In this Issue

2

A Month of Assemblies Pastor Scott Daniels discusses the upcoming schedule of District and General Assemblies while highlighting key issues that will be discussed by Nazarenes from across the globe.

Happenings is a magazine publication of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (PazNaz). It is designed to highlight the Church’s ministries and activities. For a complete overview of PazNaz, beliefs, and ministries, please visit the website at www.paznaz.org. HAPPENINGS Issue #51—June 2009 The Magazine of PazNaz 3700 East Sierra Madre Boulevard Pasadena, California 91107 626.351.9631 Fax: 626.351.5160 www.paznaz.org

PazNaz News Women’s Ministries Student Ministries An Article from the Pastor In His Image: Special Needs Ministries Pasadena PrimeTime Early Childhood Ministries Childhood Ministries Worship and Celebration Arts

2 3 4 6 8 8 9 10 1 1

6

PazNaz News The NMI Convention Comes to PazNaz

The Prescott/Ragains and Schendel Missionary Chapters will not be meeting in the month of June. In their place, consider attending the Nazarene Missions International District Convention, June 10 and 11, at PazNaz. You’ll be inspired by what God is doing around the world!

Nursery News PazNaz would like to welcome Precious-Julez Victoria Gillette to the world. She was born May 11 to Melody Gillette.

PazNaz presents

For families with children ages 2 - 12! Come for a fun-filled family evening of games, activities, and worship designed to encourage and build up the family.

Fam’ Jam 09 Dates: July 14 - 17 Time: 6:30-8:15 pm Optional Dinner at 5:45 pm for $3 per person

Summer Bible Study Join the ladies of PazNaz on Wednesdays this summer for a Bible Study with video lessons featuring popular Christian author and humorist Liz Curtis Higgs. The study is offered July 1, 8, 22, and 29 in the mornings from 9:30-11:00 am or in the evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm. For more information contact Debbie Wong at 626.375.7297 (for am study) or Phyllis Utterback at 818.241.8168 (for pm study). FREE childcare will be provided with RSVP to Debbie Hammock at 626.351.2475.

Mark your calendars today because Make Lemonade is hosting a “Picnic in the Park” on June 27 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at Victory Park. Contact Carri Siraganian at 626.277.7542 by June 21 to RSVP or for more information.

Director of Women’s Ministries: Debbie Daniels

Email: ddaniels@paznaz.org

Phone: 626.351.2429

Women’s Ministries

3

Monrovia for some summer sun. To RSVP contact Debbie Daniels at ddaniels@paznaz.org or 626.351.9631. FREE childcare will be provided from 1:30-4:30 pm at the PazNaz campus with RSVP to Debbie Hammock at 626.351.2475. Bunco Night - July 30 PazNaz ladies are putting on their game face for a night of Bunco on Thursday, July 30, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Lisa Vitko is hosting this FUN101 event at her home. Bring a dessert or snack to share…or just bring yourself! The address is 9543 Broadway Unit 6, in Temple City. To RSVP contact Lisa Vitko at 626.375.2221. FREE childcare will be provided from 5:30-8:30 pm at the PazNaz campus with RSVP to Debbie Hammock at 626.351.2475. Decoupage Craft - August 13 Put on your creative caps and role up your sleeves ladies…it’s time to do some crafts! Join the women of PazNaz as they create elegant decoupage mirrors. The cost is only $5 and NO artistic ability is needed! Not only do you get to take home your design, the night will be filled with laughter and a great time with girlfriends. Join us August 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm in Gilmore Hall. Bring a dessert or snack to share…or just bring yourself! RSVP to Nicole Johnson by August 10 at nicolemosaics@gmail.com or 626.215.6941. FREE childcare will be provided from 6:00-8:00 pm with RSVP to Debbie Hammock at 626.351.2475.

FUN:101 Thursday Nights This Summer

Farmers Market - June 18 The ladies of PazNaz are heading to the South Pasadena Farmers Market. Meet at PazNaz at 5:30 pm to carpool. Dinner, shopping and quality time with girlfriends are all part of this FUN101 night out. To RSVP contact Phyllis Utterback at 818.241.8168. FREE childcare will be provided from 5:30-8:30 pm at the PazNaz campus with RSVP to Debbie Hammock at 626.351.2475. Bowling - July 2 Can you "spare" some time this summer to get together with girlfriends? Join the women of PazNaz as Fun 101 goes bowling. On July 2, from 2:00-4:00 pm, join us at the AMF Bowling Square Lanes at 1020 South Baldwin Ave, Arcadia for bowling. The $9 includes 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, popcorn, soda, dessert, and connecting time with other women in the community. To RSVP contact Debbie Wong at debbie@debbiewong.net or 626.375.7297. FREE childcare will be provided from 1:30-4:30 pm at the PazNaz campus with RSVP to Debbie Hammock at 626.351.2475. Pool Day - July 16 Want some time to relax by the pool with girlfriends? Here is your chance! Debbie Daniels is hosting a ladies day of swimming and laying out poolside at her home. On July 16, from 2:00-4:00 pm come to 625 West Hillcrest in

Summer is HereSo join Women’s Ministries for some fun!

Weekly Activities Sundays Student Worship - 9:15-10:15 am Room 134, Meguiar Youth Center

College Class - 9:15-10:15 am Room 149 B, Reed Hall Wednesdays Evening Activities - 7:00-8:15 pm Sr. High Room 134, Meguiar Youth Center Jr. High Room 132, Meguiar Youth Center

Christmas in June Friday, June 5, 6:00-9:00 pm At the Nocita’s House Cost is $10 Because there are so many holiday parties in December, PazNaz Student Ministries is hosting one in June to kick-off summer activities. Students are invited to wear scarves, hats, mittens, and their ugliest sweaters. Dinner and games will be provided. Bring a friend and get ready to do a bit of caroling. The neighbors will be so surprised. Happy Holidays! All Youth Beach Day Thursday, June 18, 9:00 am-5:00pm Cost is $10 Students and ministry staff will enjoy a day of fun at Zuma Beach, Malibu. Sign up in the Student Ministries Office. Vehicle seats are limited. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

Student Ministries

4

Pastor Keegan Lenker Email: klenker@paznaz.org Phone: 626.351.2436

In preparation for the Mission Trips this summer to Toronto, Canada and San Francisco, California, I’ve learned a lot about myself.

You see, for students to be eligible to go on these trips they have to memorize 20-25 Bible verses, attend the fundraisers, attend monthly training meetings, and be active attendees in the life of the ministry.

This year we have 16 students eligible to go who will be giving of themselves to serve and live out Christ-likeness in a way that is visible outside the walls of the church building. While this will be my eighth year doing these trips, the t ra in ing meet ings are beginning to reveal something about myself that I’m not sure I l ike, yet acknowledge i t ’s something that I need God to change.

Student Ministries did an activity in the last training meeting where everyone was asked to express thoughts out loud that they have had about the homeless or those considered less fortunate than ourselves. Everyone had 20 seconds to do so and in 20 seconds I was shocked to hear the realities of my heart.

I began to hear myself share

that those less fortunate than myself are not people I go out of my way to help. I wait to help only when they cross my path. This was bothersome to me as someone who desires to see people as they are– people. I get so caught up in my life that helping the hurting only happens when it is convenient for me.

As I begin to think about myself in the city serving in an urban setting, I’m asking God to help me see those less fortunate as the people they are. Life is so valuable and amazing when people are sharing life with each other.

There are some opportunities today for us to be a people that see people as they are. I’m not interested in just making this something for a week in my summer, but interested in seeing how I can make that an active part of my life every day.

-Pastor Keegz

J

An Article from the Pastor...

6

June 24-July 3 Nazarenes from around the world will be gathering in Orlando, Florida for General Assembly. Every four years delegates representing the denomination from every part of the world gather to celebrate, but also to vote on leadership, issues of polity, and sometimes even issues of theology. This will be my fourth time to attend General Assembly and my second time as a delegate. Being a delegate is an honor, but it is also a tremendous amount of work. There is always a sense of excitement when the global church gets together, but here are the issues that I think will be the most interesting.

Election of General Superintendents

The Church of the Nazarene has six General Superintendents who serve as the pr imary overseers of the denomination. They travel separately during much of the year officiating at District Assemblies around the world and ordaining ministers into the denomination. Three of the current General Superintendents will be retiring at Assembly, so delegates will be responsible for electing at least three

June will be a very busy month for a few of us around here because it is packed with assemblies. June 10-12 Nazarenes from around the Los Angeles District will be gathering at PazNaz for District Assembly. During those three days the seventy-or-so churches that make up this district will be celebrating what God has been doing in the areas of missions, discipleship, and worship this last year as well as voting on representatives for the various district leadership teams.

Pastor T. Scott Daniels Email: sdaniels@paznaz.org Phone: 626.351.2414

7

new leaders. It is not unusual for an assembly to have to replace one or two retiring Superintendents, but after this assembly at least half the board of Generals will be new.

At the last General Assembly in 2005 delegates elected the first woman GS – Nina Gunter. This was a very significant boundary broken and an important leadership statement for the church. There is a very good chance that a couple of other barriers might be broken in this year’s assembly. Many assume that at least one non-American will be elected. This would be the first time that someone from outside the States would serve in the church’s highest office. There is also a chance that a non-Anglo could be elected. Either or both occurring would make powerful statements about the multi-cultural nature of the Church of the Nazarene.

The International Delegates Each time the Nazarenes gather for

General Assembly the number of delegates from outside the United States increases. There are more members of the denomination outside of North America than inside. Although many of the international districts are not self-supporting yet and therefore are not granted delegates to assembly, and although it is sometimes very difficult to get international delegates into the States for assembly, the perspective and power of Nazarenes outside of America continues to grow.

The perspective of Nazarenes from around the world is vital to the church’s future and it is always fascinating to hear various global voices during debates in committee and on the floor of the Assembly. But there are also unique challenges for every different world region. There has been some talk about creating different Manuals (books of order) for each world region. The idea is that the first section of the Manual which covers our theology would remain the same, but that each world area would be allowed some latitude in how they form their congregations and what polity they use. I don’t know if that will happen this year or not. But the unique challenge of being one church in over 150 different countries is a fascinating one.

The Financial Crisis Every time General Assembly rolls

around there are resolutions that come to the floor that have to do with financial resources. For example, for the sake of saving money, there are always resolutions to move General Assembly from every four years to every six, eight, or even ten years. There are also resolutions regarding reorganization at the district level in order to save resources. Most of those resolutions have to do with merging districts in order to make them larger and decrease overhead costs for local congregations.

Usually these kinds of proposed structure changes are discussed for a bit on the floor but gain little traction. However, in light of the global financial crisis some of the resolutions for major structural change may gain steam. People around the world are extremely sensitive right now about how resources should be spent and so it will be interesting to see if major cost-cutting resolutions will be popular with delegates this time around.

Denominational Budgets For many years local Nazarene

churches have given back to the denomination based upon a formula derived from the amount of money spent on ministry. This has meant that money spent on land or facilities serves as a deduction from a local church’s denominational budgets. The formula has always been a little complicated and has often not been equitable because it favors large churches paying on buildings while hurting small churches carrying little or no debt.

A new formula has been proposed that would move denominational responsibilities away from a tax on ministry money spent to become a tithe of all money raised by the local church. There are various formulas for how that tithe would be divided between the four areas denominational budgets cover, but the basic idea is to shift from taxation on expenses to a tithe on what is raised.

This has the potential to be a very lively debate. The change would greatly benefit small churches. For example, a small church that owns their building and raises $200,000 a year probably pays about $43,000 in denominational

budgets currently because nearly all their resources are put back into ministry. Under the new system they would pay $20,000 to $23,000. On the other hand, if a large church raises $6,000,000 a year and has a debt on their building of $8,000,000 they probably pay about $400,000 in denominational budgets under the current system because they are able to deduct their facility expenses. Under an income system their budgets would become $600,000 to $720,000 a year.

I think everyone agrees that a new system needs to be put in place that is easier and more equitable. But as you can see in the examples I gave above, it also has the potential to be quite an explosive issue.

Generational and Theological Shifts

The church is also dealing with changing demographics and an increasingly post-denominat ional culture. It seems that as each General Assembly goes by fewer people in the local church are concerned with what takes place at the denominational level. What will General Assemblies look like in 20 years? Who will attend?

It is always the case that there are theological conversations going on in the church. But the rise of the internet has given some Nazarenes, who I believe exist at the fringe theologically, an accessible voice. Blogs and websites have allowed attacks on various individuals to take place in very visible ways before Assembly. It will be interesting to see if coalitions have been created on-line that will try to have influence on the Assembly.

It should be a very interesting time in Orlando. I will confess that my favorite part of Assembly is not in committee or on the floor but drinking coffee in the hallway and being part of the worship service on Sunday morning with 40,000 to 60,000 folk. It should be an eventful and fascinating gathering of Nazarenes in Orlando. I promise to represent PazNaz well and to give those who care about it a full run down when I get home.

- Pastor Scott Daniels

It seems that as each General Assembly goes by fewer people in the local church are concerned with what takes

place at the denominational level. What will General Assemblies look like in 20 years? Who will attend?

PrimeTimers Volunteering at PazNaz

Children’s Classes Sundays at 9:15 am and 10:30 am Inclusion Classes Students have the opportunity to participate in a classroom with their peers. A volunteer will be assigned to children or youth who need assistance based on availability of volunteers. Contact Pastor Julie Keith for inclusion placement.

Special Education Classroom Rooms 122 & 123, Arms Hall These classrooms use an adapted Bible curriculum for special needs children. Participants learn in a safe and supportive environment geared towards their own special needs.

Oasis Adult Ministry Sundays at 9:15 am Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Room 115, Lower Sanctuary Oasis is a time of fellowship, Bible study, and connection for teens and adults with special needs. Please come, bring a friend, and study the parables of Jesus. Oasis will not be meeting on June 17 or 24, but will resume on July 1.

Pastor Julie Keith Email: jkeith@paznaz.org Phone: 626.351.2485

In His Image: Special Needs Ministries

Pastor Ridge Ireland Email: rireland@paznaz.org Phone: 626.351.2427

PrimeTimers Volunteering at PazNaz You are never too old to volunteer at PazNaz. One recent opportunity that PrimeTimers were involved in was the Eggs-travaganza in April. Thank you to everyone who was involved. I was pleased to see so many PrimeTimers at this event held for the surrounding community. There are even more events coming this summer that will give the PrimeTime Ministry more opportunities for participation. Watch for upcoming dates. Remember, you are never too old to volunteer for service, prayer, or giving back!

- Pastor Ridge Ireland

The Big Day! Sunday, June 7, is the BIG DAY! Drop by the PrimeTime/Guest Services office and check out all the events from June to December. Be prepared to sign up because you will have an opportunity to choose and pay for your favorite events.

Upcoming Events The three PrimeTime Choice day activities this summer are the Catalina Island tour on July 7, the Nethercutt Museum/America’s Guide Dog Training School tours on July 16, and the JPL tour on July 28. But wait...there’s more. There is the Alaska Cruise on August 15-22, the

Pasadena PrimeTime

Dad’s Retreat ‘09 During the first weekend of May, seven dads from PazNaz’s Special Needs Ministry got away for a few days at Lake Arrowhead. The dads enjoyed a time of connecting, sharing, and having fun in the mountains. Don’t worry moms, the next mom’s retreat will be in October.

Parent Connections and Sibshops On Hiatus for the Summer Parent Connections is taking a break during the summer. Please watch ministry update emails for special events and connecting times throughout the next few months. If you would like to be added to this email list, please email Rubina Haroutonian at rubinah@paznaz.org.

Mommy and Me Come enjoy playground time with the kids at PazNaz on Fridays, June 19 and 26, from 9:00-11:00 am. Bring a picnic lunch for your family and join this time of fellowship with others. Contact Angie Diamond for more information at angdiamond@yahoo.com or 626.577.5758.

Save the Date! Saturday, October 3, is the Second Annual Love Walk and Resource Fair.

Annual BBQ on September 11, the Oak Glen trip on October 15, the Knott’s Berry Farm trip on November 12, and on December 12 the PrimeTime favorite, Christmas Is, with the Citrus Singers.

Oklahoma! The PrimeTime annual visit to the Glendale Center Theatre happens on June 20 with the play Oklahoma. There is a waiting list for this event. If you are 55 years or older, please come by and see all the fun times available to YOU.

Dads on Retreat in May

8

Mark Your Calendar June 6 – Kid’s Night Out for June June 21 – Teddy Bear / Promotion Sunday (Preschool, Pre-K, K Classes) June 21 – Kindergarten Graduation Bible Ceremony at 9:00 am July 11 – Kid’s Night Out for July July 14-17 – Fam’ Jam evenings here at PazNaz

I have some great news! Many of you know that I have been taking classes toward becoming ordained. At the LA District Assembly on June 12th I will be ordained as a Deacon Pastor (an associate pastor). A person must meet three prerequisites: The call to ministry, the required education, and the experience working full time in the role as pastor. For me, becoming ordained is the destination, since I cannot see myself doing any job other than being a Pastor of Early Childhood.

God plans every person’s path. He knew my future and guided me to make choices in my life that all intersected with the role of Pastor of Early Childhood. I received Christ into my heart as a very young child. Later in my teen years, I realized the great cost that Christ paid for my sin. It was, and is, my desire to live my life for God, and I believe it was at that point that I was wholly sanctified. I chose to work with children, leading in the children’s church program when I was in high school. God led me to be an educator to continue working with children in the Christian school setting. I completed my California Teaching Credential and taught school for 13 years. When my family came to PazNaz in 1992 I started to volunteer in the Early Childhood Sunday school because our son was just 3 years old. I loved serving God in this department and, even though he transitioned out of the department, I stayed for 12 years as a volunteer in Early Childhood, under Pastor Esther Copeland’s

Pastor Eleanor Blosser Email: eblosser@paznaz.org Phone: 626.351.2469

Early Childhood Ministries

BIG NEWS! Kid’s Night Out Need an evening to catch up or go out? Need to find safe, affordable, and reliable childcare? You’ve found it! The first Saturday night of each month, Kid’s Night Out offers childcare for all ages in Room 228, Arms Hall, from 5:00-10:00 pm. There are safe, background-checked childcare workers each month and it’s an affordable price ($10 one child / $20 two+ children). Please register and pay by the preceding Wednesday of the month at the Women’s Ministry cart on the patio on Sundays or in the church office during the week. You can contact Pastor Eleanor for more information.

Best Wishes Shannon McNammara is engaged to be married! Best wishes to her as she gets ready to move. She will be leaving the E.C. Kindergarten 9:00 am class and PazNaz. Thank you for volunteering in the Early Childhood Department, Shannon. You’ve been a devoted and fun teacher.

10

ministry. After she retired, I was asked to apply for the Early Childhood position. I had never considered myself in this role. Could I do this job? God put the pieces in place and I knew that since He was leading, He would equip me to do the work that He called me to do. I would trust Him to do that. “Yes, Lord, send me,” became my prayer. I have been serving as Pastor of Early Childhood for the past 4 ½ years. It is now my passion.

To reach the educational goal, a person must comple te 24 undergraduate classes ranging from the Bible, missions, Nazarene History and Polity and Wesleyan Holiness. Because I am a graduate of Biola University, many of the Bible classes I took fulfilled the Bible requirements for being ordained. I have completed other Bible study courses, such as Bible Study Fellowship’s 7 year program. I have also taken graduate courses in Christian Education and Christian School Administration. Christ certainly uses a person’s education, jobs, careers, life experiences and the God-given talents to weave a tapestry that will one day be presented for the glory of God.

- Pastor Eleanor Blosser

from Pastor Eleanor Blosser Volunteer Shannon McNamara on Hat Day

End of School Year Pool Party at the Morris’ Home Saturday, June 6, 2009 11:00 am - 1:30 pm Cost: Free

Calling all children grades 1-5 and their families! Bring your picnic blankets, lunches, swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen. There will be a lifeguard on duty. Please RSVP to Pastor Matt by June 3.

4th & 5th Grade Promotion Pool Party at the Daniels’ Home 625 W. Hillcrest Blvd, Monrovia, 91016 Saturday, June 13, 2009 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Cost: $3 per person, $10.00 max per family

Come eat and swim with your friends and Pastor Keegan and Matt. Incoming 6th graders’ parents and families are invited to come meet Keegan and hear more about the Jr. High Ministry at PazNaz. Please RSVP to Pastor Matt by June 10.

Promotion Sunday June 14 - 5th graders will move up to Jr. High. Meet at 9:00 am in Room 134, Gilmore Hall

June 21 - Kindergarten through 4th graders will move up to their new grades.

Funday Mondays (and a Tuesday) Monday, June 29 at Boomers 10:00 am-4:00 pm Cost: $25 includes transportation, lunch, and all attractions/golf. Video games are not included. Mark your calendars for more summer fun on July 13, July 20, July 28, August 3, and August 10.

Pastor Matt Schilz Email: mattschilz@paznaz.org Phone: 626.351.2487

Children’s Ministries

11

Forest Home Summer Camp 2009

Summer Camp is coming for 2nd-5th

graders, June 21-27. Cost is $350. Registration and information is available in the children’s department. Payment is due June 14. There are 12 spots available for Indian Village and 12 for Adventure Mountain. Please make checks payable to PazNaz.

Campers can still sell tickets for the Spaghetti Luncheon Sunday, June 7 in Gilmore Hall to help raise money for camp. See Pastor Matt for more information.

Parents and church leaders, PNK still needs a female counselor for Adventure Mountain and a male counselor for Indian Village. Contact Pastor Matt Schilz for more information about this amazing experience.

Wacky Wednesday Evenings Beginning June 3, 7:00-8:30 pm

Wednesday evenings this summer are going to be WILD as PazNaz Kidz learn about God’s people, who followed God even when God gave them weird and wacky things to do. They’ll hear the stories of biblical heroes such as Noah, Joshua, Gideon, and Samson. Mix these stories with wacky games and activities, and you have a recipe for summer madness at PazNaz.

You will want your children to wear clothes that can get a little messy as they will participate in relays and games that may include chocolate syrup, shaving cream, etc.

Spaghetti Dinner Saturday, June 6, 6:15 pm Sunday, June 7, 12:15 pm

PazNaz Kidz presents its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, June 6, after the 5:00 pm service and Sunday, June 7, after the 10:30 am service in Gilmore Hall. Join the rest of the PazNaz family for a delicious meal where all proceeds help send kids to camp this summer. Donations of spaghetti noodles and sauce are requested and can be dropped off at HeBrews. You can also help by purchasing a ticket to the meal in the Guest Services office on Sundays. Tickets are only $5 in advance, or $6 at the door.

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER WITH PAZNAZ KIDZ