August 15, 2023 – The Messenger
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First Day Memories
Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director
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Facebook is buzzing with first-day-of-school pictures! A friend who recently retired moved to a Spanish-speaking country. She posted her picture in front of a language immersion school, saying, “I was nervous at drop-off like every first day ever!”
As a child, I was a “new kid” several times. To this day, whenever I smell pastrami, the pungent uneasiness of my first lunch in the cafeteria at a high school I grew to love haunts me.
“New kid syndrome” impacts the NACCC. Most pastoral transitions involve calling someone new to the Congregational Way or our Association. Our staff Congregational Leadership Team (Laura Wright, Gerry Krupp, and I) greet incoming clergy with letters, resources, and invitations to meet virtually.
Do you remember your first drop-off at Congregational church? How can your experience enhance our hospitality? We welcome your suggestions and collaboration!
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Dignity for Every Girl Program
Mission School of Hope, Cameroon
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Poverty steals choices from children. At Mission School of Hope, we are intentional in our mission to bring hope to communities. A testimony from Maeva, 15-year-old student.
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I live in a village miles away from the school. I have always believed what Papa Charles Sagay tells us that education can change our lives and transform our families. I never imagined to get to the 6th grade, as I used to always be absent from school because of my monthly period. I was already resolved to abandon school and continue with the idea that subsistent farming is the ultimate means of survival and finding of livelihood.
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One Monday, a childhood friend of mine informed me that there was going to be distribution of some things in school the following day. I decided to go to school very early the following day, and to my greatest surprise I received the gift that changed my life, brought me back to school, restored my dreams, turned my world around and gave me confidence and great sense of importance. That memorable day, I received 2 packets containing 6 packets of sanitary pads each making 12 packets to use for one year and 7 underwear.
For more information, visit www.missionschoolofhope.org
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One Great Hour of Sharing: Hawaii
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Our hearts go out to the people in Maui where wildfires have caused overwhelming destruction. The death toll, already at 96, is expected to rise. While there are no National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) on the island, the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council is working to identify partners responding to the disaster. Toward that end, contributions to the NACCC should include the notation OGHS-Hawaii. We are grateful for your generosity and concern.
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September 13 – November 1, 2023
Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising
The eight-week online course provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. Late registration is available.
For course details and registration, visit our website.
September 19, 2023, 1:00-2:00 CDT
Webinar: Can Dry Bones Live Again ~ A Conversation about Church Revitalization Over the past four years, FCC Laingsburg has experienced significant growth. During this virtual event, strategies and success stories of churches that have found fresh spiritual vitality and are experiencing numerical growth will be shared. There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP on our website.
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Our Contact Information
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
8473 S. Howell Ave
PO Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154
(414) 764-1620
http://www.naccc.org
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