Commissioning events fill weekend

by Martin Hunt – 

The Western Territory will soon celebrate the ordination and commissioning of new officers. Prepared by the teaching they have received at the College for Officer Training, these new pastors and leaders have committed their lives to serving God.

Commissioning events provide opportunities to encourage and support them as they begin their journey as officers, as well as celebrating the good that the Lord is doing in the Army.

Commissioning weekend begins Friday, June 10 with Commencement at 10:30 a.m. at Crestmont College, followed by a picnic lunch at noon or the invitation-only Parents’ Banquet at 12:30 p.m. At 1:00 p.m. Territorial Bible Bowl heats take place at Crestmont, and later, at 7:00 p.m., Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene hosts Kids Live ’05.

Kids Live ’05 and the Bible Bowl competition feature young people from every division. Support our young people by attending these events—it is the Year for Children and Youth!

Saturday, June 11 promises a full day of events in Pasadena, beginning with the Territorial Bible Bowl Final at 9:00 a.m., followed at 9:30 a.m. by ministry training workshops. The Commissioning and Ordination service is at 2:00 p.m., dinner is at 4:00 p.m., and the Service of Appointment is at 6:30 p.m. Both lunch and dinner are available; reservations for meals must be made by June 1.

For children ages 12 and under, childcare is available during the Ordination and Appointment services with Donnie Rasmussen, supported by the territorial Youth Department, providing innovative Bible learning experiences. Registration is required by June 1.

Sunday’s events include worship at Crestmont at 10:30 a.m., and the Latino Rally at 4:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Central Corps. English translation will be provided at the rally, and Commissioner Philip Swyers will deliver a message of challenge and inspiration.

Those unable to attend Commissioning can view the events at the First Church of the Nazarene via the Internet at www.usawest.org.