My second autumn in Wisconsin delivers a poignant shift in seasons, a gift from Mother Nature more subtle back in Georgia than here in the Northland. As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, patterns and practices alter. Chicken soup replaces chilled gazpacho. Sandals head for storage; socks come out of drawers. Our everyday rituals respond to creation’s call for revision.
Life in the church also moves through transitions whether we are attentive to them. When we aren’t looking, paraments become purple, then white. Congregants gather for a greening of the sanctuary, an indoor contrast to stark winter days. Moods change as hymnal pages turn. Somber Lent culminates in Easter joy. After an exuberant Pentecost, attendance fluctuates with summer distractions. Autumn returns.
Cycles bear comfort. Amid a changing church and world, what rituals are your sustenance? Which are ready for revision?
Hurricane Damage at ECHO International
Julie Robie, Missions Coordinator
ECHO International, an NACCC mission located in North Fort Meyers, Florida, sustained significant damage from Hurricane Ian. President/CEO Abram Bicksler, PH.D., sends his thanks for your thoughts and prayers as they continue working to open the campus as quickly as possible. Debris is being cleaned up, pathways re-opened, trees re-staked, and buildings repaired.
They have also reached out into to the community with donations of over 555 lbs. of food, working to distribute it with their partners Cultivate Abundance and Mision Peniel. For ways to help and opportunities to volunteer, please visit their website and Facebook page. Thank you for helping them to keep “Spreading the love of God in Word and seed.”
Remembering Rev. Dr. Harry Clark
Rev. Dr. Harry W. Clark (December 24, 1927 - October 5, 2022) served the NACCC as the Dean of the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies and was a member of the NACCC Executive Staff. He was also a member of the Commission on Youth as well as the 25th Anniversary Committee.
Members of the NACCC family remember Harry:
“A life well-lived and a ministry that touched so many.”
“Harry's influence in God's kingdom was vast. He will be missed.”
“Grateful for Harry’s guidance during my CFTS years.”
“Harry was such an encouragement and support to me and my young family”
Today at 12 PM CDT, Rev. Dr. Harry W. Clark will be honored in a memorial service at Ozaukee Congregational Church. The service will be live-streamed.
Our Contact Information
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
8473 S. Howell Ave
PO Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154
(414) 764-1620 https://www.naccc.org
