Portland, Oregon
Oregon church builds tiny home village for homeless community
Portland Central Church of the Nazarene is taking Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor” to a whole new level.
A few years ago the church began searching for a better way to serve the homeless community in their city. After a lot of time, preparation, and collaboration with other local churches and organizations, the church began building a homeless housing neighborhood that they are calling Agape Village.
A few years ago the church began searching for a better way to serve the homeless community in their city. After a lot of time, preparation, and collaboration with other local churches and organizations, the church began building a homeless housing neighborhood that they are calling Agape Village.
“Our ultimate goal is to have 15 [tiny houses],” said Lead Pastor Matt Huff. “We will probably have six completed before the end of this year and will hopefully finish the rest before the fall of 2019.”
Construction began this June, and the village is being built on the church’s property. Each tiny house will be about 8x12 feet and will be equipped with a solar-powered battery that will provide light and a place to charge electronic devices. The homes will not have running water, but the village will have a common kitchen area, shower, and restrooms. The units will be well insulated, and the church is currently exploring other options for heating.
Though there are a few villages like this in the Portland area, this is the first time a church has taken something like this into their own hands.
“This village was born out of a desire to love God and to love our neighbors,” Huff said. “We are located in an area of Portland with lots of poverty and brokenness. Many people often sleep on our property. So, we started to explore what it means for us to love them since they are most definitely our neighbor.”
The need for solutions like this has grown in recent years. In 2015, Portland declared a state of emergency on housing and homelessness due to the thousands of adults and children left to survive on the streets.
Construction began this June, and the village is being built on the church’s property. Each tiny house will be about 8x12 feet and will be equipped with a solar-powered battery that will provide light and a place to charge electronic devices. The homes will not have running water, but the village will have a common kitchen area, shower, and restrooms. The units will be well insulated, and the church is currently exploring other options for heating.
Though there are a few villages like this in the Portland area, this is the first time a church has taken something like this into their own hands.
“This village was born out of a desire to love God and to love our neighbors,” Huff said. “We are located in an area of Portland with lots of poverty and brokenness. Many people often sleep on our property. So, we started to explore what it means for us to love them since they are most definitely our neighbor.”
The need for solutions like this has grown in recent years. In 2015, Portland declared a state of emergency on housing and homelessness due to the thousands of adults and children left to survive on the streets.
“There are over 4,000 people without permanent housing in Portland, according to the last official count I am aware of,” Huff said. “This population seems to be growing. There are shelters, many of which are full with long waiting lists. There are camps and tents scattered all over the city. The homeless population is not hidden; it is very evident and a very big problem. There are hundreds of homeless children. The last time I called to try to get help for a homeless family, I was told the waiting list was over 500 families long. The need is much greater than available resources.”
The Agape Village project is a massive undertaking, but it’s not Central Church’s first ministry to the homeless community.
“We had someone in the church build a cabinet that sits at the entrance of our parking lot that we keep filled with items people often ask for: socks, gloves, hats, blankets, water, and other miscellaneous items,” Huff said. “Last winter, and possibly again this winter, we served as an emergency warming center during the extremely cold nights. We had between 75 and 100 people sleep in the church the nights we were open.”
The church has also been serving with a local organization called Operation Nightwatch by preparing and delivering meals for the homeless in South East Portland on a monthly basis for the last several years.
“We are striving to be a people characterized by the love of God,” Huff said. “When they see us, they see the love of God at work flowing in us and through us.”
The Agape Village project is a massive undertaking, but it’s not Central Church’s first ministry to the homeless community.
“We had someone in the church build a cabinet that sits at the entrance of our parking lot that we keep filled with items people often ask for: socks, gloves, hats, blankets, water, and other miscellaneous items,” Huff said. “Last winter, and possibly again this winter, we served as an emergency warming center during the extremely cold nights. We had between 75 and 100 people sleep in the church the nights we were open.”
The church has also been serving with a local organization called Operation Nightwatch by preparing and delivering meals for the homeless in South East Portland on a monthly basis for the last several years.
“We are striving to be a people characterized by the love of God,” Huff said. “When they see us, they see the love of God at work flowing in us and through us.”
As they look forward to finishing their current project, Huff and the rest of Central Church dream of how they can reach the community in new ways through partnerships with other local churches.
“Once the village is complete, our goal is to just be friends with our new neighbors and love them as Christ loved us and hopefully other churches will join us in the effort,” Huff said. “It would be great to have one church partner for every guest in the village.”
Not only is this something Huff believes his church is capable of doing, he thinks it is something they are called to do.
“Dr. Busic (Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent David Busic) just recently put it perfectly when he said ‘Wesley’s understanding of ministry to and with the marginalized poor, sick, and imprisoned was more than compassion; as a means of grace for the Christian, it is indispensable to Wesleyan spirituality,’” Huff said. “’These acts of mercy become the ways by which God works to establish the character of holiness in God’s people and to give growth in grace toward the recovery of the divine image.’”
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“Once the village is complete, our goal is to just be friends with our new neighbors and love them as Christ loved us and hopefully other churches will join us in the effort,” Huff said. “It would be great to have one church partner for every guest in the village.”
Not only is this something Huff believes his church is capable of doing, he thinks it is something they are called to do.
“Dr. Busic (Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent David Busic) just recently put it perfectly when he said ‘Wesley’s understanding of ministry to and with the marginalized poor, sick, and imprisoned was more than compassion; as a means of grace for the Christian, it is indispensable to Wesleyan spirituality,’” Huff said. “’These acts of mercy become the ways by which God works to establish the character of holiness in God’s people and to give growth in grace toward the recovery of the divine image.’”
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Adelaide, Australia
Australia church pioneer remembered
Peter Alfred Robinson, former pastor and pioneer of the Chuch of the Nazarene in Australia, passed away 19 August at the age of 91.
Robinson helped pioneer the Church of the Nazarene in Australia, having received entire sanctification while serving as a junior police constable during a revival held at the Adelaide (later Croydon Park) Church of the Nazarene in 1950. Peter was one of six laymen transformed in this revival who later became pastors in the Church of the Nazarene.
In 1954, Peter and his wife, Enid, relocated to Sydney to enroll in Nazarene Bible College (now Nazarene Theological College). After several months of study, Australia District Superintendent A.A.E. Berg invited Peter to pioneer the Church of the Nazarene in Mackay, almost 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the nearest Church of the Nazarene. After one year, the Robinsons returned to Sydney, where Peter became the pastor of the Birrong Church of the Nazarene and continued his studies at NBC.
The Robinsons later accepted a call to pastor the Stafford Church of the Nazarene in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and shortly after was ordained an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1959.
At the end of 1963, the Robinsons returned to Adelaide, where Peter became the pastor of his home church at Croydon Park. After the creation of the Australia Southern District in February 1977, Peter served as a member of the initial District Advisory Board and as district secretary from 1983 to 1992. He also served for three years as a member of Nazarene Theological College.
While pastoring the Birrong church for the second time from 1980 to 1985, Peter was responsible for an extensive expansion, renovation, and beautification of the church building. After a pastorate at the Ingle Farm Church in Adelaide, Peter retired from the ministry in 1992.
On 16 March 2008, the Robinsons were presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the Capalaba church in recognition of more than 60 years of loyal service to Christ through the Church of the Nazarene in Australia. Despite health concerns, including a heart attack in 2014, he preached every opportunity given and attended church regularly in Adelaide.
Peter is survived by his wife of 69 years, Enid; elder son Bret and his wife, Moira; and younger son, Lindsay and his two children.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, 27 August, at Harrison Funerals, located at 173 Port Road, Queenstown, South Australia.
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Robinson helped pioneer the Church of the Nazarene in Australia, having received entire sanctification while serving as a junior police constable during a revival held at the Adelaide (later Croydon Park) Church of the Nazarene in 1950. Peter was one of six laymen transformed in this revival who later became pastors in the Church of the Nazarene.
In 1954, Peter and his wife, Enid, relocated to Sydney to enroll in Nazarene Bible College (now Nazarene Theological College). After several months of study, Australia District Superintendent A.A.E. Berg invited Peter to pioneer the Church of the Nazarene in Mackay, almost 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the nearest Church of the Nazarene. After one year, the Robinsons returned to Sydney, where Peter became the pastor of the Birrong Church of the Nazarene and continued his studies at NBC.
The Robinsons later accepted a call to pastor the Stafford Church of the Nazarene in the northern suburbs of Brisbane and shortly after was ordained an elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1959.
At the end of 1963, the Robinsons returned to Adelaide, where Peter became the pastor of his home church at Croydon Park. After the creation of the Australia Southern District in February 1977, Peter served as a member of the initial District Advisory Board and as district secretary from 1983 to 1992. He also served for three years as a member of Nazarene Theological College.
While pastoring the Birrong church for the second time from 1980 to 1985, Peter was responsible for an extensive expansion, renovation, and beautification of the church building. After a pastorate at the Ingle Farm Church in Adelaide, Peter retired from the ministry in 1992.
On 16 March 2008, the Robinsons were presented with a Distinguished Service Award by the Capalaba church in recognition of more than 60 years of loyal service to Christ through the Church of the Nazarene in Australia. Despite health concerns, including a heart attack in 2014, he preached every opportunity given and attended church regularly in Adelaide.
Peter is survived by his wife of 69 years, Enid; elder son Bret and his wife, Moira; and younger son, Lindsay and his two children.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, 27 August, at Harrison Funerals, located at 173 Port Road, Queenstown, South Australia.
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Punta Brava, Cuba
Children of Cuba plane crash victims join PK retreat
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries organized a retreat for pastors’ kids in Cuba 26-28 July. The retreat took place at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Punta Brava, Cuba. Fifty children and youth attended the event, six of whom lost their parents in the plane crash on 18 May.
Throughout the retreat, the children participated in times of prayer, recreation, and worship, including a day at the hotel swimming pool and a special dinner at a local restaurant. The retreat featured speakers Beatriz Reyes, Cármen Álvarez, and Rebeca Gómez.
“I thank the Holy Spirit for His presence, care, and visitation,” said Mabel Fernandez, Cuba West District NCM coordinator. “Each attendee was touched and encouraged to cherish their salvation, to make decisions in Him, and to know that they are never alone.”
Fernandez thanked the West District and NCM on the Mesoamerica Region for their financial support and also everyone who volunteered. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
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Throughout the retreat, the children participated in times of prayer, recreation, and worship, including a day at the hotel swimming pool and a special dinner at a local restaurant. The retreat featured speakers Beatriz Reyes, Cármen Álvarez, and Rebeca Gómez.
“I thank the Holy Spirit for His presence, care, and visitation,” said Mabel Fernandez, Cuba West District NCM coordinator. “Each attendee was touched and encouraged to cherish their salvation, to make decisions in Him, and to know that they are never alone.”
Fernandez thanked the West District and NCM on the Mesoamerica Region for their financial support and also everyone who volunteered. (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
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Dominican Republic
NCM provides disaster response, vocational training in Dominican Republic
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in the Mesoamerica Central Field provided disaster response and vocational training for more than 40 people from 8 to 12 August.
Angie Carvajal, NCM coordinator for the Costa Rica North District, led the first workshop from 8 to 9 August. This workshop focused on teaching participants how to provide nail art as a service so they can earn another source of income. Nine women completed the workshop and received a certificate of completion for their efforts.
Disaster response training was held immediately afterward at the Seminario Nazareno Dominicano from 10 to 12 August. This workshop prepared more than 30 participants to respond to the needs of their communities during potential natural disasters.
The trainers encouraged local leaders to organize an official team to provide timely and effective disaster response in their districts.
“We are working and praying so that each district may be equipped in such a way that we can respond with the right tools to any event that deems it necessary,” said Paquita Bido, Central Field NCM coordinator.
The Central District in the Dominican Republic was the first district to assemble such a team. Led by Central Field Disaster Response Coordinator Esteban Rivera, the team marks the beginning of this initiative in the Mesoamerica Region.
At the end of the workshop, the district superintendents in attendance prayed over the team as they take on this new missional endeavor.
“We thank God for the opportunity to receive such an important training and for the fellowship with all the Central Field leaders,” Bido said. “Thanks to NCM for their support.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
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“My favorite part was working on the site, shoveling gravel and sand into the sacks and knowing my dripping sweat would be part of that building forever,” said Judy, a member of the team.
During the trip, the team also taught songs, read stories, and played games with children from the area. When they weren’t working on the school property or with the children, the team was given a chance to see the needs and ministries of the city.
Through the International Justice Mission, they learned about human trafficking in Cebu, as well as the Church of the Nazarene’s response in prevention and training.
The team also visited the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf, where they learned about local education for deaf and hard of hearing children. The children were surprised and encouraged to learn that one of the team members, Tamla, was also deaf.
“Our family has grown since meeting, working with, and worshiping with all the amazing people at VNBC,” said Rachel, the team coordinator. “We are prayerfully considering when we can come back!” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
Disaster response training was held immediately afterward at the Seminario Nazareno Dominicano from 10 to 12 August. This workshop prepared more than 30 participants to respond to the needs of their communities during potential natural disasters.
The trainers encouraged local leaders to organize an official team to provide timely and effective disaster response in their districts.
“We are working and praying so that each district may be equipped in such a way that we can respond with the right tools to any event that deems it necessary,” said Paquita Bido, Central Field NCM coordinator.
The Central District in the Dominican Republic was the first district to assemble such a team. Led by Central Field Disaster Response Coordinator Esteban Rivera, the team marks the beginning of this initiative in the Mesoamerica Region.
At the end of the workshop, the district superintendents in attendance prayed over the team as they take on this new missional endeavor.
“We thank God for the opportunity to receive such an important training and for the fellowship with all the Central Field leaders,” Bido said. “Thanks to NCM for their support.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
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Cebu, Philippines
Work & Witness team serves Philippine college through renovation, teaching
A Work & Witness team from the Upstate New York District, USA, volunteered at the Visayan Nazarene Bible College campus in Cebu City, Philippines, by renovating dorms and classrooms and working on the property 6-16 July.“My favorite part was working on the site, shoveling gravel and sand into the sacks and knowing my dripping sweat would be part of that building forever,” said Judy, a member of the team.
During the trip, the team also taught songs, read stories, and played games with children from the area. When they weren’t working on the school property or with the children, the team was given a chance to see the needs and ministries of the city.
Through the International Justice Mission, they learned about human trafficking in Cebu, as well as the Church of the Nazarene’s response in prevention and training.
The team also visited the Gualandi Mission for the Deaf, where they learned about local education for deaf and hard of hearing children. The children were surprised and encouraged to learn that one of the team members, Tamla, was also deaf.
“Our family has grown since meeting, working with, and worshiping with all the amazing people at VNBC,” said Rachel, the team coordinator. “We are prayerfully considering when we can come back!” (Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific)
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On the first day, the team worked alongside missionaries Keila Molina and Joselyn Garcia in the Carrasquilla community by painting, cleaning, repairing, and mowing at a local school, as well as providing anti-bullying training for the students.
The volunteers then split into groups to continue ministry amongst the community. One group delivered bags of food to local families in need. Another group worked at an evangelistic beauty salon where they shared the gospel while providing beauty services. A third group held a Vacation Bible School for children in the area. All three teams ended the day by sharing the JESUS film with local residents. That night, 17 people accepted Christ as their Savior.
On the second day, the team worked in the Los Libertadores community with missionaries Marleidy Sanchez and Ingrid Jochola. Together, along with 35 volunteers from the Interamerican University of Panama, they offered cleaning services for businesses in the area. The team also served in the beauty salon again, played soccer with youth in the community, and held another VBS. Later in the day, the team shared the JESUS film again, and this time 15 more people accepted Christ.
On the last day, the group met in the Rio Abajo Church of the Nazarene to worship for Sunday service where Kansas District Superintendent Jim Bond shared the message.
During the service, Panama Central District Superintendent Carlos de la Cruz presented a gift of recognition to the Slingerland family for their seven years of missionary work as they leave Panama to serve the global Church of the Nazarene in Kansas, USA.
After the service, the volunteer team went to the Juan Demosthenes community, where they cleaned, evangelized, and held a third VBS. During this time, nearly 30 more people accepted Christ as their Savior.
“We ask for your prayers for these Genesis sites, which are places that need the Lord,” said Joel Bermudez, Panama Central District Nazarene Youth International president. “We also ask for prayer for our four Genesis missionaries: Keila, Ingrid, Joselyn, and Marleidy. Pray that the Lord uses them and gives them great strength every day. We would like to thank all of the volunteers from Panama and Kansas for being instruments of the Lord.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
Panama City, Panama
Volunteers reach Panama communities through service
More than 60 volunteers from Panama and the Kansas District, USA, worked together 27-29 July with Genesis missionaries in Panama City.On the first day, the team worked alongside missionaries Keila Molina and Joselyn Garcia in the Carrasquilla community by painting, cleaning, repairing, and mowing at a local school, as well as providing anti-bullying training for the students.
The volunteers then split into groups to continue ministry amongst the community. One group delivered bags of food to local families in need. Another group worked at an evangelistic beauty salon where they shared the gospel while providing beauty services. A third group held a Vacation Bible School for children in the area. All three teams ended the day by sharing the JESUS film with local residents. That night, 17 people accepted Christ as their Savior.
On the second day, the team worked in the Los Libertadores community with missionaries Marleidy Sanchez and Ingrid Jochola. Together, along with 35 volunteers from the Interamerican University of Panama, they offered cleaning services for businesses in the area. The team also served in the beauty salon again, played soccer with youth in the community, and held another VBS. Later in the day, the team shared the JESUS film again, and this time 15 more people accepted Christ.
On the last day, the group met in the Rio Abajo Church of the Nazarene to worship for Sunday service where Kansas District Superintendent Jim Bond shared the message.
During the service, Panama Central District Superintendent Carlos de la Cruz presented a gift of recognition to the Slingerland family for their seven years of missionary work as they leave Panama to serve the global Church of the Nazarene in Kansas, USA.
After the service, the volunteer team went to the Juan Demosthenes community, where they cleaned, evangelized, and held a third VBS. During this time, nearly 30 more people accepted Christ as their Savior.
“We ask for your prayers for these Genesis sites, which are places that need the Lord,” said Joel Bermudez, Panama Central District Nazarene Youth International president. “We also ask for prayer for our four Genesis missionaries: Keila, Ingrid, Joselyn, and Marleidy. Pray that the Lord uses them and gives them great strength every day. We would like to thank all of the volunteers from Panama and Kansas for being instruments of the Lord.” (Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica)
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This week: Aruba
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Aruba in 2000.
Aruba had a population of 115,120 in 2017. That same year, Aruba reported one Church of the Nazarene, which is officially organized. Aruba has 563 total members.
Aruba is part of the Suriname District, a Phase 1 district on the Mesoamerica Region. For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.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.
Flags of the Nations: Aruba
The flag of Aruba consists of a red star and two yellow stripes. The red star represents the four points of the compass, with the island having drawn people from around the world. The star also represents the island itself, surrounded by the beautiful blue sea. The horizontal yellow stripes denote the free and separate position Aruba enjoys in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The blue represents the sea that surrounds Aruba; yellow is the color of abundance, representing the island's past and its industries of gold, aloe, and oil; red is for the love each Aruban has for the country and the ancient industry of Brazilwood; and white symbolizes the snow-white beaches as well as the purity of the hearts of Aruba's people who strive for justice, order and liberty.
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: Aruba
The Church of the Nazarene officially entered Aruba in 2000.
Aruba had a population of 115,120 in 2017. That same year, Aruba reported one Church of the Nazarene, which is officially organized. Aruba has 563 total members.
Aruba is part of the Suriname District, a Phase 1 district on the Mesoamerica Region. For more information about the Mesoamerica Region, visit mesoamericaregion.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.
Two of the four districts of Chile, the North District and the Bio Bio District, hosted their annual youth Bible quizzing events this July.
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries Internationalsuperintendents organized the event, and approximately 50 children between the ages of 7 and 12 participated in the quizzing competitions between the two districts.
This year, both districts selected books of the Old Testament: the Northern District studied the book of Jonah and the Bio Bio District studied the book of Joshua.
After the awards were handed out at the end of the competition, both districts participated in a time of worship to close out the event. (Church of the Nazarene South America)
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The camp was held at the Coronel Cortegana educational institute where more than 300 young adults participated.
The speakers were Luis Muro and Cester Gamonal Flores, who discussed the health of the soul, transformation of the mind, and discovering your gift.
Participants were involved in sports activities during the days and attended worship services in the evening held in the main square of the town.
Worship music was provided by the Cajamarca District worship band and by the music group EbenNai, who put on a concert at the end of the camp. (Church of the Nazarene South America)
Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries Internationalsuperintendents organized the event, and approximately 50 children between the ages of 7 and 12 participated in the quizzing competitions between the two districts.
This year, both districts selected books of the Old Testament: the Northern District studied the book of Jonah and the Bio Bio District studied the book of Joshua.
After the awards were handed out at the end of the competition, both districts participated in a time of worship to close out the event. (Church of the Nazarene South America)
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Celedín, Peru
NYI hosts youth camp in Peru
Nazarene Youth International of the Peru Cajamarca District hosted a youth camp in Celedín, Perú, from 8 to 11 August.The camp was held at the Coronel Cortegana educational institute where more than 300 young adults participated.
The speakers were Luis Muro and Cester Gamonal Flores, who discussed the health of the soul, transformation of the mind, and discovering your gift.
Participants were involved in sports activities during the days and attended worship services in the evening held in the main square of the town.
Worship music was provided by the Cajamarca District worship band and by the music group EbenNai, who put on a concert at the end of the camp. (Church of the Nazarene South America)
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Robert Armstrong, 69, of Skowhegan, Maine, passed away 21 August. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Ohio and Maine. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Armstrong.
W. Riley James Jr., 88, of Rising Fawn, Georgia, passed away 18 August. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christina James, in 1989. He is survived by his second wife, Etna James.
Peter Alfred Robinson, 91, of Adelaide, Australia, passed away 19 August. He was a retired minister, serving in Australia. He is survived by his wife, Enid (Slater) Robinson.
John Secor, 86, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away 10 August. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Betty Secor.
Margaret (Hatcher) Watkins-Skelton, 87, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 19 August. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and missionary president. She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Watkins, in 2011. She is survived by her second husband, Harlan Skelton.
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)
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 20-24 August 2018.Robert Armstrong, 69, of Skowhegan, Maine, passed away 21 August. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Ohio and Maine. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Armstrong.
W. Riley James Jr., 88, of Rising Fawn, Georgia, passed away 18 August. He was a retired minister and evangelist, serving in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christina James, in 1989. He is survived by his second wife, Etna James.
Peter Alfred Robinson, 91, of Adelaide, Australia, passed away 19 August. He was a retired minister, serving in Australia. He is survived by his wife, Enid (Slater) Robinson.
John Secor, 86, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away 10 August. He was a retired minister, serving in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Betty Secor.
Margaret (Hatcher) Watkins-Skelton, 87, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 19 August. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and missionary president. She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Watkins, in 2011. She is survived by her second husband, Harlan Skelton.
For previous editions of In Memoriam, see the "Passings" section by clicking here.
Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org. (Compiled by NCN News)
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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
Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International
Description: This person will provide general administrative support to the NYI director including meeting planning, logistics, finance, event planning, and other general projects.
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Communications Assistant (Part-time, 30 hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office
Description: This person will work closely with the USA/Canada communications coordinator to plan and implement the communications strategy for the USA/Canada Region. Specifically, this is done through the USA/Canada website. The person will assist with the planning and editing of the USA/Canada website, newsletters, and social media resources and will also work with the Global Communications team.
Interpretation & Translation Liaison/District Records Assistant (Full-time)
General Secretary’s Office
Description: This person will be responsible for facilitating requests for translation of documents and event interpretation. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with the reviewing and posting of global district journals.
To obtain additional information for GMC positions, please call 913-577-0500 and ask for Human Resources.
General Clerk (Part-time)
This position will assist with the planned giving work of the Foundation through interaction with constituents; maintenance of constituent records; and all other operations of the office environment which include but are not limited to answering the telephone, scanning documents, paperless filing, and data entry. 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.
Human Resources
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
Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
Nazarene Youth International
Description: This person will provide general administrative support to the NYI director including meeting planning, logistics, finance, event planning, and other general projects.
Administrative Director (Full-time)
Stewardship Development
Description: Reporting to the Global Communications director, this person will be responsible for daily oversight and administration of pastoral leadership development resourcing and growing a giving church culture through educational materials and training. This individual will oversee all fundraising, denominational marketing, brand development, and advancement strategies for constituent development and donor care.
Communications Assistant (Part-time, 30 hours/week)
USA/Canada Regional Office
Description: This person will work closely with the USA/Canada communications coordinator to plan and implement the communications strategy for the USA/Canada Region. Specifically, this is done through the USA/Canada website. The person will assist with the planning and editing of the USA/Canada website, newsletters, and social media resources and will also work with the Global Communications team.
Interpretation & Translation Liaison/District Records Assistant (Full-time)
General Secretary’s Office
Description: This person will be responsible for facilitating requests for translation of documents and event interpretation. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with the reviewing and posting of global district journals.
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.General Clerk (Part-time)
This position will assist with the planned giving work of the Foundation through interaction with constituents; maintenance of constituent records; and all other operations of the office environment which include but are not limited to answering the telephone, scanning documents, paperless filing, and data entry. 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.
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The Foundry Publishing (formerly Nazarene Publishing House) announced as of 1 October they will begin doing business with a new distribution partner. The move will end a five-year relationship with Dexter Solutions, which has leased facilities and equipment from The Foundry Publishing/NPH since 2014.
According to CEO Mark Brown, transitioning to a new distributor and consolidating inventory locations will give The Foundry Publishing more flexibility and free up assets to be used for ministry.
“We have appreciated the excellent service of Dexter Solutions but have determined it is time to transition to a new model, which will provide reduced costs and improved efficiencies,” Brown said.
The change will cause no interruption in quarterly Sunday School curriculum orders. All winter curriculum orders will be shipped in a timely manner from the new distribution center in October for use this December, January, and February.
“Although The Foundry Publishing staff is doing everything possible to ensure a seamless transition, delivery of some seasonal items may be interrupted in the transition,” Brown said.
Customers who typically order Caravan and teen or children’s quizzing materials during October and November should place their orders no later than 14 September to be sure their order is not placed on temporary backorder through the end of the year.
The Foundry Publishing toll-free order number, 800-877-0700, which has been in place for nearly 30 years, will remain the same.
“It is our privilege to partner with our churches and customers in ministry,” Brown said. “We appreciate the overwhelmingly positive responses to the recent changes and improvements and we look forward to serving the Church for many years to come.” (The Foundry Publishing)
Kansas City, Missouri
The Foundry Publishing partners with new distributor
According to CEO Mark Brown, transitioning to a new distributor and consolidating inventory locations will give The Foundry Publishing more flexibility and free up assets to be used for ministry.
“We have appreciated the excellent service of Dexter Solutions but have determined it is time to transition to a new model, which will provide reduced costs and improved efficiencies,” Brown said.
The change will cause no interruption in quarterly Sunday School curriculum orders. All winter curriculum orders will be shipped in a timely manner from the new distribution center in October for use this December, January, and February.
“Although The Foundry Publishing staff is doing everything possible to ensure a seamless transition, delivery of some seasonal items may be interrupted in the transition,” Brown said.
Customers who typically order Caravan and teen or children’s quizzing materials during October and November should place their orders no later than 14 September to be sure their order is not placed on temporary backorder through the end of the year.
The Foundry Publishing toll-free order number, 800-877-0700, which has been in place for nearly 30 years, will remain the same.
“It is our privilege to partner with our churches and customers in ministry,” Brown said. “We appreciate the overwhelmingly positive responses to the recent changes and improvements and we look forward to serving the Church for many years to come.” (The Foundry Publishing)
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Nazarene Communications Network
Material created and owned by Nazarene Communications 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
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