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Dear Friends,
I used Advent to reflect on who we are as an Association of Churches and where I hope we might go. Here are some of the notes I made:

• I have a vision that our Churches would more adventurously follow Christ than speak of Christ. Actions still speak louder than words.

• I have a vision of people in Churches which are experiencing conflict, listening to those with whom they disagree five or six times before responding once.

• I have a vision of an Association of Churches which takes seriously God’s empowering presence and is committed to participate with sister Churches in modeling love of each other and commitment to the poor and hungry.

• I have a vision of healthy Churches not being so insular and realizing what a blessing they could be in supporting and uplifting their sister Churches.

• I have a vision of a growing Association in which Churches not only celebrate who they are but what they can become to a culture yearning for a sense of community and loving relationships.

May 2005 be a year in which an adventurous faith measures our stature. There is no smaller package in the world than a Church which is all wrapped up in itself.

Grace and Peace,
Dr. Thomas M. Richard, Executive Secretary

A NEW HELPFUL SERVICE FOR OUR CHURCHES The Executive Committee has recently approved referrals to Rapsheets, a company that does background checks for church volunteers and staff. Special pricing allows our member congregations to get a level one background check for less than half the commercial price – $8.00 each rather than $19.95 (based on date of birth and name); and a level two check, Rapfinity - $10.00 rather than $24.95 each (SSN, DOB, name). Contact Robert May (1.866.277.9287, ext 121), or directly at 901.261.2787. Or, by email at rmay@rapsheets.com. In the near future, there will also be a link to Rapsheets via www.naccc.org, the NA website.

GRANTS AVAILABLE THROUGH PARTNERS The Pew Foundation is making grants to non-profits and churches with budgets under $5 million based on your partnership(s) with community organization (schools, government agencies, etc). For more information and application, consult www.FASTENnetwork.org. Available in 10 states.   WELCOME ANNETTE! Annette Graf is our new part-time bookkeeper. Most recently, Annette worked for Wisconsin Medical Society, working as support staff for field representatives. She is gifted in the use of computer systems, accounting support, document and project coordination. She lives in South Milwaukee. She will be working directly with Dan Drea our financial manager. When you call the NA office, be sure to welcome her!

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