Dear Pastor/Friends,



I want to congratulate my grandson, Kai, on his recent baptism. What a blessing it is for the local church to celebrate baptism at Crossroads Tabernacle. Pastor Jones had each candidate write out a testimony which was read to the congregation. This is one of my favorite baptism practices. I always did this as a pastor and more times than not the testimonies led to an invitation followed by many victories at the altar. It was very touching for our family, who were all in attendance. As a proud grandfather I think you would enjoy this brief clip of Kai’s baptism. Something quite humorous happens at the end of the clip. CLICK HERE TO VIEW IT.

Susan, Kai, and I had an enjoyable church visit yesterday with Pastor Frank, and Grace Mensah at our Forth Worth RisenPoint International Church, which meets in Watauga. Many, but not all, of RisenPoint’s people have roots in Ghana, where they have three satellite congregations. It is exciting to see this relatively new (six year’s old) congregation’s vision for the community, and for the world!

I was pleased to learn that the Wesleyan Holiness Women's Clergy Conference will be held in the DFW area again this year at the DFW International Airport Hyatt Regency, March 7-9, 2024. Susan and I were able to attend this event two years ago and it was outstanding. Several of our Women Clergy were in attendance, but this year, since it is actually on our district, the district advisory board is offering 10 full conference scholarships (not including housing), worth $360 each, to our pastors who wish to attend. Please reach out to Pastor Vania Palacios at the district office for more information. CLICK HERE to learn more about the conference itself.

Speaking of gatherings, Shepherd’s Sabbath is just around the corner, January 12-14 at the Elegante Hotel in Abilene. Please see the promotional flyer below for registration information. Pastors, this event is alway very successful. We have great speakers, awesome music, and precious fellowship. I am grateful when our pastoral couples make every effort, unless providentially hindered, to attend.

Our zone Christmas parties are just around the corner. Susan and I are trying to attend each one (though scheduling is tight on two or three of them) and will bring the ornaments with us.. Here is a sneak peak of this year’s district tree ornament. You have received details from your zone coordinator or designee already, I trust. Below you will find a listing of all of the zone Christmas events.

Finally, we are preparing our hearts to say farewell to Pastor Gennell Knisley and her husband, Jim, who will be moving from Grassland (where she has served for 6 years, to Edgeley, North Dakota, in mid December. It’s hard to express how much we will miss the Knisleys! Pastor Genell serves on our district advisory board, and is the Secretary/chair of our ministerial studies board. She teaches numerous class as well…and is an awesome prayer warrior. She and Jim are deeply loved by our faithful Grassland congregation. Please keep them in your prayers.

I am pleased to announce that Pastor Jeff Marcoe will be our new ministerial studies board chair…and Pastor Connie Lincecum has agreed to serve as board secretary.

See you soon!

For you and with you,

Pastor David Downs

ZONE CHRISTMAS PARTIES

December 2 - Amarillo at

Amarillo First Church

(Zone Chair: Ted Taylor)

December 3 - Wichita Falls at

Wichita Falls Lakeview Church

(Zone Chair: Allen Hughes)

December 5 - Lubbock at

Lubbock First Church

(Zone Chair: Gary Young)

December 9 at 1:00 PM - Denton at

Denton Hope Community Church

(Zone Chair: Dwayne Edwards)

December 9 at 6:00 PM - Metro Mid-Cities/FW at

Renovation Community Church

(Zone Chair: Chris Branigan)

December 12 - Lamesa at

Big Spring First

(Zone Chair: Lee Lennon)

December 14 - Abilene at

Cypress Street Station

(Zone Chair: David Hollon)

December 16 - High Plains at

Mesquite Steakhouse in Shamrock

(Zone Chair: Al Mixon)

December 18 - Arrowhead at

Burleson Church

(Zone Chair: Alton Ashby)

Our bookkeeper, Griselda Sierra, has prepared the West Texas District 2023-2024 "Funding The Mission" report as of November 9, 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.

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

17001 Prairie Star Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66220-7900

Panhandle Gives is Almost here:

The Panhandle Gives fundraiser is only 2 weeks away! and our goal is to be able to raise $100,000 to be able to continue serving the community of Cactus TX. However, we cannot do this without you!

Here is how you can help:

1) By making a tax deductible charitable donation once the campaign goes live. Every bit counts!

2) By promoting and becoming a fundraiser yourself! Share on social media, tell your friends and family members or send them our way, we would love to tell them about it.

3) By learning what you support when you partner with us! You can do so on our website or by watching this video explaining who we are and our heart as Ministry Center:

Happy Fundraising!

#thepanhandlegives

#CNMC

#givingtuesday

Costa Rica Work & Witness Trip July 17-27, 2024

Join Lantana Church as we partner with San Pablo de Gracia Church in Heredia, Costa Rica to provide much needed repairs to their church building and property. 

Work will include pouring cement pillars, renovating classrooms, repairing water damage, upgrading the sanctuary, as well as creating community spaces and additional parking.

We will also organize a children’s outreach event utilizing the JESUS Film children’s version, soccer balls, and more. 

Pastor Javier Paniagua will be at Lantana Church on Sunday, November 5 to answer questions and share more details about the project. Anyone interested in joining the team or learning more is invited to join us for lunch following the morning service. 

Contact Lantana Church's NMI President Kaye Wheatley to RSVP:

Cell-972-567-4273

In addition to the opportunity to join this team, the San Pablo de Gracia Church has actually requested a second, additional team, either before or after we are there to finish the project. Please visit with Pastor Javier on November 5 if you are available to serve on a second team on a different set of dates and, especially, if you are available to serve as that team leader!

2023

November                      Thanksgiving Offering – send to Global Treasury Services

December 10                  District License Application Packets Due  

2024

January 9                       Ministerial Credentials/Education Committee, Amarillo First

January 12-14                 Shepherds’ Sabbath, MCM Elegante – Abilene, TX

January 15-16                 Ministerial Credentials/Education Boards, Fort Worth Northside

February 23-25              Man Camp, Arrowhead Camp & Retreat Center

March 1-3                       Kids’ Fest, Lubbock First Church  

March 10                        Annual Pastor’s Reports Due

March 10                        Year-End NMI Reports Due

April 10-12                  Vision Conference and District Assembly, Generations Church