East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene
January 7, 2016
  OUR DISTRICT PASTOR

Happy New Year! I hope that 2015 was a blessed and joy-filled year and that 2016 will be even better!
 
I don't know if you are a resolution maker or a goal setter. Every year I try to do a few of each. Some I've been successful at, others not so much. But if we don't aim at something how do we know if we have hit or missed? I like to be more intentional towards things in life so that's why it's important for me to set these goals. Over the next few weeks, I'll share some goals I've set and why I feel they are important.
 
Today I want to share some of my reading goals. Every year I write down a list of books that I hope to work through in the coming year. They cover theology and Bible study, leadership, personal development and skill building. A few of these books I started but didn't finish so it's time to make that happen. Here's my list.
 
Theology of Love - Mildred Bangs Wynkoop. It's a book on holiness that I've always meant to get around to, but just never have. This is the year.
 
Theology of Luck - Rob Fringer and Jeff Lane. Normally I wouldn't give this a look, but it's a Beacon Hill Press book. I thought, "What do holiness and luck have in common?" I gave it a second glance and now I'm intrigued.
 
The God Plot - Timothy Green. He's a genius and I want to learn from him.
 
Ichabod Towards Home - Walter Brueggemann. Reading him stretches me to think hard and I always learn something profound.
 
Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts -Becoming the Person You Want to Be - Marshall Goldsmith. I've read his other two books, Mojo and What Got You Here Won't Get You There. This is beyond self-help-type fluff. He thinks and writes at a depth that has real substance. Since we preach and lead for change and not just information, I'm looking forward to see what Goldsmith has to say.
 
Switch - How to Change Things When Change is Hard - Chip and Dan Heath. This is a book I've started and haven't finished. If you want to know how to lead change, this is a must read. I can't emphasize it enough...Switch will help teach you how to lead change!
 
Decisive - Chip and Dan Heath. I like these guys so much I saw they had a newer book available. Since making good decisions is crucial let's see what they have to say.
 
Contagious Culture - Anese Cavanaugh. I saw this at the bookstore and it intrigued me. We have to create the proper cultures for desired results to take place. If you want a perfect example, think NFL franchises (Browns vs. Steelers). Shaping culture is hard, but success never happens out of a losing culture.
 
Standout 2.0 - Marcus Buckingham. If you have read Strengthsfinder and taken the survey, and follow those understandings, this is a new book with an evaluation tool. Self awareness is good and I look forward to working through this book and understanding the tool.
 
Wellbeing - Tom Rath. This is another book from the Gallop people that I began but did not finish. If we are going to run a good race we need a manageable pace. This helps us to have health in the different areas of life. If you won't do it for yourself, do it for the people around you and read this book.
 
Word Hero - Jay Heinrichs. Have you listened to people like Stan Toler or John Maxwell and thought, "I wish I could come up with powerful, memorable statements that drive my thoughts home?" This book teaches you how to do just that. You will be amazed at how you begin to craft sentences others will begin repeating. (Yes, this is ANOTHER book I started and never finished!) You can learn to get to "the pith" which is a skill every preacher needs!!
 
Primary Greatness - Stephen Covey. What is the difference between primary and secondary greatness? What are the things that truly matter and last? These are the questions discussed in this book.
 
For Bible study this year I want to work more in depth through some of the historical books...Joshua-Chronicles. I'm looking forward to spending time in these books that I haven't for a while. I'm praying that God will teach me, shape me and form me as I'm learning a new position of leadership.
 
So, that's my plan for this year. I'd like to hear what you are reading and learning. Pastors from East Ohio, go over to our East Ohio Pastors' Facebook page and join in with a discussion about the things you are planning to read this year. We all help each other and learn from each other.
 
Have a Great New Year!
 
Dave Lutz


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 IN THIS ISSUE   
BackToTop
OUR DISTRICT PASTOR
MINISTERS' AND MATES' RETREAT
TEAM MEETING
LOCAL CHURCH NEWS
EOD INVITATIONAL CHILDREN'S QUIZ
DISTRICT BLAST / LEADERSHIP EXPLOSION
CLERGY KIDS RETREAT
CHURCH FINANCE WORKSHOP - MVNU
TRAINING FOR 10 - MVNU
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LITERATURE FROM NPH
NYI BIBLE QUIZ SCHEDULE 2016
2016 CMP REGISTRATION FORM
CHURCH PLANTING BASIC TRAINING
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN WITH MVNU
DISTRICT PASTORAL AND RETIREES BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR JANUARY

 QUICK LINKS  

  MINISTERS' AND MATES' RETREAT

February 2-4, 2016 at the Carlisle Inn, Sugarcreek, Ohio

Please Have Your Reservations to the District Office by Wednesday, January 20!


We are looking forward to this year's retreat with our special guest speaker,
Dr. Eddie Estep. 

Dr. Eddie Estep is the District Superintendent of the South Carolina District Church of the Nazarene.  In addition, he is an author, and gifted speaker.  His wife, Diane, will be attending also.



Click HERE for a flyer / registration form 
Click HERE for room descriptions and directions

Registration begins at 4:00 p.m. on February 2 and Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. at the Dutch Valley Restaurant banquet room.

The cost of this year's workshop will be $425* per couple (double room occupancy) and $325* per  single (single room occupancy).

Special rates are available for those who cannot stay overnight.  1 to 4 services = $40 per couple and $20 per single; add $18 per person per dinner and $15 per person for lunch.

(First 10 double reservations-able to stay entire retreat-(including payment) received at the district office will get to stay in a Deluxe Executive Room;* next 12 reservations-able to stay entire retreat (including payment) received will get a King Bed Room with Hideaway; all other rooms have 2 queen beds.)  There are 3 two-bedroom suites available for couples to share.  If interested please, indicate here. ____________

All reservations must be received at the District Office by January 20th.

Please send a check with the reservation form below.  Make your checks payable to the East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene and send to 4450 Belden Village St. NW, Suite 600, Canton, OH  44718.

*This price includes dinner Tuesday evening; breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday,; and breakfast Thursday.  Please indicate on reservation form if you prefer vegetarian meals.

If you would like to arrive early on Monday or stay over on Thursday, you may do so at the same special retreat rate per night.  Please call the Carlisle Inn to make the additional reservations separately and let them know you will be attending our retreat at 855-411-2275.

=====================================================================

RESERVATION FORM FOR MINISTERS' AND MATES' RETREAT

February 2-4, 2016

CHURCH ____________________________________________         Total Attending _____________________

# Room/s Needed:  Single ______     Double ______ Name/s of those attending:           

                                              ___________________________________________________________

                                              ___________________________________________________________

 

                                              ___________________________________________________________

                                              ___________________________________________________________


=====================================================================
 
  TEAM MEETING



Click HERE for a copy of this flyer


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 LOCAL CHURCH NEWS
 
Grace 

OPEN HOUSE
Please join us as we celebrate the retirement
of Reverend Robert Donato

Saturday, January 16, 2016
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 

Grace Church of the Nazarene
5253 W. Webb Road
Youngstown, OH 44515
RSVP 330-652-7008

Click HERE for a copy of the announcement 
 


Kenmore Community


Members of Kenmore Community are collecting sports equipment new or used to take with us to donate to schools, communities, and individual children when we return to Nicaragua! The multi-church group that went in 2014 took "tons" of basketballs, soccer balls, jerseys, etc. and we're looking to take even more when we return in July 2016.  Please share this need and pray for God to bless this effort in a mighty way so we can share God's Love with the children of Nicaragua through sports!

We also have space on the trip. If you would like more information on being a team member please contact trip coordinator Harley Weidlich at 330-608-6570  with any questions or concerns .....Thank You and God Bless!

Terry W. Passmore
Pastor
Kenmore Community


Tallmadge

Thank you East Ohio District!

Amanda Brant began her journey Monday morning, January 4, 2016, with a 7am flight from Cleveland towards Papua New Guinea.

  • Thank you for your prayer support, please continue!
     
  • Financial support is still needed, please continue!
 
Tallmadge Church of the Nazarene 


Warren First

We would love for you to prayerfully consider your church or any of the individuals in your church participating and/or volunteering in our efforts to reach the Community for Christ in the Warren and surrounding areas through something as simple as a Basketball.  We also have room if you have a child between the ages of 5 to 3rd grade that would want
to play Basketball with us.

There are many ministry opportunities that anyone can be involved in such as:
  • Coaches 
  • Referees
  • Prayer Partners
  • Concession Worker
  • Greeters
  • Host Families
  • Those who would want to be involved in Halftime Shows.
Schedule: 
  • Evaluation Dates: Jan. 7th - 6-8pm , Jan 9th & Jan 16th - 10am-12pm        
  • First Practice starts Monday Feb. 8th
  • First Game starts Saturday Feb. 27th
  • Awards Celebration Is Thursday, April 14th 
If interested or if you have any questions please contact:
James Davis (Jimmy), Upwards Sports Basketball Director
(330) 984-9957 
or the Church Office
(330) 898-4771



 
  EOD INVITATIONAL CHILDREN'S QUIZ

EOD Invitational Children's Quiz
Saturday, January 16th, 2016

New Covenant Worship Center Church of the Nazarene
Check-In at 9:30 a.m., Opening at 10 a.m.

Please Register Your Red and Blue Quizzers by First and Last Name
Register at  pastorjeffyg@gmail.com 

We will be covering Dig Sites 1 - 15 
Quizzing Bee to Follow Regular Quizzing
 
This will be the final Invitational Quiz before the Area Quiz on February 27th, 2016. Invitationals are a great way for you to practice and prepare for the two major quizzes (Area and District) that qualify you for Regionals in May of 2016.

Please plan now to attend!
We look forward to meeting and greeting you ALL. 

Pastor Jeff and Terri Gilkerson,
EOD Children's Quizzing Directors    



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  DISTRICT BLAST / LEADERSHIP EXPLOSION

January 29-30, 2016
District  Blast Registration

    1) Go to MVNU.edu/blast to register online.
    2) Send waiver/registration form (both forms need to be filled
        out completely) and check to:

Molly Davis
44733 Heck rd
Columbiana, Oh 44408

     3) Make check for registration fee payable to: "East Ohio NYI"
  • Adults/Sponsors FREE!
  • Regular Fee (postmarked by 1/13/16): $25
  • LATE FEE (postmarked 1/14-1/20-16): $30
  • No Money will be accepted on the 29th
  • Community Center non-competitor: $15
(Registration fee does not include room/board)

District Blast Schedule

FRIDAY
Salem Community Center
     7:00  Athletics & Arts/Crafts Events at Salem Community Center
     7:00 - 9:30 Swimming Pool open
     12:00  To hotels

SATURDAY
Columbiana Nazarene
9:00  Opening Worship @ Columbiana Nazarene
9:30  Youth Break-out sessions and Youth Leader Training
10:30  Music/Creative Ministries/Academic Events
2:00  President's Report, NYI Elections & Awards
3:30  Depart for home

Click HERE for BLAST Registration


Leadership Explosion

Leadership Explosion is our District NYI convention. It will take place at the conclusion of Blast on January 30th at 2pm. It will take place at Columbiana Church of the Nazarene.

Convention is where we elect our district NYI officers for the upcoming year as well as hear from our District NYI President. You will hear about new and upcoming events for NYI and put faces with names of our leadership team.

Pastors and leaders: It is a chance for you to see some of the outstanding talent that has been shared at Blast and support your students during the awards that follow NYI Convention.

Below are a couple of resources that will need filled out for convention. One is a form to fill out with your leader's information and names of delegates. The other is a check list with items that we feel are important to youth ministry at the local level. It's a check list just for you to look back at the balance of your youth ministry. Those can be turned into Renee' Avery or Chad Taylor at or before Leadership Explosion.

If you choose to come to part of Blast there will be a Youth Leader Training Session that morning at 9:30am.

Click HERE for Rating Form
Click HERE for Delegate Form


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 CLERGY KIDS RETREAT

Attention:  Students, Parents, and District Leaders. 
 
We are less than a month away from the registration deadline for Clergy Kids Retreat.  Registrations are coming in consistently, but we don't want anyone to miss out. 

The deadline to guarantee a spot is January 7. There may be a few spaces open after that, but each year we come close to maxing out. Here is a bonus, just for fun: Every student who is registered (with at least $25 deposit) by 11:59pm on December 31 will be entered into a drawing. Two students will receive $10 of Kalahari bucks good for snack shops, arcade games, black-light mini-golf, etc.  See the necessary retreat details and registration link below.

Can you believe this winter will be our 10th Annual Clergy Kids Retreat?  It has been an amazing event God has truly used and a tremendous blessing to so many of the pastoral families across the East Central Region Districts.

The details and registration info is found at http://www.mvnu.edu/churchrelations/ckretreat.  Here are the basics:
  • Date: Saturday - Monday, February 13-15, 2016
  • Who: Teens (grades 7-12) of Nazarene clergy
  • Location: Kalahari Resort & Water Park - Sandusky, Ohio
  • Cost: $109/person for single-student families; $99/person for multiple-student families  (The East Ohio District will give each clergy kid a $50 scholarship toward the registration cost.  When registering please subtract the $50 off what you send in and Tom Duncan will notify the district what is owed following the retreat.)
  • Sign-up: Registration & $25 deposit is due Jan 7. Balance & Medical Release due Feb 2.
Thank you again for your support of this wonderful event!

Tom Duncan

ps. I have also attached a sheet of testimonials in case you are interested.

Click HERE for the testimonial sheets  
 
 
  CHURCH FINANCE WORKSHOP - MVNU
Registration and Workshop Details:  http://mvnu.edu/churchrelations/clear.asp
 
Click HERE for a copy of this flyer


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  TRAINING FOR 10 - MVNU

Training for 10
There is no "I" in Youth Leader:
Developing Student and Adult Leaders in your Church

February 27, 2016   9:30am-3pm

  • This training event is priced and planned for you to bring your youth ministry leadership team for a day of interactive training!
  • Coming alone? No problem. We will connect you with other youth leaders flying solo to network and brainstorm together about your ministries!
  • It doesn't matter if you are full-time, part-time, volunteer or something in between... this day will apply to everyone and any team... we may even ask some of the most experienced youth pastors attending to help lead some of the small group discussions!
  • We've added a couple hours to the day based on feedback from past training events, so we have more time to allow you to talk through things with each other!
  • Space is limited to first 120 participants.
  • Trainer: Chris Riggs is the Associate Pastor to Families with Youth at South Charleston First Church of the Nazarene.
WHAT DO YOU GET?
  • Over 4 hours of engaging youth ministry training
  • Continental breakfast
  • A link with all the content from the seminar for you to download, including: Seminar Outlines, Seminar Presentation Slides and other free resources.

    This event will be at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and the cost is $10.
    Go to gotomvnu.com to register.

 

 

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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LITERATURE FROM NPH

Click HERE or on the graphic below to connect to the website.

 
 NYI BIBLE QUIZ SCHEDULE 2016

East Ohio NYI 2016 Bible Quiz Schedule

January 9GreentownGalatians, Ephesians, Philippians, thru Colossians 1
February  13
OrrvilleGalatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon
March 11-12Akron ArlingtonDistrict Finals  All 5 Books
April 9
Massillon
Top 30 Quiz-off
May 5-7Mt VernonField Quiz
 
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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 2016 CMP REGISTRATION FORM

To All Certificate of Ministry Preparation Program Participants:
 
Listed here is the registration form for the 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
Click here for the 2016 Registration form (doc) 
Click here for the 2016 Registration form (pdf) 

If you have any question about the program in general, feel free to contact me at togdenjohnson@sbcglobal.net. If you have questions about registration or the CMP course schedule, please contact Zach Sherman at zachary.sherman@mvnu.edu 

Blessings,

Rev. Tracy Ogden Johnson


 

 CHURCH PLANTING BASIC TRAINING

Church Planting Essentials (CPE) is a three-day church planting "basic training."

The materials were created by Dynamic Church Planting International (DCPI), based upon years of working in mission areas where the church is expanding rapidly. Churches Planting Churches (CPC) is a three-day church sponsorship 101.  Certified Trainer Training (CT) equips and certifies participants to re-teach the materials in their local context. It is provided at no extra cost and requires attendance at a session the day before one's other chosen track and the day after (see schedule below).  Please note that lay people are encouraged and welcome to participate.

Why this training and not something else?
  • It's Simple: Basic principles to apply to a variety of church plant models in many contexts
  • It's Reproducible: Geared toward creating churches that will multiply
  • It's Re-Teachable: Contains sessions that certify attendees to reteach the material
  • It's Low-Cost: The cost (noted below) covers your registration fee and some meals. Travel, lodging, and any remaining expenses would be on your own.
Where will it be held and how much will it cost?
Wadsworth Church of the Nazarene - 734 High Street - Wadsworth, OH 44281 - Your $39 cost covers your registration fee and three lunches (Tuesday - Thursday). Lodging is recommended at the following hotels: Holiday Inn - 231 Park Center Dr. - Wadsworth, OH 44281 - (330) 334-7666 OR Comfort Inn - 5 Park Center Dr.- Wadsworth, OH 44281 - (330) 336-7692 Breakfast is included at both hotels. Travel & other expenses are on your own.

What does the basic schedule look like for this training?

(CT)
Monday, April 181:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Certified Trainer Training Part 1

Tuesday, April 198:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.CPE & CPC Day 1

Wednesday, April 208:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.CPE & CPC Day 2

Thursday, April 218:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.CPE & CPC Day 3
(CT)
Friday, April 228:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.Certified Trainer Training Part 2

To register, visit  http://www.cvent.com/d/9fq738
More information, a sample schedule, and video: http://www.usacanadaregion.org/planting-training
Other questions? Contact Special Events Assistant, Joy Wilson at jwilson@nazarene.org

Click HERE for a flyer and more information (pdf)


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TRAVEL TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN WITH MVNU

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Itinerary Includes:

Tel Aviv

Sepphoris

Mount Carmel 

Caesarea

Petra

Jordan River 

Nazareth

Bethlehem

Sea of Galilee 

Caesarea Philippi

Jerusalem

Dead Sea 

Capernaum

Qumran

Gethsemane 


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 JANUARY





 
JANUARY
  • Jeff & Terri Gilkerson - 1/2 (New Covenant)
  • Ed & Karen Spangler-1/4 (Retired)
  • Jeff Gilkerson-1/4 (New Covenant)
  • Brett & Serenity Warkentine-1/5 (Rush Community)
  • Darryl & Tracy Ogden Johnson-1/6 (Ravenna First)
  • Rick Chappell-1/7 (EOD)
  • Bonnie Burns-1/9 (EOD)
  • Axa Whetstone-1/14 (EOD)
  • Rhonda Coker-1/14 (Powhatan Point)
  • Zelda Burns-1/17 (Retired)
  • Paul Decker-1/17 (Retired)
  • Carolyn Hardy-1/17 (East Liverpool LaCroft)
  • Ron Whittenberger-1/18 (Retired)
  • Gay Lee-1/21 (Massillon First)
  • Arnie Yost-1/21 (Shepherd's Hill)
  • Josiah Brown-1/22/04 (Lisbon)
  • Don Lawson-1/25 (Martins Ferry)
  • Georgia Patton-1/25 (Cuyahoga Falls)
  • Terri Smith-1/28 (EOD)
  • Olivia Patton-1/31/11 (Cuyahoga Falls)