NOVEMBER 2004
Editor: Robin Wagganer, San Jose First
Sunday School Attendance Showcase
by Rev. John Calhoun
Just a few questions for
you to ponder--
For whom does your church
exist? Is it for the "already believers" or the "not yet
believers, or both?" I know everyone wants it be for both but is it
really? I mean what is the bottom line reality to this question?
How does your church
spends its time, energy and money? What does it tell you about where your
priority is?
What does the environment
there feel like to the Pre-Christian? Do you think we can bring them to our
church, before we bring our church to them? Can we find ways to invest in them
on their turf to begin a relationship?
How can your church be a
missional church that invents new ways to love others?
The last question comes
from the late Sam Shoemaker: "Is your church the kind of church that can
reach the kind of world in which we now live?
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by Rev. John Calhoun
Here is an excerpt from
my report to the last District Assembly with the closing challenge.
I present to you what
business gurus call a BHAG (Big Harry Audacious Goal.) I challenge the District
Church to aspire to a new challenge.
As we approach our centennial I propose we accept a specific vision of
increasing our spiritual territory. I believe we can duplicate our numbers that
exist after almost 100 years and do so in about ten years. By the year 2015 let
us accumulate 50 more active congregations; 5,000 baptisms and 15,000 net
membership. This can be done if we average a net gain of 6.5% per year. Is it reasonable
for a church of 50 to have a net gain next year of just over 3 persons or a
church of 200 to have a net gain of 13?
Every Christian is
created in Christ to reproduce and then have many spiritual children. Each of
us who are "new creations" has spiritual parents and even spiritual
ancestors about whom we do not even know.
I propose that the Norcal
District BHAG Vision be implemented in this way:
1+1= many
Each Christian,
a new Christian
Each congregation, a new congregation (or by teams of congregations)
Each pastor, a new pastor,
So that many may be born to Life in Jesus.
More that half the church
year is gone now, how are you doing? Remember, we can reach our BHAG with a net
gain of 6.5% per year.
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Budget
Percentages Paid 2004 - 2005 thru
October 29, 2004
Churches World Educat P & B District SSM NYI NMI
Evang
Alameda New Beginnings 17% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Antioch Family 78% 85% 100% 81% 100% 100% 100%
Arcata 42% 0% 100% 0% 0% 0% 80%
Castro
Valley 26% 33% 30% 30% 0% 62% 0%
Clearlake 13% 51% 42% 54% 45% 01% 0%
Christ Community (Concord) 57% 57% 56% 55% 50% 44% 42%
Crescent
City 60% 69% 52% 63% 62% 0% 0%
Cupertino
New Life 81% 80% 81% 80% 79% 66% 80%
Daly
City Western Korean 0% 0% 80% 100% 0% 0% 68%
East Bay Korean 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
El
Shaddai Spanish (Daly City) 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 154%
Eureka
First 45% 64% 45% 64% 64% 50% 45%
Fortuna 0% 0% 101% 19% 0% 0% 0%
Fremont Central 57% 58% 58% 58% 58% 60% 73%
Gilroy
Cornerstone (Spanish) 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Hayward
Casa De Oracion 0% 0% 100% 77% 0% 0% 0%
Hayward
First 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Livermore Discovery 40% 50% 60% 67% 80% 77% 78%
Marin 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
McKinleyville
Family 33% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 80%
Monterey
Living Hope 60% 60% 61% 56% 95% 63% 77%
Napa 44% 56% 20% 63% 0% 0% 0%
Oakland
Bayview Fellowship 5% 0% 11% 0% 0% 51% 0%
Palo
Alto CrossRoads 69% 68% 69% 65% 65% 100% 0%
Petaluma
Hillside 56% 51% 51% 48% 33% 0% 0%
Pittsburg 74% 73% 84% 72% 100% 100% 75%
Salinas
Iglesia del Naz Oasis 0% 100% 0% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Salinas
New Life 81% 70% 79% 70% 74% 0% 0%
San
Bruno 0% 0% 0% 82% 0% 0% 0%
San Francisco Chinese 75% 70% 70% 70% 70% 0% 0%
San
Francisco Chinese Gospel 80% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
San
Francisco Golden Gate 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
San
Francisco New Life 0% 30% 0% 88% 0% 0% 85%
San Francisco New Start 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
San
Francisco Sunset Chinese 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
San
Jose Cambrian Park 69% 68% 79% 63% 112% 0% 76%
San
Jose (Central) 67% 58% 67% 95% 100% 0% 0%
San Jose Korean 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
San
Jose Valley 16% 0% 0% 54% 0% 0% 0%
San
Ramon 100% 0% 100% 100% 0% 0% 0%
Santa
Clara 30% 70% 60% 70% 70% 0% 0%
Santa Cruz 0% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% 101%
Santa
Rosa 59% 67% 59% 67% 67% 66% 80%
Somona
Valley 59% 59% 51% 46% 50% 68% 0%
Sunnyvale 33% 27% 52% 72% 165% 34% 0%
The Point (SJ First) 46% 28% 47% 60% 34% 0% 0%
Ukiah
Valley First 60% 0% 0% 67% 0% 0% 0%
Vallejo
First 73% 62% 61% 53% 53% 30% 36%
Vallejo
Korean 0% 25% 75% 100% 100% 100% 90%
Vallejo New Life Filipino 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Watsonville 67% 67% 50% 67% 100% 0% 99%
Willits 138% 77% 80% 55% 168% 100% 100%
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by Rev. John Wilcox,
Santa Cruz
Be Thankful
Thanksgiving is just
around the corner, not only a time to give thanks to the Lord for the blessings
he has given us, but also a time to give! Our Thanksgiving Offering will enable
our missionaries to stay on the mission field to share Jesus with those that
need to hear the Good News. How thankful are you for the abundance the Lord has
blessed you with? Give to the Lord with a grateful heart!
Million Hours of
Prayer
In June of 2005,
Nazarenes from around the world will gather together for our General Assembly
and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nazarene Missions International and
the Generals have challenged each Nazarene around the world to pray a total of
two hours between January and June of 2005. Even if you cannot attend the
General Convention or Assemblies you can pray for the event. Pray that the Holy
Spirit will descend and bless the meetings as well as the services. The theme
is Prayer... Partnering in the Gospel.
Work and Witness for
Teens
Teens you have the
opportunity to serve the Lord in a unique way this summer. If you are
interested in working and witnessing and celebrating communion with 50,000
Nazarenes consider going to Indianapolis this summer. Pastor Bob Kilpatrick,
our District Work and Witness Coordinator is planning on taking thirteen teens
that are interested in serving the Lord in an urban setting. The team will
leave on June 19th and return after the Morning Worship service in the Hoosier
Dome on June 26th. The cost is $900.00, the only thing that does not cover is
your spending money. If you are interested ask your Pastor or Youth Pastor for
an application and the rest of the details.
International Day of
Prayer for the Persecuted Church
The International Day of
Prayer for the Persecuted Church was created to give Christians around the
world the opportunity to gather and pray on the same day for those that suffer
because of their Christian faith. Sunday, November 14th has been designated as
a special time to pray. Remember the following in your prayers:
* Governments and people
in leadership of countries without religious freedom.
* Those persecuted
because of their faith in Jesus Christ.
* Families of those
persecuted.
* Congregations who may
be suffering from the imprisonment of a pastor or leader in the church.
* Countries that may be
proposing laws that would hinder Christians from worshipping in public.
* Christians who are
forced to meet and worship in secret.
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We think it's time to
think about next year.
That's Right - we think
between now and Thanksgiving is the best time to start talking and making your
decision about next summer. If you've been thinking about recruiting a team to
go on a short-term mission trip, then we have some great locations. The time
factor is huge because when you start now, this gives you plenty of time to
raise funds, build your team, and get yourself prepared to jump into another
culture.
Experience Mission
provides mission trip opportunities for youth groups as well as specific dates
designed for adults. We even have mission trips that adjust the schedule to
accomodate the dynamics of families. It doesn't matter what type of group you
might want to form, we have a range of dates in some great communities. Join a
Community Vision in Motion where you can serve and build friendships that will
last a lifetime.
Visit us at our website to
learn more and get started!
www.experiencemission.org
Catadupa, Jamaica:
Weekly starting in June
2005
8-10 days - $499
Flights into Montego Bay
Ruiz, Mexico:
Weekly starting in June
2005
8-10 days - $489
Flights into Guadalajara
and Puerto Vallarta
Inscription House,
Arizona (Navajo)
Weekly starting in June
2005
7 days - $395
Located 55 miles east of
Page, Arizona
Tecate, Mexico:
Weekly starting in June
2005
7 days - $425
Located 40 miles east of
San Diego, California
Jolo, West Virginia:
Weekly starting in June
2005
7 days - $375
Located 110 miles south
of Charleston, West Virginia
For additional
information, visit us at www.experiencemission.org
or call us directly at
612-581-3885.
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What is so "great" about the Great Commission?
by Rev. Tim King, Salinas
It is great because of
the Person who voiced the command. Jesus IS the Great Savior who came to seek
and to save the lost. It is great because it is given in the authority of the
Master Teacher. Jesus is the Famous One. Jesus is the greatest and most
faithful Friend of all. Because
Jesus gave the word, we go.
It is great because the
Message is one of great hope. The mission is for all nations. God is on the
throne and we must not forget this, despite our feelings or fears. As Northern
Californians, we must not deny the Good News to people from diverse backgrounds
and races right in our neighborhoods. The command of Jesus is to GO and give
hope to people who don't have any.
It is great because the
Assignment is a daunting one! If we believe that Jesus uses us to accomplish
His mission, then we must ask ourselves, "How many lost people do I
currently know?" "How am I helping someone find their way to Jesus, the
only One who can deliver people from sin?" "How am I reorganizing my
schedule to include lost people?" As we answer these questions, let's
remember that it is the Holy Spirit energizing and equipping us for the task!
Specifically, how is your
local church carrying out the Great Commission? Is it greatly ignored, or left
to a few who are gifted in evangelism? Here's an even harder question,
"How much money does your church spend on getting to know your (largely)
unchurched community?"
I've asked quite a few
questions in this article. I'd love to hear your answers! Feel free to e-mail
me at pastor@salinasnewlife.org
Have a GREAT November!
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by Rev. Gretchin Rotz,
Alameda New Beginnings
Gary and Kathy Hughes
will be on our district January 23 - January 30 for a Deputation tour. They are
serving in Argentina where Gary teaches seminary extension courses, translates
leadership materials, preaches, is involved in the Jesus Film in Argentina and
much more.
We still have some open
spots. Their schedule is as
follows:
Jan. 23 - am -
Watsonville
Jan. 23 - pm - Vallejo
First
Jan. 24 - Open
Jan. 25 - Open
Jan. 26 - Sonoma Valley
Jan. 27 - Open
Jan. 28 - Open
Jan. 29 - Open
Jan. 30 - am - Santa Cruz
Jan. 30 - pm - Napa
If you are interested in
having this missionary at your church on one of their open nights - please call
Gretchin Rotz at 510-814-0843 as soon as possible.
Also coming to the NorCal
District is Arlen & Joyce Jakobitz from India. If you are available to here
about their lives, contact these churches for actual speaking times. Their
schedule is as follows:
Mar. 5 - Salinas New Life
Mar. 6 am - Santa Cruz
Mar. 6 pm - Pittsburg
Mar. 7 - Open
Mar. 8 - Open
Mar. 9 - Clearlake
Mar. 10 - Marin
Mar. 11 - Antioch
Mar. 12 - San Ramon
Valley Christian Fellowship
Mar. 13 am - Castro
Valley
Mar. 13 pm - Napa
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Sunday School Attendance Showcase
from NCN News, October
29, 2004
Perfect Sunday School
attendance for 60+ years... and counting"Sunday School is the foundation
of the church. It is a grounding mechanism that helps you know what you believe
and why you believe it."
These words were spoken
by Jan (Hagan) Stanley, a woman some might consider an "expert" on
Sunday School. What makes Jan an expert? On Sunday, October 17, 2004, Jan was
honored by her church for perfect attendance in Sunday School-not for a month
or a year, not for five years or even 10 years of faithful attendance. Jan was
honored for 3,380 consecutive Sundays in Sunday School-65 years without one
single absence.
Coming in just behind Jan
in consecutive attendance is Ben Webb of California's Porterville Church of the
Nazarene. Ben recently achieved 63 years of perfect Sunday School attendance.
As the 63-year milestone approached, Ben found himself homebound following
surgery. With his strong commitment to Sunday School, Ben says, "I would
have taken an ambulance to church had that been the only way to get
there." Fortunately for him, Ben's Sunday School class decided to make
things a little easier on him as well as help him preserve his record. They piled
into their cars and convened Sunday School in Ben's living room.
Ben has made some
adjustments in his schedule and life to maintain his 63-year record of Sunday
School attendance. At Ben's 20-year attendance mark, he had an opportunity to
accompany three business associates on a trip to Mexico. Ben declined the offer
stating, "I would have to miss Sunday School." Wanting Ben to go on
the trip, his boss said, "Bring your Sunday School material. If you can't
find a Sunday School, we'll have Sunday School with you."
With this guarantee, Ben
accompanied his boss and two other co-workers on the trip. When Sunday rolled
around and they could find only a small Catholic church in the Mexican village,
Ben convened Sunday School on the hotel patio. There he taught his weekly
Sunday School lesson to his three unsaved co-workers.
Both Jan and Ben say they
have attended Sunday Schools all over the country by always finding a Sunday
School when traveling on business or pleasure. Ben credits his great-grandmother
Minnie Scribner with instilling in him the value of Sunday School.
"Many people think,
'I'm not very significant. I can't make a difference,'" explained Ben. But
by insisting that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren attend
Sunday School, Minnie Scribner made a huge difference in the lives of
generations of family members, including her granddaughter Louise (Cantrell) Jenkins,
wife of former General Superintendent Orville Jenkins.
To those who think Sunday
School has lost its purpose, Webb would like to say, "If Sunday School has
died, it's because the motivation of those presenting it in the local church has
died. Sunday School is as important as ever. Sunday School helps to stabilize
the Word and creates caring groups. In my recent illness, when the class came
to my home for Sunday School, they showed they cared. That's the whole
point."
Jan too believes in the
value of a vital Sunday School program for people of all ages. She recently
spoke to parents of small children. "Get up and get to Sunday
School," she told them. "There is nothing you can do for your
children that will have a greater impact on them than teaching them the Word of
God."
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by Rev. Tim King, Salinas
New Life Church (Salinas)
recently held her "Opening Celebration" Sunday, October 17. After
months of prayer, planning, and listening to the community, 91 people braved
rainy and overcast skies to attend the celebration service held in a school
cafeteria.
Leading up to October 17,
New Life Church had sponsored 2 outreach gifts to their community: (1) A Free Aloha Party at the local
YMCA, including free food and swimming; (2) a Saturday Fun Fest with free
lunch, prizes and bounce houses to which 300-350 came. These events, along with increased
advertising, have helped New Life Church begin to see their community with "fresh
eyes of faith."
The October 17 Celebration
service included 13 first-time guests, 16 children in KidZone, a salvation
testimony, special cookies shaped as hands and feet (reflecting the church's
mission as "The hands and feet of Christ"), inclusion of I-Worship
DVD selections, and the message of God's unconditional love. Prior to October
17, New Life Church had been averaging 60 in morning worship attendance.
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by Rev. Brent Kall,
San Jose First
On October 8, 2004 at
7:28 pm Lori gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Madison Brean
Kall. She was 8 lbs 12 oz and
21" long and healthy. Lori is doing well and the boys are adjusting well
to this new member of the family.
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