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East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene
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September 4, 2015
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OUR DISTRICT PASTOR
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It's September...September of 2015. It's seven years after the huge financial collapse and fourteen years after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers. Many people believe that we are on the precipice of another catastrophic world event.
Janet and I went to dinner a week ago with some friends who wanted to spend some time with us before we made the final move to East Ohio. They picked us up and treated us to a very nice dinner. During dinner and on the ride home, the wife gave us a run down on a book she had read about the impending doom that is supposed to happen this month. Obviously I have not been paying attention because I guess this book and these ideas are widely known. (Maybe I've been preoccupied!) There are all these OT prophecies that foretold 9/11 and the economic collapse and they now foretell "something" that is about to happen.
I wasn't trying to be argumentative...okay maybe I was, but I kept asking about other tragedies that didn't neatly fall into the formula. "What about Katrina? That was 10 years ago. What is the prophecy for that?" "What about the Tsunami in Asia?" She was getting frustrated with me and finally out of exasperation she said, "You need to read the book! It's in the book! Our nation is going to be judged by God. Aren't you worried about that? And what are you going to do about it?" Just as she asked this, we pulled up in front of our house. I didn't get to answer her questions and I'm not sure she really wanted an answer. I'm not sure if you have had any conversations with anyone lately about these types of ideas, but like I said, there is a lot of concern out there right now about these issues. So, let me tell you what I think about her questions.
"Aren't you worried?" No, I'm not! I'm not a person that lives in denial and sticks my head in the sand but no amount of worry will change anything. Worry won't change your health (well, yes it will but in the opposite way you hope). Worry won't change your checkbook. Worry won't change your relationships. Worry won't change the world. We are instructed over and over in the Bible not to worry, not to fret, not to be anxious about anything. The reason is that God is in control!
Once upon a time God looked at our world that was so out of control and decided He would wipe it out with a flood. It was like He felt there was no hope so let's push the reset button. Afterwards, He said He would never do that again and gave us the sign of the rainbow as a covenant that He would never treat us that way again. Much of the fear today is that God will "flood" our world in a new way and wipe us completely out in judgment. But He promised He wouldn't do that and I believe the promises of God.
There will be a day when the events of the Book of Revelation take place. These events are unprecedented and have never before been experienced. The thoughts of them can be frightening. But the purpose of the book and vision that God gave to John was to bring us comfort and confidence. In fact, the book ends with, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus." When we realize all the wrongs that will be made right we should anticipate the Lord's return and not worry. If I didn't believe that God was in control I would be worried. Since He is, I'm fine.
"What are you going to do about this?" I'm not sure what my friend thought I should do. Maybe I should write a letter to the editor? Maybe stand on the corner with a sign? Maybe I should stock up on bottled water and toilet paper? Oh, I know! I should post stuff on Facebook multiple times a day (yes, I'm being sarcastic).
If we really believe that the end is near, Jesus told us what we should do. We should move into the fields and bring in the harvest. It's not uncommon to see lights from the combines into the wee hours of the night when it's harvest season. Farmers work hard during that season because you don't leave the crop out in the field to rot.
We worship. We love. We serve. We share the Gospel. We give to missions. We work because the days are drawing short. I think working for the kingdom is more obedient than talking non-stop about some book and theory and doing nothing.
Let me address one other comment my friend made. "You need to read the book." I know this is going to sound cliche, but the book we need to read is God's Word. In God's Word we are given hope, direction, instruction and encouragement. The one thing we are not given is fear. In today's world, fear sells. But hope soars!
I don't know what is going to happen this month. I don't know if it's something catastrophic or nothing at all. However I do know that we are never alone and that Jesus speaks to our souls, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Hope and Peace,
Dave Lutz
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TEAM MEETING - HOLINESS PASTORS' LEADERS' DAY
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The October TEAM meeting is October 6
Holiness Pastors' Leaders' Day - at Malone University.
Featuring Dr. Ron Smith
United Methodist Church Senior Pastor & Former President of Wesley Biblical Seminary and Francis Asbury Society
Pastors are encouraged to bring a lay leader from their church with them. Since we are using Malone University's catering service, the deadline for reservations is September 28, so please email (beth@eastohionaz.org) or call the district office (330-491-0115) soon to let us know how many from your church will be attending and that the money is on its way.
Thank you for your help with this.
Click Here to download the Holiness Pastors' Leaders' Day Flyer.
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NMI
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Alabaster Offering
 What is Alabaster? The Alabaster Offering provides funds for property and buildings around the world. While we understand the church consists of the people of God and not a building, buildings erected for the purpose of ministry help provide a sense of permanence, functionally enhance ministry efforts, and convey an attitude that the Church of the Nazarene intends to "put down roots." Alabaster funds help provide land for many Work & Witness projects, and the entire Alabaster Offering goes toward the purchase of land and construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes for missionaries and national workers. How Are Alabaster Offerings Received? The Alabaster Offering gets to the mission field via several avenues. The most widely used is the Alabaster Box. Individuals are challenged to regularly contribute the cost of items they desire but do not need. The boxes also serve as reminders to pray for those people who will benefit from Alabaster buildings.
In September and February, the money is collected. Sometimes a "march offering" is received with individuals carrying their boxes to the front of the church and pouring the money into a large offering container. The way an offering is received is as varied as the world areas in which the Church of the Nazarene has a presence; however, it is always accompanied with a spirit of rejoicing.
Many churches receive regular offerings throughout the year that are designated as Alabaster funds. (This is often a part of the Faith Promise plan for missions giving.) However, the semi-annual offerings should still be received, allowing opportunity for giving by those not participating in other ways.
Alabaster should be well-publicized. All ages are encouraged to participate with leaders educating local churches as to the need for centers of holiness evangelism around the world.
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| LOCAL CHURCH NEWS |
New Covenant Worship Center
Gospel Music Night with the Victory TrioSunday, Sept. 6th, 2015 at 6 p.m. New Covenant Worship Center
1900 Canfield Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511
A gospel ministry evangelistic team from Central Ohio, the Victory Trio started this group in 2009 with George McCorkle and his wife Sharon along with Joyce Lane Piatt. God has blessed them with four recording projects, and three national radio releases. Please invite a neighbor, friend, or family member and join us for a great night of music. A love offering will be taken for them.
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CANAAN ACRES FALL FESTIVAL
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CANAAN ACRES FALL FESTIVAL
Bring your friends and family out to Canaan Acres Fall Festival September 26th 2015, 10am to 3pm
If you want to show your classic car or would like to set up a craft or vendor table call for more information. 330-875-1660
Karen Magnus Canaan Acres Christian Camp 8020 Nazarene St. Louisville, OH 44641
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| PRIME TIME BANQUET |
Click Here for a promotional flyer
Click Here for a Sign-Up Sheet
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SDMI CONFERENCE ON CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
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| NYI FALL RETREAT |
Experience a weekend of seclusion and rest by the lake. There will be live music,
fall activities, fellowship,and opportunities to make decisions for Christ.
COST: $85 Students & Adult Leader Postmarked by Oct. 23rd
$95 Postmarked by Oct. 30th (No Walk-ins)
Where: FFA Camp Muskingum Carrollton, Ohio
Registration November 13th 6-8pm
Dismissal November 15th after lunch around 1pm
Hoodies will be PRE-SOLD ONLY this year. Cost is $20.
Click Here for the flyer, information, and sign-up. (pdf)
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| NYI BIBLE QUIZ SCHEDULE 2015-2016 |
East Ohio NYI 2015-16 Bible Quiz Schedule
September 19
| Rush | Galatians 1-5 | October 17
| Cuyahoga Falls | Galatians 1- Ephesians 2 | November 21-22
| Tristate at MVNU |
| December 12
| Columbiana | Galatians, Ephesians, thru Philippians 2 | | January 9 | Greentown | Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, thru Colossians 1 | February 13
| Orrville | Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon | | March 11-12 | Akron Arlington | District Finals All 5 Books | April 9
| Massillon
| Top 30 Quiz-off | | May 5-7 | Mt Vernon | Field Quiz |
Bible quizzing is starting up just around the corner. Coaches' meetings will start at 8am, and quizzing will start at 8:15am. Come and Bring your teens! This is a great chance to encourage your teens to study the word of God, promote fellowship with other teens from across the district and disciple your teens in their relationship with Christ.
Costs:- District quiz meets: $3 per quizzer
- Tri-state quiz: $35.00 per team entry fee, $5.00 discount for bringing any blue or computer working jump seats, $5.00 discount per team for multiple team entries from the same church
- District finals: $3 per quizzer, $10 per team
Tim Lee, District Quiz Director
330-324-1988
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| ANNUAL PASTORS' BREAKAWAY |  
The deadline for Pastors' Breakaway registration has been extended to September 15.
Please use the attached registration form and send to:
Michael Adkins
1200 Smith Ave SW
Canton, Ohio 44706
Where: Cedar Lakes in Ripley, W.Va.
When: September 28- October 1, 2015
Cost: $155 Double Motel Room ... Same buildings as last year!
Dorm Room $110
Cost includes 8 meals and lodging.
The linens and blankets are provided in double hotel room. Bring them for the dorm.
Deposit: $25 before September 15. Bring remainder or full payment with you.
Please register and have all costs paid at Breakaway.
Bring items for the auction on Monday night! The auction will help pay for late night pizzas!
- Casual dress
- Golfing, Hiking, Fishing, Tennis, Basketball etc.
- Disc Golf
- Annual Goose Bowl Football Game (2 hand tap of course)
- Free time for renewal, recreation and fellowship
- Meetings each evening
Use this form to register:
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Name _____________________________Phone______________
Church_______________________________________________
Deposit $25_______ In Full
Double Motel Room $155______
Dorm $110________
Room Mate ________________________________________
No Room Mate preference________
All prices are per person - Cost for Motel Room based on 2 people
Check payable to: East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene
Send to: Michael Adkins 1200 Smith Ave SW, Canton OH 44706
Click Here for The Annual Pastors' Breakaway 2015 Map (pdf)Click Here for the updated Registration Form for 2015
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| LADIES' RETREAT |
The District Ladies Retreat
Friday & Saturday, October 9-10, 2015
Special Speaker: Jeannie McCullough
Worship Leader: Heather Eastin
You will find additional information on Registration Form and Flyer for the retreat linked at the end of this paragraph. Early registration can save you money. Call Barbara Wallis with questions at: 330-673-8538 or 330-401-8039.
Click HERE for the flyer.
Click HERE for the registration form
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Early bird registration by August 10, 2015: $45 each
After August 10, 2015: $50 each
Ten or more registering together: $45 each
Price includes lunch on Saturday and all 3 sessions with Jeannie and Heather. Supper Friday night and breakfast Saturday are on your own. The Grace Cafe will be have donuts and coffee for sale.
Extend the retreat experience by staying with your friends at a local hotel before the sessions begin. Special rates of $99 are available at the Hampton Inn located at 4331 Lakepointe Corporate Dr. in Stow, OH. Call 330-945-4160 and ask for the Church of the Nazarene room block before September 8. All rooms will be released after that date. They offer a complimentary breakfast, heated indoor pool and exercise equipment. You are responsible for all expenses at the hotel.
Location of Retreat and Payment Address:
Fishcreek Church of the Nazarene
4669 Fishcreek Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
www.fishcreeknaz.org
Barbara Wallis
East Ohio District Women's Ministries Director
330-401-8039
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| DISTRICT LAY FALL RETREAT |
DISTRICT LAY FALL RETREAT 
November 6-8 Mohican State Park Lodge Jonathan White - Speaker / Singer REGISTRATION INFORMATION  EARLY REGISTRATIONDue by September 7, 2015
Double Occupancy.....$400
Single Occupancy......$300
LATE REGISTRATION
September 8 - October 7
Double Occupancy.....$415
Single Occupancy.......$310
*** PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE ***
Make checks payable to Laymen's Retreat Please use the link below for more information Click Here for brochure, registration, and payment form (pdf) Back To Table of Contents |
2015 AND 2016 CMP REGISTRATION FORMS and LATEST
UPDATE
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To All Certificate of Ministry Preparation Program Participants: Listed here are the registration forms for the 2015 and 2016 CMP classes as well as a link to the MVNU CMP website. Please make note that you can register ahead of time for all classes, or you can register one session at a time. However, the registration deadline for each session is the Monday of the WEEK PRIOR to the start of the session.
Click here for the CMP page at MVNU website (the "Register Here" tab is for the 2015 CMP courses. The "2016 Registration" tab is for the 2016 CMP courses.) Blessings,
Rev. Tracy Ogden Johnson
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| MVNU COLLEGIANS CHORALE SINGS AT INDIANS GAME |
MVNU COLLEGIANS CHORALE SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM AT CLEVELAND INDIANS GAME FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2015  Collegians Chorale will sing the National Anthem at the Cleveland Indians vs Chicago White Sox game
Friday, September 18. Game time is 7:10pm; Collegians Chorale will sing by 6:45pm. All tickets must be purchased online at the link below. $4 is added to the discounted $18 price to help with the choir's transportation. Please inform family members, alumni, friends and church groups to assemble a large crowd to support MVNU and Collegians at this game. Contact Bob Tocheff with any questions. btocheff@mvnu.edu Click this link below to purchase: Cleveland Indians Game password: TRIBE Robert Tocheff Professor of Music 740-397-9000, ext. 3005 740-392-1689 (fax) 740-398-3392 (cell)
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SONFEST 2015 - MVNU
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This year's outdoor festival takes place on Saturday, September 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Doors will open at 12:00 p.m.
- General admission price is $15 per person in advance.
- Groups of 10 or more are $12 per person in advance.
- All tickets purchased at the gate will be $20 per person (cash/check only).
A special VIP ticket is also available for $40. This includes a festival laminate, a t-shirt, prime seating, and artist meet and greet opportunities. VIPs also get early entry to the event starting at 11am.
Click on the footer below for the MVNU Sonfest website!
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TRAVEL TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN WITH MVNU
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Friends,
The School of Theology and Philosophy will be traveling to Israel and Jordan in the Spring of 2016. This is an amazing trip which will offer once in a lifetime opportunities for district leaders, pastors, lay leaders and anyone interested in learning more about the Biblical lands. This is your special invitation to join our MVNU faculty and students!
You can take this trip as a leisurely activity but if you sign up for a class (undergraduate or graduate, audit or for credit, courses) offered with this trip, it can count towards lifelong learning hours and continuing education. Certificate of Ministry Preparation credit in Bible can be earned on this trip as well.
It is our desire to introduce many of our pastors and people to the Holy Land and we hope that you can help us promote this wonderful trip. For more information please visit our website at mvnu.edu/bibletrips.
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Itinerary Includes:
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Tel Aviv
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Sepphoris
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Mount Carmel
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Caesarea
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Petra
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Jordan River
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Nazareth
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Bethlehem
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Sea of Galilee
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Caesarea Philippi
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Jerusalem
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Dead Sea
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Capernaum
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Qumran
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Gethsemane
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We will visit many of the most sacred and significant sites of the Bible including the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of the Nativity, the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and much more. Check out our full itinerary here.
Contact:
Dr. C. Jeanne Serrao, Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy
800 Martinsburg Road | Mount Vernon, OH 43050
740-392-6868, ext. 3600 | Email: jeanne.serrao@mvnu.edu
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| DISTRICT PASTORAL AND RETIREES BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR SEPTEMBER |
 SEPTEMBER
- Broe & Patty Davis-9/1 - (Warren First)
- Kendra Jackson-9/5/99 (Calcutta)
- Don & Tammi Gainer-9/8 (Retired)
- Ed Spangler-9/9 (Retired)
- Ernie Creamer-9/11 (Retired)
- Bethany Angel-9/11/97 (EOD)
- Sydney Patton-9/11/08 (Cuyahoga Falls)
- Thelma Medley-9/12 (Retired)
- David Peters-9/12 (Retired)
- Dan & Raven Skinner -9/12/11 (Canal Fulton)
- Dennis Hancock-9/14 (Shadyside)
- Ray & Bea Hassinger-9/16 (Retired)
- Anita Taylor-9/21 (Atwater)
- Mike Travis-9/21 (Uhrichsville)
- Neil & Anita Taylor-9/22 (Atwater)
- Joe Frank-9/29 (Norton Community)
- Mickey Decker-9/30 (Retired)
- David Arnott-9/30 (EOD)
- Fred & JoAnn Kirchner-9/30 (Retired)
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