Latest news with #ChurchoftheNazarene
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nazarene denomination sues breakaway congregation
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A court battle broke out this week after a Nazarene congregation voted to 'spiritually disaffiliate' from the Nazarene denomination. The Oklahoman first reported that the congregation of what was Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene is now called OKC First. The church is located near 4400 NW Expressway. The report detailed that 98% of the congregation that was there during an April special meeting voted to spiritually disaffiliate. The reason for that disaffiliation, according to members, was that the denomination was pressuring them to be less welcoming to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Cleveland County Sheriff says no layoffs needed despite lower budget approval The OKC First Reverand Jon Middendorf posted a letter after the vote that read in part: 'As you may know, OKC First has been spiritually aligned with the Church of the Nazarene for many years. We have enjoyed a shared fellowship and collaborated in ministry, and each of us has benefited from the other's wisdom and friendship. Recently, however, things have changed. In particular, our insistence that God's love is inclusive and welcomes all who seek His grace, and the Church of the Nazarene's opposition to our position, has made it abundantly clear that we must part ways.' 'We were not willing to sacrifice any part of our community to retain a relationship with the denomination,' said Eric Jergensen, Secretary of the Board. Jergensen said that it wasn't an easy decision, but they discussed with just about everyone within the church and outside the church and felt it was the right thing to do. 'People just have a sense of home in that building, and we would not like to lose that,' said Jergensen. The last week of May, the Oklahoma District, Church of the Nazarene, filed a lawsuit against OKC First that claimed the district should get possession of the church's building and property. It's a 196-page suit that includes the Nazarene manual/guidelines in which the district explains it gets ownership of all church properties in the event of disaffiliation. However, OKC First filed an objection this week, including the deed to the actual property. In court documents, they argued, '..the deed makes no mention of or reference to any entity other than OKC First.' Jergensen said that they don't necessarily need the physical building in order to conduct worship, but that it's needed for them to stay in the community. 'We have connections to that neighborhood,' said Jergensen. They work alongside other non-profits in that area that feed the hungry, help find housing for the homeless, and perform many other services. 'We have relationships with those people. We have relationships with the children in that community who come to our after-school program. Those things would be really hard to keep if we weren't in that building,' said Jergensen. News 4 reached out to the district and asked for a response to why the lawsuit is needed. It is with a measure of sadness and deep reflection that we acknowledge the expressed desire of First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City, to disaffiliate from the Church of the Nazarene denomination. For eighty-eight (88) years, First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City, has been a valued part of our denominational family, sharing in our common mission, theological heritage, and commitment to serving God and neighbor. We honor the faithful ministry and dedicated members who have made significant contributions to both the local community and the broader denomination. As a denomination, our polity and trust clauses regarding church property are foundational to our collective work and mission. These provisions, established through a democratic and prayerful process over many years, ensure that church properties are held in trust for the furtherance of the denomination's mission objectives. This structure safeguards the long-term ministry of the church, extending beyond any single congregation or generation, ensuring that resources remain dedicated to the kingdom of God as understood by our shared covenant. We understand that discussions around disaffiliation can be complex and emotionally challenging. Our primary concern remains the spiritual well-being of all members, both within First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City and across our entire denominational family. We are committed to an orderly and transparent process, guided by our established denominational policies and procedures, which are designed to address such matters with fairness and integrity for all parties involved. We extend an invitation for continued dialogue with the leadership of First Church of the Nazarene, Oklahoma City as we seek to navigate this period. Our hope is always for reconciliation and for the flourishing of Christ's church in all its expressions. We pray for wisdom, grace, and discernment for everyone involved during this time of transition. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our calling: to make Christlike disciples in the nation and around the world. We will continue to support and nurture our congregations across Oklahoma as they faithfully live out our shared Christian witness. Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene Assistant District Superintendent Rev. Dorothy Whipp Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
North Country Easter Guide
Easter is on its way! Check out these Easter-themed activities taking place in the North Country! More Easter activities will be added to this list as we become aware of them. If you know of an Easter activity that should be on our list fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Tuesday, April 1, from Noon to 1:30 Memorial Library Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to NoonLowville Food Pantry Saturday, April 12, from 9:30 to 11:30 HERELife Church of the Nazarene Saturday, April 12, at 10 Mills Fire Department Saturday, April 12, at 10 Hall Sunday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.$10 per child. Bring your own BasketSupports: Adams Center Girl Scout Troop & Adams Rhode Center Food PantryAdam's Community Park Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.$5 for Members & $8 for Non-MembersThe Paddock Mansion in the Victorian Gardens Easter Day BuffetSunday, April 20, from 10:45 a.m. to 3 $27.99, Child $11.99, 5 and Under FreeFor Reservations call 315-348-40403 Willows Event Center Do you know of an Easter activity that should be on our list fill out the form at the bottom of the page. Send us a message: Submit a form. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Polling place changes made in Riittman, Orrville and Wooster beginning with May primary
Some voters in Orrville, Rittman and Wooster may have a new polling location beginning with the primary election May 6. A notice was mailed to voters impacted by the changes. "Occasionally, precinct boundaries have to be reassessed due to population changes and occurrences like new housing developments and annexations," said Board of Elections Deputy Director Bryon Bell. "Ohio law requires us to make these changes. Many factors play a role in these decisions, including handicapped accessibility, parking, safety, interior space, cost, and voter experience." The changes are: Voters in Orrville 3 and 4-A who used to vote at Schmid Hall will now vote at Orrville Christian Church, 925 N. Elm St. Voters in Rittman 2 who used to vote at Life Ministries Tabernacle will not vote at the Rittman Recreation Center, 200 Saurer St. Voters in Rittman 4 who used to vote at the Recreation Center will now vote at Life Ministries Tabernacle, 9878 Krabill Road. Voters in Wooster 2-B and 2-C who used to vote at St. Mary Parish Hall will now vote at First Presbyterian Church, 621 College Ave. Wooster voters in 3-D who used to vote at the Church of the Nazarene will now vote at Connection Church, 1633 Portae Road. (Only some voters are affected; visit for more details.) Wooster voters in 4-E who used to vote at Parkview Christian Church will now vote at the Church of the Nazarene, 3100 Oak Hill Road. (Only some voters are affected; visit for more details and a map.) Changes to polling locations are made only when necessary. When polling sites are conveniently located and accessible, voters are more likely to vote, leading to higher turnout and a more representative electorate, according to a news release from Wayne County Public Communication. 'We hope these changes will make voting more convenient,' said Director Julie Stahl. 'In-person voting on Election Day is just one of three easy options for voters in Ohio. We also offer early in-person voting at our office during the four weeks leading up to Election Day, and absentee voting by mail.' To find more information about the changes and to search for polling locations, visit the Board of Elections polling place changes page at This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Permanent precinct changes made in Wooster, Orrville and Rittman
