Category Archives: West Coast

Children Find Peace, Purpose Through “Gratitude in Action” at Spring Break Day Camp

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

What began as a simple idea—teaching children to pause, reflect, and pray—came to life in a powerful way during this year’s Spring Break Day Camp at Sandia Valley Church of the Nazarene. Built on the guiding principle “Gratitude is our … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Intergenerational, Leadership, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Trust expressed among Native American Children

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

It was another meaningful and spiritually enriching time with the children representing four churches in the Southwest Native American District’s Eastern Zone. The focus of the gathering was on trust. As the leader spoke about trust, the children engaged in … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

West Coast Nurturing Care Initiative Shows Grassroots Innovation and Spiritual Impact Across Congregations

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A series of monthly reports and ministry updates from churches participating in the West Coast Nurturing Care cohort reveal a growing movement reshaping how children engage with faith—through creativity, service, and intentional space-making. Across California, Oregon, and beyond, congregations are … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, Moral Integration, Northern California, Nurturing Care, Spiritual Formation, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

West Coast Initiative A Mosaic of Learning and Trust

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

On the West Coast wing of the Nurturing Care initiative, the stories coming in from congregations don’t read like a single program rollout. They read like a movement learning, week by week, what it takes to make worship and prayer … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Discipleship, Intergenerational, Nurturing Care, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bend Nazarene Church releasing English, Spanish, bilingual kids’ worship albums

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A news story from the Central Oregon Daily News on one of our Nurturing Care Prototypes at Bend Church of the Nazarene where leaders build trust through multilingual worship. Reporter Jakob Salao writes: BEND, Ore. — Church services can be … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Children lead as ‘Maker’s Space’ prototypes spread from Arizona district gatherings to California outreach

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Nurturing Care is pleased to report new Gratitude and Trust Makers Space prototypes giving children across Nazarene congregations room to lead—reciting scripture, praying publicly, and serving their communities alongside adult volunteers—according to recent ministry reports from the Southwest Native American … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family, Intergenerational, Leadership, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Distinguishing Compassion

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A brief excerpt from our recent Day of Learning with Dr. Ross A. Oakes Mueller. In this session Dr. Oakes Mueller separates the virtue of Compassion from specific challenges of being emotionally overwhelmed or having pity for a person. Oakes … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Moral Integration, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment