"Southern California District August Newsletter" for Friday, 3 August 2018 from The Southern California District Church of the Nazarene in Temecula, California, United States
Southern California Administration
Just a Touch of Leprosy
"He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases." (Matthew 8:17b)
August 2018 Newsletter
Having finished an MA in Biblical Studies and about to begin doctoral work in the New Testament, I've found that, for me, the most difficult of tasks, the most boring of chores, and the most frustrating part of my day has been language study, especially ancient Greek. Some tasks, like learning vocabulary, will always be taxing for any non-native language. However, Greek is especially fiendish in other areas. For instance, while English has a tendency to be... exceptional, to put it kindly - it tends to zig when you expect it to zag, especially in spelling and pronunciation (those who know it as a second language can certainly attest to this) - its syntax and morphology (word forms) are reasonably straightforward. In English, you can pretty much expect the same sentence structure for each kind of sentence - statement: subject - verb - object; question: helping verb - subject - main verb - object, etc. Maybe, if you're feeling a little zesty, you'll throw in a dependent phrase on either side - perhaps, a "golly gee!" to keep everyone on their toes, but, all in all - fairly straightforward. Not so in Greek.
Devotional Thought
Having finished an MA in Biblical Studies and about to begin doctoral work in the New Testament, I've found that, for me, the most difficult of tasks, the most boring of chores, and the most frustrating part of my day has been language study, especially ancient Greek. Some tasks, like learning vocabulary, will always be taxing for any non-native language. However, Greek is especially fiendish in other areas. For instance, while English has a tendency to be... exceptional, shall we say - it tends to zig when you expect it to zag, especially in spelling and pronunciation (those who know it as a second language can certainly attest to this) - its syntax and morphology (word forms) are reasonably straightforward. In English, you can pretty much expect the same sentence structure for each kind of sentence - statement: subject - verb - object; question: helping verb - subject - main verb - object, etc. Maybe, if you're feeling a little zesty, you'll throw in a dependent phrase on either side - perhaps, a "golly gee!" to keep everyone on their toes, but, all in all - fairly straightforward. Not so in Greek.
In a Greek sentence, you can pretty much put anything anywhere. Anything. Anywhere. You wanna throw the subject after the indirect object? Sure - go ahead. You want to hide a verb in-between the preposition and the object of the preposition - I mean, it's unconventional, but... give it a whirl! You wanna stack every noun in the sentence on one side so it feels like the whole thing is going to tip over? Go with God, my friend. On one occasion, I was analyzing a Greek sentence which had completely misplaced the primary verb. I found it 3 weeks later in the cupboard of my parents Colorado cabin, just waiting my translation. To add insult to injury, come to find out, the word was perfectly within its syntactical rights to be there.
"And, how can this anarchy persist?" I hear some of you saying. Because every Greek word has roughly 7 bajillion different forms - which all have to be memorized, by the way - to indicate every possible way you might want to use it. Most English speakers don't realize how lucky they have it. For instance, if you have a cat, it's always just a cat. It might be the cat or a cat. But, if it's on the sofa it's just a cat; or if it's being poked in the side, it's still a cat. Not so in Greek. If the cat walks in, it might be a cat; but if Jimmy is rubbing the its belly, it might be a "cat-eh." Or, if a fly lands on the cat, it could be a "cat-oh." Perhaps, if you're feeding the cat, it's a "cat-en." And, all of these could change if you know the sex of the cat or you're referring to it by its breed. And, don't get me started if you have multiple cats or want to say something is behaving in a "cat-like" way. It's pandemonium!
<stepping down from my soap box>
However, one benefit of learning Greek - other than being able to read the Bible in its original language and context, - is that it forces the reader to slow down; to deliberately situate every word both within the setting of the narrower thought and the broader work as a whole. Those words or phrases that you would have effortlessly bounded over in your native language tend to snag and scrape as you struggle over and through the unfamiliar vocabulary and odd forms. While this might be frustrating in the overall pace one can work through a passage, it tends to draw out interesting and beneficial insights, bringing to light things you may not have noticed before.
Case in point: A while back, I was working through Matthew 8 in which Jesus heals a leper who comes to him for healing. Falling down before Jesus, the leper makes his famous pronouncement, declaring "“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Those who remember the story will know what happens next: Jesus reaches out and touches the man, offering the sweetest words that man had likely ever heard: "I am willing; be cleansed." Commentators have regularly noted the social and religious faux pas committed in this situation - touching a leper - and how this is indicative of the way Jesus compassionately interacted with the ostracized and outcast. However, what drew my attention me the two-fold action represented by the words translated "reaching out" and "touching."
First, Jesus' action of "reaching out" indicated intention. While later in the chapter Jesus "touches" Peter's mother in law, causing the fever to leave her, here Jesus "reaches out" and touches the leper. Matthew seems be indicating a very purposeful action of Jesus' part; in the face of socially destroying disease, Jesus doesn't just brush up against the leper. His connection is premeditated and by design.
Second, while the word used for touch can mean to have simple physical contact (e.g., Matthew 14:6), the word used here was used by classical Greek authors, contemporary writers, and, even the writers of the New Testament to also mean "cling to" or "hold on to" or even to refer to sexual contact (e.g., 1 Cor. 7:1) - in short, to touch with intent to alter or change. This, potentially, gives the passage a different flavor. It's one thing if Jesus touches a leper. It's another thing if he purposefully reaches out and "grabs" him or "clasps onto" him or "fastens himself to" the diseased man. If this were the case, Jesus would be intertwining himself with the unclean man in such as way as to say, "I recognize this man's debilitating infirmity and I choose to be intimately associated with him that my interaction might bring about his healing." This makes Isaiah's referenced prophecy in verse 17 all the more poignant: “He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.”
And, so he continues to say to each one us today: "I recognize this one's debilitating infirmity and I choose to be intimately associated with them that my interaction might bring about their healing." And, may our interactions with those lepers around us be the same as our Lord's: purposeful, intentional association, that through the work of the Holy Spirit, we might join with them in healing.
Your District Administration
Read More
NYC 2019
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.
Pastor's Getaway
Our annual Pastoral retreat is happening Oct. 5-7 at the Hotel Karlan in San Diego. Click HERE to register or scroll down for more info.
Women's Retreat 2019
Mark March 15-17 on your calendars to join us at the Town & Country Hotel in San Diego. Registration coming soon.
Growing Young (en Español)
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
A couple months ago we asked for pastors to send in a 1-3 paragraph description of your church to post on the district website. I'm encouraged to report we're up to about 14% participation, which, on the bright side, is at least up from the 10% we had last month. However, if we're rounding, it leaves every pastor on the district who needs to send something in. Let me make a suggestion - y'know that group of teens that hangs around before or after service glommed on to their phones instead of talking to each other - I'm sure they're capable of writing a short church description for you (it might be chalk-full of references to Big Bang Theory or Walking Dead, but, you get what you pay for...). Get them to throw something together and shoot it my way. Plus, you could count it as teen district engagement.
Kids Quizzing
Here is the tentative schedule for the 2018/2019 quiz year. Please Mary Mitchell if you are willing to host an invitational quiz and provide a 1st and 2nd choice of dates. When thinking about hosting this year, please consider also hosting our teens. This would mean opening a few classrooms (4 should be sufficient) for our teen quizzers to set up their equipment. (The rooms do not need to be big; they are usually just regular Sunday school rooms.)- Invitational Quiz #1: October 13, 2018
- Invitational Quiz #2: December 1, 2018
- Invitational Quiz #3: February 2nd, 2019
- Invitational Quiz #4: March 16th, 2019 *Teens will not be present with us for this one
Regional Quiz at PLNU: May 11, 2019 (for those who qualify)
The Curriculum from Word Action can be ordered using this web address: http://www.gokidsquiz.com/
If you would like to also order the CD or DVD of the verses, they can be purchased on Hide and Keep’s website: https://www.hideandkeep.com
District Assembly Photos
Are you needing some district assembly photos? Perhaps, you'd just like to reminisce immediately, or, maybe you just need some pictures of Tom Taylor for your dart board. You're in luck! Luis Aranguena of Menifee Valley has graciously provided some DA pictures online for your perusal - see below for dropbox address.. Feel free to download and convert into SoCal district playing cards. (I have an extra '98 Dee Kelley if anyone wants to trade)https://www.dropbox.com/sh/t3zn28p46bg76yo/AACwcHx2WElebqPJjdEpJaUSa?dl=0
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.Publishing Congratulations!
Congratulations to Kevin O'Connor in the publishing of his new book: "All Knowing: The Omniscient God." In it, Kevin deals with issues of how to the Old and New Testament connect on themes of destiny, forgiveness, and prophecy - showcasing God's plan for salvation. You can pick up the book through Amazon or Barnes & Noble, among other vendors.
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.
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! This November, we are hoping to involve our youth and college students with our Puerto Rico 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 (Click on the adjacent picture to download a printable flyer)
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
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:
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
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.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
Congratulations to the SoCal Priority 1 Churches
Due 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
A Continued Need
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
District Events Calendar
- Men's Retreat: September 14 - 16
- Minister's Getaway: October 5 - 7
- Women's Retreat: March 15-17, 2019
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