Monthly News & Updates

June 2023

Thoughts from DS Olivia


Many of us have just arrived home from the General Assembly and Conventions of the Church of the Nazarene. Typically this global event takes place every four years, but because of COVID it was postponed. After six years of being apart as a global church, it was good to be back together! It really is like a big family reunion. It also is a very important time for the business of our church to be done.


To refresh your memory, at our District Assembly and Conventions last year we elected delegates to represent us at these meetings. We were well represented by capable leaders at Nazarene Discipleship International, Nazarene Missions International, Nazarene Youth International, and the General Assembly. At General Assembly, we had the privilege of electing two new General Superintendents. In our church, we have six leaders that help to guide and shape our mission, ordain our clergy, and serve the church across 164 countries. We elected Rev. Dr. Scott Daniels and Rev. Dr. Christian Sarmiento. We also did the important work of amending and correcting the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene. It is an important process and was an honor to be a part of it. If you would like to watch any of the incredible services, you can stream them here!


While much of the time together was filled with incredible worship gatherings, powerful sermons from the General Superintendents, wonderful reunions with friends from around the world, and the business of the church there was also something very disappointing at work. I hesitate to bring attention to it but feel it is so important for us as the Upstate District to be alert to anything that would seek to divide or harm the church and the witness we have for Christ in the world. During the elections of our General Superintendents people were spreading lies about some of those receiving high votes. This was happening on social media, through blog posts, and even on the floor of the assembly as people were handing out flyers with disparaging comments to cause people to vote differently. We are better than this! We are holiness people who do not behave this way! We believe that Jesus is Lord and will guide and direct us by the Holy Spirit!


In a time where we are already so divided, I pray the church will be united and empowered by God to be who we are meant to be. So, can I encourage you? Don't join any groups on Facebook that are focused on bringing others down. Don't participate in spreading rumors, go to the person and ask if you have heard something that concerns you. Avoid blogs, videos, and groups that act as though they have the best truth, the secret knowledge, or the only way forward for the church. These things do not help us to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit that we are leaning into this year together. If you are looking for good sources of information about our church, and the people within it, follow the Church of the Nazarene (Official) Facebook, the official pages for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, NDI, NMI, and NYI. Stick with Nazarene News and our incredible magazine Holiness Today.


There are enough people out there trying to pull us apart. Let's be a model as a district of what it means to come together, even in our differences, to show the love of God


Pastor Olivia

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Change of Address!

With the sale of the District Office and the move of the Metcalf family to Rochester, the district has a new mailing address. With this change, Brooktondale Camp and Conference Center also has a new address!


Upstate NY District Church of the Nazarene

PO Box 573

Henrietta, NY 14467


Brooktondale Camp and Conference Center

PO Box 89

Wolcott, NY14590

Exciting Election News!

During the Global General Assembly and Conventions, many elections take place for roles in our denomination. We are pleased to announce that Sally Mellinger, our District NMI president, was elected as the Eastern region NMI representative to the Global NMI Council. She will be working with the District Presidents in this area to further strengthen missions support and emphases. This is a huge honor and we are grateful for her continued leadership here and in this new role.


Our District Superintendent was also elected to the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene and the USA/Canada Regional Advisory Council (RAC). The General Board works with the Board of General Superintendents to guide the denomination. There are 53 members worldwide on this board, so it is an honor that DS Olivia was elected. The RAC helps to shape the vision of the church in USA/Canada along with our Regional Director, Rev. Dr. Stan Reeder.











A Summer Back at Brooktondale

We are weeks away from summertime. As you are making your plans for the months ahead, keep Brooktondale in mind for your family, teens, and children. Go to www.brooktondalecamp.org for more information and links to registration.


You won't want to miss these camps:

Prime Time Retreat June 28-July 1

Family Camp July 1-9

Teen Camp July 31-August 5

Children's Discovery Camp August 10-12


Pastor Chris Davies, Administrative Director

Add the 90+ teens and adults headed to Nazarene Youth Conference in Tampa Bay, FL to your prayer list! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event with thousands of other teens worshipping God, serving, and having fun together.

District Assembly Elections

We had a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and business at District Assembly and NDI Convention this year! Thanks again to Watertown Life Church for hosting us so well. Election results can be found by clicking the link below. Be praying for all of those who are using their gifts, time, and talents to serve our great district.

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We Are Hiring!

Are you passionate about the church, detail oriented, and interested in working on diverse projects? Then maybe this role is for you. Check out the job description for a District Administrator to support the ministries of Upstate NY. Pray about applying or share it with a friend you think might be interested!

Job Description

Fruit of the Spirit Resources

As DS Olivia stated in her report, every month we will be providing resources to help you grow in your faith. These tools will help all of us to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit as we allow the grace of God to guide and direct us.

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Missional Grants

Five churches have submitted applications for a Missional Grant! We will let you know when the proposal day is so you can learn more about what other churches are doing.


Be praying as we consider ways to support the ministries of churches across the district. Click the button below to get information about these grants and more!

Policy Packet

Property Stewardship

Please pay attention when someone from the Property Board reaches out. We are working to get a facility survey completed for all of our properties. You will be hearing from someone this summer.


Looking for support in caring for your building? Check out these resources:


Oldham Little Church Grant



District Work Team

Pastoral Care

Pastors, you heard at Assembly about the value of Full Strength Network! If you are currently using it or would like to sign up, we need your help.


Please fill out this form and we will be sure to renew your subscription when the time is right or get you signed up to start. This is a tool to support you in your work. Take advantage of it!

FSN Form

Prayers for the District Mission Team

Will you pray for those going to Kenya this fall?

  • For God’s provision, financially and materially, for all participants and for all the needs of ANU that we are seeking to meet
  • For safety and good health for all participants in preparing for the trip, and while on the trip (I suppose you can also pray for that after we get home from the trip )
  • For God to powerfully meet and form each person’s heart, soul, spirit, mind, and body who is going, in preparation for and during the trip
  • For God to prepare the way for whatever connections he would have us make while there, and for us to be discerning of what those open doors and connections are
  • For God to give a spirit of unity, love, dignity, and respect to the team and those we work with
  • For God to move to enable us to complete and help with all the work ANU would have us do, as best as we can, building his kingdom together with our brothers and sisters in Nairobi



Our District LINKS missionaries, the Haun's will be touring this summer. Click below to see where they will be across the district! You won't want to miss hearing what God is doing through their ministry.

Haun's Summer Schedule