Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members.   

Illinois churches work together to preserve historic home 

Decatur, Illinois

(Herald & Review, September 20) A broad definition of “neighborhood” is giving new life to a home built for Decatur's first black physician.

Members of First Church of the Nazarene, located at the city's far west corner, teamed up last weekend with the Near Westside Restoration & Preservation Society to get the 90-year-old house at 568 S. Haworth Ave. back to livable condition.

The first project the NWRAPS has taken on since the housing market collapsed seven years ago, the collaboration may also represent the first time the society has partnered with a church outside its boundaries.

“We're just the hands and feet of Jesus,” said Bill Hancock, who with wife Debbie started a small missions group two years ago to help other members of First Nazarene with home improvements but has since branched out to assist any homeowner in need. “I really like helping people, and I'm not too big on just sitting and reading.”

For the rest of the story, click here.

Indiana church celebrates 100 years

Fortville, Indiana

(Daily Reporter, October 2) It was snowing that Sunday evening, enough to make a person think twice about any trip taken.

A mid-1960s bank merger had brought Art Whitaker’s job to Hancock County. That would bring his home there, too, and also his house of worship.

He and his wife, Sara, were visiting churches in search of a new church home. That Sunday evening, they were trying to drive to a church of the same denomination as their previous church, but the snow was heavy, so they shortened their journey by stopping in at Fortville Church of the Nazarene.

That stop ended their search.

“I was so spiritually blessed, and so was he,” Sara Whitaker said. “We both felt the Spirit. … Everything was just what we wanted. That was it. Our decision was made.”

More than 50 years later, the Whitakers can look back on their years of service at the church, as Sunday school teachers, board member, choir singer or some other role.

For the rest of the story, click here.

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--Compiled by NCN News