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Dear Pastor/Friends,
What a blessing it has been for Susan and me (and sometimes Malakai) to be with most of you at the zone Christmas gatherings. We were not able to make it to Lamesa this year, due to overlapping scheduling, but we will be there next year, God willing.
Honestly, we deeply love our pastoral families. Always, when we are together with our pastors and families in events like these, or on a church visit, our hearts are warmed. Frankly, I have never enjoyed a ministry assignment more than this one. The quality and spirit of our pastors is a big part of the reason why. Thank you so very much!
For fun, see if you can find anything unusual about the High Plains Zone group picture. Hint...it has to do with their zone chair, Terry Porter. Incidentally, we distributed the annual tree ornaments at the zone parties. If you did not receive one, please notify us at the district office and we'll mail one to you, as long as supplies last.
While on the Amarillo Zone, I had the privilege of preaching for Faith Promise at Hereford.
During the service, I had the awesome opportunity to participate in the dedication of Pastor Ted Taylor's precious first grandchild, Ezra! What a beautiful little boy!
Also, while in Amarillo, I was able to attend the M.Div. graduation of our district's African Ministries Director and church planter, Pastor Michael Gatkek. Michael was selected as an outstanding student and was chosen to represent his class and deliver a challenging address. As I write this, Michael is in Kenya, meeting with Nazarene missionaries regarding pastoral training for newly called Nazarene pastors in previously unreached parts of South Sudan. The Sudanese pastors on our district have now been involved in starting 21 new church plants in South Sudan!
This past Sunday, I was able to visit three congregations. First, I was with Pastor Chris Branigan at Fort Worth Grace Tabernacle where they hosted Indian minister, Premal Awarsamal, and his family. What a wonderful family! Premal toured the Fort Worth area with Chris over the weekend, meeting with Asian Indians and advising us as to how we might reach this dynamic and growing population for Christ. Please join me in prayer regarding this effort.
There is an independent, predominantly African American, congregation known as Abundant Life Church, which meets in the Grace Tabernacle building each Sunday. What a blessing it was to attend their service and meet many of their leaders and parishioners. It was very evident that they highly value their relationship with the Grace Tab congregation. I am grateful for our affiliation with them!
Sunday afternoon, I visited and preached (through an interpreter) at our newest congregation, Matu Burmese Christian Church of the Nazarene, under the leadership of Pastor Luri Thang. The service, which lasted over three hours, was fantastic. The children's and youth choirs both sang, as did several other vocalists.
There were numerous special recognitions. Pastor Thang and his people were so very gracious to Susan and me. Over and over again, they expressed gratitude for the privilege of being Nazarenes. I know they deeply appreciate our Jesucristo Vive congregation and Pastor Moises Marquez for allowing them to worship in their Arlington building.
Isn't it evident why I enjoy, so greatly, the privilege of serving the WT district?
Please take a few moments to read the special article by our District Children's Ministry Coordinator, Jennifer Sommers, below. Jennifer and the Children's Ministry Council have made some exciting adjustments and improvements to some of the Kidz events that are coming up this spring and summer.
Shepherd's Sabbath is only five weeks away. Please, please, unless providentially hindered, make every effort to attend. We are especially privileged to have General Superintendent David Busic as our speaker. I actually hosted Dr. Busic at one of our pastors and spouses retreats in Ohio a few years back, when he was a pastor. Everyone agreed that it was one of our most encouraging and inspirational retreats ever.
Finally, I want to congratulate our Clarendon congregation on the acceptance of their new pastor, Rev. Allen Posey. Pastor Posey, who is coming over from a staff position in Hereford, has been serving as their interim pastor and will be installed on January 15th. The Clarendon congregation is very excited about their future. So am I! As I write this on Wednesday afternoon, currently all of our lead pastorates are filled. PTL! I think this is the first time this has happened to me as a DS in almost 16 years.
For you and with you,
Pastor David Downs
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I am excited to share with you some NEW things coming to your District Children's Ministry beginning in 2017! We are praying that these changes will bring new involvement and opportunities for our local churches. Children's Pastors, directors and leaders; Senior Pastors and those who minister to kids in West Texas, please read through these changes and begin planning now to come and join us as we worship our Lord at these great district events! You won't want to miss them!
Kids Fest 2017 - March 3 & 4 at Lubbock First Church
If your church has never participated or you believe you are too small to participate...this is the year to come! No matter how many kids and families you have - 1 to 100 you don't want your kids and families to miss this weekend. Check out some of the great activities we are planning for you.
- Friday - Junior Quiz, Primary talent, Family/Church Mission Outreach activity 1, 4 square 2 square Tournament and then Kidz Blitz show that night!
- Saturday - Primary Quiz, Junior talent, Kids Fest Worship Service (choirs perform), Family/Church Mission Outreach activity 2, Pinewood Derby Race and Awards Ceremony!
- Online registration for Kids Fest done by your church's children's leader.
- One fee per child for the entire weekend $20. Quizzing will be $10.
Our goal is to host an event where you have several opportunities to serve, have fun and worship throughout the weekend. If you currently don't have a quizzing program or don't think you have the ability to prepare kids for talent events NO PROBLEM. You can still come and experience an amazing weekend with your district children's ministry family. Come and serve at the mission outreaches in the community. Come and test your skill at 4 square or even 2 square, no matter how many kids you bring they can play! Come and have fun showing off your pinewood derby skills in our 3 different competitive divisions - primary (up to 3rd grade), junior (4th-6th graders) and adult! Finally you do not want to miss the Kidz Blitz show Friday night! A nationwide touring group that shares the gospel Nickelodeon game show style! All the details and where to register will be coming to your inboxes no later than January. You do not want to miss Kids Fest 2017!
World Quiz - June 24, 2017 Indianapolis, IN
The world quiz is a part of the SDMI Convention during our General Assembly. The General Assembly website is up and running and you can check on scheduling and other details there. With a world quiz there are some very specific requirements you need to be aware of. Please read these very carefully and know that your children will not be able to quiz if you do not follow these requirements. Any questions need to be directed to our District Quiz Director, Chriss Burke.
- Quizzers MUST quiz at Zone (no minimum score required) and District (receive a score of 80% or higher) to qualify for world quiz.
- An Information Meeting after the Saturday awards ceremony at Kids Fest MUST have at least 1 representative from each church (quizzers who qualify) attend to receive the information packet for world quiz. This packet will include all due dates and deadlines - DO NOT MISS THESE or your children that have qualified will not be able to participate at world quiz.
- ALL Information WILL be sent to and from our District Quiz Director, Chriss Burke. 817.584.0245 or [email protected]. Churches cannot register for world quiz on their own they MUST go through Chriss Burke. He is the West Texas representative that the world quiz group recognizes and the only one who can send in your quizzer's information so they can participate.
Chriss and our team do not make up these requirements, the general church does. He does an amazing job of keeping our churches informed so please make sure that you do your part so all of your children's hard work is rewarded. We want to see as many West Texas quizzers at World Quiz this year as possible! If you have never prepared your children for a world quiz year I highly recommend you contact Chriss as soon as possible so he can help you understand any questions you might have.
Activate - Kids Camp! - July 17-21 at Camp Arrowhead
Kids Camp is back in July for 2017 and with a whole NEW name! We wanted our camp to reflect the heart and purpose that we seek each and every year. So Activate - Kids Camp was born. Our desire is for the kids of West Texas and their friends to come and learn how to ACTIVATE their faith! Kids that have completed 1st - 6th grade are eligible to attend. The early bird rate will be $215. ALL camper registrations and payments will be made online at www.westexnaz.org. Registration links will be on the children's ministry page.
Our ministry council is here for you and would love to be a resource and help to you in your ministry in any way you might need. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions, problems, for ideas and most importantly prayer support. We are all in this together!
Because Jesus Loves Kids!
Jennifer Sommers
WTD Kids Director
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Our district treasurer, Dan Davisson, has prepared the West Texas District 2016-17 "Funding The Mission" report as of December 14, 2016. Pastors, please pay close attention to your church's contributions so far this year. Please make every effort to encourage your people to faithfully maintain their giving for others.
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Dear Pastors and NMI Leaders,
December is a great time to focus on Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
People are in the mood to give. Make sure they know about the ways their giving to NCM can impact the world!
I'm especially excited about a new way to involve our kids. NCM has created a brand-new kid-friendly giving calendar! Find it here:
Find other information about NCM here:
Lastly, our LINKS missionaries have written to say thank you for all the love you have shown them! Jim and Kaye Williams, our retired LINKS missionaries, added that they are available to be Faith Promise speakers.
Blessings,
Cheryl Crouch, WT NMI
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Christmas is a favourite time of the year. It is a time for tradition, sharing, giving, reflection, and thankfulness.
As I reflect on 2016, I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of you who have worked within NMI during the past year. Much has been achieved due to your work. Lives have been transformed. Circumstances have been changed. Peoples' lives will be very different this Christmas because of you.
NMI is more than an organization and constitutional document. NMI is a movement of thousands of committed people. As a leader within that movement, you give freely of your time, talents and gifts. You are greatly appreciated and essential to the work of NMI.
Next year will be an exciting time as we gather in Indianapolis for our Global Convention. Planning is in progress and I am sure that you will not want to miss out on this time of inspiration and motivation. The intention is for you to leave the Convention with many new ideas and materials for use in the future. I will look forward to seeing you in Indianapolis.
My wife, Laura, and I wish you and your family a warm, happy, blessed Christmas.
Blessings.
Philip and Laura
Global NMI President
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Dear Hispanic Pastors and Leaders,
The following classes are scheduled at Emanuel Church in Fort Worth. If you would like to register or for more information, please contact Pastor Gerardo Reyes or the district office.
#24 Tracing the Story of God - $100
Pastor Mark Banda
12/17 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
12/23 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
#15 Leading the People of God - $100
Pastor Frank Adonis Gomez
1/07 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
1/14 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
1/15 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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 West Texas District
2016 - 2017 Calendar of Events
December 27, 2016 - January 3, 2017
- Commission Unto Mexico
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January 10 -
Ministerial Credentials/Educational Committee
Amarillo First
January 16-17
- Ministerial Credentials/Educational Committee
Ft Worth
Northside
January 20-22 - Shepherd's Sabbath Retreat
February
- Alabaster Offering to Global Treasury Services
February 23
- Planning Session - Vision Conference & District Assembly
March 3-4
- Kids Fest in Lubbock, TX
March 3-5
- PK Retreat @ SNU (for pastors' kids, grades 10-12)
March 13
- Annual Pastor's Reports due
March 18
- District Assembly Finance Committee meeting
April 5-7
- Vision Conference & District Assembly, Lubbock First
June 4-9
- Family Camp, Camp Arrowhead
June 12-16
- CRAVE Teen Camp, Camp Arrowhead
June 21-30
- General Assembly, Indianapolis, IN
July 17-21
- Kids Camp, Camp Arrowhead
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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
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12/1 Morgan Callender
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12/18 Gabriel Mora
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12/1 Travis Zachary
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12/18 Greg & Martha White
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12/2 Frank & Grace Mensah
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12/19 Dan Sommers
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12/3 Jesus Espinoza
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12/19 Jason Powers
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12/5 David Lee
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12/19 Ish & Erika Mora
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12/5 Peggy Lewis
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12/19 Jairo & Chrissy Maldonado
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12/6 Molly Pettit
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12/19 Jason & Kim Powers
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12/6 Amanda Hewitt
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12/19 Lawrence Gulley
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12/7 Angalique Parker
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12/20 Andrew & Emily Taylor
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12/7 Terra Edwards
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12/22 Jonna Jones
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12/8 Christiana Sesay
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12/23 Eugenio Chavez
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12/8 Micah Boice
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12/23 Tyler Frazier
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12/8 Olivia Boice
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12/25 Charles Parker
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12/8 Sheree Hayes
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12/26 Brian Frazier
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12/9 Gaylord & Sheree Hayes
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12/26 Moises Marquez Jr.
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12/9 Lowell Schmidt
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12/27 Linda Lennon
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12/9 Paul Lee
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12/27 Mark Hewitt
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12/11 Sandra Porter
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12/28 Corey & BethAnn Jones
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12/12 Jose Perez
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12/28 Todd & Raquel Forrest
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12/12 Paul Prentice
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12/29 Charles Gibson
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12/13 Joshua Boice
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12/29 Larry Dunlap
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12/14 Earl & Betty Anderson
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12/29 Randy Anderson
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12/15 Mark & Angelica Banda
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12/30 Mae Lynn Parker
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12/16 Cheryl Crouch
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12/30 Sherry Seigman
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12/16 Chris & Kelly Branigan
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12/30 Mark Lofton
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12/17 Marvin & Ruth West
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12/31 Selah Diaz
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Pastors and Leaders, if we are missing your or your family's birthday information, please fill out a District Contact Information Form and send it to [email protected]
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Our district Children's Ministry team plans and organizes annual Summer camps, talent festivals, periodic Bible quiz meets and other training events throughout the year
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NMI
M
ISSION
S
TATEMENT
To mobilize the church in mission through
praying, discipling, giving, and educating
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NYI
Our Mission:
BE. Evagelism
DO. Discipleship
GO. Leadership Development
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