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

MNU loses a friend, supporter

Olathe, Kansas

(MidAmerica Nazarene University, 20 August 2020) The Pioneer community is saddened to learn of the passing of Olathe’s longest mayor, a 1984 alumnus of MNU, Michael Copeland, August 19, 2020. Mayor Copeland was a friend to all Olathe residents and a strong supporter of MNU. 

MNU President David Spittal commented on the untimely passing of Mike Copeland. 

“Mike Copeland was a mayor for everyone and a friend of all,” Spittal said. “His energetic leadership, vitality and deep faith inspired a community to be the all it could be and his praise and encouragement lifted the spirits of all who knew him. As an alum he actively promoted and supported the university and its mission, including most recently with leadership for its successful Bright Futures Campaign. We extend our condolences and prayers for his wife, Maria, his family and a grieving Olathe community on the loss of an inspiring leader and friend.”

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Michigan church sees greater family involvement with drive-thru VBS

Owosso, Michigan

(Christian Post, 5 August 2020) Churches across the United States are holding a drive-thru version of Vacation Bible School this summer in response to social distancing safety guidelines meant to curb the spread of COVID-19 and are reporting more family involvement in response.

One of these congregations is Owosso First Church of the Nazarene, located in Owosso, Michigan, which began its drive thru VBS program on Monday. Brett Meyer, head of Discipleship Ministries at Owosso, told The Christian Post about how they adjusted VBS programming in light of canceling indoor mass gatherings.

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Tennessee church helps feed local law enforcement 

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Shelbyville, Tennessee

(Times-Gazette, 15 August 2020) First Church of the Nazarene, Union Street, recently committed to a local missionary project with a funding goal of $4,000—one which has already come to fruition. The funds have been used to purchase $25 meal cards for each of the 160 local law enforcement officers who wear the blue and the green.

To say FCN senior pastor, the Rev. Ron DeWitt, is proud of his congregation for their faith in seeing this mission project to fruition is an understatement. He recently presented two bags full of those Cracker Barrel gift cards to Shelbyville Police and Bedford County Sheriff’s Departments.

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--Compiled by Nazarene News