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 Dear Friends,
We have just celebrated the Christian Church's second most important religious event,
and the country's longest and most expensive shopping spree. It is a paradox, is it not, that we
are a country with such spiritual hunger in an age of such incredible plenty. That is why
David Myers' book by the same title caught my eye recently.
Myers has been dubbed the "expert on happiness," whatever that means. While I'm
intrigued by the title, I'm more interested in his thesis - "We had best get intentional about
identifying and effectively teaching our shared values."
Shared values is neither theologically liberal nor conservative. Shared values may include: welcoming children
and nurturing a new understanding of families; rewarding initiative while restraining greed and constantly
working toward shrinking the underclass; balancing individual liberties with communal well-being; encouraging closer
relationships among families and neighbors; developing a greater capacity for empathy and honesty; providing
media with kinder, civil, and more responsible scripts; and, nurturing the soul more fully.
It is encouraging that there are more Churches interested in fostering these behaviors than ever before. Is there
any other denomination, association, or fellowship better equipped and free from judicatory authority to empower
their congregants to foster these behaviors than our Churches? I doubt it. Our work and witness is needed more now
than ever before, whatever the particular Christological interpretations our congregations share.
ERWIN AND CAROLYN BRITTON FUND
The children of Erv and Carolyn Britton have given their permission
for a fund to be set up for clergy
continuing education, through the NACCC. Those of you who
remember Erv and Carolyn's leadership in the Association, realize what
tremendous people they were, as well as how much they loved the
NA. Contributions can be sent to the NA office and designated "The
Britton Fund." This is a wonderful way to honor and remember their ministry among us. We thank Dr. Donald Morris, President Emeritus, for
his assistance in establishing this fund.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO…
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Rev. Earl Alger, (Union, Braintree) on the second (updated) printing
of his "Meditations on the Road To Bethlehem." A copy is in our
Founder's Library.
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Rev. Bruce Goettsche in the publication of his book, "Faith
Lessons" (lessons in Faith from Genesis) Xulon Press,
Vienna, VA., 2001. We thank him for sending a copy for our
Founder's library. Congregations and clergy are invited to send
their publications to the NA office.
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Revs. Carol and Ralph Dibiasio-Snyder (First, Oshkosh),
who have just received a Lily Foundation Grant for sabbatical
work next year.
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