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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES P.O. Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154-0288, (800)-262-1620, Email: [email protected]
www.naccc.org
NACCC NEWS
INSIDE
2013 ANNUAL MEETING & CONFERENCE
2
MISSION & OUTREACH
3
NEWS FROM THE FIELD
4
EXECUTIVE & FRATERNAL VISITS
5
THIS & THAT 6-7
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES
8
UPCOMING DATES 9
8TH CONGREGA-
TIONAL SYMPOSIUM 10
NICKERSON CONG’L HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP
11
NAPF/HOPE 12
NACCC INFORMATION 15
BRITISH SEMINAR 13
MINISTERIAL ASSIS-
TANCE FUND 14
FROM MY HEART TO YOURS Dear Friends, Randy Miller, our Missions Administrator’s brother, is visiting Linda this week and brought a bag of fresh tomatoes to the office a few minutes ago. It’s always good to see him. Randy is an American Baptist minister, and works with churches in strategic planning. He reminded me of the challenge we all face in western Protestantism – helping congregations understand the difference between adaptive and technical changes. It’s something I have mentioned in previous columns in the NACCC NEWS. The easiest of the two is technical changes. The best way to describe these kind of changes is when a church (or an Association) agrees that a program or ministry needs some small changes to make it more useful, more valuable, or to give it greater exposure in the church or community. The word we use today is “tweaking.” Something might need a little tweaking. The much harder changes in local churches are adaptive. This is when a congregation comes to the realization that things are simply not working and need changes on a larger scale. Tweaking will not be enough. Unfortunately, more times than not, the realization that something needs adaptive change is the first of several challenges. It is usually greeted with “It’s worked for years. What’s the issue.” The issue is, “it” is no longer working like it used to. Adaptive changes are the tough work that so many churches must face and have such a hard time doing. It’s a matter of habit, lack of adventure, or perhaps a lack of imagination that something could EVER be done differently. Randy ended the conversation saying, “While it may be what God is calling us to do, we haven’t felt the need to change here in the Western churches.” That’s it in a nutshell, as they say. But, I can hear the prophet’s words ringing in my ear, God has shown you O man (and woman) what is good and what does God re‐quire of you? Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.” We try to keep this in mind as we make adaptive changes to our beloved Association. But, don’t you lose heart either. I suspect that if we do what we know God wants us to do, almost everything else can be tweaked. Grace and Peace, Rev. Dr. Thomas Richard Executive Secretary
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
“Do not fear, for I am with you!” Isaiah 43:5a It is hard to believe that it will only be a very short 8 months and we will be gathering together in Orlando for our 59th Annual Meeting and Conference. Your Annual Meeting and Conference Team has been busy working on all the details to make your stay enjoyable and, we hope, uplifting. I am very pleased that the NAPF and HOPE folks will be holding much of their program meeting with us in the Hilton and staying right across the street from the Hilton so we will be able to see them around a lot more. Downtown Disney is also just across the street. On Saturday evening the Piedmont Singers will be in concert with us. The Rev. Dr. Don Olsen has agreed to be our Bible Lecturer and the Rev. Dr. Mark Jensen will be our Congregational Lecturer. We are trying to keep a balance between the business and conference items. It will be difficult given the amount of business that must be accomplished. There will also be time in the evenings when you will be able to visit Downtown Disney. For those who don’t want to wander, there will be activities at the Hilton. It won’t be long before we will be pleased to welcome all of you to the Happiest Place in the World, no not Disney World, the 59th Annual Meeting & Conference of your Association! Neil Hunt, Moderator
PAGE 2 NACCC NEWS
2013 Annual Meeting & Conference
June 22-25, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Florida
in the Walt Disney World Resort (407) 566-5600
http://www.mydisneymeetings.com/naccc59/
2013 ANNUAL MEETING & CONFERENCE . . .
PAGE 3 NACCC NEWS
The following missions are on a quarterly distribution schedule: Argentina, Bulgaria, Christ to the Villages, Word Alive, Myanmar, Maine Sea Coast Mission and Piney Woods, Seafarer’s Friend, and Morgan Scott Project. If you want to support these missions for the Christmas season, your donations need to be at the NACCC office by October 15th. For information about each of these missions visit www.naccc.org. The rest of our missions are on a monthly schedule. Please send your donations for them by Nov. 15th so they can receive the funds in time.
Every Dollar Given to Missions . . . Goes to Missions. For questions about Missions, please contact Linda Miller at [email protected] or call (800)‐262‐1620 ext. 13.
MISSION & OUTREACH NEWS
ASSOCIATION EQUIPS AMBASSADORS In a recent conference call the new team of ambassadors were briefed on the search process so that we can better serve our churches. In addition to searches, the team will be asked to represent us at ordinations, installations, anniversary celebrations, and with inquiring churches, when staff is not available. Presently there are 11 team members, but more will be added as the need arises. States represented on the team include MA, NY, NH, CA, MI, WI, and Fl. Our growing partnership with state and regional associations has increased the number of churches asking for the National Association’s presence. We are delighted that this is happening. PLEASE CALL THE NACCC OFFICE IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF ANY OF THE ABOVE SERVICES (800) 262‐1620 .
NACCC NEWS PAGE 4
News From the Field
Garden is doing well in spite of the critters who love to make the plants their food court; church sponsors a teens and table tennis night every Thursday… Winthrop Cong’l, Holbrook, trustees creating a handicap access bathroom; they are collecting shoe boxes for “Operation Christmas Child” again. Last year they filled over 60 boxes for children ages 2-14; participating in the Seaman’s Friend’s annual “Crow’s Nest Cruise” sponsored by the Boston Harbor Cruises, activities of the Seafarer’s Friends….Florence Cong’l, church helps members prepare for cold and allergy season by listing suggested ways of cleaning homes during the Fall and Winter months; ten month study of stewardship; beloved choir director leaves to take a teaching position at UCONN while working on his doctorate; October is stewardship month…FCC, Portland, holding a wedding vow renewal service in Oct; explanation in newsletter about their compassion fund and how it works for those in need; church continues to serve a meal to the community during September; sponsoring a woman’s retreat entitled “Women of Grace”… FCC Spencer, every month in their newsletter they list three things (other than members and friends) for whom they ask for prayers – two sister churches in the Iowa-Nebraska Assoc., two sister churches in the NACCC, and two missions, EVERY MONTH; seven of their youth attended the NAPF/HOPE conference part of which was to contribute their time to a mission called Mission Discovery. There is a nine-minute You Tube video available http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfNfnO_UkVo. Check it out. Do you send us your internet newsletter? Please do. We will pick items from them to share in this column. You can send it to [email protected].
FCC, Otsego, Women’s ministry group sponsored two retreats this past summer and were looking forward to two more before Sept; search committee still accepting candidates for senior minister…Second Cong’l, Biddeford, spent some time this summer sprucing up their church and grounds; church has made and given out 40 prayer shawls this past year; a poet and member recently interviewed on ME Public television; the church hosts an adult poetry group…FCC, Albany, area Church Council is sponsoring a class on understanding Mormonism; like many churches, Sept. is the time to re-start educational classes, choir and other church activities… University Cong’l, Wichita, Sept sermon series on progressive Christianity; starting a class on living the questions – including taking the Bible seriously, invitation to the journey, and thinking theologically; they are still implementing the strategic plan which spanned three years 2009-2012… FCC, Mansfield, The MOMS food collection is so critical to those in need in the area. During back-to-school days the church also collects items like hand sanitizers, Kleenex, mac and cheese, etc; the book club is reading Stealing the Mystic Lamb and The Tiger’s Wife…Bethany Union, Chicago the sudden passing of long-term minister Rev. William O’Donnell has stunned the church but they are moving ahead as best they can. A petition to their Alderman may actually name the street in front of the church after their former minister. The city seems to agree. More to follow…North Shore, Fox Point, they have a spiritual practices group that meets every Sunday morning; the church is advertising the showing of the film, “Gasland,” about fracking and frac sand mining; the Moms n’ More group is beginning their new church year in Sept; the Friday morning men’s group, Monday morning Bible study group, and Tuesday morning book group have all started back up after a summer break…Duluth Cong’l, Sam, the church’s outstanding musician, has a program called Live Music @ One. The Sept. schedule will include a solo piano, clarinetists, and Sam and his friends; the Alison Harrold Andersen
Executive Visits in August & September Rev. Tom Richard brought greetings and met with leaders of Pilgrim Congregational Church, Taunton, MA on July 30. Rev. Tom Richard brought greetings and preached at Second Congregational Church, Beloit, WI on August 12. Rev. Tom & Leeanne Richard brought greetings and preached at First Congregational Church, Bennington, VT on August 30. The church is celebrating its 250th anniversary. Rev. Tom Richard met with leaders from First Congregational Church, New Bedford, MA on Sept. 4. Rev. Tom Richard participated in the funeral service of Jean Egan with Dr. Gary Klingsporn of First Congregational Church, Nantucket, MA. Rev. Tom & Leeanne Richard visited County Line Church, Hampton, GA were Tom preached Sept. 21 following the Piedmont College Trustee meeting. Rev. Betsey Mauro attended a ground breaking ceremony Sept. 23 at Onondaga Community Church, Onondaga, MI Representing the Association Mike Hough, Senior Deacon at Mayfair-Plymouth Church, Toledo, OH brought greetings on behalf of the Association at the installation service of Ellis Young, August 26 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, Toledo, OH. Randy Asendorf, former Executive Committee member, brought greetings on behalf of the NACCC to the local ordination of Victor Hardy at the Congregational Church of the Valley, Chandler, AZ on Sept. 16. Bill LeFeber represented the NACCC at a Vicinage Council Sept. 23 at Second Congregational Church, Beloit, WI for the purpose of sharing the growing partnership between First Presbyterian Church and Second Congregational Church. Rev. Cynthia Petrie is representing the NACCC and New Hampshire Association in Northfield-Tilton’s search process.
PAGE 5 NACCC NEWS
Recent executive & fraternal visits
RECENT CALLS
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN
REV. WILLIAM TRUMP AS SENIOR MINISTER
TIPTON COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, TIPTON, MICHIGAN
REV. J. ERIC HICKMAN AS SENIOR MINISTER
UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WICHITA, KANSAS REV. DR. ROBIN MCGONIGLE
AS SENIOR MINISTER
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MANSFIELD, OHIO
REV. BRUCE HAAPALAINEN AS SENIOR MINISTER
ORDINATIONS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE
AND CHURCHES UPON ORDINATION:
REV. VICTOR HARDY, SEPT 16, 2012 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF THE VALLEY
CHANDLER, ARIZONA
We get mail… Rev. Betsey Mauro recently received this email from Rev. Cynthia Petrie, a 2011 graduate of CFTS. As I continue in my ministry here in New Hampshire, I wanted to thank you again for all the wonderful things that you have done for me in the past. I look upon the CFTS experience as very valuable. In fact I find myself thinking about much of what was shared during our meetings as I minister to people each day. I pray that you know how important you are to the NACCC, I am writing to thank you for what you do and to let you know that you are appreciated. Sincerely, Cindy
Great Resource for Treasurers: Check out Church Finance Today at http://www.churchlawandtax.com/ctainfo.php. Church Finance Today is published monthly with important financial information for churches that can have a direct impact on ministry. $59.95 annual subscription. They also have a free e‐newsletter you can subscribe to.
“Church Finance Today is an important resource that helps treasurers keep good financial records and comply with tax reporting responsibilities. It’s editor, Richard Hammar, is well respected by IRS professionals.” Edward Coleman, former Director, IRS Exempt Ord. Division, Washington DC.
PAGE 6 NACCC NEWS
CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH
October is more than a Hallmark card kind of month. It is pastor or clergy appreciation month. October 14 is pastor appreciation day. The focus is to honor and encourage ministers throughout the year. Suggest to your church’s Diaconate Board or Church Council, that something special be done for your clergy person(s).
Retreat and Annual Meeting dates are announced. Members and friends of the Congregational Society of Classical Retreat Guides are invited to a silent retreat led by Rev. Eric Britcher. The retreat will be held October 30 & November 1, 2012 at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills, MI. The morning of November 1 will be devoted to the Annual Meeting of the Society. For more information please contact the Chaplain‐Director of the Society, Rev. Charles Packer (734) 379‐3711.
PAGE 7 NACCC NEWS
CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY OF CLASSICAL RETREAT GUIDES
I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. Helen Keller
Check this Out . . . Do you need worship resources? Are you planning a special service but don’t know where to start? Check out the new pages on the Center for Congregational Leadership website at www.centerforcongregationalleadership.org. Not only will you find information on the Congregational Way, we have also added Congregational Worship Resources compiled by Steven Peay and Shawn Stapleton and Resources for Churches & Leaders. The Congregational Worship Resources tab contains samples of basic worship services, communion, baptisms and other special services in the life of the church. You will also find devotions for meetings and those other special days throughout the year. In the Resources for Churches and Leaders, we have provided articles written by leading Congregationalists, samples of services or prayers, a Google bookshelf to further your knowledge of the subject and links to other web resources. We will continue to add many up‐to‐date resources and articles to assist our churches. This is a continual work in progress so check back from time to time.
OCTOBER Michael Matheny Oct. 1, 1978 James Clifton Oct. 1, 1984 David Hulings Oct. 1, 1989 Art Thibeault Oct. 1, 1989 Robert Morris Oct. 1, 1995 Lee Attema Oct. 1, 1996 Lee Ann Gagne Oct. 2, 2004 Robert Howell Oct. 5, 2000 Donald Mullen Oct. 6, 1969 Cynthia Shepherd Oct. 6, 1979 Dewey Gierke Oct. 6, 1991 Joseph Cooke Oct. 7, 1955 Diane Wise Oct. 7, 2001 Edwin Remaly Oct. 8, 1961 Lori Wiley Oct. 8, 2000 Jay Groat Oct. 11, 1987 Robert Moynihan Oct. 11, 2003 Glenn Stone Oct. 12, 1980 Jonathan Roach Oct. 12, 2008 Richard Koch Oct. 13, 1985 Richard Hotchkin Oct. 13, 1991 Ruth Lyons Oct. 14, 1984 Jay Terbush Oct. 14, 1984 Harvey Pierce Oct. 15, 1952 Douglas Gray Oct. 15, 1994 Joshua Davis Oct. 15, 2006 Joel Curtiss Oct. 16, 1988 Paul Westerville Oct. 16, 2008 David D’Arcy Oct. 17, 1971 Scott Barton Oct. 17, 1976 Robert Barletta Oct. 18, 1998 Duane Kellogg Oct. 19, 1975 Sally Nolen Oct. 19, 1986 Michael Mitchell Oct. 19, 2003 Barry Lucas Oct. 20, 2002 Cathy Houston Oct. 22, 2000 Michael Robertson Oct. 22, 2000 Kathryn Smith Oct. 22, 2002 Sanford Freud Oct. 23, 1983 Cynthia Petrie Oct. 23, 2011 Kathryn Rust Oct. 24, 1999 Gary Smothers Oct. 25, 1959 Wesley Woodman Oct. 26, 1974 John Swanson Oct. 26, 1985 Mark Jarvie Oct. 26, 2003 Isaiah Cho Oct. 27, 1969 Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder Oct. 27, 1974 Bruce VanDer Kolk Oct. 27, 1996
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES NACCC NEWS PAGE 8
Eugene Whitney Oct. 28, 1968 Robert Fleischmann Oct. 28, 1973 Charles Whipple Oct. 28, 1973 Cayle Beagle Oct. 28, 2001 Mike Haefner Oct. 30, 2011 Richard Kurrasch Oct. 31, 1971 Carol DiBiasio-Snyder Oct. 31, 1981 Jerrold Jones Oct. 31, 1993 Fred Thimmel Oct. 31, 2009 NOVEMBER Gary Pierce Nov. 1, 1964 Ted Selgo Nov. 1, 1969 Alan Ferguson Nov. 1, 1978 Robert Livingston Nov. 1, 1980 David Walz Nov. 1, 1997 George Johnson Nov. 1, 2001 Ashley Cleere Nov. 2, 1991 Susan Hunnicutt Nov. 3, 1991 Adam Soderberg Nov. 3, 2002 Norman Erlendson Nov. 4, 1990 Ivy Beckwith Nov. 4, 2000 Emily Robertson Nov. 5, 2006 Wendy Van Tassell Nov. 6, 1994 Leon Hermes Nov. 7, 1965 Robert Moston Nov. 7, 1997 Jamie Green Nov. 7, 2009 William Lange Nov. 8, 1975 Harlan Nuss Nov. 9, 2002 Thomas Boehne Nov. 9, 2003 Irven Gammon Nov. 9, 2003 Stephen Tucker Nov. 11, 1971 Noel Vanek Nov. 11, 1979 Terry Bobzien Nov. 12, 2011 Alan Morrow Nov. 13, 2011 James Kurtz Nov. 14, 1952 Rick Hartley Nov. 14, 1993 John Lancz Nov. 15, 1967 John Doud Nov. 15, 1978 Christopher Stephens Nov. 19, 2005 Ardyth Kovacevich Johnson Nov. 20, 1983 John Deuble Nov. 20, 1994 Richard Lindvall Nov. 21, 1976 Claude Dunn Nov. 21, 1998 Angus MacDonald Nov. 22, 1945 Karl Kraemer Nov. 22, 1999 David Hirtle Nov. 24, 1976 Eric Lison Nov. 24, 1985 John Koehler Nov. 30, 1975
PAGE 9 NACCC NEWS
Dates for your Calendar
Congregational Youth Immersion November 1-3, 2012 Piedmont College, GA
8th Congregational Symposium
November 8-10, 2012 Heritage Congregational Church
Madison, WI
Religion & Liberal Arts Conference February 22-23, 2013 Piedmont College, GA
2013 Annual Minister’s Convocation
April 8 - 11, 2013 Mundelein, IL
2013 Annual Meeting & Conference
June 22-25, 2013 Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Florida
in the Walt Disney World Resort
NAPF/HOPE June 22-26, 2013 Orlando, Florida
NACCC NEWS PAGE 10
8th Congregational Symposium
You are my witnesses… Congregationalists Working with God
Through Evangelism, Mission and Justice
November 8‐10, 2012
Heritage Congregational Church Madison, WI
Featuring Keynote Speakers:
Sister Helen Prejean and
Rev. Arlin Larson
For details, please contact: Rev. Cindy Bacon Hammer
(608)‐212‐4226 [email protected]
PAGE 11 NACCC NEWS
NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION? To find out more about Piedmont, contact
the Rev. Ashley Cleere, College Chaplain and
Director of Church Relations [email protected]
706.778.3000
or Brenda Boonstra, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
[email protected] 800.277.7020
www.piedmont.edu
This endowed scholarship is for students wishing to attend Piedmont College who are active members of NACCC or UCC congregations
Congregational Heritage Scholars may be awarded financial assistance in an amount up to
onethird the cost of tuition. ♦ This scholarship may be applied to tuition, room or board. ♦ Recipients must be 25 years of age or younger, have a
minimum high school GPA of 3.0, and be an active member of a congregation of the National Association of Congrega‐tional Christian Churches or the United Church of Christ.
♦ A letter signed by the minister and an officer of the
students local church stating that he or she is a member in good standing must be submitted to the Director of Church Relations.
♦ Congregational Heritage Scholarships are available for
eight (8) semesters. Recipients are required to maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA at Piedmont, and live in campus housing. They may apply for additional need and merit‐based financial aid.
NACCC NEWS PAGE 12
◊ Lodging at Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Hotel, located just 1 mile from Downtown Disney
◊ Dynamic social experiences ◊ Evenings at three Disney Parks ◊ Awesome speakers and small group time ◊ Interaction with NACCC Delegate Conference ◊ Inspiring worship experiences ◊ Registration Fee: $575.00 ◊ Scholarships are available for NAPF and HOPE participants.
You can locate the scholarship information on the NACCC website.
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches P.O. Box 288 8473 S. Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154 Phone (800) 262-1620 www. NACCC.org
NACCC NEWS PAGE 13
Itinerary details and costs are being finalized. For more information please contact Rev. Mike Fales at [email protected] or (517) 231-6818
A Gift of Gratitude for those who serve Him
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches 8473 S. Howell Avenue, PO Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154 800.262.1620 — [email protected] — www.naccc.org
Where can ministers turn in time of need beyond the local church?
The Ministerial Assistance and Enrichment Fund
through the Vitality Ministry Council provides:
The Ministerial Assistance and Enrichment Fund is not an endowed fund and relies solely on contributions. On behalf of our clergy, we appreciate your generous gift in support of these essential services.
Help in times of financial crisis
Continuing education opportunities
Assistance in the search process
Support in times of personal crisis
8473 S. Howell Avenue P.O. Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154-0288 Phone: (800) 262-1620 Fax: (414) 764-0319
Email: [email protected] Website: www.naccc.org
PAGE 15 NACCC NEWS
Bringing together Congregational Christian Churches for mutual care and outreach to our
world in the name of Jesus Christ.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
NACCC News is a publication of the National Association of
Congregational Christian Churches. All rights reserved.
SEND ME YOUR NEWS Submissions for the Dec./Jan.
edition are due by Nov. 20, 2012. Marie Steele, Editor [email protected]
W E’ RE ON THE W EB! w w w . n a c c c . o r g
The Congregational Foundation
Want to create something of lasting value? You can be confident your legacy gift will make the difference you’re seeking to create. Contact the Congregational Foundation at: (800) 262‐1620
