INTELLIGENT DESIGN & EVOLUTION SEMINAR

(Friday, 9am – 3pm)

The speaker, Professor Francisco Ayala is a University of California at Irvine Professor of Genetics and Philosophy who has spoken on Evolution to many Christian organizations ranging from Fuller Theological Seminary to the Vatican. He is past President of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society of the United States and is past President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Professor Ayala is author of 23 books and more than 870 scientific articles. Recently he has pursued research on the organisms causing malaria and other diseases carried by insects.

One aim of this seminar is to discuss how this controversy affects our Churches, and how religion and science may learn from one another. Individual participants may bring many different concerns to this discussion.  

Sponsors of this seminar are Bill and Janet Garber, members of the Congregational Church of the Messiah in Los Angeles and Rev. Arlin Larson, pastor of the Congregational Church of Searsport, Maine.  

[Suggested reading list for preparation of this seminar:

A QUIET DAY RETREAT – “WALKING TOGETHER: SPIRITUAL COMPANIONSHIP ON THE JOURNEY OF FAITH”

(Friday, meet at 8am; 9am – 3:30pm)

This retreat will be sponsored by the Congregational Society of Classical Retreat Guides. The Rev. Charles Packer will offer three meditations throughout the day regarding the cultivation and nurture of relationships that enable, enhance, and empower one’s faith journey, including reflections on the biblical stories of Abraham and Ruth, as well as the writings of classical and contemporary authors on the subject of spiritual friendship. Pre-registration is required by contacting Rev. Packer (734) 379-3711.
 

FRATERNAL DELEGATES MEETING

(Sunday, 1:15pm)

All Fraternal Delegates, past and present, (and anyone else who's interested in inter-church activities) please come to this meeting. We will discuss the visits we have made this past year to Churches and other meetings and will make plans for the coming twelve months. We will also discuss Christian Churches Together and other opportunities to spread the good word about Congregationalism. If you're enthusiastic about Congregationalism and the NA, please join us!!
 

First Timers EVENT

(Saturday, 11am – Noon)

If this is your first Annual Meeting, please come to this very short gathering before the meeting begins. We will provide you with information that will help you plan your experience so that you and your Church will have the greatest benefit from your time at the meeting.   

Please spend some time with the schedule of events and decide where your priorities may be. If you are a delegate, you will want to attend the business sessions where your vote is so very important. The workshops and seminars should provide you with lots of choices for other times, depending on your Church’s needs and interests. Remember, you can’t do everything, and you need to allow time for fellowship and making new friends from our Churches around the country. 

Please make sure this gathering is one of your “to do’s” – we look forward to meeting you soon!
 

MISSIONARY SOCIETY RECEPTION

(Tuesday, 10:00am)

Come and meet NACCC sponsored missionaries from all over the world and the U.S. You can learn, first hand, about their ministries in the Mission field. Secondly, it will give you an opportunity to visit with the members of the Missionary Society and learn about other ministries and resources offered through the Society and how you and your Church can become involved.
 

CFTS RECEPTION

(Saturday, 9:00pm)

The CFTS reception is a long-standing event in which we celebrate the achievements of our graduates and honor those who support this vital program. This year there are three graduates: Alicia Emerson, Fuller Theological Seminary; Joel Wood, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary; and Art Wright, Andover Newton Theological Seminary. Please join us for beverages and snacks and allow us to introduce you to these fine graduates.
 

DFM’S CLERGY FAMILY PUNCHBOWL

(date & time to be determined)

WASHINGTON GLADDEN SOCIETY MEETING

We invite you to attend the annual gathering of the Washington Gladden Society. Come to enjoy a lecture and discussion of theology and current social issues. Gladden was a popular author and minister during the early part of the last century. His writings on theology and social justice were important to the Congregational Way and the Social Gospel Movement.