Churches mobilize in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria
In the days following the utter devastation Hurricane Maria caused in Puerto Rico, Nazarene churches there have mobilized to respond — in partnership with other Nazarene churches around the world.
Last week, a planeload of humanitarian aid supplies from left from Lenexa, Kansas, headed to Puerto Rico. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partnered with Heart to Heart International, which was able to use its connections with FedEx to fly in the shipment.
After the plane arrived in San Juan, contents were transferred to a large truck. A group of 30 volunteers from local Nazarene churches spent hours 2 October offloading the supplies, including water filters, thousands of Crisis Care Kits sent from many Nazarene churches, and 42,000 pounds of food packets donated through a partnership with Convoy of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit focused on feeding and disaster response. On Tuesday, more volunteers and pastors began the process of distributing the supplies to vulnerable families and individuals more than 10 communities.
Volunteers from a Nazarene church in Dorado went to Naranjito, an impoverished mountain town where they regularly minister, to distribute food and care kits. The church in Vega Baja took food and CCKs to a home for senior adults that was lacking resources. Volunteers from a Nazarene church in Cataño distributed food and Crisis Care Kits in La Puntilla, an impoverished neighborhood that was flooded in great part by ocean water.
In the days following the utter devastation Hurricane Maria caused in Puerto Rico, Nazarene churches there have mobilized to respond — in partnership with other Nazarene churches around the world.
Last week, a planeload of humanitarian aid supplies from left from Lenexa, Kansas, headed to Puerto Rico. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries partnered with Heart to Heart International, which was able to use its connections with FedEx to fly in the shipment.
After the plane arrived in San Juan, contents were transferred to a large truck. A group of 30 volunteers from local Nazarene churches spent hours 2 October offloading the supplies, including water filters, thousands of Crisis Care Kits sent from many Nazarene churches, and 42,000 pounds of food packets donated through a partnership with Convoy of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit focused on feeding and disaster response. On Tuesday, more volunteers and pastors began the process of distributing the supplies to vulnerable families and individuals more than 10 communities.
Volunteers from a Nazarene church in Dorado went to Naranjito, an impoverished mountain town where they regularly minister, to distribute food and care kits. The church in Vega Baja took food and CCKs to a home for senior adults that was lacking resources. Volunteers from a Nazarene church in Cataño distributed food and Crisis Care Kits in La Puntilla, an impoverished neighborhood that was flooded in great part by ocean water.
As the group was leaving La Puntilla, one volunteer heard a young girl say to her mother, “Look mom! Now we have something to eat.”As more supplies arrive, Nazarene churches are poised to continue to get aid to those in need.
The Church of the Nazarene’s Southern Florida District arranged to deliver a cargo container of supplies, which is currently en route and scheduled to arrive in Puerto Rico by the weekend. The container includes more than a thousand Sawyer water filters, purchased with disaster response donations that have come to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries from churches and individuals around the world. Most of the island still has no access to potable water, making the water filters a critical need to prevent illness due to waterborne diseases.
A Crisis Care Kit shipment was also sent to Puerto Rico through an unlikely source: the National Basketball Association's Dallas Mavericks. J. J. Barea, a point guard for the team who is from Puerto Rico, first took the team's private plane to Puerto Rico last week to bring his family to the U.S. This week he made a second trip with 600 CCKs from the West and North/East Texas Church of the Nazarene districts.“Barea loved the CCKs and took a box to show the leaders of his foundation as an example of a great idea to help,” said Chrissy Maldonado, a youth pastor from Arlington, Texas, First Church of the Nazarene, who helped load the kits. "The plane will be doing a second trip and they would like for us to bring the rest of our boxes to send again."
Pastor Ron Adams of Ovilla Road Church of the Nazarene first came in contact with the team two years ago when a tornado destroyed his church while he was attending a Mavericks game. When he heard about Barea’s trip, he contacted the team to see if they had room for CCKs. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made the trips possible.
Heart to Heart is also slated to fly another shipment of supplies on behalf of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries 9 October. The planeload of aid will include generators, tarps, batteries, canned goods, diapers, baby food, and baby formula. The generators and batteries, in particular, will help provide for urgent needs. Officials estimate that it will take up to six months to restore power to the entire island.Nestor Hernandez grew up in Puerto Rico, where his father, Andres Hernandez, serves as district superintendent for country’s East District. Nestor, who serves as pastor of youth and community life in Melbourne, Florida, is currently in Puerto Rico helping coordinate shipments and disaster response efforts on behalf of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
“Please continue to pray!” he wrote in a report of the church’s activities. “As we continue to connect with churches, the number of displaced Nazarenes rises.”
The situation in Puerto Rico is growing more concerning by the day. Most areas are without power, creating life-threatening situations for individuals who depend on power for medical treatments, as well as nursing home residents who are vulnerable to excessive heat. There is also a shortage of food and safe drinking water.
“There is a lot of work to do, but we have awesome Nazarenes who are excited to get out of their homes and do something for their island,” Nestor wrote. “Thanks to NCM and the support of the global church, they are now being resourced to do so.”
While supplies are on the way, more help is greatly needed. Those who want to support disaster response efforts in Puerto Rico are encouraged to visit ncm.org/Maria.
How to help
Pray
Please pray for those who are most vulnerable to the loss of power and shortage of food and safe water. Pray for families and individuals who are left to rebuild their lives, that resources would come. Pray for those grieving the loss of loved ones. Pray for those who are fearful, that they would experience the love and peace of Christ. Pray for safety for local church leaders and volunteers as they travel to distribute aid to those in need. To send a prayer or note of encouragement, go to ncm.org/pray.
Volunteer
Travel is still limited, and churches are not yet able to receive volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering once possibilities open up may fill out a volunteer information form at ncm.org/Maria.
Give
Churches and individuals around the world can provide support through the Emergency Relief Fund: Hurricane Maria. Donations will be used for emergency supplies 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)
Kansas City, Missouri
NTS explores preaching, church music in conference events
Nazarene Theological Seminary hosted attendees from across North America 25-27 September for the Hugh C. Benner Preachers Conference.
This year’s events began with a half-day pre-conference on Church Music and the Christian Year, featuring Karen Westerfield Tucker, professor of worship at Boston University. The pre-conference was part of the Watkins Lectures on Church Music, a series established in memory of Rev. and Mrs. A.C. Watkins.
Tucker's lectures explored the great heritage of music in the Church and its relevance for today. Special attention was given to the unique place music holds in promoting Christian unity and empowering the witness of those in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.
The preaching conference was entitled Finding Your Rhythm: Preaching the Church Year. The theme explored how the church can proclaim the good news of Christ faithfully through the various seasons of the Christian year and a congregation's yearly life and rhythm. The conference featured preachers from diverse backgrounds and contexts and included Edgar Diaz, Christa Klosterman, Tara Beth Leach, Jon Middendorf, Brent Peterson, and Stuart Williams. Esteban Trujillo served as the worship leader for the event. The conference concluded with a celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Each session included a sermon delivered by one of the featured preachers followed by a panel discussion where preachers and scholars fielded questions submitted by participants. The goal was to explore theological and practical concerns surrounding the task of preaching and equip attendees for their ministry context.
"Sometimes in ministry, it feels like you are all alone,” participant Shannon Green said. “But the NTS Preachers Conference reminds me that others are dealing with difficult questions and conversations in their ministry contexts, too, and it offers practical advice on how to tackle those topics from the pulpit."
Dan Copp, director of Global Clergy Development, spoke to the affect the conference had in equipping ministers.
"I found the preaching and time of conversation/reflection to be helpful in so many ways, including very practical takeaways for women and men desiring to improve as pastors/preachers,” he said. “I particularly appreciated the rich diversity of contexts, cultures, and styles represented by the preachers."
Many attendees also experienced the conference as a time of personal spiritual renewal.
"The conference provided space for me to rest, listen, and fellowship with others called to the preaching life,” participant Donabel Martin said. “It was challenging, resourcing, and most all, life-giving."
The Preachers Conference is named after Nazarene Theological Seminary's first president, Hugh C. Benner, who served as president from 1945 to 1952. NTS was pleased to welcome Benner's daughter, Jan Benner Miller, to be a guest and participant at the conference. A video paying tribute to the legacy of Hugh C. Benner's ministry was shown at the beginning of the conference and a special collection of photos, books, and letters from his ministry was displayed.
"NTS is privileged to serve as convener of a beautiful diversity of contexts and approaches to the practice of preaching and engagement with God's Word,” said Josh Sweeden, NTS dean of the faculty. “The Watkins Lecture pre-conference and Preachers Conference are ways we resource the church, a continuation of the legacy of our first president, Dr. Hugh C. Benner."
For more information on future NTS events, join the NTS mailing list and follow the seminary on social media. (Nazarene Theological Seminary)
Nazarene Theological Seminary hosted attendees from across North America 25-27 September for the Hugh C. Benner Preachers Conference.
This year’s events began with a half-day pre-conference on Church Music and the Christian Year, featuring Karen Westerfield Tucker, professor of worship at Boston University. The pre-conference was part of the Watkins Lectures on Church Music, a series established in memory of Rev. and Mrs. A.C. Watkins.
Tucker's lectures explored the great heritage of music in the Church and its relevance for today. Special attention was given to the unique place music holds in promoting Christian unity and empowering the witness of those in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.
The preaching conference was entitled Finding Your Rhythm: Preaching the Church Year. The theme explored how the church can proclaim the good news of Christ faithfully through the various seasons of the Christian year and a congregation's yearly life and rhythm. The conference featured preachers from diverse backgrounds and contexts and included Edgar Diaz, Christa Klosterman, Tara Beth Leach, Jon Middendorf, Brent Peterson, and Stuart Williams. Esteban Trujillo served as the worship leader for the event. The conference concluded with a celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Each session included a sermon delivered by one of the featured preachers followed by a panel discussion where preachers and scholars fielded questions submitted by participants. The goal was to explore theological and practical concerns surrounding the task of preaching and equip attendees for their ministry context.
"Sometimes in ministry, it feels like you are all alone,” participant Shannon Green said. “But the NTS Preachers Conference reminds me that others are dealing with difficult questions and conversations in their ministry contexts, too, and it offers practical advice on how to tackle those topics from the pulpit."
Dan Copp, director of Global Clergy Development, spoke to the affect the conference had in equipping ministers.
"I found the preaching and time of conversation/reflection to be helpful in so many ways, including very practical takeaways for women and men desiring to improve as pastors/preachers,” he said. “I particularly appreciated the rich diversity of contexts, cultures, and styles represented by the preachers."
Many attendees also experienced the conference as a time of personal spiritual renewal.
"The conference provided space for me to rest, listen, and fellowship with others called to the preaching life,” participant Donabel Martin said. “It was challenging, resourcing, and most all, life-giving."
The Preachers Conference is named after Nazarene Theological Seminary's first president, Hugh C. Benner, who served as president from 1945 to 1952. NTS was pleased to welcome Benner's daughter, Jan Benner Miller, to be a guest and participant at the conference. A video paying tribute to the legacy of Hugh C. Benner's ministry was shown at the beginning of the conference and a special collection of photos, books, and letters from his ministry was displayed.
"NTS is privileged to serve as convener of a beautiful diversity of contexts and approaches to the practice of preaching and engagement with God's Word,” said Josh Sweeden, NTS dean of the faculty. “The Watkins Lecture pre-conference and Preachers Conference are ways we resource the church, a continuation of the legacy of our first president, Dr. Hugh C. Benner."
For more information on future NTS events, join the NTS mailing list and follow the seminary on social media. (Nazarene Theological Seminary)
Cavite, Philippines
A church led by children
What do you imagine when you think of "children’s church"? Most people picture a group of children being led in worship and other activities by adults, but the GMA Church of the Nazarene in Cavite, Philippines, has changed that picture.
Nerry and Ivan are two of the leaders of Children’s Church at GMA. They both received their local minister’s license last year. The church board interviewed them, affirmed their call to preach, and presented them to the congregation. They help to oversee an exciting Children’s church at GMA with lively worship, biblical preaching from God’s word, and lots of discipleship and outreach activities.
Both Nerry and Ivan are 13 years old. You see, Children’s Church at GM is actually led — by children! The song leaders, the singers, the drummer, the guitarists, those who take the offering, the preachers — all are children! Of course, not all the preachers are 13 years old. A third young man, Paul John, is much older. He is 15! These three young people, barely teenagers, take turns preaching in the Children’s services. The three are also being trained for church planting using the curriculum “Training for Trainers (T4T): Make Disciples, Multiply Churches.”
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
What do you imagine when you think of "children’s church"? Most people picture a group of children being led in worship and other activities by adults, but the GMA Church of the Nazarene in Cavite, Philippines, has changed that picture.
Nerry and Ivan are two of the leaders of Children’s Church at GMA. They both received their local minister’s license last year. The church board interviewed them, affirmed their call to preach, and presented them to the congregation. They help to oversee an exciting Children’s church at GMA with lively worship, biblical preaching from God’s word, and lots of discipleship and outreach activities.
Both Nerry and Ivan are 13 years old. You see, Children’s Church at GM is actually led — by children! The song leaders, the singers, the drummer, the guitarists, those who take the offering, the preachers — all are children! Of course, not all the preachers are 13 years old. A third young man, Paul John, is much older. He is 15! These three young people, barely teenagers, take turns preaching in the Children’s services. The three are also being trained for church planting using the curriculum “Training for Trainers (T4T): Make Disciples, Multiply Churches.”
For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.
A church led by children by Dave Hane
What do you imagine when you think of "children’s church"? Most people picture a group of children being led in worship and other activities by adults. But the GMA Church of the Nazarene in Cavite, Philippines, has changed that picture.
Nerry and Ivan are two of the leaders of Children’s Church at GMA. They both received their local minister’s license last year. The church board interviewed them, affirmed their call to preach, and presented them to the congregation. They help to oversee an exciting Children’s church at GMA with lively worship, biblical preaching from God’s word, and lots of discipleship and outreach activities.Both Nerry and Ivan are 13 years old. You see, Children’s Church at GM is actually led - by children! The song leaders, the singers, the drummer, the guitarists, those who take the offering, the preachers - all are children! Of course, not all the preachers are 13 years old. A third young man, Paul John, is much older. He is 15! These three young people, barely teenagers, take turns preaching in the Children’s services. The three are also being trained for church planting using the curriculum “Training for Trainers (T4T): Make Disciples, Multiply Churches.”
At the GMA church, there are another 15 teen leaders who guide and disciple the children. The children’s pastor, Mark John, who helps to oversee the entire ministry, is 23 years old. He is currently studying theology at a nearby institute.
Yes, "children’s church" has a very different meaning at the GMA Church of the Nazarene. They believe that children are not the church of tomorrow. They are the church of today.
The pastor of the GMA Church is Stephen Gualberto.
Stephen (photo above) was one of the children from the Philippines who, many years ago, was sponsored by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. Prior to this, his parents were living in a very poor “squatter” area of Manila, but were forced to move when the area was closed down by authorities. He and his family literally lived on the streets for several days, before being offered food and water and a place to stay by a pastor of the local Church of the Nazarene.Stephen and his family are products of the outreach efforts of the Church of the Nazarene. And he is impacting others for Christ. Not only is Stephen the pastor of the GMA Church, he is also the Field Strategy Coordinator for all of the Philippines and Micronesia field.
Your giving to the World Evangelism Fund and Nazarene Compassionate Ministry impacts the lives of people like Stephen, who then impact the lives of hundreds of others! Like the teenage preachers and church planters, Nerry, Ivan and Paul John! (Dave Hane is the regional personnel coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Regional Office., Photo Credits: Dash Gualberto)
Busingen, Germany
New friendships: Regional office engages with refugees in Busingen
Although European Nazarene College (EuNC) campus closed its residential program in Büsingen, Germany, in 2012 and sold the property to the town in 2015, the apartment building there has been given a new purpose: Housing refugees.
While EuNC has expanded its reach to 18 countries through 17 learning centers, educating nearly 300 students across Europe, the former college campus is finding a new life as a refuge for those hoping to find their own new life in Germany.
Europe is currently facing a historic influx of refugees escaping conflict in Syria, Eritrea, and other war-torn areas. Germany has led the European Union in efforts to resettle these displaced peoples, and that is exactly what the town of Büsingen decided to do with the grounds acquired from EuNC.
As of September 2017, about 15 flats are being used to house displaced families and individuals seeking refuge in Germany.
Annemarie Snijders, a missionary serving the Eurasia Regional Office (ERO) adjacent to the former campus, explained how the effort began.
“I had a dream in which I felt strongly that Jesus asked me that we had to buy Easter eggs for our neighbours, and give them just before Easter,” she said. “It would be a natural opportunity to connect, and we also could give them an invitation to join us in the communication building on Monday afternoon for coffee and tea. So a few weeks before, Arthur and I started buying Easter eggs.”
Annemarie, along with Arthur Snijders, the Eurasia Regional director, shared the idea with the rest of the ERO staff and invited any who were interested to join them. The office group – a mixture of missionaries and German team members – were ready to participate.
The week before Easter, missionary Sandra Tibi went along with Annemarie and Arthur to deliver the gifts and invite the families to a tea and coffee at the office conference room on Easter Monday. Sandra speaks Arabic, and so was able to help with interpretation for some families. They were joined by Uwe Burmeister, the groundskeeper at the college for decades, who has stayed on to help with the property’s transition. Since the first refugees had moved in, he has befriended them. He is seen now as a fatherly figure by the new tenants because he has spent time with them, learning their stories and helping them navigate life in Büsingen.
Sandra said, “We told them, ‘We are your neighbours. We are Christian; we celebrate Easter, and this was formerly a Bible school campus from our church. It’s not ours anymore, but we are happy you can live here now. We want to welcome you and we want to invite you for tea and coffee and get to know you.’”
They left printed invitations and an Easter egg with each of the residents. For the children, there were special bags with Easter eggs. They were received warmly, and some residents even invited them to come in and have tea right then.
One family, a mother and her children who came from Syria, were Christians. The mother was out when the invitations were distributed, but she later told of how she was unsure she would be able to get Easter eggs for her kids, as was their tradition at Easter.
“She said to me, ‘I was so glad when I came home to see the invitation from Christian brothers and sisters and to see Easter eggs for my kids,’” Sandra said.
In Germany, Easter Monday is a national holiday, and with their day off some of the ERO staff baked sweets and brewed tea and coffee.
“All the people who we invited came. It was really neat because they had never interacted among themselves, so this was the first time they came together in the same spot,” says Sandra.
Altogether, around 45 people gathered at the regional office’s conference room, communicating through German, English, Arabic, and Eritrean as they were able.
In thanks for the generous welcome, the families have returned the invitation, hosting a meal for the ERO staff.
Because of these meetings, now everyone can greet each other when they pass in the village. Several regional office staff agreed to serve as backup drivers for one of the refugees who was pregnant, in case her husband was out, when she would go into labor and needed to go to the hospital.
The story is very much still being written, but it began with a simple idea. Now another meal has been planned, and opportunities for connection continue.
“[We’re] just being a neighbour, like many other Nazarenes do every day,” said missionary Heidi Bowes.
Heidi, Sandra, and other ERO staff are finding ways to help their neighbours make a new life – and see hope for a life abundant. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Although European Nazarene College (EuNC) campus closed its residential program in Büsingen, Germany, in 2012 and sold the property to the town in 2015, the apartment building there has been given a new purpose: Housing refugees.
While EuNC has expanded its reach to 18 countries through 17 learning centers, educating nearly 300 students across Europe, the former college campus is finding a new life as a refuge for those hoping to find their own new life in Germany.
Europe is currently facing a historic influx of refugees escaping conflict in Syria, Eritrea, and other war-torn areas. Germany has led the European Union in efforts to resettle these displaced peoples, and that is exactly what the town of Büsingen decided to do with the grounds acquired from EuNC.
As of September 2017, about 15 flats are being used to house displaced families and individuals seeking refuge in Germany.
Annemarie Snijders, a missionary serving the Eurasia Regional Office (ERO) adjacent to the former campus, explained how the effort began.
“I had a dream in which I felt strongly that Jesus asked me that we had to buy Easter eggs for our neighbours, and give them just before Easter,” she said. “It would be a natural opportunity to connect, and we also could give them an invitation to join us in the communication building on Monday afternoon for coffee and tea. So a few weeks before, Arthur and I started buying Easter eggs.”
Annemarie, along with Arthur Snijders, the Eurasia Regional director, shared the idea with the rest of the ERO staff and invited any who were interested to join them. The office group – a mixture of missionaries and German team members – were ready to participate.
The week before Easter, missionary Sandra Tibi went along with Annemarie and Arthur to deliver the gifts and invite the families to a tea and coffee at the office conference room on Easter Monday. Sandra speaks Arabic, and so was able to help with interpretation for some families. They were joined by Uwe Burmeister, the groundskeeper at the college for decades, who has stayed on to help with the property’s transition. Since the first refugees had moved in, he has befriended them. He is seen now as a fatherly figure by the new tenants because he has spent time with them, learning their stories and helping them navigate life in Büsingen.
Sandra said, “We told them, ‘We are your neighbours. We are Christian; we celebrate Easter, and this was formerly a Bible school campus from our church. It’s not ours anymore, but we are happy you can live here now. We want to welcome you and we want to invite you for tea and coffee and get to know you.’”
They left printed invitations and an Easter egg with each of the residents. For the children, there were special bags with Easter eggs. They were received warmly, and some residents even invited them to come in and have tea right then.
One family, a mother and her children who came from Syria, were Christians. The mother was out when the invitations were distributed, but she later told of how she was unsure she would be able to get Easter eggs for her kids, as was their tradition at Easter.
“She said to me, ‘I was so glad when I came home to see the invitation from Christian brothers and sisters and to see Easter eggs for my kids,’” Sandra said.
In Germany, Easter Monday is a national holiday, and with their day off some of the ERO staff baked sweets and brewed tea and coffee.
“All the people who we invited came. It was really neat because they had never interacted among themselves, so this was the first time they came together in the same spot,” says Sandra.
Altogether, around 45 people gathered at the regional office’s conference room, communicating through German, English, Arabic, and Eritrean as they were able.
In thanks for the generous welcome, the families have returned the invitation, hosting a meal for the ERO staff.
Because of these meetings, now everyone can greet each other when they pass in the village. Several regional office staff agreed to serve as backup drivers for one of the refugees who was pregnant, in case her husband was out, when she would go into labor and needed to go to the hospital.
The story is very much still being written, but it began with a simple idea. Now another meal has been planned, and opportunities for connection continue.
“[We’re] just being a neighbour, like many other Nazarenes do every day,” said missionary Heidi Bowes.
Heidi, Sandra, and other ERO staff are finding ways to help their neighbours make a new life – and see hope for a life abundant. (Church of the Nazarene Eurasia)
Flags of the Nations: ChileThe red stripe represents the blood of patriots who fought for Chile's independence. The white stripe symbolizes the snow of the Andes Mountains; while the blue stripe represents the sky. The star on the flag stresses the fact that Chile is a Unitarian republic, and not a federal republic. The Chilean flag was adopted on October 18, 1817, making it one of the oldest flags in the world. Chile gained independence from Spain on February 12, 1818. (worldflags101.com)
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: Chile
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Chile in 1962.
Chile had a population of 17,650,114 in 2016. That same year, Chile reported 64 Churches of the Nazarene, 56 of which have been officially organized. Chile has 3,391 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Chile has three Phase 2 districts and one Phase 1 district. For more information about the South America Region, visit samnaz.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.
Moving Ministers: September 2017Compiled 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.
Compiled 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 in September 2017.
To view the September report, click here.
Moving Ministers As of: Saturday, 30 September 2017 from Friday, 1 September 2017 to Saturday, 30 September 2017
Name From To
Rev. Jamie M. Coleman from Pastoral Service Journey Community Mesquite TX to Pastor on 9/3/2017
Nexus Community
Dallas TX
Rev. Erika C. Perry from Pastoral Service Salem First Salem OR to Pastoral Service on 9/1/2017 Houston First Houston TX
Rev. Mark W. Pounds from Pastoral Service Lebanon Lebanon OR to Pastor on 9/24/2017 Oakridge Oakridge OR
Rev. Kevin D. Rector from Pastor Liberty Vilonia AR to Pastor on 9/11/2017 Gallatin First Gallatin TN
Dr. Bud Reedy Jr. from Pastor York Stillmeadow York PA to Pastor on 9/10/2017 Charlottesville First Keswick VA
Rev. Christian A Rogers from Pastoral Service New Horizons Community Skowhegan ME to Pastor on 9/24/2017 Brunswick Brunswick ME
Rev. Rodney Wayne Tucker Pastoral Service Lebanon Freedom Lebanon MO to Pastor on 9/24/2017 Magnolia Magnolia MS
For previous reports, see usacanadanazarene.org.
Kansas City, Missouri
Carla Sunberg receives Towel and Basin Award
Nazarene Theological Seminary recently awarded Carla Sunberg with the Towel and Basin Award at its annual homecoming dinner 26 September. The homecoming dinner provides annual opportunity for alumni and friends to reconnect and celebrate what God is doing through the ministry of NTS.
During the evening's presentation, Dean of the Faculty Josh Sweeden presented Sunberg with the award.
"NTS reserves this award for alumni and friends of the seminary who model within our community the very characteristics of Christ — as seen in the Christ Hymn (Philippians 2:5-11) and in the Gospel of John, when Jesus washes the disciples’ feet," he said. "From a Christian perspective, the towel and basin reflect our theology of leadership."
Sweeden shared comments on Sunberg's servant leadership during her time as NTS president, which spanned from 2014 until her election as a general superintendent this summer. He especially highlighted her pastoral approach, strong work ethic, and her commitment to making NTS a place for all students.
"She was a champion for underrepresented students," he said. "She has helped point NTS on a trajectory to serving a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church. Her advocacy for women in ministry was relentless, and rightly so."
Jeren Rowell, chair of the NTS Board of Trustees, also offered congratulatory comments.
"The Board of Trustees congratulates Dr. Sunberg on receiving this year’s Towel and Basin Award," he said. "The theme of this award perfectly images the kind of leadership that Dr. Sunberg brought to NTS during her tenure. The future of our seminary is bright and we thank Dr. Sunberg for leading us toward this hope-filled future."
The NTS community invites all to join the seminary in prayer as the Board of Trustees continues its work to elect the next president. Stay up to date on NTS news and events by joining the NTS mailing list and following NTS on social media. (Nazarene Theological Seminary)
Nazarene Theological Seminary recently awarded Carla Sunberg with the Towel and Basin Award at its annual homecoming dinner 26 September. The homecoming dinner provides annual opportunity for alumni and friends to reconnect and celebrate what God is doing through the ministry of NTS.
During the evening's presentation, Dean of the Faculty Josh Sweeden presented Sunberg with the award.
"NTS reserves this award for alumni and friends of the seminary who model within our community the very characteristics of Christ — as seen in the Christ Hymn (Philippians 2:5-11) and in the Gospel of John, when Jesus washes the disciples’ feet," he said. "From a Christian perspective, the towel and basin reflect our theology of leadership."
Sweeden shared comments on Sunberg's servant leadership during her time as NTS president, which spanned from 2014 until her election as a general superintendent this summer. He especially highlighted her pastoral approach, strong work ethic, and her commitment to making NTS a place for all students.
"She was a champion for underrepresented students," he said. "She has helped point NTS on a trajectory to serving a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church. Her advocacy for women in ministry was relentless, and rightly so."
Jeren Rowell, chair of the NTS Board of Trustees, also offered congratulatory comments.
"The Board of Trustees congratulates Dr. Sunberg on receiving this year’s Towel and Basin Award," he said. "The theme of this award perfectly images the kind of leadership that Dr. Sunberg brought to NTS during her tenure. The future of our seminary is bright and we thank Dr. Sunberg for leading us toward this hope-filled future."
The NTS community invites all to join the seminary in prayer as the Board of Trustees continues its work to elect the next president. Stay up to date on NTS news and events by joining the NTS mailing list and following NTS on social media. (Nazarene Theological Seminary)
Nampa, Idaho
NNU selects vice president of finance & operations
Northwest Nazarene University announced Steven Emerson as vice president of finance & operations. In this role, he will provide leadership, oversight, and management of all financial and operational affairs of the university.
“NNU is pleased to have such a proven leader join the university's leadership team,” shared President Joel Pearsall. “For the past 25 years, Steve has served the banking industry as a senior-level manager either as a vice president or district president. His knowledge of financial strategic planning and operational issues will assist in the continued growth of Northwest Nazarene University for years to come.”
Emerson most recently worked as senior vice president of commercial banking at the Bank of the Cascades. In addition to his role as SVP, he has held leadership positions at American Bank of Commerce, First Security Bank, KeyBank, Farmer’s and Merchants Bank, and Home Federal Bank over the span of his career. In 2003, he was named top “40 under 40” by the Idaho Business Review.
Earning his Master of Business Administration in 1999 and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting in 1992, he attended NNU and played on the Crusader basketball team. Emerson has remained involved with NNU by serving on the Audit Committee and the Athletic Advisory Council.
He has also been involved in the community and Church of the Nazarene in many different ways. Currently, he serves Eagle Nazarene as a Sunday school teacher and as a member of the church board and finance committee. He is also on the District Advisory Board for the Intermountain District Church of the Nazarene and the Financial Services Advisory Board of the Boise Metro Chamber. Additionally, Emerson coaches youth basketball through the Hoop Dreams Basketball Club.
He is married to Jonna Emerson, and they have four children: McKenna, Chandler, Ellie and Annabelle. (Northwest Nazarene University)
Northwest Nazarene University announced Steven Emerson as vice president of finance & operations. In this role, he will provide leadership, oversight, and management of all financial and operational affairs of the university.
“NNU is pleased to have such a proven leader join the university's leadership team,” shared President Joel Pearsall. “For the past 25 years, Steve has served the banking industry as a senior-level manager either as a vice president or district president. His knowledge of financial strategic planning and operational issues will assist in the continued growth of Northwest Nazarene University for years to come.”
Emerson most recently worked as senior vice president of commercial banking at the Bank of the Cascades. In addition to his role as SVP, he has held leadership positions at American Bank of Commerce, First Security Bank, KeyBank, Farmer’s and Merchants Bank, and Home Federal Bank over the span of his career. In 2003, he was named top “40 under 40” by the Idaho Business Review.
Earning his Master of Business Administration in 1999 and Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Accounting in 1992, he attended NNU and played on the Crusader basketball team. Emerson has remained involved with NNU by serving on the Audit Committee and the Athletic Advisory Council.
He has also been involved in the community and Church of the Nazarene in many different ways. Currently, he serves Eagle Nazarene as a Sunday school teacher and as a member of the church board and finance committee. He is also on the District Advisory Board for the Intermountain District Church of the Nazarene and the Financial Services Advisory Board of the Boise Metro Chamber. Additionally, Emerson coaches youth basketball through the Hoop Dreams Basketball Club.
He is married to Jonna Emerson, and they have four children: McKenna, Chandler, Ellie and Annabelle. (Northwest Nazarene University)
In MemoriamThe following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 2-6 October 2017.
Ralph Hill, 79, of Canton, Illinois, passed away 30 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana and Illinois. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charity (Rodefer) Hill, in 2013.
David Klein, 92, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away 27 September. He was the widower of retired minister Vergie Klein, who served in Tennessee. Vergie Klein passed away in 1994. David is survived by his wife, Joan Klein.
Betty Knight, 89, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away 27 September. She was the wife of retired minister, educator, and district superintendent C. Marselle Knight, who served in Florida, Texas, Missouri, South Carolina, Kansas, and Oklahoma. He led the San Antonio, Kansas, and Eastern Michigan districts.
Kevin Pittman, 50, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away 1 October. He was a minister, previously serving in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Hally Pittman.
Michael Shelton, 64, of Clovis, California, passed away 29 September. He was a minister, serving on the Central California District. He is survived by his wife, Linda Shelton.
Donna Swisher, 95, of Milford, Ohio, passed away 29 September. She was the widow of retired minister Darl Swisher, who served in Indiana and Ohio. Darl Swisher passed away in 2003.
Dolores (Ray) Taylor, 87, of Paris, Texas, passed away 29 September. She was the widow of retired ministers Emmett Taylor and C. William Ray. Emmett Taylor, who served in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Arkansas, passed away in 2014. C. William Ray, who served in Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana, passed away in 1989.
Lawrence Vaughn, 96, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away 4 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Kentucky and Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Vaughn, in 2013.
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
HUMAN RESOURCES
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
Art Supervisor/Graphic Design Technician (Full-time)
Communications
Description: The person in this position will focus on producing and overseeing graphic resources. Such responsibilities might include (but not be limited to) the following: graphic design, Web design, and conceptual design concepts in marketing, branding, etc.
Security Specialist (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: The person in this position will render assistance and consultation to technology users. Incumbents are responsible for handling, programming, researching and networking to maintain our current Cisco phone system. They will also assist with help desk and system updates as required.
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 PositionsThe 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 OrganizationWe 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 GMCApplication 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.
Celebrate Clergy Appreciation MonthThroughout the month of October, churches around the world will show their appreciation for clergy and pastoral staff members in a variety of ways. These men and women can be celebrated through personal notes or gifts, by groups like a Sunday school class, or in larger settings with the entire congregation.
Here are some ideas:
- Share a video explaining what you appreciate about your pastor using #lovemynazpastor.
- Organize a prayer calendar so each pastor is prayed for every day of the month.
- Create a slideshow presentation of pastors in action during the past year. Set it to music and play it as a pre-service video.
- Give clergy families a night out to a local restaurant or gift certificate for an overnight get-away.
- Invite children to create artwork for the pastors.
- Choose a day and have people text pastors hourly with a heartfelt message explaining how the pastors have positively impacted members.
- Give each Sunday in October a special emphasis related to something appreciated about each of your congregation’s pastoral leaders (personality qualities, gifting, family, etc.) with a special tribute, recollection, etc. Consider giving a gift that relates to the emphasis.
- Allow members of the congregation to volunteer time serving pastoral leaders by babysitting or helping with yard projects and other home maintenance.
- Update your pastor’s office with new paint, décor, or a technology upgrade.
Copyright © 2017 NCN News, All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
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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
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