Thoughts from DS Olivia
We are better together. I firmly believe this. This is one of the gifts of being a part of a global denomination—we all bring our unique gifts, experiences, and talents. Together we are stronger, more compassionate, more creative, and wiser than when we are alone.
This togetherness helps us to live out the scripture in Romans 12:15 to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep." When there is suffering in the world it isn't just those who are Nazarene we care about, and it isn't just Christians. Recognizing that all people are made in the image of God causes us to pause in the midst of what is good and give thanks and to pause in the midst of what is sorrowful and grieve.
As I have been watching the terrible destruction in the state of California, I have had a heavy heart. Many members of my family have lived in California. Dustin and I pastored a church there. While some are claiming this is the judgment of the Lord, I have been grieving with those who are loved by God who are suffering. Not only do I have personal connections to that state but I have experienced the loss of my home in a house fire. The trauma and grief and destruction that we lived through doesn't control me, but it makes what is happening to so many almost palpable. One house on our street burned, I can't even begin to fathom what it would be like to have a whole town or city burn--every building, home, and place of worship. We are invited to be people who weep with those who are weeping.
But we don't just rejoice or weep, Jesus also calls us to live out our faith. We can pray and we can act. Our togetherness creates opportunities to collect items for Crisis Care Kits. We celebrate that many of our churches continuously collect the items and that our district sends them so they can be used by those who are weeping. We are together in this. Nazarene Compassionate Ministries enables us, no matter how big our church is or how much we have in our personal account, to give toward disaster relief. Together we can know that the money will be handled appropriately and make a difference all around the world for those suffering, and in California right now. Together I trust we will be people of prayer, people of solidarity, and people who give. For together our witness is stronger in a world that so desperately needs the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Pastor Olivia
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District Missional Grants | |
Lenten Resource for Pastors | |
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This downloadable resource for pastors includes weekly sermon outlines for each Sunday in Lent plus Easter; small group discussion questions; and service outline suggestions for Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Also included are promotional materials to use in your church as you prepare for the beginning of Lent.
Use the code NYLN at checkout to purchase the Pastor's Resource for free as a gift from the district!
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Peace Initiative Restorative Circle
The Upstate NY Peace Initiative will be holding a restorative circle with other pastors from our district facilitated by Pastor Elizabeth Criscuolo.
This time will be spent sharing some important components of restorative work and practices. The evening will rely heavily on sharing in order to demonstrate the circling process. We want to be able to provide this follow-up opportunity because the response of those who attended the first circle in September was so warmly received. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Liz.
The restorative circle session will be held January 23rd at 6pm.
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Let's Pray Together on January 28th at 7pm!
Upcoming District Wide Prayer Dates:
March 25th, 7pm
May 27th, 7pm
Register for the January 28th District Wide Prayer meeting, and a zoom link will be emailed to you on or by January 28th. You can register as an individual or as a group!
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Save the Dates for Summer 2025!
The summer will be here before you know it! Be sure to get these dates on your calendar if you have not done so already! Registration for Family Camp and Children's Camp are live!
I Love My Camp (May 2-3)
ILMC is our camp opening weekend. Come for one or two days to help us spring clean and prep the grounds for the camping season.
Prime Time Retreat (June 25-27)
PTR is a time to prepare specifically for Family Camp, with a special time of prayer on Friday night to end the "retreat".
Family Camp (June 28 - July 6)
Whether it's for the Fourth, for the weekend, or for the week, we want to gather and worship with you in 2025. Once again, registration is online only. Secure your spot with a $50 deposit today and pay the balance at check-in.
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Children's Camp (July 16-19)
This is a 4 day camp for kids going into K - 6th grade this fall. Children attend the camp with a parent, legal guardian, or grandparent. Scholarship is available again this year. Registration is online only. Get your kids, grandkids, and the kids at your church to camp this year!
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Teen Camp (August 4-9)
This camp will always start on the first Monday of August. This year, that's August 4! This is for teens finishing 6th - 12th this spring. Registration will be available soon. For now, please save the date!
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2025 Camp Theme(s) and Logo Contest!!!
This year we are going to have a different theme for each camp, but each theme will be incorporated into one logo for banners, t-shirts, etc.
The family camp theme is 'Encounter'
The children's camp theme is 'Discover'
The teen camp theme is 'Wonder'
So, to tie all of these together we will have a logo with all the themes represented, but in this order: "Wonder. Discover. Encounter."
Why are we telling you all of this? Because it's time for our second annual camp logo design contest!
Between now and the end of February, we are opening up a 2025 Camp Logo Design Contest for all across the district. If you are artistically inclined, even if's not in graphic design, we hope you'll take some time to create a logo for submission.
We even have a 'template' to guide you. Below is an example of what we're looking for. What we specifically like about this is the circular design, where the theme's can be presented around the edge, and whatever you design goes in the inside of the circle. Use this to guide your creative inspiration, remembering to use Wonder. Discover. Encounter. somewhere in the design. The punctuation is not required, just the words in that order.
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As a thank you, all serious submissions will be rewarded with a $5 credit to the Snack Shack this year. The winner will be granted a $50 credit that can be used towards camp registration, meals, Snack Shack snacks, etc.
Please submit your designs to Pastor Chris via email at campdirector@upstatedistrict.org or via text at 315-727-2073.
The winner will be announced in our March Newsletter.
You've got until March 1. Happy creating!
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How to Start a Men's Ministry Workshop — February 4, 7-8:30 pm
Are you longing to see a movement of God in the men in your church? Are you searching for ways to look beyond the walls of your church to reach the men in your community? If you are, then come join us for an evening to discover how you can begin a Ministry to the men in your church and learn how you can be more intentional and effective in reaching them.
We will explore how to lay a firm foundation that will help build a vibrant and fruitful ministry that God will bless. And, we will provide some practical ways to gain the interest of men in your church and community to get off the sideline and into an active pursuit of Christ. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, enroll today!
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Nazarene Missions Team Guatemala 2025 Trip!
Registration IS OPEN for our Guatemala Nazarene Mission Team trip from September 19-27, 2025!!!
We are looking to form a 20-person team from across the Upstate New York District to help build God’s kingdom in San Luis, Guatemala, in the northern Peten region of the country. And we want YOU!! The project will include construction of a large covered shelter, and personal evangelism with missionaries. No experience building, welding, installing roofing, etc.? No problem! You can learn as you go! All of your gifts, no matter what they are, are welcome and needed! Some aspects of this project may be in remote areas and may be subject to change. Some site-seeing time is also included.
The projected cost of the trip is $1,750 per person, and may fluctuate due to airfare cost changes. The deadline for registration is February 1, 2025, and includes a $250 deposit to be paid to the District NMI Treasurer, Ray Gould. Please share the attached information sheet and application with your congregations. We encourage you and others in your congregations to take time to pray and discern God’s call for you to join this team. If God is calling you, respond in faith!
If you have any further questions, please reach out to Rev. Eric Verbovszky, District Nazarene Missions Team Coordinator.
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AFLAC
AFLAC is a wonderful way to be supported by your church. The District is offering a one-time benefit when you sign up to help offset the cost. We are encouraging every church to find a way to pay for this emergency insurance policy for you. When a cancer diagnosis comes, or a medical emergency no one expected occurs, finances that are already tight can become tighter. This plan is a great way to add a layer of care for those who care so much for you! While this is not a district-sponsored policy, we are making it available to the district. Check out the information below about how this will work!
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Life Long Learning
All pastors are required to complete 20+ hours of Lifelong Learning each year. Now is a good time to update and check your registry. Please list your learning hours on the registry.
If you are new to the district or licensed ministry, please log in and update your district information.
If you are enrolled in a qualified higher education program, you may be exempt from reporting lifelong learning hours.
Email the district office if you have any questions.
| Vision Partners offers coaching, workshops, and processes to help you confidently lead in God’s plan. |
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Motorcycle Ministry
Are you interested in joining a motorcycle ministry in Upstate NY?
Steve Beavers from Endicott Community Church of the Nazarene is looking for others on the district who might be interested in a motorcycle ministry. The mission of this ministry is to reach out to those who do not know Christ, to fellowship and support one another, to disciple one another, and to find ways to make a greater impact on our communities and world through a collective motorcycle ministry.
If you have any questions about this ministry, please contact Steve Beavers at stevebeaversunr@yahoo.com.
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Registrater for M25!
M25 is a USA/Canada Regional quadrennial Nazarene conference focused entirely on evangelism. It includes plenary speakers, break-out workshops, affinity group meetings, and corporate worship times. Pastors, lay leaders, and students will leave this conference encouraged, equipped, empowered, and ready to engage in new ways of Bringing People to Jesus.
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MinistrySafe Matters
Each month you will find helpful tools to use as you seek to keep kids and teens safe in your church. We encourage every church to be a MinistrySafe church!
If you are having a hard time paying for this vital resource, reach out to the district office and we will partner with you. This should not be seen as optional for any of us! A safety plan, background checks, helpful training, screenings, and monitoring are crucial. Three helpful links can be found below.
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Follow the Upstate NY District Church of the Nazarene Facebook Page! | | | | |
