NEWSLETTER.

A Christmas Prayer for the South Central Ohio District Gracious and Loving Father: At this holy Christmas season, we come before You with hearts full of thanksgiving. We praise you for the many ways you have blessed the churches of the South Central Ohio District this past year. We thank you for lives that have been transformed by the Gospel, for those who have come to faith in Christ, for those who have publicly declared their new life through baptism, and for the ways our pastors and churches have focused on The One. We rejoice over stories of transformation, healing,…

Moving Into the Neighborhood: Rediscovering Our Incarnational Mission in Columbus “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood…” John 1:14a (Message) This Advent we remember that Christ did not shy away from the messiness of our world. He stepped into our broken lives, bringing light, hope, and redemption. As Nazarenes, we believe we are called to do the same—to be a holiness people who move into neighborhoods and embody Christ’s presence among those who need hope most. We hold fast to the conviction that Christ can transform even the most broken neighborhoods, but the church must be…

District Office to Relocate from Grove City to Hocking Hills Retreat Center After several months of careful discussion, prayer, and planning, the District Advisory Board has reached a significant and forward-looking decision: the District Office will relocate from its current location on Hoover Road in Grove City to the Hocking Hills Retreat Center (HHRC) in Logan. This move represents not only a strategic shift in how our district operates, but also a renewed commitment to stewardship, accessibility, and unity. The Grove City office has served the district well for many years. The land was a gift from Grove City Church…

“And every prayer we prayed in desperation, The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear…” These lyrics have been the prayer of my heart recently. I’ve been asking God: Do You still move like You did before? Can You really provide when the need feels too big to name? Nearly 2 years ago when Lower Lights Ministries opened the Child Enrichment Center (CEC), it didn’t make sense to many. We were told it wasn’t a smart investment—an early learning center on a block with a tough reputation? In a building that once had black mold? Serving families facing…

In the Church of the Nazarene, we are called to be a connected people—united in mission, faith, and generosity. One of the most tangible ways we express that unity is through our participation in denominational allocations. These vital contributions—such as giving to the World Evangelism Fund (WEF), Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Nazarene Pensions, and the South Central Ohio District—are more than financial transactions. They are acts of faith that create lasting kingdom impact. The World Evangelism Fund (WEF) is the lifeline of global missions in the Church of the Nazarene. Every gift supports missionaries, church planting, compassionate ministries, and leadership development in 165 world areas. When…

NDI Equip coming in February! Are you ready to be inspired, refreshed, and equipped for the work of discipleship? Are you ready to connect with likeminded leaders who are learning together? Join us for NDI Equip, a powerful half-day designed to strengthen leaders, encourage pastors, and ignite the church to fulfill Christ’s call to make disciples in your setting. Date: February 21, 2026Place: Logan Church of the NazareneTime: Registration @ 8:30 AM; First Plenary session @ 9:00 AM; Lunch concludes by 1:30 PM.Cost: $10 Register Here: Discipleship – South Central Ohio District This year we are thrilled to welcome Daryl…

CLERY APPRECIATION: IN HONOR OF SHEPHERDS As the month of October rolls around each year, we are reminded of the gift that our clergy are to each of us. They pray for us, lead us, administer the sacraments to us, preach Good News to us, officiate at weddings and funerals, provide pastoral care, and call us to a missional vision for our communities and the world. We most often think of our pastors during this month, but clergy also include evangelists, chaplains, ordained educators, and denominational leaders. Almost half of the lead pastors on the South Central Ohio District are…

Ministry Assessment Weekend Just a few weeks ago, we held our annual assessment at Burr Oak State Park Lodge. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southern Ohio, it is a beautiful drive through winding roads and small towns. The lodge, set deep in the woods and overlooking the lake, provides a peaceful, spectacular setting for an event like this. We had thirteen clergy candidates (and spouses where applicable) and eight assessors gathered for an intensive weekend. But you may ask, “What is a ministry assessment weekend?” That’s a fair question. Martin Luther is credited with championing the “Priesthood of Believers,”…

Why Hocking Hills Retreat Center Should Matter to All of Us The Hocking Hills Retreat Center (HHRC) is more than a place—it’s a sacred space with a God-given vision to transform lives and shape the future of ministry. Here’s why it should matter to us: Exciting Updates on HHRC’s Progress Get Involved Want to hear the latest updates or discuss making a financial pledge? Contact me at rpaugh@shepnaz.org or call 614-205-8023. We can also provide resources to share with your congregation. Visit the HHRC Landing Page by scanning the QR code to explore the master plan, track progress, and give…