Archives,  Cover,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,   9

Cover

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches,  P.O. Box 288, Oak Creek, WI  53154
414-764-1620 
Email: naccc@naccc.org   Web Site: http://www.naccc.org

by Norm Christopherson,
Pastor, Immanuel Community Church, Concord, NH.
 

At Immanuel, we are known in the community for our “Famous Chicken Shortcake Supper.” But our Newsletter goes beyond the city. We see it as an extension of the mission of the church, and a way to keep us all together on our spiritual journey.

We are told that 25% of a congregation is absent on any given Sunday. And the reality is that we are speaking to a slightly different group every week. Then, there are those who only attend semi-occasionally, and some who are unable to come at all. Even among the regulars, not everyone gets to the Bible studies, sharing groups or other activities. So the newsletter keeps us in touch with everyone, and also keeps us together on what we are learning and doing.

Our newsletter uses both sides of 6-8 legal size pages. “From the Pastor’s Study” takes up the first page. It may be about a current event, personal experience or a biblical truth, but it almost always has something to do with our spiritual journey together. There may be additional articles by other authors. We do not apologize for attempting to teach, encourage or inform. In the words of our recent NA sponsored New Hampshire campaign, we want people to “Come Learn and Grow in Faith Together.”

We insert a full calendar with church activities for the month, and sometimes a Bible verse or reading for each day. We include birthdays and anniversaries for the month. We have “Notes” which catch us up with happenings in the church or certain individuals. Sometimes we feature a member, and write a column or a page just about them.

Yes, we have brief summaries of church business. But we might give more space to an upcoming activity, or to the last fellowship event. We have been known to quote from this newsletter, especially from such columns as “From My Heart to Yours” and “Our Christian Heritage.” And we may have an item of interest on anything we think might have been missed in the news. We always have plenty of humor to fill the empty spaces. And we are happy to have an outreach that reaches our own, and also beyond our borders.

 

THE WELCOME CENTER APPROACH

Do you want to share the Gospel with the stranger, the neighbor, the person who does not know the Christian life, or the Congregational tradition? Pay attention to the environment of your church. Signage, program and ministry information, mission news, copies of sermons, helpful pastoral care information (prayer request cards, referral services, visitation information, etc), laity involvement, fresh and attractive displays of information, and most importantly, a welcome smile from a person when strangers enter your doors—these are the marks of Christian Hospitality.
 

Cover
 

Archives,  Cover,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,   9