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In loving memory,
Dr. Gene Fuller,
Former West Texas District Superintendent
Dr. Curtis "Gene" Fuller, retired pastor, evangelist, and district superintendent, passed away January 27. He was 84.
Dr. Fuller was born January 30, 1931, in Union Springs, Alabama. He accepted Jesus as his personal savior at a holiness camp when he was 14 and began preaching at 16 on the circuit of churches in southern Alabama. He had a radio show in Alabama at age 17 where he preached the gospel on the air.
He later attended Kletzing College in Iowa where he met his wife, Evelyn Schultz. They married on August 7, 1952, just before he transferred to Olivet Nazarene College ( now University) in Illinois for his last two years of college.
On May 19, 1985, Southern Nazarene University honored him with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.
Dr. Fuller was ordained in the Church of the Nazarene in 1952. He and his wife, Evelyn, served the denomination for more than 64 years. Over the years, he organized or helped organize 41 churches and missions. He pastored four churches for a total of 14 years in Streator, Illinois; Pensacola, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama, and Springfield, Illinois and served as district superintendent for Virginia, West Texas, and Central Florida. He was one of the youngest district superintendents ever appointed at age 37 and one of the longest serving at 32 years. When he retired, he served as executive pastoral consultant for his son, Pastor Mark Fuller, at CrossRoads Church of the Nazarene in Arizona and Grove City Church of the Nazarene in Ohio. Gene was also the author of The Hallelujah March, which chronicles the 75 years of the Church of the Nazarene in west Texas.
Gene and Evelyn have two children, Mark, who is married to Sue Fuller and is pastor of Grove City Church of the Nazarene, and Jeanne Mowry, who is married to Jimmy Mowry. In addition, they have five grandchildren: Lindsay Gibson, Courtney Gaston, Kelly Fuller, and Tyler and Travis Mowry, and three great-grandchildren: Ellie and Caleb Gibson and Francis Mowry.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. February 6 at Crossroads Church of the Nazarene in Chandler, Arizona.
-- article provided by NCN News
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TWO NTS SUPPORT OPTIONS
In addition to the regular annual NTS Seminary offering, which many of our congregations participate in each January, this year our district is offering an second option. Upon my request, our advisory board has agreed to establish a West Texas Endowed Scholarship at NTS. My initial goal is for this to be at least $10,000.
I would like to encourage each of our churches to either give a special offering to the Seminary on January 31st, or take an offering for the new endowed scholarship fund during the month of February (or sometime between now and the district assembly)...or both. The regular seminary offering is to be sent directly to NTS. However, if you choose to participate in the WT Endowed Scholarship Fund please send checks to the district office, making them out to the WT District, marking them for NTS Fund.
Brother and Sister Pastors, I am very pleased with the current direction of our seminary, under the presidential leadership of Dr. Carla Sunberg. I want us to do everything we can to support and endorse her leadership. Thank you for prayerfully considering participation in this endeavor!
For more information, please click here.
Pastor David Downs
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Pilot Point Project to Begin Soon!
It's incredible for me to realize that in just a few weeks Debbie and I will be leaving our ministry here in So Cal, San Diego County of 22 years, and heading to West Texas. It has been an incredible journey for us and our family--never thought a West Texas boy from Amarillo would end up in Southern California, but God is always full of surprises. The day we moved into the state there was a big earth quake in the Los Angeles area and all of our family and friends were asking us, "Are you really going to California?" We did and God had blessed us "beyond what we would have ever dared to ask or dream of..." Though our hearts are sad to leave our family here, we are very excited about what God is planning for us in Pilot Point.
When I drove onto the campus of Pilot Point Church in the summer of 2013, I had just completed a successful bass fishing trip to Lake Fork. On my way back to OKC, I wanted to see the historical location of our denomination's birth, which I had taught about in many membership classes. When I drove up to the church that memorable day and met Johnnie Johnston, I had no idea that one day we would be following this godly man and his wife Joyce. But we are.
My last official Sunday in California is February 28th, as is Pastor Johnnie Johnston's in Pilot Point. And if everything goes according to plan--which I can't remember a time in my life that that has ever happened--I will be headed to the eastern shores of Ray Roberts Lake the first of March. Debbie and I are amazed that God would use us to "stir the strings of new life in that old historic church and reach a growing community with the same passion that launched the Church of the Nazarene." I love Stan Ingersols' words in his article,
Pilot Point's Enduring Significance, "...Soon the inside of the tent became too small for the freedom of such joy...Pilot Point left an indelible impression on those present. For them, it was an experience of reconciling love and a symbol the gospel can triumph over the divisive and chaotic forces of this world. Today it remains a potent and enduring symbol that genuine Christian holiness creates new social realities." Wow! That is our message today. And that is exactly what we are hoping and planning to do. We believe it's time to set up a dynamic church that speaks to today's culture and the one to come.
Our plan: The Pilot Point Project
- Recruit an active prayer team. *Colossians 4:2-6
- Invite anyone who wants to, to give a financial gift to "The Pilot Point Project."
***Send to West Texas District office, "Pilot Point Project."
- Build a new team to "restart" the church.
***Realistically, we will probably be starting in a home Bible study until a team forms and a re-launch date is secured-hopefully around Father's Day.
- Renew and build new relationships with the locals
***Connect with as many people in the local community as possible-running a weekly blog for people to get acquainted with the church, who we are, and how we will be adding to the local community. ***Hope to do interviews in the local papers.
- Let the General Church know all about the future of Pilot Point.
- Recruit interns from Southern Nazarene University to minister in the community and mentor as many passionate young people as God brings our way.
- Pray!
If you want to be a part of any of "The Pilot Point Project," please text me at 760-518-6732 or email me at
[email protected]. My email will be changing, but I will use this one for now.
Prayer requests for right now:
- Our church here as they transition from us leaving to a new pastor coming in.
- For Johnnie and Joyce Johnston as they transition into a new life after 29 years in Pilot Point.
- For me and Debbie as we make plans to come this way. All the touch points before we leave and selling our house. Also-finding a rent house in Pilot Point.
- For the new re-start team God is putting together.
- For the people in the area who will be coming to the church.
Getting ready for Ephesians 3:20-21.
Dwayne and Debbie Edwards
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Dear Pastors and NMI Presidents,
Our District NMI Council will meet this weekend, February 5-6, at Camp Arrowhead. We'll be praying for each of you and your congregations, and plan for April when we will all gather together in Fort Worth for the Vision Conference and Assembly.
It is almost time to formally acknowledge the ways God has worked through you and your congregation this year! Remember, this year you will submit your NMI report ONLINE. If you do not have access to a computer or need help, please talk to your faithful NMI Zone Director who is willing to assist you.
Keep watching your email inbox for details on how to report and also how to reserve and pay for your SDMI/NYI Celebration Banquet tickets (also online.)
Remember to promote Alabaster during the month of February! We have resources available for you
HERE.
There is also time for a LAST PUSH FOR WORLD EVANGELISM FUND! Don't let your church be left out of the celebration when we reach 100% of our district giving goal.
Once again, Dick Sowder of Nazarene Disaster Response has agreed to come to our Vision Conference in April and collect Crisis Care Kits! Instead of paying the high rate of shipping, please include $5 per box to help cover Dick's gas and expenses.
You also still need to send a check-made payable to Global Treasury Services, Church of the Nazarene-in the amount of $12.00 per banana box (for storage and shipping costs during the distribution process). Include the name and address of your church with the check. Ten Percent Credit will be allowed for the $12.00 shipping donation only. Do not put the money in the CCKs or banana boxes. Mark the check, "Nazarene Relief Shipments ACM1297," and mail to: Global Treasury Services PO Box 843116 Kansas City, MO 64184-3116.
Thank you for your service to His Kingdom. I look forward to reading your excellent reports!
Blessings,
Cheryl Crouch
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Kids Fest & District Quiz - March 4-5 at Lubbock First Church
We've blocked rooms in 5 different Lubbock hotels for your churches to choose from. ALL the info is on the website. Deadlines begin February 15, so get your rooms soon.
Upcoming Zone Quiz & Talent Events!
February 17
High Plains Zone @ Borger First
February 19
Amarillo Zone Quiz @ Amarillo Valleyview 7:00 PM
February 20
Fort Worth Zone with Arrowhead, Denton and Metro Mid-Cities @ FWF Church, check-in 8:15 AM
Wichita Fall Zone @ Nocona 9:00 AM
Lubbock Zone @ Lubbock First Church
Abilene Zone @ Abilene First Church
Amarillo Zone Talent @ Hereford Church 9:00 AM
February 28
Wellington Zone @ Dodson Church
Kids Camp 2016 - June 27-July1 at Camp Arrowhead
Registration links are on the website for campers and sponsors.
Early Bird registration is due May 1st by midnight = $208
Because Jesus Loves Kids!
Jennifer Sommers
WTD Kids Director
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WTNYI Update:
A few more spots are available to join the team for Encuentro 2016 next July in Puerto Rico! Register and get more information at
www.wtnyi.com.
West Texas is preparing for EXTRAVAGANZA '16 on the campus of Southern Nazarene University! There's a new date this year so be sure to get all the details and register online at
www.snuextravaganza.com.
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Dear West Texas NYI Family (students, youth workers, pastors, etc.),
Please take the time to read all the information below. There are exciting things happening in WTNYI.
In 2016 West Texas NYI is trying something new! Youth A Rama will be joining the region at Southern Nazarene University to make Extravaganza 2016 a truly exceptional event.
The West Texas NYI council spent much time in prayer and discussion before making this decision. We understand the tradition of Youth A Rama and the impact that is has made on the lives of so many students. Extravaganza at SNU is a meaningful regional event that has impacted the lives of many students over the years as well. That being said, the NYI Council is excited to join forces with Extravaganza. We pray that it will be received as a new opportunity and tradition, taking Youth A Rama to the next level; Introducing our students to the region, and our university, while still maintaining unity as a district. We want to see more students attending our fine university and one way to do that is to get more of our West Texas Students on the campus. The region has moved Extravaganza to March 31 - April 3 in 2016. If you are not familiar with Extravaganza at SNU, it is almost identical to Youth A Rama but on a larger scale. It offers more options for students to display their talents and has separate divisions for junior high and high school. The regional council has made recent changes putting more emphasis on the worship services at Extravaganza. It already is a great event. Add in a little West Texas flair and it becomes an exceptional event. :) The WTNYI Council is excited to get on board with this event and bring our West Texas students to SNU. We pray you too will be excited about the potential. Most importantly we want our students to encounter God! Join us in praying that God will prepare all our hearts for what He wants to do at all our local, district, and regional events!
Also in 2016, ENCUENTRO 2016. July 10-16, 2016. West Texas NYI is taking a team of students, sponsors, families, etc. to Encuentro 2016 in Puerto Rico. This is an NYI- sponsored mission trip with over 2500 students anticipated to participate during July 2016. We will work along side our Puerto Rican Nazarenes conducting youth, adult and family evangelistic missions. Prayerfully consider how you can get your students involved in this incredible mission opportunity. Go online to
www.wtnyi.com for more information and to get your students registered.
Mark Your Calendars:
Youth Ministry Summit (Youth Leaders conference) --October 12-13, 2016
SNU West Texas College Days -- February 18-20, 2016
Extravaganza at SNU -- March 31 - April 3, 2016
Crave (Youth Camp) -- June 13-17, 2016
Encuentro Mission Trip -- July 10-16, 2016
WTNYI is so blessed to have so many dedicated youth leaders that passionately care about our students. We join you in prayer for our students and local ministries.
Your NYI Council,
Gary Young
WTNYI President
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If you are interested in being a part of the team, please email Susan McPherson ASAP.
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PASTOR'S WORK AND WITNESS TRIP 2016
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| PASTOR'S WORK AND WITNESS TRIP 2016 |
District Funding the Mission Report
Our district treasurer, Dan Davisson, has prepared an updated District Funding the Mission Report.
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. You can review your church's current progress below or by clicking
here.
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West Texas District
2016 Calendar of Events
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February 20
- Fort Worth Zone Talent & Quiz (Denton, Arrowhead, & Mid-Cities invited)
February 20- ALL Children's Zone Competitions - no later than the 20th
February 25-
Vision Conference/District Assembly Planning Session
February 18-20- SNU West Texas College Days
March 4-5-District Kids Fest & District Quiz at Lubbock First
March 7-
Pastor's Forum Sponsored by the RCPL at SNU
March 12-
Annual Pastor's Reports due
March 17-20-
Youth-A-Rama (Tentative)
March 19-
District Assembly Finance Committee Meeting
March 31 - April 3rd-
SNU Extravaganza
April 13-15-
Vision Conference/ District Assembly- Fort Worth
May 1-Early Bird Camper Registration by midnight
May 12-13, 2016-
SNU Board of Trustees
May 14, 2016-
Spring Commencement
June 1- Regular Rate Camper Registration by midnight
June 1-Counselor, Staff, & Intern registration by midnight
June 5-10- Family Camp at Camp Arrowhead
June 13-Regional Quiz at SNU
June 13-17
- Crave (Youth Camp)
June 15- Late Rate Camper Registration by midnight
June 27-July
1-Kids Camp
July 10-16- Encuentro Mission Trip
August 24-
SNU Fall Semester Classes Begin
September 1-Children's VBS / Summer Mission Offering due to General Treasurer
September 10- District Children's Council Meeting - Lubbock First
October 12-13- Youth Ministry Summit (Youth Leaders Conference)
November 10-11-
SNU Board of Trustees
November 11-12-
SNU Homecoming
December 10-
SNU Winter Commencement
December 27, 2016- January 3, 2017
- Commission Unto Mexico
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Our February Parsonage Families Birthdays/Anniversaries
2/5 Moon Hew Lee
2/11 Emma Rinard
2/14 Beth Ann Jones
2/15 Gerald Nikl
2/16 Becky Glidden
2/16 Marta Torres
2/19 Natalie Derbyshire
2/19 Norman Kessell
2/19 Parker Plaxco
2/20 Andrea Marquez
2/20 Hector Orozco
2/20 Phillip & Linda Kenedy
2/21 Eli Monteblanco
2/21 Paul & Moon Hew Lee
2/23 Reath Gatkek
2/25 Misael Alvarado
2/27 Lee Lennon
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