| | 2026-2027 Teen Bible Quiz Kicks Off
Saturday, October 24, 41 teens gathered at Chillicothe First church to participate in the first teen bible quiz tournament of the 2026-2027 season covering the Gospel of John, chapters 1-6. These teens represent eleven churches – 8 Nazarene, 1 independent, and 2 CCCU. They participated in team, individual, and memory competitions throughout the day. Chillicothe provided 5 quiz rooms, breakfast snacks, and lunch. The teens brought the energy.
A teen quiz round involves 20 questions broken down into 11 general knowledge, 4 according to (specific to a single verse), 1 situation question where they have to know 2-4 details regarding a quote, 1 question regarding the broader context of the scripture, and 3 memory questions (quote by reference, finish a verse, and a finish a verse with its reference). We finish with the memory challenge rounds (2 rooms of finish only and 1 room of all types). 21 of the teens participated in the memory challenge rounds at this tournament. Team competition was separated into two divisions, A and B, with the Darby Creek A team going undefeated in 9 rounds. Second place in the A division went to a combination team composed of 4 teens from Grace Life, Faith Life (an independent church), and Heritage. Division B was won by Plymouth Heights with a combination team of 3 teens from Faith Memorial (a CCCU church) and 1 teen from Whitehall team coming in second. Individual competitors were split into Experienced and Novice levels and 5 teens of each level were awarded. Congratulations to our Experienced level teens: Logan, Clara, Owen, Gavin, and Morgan; and our Novice level teens: Ricky, Lydia, Brooklyn, Eli M, and Raychal. Some of our teens will be competing in the MVNU Tri-State Invitational November 21-22. The next district tournament will be in December hosted by Faith Memorial (CCCU) in Lancaster.
This report wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the churches, parents, coaches, and quiz masters (the adult asking the questions and adjudicating the answer) who make teen Bible Quizzing possible. |
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| Alisa and Ken Stoll District Teen Quiz Directors |
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NEWS FROM ACROSS THE DISTRICT |
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West Broad Review
Congratulations to Pastor Josue (Kendra) De La Cruz and the Columbus West Broad Church Board on a very positive six-year Church/Pastoral Relationship Review! We celebrate the way God is blessing the church and the faithfulness and fruitfulness of the pastor and congregation. |
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| | | Portsmouth First
Had a great church visit at our Portsmouth First Church. Pastor Jason and Janel Dixon care well for their congregation and are seeking to impact their community. |
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| | Board of Ministry Expanded
In an effort to strengthen the District Board of Ministry, and to better serve those who are enrolled in the Course of Study and seeking ordination in the Church of the Nazarene, the following new members have been added to the Studies Committee: Tom Gates, Sandra Huertas, Miranda Musick, Gary Sidle, and Vance Tope.
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| Ministry Team Christmas Banquet
It’s time to register for our annual Ministry Team Christmas Banquet that will be held at The Naz (Grove City) on Monday, November 30. You will enjoy a hot chocolate and coffee bar at 6:15 p.m. when the doors open. There will also be photo opportunities throughout the lobby area. Abbie Batson will be singing, and an inspiring message will be brought by Dr. Estep.
If you have questions, please contact Darla Batson at [email protected].
Register for the Christmas Banquet here:
Christmas Banquet – South Central Ohio District
Registration will end at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13. (The caterer will need a final head count.) |
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| | Dreaming of Christmas
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the Advent season? Dr. Eddie Estep has written Dreaming of Christmas, an Advent devotional designed to inspire and enrich your Christmas journey. Whether you’re sharing it with your congregation, a small group, or your family, this devotional offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the hope, wonder, and promise of Christmas.
Order from The Foundry Publishing:
Dreaming of Christmas or Order from Amazon: Amazon.com : dreaming of christmas eddie estep |
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“This Thanksgiving, let’s do more than give thanks for what God has placed in our hands, let’s use those blessings to help place the hope of Jesus into the hearts of others.” – Carol Lee Carpenter, District NMI President |
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| Please contact Pastor Jerry Carpenter at [email protected] for more information or your availability to help with this great need. |
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| | Search for the Next HHRC’s Camp Manager Continues |
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| The HHRC Board is in the process of searching for the camp’s next Camp Manager. This is, first and foremost, a spiritual leadership role. We are seeking someone with a vibrant, growing relationship with Jesus Christ, a heart for discipleship, and a calling to create a safe, welcoming, and spiritually nurturing environment for all who come to HHRC.
The new Camp Manager will oversee daily operations, staff, budget, programming, and risk management, while also growing HHRC’s online presence and representing the camp among our churches, schools, and community partners. Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (or equivalent experience), bring 3–5 years of leadership experience in camp or ministry work, and be willing to live near the Retreat Center.
Please join us in praying for HHRC, for the HHRC Board, and for the person God is preparing for this role. If you or someone you know may be called to this ministry, we would love to hear from you. Submit a resume, a testimony of faith, and professional references to [email protected]. |
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| | | Winter Retreat 2027 January 22-24 Registration is Open! |
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| Winter Retreat 2027 is coming up and registration is officially open! We’re excited for another opportunity to get our students together for a weekend of worship, community, and growing in their relationship with Jesus.
Here’s everything you need to get your students signed up: Registration Link: 2027_Winter_Retreat_Info_Forms.pdf
Click here for the Winter Retreat Information Packet. |
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NYI NIGHT OF WORSHIP All students are welcome to join us for a NYI Night of Worship on November 14th at 6:30 p.m. We will be gathering for worship at the Hocking Hills Retreat Center. This is completely free, but we are asking that students bring a canned good that will be donated to food pantries on our district. Please contact Pastor Ryan Etterling for any questions at [email protected] |
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| Second Quarter Reports
Highlighted this week:
“We had a building project that received final approval on the permits. We are celebrating that two teens have been sanctified.” – Waterford
“The church is growing and God is so good!” – Plymouth Heights
“Summer sabbatical for Pastor Dan has served its most essential purposes. In addition to much learning and rest, summer 2026 demonstrated clearly that JESUS is the leader of Newark Naz. We all look forward with eager anticipation to what God will do in the next quarter as we follow Jesus together.” – Newark First |
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| | Mission Books Making a Comeback
Beginning in the Spring of 2027, two new adult mission books and two new children’s books will be available. Unlike our previous books, these new books are designed to bring people together. They invite readers to share stories, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. Each book will include discussion questions to encourage participation, deepen understanding, and help us connect to missions. More information will be coming later on their availability. |
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| Missionary Speakers Available This Winter
Global missionaries Rev. Admirado and Celeste Chaguala are available to visit our churches in December and January to share what God is doing through the Church of the Nazarene in Africa. Originally from Mozambique, Admirado serves as Administrative Assistant to the Africa Regional Director and as Field Strategy Coordinator for Africa Central, overseeing ministry strategy and leadership development across 10 districts in 8 countries. The Chagualas are available December 1–20, 2026, and January 4–17, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for your congregation to hear firsthand stories of mission and deepen its prayer partnership with Africa. To schedule a visit, contact Admirado directly at [email protected]. |
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| Remember our Rutland Church (Pastor Robbie Keene) as they recover from flooding, and deal with cleanup of the church facility.
The God will help the South Central Ohio District start churches, strengthen churches, and develop leaders.
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?
The Next Yes… for yourself, for your church, for your district. |
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| Belpre – Rev. Keith Hostutler, Interim Pastor
Circleville Heritage – Dr. Mark Fuller, Interim Pastor |
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