Hispanic Nazarenes celebrate Centennial in Pasadena, California
 
Hispanic Nazarenes from across the U.S. gathered at the Pasadena, California, First Church of the Nazarene August 5-7, for the Hispanic Centennial Celebration—a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Church of the Nazarene. Although current economic conditions and the price of gas made it impossible for some Nazarenes to make the journey, there were still clergy and laity from 29 districts in attendance.

Hispanic Ministries Coordinator Roberto Hodgson and Southwest Latin American District Superintendent Alejandro Sandoval said in a statement, “We come to celebrate our heritage and our centennial anniversary as a church. This gathering was like a family reunion, a big fiesta time. I am encouraged about the future of the Hispanic-Latino church in the USA and Canada. We have a saying, ‘Que la fiesta siga’—let the fiesta continue—in making Christlike disciples in the nations.”

General Superintendent Jerry D. Porter was the keynote speaker and addressed crowds of approximately 700 to 800 Hispanic clergy and laity in three different evening services. Western Latin American District Superintendent Orlando Serrano presented the history of Nazarene ministry among Hispanics in the U.S. and Canada from 1903 to the present. He said, “The ministry to Hispanics started as a result of a Godly woman named May McReynolds and the passion God gave her for ministry to the Mexican community in the Pasadena and Los Angeles area. We pray that God will continue to place His passion in the hearts of Hispanics as we celebrate the past and future of the Church of the Nazarene.”

A three hour seminar on immigration was held Wednesday afternoon, August 6, with Amy Tenney of World Relief. Tenney went over current regulations for immigration and R-1 visas, and highlighted ways that the local church can serve new immigrants and the volunteer opportunities available through World Relief offices.

William Alvarado, pastor of the Orange Church of the Nazarene in Orange County, California, led the Centennial Celebration youth activities. These activities included a talent show and pizza party, a battle of the bands, and a concert from Triple Seven of the Tampa, Florida, First Church of the Nazarene. Workshops for youth, led by Marty Hoskins, Dave Curtis, Porter, and Dale Hudson, focused on Nazarene heritage and challenged youth to be Christian leaders. Point Loma Nazarene University provided buses to take the youth to Los Angeles, California, First Church of the Nazarene to see where the denomination started and learn about the history of the Church of the Nazarene. The youth also visited the Bresee Institute and toured Skid Row to see the work of Central City Community Outreach and their ministry to homeless families in the area.

Vicente Montaýo, interdenominational speaker and singer, addressed the gathering with a message of honoring God with what belongs to God. Montaýo sang several songs during the evening services much to the delight of the crowd. Workshops, exhibits, music, and fiestas rounded out the activities. For more information on the Nazarene Centennial, see www.nazarenecentennial.org.

For a Spanish version of this article, click here.