Dear Pastor/Friends,

I want to congratulate Pastor Terry Porter of Borger First. This past Sunday, I was with Terry and his people for worship and led the church board through a very successful four-year pastoral review. Terry and his wife, Sandra, have served faithfully in Borger for almost 20 years. It is evident that God is doing many wonderful things there. I couldn't help but think about how very valuable it is for the Kingdom when a pastor has served faithfully and enthusiastically in a community for many years. They have raised their kids through the school system, they've supported the local HS sports teams, they've been involved in multiple city-wide community service efforts, they've laughed and cried with the community...and they have earned the trust of the people! You couldn't buy what they have there for millions of dollars. It is a gift from the Lord...and it is priceless.

The very same can be said of long-time lay pastor, Ken Benton, who was honored last Saturday evening, at a wonderful dinner at the community center, by the Stinett congregation for 34 years of service. What a privilege it was for Susan and me to attend and to present Ken with the title "Pastor Emeritus." I visited with several pastors from other community congregations who commented on what a powerful impact Ken had made.  What a blessing!

I want to thank the area pastors and people who attended the Sunday evening service in Cactus for the official installation of their pastor, Kor Chakud.   Kor and his family have been living and serving there for 8 months, assisting founding pastor, Michael Gatkek. At our recent district assembly he received his first district license and was appointed as the official pastor.  There was a wonderful crowd present. Words cannot fully express how much I love and appreciate Pastor Kor!  He is a brilliant man, fluent in several languages, including English and Arabic, and yet he is one of the most humble servants of God I know. Welcome to the WT pastoral family!

This coming Sunday, Pastor Kor will be taking in his first group of new members,  He is pictured here with the Arabic language Articles of Faith chart he used to teach them our basic beliefs. It is very effective.  

Also present at the event were members of a W&W team from Lamesa. They are pictured here, presenting Pastor Kor with a gift from their congregation to be used for putting a new porch on his home, which is located across the street from the church.  

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at Family Camp next week! Susie Shellenberger is our guest evangelist/teacher and our registrar, Randy Anderson, tells me we have a good preregistration...even though it is a General Assembly year.  There are still a few rooms left and it's not too late. Check out the Family Camp flyer below for info about how to register. Pastors, while you're there please stop by the newly remodeled "Shepherds' Cottage." Remember, it is available, free of charge, to our pastoral families throughout the year (except this week). :-)

Finally, several of our pastors' kids graduated from high school and college last month. We celebrate with the proud families of the following seniors: 

Alex Marcoe - Amarillo High School
Caleb Angel - S.H. Rider High School
Celeste Forrest-Blissett - Southern Nazarene University
Deanne Adams - Midland Lee High School
Erica Forrest  - ATEMS High School
Erin Nicole Ramsey - Southern Nazarene University
Halee Powers - Era High School
Jonah McGuire - Snyder High School
Leah Benn  - James Martin High School
Manny Gatkek - Caprock High School
Mariella Banda - Richland High School
Silver Taylor - Hereford High Shool
Taylor Robertson - Southern Nazarene University
 

For you and with you,
 
Pastor David Downs
Top
June 2, 2017
In This Issue
South Sudanese Relief Offerings
 
 
We have begun receiving reports from our congregations regarding the special offering we are receiving for famine and war/refugee relief in South Sudan. You will recall that on Wednesday evening of the assembly week we had special prayer for our South Sudanese congregations and their families (see picture).
 
Also, you will recall that I respectfully asked that each of our congregations receive an offering between now and June 1st to help with compassionate ministry there. I am convinced that the problem (which many see as the largest humanitarian crisis of our lifetime) can only be solved through prayer and a powerful outpouring of God's power in the region. This is what I'm praying for. Especially, because of the special connection God has given us with South Sudan, I feel He is looking to us, the Nazarene churches on the WT district, to be faithful in prayer for this crisis. So please remember this in your pastoral prayer times and during your prayer services. And, please, lead your people in receiving a generous offering for South Sudan.
 
In addition to our prayer and the compassionate ministry offering, I am praying for and actively seeking other ways we can be involved...such as W&W to the surrounding countries (Kenya and Ethiopia) to assist with refugee ministry. Please pray that, if the Lord wants this, He will open the doors for this type of involvement.
  
Regarding the offering, we are providing two giving options for our churches:

1. The first giving option is to participate in the global Nazarene Compassionate Ministries offering for famine relief in East Africa. The entire region is facing famine, in addition to the war in South Sudan. I have learned through conversations with our denominational Compassionate Ministries Coordinator, Nell Becker Sweden, that the current plan is for a full third of the amount received through this global Nazarene offering to go toward the South Sudanese crisis. If you choose to send your offering through NCM, which I highly regard, trust, and support, you will send your church's check to the Nazarene General Treasurer's office at P.O. Box 843116. Kansas City. MO 64184-3116

2.  The second giving option that we are supporting is through A.R.M (African Relief Ministries). A.R.M. is an independent 501(c)3 established by our Sudanese pastor, and USA/Canada Regional South Sudanese Ministry Coordinator, Rev. Michael Gatkek. The board of A.R.M. is made up of several highly trusted members of our district, including Pastor Serina Nelson, and DAB member, Loretta Martin. A.R.M.'s mission is to provide aid to South Sudanese refugees. Frankly, I have restrained from supporting them openly (though I've supported them personally) because I've not wanted to detract from NCM...but now is the time for us to explore every avenue of compassion. I have great confidence in Michael and the A.R.M board. (Please be advised that A.R.M. is not at certified Nazarene 10% giving project. Therefore, offerings given to them will not be deducted from your budget calculation base, as will offerings given to NCM.) You will report A.R.M. giving on your annual pastors report on line 47, "Local Compassionate Ministries" (Monies used for helping those in need, including non-Nazarene global missions.) Monies sent to African Relief Ministries should be made out to A.R.M. and labeled "Sudanese Relief" and mailed to African Relief Ministries. 3411 S.E 13th Street. Amarillo, TX 79104.

Again, I am requesting that 100% of our 100 churches and new-start congregations receive an offering. We have extended the deadline so that all of our churches have a chance to participate. Please notify me via e-mail once you have received the offering and report the results directly to me. I cannot thank you enough for your attention to this matter.
 
Pastor David Downs


Our district treasurer, Dan Davisson, has prepared the WTD 2017-2018 Funding the Mission report as of May 31, 2017. 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.




CRAVE 2017 Late Registration now open!
 
Register by June 4th at midnight the latest to be able to go to camp!

No walk ups allowed.

 
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER



Dear West Texans,

We are looking forward to the Nazarene Missions International General Convention this month! Please be in prayer for delegates from around the world who still await visas and travel permits. Pray, too, for safe travel. Most of all, pray for God's holy presence and guidance as Nazarenes gather from all around the globe.

The World Mission Broadcast offering, the life-blood of the WMB ministry, is traditionally received in June. Because of it, Nazarene programs are able to stay on the air and tell the world about Jesus. Current World Mission Broadcast ministry statistics are:  34 Languages, 72 Countries, and 140 Programs!

On-line contributions from a church or district for WMB can be submitted via the Funding the Mission website - www.fundingthemission.org. Be sure to indicate the gift is for WMB. 

Church, district, and individual gifts can also be submitted via check made payable to World Mission Broadcast and sent to:

Global Treasury Services
Church of the Nazarene
P.O. Box 843116
Kansas City, MO 64184-3116

Visit the WMB Facebook page for the latest news-www.facebook.com/WMBroadcast, or visit the WMB website for promotional resources and other ministry information - www.worldmissionbroadcast.org.

Holiness programming, delivered over the airwaves, literally sends the message of Jesus's redeeming love around the world...and listeners respond...and they are won to Christ.

Blessings,

Cheryl Crouch, WT NMI


ACTIVATE Kids Camp 2017


July 17- 21 at Arrowhead Camp

Camp Registration cost is $245. Don't forget you will have to upload your shot records, so let your families know to have them on their computers ready to go. 

Visit our website to register!

 


Process for Local License, 
District License, and Ordination

Local License

The following link will lead you to the local minister's license information: http://www.usacanadaregion.org/local-license


District License

1.  The student must have a local license for one full year.

2.  Register with the Ministerial Studies Board including sending transcripts for evaluation:  https://sites.google.com/site/wtnazed/    Click on Getting Started

3.  The student must have completed 6 courses in the Course of Study, including History and Polity of the Church of the Nazarene (the Manual) and Holiness (Becoming a Holy People).

4.  Request a District license application packet from Earl Robertson

            a.  District license application
            b.  Essay and questionnaire
            c.  Background check authorization form
            d.  Recommendation to District Assembly form given to the Church Board

5.  Meet with the Ministerial Credentials and Ministerial Studies Boards in January.

6.  If there has been a divorce in the past, the student must complete the process for removing the divorce as a barrier to licensing and ordination (contact Earl Robertson for assistance)

Ordination

Upon completing the Course of Study and the required time in an assigned role, the student will be invited to meet with the Ministerial Credentials Board to apply for Ordination.    
       
Earl Robertson, P.O. Box 50224 Denton, TX 76206; erobertson@juno.com



We are so excited to begin our summer with a great crew of young adults who will serve with us for the next 9 weeks. Summer Staff Training week has been going very well and it has been a joy to get to know these individuals. Our summer theme is  Love Jesus, Build Community & Serve Others. We look forward to serving our district events as well as other churches and groups who come to Arrowhead within the next few months! We would love for you to support us in prayer this summer. Please lift us up in the following areas:

       For health, safety & maintained energy for our summer & full-time staff.
       That our team would continue to work well together.
       That God's presence would be sensed by all who step foot on these
   grounds.
       That life transforming decisions will be made here this summer.

Our residential & part-time staff (pictured here) this summer are: Alex Ricenbah, Braxton Rains, Jason Patalano, Jessica Stinson, Kelly Boyd, Meleah Marquis, & Miranda Ashley.


Our full time staff this year are: Leigh Ann Yant (Kitchen Supervisor), Matthew Marrs (Grounds Supervisor), Tammy Gurss (Housekeeping Supervisor), and Josh & Terra Edwards (Directors).

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center Staff


SDMI News

Our district Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries team oversees all district-wide Christian Education and Discipleship activities and training events for Adult, Youth and Children's Ministries.

Click on the images below for more information on all our upcoming events:












June - Mail World Mission Broadcast Offering to GTS
June 4-9 - Family Camp at Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center
June 12-16 - CRAVE Teen Camp, Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center
June 21-23 - Global NYI, NMI & SDMI Conventions, Indianapolis
June 24-30 - General Assembly, Indianapolis
July 17-21 - ACTIVATE Kids Camp, Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center
August 3-5 - WOW Women's Conference, Wichita Falls
September - Alabaster Offering to GTS
September 1 - Children's Mission Project & LINKS offerings due to GTS
Sept. 17 - Oct. 4 - David & Erika Campos on Deputation
September 8 - Nazarene Nite at Six Flags
September 9 - District Children's Council Meeting, Fort Worth First
Sept. 26 - Oct. 3 - Pastors' Master's Plan trip to Cali, Colombia
October 9 - Pastor's Forum
October 9 - 11 - Youth Ministry Summit, SNU
October 13 - 14 - Senior Adult Retreat, Lubbock First
October 19 - 21 - Awakening Prayer Conference, Arlington
November - Thanksgiving Offering for World Evangelism Fund to GTS
Dec. 27 - Jan. 2 - Commission Unto Mexico

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES OF OUR PASTORAL FAMILIES FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE

6/1 Clint & Bridget Benn
6/1 Michael & Brenda Murphy
6/2 Chris Branigan
6/3 Allen & LeAnna Hughes
6/3 Ted & Evelyn Taylor
6/3 Alvin Newton
6/3 Jeanene Smith
6/4 Alan & Catania McGuire
6/4 Leah Benn
6/4 Nelida Espinoza
6/5 Katherine Hollon
6/5 Lynn & Penny Nichols
6/6 Hugh & Kara Hays
6/7 Tiffany & Brian Frazier
6/9 CB & Becky Glidden
6/9 David & Susan Downs
6/10 Pedro & Justita Cruz
6/11 Michael & DeAnn Page
6/14 Judith Miller
6/14 Marcia Nikl
6/15 Paul & Cynthia Prentice
6/15 Tong Atak
6/16 David & Robin Hollon
6/16 Vito & Jenni Monteblanco
6/18 Jeff & Linsay Parson
6/18 Trey Pepper
6/19 Alton Ashby
6/20 David & Kathy Kessell
6/21 Lee & Linda Lennon
6/22 Mark & Mandy Hewitt
6/22 Grace Mensah
6/22 LeAnna Hughes
6/23 Matilyn Callender
6/25 Camryn Plaxco
6/25 Marcia Book
6/26 Andrew Taylor
6/26 Ken & Jonna Jones
6/27 Ethan Hughes
6/27 Jeff & Amy Marcoe
6/29 Cindi Tharp
6/29 Ken & Marcia Book
6/29 Sam & Susan McPherson
6/30 Serina Nelson
6/30 Dale Peirce