January 15, 2024 – The Messenger

January 15, 2024 – The Messenger

NACCC

NEWS

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director

While Thanksgiving, a favorite holiday among Congregationalists, occupies the fourth Thursday in November, January also occasions gratitude and thanksgiving. Our Oak Creek PO box, website messages, texts, and email inboxes brought wonderful reflections from retired ministers and their spouses for an annual Advent gift made possible by decades of generosity from individuals and churches.

Association staff and elected leadership are grateful for the abundant donations sent in response to the Christmas appeal. Member churches welcomed a timeline for requesting Shared Ministry Fund contributions during the month that aligns with their preferences. It’s also fun when someone makes a gift spontaneously. Some individuals accepted the Congregational Foundation’s invitation 10% MORE. I can do that! and increased their gifts. Thank you all for generosity that prompts us to celebrate Thanksgiving all year long!

Join the Conversation!

Dr. Gerry Brannon Krupp, Director of Programs

The Director of Programs and ministry councils offer webinars for member churches. Each one has a learning segment and facilitated dialogue. We have different topics every month, each lasting about one hour. Here is our upcoming webinar calendar:

January 18 & 25 – Child Safety – parts 3 & 4; How to identify a groomer.

February 1 – FaithTrust Institute; Professional Boundaries; improving ethical behavior among clergy.

February 15 – Child Safety – community awareness, warning signs, how to appropriately respond to reports of abuse.

February 29 – Youth Ministry Network; “How to connect our children and student ministries within the Association.”

For more information and to sign up visit our website. If you have questions, please contact the Director of Programs, Gerry Krupp at (414) 856-1617; gkrupp@naccc.org.

Happy Life Mission has new US Directors!

Julie Robie, NACCC Missions Coordinator

“The steps of the righteous are surely led of the Lord.” We have always known that very well, but among the four Founding Directors, the path to finding new US Directors has been long and winding; at some points locking turfs that stumbled and almost knocked us down.  One thing, however, that we have been confident of in this journey, is that God loves the children of Happy Life and is so concerned with this Mission that He will give us His best choice. And so we talked, prayed, waited; talked and prayed some more…and waited!!!  We are now excited to report that just when the wait almost seemed forever, Rev. Jim and Sharon Powell, former US Directors, heard the still small voice and God whispered that Dorothy (Dotty) and Mark Dugle are the ones to carry on the work of giving a Home and Hope for Adoption to the children of Happy Life, and giving hope and transformation to so many others in Kenya. This wonderful couple is from Reformation Presbyterian Church (RPC) in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Dotty has led a team to Happy Life from RPC since 2012. She and Mark have become well acquainted with mission’s work. Glory to our God who leads us in triumphal procession!! More info on: www.happylifechildrenshome.com

Event Calendar

January  18 & 25, 2024, 2:00-3:00pm CDT 

Webinar Series:  January 18, January 25 at 2pm CDT: Child Safety – Abuse Prevention Series. Please RSVP on our website. Questions? Contact Rev. Gerry Brannon Krupp, Director of Programs

June 22 – 25, 2024

Mark your calendar! The 70th Annual Meeting & Conference of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches takes place in Spokane, Washington from June 22-25, 2024, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association. Details to follow!