National Association of Congregational Christian Churches:
Community Connections
Leadership Council Highlights
Laura Hamby, Moderator

Have you ever attended an NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference (AMC)? Piedmont 2017 is a golden opportunity! Our hosts, Piedmont College and Demorest Federated Church, welcome us with the theme,  Dreaming, Talking and Acting . Our Bible Lecturer is Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor, New York Times best selling author and Harry R. Butman Professor of Religion at Piedmont. Our Congregational Lecture will have a new look with five Congregationalists, representing a variety of ages and diverse backgrounds, who will address Congregationalism in our times.
 
The AMC Committee has an outstanding line up of timely workshops, led by experts in their fields. Meeting on the same campus, NAPF/ HOPE and the AMC will come together in worship and host a meal packing mission event. Speaking of missions, many of our missionaries will be there to meet you. Each day will close with opportunities for fellowship and entertainment!
 
Prices have never been better! I encourage you to gather your friends and consider a road trip or book your flight early for best rates. Either way, I hope you'll consider Demorest this June!
 

Congregational Church of Soquel, CA participated in a Chili Cook Off on February 17th with other faith organizations in the area.  All proceeds will be used to support the needs of homeless men, women and children in the Aptos, Soquel, and Capitola areas of California.
Board of Directors Highlights
Jim Waechter, Vice Moderator

To help our congregations, the NACCC leadership has organized workshops for the Annual Meeting at Piedmont College, June 24-27, 2017. One of these workshops is titled
Transforming  Conflict  in  the  Church . Every social system (whether a family, a congregation, a community, or a country) experiences conflict, but such conflict does not have to destroy relationships. This workshop will focus on the importance of leaders "setting the tone" for conflict management as well as how to change systemic dysfunctions that produce destructive conflict. David Brubacker, nationally respected expert and author on conflict resolution, will conduct the workshop. 
BOG Highlights
V arn Philbrook, President, Board of Governors
 
As we approach the next Annual Meeting we understand that given all the related costs attendance by our small member churches can be difficult. The NACCC encourages all churches to send representation in a welcome and supportive manner. Perhaps unknown is the fact that there is monetary support for small member churches from the Providence Fund Grant. This fund is within the Congregational Foundation and is administered by a grant committee of your Board of Governors. We encourage all of our qualifying member churches to apply. All voices are needed and we are more than willing to support the energy and initiatives that all our churches can bring to the Annual Meeting.

On a supporting note, we continue to look towards our stronger, endowed churches to consider some form of donation to the Providence Fund.  Your efforts established the fund and we are constantly seeking further financial support to enlarge and expand the grant awards. 

For all churches, large and small, may we see you at the upcoming meeting at Piedmont this coming June. 

 
Cool Clicks

Excellence in Ministry nomination form

2017 Minister's Convocation

JJ Russell Sermon Award nomination form

 
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From Our Churches

First Congregational Church of Mansfield, OH hosted their second annual Pancake Day on February 28th. Proceeds support Parent Aide, a local nonprofit.

Faith Community Church in Franklin, WI will host a
Tennessee BBQ Dinner & Silent Auction on March 18th. The event will help fund their youth trip to Nashville, TN.

The First Congregational Church of Toulon Culinary Committee orchestrated a Rock n Roll 50's theme for the annual Lions Club Sweetheart Night.  

On February 1st, Congregational Church of Summerfield, FL hosted their annual "Baby Shower" fundraiser, which collects items for their Infant & Toddler Pantry.

Last month, First Congregation Church of Frankfort, MI began celebrating their 150th anniversary with monthly concerts, movie showings, and other events. This summer they will bury a time capsule.
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Submissions for the March edition are due by  March 20, 2017
 
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
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