en A spiritual home where you can encounter God... http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org © Copyright 2000 - 2010Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=6 Our mission is to:Celebrate -- WorshipConnect - To God and One AnotherContribute - Service by becoming the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.It is exciting to see how the church is able to continue to move ahead in ministry -- fulfilling God's Call upon our lives. I want to say a personal thank you to each one of you as you continue to allow God to lead and to be involved in ministry as we build the Kingdom of God.Let's Celebrate: On Easter Sunday, April 4th a special service is planned. Each one of us will find ourselves involved in the drama of the Cross. My prayer is that we will begin to comprehend just how much love Jesus has for us. This will be a great opportunity to invite your family and friends to church. Please join me in praying for a great day. And yes, we will be having our sunrise service. Let's Connect: Whether it is through getting involved in a Bible Study Class or helping volunteer in a ministry, I encourage you to be involved in a group. From singing in the choir or helping in children's church or teens, there are many opportunities to not only give, but to receive. For you see, in each group, there becomes a bond in which great community takes place. Exciting stories are being told of how the church is becoming a place where love and care is experienced in small groups.Let's Contribute: Each Saturday evening, you'll find volunteers from one of our classes providing child care at the Crisis Center. Every night of the week, you'll find the gym full of kids -- coaches who are giving of themselves to make a difference. We are finalizing the plans to offer funeral dinners to any family in our community (see response card) in order to minister to those without a church during a time of loss in their life. Family -- thank you for contributing as the Body of Christ. You are making a difference.I am so proud of the church that God is building. Although we are knee deep in actual building construction, the true building is taking place in lives. Praise the Lord.I ask you to continue to pray for lives to be changed and for the Kingdom of God to be built. Let's continue to be faithful in our giving of self and finances, in sharing God's story, and in ministry.Please be in special prayer for our team which will be taking the Jesus Film to Bolivia March 18th-26th. I am so proud of the great group of men who stepped out on faith. God has provided and is already working in our lives. We are excited about what God is going to do in and through us.I appreciate each one of you. Let's continue to work together.Pastor Dustin Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:36:43 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=51 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=51&article_id=550 A friend gave me this poem. I pray that it will affect your worship as it has affected mine. May God be the receiver of our worship. Prelude to Worshipby Greg AskimakoupoulosAs I sit in silence for the service to begin, I cannot help but wonder how you'll speak to me again. Will it be the songs we sing or in the pastor's prayer? It just might be the sermon or a need somebody shares. Maybe you will touch my heart through laughter or a sigh.Perhaps through a distraction, like a newborn's hungry cry. I ask you, Lord, to help me hear the words you'll speak my way. I will listen with expectancy for what you're sure to say. Worshipping Him, Donna Mikhail Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:25:06 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43&article_id=454 KIDS FEST 2009Joplin District KIDS FEST will be held at Fort Scott West Nazarene on Saturday, March 6th. We will leave from the church in the white bus by 8:15 a.m. and return by 3:15 p.m. Parents are invite to go with us. Children need to bring money for lunch.Children may enter in 3 different categories. To participate in sports they must enter in at least one talent entry. We have sent the registrations in but we can change/add more. Let Pastor Brad know if you would like to change or add your entry and to pay your $2.00 per event. SPRING BREAK FLING Wednesday, March 17th, we will be our annual Spring Break Fling to the Jones Center in Springdale, Arkansas for ice skating and swimming. Cost is $2 for skate rental and $2 for swimming. All children Kindergarten thru 6th grade are invited. The bus will leave the church at noon and return by 8:30 p.m. Bring a sack dinner, swim suit, towel, and a bag to carry everything. Every child must complete a permission form. The first 65 children will be able to go. See Pastor Brad for more information or with questions. DISTRICT QUIZWe will be hosting the Joplin District Quiz here on Saturday, March 20th. Memory work will begin at 9 a.m. and quizzing at 10 a.m. I am very proud of our children as they have studied God's word. Thanks go out to Muriel Lindley & Cathy Probert, blue level coaches, and Erica Ritzema & Rachel Reeves red level coaches for your dedication and hard work.CARAVANSIt is not too late to join Caravans! Caravans meet on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the children's chapel then move to the gym at 6:45 p.m. for recreation and cookies. We finish up in our classes earning badges. For more information see Pastor Brad or Darla Grant. UPCOMING EVENTS:March 6th: Joplin District Kids FestMarch 17th: Spring Break Fling Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:08:15 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=32 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=32&article_id=485 An important part of our Ministry in Carthage has been helping people in difficult times: illness, immigration, in prison, family problems, lack of work. Our ministry has been an agency to help and advise the Hispanic community.Yesterday, Irma and I and Debbie Portillo had the opportunity to visit the grandmother of the baby who died so tragically. She has been a Carthage resident for over 25 years and well-known in the Hispanic community. She is suffering the loss of a grandchild she loved and cared for 3 hours a day, plus the pain of her son in prison without finding any answer to her pain. We shared the Word of God with her and prayed for her and her family. We ask that you please pray for this family that is going through this terrible trial. Mark Your Calendars!Hispanic Combined Service in Neosho will be Saturday, February 27th during the evening. The blue van will be used for travel. Don't miss out!Spring Revival will be April 1st-4th in the Sanctuary. On Sunday, April 4th, a baptism will also be held. Please contact Pastor Moises if you would like to be baptized. Invite your friends and family for these special services!- Pastor Moises Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:06:08 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=73 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=73&article_id=453 Spring is right around the corner which means we start the prep for a very busy summer. During this month we have the Spring Empower Event in Pittsburg this year. Also we have a Mission Trip Meeting happening on March 28th immediately following the evening service. It is very important that any teen and their parents be at this meeting. This year we are doing something very different but it is going to require some dedication to be involved and I want to make sure that everyone who attends is on the same page. Even if there is a slight interest but not s definite decision to be involved, please be at this meeting. I am excited about what this could do in the lives of our teens. I believe God has great things in store for them. - Pastor Robb UPCOMING EVENTSMarch 12th-13th: Spring Empower at Pittsburg Nazarene. March 28th: Mission Trip Meeting at 7 p.m. All teens and parents must be at this meeting if they are at all interested in going on the mission trip. Mark your calendars! LOOKING AHEADApril 15th-17th: MAX@MNUApril 16th: Nazarene Night at Worlds of Fun Wed, 3 Mar 2010 10:04:02 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=594 March 14th-17th Thiebuad Auditorium in Lamar, MOJoin Dr. G. Thomas Sharp as he presents the Mobile Museum, a Biblical account of early earth history. This event is free to all and children are welcome to attend. Call the Lamar First Christian Church at 417-682-2118 for details. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 09:55:14 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=596 Sunday, March 14th 6 p.m. Join us as we welcome the Teen Challenge of the Four States in our evening service. This ministry provides youth, adults, and families with an effective faith-based solution to controlling drug and alcohol problems. Mark your calendars! Wed, 3 Mar 2010 09:55:14 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=597 Saturday, April 10th 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Fairview Christian Church Cost: $25 (includes breakfast and lunch)Special Speaker: Linda SeamanLinda and her husband served as missionaries for 28 years In 2003, they were elected the district superintendent for the Michigan District. Your Carthage Women's Ministries want you to attend this event. So, they are offering to pay half of your registration fee! Forms are available from the church office and are due to Terri Rushing before March 26th. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 09:55:14 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=479 Often times when the weather is bad, many people are unsure if activities will be held. To eliminate confusion, our winter weather policy is as follows:Sunday morning services are never cancelled.Sunday evening service cancellations will be announced in morning services. If Wednesday classes are cancelled at Carthage schools due to inclement weather then all Wednesday evening activities will be cancelled at the church. Cancellations will be posted on the three major local network television stations.Inclement weather may cause our bus services to be cancelled even if service is not cancelled. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 09:52:51 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=595 7 a.m. Sunrise Service9 a.m. Easter Celebration 11 a.m. Easter Celebration There will be NO Sunday School or Evening Service Wed, 3 Mar 2010 09:46:56 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=590 Laura Petherbridge will present a "Thriving in a Step-Family" seminar April 9th-10th Springfield Community ChurchLaura Petherbridge is a nationally accredited author, teacher, and speaker. Her book The Smart Stepmom is sold in bookstores across the country (www.Laurapetherbridge.com). Cost is $50 for both days. Call Springfield Community at 417-883-2040. Forms are available from the church office. Wed, 3 Mar 2010 09:46:56 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=1&article_id=372 Sundays9:00 a.m. Worship: Blended led by Choir 10:10 a.m. Sunday School and LIFE Groups 11:00 a.m. Worship: Contemporary led by Band Children's Church meets at both 9:00 & 11:00 12:15 p.m. Hispanic Worship 6:00 p.m. Evening Service Wednesdays6:30 p.m. Children's, Teen's & Adult groups PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE NEWSLETTER SECTION OF THE WEBSITE FOR ALL CFN EVENT INFORMATION. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:17:20 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43&article_id=351 The following is a typical Sunday morning schedule:Children's Church at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. - Children in Kdg. through 6th grade meet in the Children's Chapel Sunday School at 10:10 a.m.- Children meet in the chapel for openingCarthage First is dedicated to providing fun activities and engaging Christian education for our children of all ages! There is something for every child to enjoy. During Children's Church there will be lively music, missionary minutes, puppets, skits, games, engaging bible lessons and of course you never know when Sploochie will drop in! Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:53:11 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=73 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=73&article_id=317 ....... we believe that God has an incredible plan for His teens. Just as He used David in a mighty way to take down Goliath, we exist to do BIG Things for God. We are founded on the verse found in 1 Samuel 17:40, "Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine." God chose David while he was just a teen and then used him in mighty ways his entire life. We believe that God is calling today's teens in the same way He called David. They will do great things in His name and leave their mark on this world. Whether it is facing down giants, fighting for the spiritual lives of their friends, leading this generation, or simply worshipping God, we are called because we seek after God's heart. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:50:08 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=7 Dustin Ledford has served as Senior Pastor here at Carthage First since January, 2006. His heart and passion in ministry is to reach out to the lost and be used by God for the sake of building the Kingdom. He has a deep commitment to his church family and is continually thankful for their support.Dustin was ordained an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene in August of 1991. Upon graduation from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a degree in Religion in 1992, he immediately went into youth ministry, first for three years at Carthage First and then five years at Parsons, Kansas. Before coming to Carthage, he pastored the Highway Church of the Nazarene in Ava, Missouri. Dustin has served on the District NYI Council, Board of Credentials, District Advisory Board, and General Planning Committees. He is very involved in the community and served on the Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce in Carthage in 2008. Dustin married Kara on June 15, 1991. Kara also graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University. They have three children, Riley, age 15, Kaley, age 12, and Reed, age 8. The Ledfords love to snow ski, go camping, ride horses, and spend time with family. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:11:36 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=105 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=105&article_id=451 Coming this fall September 2nd - December 9th - Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Find out more at thethruthproject.org Mon, 3 Aug 2009 12:37:13 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=4&article_id=4 Led by Pastor Dustin Ledford Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:06:11 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43&article_id=492 led by Pastor Brad Hunt Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:01:34 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=73 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=73&article_id=486 Led by Pastor Robb Gossen Our Purpose:GO to those who need to experience Christ GATHER together so that we can be strong and in doing so GROW in the faith, learning where we may GIVE to others and making sure that in all that we do we GLORIFY the One who has called us Wed, 3 Jun 2009 14:00:05 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=9 Robb Gossen has served as Families with Youth Pastor here at Carthage First since June 2007. Robb was a member of YWAM - a worldwide missions based group from 1997-1998 with which he travelled to Hawaii and Taiwan doing missions work and outreach to youth. He graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a BA degree in Youth and Family Ministry, in 2002. He interned at Good Naz, in Gaithersburg, MD from 2001-2002 and went on staff full time there in November of 2004, where he stayed for two and a half years. In October 2006, Robb married his wife Amy who graduated from ENC with a degree in physical therapy in 2000. They have a little girl named Ally Rose born June of 2008. Robb has been a volunteer for the youth at Wannamaker Woods, in Topeka, KS. He is currently seeking a Master's degree in Divinity with an emphasis in Christian education from NNU. The Gossen's love to spending time with family, enjoy sports and dominating teens in NCAA football on Playstation. Wed, 3 Jun 2009 13:56:12 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=8 Brad Hunt has served as Children's Pastor at Carthage First since December of 1999. He has a passion for ministering to children and their families. Brad has a BA in education/psychology from Mid-America Nazarene College and a MS and an ED.S in counseling from Pittsburg State University. As well as being the children's pastor he works as a high school counselor for the Carthage R-9 school district. Brad was ordained an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene in July of 2006.Brad is married to Kelley and has three children Sarah 23, Aaron 20 (Heather 21 daughter in-law), and Katie 17. They work together in ministering to children at Carthage First. He loves spending time with his family and friends camping and watching any sport. Wed, 3 Jun 2009 13:49:14 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=17&article_id=10 Tue, 2 Jun 2009 09:01:26 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=43&article_id=309 Club 56, a ministry designed specifically for students in 5th & 6th grade, will now be meeting on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the children's chapel. Reaching the pre-teen age group is always a challenge and for that reason we have a special ministry set aside just for them. During Club 56, we will have an absolute blast praising God in various ways. We will play a couple of high energy games, just to get the program under way. After games, we give God our all with a few praise and worship songs, followed by a quick teaching time to introduce the topic and Bible verse for the night. We will also work with puppets and develop a stick ministry. One Tuesday each quarter, we will visit a local nursing home to reach out to others. Wed, 1 Apr 2009 12:34:12 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=32 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=32&article_id=491 Led by Moises Marquez Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:13:23 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=32 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=32&article_id=261 JAIL MINISTRIES We have services held at the County Jail every Tuesday night. These services are with the Hispanics inmates. We have wonderful testimonies of many of them, of how those lives were changed by Jesus Christ.We had almost 120 inmates in the year and 40 of them accept to Jesus.Let me share with you this testimony: Panchita is a member from our Hispanic congregation. She filled a prayer request card for her son Jose on February 18. In this prayer request, she wrote: "Please pray for my son, he is in drugs." Two weeks later, she called me crying and said: "Pastor Moses, the police took my son and he is jail." He was in jail for 66 days and every Tuesday he came to the service that we had with the inmates. In one of this jail services, he accepted Jesus as his savior and this Sunday he will be telling us his testimony in our church; Praise the Lord! FOOD DISTRIBUTIONEvery two weeks we pick up food from Compassionate Ministries of Carthage and distribute to the Hispanic families. CLOTHING DISTRIBUTIONMany donated clothing and shoes from the Church Family were distributed among the Hispanic people. Thank you very much to our Church Family. Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:13:05 MST http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.carthagefirstnazarene.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=1 Family! We seek to fulfill our mission of honoring Christ by helping the family and their needs of today. From the first moment you enter the doors of Carthage First Nazarene a sense of belonging is found.Uplifting worship,singing, practical Biblical teaching and warm acceptance is what makes our church a special place! Our ministries and services reflect our belief and mission that attending church should be enjoyable, uplifting and meaningful in developing a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Our BeliefsOur church is a community of believers with Jesus Christ as its head. We seek to love, respect and care for one another as a demonstration of our love for God. Our outreach is to those who have no church home. Many in our area are disillusioned with religion. They have felt the sting of legalism with its impossible demands. Some have seen hypocrisy. Others have had no religious background and therefore see Christianity as irrelevant. The missing element has been healthy relationships with mature believers in Jesus. The Vision Our vision is to reach our community and make a difference in the lives they live through the good news of Jesus Christ. We believe we can accomplish this through helping people discover God's purpose for their life through teamwork, creativity and excellence. Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:30:07 MST