JUNE 2005
Editor: Robin
Wagganer
General
Superintendent's Growth Award
The
Shutes Visit NorCal District
Hayward
Invents New Ways to Love
District
Assembly 2005 Photo Album
District
Assembly 2005 Photo Album: NMI Conference
General Superintendent's Growth Award
The
most distinguished award a church can receive for one year was given by Dr.
Jerry Porter to 3 Churches. Recipients are (top to bottom) Rev. Paul Chung,
Daly City Western Korean Church: Rev. Wilmer Guido, Salinas Oasis Iglesia del
Nazareno; Revs. Norma Sibert and David Hoi (in the absence of Pastor Tim
Isbell) for Cupertino New Life Church.
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Rev. Selden Nutt went
home to his eternal reward on May 24, 2005 after a long battle with
heart-related problems. He served on this district his entire 37 years of
ministry with his wife, Mozelle. Together they pastored five churches. He
served on many boards for Nor Cal District, did a considerable amount of real
estate work for the district, and processed the immigration papers for many
pastors coming here from other world areas. He had a soft heart for world
missions, especially Alabaster and youth in mission work.
He is survived by
Mozelle, and family Luanne Fose and Rachelle LaPan of Morro Bay, and Rick,
Linda, Drew, and Clare Cole, all of Antioch. He will be remembered for his love
of humor and laughter and his joyful spirit in all he did.
If you would like to
memorialize Selden, you may give to Foundation Legacy for Youth (F.L.Y.), the
fund set up by our district NMI to help NOR CAL youth who feel called to
mission service, to experience work and witness firsthand. In his last years
Selden found great joy in supporting youth in work and witness for he
understood how much it would impact his church for years to come.
Donations may be sent
in his name to either the district NMI treasurer:
Donna Rickard
2435 Felt St. No. 42
Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062
Please make checks to
Nor Cal District NMI (memo: F.L.Y. / Selden Nutt)
or to:
Antioch Nazarene
Church
330 Worrell Rd.
Antioch, Ca 94509
Please make checks to
Antioch Naz. Church (memo: F.L.Y. / Selden Nutt)
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The Rev. Howie and
Bev Shute, Field Director of Nazarene Missions in the Horn of Africa region
visited three of our churches the weekend of May 15. They spent Saturday
afternoon with the Missions Council of Golden Gate Church along with Mamer
Ajak. The special interest Golden Gate Church has in Sudan comes from the life
of one of their members, Mamer Ajak. Mamer is one of the "Lost Boys of
Sudan" that spoke to our NorCal Youth and Mission Service two years ago.
Since then he has become a vital part of GGCC.
This missions council
is keenly interested in looking for ways to address the tragic results of the
terrible suffering of the people groups that have been victimized by brutality
in the civil war in Sudan. The Shutes reported that the work of the Church of
the Nazarene is growing rapidly among the Sudanese refugees and at the current
pace of growth it appears that these people could easily become the largest
group among all of World Missions work.
Rev.
and Mrs. Howie Shute, Field Director of Nazarene Missions in the horn of Africa
countries with Mamer Ajak from Sudan. Mamer was happy to learn of the rapid
growth of the work of the Church of the Nazarene in his country.
The
Missions Council of Golden Gate Community Church hosted a luncheon with Rev.
and Mrs. Howie Shite on Saturday, May 14, 2005. GGCC is keenly interested in
mission work in Sudan because of their own Mamer Ajak.
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by Paul Skiles
"My active
connection with the notable Northern California District covered the decade of
the 1950's. These comments are limited to my personal impressions from that
time period, and are subject to the natural erosions or embellishments that
occur with memories more than 50 years of age. So read with care.
Was the old Northern
California District perfect? (As rumored by some) Not quite. Was it as great as
we thought? Maybe. It was for sure a wonderful setting for effective Christian
ministry and service. Not because of favorable demographics, exceptional
resources, or unique structures. What then? Or rather... who then?
There was a man who
built comfortably on all the good that had gone before and added eloquently to
it. A servant-leader who by word, deed, and irresistible wit helped to create
an atmosphere of confidence, cooperation, and unity. The pastors he served
received only respect, trust, and appreciation from him.
So good was made
better, and those rare occasions that required confrontation were marked by
gentle tone. It was then, by these means, that an authentic spirit of
fellowship flourished among pastors, and between them and their leader... Dr.
George Coulter.
Every pastor got the
same barrel of benefits... respect, trust, appreciation... unrelated to the
size of congregation they served or their tenure. Indeed there was a pattern.
Those senior pastors of larger congregations were often the most active in
making sure that every newcomer was welcomed warmly and included in the circle.
If you were a pastor, you were in.
Is it any wonder that
pastors, so well supported by positive relationships with district and
colleagues, would be easily motivated to bring quality pastoral care to the
local congregations they served. As a result, perceptive lay folks realized
that the list of available candidates for their congregation would likely be
somewhat enhanced both in quantity and quality by the fact that pastoral
service on the Northem California District brought benefits with special
appeal.
Thoughtful lay folks
understand and appreciate the inner circle created by ordination. And a
thoughtful clergy knows for sure that lay involvement is an indispensable
element in kingdom building. So they, the lay folks, were invited to the party.
And they came, bringing their gifts of energy, vision, wisdom, and more.
Then there was Camp
meeting and the slightly swayback auditorium unable to contain the rising
sounds of praise. I don't know the final count but am sure that many a
Christian journey started or grew stronger at a Camp meeting altar.
Who was it anyway who
turned a grove of trees on a quiet hillside (quiet enough to hear that famous
chuckle) into a sacred spot for hearing God's word clearly opened?
The original H. Orton
himself. That's who. Hence the name "Wiley Temple."
Who, among those
present, can forget the humble man with the magnificent voice? Gilbert
Rushford.
Speaking of voices...
what can I say about the teen choir? (Accompanied by Alva Jean Mallory and the
brass ensemble) All still a phenomenon in my mind. I'm not sure yet how it
happened. But the sound of it remains. Even the sound of their feet on the
sidewalk and the stairs as they ran to make sure they made it to the choir
while there was still space for them. Unheard of. I suppose you probably know
that I can and do recall, without effort, every word and every note of
"How Firm A Foundation," "The Day Without A Cloud,"
"You Can Move That Mountain," "Peace In The Valley,"
"Blessed Assurance," "His Love," "The Battle Hymn of
The Republic, " ... to mention just a few. (Editor's note: Paul's
rendition of "Day By Day" on his trombone).
There is one final
story about the choir and their sound. It has to do with the sound of silence.
A special event for the choir was a midnight hike and sing time on the hills
overlooking Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. Most of the non-teen campers would
hope to be sleeping, without interruption, long before we returned. So we
discussed the need for consideration. Not a bad idea. I honestly didn't think
we had a chance, but the closer we came the quieter it got. I stood in the
center of the camp and listened to one of the choir's best performances. The
only thing I heard was the soft sound of 240 young feet touching the ground as
120 kids followed the paths to their tents and cabins. Disturbing no one.
Old guys have a real
hard time finding the off-ramp. Especially when someone recklessly points them
toward the past. So, ready or not... that's it ... I quit."
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New Ways to Love Another: More than Groceries
by Rev. Karl Mason,
Hayward First
Prayer in the middle
of the produce isle hugs by the frozen foods, laughter by the bread, crying by
the canned goods.we can find ministry in doing our everyday or weekly
activities.
I find that if you
treat people with respect, even the ones who you do not notice, you can reach
people for Christ. I have for the last year been going to the same grocery
store to buy our family's groceries. I did a simple thing; I started talking to
and making friends with the stockers and store clerks. I asked them about their
families.where they are from, showing a genuine interest in them.
When you show a
genuine interest in people they will talk to you. These are the people that
most do not see, or tell to get out of their way when they are shopping. Let me
share of what God has. Veronica shared with me that her husband left her six
weeks ago. I prayed with her, right in the middle of the produce isle. When I
said "amen" another customer told her to listen to what I had to say
and to follow God's direction. Veronica has come to two of our church services,
so far.
Paul and I have an
on-going debate about religion. He thinks that aliens could be the ones that
planted us here and that Adam and Eve were part of their seeds for humanity. He
is asking more and more questions about Jesus and how to have a relationship
with God, a God he does not understand right now. Because of our debate, two
other stockers have started asking me questions about God and questions about
our church. They find it refreshing that I spend time debating with Paul and
that I do not give up on him as others have done.
Klauzse, a German
immigrant has only been here for a few years, but loves our country. We have
more freedom than where he grew up and has a big smile on his face every time I
see him in the store. I am still getting to know him, as his English is
limited. Three weeks ago, I found out that the store manager's mother passed
away, I was able to pray with him and offer grief advice for him and his sister
who was having a very hard time with their loss. Vick, ask me to pray for his
mother and father as they were going through surgery two weeks ago, Vick's
father was having a kidney transplant and the donor was his mom. I prayed with
Vick at the check out counter. Both of his parent's are doing very well!
God has given me a
great opportunity to reach out to people in the grocery store where I shop. In
fact I have taken our once a week grocery shopping and divided it up so I can
be at this store 5 days a week. I keep getting more and more questions about
God. God has blessed me in being the un-official Chaplain of this grocery
store. Everyone there knows that if he/she needs prayer or someone to just talk
to I am available. I will pray with them, and they have a church they can go to
if they need God's help. It is real easy to give away a pray, a smile, a
friendship, and time to those who need to know that someone cares.
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by Rev. John Wilcox,
Santa Cruz
World Mission Broadcast
Ever wonder about how
the Lord will reach everyone around the world before His second coming. It is
amazing to hear of the stories that are coming out of the smallest villages in
the darkness of the jungle. Yes, the Lord is using radio, the Internet and
television to reach a lost world. The Church of the Nazarene broadcasts 79
programs in 80 countries, 35 languages and dialects for a total of 1,142
broadcasts. All of this for only $4.00 per minute! Here are a couple of stories
to inspire you and to help you to pray, Lord, what would you have me to give
for the World Mission Broadcast offering that our church is going to take in
June.
From Tilak listening
to the WMB's Voice of Hope to India: "I am a tribal person, I have
accepted Jesus as God by listening to your program, and nobody was ready to
baptize me because everyone was sacred, thus I submerged myself in the name of
Jesus and God baptized me. And now I openly spread the Gospel to all. Please
send me some tracks and some useful books. I will read that literature and tell
my people in our tribal language, Please pray for me and the listeners".
Journey of Hope for Middle East Listener
Asure is an Iraqi man
living in Egypt and a listener to World Mission Broadcast's "Journey of
Hope" radio program. In December 2004 he wrote program host Ayman Kafrouny
and shared, "Your program talks to me in amazing ways; every time I hear
you I feel like you are talking to me personally.
"Tuning in
regularly to the radio broadcast, Asure wrote Ayman again on May 6, 2005
saying, "I want to fall down on my knees before you to tell me more about
surrendering myself to the Lord Jesus, because I feel shocked since I heard
about that. I heard that Jesus wants me to die so He could live in me. Is this
true?"
Asure continued by
asking Ayman to "Please tell me what to do. Many times I tried to please
God by going to church and doing good things, but I failed. Now I know that
Jesus wants to come into my heart and that's why He wants me to die. Oh, my
beloved Ayman, please help me quickly... I don't want to die, I want to love
Jesus and live all my life for him."
Asure is one of
countless listeners to World Mission Broadcast's new radio program in the
Middle East. Reaching out over the airwaves, "Journey of Hope" is a
weekly devotional and hymns program aimed at delivering hope and the Good News
of Christ.
It is through
programs like "Journey of Hope" that World Mission Broadcast is
taking the truth, putting it on the airwaves and sending it throughout the
world. Listeners like Asure are receiving it and their lives are being
transformed.
To read more about
the ministry of World Mission Broadcast and how you can be a part of sharing
the Gospel worldwide, log on to http://worldmissionbroadcast.org.
Vacation Bible School Mission Offering: 2005
"Everyone who
drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give
him will never thirst." John 4:13-14a
Water - otherwise
known as H2O. We drink it, play in it, cook with it, bathe with it and brush
our teeth with it! Seventy-five percent of the earth is covered with H2O, and
yet only three percent is fresh water. All over the world, people live in areas
where there is very little or no access to fresh water. Just to survive, they
are forced to walk long distances and carry water to their communities,
purchase it in bottles, or even use contaminated water.
However, the kids in
our VBS or summer ministry program can make a difference by partnering with
Kids Reaching Kids. This year, the VBS Mission Offering Project is entitled
Mission: H2O. Your kids can participate in this compassionate ministry by
giving their coins and dollars. Since H2O is essential for sustaining life, the
money will be used to dig fresh water wells in several world areas, including
the Philippines, Nicaragua, and Liberia. Mission: H2O is designed to
drastically change the lives of children and their families in these countries.
By participating in this project, kids are doing more than helping people gain
access to fresh clean H2O. They are sharing the love of Jesus Christ - the
Living Water!
General Assembly and Conventions
Continue to pray for
General Assembly and the Conventions, this month thousands of people will be
traveling from all over the world to join in Indianapolis to conduct the
business of the church and to worship together.
• Pray for the Lord's
protection as these Nazarene's travel
• Pray for our
General leaders and their preparation for Assembly
• That the Holy
Spirit will reignite Nazarenes' passion for the proclamation of biblical
holiness and catalyze the church missionally to accomplish its centennial goals
by 2008.
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by Rev. Donabel
Martin
Sr. High HouseBoat Camp
Unsinkable Faith
Who: Incoming Freshmen to graduating
Seniors
What: HOUSEBOAT Camp
When: July 11-15, 2005
$50.00 deposit due on June 17,
2005
$180.00 Balance due by July
11, 2005
Where: Lake Shasta
Why: Hang Out, Good Times, Food, and GOD!!!
For more information
contact Pastor Drew at 707-226-5551, email napanaz@hotmail.com or Pastor
Donabel at 707-648-1986, email donabelcmartin@hotmail.com
Jr. High Camp
Rock-N-Water
Who: For those finishing 6th grade and
entering 9th grade
What: Jr. High Camp @ Rock-N-Water
When: July 24 - 27, 2005
$50.00 Registration Deposit
postmark June 10
$160 Balance due by July 10
Where: On the American River near Sacramento
Why: Hang Out, Good Times, Food, and GOD!!!
For more information
contact Pastor Gary at 831-722-2407 or email garyb@watsnaz.org or Pastor
Donabel at 707-648-1986 email donabelcmartin@hotmail.com
Stepping-Out 2005
On May 7th as part of
Stepping Out (a.k.a. NYI Convention) about 100 teens and adults hit the streets
of San Francisco at the UN Plaza. There we talked and had lunch with people who
are lost and broken, most of them homeless or living in motels. For most of our
teens this was the very first time they were able to take part in this kind of
ministry. After being out there talking with people we gathered together to
hear some of the stories that they had heard, stories of pain and suffering.
The amazing thing is that our teens were able to share with people God's
marvelous grace, forgiveness, mercy, hope and the greatest of all God's love.
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Mrs.
Dorothy Cantrell with her granddaughter, Sharon housden, representing the late
Dr. Grady cantrell at our tribute to past Norcal District Superintendents.
Dr.
Roy Smee was represented by his grandchildren, Sheryl and Gary Smee.
Rev.
and Mrs. Lane Zachary representing Dr. E.E. Zachary’s tenure as District
Superintendent.
Former
District Superintendent, Dr. and Mrs. Clari Kinzler.
Gary
and Terri Coulter representing Dr. George Coulter standing with S.F. Chinese
and Fremont Central congregations that were organized under Dr. Coulter’s
superintendency.
Our
host Church - the newly completed Livermore Discovery.
Songs
of praise kick off the meeting.
Mr.
Larry Fitch receiving the “Barnabas Award” for encouragement given to East Bay
(Hana) Korean Church from Rev. Samuel Chun.
Rev.
Virgil Keena (r), Willits Church, honored as “NorCal Alumni of the Year” by Dr.
David Phillips of Nazarene Bible College (l) and Dr. John Calhoun (c).
Pastors’
Reports - Pastoral Team from The Point (San Jose First), from l: Rev. San Moo
Woo (Korean Ministry), Rev. Jim Cooper (Senior Pastor, English Ministry), Rev.
Samith Mey (Cambodian Ministry), Rev. Oscar Morales (Spanish Ministry), and
Rev. Joven LaRoya (Filipino Ministry).
Pastors’
Reports - Rev. PT Mammen entertains with his report as Dr. Jerry Porter, G.S.
and Dr. John Calhoun, D.S. look on.
2005 Ordination
Class
L to R: District
Superintendent Dr. John Calhoun, Rev. Wonyuol Lyu and his wife Youngjoo Woo,
Rev. Fritz Toussaint, Rev. Elsa J. Morales and her husband Rev. Oscar Morales,
General Superintendent Dr. Jerry Porter. Visit www.norcal.org/video.cfm to see
a video clip of this ritual.
Newly
Licensed Ministers 2005
Rev.
Richard Powers (from our Napa Church where he pastored since 1980) and his wife
Shirley, as he accepted a retirement plaque for 45 years of service. He has not finished ministering to others as
he will be taking an associate pastorate position with his son at his church in
Nevada. They will be missed on the Northern California District.
District Assembly 2005: NMI Conference
Dr.
John Wilcox presides over NMI Conference with Lab Assistant Carolyn Hart.
NMI
Lab set-up.
Bob
the Builder (aka Rev. Bob Kilpatrick of Cambrian Park) shows how Work &
Witness gets the job done.
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