Opening celebration on Thursday night was well attended from people across the District . The Worship team was composed of members from Springfield First, Flora, Pittsfield and Granite City Iglesia del Nazareno. They did an incredible job in leading us into the presence of the Lord. The Spirit of God was real and close.
The combined convention of SDMI, NMI & NYI was an energized day. The youth praise team from Casey did out-standing. These young people were talented and Spirit-led as they prepared our hearts to enter the presence of the Lord. District SDMI Chairperson, B.J. Thelander (PBJ); NMI President, Sandy Stickler; and NYI President, Jared Bouton (Pastor Jear Bear), encouraged and challenged us to be involved in Discipleship, Missions and Youth Ministry.
Friday afternoon the Convention continued with the KZ youth praise band and special speaker, Brian Utter. His message was excellent and presented a great proclamation, “I HAVE TO!”
The Ordination Service on Friday evening was a highlight. Dr. David Graves, Jurisdictional General Superintendent, presented a powerful message, challenging us to consider “What Compels Us?”
Saturday morning DS Terry Armstrong presented his report, highlighting the wonderful work of our pastors, introduced Pastor Juan Ricapito and the charter members of Carbondale Nuevos Comienzos, and two new registered church plants – Be.Church with Pastor Cameron Davis and Sparrow Church with Pastor Danaka Bulthuis. Sharing also about the initial work of reaching Hispanics in Anna.
Other election results of the day:
District Advisory Board: Greg Breeden, Sonia Samayoa and Jim German were added to the board.
ONU Board of Trustees: Mark Copley and Cindy Lewis.
At the SDMI Convention the following were elected to the District SDMI Council: B.J. Thelander, Chairperson, Cindy Frye, and Adam Franklin. The rest of the elected council include: Tim Mondy, Wade Stine, Jerimy Wooley and Lori Workman.
SDMI is challenging each of our churches to discover ways to disciple one another on the journey of grace – prevenient grace, saving grace and sanctifying grace. This is not a program but a journey with Christ.
NYI ELECTION RESULTS
Early Youth Representatives – Josh Lewis & Mary McClain
Senior Youth Representatives – Kaitlyn Freesmeyer & Colby McDonald
Young Adult Representatives – Joanna Alvord & Harrison Ford
Area Representatives – Mike Flower, Craig Smith, Beau Cotton & Ryan Crawley
NMI ELECTION RESULTS
President — Sandy Stickler
Secretary – Teresa Taylor
LINKS Coordinator— Jane Crandall
Deputation Coordinator — Myrna Anglin
Hispanic Coordinator – Sonia Samayoa
Council Members Unassigned — Debbie Brandon