January 22, 2016

Dear Pastor/Friends,

What a great blessing it was to be together at the Shepherds' Sabbath last weekend! I want to thank everyone who helped make the event such a success. Our prayer was that the Lord would encourage and inspire His servants. Certainly He answered our prayers!

On Tuesday we completed the second round of credentials interviews. Last week we met in Amarillo...this week in Ft. Worth. We interviewed 51 candidates for district licensure and ordination. Pending completion of the Course of Study, six of these will be nominated to the District Assembly for ordination, one for recognition of credentials, and the rest for licensure. It is always such a great experience to hear the testimonies of these wonderful ministers! I know that everyone on the Credentials Board and Ministerial Studies Committee were deeply moved and encouraged. I do want to express our appreciation to the board members for their time and travel. Especially, I am grateful for the help of Pastor Earl Robertson who, as district secretary, organizes our credentialing.

As you know by now, we had the wonderful privilege of hosting 200 Central American unaccompanied child immigrants/refugees at Camp Arrowhead earlier this month.
I am so very grateful to Camp Directors Joe and Janet Thomas, for awesome work while hosting the children and almost 100 adult workers affiliated with Baptist Child and Family Services. Many of our Spanish-speaking pastors ministered to the kids on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. You can read the Naz News article by
clicking here , and you can view the national Spanish news network, Univision, story by clicking here . It was such a privilege to host these beautiful kids at Camp Arrowhead! 

Many of our pastors and people participated in disaster relief in Ovilla recently. Disaster-Response Coordinators Calvary Calendar and Marsha Nikl led the way as numerous volunteers used the resources in the WT disaster-response trailer to serve the pastor and people of the Ovilla Road Church of the Nazarene and the surrounding neighborhood. We are so grateful for the wonderful service of these awesome West Texas volunteers! 

As those of you who were at the Shepherds' Sabbath retreat know, Pastor Johnnie and Joyce Johnston are retiring at Pilot Point. Their last Sunday will be on February 28th.
We are all so very honored to have served alongside the Johnstons. We admire and appreciate them! They have been hoping to retire for some time and have been praying for a replacement. We are pleased to welcome Pastor Dwayne Edwards and his wife, Debbie, who will be taking up the work in Pilot Point in March. You can read Dwayne's exciting testimony of how the Lord called him back to Texas (he grew up in Amarillo Vallyview Church). I am very confident that great days are ahead in historic Pilot Point!

As I mentioned at the Shepherds' Sabbath, churches on our district will have two options regarding this years' Nazarene Seminary offering, which is scheduled for January 31st and throughout February. In addition to the regular NTS offering, which many of our churches participate in annually, this year we are raising a special offering to establish an endowed West Texas District scholarship at Nazarene Theological Seminary. If you participate in the special scholarship offering, please send your donation/offering to the district office with the check made out to the WT District and the words, "NTS Scholarship" in the memo. Regular NTS offerings go directly to NTS. Please click here for more information about Seminarian offering. Thank you, pastors, for overseeing this effort in your church. I greatly appreciate your help with this endeavor.

Finally, it is indeed hard to imagine that there are only five weeks left in the church year. Pastors, we are counting on you to do everything you can to finish strong. I am praying for you, and I know you are seeking the Lord's strength and wisdom. Anointed pastoral leadership is key. We should pray as if everything depends on God (which it does) and work as if everything depends on us. Please check to make sure your treasurer is up to date with your church's support of the World Evangelism Fund as well as each of the other district and denominational "Funding the Mission" apportionments.

Remember, Susan and I love and appreciate you. We are very grateful for the privilege of serving with you on our great district!

For you and with you,

Pastor David Downs




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!

Pastor David Downs



Pilot Point Project to Begin Soon!

Greetings West Texas!
 
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
  1. Recruit an active prayer team. *Colossians 4:2-6
  2. Invite anyone who wants to, to give a financial gift to "The Pilot Point Project."
    ***Send to West Texas District office, "Pilot Point Project."
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Let the General Church know all about the future of Pilot Point.
  6. Recruit interns from Southern Nazarene University to minister in the community and mentor as many passionate young people as God brings our way.
  7. 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 pastordwayne@lasfloreschurch.com. 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


Dear Pastors and NMI Leaders,
 
In January, we focus on volunteer ministries. So many of you give not just money, but time and energy, to others. Please send me stories and pictures! I love learning about the ways West Texans minister, and sharing your stories is one of the best parts of the Vision Conference each year.
 
Jim and Kaye Williams, our wonderful missionaries who spoke at last year's Vision Conference, will visit the following churches this month:
 
January 22-Plainview
January 23-Dumas/Borger 1st/Borger Trinity/Cactus/Dalhart/Dalhart  
                   Casa/Dumas Nueva Vida/Higgins/Perryton
January 24-am-Pampa
                        pm-Clarendon
January 25-Dodson/Wellington*
January 26-Burkburnett New Hope
January 27-Wichita Falls 1st/Cristo Vive
January 28-Wichita Falls Lakeview
January 29-Nocona
January 30-Gainesville Eastside/Gainesville Ebenezer
January 31-am-Prairie Point
                        pm-Cleburne/Burleson

February 15 is the deadline to sign up for our West Texas District NMI Mission trip. Instead of Budapest, Hungary, we will serve on the border of Croatia/Serbia from July 29 - August 7, 2016, preparing and serving food to people in transit. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity with time to interact with people, hear their stories and re-humanize the refugee situation. Cost is approximately $2500 per person. For more information contact Susan McPherson at westtexasworkwitness@gmail.com.

As we look toward February, remember to take an Alabaster offering. Also, since the church year is ending it is a great time to make one last push for the World Evangelism Fund. Our district is committed to paying 100% of our WEF allocation, which means whatever your church does not give must come from another fund. Please do what you can! Your people will love giving and being part of the worldwide church.

Thanks again for all you do.

Blessings,

Cheryl Crouch, WT NMI 




Kids Fest & District Quiz
March 4-5 at Lubbock First Church

Upcoming Zone competitions:
Lubbock - February 20 @ Lubbock First
Abilene - February 20 @ Abilene First
Fort Worth with Arrowhead, Denton & Metro Mid-Cities - February 20 @ Fort Worth First
Wichita Falls - February 20 @ Nocona
Wellington - February 28 @ Dodson

Need information?  Check out the district website at http://www.westexnaz.org/children.html to download talent and quizzing details.  Leaders you can also find this info in our district Dropbox folder.

Because Jesus Loves Kids!

Jennifer Sommers
WTD Kids Director
jsommers@fwf.org




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 

*********************************************************************************************************

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

go to  www.wtnyi.com for more information

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



If you are interested in being a part of the team, please email Susan McPherson ASAP.




PASTOR'S WORK AND WITNESS TRIP 2016
PASTOR'S WORK AND WITNESS TRIP 2016
West Texas District
2016 Calendar of Events

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 18-20SNU 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 10-16Encuentro 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

  


JANUARY PASTORAL BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

1/22 Lillie Smithson
1/27 Michael Davis
1/29 Avyn Jude Scarlett
1/29 David Kessell
1/29 Tonda Wallace
1/30 Pedro Cruz
1/31 Rick Calvert

 
West Texas District Church of the Nazarene
| kimberly@westexnaz.org | http://www.westexnaz.org
 
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