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2026 Retreat
Speaker : District Superintendent
Virgil Askren
Musician : Jill Kershaw

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Dr. Virgil Askren and his wife Judy joined the Colorado District in July 2021. Previously, he served as District Superintendent of the South Arkansas District 2018-2021 and senior pastor of Bend Church of the Nazarene in Bend, Oregon for 14+ years. He has a Doctor of Ministry from Western Seminary. Virgil enjoys the great outdoors, good food, hiking, and spending time with his Cairn Terrier, Tavish. The Askrens have two grown daughters and two wonderful sons-in-law. In the fall of 2025 the Askrens welcomed their first grandchild, Charlie.  He is a bright spot in every day!

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Scientist by day, musician by life, she is a cancer epidemiologist who pursues
creativity through music. She is a songwriter who uses music to express the
inexpressible--such as longing, excitement over new attractions, and struggling to let
go. Many of her songs have to do with self, relationship with God, and the
interconnectedness of us all. When sharing her songs, she hopes to engage listeners
with similar life experiences who also might find this music healing.

 

Jill has many honors and recognition in her professional life all over the world related to researching the disease of cancer. But her passion to expressing her love for Christ and His people is what she desires to share with us as our worship leader.

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