NazNet Community Forum http://www.naznet.com/community/ Website for fellowship by members and friends of the Church of the Nazarene en Fri, 24 May 2013 00:15:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.naznet.com/community/images/misc/rss.png NazNet Community Forum http://www.naznet.com/community/ <![CDATA[Dos and Don'ts as Christian Witness]]> http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12214-Dos-and-Don-ts-as-Christian-Witness?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 20:03:23 GMT I recently had to write a sermon series on a Biblical theology of Witness. The first sermon investigated how the Law functioned in Israel not as a... I recently had to write a sermon series on a Biblical theology of Witness. The first sermon investigated how the Law functioned in Israel not as a means of salvation but as a witness to salvation. I noted the pattern in Israel of (1) creation -- call of Abraham, (2) fall -- slavery in Egypt, (3) salvation -- deliverance from slavery, (4) witness -- giving of the Law. In talking about that with some friends, a friend challenged me that this is exactly how early Nazarenes viewed what has become the Covenant of Christian Conduct. Those lists of dos and don'ts were not what one had to do to be a Christian, but instruction for how Christians ought to live as witnesses of the salvation they freely were given -- how to live as God's kingdom people in the world. That observation led to the question "is it appropriate for us to have such lists as a community?" and if so, "what corporate practices/prohibitions ought to be included?" And, is this kind of thing even possible in such a radically individualistic culture?

How would you answer those questions? ]]> General Discussion Eric Frey http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12214-Dos-and-Don-ts-as-Christian-Witness Any NazNetters in Traverse City, Michigan? http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12212-Any-NazNetters-in-Traverse-City-Michigan?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 13:12:55 GMT I'll be there soon. Just thought I'd mention it.

Dana ]]> General Discussion Dana Grant http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12212-Any-NazNetters-in-Traverse-City-Michigan Culture Trumps Religion, Every Time http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12211-Culture-Trumps-Religion-Every-Time?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 12:32:37 GMT My new book is to be released in June 2013.

"Cultural diversity and inclusion have become Oliver Phillips’ life’s work. It began in his Trinidad homeland, part of the larger Caribbean world with its rich mixture of European, African, Indian and indigenous people groups. As an immigrant black man in the United States he quickly absorbed the African American experience and in some ways made it his own without abandoning his Caribbean roots and his growing interest in the mosaic of multicultural America.

He has become an advocate for cultural awareness, indeed for celebrating the unique contribution of all those who came to the Americas on their own or in chains. As a preacher of the Gospel he is most interested in how the Christian church and individual congregations develop their own cultural identities either in harmony with the Scriptures, or, more often than not, as in the theme of this book, how the church and churches mirror the values and behaviors of society often contrary to their own stated beliefs." --- Foreword by Tom Nees
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]]> General Discussion Oliver Phillips http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12211-Culture-Trumps-Religion-Every-Time I am proud of my daughter and granddaughter http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12210-I-am-proud-of-my-daughter-and-granddaughter?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 03:44:17 GMT Those of you who are on Facebook have probably seen the pictures, but some of you are not on Facebook. The day after the tornado in Moore, OK, my... Those of you who are on Facebook have probably seen the pictures, but some of you are not on Facebook.

The day after the tornado in Moore, OK, my granddaughter, Abby Felter, announced to her mother that she was gong to Oklahoma to help out. Abby is the one who graduated from high school the day of the tornado.

Her mother, LeEtta (my daughter), discussed her plan. Together they came up with the idea to collect donations of needed items to take to Oklahoma. Abby's father, Jib Felter, offered to provide a truck if they could fill it.

LeEtta and Abby got on Facebook with a page "Olathe loves Oklahoma." They quickly filled the truck. To make a long story short, they have now filled two trucks and are starting on a third truck. The plan now is for Abby and LeEtta fill three large box trucks with donations to drive to Oklahoma on Friday.

Here is a link to news coverage:
: http://fox4kc.com/2013/05/21/olathe-family-fills-truck-with-donations-for-okla/

The donations will be delivered to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
 ]]> General Discussion Dave McClung http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12210-I-am-proud-of-my-daughter-and-granddaughter Advice How do we decide about about church camps? http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12208-How-do-we-decide-about-about-church-camps?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 23:44:06 GMT How do we decide about about church camps? Seems like attendance at family and children's camp is declining in recent years. Seems like we are experiencing a decline in interest in camps and camp meeting based on volunteer availability and participation. I have scanned the internet looking at special interest camps that cost between $500 to $1000 per week for such activities as water skiing camp, sports camps, etc. In the church the church camps are subsized and less expensive but seems like there is less interest recently. How do we measure the decision to discontinue church camps? Does your district own a district camp? What is attendance at your church camp doing; rising, level, declining? If you discontinued church camp how did you measure that decision? ]]> General Discussion John Reilly http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12208-How-do-we-decide-about-about-church-camps Prayer of Confession - Pentecost Sunday http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12207-Prayer-of-Confession-Pentecost-Sunday?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 20:26:22 GMT I appreciate my church's use of a Prayer of Confession. Last Sunday's prayer I found especially appropriate:

Most merciful God, who welcomes home those who wander, we confess that we have hungered for that which does not satisfy. We have opted for a a path wider than we one we should have taken. We have closed our ears to the news we did not want to hear. Restore us, we pray, to a discerning mind and a holy will through the transforming power of your Holy Spirit.

(after a time of silent prayer)
In your great mercy, forgive our falling short of your intentions and free us from any self-centeredness that we may choose your will and follow your commandment of love through Christ Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.

After the Declaration of Pardon we responded in singing:
"Spirit of the living God, move among us all; make us one in heart and mind;
make us one in love;
Humble, caring, selfless, sharing, Spirit of the living God, fill our lives with love. ]]> General Theology John Kennedy http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12207-Prayer-of-Confession-Pentecost-Sunday Information Volunteer opportunity http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12206-Volunteer-opportunity?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 14:45:08 GMT This came to me from INCA -- Indiana Nazarene Clergy Association -- via my pastor. I presume they will accept volunteers from outside the state of... This came to me from INCA -- Indiana Nazarene Clergy Association -- via my pastor. I presume they will accept volunteers from outside the state of Indiana. It included a schedule of events (Saturday, June 22 into the next week) and how many people are needed for each, but the formatting didn't survive copy/paste. If you want more details, I can forward the email to you. Or you can click the links.

----------------

Greetings!

As you all know, Nazarene General Assembly is around the corner. Along with this gathering, there are volunteer needs in many different areas. One specific area that is an important need is the area of technology. We need several people to volunteer to be on the Technology Team for this event. Below is a schedule and how many people are needed. Also, you will find 2 links at the bottom of this email that will direct you in signing up for specific days to volunteer for General assembly Tech Team.

The Tech Team will assist presenters and delegates who are using specifically issued e-reader tablets for the instructions, readings, and general information they will be provided. There will be instructions given to teams members to understand how the tablets function.

The level of expertise we are looking for includes:
  • great people skills and unlimited patience with users who may be new to using tablets
  • a high comfort level using and navigating on Android smartphones or Android tablets
  • ability to trouble shoot tablet problems for delegates under pressure
When you sign up, you will be contacted with more specific information about where to be and what time you need to be there....

Please sign up for General Assembly Technology Team - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click the link below to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot:
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
]]> Nazarene General Assembly, 2013 Marsha Lynn http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12206-Volunteer-opportunity Inspirational “My Jesus I Love Thee” http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12203-“My-Jesus-I-Love-Thee”?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 08:33:04 GMT William Featherstone was 16 years old when he was converted in 1862. He lived in Montreal, Canada. Shortly after his conversion he wrote a poem... William Featherstone was 16 years old when he was converted in 1862. He lived in Montreal, Canada. Shortly after his conversion he wrote a poem that described his heartfelt gratitude to Christ and sent it to his aunt in Los Angeles. For some unknown reason she sent a copy of his poem to England where it appeared anonymously in an 1864 English hymnal.

Several years later, a well-known American Baptist pastor in Boston, Dr. A. J. Gordon, came upon the English hymnal and Featherstone's anonymous hymn. He loved the words but not the melody. In a moment of inspiration, God gave him a beautiful new tune, which perfectly complemented the simple words. Soon the hymn was sung all across America.

William Featherstone was not quite 27 years old when he died. But the words of a teenage boy, the only hymn he ever wrote, still speak to us today.

My Jesus, I love Thee; I know Thou art mine -
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love Thee because Thou has first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow.
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I will love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death-dew lies cold on my brow,
"If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now."

In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright.
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
"If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now."

- William R. Featherstone, ca. 1862

Copied from“Sing to the Lord” © 1993 by Lillenas Publishing Company

Hymn commentary courtesy J. D. Sherrow ]]> General Discussion Nelson Bradford http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12203-“My-Jesus-I-Love-Thee” Time and Date http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12202-Time-and-Date?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 08:32:09 GMT http://funstufftosee.com/timedate.html http://funstufftosee.com/timedate.html ]]> General Discussion Nelson Bradford http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12202-Time-and-Date Camas Lilies http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12200-Camas-Lilies?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 02:46:16 GMT Camas Lilies are in full bloom up in the Centennial Marsh in Fairfield, Idaho. Pictures really can't convey the beauty and the vastness of this purple carpet of flowers, but I tried anyway.

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]]> Photography Debi Peck http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12200-Camas-Lilies In case you remember me http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12198-In-case-you-remember-me?goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 01:01:13 GMT My name is Bob Evans. I was active before the crash of 2010. I must confess that much of my naznet energy has gone into Facebook. But as general... My name is Bob Evans. I was active before the crash of 2010. I must confess that much of my naznet energy has gone into Facebook. But as general assembly approaches I began to think of you all.

It was a great time of meeting at the naznet booth in Orlando. I hope your all planning to do it again.

I am still in the rescue mission business and am also pastoring a church for a couple of months until they get a new pastor. My wife is finishing year two of being a principal. In fact next year she becomes principal at a school she worked part time at 23 years ago as a lunch aid.

I will try to check in again ]]> General Discussion Bob Evans http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12198-In-case-you-remember-me Is the ACA looking a little less scary? http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12197-Is-the-ACA-looking-a-little-less-scary?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:37:55 GMT I thought this was pretty interesting: ... I thought this was pretty interesting:

http://eba.benefitnews.com/news/empl...inBrief_052113 ]]> General Discussion Diane Likens http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12197-Is-the-ACA-looking-a-little-less-scary I am praying http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12196-I-am-praying?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 19:28:19 GMT for the heartbroken families that dropped their kids off at Plaza Towers and Briarwood Elementary Schools yesterday in Moore, OK and at the end of... for the heartbroken families that dropped their kids off at Plaza Towers and Briarwood Elementary Schools yesterday in Moore, OK and at the end of the day they are waiting for the news that their child is among the survivors and has been taken to a hospital and that news does not come. Some are still waiting and hoping. ]]> Prayer and Praise Jim Franklin http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12196-I-am-praying Chit-chat A Joe and Bill story http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12194-A-Joe-and-Bill-story?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 13:43:59 GMT Joe: Hey, Bill, I honked when I saw you coming out of Starbucks yesterday. Why didn’t you wave? Bill: I wasn’t at Starbucks yesterday. I don’t... Joe: Hey, Bill, I honked when I saw you coming out of Starbucks yesterday. Why didn’t you wave?

Bill: I wasn’t at Starbucks yesterday. I don’t like their coffee and their prices are too high. I never go there.

Joe: Neither do I. It must have been two other guys.

8-)

~~~~

A true story: Yesterday a neighbor said they saw my "cousin" at Cracker Barrel. I have good reason to believe it was a “Joe and Bill” story, i.e., not true.

During these situations I’m really tempted to confirm with “my cousin” - was he at Cracker Barrel yesterday?

Or would that be meddling?

8-)

-neb ]]> General Discussion Nelson Bradford http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12194-A-Joe-and-Bill-story FLOWERS in BALBOA PARK http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12192-FLOWERS-in-BALBOA-PARK?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 04:12:45 GMT THESE CALMED MY SOUL TODAY I am here in San Diego.. and not in Oklahoma.. might as well be as the news is soo upsetting I turned off the TV grabbed... THESE CALMED MY SOUL TODAY I am here in San Diego.. and not in Oklahoma.. might as well be as the news is soo upsetting
I turned off the TV grabbed my camera and headed for Balboa Park
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]]> Photography Judy Hamilton http://www.naznet.com/community/showthread.php/12192-FLOWERS-in-BALBOA-PARK