en Leading People To A Christ Like Life http://www.firstnazarene.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=47 We really do love to worship and whether it is through drama, corporate singing, creative reflection or the preached Word of Jesus Christ - - we long to glorify God! It is our hope and prayer that you can sense we love to worship God and if you do not have a church you call home that you will consider making our church your home. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:16:53 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69&article_id=190 Thats right Ryan Ford can do more than play the piano. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:16:23 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=69&article_id=189 Here is Ann Luka she always reminds us how God touches people with music. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:15:47 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=64 Marilyn Drabing is our part-time secretary who takes care of attendance records and assists with the many people who stop in the church office or call looking for one of the pastors. Marilyn has a great love for God and is invovled in our worship and drama ministries. Wed, 6 Aug 2008 12:50:15 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=44&article_id=73 Gene Ray is the Finance Manager for the church. Gene and his wife, Nancy have been attending the church for five years and brings his financial expertise from having worked a number of years at ADM. He is also serving as an Administrator over our Creative Kids Day Care ministry. In his free time he teaches our Harmondy Sunday School class. Wed, 6 Aug 2008 12:49:23 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=41&article_id=291 Our Worship Team has a heart to praise God and to serve Him with their talents. Mon, 4 Aug 2008 09:05:04 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=145 Pastor Tim delivered a three week series that asked what is the role of grace in our life. What we learned is that we need a Grace Period. The Place Of Grace The Space For Grace The Pace of Grace This is certainly an overlooked topic in our culture that is desperately in need of grace Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:14:13 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=200 We looked at some of the currents topics of our day. What God is Thinking About Homosexuality. What God is Thinking About Co-Habitation & Divorce What God is Thinking About Abortion What God is Thinking About Racism Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:13:46 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=199 You may have never seen Pastor Tim play tennis but he will used this sport to illustrate how important it isfor us to serve others. The tennis balls were flying as we examined exactly how God expects us to do life with others. Sermon titles included: Soft Serve Self-Serve Ready To Serve The Rest of the Match Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:13:10 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=262 The Apostle Paul stated - - 'I want to know Christ and the power of His Resurrection! We looked at the Purpose, Pain, Passion, Power and Promise that can be found in Jesus. What might happen if indeed we really wanted to know Christ? Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:12:18 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=327 We each face Moments of Truth. this series lookat at some of the Moments that Christ faced and the decisions He made. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:11:38 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=59&article_id=359 You can receive all of Pastor Tim's sermons, powerpoint material and sermon inserts by going to the denominational website: www.nazarenepastor.org and clicking on Relationship Resources and the material will be e-mailed every week. Presently, Pastor Tim is working on a web site that will house all of the previous sermons he has preached. Down below you will see a sampling of some of the creative series he has delivered while serving as our main teaching pastor. He has been known to carry a bug zapper as he talked to us about temptation, or come strolling in with a hospital bed and scapel as he talked about our need to allow God to do the necessary on our heart and lives. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:10:31 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=74&article_id=208 WEE WORSHIPTeachers (lesson session) Room LeadersRoom AssistantsSnack donationsMost positions are once or twice monthly Ready to serve? Contact Rebecca Smith at 468-2922 CHILDRENFirst Service nursery and preschool workersSunday Night Nursery and preschool workers (snack, lesson, playtime... 5-7 p.m.)Super Servants: Children's Church (greeters, tech hut, group leaders) Ready to serve? Contact Pastor Mike Harris at at 875-0616 or liveforeGod@aol.com YOUTHSmall Group facilitators (weekly commitment and love students)Event Support (mentors, fundraisers, activities)Media (website, my space, information facilitator) Ready to serve? Contact Pastor Tim Lourash at 875-0616 or timmyuser@aim.com SMALL GROUPSAdult Small Group facilitators Adult Small Group HostsCreative Curriculum writers for Small Group TopicsAdult Small Group trainees Ready to serve? Contact Pastor Cindy Crump at at 872-1627 or cinc62@yahoo.com SUNDAY SCHOOL Teacher for the 2 yr. Old roomHelper in the 3 yr. Old room Requirements: Must be Members of the church, need to complete Child Protection Policy, and love children. The teacher is responsible for preparing and leading the lesson. The helper guides the class, takes attendance, helps with snack time. Ready to serve? Contact Wade Stine at 423-0479 or winsoulsforchrist@hotmail.com HELPING HANDSTeam Worker on Pantry Days : 1 Saturday a month from 9 am to 2:30 pm. We share a potluck meal and the time flies by It is such a blessing to serve God by serving His people in need. Childcare provider for those helping with the pantry from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1 Saturday a month. Able to serve? Contact Dorothy Born at 428-8870 or dort212@yahoo.com GREETERSLooking for Greeters for both services Commit to 4, 6 or 8 week length of service (absence and other service obligations can be worked out.Friendly and knowledgeable about churchCreative Curriculum writers for Small Group TopicsAdult Small Group trainees Ready to serve? Contact Nancy Ray (877-9315) or Marilyn Drabing at 428-6079 or marilynd6@juno.com DRAMASet Builders and Designers Actors / Actress'Sound effects and special effects specialistCostume DesignersScript Writters Ready to serve? Contact Lori Beard at at 468-2547 or lbeard1967@yahoo.com Fri, 1 Aug 2008 13:34:54 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39&article_id=45 Take The Spiritual Gifts Inventory Go to the link below and clink on it. Select Church Growth Institute Click on "Free Gifts Analysis." Click on "Group Analysis" For the pre-registered number use: 113001 Follow the spiritual gifts instructions and answer all questions as honestly as possible. Complete the first information screen and then click to continue. Complete the second information screen and then print your personalized report. Look for the next Spiritual Gifts Workshop of class. Bring your analysis with you as we discover what your gift is, where you got your gift, how God has gifted the universal church, and what God expects you to do with your gift. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Tim at 875-0616. www.churchgrowth.org Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:49:24 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=99 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=99&article_id=320 Anyone out of High School and up to Thirty Something is welcome to join us for a great time. For information on the above events, or to find out how you can get connected with this group contact Stephanie Park at 220-2002. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:48:41 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=196 Emily Ann learned to just turn it over to God and he will take care of the rest. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:47:50 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=195 Adult life without God just leaves you alone with Sin. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:47:21 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=194 Emily Ann finds it hard to be a teen and stay on God's Path. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:46:53 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=193 Emily Ann tries to listen to God. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:46:19 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=71&article_id=192 Here Tammy Hoffman reminds of what it is to be little through the eyes of Emily Ann. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:45:49 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=185 Sometimes we even need some wise ones. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:45:05 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=184 We are always looking for a few good men Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:44:12 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=183 The rock is solid and never moving....... so they thought. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:43:46 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=221 Sometimes we are the missing piece of a puzzle. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:43:19 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=68&article_id=182 Here is Marilyn Drabing who has played numerous characters the past fews years. She cna be a caring and kind grandmother or a grumpy old woman. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:42:53 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46&article_id=267 Fun, Faith, and Fellowship What every person needs to grow in a relationship with Christ.Children's Sunday Night Kidz is the ministry especially designed for our children from September - May. We meet in the Fireside Room @ the church from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.During this time the children we also practice for a Children's Christmas program. Sesha Shonkwiler and Tami Yeakley are leading this ministry. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:40:15 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=46&article_id=175 We have started our mid-week children's program called W.A.G. (Wild About God). This takes place at the church every Wednesday night 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. We will be digging into God's Word for His awesome nuggets of truth. This year (2008-2009) will be be studying the book of Exodus. W.A.G. runs September - May. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:37:52 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=20&article_id=294 Welcome to Children's Ministry... We strive to provide our children with opportunities to learn about Jesus in a fun and exciting way! Come and have a BLAST! We offer a wide array of opportunities for children tl learn and grow in their faith. Whether it is Bible quizzing, a well delivered Sunday School lesson, or a misison project our children are active in the work of the Lord. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:36:33 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=76 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=76&article_id=360 On Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Pastor Tim and a large group men meet for a time of prayer, sharing and Bible study. The question for each man in our church is . . . "Are You Man Enough" To Follow Jesus With Your Whole Heart? At this time the men are studying the Gospel of Mark and meet in Room 115. All men are welcome. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:33:39 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=90 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=90&article_id=265 A Biblically-Based Plan for Mission Giving Faith Promise is a systematic method we use to raise financial support for reaching people around the world. Faith Promise is not to be confused with: A pledge- No one will remind individuals of the exact amount they owe on their Faith Promise giving. The tithe- One's Faith Promise is a love gift to God, to be given beyond the tithe. A substitute for mission offerings- Such offerings allow those not participating in Faith Promise an opportunity to give to missions; and, for those who are, it provides additional opportunities for giving as the Holy Spirit leads. Proposed Faith Promise Budget 2008-2009 World Evangelism Fund $40,000 Illinois District Expenses $1,400 LINKS $ 200 Missionary Health Care $ 200 World Mission Broadcast $ 300 Alabaster $ 300 Missionary Deputation $ 800 Local NMI Expense $ 600 Future Work & Witness Project $ 10,000 Helping Hands $ 1,200 Investment For The Kingdom $55,100 Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:14:59 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=358 Cathy Woolaway, and her husband, Rob come to us from Topeka, Kansas where she served as drama director and worship leader at the Topeka Fairlawn Church of the Nazarene. During her time in Topeka she directed the Topeka Passion Play, the Gospel According To Scrooge, and other special outreach events. Rob is skilled in sound, lighting and production setup. They enjoy the outdoors, water sports, and of course art and music. They have a Goldern Retriever named Annabelle. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:10:30 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=22&article_id=4 In the 19th century a renewed emphasis on Christian holiness began in the Eastern United States and spread throughout the nation. In October 1895, Phineas F. Bresee and Joseph P. Widney with about 100 others including members of Bresee and Widney families organized the Church of the Nazarene in Los Angeles. From there the church grew. On October 8, 1908 the Church of the Nazarene was formally organized in Pilot Point, Texas. One year prior to the beginning of the Church of the Nazarene in 1908, services were held by the Decatur Church of the Nazarene in a small mission building. From there we progressed to the 1400 block of Clinton street, to Broadway south of Garfield, to West Mound Road and ultimately to our present building at Hickory Point Road and Oakland Avenue north of Interstate 72. Our growth both spiritually and numerically has occurred because of dedicated Christian people willing to give time and energy to ministry and building. Although we take some pride in our current building we take greater pride in the people who constitute the congregation. Their accomplishments were the result of the leadership of 12 spirit filled pastors. Today we are blessed to have Pastor Timothy Crump, his family, and pastoral staff leading us in ministry. We are a blessed people! Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:08:28 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=319 Pastor Wade Stine serves as our Pastor of Christian Education. Wade has served at the Decatur Parkway Church of the Nazarene as the youth pastor and has also been a pulpit supply pastor for the Illinois District. He is married to his wonderful wife and supporter, Paula. They have two children, Tessa and Logan. They are both from the Decatur area. Wade's education comes from different universities and colleges, including Northwest Nazarene University, Olivet Nazarene University, Illinois District School of Ministry and Richland Community College. He is still working towards ordination. Paula attended Olivet Nazarene University for two years and finished up at Illinois State University with a Bachelor's in Geology. Their interests as a family are camping, canoeing, biking, and simply being together. They are thrilled to serve here at Decatur First, and look forward to see what God has in store. Both of them believe that God has placed them here for a specific reason. Winning souls for Christ is our ultimate goal in the end, no matter what their assigned specific tasks. If you would like to contact Pastor Wade please e-mail him @ winsoulsforchrist@hotmail.com Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:04:33 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=287 Rev. Timothy Lourash is our Youth Pastor. Tim has served as Senior Pastor for the Wyoming Church of the Nazarene in Wyoming, Illinois where he served five years. He also has served as Youth Pastor in Bethel, Ohio and Avon, Indiana. Tim & his wife, Nealy, are products of Decatur First and began their ministry here in May of 2007 . Nealy has been an active part of our Praise Team, Drama Team and sings in our Choir. Tim & Nealy have two fine children: Caleb & Catherine and reside in Warrensburg. You can reach Pastor Tim by emailing pastortim@echoloudly.com Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:58:21 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=7 Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Timothy Crump and his wife Cindy are graduates of Olivet Nazarene University. Pastor Tim has a ThB in Theology and a Masters of Arts in Religion. Cindy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and has taught in the Illinois public school system. Rev. Crump was ordained in 1987. They have two children: Melanie, who is a Senior, Accounting Major at Olivet Nazarene University and Matthew who is looking to continue his college education. Pastor Crump's strengths are compassion, relevant Biblical preaching, vision casting, teamwork training and an understanding of church fiscal responsibilities. Pastor Tim and his family began ministering at Decatur First on March 9, 2003. To contact Pastor Tim you can e-mail him @ nazpaz1@yahoo.com Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:57:44 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=20 Pastor Mike Harris was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He moved to Michigan to help open a Target Store in Portage where he and Carrie met and then married December 17, 1994. Pastor Mike worked with the youth at the Kalamazoo First Church of the Nazarene. Mike began his ministry assignment here on September 1, 2004. Carrie was born and raised in Portage, MI. She graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with her teaching certificate in elementary education with a specialization in early childhood education. She recently finished a MA in Early Childhood. She has taught third grade, preschool, worked as a paraprofessional in special education, and most recently served as the Community Education Program Coordinator for Vicksburg Community Schools in Michigan where she managed a before and after school childcare program, a state-funded preschool program, an Outdoor Education Facility, and the District Volunteer Program. Carrie was the Creative Kids Day Care Director from September 1, 2004-through August 1. 2005. Both Mike & Carrie desire to see children and families develop personal relationships with Christ, grow in their faith and knowledge of God, develop and use their spiritual gifts. If you would like to contact Pastor Mike please e-mail him @ liveforegod@aol.com Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:54:04 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=17 Pastor Ed Abla our Associate Pastor (Pastoral Care), was born in Imperial Nebraska and was married to Janice Hancock while in college. He attended Bethany Nazarene College with a major in religion and minor in psychology. He and Jan have pastored in Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Florida, and New Mexico. Pastor Ed and Jan are products of parsonage families. Both parents were pastors in the Church of the Nazarene. They have three children; Marsha and two grandsons, Marc and Sandra Abla and three grandsons, all of whom are members of Decatur First; Evan and Julia Roat Abla are serving as Pastor to Children and their Families at Parkview Church of the Nazarene in Dayton, Ohio. Pastor Ed was our senior pastor from 1979-1984. He has been associate pastor, part-time, since May of 2003. If you would like to contact Pastor Ed please e-mail him @ edwinabla@yahoo.com Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:53:33 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=101 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=101&article_id=339 On October 5, 2008, the Church of the Nazarene around the world will be in celebration. You will want to join us on this special day as we plan to honor our past and look boldly into our future. One hundred years ago dedicated leaders gathered in the small town of Pilot Point, Texas to celebrate the union of their efforts for the purpose of more effectively fulfilling their mandate . . . . to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to all with an emphasis on the surrendered and sanctified life of a believer through the cleansing and infilling power of the Holy Spirit! At this meeting the Church of the Nazarene was birthed as an international movement of God. From 10,000 members has risen:1.6 million members151 world areasNearly 21,000 congregations774 missionaries from 34 world areas64 medical clinics and hospitalsThousands of compassionate ministry centers around the world Consider what has happened in the last 100 years.Paper cups were launched by the International Paper Company of New YorkThe Boys Scouts movement began.The Gideon Bible society was started.Cellophane was invented.Einstein proposed his Quantum theory.The Wright Brothers patented their aircraft.Lt. Thomas Selfridge crashed a Wright Brothers airplane and became the world's first airplane fatality.General Motors Corporation was foundedFord launched the Model T.The Church of the Nazarene was founded in Pilot Point, Texas. More information about the Centennial Celebration is available on the web: www.nazarenecentennial.orgCan you imagine what God might do in the coming years with the people called Nazarenes! Fri, 1 Aug 2008 11:50:10 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104&article_id=355 Not only does the house look better, but the people of Decatur First now have an extended Family in Christ! The friendships that were made during this outreach was a greater blessing to us than the siding was to them! Thanks be to God for giving us the opportunity to be His hands whether it is Here, There, or Anywhere! Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:46:07 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104&article_id=353 The project not only helped the folks in Griggsville, but served as a testimony of what God's people are doing! It made several local newspapers. Here you see a copy of one from Pittsfield, a "Pike Press" article. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:45:42 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104&article_id=354 The parsonage was in need of a facelift when some servants of Jesus Christ arrived. It was a BIG job, but with many willing hands, the load was much lighter. Here you see the troops hard at work preparing the home for siding. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:41:29 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=104&article_id=351 Pastor Crump and the Decatur First Family, How is it possible to thank all of for your support, generosity, and sacrifice? The unselfish example you have shown in your acts of kindness toward our church have made an everlasting impact on all of us. In fact, our whole community! Who knew when my wife, Sandy and I met Pastor Tim and Cindy Crump at the Pastor/Spouse Retreat in April that more than a friendship would develop? The answer is very simple: God did! The meeting God ordained and designed was not only for our personal benefit but for both congregations. Today I have sent two of our couples to share our church's overwhelming gratitude. I don't have enough time today to tell you how much I appreciate them. It is their dedication and sacrifice long before we were a part of their church which brings us to this point today. We serve an awesome God! His love for His people is demonstrated in so many ways. God always has unique ways of rewarding obedience to Him. We aren't obedient to obtain the rewards but He does bless His people when we respond to His voice. Thank you for responding to His voice! It is indeed with much gratitude that we thank you. We pray God's richest blessings on you and your families, on this church and its ministries, on your leadership and on your parsonage family, the Crumps. Together for Him, Steve & Sandy Boze Pastor, Griggsville Church of the Nazarene Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:38:52 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103&article_id=350 It is amazing what God can do when we will allow Him to straighten out our priorities. Working together we are able to do so much more . . . Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:33:21 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103&article_id=348 Here a father and his son work together . . . It doesn't get any better than this . . . Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:30:43 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103&article_id=345 Here is Pastor Hugo and Eric Buell, the Work & Witness Coordinator for all of Mexico. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:29:23 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103&article_id=346 We went to help build a building and what we found was a church. For a church is people who love God and whom seek to pass on the love of God to all humanity. The Tlaxcala Church of the Nazarene is truly a people of God who have sacrificed through the years so the gospel of Christ could be preached in Tlaxcala. While we donated $10,000 of project money - they in the past year had raised almost $1,800 for this endeavor. This coming from a small group of committed believers. Truthfully, their commitment to Christ is a challenge to our church! Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:27:19 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=103&article_id=347 Front Row: Pastor Mike Harris (laying down), Caleb Lourash, Keith Rawlings Sr., Pastor Wade Stine, Jason Kwast, Keith Rawlings Jr. Back Row: Nathan Goodner, Walter Lehigh, Breanna Wade, Sara Goodner, Thomas Glover, Ron Neufeld, Loretta McDougall, Pastor Tim Crump, Bill & Deb Hancock, Eric Buell. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:26:46 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=15&article_id=5 When you enter our doors you will find an excited congregation that believes God will do what He says in His "Word." That Word takes precedence in our lives. It becomes the roadmap we follow in developing this Christ Like Life. The mere presence of God makes us elated and full of the conviction that WE CAN live a life that is pleasing to God and at the same time make us productive citizens of the world in which we reside. Therefore, our worship takes on a dynamic that is only found in a Spirit filled and driven congregation. We enthusiastically "feed the poor and clothe the naked”, care for the sick, visit the injured, support the downhearted, lift the discouraged, care for the lonely, show people the way to Christ. Relationship is a vital role of our church. We place great value on our partnership with one another. We feel what another is experiencing. We share our experiences as a source of encouragement and when necessary, we share our resources with those more in need. We are about "Doing Life Together...” Yes, when you come to our church you will find yourself being enfolded into a family beyond your own. A family that fulfills our mission statement by loving and caring for people. You will find us warm and accepting regardless of your ethnicity, social status, financial position, or background. We will love you and hopefully accept you into our family of believers. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:25:10 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=2 We believe in one God who has expressed himself in personal ways. We know God's personality as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe the Bible communicates God's saving message and is our reliable authority in all matters related to faith and Christian living. We believe all humankind struggles with a downward pull of sin. We believe unless we experience God's help and salvation through a faith commitment to Jesus Christ, our future is one of eternal separation from God and all that is good. We believe the love and grace of God is extended to every person in the provision Jesus Christ made in his death and resurrection. By turning from our own selfishness and trusting Jesus Christ, we experience a new life, being freed from the old patterns of self destructive acts called sin. We believe our new life in Jesus Christ is the gateway to transformation. Following our moment of faith in Jesus, we believe there is another moment in which we present our life completely to Christ in order to live under his authority and to experience his transforming power. We believe that Christian experience is more than a change of mind. It is accompanied by assurance that is grounded in both the Scriptures as well as the inner witness of God's Spirit. We believe that all who live for Jesus Christ have an eternal future. Our belief in such a future includes both the fulfillment of God's creative purpose as well as the accountability of all persons endowed with the power of choice. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:17:05 MST http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33 http://www.firstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=33&article_id=26 Every church has its distinctives -- practices or beliefs that set it apart from other groups. Sometimes this is confusing to people. They say, "If the Bible is true and Jesus was who He claimed to be, why are there so many different churches with so many different beliefs?" We are optimistic enough to believe that with all the differences in beliefs and practices, most Christian congregations still agree on 90-95% of Christian teaching, and that the other 5-10% we do not agree on falls in this category of "distinctive". While we get our name from Jesus of Nazareth, you might be asking what in the world is a modern-day Nazarene? Well.... We are not Baptists, but like the Baptists, we believe in calling people to repentance and to witnessing to their new life in Christ through public baptism. We are not Presbyterians, but like the Presbyterians, we believe in the power of the preaching of the Word Of God to bring about change in people's lives. We are not Lutherans, but like the Lutherans, we believe in salvation through Jesus Christ on the authority of Scripture alone, in salvation by faith alone and in salvation as gift of God's grace alone. We are not Charismatics -- No, we do not "speak in tongues" in our services -- but like the Charismatics we believe in the gifts of the Spirit, who gives people the power to live a Christlike life and to make a real difference in their world. We are not Episcopalians -- although John Wesley was a lifelong Anglican -- but like the Episcopalians we take worship seriously (we just choose to be a little less "formal" in our worship services). We are not Quakers or Moravians, but like these pietistic groups, we believe in living a careful life that testifies to the watching world that we belong to the Family Of God. And we are not United Methodists, although we have our roots in the Methodist tradition that grew out of John Wesley's revival movement in the 1700's. We have good fellowship with our United Methodist "cousins", but we are organizationally separate for historical reasons. We are a warm and friendly group of people who desire, with God's help, to live holy lives that bring honor and glory to Him. In three words our theology is "JESUS IS LORD!" We look to the Bible as our primary source for direction in our worship and our lifestyles. We are life-centered in our teaching and sensitive to the needs and concerns of others. We give people opportunities to put their faith in to action through various avenues of service. We are honored to take our place among the many who are called Christians. We laugh and cry together, rejoice and grieve together, grow together, and walk in faith together. We aim to be a family for all who love Jesus, the Nazarene. Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:12:58 MST