Learning Events

I. FARMWORKERS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND FAIR FOOD – PRESENTER:  Brigitte Gynther
Florida tomato pickers have faced poverty level wages that haven’t changed in almost 30 years.  In southwest Florida the religious community joined with the farm workers of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to bring about an historic agreement with Taco Bell to improve conditions and wages in its supply chain.  People of faith throughout our country have an equally important role to play in calling on McDonald and other fast-food leaders to similarly ensure human rights and fair wages for farm workers. Listen to the Immokalee success story and learn what you can do.

II. LEARNING TO USE THE NEW NACCC HYMNAL - PRESENTER: Rev. Cindy Bacon – Heritage CC, Madison, WI
In this workshop, participants will be led through the hymnal, its layout and features.  We will peruse the indices, table of contents, psalter, service orders, prayers and music in the new hymnal.  All who attend should feel comfortable with and knowledgeable about the new hymnal by the time they complete this workshop. 

III. MAKING SOME EXTRA $ FOR YOUR CHURCH - PRESENTER: Liz Philbrook
Four churches will share their ideas for making some extra income for their churches.  They will tell how their church chose their particular project and how they made it happen.

IV. CREATING A NEW MAP FOR MINISTRY - PRESENTER: Rev. James Runyan
A Ministry Action Plan is a way to present a clear picture of what it will require in human resources and financial resources to produce, enhance, create, and support efficient and effective ministry through the church. It will also serve as a way to help members better understand the breadth and vitality of ministries being produced through the church.

V.  Clergy and taxes - PRESENTER: Ken Brown, CPA, CVA of K.L. Brown of Tampa and Marylan
Mr. Brown will explain how churches should report clergy taxes, and review the deductions that clergy may claim.

VI.  HOW TO DEVELOP PLANNED GIFTS FOR YOUR CHURCH – PRESENTER: Financial Services Committee
Your church members have more to give to their church than just what comes in the collection plate on Sunday.  Many churches have found ways to obtain these larger, estate planned gifts.  This learning event will show you how you too can do this and make your church more financially self-sufficient.

VII. Consecration Sunday - PRESENTER:  Financial Services Committee
Several of our member Churches have used Herb Miller’s Consecration Sunday materials (which the NA office has available). This learning event will outline the components of this very successful approach to Stewardship, step by step.

VIII.  PEN AND PRAYER:  A Guide to Writing and Developing Devotionals PRESENTERS:  Dawn Carlson and Lisa Dembkowski
Whether writing for the NA's Advent or Lent devotional or creating a devotional guide for your local church, this program will support your efforts with hints, tips, and 'how to' information.

IX. EXPERIENCING TAIZE  - PRESENTER: Rev. Cindy Bacon – Heritage CC, Madison, WI
Taizé is an ecumenical worship community in France, practicing worship built around prayer, scripture reading and simple, chant-like music.  This workshop will lead the participants through a traditional Taizé worship experience, learn some of the history of Taizé, and become familiar with Taizé materials.

X. Financial planning  - PRESENTER: Maggie Lewis of MMBB
Rev. Lewis will explain the advantage of planning for retirement with MMBB, and how   MMBB is related to the health insurance program of Benefit Planners.

XI. Church Finances: “On being a Church Treasurer”  PRESENTER: Carrie Nuttleman, Treasurer, Florence Cong. Church, Florence, MA 
Volunteer church treasurers often find themselves with a box full of books, receipts, and bills, and need to organize their responsibilities in a variety of ways.  Carrie will look at QuickBooks and other financial software, generating reports, and the most useful way to track those dollars.

XII.  INTERIM MINISTRY  - PRESENTER: David Horne of Interim Ministry Network
Why should churches call a trained interim clergy person during a transition between pastors?  Mr. Horne will present information about the value of the training that Interim Ministry Network offers, whether or not one plans to be an interim.

XIII.  BEING FAMILY - PRESENTER: Rev. Bobbi Chapman

XIV. Rekindling the Mainline: New Life through New Churches - PRESENTER: Rev. Stephen Compton
CCD invites you to a very special presentation by the Rev. Stephen Compton, author of  Rekindling the Mainline. Rev. Compton’s thesis is that churches old and new can be re-newed in the partnered planting of new churches. He demonstrates the truth of his claim through a unique blend of experience as a pastor and former executive director of church development, a careful survey and study of church statistics, along with music and jazz theory! Please join us for a thoughtful and transforming time together!

XV. We Have a Story to Share - PRESENTER: Missionary Society 
Come and hear the inspiring and powerful stories of mission ministry shared by our national and international missionaries.  This year’s mission learning experience will include presentations from the Rev. Charles Nyane, Director of the Word Alive Mission in Ghana and the Castillo Family, Directors of the National Association of Congregational Church in the Philippines. 

XVI. "How to be a Teaching Church" - PRESENTERS: The Revs. Adrienne Eggleston and Irven Gammon 
What is involved in being the church that a CFTS Fellow requires to complete his/her necessary internship in a member NACCC church?  If you are interested in helping a CFTS seminary student to fulfill this obligation, visit this seminar to find out how to be a “Teaching Church.”