East Ohio District Church of the Nazarene
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March 4, 2016
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OUR DISTRICT PASTOR | Has anything important to you ever been broken?
When I was a kid, about 9 years old, there was a toy I wanted for Christmas more than anything. I saw it on a commercial during Hong Kong Phooey (which was the most awesome Saturday morning cartoon ever!), and I knew this was what I had to have. I had the page of the Sears Christmas catalog dog-eared and would look at it over and over again. As Ralphie was to his Red Ryder BB gun, I was to the Evel Knievel stunt cycle. There may be some other men who were kids in the '70's who remember how cool this was. You would turn the crank and rev up the launcher and Evel would take off and ramp over just about anything you had.
Christmas morning came and Santa was so good to me that morning because not only did I get the Evel Knievel stunt cycle but I got the stunt van that he traveled in as well. It even had a ramp on the back and you could jump him over the van. Life was good!! I had jumped Evel over everything in the house and decided I'd move outdoors. On the side of our house was a concrete patio. Evel would scream across that thing. Now, I thought how cool it would be to jump Evel off the back of the patio into the backyard. On the back side of the patio, there was about a 12 to 15 foot drop to the backyard. If the real Evel could jump the Snake River Canyon, this would be a piece of cake, right?
So, I lined the stunt van up at the end of the patio so he would ramp over the van, off the edge of the patio and down into the backyard. He went flying off the end and it was so cool! I ran around to the backyard to pick up my Evel Knievel doll (excuse me...action figure) and the motorcycle was not in one piece anymore. The front wheel was broken off and cracked. Evel would not jump again! And I remember looking at that toy I wanted so badly and the disappointment of brokenness.
Has anything important to you ever been broken?
We have this idea that anything "broken" is totally negative. If you've experienced a broken heart, broken promise, broken dreams, broken bones, etc., you know that brokenness is not something we desire. We like to stay away from brokenness.
Who wants their car to break down this week? Who would like to see their computer go down? Who would like to go home today and find their furnace broken? And we definitely don't like the "broke" that's associated with our wallet! We like to stay away from brokenness!
Lent, however, makes me think differently about brokenness. The Bible speaks often about being broken. And while pain always seems to be associated with it, growth and joy are the result of being broken. When I read the life of Jesus I see how often he is attracted to broken situations and broken people.
--Ten lepers who are ostracized by society and broken by disease -- There is no cure. They come to Jesus and He heals them.
--A man with a sick daughter -- He is broken by his helplessness to see his daughter well. Jesus tells him, "Go back home. She is well."
--Peter is sitting by a campfire, broken by his failure of denying Christ. Jesus has an intimate conversation restoring and forgiving Peter.
Ministry is full of brokenness. My heart has broken many times as a person left my church because I wasn't loving enough, tough enough, caring enough, or "something" enough that didn't meet their needs. And no matter what the situation was, I always felt like I failed and it broke me.
But the larger question isn't whether or not we will be broken...it's what we do in our times of brokenness? Jesus said, "Come to me." We are told that in our weaknesses, He is strong. Remember that Jesus isn't repulsed by brokenness but attracted to it.
Being broken can actually be an answer to our prayers. We think of being broken as something violent, painful and destructive. But the same word in the New Testament that means "break" is the same word that would be described as the process of what happens to a stone in a stream.
Brokenness helps me depend on God more than myself. Brokenness changes my pride into praise. Brokenness forms me and shapes me into God's desire for who I can become.
Dave Lutz
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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.
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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.
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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
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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)
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.
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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
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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)
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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
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CHILDREN'S DAY AT FAMILY CAMP
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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
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MVNU WOMEN'S AUXILIARY SPRING CONFERENCE |
Click HERE for registration information Click HERE for a Flyer
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LEAP SEMINAR - SAVE THE DATE
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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.
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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
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THE YES CONFERENCE - MVNU
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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.
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2016 CMP REGISTRATION FORM
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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
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CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL LITERATURE FROM NPH
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Click HERE or on the graphic below to connect to the website.
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DISTRICT PASTORAL AND RETIREES BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES FOR MARCH
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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)
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