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I hope this writing finds you well,
and well begun, in this new year. That God is making
beautiful (v11) another time and season in your lives.
I welcome the new year, and
what the future holds: another time and season in my work for the NA.
Last year's fall was my beginning.
For me, a time of listening, learning and meeting with state and regional
associations. The time went fast. The work went well. And I was
blessed to be among our people in their places.
My work in the new year will
focus on two other areas: Congregational Church Development and
Missions. I will meet with members of CCD in January to review our projects
and look ahead. We've a budget to discuss and new programs to
promote, chief among them a
"revitalization" retreat in February. (Please see
related article in this NA News.)
The latter part of February and
the first few weeks of March will find me overseas. I'm looking forward to
visiting some of our international missions _ the Travancore Church
Council in South India, Christ to the Villages in Nigeria and Word Alive
in Ghana. Along the way, I hope to meet with others seeking partnership with the Missionary Society _ doing my best to be your eyes and ears,
your heart and hands in the work of Christ we share.
Again, I hope the new year finds
you well _ eager and excited for what the future holds. For you, and for
your church. For the churches and the work of our National Association.
Just remember who holds the
future. And look with hope to God who makes everything beautiful _ in
its time.
NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR CHARLES RUSH AWARD
The Missionary Society is accepting nominations for The Charles Rush Award. This award is presented to
minority persons who are working with Congregational Christian Churches toward worthwhile social and personal goals.
The Award is intended to honor those who exemplify the excellent spirit of Charles Rush, and to emphasize
the importance of Christian social involvement. The Rush Award is presented at the Annual Meeting of the NACCC.
Please send letters of nomination on or before April 1, 2004 to: The Missionary
Society, ATTN: Ruth, PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154
JOAN RIEL RECEIVES AWARD
Joan Riel the organist of FCC, Pittsfield, NH, recently received the Christian Life Award
from the Church Services Commission of the NA upon her retirement from 45 years of faithful stewardship of her
musical gifts. It is a tribute to Joan and to the Church _ their last organist served the Church for 50 years! The church
held a retirement reception in honor of Joan. If your Church is planning to honor someone for years of service, please
get in touch with rmahnke@naccc.org
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