District Assembly 2010

The Church of the Nazarene Australian Southern District held the annual District Assembly at the Enmore Church of the Nazarene in the inner Sydney suburb of Enmore.
The Assembly started on January 14 with a luncheon Sydney Harbour cruise.
The department conventions were held on Friday and the main busines session on Saturday.
The NMI elected Rev. Caine Pennel as the new president. The SDMI District Chairperson remains Rev.Judy Stanley and the NYI. district President remains Rev Glenn Stanley. The Assembly re-elected Rev. Ian Davidson District Superintendent for a further 4 years.
Special Speakers for the Assembly evening sessions were Thursday "The fighting Father" Rev.Dave Smith of the Anglican Church. Friday pastor Hilary Williams of the Petersham AOG. Saturday General Superintendent Dr Jerry Porter and Sunday District Superintendent Rev. Ian Davidson.
The High light of the Assembly was the Sunday morning ordination service When six ministers were ordained by General Superintendent Dr Jerry Porter.

Pictured from L-R back row GS. Dr Porter,ordinands Rev. Raphael N'gandu,Rev. Andrew Copland, Rev. Paul Spanos, spouse Mr Faamanu Ofo, DS. Rev Ian Davidson, ordinand Rev. Caine Pennell and RD. Dr Vern Ward.
L-R front Row Spouses Mrs. Mary N'gandu, Mrs Theresa Copland. ordinands Rev. Audrey Porter, Rev. Tali Ofo and spouse Mrs Sally Pennell

Distinguished Service Award

"Mrs Areti Stylianou was awarded a Distinguished Service Award for her loyalty and service to two churches on the Southern District, Enmore and Thornbury for over 35 years. Her task was always made much more difficult as she would translate all the information and readings in Greek, but always with enthusiasm and a smile. Mrs. Areti Stylianou is now in a Nursing Home in Altona, Victoria, where her daughter Dora and Pastor Milton Kalogeropoulos presented her with the Award. Thank you Areti and God Bless you always."

Breaking the Drought

Musical items were presented by Ian Mills and Peter Webb.

Breaking the Drought

The Pinery Community church of the Nazarene in South Australia held a stop the drought meeting in the Pinery Community Hall Sunday evening April 5th with reported 80 people in attendance. Mr Colin Blacket was the convener and M.C. Musical items were presented by Ian Mills and Peter Webb.
The Hon. Neil Andrews, O.A. former federal member for the Riverland seat of Wakefield explained the low flows in the Murray Darling System as the result of low rainfall in the catchment which has happened several times in the past century. There was also a panel of advisers including Neil Andrews to answer questions on the drought its effects and how to work with it. Rev. Ian Davidson spoke on 2 Chronicles 7:14. Highlighting God's desire for "His people" the Church to be in a right relationship with him and one another in order to be able to partner with God to bring about his purposes in the world. The meeting closed with the entire meeting standing in solidarity to commit themselves to God and his purposes in prayer.

Julie McDowell Commissioned

Last weekend the Wantirna/Melbourne church commission one of their members, Julie McDowell, a Critical Incident Chaplain with Access Ministries, an inter-church body which provides Christian Education and Chaplaincy in State Schools in Victoria. McDowell, a qualified school teacher, and chaplain in local Bayswater North and Boronia Heights primary schools, will work with the children of Flowerdale community. Miraculously, their school was spared.

Thornbury volunteers help bushfire victims.

Thornbury volunteers help bushfire victims.

It was a blessing for 10 volunteers from Thornbury Church who went to serve in the volunteer centre in Rowville sorting donated clothing and all sorts of items with other volunteers.