Ministers’ and Spouses’ Communion Worship Service

Southwestern Ohio Ministers’ and Spouses’ Communion Service
Monday, February 27, 2012
Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
Dinner: 6:30 PM
Worship: 7:30PM
Cost: $10.00 per person

UNFROZEN

Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center

Melt our hearts, O God
January 20-22, 2012
Come together this winter for a combined youth retreat with our Southwestern Ohio NYI family at Higher Ground. You can find the UnFrozen registration form UnFrozenRegistrations are to be sent to:
SWO NYI
7943 Tylersville Rd.
West Chester, OH 45069

Checks may be made payable to SWO NYI.For a copy of the flyer for printing and sharing purposes

“Manly Man Weekend”

Manly Man Weekend
Spring Mens’ Retreat
Date: May 13-14, 2011
Place: Higher Ground Conference & Retreat Center
Speaker: David Dean, Christian Comedian

Registration after April 25 add $10.00

Friday afternoon will include a number of activities to join in. Whether you’re a motorcycle rider, golfer, sports buff, or just want to kick back and relax, there’s something for everyone. There will be…Golfing, Motorcycle Riding, Fishing, Tour of Creation Museum, Canoeing, Tour of Reds Hall of Fame, Archery, Basketball, Pistol/Rifle Shooting, Video Games and much more!

Registration will begin January 3, 2011. We are partnering with the Northwestern Ohio & Eastern KY districts for this event so you will want to register early. To register click here.

2010 Sunday School Emphasis: Baptize…Immersing Others in a Discipleship Way of Life

The upcoming emphasis – “Baptize. .. Immersing Others in a Discipleship Way of Life” – is scheduled for September 26 through October 31, 2010. Following Christ entails a deliberate way of living which is nothing less than transformational. This radical lifestyle comes through a vibrant relationship with Christ and with others who are like-minded.

After Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John the Baptist, He was led into the wilderness and tempted by Satan. From that moment in time, Jesus began His public ministry, calling twelve men to follow in His footsteps. The disciples followed Jesus so closely that the dust from His sandals left a residue on their clothing. For the next three years, Jesus’ disciples were immersed into a new way of life. The imprint of Jesus was burned into the fabric of their being.

This upcoming Sunday School emphasis is all about immersing people into the way of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit you will be equipped with tools and ideas to lead others in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Everything you need to promote and carry out this emphasis can be found by clicking here . You will notice that the new design of the Sunday School emphasis page is quite different from the past format. This new manner of delivering emphasis ideas has been created to give small and large churches flexibility in using the Strategic Discipleship Methods and Ideas most applicable to their local church. You will find dates and a general theme for each semi-annual emphasis, but the weekly focus will be of your choosing. The Strategic Discipleship Methods and Ideas are divided into six categories, each of which could be a weekly focus for the current emphasis: Bible Reading, Prayer, Workplace & School Outreach, Encouragement, Service, and Fellowship.
Also, please don’t forget about The Discipleship Place website. This site has so many great resources such as: discipleship links, church ministry studies, lay ministry studies, small group curriculum, and denominational wide studies where you can download leader’s guides, power point presentations and more. Make good use of this free material. Make it available to your people. It costs you nothing and it provides another resource of making disciples in the nations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about any of these updates.

Tom Zile
SDMI Chairman

WEF Plus Offering

A letter from Daniel D. Ketchum, Director of Nazarene Missions International regarding the change in the formula for World Evangelism Fund (WEF)
Please read the letter by clicking here.

Southwestern Ohio District NMI

NMI District Fall Tour

For a copy of the flyer click here

See You At The Pole

September 22, 2010

SEE YOU AT THE POLE

Clergy Appreciation – October

It is Biblical for a church to recognize and honor the godly ministers who serve faithfully the flock of God. Paul wrote the following words to the church at Thessalonica:

“Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work…” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)

It is clear from scripture that the faithful and dedicated ministers of our churches are worthy of appreciation and honor. Pastor/Staff Appreciation Day provides an excellent opportunity for your church to affirm her love and appreciation for those who are called by God and your church to lead them in fulfilling the Great Commission. Traditionally, the month of October has been designated as Pastor/Staff Appreciation Month. National Clergy Appreciation Day is the second Sunday of October each year.

NYI Quizzing Schedule

SWO NYI Quizzing

September 11 – John 1-4 (Kick-Off Quiz and Workshop) Cincinnati Springdale
October 9 – John 1-6 (Cook-out) Tri-County
November 6 – John 1-10 (Kids Against Hunger) (TBA)
November 19-20 – John 1-10 (Tri-State Quiz) Mount Vernon
December 4 – John 1-12 (Senior Recognition Tournaments) Cincinnati Lockland
January 8 – John 1-17 (Tournament of Champions) West Carrollton
February 5 – John 1-21 (District Qualification Round 1, Local Team Championship) Miamisburg
March 5 – All (District Qualification Round 2) Dayton First
March 20 – (Top 20 Quiz Off) Blanchester
May 5-7 – (Regional Championship Quiz) Mt. Vernon/Lakeholm

Cincinnati Red’s Game

Church of the Nazarene, this is your night at the ballpark!
The Cincinnati Reds want to give you a chance to enjoy the excitement of Reds baseball at a special discount. Join your Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park and enjoy a special discount for the following game: Friday, August 13, 2010 vs. Marlins – 7:10 PM
Church of the Nazarene members will be seated together in the Mezzanine and can purchase tickets for $14, tickets are regularly $22!
To purchase discounted tickets online, visit www.reds.com/nazarene.
Tickets must be purchased in advance of game date in order to receive this discount. Discount tickets will not be available at the box office on the day of the game. Don’t miss this special offer for the Church of the Nazarene!

Let us reminisce awhile… Camp Meeting 2010

In the month of June we celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Camp Meeting at Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center. Services were filled with the Holy Spirit and many experienced the presence of the Lord. A big thank you to those who served, we appreciate your dedication and faithfulness. We extend an offer of gratitude to Evangelist: Norman Moore; Bible Study: Troy Martin; Special speakers: Dr. Harold Graves, Sr.; Dr. Carlton Hansen; Rev. Gary Jones for sharing the Word; Special Music: SWO Churches,the participants of the Saturday afternoon Gospel Sing; Soloist: Amie Weethee and the Collingsworth Family for worshipping with us in song. A special thank you is extended to Chuck and Brenda Hail and the workers at Higher Ground for your excellence. We appreciate your warm and welcoming hearts.

NMI June/July Newsletter

Mission Extravaganza at Camp Meeting

Bring your Children ages 5-12!

Wednesday, June 15, 2010
Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
7:30 PM in the Barn

2010 Global Children’s Missions Offering (VBS)

Millions of kids throughout the world find themselves surviving or living on the streets. Many of them struggle each day for the basic needs of life–food, clothing and shelter. Through the Kids Reaching Kids 2009-2010 Mission Offering, The Hope Project, your kids will have the opportunity to show these children on the streets that they are not forgotten by God.

As children give their nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars for The Hope Project, children on the streets will have many of these basic holistic needs of life met. In addition, many of them for the first time will also hear and learn how Jesus Christ can make a difference in their lives. They will experience the depths of Jesus’ love.

The Hope Project will provide funds for street children in each of the seven world regions of the Church of the Nazarene. This includes Africa, Asia Pacific, Caribbean, Eurasia, Mexico and Central America, North America, and South America.

Working with the regional coordinators for Connecting a New Generation, The Hope Project will help to fund holistic efforts for children around the globe. In addition, the funds will help these regional coordinators train and equip new workers to reach these children on the streets.

“But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish (Psalm 9:18, NIV).

Children on the streets will know they have not been forgotten, they will feel the hope that comes from Jesus Christ, and they will have access to the basic needs of live. To get promotional posters and videos go to www.nazarenemedialibrary.org and search for “Hope Project.”

District Children’s Missons Project (VBS)
Medical Clinics and Equipment for Haiti – Send to SWO District Treasurer

51st Southwestern Ohio District NMI Convention
July 14-15
Springdale Church of the Nazarene

Memorial Roll

Please email your pictures for our memorial roll presentation to bryanl@cinci.rr.com. These can often be obtained from the funeral home’s website. Mail pictures to be scanned to Lisa Bryan, 2278 Hale Rd., Wilmington, Ohio 45177.

Mass Choir

Our music Director Deb Crabtree (West Chester Church) is planning a mass choir number for our Wednesday evening service. Please be watching for information on the District’s Team Update newsletter or contact her at crabtree.dj@wccn.cc

Theme Presentation

For our theme presentation on Wednesday night, we will be featuring the outreach ministries of the local churches. We need your pictures and videos to make this happen! Video TAPES: VHS, Mini-DV, DVC-PRO (Sorry, no Hi-8 or 8mm. I have no way of playing them back) Any tapes that are sent can be returned. If someone has a DVD of a video, there is a good chance that we can use that as well. I know some cameras record onto DVDs. IF that is the case, the DVD would need to be finalized before it is sent or it won’t be playable on my machines. Video FILES: Quicktime (.mov, .mp4) Windows Media (.wmv), MPEG-1, MPEG-2. All files should be no smaller than 640×480. Preferred size is 720×480 or 720×486. If someone has a file format other than those listed, there is still a chance I can convert it and use it. They can contact me via e-mail or call my cell: (937)903-6910 with any questions. Still pictures: Just about any format can be used but the most typical are: .jpg, .tiff, .bmp, .png. I would prefer not to have actual photos sent so that we don’t run the risk of losing them. These can all be sent to the church office: West Carrollton Church of the Nazarene, 550 S. Elm St., West Carrollton, OH 45449 Attention: Rob McNally or they can be e-mailed to Rob McNally’s home e-mail address: rmcnally@woh.rr.com

NMI Luncheon

Once again we will have a luncheon catered by Funky’s. Tickets will be available as soon as we get a final cost from the caterer and the luncheon planner!! Reserve your tickets online by July 2 at www.swonaz.org click on “Events” and then “Register”.

Jay Sunberg Featured Speaker

This year we welcome Jay and Teanna Sunberg serving in Bulgaria. They have ministered in Sofia for seven years. Since that time, growth in member ship has gone from 27 to 320 and growth in churches from two to 18. We are looking forward to hearing what God is doing in Bulgaria!

LINKS

Please remember to bring $30 for our LINKS missionaries to the convention. We will have a March to receive the offering during the business session on Thursday.

Centerpieces

Once again we look forward to centerpieces made by our SWO kids. The theme this year is “Making Christlike Disciples in Your Jerusalem.” Please put the centerpieces in the Activity Center where we will be having the luncheon. If the children want them back, they need to be removed immediately following the luncheon.

Target Dayton

Always a highlight of the convention, Target Dayton Choir will be singing. We will be collecting non-perishables for them. Please see list below.

24 pack Coke Products
Self rising flour
Vegetable oil
Baking powder
Sugar
Brown sugar
Bottles of hot sauce
Catsup
Mustard
Salt
Vanilla
Cooking spray (like PAM)
Quick grits – canister size
Napkins
Paper towels
Coffee – French roast
Reading glasses (any prescription)
PLEASE BRING TO CONVENTION!

Changes are coming!

We in the missions business know the importance of flexibility, so limber up, my friends! Here is the first: we are going paper-light. Because of the decrease in the number of churches paying their district dues to NMI, we can no longer justify the cost of printing and mailing. Most of our communication with you is going to be electronic. So, in order to receive your delegate packages, you will need to provide us with one email address per church when you register. You will have the option to get paper copies at cost.

Celebrating 30 Years with Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center

Camp Meeting 2010
Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center
Monday, June 14 through Sunday, June 20

Join us in celebrating 30 wonderful fun-filled years at the Southwestern Ohio District Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center.
Evangelists: Norman Moore, Dr. Harold B. Graves Sr., Dr. Carlton D. Hansen and Rev. Gary Jones
Music: SWO Churches
Soloist: Amie Weethee
Bible Study: Troy Martin
Collingsworth Family will be singing on Sunday, June 20, 4:30 PM

“Prime Timers Luncheon” on Thursday, June 17, in Ferguson Dining Hall following a 10:30 a.m. morning service in the Graves Life Center. Cost is $6.50 for a nice dinner-sized lunch.

Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center 3820 Logan Creek Lane, West Harrison, IN 47060

For a copy of the Camp Meeting Poster click here.
For a copy of the Camp Meeting Schedule click here.

Local Church Nominations

ELECTING CHURCH OFFICERS

Churches of the district will soon be electing officers for the new district assembly church year. Nominating committees are faced with the task of determining qualified candidates, and they are quite reluctant to judge other church members in spiritual and financial matters. Perhaps it would be best to allow candidates to judge their own qualifications in harmony with MANUAL provisions:

F. Church Officers. 39. We direct our local churches to elect as church officers only persons who profess the experience of entire sanctification and whose lives bear public witness to the grace of God that calls us to a holy life; who are in harmony with the doctrines, polity, and practices of the Church of the Nazarene; and who support the local church faithfully in attendance and with tithes and offerings. (113.9-113.10, 127, 145, 146).

The nominating committee could distribute a form to each prospective nominee, giving each individual opportunity for either being considered or gracefully declining. The following suggested form would include, but not exceed, the legal specifications of the MANUAL:

I hereby declare that:

a. I profess the experience of entire sanctification,

b. My life bears public witness to the grace of God that calls me to a holy life,

c. I am in harmony with the doctrines of the Church of the Nazarene,

d. I am in harmony with the polity of the Church of the Nazarene,

e. I am in harmony with the practices of the Church of the Nazarene,

f. I do, and will continue to support this local church faithfully in attendance,

g. I do, and will continue to support this local church faithfully with tithes and offerings.

NYI Summer Camping

Theme: DECLARE

June 21-26 King’s Domain

All registrations are due by June 14. Camper and Sponsor forms should be mailed to the district office 7943 Tylersville Road, West Chester, OH 45069 c/o Candice Corwin.

Cost $175 for campers
Cost $150 for counselors
Camper registration forms due by June 14
Counselor applications due by May 28.
Housing counselors needed: 34 (14 in guys cabins, 14 in girls cabins, 6 in the dorm)
Worship leaders: Rob and Tyler Walls
Payment information: All individuals are required to make payment to their local church and the church will write NYI one check. Checks are to be made payable to SWO NYI and accompany registration forms.
Any questions can be directed to Candice Corwin at princesscandicepooh@yahoo.com
Housing is on a first come-first served basis. For registration and or counselor forms visit

April AM and Sunday School Averages

Sunday School Report April 2010

Monthly Report

May-June 2010

The Southwestern Ohio District welcomed in the month of May interviewing those individuals who have applied for ordination, newly district license and the annual renewals at the West Chester Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, May 1. We are excited to inform you that the board voted to recommend to the district assembly for ordination 12 candidates as well as six first time district license candidates. We must be reminded that this is subject to the approval of the general superintendent, Jesse Middendorf, July 16, 2010 at district assembly.

District Assembly will be held at Cincinnati Springdale Church of the Nazarene
11177 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH.
July 13-16, 2010
Dr. Jesse Middendorf, General Superintendent will be presiding

Guest Speaker: Friday afternoon will be Rick Rusaw, Senior Pastor of the LifeBridge Christian Church. Rick Rusaw has been senior minister at LifeBridge Christian Church, Longmont, Colorado, for 15 years while church attendance has grown from 700 to about 3,300. As an “externally focused church,” LifeBridge has become connected to the culture of its community by providing volunteer services for a wide variety of agencies. Rick’s new book, Living a Life on Loan (coauthored with Eric Swanson), chronicles the journey a Christian can experience in such service.

District Assembly Poster is available by clicking here.

We have contracted with Drury Inn & Suites, Cincinnati North 2265 East Sharon Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241 (513) 771-5601 to book your room as soon as possible; the Nazarene block rate will be $90.00. We have blocked 35 rooms that are available for you. The cut off date for booking is Monday, June 14, 2010.
Special amenities at no extra cost to you are:
Hot Breakfast (eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, Belgian waffles and more)
Free Long Distance
Evening beverages and sancks served daily from 5:30-7:00 PM
High-Speed Internet

SWO March Averages

Sunday School Report March 2010

Monthly Report

Prayer Page for August 2010

Welcome to the Southwestern Ohio District “Prayer Page”.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

PRAYER REQUEST -
Continued prayer for:
Velma Fisher
Renotta King
Please remember in prayer Rev. Wendell and Geneva Fetters (Williamsburg) on the loss of Geneva’s mother, Thelma Puckett.

NMI March/April News

Haiti Response

All Alabaster funds given this year above the total amount Nazarenes gave for Alabaster last year will be allocated to restore and construct new Haitian Nazarene properties. NCM informed NMI that Haitian’s most pressing needs are for items such as toiletries, shoes, medical supplies, food, equipment, and shelter. Churches can purchase these items online as follows:

1. Login to http://astore.amazon.com/olivknolparec-20
2. When asked for the “Ship To” address, send to the following address: Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Church of the Nazarene—Haiti Earthquake Relief Obed Santiesteban
310 E. 5^th St., Hialeah, FL 33010
3. Please do not send Crisis Care Kits to this address. Send CCK to Pennsylvania.

We pray that multiplied thousands of people in Haiti will come to Christ as a direct result of Christian care and witness during coming years of recovery and rehabilitation. NMI has an amazing opportunity to respond in praying, discipling, giving, and educating.

Easter Offering

Easter Offering resources for promoting the World Evangelism Fund—and specifically for the Easter Offering—have been designed for local churches by Stewardship Ministries and Nazarene Missions International. They are posted on the Nazarene Media Library (www.nazarenemedialibrary.org) and are available for free download.

Use these coordinated resources to promote the Easter Offering in your Church of the Nazarene:

• Three video segments—Go to Media Library and search using the keywords—”Fili Chambo,” “Liliana Radi,” and “Dwight Rich.”
• Bulletin inserts
• World Evangelism Fund flyer
• World Evangelism Fund PowerPoint
• Stewardship Ministries

Chile News via NCM.org

The church in Hualpén withstood the earthquake without major damage. The members of the church are well except for minor damage to their homes. We do not have news from the rest of the pastors. The electric service has not yet been reestablished in Concepcion, Talcahuano, and other southern cities and there is either no or very bad phone service.

We know that Pastor Juan Badilla reported that they were okay. Pastor Alfredo Veloso was in Romeral with his brother and is well, but we know nothing of his wife Francisca. At this time we know nothing of the rest of the pastors of Concepción, Viña and Valparaiso. Even though we have been insistently trying to communicate with them, it has not been possible.

The television shows that the main need is water. Water service has been suspended because of ruptures in the distribution networks. People are getting water by tanker trucks, but not enough. People are also without food which is causing a scene of desperation and looting of supermarkets in the city.

We are praying that the response of the government and private organizations will increase in quantity and efficiency to prevent further collateral damage and chaos that many are using to steal and pillage.

The Radi’s On the Road in Southwestern Ohio

Official Bio – Carlos and Robin Radi are global missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene, serving in Argentina.

Carlos attended the Nazarene Seminary in Argentina for three years. He received the contractor’s degree at Colegio Republica de Paraguay in Argentina. Robin received a B.A. from Southern Nazarene University in elementary education with a minor in Spanish.

Prior to their appointment, Carlos served 11 years in evangelism and construction in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uraguay, and Brazil. Robin served on the Young Life staff and as a volunteer in New Zealand. She also taught missionary kids in Argentina. Carlos and Robin both served as hurricane relief Work and Witness coordinators in the Dominican Republic. Upon completing the reconstruction, they served in Guatemala as missions coordinators for the Mexico and Central American Region.

The Radis now serve in at the Regional Office for the South American Region in Argentina. Carlos is the Regional Coordinator for Evangelism and Jesus Film Ministries, as well as the Regional Candidate Coordinator. Robin is the Regional Sunday School Coordinator.

Unofficial Word

This is a dynamic couple. You will experience listening through a translator as Robin translates for her husband. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear from a non-North American missionary who comes to us from a part of the world where God is doing great and mighty things!

Schedule

Sunday, April 18 AM – Carthage Church (English) Fairpark and 65th St., Cincinnati, OH 513-242-2720
Sunday, April 18 PM – Harrison Church 249 Sunset Ave. Harrison, OH 513-367-9727
Monday, April 19 7 PM – Amelia Church (SE) 1295 W. Ohio Pike, Amelia, OH 513-753-9446
Tuesday, April 20 7 PM – Hillsboro Church (NE) 8230 U.S. 50 East, Hillsboro, OH 937-393-3545
Wednesday, April 21 7 PM – Living Hope (NW) 1150 West Spring Valley Road, Springboro 937-433-2733
Saturday, April 24 6PM – Bethesda Iglesia Fairpark and 65th St., Cincinnati, OH 513-242-2720
Sunday, April 25 NYI Praise Rally 6PM – Location TBD

Chris Bean at UC

Chris Bean is our district “missionary” to the University of Cincinnati campus. The SWO District along with the CCO (a campus ministry organization) have assigned Chris to this exciting ministry of reaching and discipling college students on our district.

For more information about Chris’ ministry including ways to financially support this ministry, visit www.chrisbean.info.