SoCal District Admin
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance!" (Matthew 3:7-8)
Sometimes we come across an idiom or word picture in the Bible which conjures up an immediate image in our mind. Maybe it's from one of Jesus' parables or a Pauline turn-of-phrase or an odd Old Testament law. It's easy then to use that picture to shape our understanding of what the phrase or passage means without questioning our original impression. Matthew 3:7-8 acts as a poignant example of this for myself. When I used to read over the passage, I would see "brood of vipers" and instinctively picture just a group of snakes. It always seemed that what John was saying to the religious leaders who were coming to him for baptism was that while other people held them in high regard, John saw them for who they really were: sly, conniving, malignant, slithery individuals - think Kah from the jungle book or maybe Loki from the Thor movies. And, while there might be a modicum of truth to these pictures, it took a bible professor or two to help me see the real image being painted here.
In the Greek, John uses the phrases Γεννήματα ἐχιδνῶν (Gennemata Echidnown) which means, "offspring of vipers." Considering the rest of the passage in which John commands the Pharisees and Sadducees not to prize their Abrahamic roots, but, instead exhorts them to "bear fruit worthy of repentance" (for God could even create progeny from a collection of stones [3:9]), it appears John's emphasis here is not on their particular works but rather on what they were relying on for "salvation" - not to see their Jewish lineage and identity as a "get out of Jail free" pass but instead to engage in true repentance for wrong-doing. John here is saying not merely "don't be a bad person" but, rather, don't rely on God's previous favor to save you. It's a subtle but important distinction.
While we may look at this and think that very few people are relying on their family history to save them, like the religious leaders of John's excoriation, we are all in danger of relying on yesterday's faithfulness - both of God's and our own - for today's righteousness. While we may have a long history of communion with the Spirit, of service in the body, and diligence in the spiritual disciplines, no amount of yesterday's obedience rectifies today's disobedience. What John called the crowds to, and what the Spirit through his words still calls us to today, is a repentance for today. To borrow John's imagery, while you may have born fruit in seasons past, does this season find you producing a good crop of obedience or does it appear you are only fit to be "cut down and thrown into the fire?"
Your District Admin.
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For all teens, parents and pastors of teens - NYC 2019 will be held in Phoenix, AZ and promises to be an amazing time of fun, fellowship, spiritual growth, and profuse sweating. Click HERE for more event information.
Check out all the info for this year's PALCON (Pastors and Leaders Conference) happening on Monday, July 30th to Wednesday, August 1st on the PLNU campus (Or see below)
Mark March 15-17 on your calendars to join us at the Town & Country Hotel in San Diego. Registration coming soon.
Te invitamos a que vengas a aprender las estrategias que
toda iglesia necesita considerar para alcanzar la siguiente generación de jóvenes. Para obtener más información y registrarse, visite aqui o descarga un folleto aqui
Pastors - A Continued Request
Last month we asked for pastors to send in a 1-3 paragraph description of your church to post on the district website. Thank you to the 10% of pastors who replied. However, this still leaves 90% of district lead pastors from which we still need posts. Fair warning: if I don't get something by July, Dr. Seuss may have something to say bout your new church's district web page.
An Unfortunate Opportunity for Generosity
Our District Filipino Ministry suffered the theft of their portable sound system and musical instruments. They are appealing to the district churches for a sound system, microphones, cabling, connectors, etc. Oni Plantilla will be glad to arrange for the pickup. Email Oni at oniplant@yahoo.com
Women's Worship Event
Saturday, July 21, 2018, we'll be holding a women's worship event from 7-9 pm at Mission Church of the Nazarene, led by Fern Nichols. Please register for this event at missionnaz.org. Click here to download the event flier.
- Summer Camps: Info and Registration
- Mid High Camp - July 23-27, 2018 @ Pine Valley Christian Camp
- Kids Camp - July 23-27, 2018 @ Pine Valley Bible Camp
- Sr High Camp - July 29-Aug 2, 2018 @ Palomar Christian Conference Center
Lifelong Learning Update
As of January 1, 2018, the record-keeping and reporting system for lifelong learning hours is handled on the Global Lifelong Learning Registry (learning.nazarene.org). Every Nazarene minister now self-reports on the Registry. If you need information on lifelong learning activity reported through the previous system, feel free to request that information by emailing us at learning@nazarene.org. Use that same email address with any questions you have about the new Registry (or call us at 800-306-7651). To see the lifelong learning activity of the Nazarene ministers on your district, simply establish an account for yourself and then send us an email letting us know you have done so. We’ll upgrade your administrative rights accordingly. You can also ask us to do the same for district office personnel or other district leaders who need access to that information. You’ll find more helpful information about lifelong learning and the Registry here.
Minister's Getaway
This October 5-7, 2018 we will be providing a chance for district ministry staff to get away for a weekend of rest, renewal, and rejoicing at the Double Tree Hotel at 14455 Penasquitos Drive, San Diego, CA 92129. Our speaker will be Dr. Carla D. Sunberg, recently elected General Superintendent. The cost is $375/room (double occupancy)and includes accommodations, 2 dinners,. and 1 picnic lunch. Click here for a PDF flier or here for a Word flier. Registration coming soon.
Pastor's Kids(Childrens) Retreat
The Southwest Field NYI and Point Loma Nazarene University have partnered together to provide a special retreat for Pastors' Kids (PK's) who are between the grades of 7 and 12. We'll be gathering together from July 30th to August 1st on the PLNU campus. Our goal is to have lots of fun, build strong relationships, and provide a safe place for PK's to connect on issues that matter to them. Register at www.southwestnyi.org
SoCal Work & Witness Trips
The SoCal NMI Council is dedicated to helping churches engage their people with Nazarene Missions around the world. We will continue to support Ojos Negros Baja Mexico, Haiti and this year we are adding a new project – Puerto Rico! We are hoping to involve our youth and college students with this project - no passport required! Please ask your church to pray about supporting our District Projects. For more info or to donate, contact Rob Altice: menifeenaz@hotmail.com 
Below is a timetable for our W&W trips:- Haiti: July 3-11, 2018
- Puerto Rico: November 2018
Position Openings
- San Bernardino First Church of the Nazarene is looking to fill a part-time worship leader position. If you know of anyone who might be interested and capable, please visit the district job posting and contact Dr. Susan Carole by phone (989-980-8651) or email: susan.carole@gmail.com
PALCon (Pastors and Leaders Conference) is a quadrennial gathering of Nazarene clergy and spouses – pastors, chaplains, evangelists, staff ministers, and missionaries – co-sponsored by PLNU and the Church of the Nazarene. The conference features worship, fellowship, workshops and forums designed to inspire and equip women and men in ministry. We will be hosting it on PLNU Main Campus on Monday, July 30 - Wednesday, August 1.Check in will be Monday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM with a Thursday morning check-out.
Click this link to register pastors and spouses: http://palcon.org/register-here
Programs for the Whole Family
The 2018 PALCON will offer outstanding program and ministry options for youth and elementary aged children as well as child care for younger children. Children will be staying in rooms and eating meals with their parents. Youth registering for the “PK Retreat” will be in a separate area of the campus with their own housing and meals.
Click the links below for more information and to register youth and children. (Please note, you will need to register each child or teen individually.)
PLNU PALCON Childcare Registration (12 months - 4 years)
Registration Fee – No Charge! (Pre-registration Required)
https://goo.gl/Whj83B
PLNU PALCON Childcare Registration (5 years - 5th or 6th grade)
Registration fee: June 15 or before -- $99. After June 15 -- $109
https://goo.gl/AwzLuA
PLNU PALCON PK Retreat Registration (6th or 7th grade – 12th grade)
Registration fee: June 15 or before -- $80. After June 15 -- $90
https://goo.gl/BNRDb6
We look forward to seeing you there.
- Your District Admin -
NMI News
The intent of the Nazarene Missions International (NMI) Council is to keep you updated with information and resources so you can help engage your congregations in Mission Work.
This year, our annual Missionary Convention will be combined with District Assembly. Many districts around the United States are moving to this combined event. This format will still allow for lots of great Mission information and opportunities.
We will also be collecting Crisis Care Kits that weekend to drive up to Sacramento to the distribution center. Use the link provided to get information on filling your bags and boxes: Crisis Care Kit Instructions. (plus $12 per banana box) Please stick to the directions exactly. Last year our district collected 864 kits in just a couple weeks time. This year’s goal is 1000!
If you would like to be added to our email distribution list, please email me and let me know at brenda.ritchie50@gmail.com. You can also “Like” us on facebook at Nazarene Missions International So-Cal
Phelan Church of the Nazarene in the News
Rev. Jeff Mosley and the congregation of Phelan New Life are making a noticeable impact on their community with their food distribution ministry, helping organize the Independence Day Community Fireworks Celebration, serving as an evac site during the fire, and collaborating in various other community services events with local churches and businesses. Celebrate with us the work God is doing in Phelan through our Nazarene brothers and sisters.
Congratulations to the SoCal Priority 1 ChurchesDue to technical difficulties we were not able to recognize our Priority 1 churches for Praying, Giving, Educating, and Engaging Children and Youth in missions at District Assembly. We have resolved the problem and are ready to announce those Priority 1 churches.
During the 2017-18 year the following churches prayed, taught, mentored children and youth, gave to Alabaster, participated in Links and gave at least 5.5% of their income to the World Evangelism Fund:
- Apple Valley
- Bloomington, The Bridge
- Blythe
- Brawley
- Carlsbad Las Flores
- El Cajon New Life
- El Centro
- Escondido First
- Hesperia
- Highland Community Cross
- Indio Las Palmas Community
- Murrieta Gateway
- Palm Springs Comunidad Christiana
- Redlands the Ark Church
- Riverside Arlington Ave
- San Bernardino First
- San Diego Mission
- San Diego Mount Carmel
- Wildomar Gracepoint
- District Events Calendar
- Women's Worship Event: July 21
- PALCON: July 30 - August 1
- Mid High Camp: July 23 - 27
- Sr. High Camp: July 29 - August 2
- Men's Retreat: September 14 - 16
- Minister's Getaway: October 5 - 7
Copyright © 2018 So Cal District Nazarene, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Southern California District Church of the Nazarene
28465 Old Town Front Street#313
Temecula, California 92590, United States
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