 |
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Thought to Pray Over
Jean Vanier and I have come to the conclusion that those with intellectual disabilities are among the most oppressed and excluded people in the world. Even their parents are frequently ashamed to have given birth to a child "like that."
Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States for Saturdsy, 29 September 2018
Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States for Saturdsy, 29 September 2018
Mature religions and individuals have great tolerance and even appreciation for differences. When we are secure and confident in our oneness—knowing that all are created in God’s image and are equally beloved—differences no longer threaten us. (Monday)
An important and oft-quoted tradition (hadith) has Muhammad say on his way home after a battle: “We are returning from the Lesser Jihad and going to the Greater Jihad,” the far more important and difficult struggle to reform one’s own society and one’s own heart. (Karen Armstrong) (Tuesday)
In the Islamic tradition, we are considered to be an amazing weave of heaven and earth [spirit and matter]. Islam does not see us as sinful beings to be redeemed, but as neglectful and forgetful beings endowed with the primordial light. (Avideh Shashaani) (Wednesday)
Everything in the realm of nature and human existence is a sign—a manifestation of God’s divine names and attributes. . . . As it is said in the Qur’an, “Wherever you turn, there is the Face of God” (2:115). (Avideh Shashaani) (Thursday)
Ironic, but one of the most intimate acts of our body is death. . . . “Die before you die,” said the Prophet Muhammad. . . . I was born when all I once feared—I could love. (Rabia) (Friday)
Practice: Awakening to Love
Mirabai Starr writes in her book God of Love:
The unifying theme in [Judaism, Christianity, and Islam] is that God loves us unconditionally. . . . A hadith [saying] of the Prophet Muhammad expresses the unconditional love of God: Allah says, “Take one step towards me, I will take ten steps towards you. Walk towards me, I will run towards you” (Hadith Qudsi).
The great Sufi teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan [1882–1927] placed special emphasis on the sacred phrase Ishq Allah Ma’bud Allah, which he translated as “God is Love, Lover, and Beloved.” [1] In Love, Human and Divine, Inayat Khan writes, “The Sufis say that the reason of the whole creation is that the perfect Being wished to know Himself, and did so by awakening the love of His nature and creating out of it His object of love, which is beauty.”. . .
This love dance is not some rarified state reserved for long-dead saints and the occasional living master. We do not have to go insane with longing. Few of us will relinquish the last traces of ego and walk away from our life in the world. [But] we can feed the fire of divine love by cultivating simple practices that expand our hearts and raise our consciousness, such as meditation and chanting, reciting ancient prayers or conversing with the Beloved, in silence or in lifting up our voices, in solitude or in community. “There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground,” says Rumi. [2]
Avideh Shashaani describes prayer within Islam as “a state of presence where the soul is in communion with God.” Ablutions—ceremonial washing—are ways to open heart, mind, and body to God’s love:
By washing the face with water we put aside the five senses that are engaged with the world; the washing of the hands signifies giving to the world what belongs to the world; wetting the head means putting all thoughts aside; and wetting the feet means redirecting our steps from the world to God. It is after we have cleansed ourselves of our interactions with the world that we are able to stand before God and declare our intention to enter the heart and walk on the straight path that leads to the Divine presence. [3]
***
[1] Inayat Khan, A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty (London: The Theosophical Publishing Society, 1914), 29.
[2] Mirabai Starr, God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Monkfish Book Publishing: 2012), 60-61, 136-137.
[3] Avideh Shashaani, “An Islamic Perspective on Transgression: Oneness,”“Transgression,” Oneing, vol. 2, no. 1 (CAC Publications: 2014), 25.
Image Credit: Muslims Praying toward Mecca (detail). Engraving.
For Further Study:
Karen Armstrong, The Case for God (Alfred A. Knopf: 2009)
Jordan Denari Duffner, Finding Jesus Among Muslims: How Loving Islam Makes Me a Better Catholic (Liturgical Press: 2017)
Daniel Ladinsky, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West (Penguin Compass: 2002)
“Linking the Qur'an and the Bible,” Interfaith Voices, podcast
Avideh Shashaani, “An Islamic Perspective on Transgression: Oneness,” “Transgression,” Oneing, vol. 2, no. 1 (CAC Publications: 2014)
Mirabai Starr, God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Monkfish Book Publishing: 2012)
***
Summary: Week Thirty-nine
Islam
September 23 - September 28, 2018
The Muslim . . . “bears witness” in his life and in every single one of his actions that his chief priority is Allah and that no other “gods”—which include political, material, economic, and personal ambitions—can take precedence over his commitment to God alone. (Karen Armstrong) (Sunday)Mature religions and individuals have great tolerance and even appreciation for differences. When we are secure and confident in our oneness—knowing that all are created in God’s image and are equally beloved—differences no longer threaten us. (Monday)
An important and oft-quoted tradition (hadith) has Muhammad say on his way home after a battle: “We are returning from the Lesser Jihad and going to the Greater Jihad,” the far more important and difficult struggle to reform one’s own society and one’s own heart. (Karen Armstrong) (Tuesday)
In the Islamic tradition, we are considered to be an amazing weave of heaven and earth [spirit and matter]. Islam does not see us as sinful beings to be redeemed, but as neglectful and forgetful beings endowed with the primordial light. (Avideh Shashaani) (Wednesday)
Everything in the realm of nature and human existence is a sign—a manifestation of God’s divine names and attributes. . . . As it is said in the Qur’an, “Wherever you turn, there is the Face of God” (2:115). (Avideh Shashaani) (Thursday)
Ironic, but one of the most intimate acts of our body is death. . . . “Die before you die,” said the Prophet Muhammad. . . . I was born when all I once feared—I could love. (Rabia) (Friday)
Practice: Awakening to Love
Mirabai Starr writes in her book God of Love:
The unifying theme in [Judaism, Christianity, and Islam] is that God loves us unconditionally. . . . A hadith [saying] of the Prophet Muhammad expresses the unconditional love of God: Allah says, “Take one step towards me, I will take ten steps towards you. Walk towards me, I will run towards you” (Hadith Qudsi).
The great Sufi teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan [1882–1927] placed special emphasis on the sacred phrase Ishq Allah Ma’bud Allah, which he translated as “God is Love, Lover, and Beloved.” [1] In Love, Human and Divine, Inayat Khan writes, “The Sufis say that the reason of the whole creation is that the perfect Being wished to know Himself, and did so by awakening the love of His nature and creating out of it His object of love, which is beauty.”. . .
This love dance is not some rarified state reserved for long-dead saints and the occasional living master. We do not have to go insane with longing. Few of us will relinquish the last traces of ego and walk away from our life in the world. [But] we can feed the fire of divine love by cultivating simple practices that expand our hearts and raise our consciousness, such as meditation and chanting, reciting ancient prayers or conversing with the Beloved, in silence or in lifting up our voices, in solitude or in community. “There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground,” says Rumi. [2]
Avideh Shashaani describes prayer within Islam as “a state of presence where the soul is in communion with God.” Ablutions—ceremonial washing—are ways to open heart, mind, and body to God’s love:
By washing the face with water we put aside the five senses that are engaged with the world; the washing of the hands signifies giving to the world what belongs to the world; wetting the head means putting all thoughts aside; and wetting the feet means redirecting our steps from the world to God. It is after we have cleansed ourselves of our interactions with the world that we are able to stand before God and declare our intention to enter the heart and walk on the straight path that leads to the Divine presence. [3]
***
[1] Inayat Khan, A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty (London: The Theosophical Publishing Society, 1914), 29.
[2] Mirabai Starr, God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Monkfish Book Publishing: 2012), 60-61, 136-137.
[3] Avideh Shashaani, “An Islamic Perspective on Transgression: Oneness,”“Transgression,” Oneing, vol. 2, no. 1 (CAC Publications: 2014), 25.
Image Credit: Muslims Praying toward Mecca (detail). Engraving.
For Further Study:
Karen Armstrong, The Case for God (Alfred A. Knopf: 2009)
Jordan Denari Duffner, Finding Jesus Among Muslims: How Loving Islam Makes Me a Better Catholic (Liturgical Press: 2017)
Daniel Ladinsky, Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West (Penguin Compass: 2002)
“Linking the Qur'an and the Bible,” Interfaith Voices, podcast
Avideh Shashaani, “An Islamic Perspective on Transgression: Oneness,” “Transgression,” Oneing, vol. 2, no. 1 (CAC Publications: 2014)
Mirabai Starr, God of Love: A Guide to the Heart of Judaism, Christianity and Islam (Monkfish Book Publishing: 2012)
***
Friday, September 28, 2018
The Upper Room Daily Reflections: daily words of wisdom and faith in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturday, 29 September 2018 "Clean Water"
Today’s Reflection:
from past to future, earth to sky,
you bring me beauty,
cleanse, renew, sustain my life
. . . and I?
I bring you but enduring thanks
awash with firm intent
to honor and respect,
not profane, neglect,
your call to purity. (Gerrie L. Grimsley and Jane J. Young, Contemplative by Design)
From page 88 of Contemplative by Design: Creating Quiet Spaces for Retreats, Workshops, Churches, and Personal Settings by Gerrie L. Grimsley and Jane J. Young. Copyright © 2008 by Gerrie L. Grimsley and Jane J. Young. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question: Give thanks to God for water.
Today’s Scripture: For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. (Mark 9:41, NRSV)
This Week: pray for caregivers.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Leoba (September 28).
Leoba
September 28
St. Leoba was an educated holy woman in the Middle Ages. As if that wasn't enough to make her stand out among her contemporaries, she also served as an advisor to kings and queens. Just before Leoba was born, her mother dreamed that the child would do great service for the Church, and Leoba didn't disappoint. When she was seven years old she went to the monastery at Wimbourne, where she underwent much of her formative spiritual education.
In or around AD 733, her cousin St. Boniface asked her to help him in his church building efforts in Germany. She agreed, and was appointed abbess at Bishofscheim in Germany. For forty years she taught the Scripture to young nuns at Bishofscheim, and was eagerly sought by many for her wisdom and knowledge. She was friend and counselor to Hildegard, the wife of Charlemagne, and died in 779.
If St. Leoba had taken the Spiritual Types Test she probably would have been a Sage. Leoba's feast day is September 28.
Image of statue in Schornsheim.
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
***
Esther 7:1 So the king and Haman went to Queen Ester’s banquet; 2 and the king again said to Ester at the wine banquet, “Whatever your request, Queen Ester, you will be granted it; whatever you want, up to half the kingdom, it will be done.” 3 Ester the queen answered, “If I have won your favor, king, and if it pleases the king, then what I ask be given me is my own life and the lives of my people. 4 For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, killed, exterminated. If we had only been sold as men- and women-slaves, I would have remained quiet; since then [our] trouble would not have been worth the damage it would have caused the king [to alter the situation].” 5 King Achashverosh asked Ester the queen, “Who is he? Where is the man who dared to do such a thing?” 6 Ester said, “A ruthless enemy — it’s this wicked Haman!” Haman stood aghast, terrified before the king and queen., 9 Harvonah, one of the king’s attendants, said, “Look! The gallows seventy-five feet high that Haman made for Mordekhai, who spoke only good for the king, is standing at Haman’s house.” The king said, “Hang him on it.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordekhai. Then the king’s anger subsided.; 9:20 Mordekhai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Achashverosh, both near and far, 21 instructing them to observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and the fifteenth day, every year, 22 [to commemorate] the days on which the Jews obtained rest from their enemies and the month which for them was turned from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; they were to make them days of celebrating and rejoicing, sending portions [of food] to each other and giving gifts to the poor.
Psalm 124:1 (0) A song of ascents. By David:
(1) If Adonai hadn’t been for us —
let Isra’el repeat it —
2 If Adonai hadn’t been for us
when people rose to attack us,
3 then, when their anger blazed against us,
they would have swallowed us alive!
4 Then the water would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us.
5 Yes, the raging water
would have swept right over us.
6 Blessed be Adonai, who did not leave us
to be a prey for their teeth!
7 We escaped like a bird from the hunter’s trap;
the trap is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of Adonai,
the maker of heaven and earth.
James 5:13 Is someone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is someone feeling good? He should sing songs of praise.
14 Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill — the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Eliyahu was only a human being like us; yet he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and no rain fell on the Land for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the Land produced its crops.
19 My brothers, if one of you wanders from the truth, and someone causes him to return, 20 you should know that whoever turns a sinner from his wandering path will save him from death and cover many sins.[James 5:20 Proverbs 10:12]
Mark 9:38 Yochanan said to him, “Rabbi, we saw a man expelling demons in your name; and because he wasn’t one of us, we told him to stop.” 39 But Yeshua said, “Don’t stop him, because no one who works a miracle in my name will soon after be able to say something bad about me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Indeed, whoever gives you even a cup of water to drink because you come in the name of the Messiah — yes! I tell you that he will certainly not lose his reward.
42 “Whoever ensnares one of these little ones who trust me — it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be thrown in the sea. 43 If your hand makes you sin, cut it off! Better that you should be maimed but obtain eternal life, rather than keep both hands and go to Gei-Hinnom, to unquenchable fire! 44 [Mark 9:44 Some manuscripts include identical verses 9:44, 46: where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. (Isaiah 66:24)] 45 And if your foot makes you sin, cut it off! Better that you should be lame but obtain eternal life, rather than keep both feet and be thrown into Gei-Hinnom! 46 [Mark 9:46 Some manuscripts include identical verses 9:44, 46: where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. (Isaiah 66:24)] 47 And if your eye makes you sin, pluck it out! Better that you should be one-eyed but enter the Kingdom of God, rather than keep both eyes and be thrown into Gei-Hinnom,
48 where their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.[Mark 9:48 Isaiah 66:24]
49 Indeed, everyone is going to be salted with fire. 50 Salt is excellent, but if it loses its saltiness, how will you season it? So have salt in yourselves — that is, be at peace with each other.” (Complete Jewish Bible).
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Verse 3
[3] Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
My life — It is my only request, that thou wouldst not give me up to the malice of that man who designs to take away my life. Even a stranger, a criminal, shall be permitted to petition for his life. But that a friend, a wife, a queen, should have occasion to make such a petition, was very affecting.
Verse 4
[4] For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.
Sold — By the cruelty of that man who offered a great sum to purchase our destruction.
Countervail — His ten thousand talents would not repair the king's loss, in the customs and tributes which the king receives from the Jews, within his dominions.
Verse 5
[5] Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
Who, … — The expressions are short and doubled, as proceeding from a discomposed and enraged mind.
Durst — That is, to circumvent me, and procure a decree, whereby not only my estate should be so much impaired, and so many of my innocent subjects destroyed, but my queen also involved in the same destruction. We sometimes startle at that evil, which we ourselves are chargeable with. Ahasuerus is amazed at that wickedness, which he himself was guilty of. For he consented to the bloody edict. So that Esther might have said, Thou art the man!
Verse 6
[6] And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
Afraid — And it was time for him to fear, when the queen was his prosecutor, the king his judge, his own conscience a witness against him. And the surprising turns of providence that very morning, could not but increase his fear.
Psalm 124
Verse 5
[5] Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
The proud — Our enemies, compared to proud waters, for their great multitude and swelling rage.
James 5:13-20
Verse 14
[14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
Having anointed him with oil — This single conspicuous gift, which Christ committed to his apostles, Mark 6:13, remained in the church long after the other miraculous gifts were withdrawn. Indeed, it seems to have been designed to remain always; and St. James directs the elders, who were the most, if not the only, gifted men, to administer at. This was the whole process of physic in the Christian church, till it was lost through unbelief. That novel invention among the Romanists, extreme unction, practised not for cure, but where life is despaired of, bears no manner of resemblance to this.
Verse 15
[15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
And the prayer offered in faith shall save the sick - From his sickness; and if any sin be the occasion of his sickness, it shall be forgiven him.
Verse 16
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Confess your faults — Whether ye are sick or in health.
To one another — He does not say, to the elders: this may, or may not, be done; for it is nowhere commanded. We may confess them to any who can pray in faith: he will then know how to pray for us, and be more stirred up so to do.
And pray one for another, that ye may be healed — Of all your spiritual diseases.
Verse 17
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
Elijah was a man of like passions — Naturally as weak and sinful as we are.
And he prayed — When idolatry covered the land.
Verse 18
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
He prayed again — When idolatry was abolished.
Verse 19
[19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
As if he had said, I have now warned you of those sins to which you are most liable; and, in all these respects, watch not only over yourselves, but every one over his brother also. Labour, in particular, to recover those that are fallen.
If any one err from the truth — Practically, by sin.
Verse 20
[20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
He shall save a soul — Of how much more value than the body! James 5:14.
And hide a multitude of sins — Which shall no more, how many soever they are, be remembered to his condemnation.
Mark 9:38-50
Verse 38
[38] And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
And John answered him — As if he had said, But ought we to receive those who follow not us? Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name - Probably this was one of John the Baptist's disciples, who believed in Jesus, though he did not yet associate with our Lord's disciples.
And we forbad him, because he followeth not us — How often is the same temper found in us? How readily do we also lust to envy? But how does that spirit become a disciple, much more a minister of the benevolent Jesus! St. Paul had learnt a better temper, when he rejoiced that Christ was preached, even by those who were his personal enemies. But to confine religion to them that follow us, is a narrowness of spirit which we should avoid and abhor. Luke 9:49.
Verse 39
[39] But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Jesus said — Christ here gives us a lovely example of candour and moderation. He was willing to put the best construction on doubtful cases, and to treat as friends those who were not avowed enemies. Perhaps in this instance it was a means of conquering the remainder of prejudice, and perfecting what was wanting in the faith and obedience of these persons.
Forbid him not — Neither directly nor indirectly discourage or hinder any man who brings sinners from the power of Satan to God, because he followeth not us, in opinions, modes of worship, or any thing else which does not affect the essence of religion.
Verse 40
[40] For he that is not against us is on our part.
For he that is not against you, is for you — Our Lord had formerly said, he that is not with me, is against me: thereby admonishing his hearers, that the war between him and Satan admitted of no neutrality, and that those who were indifferent to him now, would finally be treated as enemies. But here in another view, he uses a very different proverb; directing his followers to judge of men's characters in the most candid manner; and charitably to hope that those who did not oppose his cause wished well to it. Upon the whole, we are to be rigorous in judging ourselves, and candid in judging each other.
Verse 41
[41] For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
For whosoever shall give you a cup — Having answered St. John, our Lord here resumes the discourse which was broken off at the 37th verse. Mark 9:37; Matthew 10:42.
Verse 42
[42] And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
On the contrary, whosoever shall offend the very least Christian. Matthew 18:6; Luke 17:1.
Verse 43
[43] And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
And if a person cause thee to offend — (The discourse passes from the case of offending, to that of being offended) if one who is as useful or dear to thee as a hand or eye, hinder or slacken thee in the ways of Cod, renounce all intercourse with him. This primarily relates to persons, secondarily to things. Matthew 5:29; Matthew 18:8.
Verse 44
[44] Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Where their worm — That gnaweth the soul, (pride, self will, desire, malice, envy, shame, sorrow, despair,) dieth not - No more than the soul itself: and the fire (either material, or infinitely worse!) that tormenteth the body, is not quenched for ever. Isaiah 66:24.
Verse 49
[49] For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
Every one — Who does not cut off the offending member, and consequently is cast into hell, shall be, as it were, salted with fire, preserved, not consumed thereby whereas every acceptable sacrifice shall be salted with another kind of salt, even that of Divine grace, which purifies the soul, (though frequently with pain) and preserves it from corruption.
Verse 50
[50] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Such salt is good indeed; highly beneficial to the world, in respect of which I have termed you the salt of the earth. But if the salt which should season others, have lost its own saltness, wherewith will ye season it? - Beware of this; see that ye retain your savour; and as a proof of it, have peace one with another. More largely this obscure text might be paraphrased thus: - As every burnt offering was salted with salt, in order to its being cast into the fire of the altar, so every one who will not part with his hand or eye, shall fall a sacrifice to Divine justice, and be cast into hell fire, which will not consume, but preserve him from a cessation of being. And on the other hand, every one, who, denying himself and taking up his cross, offers up himself as a living sacrifice to God, shall be seasoned with grace, which like salt will make him savoury, and preserve him from destruction for ever. As salt is good for preserving meats, and making them savoury, so it is good that ye be seasoned with grace, for the purifying your hearts and lives, and for spreading the savour of my knowledge, both in your own souls, and wherever ye go. But as salt if it loses its saltness is fit for nothing, so ye, if ye lose your faith and love, are fit for nothing but to be utterly destroyed. See therefore that grace abide in you, and that ye no more contend, Who shall be greatest. Matthew 5:13; Luke 14:34. (John Wesley's Explanatory Notes).
The Upper Room of The United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004, United States
***
The God Pause Daily Devotion from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 29 September 2018
The God Pause Daily Devotion from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Saturday, 29 September 2018
"By the Babylonian Rivers," WOV 656
The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for any inconvenience. You may find the text here: Hymnary.org
"By the Babylonian Rivers" by Brent Dowe, Frank Farian, George Reyam, and Trevor McNaughton
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
When the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Required from us a song
Now how shall we sing the lord's song in a strange land
When the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Requiering of us a song
Now how shall we sing the lord's song in a strange land
Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight
Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
By the rivers of babylon (dark tears of babylon)
There we sat down (you got to sing a song)
Ye-eah we wept, (sing a song of love)
When we remember zion (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)
By the rivers of babylon (rough bits of babylon)
There we sat down (you hear the people cry)
Ye-eah we wept, (they need their god)
When we remember zion (ooh, have the power)
***
This week we have focused on communication. One very faithful way we communicate with God is through prayers of lament. There are more psalms of lament than of praise in the psalter, yet we rarely read them. One of them, Psalm 137, is the basis for today's hymn.
What do you do when your world is crumbling, when the light is dim, when all you thought you were promised is gone? Be angry! Yell at God! Tell God everything without holding back! That's what our ancestors of faith did. They gave all that was on their hearts and minds to God. A seminary professor once put it this way: "Lament is holding onto God with one hand, while shaking your fist at God with the other." The beauty of lament is that through all the raw emotions we express, underneath it all is our faith. We know that God listens. God responds. We know that God will prevail.
Lord of our peaks and valleys, you hear the cries of your children. Your ears are open always. May we openly and honestly speak to you, and then listen for your response. Amen.
The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for any inconvenience. You may find the text here: Hymnary.org
"By the Babylonian Rivers" by Brent Dowe, Frank Farian, George Reyam, and Trevor McNaughton
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
When the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Required from us a song
Now how shall we sing the lord's song in a strange land
When the wicked
Carried us away in captivity
Requiering of us a song
Now how shall we sing the lord's song in a strange land
Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight
Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts
Be acceptable in thy sight here tonight
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
By the rivers of babylon, there we sat down
Ye-eah we wept, when we remembered zion
By the rivers of babylon (dark tears of babylon)
There we sat down (you got to sing a song)
Ye-eah we wept, (sing a song of love)
When we remember zion (yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah)
By the rivers of babylon (rough bits of babylon)
There we sat down (you hear the people cry)
Ye-eah we wept, (they need their god)
When we remember zion (ooh, have the power)
***
This week we have focused on communication. One very faithful way we communicate with God is through prayers of lament. There are more psalms of lament than of praise in the psalter, yet we rarely read them. One of them, Psalm 137, is the basis for today's hymn.
What do you do when your world is crumbling, when the light is dim, when all you thought you were promised is gone? Be angry! Yell at God! Tell God everything without holding back! That's what our ancestors of faith did. They gave all that was on their hearts and minds to God. A seminary professor once put it this way: "Lament is holding onto God with one hand, while shaking your fist at God with the other." The beauty of lament is that through all the raw emotions we express, underneath it all is our faith. We know that God listens. God responds. We know that God will prevail.
Lord of our peaks and valleys, you hear the cries of your children. Your ears are open always. May we openly and honestly speak to you, and then listen for your response. Amen.
René L. Mehlberg, '18
Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Laporte, Minn.
The Luther Seminary 2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
***
Oboedire "Editorial: Shouting"by J. Steven Harper for Friday, 28 September 2018
The "Editorial" category is one I use when posting an unexpected writing that is not connected with other themes.
______________________________
Thoughts on Kavanaugh's approval...
When I was in seminary, we joked that when writing a sermon, it is sometimes necessary to put a note in the margin: "Weak Point, Shout!" Sadly, we saw this note in play at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday.Dr. Ford came into the hearing room, quietly told her story, told it well, told it convincingly. Mr. Kavanaugh followed her, entering the room with angry bravado that demonstrated classic symptoms of an abuser's personality. Drowning in the waves of his self-made sea of denials and accusations, he struggled to persuade those in the room and in the nation to believe him.
In the margins of his presentation there must have been numerous "Weak Point, Shout!" cues--in his mind if not on paper.. But this time it was not a homiletical joke. It was the strategy used by a man who claims to have the calm-cool-and-collected power of reason sufficient to adjudicate the laws of this land for decades to come. His behavior set off a chain reaction of similar shout fests by members of the committee, who are alleged to be reasonable too, and who had the duty of deciding whether or not to approve him. By the end of the day, " Weak Point, Shout!" had moved from the margin and became the message.
Just a little while ago...Brett Kavanaugh was moved forward for a confirmation vote by the full Senate. It is amazing what had to be set aside (in mental acumen, reasonable investigation, and political process) for this to happen. But that's the way it is whenever wisdom falls prey to wildness. When "Weak Point, Shout!" prevails, much more is at stake in this nation than who becomes the next Supreme Court judge. The soul of the nation is in jeopardy.
A thread of hope remains as the full Senate votes whether or not to confirm Kananaugh. We can only hope that there will be no "Weak Point, Shout!" marginal notes controlling their deliberations--a way of talking that only perpetuates mayhem and potentially seats one of its provacateurs on the highest court in our land. No joke.
Friday, September 28, 2018
Categories: Editorials
***
The Global Church of the Nazarene News: "A missional calling" The Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 28 September 2018 "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..." Volume 1839 for Friday, 28 September 2018
The Global Church of the Nazarene News: "A missional calling" The Nazarene Communication Network News in Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Friday, 28 September 2018 "This week in the Church of the Nazarene..." Volume 1839 for Friday, 28 September 2018
“I can say that every workshop, every activity, every devotion, every word I heard and hug I received during these three days marked my life and created in me a Christian reality totally different than the one I had when I came,” said Danah Webb Leandro of Desamparados. “This camp gave me a new vision, a new purpose. It filled me with strength and hope. It gave me a new calling and a new direction to work with my [youth], my church, my community, and my country.”
Global Missions coordinators at the district and regional levels organized the event. Speakers included Mesoamerica Nazarene Missions International Coordinator Ana Maria Crocker, Costa Rica North District Superintendent Johnny Calvo, Costa Rica Central District Superintendent Sirlene Bustos, and local pastor Filipe Flores.
“It was an experience where I rediscovered my call,” said Christopher Quinto, a participant from Los Ángeles. “I got excited again like the first time. I rediscovered that ‘the sky is the limit,’ Now, I believe in my abilities and virtues. [CCO] challenged me to not stay still. To me, this was the impulse that I was lacking to move forward and not give up before the obstacles.”
Several people found security in their faith.
“God clarified a thousand doubts that I had,” said Xavier Yadir Diaz Chavez of Cañas Dulces. “I never thought that I could be so sure of where I am, from where God has brought me. My life is sealed with God’s name, and that will never change. The best is starting, so let’s prepare ourselves for unimaginable things in our lives.”
Other participants felt God was calling them to full-time ministry.
“As a pastor’s kid for a long time, I took responsibilities in the church only because there was no one else to do it, but it was not something that I could see as a calling.” said Daniela Solano, a participant from Tibas. “A few months ago, I began to ask God to take control of my life and to show me what He wanted me to do. During the camp, I was able to see how God for a long time had been working in my life. I could see how I missed a lot of details, because my call to missions had been there the whole time. To see the full picture of the little confirmations that God had been planting in my life was what made me say during this camp ‘Here I am, send me.’”
At the end of the camp, even the leadership was moved by the transformation that took place.
“To see happy faces and people believing that they can do a little more and to see them wanting to answer a call with conviction is priceless,” said Neslon Vega, Central District Global Missions coordinator. “I feel very satisfied with what we gained. I know that God used me and considered me a part of His plan, and that’s the most comforting thing a person can feel. Even though He does not need me, He decided to let me be a part, and that’s an indescribable feeling.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
The district Nazarene Missions International team challenged attendees to intentionally fulfill the Church of the Nazarene’s call to make disciples in the nations by developing and sending out members to serve both locally and internationally.
The featured speaker was Nazim Mohammed, senior pastor of the Tunapuna Church of the Nazarene and a Work & Witness volunteer. Mohammed explained that even though missions can be challenging, God protects, provides, and purifies His people to get the work done.
District Work & Witness coordinator Courtney Greene shared about a W&W trip to Dominica earlier this year. There was even a short interview with former Genesis missionary Crystalla Williams, who shared about her time serving in Grenada.
Children and youth were an active part of the rally. Three children from the Sangre Grande Church of the Nazarene sang the Revelation Song in English and Spanish, and Ariana Thomas, a youth from Couva Church of the Nazarene, led a dance performance.
Local NMI presidents also filmed one-minute video clips to encourage attendees to continue giving toward Nazarene missions and praying for those who are sent.
At the end of the event, former District NMI Secretary Pearl Harris was recognized for more than 40 years of service on the local and district levels. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
Jesus the Hope 2 set sail 29 August 2017 down the Black River. The project launched when local missionaries needed something that could help them reach some of the most remote locations in the Amazon.
In the future, the Brazil Amazônia District intends to expand the boat’s course to the Amazon River, Solimões River, and other minor rivers to provide evangelism, church planting, discipleship, and medical clinics to other remote areas.
The team worked out of the city of Manaus just off the river for this first year. They faced many unforeseen challenges and had to quickly learn about the mechanics of the boat and how to optimize the financial cost of the project.
The boat offers space for up to 50 people and features three bathrooms, one kitchen with an industrial stove, two air-conditioners, and a freezer. The boat even utilizes solar energy, which offsets some of the financial costs.
“We thank you all for your support in enabling the Church of the Nazarene to do a blessed work in the Amazon region,” said Igor de Sousa Vale, pastor and missionary leading Jesus the Hope 2. (Church of the Nazarene South America) Read more
The Cardens are 2014 Southern Nazarene University graduates. Their calls to ministry led them to SNU, and now, four years later, Michelle is the children’s pastor, and Jeff is the digital ministries pastor at Sapulpa Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma.
Before they got married, Michelle and Jeff decided to take some practical steps toward managing their finances effectively, but no matter how proactive they were, there were some things that were out of their control.
“My husband and I took Dave Ramsey [finance classes] before we got married and are committed to financial health in our family, but we came out of school with a decent amount of debt that we knew would take us a long time to pay off,” Michelle said.
Though they were able to pay off a large portion of their student loans, they still had a long way to go.
“$17,000 [of our debt had been paid off], but we were really struggling with the final $15,000,” Michelle said.
While they were attending a conference in Oklahoma, Michelle and Jeff heard about The COMPASS Initiative, a program led by the Church of the Nazarene that addresses U.S. pastors’ financial challenges.
“I first heard of COMPASS at a young ministers conference that I was attending in Oklahoma City before the program even began,” Michelle said. “I then heard about it again on our district.”
The Cardens saw the opportunity, and shortly after applying, they were accepted into the program. Now, with only three months left in the program, Michelle and Jeff are almost entirely out of debt.
“With the COMPASS grant and with what we were able to pay off so far, this year we will come out debt free,” Michelle said.
Not only are they almost out of debt, but they aren’t waiting until then to begin planning for their future.
“We are really excited to get a head start on planning for our future, including retirement and college funds for our future littles,” Michelle said. “[We are] motivated to stay focused, as well as encouraged to continue our education and keep pressing forward.”
In addition to enabling them to take control of their debt, the program has driven them to learn more about handling church finances more effectively.
“We are excited to continue our journey to financial health in our marriage and our ministry,” Michelle said. “We can't wait to see what opportunities we are able to take when we know that our finances are taken care of.”To learn more about The COMPASS Initiative, click here. Read more
Mesoamerica
The training, held 8 September at the Yahveh Shalom Church of the Nazarene in Dominguito, was organized by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in collaboration with other local organizations.
Monserrate Santos, director of the Integrated Crisis Intervention Program offered by the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration, and Ismael Ponce, the Care Ministries director for the Mission Board Church of God, were the two event speakers.
Santos led “Mental Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria,” while Ponce led “Pastoral Intervention in the Current Crisis in Puerto Rico.” Both speakers shared tips, tools, and resources participants can use to effectively minister to hurricane victims throughout Puerto Rico.
“The participants expressed their satisfaction with the time they spent and left wanting to be able to take other trainings to help them work with people in crisis,” said Carmen Nuñez, NCM coordinator for the Puerto Rico West District. “We thank God for the chance to be trained to help those in need on our island.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
South America
This week: Bolivia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Bolivia in 1945.
Bolivia had a population of 11,138,234 in 2017. That same year, Bolivia reported 248 Churches of the Nazarene, 229 of which had been officially organized. Bolivia has 12,236 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Bolivia has two Phase 3 districts, one Phase 2 district, and three Phase 1 districts. 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. Read more
USA/Canada
While GSHC offers a wide array of medical services, Cornerstone was particularly impressed with the mental health care the clinic has provided for a member of their congregation.
“Mental health has always been something that’s been near and dear to me, and I feel like, to a large degree, the Church has missed the mark," McNulty said.
McNulty hopes the check will be the first of many monetary and service contributions his church will be able to make.
CULLMAN - On Tuesday, Cullman’s Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene (CCN) began a new partnership with Good Samaritan Health Clinic (GSHC), as Rev. Joe McNulty came to the clinic to present a $1,000 check to GSHC Executive Director Jolanda Hutson. McNulty hopes the check will be the first of many monetary and service contributions his church will be able to make.
While GSHC offers a wide array of medical services, the reverend was particularly impressed with the mental health care the clinic has provided for a member of his congregation.
Said McNulty, “Mental health has always been something that’s been near and dear to me, and I feel like, to a large degree, the Church has missed the mark. And I’m not just talking about our church, but about the Church as a whole. And I think it’s because there’s such a stigma, at least in people’s minds. And I tell people in my church all the time, if somebody is sick with cancer, we don’t hesitate a second, saying, ‘Let’s call them to the altar and pray for them’ . . . I said to the people last Wednesday night, ‘When was the last time you saw in any church somebody came and say, ‘I’m struggling with mental illness, or struggling with bipolar disorder, or personality disorder?’
“Inside the walls of the Church, there are so many people who suffer in silence, and they don’t reach out; they don’t get the help they need. And it’s simply because they’re afraid. And I said to the church, ‘It’s time. It’s time that we break down that wall, and it’s time that we say you can trust us--and trust is a big issue; it’s huge--and you can trust us, and we’ll love you, and we’ll help you in any way we can.”
While teaching his congregation about the need for ministry to those suffering from mental illness, McNulty received a copy of GSHC’s annual report, and he was moved to action. After reading the report and considering the ministry of GSHC to one of his own members, he met with the board of CCN and presented what he wanted to do. Board Chairman and Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette reportedly encouraged him to proceed, telling him, “Pastor, I can only tell you they are the real deal. I’m so glad that you’re doing this. They are the real deal.”
McNulty told the board, “I’m not asking you to do this because I’m suggesting it; I’m asking you to do it because it’s right. It’s the right thing to do.”
CCN allocated $1,000 to give to GSHC as an initial gift.
“It’s going to be more,” said McNulty. “They said, ‘Pastor, we don’t want you to just send a check. We want you to go meet the executive director. We want you to meet the staff. We want you to tell them that we want this to be a partnership.”
When presenting the check, McNulty asked, “How else can we help you?” The pastor hopes to see his church make regular contributions and wants to see his members carrying out hands-on service projects for the clinic.
GSHC fundraising concert coming up
On Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Cullman High School auditorium, GSHC will host its fourth annual “Caring for Cullman” concert featuring Triumphant Quartet and the Wallace State Jazz Band. Tickets will be available at the door, or from GSHC, Borden Family Pharmacy, Heritage Pharmacy of Dodge City, The Added Touch Too and Yates Chance Christian Bookstore.
For details, call 256-255-5965. If you are unable to attend but want to donate, visit www.goodsamaritancullman.com or call 256-775-1389, ext. 0.
For more on Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, visit www.cullmancornerstone.com or www.facebook.com/cornerstonecullman/ or call 256-775-2756.
Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.For the rest of the story, click here.
Volunteers decided to refurbish an old trailer and outfit it for disaster relief. A group of 10 volunteers from LFCN will travel to Beaufort, North Carolina, from 23-29 September to offer help where it is needed.
"We do this because we feel that this is what God calls us to do," volunteer Bill Strong said. "He calls us to go out and be his servants to the community."
After Hurricane Florence ripped through the Carolinas with its high winds and flooding, many people who live there need help.
Lynchburg First Church of the Nazarene hopes to give relief.
Volunteers decided to refurbish an old trailer and outfit it for disaster relief. A group of 10 volunteers from LFCN are heading to Beaufort, North Carolina on Sunday.
"We just felt as a local church that we were compelled to do something," LFCN lead pastor Stephen Willis said.
Willis said their church has responded to multiple disaster relief efforts throughout the years, but this time it is different.
"For me personally, this was especially important because I grew up in Carteret County, North Carolina," he said.
Beaufort, North Carolina is located in that county.
"My mom was in the middle of this storm, as well as a lot of friends and family members," Willis said. "Through the years we've responded to people in need that I didn't know, and we definitely was going to respond to this one."
"It is still a crisis area," Willis said.
And that is why Willis said they decided to build the disaster relief trailer to help people in need.
"We have all of the power tools needed, screw drivers, skill saws, Clorox, mops and we have all those things to help people in relation to flooding," Willis said.
Willis is one of the 10 volunteers heading to North Carolina.
Bill Strong is also going. He said he has gone on all of their disaster relief trips for the past 10 years.
"We do this because we feel that this is what God calls us to do," Strong said. "He calls us to go out and be his servants to the community."
Lowes also worked with the church and provided discounts to them so they were able fill their trailer up with the needed supplies.
"Anytime a disaster happens, whether it's here in Lynchburg, or somewhere outside, we want to do as much as we can to try to support that and help those people out," Timberlake Road Lowes Assistant Store Manager Justin McGehee said.
The team of 10 will be in the Beaufort, North Carolina area for a week.
Strong said if there is more of a need after their week is up, they will head back to the area again.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Poás, Costa Rica
Costa Rica church members receive, reaffirm call to ministry
During a Cross-Cultural Orientation held 7-9 September at Poás Church of the Nazarene in Costa Rica, more than 35 participants received or reaffirmed their call to ministry.“I can say that every workshop, every activity, every devotion, every word I heard and hug I received during these three days marked my life and created in me a Christian reality totally different than the one I had when I came,” said Danah Webb Leandro of Desamparados. “This camp gave me a new vision, a new purpose. It filled me with strength and hope. It gave me a new calling and a new direction to work with my [youth], my church, my community, and my country.”
Global Missions coordinators at the district and regional levels organized the event. Speakers included Mesoamerica Nazarene Missions International Coordinator Ana Maria Crocker, Costa Rica North District Superintendent Johnny Calvo, Costa Rica Central District Superintendent Sirlene Bustos, and local pastor Filipe Flores.
“It was an experience where I rediscovered my call,” said Christopher Quinto, a participant from Los Ángeles. “I got excited again like the first time. I rediscovered that ‘the sky is the limit,’ Now, I believe in my abilities and virtues. [CCO] challenged me to not stay still. To me, this was the impulse that I was lacking to move forward and not give up before the obstacles.”
Several people found security in their faith.
“God clarified a thousand doubts that I had,” said Xavier Yadir Diaz Chavez of Cañas Dulces. “I never thought that I could be so sure of where I am, from where God has brought me. My life is sealed with God’s name, and that will never change. The best is starting, so let’s prepare ourselves for unimaginable things in our lives.”
Other participants felt God was calling them to full-time ministry.
“As a pastor’s kid for a long time, I took responsibilities in the church only because there was no one else to do it, but it was not something that I could see as a calling.” said Daniela Solano, a participant from Tibas. “A few months ago, I began to ask God to take control of my life and to show me what He wanted me to do. During the camp, I was able to see how God for a long time had been working in my life. I could see how I missed a lot of details, because my call to missions had been there the whole time. To see the full picture of the little confirmations that God had been planting in my life was what made me say during this camp ‘Here I am, send me.’”
At the end of the camp, even the leadership was moved by the transformation that took place.
“To see happy faces and people believing that they can do a little more and to see them wanting to answer a call with conviction is priceless,” said Neslon Vega, Central District Global Missions coordinator. “I feel very satisfied with what we gained. I know that God used me and considered me a part of His plan, and that’s the most comforting thing a person can feel. Even though He does not need me, He decided to let me be a part, and that’s an indescribable feeling.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago rally encourages missionary service, giving
The Trinidad and Tobago District encouraged churches to be sending churches during a recent missional rally, held 18 September at San Fernando Church of the Nazarene.The district Nazarene Missions International team challenged attendees to intentionally fulfill the Church of the Nazarene’s call to make disciples in the nations by developing and sending out members to serve both locally and internationally.
The featured speaker was Nazim Mohammed, senior pastor of the Tunapuna Church of the Nazarene and a Work & Witness volunteer. Mohammed explained that even though missions can be challenging, God protects, provides, and purifies His people to get the work done.
District Work & Witness coordinator Courtney Greene shared about a W&W trip to Dominica earlier this year. There was even a short interview with former Genesis missionary Crystalla Williams, who shared about her time serving in Grenada.
Children and youth were an active part of the rally. Three children from the Sangre Grande Church of the Nazarene sang the Revelation Song in English and Spanish, and Ariana Thomas, a youth from Couva Church of the Nazarene, led a dance performance.
Local NMI presidents also filmed one-minute video clips to encourage attendees to continue giving toward Nazarene missions and praying for those who are sent.
At the end of the event, former District NMI Secretary Pearl Harris was recognized for more than 40 years of service on the local and district levels. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
Manaus, Brazil
Brazil missionary boat completes first year on Black River
The Church of the Nazarene’s second missionary boat in South America — Jesus the Hope 2 — completed one year of outreach in the Amazonian forest of Brazil. Jesus the Hope 2 set sail 29 August 2017 down the Black River. The project launched when local missionaries needed something that could help them reach some of the most remote locations in the Amazon.
In the future, the Brazil Amazônia District intends to expand the boat’s course to the Amazon River, Solimões River, and other minor rivers to provide evangelism, church planting, discipleship, and medical clinics to other remote areas.
The team worked out of the city of Manaus just off the river for this first year. They faced many unforeseen challenges and had to quickly learn about the mechanics of the boat and how to optimize the financial cost of the project.
The boat offers space for up to 50 people and features three bathrooms, one kitchen with an industrial stove, two air-conditioners, and a freezer. The boat even utilizes solar energy, which offsets some of the financial costs.
“We thank you all for your support in enabling the Church of the Nazarene to do a blessed work in the Amazon region,” said Igor de Sousa Vale, pastor and missionary leading Jesus the Hope 2. (Church of the Nazarene South America) Read more
Sapulpa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma pastors plan for debt-free future
Some people may be overwhelmed at the idea of paying back more than $30,000 in debt, but Michelle and Jeff Carden will soon put that worry behind them.The Cardens are 2014 Southern Nazarene University graduates. Their calls to ministry led them to SNU, and now, four years later, Michelle is the children’s pastor, and Jeff is the digital ministries pastor at Sapulpa Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma.
Before they got married, Michelle and Jeff decided to take some practical steps toward managing their finances effectively, but no matter how proactive they were, there were some things that were out of their control.
“My husband and I took Dave Ramsey [finance classes] before we got married and are committed to financial health in our family, but we came out of school with a decent amount of debt that we knew would take us a long time to pay off,” Michelle said.
Though they were able to pay off a large portion of their student loans, they still had a long way to go.
“$17,000 [of our debt had been paid off], but we were really struggling with the final $15,000,” Michelle said.
While they were attending a conference in Oklahoma, Michelle and Jeff heard about The COMPASS Initiative, a program led by the Church of the Nazarene that addresses U.S. pastors’ financial challenges.
“I first heard of COMPASS at a young ministers conference that I was attending in Oklahoma City before the program even began,” Michelle said. “I then heard about it again on our district.”
The Cardens saw the opportunity, and shortly after applying, they were accepted into the program. Now, with only three months left in the program, Michelle and Jeff are almost entirely out of debt.
“With the COMPASS grant and with what we were able to pay off so far, this year we will come out debt free,” Michelle said.
Not only are they almost out of debt, but they aren’t waiting until then to begin planning for their future.
“We are really excited to get a head start on planning for our future, including retirement and college funds for our future littles,” Michelle said. “[We are] motivated to stay focused, as well as encouraged to continue our education and keep pressing forward.”
In addition to enabling them to take control of their debt, the program has driven them to learn more about handling church finances more effectively.
“We are excited to continue our journey to financial health in our marriage and our ministry,” Michelle said. “We can't wait to see what opportunities we are able to take when we know that our finances are taken care of.”To learn more about The COMPASS Initiative, click here. Read more
Dominguito, Puerto Rico
Crisis response training offered in Puerto Rico
Eighty people attended a disaster response training to learn about providing ongoing assistance for those affected by Hurricane Maria — which devastated the country 20 September 2017 — and future disasters.The training, held 8 September at the Yahveh Shalom Church of the Nazarene in Dominguito, was organized by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in collaboration with other local organizations.
Monserrate Santos, director of the Integrated Crisis Intervention Program offered by the Mental Health and Anti-Addiction Services Administration, and Ismael Ponce, the Care Ministries director for the Mission Board Church of God, were the two event speakers.
Santos led “Mental Health in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria,” while Ponce led “Pastoral Intervention in the Current Crisis in Puerto Rico.” Both speakers shared tips, tools, and resources participants can use to effectively minister to hurricane victims throughout Puerto Rico.
“The participants expressed their satisfaction with the time they spent and left wanting to be able to take other trainings to help them work with people in crisis,” said Carmen Nuñez, NCM coordinator for the Puerto Rico West District. “We thank God for the chance to be trained to help those in need on our island.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica) Read more
South America
Flags of the Nations: Bolivia
The national flag of Bolivia is a red, yellow, and green horizontal tricolor with the Bolivian coat of arms in the center. Red represents the blood shed by heroes for the birth and preservation of the Republic; yellow represents wealth and resources, and green represents the richness of natural areas as well as hope.
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: Bolivia
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Bolivia in 1945.
Bolivia had a population of 11,138,234 in 2017. That same year, Bolivia reported 248 Churches of the Nazarene, 229 of which had been officially organized. Bolivia has 12,236 total members.
Located on the South America Region, Bolivia has two Phase 3 districts, one Phase 2 district, and three Phase 1 districts. 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. Read more
USA/Canada
USA/Canada
Rev. Joe McNulty of Cornerstone Church (left) presents a check to Good Samaritan Executive Director Jolanda Hutson (right), accompanied by Clinic Administrator Cindy Barnett and Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Barnett (center, left and right). (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
Nazarenes in the News
Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.
Cornerstone Church partners with Good Samaritan
Cullman, Alabama
(The Cullman Tribune, 20 September) Cullman’s Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene began a new partnership with Good Samaritan Health Clinic, as Cornerstone Church Pastor Joe McNulty came to the clinic to present a $1,000 check to GSHC Executive Director Jolanda Hutson.While GSHC offers a wide array of medical services, Cornerstone was particularly impressed with the mental health care the clinic has provided for a member of their congregation.
“Mental health has always been something that’s been near and dear to me, and I feel like, to a large degree, the Church has missed the mark," McNulty said.
McNulty hopes the check will be the first of many monetary and service contributions his church will be able to make.
CULLMAN - On Tuesday, Cullman’s Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene (CCN) began a new partnership with Good Samaritan Health Clinic (GSHC), as Rev. Joe McNulty came to the clinic to present a $1,000 check to GSHC Executive Director Jolanda Hutson. McNulty hopes the check will be the first of many monetary and service contributions his church will be able to make.
While GSHC offers a wide array of medical services, the reverend was particularly impressed with the mental health care the clinic has provided for a member of his congregation.
Said McNulty, “Mental health has always been something that’s been near and dear to me, and I feel like, to a large degree, the Church has missed the mark. And I’m not just talking about our church, but about the Church as a whole. And I think it’s because there’s such a stigma, at least in people’s minds. And I tell people in my church all the time, if somebody is sick with cancer, we don’t hesitate a second, saying, ‘Let’s call them to the altar and pray for them’ . . . I said to the people last Wednesday night, ‘When was the last time you saw in any church somebody came and say, ‘I’m struggling with mental illness, or struggling with bipolar disorder, or personality disorder?’
“Inside the walls of the Church, there are so many people who suffer in silence, and they don’t reach out; they don’t get the help they need. And it’s simply because they’re afraid. And I said to the church, ‘It’s time. It’s time that we break down that wall, and it’s time that we say you can trust us--and trust is a big issue; it’s huge--and you can trust us, and we’ll love you, and we’ll help you in any way we can.”
While teaching his congregation about the need for ministry to those suffering from mental illness, McNulty received a copy of GSHC’s annual report, and he was moved to action. After reading the report and considering the ministry of GSHC to one of his own members, he met with the board of CCN and presented what he wanted to do. Board Chairman and Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette reportedly encouraged him to proceed, telling him, “Pastor, I can only tell you they are the real deal. I’m so glad that you’re doing this. They are the real deal.”
McNulty told the board, “I’m not asking you to do this because I’m suggesting it; I’m asking you to do it because it’s right. It’s the right thing to do.”
CCN allocated $1,000 to give to GSHC as an initial gift.
“It’s going to be more,” said McNulty. “They said, ‘Pastor, we don’t want you to just send a check. We want you to go meet the executive director. We want you to meet the staff. We want you to tell them that we want this to be a partnership.”
When presenting the check, McNulty asked, “How else can we help you?” The pastor hopes to see his church make regular contributions and wants to see his members carrying out hands-on service projects for the clinic.
GSHC fundraising concert coming up
On Thursday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Cullman High School auditorium, GSHC will host its fourth annual “Caring for Cullman” concert featuring Triumphant Quartet and the Wallace State Jazz Band. Tickets will be available at the door, or from GSHC, Borden Family Pharmacy, Heritage Pharmacy of Dodge City, The Added Touch Too and Yates Chance Christian Bookstore.
For details, call 256-255-5965. If you are unable to attend but want to donate, visit www.goodsamaritancullman.com or call 256-775-1389, ext. 0.
For more on Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, visit www.cullmancornerstone.com or www.facebook.com/cornerstonecullman/ or call 256-775-2756.
Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.For the rest of the story, click here.
Lynchburg church heads to NC to help Hurricane Florence victims by Courtny Jodon
Lynchburg, Virginia
Lynchburg First Church of the Nazarene creates disaster relief trailer to take to Beaufort, North Carolina to help residents impacted by Hurricane Florence. (WSET)
(WSET, 23 September) After Hurricane Florence ripped through the Carolinas with its high winds and flooding, many people who live there need help.
Lynchburg First Church of the Nazarene hopes to give relief.Volunteers decided to refurbish an old trailer and outfit it for disaster relief. A group of 10 volunteers from LFCN will travel to Beaufort, North Carolina, from 23-29 September to offer help where it is needed.
"We do this because we feel that this is what God calls us to do," volunteer Bill Strong said. "He calls us to go out and be his servants to the community."
After Hurricane Florence ripped through the Carolinas with its high winds and flooding, many people who live there need help.
Lynchburg First Church of the Nazarene hopes to give relief.
Volunteers decided to refurbish an old trailer and outfit it for disaster relief. A group of 10 volunteers from LFCN are heading to Beaufort, North Carolina on Sunday.
"We just felt as a local church that we were compelled to do something," LFCN lead pastor Stephen Willis said.
Willis said their church has responded to multiple disaster relief efforts throughout the years, but this time it is different.
"For me personally, this was especially important because I grew up in Carteret County, North Carolina," he said.
Beaufort, North Carolina is located in that county.
"My mom was in the middle of this storm, as well as a lot of friends and family members," Willis said. "Through the years we've responded to people in need that I didn't know, and we definitely was going to respond to this one."
"It is still a crisis area," Willis said.
And that is why Willis said they decided to build the disaster relief trailer to help people in need.
"We have all of the power tools needed, screw drivers, skill saws, Clorox, mops and we have all those things to help people in relation to flooding," Willis said.
Willis is one of the 10 volunteers heading to North Carolina.
Bill Strong is also going. He said he has gone on all of their disaster relief trips for the past 10 years.
"We do this because we feel that this is what God calls us to do," Strong said. "He calls us to go out and be his servants to the community."
Lowes also worked with the church and provided discounts to them so they were able fill their trailer up with the needed supplies.
"Anytime a disaster happens, whether it's here in Lynchburg, or somewhere outside, we want to do as much as we can to try to support that and help those people out," Timberlake Road Lowes Assistant Store Manager Justin McGehee said.
The team of 10 will be in the Beaufort, North Carolina area for a week.
Strong said if there is more of a need after their week is up, they will head back to the area again.
For the rest of the story, click here.
Upper Room Mission and Soul’s Harbour partner to serve the community
Lynn Curwin (lynn.curwin@trurodaily.com)
Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission - Lynn Curwin
(Truro News, 27 September) The Soul's Harbor Rescue Mission building in Truro is also now the home of the Upper Room Mission Church of the Nazarene, and Pastor Terry Dryden feels it’s a great fit.
Dryden has been doing a lot of work in the community with Steve Lumsden, who is leading the Soul’s Harbour work from the basement of the building. Upper Room church will gather in the building's sanctuary.
TRURO, NS
The sanctuary of the building at 130 King Street is now the home of the Upper Room Mission Church of the Nazarene, and Pastor Terry Dryden feels it’s a great fit.
Dryden has been doing a lot of work in the community with Steve Lumsden, who is leading the Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission work from the basement of the building.
“I’ve been handing out lunches on the street with Steve, and he’s got a big heart,” said Dryden. “My wife, daughter and I have all been on the streets with him.
“Christ is about more than setting in church and worshipping.”
Before moving into the King Street building, on August 15, the congregation met in Dryden’s garage, at the Bible Hill Village Hall, and in other churches.
“We’ve been a church for about seven years,’ said Dryden. “I’ve connected back to my Nazarene roots, so now there are two Nazarene churches in Truro. Ours is called a mission because our heart is in social gospel, and our mandate if to help others when we see a need.”
He said being involved in community efforts allows people with a variety of skills to get involved.
“Some people can’t teach Sunday school or sing in the choir, but they enjoy cooking or serving food. A lot of people are really excited about what’s happening. It breathes life into a church.”
About 50 people usually attend Sunday afternoon services, which are almost always followed by a meal. The church also offers Bible study and youth group.For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News) Read more
From 2002 to 2016, Russell served in a variety of positions at the university, including professor of business law, associate dean of the School of Business, director of the MBA program, executive director for Community and Governmental Relations, general counsel, and associate vice president for Advancement.
“The NNU School of Business has been a keystone in the fabric of Idaho Business Education for many years, and I look forward to continuing and advancing that long tradition,” Russell said. “I will strive to ensure that the school continues to graduate business leaders with the strongest business skills, discernment and acumen, and with the greatest character and ethical grounding.”
Since leaving the university in 2016, Russell has remained an active member on the Foundation Board and has continued to cultivate relationships throughout the Boise Valley on behalf of NNU. Russell is returning to NNU as dean to not only focus on the internal aspects of the school but to also grow external relationships that will help the School of Business flourish in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. The hope for these local partnerships will be to expand the School of Business’s connections in the Boise Valley and beyond and create pathways for students’ continued success as they enter into the workplace.
NNU Vice President for Academic Affairs Brad Kurtz-Shaw feels Russell has a lot to offer the NNU community.
"Bill comes to this dean's role with an established network of relationships with regional business leaders and organizations, an entrepreneurial spirit for shaping our academic programs to meet real-world needs, and a passion for the transformational mission of NNU," Kurtz-Shaw said. "Bill will further cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship that has always existed between NNU and the Boise Valley. We’re grateful for the resources and partnerships of our local and regional business community that allows us to continue to shape our graduates as they enter into the workplace. Bill gets that NNU is here for good and he's going to do everything in his power to make sure that impact is as broad and deep as possible." (Northwest Nazarene University) Read more
Bill Coulter, 81, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away 27 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Ontario, and Alberta. He is survived by his wife, Karen Coulter.
Douglas Ernest, 80, of Lake Isabella, California, passed away 25 September. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in California. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Ernest.
Lenore Rycroft, 89, of Butler, Pensylvania, passed away 19 September. She was the widow of retired minister Stanley Rycroft, who served in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Stanley Rycroft passed away in 2003.
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) Read more
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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Candidate Development Specialist (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will assist with missionary candidate development, coordinate and assist with events, work independently and with a team, and perform a wide variety of responsibilities with high confidentiality.
Helpdesk Technician (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: This person will be responsible for providing training, support and guidance to technology users.
Missionary Training Coordinator (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will develop and improve systems and training for Global Missions in order to equip Nazarene missionaries, identify training and development needs throughout the missionary life cycle, and improve training resources and systems to respond to those needs.
Project Manager (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International (NYI)
Description: This person will be responsible for facilitating connection to district, national, field, and regional NYI leadership and the distribution of resources to support the mission of NYI. This person will support the NYI core values of evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development (“BE, DO, GO”) by emphasizing youth ministry throughout the Church of the Nazarene and sharing the stories of local youth and youth workers and will manage the day-to-day and long-term connection projects of NYI.
Sr. Office Assistant (Part-time, 25 hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office – Multicultural Ministries
Description: This person will provide office assistance and customer support for Multicultural Literature/Casa Nazarena de Publicaciones with the goal of continuing effective service to Nazarene constituency and other clients.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Accounting Clerk (Part-time)
Under the direction of the Director of Finance, the Accounting Clerk performs routine accounting functions of average difficulty in the areas of cash receipts, accounts payable, and other entry-level related office duties. Learn More
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. Read more
Dryden has been doing a lot of work in the community with Steve Lumsden, who is leading the Soul’s Harbour work from the basement of the building. Upper Room church will gather in the building's sanctuary.
TRURO, NS
The sanctuary of the building at 130 King Street is now the home of the Upper Room Mission Church of the Nazarene, and Pastor Terry Dryden feels it’s a great fit.
Dryden has been doing a lot of work in the community with Steve Lumsden, who is leading the Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission work from the basement of the building.
“I’ve been handing out lunches on the street with Steve, and he’s got a big heart,” said Dryden. “My wife, daughter and I have all been on the streets with him.
“Christ is about more than setting in church and worshipping.”
Before moving into the King Street building, on August 15, the congregation met in Dryden’s garage, at the Bible Hill Village Hall, and in other churches.
“We’ve been a church for about seven years,’ said Dryden. “I’ve connected back to my Nazarene roots, so now there are two Nazarene churches in Truro. Ours is called a mission because our heart is in social gospel, and our mandate if to help others when we see a need.”
He said being involved in community efforts allows people with a variety of skills to get involved.
“Some people can’t teach Sunday school or sing in the choir, but they enjoy cooking or serving food. A lot of people are really excited about what’s happening. It breathes life into a church.”
About 50 people usually attend Sunday afternoon services, which are almost always followed by a meal. The church also offers Bible study and youth group.For the rest of the story, click here.
Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News) Read more
Nampa, Idaho
NNU announces new dean for School of Business
Northwest Nazarene University announced Bill Russell will assume the position of dean of the School of Business beginning 15 October. From 2002 to 2016, Russell served in a variety of positions at the university, including professor of business law, associate dean of the School of Business, director of the MBA program, executive director for Community and Governmental Relations, general counsel, and associate vice president for Advancement.
“The NNU School of Business has been a keystone in the fabric of Idaho Business Education for many years, and I look forward to continuing and advancing that long tradition,” Russell said. “I will strive to ensure that the school continues to graduate business leaders with the strongest business skills, discernment and acumen, and with the greatest character and ethical grounding.”
Since leaving the university in 2016, Russell has remained an active member on the Foundation Board and has continued to cultivate relationships throughout the Boise Valley on behalf of NNU. Russell is returning to NNU as dean to not only focus on the internal aspects of the school but to also grow external relationships that will help the School of Business flourish in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. The hope for these local partnerships will be to expand the School of Business’s connections in the Boise Valley and beyond and create pathways for students’ continued success as they enter into the workplace.
NNU Vice President for Academic Affairs Brad Kurtz-Shaw feels Russell has a lot to offer the NNU community.
"Bill comes to this dean's role with an established network of relationships with regional business leaders and organizations, an entrepreneurial spirit for shaping our academic programs to meet real-world needs, and a passion for the transformational mission of NNU," Kurtz-Shaw said. "Bill will further cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship that has always existed between NNU and the Boise Valley. We’re grateful for the resources and partnerships of our local and regional business community that allows us to continue to shape our graduates as they enter into the workplace. Bill gets that NNU is here for good and he's going to do everything in his power to make sure that impact is as broad and deep as possible." (Northwest Nazarene University) Read more
In Memoriam
The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 24-28 September 2018.Bill Coulter, 81, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away 27 September. He was a retired minister, serving in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Ontario, and Alberta. He is survived by his wife, Karen Coulter.
Douglas Ernest, 80, of Lake Isabella, California, passed away 25 September. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in California. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Ernest.
Lenore Rycroft, 89, of Butler, Pensylvania, passed away 19 September. She was the widow of retired minister Stanley Rycroft, who served in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. Stanley Rycroft passed away in 2003.
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) Read more
Human Resource
GMC employment opportunities
People 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 occasionally available. Email jveigl@nazarene.org for details.
Employment Opportunities
Candidate Development Specialist (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will assist with missionary candidate development, coordinate and assist with events, work independently and with a team, and perform a wide variety of responsibilities with high confidentiality.
Helpdesk Technician (Full-time)
Information Technology
Description: This person will be responsible for providing training, support and guidance to technology users.
Missionary Training Coordinator (Full-time)
Global Missions Personnel
Description: This person will develop and improve systems and training for Global Missions in order to equip Nazarene missionaries, identify training and development needs throughout the missionary life cycle, and improve training resources and systems to respond to those needs.
Project Manager (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International (NYI)
Description: This person will be responsible for facilitating connection to district, national, field, and regional NYI leadership and the distribution of resources to support the mission of NYI. This person will support the NYI core values of evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development (“BE, DO, GO”) by emphasizing youth ministry throughout the Church of the Nazarene and sharing the stories of local youth and youth workers and will manage the day-to-day and long-term connection projects of NYI.
Sr. Office Assistant (Part-time, 25 hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office – Multicultural Ministries
Description: This person will provide office assistance and customer support for Multicultural Literature/Casa Nazarena de Publicaciones with the goal of continuing effective service to Nazarene constituency and other clients.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
Church of the Nazarene Foundation
All positions are located within the Global Ministry Center in Lenexa, Kansas.Accounting Clerk (Part-time)
Under the direction of the Director of Finance, the Accounting Clerk performs routine accounting functions of average difficulty in the areas of cash receipts, accounts payable, and other entry-level related office duties. Learn More
JESUS Film Harvest Partners
To learn more about positions available at the JFHP, visit jfhp.org. All positions are located on-site in the Olathe, Kansas, office. Recent openings: Full-Time Assistant Field Services Coordinator.
Nazarene Bible College
To 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.
Nazarene Theological Seminary
To learn more about current positions available at NTS, see the following employment opportunities. All positions are located on-site on the Kansas City, Missouri, campus. 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. Read more
Copyright © 2018 The Global Church of the Nazarene, Inc., All rights reserved.
Nazarene Communications Network
Material created and owned by Nazarene Communication 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 30,000 local congregations in 162 world areas.
Address:
The Global Church of the Nazarene
Global Ministry Center
17001 Prairie Star Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66220, United States
Phone: (913)577-0500
Email: info@nazarene.org
***
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)