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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 Dr. Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary

Don Bliss, pastor of E. Freetown Congregational Church in MA, likes to watch his congregation as they enter the meetinghouse for worship, so we took our seats in the pulpit area early on November 30^th. By the time the service began I would guess there were 90 people there - children, youth, couples, seniors - an even mix. The service began with announcements (food for the needy, pageant practice, decorating the front of the church, a fellowship dinner, toys for tots kind of program, new member class, etc.). Later, they shared Hallelujahs and Concerns (who is in what hospital, how this family is doing and that individual, words of thank you from those who appreciated the cards and letters sent by Church members, etc.). In this New England village Church no one was shy about putting in a word for the betterment of friends and church.

At the top of every list of national church growth indicators of which I am aware are (1) dynamic worship and (2) what I would call "See how they love one another" indicators. As LeeAnne and I travel to towns, cities and villages visiting NA Churches these two factors are being lived out in wonderful ways. To be sure, every Church needs programs, classes, and/or small groups for every age, but if the first two are not in place, it matters little what else takes place.

It is so gratifying to see so many of our Association's member Churches have caught a spirit of renewal and mission! We participate in wonderful worship services and witness special ways in which people show their love and care for each other. The NA wants and needs to find ways to share what you are doing in your Churches which might help sister Churches in their communities, and on behalf of Christ.

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