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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

Are there things to which we could all agree that would be included on a list of fundamentals for Congregational Christians? I have colleagues who think so, but when we get into the specifics we become less convinced.

The New Testament scholar Ernst Kasemann, lecturing at St. Mary's College years ago, was buffaloed by a student who quoted St. Paul in such a way that it conflicted with Kasemann's point about some passage. Kasemann replied, "Being an apostle doesn't mean (he) might not occasionally be a poor theologian."

As a theologian/minister I am convinced that it is hard work but a major part of a minister's calling, to decide when the Bible is being descriptive or prescriptive. Kasemann is one of those scholars who makes that point consistently.

Robert Bellah, in his book Habits of the Heart says, "While the one Church of Jesus Christ is not visibly united, congregations which bear the name of `Christian' also share a central basic assumption from which we derive all other values _ we believe in Jesus Christ."

So, here's my attempt at describing a few of the sub-fundamentals to that first fundamental upon which Congregational Christians could agree (1) We believe in the reign of God. (2) We believe in the power of love (3) We believe in creativity as an expression of God's extravagant grace (4) We believe in peace which surpasses all human understanding. The rest, I would assert, is homework. In our Association of Churches we commend that homework to our member Churches.

Grace and Peace,

GREAT IDEAS!
(FCC, Ashland), a group of members are working on a Saturday evening contemporary worship service
(FCC, Rockwood), have an annual "focusing retreat," This year's theme is "Let Our Light Shine," and will concentrate on how the church can better their outreach program
(Florence Cong'l, Florence) are asking children and youth to share their creative masterpieces on the theme of this year's Annual Meeting in Providence. Their work will be displayed at the Meeting!
(FCC, Mansfield) Rather than walking on water, they are planning a cruise to the Caribbean and inviting the whole church!
(Pilgrim, Green Bay) The drama group in the church will enact DaVinci's Last Supper in Tableau on both Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday
(FCC, Yarmouthport) Don't give up something, take up something during Lent, says Phil Jackson, their minister, in his monthly newsletter column, and gives a great list of suggestions.
(Bethany Union, Chicago) Their last newsletter had 27 advertisers who helped make the monthly newsletter possible.
(FCC, St. John's) Has a great color photo in their recent newsletter of a Rotation Sunday school reenactment of the washing the feet of Peter. Well done!

(We still only get a couple dozen newsletters a month. How about yours? We'd love to see your great ideas published in this column.)

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