LIVERMORE FALLS – The Church of the Nazarene will join on Sunday, Oct. 5, with 18,000 other Nazarene churches in 151 world areas to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church of the Nazarene.

Preparations for the day began in 2004 with the writing and translation of materials sent to every Nazarene church across the globe. The plan is that all 1.6 million members of the church will hear the same sermon, celebrate with the same music and participate in the same readings in 24 time zones on the same day.

“Our congregation is excited to celebrate this anniversary with all of our Nazarene family around the world,” said Pastor Chuck Hargenrader. “At the same time, we want to emphasize that the family never stops growing, and there is plenty of room for all. In our society today, it seems that relationships often don’t last very long. We invite our community to join us on Oct. 5 to see relationships that have remained strong for 100 years.”

The anniversary celebration at Livermore Falls will begin at 10 a.m. There will be a potluck dinner after the service to continue the time of fellowship. The church is located at 6 Wheeler St. Everyone is invited.

There are 50 Nazarene churches in the state. The denomination has been headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., since 1912. Livermore Falls Church of the Nazarene was established in 1915.

The Church of the Nazarene has its roots in Methodism, drawn from the teachings of English evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791). The denomination was established in October 1908 in Pilot Point, Texas, the culmination of mergers of several like-minded groups. The mission of the Church of the Nazarene is to make Christlike disciples in the nations.