September 15, 2023 – The Messenger

September 15, 2023 - The Messenger

NACCC

NEWS

Welcome, Maggie!

Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director

Please join us in welcoming our newly-named Editor of The Congregationalist, Maggie Helmick. A recent graduate of Harvard Divinity School, Maggie worked with the admissions team writing and editing articles for their publications. In her application, she expressed:

“The position . . . speaks to my personal and academic passions through its core religious foundation and my career development as a writer and editor. I deeply respect and admire The Congregationalist’s vision, mission, and values, and I would love to play a role in supporting its success.”

I thank the members of the search and transition team, Sandy Leonard, Robb Tarr, and Curt Schmidt, for their thoughtful discernment. Further, I extend gratitude to Marianne King for her abiding dedication to the publication and willingness to orient our new editor during the production of the December 2023 issue.

Family Fun Day!

Julie Robie, Missions Coordinator

On Saturday, August 19, First Congregational Church in Hanson, MA participated with area churches and the Salvation Army to present the 8th annual Family Fun Day. 

Held on the Town Hall Lawn, the event featured free backpacks and school supplies for school-age children from 3 area towns. A local rental company provided Bounce-Houses and other inflatable amusements. The Salvation Army, in addition to providing many of the gifts for the children, provided hot dogs, chips and waters by means of their mobile canteen. Local church members hosted the amusements, did crafts with the children, and built bridges of friendship to their neighbors. A local pastor presented a brief Gospel message. The backpacks also included information about each participating church. Submitted by The Rev. Dr. Peter Smith, First Congregational Church, Hanson.

Pastor Appreciation Month

Rev. Dr. Gerry Brannon Krupp, NACCC Director of Programs

October has been designated Pastor Appreciation month (particularly the 2nd Sunday).  A good pastor who works hard and cares for the flock is a precious commodity.  Do you show appreciation for your pastor?  Here’s a list of ways to show appreciation for your pastor:

1. Review the pastor’s salary and compensation package.
2. Take up a love offering for your pastor.
3. Take a collection for some special gifts.
4. Send the pastoral household on a spiritual retreat for the weekend.
5. If there are children in the home; offer a night out for the adults.
6. Do a wall of appreciation where the entire congregation can write “graffiti” of appreciation for those God has placed in your church.
7. During a worship service, offer kind words of appreciation from the congregation; end with a “huddle of prayer” around the pastoral household.

The benefits of saying thank you or expressing appreciation are many.  Kind words expressed publicly are a testimony of congregational health within the community.  Please consider showing appreciation for your pastor this October.

Event Calendar

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.

One spot left!  If full, contact us to be put on the waiting list.

November 2, 2023, 2:00-3:00 CDT 

Webinar: Gaining Confidence in Mission & Outreach Giving ~ A Conversation About Evaluating Mission and Outreach Organizations This webinar will help you develop skills gathering background information about existing or potential partner organizations such as “Is the organization legitimate? What percentage of their funds go to administration/people/programs? What documentation should be required demonstrating how donated funds were spent?” There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP on our website.