pointloma.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 10
Commencement Speakers: Kim Hogelucht, Point Loma Associate Professor of Business (undergraduate convocation), and Ron Benefiel, Point Loma Dean of Theology and Christian Ministry (graduate convocation prayer)
Number of Graduates: 598
Fast Facts: This was PLNU's 109th annual commencement ... All three ceremonies (two undergraduate, one graduate) were held in the historic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus ... Dawn Michelle Gorel, who graduated in the first undergraduate ceremony, and Nicholas Michael Erze, a student from the second undergraduate ceremony, were each honored for earning the highest GPA among their fellow graduates ... Photos ... Full story.
Southern Nazarene University
President: Loren Gresham
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Web: snu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 10
Commencement Speaker: Walter Quanstrom, retired Vice President of British Petroleum
Number of Graduates: 416
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Barbara L. "Barbi" Moore and Ken Stallings
Fast Facts: This was SNU's 111th Spring Commencement ... Barbara L. "Barbi" Moore, pastor of Global Outreach at Bethany, Oklahoma, First Church of the Nazarene, received the Doctor of Humane Letters and Ken Stallings, senior pastor of the Forest Home Church of the Nazarene in Jonesboro, Arkansas, received the Doctor of Divinity degree ... Inaugural Crimson Awards were presented to Don and Joy Beaver and to Walter "Wally" and Fay Quanstrom ... The Board of Trustees named Loren and Linda Gresham, SNU's president and first lady, honorary alumnus and alumna of Southern Nazarene University ... Stan West and Allie Oakes received The President's Award, the highest award for undergraduates, in recognition of their academic excellence, service, campus leadership, and demonstration of the qualities reflected in SNU's motto, "Character, Culture, Christ" ... The morning commencement was followed by the Tradition of the Ivy Ring with graduating seniors and their families ... Full story.
Trevecca Nazarene University
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 3
Commencement Speaker: Michael Jackson, Associate Professor of Religion
Number of Graduates: 727
Fast Facts: After a soggy 112th Commencement, Trevecca's 113th Commencement returned outdoors to McClurkan Quad, where 7,200 seats were positioned for families and friends to watch 727 graduates accept their degrees … Michael Jackson served as commencement speaker, following the university's tradition of having a faculty member serve in that role ... Photos ... Full story.
General Board approves corporate name change
Global Ministry Center
The corporate changes were approved by the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, on March 18 and registered with the Missouri Secretary of State on April 1.
The Church of the Nazarene, Inc. is a Missouri nonprofit corporation registered in Kansas. The General Board Church of the Nazarene was organized prior to modern nonprofit corporation laws and existed as an unincorporated association created by the Jackson County, Missouri, court. As a result, it did not include many of the protections now available to corporations.
The name change also clarifies the confusion that came from the denomination having the same name as its board of directors. When referring to "the General Board" in the Manual and other legal documents, it was not always clear whether that meant the organization or the elected group of individuals who govern it. With this change, the board of directors retains the name "General Board," and the organization becomes "The Church of the Nazarene, Inc."
The Church of the Nazarene, Inc. is not a new entity, but is the same entity with a different name. This means any legal document entered into prior to the change of corporation name remains valid since that was the legal name of the organization at the time of the origination of the document. Agreements made after the change of name will need to reflect the new name.
"This is a major step for the Church of the Nazarene," said David Wilson, general secretary. "It will help us better manage the resources of the denomination."
NTS announces dates, special guests for 2014 Preachers Conference
Kansas City, Missouri
This year's Preachers Conference will be the first event hosted by the new NTS Center for Pastoral Leadership, under the direction of General Superintendent Emeritus Jesse C. Middendorf.
"This year's event will include sermons and presentations centered on the theme of 'Incarnational Leadership in a "Me First" World,'" Middendorf said. "Keynote preachers and speakers include Dr. Roger Hahn, Dr. Molly Marshall, Dr. Filimao Chambo, Dr. Ron Benefiel, Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, Dr. Gustavo Crocker, and Dr. David Busic. Though this roster of speakers is likely enough incentive for pastors to plan to attend the event, the fact that we will focus both days on incarnational leadership should hold equal weight. Incarnational leadership is the very strong foundation upon which we are building the NTS Center for Pastoral Leadership. [NTS] President [Carla] Sunberg and I firmly believe that Christian leadership has to be redefined, rearticulated, and reengaged within the understanding of the incarnation. And without a doubt, this will be the focus of this year's Preachers Conference, which is also the launching point for the NTS CPL."
A group of six additional ministers will serve on panels that will dialogue immediately following the preachers and speakers in six of the eight sessions. The panelists will discuss what was said in that specific session, as well as about any common themes and ideas that emerge throughout the conference. The panel discussions will lead into a time of Q-and-A for all conference participants.
Panelists include Eddie Estep, Lucia Delamarter, John Megyesi, Javier Mondragon, John Nielson, and Dana Preusch. To view pictures and biographical information on all the conference preachers, speakers and panelists, as well as to view the full conference schedule, visit the conference website at nts.edu/2014-preach-conf.
"At NTS, we are committed to not only preparing pastors and leaders for the future of the Church, but we are also just as committed to resourcing and providing continuing education for those active in ministry today," said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. "We are so excited about this year's Preachers Conference and how it will launch our new Center for Pastoral Leadership. And we are hopeful that some pastors and church leaders who haven't been to the seminary in a while will plan to be here for this important and unique event in order to catch a vision for what is happening the in the NTS community.
"Last fall's conference was sold out by early September, and we anticipate that seats for this year's event could go even more quickly. Only the first 300 paid registrants will be able to attend, so those who are planning to come should log on to our website today to make their reservation to guarantee their place."
The registration fee for the 2014 NTS Preachers Conference is $49 and reservations can be made online at nts.edu/14-preach-reg.
On Thursday, October 2, the morning immediately following the conference, NTS will host the inauguration of new President Carla Sunberg. All are invited to attend President Sunberg's inauguration.
Stay up-to-date on plans for the 2014 NTS Preachers Conference and President Sunberg's inauguration by joining the NTS mailing list at nts.edu/join-nts-mailing-list.
NOTE: DVDs and digital downloads of the sermons from the 2013 Preaching Conference, Preaching Holiness in a Pluralistic World, are now available for purchase on the NPH website.--Nazarene Theological Seminary
Church grows at secular university in South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa
Seven years ago, a few students at Tshwane University of Technology registered a student organization that grew into the Divine Hope Church of the Nazarene. The group begins with Sunday School, held in lecture halls. Students ask questions and actively participate in the discussion. Bibles are open and laughter is common.
Next, a service is held in a large auditorium. Before entering, people are greeted with a hug and a smile. Just inside the door is a book table staffed by Miss Lillian.
The service is led by many musicians and other leaders. The church has more than 200 people praising God, and every service is videotaped for those who miss a week or want to share a service with others.
After the service, newcomers are invited to share juice and a snack. They are personally welcomed to become a part of Divine Hope by Mashangu and Remember Maluleka, who explain that they do not expect students to transfer their membership from their home church, but would like them to see Divine Hope as a place to encounter God while at university.
During the week, there are 14 small groups. In addition, there is a midweek service and the congregation actively participates in the denomination's Gauteng District events.
Special events related to the university also dot the church calendar. The congregation takes part in New Student Orientation, welcoming students when they first arrive. A major emphasis is to pray for students who are sitting exams. The last prayer meeting for exams drew 2,000 students. The next three-hour prayer session for exams will be held May 25.
Maluleka's vision is not for this church alone, but rather for every secular university in South Africa to have a Divine Hope Church of the Nazarene.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Editor's note: Pretoria and the surrounding area are transitioning to the name Tshwane.
MTV Lebanon show reaches celebrities, viewers
Lebanon, Eurasia Region
Joyfully, she sent a follow-up message: "Thank you very much. I was lost. You led me the way to our Lord."
The team involved with Is2alouni 3an Yassou3 reported similar encounters with viewers across the Middle East and even in North America, as well as with the Lebanese celebrities who appeared in each episode.
"The feedback in general was so encouraging and it put us in place that we are thinking to seriously do season two of the show … for the year 2015," said Ayman Kafrouny, pastor of Bouchrieh Church of the Nazarene in Beirut, who produced, wrote, and hosted the program.
The objective was to produce a quality, Christian broadcast for Arabic-speaking people around the world in cooperation with MTV Lebanon, a secular station that wanted to run a Lenten-themed show in the 40 days leading up to Easter.
Nearly all of the program was funded through Nazarenes' offerings to World Mission Broadcast — a denominational ministry that supports the evangelism and discipleship efforts of various Nazarene radio, Internet, and TV programs around the world.
Is2alouni 3an Yassou3's 32 episodes had a three-part format. In one part, a well-known Middle Eastern celebrity spent four to five minutes on camera, concluding with a theological question for Kafrouny. In a second segment, Kafrouny, who was a successful secular pop singer in the Middle East, led a band in two songs that lasted for eight to nine minutes. The third part was about 11 minutes of Kafrouny answering the celebrity's question.
Among the celebrities featured in the program were a former first lady of the country, actors, actresses, TV show presenters, and well-known TV journalists.
"They started to call me, saying, 'Thank you for having us in your program, it's a beautiful program,'" Kafrouny said. "They're watching the other episodes. They used to call even before their episode [was] on air: 'Wow, that's a beautiful program. When is our episode on air?'"
One woman, a well-known TV show host in Lebanon, contacted Kafrouny to introduce herself and said she and her husband had been watching Is2alouni 3an Yassou3 and wanted to meet with Kafrouny and his wife, Grace. They plan to get together soon.
Another celebrity featured in the program is a Lebanese singer and movie actress. She invited Kafrouny and Grace to visit her family in their home. The two couples spent the evening talking and the Kafrounys shared the gospel with them.
"This for us is unusual," Kafrouny said. "The Lord is opening doors with those celebrities to share our faith with them and to let them ask about Jesus more. I don't know exactly what are their decisions, but we believe the seed we planted, the Lord will continue to work something through it using this program."
Another woman saw the program in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives. She contacted the show and Kafrouny prayed with her on the phone, then connected her with a pastor near her in North Carolina.
"She was crying/sobbing the whole time on the phone," said the pastor. "She [has] been saved through the TV show!"
Is2alouni 3an Yassou3 was the second program Kafrouny and his team produced for MTV Lebanon. In 2012, he produced a different Lenten program that now airs in reruns on a Catholic network.--Church of the Nazarene Eurasia Region
Additional NCNNews.com Stories This Week
Regional News
Africa
NTC-Central Africa welcomes new principal
Lilongwe, Malawi
"Rev. Lilema has the gift of bringing calmness in the midst of turmoil and wisdom when dealing with emotional reactions of others," Mosher said. "Being a son of the Central Field, he will be able to encourage support from the districts. I can see the spiritual growth of students, staff, and faculty at NTCCA."
Lilema has served as the academic dean at NTC-Central Africa since 2007. He also currently serves as the academic advisor for the Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministries offered at NTC-Central Africa in partnership with Africa Nazarene University. Prior educational positions include Africa Central Field extension education coordinator, education coordinator for private schools, and school teacher. Lilema also has ministry experience as a district superintendent, district evangelism leader, and pastor.
He graduated in 2009 with a Master of Arts in Religion from ANU. His Bachelor of Theology (Class of 1991) was earned from Canadian Nazarene College (now Ambrose University College) through a program offered in Swaziland.
"We welcome Rev. Lilema to the team of institutional heads and look forward to his contribution both in the Central Field and on the Africa Region," said Greg Crofford, regional education coordinator.--Church of the Nazarene Africa Region via Out of Africa
Flags of the Nations: South Sudan
Global Ministry Center
This week: South Sudan
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered South Sudan in 2012.
South Sudan had a population of 11,090,104 in 2013. That same year, South Sudan reported 499 Churches of the Nazarene, 25 of which had been officially organized. South Sudan has 9,250 total members.
South Sudan has one Phase 1 district and one Phase 2 district. It is a part of the Africa Region.
Argentina
Aruba
Belize
Benin
Bolivia
Brazil
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Chile
Colombia
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Ethiopia
France
Gabon
Guatemala
Germany
Ghana
Guam
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Conakry
Guyana
Haiti
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Liberia
Madagascar
Mali
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Paraguay
Peru
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Togo
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Venezuela
Additional World Areas
For more information about the Church of the Nazarene in South Sudan, click here.
NOTE: Some countries cannot be represented in this project in order to maintain security of those working there.
* = The weekly highlighted flag is raised on the middle of three poles in compliance with U.S. government protocols. It flies to the left of the GMC host-nation United States flag, which flies above the host-state flag of Kansas. The Christian flag flies on the third pole.
The Global Ministry Center is the mission and service hub of the Church of the Nazarene.
South America
Chile leaders gather for retreat
Santiago, Chile
The Villa el Dorado Church of the Nazarene hosted the retreat in collaboration with the Chilean Bible Seminary. The retreat was the first hosted on a national level and provided a time of refreshment for local leaders as well as national pastors and leaders. Both national and international speakers shared during the event, which included devotional times, ministry, worship, and fellowship.
Among the international participants were Alexandre Cruz and Severino Jose Quirino from Brazil and Carlos Fernández from Argentina. Those from Chile who were in charge of sharing and ministering to the women were Pastor María Paz del Canto and Cristiane Polonio — a missionary serving in Chile with her husband, Alessandro Polonio, Holistic Ministries coordinator and organizer of the event.
The event exceeded expectations in both the number of participants and depth of spiritual enrichment. The Chilean leaders who attended included Richard Faúndez, Juan Badilla, Orestes Barbosa, and Oscar Varas.
The retreat culminated with a service in which Communion was served and a written commitment was publicly signed by each district superintendent and a pastor and a lay person from each district represented. They committed themselves to be more engaged in the ministries of compassion and evangelism and the use of tools like the JESUS film. Highlights from the document include:
We reaffirm our commitment to evangelism with our beloved nation, to make a greater effort to bring our countrymen at the feet of our loving God, noting that only Christ can help turn our value-based, anti-hedonistic, and consumerist society.
I assume that the most efficient implementation of these objectives manner is a commitment to national unity, allowing us to complement each other and help each other in the development of our local churches and district, expressing a testament to our society of true national unity, causing the longed identity of the Church of the Nazarene Chile, causing a real boost for development and growth.
We are committed to the challenges, to make more effort in the different service platforms to develop, not to give up, to continue to develop our ministries, especially in the pursuit of total dependence on God's grace, declaring it manifested in works that have a supernatural character and essence of transformation of human nature.
As immediate actions, the signees sent help to those affected by forest fires in the port of Valparaíso and formed a national disaster response committee. The committee planned to meet with José David Acosta, regional Nazarene Compassionate Ministries coordinator, on May 14 to evaluate damage from the recent earthquake in the city of Iquique.--Church of the Nazarene South America Region
USA/Canada
Manitoba compassionate ministry center announces expansion
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Into the second year of its Vision 500 mandate, Siloam Mission plans to build an additional 160 supportive housing units on the campus at 300 Princess Street.
"Our supportive housing community, The Madison, in Wolesley, has been such an incredible success," said Floyd Perras, Siloam Mission's executive director. "We have provided homes for 85 people who had experienced homelessness in our city, but the need is greater than the supply. We already have a long waiting list for The Madison. People need a place to live now. It's time to move forward.
"We believe housing and jobs will stabilize Winnipeg's inner city, and in turn, spur economic development. Revitalizing our core area through affordable housing and employment training is not only compassionate, it's also good for business. Our plans to expand complement the initiatives being undertaken by both federal and provincial bodies invested in solving the issues of homelessness. We think the only way to get there is through partnerships. It will take all of us to make our inner city thrive again."
The Madison Lodge, the first step in Vision 500, opened in 2011 with 85 units. Siloam Mission has since purchased property around the 300 Princess Street location in preparation for its planned expansion.--Church of the Nazarene Canada
Nazarenes in the News
Global Ministry Center
Tennessee church breaks ground on new building after fire Antioch, Tennessee
(News Channel 5, May 18) Members of a Mid-State church that burned down in a dramatic fire last year now have something to look forward to.
This weekend, members of the Bell Road Church of the Nazarene in Antioch gathered for the groundbreaking of their new church on the same property.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Tennessee church honors pastor for 66 years of service
Nashville, Tennessee
(Columbia Daily Herald, May 22) Are you old enough to remember something special that you did 66 years ago? Pastor Gene Shelton remembers that as the year he delivered his first sermon, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sixty-six years of ministry — an extraordinary achievement.
Gene was born and raised in Nashville, the youngest of the four children of John and Etta Shelton. He met his future wife, Frances Rodgers, a Florida girl born in Miami, when both were college students at Trevecca Nazarene University. She was the oldest of eight children born to Harvey and Clara Rodgers. Gene and Frances were married Feb. 8, 1953 at Third Church of the Nazarene in Nashville.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Kentucky church struck by lightning
Georgetown, Kentucky
(WKYT, May 22) "I was making my rounds over at the athletic complex, which is adjacent to the property here," says Scott Schwarberg, a member of Georgetown Church of the Nazarene. "I heard an extremely loud 'boom.'"
Scott Schwarberg is an overnight security guard at Georgetown College. He was making his rounds when the lightning he heard left him feeling uneasy.
"You know, it startled me quite a bit," Schwarberg says. "I did look around to see if I could see exactly where it was at because I knew it was extremely close to where I was at."
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
Global Ministry Center News
In Memoriam
Global Ministry Center
- Virginia (Bain) Bales, 74, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on May 20. She was a retired Nazarene Publishing House employee. She is survived by her husband, Roland Bales.
- Lester Braddock, 94, of Oregon, City, Oregon, passed away on April 16. He was a retired minister, serving in South Dakota, Minnesota, Idaho, and Oregon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lora Braddock, who passed away in 2010.
- Edith Doane, 102, of Reading, Massachusetts, passed away on May 19. She was a lifelong member of Malden Church of the Nazarene, where she served as missionary president and taught Sunday School into her 90s.
- Esther McNutt, 92, of Warsaw, Missouri, passed away on May 20. She was a retired Nazarene International Headquarters employee. She is survived by her husband, Paul McNutt.
- David Morrison, 97, of Moncton, New Brunswick, passed away on May 22. He was a retired minister, serving in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Alberta. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Morrison, who passed away in 2003.
- Livanda Moses, 89, of Chavuma, Zambia, passed away on April 19. He was a minister and church planter in Zambia.
- Marian Rushing, 85, Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on May 22. She was the widow of retired minister Ulysses Rushing, who served in Kansas, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina. Ulysses Rushing passed away in 2004.
- Barbara Taylor, 89, of Auburn, Maine, passed away on May 18. She was the widow of minister, educator, and district superintendent William Taylor, who perviously served in Massachusetts and Connecticut and on the New England District. William Taylor passed away in 1984.
- Leora (Watson) Ward, 89, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away on May 15. She was the widow of retired minister McOldham Ward, who served in Illinois and Missouri. McOldham Ward passed away in 2001.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section on ncnnews.com by clicking here.
Note: Please join with us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to submitnews@ncnnews.com.--Compiled by NCN News
GMC employment opportunities
Global Ministry Center
By NCN News Staff
Information Technology — Senior Software Developer
Members of the software development team are primarily responsible for facilitating the ministry of the Global Ministry Center through the analysis, design, implementation, and support of software solutions.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Computer Programming Coordinator
The person in this position will lead NCM's development team in developing and maintaining NCM's web applications, systems, and websites.
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries — Program Assistant (Partner Relation Specialist)
This position will work in conjunction with the communications manager, marketing manager, and social media community manager to enhance and strengthen relationships between individual, church, organizational, design, development, and vendor partners.
Stewardship Ministries — Program Coordinator
This position works closely with the Director of Stewardship Ministries and oversees projects within the department. Major responsibilities include content writing, customer service, administrative tasks, and project management.
About
Located in Lenexa, Kansas, the Global Ministry Center is the administrative, mission, and service hub for the denomination's ministries in 159 world areas. All GMC positions report to this location. To obtain additional information, please call (913) 577-0500 and ask for Human Resources
Our Non-Discrimination Policy
The Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center offers equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, sex, or veteran status. The Global Ministry Center is an "at will" employer.
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We are a faith-based organization. Acceptance of our Christian Code of Conduct is required and membership in the Church of the Nazarene is required for certain positions. The GMC and applicable remote work sites are smoke, alcohol, and drug free Christian workplaces.
Application Processing
Our Human Resources Office receives and processes many employment applications annually for a limited number of positions. While we regret that we cannot respond to each applicant, we do contact those individuals possessing the skills, education/training, and experience that best match the requirements of the open position for which the application was submitted.
An application must be completed by all applicants and an application must be completed for each position for which one wishes to be considered. Applications are retained for one year. Resumes are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions. Resumes may be submitted by mail.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling (913) 577-0500, or obtained in person from Human Resources at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas, 66220, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 4:30 Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office at the same address.
Global praise reports and prayer requests
Global Ministry Center
PRAISES
JESUS Film - India
"I was suffering from stomach pain," said Mahesh in India. "I could not work and bring in daily wages for my family. I went to many doctors, but they were unable to help me and my frustration grew. My family situation was becoming worse day by day. Then, we were invited to see the JESUS film. When we saw the movie, I realized the power of Jesus could heal me. With the team leader, I prayed and started experiencing Jesus' healing. Now, I always look forward to participating in prayer time. Praise the Lord."
JESUS Film - Mexico
"I was rescued from a vice that gripped my life," said a man in Mexico. "I thank my God and those who helped my wife and I accept Christ as Lord and Savior. We are now so happy because I have no need to get drunk."
JESUS Film - Philippines
"God's grace is sufficient," said a team leader in the Philippines. "God has given us success in sharing His love. The people in a local village are very responsive to the gospel of Christ. The excitement they have is visible in their faces. In addition, God gave us very good weather so we were able to finish smoothly. We thank God for His protection and guidance. Many of the people, even children, showed interest in having a Bible study in their houses. Our local leaders are following up with all the contacts. We hope and pray God will direct us in planting a new church nearby."
BEREAVEMENT
Mary Madsen
Mary Madsen, mother of former missionary Pam Tooley, passed away on May 21. Mary and her husband, Leslie, were involved in a car accident and Leslie was injured. Pam and Joel Tooley served in Costa Rica and currently pastor the Tavares, Florida, Church of the Nazarene.
MORE...
For more global concerns and continued requests, see the NMI Prayer Mobilization Line by clicking here or JESUS Film Harvest Partners by clicking here.
To share additional praises or prayer requests, please use the comment section below or see the Prayer Mobilization Line's Facebook page.
Resources
World Mission Broadcast offers complimentary promotional materials
Global Ministry Center
In addition to the materials in the promo packet, WMB is offering personalized audio greetings. This resource literally brings a voice from the field into a church service and gives the congregation an update on what God is doing around the world through Nazarene radio, television, and Internet programs. The personalized audio greetings are free of charge. To order one for a church or district gathering, contact WMB Coordinator Ann Baldwin at abaldwin@nazarene.org or call (913) 577-2922.
The promotional video for this year's WMB offering is available on the Nazarene Media Library. Click here to view or download the one-minute video that reminds people of WMB's ability to overcome obstacles and go beyond borders and barriers to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
World Mission Broadcast 2014 Promo
http://files.mediacore.tv/sites/2573/media/2261391/h264.720p-74f3c71eaaa8c5e964522fcbda8d37dd.mp4?__gda__=1400990582_4cd3272a0042e8243c65afc56bf6ffd0&Signature=D3XL%2B1jQez2MpYrvyi1MPc%2FYhik%3D&Expires=1400990582&AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJ3G2ZM7O3KUQJPMA
What is it inside of us that drives us to overcome? By overcoming barriers to accomplish the things we believe are important, humanity will benefit. This is what drives World Mission Broadcast, to go beyond the borders and barriers of this world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ via Nazarene radio, television, and Internet programs. Show this compelling, short video to congregations as they prepare to receive their 2014 offering for WMB.--World Mission Broadcast
Collegiate News
Olivet receives Stearman sculpture
Bourbonnais, Illinois
"This sculpture and other public works of art installed on Olivet's campus provide an avenue through which the university makes a symbolic statement about who we are, both to ourselves and to those who visit the campus," said John C. Bowling, Olivet president. "They also represent the growing commitment to add significant works of art to our university landscape in order to portray our values in a very tangible and public way."
The Stearman sculpture is a gift from alumni Ed and Judy (Goodman) Nash, who met while they were students at Olivet. Ed grew up on the Olivet campus while his father, the late Forrest Nash, was pastor of Bourbonnais College Church of the Nazarene.
Ed and Judy Nash have devoted their lives in service to Christ and His kingdom. Currently, Ed is superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene's Kansas District. Judy is a member of the Olivet Nazarene University Foundation Board of Directors.
With the gift of this sculpture, Ed and Judy Nash hope to remind all who see it of God's redeeming love for the world.
Inspired by the well-known passage of scripture from John 3, "For God So Loved the World" is an image of Christ and the world. The bronze globe represents the world, and the figure of Christ stands behind. He touches it tenderly with His hands, and His expression is kindness, care, concern, and prayer.
Scott Stearman began sculpting in the early 1980s. His works, centering primarily on the themes of the military and faith, grace the buildings and grounds of Knox Rescue Mission, Knoxville, Tennessee; Celestial Seasonings, Boulder, Colorado; the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center, Lenexa, Kansas; City of San Marino, California; Word Entertainment, Nashville, Tennessee; and a host of other locations across the country.
He also creates works to honor award recipients, war veterans, deceased loved ones, distinguished alumni, and others. One of his favorite pieces to create is the challenge coin, which he presents in a handshake to express gratitude to a member of the military.--Olivet Nazarene University
Trevecca groups learn, serve worldwide
Nashville, Tennessee
Thirteen students and two Trevecca employee-sponsors spent spring break in Jamaica, where they helped repair a church, served in an orphanage, and reached out to underprivileged children in a community center.
In April, Trevecca employees Jamie Casler and Jason Adkins participated with U.S. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries leaders in a week of training for NCM-Africa leaders. Casler and Adkins, who were invited to be part of the event by the coordinator of NCM-Africa, taught about biblical social justice and environmental farming methods. The two also spent a week in meetings with NCM-Africa, exploring ways the two organizations can develop projects in partnership. Casler directs Trevecca's J. V. Morsch Center for Social Justice, and Adkins is Trevecca's coordinator of environmental projects.
Two groups of 13 students and two sponsors participated in overseas mission trips in May. The Swaziland group worked with orphans who contracted AIDS from their parents, and helped renovate a South African Nazarene University library. The Ecuador group assisted new missionaries with church planting efforts. They canvassed neighborhoods, conducted Bible studies, hosted showings of the JESUS film, and held events for children.
Students interested in music and theatre participated in May trips with different purposes. Twenty-six members of the Madrigalians, an acappella ensemble, and their sponsors are currently in the middle of a three-week tour of Europe, where they are presenting concerts in cathedrals and Nazarene churches. Twelve theatre students accompanied by two alumni spent six days in New York City as part of a biannual theatre travel seminar. Students attended and responded to nine professional theatre productions, talked with a working artist and a local pastor about life in the city, participated in professional workshops with theatre artists at the Big Apple Playback Theatre and the Puppet Kitchen, and engaged in a Q-and-A session with professional actors.
In June, 13 students, accompanied by two members of the faculty of the Millard Reed School of Theology and Christian Ministry, will spend two weeks in Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria in a mission study abroad experience. During the first week, Trevecca students and students from eastern Europe will attend a theology class taught by a Trevecca religion professor. Students will spend the second week engaging in mission activities.
As part of Trevecca's Immerse Program, five students are giving 12 weeks of their summer vacation to serve in mission work in two parts of Europe. Two are serving in Poland, and three in Croatia.
These groups' travel coupled with the mission work of other Trevecca alumni means the sun truly will not be able to "set on Trevecca students" this summer.--Trevecca Nazarene University
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Managing Editor: Chad E. Schnarr
Editorial Assistant: Sarah A. Glass
Contact us:
Nazarene Communications Network
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, KS 66220 United States
Voice: (913) 577-0562
Fax: (913) 577-0857
Email: ncnnews@ncnnews.com
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