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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 Rev. Linda Bolton
Pastor of Gilmanton Community Church, Gilmanton Iron Works, NH

Our Sunday Bulletin has the designation “Ministers - God’s People.” Wonderful to declare and a great deal of work to convince, inspire and make a reality. I came to the Gilmanton church with a vision of the “priesthood of all believers” which many in the congregation had never considered. Over ten years, with a great deal of prayer, equipping, empowering, encouraging and appreciation, God’s people are ‘catching’ the vision of being called and gifted for service. I have found that it takes more time than doing things myself. I have found that I need to let go of how I think something should be done or said. I have found great joy in celebrating another’s discovery of how God blesses and uses their gifts!

The Deacons, originally fairly inactive, are now deeply involved in the church’s spiritual life. They lead Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services doing personal reflections on scripture, first person monologues, prayers and sermons. They meet with parents wishing to dedicate or baptize their children and with people desiring membership. They mentor those desiring confirmation or believer’s baptism and take communion to the homebound. To better include our children/youth in worship, one class presents their joys, concerns and prayer requests to the congregation each month. They also participate by greeting, ushering and occasionally reading scripture. The Christmas pageant is during our Sunday morning service affirming the importance of children/youth for the whole congregation.

The Stewardship Committee leads the leads twice a month. Their fresh and innovative presentations are keeping our “time, talent and treasure” responsibilities ever before us.

This year we decided to hold two all-church meetings. Every board/committee meets for one hour and gathers together for a second hour. Blessings, areas of challenge and suggestions are discussed. In answer to the concern that new members do not know what our boards/committees do, once a month during worship a skit is being presented by a different board reflecting the concerns and responsibilities they have oversight for.

Truly the vision of the Priesthood of All Believers offers the greatest opportunity for the Spirit’s power!

 

BIBLE LECTURE SPONSORSHIP IN KANSAS CITY

This year’s Bible lecturer is one of our own, Dr. Daniel Schowalter, Chair of the Religion Department and Professor of Religion and Classics at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In the past several years Churches and individuals who have valued the annual Bible lectures at the Annual Meeting have been listed as “sponsors” in the special printed programs for the meeting. If you or your church are interested in helping make these lectures available please call or email Carrie Dahm at the NA office cdahm@naccc.org

 

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