CENTRAL GULF COAST
CONNECTION
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Compassionately Connecting
with our Communities
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Saturday, August 13, 2022
River Region Church of the Nazarene
3251 Browns Road
Millbrook, AL 36054
9:00 AM until 3:00 PM
(Registration begins at 9 AM)
Cost: $20 after August 1st
($15/pre-registration)
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
REV. JAY HEIGHT
Executive Director
Shepherd Community Center
Indianapolis, IN
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Workshops: Connecting with our Communities, NDI, NYI, NMI (speaker, Rev. Dwayne Mills, Appalachia Outreach), Church Finances, Ministers in Training, Hispanic Ministries, Evangelism/Discipleship
Who Should Attend: Pastors, church board members, Sunday School leaders and teachers, NMI presidents and council members, NYI leaders and teens, ministerial students, ministry leaders, etc.
Registration: Send church registration forms and payment to registrar, Cynthia Gunn,
7295 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Lanett, AL 36863 (forms were sent to pastors) Make church checks payable to “Central Gulf Coast District NDI”
Childcare (IF pre-arranged): (up to age 9 only); Cost for children is $10 (includes lunch);
Contact River Region Church at (334) 285-7509 to register for childcare in advance of the event.
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From Our District Superintendent |
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The Power of Prayer
Dr. Mark Berry
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District Assembly ended in May and the denominational prayer emphasis “Half-Million Mobilization” concluded on Pentecost Sunday, but as a district, we continue the assembly theme,
“The Power of Prayer.”
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Why emphasize prayer?
Because through prayer we get direction and answers to life and ministry. Prayer means power for ministry because we are depending on the One who gives us that power through the Holy Spirit. Without prayer we are weak as churches, pastors, and people. Without prayer our plans are not adequate, but His divine plan is perfect.
To discover the direction that we need to go as a church, we must first seek the Lord. He is the Lord of the harvest! Nothing is accomplished without Him. All the ideas and plans that we devise are futile compared to the direction that God gives.
Just as we were asked in the days leading up to Pentecost through the denominational emphasis, likewise, ask yourself these questions: What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your personal life, ministry, and the life of the church?
Let me challenge each church and pastor to emphasize prayer throughout this church year. Place the district on your bulletin prayer list and/or mention the district in your Sunday prayer time. Imagine what can happen across this district when we are unified in prayer and together are seeking God’s direction and guidance!
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Central Gulf Coast District News |
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Lanett – Rev. Harold (Angie) Henson began his ministry on June 26, 2022 as lead pastor of Lanett Church. He and his wife comes to the district from Indiana.
Fort Walton Beach – Rev. Kevin Coberly (Kristin) accepted a call as lead pastor to the Fort Walton Beach Church. He began his ministry on June 19, 2022. Kevin comes to the district from North Carolina.
River Region– Rev. Caleb Strickland (Katie) concluded his ministry at River Region on June 26, 2022. He transitioned to a pastorate in North Carolina in the Wesleyan Church.
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Capilla de Wallace (Rev. Bayardo Cordon) – Emma de Solares, Humberto Solares
Crestview (Rev. Joe Bennett) – Dana Clam, Darrell Clam, Leigh McNeiland
Landmark (Rev. Kevin McDonald) – Mike Costentino, Colt Mortion, Joe Williams, Melissa Williams, Tanner Willilams
Pensacola Ensley (Rev. Josh Moore) – Christine Braker, Terry Braker, Kayla Smith, Charlotte Tucker, Richard Tucker Sr.
River Region (Rev. Caleb Strickland) – Betty Hatter, Paul Hatter
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Dinner @ Dad's
Three-Year Anniversary
"On Sunday, June 5, Crestview Nazarene celebrated Pentecost with 6 baptisms and the Third Anniversary of Dinner @ Dad’s. The mayor came and brought a proclamation and named June 5, 2022, Recognition Day of Crestview Church of the Nazarene. It was a great day and I know that all this has come with the love and prayers of our district family and most of all through the obedience to God’s calling in our area!"
~ Pastor Joe Bennett ~
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Our Sympathy - Homegoing of Rev. James G. Dye
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Rev. James Dye (age 92) made his Heavenly journey on June 16, 2022. Rev. Dye was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia, son, James Jr., and daughter, Robin. He is survived by three daughters, Sonya, Vicky, and Pamela, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and many relatives and friends that loved him. He was a retired Nazarene elder. He was ordained in 1976 on the South Arkansas District. His pastoral service spanned 16+ years as pastor of Bonifay, FL, Malvern, AR, Excel, AL, Panama City Parkway, FL, and Marianna, FL, Nazarene Churches. Rev. Dye will be remembered as a kind, devout clergyman. Rev. Dye was a member of Marianna Church of the Nazarene at the time of his passing. |
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DISTRICT PRIME TIME RETREAT
Rolling Hills Campground – Sept. 9-11, 2022
Banquet Theme: Hawaiian
Speaker: Rev. Terri Sinquefield (Columbiana)
Sunday School Teacher: Chuck Cain
Banquet Entertainment: Reunion (Singing Group from Lafayette, AL)
Activities: Games & Skits | Saturday Auction | Communion Service | Special Music
Registration: FULL Payment DUE August 16
Bring: Goodies for “Snack-N-Yak” and good, useable items for the Auction
Location: I-65 and US 31 (exit 231) – 521 Hwy 304 in Calera, AL
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Ministers and spouses will retreat at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown in Gatlinburg, TN on Nov. 8-10, 2022 for a time of renewal, rest, and fellowship with ministry colleagues. Retreat speaker will be Rev. Billy Huddleston, Nazarene registered evangelist. Lifelong Learning Credits (LLC) will be given to attending pastors. Churches are encouraged to cover all registration costs, meals, and travel expenses of their pastors and spouses. Registration is underway.
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PASTOR'S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT |
Save the dates! Dr. Mark Berry will be traveling to mission areas in August for training focused on “The Pastor’s Prayer Life.” All pastors (lead, associate, staff, ministerial students, retired and spouses) are encouraged to make every effort to attend. Licensed ministers will earn Lifelong Learning Credits. Details are forthcoming via mission area leaders. The dates of training are as follows:
Aug. 22 (Mon.) – Tuscaloosa Mission Area
Mission Leader: Rev. Mark Aills
Aug. 23 (Tues.) – Chattahoochee Valley Mission Area |
Mission Leader: Rev. Bonnye Campbell
Aug. 25 (Thurs.) – Capital/North Central Areas
Mission Leaders: Rev. Wally Rezendes/Dr. Bill Hamby
Aug. 29 (Mon.) – Mobile Mission Area
Mission Leader: Rev. Melissa Aaron
Aug. 30 (Tues.) – South Central Area
Mission Leader: Rev. Jon Carnes
Aug. 31 (Wed.) – Wiregrass Mission Area
Mission Leader: Dr. Kevin Knight
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Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI) |
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Don't miss these NDI Workshops at Team Day 2022! |
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“Children’s Ministry in the Local Church—More Than Babysitting” — In this workshop, Pastor Adriane Buettel (Lead Pastor, Open Arms Ministry; District Children’s Ministries Director) will encourage and empower local churches to emphasize their children’s ministry—no matter what size of church or children’s attendance. You can start with a few children and still have a successful children’s ministry.
“Your Identity in Christ” — In this workshop Ronda Williams (District Singles Director; District NDI Board Member) will share about our identity in Christ based on the book of Ephesians. With stolen identities, mixed up identities and confusion about our identity, we need to remember that our identity is in Christ.
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Click the photo below to read the current Global NDI newsletter! |
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Nazarene Missions International (NMI) |
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Under the Bridge Ministry |
Four teens have been saved and baptized. |
Kipili Mechack, Director of Under the Bridge Ministry sends his humble appreciation for your involvement in this ministry. He says “thank you to all brothers and sisters who have contributed and who continue to contribute and for praying for this project. He says all things are going well. He reports with the funds contributed by CGC, they have equipped a classroom with a capacity of 10 children in the morning and 10 children after noon. A total of 20 children. The funds you have given are being used for the development of a welding workshop and a sewing workshop. All glory to God. Four teens have been saved and baptized (see photo above). These were street children who now live at the center. Please pray for their spiritual growth. Their names are Thomas, Meschac, Samuel, and Tresor. Mechack says “Thank you for the good and great work that you are doing for the glory of God. You are making a difference.”
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Kazakhstan Children's Bible Translation Update
The Bible Society of Kazakhstan and Pastor Sergey Kvan met and made plans for the delivery of 1,000 copies of each of the four children’s Bible storybooks to Pastor Kvan in Kazakhstan. Praise to our God who made this happen and to CGC children for the funds given for this project. The remaining 16,000 copies will be distributed to surrounding countries who are desperately requesting Bibles in their language. Pastor Kvan will work with the Nazarene churches in Kazakhstan to distribute these to Muslims in the area. A photo of Pastor Kvan holding one of each of the 4 volumes is shown. Now, we must pray for those making the distribution, especially for their safety.
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“With your prayers and continued involvement, over the last 30 months we have been able to respond to the COVID pandemic and other health and nutritional needs in Cuba, Honduras and several Central America countries. In 2021, we sent a large amount of food, medicine and Crisis Care Kits to Cuba. This assistance was distributed to the 175 congregations on three districts. Right now, there is a severe outbreak of mosquito-bite dengue fever in Cuba, and our medications are relieving the high fever and muscle aches for which there is no other medication available. God knew last year that the dengue epidemic was coming!! However, I am also hearing from all over that God is building His Kingdom in the midst of great need and stress. People are seeing how God’s children weather the storm with faith and dependence on His goodness. They ask questions, hear testimonies and believe for themselves. Our churches are growing with new converts, discipleship classes, baptisms, and new members.” Reported by Rev. Robert Prescott.
Please lift up our Cuban brothers & sisters to the Lord as they have many needs. If your church is interested in helping, please contact June Jarrell or Diane Thompson.
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COMING SOON!
Your NEW Missionaries for CARE & CONNECTION
Watch for your new missionary assignment within the next two weeks from Beckie Shackelford. We should have all the information you will need to connect with new missionaries just in time for our August Care & Connection Emphasis. In the meantime continue to pray for the Bakers and Modines. The Bakers are moving to Oregon as interims at a very small church, which will be closer to their children and grandchildren.
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ALABASTER OFFERING – September Emphasis
Make plans now to give generously to Alabaster. These funds are used for new churches to purchase a property or church building, parsonage, build a church, or a home for a missionary, for building regional facilities, to build or repurpose college campus buildings, all for the Glory of God.
I hope to see many of you at TEAM Day, August 13 at Millbrook.
Diane Thompson
NMI District President
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ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES OFFERING
District churches are encouraged to receive an offering to help offset the expenses of our Hispanic Ministries. Please receive an offering on Sunday, August 7 or any Sunday during the month and then send checks to the district office. Make checks payable to Central Gulf Coast (CGC) District, earmarked “Multicultural Ministries” in the memo section of the check.
THANK YOU ...
... for financially and prayerfully supporting this growing ministry!
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Nazarene Youth International (NYI) |
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We have had a fun filled summer across the district from local church events to district Teen Camp at Blue Lake. Teens have been involved in helping with local ministry outreaches, family camps, retreats, youth worship services and VBS.
Teen Camp was a week full of worship, salvation and spiritual growth, crazy fun and lifelong friendships. At Children's Camp we were able to meet and welcome a new group of young people to the CGC NYI family. The future is bright for the Central Gulf Coast NYI and churches. I would like to take an opportunity to encourage all churches, small or large, to get involved with the district NYI. We are here to help and equip all. If you are planning or want to have a youth event for your church or mission area, please contact me. I would love to come be a part of what you are doing in your local community. I'm also available to speak if you need someone.
~ Pastor Susan Broadhead, CGC NYI President ~
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NYC 2023 -
(Students & Chaperones)
Theme: Overflow
Where: Tampa, FL
Cost: $1,700
Age: Grades 8 through 12
(School year 2022 - 2023)
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Jill, Josh and Jennifer Dewberry |
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It is with gratitude that we say "so long" to the Dewberry Family. Josh, Jennifer and Jill have been a big part of their local church NYI and the district for many years. Thank you, Jennifer, for being CGC NYI Treasurer and for always being a huge support to our district youth. Josh, thank you for serving both as Vice President and Teen Camp Director this year. Jill, we say thank you for serving on the CGC NYI Council and always being involved. May God bless your family and new ministry as you move in His leading.
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Upcoming Events to Note:
Team Day - August 13 at River Region
(There will be breakout sessions for teens.)
PK Retreat (SE Field NYI)
October 14-16
Celebrate! (District TNT)
January 6 - 7 at Gardendale Nazarene
Follow us: Instagram @cgcnyi
Facebook @Central Gulf Coast NYI
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Welcome New CGC
NYI Treasurer
Amy Steinbrook
We welcome Amy Steinbrook to the CGC NYI Council and are excited to have her join the leadership of the district NYI. Amy was elected to take over Jennifer Dewberry's term (expiries 2023) as district NYI Treasurer. Amy is a Special Education Teacher in the Tuscaloosa City School District. She has a love and passion for young people. She is the mother of Lauren (Trevecca Freshman Fall 2022) and Parker (High School Senior). She and her husband, Pastor Rob Steinbrook, serve in ministry at Moundville Nazarene.
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Fall Semester Begins .............. Aug. 30
Experience Trevecca Day ........ Oct. 15
TNU Homecoming ................. Nov. 4 - 5
Experience Trevecca Day......... Nov. 12
Trevecca Nazarene University
Admissions: 800-210-4TNU
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District Finance Report & District Calendar |
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Phone: 334.365.3188
Facebook: Central Gulf Coast Nazarenes
Newsletter editor: Becky Shobe, Communications Coordinator
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