Thoughts from Olivia

Dustin and I were in Branson, MO with other District Superintendents from the USA/Canada Region last week. This was a meaningful time of retreat and education. The theme was “Imagine Kingdom Power/Future/Mission.” We really do need a holy imagination as we consider how to live and minister in this place and time. 

This caused me to think of the familiar story of Peter walking on the water from Matthew 14:22-33. The disciples were afraid they were seeing a ghost when Jesus approached them in the storm. When they realized it was Him, Peter asked Jesus to call him out on the water too. Jesus said, “Come!” and Peter did. We know what happened. It was scary. Peter started to sink. Jesus saved him. In the midst of this Jesus said, “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” It seems obvious to us, doesn’t it? We don’t walk on water. It isn’t done. But we also know that with Jesus things are different. When we have faith we capture His imagination and we enter into His Kingdom. But Jesus says Peter’s faith is weak. 

Something that helped me many years ago was learning that any time Jesus says people have weak faith we need to pause. It feels like He might be frustrated, disappointed, or ashamed in these moments. However, there is another way to look at it. Jesus has more faith in us than we have in ourselves. He invited Peter to come, not to shame him, not as an object lesson, but because Jesus had faith in him to join Him there. Be encouraged today! Jesus has faith in you to be who He has called you to be! With that truth in mind, I’m hopeful and filled with faith as we imagine what God wants to do in and through us on the Upstate district. He’s inviting us to come. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him as we do. He believes we can do it. With his strong faith buoying us up, let’s get out on that water together with Jesus.

Leadership Team Retreat

November 5-7, 2021, Greek Peak Resort: Reserve Today!

We are thrilled to announce that the District Advisory Board has decided to underwrite all the registration costs of this retreat. All lead pastors and staff members need to reserve and pay for their own housing, but there will be no additional cost for you! We know this has been a challenging season of ministry and wanted to ease some of the financial burden. Please fill out this registration form so we know how many are coming. To reserve your room you will need to call the reservation desk at 1-800-955-2754. Our Group Reservation Confirmation number is 249855 and the group name is "Church of the Nazarene." If you need additional financial help to attend, reply to this email. Scholarships are available! If you don’t need this additional help with the registration costs because your church has it budgeted, consider sending the district a check for $70 for one registration or $140 for a couple to attend. Mark in the memo “Leadership Team Retreat.” This money will help us with scholarships.

Pastor Groups
We advertised in last month's newsletter our desire to help facilitate small groups for pastors. There is no doubt that these last 16 months have been difficult and even isolating. We want to help you feel more connected and give you the opportunity to invest in colleagues on the Upstate district. If you haven't yet filled out our Google form to let us know you are interested then do so before the end of this month. We'll be forming groups to start in October. 

              Lead/Senior Pastors Form           Associate Pastors Form