May 2, 2017
Dear Pastor/Friends, ddowns

I had the privilege of participating in three exciting and dynamic events on our district over the past three weekends! On Saturday, April 15, Susan and I went over to Haltom City where HC 1st and FW Crossroads Tabernacle are beginning a new Parent Affiliated Congregation (mission outpost). What a great day. Hundreds from the surrounding neighborhood attended. Crossroads had handed out invitations door to door and within beautiful Easter baskets which were distributed to 800 kids at the neighboring elementary schools.  We are excited for Pastors Fred and Monica Rodriguez as they lead this effort. 



Then on Sunday, April 23rd we attended the beautiful outreach to the members of the Muslim mosque located near Fort Worth Northside. At the district assembly, we heard Pastor Lynn Nichols testify how God had led him to reach out in Christlike kindness to their neighbors at the Mosque who had been receiving menacing threats. The people at Northside joined their pastor in this compassionate effort and hosted the entire congregation. It was a truly beautiful event. I was honored and humble...and so grateful for Pastor Lynn and his people.  And, I made some new friends!



Yesterday, April 30, we had the privilege of attending and participating in the wonderful 50th anniversary celebration for Euless First Church. Pastor Zack Smithson and his people hosted a tremendous crowd. There was much to celebrate as we rejoiced with their affiliated Hispanic and Arabic congregations!



Finally, Congratulations to the four new congregations which moved from Parent Affiliated or Church Type Mission Status at the assembly. They are pictured below... followed by photos of the other PACs and CTMs which were celebrated at the assembly. To view our traditional bell ringing celebration of these courageous pastors and new congregations, CLICK HERE.


For you and with you,

Pastor David Downs


NEWLY ORGANIZED CHURCHES

 


Amarillo African Community
Euless RisenPoint International
Muleshoe Nuevo Pacto
Wichita Falls Cristo Vive


PAC's, CTM's and Re-Starts

Amarillo Turning Point
Big Spring Cedar Road
Cactus Community
Dumas Nueva Vida
Carrollton Korean
DFW Matu Christian
Dalhart Casa de Oración
Denton Hope Community Hispanic
Haltom City Hope City
Pilot Point Grace Point
Stephenville Ebenezer
Yeshua Nazar

IN THIS ISSUE:

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West Texas District
Family Camp
June 4-9, 2017


This year's Family Camp is going to be our 63rd. People across the district are looking forward to hearing Susie Shellenberger, and music provided by Jairo and Chrissy Maldonado. 

Please visit our district website to register!!

or click on the flyer below:





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ARM
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 participate and receive an offering prior to June 1st. 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


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memoria
IN MEMORIAM

Since District Assembly, we have said our earthly farewells to three of our wonderful retirees.  These precious individuals served the Lord on the West Texas district, and elsewhere.  We are grateful for the impact they have made for the Kingdom of our Lord.
 
 
Rev. Bruce Chamberlain served as pastor for 34 years of what is now Denton Willowwood.  He also served the West Texas district as the District Secretary for 29 years.
 
Late in his ministry he publicly confessed to a gambling addiction - he gambled on people. He believed God can change anyone, so he gave away precious time, counsel, prayer, love (and often money) to many. Sometimes he'd win. Sometimes he'd lose. At all times his wagers were Kingdom-minded. He loved his people. His congregation knew it. His family knew it.
 
Even to the end Rev. Chamberlain was serving the Lord in his local church and drawing together the ministers on the Denton Zone for prayer and fellowship.

 ***********************************
 
Rev. O. W. Wilson served in the ministry for 32 years from April 1955 until April 1987.  He served on the following districts:  Iowa, Southwest Oklahoma, Houston, Indiana and Alabama.  In the different districts, he served on various boards and other appointments including Advisory Boards, Credentials Boards, Finance Committees, Missionary Councils, and as District Treasurer and District Secretary.  Most recently, he was serving as Outreach and Shepherding pastor at Abilene First.
 

**********************************
 
Edna Pyle faithfully served with her husband, Glendon.  They officially joined the Church of the Nazarene in 2016, but served in the Dalhart church under Pastor Rick Calvert for 7 years before that.  Previous to that they pastored a Wesleyan church in Dalhart for 27 years until it closed.  Edna also served as the NMI president for the Dalhart church.




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sdmi3
 


What a great convention and assembly we had. Dr. Rob North, Rev. Jaime Perez and Rev. Premal Awasarmal were all truly anointed as they shared about their ministries. Each of them shared from their unique perspectives what the Lord is doing. Many delegates shared with us how their eyes were opened to the fascinating work being done around the globe.

Here in West Texas, there were several churches that had wonderful growth in their Discipleship Ministries:
 
SDMI EXCEPTIONAL AWARD
Discipleship Ministries percentage gain of 50% or grater
     
Fort Worth Emanuel                                         Pastor Gerardo Reyes  
Pilot Point Grace Point                                     Pastor Dwayne Edwards


 
SDMI SUPERIOR AWARD
Discipleship Ministries percentage gain of 10% - 49%

Burleson                                                           Pastor Alton Ashby 
Cleburne                                                          Pastor Tom McNutt
Dumas Nueva Vida                                          Pastors Philip & Martha Patalano
Fort Worth ChristCity                                       Pastor Barbara Jones
Fort Worth Sobre la Roca                                Pastor Luis Maldonado
Hamlin                                                              Pastor Jeff Parson  
Lubbock Refuge                                               Pastor Travis Zachary
                                                                         Pastor Alan Wallace
Nocona                                                             Pastor Marvin Pepper   

     
                             
SDMI HONOR AWARD 
Discipleship Ministries percentage gain of 1% - 9%

Amarillo First                                                   Pastor Jeff Marcoe
Andrews                                                          Pastor William Perhealth    
Arlington First                                                  Pastor Clint Benn
Arlington Renewed Life                                   Pastor Greg Key
Big Spring First                                               Pastor Cal Callender
Dalhart                                                            Pastor Rick Calvert
Denton Willowwood                                        Pastor Mark Ramsey
Fort Worth First                                               Pastor C.B. Glidden
Fort Worth Westridge                                      Pastor Ish Mora
Graham First                                                   Pastor Gaylord Hayes
Hillsboro                                                          Pastor Misael Alvarado
Wichita Falls First                                            Pastor Allen Hughes



I want to thank Cheryl Crouch and the District NMI team for all they did working alongside and sharing the Vision Conference with the West Texas SDMI. The mission is discipleship.



Anticipating great things!
 
CB Glidden



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nmi

 

Dear Pastors & NMI Leaders,

Daniel Pesado, our Nazarene missionary,has flown in from Spain to meet with our West Texas Nazarenes and thank them for their prayers and support. He is off and running, visiting with members of 32 churches in 19 days! Thanks to you pastors who are flexible and willing to make this crazy schedule work - whether that means meeting in a restaurant or in a home or at the park. When we all work together, EVERYONE gets to meet a missionary face-to-face even if the group (or the offering) is small. Take advantage of this opportunity!

Daniel's European phone does not work here, so please contact him via email at [email protected]  to let him know housing and meeting plans. If you need to make changes, please also let me know at [email protected] .

Sunday, April 30 - AM Mansfield First
Monday, May 1 - Hillsboro
Tuesday, May 2 - Whitney First
Wednesday, May 3 - Cleburne
Thursday, May 4 - Granbury
Friday, May 5 - Stephenville
Saturday, May 6 - Mineral Wells (MW covers hotel)
Sunday, May 7 - AM Graham
      PM Cisco (Graham covers hotel)
Monday, May 8 - Open (Abilene First covers hotel)
Tuesday, May 9 - Abilene Southwest*, Abilene Trinity (Trinity provides housing)
Wednesday, May 10 - Hamlin*, Abilene First
Thursday, May 11 - Snyder
Friday, May 12 - Big Spring & Cedar Road
Saturday, May 13 - Seagraves*, Denver City, Andrews, Lamesa
Sunday, May 14 - AM Abernathy First
  PM Dickens*, Lubbock First, Lubbock Refuge, Levelland, Ropesville
Monday, May 15 - Grassland*, Post
Tuesday, May 16 - Plainview
Wednesday, May 17 - Pampa
Thursday, May 18 - Higgins
 
Thank you - I am so aware of your prayers as I adjust to my dad's move up to heaven. Thank you, my West Texas family, for loving and supporting me so beautifully!

Vision Conference - It was great to see many of you the West Texas Vision Conference. Thanks to Lubbock First for hosting us! Their great people did everything with excellence. I also want to offer a word of appreciation to the NMI District Council who stepped in when and I had to leave, and of course did a super job.

Thanks for all of you for your enthusiasm, encouragement, and generosity. You gave a generous deputation offering of $7,320.04, $5,000 of which will go directly to the LED light bulb replacement project at Africa Nazarene University!

Remember May = Missionary Care. You can help take care of our missionaries by presenting a Memorial Roll for $75, a Distinguished Service Award for $125, taking a Healthcare Offering, or giving a "Gifts from the Heart" card and donating to Missionary Care.
 
May = a great time to Mail the Teen Mission Offering to District NMI Treasurer
 
Thanks for the excellent work you do as you lead your congregation to pray, disciple, educate and give. Let's continue to minister around the world and across the street!


Blessings,

Cheryl Crouch, WT NMI President
www.wtd-nmi.org


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kidz


  • Camp Registration - Registration cost will be $245 starting May 2nd.  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. Thank you for helping me get the word out!
  • Family Camp Nursery Workers Needed! - Each year we provide a nursery for our Family Camp families - ages birth to 2 years and 3-4 years (up to PreK).  We need workers to come and minister that week.  Nursery workers must be 16 years or older and have a current background check and MinistrySafe certificate on file with Jennifer Sommers. If you have any students or adults interested in coming to Family Camp and serving in the nursery please email me at your earliest convenience - [email protected]. All nursery workers will receive their room and food for the week.  Our goal is to have 18 workers for Family Camp! 
  • Dropbox Camp Spreadsheet!  If you are a church leader and you're in charge of getting kids to ACTIVATE this summer you can join our Dropbox.  We share a folder on our district where we store district info and news and most importantly the camp registration spreadsheet!  You can view it at your convenience to see who from your church has registered, paid or uploaded their shot records.  We use this for church leaders to stay on top of their camp planning.  If you have not joined email me for an invite.  Only 1 per church.
  • West Texas Kid Min Packet - At District Assembly we passed out a packet full of information. CLICK HERE to open/print the information packet.  

Because Jesus Loves Kids!

Jennifer Sommers
WTX Kids Director

 

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results
District Assembly 2017
Election Results


Advisory Board
Minister - Allen Hughes, Jr.
Lay Member - Dan Davisson
 
Board of Ministerial Credentials
C.B. Glidden
Corey Jones
Michael Page
Terry Porter
 
Camp Arrowhead Board
Ministers - Cal Callender, Marcia Nikl
Lay Member - Marshall Martin
 
SDMI Board Chariman
C.B. Glidden - 2 year term
 
SDMI Board
Ministers - Rick Calvert, Terry Porter
Lay Members - Marshall Martin, Lindsay Parson
 
Trustees to SNU
Minister - C.B. Glidden
Lay Member - Dan Davisson



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calendarrWest Texas District
2017 Calendar of Events



April 30 - May 15 - Daniel Pesado on Deputation
May - Mail Teen Mission Offering to District NMI Treasurer
May 13 - SNU Spring Commencement
May 24 - CRAVE Registration Deadline
May 26-27 - Hispanic Women's Conference
June - Mail World Mission Broadcast Offering to GTS
June 1 - ACTIVATE Regular Rate Camper Registration due
June 4-9 - Family Camp, Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center
June 12-16 - CRAVE Teen Camp, Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center
June 21- 23  Global NYI, NMI & SDMI Conventions, Indianapolis, IN
June 24 - 30 General Assembly, Indianapolis, IN
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 at SNU
October 9 - 11 - Youth Ministry Summit, SNU
October 13-14 - Senior Adult Retreat, Lubbock First
October 19-21 - Awakening Prayer Conference
October 27-28 - Discovery Weekend, Abilene TX
November - Thanksgiving Offering due for the WEF
December 9 - SNU Winter Commencement
Dec. 27 - Jan. 2 - Commission Unto Mexico


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bandanniversaries

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES 
FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

5/1 Alfredo Alvarez
5/15 Steve Pettit
5/1 Amir Ngong 5/16 Rachel Oh
5/2 Marvin West 5/17 Tabitha Zachary
5/2 Vito Monteblanco 5/20 Dan & Jennifer Sommers
5/4 Erica Forrest 5/20 Jacy Townsley
5/7 Rafael & Erminia Cordero 5/20 Jeff Crouch
5/8 Clayton Rose 5/20 Kathy Kessell
5/8 Cooper Young 5/22 Cal & Ceresa Callender
5/10 Ashtyn Ricenbaw 5/23 Coleen Scott
5/10 Greg Johnson 5/23 John & Breann Keating
5/10 Mark Ramsey 5/24 Curt & Heather Plaxco
5/11 Santiago Rueda 5/25 Daniel Dyer
5/13 Cormac Branigan 5/26 Cailyn Pepper
5/13 Kevin Angel 5/26 Lauren Grimes
5/14 David Marquez 5/27 John & Karen Donnerberg
5/14 Justita Cruz 5/28 Marvin & Becky Pepper
5/15 Brookelyn Crouch 5/29 Piper Ramsey
5/15 David Hollon 5/30 John & Peggy Lewis
5/15 Lowell Clark 5/31 Hugh Hays
5/15 Michael & Elizabeth Gatkek
 
West Texas District 
Church of the Nazarene
817-479-8611
office @westexnaz.org
www.westexnaz.org
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