December 1, 2021
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A Blessed Advent To All!
Rev. Dr. Cindy Bacon Hammer, Moderator
Advent is my favorite time of the church year. I love the readings in our lectionary that speak of hope and great anticipation. I love the Advent music that brings to life the expectancy we have in this season of the coming of the Christ child. It is this sacred time of the year that brings it all together for me—the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. Such a gift from God renews my spirit each and every year.

As our spirits are renewed this Advent season, let us consider the peace that has entered the world with the birth of the Christ Child. Let us revel in the thankfulness and joy that began on Thanksgiving Day. And, may we rejoice as we prepare for the blessed and beautiful season of Christmas.
Birth of Hope
Rev. Arthur P. Ritter, Chair, Board of Directors
O Little Town of Bethlehem is one of my favorite Christmas carols. I am especially drawn to the words, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” The line paints a perfect picture of how God’s presence enters the world in the birth of Jesus, bringing promise and light in the midst of uncertainty and darkness. God with us changes the perspective of fear to hope.
 
In the past year many of our churches and members have ministered through the dark streets of unique situations. In the midst of that uncertainty, we are so grateful for your faithful support of the NACCC and our Shared Ministries Fund. Your generous gifts speak of the power of hope, providing to the NACCC a chance to reach out to others churches and ministers, with the kind of support that passes on the gift of hope.
 
Merry Christmas! With hope, we hold you and your churches in prayer.
 
-The NACCC Board of Directors 
Year-End Giving
Bob Smith, Congregational Foundation Board of Governors
It seems that at this time of the year, our mailboxes are stuffed with not only catalogues but appeals from all kinds of organizations asking you to consider year-end giving. The requests are very compelling. 

At year-end, as during the whole year, the needs of non-profit organizations are many, and the resources are scarce. Perhaps a reasonable strategy is to consider what is most important to you. Perhaps you think about The Congregationalist and the thought-provoking articles you enjoyed. Perhaps the NACCC provided resources or some much-needed services for your church. Perhaps a contribution to the NACCC Shared Ministries Fund or to a permanent endowment managed by the Congregational Foundation is what you are searching for. Any gift to the NACCC will have an impact on the year ahead.
The NACCC office will be closed from December 23rd-January 2nd.

Merry Christmas!
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Submissions for the January issue are due by December 20, 2021
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
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