Thoughts from DS Olivia

"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." Philippians 1:3

To the Upstate New York District Church of the Nazarene family: Thank you!

From Buffalo to Wilmington, from Bloomfield to Endicott, and everywhere in between, I give thanks for our churches that are beacons of light and hope and life.

For men and women who have answered the call to vocational ministry and are serving with Christ-like character, grace-filled service, and Holy Spirit empowered love, I give thanks.

There is gratitude in my heart for the faithfulness of the laity--for women and men who give and serve in the local church and community, and for the generations who have come before, I give thanks. Your love of God and love of neighbor is a model for all of us.

For the creativity of ministries that meet the needs of those in our neighborhoods and towns, on our streets and in our cities, I give thanks. Witnessing how you are the hands and feet of Jesus encourages me.

For the passion of our children and teens to know Christ and to share Christ, I give thanks. You are not the church of the future; you are the church now, and we need you, we value you, we are better because of you.

There is gratitude in my heart for the faithfulness of prayer warriors--for those who know that without the help and strength of God, we can do nothing, I give thanks. Your prayers help to shape and guide us to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit so we can keep in step with the Spirit.

For those who model for us what it means to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit, I give thanks. Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control are signs of the Kingdom of God breaking forth. Thank you for motivating us to faithfully live the counter-cultural way of a Christ-follower.

From Jamestown to Schenectady, from Plattsburgh to Solvay, and everywhere in between, I give thanks for our churches that are beacons of light and hope and life.

I am thankful for you,

Pastor Olivia

Pastors' Prayer Zoom

District Discipleship

District Youth Ministry (NYI)

Ministry Kid Retreat

January 17-19, 2026

Get ready for a weekend full of snowy fun, cozy conversations with friends, faith-building conversations, and lots of games!

Contact Scotty MacPherson at scottybob999@gmail.com for any questions!

Nazarene Missions Team

Advent Resource for Pastors

Brooktondale Camp

More Resources for Pastors & Churches

Vision Partners offers coaching, workshops, and processes to help you confidently lead in God’s plan.

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!

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction offers a sacred space to listen for God’s direction in your unfolding life. It’s not about fixing or performing—it’s about being companioned with prayerful insight, care, and deep respect for the mystery of your journey. If you’re longing for real conversation, rest, clarity, or simply a place to be fully human before God, this is a gentle invitation to try Spiritual Direction. Visit www.shaneash.com for scheduling, or for more information. 

Spiritual Direction Directory

The district will cover spiritual direction for any licensed or ordained pastors on the district with Shane Ash (or up to 3 sessions with a director from the directory below).

If you have any questions, email the district office at: office@upstatedistrict.org. 

Retreat Homes Around the District:

The Springwater Retreat House is a place to pray and listen to the still quiet voice of the Lord. Pastors face multiple challenges and carry the burdens of many people. Here is a place where they can obey Jesus’ words and go away with Him to a quiet place to rest. For free.

The Wilmington Retreat Home is a three bedroom home with a fully-applianced kitchen, dining and living room. This is an excellent place for a prayer or sermon planning retreat.