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.

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%).

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.