Church News: Alvin Church of the Nazarene

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

We had a float in our the Frontier Day parade today, and then, for the 3rd or 4th year we had a "Stickhorse Rodeo" at the big city park. It's such a cute event. There are small barrels, stickhorses, bandannas, and, of course cowboy hats. The little ones just love it. Everyone wins a blue ribbon with the church name on it.

Many more photos are at: http://picasaweb.google.com/nazarenealvin

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

One more photo...

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Our annual homecoming is Sunday morning, May 2 at 10:00. Naznetter David Pettigrew will be the the guest speaker. There will be special music by gospel artist Shannon Perry and lots of other special features, including a great fellowship meal following the service.

Right now, just Tinker Boyd and I are official NazNet members but others in our church check in on NazNet now and then. We'll try to get a NazNet photo.

If you're in the area (or out of the area and just want to get in on the blessing) join us for Homecoming!

[Hans Deventer]

Can someone explain to me the concept of "homecoming"? I understand the Gaithers even have homecoming concerts here in the Netherlands, which kind of confuses me.

[David Pettigrew]

In American churches, "homecoming" is a Sunday in which former members and friends who have moved away make a special trip back for celebration of the church's heritage. Alvin was the first church I ever joined. My family became members there when I was ten. I still had family in the church until recent years when my last remaining aunt moved away for health reasons.

"Homecoming" is not to be confused with "homegoing", which is a spiritual term for the funeral of anyone who ever served as a local NWMS president.

Gaither Homecomings are a whole 'nother deal. A friend once remarked to me that if the Gaithers wanted to come home so much, why didn't they just stay home in the first place.

[Ryan Scott]

In American churches, "homecoming" is a Sunday in which former members and friends who have moved away make a special trip back for celebration of the church's heritage. Alvin was the first church I ever joined. My family became members there when I was ten. I still had family in the church until recent years when my last remaining aunt moved away for health reasons.

I also think this is more of a Southern tradition. I have not heard of anyone in the NE or here in the Midwest having a homecoming for their congregation.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

I also think this is more of a Southern tradition. I have not heard of anyone in the NE or here in the Midwest having a homecoming for their congregation.

I think, though, that college homecomings are quite common throughout the country. I think that just about any established congregation is missing it by not having homecoming Sunday. It's a chance to celebrate the history of the church and it almost always is a shot in the arm for the church.

[Greg Farra]

I also think this is more of a Southern tradition. I have not heard of anyone in the NE or here in the Midwest having a homecoming for their congregation.

It's used here in Ohio

[Kevin Rector]

Our church changed "homecoming" to "friends and family day". Ours is next week too.

We're having blow up bounce houses, a fried chicken potluck (with enough food for visitors who will not bring food), cotton candy, face painting, games, etc.
We printed up invitation cards for the church folks to distribute to their friends and family. It's geared to be more of an outreach to the community than a "homecoming" although those who have moved away are more than welcome to "come home".

[Tinker Boyd]

Our annual homecoming is Sunday morning, May 2 at 10:00. Naznetter David Pettigrew will be the the guest speaker.

I'm looking forward to meeting David. I spent many an hour with his dad while my dad was in the hospital for six weeks so I feel I know him already. I also probably know a lot more about David than he probably would want me to know. :smile:

[John Kennedy]

Homecoming - 'all day meetin' and dinner on the ground'.......

Enough fried chicken and potato salad and ice tea and pie and .............. to thoroughly confound any inclination one might have toward healthy eating. The part of central Texas I lived in was famous for its country church cemetery upkeep fundraisers. Within a 5 or 10 mile radius of the church I pastored at Lytton Springs on any given Sunday in the summer you could count on at least one or two being held.

Hey, fried chicken and helping a worty cause - who could ask for anything more.

[Jim Chabot]

I also think this is more of a Southern tradition. I have not heard of anyone in the NE or here in the Midwest having a homecoming for their congregation.

Well now you have. We have held homecoming services here in New Bedford every year since I can remember. It was at a homecoming service here that Earl Lee first heard the song "Has Anybody Tod You I Love You Today", He brought it from our church to Pasadena and around the world.

[David Pettigrew]

Has anybody told you I love you today?
Has anybody told you I love you today?
Has anybody told you I love you today?
Let me be the first. Put me on your list. I love you today.

[Mark Bolerjack]

Scott, where is the "I'm sorry" button?

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Wonderful Homecoming at Alvin Nazarene this morning. Singer Shannon Perry did a terrific job - a real blessing. David Pettigrew brought the message. David's family joined Alvin Nazarene when he was 10 years of age. No kidding, he brought a very good and timely message. We concluded the service with Communion.

Then, it was off to the fellowship hall for a wonderful meal. We have a couple of blue ribbon winning cooks and some others who are also great cooks. Our food is always the best.

There are many photos, and more coming, at http://picasaweb.google.com/nazarenealvin

We had a NazNet meeting: me, Tinker Boyd, and David. Here's the obligatory photo:

[Marsha Lynn]

We had a NazNet meeting: me, Tinker Boyd, and David. Here's the obligatory photo:

No sign? Too bad. Hope you can have an official NazNet meeting sometime.

(Hey, where's the official "We love NazNet" smiley?)

[Marg Shurtliff]

Wonderful Homecoming at Alvin Nazarene this morning. Singer Shannon Perry did a terrific job - a real blessing. David Pettigrew brought the message. David's family joined Alvin Nazarene when he was 10 years of age. No kidding, he brought a very good and timely message. We concluded the service with Communion.

Then, it was off to the fellowship hall for a wonderful meal. We have a couple of blue ribbon winning cooks and some others who are also great cooks. Our food is always the best.

There are many photos, and more coming, at http://picasaweb.google.com/nazarenealvin

We had a NazNet meeting: me, Tinker Boyd, and David. Here's the obligatory photo:

But Scott , where is the obligatory sign ?:ihe_cowboy:
I see Marsha beat me to it ! I wanted to use her smiley face but we don't have it since the crash .

[Larry Parsons]

I will be going to a home coming May 16 at Pelion S.C where I was the pastor years ago.
Larry

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Do it yourself NazNet sign...please copy and paste to the picture:

[John Kennedy]

David -
I noticed in looking back through the thread that you were the first one to wade in an explain to the good people just what a "HOMECOMING" was all about. I have the feeling that we've both attended our share of them over the years. I've probably consumed more homecoming fried chicken, but I had several years head start.

Residing, as you do, in the 'hog and homminy belt' you'll probably catch up eventually - we don't seem to have as many such affairs here on the Left Coast. It's kind of hard to stage "all day meetin' and dinner on the ground" events when the principal entrees are likely to include tofu, bean curds, hummus, and alfalfa sprouts.

[David Pettigrew]

The hospitality shown to us by the folks in Alvin was outstanding. Thanks again, Scott for a wonderful weekend. We really enjoyed it. The food indeed was blue ribbon worthy!

[Gina Stevenson]

Do it yourself NazNet sign...please copy and paste to the picture:

My question has been, since NazNet's been back up & running: "Where's that dove on the NazNet sign, Scott!?"

Maybe someone (think we might even have it) will upload it for you to put on there ... the original one with the dove. That was soooooooo cool! ;)



Residing, as you do, in the 'hog and homminy belt' you'll probably catch up eventually - we don't seem to have as many such affairs here on the Left Coast. It's kind of hard to stage "all day meetin' and dinner on the ground" events when the principal entrees are likely to include tofu, bean curds, hummus, and alfalfa sprouts.

What!? 'Got sumpin' 'ginst healthy eatin', John!? :smilies1722: :smilies0275: :smilies0121:

[John Kennedy]

My question has been, since NazNet's been back up & running: "Where's that dove on the NazNet sign, Scott!?"

Maybe someone (think we might even have it) will upload it for you to put on there ... the original one with the dove. That was soooooooo cool! ;)



What!? 'Got sumpin' 'ginst healthy eatin', John!? :smilies1722: :smilies0275: :smilies0121:
I firmly and ardently believe that anyone craving 'bean curd, tofu, hummus, and alfalfa sprouts should straight-way gorge themselves upon them - they can have my share.

[Gina Stevenson]

Hey, I found it! Here 'tis .....................




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Now that it's posted, I see it's a bit fuzzy. Perhaps someone else has a clearer version?

[Tinker Boyd]

We had a great time and I'm really glad I got to meet David. He brought us an awesome message.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Today is our 11th anniversary as pastors here at Alvin Nazarene. I commented to the congregation this morning that my being here 11 years says more about them (meaning their patience and generosity) than it does about me.

To commemorate the anniversary we were presented with a wonderful DVD of greetings from many of the people of the church. It will be one of our cherished possessions.

[Dennis M. Scott]

Congratulations to pastor and parishioners.

[Gina Stevenson]

Wow, does time every fly! You mean we've been on NN over a decade? We recall when you were in the panhandle and then moved down there!



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Congratulations, Scott & Jackie! ;)

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Tonight our church board voted to make Tinker Boyd assistant pastor of outreach here at Alvin Nazarene. Tinker is a sometime participant here on NazNet and she is taking online courses from Nazarene Bible College. In spite of the fact that it's a nonsalaried position I'm sure we'll see some good things happen as she works with a group of dedicated people in the church who have hearts for outreach.

Tinker and her husband John and their two girls are a real blessing to our church.

We also have two associate pastors of Spanish language ministry, Eric and Maria Ruiz who have been with us six years. They're doing a wonderful job.

[John Brickley]

That is great news Scott. I am sure they will be a blessing to your church and you will be a blessing to them. Congratulations.

[Tinker Boyd]

We are truly blessed to be part of such an awesome congregation that really supports, loves, and mentors us.

And the pastor's not bad either.

[Gina Stevenson]

We are truly blessed to be part of such an awesome congregation that really supports, loves, and mentors us.

And the pastor's not bad either.

He's not, huh? We've seen him around here on NazNet, and he does seem to be an all right guy, Tinker! ;)

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

We installed Tinker as assistant pastor of outreach yesterday. It was a pretty good installation, much better than the time I tried to install Ubuntu on my old desktop computer.

[Gina Stevenson]

Congratulations, TINKER! ;)


Now, Scott, I've heard of Linux ... but Libuntu? What's that !? ;)

[Tinker Boyd]

We installed Tinker as assistant pastor of outreach yesterday.

All was going great until he mentioned he was now my boss. I tried to make a break for the door but the ushers were in the way.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Sad to say, there's been a coop at Alvin Church of the Nazarene. This morning I was informed that next week I'm relieved of all duties with members of the church family taking over all aspects of the service. My new assistant pastor is in on the deal and will be preaching the sermon. Then after the service we'll be taken out for lunch.

Obviously, they've decided they don't need us anymore.

(Pastor appreciation)

[Tinker Boyd]

Sad to say, there's been a coop at Alvin Church of the Nazarene. This morning I was informed that next week I'm relieved of all duties with members of the church family taking over all aspects of the service. My new assistant pastor is in on the deal and will be preaching the sermon. Then after the service we'll be taken out for lunch.

Obviously, they've decided they don't need us anymore.


Just our way of getting back at you...I mean, saying thanks to you.

[Charlene Clevenger]

Has anybody told you I love you today?
Has anybody told you I love you today?
Has anybody told you I love you today?
Let me be the first. Put me on your list. I love you today.

I heard that song for the first time this weekend at the Come to the Fire Conference, when Janine Metcalf (http://isite156798.web08.intellisite.com/418390.ihtml) spoke Friday night. Earl Lee sang that song to her during one of his darkest times, while his son was being held hostage in Iran. What an inspiration!

[Jim Chabot]

Obviously, they've decided they don't need us anymore.

(Pastor appreciation)

It is clear that you are applying a faulty hermeneutic to this, and thus you have interpreted this erroneously. I would suggest that when properly placed in context it will be revealed that your congregation loves you and deeply appreciates your investment in their lives.

Unless the proffered lunch turns out to be a gift certificate stapled to a road map.:smilies1722:

[Jim Chabot]

I heard that song for the first time this weekend at the Come to the Fire Conference, when Janine Metcalf (http://isite156798.web08.intellisite.com/418390.ihtml) spoke Friday night. Earl Lee sang that song to her during one of his darkest times, while his son was being held hostage in Iran. What an inspiration!

Wonderful song!! We sing that as our greeting song most every Sunday.

[Tinker Boyd]

I would suggest that when properly placed in context it will be revealed that your congregation loves you and deeply appreciates your investment in their lives.



Jim has figured us out!

[Norayr Hajian]

I heard that song for the first time this weekend at the Come to the Fire Conference, when Janine Metcalf (http://isite156798.web08.intellisite.com/418390.ihtml) spoke Friday night. Earl Lee sang that song to her during one of his darkest times, while his son was being held hostage in Iran. What an inspiration!

You mean it's a song? And here I was thinking that someone out there loved me.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Our new pastor of outreach did a fine job on her 2nd sermon. You can hear Tinker's message here: http://www.alvinnazarene.org/sermons.php -- unfortunately, you won't see her powerpoint - it was really good.

Jackie and I were treated like honored guests, although, they did ask me, a guest, to play bass guitar for the music. After the service a record number of people went out to eat at Chilli's - I don't know how many were there, but it was probably between 30 and 40.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

We just got home from our Christmas Eve service. It's a nice tradition here. Our Spanish language pastors (husband/wife) lead it for us each year. There were songs and a drama (mostly in Spanish, but we English speakers can keep up most of the time). Then, at the end, we light candles and sing Silent Night to each other in Spanish and English.

The church was full as is our hearts.

[John Kennedy]

Had a wonderful Christmas Eve service tonight. At the end the choir lit their candles from the Chrsit candle and led the congregation out of the church as we sang Silent Night - we recieved the Christmas Blessing from the minister standing in the clear, cold, non-raining (Thank God) southern California night.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Easter at Alvin Nazarene...

Not one, but two sunrise services. Outside: English - Inside: Spanish
Breakfast and fellowship
Worship: Singing "Up from the grave he arose" - baptizing - A beautiful Easter Musical: "Thank you for the cross"
Passion Play: Outdoors, in Spanish, but with participants from both congregations

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[Tinker Boyd]

Oh wow! There is someone in your congregation that looks just like me and some other folks I know.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

All right - this is my favorite Easter photo of all. While I was leading the English Sunrise Service, our Spanish congregation had a Sunrise Service of their own. Their tradition is to wear white on Easter - and its very striking. I looked into the sanctuary following the service and they were taking photos. They had just taken one of all the ladies, and they insisted that I stand in the middle of the group for a photo.

I'm glad I had a white shirt on - and, for once in my life, I felt rather tall.

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[David Pettigrew]

All right - this is my favorite Easter photo of all. While I was leading the English Sunrise Service, our Spanish congregation had a Sunrise Service of their own. Their tradition is to wear white on Easter - and its very striking. I looked into the sanctuary following the service and they were taking photos. They had just taken one of all the ladies, and they insisted that I stand in the middle of the group for a photo.

I'm glad I had a white shirt on - and, for once in my life, I felt rather tall.

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Don't they know it's not Memorial Day yet?

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Today is Frontier Day in our community - a big parade followed by lots of activities and booths at the city park. Our float won first place in the church division and tied for first place over all. It was a space shuttle - and it will get use again at VBS this year!

2011FrontierDay

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

We had a terrific service with the gospel trio Three Bridges. Not only good music, but several received spiritual help at the altar at the conclusion of the service,.

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[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Our VBS, with the theme Mission to MARS, begins July 25. On the opening night, this man, astronaut Mike Massimino, who flew on two Space Shuttle Missions will be the special speaker. I'm quite jazzed about it!

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[Webster Fields Jr]

We had a terrific service with the gospel trio Three Bridges. Not only good music, but several received spiritual help at the altar at the conclusion of the service,.

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Very good singers! And good MINISTERS to boot :D. So cool they came just for my Birthday (just kidding).

[Edith Thurmond]

We had a terrific service with the gospel trio Three Bridges. Not only good music, but several received spiritual help at the altar at the conclusion of the service,.

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YOUR church banners are beautiful! Did someone in your parish make them? Glad you had a good service with your guests.

-et-

[Webster Fields Jr]

argh! I have to say it... -et- phone home?

[Edith Thurmond]

All right - this is my favorite Easter photo of all. While I was leading the English Sunrise Service, our Spanish congregation had a Sunrise Service of their own. Their tradition is to wear white on Easter - and its very striking. I looked into the sanctuary following the service and they were taking photos. They had just taken one of all the ladies, and they insisted that I stand in the middle of the group for a photo.

I'm glad I had a white shirt on - and, for once in my life, I felt rather tall.

2294

GREAT photo and what a beautiful symbolic thing for them to do!

-et-

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Not really news, but I thought some might be interested in this photo. One of the places I go for hospital visits is the Texas Medical Center - the largest medical center in the world. Yesterday I was a MD Anderson Cancer Center and noticed this view out the hallway window. I was on the 15th floor - nowhere near the top floor, but the view was still quite good.

Off in the distance on the right is Reliant Stadium - home of the Houston Texans football team. Just a bit closer is a long low building - that's Reliant Center, where NYC was held a few years ago. On the left is the Astrodome. I don't think it's getting much use. These days the Astros play in a beautiful ballpark a few miles north in downtown. There have been several plans floated about the Astrodome, including just demolishing it. However, the voters are having a hard time letting it go because it was such a symbol of the city when it was built - the first indoor major league baseball facility.

Anyway, seeing it all is just part of my day's work, although, happily, I haven't needed to make a lot of visits to the downtown medical center as of late.

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[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

YOUR church banners are beautiful! Did someone in your parish make them? Glad you had a good service with your guests.

-et-

Edith, some of the banners are bought and others were made from banner kits. I think those are bought ones - of course, we really need to move back to the green ones, but I like those, so they've stayed up.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Of all the things I've done or thought I might do in my life, picking up a spacesuit from NASA wasn't one of them.

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[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

VBS blasted off tonight - Astronaut Mike Massimino did a terrific job. Our spacesuit on loan from NASA was a big hit. He commented that we must know some of the right people to have gotten loan of it.

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[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Yesterday we celebrated our 12th anniversary at Alvin Nazarene. It's hard to believe we've been here that long. We thank the Lord for these good years and look forward to more!

[Hans Deventer]

Yesterday we celebrated our 12th anniversary at Alvin Nazarene. It's hard to believe we've been here that long. We thank the Lord for these good years and look forward to more!

Scott, I remember vividly that you were pastoring in Borger, TX. It is indeed very hard to believe that was more than 12 years ago.

[Jim Franklin]

Congratulations to pastor, people and new associate.

Is there something even a small stipend that will make it possible for Tinker to receive from the Nazarene pension fund when that time comes? I know that, locally, a former full time pastor has been placed on staff at a nearby Nazarene church for $1/ year to maintain her eligivility.

[David Pettigrew]

Not really news, but I thought some might be interested in this photo. One of the places I go for hospital visits is the Texas Medical Center - the largest medical center in the world. Yesterday I was a MD Anderson Cancer Center and noticed this view out the hallway window. I was on the 15th floor - nowhere near the top floor, but the view was still quite good.

Off in the distance on the right is Reliant Stadium - home of the Houston Texans football team. Just a bit closer is a long low building - that's Reliant Center, where NYC was held a few years ago. On the left is the Astrodome. I don't think it's getting much use. These days the Astros play in a beautiful ballpark a few miles north in downtown. There have been several plans floated about the Astrodome, including just demolishing it. However, the voters are having a hard time letting it go because it was such a symbol of the city when it was built - the first indoor major league baseball facility.

Anyway, seeing it all is just part of my day's work, although, happily, I haven't needed to make a lot of visits to the downtown medical center as of late.

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The Medical District is indeed a wonder. I have no sense of direction and used to cringe when I went down there, but eventually figured it out - somewhat.

I remember hearing one of the proposals for the Astrodome was to convert it to an indoor ski slope.

[John Reilly]

Can someone explain to me the concept of "homecoming"? I understand the Gaithers even have homecoming concerts here in the Netherlands, which kind of confuses me.

Hans, We could have a Second NAZNET retreat at WIndsor Hills Camp in NH, and if you come it will be your homecoming!!!!

[Hans Deventer]

Hans, We could have a Second NAZNET retreat at WIndsor Hills Camp in NH, and if you come it will be your homecoming!!!!

If someone wants to organize it, I'll be doing my best to attend!

[Tinker Boyd]

We had a Baptism last Sunday at Alvin Church of the Nazarene and it was a particularly special one to me. This is my 14 year old daughter Darcy! We are so excited about all the growth in her life.

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Homecoming 2012
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