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East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene
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October 8, 2015
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| OUR DISTRICT PASTOR | 
Appreciation: Definition 1--"A full understanding of a situation."
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Through this month I want to recognize and appreciate pastors. Most people respect and admire pastors. Most people look at pastors and say, "That's a job I wouldn't want to do." But most people also have very little understanding of what a pastor does. In fact, I wish I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, "Just what do you actuallyDO?" People joke and say, "I wish I had a job where I only had to work one day a week!" I know they are joking when they say that, but the truth behind it is they really have no idea what a pastor does day in and day out. According to the definition above, they have no "appreciation" of the pastor. Let me share some of what most pastors do.
Pastors share God's Word in a practical, relevant way. We know this as preaching and Bible study. Pastors spend a lot of time studying, reflecting, thinking, learning and writing to preach a sermon. Churches hear a 30-minute sermon but don't see the hours that go into the preparation. Sermon preparation often happens when a pastor is driving, walking, or even eating a meal. Pastors are ALWAYS thinking about preaching. It's the difference between microwaving something and crock-potting a meal. Sermons are slow cooked. If you as a pastor are asked how much time you put into a sermon, you often couldn't tell anyone because you can't think of a time when your sermon isn't in the back of your mind working and developing.
Pastors love people. They visit the sick. They listen to stories, both good and sad. They pay attention to others. They get involved in the community and serve. They connect people to each other. They fix things for people. They counsel. These types of things are seldom on the day's to-do list. They just appear and pastors react to them. Some people say that loving others this way is being "Jesus with skin on." You probably don't see these things because pastors don't go around announcing all the ways they love others, but I'm sure you've been on the receiving end of some pastoral love so you know what I'm talking about.
Pastors run a small business. Some people don't like to talk about church this way. It seems unspiritual to compare the church to a business. But pastors have to lead meetings, plan agendas, work on finances, manage volunteers, solve conflict, oversee facilities, troubleshoot problems and many more things. If that's not running a business, I don't know what is. As much as churches want their pastors to work on a spiritual level, these tasks of keeping the church running are always present. The copier breaks, the toilets clog, the floors need swept, the doors need locked and unlocked. If you wonder what the pastor does, maybe we should have pastors not do those things for about two weeks and then we can appreciate the situation. Churches in pastoral transition often say, "I didn't realize all the little things the pastor did." That's because without the pastor there and the tasks undone, appreciation grows. The amount of hours this area of ministry life takes up is more significant than most people realize.
Pastors lead and model. There was a day when pastors were seen as Community Leaders. They were pillars of the town in similar ways as City Council members, business leaders and other professionals. Times have changed, but there is still a need for leadership from pastors. Pastors have learned to adapt to the changing times and have learned to influence in different ways. The apostle Paul said, "Follow me as I follow Christ" and pastors lead and model that for others. Many pastors model the Christian life by volunteering and serving in a public way which is needed. Pastors model what it's like to be a spouse, parent or grandparent to people inside and outside the church. This is not showing off or being prideful, but it's good leadership to say, "Watch me and I'll show you how to live out our beliefs." More than ever we need for pastors to model faith and holiness in our secular world.
As a pastor, I can remember coming home and having my wife, Janet, ask me, "So, what did you do today?" And often I would hesitate, not knowing how to answer. My day was full of conversations, prayers, study that was interrupted twenty different times. Phone calls that seemed important to other people but I would wonder if they were really necessary. Some days it just seemed like a lot of "stuff." To be honest there were days I wished I worked in a factory where I could say, "I made 1287 widgets." But then the question would change, "Well, did you make a difference in the world today?" Again I would hesitate and then answer, "Yeah. I think I did. Actually, I know I did." That's the life of a pastor.
With appreciation,
Dave Lutz
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| THE TOP TENS | 
We congratulate the following churches who led our district statistically for the month of September:
Top Numerical Gain Morning Worship: Kenmore Community (11); Dellroy (9);
Akron Cottage Grove (7); Akron East Liberty(5); East Liverpool First (5); Uhrichsville (5);
Barnesville (4); East Liverpool LaCroft (4); Fishcreek (3); and Rush Community (3). Top Numerical Gain Sunday School Attendance: Canton First (106); Fishcreek (17);
Lisbon (11); Newton Falls (11); Warren First (11); Canton Calvary (9); Tallmadge (8);
Akron Cottage Grove (8); Akron Southeast (5); Cuyahoga Falls (3); Shadyside (3); Greentown (3);
and Mineral City (3). Top Percentage Gain Sunday School: Canton First (86%); Akron Cottage Grove (73%);
Newton Falls (38%); Lisbon (28%); Tallmadge (27%); Fishcreek (19%); Canton Calvary (15%);
Shadyside (15%); Warren First (13%); and Akron Southeast (9%).
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NMI
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 East Ohio District Work & Witness
Founder's Club Offering - October 2015
Please join the East Ohio Work & Witness adventure. Over the last forty plus years the East Ohio District has participated in projects around the world. The teams have taken part in everything from construction to evangelism and Jesus Film showings.
October is one of the callings for Founders Club.
The Work and Witness Projects have a recommended cost of around $10,000.00 per team. These funds are used for materials that the team will need upon arrival. These funds are gathered through the Founder's Club. This is one way you can help support the East Ohio Work and Witness without ever leaving your home.
Each church is asked for their members to be sponsors of the Founders Club. Twice a year, in October and May, Founder's Club members contribute five dollars ($5.00) to this important ministry. Please encourage everyone to join Founder's Club and share in the blessing of this important ministry.
This April 1-12, 2016 the East Ohio District Work & Witness will be sending a team of 20 to do a Project in Asuncion, Paraguay. We will be working with missionaries Barry and Charlie Carney. It is very important that we have the funds raised and available to make this trip happen. Again we encourage your Children, Youth and Adults to get involved.
Please pray for the project, team members and the ones we will serve at Asuncion, Paraguay as we reach out to others around the world in Jesus name.
Click HERE for a copy of this article (doc)
Click HERE for a copy of this article (pdf) Click HERE for a bulletin insert (pdf)
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your District Work and Witness Coordinator. If I can be of service to you, or if you have additional questions, comments or concerns please contact me.
Ronald L. Burton
East Ohio District Work and Witness Coordinator
PO Box 93
Mineral City, Oh 44656
Phone # 330-859-2489
Cell # 330-312-4944
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| LOCAL CHURCH NEWS |
Fishcreek
INVITATIONAL QUIZ MEET - Saturday, November 14
Fishcreek Church of the Nazarene
4669 Fishcreek Rd., Stow, Ohio 44224 Registration begins at 9:30 am Cost: $3.00 per quizzer There will be a quiz bee on the memory verses! QUIZZING WILL COVER DIG SITES 1-10 RSVP: brookosborne4@gmail.com by Sept. 7 Click HERE for a copy of this flyer
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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
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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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| 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
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 REGISTRATION Due 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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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 OCTOBER
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OCTOBER
- Bonnie Gean Graham-10/1 (Retired)
- Randy Kelley-10/1 (Windham)
- Gage Aston-10/1/07 (Woodsfield)
- Gary and Ronda Morgan-10/6 (Niles First)
- Cindy Campitelli-10/7 (EOD
- Mike and Rachel Hirschfelt-10/7 (Akron East Liberty)
- Fred Wallis-10/7 (Fishcreek)
- Raven Skinner-10/8 (Canal Fulton)
- Clint Jones-10/9 (Warren Morgandale)
- Dennis Ballentine-10/10 (Leavittsburg First)
- Marcy Brewer-10/10 (Retired)
- Mike Moore-10/14 (EOD)
- Larry Brewer-10/17 (Retired)
- Janet Lutz-10/17 (EOD)
- Jim & Bonnie Burns-10/20 (Retired)
- Mark Deneen-10/20 (Retired)
- Chris Patton-10/20 (Cuyahoga Falls)
- Terry Passmore-10/20 (Kenmore Community)
- Joni Byus-10/21 (Hubbard)
- Tammi Gainer-10/21 (Retired)
- Rick & Sandy Swiger-10/24 (Leavittsburg)
- Tim & Gay Lee-10/24 (Massillon First)
- Marlene Deneen-10/25 (Retired)
- Pat Long-10/25 (Retired)
- Kelly & Sharon Green-10/27 (Wintersville)
- Karen Anderson-10/27 (Retired)
- Brian Brown-10/29 (Lisbon)
- Nate & Tonia Womack-10/30 (EOD)
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