eVoice July 2023

Team Day

August 5, 2023

Cost: $10 for workshops & lunch

*check in & pay in person before entering the sanctuary. (door A & K)

Time 8:50am-3:30pm

Must register online: nwilnaz.org

Pekin First | 3514 Broadway St | Pekin, IL

click for full details: Team Day 2023

REGISTRATION

*Registration will help us know how many lunches to order and room organization for workshops

POSTER

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:6 NLT

TEAM DAY SCHEDULE

8:00am – Registration

8:50am-10:00am – Plenary & Worship

10:10am-11:10am – Workshop 1

11:20am-12:20pm – Workshop 2

12:30pm-1:30pm – Workshop 3 (with lunch)

1:40pm-2:40pm – Workshop 4

2:50pm-3:20pm – Closing

WORKSHOPS 2023

click above for workshop list

NMI - Nazarene Missions International

We are people united in our belief that our involvement changes lives worldwide.

Global NMI

Ron Jansen

District NMI President

[email protected]

NWIL NMI Facebook

NWIL NMI President's Facebook

We are Vision.

We are Action.

We are Impact.

NMI Calendar 2023-2024

NMI General Convention

NMI Delegates representing NWIL District at General Assembly 2023 such a great team to be with as we seen the movement of God in the nations. We were all blessed to be with the Body of Christ as we come together in unity of Spirit!

NMI President - Rev. Ron Jansen

Papa New Guinea Missionaries

Jordan & Rachel Thompson will be speaking at the following locations.

August 11 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Southside Community Center

August 12 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Summit Nazarene

August 13 | 9:00am & 10:30 am | Pekin First

The Pekin First Network is having their Faith Promise August 11-13. Special guest are the Thompson's. If you would like to hear what exciting things are happening in Papa New Guinea, please attend one of the services.

Indonesia

The work of the Church of the Nazarene began in Indonesia in 1973. Located on the Sealands Field of the Asia-Pacific Region, Indonesia is an expansive group of islands that cover 1,904,569 square kilometers of land. Each of the more than 17,500 islands, speaking more than 300 languages, is unique and the complexity of the diverse populations is daunting. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation. In March 1968, after a long opposition of two authoritative powers, Suharto was appointed president. Although his 30-year dictatorship rule was noted for its corruption and abuse of power, it encouraged foreign investment, which led to substantial economic growth. In 1998, Indonesia welcomed a new democratic government that established new political, economic, and social processes. Protestant churches have been recognized since 1965 in Indonesia, and while faced with many challenges, have a significant role to play in bringing healing and hope to this diverse country.

PRAYER

Pray for the ministry of the Saya Pengikut Kristus program (SPK), which translates to "I am a follower of Christ," that more people in Indonesia will find restoration and healing.
Pray for a greater vision and a more expansive ministry through the Church of the Nazarene in Indonesia.

PRAISE

We praise God that many people have come to know Jesus and for the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene.
We praise God for all who have been restored and found healing and peace in Jesus.

Anna Kindle - Missionary - Papua New Guinea

How you can Support Anna

-Pray

-Invite her to speak at your church

email: [email protected]

-Donate on the district website

(tab "GIVE" click "Missionary Anna Kindle"or click ANNA

-Text "NWIL Anna" to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply.

Anna's Epic Adventure

Giving for Anna can now be made on the Global Nazarene website. Click her name or link below.

Anna Kindle

https://give.nazarene.org/pledge/annakindle

NYI - Nazarene Youth International

NYI-ALLIES Facebook

Global NYI

Nazarene Youth Resources

Ronda Hollars

District NYI President

[email protected]

NYI - Teen Bible Quizzing

Global Center Links

Competition Resources

Local Youth Leader

Heather Johnson

NYI Quiz Director

[email protected]

Click to Like us on Facebook

Schedule 2023-2024

09/15/23 - Smithfield

10/21/23 - Quizfest - Olivet

11/11/23 - TBD

12/01/23-12/02/23 - St. Louis

01/21/24 - Pekin First

02/17/24 - South Bend, IN

03/09/24 - TBD

Bible quizzing is about "guiding our youth into the Word and the Word into their lives."

About Youth Quizzing

The Bible quizzing program launched as a ministry of the Church of the Nazarene during the 1964 General Nazarene Young People’s Convention and was immediately well-received. Quizzing is a unique and exciting ministry for youth that combines Bible study, mentoring, competition, fellowship, discipleship, and mission. In addition to developing a devotion to God’s Word and lifelong habits of Bible study in youth, quizzing creates and builds up a community of young disciples and servants, steadily adding to a vast pool of leadership and continually strengthening the church and its ministries. More and more teenagers and youth leaders are realizing just what an impact quizzing can have in their lives and in the lives of people around the world!

Youth Quizzing Values

As a ministry of Nazarene Youth International (NYI), Nazarene Youth Bible Quizzing shares the values that NYI recognizes as important dimensions of the holy life. We seek to reflect these values in all we do.

We value the Bible… God’s unchanging truth for our lives.
We value Prayer… vital interactive communication with our heavenly father.
We value the Church… a global holiness community of faith, diverse in culture but one in Christ.
We value Worship… life-changing encounters with an intimate God.
We value Discipleship… a lifestyle of becoming like Christ.
We value Community… building relationships that help bind us together and to God.
We value Witness… sharing God’s love in word and deed.
We value Holiness… a work of grace whereby God, through the working of His Holy Spirit, enables us to live a life representing Christ in who we are and in everything we do.

NDI - Nazarene Discipleship International

Michael Downs

District NDI Chair

[email protected]

NDI Journey Newsletter

USA/CANADA Children's Ministry

GLOBAL CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Charlotte More

District Children's Director

[email protected]

Please join our facebook group NWIL Children's Ministry

Webinar on Holy Families, Holy Churches offered in July

This special webinar is for parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, and ministry leaders who work with families. In this interactive, immersive, and experiential webinar, you’ll gain insight into what’s behind big, baffling behaviors. We will explore the brain science of relationships and the power of deep connection for transforming lives from both a Trinitarian and brain science model. You’ll leave this webinar with tools for pursuing holiness while seeking the transformation of our imaginations in the midst of grief, loss, anxiety, anger, and disruptive behavior.

New NDI Handbook for the USA/Canada Region Is Now Available

Do you know that the new Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) Handbook was launched immediately prior to the Global NDI Convention?

Have You Discovered NDI's Five Core Principles?

Nazarene Discipleship International’s mission is to carry out the Great Commission to children, youth, and adults in preparation for a lifelong journey of being and making Christlike disciples in the nations. This path of disciple making, and the church’s co-mission with Jesus Christ, is to reach the lost, establish new believers in their faith, and walk with them into the joyous experience with God called entire sanctification.

Our 5 NDI Core Principles are:

Fervent Prayer

Compassionate Outreach

Comprehensive Biblical Learning Intentional Mentoring & Equipping

Authentic Relationships

NDI - Children's Quizzing

Schedule 2023-2024

11/11/23 - North Pekin

02/10/24 - Pekin First

04/13/24 - Eureka Grace

Rosie Furston, Children's Quizzing Director [email protected]

Please join our Facebook group

NWIL Children's Bible Quizzing

Information will be posted regarding upcoming meets and events.

What is Children's Bible Quizzing?

Children's Bible Quizzing is a Bible study for children ages 6 through 12 (USA grades 1-6). It is important to help children know what the Bible says so they can demonstrate biblical teachings in real-life situations. Quizzing also teaches children about God.

There are six books in the Children’s Bible Quizzing study series that have been specifically chosen for children to gain an overarching understanding of the chronology and meaning of the Bible.

(Acts, Genesis, Exodus, Joshua/Judges/Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Matthew)

Each Bible study not only helps children understand this chronology, but the people in each lesson come to life as children learn about their humanity and God’s plan to make all things new. While God sometimes uses miracles to achieve His purposes, He often works in relationship with His beloved creation: people.

The Philosophy and Purpose of Quizzing

The philosophy of Children’s Quizzing is Bible study. It is important to help children know what the Bible says and help them demonstrate biblical teachings in actual life situations. The goal of Children’s Quizzing is for children to know the God of the Bible.

The purpose of Children’s Quizzing Bible study and competition is to help children:

Desire to study the Bible.
Get acquainted with basic Bible study.
Grow in understanding of the overall chronology of the Bible.
Learn that God is the central character and Hero of the Bible.
Gain increased understanding of God as He is revealed in each study.
Understand how people in the Bible interacted with God, and know how people today may do so also.
Enjoy quizzing competition.
Grow in the ability to reflect Christian attitudes and behaviors during competition.

In Children's Bible Quizzing, each child challenges himself or herself to reach award levels. In this approach, children quiz against a base of knowledge, not each other. The multiple-choice method of competition allows every child to answer every question. This approach makes it possible for every child to score a perfect score.

~News from around the District~

DISTRICT EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2023

Team Day - August 5 - Pekin First

2024

Celebrate Life - February 24

Convention - March 16 - Peoria Nazarene

District Assembly - April 26-27 - Crossbridge

Galesburg First

Meet Lead Pastor Jade Rogers and his family.

Jade has been preaching since 1997. Jade Grew up on a farm in southeastern Kansas and graduated from Mid-America Nazarene University and has been in ministry since 2000. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, since 2002 and they have a daughter Bryona & a son Levi.

Pekin First

Meet Youth Pastor Shelby Arjes and her family.

Shelby Arjes is an extremely proud wife to Tanner and new mom of 6 months to one sweet little boy Curren! She studied Youth Ministry at Olivet Nazarene University and further developed her calling to and passion for the next generation during that time. She is confident in the truth that God has instilled each person with unique giftings and purpose for furthering the Kingdom, and she cannot wait to discover and call these out in the teens at PFN!

North Pekin - Tent Revival

Revive Us Again!!

September 13-16 | 6:00pm-8:00pm

North Pekin Nazarene | 126 S. Main St | North Pekin, IL

Everyone is welcome. Come and enjoy the fellowship as we worship Jesus and be revived. "Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

09/12 - Worship: East Peoria Team Message: Rev. Mark Abbott

09/14 - Worship: Blue Grass Gospel Message: Rev. Cali Lindenfelser

9/15 - Worship: The Stout Family Message: Rev. Lloyd Brock

9/16 - Worship: North Pekin Team Message: Rev. Ron Jansen

POSTER

Southside Community Center

Click below to watch:

Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom Documentary

Uncover the deep spiritual significance of America’s newest federal holiday with pastor Rasool Berry in "Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom," a new documentary film presented by the Our Daily Bread Voices Collection and Our Daily Bread Media.

Learn how Scripture inspired the faith of enslaved people, travel to the church where America’s first Juneteenth celebration took place, and uncover why newly liberated men and women credited God for their freedom.

With special guests Ms. Opal Lee, Lecrae, and more, you’ll journey to Galveston, Texas to discover a faith stronger than suffering.

Be sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more content from @ourdailybread Ministries.

About the Our Daily Bread Voices Collection:

The Our Daily Bread Voices Collection is part of the VOICES community. This community discusses, develops, and distributes resources by Black Christian content creators for communities of color. The VOICES community seeks to share our particular stories to make God’s life-changing wisdom understandable and accessible to all.

VOICES website: https://ourdailybreadpublishing.org/e...

VOICES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencev...

VOICES Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceVo...

VOICES Collection: https://ourdailybreadpublishing.org/v...

For additional resources on what the Bible says about finding true freedom, visit https://ourdailybreadpublishing.org/e....

About Our Daily Bread:

Our Daily Bread Ministries helps millions of people connect with God each day. For more than 80 years, our purpose has remained the same: to reach people with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.

Young Clergy

Greetings, NWIL Young Clergy and Advocates!

Thanks for signing up at District Assembly to be on this communication list. There are a few things I want to share with you.

Young Clergy Meet Up at NTS Preaching Conference

There will be a Young Clergy Meet Up at Nazarene Theological Seminary's Hugh C. Benner Preachers' Conference this year! If you've never been to the conference, I highly recommend it. I've been several times and I always leave feeling inspired to more faithfully, artfully, and prophetically preach the Good News. The conference is Tuesday, September 26th & Wednesday, September 27th on the campus of NTS in Kansas City.

There are several young (or recently young) clergy members who will be offering workshops during the conference, including Jacobi Campbell (one of the speakers at the Young Clergy Conference in February), Chelsie Reed (the organizer of the YCC in February), Michaele LaVigne (workshop presenter at General Assembly, author, and co-creator of the new catechism materials and membership materials for youth via The Foundry), and others!

Early bird registration for the conference is open until July 23rd. Registration ranges from $99 to $155, depending on whether or not you want food and whether or not you register before July 23rd. If the registration fee is more than you or your church can cover, please let me know and we will find a scholarship for you. There are a lot of great Air B&Bs in KC, and the registration website lists other good housing options.

The Young Clergy Meet Up is at 8:00pm on Tuesday, after the evening lecture. If you decide to go, or if you're trying to decide if you want to go, shoot me a text or an email and let me know! I hope to be there myself.

Here's a link to the conference webpage: https://www.ntspraxis.org/event-details/preachers-conference

Attention Advocates! - If you plan to attend the conference (and I hope you do) would you consider making a plan to bless some young pastors while you're there? If you want to support them financially, you could cover the cost of a meal, housing, travel, or registration--let me know if you want to sponsor a scholarship! You could also be intentional about sitting next to and getting to know a young pastor while you're there, including her or him in a conversation with your peers. If you want to attend the Young Clergy Meet Up as an advocate, let me know and I will see if the organizers are cool with that.

Young Nazarene in the News

Check out this amazing article from the LA Times about a young Nazarene pastor's spouse who is having an incredible impact on her neighborhood! I was moved to tears. I will be sharing this story with my congregation in the coming weeks. LA Times Article

Last, but Not Least... Photos!

Below are the pictures from District Assembly with Dr. Busic. Feel free to post on socials and tag Dr. Busic--let's blow up his feed and remind him why he loves NWIL so much.

If you see someone you know in this photo and you don't know if they are on the email list (I only have five signed up so far), would you please forward this information to them and ask them to sign up at https://forms.gle/iKtrCZ2B9eM4JQEUA You're welcome to share this message and link with those who aren't in the picture as well, including anyone you think would like to be an advocate for Young Clergy on NWIL.

If you know of any Young Clergy related news, please let me know and I will send out an email blast like this!

You can reach me at [email protected]

You're awesome. And called. And important. And loved.

Peace be with you,

-Matthew Jones, Sandwich Church of the Nazarene

General Assembly 2023

GA HIGHLIGHTS

General Convention & Assembly

to watch all services & business

ga2023.nazarene.org

44th General Superintendent elected

T. Scott Daniels was elected the 44th general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene on the 33rd ballot during the morning business session of the 30th General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. He currently serves as the pastor of College Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho, USA.

45th General Superintendent elected

Christian Sarmiento was elected the 45th general superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene on the 40th ballot during the 30th General Assembly and Conventions in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. He currently serves as the director of the Church of the Nazarene South America Region.

Olivet Nazarene University

EDUCATION WITH A CHRISTIAN PURPOSE

With more than 140 areas of study, 3500 enrolled students, and a stunning campus, Olivet Nazarene University stands tall as one of the nation’s premier hubs of learning and faith. Our nationally recognized academic programs, title-winning athletics, vibrant, energized social climate and countless ministry opportunities make this place unique. Olivet seamlessly integrates passion and calling with career preparedness. VIEW ALL AREAS OF STUDY | EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS

ONU Plus

Local, Affordable and Fully Accredited

Olivet's Extension Site Program

Olivet Nazarene University is grounded in faith. Not just in a historical way, but as a relevant force in what we do today. Olivet Nazarene University’s mission is to equip you for lives of service to God and humanity. And that mission is not limited to Bourbonnais, Illinois. Through ONU PLUS, Olivet proudly partners with churches and similar organizations around the country to better suit your needs in your community.

Along with receiving a fully-accredited degree, you will also receive practicum experience through ONU PLUS. Throughout the program, each degree will allow students to gain practical knowledge through internships which count for up to three credit hours per semester. This amounts to 8-10 weekly hours of firsthand leadership, ministry, and workplace experience.

Download the 2023 Program Catalog

Click for more information: ONU+

NWIL Information

Click one of the links below to worship with one of the churches on our district. May God give you peace and hope during this time. Have a joyous worship time.

NWIL Online Church Services

____________________________