Global Church of the Nazarene

Alabaster 75th Anniversary Year

For many, Alabaster has always been a part of our Nazarene tradition. In the past, churches received Alabaster offerings in February and September. Now, many churches receive Alabaster offerings throughout the year. We celebrate the purchase of land, the building of churches, clinics, and schools, and the leasing of property to see the Church of the Nazarene established. This has given a sense of presence that helps to establish a long-term ministry in places where Nazarenes gather around the world.

Alabaster lays foundations that provide places where people worship, heal, and learn. And every time you participate in Alabaster giving, your contributions not only lay foundations, but you are engaged in enabling people in all kinds of contexts to worship God, heal and be healed, and learn more about the goodness and grace of God.



NMI is engaged in a yearlong celebration, June 2023 — June 2024, where every church, everywhere, will participate in giving to Alabaster at some time during this anniversary year. To help churches encourage giving, in the third week of NMI Central during this 13-month period, rather than highlighting a country, we will share an Alabaster video. Stories of changed lives, stories of sacrifice, stories of Kingdom impact.

To download this month’s focus video for the Alabaster 75th Anniversary celebration, click here.

Crisis Care Kit Update

Gather NEW items in the quantities listed. Include ONLY those items listed. Do NOT add any items that are not listed.

Why? Crisis Care Kits are approved for both export from our country and import to other countries based on the specific list of items on the CCK instructions list. These approvals are made in advance of any shipment so that when they are inspected by the customs officials they are easily cleared.

If there are any deviations from the pre-approved customs list it causes delay, potential additional costs in-country, and possible refusal. Deviations mean that those in need may not be able to receive this humanitarian aid.

Helpful tips:

Shampoo – 12-18 oz bottle. Tape flip-tops closed to prevent any leaking during shipping and handling. Do

NOT include any medicated shampoo.

2 bars soap – bath size or larger in their own packaging

1 medium toothpaste 4.0-6.4 oz. Expiration date should be at least 18 months out from date of packing.

3 toothbrushes in original packaging – Can be a 1, 2 or 3-pack. Do NOT cut open a package with more than 3 brushes because it breaks the seal.

1 box of Band-Aid type bandages, 30 or more (any brand) -- These may be in their own box or may be packed individually in a zip-type bag as long as the bandages are individually wrapped and sealed. Please use “regular” size bandages and not really small or tiny ones.

1 fingernail clipper – Do NOT use toenail clippers or any clippers in a package with other items such as emory boards, etc. Clippers do not have to be in their own packaging.

1 sturdy hair comb – Include a SINGLE comb and not a package of combs. Use a size comb that will be suitable for all ages and hair type. Do NOT use small pocket combs, narrow styling combs, or combs that are thin and flexible/bendable.

2 hand towels – Do NOT use dish/kitchen towels. Do NOT use washcloths. In many other world areas washcloths are not used. Towel size should be approximately 15”x28”

4 pocket-size packages of facial tissues – Do NOT include packages of more than 4.

1 Beanie-baby size stuffed toy -- It does NOT have to be Beanie-baby brand. Do NOT include any other type of small toy. Do NOT include a stuffed toy that is larger or smaller than Beanie-baby size. Do NOT include items that have Christian symbols or American flag or USA or similar on it. These are not welcome in many other world areas.

Do NOT include any notes, cards or drawings. Do NOT include any money/currency. In many other world areas these items are not welcome.



Please call Fawn Grove Compassion Center at 410-452-8699 or email us at [email protected] with any questions! We want to help you!

Anna Kindle - Missionary - Papua New Guinea

Anna will be leaving next week for Papua New Guinea. Please be in prayer for her and this new chapter in her life. Giving for Anna can be made on the Global Nazarene website.

Click her name or link below.

Anna Kindle

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

Anna's Epic Adventure

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?

READ MORE

The Journey of Grace

George Herrera is the game director and producer behind the mobile game “The Journey of Grace,” based on the Church of the Nazarene’s 2021 Vacation Bible School curriculum. For Herrera, video games have always been a part of life. 

“Gaming has always been a passion of mine,” Herrera said. “I remember when I was growing up, I could always go into my room and play games; it was a safe space for me. It is where I found meaningful connections and community with my friends.”

Herrera, who holds an undergraduate degree in youth ministry, didn’t see how his love of video games could connect to his ministry, calling, and vocation until he moved to the UK to attend Nazarene Theological College–Manchester. While there, he attended a seminar on the intersection of video games and spirituality. 



“At first, when I saw this, I thought, ‘no way, this can’t be a thing,’” Herrera said. “But as they explained, video games have a lot of Christian symbolism and concepts.” FULL ARTICLE

2024 DISTRICT EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Celebrate Life - February 24 - New Hope

Convention - March 16 - Peoria Nazarene

District Assembly - April 26-27 - Crossbridge

Celebrate Life - May 16-18 - Olivet

Kids Camp - July 11-14 - Olivet

Team Day - August 3 - Pekin First

North Pekin - Tent Revival

Reachway

New Compassionate Ministry Forming in Peoria, IL

Reachway Church and some of their community partners are forming the Street Family Hub, coming soon to Peoria, IL, which will provide services to local unhoused neighbors. For more information, visit: https://www.reachway.org/streetfamilyhub

Olivet Homecoming

The dates for Homecoming 2023 are October 18-22. For more information about Homecoming and ordering your tickets, please click here!

Homecoming is a special time for friends of the University to gather on Olivet’s campus. With activities planned for all ages and interests, Olivet celebrates accomplishments and heritage during a three-day schedule of events.

“Olivet loves tradition, and Homecoming & Family Weekend activities are one of the best ways for us to celebrate,” said Erinn Proehl, Director of Alumni and University Relations. “We invite everyone — students, their parents and siblings, faculty, staff, friends and our community — and all age groups to join us. Celebrating with all of you adds so much to this special time on our campus.”

While tickets will be available in June, be sure to reserve your hotel spaceOpens a new windows

 immediately, as all Kankakee County hotels will sell out. For more information about where to eat and exciting things to do in the area, check out the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau page.

For full details click:

ONU HOMECOMING 2023

Prime Time & Grandparents Day

Thursday, October 5, 2023

1:00pm-4:30pm

5:30pm-7:00pm

We are already looking forward to Prime Time & Grandparents Day 2023, and we have a fantastic program in store for you!

Throughout the daytime programming from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. in Centennial Chapel, you will enjoy performances by our special guests, plus exceptional music from the University Orchestra, Jazz Band and Orpheus Choir. 

A delicious optional lunch for Prime Time guests, grandparents, and grandchildren starts at 11:00 a.m. in Chalfant Hall. Those with grandchildren at Olivet are also invited to attend a special dinner following the daytime programming. You may use some of your free time to have your Olivet student show you around, arrange to meet for coffee, or enjoy conversation in the favorite spot on campus! Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Chalfant Hall, you will enjoy a meal together, listen to a wonderful performance from the Proclamation Gospel Choir, and hear a message from our special speaker.

The cost for the day’s activities are as follows, $16 for lunch, $16 for programming and $16 for dinner. Both lunch and dinner are $7.50 with University ID for students. For every nine registrations in a group, we will offer one free Prime Time Day registration. 

Buy your tickets today! For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 815-939-5258.

Click for full details: Prime Time 2023

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.