A good start to the fall NCO calendar: Both John Shirley (Heartland GBC) and Jonathan Wiley (GBC Columbus) were recommended unanimously to their respective congregations for ordination as elders in the FGBC. Thanks to the men who came last Wednesday to participate in the exams and congratulations to the two candidates.
More than 50 attended the NCO Family Picnic last Friday evening at Highbanks Metro Park, including a number of new families. I’m always pleased to see how quickly the ministers in our District gather, welcome, and converse. I had an ice breaker ready to go, but there was no need to use it – as it should be!
Upcoming Events
Dr. Augustin Hibaile, October 3, GBC of Columbus
Dr. Hibaile directs the International Center for the Development of Ethical Leadership (CIDEL) in the Central African Republic. God has opened amazing doors of opportunity for him to influence the leaders of his country and surrounding countries in Africa. Dr. Hibaile begins each week with a prayer encounter with the Prime Minister of the CAR. You are invited to hear Dr. Hibaile tell what God is doing through CIDEL at 3:00 on October 3.
Central Focus Retreat, October 11-13, Mohican State Park
You are invited to the 2010 Central Focus retreat on October 11-13 at Mohican State Park. Registration information is available at www.fgbc.org (click on the “Fully Alive” link). Tom Hocking (FGBC moderator) has asked Dan Allan and Tony Webb to lead this year’s retreats. Dan and Tony have a passion to help pastors become stronger and more vibrant in their ministry. This year’s theme is “Fully Alive” based on Ephesians 3:16-19.
GBIM Day of Generosity Cycling Tour, October 16
Last year we hosted the cycling tour with the help of 7 churches. Participant registration fees and donations went to the Day of Generosity and together we cycled an estimated 1,500 miles. This year we are excited to partner with the Tour de Brethren, led by our friends Dale Dunn and Larry Hall, to bring some exciting changes to this cycling event. We are planning to host the event on Saturday, October 16th at 8:30am in Galena, Ohio at McNamara Park. This venue gives us the ability to host a 5 to 10 mile ride along dedicated bike trail, prefect for families who want to join in the fun and it should be noted that this year we are introducing a family rate. For the weekend warriors we will have a 20 mile ride and finally for those who love speed we’ll host a 27 mile race. We’ll celebrate after the tour with a cookout in the park for participants and volunteers.
NCO Fall Ministerium and District Missions @ Delaware GBC
In the Spring, we heard from a panel of “NCO Lions,” men with a wealth of long ministry experience. Now, it’s time for the “NCO Chargers,” men who are in the formative years of their ministry. Mark Artrip (Powell GBC), Jeremy Bury (Marysville GBC), Keith Minier (Pickerington GBC), and Kary Oberbrunner (Powell GBC) will share observations about social networking, worship, biblical cultural relevancy, and leadership in a Q&A format led by Dustin Godshall (Powell GBC). One strength of a District is the opportunity to learn from older and younger perspectives. The District Missions Team will meet following lunch to hear the progress of new churches in the NCO. Refreshments served at 9:30 – don’t be late!
2010-11 NCO Schedule
2010
- October 11-13 – Central Focus Retreat @ Mohican Conference Center
- October 16 – GBIM Day of Generosity Cycling Tour @ Galena McNamara Park, 8:30 am
- October 21 – NCO Fall Ministerium and District Missions @ Delaware GBC
- November 18 – NCO Youth Pastor Gathering
2011
- January 27 – NCO Coordinating Team
- February 4-6 – Kalahari for Middle and High School
- February 17 – NCO Winter Ministerium and District Missions @ TBA
- March 7-8 – CE Leadership Summit for Youth Workers @ Winona Lake
- April 6 – NCO Exams
- April 6 – NCO Youth Worship Night
- April 13 – NCO Coordinating Team
- April 14 – Youth Pastor Gathering
- May 12 – NCO Spring Ministerium and District Missions @ TBA
- June 13-18 – Beyond Middle School Camp
District News
New Book Released by Kary Oberbrunner
Kary Oberbrunner (Powell GBC) has authored a fourth book, Your Secret Name. Kary is leading a Saturday night discussion of the themes and principles in the book each week, 6:00-7:30, until December 11, at the Powell church. For more information go to http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2010/09/22/multiple_papers/arts/allovautho_20100921_1056am_1.txt.
CE Leadership Summit for Youth Workers, March 7-8
It’s not tool early to plan to attend. Barry Shafer, author of Unleashing God’s Word, will be the keynote speaker. For more information go to http://cenational.org/cenational/2009-ministries.asp?secondLevelLinkCode=youth_62090.
Hope to see you at some NCO events this fall.
In Christ,
Todd Scoles
NCO Coordinator
