The Global Church of the Nazarene News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States: "Children abducted in Ethiopia" The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News for Friday, 3 June 2016 "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..." Volume 1622Gambella, Ethiopia
Gambella violence affects Nazarene church membersChildren from the Church of the Nazarene's Gambella district pose for a photo (Katy Rodebush photo).
More than 200 people are dead and at least 145 children were abducted during an April 15 raid in the Gambella province of Ethiopia. Many of the victims are Nazarenes.
Gambella is home to one of the largest and most active Church of the Nazarene districts in Ethiopia. Among the Nazarene church members affected were 14 adults and six children who died, eight adults who were wounded, and nine children who were abducted. Another 73 members had property vandalized or stolen.
The raid was carried out by members of the Murle community of South Sudan, which has stolen livestock and children in the past. More than 22,000 people in 20 villages were forced to flee from their homes during the most recent attack.
The Church of the Nazarene is working to respond to the needs of families affected by the violence.
South Sudan, which was established in 2011, is the world’s youngest country. Tens of thousands of South Sudanese people have been killed and more than 2 million people displaced during the country's civil war, which began in December 2013. The country is now facing a food crisis as nearly a third of the population is dependent on international food aid to survive.
About 272,000 South Sudanese refugees have moved to the Gambella province, which is near the border between South Sudan and Ethiopia. Tension between various ethnic groups is high, often dissolving into violence, and cross-border raids in the area are not uncommon.
Prayer is requested for church and community members in Gambella during this time of unrest and uncertainty. Some church families are still missing their children, and many are struggling financially after having property stolen or destroyed. Many in the area are still extremely vulnerable to future violence.
How to help
Pray
Pray for safety for church and community members. Pray for comfort for those who lost loved ones. Pray for protection for children who have been kidnapped, and pray that they will be found. Pray for provision for those who lost their homes and means of livelihood.
Give
To support the church’s efforts to provide aid to families affected by this violence, you can give to the Gambella Relief Fund.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to “General Treasurer” and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116, United States
Be sure to put 126490 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to “Church of the Nazarene Canada” and send them to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3, Canada
Be sure to put 126490 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to the Gambella Relief Fund.[Nazarene Compassionate Ministries]
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Bangladesh, Eurasia Region
Church in Bangladesh announces leadership changesIn the past 21 years, the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh has grown to more than 3,000 local churches. The expansive growth of new believers and new congregations, as well as extensive church-led ministries within communities, took place under the guidance of trusted local Nazarene pastors and leaders and through the support and partnership of the global church.
Over the past several months, the Board of General Superintendents and Global Mission have been responding to concerns raised by local leaders and church elders in Bangladesh. The concerns voiced a loss of confidence in the overall leadership of the church in that country because of a pattern of questionable actions that could affect the witness and development of the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh.
In response, several multi-national teams of denominational leaders and staff carried out investigations into the named concerns. Based on the findings, the teams determined the need to restructure local church leadership in order to ensure the ongoing stability and health of the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. Arthur Snijders, Eurasia regional director, in consultation with the jurisdictional general superintendent and the director of Global Mission, is guiding the process to identify new leaders to fill key positions within the church structure. Snijders will also work with leaders to build a framework for re-engaging the church in holiness leadership and spiritual development.
“Although the process has been difficult, we believe this provides the church with the best opportunity to advance the kingdom of God in Bangladesh,” said Verne Ward, director of Global Mission for the Church of the Nazarene. “Sharing the good news of Jesus is at the heart of what we as Nazarenes do, and we believe making these changes gives us the best opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission. Our continued focus is on ensuring that local leaders reach their fullest potential and that people in need are helped.”
The situation will continue to evolve over the coming weeks, and denominational leaders are committed to working diligently to support the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. Communication will be ongoing as further information becomes available.
Gustavo Crocker, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Eurasia Region, said, “Please pray for the churches and leaders in Bangladesh during this time of transition. We have seen remarkable growth in the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh, and we expect to see God continue to work through Nazarene congregations there.”
Bangladesh, Eurasia Region
Church in Bangladesh announces leadership changesIn the past 21 years, the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh has grown to more than 3,000 local churches. The expansive growth of new believers and new congregations, as well as extensive church-led ministries within communities, took place under the guidance of trusted local Nazarene pastors and leaders and through the support and partnership of the global church.
Over the past several months, the Board of General Superintendents and Global Mission have been responding to concerns raised by local leaders and church elders in Bangladesh. The concerns voiced a loss of confidence in the overall leadership of the church in that country because of a pattern of questionable actions that could affect the witness and development of the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh.
In response, several multi-national teams of denominational leaders and staff carried out investigations into the named concerns. Based on the findings, the teams determined the need to restructure local church leadership in order to ensure the ongoing stability and health of the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. Arthur Snijders, Eurasia regional director, in consultation with the jurisdictional general superintendent and the director of Global Mission, is guiding the process to identify new leaders to fill key positions within the church structure. Snijders will also work with leaders to build a framework for re-engaging the church in holiness leadership and spiritual development.
“Although the process has been difficult, we believe this provides the church with the best opportunity to advance the kingdom of God in Bangladesh,” said Verne Ward, director of Global Mission for the Church of the Nazarene. “Sharing the good news of Jesus is at the heart of what we as Nazarenes do, and we believe making these changes gives us the best opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission. Our continued focus is on ensuring that local leaders reach their fullest potential and that people in need are helped.”
The situation will continue to evolve over the coming weeks, and denominational leaders are committed to working diligently to support the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh. Communication will be ongoing as further information becomes available.
Gustavo Crocker, jurisdictional general superintendent for the Eurasia Region, said, “Please pray for the churches and leaders in Bangladesh during this time of transition. We have seen remarkable growth in the Church of the Nazarene in Bangladesh, and we expect to see God continue to work through Nazarene congregations there.”
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2016 USA/Canada Commencement Report
2016 USA/Canada Commencement ReportNCN 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
President: Gordon T. Smith
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 28 and 30
Commencement Speakers: Sherry Van de Veen (undergraduate), Clyde Glass (seminary), Michael Tymchak (education)
Number of Graduates: 167
Fast Facts: This year's Ambrose University graduation ceremony was held in three parts: 101 students received degrees at the undergraduate convocation, 41 were recognized at the seminary convocation, and 25 graduated at the education convocation ... Convocation events were held in Ambrose Gymnasium and broadcast live over the Internet.
Eastern Nazarene College
President: Corlis McGee
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Web: enc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Dan Copp, Church of the Nazarene education commissioner
Number of Graduates: 237
Honorary Doctorate: Kenneth Mills, retiring Mid-Atlantic district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene
Fast Facts: This was ENC's 94th Spring Commencement ... The college presented awards to Elizabeth Aliota and Joshua Lojzim (outstanding seniors), Brian Alves (outstanding undergraduate, adult and graduate studies), Claire Krasnow (outstanding graduate, adult and graduate studies), and Montague Williams (teaching excellence) ... Susan Watkins was recognized as faculty emerita ... Video.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David J. Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Dates of Commencement Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Wintley Phipps, vocal artist and Grammy Award nominee
Number of Graduates: 607
Honorary Doctorate Degree: Wintley Phipps
Fast Facts: MNU's 45th Commencement was held in two ceremonies at Olathe College Church of the Nazarene ... Terry Baldridge, who is retiring after 34 years, was recognized as faculty emeritus ... Don Dunn 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 Caleb Asbill and Kristi Rose Jackson ... Photos ... Full story. 2016 Commencement
May. 9, 2016 - by Carol Best
The MNU class of 2016 graduated May 6, 2016 with 607 in the graduating class. Held in two ceremonies, one for traditional undergrad and one for professional and graduate students, the 45th annual event was attended by nearly 6,000 people at College Church of the Nazarene, adjacent to the MNU campus.
Rev. Wintley Phipps, founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, a vocal artist and Grammy Award nominee, was the commencement speaker. The Harvest Prayer Ceremony was held immediately following traditional undergraduate commencement on the Campus Mall in Legacy Circle.
An honorary doctorate was bestowed upon Phipps. The status of professor emeritus of music was awarded to Dr. Terry Baldridge who is retiring after 34 years of teaching. Dr. Don Dunn 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 Caleb Asbill and Kristi Rose Jackson.
View the Commencement 2016 photo gallery here.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Henry W. Spaulding II
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 30
Commencement Speaker: Robert Moore, Painesville Municipal Court judge (traditional), Vickie Sant, president of First-Knox National Bank (graduate and professional studies)
Number of Graduates: 432
Honorary Doctorate Degree: Geoffrey Kunselman, chair of the Board of Trustees at MVNU, and district Superintendent of the Northwestern Ohio District
Fast Facts: This was MVNU's 47th Spring Commencement ... The Class of 2016 included 208 traditional undergraduate students and 224 graduate and professional studies students ... Photos ... Full story.Traditional and GPS Commencement Ceremonies Honor MVNU Class of 2016
2016 USA/Canada Commencement Report
2016 USA/Canada Commencement ReportNCN 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
President: Gordon T. Smith
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Web: ambrose.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 28 and 30
Commencement Speakers: Sherry Van de Veen (undergraduate), Clyde Glass (seminary), Michael Tymchak (education)
Number of Graduates: 167
Fast Facts: This year's Ambrose University graduation ceremony was held in three parts: 101 students received degrees at the undergraduate convocation, 41 were recognized at the seminary convocation, and 25 graduated at the education convocation ... Convocation events were held in Ambrose Gymnasium and broadcast live over the Internet.
Eastern Nazarene College
President: Corlis McGee
Location: Quincy, Massachusetts
Web: enc.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Dan Copp, Church of the Nazarene education commissioner
Number of Graduates: 237
Honorary Doctorate: Kenneth Mills, retiring Mid-Atlantic district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene
Fast Facts: This was ENC's 94th Spring Commencement ... The college presented awards to Elizabeth Aliota and Joshua Lojzim (outstanding seniors), Brian Alves (outstanding undergraduate, adult and graduate studies), Claire Krasnow (outstanding graduate, adult and graduate studies), and Montague Williams (teaching excellence) ... Susan Watkins was recognized as faculty emerita ... Video.
MidAmerica Nazarene University
President: David J. Spittal
Location: Olathe, Kansas
Web: mnu.edu
Dates of Commencement Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Wintley Phipps, vocal artist and Grammy Award nominee
Number of Graduates: 607
Honorary Doctorate Degree: Wintley Phipps
Fast Facts: MNU's 45th Commencement was held in two ceremonies at Olathe College Church of the Nazarene ... Terry Baldridge, who is retiring after 34 years, was recognized as faculty emeritus ... Don Dunn 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 Caleb Asbill and Kristi Rose Jackson ... Photos ... Full story. 2016 Commencement
May. 9, 2016 - by Carol Best
The MNU class of 2016 graduated May 6, 2016 with 607 in the graduating class. Held in two ceremonies, one for traditional undergrad and one for professional and graduate students, the 45th annual event was attended by nearly 6,000 people at College Church of the Nazarene, adjacent to the MNU campus.
Rev. Wintley Phipps, founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, a vocal artist and Grammy Award nominee, was the commencement speaker. The Harvest Prayer Ceremony was held immediately following traditional undergraduate commencement on the Campus Mall in Legacy Circle.
An honorary doctorate was bestowed upon Phipps. The status of professor emeritus of music was awarded to Dr. Terry Baldridge who is retiring after 34 years of teaching. Dr. Don Dunn 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 Caleb Asbill and Kristi Rose Jackson.
View the Commencement 2016 photo gallery here.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
President: Henry W. Spaulding II
Location: Mount Vernon, Ohio
Web: mvnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: April 30
Commencement Speaker: Robert Moore, Painesville Municipal Court judge (traditional), Vickie Sant, president of First-Knox National Bank (graduate and professional studies)
Number of Graduates: 432
Honorary Doctorate Degree: Geoffrey Kunselman, chair of the Board of Trustees at MVNU, and district Superintendent of the Northwestern Ohio District
Fast Facts: This was MVNU's 47th Spring Commencement ... The Class of 2016 included 208 traditional undergraduate students and 224 graduate and professional studies students ... Photos ... Full story.Traditional and GPS Commencement Ceremonies Honor MVNU Class of 2016
May 2, 2016MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University honored this year's 432 graduates on Saturday, April 30, 2016. The Traditional Commencement ceremony was held in the morning and 208 degrees were conferred to the students. The Graduate and Professional Studies ceremony was held in the afternoon when 224 graduate students received their degrees.
Related Links: About MVNU | MVNU Commencement
Rev. Douglas Boquist ('79), lead pastor at Lima Community Church, spoke at the Baccalaureate service Friday night. As an MVNU alumnus, Boquist knows the obstacles an MVNU graduate may face. He reassured graduates that God's calling will lead them to the places they belong. He said that their vocations and lives are in God's hand.
Mr. Robert Moore, J.D., an attorney who previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps JAG, spoke at the Traditional Commencement ceremony. Moore's advice to the new graduates is to "stand firm."
"We need to have a clear faith and to stand firm in that faith. In a world which tells us that there is no absolute truth, no absolute morality, and no absolute good or evil, we need to be quite sure of what we believe and what we stand for. These may be our best times — God is giving us the opportunity to be tested and the circumstances to stand firm," said Moore.
Mrs. Vickie Sant currently works as the President of First-Knox National Bank and serves as a board director for Knox Country Chamber of Commerce. Her statement at the MVNU GPS Commencement ceremony reflected her thoughts on service in life. She encouraged students to give of themselves and their time in order to seek change. "The truth is, life happens and you can't control it. You can only control how you react to it and how you will grow from it. My hope for you is that you consciously choose how you will embrace change because you see, my friends; you will never control it," said Sant.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Studies locations throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,100 students from 28 states and 16 countries/U.S. territories.
Nazarene Bible College
President: Harold B. Graves Jr.
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Web: nbc.edu
Dates of Graduation Exercises: May 29
Commencement Speaker: Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada regional director for the Church of the Nazarene
Number of Graduates: 92
Fast Facts: This was the 46th Spring Commencement at NBC ... The traditional Call and Response of the Apostles was held in Apostles Court ... Awards were bestowed on six Delta Epsilon Chi members and eight students on the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges list ... Bachelor of Arts in Ministry degrees were awarded to 70 individuals, seven students earned associate's degrees, and 15 received certificates in ministerial preparation.
Northwest Nazarene University
President: Joel Pearsall
Location: Nampa, Idaho
Web: nnu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Joel Pearsall, NNU president (arts and sciences), Ed Robinson, interim vice president for Academic Affairs (adult and graduate studies)
Number of Graduates: 579
Fast Facts: This was the university's 100th commencement ceremony ... NNU's graduates represented 16 countries ... The university honored 41 "Golden Grads," who received their degrees 50 years ago ... The NNU School of Nursing held its 15th annual pinning ceremony ... Photos ... Full story.NNU confers 579 degrees at 100th commencement
MAY 18, 2016
Recent NNU News
- PALCON 2016 offers three days of renewal for church leaders
- NNU confers 579 degrees at 100th commencement
- Senior highlight: Lauren Diaz
Separate ceremonies were held to honor the 241 graduates of the College of Arts & Sciences and the 338 graduates of the College of Adult & Graduate Studies. President Joel Pearsall and Dr. Ed Robinson were the keynote speakers, respectively.
Joining the celebration were 41 “Golden Grads” from NNU’s class of 1966. During the ceremony, the golden grads were recognized and pinned by members of the undergraduate class of 2016.
NNU’s graduates represented states from throughout the United States and 15 foreign countries, including Albania, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, Paraguay, Portugal, South Africa, South Korea, Ukraine, and Zambia.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
President: Carla Sunberg
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Web: nts.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 1
Commencement Speaker: Franklin Cook, former Eurasia regional director and founding editor of Holiness Today
Number of graduates: 49
Fast Facts: This was the 70th Spring Commencement at NTS ... Commencement activities were held at Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene ... The 49 graduates of the Class of 2016 received degrees as follows: 16 Master of Arts, 29 Master of Divinity, and four Doctor of Ministry ... Sixteen of the graduates earned certificates or diplomas ... The graduates represented six countries: U.S., Portugal, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, and Kazakhstan.
Olivet Nazarene University
President: John C. Bowling
Location: Bourbonnais, Illinois
Web: olivet.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Suzanne Bell, psychologist
Number of Graduates: 1,395
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Jerry Hammes, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime supporter of the university
Fast Facts: This was Olivet's 103rd annual commencement ... At the undergraduate ceremony, awards were presented for the outstanding male and outstanding female graduates, as well as scholarly excellence and teaching excellence ... During the Graduate and Continuing Studies ceremony, the first Master of Engineering Management and Doctor of Education in ethical leadership degrees were presented ... There were 598 undergraduate degrees, one associate's degree, 159 adult studies bachelor's degrees, 613 master's degrees, and 24 doctoral degrees ... Full story. Commencement celebrates Olivet Class of 2016
In Olivet's Class of 2016, Caleb Gulledge and Justine Von Arb received special recognition as the outstanding male and female graduates.
Olivet’s Class of 2016 includes 598 traditional undergraduate bachelor’s, one associate’s, 159 adult studies bachelor’s, 613 master’s and 24 doctoral degrees.
“Our character is our God-given, internal umpire. It is a person’s essential self. In the end, all education should seek to develop men and women of character.” — Dr. John C. Bowling, University president
Olivet's 2016 commencement, which included graduates receiving the Ed.D. degree, was the 103rd in University history.
During Commencement ceremonies last weekend, Olivet Nazarene University conferred degrees on 1,395 graduates, including those who earned the University’s first-ever Master of Engineering Management degrees.
Olivet’s Class of 2016 includes 598 traditional undergraduate bachelor’s, one associate’s, 159 adult studies bachelor’s, 613 master’s and 24 doctoral degrees. Commencement ceremonies for traditional undergraduate students and those in the University’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies highlighted a weekend of activity to recognize the accomplishments of Olivet graduates and faculty.
During the Convocation for Traditional Undergraduates held Saturday morning, May 7, Dr. Suzanne Bell — a 1998 Olivet graduate — addressed the graduates and guests as the featured guest speaker. She is a tenured associate professor of industrial and organizational psychology in the College of Science and Health at DePaul University. In 2015, she and her collaborators were awarded a $1 million grant from NASA to create a predictive team composition model for long-distance space exploration (e.g., Mission to Mars).
“Teamwork is essential for success,” Dr. Bell told the graduates. “My message for you today is simple. Learn how to work well as part of a team. It is a brilliant person who enlists, respects and utilizes the thinking and talents of others in order to end up with a product that is far beyond the limits of a lone person’s abilities.”
An honorary Doctor of Letters degree was conferred upon Jerry Hammes of South Bend, Indiana. He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and longtime supporter of the University.
Twelve students who earned bachelor’s degrees had the distinction of being Honors Program graduates. They are:
• Abigail Allen, a nursing major from Martinsville, Indiana
• Sarah Anderson, an English major from Frankfort, Illinois
• Madeline Bloom, a music ministry and Spanish major, from Eden Prairie, Minnesota
• Collin Brown, a biology major from LaFontaine, Indiana
• Barbara Budach, a nursing major from Woodridge, Illinois
• Samuel Cullado, a multimedia studies major, now living in Studio City, California
• Austin Fischer, an accounting major from Olathe, Kansas
• Caleb Gulledge, a biology major from Bourbonnais, Illinois
• Lindsay Morr, an exercise science major from Bloomington, Illinois
• Garrett Muhlstadt, an engineering major with a mechanical engineering concentration (also a pre-med concentration) from Kankakee, Illinois
• Jacob Ruetz, a business management major from Noblesville, Indiana
• Justine Von Arb, an English major from Lisle, Illinois
Highlights of undergraduate Commencement included:
• Maggie Sloan Crawford Award for outstanding female graduate to Justine Von Arb
• Robert M. Milner Award for outstanding male graduate to Caleb Gulledge
• Samuel L. Mayhugh Award for Scholarly Excellence to Dr. Leo Finkenbinder, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences
• Richard M. Jones Award for Teaching Excellence to Dr. Craig Bishop, professor in the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice, School of Life and Health Sciences
School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
In a Saturday afternoon ceremony, Dr. John C. Bowling, president of the University, addressed those receiving degrees from the Olivet School of Graduate and Continuing Studies (SGCS): “Our character is our God-given, internal umpire. It is a person’s essential self. In the end, all education should seek to develop men and women of character.”
Included among the 796 advanced-degree graduates were:
• First cohort of three graduates from Olivet’s Master of Engineering Management degree program
• Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership degree program graduate Patricia Lynn Starks Howard, whose son, Wesley Taylor, received his Bachelor of Science degree in the morning undergraduate ceremony
Student and faculty awards included:
• Willis E. Snowbarger Award for Teaching Excellence presented to Dr. Paul Fabbi, SGCS affiliate professor, teaching in the Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership degree programs.
• Ralph E. Perry Student Award of Excellence presented to Dr. Derrick Wells of Flossmoor, Illinois. He recently presented his research on the topic “Toward a Sustainable Leadership Model for Pastoral Leaders” during Olivet’s 2016 Ethical Leadership Colloquium.
Additional recognition
The 2016 commencement was the 103rd in Olivet’s history. Other commencement weekend activities included:
• The Friday evening baccalaureate service. Dr. Bowling delivered the sermon, “Your Days Are Numbered,” based on Psalm 90:12. He challenged the Class of 2016: “Be willing to exchange the passing moment for something eternally meaningful.” Graduates Megan McKinley, a Christian education major from Sugar Grove, Illinois, and Garrett Muhlstadt, an engineering major from Kankakee, Illinois, gave student testimonies.
• Social work pinning ceremony (28 graduates). The Spirit of Social Work Award was presented to Laura Fosnaugh of Bourbonnais, Illinois.
• Nursing pinning ceremony (41 traditional graduates). The Sigma Theta Tau, Kappa Sigma chapter, Senior Nursing Excellence Award was presented to Barbara Budach of Woodridge, Illinois.
• Phi Delta Lambda, Gamma Chapter banquet. The chapter inducted 51 new members. Jamie Kraus — a junior engineering major with a concentration in geological engineering from Oak Forest, Illinois — received the chapter’s Enduring Hope Scholarship.
• Military/ROTC commissioning ceremony. Seven cadets were commissioned as new second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Point Loma Nazarene University
President: Bob Brower
Location: San Diego, California
Web: pointloma.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speakers: Bill Wood, PLNU professor of history (undergraduate convocation), and Ron Benefiel, lead consultant for mission resources & pastoral relations (graduate convocation prayer)
Number of Graduates: 964
Fast Facts: This was PLNU's 115th annual commencement ... All three ceremonies (two undergraduate, one graduate) were held in the historic Greek Amphitheater on PLNU's campus ... This year's class included the first cohort of graduates from the university's expanded adult degree completion programs, including BSN graduates from the community college partnership between PLNU and Grossmont Community College ... Six retiring faculty members were recognized ... Photos ... Webpage.
Southern Nazarene University
President: Loren Gresham
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Web: snu.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 14
Commencement Speaker: Rick Harvey, Bethany First Church of the Nazarene pastor
Number of Graduates: 490
Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Susie Shellenberger and Kenneth Tillett
Fast Facts: This was SNU's 113th Spring Commencement ... Susie Shellenberger, an international speaker and Church of the Nazarene evangelist, received a Doctor of Divinity and Kennet, a Belize politician and SNU alumnus, received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree ... Mandie Oliver and Felipe Simoes 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" ... Twenty-six members of the Class of 1966 were presented with commemorative medalions ... The morning commencement was followed by the Tradition of the Ivy Ring with graduating seniors and their families ... Photos ... Full story.SNU Celebrates 113th Commencement
BETHANY, OK – On Saturday, May 14th, Southern Nazarene University (SNU) celebrated the 113th Commencement on the Campus of SNU, with the awarding of 490 degrees. Also, two were awarded honorary doctorate degrees, and recognitions of outstanding service and student leadership were given. Dr. Rick Harvey, Pastor of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, served as Commencement speaker.
The President's Award is the highest award at SNU for traditional undergraduate students. Two students, one male, and one female, are selected by a vote of the faculty and administration. Students are nominated based on academic excellence, service, campus leadership, and a demonstration of the qualities reflected in SNU's motto, "Character / Culture / Christ." The sculpture presented to recipients is entitled, "A Cup...in His Name" and was crafted by SNU alumnus Scott Stearman. Their names will be added to a plaque in Webster Commons displaying names of recipients since 1940. This marks the 77th year for presenting this award. Mandie Oliver and Felipe Simoes were the awardees this Commencement.
Susie Shellenberger received a Doctor of Divinity award. Susie Shellenberger is an internationally known author and speaker and a tenured Evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene.She received her B.A. degree in Communication in 1978 from Southern Nazarene University and her M.A. from the University of Central Oklahoma in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing in 1988. Susie was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 2004. She has traveled to every continent through her ministry and has led over 8000 students and adults on international mission trips over the last 17 years. Shellenberger has authored 57 books, been a featured guest on several TV shows, and has hosted a national call-in talk show for teens. Before creating Susie Shellenberger Ministries in 2009, she worked for Focus on the Family for 20 years and before that she was a high school teacher in Bethany. Susie currently resides here in Bethany but travels about 43 weeks of the year.
Ambassador Kenneth E. Tillett received a Doctor of Humane Letters award. Kenneth E. Tillett has been in public service throughout his life starting as a City Councilor for Belize City in 1974. During his time he has served in a variety of roles including Senate Minority Leader, Belizean Senate; Negotiator for Belize with both
Ambassador Kenneth E. Tillett received a Doctor of Humane Letters award. Kenneth E. Tillett has been in public service throughout his life starting as a City Councilor for Belize City in 1974. During his time he has served in a variety of roles including Senate Minority Leader, Belizean Senate; Negotiator for Belize with both
Belize-Guatemala Negotiations and Belize-Peoples of Republic of China Negotiations; Director of Refugee Department for the Government of Belize; and as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Government of Belize, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Tillett received his B.A. degree in Political Science in 1967 from Southern Nazarene University, his M.A. in American Government from George- town University, Washington, D.C. in 1972, and he was credentialed in Humanitarian Law at the Humanitarian Institute in San Remo, Italy in 1992. Most recently he has served as an instructor of Political Science at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He resides in Florida with his wife, Margaret of 50 years. They have three children.
SNU honored twenty-six members of the Bethany Nazarene College Class of 1966, who 50 years ago walked across the Commencement stage to receive their diplomas. Each Golden Graduate was presented with a special commemorative medallion displaying the BNC & SNU seals. By honoring these Golden Grads, we signify the life-long connection between Alumni and this institution.
Following the morning Commencement, traditional graduates took part in the Ivy Ring ceremony, a symbolic parting of the ways that has taken place for over 76 years at SNU.
Southern Nazarene University's mission is to make Christlike disciples through higher education in Christ-centered community.
Posted on Wed, June 1, 2016 by Eunice Trent
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Our Nazarene Heritage
Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university - a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 40-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for service to God and their fellow man. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world.
Our Nazarene HeritageSNU honored twenty-six members of the Bethany Nazarene College Class of 1966, who 50 years ago walked across the Commencement stage to receive their diplomas. Each Golden Graduate was presented with a special commemorative medallion displaying the BNC & SNU seals. By honoring these Golden Grads, we signify the life-long connection between Alumni and this institution.
Following the morning Commencement, traditional graduates took part in the Ivy Ring ceremony, a symbolic parting of the ways that has taken place for over 76 years at SNU.
Southern Nazarene University's mission is to make Christlike disciples through higher education in Christ-centered community.
Posted on Wed, June 1, 2016 by Eunice Trent
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Our Nazarene Heritage
Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university - a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 40-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for service to God and their fellow man. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world.
Transforming Lives in a Christ-centered community| What does it mean:
To be Christian
To be Missional
To be Holiness
We are Christian
We are united with all believers in proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We believe that in divine love God offers to all people forgiveness of sins and restored relationship. In being reconciled to God, we believe that we are also to be reconciled to one another, loving each other as we have been loved by God and forgiving each other as we have been forgiven by God. We believe that our life together is to exemplify the character of Christ. We look to Scripture as the primary source of spiritual truth confirmed by reason, tradition, and experience. We value our Wesleyan-Holiness heritage and believe it to be a way of understanding the faith that is true to Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience.
We are Missional
We are a sent people, responding to the call of Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to go into all the world, witnessing to the Lordship of Christ and participating with God in the building of the Church and the extension of His kingdom. Our mission begins in worship, ministers to the world in evangelism and compassion, encourages believers toward Christian maturity through discipleship, and prepares women and men for Christian service through Christian higher education.
We are Holiness
The Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, tracing its roots to an anniversary date of 1908. It was founded to spread the message of scriptural holiness (Christlike living) across the lands. Today the Church of the Nazarene is located in 156 world areas.
The Church of the Nazarene is committed to Christian higher education, through which women and men are equipped for lives of Christian service. In its seminaries, Bible colleges, colleges, and universities, it is committed to the pursuit of knowledge, the development of Christian character, and the equipping of leaders to accomplish their God-given calling of serving in the Church and in the world. This continued commitment to Christian higher education through the years has produced a worldwide network of seminaries, Bible schools, colleges, and universities, such as Southern Nazarene University.
NAZARENE ARTICLES OF FAITH
Founded in 1899, Southern Nazarene University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university - a service of the Church of the Nazarene. Located on a 40-acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU grew out of several small colleges committed to training people for service to God and their fellow man. More than 32,000 alumni work and serve throughout the United States and the world.
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Africa
Flags of the Nations: Togo
Flags of the Nations: TogoThe flag of Togo features a white "Star of Hope" on a field of red, representing the blood shed by countrymen during the internal struggle for independence. Green is symbolic of the country's agricultural wealth, while yellow is symbolic of mineral wealth. The five horizontal stripes represent the five regions of Togo.
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Togo
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Togo in 1998.
Togo had a population of 7,552,318 in 2015. That same year, Togo reported 150 Churches of the Nazarene, 66 of which had been officially organized. Togo has 5,844 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Togo has one Phase 2 district and two Pioneer Areas. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = 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.
Trevecca Nazarene University
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Tim Eades, associate provost for the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
Number of Graduates: 733
Fast Facts: This was Trevecca's 115th Commencement ... Registrar Emeritus Becky Niece and Professor Emeritus Doug Lepter were recognized ... Trevecca President Dan Boone presented the Trevecca Citizenship Award to Sarah Hogan ... Photos ... Full story.
President: Dan Boone
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Web: trevecca.edu
Date of Graduation Exercises: May 7
Commencement Speaker: Tim Eades, associate provost for the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies
Number of Graduates: 733
Fast Facts: This was Trevecca's 115th Commencement ... Registrar Emeritus Becky Niece and Professor Emeritus Doug Lepter were recognized ... Trevecca President Dan Boone presented the Trevecca Citizenship Award to Sarah Hogan ... Photos ... Full story.
Read moreTrevecca awards 733 degrees at 2016 Commencement
Trevecca Nazarene University held its 115th Commencement Convocation on May 7, 2016. The University conferred 733 degrees on Saturday, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.
The outdoor ceremony was held on The Quad with thousands in attendance.
Graduate Daniel Shelton, who was awarded a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, was eager to begin life after college.
“I’m excited to begin the rest of my life,” Shelton said, adding that he will start a new full-time job at an accounting firm in Nashville this week. “Trevecca gave me the skills to get that job, and I had connections here that really helped me, too.”
Matthew Dunlap, who was awarded his Master’s in Arts and Religion on Saturday, saw graduation as an important step on his path toward ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.
“I was called into the ministry at the age of 30 and needed more study of religion,” he said. Dunlap will be ordained in the MidSouth District of the Church of the Nazarene on May 29.
"Everything I’ve learned has been helpful and practical for everyday ministry."
“I have loved my time at Trevecca,” Dunlap continued. “Everything I’ve learned has been helpful and practical for everyday ministry.”
Karen Bryant (Ed.D.) said she earned her doctoral degree for her children.
“Everything I’ve done is for my children,” Bryant, currently a third grade teacher in the Metro Nashville Public School System, said. “I wanted them to go forward in life and the best way to teach that is to live it before them.”
Dr. Tim Eades, associate provost of Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, delivered the challenge to the graduates. During his speech, Eades encouraged students to live boldly, always remembering that their lives can have an eternal impact.
“Be a dispenser of hope in a hopeless world,” Eades said. “What you do today, what you do tomorrow, what you do will have eternal impact.”
Representatives of the graduating class also spoke, and the University honored retiring faculty Becky Niece, registrar emeritus, and Dr. Doug Lepter, emeritus professor.
Dr. Dan Boone, Trevecca’s president, also presented the citizenship award to Sarah Hogan, the outgoing student government association president.
Trevecca Nazarene University held its 115th Commencement Convocation on May 7, 2016. The University conferred 733 degrees on Saturday, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.
The outdoor ceremony was held on The Quad with thousands in attendance.
Graduate Daniel Shelton, who was awarded a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting, was eager to begin life after college.
“I’m excited to begin the rest of my life,” Shelton said, adding that he will start a new full-time job at an accounting firm in Nashville this week. “Trevecca gave me the skills to get that job, and I had connections here that really helped me, too.”
Matthew Dunlap, who was awarded his Master’s in Arts and Religion on Saturday, saw graduation as an important step on his path toward ordination in the Church of the Nazarene.
“I was called into the ministry at the age of 30 and needed more study of religion,” he said. Dunlap will be ordained in the MidSouth District of the Church of the Nazarene on May 29.
"Everything I’ve learned has been helpful and practical for everyday ministry."
“I have loved my time at Trevecca,” Dunlap continued. “Everything I’ve learned has been helpful and practical for everyday ministry.”
Karen Bryant (Ed.D.) said she earned her doctoral degree for her children.
“Everything I’ve done is for my children,” Bryant, currently a third grade teacher in the Metro Nashville Public School System, said. “I wanted them to go forward in life and the best way to teach that is to live it before them.”
Dr. Tim Eades, associate provost of Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, delivered the challenge to the graduates. During his speech, Eades encouraged students to live boldly, always remembering that their lives can have an eternal impact.
“Be a dispenser of hope in a hopeless world,” Eades said. “What you do today, what you do tomorrow, what you do will have eternal impact.”
Representatives of the graduating class also spoke, and the University honored retiring faculty Becky Niece, registrar emeritus, and Dr. Doug Lepter, emeritus professor.
Dr. Dan Boone, Trevecca’s president, also presented the citizenship award to Sarah Hogan, the outgoing student government association president.
Kansas City, Missouri
NTS honors Roger HahnDuring the recent Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees meeting, Roger Hahn announced he will step down as dean of the faculty, effective July 1, 2017. Hahn will have served in this role for 15 years — the second longest tenure among the seven people who have been dean of the faculty.
“The Board of Trustees is pleased to honor Dr. Roger Hahn for his outstanding service as dean of the faculty at NTS,” said Jeren Rowell, chair of the NTS Board of Trustees. “Dr. Hahn epitomizes the best of theological scholarship and pastoral awareness as a scholar who has remained deeply connected to the life of the local church and to the global Church of the Nazarene. During recent seasons of transition and change, Dr. Hahn was a stabilizing force at NTS and in the consciousness of the Church. Roger’s ministry expresses the Wesleyan exhortation to ‘unite the pair so long disjoined, knowledge and vital piety.’ The Board of Trustees expresses our gratitude and esteem to our beloved brother, Roger Hahn.”
Hahn became a member of the NTS faculty in 1994 as professor of New Testament and was installed as dean of the faculty in 2002. Three years later he was installed in the Willard H. Taylor Chair of Biblical Theology. Hahn has served as director of the Master of Divinity Degree Program from 1995 to 2002 and from 2009 to the present.
He is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University (Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts), Nazarene Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Duke University (Doctor of Philosophy). After serving as senior pastor at First Church of the Nazarene in Durham, North Carolina, Hahn taught for 15 years in the Religion Department at Southern Nazarene University before beginning his current assignment at NTS. He is the author of a commentary on the Gospel of Matthew and has contributed to a number of books. He is a regular contributor to adult Sunday school resources for the Church of the Nazarene. His passion is preaching and teaching the Scriptures (especially the Greek New Testament). He and his wife, Dorothy, live with their sons, Jonathan and Matthew, east of Spring Hill, Kansas. His son Timothy is a 2016 graduate of NTS and his daughter-in-law, Laura, is resident educator for two women’s dormitories at MidAmerica Nazarene University.
“Dr. Hahn is a man who loves God and who has given himself in wholehearted service to the kingdom and the church," said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. "He is a great scholar who will continue to shape our biblical understanding for years to come. I am personally grateful for the wisdom he has freely shared and for his many years of humble service. His leadership as dean of the faculty will be missed, but I am thankful that he will continue to serve on the NTS faculty, even after he steps down as dean next year.”
NTS began the search for a new dean this past spring and will announce the results of their search in the coming weeks. Hahn will begin his final year as chief academic officer for NTS July 1.[Nazarene Theological Seminary]
NTS honors Roger HahnDuring the recent Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees meeting, Roger Hahn announced he will step down as dean of the faculty, effective July 1, 2017. Hahn will have served in this role for 15 years — the second longest tenure among the seven people who have been dean of the faculty.
“The Board of Trustees is pleased to honor Dr. Roger Hahn for his outstanding service as dean of the faculty at NTS,” said Jeren Rowell, chair of the NTS Board of Trustees. “Dr. Hahn epitomizes the best of theological scholarship and pastoral awareness as a scholar who has remained deeply connected to the life of the local church and to the global Church of the Nazarene. During recent seasons of transition and change, Dr. Hahn was a stabilizing force at NTS and in the consciousness of the Church. Roger’s ministry expresses the Wesleyan exhortation to ‘unite the pair so long disjoined, knowledge and vital piety.’ The Board of Trustees expresses our gratitude and esteem to our beloved brother, Roger Hahn.”
Hahn became a member of the NTS faculty in 1994 as professor of New Testament and was installed as dean of the faculty in 2002. Three years later he was installed in the Willard H. Taylor Chair of Biblical Theology. Hahn has served as director of the Master of Divinity Degree Program from 1995 to 2002 and from 2009 to the present.
He is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University (Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts), Nazarene Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Duke University (Doctor of Philosophy). After serving as senior pastor at First Church of the Nazarene in Durham, North Carolina, Hahn taught for 15 years in the Religion Department at Southern Nazarene University before beginning his current assignment at NTS. He is the author of a commentary on the Gospel of Matthew and has contributed to a number of books. He is a regular contributor to adult Sunday school resources for the Church of the Nazarene. His passion is preaching and teaching the Scriptures (especially the Greek New Testament). He and his wife, Dorothy, live with their sons, Jonathan and Matthew, east of Spring Hill, Kansas. His son Timothy is a 2016 graduate of NTS and his daughter-in-law, Laura, is resident educator for two women’s dormitories at MidAmerica Nazarene University.
“Dr. Hahn is a man who loves God and who has given himself in wholehearted service to the kingdom and the church," said Carla Sunberg, NTS president. "He is a great scholar who will continue to shape our biblical understanding for years to come. I am personally grateful for the wisdom he has freely shared and for his many years of humble service. His leadership as dean of the faculty will be missed, but I am thankful that he will continue to serve on the NTS faculty, even after he steps down as dean next year.”
NTS began the search for a new dean this past spring and will announce the results of their search in the coming weeks. Hahn will begin his final year as chief academic officer for NTS July 1.[Nazarene Theological Seminary]
TwitterContactAfrica
Flags of the Nations: Togo
Flags of the Nations: TogoThe flag of Togo features a white "Star of Hope" on a field of red, representing the blood shed by countrymen during the internal struggle for independence. Green is symbolic of the country's agricultural wealth, while yellow is symbolic of mineral wealth. The five horizontal stripes represent the five regions of Togo.
Since September 1, 2009, the Church of the Nazarene's Global Ministry Center (GMC) proudly flies a flag each week of one of the many nations in which the denomination is present in ministry. Leaders were invited to send a national flag to be flown at the GMC alongside the flag of the United States*. The national flags rotate weekly, and photos of them raised are sent to the church leaders of that country.
This week: Togo
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Togo in 1998.
Togo had a population of 7,552,318 in 2015. That same year, Togo reported 150 Churches of the Nazarene, 66 of which had been officially organized. Togo has 5,844 total members.
Located on the Africa Region, Togo has one Phase 2 district and two Pioneer Areas. For more information about the Africa Region, visit africanazarene.org.
* = 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.
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Asia-Pacific
Cambodia, Asia-Pacific Region
Cambodia District receives audio BiblesDuring this year's Cambodia District Assembly, each church received 2-3 Papyrus Audio Bibles. The solar-powered audio players are an important tool for evangelism and discipleship in the southeast Asian country where nearly one in four people age 15 and older cannot read and write.
The Cambodia District received its first audio Bibles in 2013 thanks to donors and organizations like JESUS Film Harvest Partners and Kids Reaching Kids. The devices were loaded with one of three different local languages and deployed to new believers who could not read. From personal Bible studies to Sunday school classes to a group of farmers taking their lunch break under a tree, the audio Bibles have been used to open up many conversations about Jesus, and as a result, people have come to faith in Jesus Christ.
At the end of 2015, a grant from Kids Reaching Kids allowed for the purchase of 80 new audio Bibles and another 73 units arrived in January. Along with the devices, leaders at District Assembly received training in how to effectively use and care for the unit.
Of the 40 Nazarene churches in Cambodia, approximately 85 percent are in rural areas and are composed of people who cannot read or write. Although it is difficult to obtain accurate statistics regarding the number of people who have become followers of Jesus through this ongoing initiative, Nazarene leaders have heard many stories of the positive impact the audio Bibles are having on the Cambodian people:
Asia-Pacific
Cambodia, Asia-Pacific Region
Cambodia District receives audio BiblesDuring this year's Cambodia District Assembly, each church received 2-3 Papyrus Audio Bibles. The solar-powered audio players are an important tool for evangelism and discipleship in the southeast Asian country where nearly one in four people age 15 and older cannot read and write.
The Cambodia District received its first audio Bibles in 2013 thanks to donors and organizations like JESUS Film Harvest Partners and Kids Reaching Kids. The devices were loaded with one of three different local languages and deployed to new believers who could not read. From personal Bible studies to Sunday school classes to a group of farmers taking their lunch break under a tree, the audio Bibles have been used to open up many conversations about Jesus, and as a result, people have come to faith in Jesus Christ.
At the end of 2015, a grant from Kids Reaching Kids allowed for the purchase of 80 new audio Bibles and another 73 units arrived in January. Along with the devices, leaders at District Assembly received training in how to effectively use and care for the unit.
Of the 40 Nazarene churches in Cambodia, approximately 85 percent are in rural areas and are composed of people who cannot read or write. Although it is difficult to obtain accurate statistics regarding the number of people who have become followers of Jesus through this ongoing initiative, Nazarene leaders have heard many stories of the positive impact the audio Bibles are having on the Cambodian people:
- One pastor gave the Papyrus to a young woman in a dysfunctional marriage. The young woman became a believer, and she reports that her husband no longer beats her because of the Word of God he is listening to.
- In another situation, a missionary has been sharing the Papyrus with her friend, who recently said she, too, believes in Jesus.
- Another Papyrus was given to a person attending a Christmas celebration. The pastor felt compelled by the Spirit to give the Papyrus to a woman who was not yet a believer and could not read. She took the Papyrus home, listened to the word, accepted the Lord, and has begun a small group in her home.
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USA/Canada
Temple City, California
Life of missionary, educator Gordon Johnston celebratedRetired missionary Gordon Johnston passed away May 27. He was 77.
Gordon and his wife, Pat, served the Church of the Nazarene in missions for 34 years in Lebanon, Jordan, and Papua New Guinea before retiring in June 2003. Gordon was an ordained minister, holding a bachelor’s degree from Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) and a master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene College (PLNU). In addition to his missions service, he pastored the Riverside Drive and West Valley Churches of the Nazarene in California.
The Johnstons were assigned to Lebanon in 1969 but were forced to evacuate in December 1975 when civil war erupted. Six months later they were reassigned to Jordan. In 1981 they were transferred to Papua New Guinea, where both joined the teaching staff of Wahgi Valley Nazarene Bible College. During their service in Papua New Guinea, Gordon also served as church growth and evangelism director for the field while Pat directed Victory Books Publishing Company.
After serving 14 years in Papua New Guinea, the couple returned to Amman, Jordan, in 1995, where Gordon directed the Eastern Mediterranean Nazarene Bible College and Pat founded and directed Spring of Life Publications, and served as director of Arabic publications for the Eastern Mediterranean Field. Pat had a passion for writing and as a freelance writer, publishing articles in Holiness Today/Herald of Holiness, World Mission Magazine, and Come Ye Apart. She also authored three missionary books.
Pat preceded her husband in death November 6.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]
USA/Canada
Temple City, California
Life of missionary, educator Gordon Johnston celebratedRetired missionary Gordon Johnston passed away May 27. He was 77.
Gordon and his wife, Pat, served the Church of the Nazarene in missions for 34 years in Lebanon, Jordan, and Papua New Guinea before retiring in June 2003. Gordon was an ordained minister, holding a bachelor’s degree from Pasadena College (now Point Loma Nazarene University) and a master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene College (PLNU). In addition to his missions service, he pastored the Riverside Drive and West Valley Churches of the Nazarene in California.
The Johnstons were assigned to Lebanon in 1969 but were forced to evacuate in December 1975 when civil war erupted. Six months later they were reassigned to Jordan. In 1981 they were transferred to Papua New Guinea, where both joined the teaching staff of Wahgi Valley Nazarene Bible College. During their service in Papua New Guinea, Gordon also served as church growth and evangelism director for the field while Pat directed Victory Books Publishing Company.
After serving 14 years in Papua New Guinea, the couple returned to Amman, Jordan, in 1995, where Gordon directed the Eastern Mediterranean Nazarene Bible College and Pat founded and directed Spring of Life Publications, and served as director of Arabic publications for the Eastern Mediterranean Field. Pat had a passion for writing and as a freelance writer, publishing articles in Holiness Today/Herald of Holiness, World Mission Magazine, and Come Ye Apart. She also authored three missionary books.
Pat preceded her husband in death November 6.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]
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Nampa, Idaho
Retired Kudjip Nazarene Hospital administrator passes awayWayne Larson, a retired missionary to Swaziland and Papua New Guinea, passed away May 29 at age 83.
Wayne was born to Alfred and Lulu Larson November 9, 1932, in Portland, Oregon, and raised with his younger brother, Bruce. He married Joann in 1954, and the couple raised their three children in Medford, Oregon. In 1965, they traveled to Swaziland, Africa, where they felt called to become full-time missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene. They returned to Swaziland as a family in 1969.
Ten years later they were transferred to Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, where they served in various roles, including Wayne as Kudjip Nazarene Hospital administrator, until they retired from missionary work in 1990. They moved to Nampa, Idaho, in 1997 to work as postmasters at Northwest Nazarene University until they officially retired.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joann, as well as his parents. He is survived by his children, Don (Darla) of Nampa, Diane (Jeff Poseley) of Nampa, and Rob (Lynn) of Evans, Colorado; his brother, Bruce, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 3 at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene.
The family has established a memorial fund to provide a scholarship for Wayne Larson Piyu to attend Northwest Nazarene University in the future. Piyu, the son of Wayne's former colleague in Papua New Guinea, was named after Wayne. Donations can be made to the Wayne Larson Piyu Scholarship Fund, c/o Diane Poseley, 3310 S Stanford, Nampa, ID 83686.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]
Nampa, Idaho
Retired Kudjip Nazarene Hospital administrator passes awayWayne Larson, a retired missionary to Swaziland and Papua New Guinea, passed away May 29 at age 83.
Wayne was born to Alfred and Lulu Larson November 9, 1932, in Portland, Oregon, and raised with his younger brother, Bruce. He married Joann in 1954, and the couple raised their three children in Medford, Oregon. In 1965, they traveled to Swaziland, Africa, where they felt called to become full-time missionaries with the Church of the Nazarene. They returned to Swaziland as a family in 1969.
Ten years later they were transferred to Kudjip, Papua New Guinea, where they served in various roles, including Wayne as Kudjip Nazarene Hospital administrator, until they retired from missionary work in 1990. They moved to Nampa, Idaho, in 1997 to work as postmasters at Northwest Nazarene University until they officially retired.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joann, as well as his parents. He is survived by his children, Don (Darla) of Nampa, Diane (Jeff Poseley) of Nampa, and Rob (Lynn) of Evans, Colorado; his brother, Bruce, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 3 at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene.
The family has established a memorial fund to provide a scholarship for Wayne Larson Piyu to attend Northwest Nazarene University in the future. Piyu, the son of Wayne's former colleague in Papua New Guinea, was named after Wayne. Donations can be made to the Wayne Larson Piyu Scholarship Fund, c/o Diane Poseley, 3310 S Stanford, Nampa, ID 83686.[Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region]
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Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Former DS Herbert Rogers rememberedHerbert Rogers, retired Church of the Nazarene pastor and district superintendent, passed away May 31. He was 87.
Rogers was born December 5, 1928, in Lowville, New York, to Glenn and Myrtle Rogers. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and later as an Army Reserve chaplain. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, and went on to earn a master's degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
Following graduation, Rogers served as pastor of the following churches: Poughkeepsie, New York; East Rockaway, New York; Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas; Nall Ave., Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Webster Groves, St. Louis, Missouri; Cedar Rapids, Iowa First Church; and Grove City, Ohio.
In 1989, he was elected the office of district superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene’s Central Ohio District. Following his retirement in 1995, he served in evangelism and internships on the district for two more years.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University awarded him with an honorary doctorate degree in 1992.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his siblings Grace Eiss (Albert), Ruth Tyner (Glenn), Lloyd (Jeanne) Rogers, and Stephen (Lorraine) Seamans. Surviving siblings are Frances (Ray) Campbell, Dr. Art Seamans, Sarah (Noel) Edwards, and Donna (Charles) Smith.
Rogers is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Charlotte L. Rogers; children, Rebecca L. (Phillip) Ramsey, Cynthia L. (Jay) Schlenker, Christine L. (Eric) Ammons, Carol L. (Eric) Swart; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and countless others in the family of God.
His family will receive friends Thursday, June 9, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Grove City Church of the Nazarene. On Friday at 2:00 p.m., a service honoring his life and ministry and as he would want – celebrating God – will be held at the church.[Cotner Funeral Home]
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Former DS Herbert Rogers rememberedHerbert Rogers, retired Church of the Nazarene pastor and district superintendent, passed away May 31. He was 87.
Rogers was born December 5, 1928, in Lowville, New York, to Glenn and Myrtle Rogers. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and later as an Army Reserve chaplain. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, and went on to earn a master's degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.
Following graduation, Rogers served as pastor of the following churches: Poughkeepsie, New York; East Rockaway, New York; Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, Kansas; Nall Ave., Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Webster Groves, St. Louis, Missouri; Cedar Rapids, Iowa First Church; and Grove City, Ohio.
In 1989, he was elected the office of district superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene’s Central Ohio District. Following his retirement in 1995, he served in evangelism and internships on the district for two more years.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University awarded him with an honorary doctorate degree in 1992.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his siblings Grace Eiss (Albert), Ruth Tyner (Glenn), Lloyd (Jeanne) Rogers, and Stephen (Lorraine) Seamans. Surviving siblings are Frances (Ray) Campbell, Dr. Art Seamans, Sarah (Noel) Edwards, and Donna (Charles) Smith.
Rogers is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Charlotte L. Rogers; children, Rebecca L. (Phillip) Ramsey, Cynthia L. (Jay) Schlenker, Christine L. (Eric) Ammons, Carol L. (Eric) Swart; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and countless others in the family of God.
His family will receive friends Thursday, June 9, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Grove City Church of the Nazarene. On Friday at 2:00 p.m., a service honoring his life and ministry and as he would want – celebrating God – will be held at the church.[Cotner Funeral Home]
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Moving Ministers: May 2016
Moving Ministers: May 2016Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received from May 1 to May 31, 2016.
To view the May report, click here.
Moving Ministers: May 2016
Moving Ministers: May 2016Compiled by the General Secretary's Office from district reports, Moving Ministers is a monthly listing of Nazarene ministers in new assignments on the USA/Canada Region.
Roles included in the latest report are pastor and pastoral service. Entries were received from May 1 to May 31, 2016.
To view the May report, click here.
Moving Ministers As of: 6/1/2016
from 5/1/2016 to 5/31/2016
Name From To
Rev. Mark D. Abbott from Pastor
Sandwich
Sandwich IL
to Pastor on 5/30/2016
Rock Island First
Rock Island IL
Rev. Justin Alger from Pastoral Service
Danville First
Danville IL
to Pastoral Service on 6/19/2016
Connecting Pointe
Lincoln NE
Rev. Carolyn Jean Allred from Pastoral Service
Kansas City Water's Edge
Kansas City MO
to Pastoral Service on 5/29/2016
Troy New Life
Troy MO
Rev. Alfredo Maldonado Alvarez from Unassigned
West Texas
Hurst TX
to Pastoral Service on 4/15/2016
Fort Worth Riverside Community
Fort Worth TX
Rev. Michael Lee Anderson from Unassigned
Intermountain
Nampa ID
to Pastoral Service on 4/12/2016
Enumclaw
Enumclaw WA
Rev. Angela J. Bentley from Pastoral Service
Anthony
Anthony KS
to Pastor on 4/24/2016
Shenandoah
Shenandoah IA
Rev. Matthew A. Brown from Pastoral Service
Pennington Grace Community
Pennington NJ
to Pastoral Service on 2/1/2016
Cape May Seashore Community
Cape May NJ
Rev. Robert K. Burrows Jr. from Pastor
Willard
Willard OH
to Pastor on 6/5/2016
Beaufort
Beaufort SC
Rev. Sarah J. Burton from Pastoral Service
St. Cloud
Saint Cloud FL
to Pastor on 5/17/2016
Haines City
Haines City FL
Rev. Heather J. Byrd from Pastoral Service
Clarksville First
Clarksville TN
to Pastor on 5/9/2016
Fort Madison Living Hope
Fort Madison IA
Rev. Bradley J. Campbell from Unassigned
Oklahoma
Bethany OK
to Student on 4/9/2016
Northwestern Illinois
Rev. Peter John Clarke from Pastoral Service
Birdsboro
Birdsboro PA
to Pastor on 2/1/2016
Royersford
Royersford PA
Rev. Timothy R. Cole from Pastor
Union Word of Life
Union MO
to Pastor on 5/29/2016
Henryetta
Henryetta OK
Rev. Jessica E. Coulter from Unassigned
Eastern Michigan
Flint MI
to Pastoral Service on 5/1/2016
Upper Valley Community
Piqua OH
Dr. Mark D. Coulter from Unassigned
Eastern Michigan
Flint MI
to Pastoral Service on 5/1/2016
Upper Valley Community
Piqua OH
Rev. Brent R. Deakins from Unassigned
Intermountain
Nampa ID
to Pastoral Service on 2/28/2016
Eagle
Eagle ID
Rev. David A. Dhanarajan from Pastoral Service
Tallahassee First
Tallahassee FL
to Pastor on 5/17/2016
Lake City
Lake City FL
Rev. Bryant Jennings Dougharty from Pastoral Service
Oklahoma City May Avenue
Oklahoma City OK
to Pastoral Service on 2/14/2016
San Diego Mount Carmel
San Diego CA
Rev. Jacob D. Edwards from Pastoral Service
Kansas City Central
Lenexa KS
to Pastor on 6/5/2016
Lee's Summit New Beginnings
Lees Summit MO
Rev. Mario Garcia-Fabela from Unassigned
Washington Pacific
Tumwater WA
to Pastoral Service on 4/12/2016
Renton
Renton WA
Rev. Jonathan E. Gerling from Pastor
Vici
Vici OK
to Pastor on 6/13/2016
Iberia
Iberia MO
Rev. Bobby W. Grant from Unassigned
Kentucky
Louisville KY
to Pastor on 5/1/2016
Highway
Albany KY
Rev. Shane A. Guldi from Unassigned
Oklahoma
Bethany OK
to Pastoral Service on 4/18/2016
Bethany Lake Overholser
Bethany OK
Rev. Brianna Hawkins from Pastoral Service
Zoe Community
Peoria AZ
to Pastoral Service on 3/20/2016
Phoenix Monte Vista
Phoenix AZ
Rev. Joshua Aaron Heer from Unassigned
Kansas
Wichita KS
to Pastoral Service on 2/24/2016
Living Hope
Olathe KS
Dr. David A. Hoffman from Unassigned
Oklahoma
Bethany OK
to Pastoral Service on 4/18/2016
Guymon
Guymon OK
Rev. Natalie H. Hulstrom from Pastoral Service
Crossbridge Community - Peru Campus
Peru IL
to Student on 4/9/2016
Northwestern Illinois
Rev. Ta'avili Perefoti D. Ieremia from Unassigned
Hawaii Pacific
Honolulu HI
to Pastoral Service on 4/4/2016
Ewa Beach
Ewa Beach HI
Rev. Kendra S. LeVasseur from Pastoral Service
West Chester
West Chester PA
to Student on 4/25/2016
Philadelphia
Frazer PA
Rev. John W. MacKenzie from Pastoral Service
Florence Mosaic
Florence AZ
to Pastoral Service on 6/5/2016
Brookings
Brookings OR
Rev. Rebecca A. MacLearn from Pastoral Service
Marietta First
Marietta GA
to Pastoral Service on 3/13/2016
Hope Community
Surprise AZ
Rev. Brian K. Malloy from Unassigned
West Texas
Hurst TX
to Pastoral Service on 4/15/2016
Lubbock Refuge
Lubbock TX
Rev. Jacob E. McBride from Unassigned
Washington Pacific
Tumwater WA
to Pastoral Service on 4/12/2016
Castle Rock
Castle Rock WA
Rev. Susan R. McPherson from Unassigned
West Texas
Hurst TX
to Pastoral Service on 4/15/2016
Amarillo First
Amarillo TX
Rev. Arlene P. Morris from Unassigned
Southern Florida
Lake Placid FL
to Pastor on 4/18/2016
Windber
Windber PA
Rev. Lynnlee Moser from Pastor
Northpoint Community
Beaumont TX
to Pastor on 4/24/2016
Harvester
Saint Peters MO
Rev. Matthew J. Oost from Unassigned
Northwestern Illinois
to Pastoral Service on 4/9/2016
Canton First
Canton IL
Rev. Matthew J. Oost from Unassigned
Northwestern Illinois
to Pastoral Service on 4/9/2016
Canton Eastside
Canton IL
Rev. Anthony W Perrine from Pastoral Service
Newark First
Newark OH
to Student on 4/22/2016
South Central Ohio
Grove City OH
Rev. Steve Queen from Pastoral Service
Sharpsburg First
Sharpsburg GA
to Pastor on 5/1/2016
Jackson
Jackson OH
Rev. Daniel L. Rogers from Pastoral Service
Decatur First
Decatur IL
to Pastor on 5/8/2016
Frankfort First
Frankfort KY
Rev. Clayton R. Rose from Unassigned
West Texas
Hurst TX
to Pastoral Service on 4/15/2016
Amarillo First
Amarillo TX
Mrs. Sherry Seigman from Unassigned
West Texas
Hurst TX
to Pastoral Service on 4/15/2016
Abilene First
Abilene TX
Rev. Cheryl E. Seymour from Unassigned
Oklahoma
Bethany OK
to Pastoral Service on 4/18/2016
New Day
Warr Acres OK
Rev. David Clayton Seymour from Unassigned
Alabama North
Jasper AL
to Pastor on 5/15/2016
Laurel
Laurel DE
Rev. Matthew Short from Pastoral Service
Pickerington
Pickerington OH
to Pastor on 4/24/2016
Lebanon First
Lebanon IN
Rev. Brent Edward Smith from Pastor
Talihina
Talihina OK
to Pastor on 5/29/2016
Durant First
Durant OK
Rev. Patsy J. Stonelake from Unassigned
Philadelphia
Frazer PA
to Pastoral Service on 4/1/2016
Northfield
Northfield NJ
Rev. Vincent M. Sturgeon from Student
Kansas
Wichita KS
to Pastoral Service on 5/9/2016
The Dalles Cornerstone
The Dalles OR
Rev. Wilfredo "Jun" V. Suyat Jr. from Pastoral Service
Bremerton
Bremerton WA
to Pastor on 3/1/2016
Poulsbo
Poulsbo WA
Rev. Susan G. Unger from Unassigned
Virginia
Midlothian VA
to Pastoral Service on 4/25/2016
Middletown Rosedale
Middletown PA
Rev. W. Brent Walker frpm Pastor
Myrtle Beach-The Connection
Myrtle Beach SC
to Pastor on 4/24/2016
West Columbia Central
West Columbia SC
Rev. David P. Warren from Pastor
Spencer
Spencer IN
to Pastor on 4/24/2016
Petersburg
Petersburg IN
Rev. Robert Wiedman from Pastoral Service
Collingdale
Collingdale PA
to Student on 4/25/2016
Philadelphia
Frazer PA
Rev. Billy J. Willis from Pastor
Charlottesville First
Keswick VA
to Pastor on 6/27/2016
Southview Community
Kingsport TN
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.
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Quincy, Massachusetts
ENC hires head men's basketball coachEastern Nazarene College Director of Athletics Brad Zarges announced Scott Polsgrove was hired as the head men's basketball coach.
"It is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Scott Polsgrove as our new head men's basketball coach," Zargas said. "I have known Scott for more than 20 years and have come to appreciate his work as a coach, leader, and colleague. The opportunity to add a person with extensive experience that understands how to combine his faith in Christ with his passion for coaching is thrilling. I have no doubt that Scott will be able to continue and extend the level of excellence in our basketball program that has been established over the past seven years. We extend a warm welcome to Scott and his family to ENC and to Quincy."
Polsgrove has coached at the high school and collegiate level for more than 20 years.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Polsgrove to the ENC community," said Jeff Kirksey, vice president for Student Development. "His years of experience and deep Christian faith position him well to build upon the strengths of our men's basketball program."
Polsgrove returns to the collegiate level after a four-year stint as head boys' basketball coach at Avery County High School in Newland, North Carolina. He guided the Vikings to a record of 85-33 in his four years, including three consecutive conference and regular season championships. Polsgrove led Avery County to a pair of Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four berth in the North Carolina state playoffs.
A three-time Western Highlands Conference Coach of the Year, Polsgrove coached 10 players to all-conference honors and one conference Player of the Year. Under his tutelage, the Vikings won 41 conference games in a row.
Polsgrove was also named the NCBCA District 12 Coach of the Year in 2015-2016 and the Best of Preps Extra Mile Coach of the Year in 2014-2015.
"My family and I are very grateful and excited for the opportunity to become part of the Eastern Nazarene College community," Polsgrove said. "I look forward to working with the student-athletes and coaches at ENC to build a championship program both on and off the basketball floor. It will be a privilege to work at Eastern Nazarene where we can help build Christian leaders to impact their part of the world. I want to thank Athletic Director Dr. Brad Zarges for having the confidence and trust in me to lead the men's basketball program."
Prior to taking the reins at Avery County High School, Polsgrove spent six years as the head men's basketball coach at NCAA Division II Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. He also served as assistant athletic director at Lees-McRae for three years.
Polsgrove also had a 14-year stint at King College in Bristol, Tennessee, from 1992 to 2006. He led the Tornado to 190 victories, two NAIA National Tournament appearances, and the 1997-1998 Tennessee-Virginia Athletic Conference title. Polsgrove earned back-to-back Tennessee-Virginia Athletic Conference Coach of the Year accolades in 1996-1997 and 1997-1998.
While at King College, he served as athletic director from 2000 to 2004 and associate athletic director from 2004 to 2006.
Polsgrove was a four-year member of the men's basketball team at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he graduated with a degree in business systems. He went on to earn his master's degree from Mobile College in Mobile, Alabama, while also serving as a graduate assistant coach with the Rams.
The Eastern Nazarene College men's basketball team has reached the Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament in each of the past four seasons, including two trips to the Commonwealth Coast Conference semifinals.[Eastern Nazarene College]
Quincy, Massachusetts
ENC hires head men's basketball coachEastern Nazarene College Director of Athletics Brad Zarges announced Scott Polsgrove was hired as the head men's basketball coach.
"It is with great excitement that we announce the addition of Scott Polsgrove as our new head men's basketball coach," Zargas said. "I have known Scott for more than 20 years and have come to appreciate his work as a coach, leader, and colleague. The opportunity to add a person with extensive experience that understands how to combine his faith in Christ with his passion for coaching is thrilling. I have no doubt that Scott will be able to continue and extend the level of excellence in our basketball program that has been established over the past seven years. We extend a warm welcome to Scott and his family to ENC and to Quincy."
Polsgrove has coached at the high school and collegiate level for more than 20 years.
"We are excited to welcome Coach Polsgrove to the ENC community," said Jeff Kirksey, vice president for Student Development. "His years of experience and deep Christian faith position him well to build upon the strengths of our men's basketball program."
Polsgrove returns to the collegiate level after a four-year stint as head boys' basketball coach at Avery County High School in Newland, North Carolina. He guided the Vikings to a record of 85-33 in his four years, including three consecutive conference and regular season championships. Polsgrove led Avery County to a pair of Elite Eight appearances and a Final Four berth in the North Carolina state playoffs.
A three-time Western Highlands Conference Coach of the Year, Polsgrove coached 10 players to all-conference honors and one conference Player of the Year. Under his tutelage, the Vikings won 41 conference games in a row.
Polsgrove was also named the NCBCA District 12 Coach of the Year in 2015-2016 and the Best of Preps Extra Mile Coach of the Year in 2014-2015.
"My family and I are very grateful and excited for the opportunity to become part of the Eastern Nazarene College community," Polsgrove said. "I look forward to working with the student-athletes and coaches at ENC to build a championship program both on and off the basketball floor. It will be a privilege to work at Eastern Nazarene where we can help build Christian leaders to impact their part of the world. I want to thank Athletic Director Dr. Brad Zarges for having the confidence and trust in me to lead the men's basketball program."
Prior to taking the reins at Avery County High School, Polsgrove spent six years as the head men's basketball coach at NCAA Division II Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. He also served as assistant athletic director at Lees-McRae for three years.
Polsgrove also had a 14-year stint at King College in Bristol, Tennessee, from 1992 to 2006. He led the Tornado to 190 victories, two NAIA National Tournament appearances, and the 1997-1998 Tennessee-Virginia Athletic Conference title. Polsgrove earned back-to-back Tennessee-Virginia Athletic Conference Coach of the Year accolades in 1996-1997 and 1997-1998.
While at King College, he served as athletic director from 2000 to 2004 and associate athletic director from 2004 to 2006.
Polsgrove was a four-year member of the men's basketball team at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, where he graduated with a degree in business systems. He went on to earn his master's degree from Mobile College in Mobile, Alabama, while also serving as a graduate assistant coach with the Rams.
The Eastern Nazarene College men's basketball team has reached the Commonwealth Coast Conference Tournament in each of the past four seasons, including two trips to the Commonwealth Coast Conference semifinals.[Eastern Nazarene College]
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In Memoriam
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received May 30 - June 3, 2016.
Fay (Burrison) Collins, 96, of Sedro Woolley, Washington, passed away May 25. She was the widow of retired minister Mendal Collins, who served in California, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Mendal Collins passed away in 1997.
Nina (Schofield) Fuller, 76, of Prattville, Alabama, passed away May 31. She was the wife of retired minister, missionary, and district superintendent J. Roy Fuller, who served in Florida, Alabama, and Italy and led the Quebec and Pittsburgh districts.
Gordon Johnston, 77, of Temple City, California, passed away May 27. He was a retired minister and missionary, serving in California, Jordan, and Papua New Guinea. He was preceded in death by his wife, retired missionary Pat Johnston, in November. (story)
Wayne Larson, 83, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away May 29. He was a retired missionary, serving in Swaziland and Papua New Guinea. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann Larson, in 2013. (story)
James Lowery, 67, of Lancaster, Kentucky, passed away May 30. He was a retired minister, serving in Kentucky and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Judith (Baker) Lowery.
Edwin Porter, 85, of Mangum, Oklahoma, passed away June 1. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Mary Porter.
Herbert Rogers, 87, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away May 31. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in New York, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio, and led the South Central Ohio District. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Rogers. (story)
Michael Satterlee, 68, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away May 28. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Morgan) Satterlee.
Geraldine (Hammond) Whipple, 93, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away May 28. She was the widow of retired minister Edwin Whipple, who served in Ohio and Pennslyvania. Edwin Whipple passed away in 1999.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join 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 news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
In Memoriam
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received May 30 - June 3, 2016.
Fay (Burrison) Collins, 96, of Sedro Woolley, Washington, passed away May 25. She was the widow of retired minister Mendal Collins, who served in California, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Mendal Collins passed away in 1997.
Nina (Schofield) Fuller, 76, of Prattville, Alabama, passed away May 31. She was the wife of retired minister, missionary, and district superintendent J. Roy Fuller, who served in Florida, Alabama, and Italy and led the Quebec and Pittsburgh districts.
Gordon Johnston, 77, of Temple City, California, passed away May 27. He was a retired minister and missionary, serving in California, Jordan, and Papua New Guinea. He was preceded in death by his wife, retired missionary Pat Johnston, in November. (story)
Wayne Larson, 83, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away May 29. He was a retired missionary, serving in Swaziland and Papua New Guinea. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joann Larson, in 2013. (story)
James Lowery, 67, of Lancaster, Kentucky, passed away May 30. He was a retired minister, serving in Kentucky and Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Judith (Baker) Lowery.
Edwin Porter, 85, of Mangum, Oklahoma, passed away June 1. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma and Texas. He is survived by his wife, Mary Porter.
Herbert Rogers, 87, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away May 31. He was a retired minister and district superintendent, serving in New York, Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio, and led the South Central Ohio District. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Rogers. (story)
Michael Satterlee, 68, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away May 28. He was a retired minister, serving in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Morgan) Satterlee.
Geraldine (Hammond) Whipple, 93, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away May 28. She was the widow of retired minister Edwin Whipple, who served in Ohio and Pennslyvania. Edwin Whipple passed away in 1999.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join 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 news@nazarene.org.[Compiled by NCN News]
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Human Resources
GMC employment opportunitiesPeople are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 159 world areas.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email bsikes@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
USA/Canada Regional Office — Senior Program Assistant (Full time)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: USA/Canada Regional Office
Title: Senior Program Assistant
Description: This position provides assistance to the USA/Canada Regional Office New Church Development director with event planning, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, word processing, database maintenance, correspondence, and other tasks as needed.
To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Location of our Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
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.
Our Faith-Based Organization
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. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing bsikes@nazarene.org, 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 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
Human Resources
GMC employment opportunitiesPeople are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 159 world areas.
The Global Ministry Center Human Resources Office professionals strive to deliver the highest possible service to our employees, and are responsible for the recruitment, placement and retention of qualified individuals to staff the ministry and administrative positions of the GMC. The many employee services include compensation and benefit administration, payroll, employment, employee relations, training, counseling, organizational communication and events, and workplace programs.
*Volunteer opportunities for GMC ministries are available now. Email bsikes@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
USA/Canada Regional Office — Senior Program Assistant (Full time)
Office: Global Mission
Ministry: USA/Canada Regional Office
Title: Senior Program Assistant
Description: This position provides assistance to the USA/Canada Regional Office New Church Development director with event planning, travel arrangements, finance reconciliation, word processing, database maintenance, correspondence, and other tasks as needed.
To obtain additional information, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Location of our Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 159 world areas. The GMC is conveniently located in Lenexa, Kansas, with easy access to I-35 and I-435 and within short driving distance to Kansas City International airport. All GMC positions report to this location.
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.
Our Faith-Based Organization
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. Resumés are not necessary for entry-level positions, but they are preferred for professional level positions.
Applying for Employment with the GMC
Application forms may be requested by calling 913-577-0500, emailing bsikes@nazarene.org, 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 U.S. Central Time. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed to the attention of the Human Resources Office.
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Global Ministry Center
General Assembly 2017 website now availableThe 2017 General Assembly and Conventions is just over one year away. To assist participants in planning for and promoting this life-changing experience, the event website is now live at nazarene.org/ga.
From June 21 to 30, 2017, more than 20,000 Nazarenes from across the globe will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, for the Church of the Nazarene’s largest quadrennial gathering, themed “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.”
General Assembly is an ideal opportunity for families to unite and share in their faith. It's also a chance for attendees to learn more about their extended church family, meet fellow members from around the world, and participate in local mission projects.
The website contains needed information and resources for planners and participants. Produced by the General Assembly Planning Committee, nazarene.org/ga will be updated frequently with the latest announcements about the assembly and the Nazarene Youth International, Nazarene Missions International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International conventions. Information is also available on the Global Nazarene Education Consortium Conference.
General Assembly is the "supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene" (Manual, 300). The Assembly, conventions (Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International), and additional activities bring Nazarenes from every world region together for a time of business, celebration, and worship.
Global Ministry Center
General Assembly 2017 website now availableThe 2017 General Assembly and Conventions is just over one year away. To assist participants in planning for and promoting this life-changing experience, the event website is now live at nazarene.org/ga.
From June 21 to 30, 2017, more than 20,000 Nazarenes from across the globe will gather in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, for the Church of the Nazarene’s largest quadrennial gathering, themed “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.”
General Assembly is an ideal opportunity for families to unite and share in their faith. It's also a chance for attendees to learn more about their extended church family, meet fellow members from around the world, and participate in local mission projects.
The website contains needed information and resources for planners and participants. Produced by the General Assembly Planning Committee, nazarene.org/ga will be updated frequently with the latest announcements about the assembly and the Nazarene Youth International, Nazarene Missions International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International conventions. Information is also available on the Global Nazarene Education Consortium Conference.
General Assembly is the "supreme doctrine-formulating, lawmaking, and elective authority of the Church of the Nazarene" (Manual, 300). The Assembly, conventions (Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International), and additional activities bring Nazarenes from every world region together for a time of business, celebration, and worship.
news@nazarene.org
Material created and owned by Nazarene Communication Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News
Material created and owned by Nazarene Communication Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
The Global Church of the Nazarene Communication Network News
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
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