Vol.037.May.2007

Dr. John Calhoun, D. S., E-mail: jcalhoun@norcal.org

Editor: Kay Clark, E-mail: kay@norcal.org, 925-680-0538 (office)

Northern California District Church of the Nazarene,

1866 Clayton Rd., Ste. 200, Concord, CA 94520,

Web page: http://www.norcal.org

Contents

Page 1 Highlights of 2007 District Assembly

Page 2-4 Dist. Assembly-Ordination Service; Inf. on Retirees, Newly Licensed Ministers’ & More

Page 4-7 Updates On Churches, NYI Camps

Page 7 SSM Inf.

Page 8-9 Kid’s Camps, NMI – World Mission Broadcast Offering, Prayers for our Military Personnel

We are still rejoicing in the many ways the District Church was blessed and inspired at our recent Assembly and Conventions.

• 638 “New Nazarenes” and 225 Baptisms.

• 9 New congregations (three of them newly organized.

Many reports of transformed lives and victories have challenged us on to new tasks.

Dr. John H. Calhoun

District Superintendent

Left to Right: Dr. John Calhoun, (District Superintendent), Rev. Paul Lam (Recognition of Credential), Elaine Lam, Rev. Sovanna Nhuong (Ordained), Montha Som Nhuong, Rev. Michael Chua (Ordained), Janet Chua, Rev. Jose Espinello (Ordained), Rev. Leonel Cruz (Ordained), Rev. Elvia Cruz, Rev. Jerry Patton (Ordained), Rev. Ruth Patton (Ordained), Rev. Kim Hersey (Ordained), Dr. J. K. Warrick, (General Superintendent).

These are our newly ordained pastors with spouses in the above picture. We received Rev. Paul Lam with Recognition of his Credential. We congratulate all of you on this memorable and blessed event in your lives.

It was a beautiful service with Dr. Warrick presiding. He presented the General Superintendent’s Growth Award to Dr. P. T. Mammen, pastor at the International Christian Center Church, Dr. Jim Cooper, pastor of the The Point’s English congregation, and Rev. Paul Lam, pastor of the Chinese congregation. These awards are given in recognition of outstanding accomplishment in essential practices of the expansion of the kingdom of God through the Church of the Nazarene. (To qualify these churches have paid all their budgets, sponsored a new work, and received an exceptionally high number of new members by professions of faith.)

Dr. Calhoun presented retirement plaques that honored the following elders: Rev. Andy Valenzuela, Rev. Ricareda Valenzuela, Rev. Jack Cobbs, Rev. Barbara Cobbs, and Rev. Emery Good.

Ricareda V. Valenzuela

Born in the Philippines, April 18. Converted - Age 13 through an American Nazarene missionary, Rev. John W. Pattee.

Education - Bachelor of Theology, Nazarene Bible College, 1959

§ Bachelor of Science in Education - Pacifican Colleges, 1974

§ Master of Religious Education - Asian Theological Seminary, 1985

Services - First Nazarene woman to be ordained, 1971 by Dr. Orville Jenkins.

§ Associate pastor and began preaching at age 18

§ Pastored 4 churches, Binalonan, Laoac, Tabuyoc and Central

Church - Started and held Bible Study in Malacanang Palace among the Presidential Management Staff.  Several became members of the church.

§ First Asian elected as representative, General NWMS Council - 1976-1985

§ Speaker at the Nazarene General Assembly Service, 1985, Anaheim, CA

§ Faith Promise and NMI Convention speaker throughout Asia, Canada, USA and Europe.

Married Rev. Andres C. Valenzuela, March 24, 1960.

§ Co-pastored with him in Baguio City and Agbannawag,

§ D. S.'s wife 1967-1987 (20 years)

§ Because of political tension in the Philippines, the General Church, through Northern California District, Dr.Clari Kinzler, brought us to Vallejo to start a Filipino Ministry.

§ Co-pastored Vallejo New Life Filipino - 1987 to present.

Children - Chaplain (Major) Abner Valenzuela - USAF (Bagram, Afghanistan) married Judy Ynion, 2 children, Ged Abbie and Deo Francis.

§ Brenda Valenzuela Fortune - Language Consultant, Silverdale, Washington married - Don Vincent Fortune, 3 children - Brenica, Doren and Cariza

Andres C. Valenzuela

Born in the Philippines, March 17, 1933. Converted at age 19 through Dr. Gideon Williamson, 1953.

Education - Bachelor of Theology, Nazarene Bible College, 1958.

§ Undergraduate Units from APNTS and Fuller Theological Seminary

Services - Ordained in 1958 by Dr. Hugh Benner.

§ District NYPS president

§ Pastored 4 churches, Binday, San Fernando, Baguio City and Agbannawag.

§ Elected first Filipino District Superintendent 1967 - 1987 (20 years).

§ Board Member (Treasurer) Philippine Council of Evangelical churches 1980-1987.

§ First Filipino delegate to General Assembly 1972.

§ Moved to Vallejo in 1987 and started the Filipino Church with the help of First Church of the Nazarene, Rev. Steve Strickler.

§ Vallejo New Life Filipino was organized by Dr. Clarence J. Kinzler in 1994.

Barbara Cobbs

Responded to God’s call while serving as an active layperson at San Jose Valley Nazarene Church, mentored by Pastor Wayne Evans.

§ Co-pastor of the Ukiah Nazarene Church with husband Jack from 1998-2007.

§ Ordained on the Northern California District in 2000 by Dr. James H. Diehl.

Jack Cobbs

Responded to God’s call while serving as an active layperson at San Jose Valley Nazarene Church, mentored by Pastor Wayne Evans.

§ Co-pastor of the Ukiah Nazarene Church with wife Barbara from 1998-2007.

§ Ordained on the Northern California District in 2000 by Dr. James H. Diehl.

Emery Good

Graduated, Nazarene Bible College AA - 1974

Graduated Point Loma Nazarene University - BA 1986

Ordained, Missouri District Church of the Nazarene, 1976

Pastor, Valley Park Nazarene, Valley Park, Mo., 1974-1978

Associate Pastor, Springfield Nazarene, Springfield, Mo., 1978-1979

Associate Pastor, Castro Valley Nazarene, Castro Valley, CA., 1979-1980

Associate Pastor, San Leandro Nazarene, San Leonardo, CA., 1980-1981

Associate Pastor, Castro Valley Nazarene, Castro Valley, CA., 1994-2002

NEW First-Time District Licensed Ministers

Antonio Corvera, Elmer Guido, Sara Hernandez, Elaine Lam, Rosa Ramirez,

David Valderrama.

Results of Elections to the Northern California District Boards

Paul Harris, elder elected to the District Advisory Board.

Marcia Bundy, lay person elected to the District Advisory Board.

Daryl Hawkins, lay person elected as Point Loma Nazarene University Trustee.

Tim King, elder elected as chairman of the Sunday School Ministries Board.

John Ford, elder elected to the Sunday School Ministries Board.

Sonya Edgbert, lay person elected to the Sunday School Ministries Board.

We are grateful to The Point Church, their staff, and volunteers that hosted the 102^nd District Assembly, Nazarene Missions Convention, and Nazarene Youth International Convention. It was an amazing few days coming together to do church business, get reacquainted with our friends, and to become closer to Christ through the eloquent sermons preached.

Thank you!

San Jose Cambrian Park Church Celebrates Its 50^th Anniversary

Sat., May 19^th 1:00-4:00 p.m. Youth Nazcar Rally, 5:00 p.m. Buffet Dinner –RSVP 408-377-0432, 6:30 p.m. “Trip Down Memory Lane”

Sunday, May 20^th, 9:40 a.m., Gen. Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Jerry Johnson

6:00 p.m. Youth Worship Service, Featuring “Jacob’s Well” Band and Rev. Ray Wisner.

We “welcome” Rev. Edwin Weaver as the new pastor at San Francisco Golden Gate Community Church. He will arrive in late July. (New mailing address for the church office is: 372 7^th Ave., Suite 100A, San Francisco, CA 94118, Phone: 415-876-1050).

Rev. Dennis Christian – Willow Creek Church has resigned. He has served the church since February, 1995. His kind spirit will be missed. We thank you for the wonderful years you served in Willow Creek.

Rev. Steve Brown – San Bruno Oasis Church has resigned to become a chaplain at one of our Bay Area hospitals. Pastor Steve has been the pastor since February, 1992. Since he is not moving out of the area, we look forward to seeing him at special events with his spouse, Pastor Annette Brown (she will take over the duties of full-time pastor at the San Bruno Oasis Church).

Hello readers of the Bridge.

We had a wonderful turn out for our District NYI Convent that started with a joined service with our District NMI. Thanks so much to all of you that stayed and supported not only that service but even more the students here at NorCal. Our service was opened by an energetic praise team from the Point. We also heard from Pastor John Wilcox and Claire Cole who were part of the Work & Witness Team to Guatemala. We were also treated by the comedy of the students from Petaluma who brought us SNL like sketches making parodies of the guy who sold books from NPH and even of me. But the best part of our worship was led by Bo Cassell who brought us the gospel with passion and conviction. Our students and adults were inspired and challenged that night; there were many students that came to the altar to follow the call to ministry and even more came to follow the call to live lives that are holy. I know of a particular student that I and many others have prayed for many months. That night he accepted God’s call in his life to follow him. That night, to see all of those students at the altar and to see pastors with their arms around the students in prayer, it was just beautiful! This is what it’s all about.

As part of our convention we have elected new members to our council and re-elected others. Here are your elected council members for the year 2007-2008. Please keep us in your prayers.

President: Donabel Martin

Vice President: Curtis Lillie

Secretary: Katie Finch

Treasurer: Kim Hersey

College Representatives: Jennifer Irish, Jovey Laroya, Grady Wilcox

Senior High Representatives: Jessica Abulencia, Todd Clayton, Clare Cole

Jr./Mid High Representatives: JT Cummings, Kelley McGlothin, Kresta Tabarenza

Just a reminder for your calendars and for your prayers:

� May 25-28 Elev8 @ San Diego PLNU

� June 26-29 Mid High Camp @ Rock n’ Water

� July 8-16 NYC @ St. Louis

� July 30-Aug 3 Sr. High Camp @ Lake Shasta on Houseboats

� September 7 Annual All-Nighter @ Santa Rosa

� Every Friday Prayer for Summer Activities

Serving together,

Pastor Donabel

Elev8 is May 25-28, 2007 at PLNU! If you’re interested in team sports, talent, and quizzing you will need to do that through the district with Dave Myers at Petaluma Hillside Church. Contact Pastor Dave at: (707)763-0977.

Mid-High Camp at Rock n’ Water Dates: June 26-29, 2007.

Cost: $235 (with $85 non-refundable deposit due with registration)

Late cost: (after June 2^nd) $260 (still with a $85 non-refundable deposit)

First location of gathering: Roseville Church of the Nazarene

Second Location: Rock n’ Water

Adult Cost: $60

Contact: Rev. Kim Hersey 831-444-6064; or e-mail: youth@salinasnewlife.org

Houseboat Camp for High School students scheduled for July 30-August 3, 2007.

Theme: Waterworld: Finding Solid Ground

Cost: $275 (with $100 non-refundable deposit due at registration)

Late cost: (after July 2^nd) $300 (still with a $100 nonrefundable deposit)

Adult cost: $80

Speaker: Pastor Jake Duckworth

Contact: Pastor Eric Lapp at Concord Christ Community at 925-685-4343 or email: eric.lapp@norcal.org .

District All Nighter is going to be held once again at Santa Rosa. The date is September 7^th. Joel Tippitt is already working on plans for this event. Stay tuned.

And last but not least. NYC 2007!!! If you have any questions do not hesitate to call Curtis Lillie (925) 449-5256or myself.

Your Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries Board met three times this past year. Three decisions were made for the purpose of equipping local churches to be more effective in “making Christlike disciples in the nations”.

1. We gave all churches the opportunity to apply for new ministry initiative assistance. The Board reviewed applications and awarded grants to these churches: International Christian Center (SJ), Petaluma Hillside, Marin Hamilton Community, The Point (SJ), and Vallejo First.

2. We funded and held two Regional Equipping Saturdays: One hosted by Petaluma Hillside targeting the North Bay Zone, and one hosted by The Point, designed for all Spanish-speaking churches. These two seminars trained approximately 80 lay leaders to become more effective disciple makers. Each day also emphasized that effective discipleship is primarily about life-transformation. “Special thanks” to Carol Van Buskirk and Oscar Morales for their commitment in making these events a reality.

3. Partial scholarships were provided to the first 25 people who registered to attend the Willow Creek Association's Leadership Summit Simulcast held at Church on the Hill in San Jose. Your SDMI Board encourages all churches to avail themselves of this excellent leadership training resource.

Kid’s Encounter (formerly Roundup) at Redwood Glenn Campground was attended and enjoyed by nearly 100 elementary-aged students. Special thanks to our Children’s Director Carol Kibler in giving leadership to this event.

The Willowcreek Association's "Leadership Summit" is coming up Aug. 9-11 in San Jose at the Church on the Hill.  If you or any of your lay leadership are interested in sharpening their leadership skills under one of the best (Bill Hybels) along with his roster of outstanding speakers, then you will need to reserve your spot by sending me a check for:

1. $70 (for first-time attendees) and $120 (for second-time attendees) by May 20^th.  Prices increase by $10 a piece after May 20^th and before June 23^rd.

2. Make the check out to: "Santa Rosa Nazarene Church" or "SRNC" and mail it to: Santa Rosa Church, 1135 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95405.

 We have 20 first time scholarships and 20 2^nd time scholarships.  So to get these prices you will need to be in the first group of 20.  Also, if you would like a brochure for more information you can request one from Tim King at 831-444-6064 or his e-mail pastor@salinasnewlife.org.  If you would like to talk to me, Rick Bassett, you can reach me at 707-542-2650 or e-mail srncrick@pacbell.net.  I'll look forward to hearing from you.  One more thing...this conference will be broadcast via satellite hook-up (just in case there are any Bill Hybels wannabes hoping to get his autograph in person.  It won't happen in San Jose). Blessings!

Tim King, Chairman SSM

Nor Cal Quizzers go to Regionals

Kids Quizzing ended and we had 5 children going to the Regionals.  Regionals were held in San Diego at Point Loma.  Our Kids competed with top quizzers from the Southwest region.  This year we had 4 churches participate in quizzing: Concord Christ Community, Livermore Discovery, Cupertino New Life, and The Point in San Jose.  If your church is interested in quizzing for next year, please contact Carol Kibler cjkib@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Kids Encounter Weekend

May 25 to 27 Kids ages 6 to 12 will be gathering at Redwood Glen in the Santa Cruz mountains.  This is a very fun camp for kids.  Activities include swimming, hiking, games, skits, campfires, meeting new friends, and hearing God’s word.  We are also excited about the teens coming to provide music for us.  The cost was $110.00 before May 1^st.  After May 1^st it will be $130.00.  If you would like more information about this camp, please contact Carol @ cjkib@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Summer Kids Camps

This year we are encouraging kids on Nor Cal District to attend Blue Slide camp up in Eureka or the Sacramento kid’s camps at Diamond Arrow.

Blue Slide Camp:  Jenny Willhite is the contact person for the Blue Slide camp.  Her email is Nazkids@sbcglobal.net. Camp will be July 23^rd through the 27^th.  This year’s topic will be "Faith in Jesus" with a car’s theme.  

Diamond Arrow Camps:  For kids in 2^nd grade there is an Explorer Camp July 30^th through August 1^st. 

For kids in 3rd & 4th Grade camp is July 30^th through August 3^rd.

Camp 56 is for 5th & 6th graders. 

Please contact Carol at cjkib@sbcglobal.net or the registrar for these camps Ron Zimmer at ron@forthosewhothirst.org.

World Mission Broadcast Offering due in June!

Remember to choose one Sunday during the month of June and take an offering for World Mission Broadcast!

Charles Hardison MD

Director Hope Academy of Bishkek

Dear pastors of the Northern California District,

This is a prayer seed reminder to ask, seek, and knock for teachers who are willing to serve overseas. I am recruiting certified teachers who are willing to give one or more years to a Christian International English-speaking school in Central Asia. I am a physician by training but have by God’s call become a “butter knife to fit the job of a screwdriver.” I am sure there are many teachers who do not need to completely change professions to do their service to God somewhere else. They just need to change their address! For those with a heart to serve in missions write me.

AKA “The butter knife” Please reply to: cphardison@bigfoot.com

Pray for our Men and Women in the Military

Continue your prayers for our men and women in the military and their families.

John Ford, Jr. was at District Assembly, NMI and NYI Conventions. It was wonderful to welcome him and see him looking very fit! His parents are Rev. John and Jeanne Ford. Pastor John minister’s at the McKinleyville Family Church in McKinleyville, near Eureka.

Chaplain, Major Abner Valenzuela is in the Air Force. He returned home last Tuesday where he was stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan for four months.

His parents are the Revs. Andy and Ricareda Valenzuela that were honored at district assembly for their 50 years of service to the Lord, as they ready themselves for retirement. Abner and his family along with his sister, Brenda Fortune and her family will be able to celebrate their retirement on June 10^th at the Vallejo New Life Filipino Church.