March 15, 2024 – The Messenger

March 15, 2024 – The Messenger

NACCC

NEWS

Forging Ahead

Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director

The NACCC is forging relationships with three seminaries that will offer workshops at the annual meeting and conference (AMC). Dubuque Theological Seminary invited the NACCC to be an inaugural partner for a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant, “Plentiful Gifts: Nourishing Members for the Flourishing of Small Member Congregations.”  

Eden Theological Seminary’s request for a table at the 2023 AMC evolved into ongoing conversations with our Director of Programs, Rev. Gerry Krupp. We anticipate expanded collaboration in 2025 when the AMC is in Eden’s home city of St. Louis.

Finally, Andover Newton Seminary contacted me two years ago after alumni clergy championed the NACCC. In addition, a church that closed decades ago established a Congregational Foundation endowment that provides an annual gift to Andover Newton. 

Like local churches, seminaries are adopting innovative ways of nurturing leaders. Amid seeming challenges, abundance arises in new relationships. 

We Are Ready!

Rev. Dr. Gerry Brannon Krupp, Director of Programs

It feels like we’ve been talking about the “Dubuque Grant” forever.  We are ready!  We are looking for churches that meet the minimum aspirations to develop the plentiful gifts present in every church.

The NACCC will soon open an application process for a cohort of churches.  The cohort will enter a two-year process of coaching, mentoring, and training to be strong, God-honoring, self-determining congregations that are thriving in their context and no longer feel under-resourced to do the work of the ministry.

March 18 is the kick-off for our journey with Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS) and the Lily Foundation.  We invite your church to participate in a webinar sponsored by UDTS that addresses the primary challenges many congregations face.

• How to use our church properties and assets
• Small church networking without full-time settled ministers
• Bi-vocational ministry and alternative routes to theological training

Please go to the event page on our website and sign up for this upcoming “Imagining Good Futures” webinar.

National Youth Day

Rev. Charles Sagay, Mission School of Hope, Cameroon

On February 11th, schools in Cameroon celebrated the 58th National Youth Day held in Mbang.  There were cultural dances, bilingualism events, singing, sports, and a lively parade. Students from Mission School of Hope participated in the parade wearing their school uniforms, waving the Cameroonian flag, and singing patriotic songs. The school band also played, adding to the festive atmosphere. The students were praised for their discipline and enthusiasm and for showcasing unity and teamwork. Their participation was a testament to the strong sense of community and national pride within the school which left a lasting impression on all who watched.

Registration is now open!

70th NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

June 22-25, 2024

With much excitement we are extending an invitation to all member churches of the NACCC for our 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.

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

Event Calendar

Webinars

Monday, March 18, 2024, 2pm-3:30pm – Imagining Good Futures; A Day of Exploration for Churches Leaning Into Change, University of Dubuque Workshop. Register HERE.

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 these webinars. Register HERE. This webinar is organized by the NACCC Director of Programs, Rev. Gerry Brannon Krupp.

June 22 – 25, 2024

Registration is now open! 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. Register on our website.