National Association of Congregational Christian Churches:
The Messenger
Merry Christmas
Michael Chittum, Executive Director

We are in the season of Advent, leading us to and preparing us for the celebration of Christmas Day. May you and your family be blessed. May all of the people in your congregation be blessed. May we remember the meaning of this Christian celebration as expressed in the Nativity Prayer attributed to Augustine:
Let the just rejoice, for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice, for their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice, for their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice, for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice, for their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice, for Jesus Christ is born. Amen.
Rev. Matthew Oladele, of Christ to the Villages, Nigeria, married Mary Titilayo Adebesin in December.
Tis the Season...

As we decorate our trees, make travel plans, and send out Christmas cards to loved ones, we can't help but to carry the Christmas cheer inside of us. Let us be patient with our friends and family, kind to all, and generous to many. While we spend time finding the perfect gift for our loved ones, we will not forget to also share our good fortune with the nonprofits we care deeply about. Nonprofits rely on the generosity of people like you, especially during the Christmas season. Many nonprofits receive half of their annual donations between October and December. Generous individuals, spreading the Christmas cheer, enable these worthy organizations to achieve their mission. We hope that as you contemplate your year-end giving to those organizations you are passionate about, you will consider making a gift to the NACCC. As of December 9, we have raised $24,040 towards our goal of $45,0000 for our Christmas Appeal.
Join Our Leadership!
Ashley Cleere, Board of Governors
 
Many essential functions of the NACCC are accomplished by capable volunteers from congregations around the country. The Nominating Committee is soliciting nominations for Officers and members of the Board of Directors, Ministry Councils, and Annual Meeting and Conference Committee, to be elected at the 2017 Annual Meeting and Conference. Please take time to consider fellow congregants who are in a position to contribute their time and talent to the NACCC. 

All persons nominated must be members of NACCC churches and must be willing to serve. Nominations are due on or before January 15, 2017. 

As a new initiative, the Leadership Council will encourage youth representation on board and ministry councils. Details will be posted early in 2017.


International Congregational Fellowship Conference
 Mike Fales, Vitality Ministry Council
 
Congregationalists from around the world will gather this summer at Stellenbosch University near Cape Town, South Africa for the Quadrennial Conference of The International Congregational Fellowship. From July 6-11, 2017 adults and youth will share in worship and fellowship while learning how the heroism of a few and the Christian faith of many brought an end to apartheid in this country. Plans are being finalized, but the costs for the conference, lodging, and meals should be no more than US$500.00.
 
From July 12-18, Olivet College and AMCO are sponsoring a six day post-meeting tour of the famous Garden Route in South Africa that will include a mini safari at Addo Elephant Park. The tour ends at the Cape Town Airport, allowing for departing flights after 7:00 P.M.
 
We would love to have you join us. For more information please contact Rev. Mike Fales at [email protected] or (269) 749-7624.

 
Cool Clicks



Attention:  
The NACCC office will be closed from December 23- January 2.  



2017 Annual Meeting and Conference

  nativity_scene.jpg
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Appeal Update
 
As of December 9th, we have raised $24,040 towards our goal of $45,000. The Christmas Appeal solicited funds for the Shared Ministries Fund, however we accept any and all gifts this time of the year. The Shared Ministries Fund supports our operations, allowing us to serve the churches that serve Christ. We welcome 


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Photo taken at Addo Elephant Park, one of the destinations of the South African tour after the International Congregational Fellowship meeting.
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Submissions for the January edition are due by 
December 20, 2016
 
 
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
8473 South Howell Ave
Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154
800-262-1620 ext 1615