Monthly News & Updates

April 2024

Thoughts from DS Olivia


It is almost time for us to gather for District Assembly and Conventions. From the time I was a child I loved attending. The people from other churches, the inspiring speakers, the music, the important General Superintendent, and getting to meet new people were all the things that I valued. I can remember looking at the pictures of men and women leaning in with their hands on my dad's head at his ordination. To then witness it in person as others were ordained was powerful. I was exploring my own call in those days--could that be me someday?


It may seem like I am a bit of a Nazarene nerd, and that could be, but I also know that there is great value in what we will do when we come to Watertown Life Church of the Nazarene, May 9-11. We will worship the Lord through song and hearing the Scriptures, but did you know that everything we do is an act of worship?

  • Voting for our district boards is a holy work of worship. We need the Lord to help us! This isn't business as usual, this is church business.
  • As we learn in workshops we will be using our minds in an act of worship together--asking God to help us to be faithful followers of Jesus, lovers of our neighbors, and creative ministers in the world!
  • When we fill our plates at the Ordination reception and nourish our bodies through food it too can be an act of worship through thanking God for the bountiful charcuterie boards!
  • Hugs and handshakes, smiles and tears, are all going to be a part of our time, but it isn't just ordinary, it is holy because we are the Body of Christ.


District Assembly and Conventions are opportunities for us to be reminded that while we are from our own churches and communities, we are part of One Body and we are unified by One Spirit--the Spirit of God. What a gift. I hope you will be there!


Pastor Olivia

Follow the Upstate NY District Church of the Nazarene Facebook Page for more information about workshops, speakers, activities, and ways to pray.

District Facebook Page

News Around the District

We celebrate with Grace Church of the Nazarene as they prepare for their new

co-pastors, AJ and Rachelle Bell! We are thrilled to welcome them and their daughter Katie to the district. Will you pray with them as they prepare to say goodbye to their older daughters and their current place of ministry? The Bells will be joining us in June.

A Note to Treasurers and Pastors about Allocation


District Unified Fund: checks made payable to "Upstate NY District Church of the Nazarene" and mailed to:

Upstate NY District Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 573, Henrietta, NY 14467


Educational Fund: checks made payable to "Eastern Nazarene College" and mailed to:

Office Relations, Eastern Nazarene College, 23 East Elm Ave., Quincy, MA 02170

or online through https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/27629/donations/new?a=5531978


World Evangelism Fund and NBUSA: online through your Nazarene account at www.fundingthemission.org or checks can be mailed to: The Global Ministry Center, Attn: Donor Services, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, KS 662200


Brooktondale Camp and Retreat Center: checks made payable "Brooktondale Camp & Retreat" and mailed to:

Brooktondale Camp & Retreat, Attn: Chris Davies, 120 White Church Road, Brooktondale, NY 14590


Note: The District, World Evangelism Fund, and Brooktondale have all updated their mailing address recently. Beginning in March 2024, the NBUSA (formerly P&B) Fund allocation will be 2.00% (a decrease of .25%) and the Education Fund will be 2.50% (an increase of .25%). The other funds remain the same: District United Fund (6.75%) and World Evangelism Fund (5.5%).

BROOKTONDALE CAMP


I Love My Camp (Camp Opening)


I Love My Camp 2024 is happening May 3rd and 4th. We could use your help in getting Brooktondale ready for the 2024 season! Come for a day or two and lend a hand toward ground and building clean-up amongst other special projects for this year.


Some people will be present Friday afternoon/evening so you can come and stay the night or just join us Saturday morning. We will begin work at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and end with a provided lunch at 1:00 p.m. Most will head home after lunch, but any “overtime” that you can offer will be much appreciated. All other meals that you plan on being present for will be on your own.


This year looks a lot like last year in that we are going to have another large number of dangerous trees taken down. Fortunately, the logs will be placed near the wood that we chopped up last year, but we’d like to get those new logs chopped too. So, one of our biggest projects at ILMC will be cutting/splitting what we can for firewood for the camping season.


We're also looking to finish the renovations of our remaining 3-4 Motel rooms. We’re anticipating some more painting to be done, but most of the work will be laying down flooring.


Other than that, we’ll be cleaning and gardening. So come dressed for the task you plan on helping with. We’re going to need: chainsaws, wood splitters/axes, paint supplies and garden supplies. If you don’t have any of that, don’t worry, we just need you!


We hope to see you there!



2024 LAY RETREAT

"Let's Have a Revival!"


When: May 17-19, 2024

Where: Camp of the Woods, Speculator, NY

Speaker: Pastor Paul Colgan


Colgan is a bi-vocational pastor who is a dairy farmer / agri-businessman by trade and an evangelist at heart! Living in Auburn, married to his wife Jody, they have three daughters, one son-in-law, and one grandson.


For more information, email Gloria at retreat2024@hotmail.com.

Registration Form

Upstate NYI

Eastern Field NYI Presents:

Encounter, A Spring Retreat at ENC


Join us for a weekend to...


Encounter God,

Encounter yourself, 

Encounter others.


May 24-27, 2024 at

Eastern Nazarene College


On this amazing weekend, we will gather together in worship, listen to amazing speakers, play games, make new friends and SO much more!! We will be staying on ENC’s campus in the dorms, taking our meals in the Cafeteria, worshipping in the Church and playing in the fields & the gym! 


Registration Details: 


Early Bird: $250 (now- through April 2)

Early Bird (Quizzers): $200 (now - through April 2)

Regular Quizzing Registration cost: $250 (March 16-May 1)

Regular Registration Cost: $280 (March 16th - May 1)

Adult Cost: $200

Register Online

(Note- the registration link will take you to the New England NYI platform. Yes, this is the right place!)

Save the Date for Young Adult Retreat! 


We are so excited to announce that the District Young Adult Retreat is BACK! 


Save the date: This year's young adult retreat is on May 25-27 at Brooktondale Camp! 


This year's theme is "Rooted and Established." 


Our speaker, Edie MacPherson will help us journey into this theme and the practices of Jesus.

PALCON 2024

The theme is ONE HEART, reflecting the prayer of Jesus for His church and the deep need and longing of His people in a world so divided.


PALCON is a gathering of Nazarene clergy for inspiration and enrichment through learning conversations and times of worship together. Visit www.palcon.org to learn more about PALCON 2024, including plenary speakers and schedules (schedules are just now being added to each venue’s webpage).

REGISTRATION IS OPEN