Second earthquake shakes Mexico
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck central Mexico 19 September, killing at least 230 people. The epicenter of the quake was in Puebla state, about 75 miles from Mexico City.
This quake comes less than two weeks after an 8.1-magnitude earthquake shook southern Mexico near the Guatemala border, killing nearly 100 people. It also falls 32 years to the day after a massive earthquake killed thousands in 1985. After Tuesday's quake, whole neighborhoods remain in disarray with buildings reduced to rubble. Rescue workers and volunteers are removing debris with buckets, shovels, and often bare hands as they furiously comb through the debris for survivors.
While no Nazarene churches have been reported as collapsed so far, churches and homes have been damaged. Felix Gonzalez, pastor of the Manantial de Vida Church of the Nazarene, said local churches are gathering to provide water and food to those affected and workers. Some Nazarenes are also volunteering their services as medical staff.
After the 7 September earthquake, local churches sprung into action. Twenty-five churches started working together to provide meals to 8,000 individuals, and many undamaged churches opened their doors as shelters to those who had lost their homes. Since most hospitals were damaged, churches received permission from the government to receive medical supplies, and the Nazarene Border Initiative organized teams of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists from Mexico and Central America. Food, water, shelter and medical response will continue in southern Mexico.
In the aftermath of the current earthquake, local churches' Nazarene Missions International and Nazarene Youth International groups are mobilizing to provide aid. The needs are great. The response will become clearer as the extent of the damage is assessed.
How to help
Pray
Please pray for families and individuals affected by the earthquake. Pray especially for those who have lost loved ones. Pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Pray for the energy, resilience, and success of the rescue workers and volunteers. Pray those are experiencing trauma, that they would sense God’s peace and presence. Pray for those who are most vulnerable, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Mexico Earthquake Response fund. Donations will be used to provide for immediate needs, including food, water, and medical supplies, as well as for long-term rebuilding.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
The Global Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116, United States
Be sure to put 128252 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
The Global Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put 128252 in the Memo area.
For additional countries, please give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Mexico Earthquake Response. (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries)
Third hurricane slams CaribbeanCountry Club Church of the Nazarene
Hurricane Maria made landfall Wednesday in Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, dumping at least 37 inches of rain and damaging many homes and churches. The storm also caused extensive damage in Dominica before continuing toward Turks and Caicos and the southeastern Bahamas. As of Friday, at least 30 people have been killed.
The hurricane, which is the strongest Puerto Rico has experienced in more than 80 years, severely damaged several Caribbean islands that received the brunt of Hurricane Irma earlier this month. Puerto Rico is currently without power, adding to the widespread power loss caused earlier by Hurricane Irma. Much of the island is also without potable water.
In addition to cutting off power and water supplies, the storm is also triggering widespread flooding. Many streets transformed into rivers, compounding the wreckage caused by the winds and rain.
Cataño Church of the Nazarene
At least two Nazarene churches were severely damaged in Puerto Rico. Entire walls and large portions of the Cataño Church of the Nazarene building were destroyed.
Hurricane Maria is the third major hurricane to hit the Carribean in the last month, causing additional damage to already vulnerable areas. Local churches will do their best to respond, though food, water, and medical supplies are already hard to come by.
How to help
Pray
Please pray for those facing the devastation left by the hurricane, which will take many months to repair. Pray for those who have lost loved ones and the hundreds of people without homes. Pray for the recovery of the places that have been hit hard and the swift delivery of the supplies and care they need. Pray for those who are bracing for the storm, asking that they will be kept safe and that supplies will last. Pray for those who are most vulnerable, especially senior adults, individuals with disabilities, and people living in poverty. Pray for church leaders and churches responding to the needs around them. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Emergency Relief Fund: Hurricane Maria. Donations will be used for immediate needs, such as water and food, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To send donations by mail:
In the U.S., make checks payable to "General Treasurer" and send them to:
Global Treasury Services
The Global Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, Missouri 64184-3116, United States
Be sure to put 128313 in the Memo area.
In Canada, make checks payable to "Church of the Nazarene Canada" and send them to:
The Global Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3
Be sure to put 128313 in the Memo area.
For any other country, give through your local church or district, designating your gift to Emergency Relief Fund: Hurricane Maria. (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries)
NBC donates 50,000 books to Africa universitiesRecently, Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, went to a fully online format. This change meant that there was a library full of books that needed to find a new home. Some were kept at Nazarene universities in the USA, but 50,000 books remained without a home.
Christian Literature for Africa and the Education Development United Foundation volunteered to sort, pack, and ship the remaining books to Southern Africa Nazarene University in Swaziland and Africa Nazarene University in Kenya.
"This is a tremendous gift to ANU," said Rod Reed, deputy vice chancellor for academics. "It will greatly enhance the collection of books that support our School of Religion and Christian Ministry. Thanks to all the partners who made this possible."
The shipment to ANU was received with great jubilation 6 September.
"The library resources we have received have not only doubled our physical book collection, but they have greatly enhanced the quality of our library," said Gift Mtukwa, chair of the Religion Department. "I want to assure NBC that the books are in good hands and will certainly be used by our students and faculty. Thank you."
Greg Crofford, dean of the ANU School of Religion and Christian Ministry, said some of the books will be distributed to other Bible colleges in East Africa while the rest will remain on the main ANU campus.
"Wow. I cannot wait to hold and read them," said Andrew Ntabo, leader of ANU's Religion Student Association. "God bless NBC and CLA." (Church of the Nazarene Africa Region)
Global Ministry Center
Hoax targets churches, leaders
A current email hoax is targeting Nazarene churches and districts by “spoofing” names and email addresses of Nazarene leaders to ask for money via wire transfers.
Example: A person will send an email that states they are a Nazarene leader or an official organization within the denomination. It will appear on the surface that the message is indeed being sent by that person/organization. They will say they’re in a meeting or busy at the moment, but they need you to send a payment today and to reply so they can send you the details of how to send the money.
DO NOT REPLY.
Giving from churches and districts is done securely through the Funding the Mission website or directly to the General Treasurer’s Office. There is never a need to wire money, and individual requests aren’t made over email through informal channels.
If you suspect someone’s name is being spoofed in an email, ignore the sender’s name and view their email address. If it looks fishy, it likely is. Mark it as spam within your email client.
"Let others know about the scam so they can identify it as such," said David Wilson, Church of the Nazarene general secretary. "If you or anyone you know receives suspicious communication, it is always best to confirm the person’s identity by contacting the appropriate church, district, regional, or Global Ministry Center office in a separate email to a known address."
For more information, email the General Secretary’s Office at gensec@nazarene.org.
A current email hoax is targeting Nazarene churches and districts by “spoofing” names and email addresses of Nazarene leaders to ask for money via wire transfers.
Example: A person will send an email that states they are a Nazarene leader or an official organization within the denomination. It will appear on the surface that the message is indeed being sent by that person/organization. They will say they’re in a meeting or busy at the moment, but they need you to send a payment today and to reply so they can send you the details of how to send the money.
DO NOT REPLY.
Giving from churches and districts is done securely through the Funding the Mission website or directly to the General Treasurer’s Office. There is never a need to wire money, and individual requests aren’t made over email through informal channels.
If you suspect someone’s name is being spoofed in an email, ignore the sender’s name and view their email address. If it looks fishy, it likely is. Mark it as spam within your email client.
"Let others know about the scam so they can identify it as such," said David Wilson, Church of the Nazarene general secretary. "If you or anyone you know receives suspicious communication, it is always best to confirm the person’s identity by contacting the appropriate church, district, regional, or Global Ministry Center office in a separate email to a known address."
For more information, email the General Secretary’s Office at gensec@nazarene.org.
ECFA launches resource for clergy, churchesThe Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability created a free online resource for pastors and church administrators. ChurchExcel features information in a variety of media designed to provide practical tools and information on financial management, tax compliance, stewardship, and governance.
“The rich resources of ChurchExcel will fill governance, financial management, and gift administration information needs for every local Church of the Nazarene,” said Dan Busby, ECFA president.
Resources include a library of articles with sample policies and procedures, materials for developing leadership and service among church board members, news on topics affecting clergy and churches, and more.
“We have had a long beneficial friendship with Dan Busby and the ECFA,” said Don Walter, Pensions and Benefits USA director. “They can be trusted to provide timely, factual information that will help our ministers and church administrators manage financial matters with greater confidence. ChurchExcel is one more example of the added value of this partnership. I encourage our people to take advantage of its many resources.”
Nazarene clergy and administrators may register for ChurchExcel at no cost by visiting ecfa.church. (Pensions and Benefits USA)
Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Florida church members help neighbors install storm shutters
Rockledge, Florida
(News6, 21 September) Pastor Brad Fink, of the Cross Bridge Church in Rockledge, is this week's Getting Results Award winner.
As Hurricane Irma churned in the Atlantic, most of Florida was preparing for what could have been one of the strongest storms on record.
Jennifer Quimby, of Rockledge, thought she was ready, too. She had a contractor scheduled to install her hurricane shutters days before the projected landfall. But when he got stuck out of state and couldn't honor his appointment, she began to panic.
"At the last minute I was frantic trying to find someone to put up the shutters," she says, reflecting on the days leading up to the storm. "I called around and everyone was fully booked."
For the rest of the story, click here.
Michigan church helps grow produce for mobile farm stand
Midland, Michigan
(News6, 21 September) Pastor Brad Fink, of the Cross Bridge Church in Rockledge, is this week's Getting Results Award winner.
As Hurricane Irma churned in the Atlantic, most of Florida was preparing for what could have been one of the strongest storms on record.
Jennifer Quimby, of Rockledge, thought she was ready, too. She had a contractor scheduled to install her hurricane shutters days before the projected landfall. But when he got stuck out of state and couldn't honor his appointment, she began to panic.
"At the last minute I was frantic trying to find someone to put up the shutters," she says, reflecting on the days leading up to the storm. "I called around and everyone was fully booked."
For the rest of the story, click here.
Michigan church helps grow produce for mobile farm stand
Midland, Michigan
(WJRT, 20 September) For some people, fresh produce is a luxury not an every day menu item.Others struggle just to put any food on their table.
The group Midland County Hunger Connections, made up of more than 30 entities, was created to help combat the problem.
"One in three families in Midland County are struggling to put food on their table," said Aaron Cianek, director of communications with the United Way of Midland County.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Indiana church plans centennial celebration
Auburn, Indiana
(KPC News, 14 September) An Auburn church will celebrate its 100th anniversary this weekend.
Church member Kathy Mettert was in the midst of preparations Thursday at the Auburn Church of the Nazarene on Main Street. Janna Long and Karen Mortz joined her in the kitchen and helped with food preparation and cupcake baking.
At its start in 1917, the church was a small congregation with only 13 members in Sunday School. It grew in 1923 when a basement was dug and the sanctuary was enlarged.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Tennessee church reflects on 75-year history
Nashville, Tennessee
(NCN News submissions) Trevecca Community Church celebrated its 75th anniversary September 9 and 10 with an evening gala banquet and Sunday morning anniversary celebration service. The event marked over seven decades of ministry to Nashville, Tennessee, the Trevecca Nazarene University campus, and the Church of the Nazarene.
“It is good to remember who we are and how our journey as a people has formed us," said Dwight M. Gunter II, senior pastor. "And out of that remembrance, we recommit ourselves to living faithfully as the people of God in both the present and the future.”
More than 290 church members helped put together the weekend events, led by 75th Anniversary Chairman Steven Hoskins, one of the theologians in residence at the church. During the Sunday morning service, a resolution recognizing the congregation’s achievements from the Tennessee State Senate was read and greetings were extended from the Governor’s Office, the MidSouth District Church of the Nazarene, Trevecca Nazarene University, and the Board of General Superintendents.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Texas church to celebrate 100th anniversary
Belton, Texas
(The Belton Journal, 10 September) On October 1, Belton Nazarene Church will be celebrating their centennial. For a century, the church has been a part of east Bell County and calls Belton home now.
“To have a 100-year birthday is a milestone,” said church member Carol Peters. “I went to this church since I was a baby and until I was married. I had my first blind date at the church. My grandparents were two of the charter members from when the church was out by Salado.”
The church began in rural Bell County as Sulphur Springs Nazarene Church after a revival was held in 1917. The first services of the church were conducted in the Armstrong School. In 1920, the Sulphur Springs School was consolidated with the Amity School, so the church bought the Sulphur Springs School building and held services there until 1940.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News)
US News & World Report lists Nazarene schools among best collegesOnce again U.S. News & World Report named several Nazarene institutions of higher education among "America's Best Colleges." The publication released their rankings for 2018 last week.
Rankings are broken down into specific categories. The first 75 percent of schools in each category are given individual rankings. The next group of schools is in a "rank not published" section listed in alphabetical order, followed by an "unranked" section.
National Universities
Schools in the National Universities category, such as Harvard University and Princeton University, offer a full range of undergraduate majors, master's, and doctoral degrees. These colleges are also committed to producing ground-breaking research.
One Nazarene school was placed in the National Universities category (click on the school's name for U.S. News profile):
Trevecca Nazarene University (Rank not published; Nashville, Tennessee; Dan Boone, president)
Regional Universities
Regional Universities offer a full range of undergrad programs and some master's programs but few doctoral programs. Regional Universities include Villanova University, The Citadel, Butler University, and Gonzaga University.
These rankings are split into four regions: North, South, Midwest, and West.
Six Nazarene universities were placed in this category (click school for U.S. News profile):
MidAmerica Nazarene University (Midwest No. 75; Olathe, Kansas; David J. Spittal, president)
Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Midwest No. 93; Mount Vernon, Ohio; Henry W. Spaulding II, president)
Northwest Nazarene University (West No. 47; Nampa, Idaho; Joel Pearsall, president)
Olivet Nazarene University (Midwest No. 54; Bourbonnais, Illinois; John C. Bowling, president)
Point Loma Nazarene University (West No. 17; San Diego, California; Bob Brower, president)
Southern Nazarene University (Rank not published; Bethany, Oklahoma; Keith Newman, president)
National Liberal Arts Colleges
Among the National Liberal Arts Colleges are schools like Amherst College and Middlebury College, which emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts fields of study.
One Nazarene school was placed in this category (click school for U.S. News profile):
Eastern Nazarene College (Rank not published; Quincy, Massachusetts; Dan Boone, president-elect)
For more information, see usnews.com.
For the publication's methodology in creating their 2018 rankings, click here.
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 18-22 September 2017.
Sharon (Beckwith) Alexander, 71, of Johnstown, Ohio, passed away 17 September. She was the spouse of retired minister Calvin Alexander Jr., who served in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Maine, and Ohio.
Miriam (Mellinger) Brammer, 82, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away 16 September. She was a retired missionary, previously serving in Papua New Guinea. She is survived by her husband, retired missionary Max Brammer, who served in Papua New Guinea.
Josephine Buckley, 90, of Palmer, Alaska, passed away 2 September. She was the widow of retired minister Raymond Buckley, who served in Ohio, Florida, Minnesota, Washington, Arizona, and Colorado. Raymond Buckley passed away in 1990.
Lester Burgard, 87, of Havana, Illinois, passed away 19 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Burgard.
Estell McClure, 89, of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away 21 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan McClure, in 2015.
Paul Riddle, 60, of Fortville, Indiana, passed away 19 September. He was a minister, previously serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Dana Riddle.
Sidney Warner Sr., 81, of Hurricane, West Virgina, passed away 19 September. He was a retired minister, serving in West Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Warner.
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)
GMC employment opportunitiesPeople are our most valued resource. Our committed employees are involved in "Making Christlike Disciples in the Nations" in 162 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 jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Sr. Office Assistant (Full-time)
USA/Canada Regional Office (UCRO)
Description: The person in this position will provide assistance to the UCRO Administrative Coordinator with event planning, scheduling, correspondence, website maintenance, and other tasks as needed.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Nazarene Bible CollegeTo learn more about positions available at the NBC Administrative Offices, visit nbc.edu/jobs. All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.Location of Global Ministry Center Positions
The GMC is the administrative hub for the Church of the Nazarene denominational ministries in 162 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, 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 humanresourcesgroup@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.
Freedom Sunday supports anti-trafficking ministriesNazarene churches will join with congregations around the world 24 September to participate in Freedom Sunday, a day set aside for worship and prayer around the issue of human trafficking.
This year, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries has partnered with the Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAAST) and Stop the Traffik to create a Freedom Sunday worship resource guide for churches to use. NCM is a member organization of FAAST, which is a strategic alliance of Christian organizations working together to combat slavery and human trafficking. Stop the Traffik, a global anti-trafficking advocacy organization, has been producing a Freedom Sunday guide for churches in the United Kingdom. This year, FAAST and Stop the Traffik partnered to create a new resource geared toward evangelical churches. NCM was the lead FAAST member in the creation of the new resource guide.
Since 2014, more than 400 local Nazarene churches have participated in a Freedom Sunday. The Church of the Nazarene’s participation began in coordination with other Wesleyan-Holiness denominations as part of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection. In the same year, the Church of the Nazarene's Board of General Superintendents endorsed a Declaration for Freedom — a document drafted by Wesleyan-Holiness leaders, including Carla Sunberg, who was elected as a general superintendent in June.
Over the three years, churches have taken up a “freedom offering” to support anti-trafficking work led by Nazarene churches. NCM has used those gifts to support the opening of new ministries, including drop-in centers in Mumbai, a mobile intervention clinic in Moldova, small business development for at-risk girls, and church-based prevention.
The Mumbai drop-in ministry, which was started by the Sharon Bethel Church of the Nazarene in December 2016, is called Jivan Asha, which means “Hope of Life.” Through two Jivan Asha centers, 75 children have gained a safe space for education, nutrition, recreation, psycho-social support, and spiritual nurturing. The centers have also reached out to 150 women in prostitution to provide counseling, life skills training, vocational training, medical referrals, and spiritual care. Through the ministry, the church has identified 65 women who are open to new alternatives, and they are working with several women on a path to leaving the brothels.
This year’s freedom offering will be used to support the birth of new church-led anti-trafficking ministries as well as the continuation of ongoing work.
Freedom Sunday is planned for 24 September, but congregations are encouraged to plan a Freedom Sunday at any time that works in their calendar. Freedom Sunday planning resources are available as free downloads through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at ncm.org/freedomsunday. (Nazarene Compassionate Ministries)
The Maple Leaf is a flag consisting of a red field with a white square at its centre, in the middle of which is featured a stylized,11-pointed, red maple leaf.
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: Canada
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Canada in 1902.
Canada had a population of 35,099,836 in 2015. That same year, Canada reported 176 Churches of the Nazarene, 153 of which had been officially organized. Canada has 12,991 total members.
Canada has four Phase 3 districts and one Phase 1 district. It is a part of the USA/Canada Region. For more information about the USA/Canada Region, visit usacanadanazarene.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.
Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.
The Global Nazarene Communications Network
Material created and owned by The Global Nazarene Church Network News may be used for church newsletters and bulletins.
ABOUT US
The Global Church of the Nazarene is a Protestant Christian church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition. Organized in 1908, the denomination is now home to about 2.5 million members worshipping in more than 29,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas, United States 66220
Phone: 913-577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment