Dear Pastor/friends,

Our Hispanic coordinator, Pastor Jose Palacios, and I had a wonderful Sunday morning together last week with Pastor Eugene Chavez and the Fuente de Gracia congregation in West FW. First…it was great to see Eugene back in worship! He is continuing to make good progress recovering from his stroke last year. He is pictured here along with the congregation and special guests. The occasion was the rededication of the church property following the recent renovations. As you know Fuente de Gracia will be hosting the Fountain of Grace African Community NewStart initiative led by church planter, Pastor Michael Gatkek. Michael and Pastor Luke Lotera were present and addressed the congregation.

On Saturday I had the privilege of worshipping with Church Planter, Rev. Marc Katalbas, at the launch service of the new Fort Worth International Filipino congregation, which is hosted by Pastor Chris Branigan and Renovation community CoN. 

They got off to a great start. I am confident that many people will be reached for Christ through these two new church initiatives!

Yesterday Susan and I worshipped, and I preached, at Hurst Pursuit Fellowship CoN where they celebrated 4 years of pastoral service by their pastor, Gobran George. They generously recognized Pastor George and Gigi. They also celebrated the reception of five new members! Next Sunday I’ll be at Wichita First Church where Pastor Allen Hughes will be celebrating 18 years of service there!

Two weeks ago I had to privilege of preaching at Denton Hope Community CoN. After the service Pastor Mather Carte and I met with the board for his regularly scheduled two-year pastoral review. I am pleased to congratulate pastor Mark and his wife Dana on a very good review. I am certainly pleased by progress that is being made at Hope Community.

Speaking of Denton, what a blessing to learn that Pastor Ken Tesh of Willowwood Church of the Nazarene is directing the Our Daily Bread ministry to the homeless population in Denton. Please watch this video to learn more about what they are doing. Willowwood has committed to building sixty bunk beds this year and delivering them to children in their area who are now sleeping on the floor. What a wonderful ministry!

Finally, Nazarene Pastor Larry Lain, of Cincinnati is asking for our participation in a survey for his doctoral dissertation regarding Holiness and confession. After corresponding with him and speaking with his DS, who is a friend of mine, I’ve determined that his thesis is sound and that we should help him. If you would like to participate please CLICK HERE

Pastors, virtually every day I thank the Lord for the privilege of serving our great district…and you!

For you and with you,

Pastor David Downs

Our treasurer, Dan Davisson, has prepared the West Texas District 2023-2024 "Funding The Mission" report as of September 15, 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: [email protected] or phone/text: 817-368-8090 by Sept. 10, 2023

Zack Smithson

District Secretary- WT

[email protected]

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

17001 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 [email protected] to receive the Zoom link.

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

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