McKellips Honored with Distinguished Service Award

As part of their "Farewell Tour", Bruce and Cinda McKellips were presented with a Distinguished Service Award from Missouri District NMI President Barb Bouldrey. The presentation took place Tuesday evening, September 25th, at Sikeston First Church of the Nazarene. The McKellips have been serving as missionaries in Quito, Ecuador. In January, Bruce will assume his new position as associate pastor with his dad at the Arizona Sun City Church of the Nazarene. Along with the DSA, they were also presented with cards and love offerings from the area churches.

Kid's Caravan Adventure Day a HUGE success

Cheri Griggs, District Children's Director, reports that Saturday's Caravan Adventure Day was a HUGE success! In addition to the guides who came along for the venture, 76 children attended. The Adventure was directed by District Caravan Director, Dawn Vaught, and was held at Camp Kavod near Wright City.

First Dist. New Start Assessment Held at Pinecrest

The Missouri District Church of the Nazarene hosted their very first New Start Assessment at Pinecrest this month. The Assessment Center is conducted by the Evangelism division of the general Church of the Nazarene to accommodate the New Start leadership evaluations of a particular region. Missouri was on the map this time and it was great. We assessed six couples of which three of those couples were from the Missouri District; Shawen Farley, Jeremy Broach and Rolland & Zoey Moore. Our three couples were approved for New Start Church leadership and we are now planning for the future. Our district assessor’s were Pastors Brian Davis, Jeff Mihelich, Mark Hager and our D.S., Michael Palmer. The feedback was positive for both the first time assessors, as well as the candidates. All noted that the organizational process was excellent and the training was superb. The Pinecrest accommodations and staff were over the top as always making this Assessment Center one of the best. We are thankful for all the Lord is doing here for starting new Churches in the Missouri District. Keep praying for these new leaders and how your church can be involved. -- Submitted by Rev. Mark Hager, District New Start Director

STL Southwest To Host Good News Club in School

Pastors Dennis and Becky Stear are excited about a new mission field for their church - They get to begin taking Children's Church to their local St. Louis public school. They will lead an after school Good News Club every Thursday. The principal is excited about them doing this Bible Club at the school and is going to send information home to all 400 students. Please pray for their team (as they need to expand it), for the children, and for openness in their families.

First District Women's Ministry Scholarship Given

Congratulations to Amanda Wilson, who is the first recipient of the Missouri District Women's Ministries $500 Scholarship. Amanda is a freshman at Mid America Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas and majoring in Music/Missions. This annual scholarship is awarded to one woman on the Missouri District who is pursuing her call to ministry by attending a Nazarene college or university. If you are interested for applying for this scholarship, you can find all the details at www.monaz.org, click on Sunday School, and then click on Women's Ministries. The application deadline is April 30th.

2007 InSPAration Ladies Retreat A Success!

Tami Thompson, Missouri District Ladies' Retreat Director, sent in the following report, "There were three ladies saved on Friday and the altars were lined on Saturday! With 400 ladies in attendance, it was definitely a fun-filled, Spirit-led weekend. Praise the Lord for lavishing His love upon the ladies of the Missouri District and restoring the joy of our salvation!"

Annapolis Church Dedicates New Church Facility

On Sunday, June 24th, the Annapolis church dedicated their new church. The new sanctuary will comfortably seat 300, although they had 420 in attendance for the afternoon dedication service. The highlights of the day included special musical guests and a dedication message by Rev. Michael Palmer, D.S. The spacious fellowship hall will easily accommodate 125 with the newly purchased round tables.

Rev. Caddy Installed as Ferguson's Pastor

On Sunday, August 26th, Pastor Jason Caddy was installed as Pastor of St. Louis Ferguson. Pastor Jason and his family moved to St. Louis Ferguson from Omaha, NE. He and his wife, Tina, have four children.

Cornerstone Celebrates 70th Anniversary

On Sunday, September 9th, Pastor Mike and Mary Palmer joined the West Plains Cornerstone church for a celebration of their 70th anniversary. Highlights of the day included special musical guests, a challenging message by Pastor Francis Warren, the baptism of eight new believers, a potluck dinner, and games for the children. There were 58 people in attendance.

Rev. West Installed as Columbia First's Pastor

In a special installation service on August 18th, Rev. Michael Palmer, D.S., installed Rev. Mark West as Columbia First's new pastor. The service was preceded by an all church BBQ. Before becoming Columbia's new pastor, Rev. West was an associate at the Kirksville Church of the Nazarene. Standing with Rev. West are his wife, Theresa, and two daughters, Maresa and Markli.

Deans Retire from Lodi

Richard and Sharon Dean, former pastor and first lady at the Lodi Church of the Nazarene, have retired and have moved to Texas. The Missouri District will miss them and wishes them the very best!