Luke 2 (New International Version)

Verses 1,3-20 Paraphrased

The Birth of Jesus

A.  Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. Each person went to his own town to register.

B.   So Joseph went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.

C.   He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

D. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

2008-2009 Iowa District Quizzing Dates

NCM Mission Statement...

“Following the example of Jesus, NCM partners with local Nazarene congregations around the world to clothe, shelter, feed, heal, educate, and live in solidarity with those who suffer under oppression, injustice, violence, poverty, hunger, and disease. NCM exists in and through the Church to proclaim the Gospel to all people.”

Mission Strategy USA/Canada Annual Report to the 2005 General Board

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Scope and Specifics of Ministry...

In keeping with the spirit of our Nazarene founders, NCM exists to minister to the whole person. We bring the hope of Jesus to a needy world through providing for people’s physical needs of food, clothing, and shelter. Additionally we offer long term relief and development assistance in an effort to combat the root causes of poverty.

Our Mission of Worship

The mission of the church in the world begins in worship. It is as we are gathered together before God in worship-singing, hearing the public reading of the Bible, giving our tithes and offerings, praying, hearing the preached Word, baptizing, and sharing the Lords Supper--that we know most clearly what it means to be the people of God. Our belief that the work of God in the world is accomplished primarily through worshiping congregations leads us to understand that our mission includes the receiving of new members into the fellowship of the church and the organizing of new worshiping congregations.