|
East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene
|
February 25, 2016
|
|
|
|
| OUR DISTRICT PASTOR | 
It's the season of Lent. We are moving towards the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry. There is the arrest, the trial, the crucifixion, and finally the resurrection. Lent is a serious time. Lent is an intense time. Lent is a time we allow the Holy Spirit to look deeply into who we are and invite His conviction. God wants to shape us and mold us into the holy people He desires for us to be. -Lent quiets our hearts and minds to hear the voice of God. -Lent slows our lives to allow God to take action. -Lent softens our wills so that God can be fully in charge.
Over the next few weeks I want to talk about some of the important themes in the season of Lent. I try to revisit these themes year after year during this time of year.
One of the important themes I revisit is the idea of intention. I look at the parables that Jesus taught in Matthew 25 and intention is a major theme. Jesus talked about the 10 virgins with the lamps, the three servants who were given talents, and the sheep and goats. In all three of these parables there was intention to be obedient. I see a progression of intention leading to effort. Effort leads to obedience which results in a lifestyle of godly behavior. The flipside of the intentional life is living accidentally. There was no effort and the final results were disappointment and disobedience. Let me tell you about an article I read in the paper this morning. It stated that sales of breakfast cereal are declining. The reason is that Millennials don't eat cereal. The reason they don't eat cereal is that they claim to be too busy and can't take the effort it takes to have cereal for breakfast. My first thought was, "Since when is cereal a high effort meal?" In fact I'm not sure I can think of too many meals that take less effort than cereal. Cereal is pretty much pour it out of a box, add milk, and eat. But Millennials said the clean-up was time consuming. Again, it seems pretty effortless to put the milk back in the refrigerator and rinse your bowl out at the sink. The people who think cereal is too much work are probably also the people who fall into the negative roles in Jesus' parables. They are the ones who fell asleep and didn't have any oil, or the servant who buried his talent, or the goats who never did any good deeds. Being intentional is more than having good intentions. The servant who was punished in the parable of the talents knew about the master. He knew what was expected. He knew the master was demanding. Knowing is not enough. Being intentional is combining effort with what we know. It's facing the correct direction and then taking steps to begin the journey. So, let me throw out a couple of questions to meditate on during this week of Lent: --Where am I spending effort in my life that is unproductive? --What is something I know I should do or be involved in that I am not doing? --What is something I have good intentions of doing, but never seem to get around to doing? I'm praying for you this week. May God be near to you and you hear His voice clearly within your heart. Dave Lutz
|
| PALCON |
May 31 - June 2, 2016
RENEW - Hearing Again God's Call to Ministry
ReVision: Imagining a future based on hope and faith
ReTool: Learning to understand and reach our changing culture
ReFocus: Seeing people the way God sees them
ReFresh: Feeling the excitement of being in partnership with God
Dear Pastors and Leaders, PALCON is created with you in mind. It is shaped by the reality of the transforming power of the gospel and by a commitment to create time and space for connecting with colleagues in ministry who understand the opportunities and realities of ministry.
CONFERENCE PRICING OPTIONS:
FULL ACCESS. Attend the entire 3-day conference for only $179 per person, whether you elect to stay on-campus or off-campus. Includes 8 meals, beginning with dinner on May 31 (Good news! There is no additional charge for on-campus housing!).
ONE-DAY ACCESS. Attend Day 2 or Day 3 of the conference for only $99 per person per day. Includes 3 meals (Overnight on-campus lodging is not available to One-Day Access registrants).
Both Registrations Include Complimentary...
- Alan Hirsch APEST Profile
- MVNU LEAP Seminar on April 15, 2016 with Dan Wallace (Must register for PALCON by 4/1/16.)
Questions? Call 800-306-7651 or email palcon@nazarene.org.
Get the PALCON APP! This is a great way to keep the schedule at your fingertips, receive updates, etc. Look for the link in your registration confirmation email. Click HERE for PALCON registration information Back To Table of Contents |
| NAZARENE WORLD WEEK OF PRAYER |
Nazarene World Week of Prayer
Sunday, February 28 - Saturday, March 5, 2016
The Nazarene World Week of Prayer is an annual event occurring during the week that includes the World Day of Prayer (the first Friday in March). During this week Nazarenes dedicate themselves to interceding for our church and our world. Special requests are provided for a regional prayer plan.
Coordinating with the interdenominational World Day of Prayer (Friday, March 4), the Nazarene World Week of Prayer was begun with hopes that this event would re-ignite prayer flames, deepen commitment to prayer and fasting, and precipitate revival in our churches and lives.
|
| ALABASTER OFFERING |
Alabaster Offering
 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.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Please Read = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Hello NMI Presidents & Pastors,
I would like to take a few moments to talk about the offerings that we take up for NMI.
I have been asked several times this month about using our Alabaster offering for another purpose. While the need was great, I need to make it clear that all offerings collected for specific NMI areas, have to go for their designated purpose. This includes Alabaster offerings.
This is a statement from Lola Brickey, Global NMI Director:
Monies given for a purpose, must be used for that purpose. In the United States, organizations have lost their charitable tax status for diverting funds to a purpose other than what it was given.
From the NMI Constitution: Article VII, Section 1. C. 1. No part of the world Evangelism Fund and Approved Mission Specials shall be used for local or district expense or charitable purposes.
From the Manual:
154. All funds raised by the local Nazarene Missions International (NMI) for general interests of the Church of the Nazarene shall be applied to the World Evangelism Fund apportionment of the local church with the exception of mission special projects that have been approved by the Ten Percent Committee.
154.1. After primary consideration has been given to the full payment of the World Evangelism Fund, opportunities may be given to make offerings for the support of global missionary work, such contributions to be known as "approved mission specials."
155. Funds for the support of general interests shall be raised in the following manners:
155.1. From gifts and offerings designated for the World Evangelism Fund and general interests.
155.2. From special offerings such as Easter and Thanksgiving.
155.3. No part of the above funds shall be used for local or district expense or charitable purposes.
If anybody has any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Respectfully, Mark Miller District NMI President 330-771-3106 83.mark.miller@gmail.com
Back To Table of Contents
|
| TOP TENS FOR JANUARY | 
Top Numerical Gain Morning Worship - Hubbard (25); Akron Kenmore (23);
East Liverpool LaCroft (18); Lisbon (17); Caldwell First (14); Cottage Grove (14);
Akron Southeast (8); Canton Calvary (7); Barnesville (6); and Newton Falls (4)
Top Numerical Gain Sunday School Attendance - Rush Community (12);
Cottage Grove (10); Lisbon (10); Cuyahoga Falls (7); Warren First (7); Macedonia (6);
East Liverpool LaCroft (5); New Philadelphia First (5); Akron East Liberty (3);
and Canton Calvary (2)
Top Percentage Gain Sunday School - Macedonia (200%); Cottage Grove (143%);
Lisbon (24%); East Liverpool LaCroft (20%); Akron East Liberty (19%); Cuyahoga Falls (18%);
Rush Community (11%); Warren First (8%); Caldwell First (6%); and New Philadelphia First (5%).
|
| LOCAL CHURCH NEWS |
Canton First 
Pastors, please pass this on to your primetime coordinators!
Canton First Keenagers
Invite you to our Spring Tea
Tuesday, March 8 at Noon Music by Gary Kroach "A Man and His Music" RSVP to Mila Stough, 330-361-4748 by March 3rd
Freewill Offering Only
First Church of the Nazarene 522 30th St. N.W. Canton, OH 44709 Click HERE for a Bulletin Insert Flyer (pdf) Click HERE for a Sign-Up Sheet (pdf)
Grace
Grace Church of the Nazarene
with
Rev. Billy Huddleston
Sunday, February 28 Through Wednesday, March 2
Click HERE for a flyer with the complete dates and times
Ready for a Fresh Encounter?
Cambridge First, Rush Community and Sebring First
Working Together!
Rush Naz youth group helping us with water.
They gathered up 950 gallons of water, 42 packs of baby wipes,  37 bottles of hand sanitizer and sani-wipes.
They came and joined us in worship. It was such a blessing!
They also came back on Monday to help us pass it out.
It was awesome!
In addition we received 100 cases of water from a man who attends the Cambridge First Church. Also thanks to Columbiana Church, Steubenville First Church, Pastors Rich Applegarth and John Lee as well as Jeff Kalina for their donations.
Pastor Mike and Laura Kimball (Sebring First)
TallmadgeClick HERE or on the Picture to go to the Tallmadge Church of the Nazarene mission support page, "Helping Amanda Answer God's Call To Mission Work," where you will find opportunities to support Amanda Brant, on mission assignment to Papua, New Guinea.  Amanda is on assignment as a teacher to the children of the other Missionaries serving there.
|
| CANAAN ACRES UPDATE |
 Canaan Acres WEBSITE is back! New design, helpful information, online contributions, interactive photo gallery, videos, contact information, printable brochure, camp map and more! Check it out at www.canaanacres.org
Fred Magnus
Executive Director
Cell: 330-322-1608
|
| CHURCH PLANTING BASIC TRAINING |
Coming April 19, 20, 21, 2016
Church Planting Essentials (CPE)
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 18 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Certified Trainer Training Part 1 |
| Tuesday, April 19 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | CPE & CPC Day 1 |
| Wednesday, April 20 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | CPE & CPC Day 2 |
| Thursday, April 21 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | CPE & CPC Day 3 | (CT)
| Friday, April 22 | 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Certified Trainer Training Part 2 |
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)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Addendum = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
To NCO and East Ohio churches:
Bill Wiesman, Director of Evangelism for the USA/Canada Region will be one of the instructors at the DCPI Training event described above. He wrote this short note to encourage attendance at the DCPI training in April being held at Wadsworth. Could you help spread the word in your churches? It is open to both clergy and laity.
Blessings,
Pastor Craig Drurey
Hi Craig,
We are excited to partner with you for the soon coming training in Ohio for the North Central and East Ohio Districts. The good news is that God is continuing to bless these training events with His presence. We are praying with you for a wonderful Spirit-led event. One or more training has been completed by more than 2,700 Nazarene leaders in the last four years! If someone has completed one of the tracks being offered (Churches Planting Churches (CPC) or Church Planting Essentials (CPE)), I would encourage completion of the second track... I strongly urge any pastor who has not yet participated to find out what God is doing through these dynamic trainings. God is at work! And, we get to be a part of what He is doing!
Blessings,
Bill
Dr. Bill Wiesman
Director of Evangelism Ministries and
New Church Development
USA/Canada Church of the Nazarene
17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66220
Office 913.577.2861 | bwiesman@nazarene.org
Cell 615.390.0293
Back To Table of Contents
|
| NYI BIBLE QUIZ SCHEDULE 2016 |
East Ohio NYI 2016 Bible Quiz Schedule
| March 11-12 | Akron Arlington | District Finals All 5 Books | April 9
| Massillon
| Top 30 Quiz-off | | May 5-7 | Mt Vernon | Field 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
|
| 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.
Back To Table of Contents |
| MVNU WOMEN'S AUXILIARY SPRING CONFERENCE |
Click HERE for registration information Click HERE for a Flyer |
LEAP SEMINAR - SAVE THE DATE
| 
LEAP Seminar: Reinventing Jesus - Answers to the New Testament Critics
With Dan Wallace
Friday, April 15, 2016
9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Foster Hall, Ariel Arena, MVNU Main Campus
Cost: $49 per person, $45 for two or more from the same church, and includes materials, lunch and snacks.
Complimentary Registrations: You will receive a complimentary registration if you have registered for the MVNU PALCON by April 1, 2016
Reinventing Jesus - Answers to the New Testament Critics:
Dan Wallace will give answers to the questions asked by critics concerning the authenticity of the New Testament. In short, he will show us how we know that what we have in our hands today is reliable and tells the truth about Jesus.
Questions the critics are asking:
- Can we trust the New Testament?
- Weren't the stories about Jesus made up long after he lived?
- Didn't the ancient scribes deliberately corrupt the copies of the New Testament, shaping it to their own preconceived notions of what was "the truth"?
- What about the books that became the New Testament: Hadn't the victors simply suppressed scores of other Gospels and epistles that were circulating?
About our Speaker:
Dr. Wallace has been on faculty at Dallas Seminary for more than a quarter century. He is Senior Professor of New Testament Studies. His academic society memberships include the Society of New Testament Studies, the Institute for Biblical Research, the Society of Biblical Literature. Wallace specializes in Greek grammar, textual criticism, NT exegesis, and biblical theology.
In addition to his duties at Dallas Seminary, he is also the Executive Director of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (csntm.org). This is an independent non-profit institute whose initial goal is to digitally photograph every Greek New Testament manuscript and post the images on the Internet.
Wallace has written, co-authored, or contributed to more than two-dozen books, and has been a consultant for four different Bible translations. His Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament is the standard intermediate-advanced Greek grammar in the English-speaking world, and it has been translated into more than half a dozen languages.
Back To Table of Contents
|
| MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY - MVNU |
THE ULTIMATE ALL-NIGHTER
April 15-16
10 p.m.-6 a.m.
MVNU is hosting Middle School Only again this year! This night of fun and mayhem is only $15 for students.
Youth leaders get in free, and can participate as much or as little as they choose. Don't worry - we'll have volunteers around to handle the chaos for you.
This event is for 6th-8th grade students only.
Register your students for the ultimate all-nighter at MVNU now! You won't want to miss this.
Questions? Call the Enrollment Events office at 1-866-462-MVNU, option #8.
www.gotomvnu.com
Back To Table of Contents
|
THE YES CONFERENCE - MVNU
|
The YES Conference
June 8-9, 2016
Located on the campus of MVNU.
An opportunity to gather students leaders grades 7-12 who desire to say "YES" to God!
Identify and recruit student leaders only.
Registration begins at 6:30PM on Wednesday June 8.
Event ends at 11:30AM on Thursday allowing students involved in BLAST time to get lunch and get back to campus.
Meals covered: Wednesday - late night snack; Thursday - Breakfast
Cost - $25 per person
The deadline to register is 5/31.
For any questions contact Kyle Lanham at klanham2@gmail.com.
Back To Table of Contents
|
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.
Blessings,
Rev. Tracy Ogden Johnson
|
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LITERATURE FROM NPH
|
Click HERE or on the graphic below to connect to the website.
|
DISTRICT PASTORAL AND RETIREES BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH
|
FEBRUARY
- Janice Hancock-2/3 (Shadyside)
- Rhonda Stallings-2/7 (Shepherd's Hill)
- Brett Warkentine-2/8 (Rush Community)
- Ed Emory-2/8 (Retired)
- Ron Whyde-2/8 (Retired)
- Jackie Stevens-2/9 (New Hope)
- Nathaniel Arnott-2/11/96 (EOD)
- Pax Frey-2/11/08 (Toronto)
- Carole Beers-2/13 (Retired)
- Gerald & Wanda Gray-2/13 (Newcomerstown)
- Terry & Kelly Passmore-2/14 (Kenmore Community)
- Jamey Jackson-2/16 (Calcutta)
- Tracy Ogden Johnson-2/17 (Ravenna 1st)
- Nancy Leaf-2/18 (Retired)
- Theresa Baker-2/18 (EOD)
- John and Karen Lee-2/19 (Akron Cottage Grove)
- Wesley Burns-2/20 (Retired)
- Jan & Shelley Winnale-2/20 (Columbiana)
- David Peterson-2/22 (EOD)
- Abram Simms-2/22/02 (West Point)
- Bob Pierpont-2/23 (Barnesville)
- Bob & Jerri Pierpont-2/23 (Barnesville)
- Sandra Swiger -2/23 (Leavittsburg First)
- Raquel Clay - 2/23 (Crossroads Community)
- Wanda Gray-2/23 (Newcomerstown)
- Harold Bradley-2/25 (Akron Trinity)
- Jennifer Spies-2/25 (Scio)
- Marcia Frank-2/26 (Norton Community)
- Pria Frey-2/27/11 (Toronto)
- Lee & Darla Randolph-2/28 (Goshen Community)
- Wayne & Theresa Baker-2/28 (EOD)
- Belinda Powell-2/28 (Caldwell First)
- Jonah Warkentine-2/28/15 (Rush Community)
MARCH
- Marie Eddy-3/4 (Retired)
- Charles Ruby-3/5 (Retired)
- Gerald Gray-3/6 (Newcomerstown)
- Fred Kirchner-3/7 (Retired)
- Patty Brown-3/7 (Lisbon)
- Larry & Marcy Brewer-3/9 (Retired)
- Russ Carpenter-3/9 (Retired)
- Della Hise-3/10 (Woodsfield)
- Janel Travis-3/13 (Uhrichsville)
- Don Gainer-3/14 (Retired)
- Kim Davidson-3/15 (Alliance)
- Darrell & Margaret Frazier-3/16 (Akron Arlington)
- Lois Helfrich-3/16 (Retired)
- Harold & Connie Bradley-3/17 (Akron Trinity)
- Mike & Amy Moore-3/17 (EOD)
- Laura Kimball-3/17 (Sebring First)
- Mike Byus-3/18 (Hubbard)
- Wayne Cummings-3/21 (Retired)
- John Leaf-3/22 (Retired)
- Joe Hise-3/24 (Woodsfield)
- Dave & Janet Peterson-3/24 (EOD)
- Matt Doerle-3/26 (Salem First)
- Ray Hassinger-3/26 (Retired)
- Serenity Warkentine-3/26 (Rush Community)
- Greg Kasler-3/28 (Cambridge First)
- Vernon Morse-3/28 (Retired)
- Christina Clay-3/28/08 (Crossroads Community)
- Joshua Passmore-3/28/12 (Kenmore Community)
- Charles & Dorothy Ruby-3/29 (Retired)
- Tim McPherson-3/30 (Champion)
- Eric Frey-3/30 (Toronto)
- Betty Whyde-3/31 (Retired)
- Ron & Betty Whyde-3/31 (Retired)
- Terri Gilkerson-3/31 (New Covenant)
Back to Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
