Church of the Nazarene

Missions-themed service inspires Argentina Nazarenes

dlsperry94 — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:02:48 +0000

Missions-themed service inspires Argentina Nazarenes

dlsperry94 Fri, 08/23/2024 - 15:02

During July, a missionary service was held under the slogan “The Mission Belongs to All,” at the Iglesia del Nazareno Gracias Señor in the North Patagonia District in Argentina. The purpose was to share that all are called to fulfill the mission where the Lord has placed them: in education, sports, politics, family, commerce, etc.

The church's teens performed a play about a need in the Middle East and how different professions provide open doors to Creative Access Areas. The play challenged the church to lead in reaching people who do not yet know Jesus.

In addition, the children shared that they learned what it means to be a missionary and how they can be part of the mission. They made a “stand” from Israel, Mexico, and Italy and explained each place's culture and needs. They also made flags and dressed in cultural clothing to remind the church that everyone needs to know Jesus.

Pastor Carlos Amaza preached, challenging the church with a strong and clear message related to the Great Commission. District Nazarene Missions International President Fabio Navarro held a time of prayer and intercession for unreached people and the church.

“We ask you, Lord, to awaken a church that is going to be committed to sending, supporting, and praying in the name of Jesus,” Navarro said.

Jorgelina Juárez, who attended the service, said the play impacted her.

“Seeing the need of the world can bring sadness,” Juárez said. “But we don't have to stay with that. The church can do something… and the most beautiful thing is that we can all do something. [Thinking about] missions makes me realize that we are not limited to our city; we can also reach other places.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America

In Memoriam: 23 August 2024

dlsperry94 — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:56:29 +0000

In Memoriam: 23 August 2024

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/22/2024 - 21:56

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 19-23 August 2024.

Don Baker, 80, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away 19 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Missouri, Kansas, Alabama, and Florida. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Baker.

Geneva Carte, 66, of White House, Tennessee, passed away 6 August 2024. She was the widow of William Carte, a retired minister who served in Kentucky, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. William passed away in 2015. She is survived by her second husband, John Coffman.

John Clayton, 89, of Townville, South Carolina, passed away 17 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Natalie Clayton.

Randall Gentry, 54, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away 17 August 2024. He was a minister who served in Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Dara Gentry.

Corinda King, 92, Waxahachie, Texas, passed away 18 August 2024. She was the wife of Norwood King Jr, a retired minister who served in Texas.

Jim Rowe III, 73, of Mexia, Texas, passed away 3 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Rowe.

Arthur Salisbury, 92, of Idaho City, Idaho, passed away 15 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Salisbury, who passed away in 2021.

Gerald Street, 85, of Howell, Michigan, passed away 7 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Wisconsin, Michigan, Tennessee, and Colorado. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Street, who passed away in 2023.

Note: Please join us in prayer for the families who have lost loved ones. Click on names for full stories, funeral information, local online obituaries, and/or guest books (if available). To submit an entry of a minister or church leader, send to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Haitian seminary president ordained remotely in Kentucky after six-year wait

dlsperry94 — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:01:36 +0000

Haitian seminary president ordained remotely in Kentucky after six-year wait

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/22/2024 - 21:01

For six years, Pierre Ernst Jacques’ ordination was put on hold due to civil unrest in his home country of Haiti. However, through an unusual set of circumstances — some tragic — Jacques found himself in the United States for a special remote ordination during this year’s Eastern Kentucky District Assembly.

Jacques met the requirements for ordination in 2018 after that year’s assembly, which turned out to be the last time a general superintendent could visit Haiti. He continued to rise within the leadership of the church in Haiti, eventually becoming president of the Nazarene seminary in the country, yet he still had not been ordained.

“I was looking for opportunities, wherever there was an ordination nearby that I could go to and be ordained remotely,” Pierre said.

While on vacation in Canada, an emergency arose, bringing Jacques and his wife, Tayler, to the United States. Tayler was pregnant with twins and tragically lost both of them. Due to the emergency and the couple’s visa statuses, Pierre and Tayler found themselves in Tayler’s home area of Eastern Kentucky for an unknown amount of time.

They found a church to attend regularly and realized that the Eastern Kentucky District Assembly would soon occur. The district had been aware of the Jacques' situation, and Eastern Kentucky District Superintendent Doug Wyatt contacted Pierre to see how the district could help them. Pierre then informed him of the ordination request.

“He told me he would do anything to make [the ordination] happen,” Pierre said.

So the process began. Pierre’s home district in Haiti, the Lower Artibonite District, had to send a report to the Mesoamerica Region confirming Pierre had met the ordination requirements. The region then notified the jurisdictional general superintendent of Haiti, Christian Sarmiento, who coordinated with the Eastern Kentucky District and its jurisdictional general superintendent, Fili Chambo.

Through the efforts of Dr. Chambo, Dr. Sarmiento, and Dr. Saenz, it was made possible for both districts to celebrate an unforgettable ordination," Wyatt said.

On 11 June 2024, after six years of waiting, Pierre was ordained as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene, remotely, during the Eastern Kentucky District Assembly. His church family back in Haiti could watch and follow along online.

Wyatt said the occasion opened up the eyes of many on the Eastern Kentucky District.

"The joining of two districts in this remote ordination is a beautiful reminder that the Church of the Nazarene is truly a global church," Wyatt said.

After years of work and the wait that followed, Pierre felt that moment was a privilege and was grateful to have his wife at his side.

“Six years ago, I was not married yet,” Pierre said. “So, it was beautiful that my wife could be with me as I received the ordination.”

The ordination has been a bright spot despite the tragic circumstances that brought them to the Eastern Kentucky District.

“I know God has his purpose because we are his children,” Pierre said. “We don’t know the future, but we know that God can make something beautiful out of ashes. We didn’t know what it would be. But I feel like the ordination might be one of those things.”

Pierre said the Eastern Kentucky District has continued to love and support the couple as they await their return to Haiti.

“I still feel like a part of the district,” Pierre said. “They still consider us as a family. They still ask how we’re doing and invite us to the district activities to see how they can be alongside us in this process, so I think that’s beautiful.”

The heart of a kingdom servant: Miriam's story

dlsperry94 — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:42:15 +0000

The heart of a kingdom servant: Miriam's story

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/22/2024 - 20:42

In the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, lives Miriam*, a young woman whose journey with the church began at age 7 and has since blossomed into a testament of faith, service, and love for the Kingdom.

Miriam’s connection with the Church of the Nazarene started through a Vacation Bible School (VBS) held at the church. Drawn in by the crafts, the loving atmosphere, and the warmth exuded by the church members, Miriam found more than just a weekly gathering; she discovered a home away from home.

For a decade, Miriam faithfully attended the Kids Club through the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ child sponsorship program, cherishing the fun-filled activities and forming lasting bonds with the church community. During this time, the seeds of faith were planted in her heart, leading to a pivotal moment at the age of 13 when Miriam accepted Christ as her Savior. From that moment forward, her life took on a new purpose centered around serving the Kingdom.

As she embraced her faith, she felt a calling to give back to the place that had nurtured her spiritual journey. Now 17, Miriam dedicates her time and energy to helping run the same Kids Club where she first encountered the love of Christ.

This past summer, she took on a leadership role, orchestrating a VBS program that touched the lives of more than 40 children. Miriam’s commitment to service extends beyond the walls of the church. She is currently pursuing a degree in finance at university. She sees her studies as a means to contribute to the community and make a positive impact.

Despite her busy schedule, Miriam remains deeply rooted in her faith, finding strength and purpose in her relationship with God.

“The Nazarene church is my home. It is the place where I discovered the power of faith and found a family of believers who embraced me and supported me every step of the way,” said Miriam.

This loving community has changed Miriam’s life, and she is excited to serve others the way she has been served.

* Children’s names are changed for protection.

This story originally appeared in the latest edition of NCM Magazine. Click here to read the issue.

Five church-type missions opened thanks to disaster relief efforts in Philippines

dlsperry94 — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:33:20 +0000

Five church-type missions opened thanks to disaster relief efforts in Philippines

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/22/2024 - 20:33

The term “disaster” can evoke painful thoughts. Still, when approached with an open heart and a willingness to assist those impacted by calamities, it can lead to incredible opportunities for impactful ministry.

When the flood disaster struck parts of the Davao and Agusan regions of the Philippines in February 2024, a Nazarene Disaster Response Team from the Mindanao East District, under the leadership of Sherwin Basmillo, immediately responded. The initiative was made possible through collaboration, financial assistance, prayers, and support from various ministries in the field.

The Disaster Response Team created numerous opportunities to minister and establish Child-Friendly Spaces in the areas that have been given relief goods. Beyond the distribution of relief goods, the NDR team has also traveled to flooded areas to minister to the affected community for months now, especially in Carmen Davao Del Norte and Maco Davao De Oro, where a landslide on 6 February 2024 caused the death of many people.

Because of the collaborative effort of the NDR team and local churches, five church-type missions were opened at the following locations:

Mangangit Maco and Carmen, under the leadership of Tagum City church
Mati, under the leadership of Pastor Marvin Tiberio
Bilawan, under the leadership of Madang
Mati church and Barangay Nanyo, under the leadership of Panabo Church of the Nazarene

“Despite the challenging circumstances, all the efforts and prayers have led to a fruitful ministry,” said Pastor Jaime Eniceo. “We ask for your continued prayers and support for these ministries.”

In Memoriam: 16 August 2024

dlsperry94 — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 14:49:12 +0000

In Memoriam: 16 August 2024

dlsperry94 Fri, 08/16/2024 - 14:49

The following is a weekly listing of Nazarene ministers and leaders who recently went home to be with the Lord. Notices were received 12-16 August 2024.

Arnold Carlson Jr., 97, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away 4 August 2024. He was a retired district superintendent, leading the Rocky Mountain District From 1983-1992. He served as a minister in California, Oregon, and Wyoming. He is survived by his wife, Nelda Herrick-Carlson.

Betty Demetre, 89, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away 10 August 2024. She was the widow of Jerry Demetre, a minister who served in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. Jerry passed away in 1994.

Timothy Hall, 68, of Iron River, Michigan, passed away 6 August 2024. He was the pastor of Iron River Community Church of the Nazarene, serving there since 1991. He is survived by his wife, Lora Hall.

Dale Hilkert, 95, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away 8 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Miriam Hilkert.

Riley Hunter, 85, of Homer, Alaska, passed away 6 August 2024. He was a retired minister who served in Alaska. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hunter.

Monette Presendieu, 67, of Miami, Florida, passed away 6 August 2024. She was the wife of Michelet Presendieu, who pastors Miami Hosanna Church of the Nazarene.

Evangeline Steininger, 101, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away 8 August 2024. She was the widow of Leo Steininger, a retired minister who served in Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Texas. Leo passed away in 2005.

Janet Stinson, 76, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, passed away 2 August 2024. She was the wife of K. Laverne Stinson, a retired minister who served in Oklahoma, North Dakota, Texas, and Arkansas.

--Compiled by Nazarene News

Over 500 video lectures filmed in 10 days at Global Ministry Center

dlsperry94 — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:53:05 +0000

Over 500 video lectures filmed in 10 days at Global Ministry Center

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/15/2024 - 21:53

Over 500 videos were filmed at the Global Ministry Center of the Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas, from 29 July – 8 August. Roughly 60 people from around the United States and Canada traveled to Lenexa over those 10 days to participate in an extensive revamp of the Modular Course of Study, a non-degree video-based program for the USA/Canada Region.

The process leading up to the filming was over two years long, according to USA/Canada Region Education Coordinator Samantha Chambo. The current modular courses were outdated, and Chambo says they hope to strengthen the regulations in order to ensure the quality of the education.

“We wanted a new, updated modular Course of Study that was rich and relevant but also had more control systems around it,” Chambo said.

Chambo joined later in the program development process, which the late Dan Copp, former director of Global Education and Clergy Development, initially spearheaded. Three people were assigned to develop one of the 21 separate courses, leading to roughly 60 individuals from diverse backgrounds developing the non-degree Course of Study track.

Once the course development was complete, accommodations were arranged for the group’s travel, stay, and food during the filming. The group was split into various teams that recorded for three days at a time at the GMC. A total of 12 different studio rooms, three of which were set up for three-person panel discussions, were used for the filming.

Caleb Gerdes, technical director at Northwest Nazarene University, led a team of 12 different producers. The team utilized Trevecca Nazarene University's Panopto subscription, a video program designed to record and capture lecture videos, which allowed for quick video capture and editing led by Drew Clausing, senior instructional designer at Trevecca Nazarene University.

A team from the Global Communications office helped set up equipment, provided troubleshooting on-site, and ensured the quality of the recordings. The Global Ministry Center’s transportation department helped with airport and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

“Getting something like that pulled off takes a big team,” Chambo said. “And the people’s attitudes, spirit, and enthusiasm encouraged me.”

The Modular Course of Study is designed to be offered for people whose lifestyles and contexts do not allow them to enroll in a traditional undergraduate program to complete the Course of Study for ordination.

“We are hoping to significantly simplify the road to ordination for people on the non-degree track,” Chambo said.

It will also provide a level of consistency in how the courses are delivered and in their quality.

“We are trying to simplify but also make sure that all the students, at every level, get a good, quality education that will prepare them well for ministry,” Chambo said.

The new Modular Course of Study is targeted for release in mid-2025.

MVNU announces new Master of Social Work program

dlsperry94 — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:03:04 +0000

MVNU announces new Master of Social Work program

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/15/2024 - 21:03

Mount Vernon Nazarene University announced the launch of its Master of Social Work degree, starting in the spring of 2025. The program will have specializations in behavioral health and school social work.

The MSW is designed to develop students into advanced social work practitioners with specialized knowledge from a Christlike perspective.

“What makes the program special is our faith-based approach and our faculty’s commitment to the profession,” said Program Director Rachel Young. “School social work and behavioral health were chosen after looking at the needs in our community and wanting to answer the call. Throughout the United States, there is a great need for behavioral health social workers, and in Ohio, there is a need for school social workers. This makes us unique as there is a lack of programs offering the school social work specialization.”

The MSW degree program consists of 62 standard track hours and is designed to be fully completed online. MVNU is also offering an “ASAP Starts here” option, consisting of 31 credit hours. To be eligible for the ASAP program, students must have completed a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last five years and earned at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA with satisfactory field evaluations.

“ASAP is advanced standing,” Young said. “ASAP students can complete the program in a calendar year. Students not eligible for ASAP can complete it in two years. Students who can qualify will save time and money on their degree.”

The online program will require practicum and seminar hours but is designed to be flexible and work with the student’s location and schedule.

“Practicum requires spending 20 hours a week in a social work field setting,” Young said. “Students will choose their focus track, either behavioral health or school social work. This will determine where their field placement is. For instance, behavioral health students could complete their fieldwork at a psychiatric hospital or mental health clinic. School social workers will complete their field hours in a school setting. Students will meet virtually with the MSW field education director to finalize these details.”

Upon completion, with proper licensure, graduates will be prepared for several opportunities. The Behavioral Health track will prepare students to be medical social workers, clinical social workers/therapists, social work supervisors, social work administrators, or researchers/professors. The School Social Work specialization will allow graduates to work in a school setting, conducting assessments of children in need of support to be successful.

For more information or to apply, visit mvnu.edu/master-social-work.

Remembering Terry Ketchum

dlsperry94 — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 14:53:31 +0000

Remembering Terry Ketchum

dlsperry94 Thu, 08/15/2024 - 14:53

Teryl “Terry” Ketchum, 72, of Lacey, Washington, passed away 19 July 2024. He was a retired missionary who served in France, Martinique, and Haiti. He served as a minister in Idaho, Washington, and Kansas.

Terry was born in Salt Lake City on 15 May 1952, and as a child, lived in Sparks, Nevada; Snoqualmie, Washington; and Olympia, Washington. While he was a student at Olympia High School, he met his girlfriend, Kathie Berschauer. The two dated in high school and college, graduating from Northwest Nazarene College (now University) in 1974.

They married on 27 July 1973 and welcomed their first son, Scott (Kassie), into their family a year later. Four years later, a second red-headed boy, Brian (Erin), completed their family of four.

Among his many areas of service, Terry loved and served people as an associate pastor in Nampa, Idaho; Vancouver, Washington; and Kansas City, Kansas. He was a missionary for 25 years in France, Martinique, Haiti, and the Caribbean Regional Office (now Mesoamerica Region) for the Church of the Nazarene. He moved back to Olympia in 2006, where he served as the district superintendent's assistant.

His last responsibility was as principal of Northwest Christian High School. He truly loved his staff and students and did everything he could to make tasks for teachers easier, to love his students, and to guide them into their future.

To say his grandchildren were the joy of Terry's life is an understatement. He loved them and spent every moment telling them how much they mattered.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Winston Ketchum. Terry is survived by his wife, Kathie Ketchum; sons, Scott and Brian Ketchum; and seven grandchildren.

A drop-in celebration of life will be held on 24 August from 2-5 p.m. at Terry's home. His friends and family are welcome to share his life memories, tributes, and stories. Light snacks will be provided along with moments of joy and celebration.

Songwriting summit encourages Wesleyan-Holiness worship music

dlsperry94 — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 20:52:34 +0000

Songwriting summit encourages Wesleyan-Holiness worship music

dlsperry94 Wed, 08/14/2024 - 20:52

Over 30 people gathered for the Wesleyan Songwriters Summit at College Church of the Nazarene in Bourbonnais, Illinois, held 1-3 August.

The participants — predominantly Nazarene worship leaders and ministers — engaged in songwriting sessions and workshops over the three days to help promote more Wesleyan Holiness-based worship songs not only being sung by churches but also written and shared beyond.

While a keynote speaker addressed the group, much of the time together was spent in workshops simply writing worship music. Some groups joined together, while other participants went through the songwriting process as individuals.
Together, the group wrote over 10 worship songs during the event and debuted their songwriting work after the event.

The event theme was "Cultivating Creative Community." According to Danny Quanstrom, lead pastor of Hastings Church of the Nazarene in Michigan, the goal was to help promote more worship songwriting with a Wesleyan-Holiness theological base.

"We recognize that many of the songs we sing in [Wesleyan] churches, and the Wesleyan tradition, are not songs written by Wesleyan artists," Quanstrom said.

And while he doesn't think it's necessarily inappropriate, he recognized the lack of Wesleyan songwriting, especially in contemporary worship music. Quanstrom noted that part of what it means to be Wesleyan is to sing together.

"The Methodist movement would not have been what it was if not for the hymns of Charles and John Wesley," Quanstrom said. "Functionally, we seem to have forgotten that part of what it means to be Wesleyan is to write songs and to sing together the theology of the Church."

Organizers of the summit sought to accomplish its theme of "Cultivating Creative Community" by turning the weekend into more of a collaborative workshop than a conference.

"We wanted to give people an experience of what it feels like to collaborate on songwriting for the church so that they can go back into their local churches and find the two or three people who might become their collaborators back home and keep it going," said Brannon Hancock, associate pastor, and worship leader at Marion First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana.

Hancock, who also teaches worship at Indiana Wesleyan University, led a workshop and three songwriting groups and was encouraged by the songs the groups created.

"Even in my fairly random decisions about splitting my group into the smaller pods of songwriters, [I] just trusted the Holy Spirit would put the right people together and that it would be fruitful," Hancock said. "Then to see what they came up with was really encouraging."

Both Hancock and Quanstrom stressed the importance of examining the theology of worship music.

"When we're making decisions about the songs that we sing, we are choosing the theology that we're placing in the mouths of our people," Hancock said. "Those decisions we're making about the songs we sing are so important because we're making decisions about the theological and spiritual formation of our congregations."