April 1, 2024 – Community Connections

April 1, 2024 Community Connections

NACCC

NEWS

Vitality Grants

Rev. Arthur Ritter, Moderator

I recently heard of an exciting idea that will soon be sponsored by our Vitality Ministry Council.  It sounded like an Easter event to my ears, so with their permission, I wanted to share some of the good news.

The Council is preparing to offer grants to support churches that create ministries which enhance the vitality of the local church.  The emphasis of the grants will be support for churches that “want to thrive through programs that deepen learning, strengthen connection, and allow for innovation in ministry.”

The VMC will encourage emphasis on collaboration and possible cohorts and the sharing of resources and advice; on sustainability in ministries that would continue into the future; on new programs rather than support of existing ones; on ministries holistic in nature where success is measured beyond mere numbers; and on activities in which the community connection of the local church is highly considered. The VMC will make have a formal announcement soon with more details and information about how to apply.

Blessings to all for a season of Easter joy!

Come and See

Jodee Lord, Chair of Board of Directors, Vice-Moderator

What a wonderful way to expand the visibility of the NA by holding our 71st Annual Meeting and Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. This destination also makes the AMC more affordable and accessible for members. It is a reasonable driving distance for a large percentage of our churches, and it has an airport servicing multiple airlines.

Planning has begun for the 2025 Annual Meeting and Conference! Co-Chairs will be Joyce Acree and Karen Robu.  We will collaborate with volunteers from different churches around the country to serve on the Host Committee.

Our gathering will take place at the Renaissance Airport Hotel. For our convenience a shuttle bus is provided by the hotel from the airport along with a light rail to downtown St. Louis. St. Louis has many interesting places to visit; the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Breweries and Botanical Gardens. There are many restaurants and fast-food establishments just a short distance from the hotel.

We are excited for the many opportunities and possibilities that the 2025 AMC will hold. “Meet Me in St. Louis.“ I’ll be there!

The Story

Bob Smith, Vice President, Congregational Foundation

As I write this, it is the beginning of Holy Week.  During this holiest of weeks, we will experience the widest range of emotions as we journey with Jesus.  In many cases, the story will be told in familiar ways through the hymns we sing and the special music by our choirs and musicians. In some cases, there will be new traditions that will be introduced to aid us in our journey.  But whether the medium is familiar or new, The Story is being told.  The local church is the cornerstone for keeping The Story alive and vibrant. The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and the Congregational Foundation are committed to aiding the local churches in their journey.

Looking to add to our team!

The NACCC is looking for a full-time Communications Manager to work out of the

Oak Creek, Wisconsin office. In this newly created position, the Communications Manager will oversee all communications generated by the NACCC and the Congregational Foundation, including collaboration with staff and volunteer leadership to plan and implement effective branding strategies, social media/digital presence, fundraising initiatives, and any other type of communication involving member churches of the NACCC and other stakeholders, ministry partners, affiliated organizations, and community outreach efforts. Find the detailed job posting HERE. Please send your application to: director@naccc.org.

Articles anyone? Last Call!

It’s not too late to submit a contribution to The Congregationalist’s June issue! Finalized submissions are due April 15th.

Interested in contributing? Please contact editor Maggie Helmick at mhelmick@naccc.org. Find more information by clicking the button below.

Listening Tour

Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director

Listening Tour travels to southern New England and Kansas revealed how varied Congregational churches in the same region can be, as well as some common themes.

Read more about these recent visits on our website.

Annual Meeting & Conference

Spokane, Washington: June 22-25

Registration is now open! Come and join us for this year’s hybrid 70th NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference in Spokane, Washington from June 22-25, 2024, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association. The theme of this year’s conference will be “There is a Time…”. Our meeting venue is THE CENTENNIAL HOTEL, located in the heart of downtown and just steps away from the Spokane River and Centennial Trail and within walking distance of many shops and restaurants.

We have a compelling line-up of speakers, plenaries, and workshops, as well as lots of opportunities to gather with fellow Congregationalists. Glance through our event brochure to discover the array of activities we have in store for you. Please note that ALL registration packets are EMAILED this year. If you would like to receive printed materials, please reach out to our NACCC office at naccc@naccc.org.

Featured AMC workshop:

WHAT DO WE LEARN ON THE ROAD?
Rev. Dr. Ned Allyn Parker
Presented by Vitality Ministry Council

Using the Emmaus narrative as a model for shared ministry, shared leadership, and shared story. Telling stories, shared leadership, and shared ministry all help us “do church.” This workshop will use the story about the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) as a way of weaving these skills together to inspire greater collaboration and empowerment among clergy and laity.

We imagine the road to Emmaus as a somber, contemplative, anxious journey. When this workshop ends, the hope is that participants will be inspired by the road from Emmaus – that moment after Christ has been made known to them and they run from Emmaus, back to Jerusalem to tell their friends what had transpired.

Register below for our in-person or virtual Annual Meeting & Conference:

Event Calendar

Upcoming Webinar:

Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 2pm-3pm – When Change Pounds on the Door, Interim Ministry Network joins with the NACCC to talk about navigating the crisis of change.

There is NO COST to attend this webinar; organized by the NACCC Director of Programs, Rev. Gerry Krupp

June 22 – 25, 2024

The 70th Annual Meeting & Conference of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches takes place in Spokane, Washington and virtually from June 22-25, 2024, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association.

August 4 – 8, 2024

Boston Seminar in Congregational History and Polity; this 3-and-a-half-day immersion program is an opportunity to learn about 400 years of Congregationalism alongside other ministers. To learn more and to register visit the event page.