August 2008

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March 2008

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"Hope 08". HOPE’08 has been launched across the UK. It has been described as "a grassroots initiative" and gives to the church "a huge opportunity to impact this nation like never before." Rev Nicky Gumbel has said, "HOPE’08 is bringing people and churches together, serving God and the local community. It is amazing to see so many people from across the country involved." The Church of the Nazarene enthusiastically supports HOPE and encourages our churches and people to be involved in this movement for evangelism and community outreach.
In December "A Naztivity Panto" was enjoyed by many people at the Parkhead, Glasgow Church. Presented over three nights, 6th,7th,8th December, the panto was written and produced by David Wills and performed by the Parkhead Drama Group. The production contained all the fun of a traditional pantomine, with songs and a horse and even a dame. The audiences, which numbered between 70 and 100 each night, participated with loud cheers and boos. Most importantly the miracle of the Christmas Story and the good news of Christ’s birth was clearly portrayed.

[Parkhead Events Gallery]








November 2007

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"Irvine Troon Initiative". I.T.I. was officially launched on the 28th September with a buffet and celebratory worship in the South Beach Hotel, Troon. In a new (initially 2 year) partnership our churches in Irvine and Troon have adopted a team ministry of Pastors Des Robinson and Claire Fender. Provision has also been made to bring a third member to the pastoral team. This team will offer pastoral leadership, conduct services, bring teaching, envision and practically equip both congregations. The key lies within the congregations who will be encouraged to share their strengths in ministry. Specific teams, made up of members from both churches, will head up specific ministries to both churches. Fifty volunteers have already given themselves to ALPHA which became the first program of I.T.I. and is currently running in the Troon church on Sunday evenings (23rd Sept. to 16th Dec). Many of these came together for a prayer breakfast in Irvine and then went out on the streets of Troon as part of the launch. The same team will present ALPHA in the Irvine church in the new year. Also planned are joint ‘walk across the room’ and ’40 days of community’ programmes. In mid-October a three-day children’s club promoted a new weekly children’s work in the Troon church. Again the team of workers is made up of members from both churches.
The District Church Family Holiday was held 28th July-3rd August at Queen Ethelburga’s College, near York with approx 130 of all ages attending. Thanks to Steve Clarkson and his staff for another great holiday. Speakers this year included, Rev Deirdre Brower-Latz (Manchester), Rev Trevor Hutton (NTC/Momentum), Bill & Nicole Radtke (Perth), & Missionary to the Middle East, Rev Philip Rodebush. Dates for next year’s Northbreak are, 26th July-1st August, and Queen Ethelburga’s College has been booked.

[Northbreak Website]








June 2007

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This issue of “TOGETHER” contains reports and pictures of the recent District Conventions & Assembly, held over the weekend, 16th-19th March. The weekend was a very positive time of encouragement and inspiration, with General Superintendent, Dr Paul G. Cunningham preaching and chairing the business sessions. The District Superintendent, Rev Colin H. Wood, was re-elected for a further 2-year term. Congratulations to those who were ordained, Rev Calum Crombie, Rev Clive Tutty & Rev Lorna Tutty. Ministry awards were presented to the following churches, Irvine (Sunday School Shield); Perth Trinity (Grace Mann Award); Belfast Megain Memorial (Les & Gladys Hands Award). The “Servant Leadership Award” was presented to Rev Margaret Vosper for services to Women’s Ministries. District organisations continue to be led by, Paul Wallace (Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries); Cathy Tarrant (Nazarene Missions International); Richard Wood (Nazarene Youth International). Congratulations to those who have been elected to serve in district positions, Rev W. Desmond Robinson & Alison Hoy (District Advisory Board) and Dr Chris Woodcock (College Governor). See page 2 for more District Assembly pictures.
Approximately 400 attended the annual Sunday School Sports held again at the Crownpoint Sports Complex in the east-end of Glasgow. The team from Perth, retained the trophy they won last year but every child who took part [and those not so young] were all winners.The evening rally and presentation of awards was held in the Sharpe Memorial Church, Parkhead, and the Parkhead Praise Group, and Rev Ian Wills (Speaker) brought the day to a fitting end.

Thanks to James Hawthorn and James Barclay [the new and the old] Sports Director. And thanks also to the team who travelled all the way from Cramlington.

[More pictures in the gallery]










December 2006

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The Sharpe Memorial Church of the Nazarene, Parkhead, celebrated 100 years of ministry and witness in Glasgow’s East End over the weekend 29th September – 1st October. General Superintendent Dr Jerry D. Porter was the special speaker, and one of the highlights of the weekend was a Civic Dinner, hosted by the Glasgow City Council, held in the grand hall of the City Chambers which nearly 250 members, past and present, and invited guests, attended. A booklet, tracing the history of the church from 1906 to the present day, has been produced (56 pages, containing many pictures), and these are available from the church.
Leadership Skills for a New Generation: Set up as a partner to the church in leadership development out of "a holy discontent" that local leadership is not as effective as it should be, 5 Nazarenes from central Scotland have formed the leadership development group "New Heights". The group's tag line is "Leadership skills for a New Generation" pointing to the truth that God is just as capable of bringing growth for the church in the United Kingdom and Europe today, as He is of bringing revival in Africa or Latin America, if we will get on-side. Many registered for the first event in November '06. Visit the New Heights website for details of the next event in May '07
Over 80 people gathered in the Belfast First Church for the NMI Celebration held on Saturday 9 September 2006. The guest speaker was Rev Trino Jara originally from Costa Rica and currently ministering as coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries in Africa. Trino brought a challenging audio visual presentation focusing on a project in Swaziland for women and children affected by the AIDS pandemic. Tanya McConkey interviewed other guests including Karen Van Gilder, Christi DiFalco, and Simone Finney from the Eurasia Region giving them opportunity to share about their call and work in Missions. Elizabeth & Stephen Wallace led a lively power point World Mission ‘Honesty Quiz’. The Praise, Music, Hospitality and Media provided by the Belfast First Church all added special dimensions to the evening and a generous offering was raised for the project in Africa.
NTC Graduation. On Saturday 24th June NTC welcomed former students of Hurlet, Beech Lawn, Emmanuel College and NTC. This was a wonderful time of reminiscence and recognising many ‘old faces’. Graduation took place in the Whitworth Hall of M a n c h e s t e r University, when 4 graduates from the North District received their degrees. Pictured from left to right: Rev I. Barrie Thomas, Mary Wood and Pastor M i c h e l l e Sowerby. Dr Paul Tarrant (not in the photograph) also graduated.
A Work & Witness team from Fort Myers, Florida, USA led by their Senior Pastor Rev Joey Brummett (back row underneath open window) conducted outreach work in this popular west coast seaside town from 29th July to 6th August. Norman McCullough told Nazarene News that they had had a great time of fellowship with fellow Nazarenes. One young lady, Suzie Hunt (front row far left) enjoyed it so much she has returned, to Largs, and is working with Rev Trish Laird.
Cramlington pastor, Rev Steve Chism, welcomed 11 new members into the fellowship of the church on Sunday evening 10th December. Pictured left to right: Ian Lisle (Church Secretary), Robert and Bev Fitzjohn, Sharon and Mark Simpson, Dorothy Neil, Viviann Gribbon, Helen, Aimee & Adam Downie, Pam and Andy Wiltshire and Rev Steve Chism.


June 2006

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The 53rd Annual Assembly was held 17th-20th March 2006 in Paisley and Glasgow, and in addition to the Conventions and Business Sessions, the Centenary of the work of the Church of the Nazarene was celebrated at a special service held in the historic Sharpe Memorial Church, Parkhead, Glasgow on Monday evening, 20th March. Special Awards were presented to the following churches: Bethany & Houston (Grace Mann award), Glasgow Sharpe Memorial (Les & Gladys Hands award), Houston (Sunday School Shield). Jim Jeffrey (Irvine) was presented with a special “Servant Leadership” award for his work as Children’s Quizzing Director
Over one hundred and twenty people from all over the British Isles North District joined in singing Reginald Heber’s hymn ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!’ to start the SS Ministries Convention held on 18 March 2006. The convention continued with a note of thanks and praise for God’s leading and guiding during another year of ministry, people spontaneously stood to worship as they sang ‘Outrageous Grace!’. Leaders brought highlights from the Sports, Women’s, Children’s Quizzing, Camp and Mission Excellence Ministries. Another stimulating highlight of the convention was Lucy Hedges live ‘See and Know’ presentation. With the help of colleagues and ‘real’ children Lucy related first hand in a dynamic way how ‘See and Know’ provides effective Parent and Toddler Ministry in the Houston local church. People were blessed and greatly encouraged through Lynn McClean Birkinshaw’s closing address. Lynn shared on a personal level how people in SS Ministries influenced her journey through life, bringing her to faith in Christ, and how the Church now continues to give her a place of service for the Kingdom.
Sport’s Day was held on Saturday 6th May, in Glasgow. The rally was held in the Sharpe Memorial Church, Parkhead, where the medals and trophies were presented. Jim Barclay, was given a special presentation for his many years as Sports Director, and his successor, James Hawthorn, was introduced. Missionaries from Mozambique, Dr Dave & Rhoda Restrick, spoke at the rally
Mrs Cathie Souter – longstanding member of the Perth Church of the Nazarene, wife of Mr Iain Souter, and mother of Ann (Gloag), Rev David Souter, & Brian Souter – died Thursday, 1st June. She was 93. The funeral and Service of Thanksgiving for Mrs Cathie Souter’s life was held on Wednesday 7th June in a packed Perth Trinity church, followed by interment in Scone cemetery. Born in a top floor flat in Perth, Cathie McColl was the seventh of ten children born to Ann & William McColl. Life for the family was hard, and Cathie left school at 14 to work in Pullars’ dry cleaning factory, which helped to support her mother as her father had an alcohol problem. After attending night school to obtain shorthand and typing skills, Cathie secured employment at the War Records Office. In 1939 a friendship began with Iain Souter, who was a shepherd, and Iain & Cathie were married in 1941 – they were married just a few days short of 65 years. In a tribute brought on behalf of the family, Brian Souter spoke of his mother’s love for her family, her concern for people, her budgeting skills, her faithfulness to the church, and her readiness to share the love of Jesus with others in word and in deed. Brian Souter described his mother in three ways, first, as one who Embraced God’s Book and who followed carefully its teaching - concerning marriage, stewardship, “serving the Lord with gladness”. And by putting God first in everything…even to checking up that the church ‘Open Door Trip’ didn’t clash with an invitation to join with others at a ‘Save The Children’ event at Buckingham Palace! She also Emulated Christ’s Example – she had a passion for people. Her own mother had been involved in helping feed some of the poorest people in Perth, and Cathie developed this ministry of helping others and caring for the needy and lonely. She was also a woman of prayer, and her last diary, for 2004, is full of answers to prayer. And she, Experienced God’s Power and Presence. At the age of 18, in the Perth Church of the Nazarene, she decided to give her whole life to Jesus Christ, and this experience determined her values and motivated her consistently throughout her life. Concluding his tribute Brian Souter said, “…as a small child of 10 my mother led me to Christ one Sunday evening after a church service. I then really understood why she was different as I too experienced God’s forgiveness and entered a personal relationship with Christ. Right to the end she experienced God’s presence. Only four weeks ago the doctor intimated she was dying and phoned the family to come. I was sitting by her bedside when, much to my amazement, she opened her eyes and said clearly and lucidly, “…tell the world Jesus is alive”. She then went on to describe her preview of heaven and as I sat at her bedside I realised that, not only had she taught us how to live, now she was teaching us how to die ready to meet her Maker. …she was a remarkable woman who lived a marvellous life because she found a wonderful Saviour.”
CALLED TO BE SAINTS A Centenary History of the Church of the Nazarene in the British Isles 1906- 2006. “…this book is a must for all UK Nazarenes…” – Dr David McCulloch (Principal of Nazarene Theological College). Copies available – at £10.00 – from local churches, or contact the District Office Cheques payable to Church of the Nazarene and please add £2.00 for postage where necessary.