October 1, 2024

Webinars

Jodee Lord, Moderator

Our ministry councils have been busy planning webinars to share with our member churches.

Webinars are a great way to share information remotely on a variety of topics. In the past, our councils have offered webinars on vacation bible school, church safety, child abuse prevention, and the Plentiful Gifts program, to name a few.

On October 17th, a webinar will be offered on Cultivating Generosity, an interactive seminar offered by the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. To register, please contact Kristin Ward or visit the NA website for more information.

On November 7th, you will have the opportunity to learn and share information about Christian Formation and VBS. Visit the NA website to register, or contact Rev. Dr. Gerry Krupp for more information.

Don’t forget to check the NA website or the monthly newsletters for new and exciting webinars being offered by the ministry councils.

Share Your Voice

Contributions for December’s giving-themed issue of The Congregationalist are open now! We want to share your articles, poetry, photos, artwork, songs, and everything in between on the pages of our magazine. Submissions can be emailed to Editor Maggie Helmick by October 15th.

Submit Your Contribution!

It’s That Time of Year…

Rev. Martin Hall, Vice-Moderator

It’s that time for many of us – stewardship season! Each church comes at it in its own way, but I suspect that the vast majority of us will be asked, sometime in the coming weeks or months, to consider how we can use our gifts (financial, time, and talent) for God’s work in and through the local church. It is my hope and prayer that these campaigns are vital and life-giving to our churches in the season ahead! It is also my hope and prayer, however, that you might consider asking the same question regarding our National Association. Just as our churches rely on the broad-ranging stewardship of their members, our NACCC relies on the time, talent, and resources of our local churches and the members therein. As you consider how you can best use your God-given gifts in the local church, I encourage you to ask the same about what you might be able to do to further God’s work in and through the NACCC.

The Next Generation

Rebekah Barsch, Board of Governors

My son and daughter, ages 26 and 24, were born into the Congregational faith. They grew up at Ozaukee Congregational Church in Grafton, Wisconsin, a church community that encouraged them to think for themselves about their faith, beliefs, what the Bible is telling them, and how they communicate with God and Jesus. Most importantly, they learned to respect that their fellow Congregationalists have the privilege to do the same.

Over the years, I have become increasingly grateful for the intellectual and spiritual freedom the Congregational community has afforded them. Without it, they likely would have walked away from organized religion at some point. Today, they are proud to be Congregationalists because they have been accepted and encouraged throughout their faith journeys.

Which makes me wonder… what about the next generation? Will Congregationalism be as strong and present for them as it has been for my son and daughter? What can I do, as a volunteer and financial supporter of my local church and the NACCC, to ensure that Congregationalism remains alive and well for them and my (future) grandchildren?

The NACCC’s role is critical in building the strength and future of the Congregational Way through partnership with and support of our churches and by welcoming new churches into the fold. As a member of the NACCC Foundation Board of Governors, I deeply appreciate all those who are doing what they can to continue our unique and powerful Congregational tradition.

Congregational Library and Archives Fellowship Opportunity

The Arvel M. Steece Fellowship supports a non-academic researcher working on a project focused on some aspect of Congregational Christian history grounded in the CLA’s collections. Pastors, church historians, artists, church members, and others are all encouraged to apply. The application deadline is October 31, 2024.

Learn More!

Event Calendar

October 16, 1pm-2pm CT

Webinar: The Leader Table Information Session

Learn more about The Leader Table – an upcoming webinar training series focused on improving faith-based leadership in times of uncertainty. Click here for more information or to register to attend.

October 17, 2pm-3pm CT

Webinar: Cultivating Generosity

An interactive seminar offered by Lake Institute on Faith & Giving. Click here for more information. To sign up, please contact Kristin Ward.

November 7, 3pm-4pm CT

Webinar: Christian Formation and VBS

Looking for quality Christian education and vacation bible school material? Join us to discuss what’s being used and how we can share material with each other. Click here for more information or to register to attend.