CENTRAL GULF COAST
CONNECTION
|
|
Central Gulf Coast Welcomes
Rev. Ryan & Jamie Brown & Family
|
|
Rev. Ryan M. Brown, pastor of Sandusky Community Church of the Nazarene, was elected as district superintendent of the Central Gulf Coast District on the first ballot at the 41st District Assembly, on May 11, 2023, at River Region Church of the Nazarene.
Rev. Brown has served as lead pastor of Sandusky Community Church in Ohio, for almost for 6 years. He has pastored churches on the MidSouth, Florida, and North Central Ohio districts. He earned a business degree at Austin Peay State University. His wife, Jamie Brown, will serve in the district office as administrator and assistant to the DS. The Browns have two children, Ryanne and Jamison.
Rev. Brown will take office on June 8, 2023 as district superintendent of Central Gulf Coast District Church of the Nazarene. They will reside in Prattville, AL.
|
|
Rev. Ryan and Jamie Brown
|
|
Appreciation from the Berrys
|
|
We thank our district family for the wonderful 16 years that we have worked together with pastors, district leaders, and laypeople to build God’s church in South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. We were confident in God’s leading when we felt his nudge and knew that retirement was the next chapter for our lives. We have appreciated your prayerful support and kindness during our years of service.
The retirement recognition, DSAs, and reception at District Assembly were wonderful and will remain cherished memories in our hearts. Sincere thanks to the churches and individuals for the thoughtful gifts, the district for the generous check, and for the many best wishes for our retirement. We were deeply humbled and truly grateful for the many expressions of love. Our plan is to remain members of the district, but we will reside in Mt. Juliet, TN near our children, grandchildren, and family.
As an elder, I will continue to be open to God’s service through supply and interim pastoring and will continue teaching online. We rejoice in God’s choice for the new district leader and are confident that Ryan and Jamie Brown will bring great leadership to the CGC District. – God’s blessings to all, Dr. Mark & Debi Berry
|
|
District Assembly Highlights
|
|
Presiding General Superintendent:
Dr. Eugénio R. Duarte
Great Commission Award
(New Nazarenes =/> 6% of last year’s attendance): 24 Churches
Stewardship Award
(all allocations paid + 10% giving):
11 Churches
District Ministries Fund (DMF)
Paid in full: 35 Churches
All Allocations Fund Paid
(WEF, DMF, TNU and P&B): 32 Churches
World Evangelism Churches
(Paid 5.5% in full): 38 Churches
Mission Priority Churches: 35 Churches
NMI Award of Excellence Churches
(5.7%+ Giving): 23 Churches
Ten Percent Churches (10% of income to others/missions): 12 Churches
Honor/Superior/Exceptional Sunday Schools: 18 Churches
|
|
NMI Convention - International Flags
|
Speakers: Rev. Monte and Bethany Cyr, pictured with Diane Thompson,
NMI President, (center)
|
|
District Supt’s Award of Excellence:
Dr. Kevin Knight (Dothan)
Rev. Kevin McDonald (Landmark)
Rev. Rob Steinbrook (Moundville)
Hope Award (Conversion/Discipleship):
Rev. Kevin McDonald (Landmark)
District Statistics:
Church Membership: 4,670
New Nazarenes:178
Corporate Worship Attendance: 3,926
NDI Enrollment: 3,063
NDI Attendance: 2,157
Raised for all Purposes: $5,384,803
Pensions & Benefits paid at 96.9%
TNU paid at 88.6%
WEF paid at 101.9%
|
|
Hope Award:
Landmark Church
Rev. Kevin McDonald
|
Dr. Duarte and Minister's Choir
|
|
Retired Elder: Rev. Dr. Mark D. Berry
First-time licensed Minister
Rev. Kevin M. Coberly
Elected to District Advisory Board:
Dr. Blake Mohling (East Brewton)
Mr. Jimmy Horton (Columbiana)
|
|
|
District Superintendent’s Report Highlights
|
|
After 16 years as district superintendent of the Central Gulf Coast, formerly Alabama South District, Dr. Berry retired as the longest tenured DS in the district’s 114-year history.
-
The assembly emphasis was LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.
- Equipping pastors and leaders is a key focus through training events such as the Annual Team Day, pastors’ January Training Day, the DS’s Leadership Training Tour, and training events that the district supports like DCPI and “Exponential Orlando”, a church multiplication and church planting conference.
- We continue to systematically lower the District Ministries Fund budget for AL churches to align with the budget percentages of the FL churches.
- Two churches were organized: God’s Glory Ministries and Iglesia del Nazareno Manantial de Vida
- Hispanic Ministries continues to grow through outreach. Our Spanish-speaking Ministry Training Center continues under the leadership of Rev. Bayardo Cordon.
- A Center for Pastoral Health was recently established and is led by resident pastor, Rev. Russell Brown, a certified Marriage and Family therapist.
CHALLENGE from the DS: “May God Find Us Faithful.”
As the district anticipates a new day with a new leader, Dr. Berry encouraged district Nazarenes to be…
- Dedicated (Romans 12:1)
- Disciplined (James 1:12)
- Determined (1 Corinthians 15:58)
- Diligent (Hebrews 6:10)
- Dependable (1 Peter 5:10)
Dr. Berry read Revelation 2:10 as his ending declaration:
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you; the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”
|
|
DS Installation: GS Eugénio Duarte (left) Rev. Ryan Brown (right)
|
|
District Assembly Photos Credit: Rev. Mance McCarthy.
|
|
Central Gulf Coast District News
|
|
LEADERSHIP REVIEWS
Congratulations to Panama City First Church and Pastor Adam Cabana
for recently completing a successful leadership review.
|
|
Mobile Parkview | New Providence | Port St Joe | Ridgeville
Please keep these churches in your prayers as they seek God's direction.
|
|
WELCOME NEW NAZARENES
Landmark (Rev. Kevin McDonald) – Elizabeth Bonifas, Mitzie Stone, Chloe Wright, Connor Wright, David Wright, Hailey Wright, Jacqueline Wright, Lilly Wright
|
|
CLERGY SYMPATHY
HOMEGOING OF REV. WALTER J. REZENDES
Rev. Walter “Wally” J. Rezendes, age 76, made his journey to Heaven on April 26, 2023. Wally is survived by his wife of 38 years, Loyace, and many relatives and friends that dearly loved him. He was a retired Nazarene elder serving as co-pastor of Sylacauga First Church. He was ordained in 1998 on the Alabama South District. He ministered in the Church of the Nazarene for a 27+ years. 16 years of those years he served as senior pastor at Roanoke (5.5) and Sylacauga First (10.5) churches and served in pastoral service at Landmark (7+) and Tuscaloosa First (4+) churches. Wally will be remembered as a friend to everyone he met, beloved children’s camp director, encourager, and for his cheerfulness, humility, and positive attitude. He was a devoted husband, beloved clergyman, and true friend to many. Rev. Rezendes was a member of Sylacauga First Church of the Nazarene at the time of his passing.
HOMEGOING OF REV. STEPHEN L. LICHTENWALNER
Rev. Stephen L. Lichtenwalner, age 72, was promoted to Heaven on April 11, 2023. Steve is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rev. Avelyn R. Lichtenwalner, three sons, two daughters, 15 grandchildren, and many friends that loved him. He was a retired Nazarene elder. Rev. Lichtenwalner was a graduate of Nazarene Bible College and ordained in 1989 on the Joplin District. His pastoral service spanned 10 years as a Nazarene pastor of four churches: Popular Bluff Northside (Missouri), Norwood and Bolivar First (Joplin District), and Kansas City Rainbow Blvd. (Kansas City). He was bi-vocational and worked as an electrical contractor, volunteer fireman, EMT, code enforcement officer, and skilled builder. Rev. Lichtenwalner was a member of Pace New Faith Nazarene Church at the time of his passing.
|
|
CHURCH PROOF OF INSURANCE & INCORPORATION PAPERS
The District Advisory Board requests that all churches provide proof of insurance, in addition to filing incorporation papers at the District Office; unless your church has already done so.
|
|
AUDIT OF TREASURER'S BOOKS
Every church is advised to conduct an annual audit of the financial records of the treasurer(s) of the church. This includes the NYI, NDI, NMI, Nazarene childcare/schools, and any other financial records of the church as mandated in the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene.
|
|
AREA HOLINESS CAMP MEETINGS
Beulah Holiness Camp Meeting
June 8 -18
Indian Springs Holiness Camp Meeting
July 13 -23
Frost Bridge Holiness Camp Meeting
July 21 - 30
Antioch Christian Camp Meeting
September 11-16
(Click the image to download flyer)
Pastors, please help advertise area Holiness Camp Meetings through your attendance, promotion, and support. Beulah Holiness Camp Meeting (near Excel, AL), Frost Bridge Holiness Camp (Waynesboro, MS near the AL border; 2 miles off Hwy 84), Indian Springs Holiness Camp (Flovilla, GA), and Antioch Christian Camp (located on Campground Road in Andalusia, AL; just down from New Providence Nazarene Church). Please promote these camp meetings in your church. Thank you!
|
|
Pastors Save These Dates!
|
|
Nazarene Communications Network
|
|
For Global Nazarene News
visit the
|
|
|
Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI)
Brian Aaron, District NDI President
|
|
District Children's Camp
July 24-27
|
|
July 24-27
Camp Baldwin, Elberta, Alabama
Theme - Starship Nova: Dealing with the 7 Deadly Sins
There will be lots of fun activities, games, fellowship and growing
in our relationship with God.
-
Early Registration Fee: $175 (postmarked by April 30)
-
Regular Registration Fee: $185 (postmarked after April 30)
-
Registration forms have been shared in the CGC District Children’s Ministries and the Central Gulf Coast District Nazarenes Facebook groups.
-
Questions: Contact Children's Camp Directors: Rev. Blake (334-546-7144) and Rachel Mohling (334-224-8684).
Hope to see you and your kids at camp this summer!
|
|
Prime Time Retreat
Aug 11-13
|
|
Save the Date for the 2024 Women's Retreat
|
|
|
CENTRAL GULF COAST NAZARENE WOMEN'S MINISTRIES
35th ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT
Beautiful Beach Retreat Location
MARCH 14 - 17, 2024
Hampton Inn & Suites
Orange Beach, Alabama
The Journey Continues
Deposit due by Dec. 1, 2023
Click on flyer for details
|
|
Click the photo below to read the current Global NDI newsletter!
|
|
Nazarene Missions International (NMI)
Diane Thompson, District NMI President
|
|
June Mission Emphasis: World Mission Broadcast
|
|
|
The future is now!
Join us in discovering new ways to share our hope in Christ
through World Mission Broadcast.
|
|
It is a blessing for the Nazarene media ministries in the Middle East to reach even more people in the Arab world through the first Evangelical radio station in Lebanon. For just a few dollars you can help share the gospel in areas where we can’t go.
Nazarene radio, television, and Internet programs reach millions of people
|
|
Thanks be to God for a wonderful NMI Convention May 9-10 at River Region. We were blessed by our global missionaries, Monte and Bethany Cyr, serving in Guatemala. They also toured CGC District for deputation services May 21-28. I hope you attended a service near you.
Many thanks to the 45 churches that submitted a Local NMI President’s Report. Of these, 35 churches were Mission Priority Churches; 23 received World Evangelism Church of Excellence, 12 received the Mission 10 Award; many supported Alabaster, NCM Child Sponsorship, and the Under the Bridge Project. Click image below to see awards list.
|
|
Debi Berry was presented the District Distinguished Service Award from at District NMI Convention. Making the presentation was Rev. Freddy Williams.
Debi has served Central Gulf Coast District in many roles over the years. She served on the NMI Council for 21 years. She has served as the District Office Secretary/Administrative Assistant to the DS for 16 years and attended General NMI Convention as a delegate 3 times. Debi served beautifully in her local church as Church Office Secretary: 14 yrs, Adult SS Teacher: 10+ yrs, VBS Director: 15 yrs,
NMI Council: 10+ yrs, Women’s Ministries Council, and choir member.
Debi’s Christlike spirit has been a blessing and she will be greatly missed.
Photo credit: Rev. Mance McCarthy
|
|
NMI Presentation:
Distinguished Service Award
Debi Berry
|
|
"Under the Bridge" Children's Project
|
|
Praise God for the 17 churches that participated in the Under the Bridge children’s project. A total of $23,930.10 was given because 17 churches gave something, and every penny counts to reach such a fantastic amount.
For many years we have acknowledged any church that gave $1000 or more toward the children’s project with a trophy. This year there were nine churches in this group:
|
|
Announcing "Under the Bridge" Three (3)
|
|
If you would like to show the Under the Bridge slide slow to promote it at your church just let Diane Thompson or Tammy Heller know. Many thanks to Tammy Heller & Ashley and Robert Babb of East Brewton Church for producing the slide show and poster. Great job, guys!
|
|
Coming this Fall ... YOUTHQUAKE
|
|
|
Save the Date for YOUTHQUAKE!
November 10-12, 2023
Camp Baldwin
For more information:
Central Gulf Coast NYI
Facebook & Instagram
|
|
NMI CENTRAL – is a free publication released every Wednesday and available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish. It is the central location for all NMI information for a local church. Visit www.nazarene.org/nmi-central to subscribe.
|
|
HISPANIC MINISTRIES OFFERING
During the month of August, churches are encouraged to receive an offering for our growing Hispanic Ministries. Please send checks to the district office made payable to “Central Gulf Coast COTN” earmarked, Multicultural Ministries.
We thank you in advance for your generosity and support of this outreach ministry.
|
|
Nazarene Youth International (NYI)
Rev. Susan Broadhead, District NYI President
|
|
Follow us: Instagram @cgcnyi
Facebook @Central Gulf Coast NYI
|
|
|
Final Payments are due NOW!!!!
Please contact Pastor Jake Hill at [email protected] with any questions you have regarding payment or other details regarding NYC2023.
|
|
Below is a list of items that participants are asked to bring with them to help with the Bring With You Mission Project. Churches are encouraged to help participants by donating items. Our goal is to have 100,000+ Care Kits assembled to be given out to youth in need throughout the city of Tampa and surrounding areas.
Girls (Travel Sized ONLY): Hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, mild soap (non-scented), perfume/body spray, face wash or facial wipes, shampoo, conditioner, & pads/pantyliners
Boys (Travel Sized ONLY): Hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, body wash/soap, some type of body spray (AXE), face wash or facial wipes, shampoo
|
|
Central Gulf Coast
Teen Camp
|
|
|
Theme: BOLD
Having boldness
in sharing our faith and
building the Kingdom of God.
Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7-8
Worship will be led by Trevecca's Refuge band, guest speaker is Seth Lenderman, we will have tons of fun with games, swimming, small group time, and an outing to OWA theme park!
|
|
|
If you haven't registered
for camp please get your
forms turned in ASAP!
Cost of Camp is $250. Final payments have been extended to June 19th. (Previously June 11th)
Please email
if you have questions
or need a copy of the registration form.
|
|
April 13-16, CGC teens and adults participated in TNT@TNU 2023 in Nashville, TN on the Trevecca campus.
TNT was a Spirit-filled weekend with over 1,500 participants from around the Southeast NYI Field. Central Gulf Coast and Alabama North districts together had over 70 teens present to worship, fellowship, and compete in a variety of sports, music, academic and art competitions.
We are proud of every teen that represented the Central Gulf Coast at this year's #TNT (Top Nazarene Talent) event. Not only did they compete & win many of their individual & team sports, art & music competitions but we, as a district along with ALN, took the 2nd place overall trophy for our division! Great job #ALN/CGC!
|
|
|
|
Oct. 21, 2023
Nov. 11, 2023
Mar. 16, 2024
TNU Homecoming - Nov. 3-4, 2023
Trevecca Nazarene University
Admissions: 800-210-4TNU
|
|
District Finance Report & District Calendar
|
|
Phone: 334.365.3188
Facebook: Central Gulf Coast Nazarenes
Newsletter editor: Becky Shobe, Communications Coordinator
|
|
|
|
|
|
|