Come join us. We're learning to make Christlike disciples in the nations and to be followers of Jesus. We're loving harder, digging deeper, and encouraging more here at TNC. We hope this web page helps you understand more of who we were, have become, and will become as we journey together.
QUICK LINKS
Bringing HOPE
We are the church gathering online and loving our neighbors by social distancing. Help us help those who have lost jobs or need emergency assistance in our fellowship.
Give to the HOPE Fund. We may be in this national crisis for a season. We may need to provide food or emergency helps in small amounts to those who are really struggling in our congregation. If you can help, give to the HOPE fund. Your gifts may help a person who has lost a job and has no resources survive. We will have different levels of assistance, but we can provide emergency relief fast!
OUR PHASED REOPENING
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Friends,
Upon consultation with Pastor Doug Pierce and our Arizona District Leadership as well as the Board of General Superintendents, our church board has met and approved our reopening of our Preschool and Church.
Please be in prayer with me as we resume ministry in three phases to our community. Here are our "phased" reopening plan and dates.
PHASE ONE: June 2020
June 1: Church and Preschool Office Resume Normal Hours
Tempe Preschool Reopens with Modified Hours (7:00 am–5:30 pm)
June 7: Tempe Nazarene Church campus regathers for Worship only
Sunday Schedule:
- Tempe Nazarene 10:15 Worship in Sanctuary 8 am–12 pm
- Nursery and Junior Church Only
- Tabernacle of Grace 12–2 pm (Room 200) *cleaning between uses
- Casa De Oracion 3–5pm
PHASE TWO: July 2020
Staggered restart of campus ministries
- Children
- Youth
- Primetime
PHASE THREE: August 2020
- Sunday School Resumes at 9 am
- Weekly evening ministries resume
- Sports
- Young Adults
- Worship team practice
- Caravan
- Teens
- MOPS
SAFE PRACTICES
We will adopt these "Safe Practices" as we reopen our campus for Worship on Sundays
- Social distancing (every other pew will be taped off/staggered seating)
- Wash hands before entering and leaving (sanitizing stations)
- Wear masks (masks will be available)
- Provide live streaming option (anyone ‘at-risk’ watch safely from home)
- Signs for anyone sick within 14 days to stop before entering worship center>
- No Greeting time/Communion pre-filled cups/Offering boxes
- Sanctuary deep cleaned every Friday AM
- Family bathroom available/bathrooms cleaned throughout AM meeting
Our Staff will continue to develop and modify our best ‘safe practices’ weekly as we prepare to meet June 7!
We'll Get Through This!
Pastor Jon
FROM DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DOUG PIERCE
Greetings everyone!
The following is the most recent Coronavirus Update (#18) sent to pastors and District leadership (adapted).
"God is getting us ready for what is next."
-Pastor Chad Veach - CHURCH DISRUPT Webinar-
As most in Arizona have heard by now, our Governor relaxed the meeting restrictions for places of worship in his press conference late Thursday afternoon. In my opinion, some of the recommendations seem inconsistent with each other and are a bit confusing but regardless, we are moving ahead with the initial phase of reopening public worship services.
The social distancing, capacity limiting, disinfecting guidelines, plus a lot more precautions are all needed according to governmental authorities to insure the safety of your congregations and communities. Here is the key part from Governor Doug Ducey's Executive Order #2020-36:
5. Any business, whether for-profit or non-profit, institution, profession or entity that physically operates in this state and serves the public or is an employer shall develop, establish and implement polices based on guidance from the CDC, Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ADHS to limit and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 including the following:
- Promoting healthy hygiene practices;
- Intensifying cleaning, disinfection and ventilation practices;
- Monitoring for sicknessd. Ensuring physical distancing;
- Providing necessary protective equipment;
- Allowing for and encouraging teleworking where feasible;
- Providing plans, where possible, to return to work in phases; and
- Limiting the congregation of groups of no more than 10 persons when feasible and in relation to the size of the location.
Also the Governor's office provided an additional document titled, "Guidance For Places of Worship". The documents are available for your review and implementation. [link]
I am not aware of any new information that effects our churches in Nevada and California—we will keep praying for you and anticipate the day you will be able to re-open for public worship services.
We encourage our churches to re-open while paying attention to, and following closely, federal, state and local guidelines/recommendations. This strikes balance between proper attention to the health of our people and communities, while moving forward with the mission of the church.
I am a big fan of a phased-in approach of your various ministries. If you haven't done so already, you and your leadership team need to prioritize the ministries you can implement up front while protecting the most vulnerable and continuing to follow the governmental guidelines. Some ministries may need to wait until you are better prepared in the future or they may need to be eliminated altogether.
Pastors, please protect yourself and the church by submitting your re-entry plan to the church board for approval. I would appreciate receiving a copy for our files. If you need ideas, I provided resource links in multiple Coronavirus Updates (1-18) that provide checklists and other ideas. We will post additional documents on the "Pastor's Forum" on the District website. Of course there are many resources available online.
Pastor Chad Veach's statement resonated with me this morning as I processed the new information and reflected on the unique journey we are on: "God is getting us ready for what is next." I believe He has been using the pandemic to get our attention, bring spiritual renewal and prepare us for a new season of ministry in the Church. My prayer is we don't miss this opportunity.
Doug Pierce
District Superintendent
VISITING?
We meet on Sundays at 9:00 am for various classes for all ages. Child care is available at this time for newborns through one-year-olds, Sunday school classes are also available for all ages, we offer multiple adult classes for varied interests. On Sunday, see a Greeter or go to our Welcome Center for more information on available classes and their locations. Pastor's sermon notes are available in the bulletin or in the Bible (You Version) app, in the Events section (just look for Tempe Nazarene Church.
When joining us for the 10:15 am service, speak with a Greeter or go to the Welcome Center in the south lobby for more information. Child care is available for newborns through two-year-olds. Three to five-year-olds have their own class. Our children, First-graders and older meet with adults for Praise & Worship in the Worship Center. Just before the message, our 1st through 5th grades will go to Kid's Church in Room 101 with Pastor Debbie for an inspirational message.
Tabernacle of Grace Church (a Haitian Church of the Nazarene) has Sunday classes at 9:00 am and a Service at 10:30 am in Room 200, second floor.
Connect with us if you want more information on our services or the church in general.
ViSION, VALUES, BELIEFS
Our vision is to teach and encourage people to be all that God has created them to be in our homes, in our communities, and in our world!
We have that vision because we value that…
God not only created us but he loves us. In fact, He loves us so much that He sent his Son Jesus to die for our sins. God the creator of the universe, wants to have a relationship with us! So all we do, all we say as a church is to bring honor to God!
The Bible is the ultimate authority of our lives. It is the supreme source of truth and it equips us to live in a way that glorifies God. The Bible reveals who God is and helps us understand the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
God created people and He loves people. We want to love people the way that Jesus loves us. This love motivates us to give generously, serve sacrificially, share the truth and grace of Jesus, and invest all we are and have to further God’s purpose in the lives of people.
All these values are rooted in our belief…
- in one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- that the Old and New Testament scriptures, given by divine inspiration, contain all truth necessary for faith and Christian living.
- that man is born sinful and in need of forgiveness.
- that God offers forgiveness to all who will accept Christ as their Savior.
- that as Christians grow in their relationship with God, their commitment will progressively increase to a point of releasing their will to God.
- that the Holy Spirit resides in the heart of a believer guiding and teaching him.
- in the return of our Lord, in the resurrection of the dead, and in the final judgment of all mankind.
Here's a video for you to view that very simply describes our sixteen Articles of Faith. Pastor Jon will gladly answer any questions you have on this.
Staff
Please connect with our church staff with any questions you may have about God or participation in a ministry.
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Jon Privett
Lead PastorPastor Jon joined us on September 17, 2017 as our Lead Pastor. Read his new page.
Jon is a graduate of Northwest Nazarene College (1982) and Nazarene Theological Seminary (1986). Jon has pastored in Pierce, Idaho (1986-1989), Boise Five Mile Nazarene in Boise, Idaho (1989-2003), an Baker City, Oregon since April 2003.
He loves coffee and conversation about Jesus! In his free time, Jon will most likely be fly-fishing, watching the Denver Broncos, or detailing his 1970 Chevrolet truck. Jon is happily married to Cathleen since 1986. Jon and Cathleen have two daughters, Sarah and Emilie.
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Will Hathaway
Associate PastorPastor Will graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from Grand Canyon University. He was originally brought to TNC as our Pastor to Students and Young Adult Ministries. He is ordained as an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Will also served as Youth Pastor at Monte Vista Church of the Nazarene, Family Life Director at First Baptist Church of Blytheville, and Youth Pastor at New Hope Church of the Nazarene.
Will and Karra married in 1998 and have three children.
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Trevor Cherryholmes
Youth Pastorpastortrevor@tempenazarene.org
Pastor Trevor has a passion for families—he loves guiding them into a relationship with Jesus and exploring what God's will is for their lives. He's been involved in youth and children's ministry since he was 15.
He joined the TNC staff in 2016 and while serving has become the Arizona Nazarene Youth Vice President. Trevor was married to his wife Rachelle in May of 2018 and they have a son Carson who joined us April 2019. He also enjoys Hockey and plays on the weekends with his team.
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Debbie Hallman
Children's Pastor & TCPS Directorpastordebbie@tempenazarene.org
Pastor Debbie is a fixture in our young children's lives. They know her office door is always open so they can get a hug or share their victories and challenges. She teaches kids that God knows and loves every single one of them. They see that love in action because Debbie knows the name and circumstances of every child. She directs all children's activities from birth to sixth grade and she's the Director of Tempe Christian PreSchool.
Debbie exudes incredible energy and a positive attitude, which have helped her while teaching VBS, Sunday School, summer camps, and Camp Meeting. She has completed her Associate of Science degree in Early Education. She's s been a part of our TNC family since 1983 and the Children's Pastor for over two decades.
Debbie and her husband Van were married in 1977. They have five children and eight grandchildren, all of whom are well loved.
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Alan Owens
Worship PastorPastor Alan has a passion for leading others into the presence of God through corporate worship. He is an ordained minister with a degree in Church Music, Bible, and Christian Education and is knowledgeable in ancillary worship areas such as technology, sound, lighting, and webcasting.
Alan is married to Cheryl and they have two children.
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Tony Brown
Young Adult PastorTony Brown, an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene (2018), has a passion to see the young adults of this world come to know Jesus on a personal level and share that love with the world.
He married his Jr. High sweetheart, Laura, and has two children.
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Ralph Messner
IT & AV TechnologiesRalph has been working on technology at the church since the 1980s. He started the church website in 1986 and managed it into 2009. He worked on sound and lighting while directing the choir and leading worship in the 80s and 90s. He was recently hired by TNC to assist with improving the use of various Information Technologies. His ongoing theme is "By all means reach some."
Ralph met his bride Karen here at TNC, has two grown boys, Joel (also serving at TNC) and Joshua, and is the very proud grandfather to two grandsons.
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Scott Shepherd
Facility ManagerScott is our new facility manager for the church and school. He was born in Illinois and grew up in California. He has lived in Arizona for the last 22 years. Scott enjoys hockey, racing, and napping. “Never pass up a good opportunity for a nap.” He loves to serve others.
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Amber Onyeabor
Office AdministratorAmber grew up in Missouri and graduated from College of the Ozarks with her B.S. in Nutrition/Dietetics. She moved to Arizona shortly after to be closer to family. Amber has always loved helping others and is excited to be working in ministry alongside her church family.
She and her husband Moses began attending TNC in September 2017 and became members in January 2018. They have one son who attends TCPS.
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Kathy Grebe
Financial AdministratorKathy is our new financial administrator for the church and school. She’ll be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
History
Beginning
Tempe Nazarene Church was organized October 25, 1953 by Rev. Wilbur L. Heizer. The “people” part of the church grew out of a children’s ministry led by Mrs. Hiebert and assisted by Ruth Brickley. It was housed in an old abandoned school building for some time.
Church property at 107 East Broadway Road was purchased in November, 1952 by the District Advisory Board and monies to purchase were given to the church by the Phoenix Eastside Church (Biltmore). The lot was one commercial acre on the sparsely settled and graveled Broadway Road and cost $2,500.00.
The first building was a junior annex which would seat approximately sixty people comfortably and was built in November 1953 at a cost of $10,427.68 by Shelley Construction Company with Glen McCollum as architect. The building was soon filled. Pastor and Mrs. David Owen came in May, 1954. God blessed their leadership and the church was strengthened under their ministry.
Following the Owens, Rev. and Mrs. L. W. Dodson came as pastors in 1955 and served for about one year. Rev. and Mrs. Leo Kirley were then called to pastor Tempe Nazarene Church. They arrived in 1956 and served the church faithfully for ten years. During their ministry a three bedroom masonry construction parsonage was built on the back of the property. Continued growth made the construction of a larger sanctuary an absolute necessity. Faith became reality when the sanctuary was built in 1959. It had seating for 112 people plus the choir. It was constructed largely with donated labor. Many wonderful times of spiritual blessing were enjoyed as God came time after time.
Rev. Kirley reached the age of retirement and the church called Pastor Stan and Patty McElrath as pastors in June, 1966.
Moving
As the church began to outgrow its facility, it was decided after much prayer and deliberation, to relocate the church. The property at 3929 South Rural Road was purchased in April 1967 for $40,000.00. The property on Broadway was sold through Siesta Realty (Lyle Carnal, broker) to Mr. Allen Dong for $112,000.00. Construction began in late summer of 1969 with Paul Madden as supervisor and Glen McCollum as architect. The first service was held at the Rural Road location on Easter Sunday, 1970 with 403 in attendance. Dr. V. H. Lewis, General Superintendent and Dr. M. L. Mann, district Superintendent officiated.
We built classrooms, a library, and a gymnasium. We also began Tempe Christian School in 1971. It was known then as University Heights Christian School and is now Tempe Christian PreSchool. The gymnasium began life as our sanctuary and remained so until the mid 80s. We continued to add to our numbers.
Adding
A new $650,000.00 450-seat worship center built by the R. K. Yoder Company of Ft. Collins, Colorado, was completed in 1986 and dedicated in October of that year. It contained state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment as well as a choir/music room used by both the church and Tempe Christian PreSchool. The area previously used as the sanctuary was converted to its original design as a multipurpose gymnasium.
In 1996, we remodeled our classrooms to make better use of the space. Each room has abundant storage cabinets, telephone and computer network jacks, cleanup sinks, drinking fountains, and individual air-conditioning/heating units. The color schemes used provide an enhancement to the learning environment.
In 2000–2001, we added a second story over the classroom area remodeled in 1996 to create more classrooms for both the school and the church. The $1.2 million project added over 6,000 square feet of educational space.
There was a worship center for our Student Ministries Department, six new classrooms, new sidewalks, drainage systems, taller, safer playground fences, and new fascia around the roof-line of the entire project. That provided much needed adult Sunday School and youth facilities and enabled us to utilize first-floor rooms for ill- and well-child nursery. It also allowed us to update our patio with new landscaping, including a fountain.
Changing
Pastor Stan and Patty announced their retirement in April of 2001. They retired in April of 2002 and were succeeded by Pastor Doug and Becky Pierce. We began reconstruction of the offices, removing the old library, providing space for a new conference room and copy/break room.
Dr. Brian and Sharon Delbridge accepted our call and began pastoring us September 2006, after Pastor Doug and Becky accepted the call to be Assistant District Superintendent. The office entrance was reconstructed in 2007. Pastor Brian was instrumental in assisting Pastor Kevin McGinnis with establishing the Mosaic Church plant, helping start the Haitian congregation as TNC members, and remodeling of the Worship Center, gymnasium, and kitchen.
On April 15, 2015, Pastor Chris Walton was officially installed by District Superintendent Doug Pierce in the Sunday morning service as TNC's new senior pastor. His wife Lisa and four of there children were there. We had a great message entitled "Different" that encouraged us to believe, pray, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to change our culture. We met for food afteward in the gym and were able to meet with the family.
Pastor Jon and Cathleen Privett began their ministry at TNC on September 17, 2017. District Superintendent Doug Pierce officially installed them in the service as TNC's new senior pastor. His wife Cathleen and two daughters were there as he brought the message, "A Servant Like Jesus".