Dear Pastor/Friends,

First, I want to thank you for your countless expressions of support and sympathy following the passing of my mom, Evelyn Downs, last week. She met my dad at Bethany Peniel College (SNU) 75 years ago. They lived all of their adult lives in the Bethany area, except for three years, when I was in elementary school in Eastern New Mexico (Portales). She was a teacher, having taught for years in junior high and then as an English Comp instructor at SNU. Mom loved the Lord! She was a faithful Nazarene all of her life. She and my dad were on multiple church boards and mom sang in the BFC choir for over 50 years (maybe over 60). She was a wonderful church woman. I cannot remember her, or my dad ever, once, speaking critically of their pastors or of their church. I am sure this made it easier for me to say “Yes” to the Lord when He called me into the ministry 50 years ago

Please remember to receive the special offering for Arrowhead Camp and Retreat Center this coming Sunday. We began this district-wide offering last year, to be received on the last Sunday of August. I am hoping for virtually all of our congregations to participate. Please send your offering checks to Arrowhead treasurer, Veronica Harren at 1109 Crazy Horse Trl. Burleson, TX. 76028. Camp Arrowhead is such an important part of our district’s ministry. Let’s show our support through a generous annual offering! 

We are very grateful for an Alabaster grant of $15,000 which helped us provide a much needed new parking lot at our Fuente de Gracia congregation in White Settlement (West Ft Worth). You might recall that a few weeks back a W&W team (Lee’s Bees) did tremendous work on the sanctuary, restrooms, fellowship hall and the exterior of the building. The new parking lot makes a huge difference. We are so grateful to Pastor Gene Chavez, Gabriela, and the FdG congregation for their willingness to host the new Fountain of Grace African Community Church of the Nazarene which is being planted by Pastor Michael Gatkek.

Lee’s Bees are tackling another project in September…a significant add-on to the tiny parsonage in Bowie. Thank you!

It was a great privilege to install Pastor Noe Diaz and wife, Regina, as our new pastoral couple in Denver City on August 6th. Noe and Regina are well known and much loved in DC. I am confident that great days are ahead for the Church there. Incidentally, Pastor Noe will still be conducting several revivals and crusades each year. I want to express special thanks to interim pastor, Rev. Dave Menefee. Pastor Dave and Rhonda served faithfully in Denver City for many months.

This past Sunday I was with our Denton Familia de Naciones congregation as they celebrated the graduation of their pastor, Pastora Vicky Palacios from our district course of study. Spanish-language ministerial studies coursework has taken great strides on the West Texas District under the direction of our Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, Pastor Jose Palacios. We congratulate Pastora Palacios on this major accomplishment!

They’ve arrived! Last Monday Susan and I, Pastor Chris Branigan and Kelly, and several other family members and core-group members of our new International/Filipino congregation in Fort Worth greeted pastor Marc Katalbas, his wife Lillian, and their son, William at DFW airport. They are an awesome couple with considerable church planting experience. Pastor Branigan’s congregation, FW Renovation Community CoN will be hosting this new work. Let’s keep the Katalbas family in our prayers. Incidentally, Pastor Marc commented that it is considerably hotter here than in the Philippines. Welcome to Texas in August!

Finally, what a blessing it was to participate in the installation of Pastor Steve Pettit at Arlington First Church on July 23rd. His wife, Pastor Amanda Pettit will continue to be the lead pastor of Rescue Hill International church and they will both keep their positions at Rescue Hill Nazarene Compassionate Ministry, where she is the executive director and he is the program director. Special gratitude is expressed toward outstanding interim preachers at Arlington First, Reverends Premal Awasarmal and Connie Lincecum!

For you and with you,

Pastor David Downs

Our district bookkeeper, Griselda Sierra, has prepared the West Texas District 2023-2024 "Funding The Mission" report as of August 23, 2023. 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. 

Click here to download the report.

Discovery Weekend

Are you on the path towards ordination? If so, make sure you join us for our West Texas Discovery Weekend! This year Discovery Weekend will be held in Amarillo, Tx at Amarillo Valleyview on Oct. 13-14. The cost is $100/ couple, $50/ individual and includes:

• Strength Finders test
• All Materials associated with Strength Finders
• Meals
• A great weekend connecting and making new friends!

If you live on the west side of the District, this would be a great opportunity for you to take advantage of us being out there, the next time Discovery Weekend will be in Amarillo is in 2025. This is a requirement for ordination on the West Texas District. Please RSVP to Zack Smithson either by email: zack@westexnaz.org or phone/text: 817-368-8090 by Sept. 10, 2023

Zack Smithson

District Secretary- WT

zack@westexnaz.org

817-368-8090

PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THE ADDRESS CHANGE FOR CHECKS MAILED TO THE GENERAL TREASURER'S OFFICE.

The Global Ministry Center has announced a new mailing address for receipt of checks and correspondence from local churches.

Continue to make checks payable to General Treasurer but mail to:

Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center

Attn: Donor Services

17002 Prairie Star Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66220-7900

WTX Children's Council annual meeting will be postponed to Saturday, October 14 via Zoom. Council members will receive a Zoom link in the coming weeks. All other children's ministry leaders are invited to also attend. Only district council members will have the right to vote. If you are not a council member and would like to attend please contact Jennifer Sommers at jsommers@gen-church.org to receive the Zoom link.

Kids Reaching Kids Mission Offering

The District Children's Mission Offering deadline for West Texas is September 1st. Click here for more details.

District children's ministry calendar and other information will be sent out after our October 14 meeting

CNMC Day of Giving is coming! - September 1st & 2nd, 2023!

As CNMC marks a remarkable 10 years of ministry, we're excited to invite you to a celebration of compassion and impact! Introducing CNMC Day of Giving, taking place from September 1st through midnight on the 2nd, 2023.

Our Goal: $20,000 - Paving the Way for the Next Decade! 

We're embarking on a journey that spans both the past and the future. $10,000 represents the foundation of our first 10 years, a legacy of positive change in the Cactus community. The other $10,000 represents the promise of the next 10 years, a future filled with endless possibilities.

Your support is the heartbeat of this endeavor. With just 200 people giving $100 each, we'll achieve our goal and empower CNMC to continue its vital ministry, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and service continues to thrive.

Pledge to Save and Transform! 

You have a unique opportunity to contribute in a special way. Consider pledging to save $100 through temporary cutbacks on non-essential expenses - forgoing that daily coffee or finding creative ways to save. Your intentional sacrifice will directly impact lives and shape the trajectory of our community.



How to Give:

On the Day of Giving, a PayPal donation link will be shared on our social media, Newsletter & Website. With just a few clicks, you can make a significant difference. Stay tuned for this convenient opportunity to join hands in making a powerful impact.

We cannot fulfill our mission without your steadfast support, and we warmly invite you to prayerfully participate in this worthy cause. Together, let's honor our past and pave the way for a future filled with compassion, unity, and positive change.

Join us on September 1st as we launch CNMC Day of Giving! Your involvement will be an essential part of this impactful celebration. Thank you for being a part of our journey, as we continue to serve with love and dedication.

Join our DYNAMIC and GROWING Team!

Safe Families for Children DFW is looking for a creative individual who would love to tell the Safe Families DFW story through Social Media and Marketing. 

Could this be you? Or someone you know? 

If so, we need your creative insight!

Lori Key

Chapter Director 

817-217-7929

2023

September                        Alabaster Offering - send to Global Treasury Services

September 9                     WTX Kids Council Meeting Lubbock First & Zoom

September 18-19               SNU Ministers’ Forum

November                      Thanksgiving Offering – send to Global Treasury Services

December 10                  District License Application Packets Due