NCN NEWS WEEKLY SUMMARY

June 5, 2002
Combined US/Canada & International Edition
INT'LWS 0222
Senior Editor: David J. Felter

News This Week
Possible Unified U.S. District in Texas
Lay Ministry a Priority
South American Women to Conference
Housing Allowance Protected
Out Of Africa
Prayer Mobilization Line
Personal Notes
Nazarene Collegiate News
Employment Opportunities
NCN Broadcast Schedule

San Antonio, Houston districts consider unification
With the approval of the Board of General Superintendents, the San Antonio District Advisory Council met with the Houston District Advisory Council on May 28 to discuss appointing Duane Srader as San Antonio District superintendent; Srader already is superintendent of the Houston District and would lead both districts concurrently if the proposal is approved.

The proposal follows the retirement of James R. Blankenship, who has stepped down after 22 years as San Antonio District superintendent. His retirement was announced during the district's 2002 assembly, held April 25-27 at Grace Church of the Nazarene in Austin. Keven Wentworth, pastor of Beavercreek Church of the Nazarene in Dayton, Ohio, was elected on the 12th ballot to succeed Blankenship but declined. The assembly then asked the responsible general superintendent, in consultation with the San Antonio District Advisory Council, to fill the position by appointment.

General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf presided over the joint council meeting with assistance from General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter. The two advisory councils unanimously approved the concept of Srader serving in both capacities for a one- or two-year period, and each council called for a special meeting on its district to gather feedback from pastors and laypersons. Porter will lead the San Antonio District meeting on June 8; Middendorf will lead the Houston District meeting on June 11.

Srader recently was unanimously re-elected to a four-year term as Houston District Superintendent. If also appointed superintendent of the San Antonio District, he will be responsible for 94 active congregations, 47 on each district. The districts would continue to function as separate entities under his leadership but would begin a study to consider unifying in 2004. The resulting combined district would have nearly 14,000 members and raise nearly $14 million for all purposes.

Motivating the merger dialog is the districts' desire to reach South Texas more effectively. The area has 12 million residents, 36 percent of whom are unchurched.
--Board of General Superintendents

Center for Lay Ministry expands
Gary Morsch, President of the Center for Lay Ministry, announces an expansion of this important ministry partner organization. Randy Cloud has joined the staff of the Center for Lay Ministry as Executive Director and Joy Hartke as Administrative Assistant. The Center for Lay Ministry operates on behalf of the Church of the Nazarene as a creative resource to provide ministry opportunities for lay people, working closely with Sunday School Ministries, USA/Canada Mission/Evangelism, World Mission and NYI. The Center for Lay Ministry is dedicated to the mobilization of our church's laity in a multitude of service and ministry avenues. Such events as the General Assembly service project, One Heart Many Hands, and the International Congress on Lay Ministry and resource books such as Ministry, It's Not Just for Ministers and The Lay Ministry Revolution have been created and coordinated through the Center for Lay Ministry. Look for extended development from this partner organization in the months ahead as the call for lay participation in our church ministries continues to gain momentum.
--Center for Lay Ministry

"Privileged" South American women to meet
Four hundred women from the Cono-Sur and Brazil fields on the South America Region will come together October 24-27 for a conference themed "The Privilege of Being a Woman." The conference, set for the Libertador Hotel in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, is intended to help women understand their origin as God's handiwork and their roles and to challenge them to be messengers of hope. Study groups and lectures will help the women increase their spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Sessions will discuss serving God through family, church, and community, improving self-esteem, and understanding civil rights.
--JoAnn Leslie, South America regional office

New law enacted to protect a minister's housing allowance
On May 20, in a victory for ministers of all denominations, President Bush signed into law the "Clergy Housing Allowance Clarification Act of 2002." This law effectively reinstates the fair market rental value limitation for ordained clergy who claim a tax-exempt housing allowance. The law was designed to preempt a case (Warren v. Commissioner) in which the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals appeared poised to strike down the minister's housing allowance provision of the Internal Revenue Code. That loss would have cost ministers nationwide $500 million a year.

Now that the law has passed, Pensions and Benefits USA understands that the U.S. Justice Department intends to ask the Ninth Circuit to dismiss the Warren case, and that Circuit Courts rarely refuse such Justice Department petitions. However, even if the Circuit dismisses the case, the new law does not prevent future challenges to the constitutionality of the minister's tax-exempt housing allowance.

For additional information about this case, see the Pensions and Benefits USA web site at http://pensions.nazarene.org.
--Mike Williams, P&B

Out of Africa
Joanie Doerr, NCN - Africa, supplies all information for this summary.
Dr. J. Fred Huff reports
While in Kenya, Huff spoke several times at a conference for the East Field and the French Equatorial Field on May 22-25. The meetings were directed by Field Director Don Gardner, and attended by district superintendents and mission coordinators from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During the strategic planning sessions, Gardner led the participants through a process to set the top priorities for the field. According to Huff, these priorities were fully in line with the regional priorities. Huff commented: "There has been explosive growth on these two fields. Church leaders are working now toward discipling the won and deploying the disciples." Along with the planning sessions, attendees enjoyed a time of spiritual enrichment.

Africa Nazarene University
A spirit of jubilation marked the fifth graduation exercises for Africa Nazarene University. Under the canopy of a clear, African sky on the morning of May 25, family and friends numbering about 2,000 gathered for the celebration. The Africa Region's flagship university, which was born on the Athi plains of Kenya only eight years ago, had a record graduating class of 85 learners this year! After words of encouragement and challenge by Chancellor Dr. Robert Woodruff, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Leah Marangu conferred the degrees on the graduates. Degrees were given by the following departments: Theology Department gave nine degrees; Commerce Department gave 43 degrees; and, Computer Science Department gave 33 degrees.

Dr. Robert Brower, the President of Point Loma University in California, USA, gave the commencement address based on Isaiah 62:10. Addressing the graduates, Brower emphasized that they had entered the gates of the University four years ago, and would now pass back through the gates and into the world. Brower exhorted the graduates to impact the world with the message of Jesus. Also participating in the exercises were Dr. Jerry D. Lambert, the Education Commissioner of the International Board of Education, and Regional Director J. Fred Huff. Dr. Ken Walker, the Africa Region Education Coordinator, indicated: "This graduation was the best we have had to date!"

Walker reported that the Board of Trustees for ANU met the day prior to the graduation. One issue on the agenda of the Board of Trustees meeting was the progress of the matching scholarship funds. The Helstrom Foundation, in partnership with ANU, is providing ten scholarships for theological education for the 2002-2003 school year. For the next ten years, this partnership will contribute at least ten scholarships each year.

Particularly noteworthy is the news that approval was given by the Board to proceed with plans to build the Helstrom Multi-purpose Building, at an estimated cost of (USA)$1.3 million. ANU has a critical need for a chapel which can hold the rapidly expanding student body. The new building will include a 3,000 seat chapel, a student center, lecture halls, break-away rooms, and conference center facilities. The conference center will be available for Nazarene activities, as well as for use by other organizations. The Board discussed a strategic plan to fund this incredible campus addition. Reflecting on the progress of ANU, Huff concluded: "It is great to see the development of buildings and facilities on the ANU campus, as well as the development of young people. These graduates are products of ANU, who are ready to go into the world of ministry and business. ANU is a miracle brought by the hand of God and by obedient servants of the Lord."

Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa
"The graduation at Nazarene Theological College of Central Africa (NTCCA) was celebrated in joyful African style," reported Rev. Wilfred J. Tedder. Graduation exercises for NTCCA were held in Lilongwe, Malawi, on May 17. The 11 graduates received ten Diplomas in Theology and one Certificate of Participation. Four of the graduates represented the tiny, French-speaking country of Burundi. Mr. Gabin Nzoyihera of Burundi was honored to graduate Magna Cum Laude. Other graduates were from the Central African countries of Zimbabwe and Malawi.

The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Jerry D. Lambert, who is the Education Commissioner of the International Board of Education. Remarks were also received by the Africa Region Education Coordinator, Dr. Ken Walker, and by Field Director Daniel Mokebe. One of the highlights of the occasion was the performance of the Soul Harvest Singers of NTCCA. The Singers did an outstanding presentation of the song, "Africa, Oh Africa," which was written by Mrs. Karen Campbell. Following the ceremony was a reception and dinner in honor of the graduates.

The graduation weekend included a Board of Trustees meeting on May 18. The principal of NTCCA, Rev. Wes Sampson, gave a positive report on the progress of NTCCA. Included in the report was exciting information on the new library for the College. Initial foundational work has already begun in anticipation of two Work & Witness Teams, which are scheduled to arrive this year. According to Walker, a good spirit prevailed at NTCCA throughout this weekend of celebration and planning.

Winning the lost: Malawi
Early in June, the Compassionate Ministries Committee on the Malawi South District is launching a project to assist the drought stricken community of Thyolo (Chee-o-lo). Thyolo lies to the south of Blantyre in a badly affected area of the country. The project will be accomplished through the generous donations of the Canadian Food Grains Bank. Rev. Wilfred J. Tedder requested: "Pray for the Compassionate Ministries Committee and for the logistics involved with distributing some 200 metric tons of Food Grain assistance...Pray also that there might be a clear Christian witness to those desperately in need. May this be a time for Christ to be lifted up."

Prayer Mobilization Line
This information can be found by going to http://www.nazarenemissions.org, then clicking on the "Prayer Mobilization Line" on the left-hand side of the page.

Personal Notes
Sudden illness claims F. Thomas Bailey
F. Thomas Bailey, superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene Northeastern Indiana District since 1993, passed away Saturday, June 1, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, after a sudden illness. He was 58.

In a telephone interview, James H. Diehl, the district's responsible general superintendent, said, "Dr. Tom Bailey was one of the most loved district superintendents in the Church of the Nazarene. That was illustrated on Sunday evening, June 2, when hundreds upon hundreds of pastors, district superintendents, and lay church members, youth, and children came to the Northeastern Indiana District campground [in Marion] where the body of Dr. Bailey was lying in state in one of the auditoriums on the grounds. It was estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 came to express their love and support to his wife, Judy, and to the entire Bailey family.

"Tom Bailey was a strong leader with the combined gifts of outstanding preaching, exceptional business sense, the heart of an encourager, and the mind of an administrator. In addition to serving as superintendent of the Northeastern Indiana District, he also chaired the Board of Trustees at Olivet Nazarene University, taught classes in business ethics at Indiana Wesleyan University, and served on numerous denominational boards and committees."

Bailey graduated from Westfield Bible Seminary, Westfield, Indiana, in 1966. He earned a master of business administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1997 and completed coursework at the American Institute of Banking in Indianapolis. He was scheduled to receive his Ph.D. in leadership and organizational development from The Union Institute Graduate College in Cincinnati in October 2002. Olivet awarded him an honorary doctor of divinity degree in 1992.

Bailey was superintendent of the Dakota District from 1981 to 1987 and of the Northwestern Illinois District from 1987 to 1993. He pastored churches in Plainfield, Indiana, Davenport, Iowa, and Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and from 1974 to 1977 was business manager at Mid-America Nazarene University (MNU). Bailey also was a former member of the Nazarene Publishing House Board of Directors, the MNU Board of Trustees, and the Southern Nazarene University Board of Trustees.

Bailey is survived by his parents, Frank & Thelma Bailey; his wife, Judy; a son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Trisha; a daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and James Shearer; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Marianne, and Terry and Linda; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Pam and J.R. Pyles, and Marie and Gene Crapsey; and five grandchildren.

Stephen Hicks succumbs to cancer
Stephen Hicks, one-half of the renowned Christian comedy duo Hicks and Cohagan, died May 31, 2002, after an extended battle with cancer. He was 47. A memorial service was held June 4 to remember Hicks's indomitable courage and cheerful attitude. Leading the service was Neil MacPherson and Brent Peterson, both associate pastors of First Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, Missouri. General Superintendent Jesse C. Middendorf presented the message. Tributes were offered by Greg McNey, Tori Owens, and Jerry Cohagan, Hicks's long-time ministry colleague. Dick and Mel Tunney provided special music for the service.

Hicks, who earned his bachelor's degree in speech and communication, had performed with Cohagan since 1975. The comedy team traveled throughout the United States and to Canada and Mexico to bring their unique ministry to churches, colleges, conventions, and retreats. Hicks also worked in theater, television, and film, teaming with Cohagan to write the four-part film series One is a Whole Number. The two also wrote several sketch collections, including Bases Loaded . . . Nobody's Home; Hoops of Steel; and He's Got My Number: And Other Sketches. Their book Funny You Should Say That: Humor in the Life of the Church examines the value of using humor to present Christian concepts to the church.

In speaking of his dear friend and ministry associate, Cohagan said, "He's home...and, like in most everything he and I might've accomplished the past 27 years, he led the way. I just grabbed onto his coattails and hung on for the ride. It's been an amazing journey and I am blessed beyond measure for having known him and having him in my life."

Hicks is survived by his father, Elvin Hicks, an NPH representative for many years, and two sisters, Marilyn and Cindy.

Friends and family mourn passing of Warnie Tippitt
Warnie Tippitt, for decades a leader in Nazarene music ministry and education, passed away Tuesday, May 21, in Pasadena, California. He was 80 years old. Services honoring his life and music were held May 25 at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena.

Tippitt began his ministry in 1945 as music director of Westside Church of the Nazarene in Decatur, Illinois. In 1954 he moved to Nampa, Idaho, where he took on the dual role of music director at College Church of the Nazarene and faculty member at Northwest Nazarene University. While at the university, he directed the Crusader Choir as well as an annual presentation of Handel's Messiah, and he also served as dean of men. In 1966 he became the music director at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena. From 1980 to 1994 he served Focus on the Family as the organization's chaplain.

Much in demand as a camp meeting song evangelist in the 1950s and 1960s, Tippitt was well known for his rendition of "A Heart Like Thine." A recording of him singing the song with the NNU Crusader Choir was a highlight of the memorial service.

Tippitt is survived by his mother, Anna Vera Wilcoxen; his wife, Thelma; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Colleen, Gary and Gayle, and Doug and Becky; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Remembering his father, Ken Tippitt said, "Dad was true to his Lord and his church to the end. He leaves a heritage of commitment to Christ that extends through his complete family as well as the many he touched through the various ministries. We will all miss him."

Mrs. Erna Copelin
Mrs. Erna Copelin passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2002, following an extended illness. Mrs. Copelin was a retired missionary who served 35 years with her husband, Roy, in the Philippines. The funeral service was held on Friday, May 31, 2002, at the Nampa, Idaho, First Church of the Nazarene.

Copelin is survived by her husband of 57 years, Roy; two daughters, Carolyn and Kathleen; and one son, Ray.

Dallas D. Mucci
After a fall on Memorial Day which resulted in hip and shoulder fractures, Dallas D. Mucci, Metro New York district superintendent, has been hospitalized at the Montefiore Medical Center. He was transferred to a rehabilitation facility on Wednesday where he is expected to continue treatment and therapy for the next several weeks. Dr. Mucci stated, "We want to express our deep gratitude for your prayerful concern. We believe the Lord is undertaking." Cards or notes of support may be sent to 243 Magnolia Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY 10552.

Dick Strickland
Evangelist Dick Strickland is in a Springfield, Ohio hospital for advanced pneumonia that resulted in a heart attack soon after his admittance. He was given a slim chance of survival. He is remarkably better but still listed as critical after 20 days in the critical coronary unit. The pneumonia is under control and the infection has all but cleared up.

The doctors are calling him, "the comeback kid." When asked about the dramatically damaged heart they are dumbfounded that he has survived and is making such remarkable progress to a recovery.
--Charles Millhuff, Revivalism coordinator, Church of the Nazarene

TNU Alumnus Named Dean of Accountancy School at University of Mississippi
Morris Stocks, TNU alumnus of 1977 has been named dean of the E.H. Patterson School of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. A member of the accounting faculty since 1991, Stocks has worked in the Provost's Office as director of undergraduate education for the past three years, previously serving as associate professor of accounting.

The Patterson School of Accountancy has 450 undergraduates and 100 graduate students enrolled in its programs. In his new role with Patterson, Stocks will work on recruitment of students and faculty and will be involved in fund raising efforts. Stocks' new appointment will become effective July 1.

Nazarene Collegiate News
Nazarene Bible College graduates 56
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Nazarene Bible College (NBC) graduated 56 students in commencement ceremonies held May 26. James H. Diehl, responsible general superintendent, spoke to the graduates in his message titled "Who Are You Working For?" Harold B. Graves Jr., chair of NBC's Board of Trustees and Northeast Oklahoma District superintendent, presented each graduate with a towel, a symbol of servant leadership. Each graduate also received a Bible.

Eighteen graduates who earned bachelor's degrees already are serving in pastorates or staff ministry positions. Others are working as church planters, and several more will move to NewStart assignments in the next few weeks.

The college took the opportunity also to honor three current or former faculty members. Dorothy A. Brown was recognized upon her retirement from the music faculty after 32 years of service. In addition, NBC conferred emeritus status on retired faculty members James L. Sankey and Neil B. Wiseman.
--Laurel L Matson, vice president for enrollment and student development, Nazarene Bible College

MVNC students win national broadcasting awards
Three Mount Vernon Nazarene College (MVNC) students have won awards for outstanding audio production from National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). The awards, given annually to undergraduate students and their schools for outstanding audio and video production, were presented at the 59th annual NRB convention, held February 16-19 in Nashville.

Shawn Barrett, a graduating senior from Newark, Ohio, won two awards for Fear Not, a 60-second public service announcement (PSA). The piece took first place in the competition for the Tesla Award for Small Market Radio/PSA. Barrett's win marks the first time a student has won the Tesla prize, a professional level award sponsored by Wireless Age of Westar Media Group. Fear Not also took second place among productions considered for the Intercollegiate Religious Broadcasters PSA Award. Barrett's PSA came out of his own struggle with fear and worry and his desire to remind Christians that victory over fear and worry comes by leaning on and trusting in God.

Jeremy Parsons, a sophomore from Charleston, West Virginia, took first place honors in the Intercollegiate Religious Broadcasters PSA category for his 60-second piece titled Who Will Tell Them? Parson's PSA was prompted by the events of September 11 and his desire to inspire Christians to respond to the world's cries for help and its need for Jesus.

Sophomore Shawna Morgan of Cincinnati, Ohio, received the third place Intercollegiate Religious Broadcasters Award for Radio Drama for Jezebel. The piece is a five-minute drama that sets the biblical story of Jezebel in a modern-day prison. Shawna not only wrote the drama but also played the title role.

Marcy Rinehart, the award winners' supervisor and station manager for MVNC's WNZR radio station, said entering the NRB contest is part of the students' regular coursework. "Through the contest students are encouraged to use their creative skills in production, putting into practice what they have learned in class. When the students receive an award, they truly benefit. Their talents are recognized not only locally through college publications, but also nationwide through the NRB membership."
--MVNC

Olivet Nazarene University in the NAIA Baseball World Series
The 2002 Olivet Nazarene University baseball team became the first team in University history to make an appearance in the NAIA World Series and had a great season. The Tigers ended their season on Monday, May 27, with a 5-1 loss to Ohio Dominican. They lost their first game of the tournament to first-ranked Oklahoma City, but followed the defeat with a 6-5 victory over Bellevue the next day.

For a wrap-up of each game and the complete stats from the Tigers' World Series appearance, use the link below.
--ONU

MidAmerica Nazarene University reports NAIA standings
The MNU men placed 13th at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships. The men, who won the 2002 Heart of America Athletic Conference championship, totaled 23.5 points in the three day meet. The Pioneer 4 X 400 relay, consisting of Brandon Earls, Ryan Raber, Jermaine Ricketts, and Vincent Hobbs, repeated as NAIA National Champions with a time of 3:09.20. Vincent also placed 3rd in the High Jump with a jump of 6'9. A pair of 5th place finishes rounded out the Pioneer scoring with Jermaine Ricketts in the 400 Meter Hurdles and Sylvester Smith in the Triple Jump.

The MNU women finished 11th at the NAIA National Track and Field Championships. The Pioneers 24.5 points placed them 11th overall and first among Heart of America Athletic Conference teams. Kareccia Thompson placed 2nd in the 100 Meter Hurdles with Michelle Myers placing 5th in the 100 Meter Hurdles and 4th in the 400 Meter Hurdles. Petra Whittick jumped 5'6 to place 3rd in the High Jump and 38'04.25 for 7th in the Triple Jump to round out the MNU scoring.
--MNU

SNU women's golf team claims 2002 NAIA national championship
Southern Nazarene University's women's golf team claimed the 2002 NAIA National Championship Friday, May 24 at Pine Lakes Golf Course in Palm Coast, Florida, the second Championship for the team in four years.

The team took a strong lead from day one of the tournament, Tuesday, May 21, with a seven-stroke lead over second place. They held first place throughout four-day tournament with a final 20-shot victory margin, the fourth largest margin in the eight-year history of the event.

The 72-hole competition consisted of 24 teams. SNU entered the National Tournament as one of the hottest teams in the nation, winning an impressive four tournaments this spring and entered the tournament ranked #4 in the nation, SNU Director of Sports Information Scott Secor said.

The Crimson Storm's Janina Schmit and Kristie Coffman were named All-Americans along with teammate Johna Dodson, a repeated All-American who placed seventh individually overall. SNU Head Coach Steve Hulsey, who was named 2002 NAIA Region VI Coach of the Year, also led the Crimson Storm to the 1999 NAIA National Championship.
--SNU

Check out the latest at these links to your alma mater.

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