Nazarenes in the News is a compilation of online news articles featuring Nazarene churches or church members. 

Washington resident recalls how ‘breaking news’ of 1981 Iran hostage’s freedom led to career change

Richland, Washington

(Tri-City Herald, 9 October) They were free. After 444 days in captivity, 52 American hostages held by Iran since November 1979 had been released. The welcoming scene in Washington, D.C., was electric.

Holding the TV microphone close, the reporter waited, the White House her backdrop.

“I remember I prayed like crazy because I had to fill 10 minutes,” Janine Tartaglia Metcalf of Richland said about the live January 1981 broadcast for KNBC-TV, her Los Angeles station.

In Washington on assignment, once the camera began to roll, she would give viewers back home a taste of the scene — the ticker tape parade, President Ronald Reagan’s moving speech, 52 glittering lights to welcome the freed Americans. The smartly dressed young woman was accustomed to flying solo.

So, why would Janine pray and include God in this scenario?

For the rest of the story about Janine Metcalf, pastor of the Richland, Washington, Church of the Nazarene, click here.

Location change helps Minnesota church reach a new generation

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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(NCN News submissions) For 87 years, Faithbrook, formally Osseo Church of the Nazarene, was located in a quaint suburban town on the edge of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The church did well in the 60s and 70s, positioned on a neighborhood street so neighbors could walk to services. However, as the suburbs grew and culture changed, more and more people drove to church and parking became a hindrance.

Under the leadership of Pastor Jim Comfort, the church began to realize relocation would offer better visibility, accessibility, and a chance to restart itself to intercept the next generation and advance God’s kingdom. After a fundraising campaign 10 years ago, the church was able to purchase property just five miles away from their current location in a growing area of the Minneapolis suburbs.

For the rest of the story, click here. 

Community of Hope recognizes founding board chair with award

Washington, D.C.

(NCN News submissions) Community of Hope, a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center, presented the 2017 Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service to Robert L. Sloan, who has led, advised, and served as a connector for 44 years. 

This honor is granted annually by the organization in honor of founder Tom Nees, recognizing the recipient for his or her long-standing, impacting service to the women, men, and children who turn to the Community of Hope for help. 

Sloan was the founding board chair who, in partnership with Nees, had a vision for Community of Hope and brought it to life.

For the rest of the story, click here. 

Stories to share? Send them to news@nazarene.org.

--Compiled by NCN News