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Mar 3, 2026 Leave a Comment

SCO District Newsletter 3.03.2026

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God Moved in Panama

What happens when 49 people from 20 different churches say “yes” to God?

For four unforgettable days in small remote regions of Panama, we witnessed the answer. Our team came ready to serve—but it didn’t take long to realize that God had already gone before us. In makeshift clinics and simple community spaces, 562 precious people were seen, cared for, and prayed over, reminding them of their immeasurable worth. Each touch, each conversation, each prescription was an opportunity to remind someone that they are seen, known, and deeply loved by God.

In the heat and humidity, our construction team poured their strength into building not just walls, but hope—working on a local church and the district ministry center that will stand as beacons of light for years to come.

Children’s ministry was another highlight of the week. Four Vacation Bible School gatherings were held, inviting eager children to learn, sing, and hear about Jesus. We also gave out four hundred pillowcase dresses. Seeds of faith were planted in young hearts that will help grow and shape the future of these communities.

We were able to place nine Jesus Film packs into the hands of local leaders—tools that will continue sharing the Gospel long after we’re gone.

Prayer stations were set up throughout the outreach efforts, creating intentional spaces for spiritual conversations and ministry. People came to ask for prayer, to share burdens, to seek hope, and at least 250 people stood to say they want to know our Jesus. Two hundred and fifty. That’s not a statistical number but hearts awakened to the love of a Savior.

The team also provided a new stove, microwave, kitchen supplies, and desks and chairs for the District Center as well as a generous love offering to our incredible missionary host family, Pastor Eliezel and Tammy Soto.

Forty-nine people from twenty different churches united with nearly 25 Panamanian’s, worked together as one body. Different backgrounds. Different stories. Different gifts. One mission. And God did more than we could have asked or imagined.

As we return home, the work in Panama continues. Please pray for the pastors and leaders who will disciple these new believers and shepherd the harvest God has begun.

This isn’t just a report – it’s eternal impact. Praying the fruit of Panama continues to grow.

Carol Lee Carpenter

SCO District NMI President

districtsecretary@sconaz.org

I’m looking forward to District Assembly. Since last assembly, we’ve been focused on “The One” (Evangelism). This assembly, we will focus on “The Next Yes” (Discipleship & Holiness).

The dates for our 2026 District Assembly are Sunday, April 26 (Ordination Service at 6:00 p.m.) and Monday, April 27 (Worship; Reports: DS, Pastors, District Officers and Boards; Elections; Communion), beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Grove City Church (The Naz).

We are looking forward to welcoming Dr. Christian Sarmiento, our Jurisdictional General Superintendent, and his wife, Margit.

And I am looking forward to seeing you!

Eddie Estep

SCO District Superintendent

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT

2026 – Equip Conference

What an extraordinary Equip Conference! Over 200 participants were stirred, stretched, and renewed in their understanding of true disciple‑making. Daryl Cripe guided each session with compelling conviction and rich biblical insight, reminding us that our calling is not only to seek “The One,” but to invest in many—walking with them in love, friendship, and a pursuit of sharing Jesus with them. Countless attendees expressed that this was among the most impactful Equip Conferences they’ve ever experienced. Thank you to Michael Falgout, Joel and Karina Tucher, Kevin D’Ettorre, Dale Benson, Josh Porterfield and Calvin Green for excellent workshops. Dan Meek, District NDI Director, and his team are to be commended for organizing this event.

Mark your calendars now for the next Equip Conference, February 20, 2027 – with Dr. Sam Barber.

Logan Church

Congratulations to Pastor Tom (Tara) Gates and the Logan Church Board on a very positive twenty-six-year Church/Pastoral Relationship Review. We are grateful for the significant partnership between the pastor, church board, and congregation, and for Pastor Tom’s faithful, fruitful ministry.

Hebron Church

What a gift it was to worship with the Hebron congregation on February 15. Pastor Jerry and Carol Lee Carpenter lead with such genuine love for their community and a deep passion for global missions. We remain deeply grateful for their faithful and impactful leadership across our district.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to SCO Children’s Quizzing Director, April Litman, who has been named to the Global Quizzing Leadership Team! She will continue serving as our amazing leader and be an awesome asset to the denomination as she serves on the Global Team.

2026 SCO Women’s Conference – March 7

WE ARE AT CAPACITY!

See you this Saturday!

District BLAST

District BLAST is Saturday, March 21st at Heritage Church of the Nazarene in Circleville, OH. Registration is open and the cost is $35 per person. Please make sure to register by March 6th. Click here for the information packet and registration details. Please contact Pastor Caleb Dexter, our BLAST Director, with any questions at caleb@m1naz.com.

March 8 – Logan 6:00 pm

March 9 – Hilliard 7:00 pm

March 10 – Marietta First 6:30 pm

March 11 – Grace Life 7:00 pm

March 12 – Hebron 7:00 pm

Exciting Mission Tour

Starting this Sunday!

Help spread the word to your congregations. Zone tours allow our missionaries to share their ministry and build relationships across the district. We’re thrilled to feature Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez, faithfully serving at the USA/Mexico Border.

March 15 – Cornerstone 6:00 pm

March 16 – Ironton First 7:00 pm

March 17 – Obetz 6:00 pm

March 18 – Jackson First 7:00 pm

March 19 – New Hope 7:00 pm

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS

Pastor,

I encourage you to be a part of the COMPASS 2.0 Emergency Savings Program. Please fill out this application link to qualify and view this 10 Step Process which explains the program. Feel free to check out the newly revised COMPASS Initiative website which has several FREE Financial Wellness resources. The COMPASS 2.0 program is limited to just 400 USA lead pastors per year so please apply today!

Eddie Estep

SCO District Superintendent

SCO District Office

Mailing/Physical Address Updates

SCO District Office

PO Box 788

30682 Chieftain Drive

Logan, OH 43138

The district office phone number will remain the same: 614-539-6812

Date Change!

Because of unforeseen scheduling challenges, the NYI/NMI Conventions have been moved from April 11 to April 18, 2026. These conventions will still be held at Circleville Heritage. These annual gatherings remain vital moments in our shared life as a church family—a time to reaffirm our mission focus, support the next generation, and unite in celebration of God’s work around the world. We value your presence and partnership as we continue to pursue God’s call together.

2026 – SCO Camp Meeting

Camp Meeting is the can’t‑miss week of the summer—a powerful, family‑focused experience hosted by our district. Every day is packed with inspiring worship, uplifting messages fun activities, and meaningful connection for every age. It’s a chance to step away from the routine, recharge spiritually, and create unforgettable memories together in a Christ‑centered environment.

Date: July 12-19, 2026

Location: Hocking Hills Retreat Center

Preachers: Dr. Geoff Kunselman & Rev. Wendell Brown

Worship Leader: Dan Anderson & Friends

UPCOMING TRAINING: Staff Management Tips for Pastors

When you envisioned your calling to shepherd a flock, managing staff—whether lay, volunteer, or pastoral—may not have been at the top of your mind! Yet managing people is one of the most challenging aspects of ministry, and most of us learn through trial and error.

Join us for a practical 90-minute training session designed to equip you with actionable management strategies that can help you lead more effectively and reclaim valuable time in your week.

What We'll Cover:

· The key differences between management and leadership

· How to conduct effective one-on-one conversations

· A framework for providing constructive feedback

· Best practices for delegation

· And more!

Session Details:

· Topic: "What Can a Pastor Learn About Management?"

· Facilitator: Mark Runals, member and board member at Columbus Northwest, with extensive management experience across multiple teams

· Format: By Zoom (session will be recorded for those unable to attend live)

· Duration: 90 minutes

· When: Thursday, March 26, 2026

· Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This training will focus on practical tips you can implement immediately, with just enough management theory to provide context. Whether you're new to staff management or looking to refine your skills, this session promises valuable insights for your ministry.

The training is free – Register here.

Hello Nazarene Ministry Leaders,

We are praying for the Lord’s abundant blessing on your districts, churches, and local communities as the 2026 Easter season approaches. Now is the time to unite with thousands of Nazarenes across the USA and Canada for the 2026 Half-Million Mobilization — praying from Easter through Pentecost and beyond for the Spirit’s leading and empowerment as we focus on Becoming Christlike Disciples.

Please click here to access helpful resources, including the Mobilized for Becoming Christlike Disciples prayer journal (available to order in English and download in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian-Creole, French, and Korean), as well as a free 8-week sermon series available in those same languages.

Stay tuned, as we will have children resources coming soon!

Will you join us in this focused season as we seek to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world? Let’s not leave even one behind!

Serving together,

USA/Canada Regional Team

SCO NDI to Offer Scholarships

Applications are due March 15, and recipients will be announced at the NYI Convention this spring.

South Central Ohio NDI is excited to offer scholarships for students pursuing an undergraduate degree at MVNU or NBC. This opportunity is open to graduating high school seniors and adult learners who are active members of a Nazarene church on the SCO district and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to students pursuing education, social work, or vocational ministry, but all eligible students are encouraged to apply.

The application can be found here:

South Central Ohio District

The 2026 Spring Commencement at Mount Vernon Nazarene University is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Northwestern Ohio • South Central Ohio

North Central Ohio • East Ohio

Whether you feel called to pursue ordination or want to be better equipped to serve in your local church, the East Central School of Ministry exists to help you deepen your understanding of God’s Word, grow in theological knowledge, and develop practical ministry skills for effective service.

The East Central School of Ministry is a multi-district partnership providing a clear and accessible pathway for those responding to God’s call to pastoral ministry and ordination.

Program Overview

Classes are part of the new Church of the Nazarene non-degree Course of Study
All 21 courses meet academic requirements for those seeking ordination
Classes are 8 weeks long and meet once a week via Zoom
Each class requires approximately 15 hours per week, including class time, reading, assignments, and practical ministry experience
Courses are facilitated by ordained pastors from the four partner districts
Denomination-developed content is delivered through MVNU’s Learning Management System (Moodle)

Cost & Scholarships

$175 per class
Scholarships are available through participating districts and local churches for those serving in local ministry, reducing the overall cost

Class Schedule

All 21 classes are offered over a 3-year cycle
One of the two required classes (of the six needed for a first-time District License) is offered annually
Two classes per session are offered across five sessions each year:
Spring A • Spring B • Summer • Fall A • Fall B

Registration & More Information

Learn more: School of Ministry
Register for classes: School of Ministry Class Registration

Questions?

Contact Jeff Fiorita, East Central School of Ministry Coordinator
jeff.fiorita@nwoteam.church
Call or text: 937-631-6829

Click here for more information: 2026 Global Week of Prayer – Church of the Nazarene

As the 2026 Global Week of Prayer approaches, NMI would like to invite the church to pray for the needs of our global churches and districts with requests from the regions.

This is the 30th year of the Global Week of Prayer, and we have some new and exciting resources to share with you!

May this week be a sacred time as we serve as the global missions advocate in every local church, nurturing a spirit of missions and mobilizing into action, impacting people around the world. Thank you for praying!

March 7: Women’s Conference (HHRC): “The Story of Martha and Mary”

March 8 – 19: Zone Mission Rally – with Roberto and Rhesa Rodriguez

March 21: NYI District BLAST – Circleville Heritage Church

April 18: NMI/NYI Convention – Circleville Heritage Church

April 17 – 18: MVNU Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference

April 26: SCO Ordination Service – Grove City Church (The Naz)

April 27: SCO District Assembly – Grove City Church (The Naz)

May 9: MVNU Graduation

June 14 – 17: Junior-High Camp – HHRC

June 17 – 20: Senior-High Camp – HHRC

July 1 – 7: Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC)

July 12 – 19: District Camp Meeting

July 19 – 25: Children’s Camp

The 30th annual Global Week of Prayer, March 1-7, 2026, will focus on one world region each day.

Pray with us that God will help us plant many new congregations in the next 5 years, both within the I-270 outer belt and across the district. Who might God be calling? Where might God be calling?

Dr. Eddie Estep as he recovers from knee replacement surgery.