ANNUAL MEETING & CONFERENCE

Who Says Business is Boring?

The most prominent NACCC event for laity and clergy is the Annual Meeting and Conference. This event is an important expression of Congregationalism where churches send an official delegate to help conduct the business of the assembled churches.  The member churches are  the National Association and it is at the Annual Meeting and Conference that churches come together to make decisions important to their common interests.  While the delegates conduct the business, there is plenty for others to do.  Many people who are not official delegates attend to partake in the fellowship and educational opportunities at the conference. 

When

The Annual Meeting and Conference usually begins on a Saturday in late June and continues through the evening of the following Tuesday.  Various churches and associations around the country host the event.

Why Attend

There are many reasons to attend the Annual Meeting and Conference.  Enduring friendships are made there as well as useful connections with Congregational churches around the country.  Seminars and workshops provide continuing education of interest to churches and church leadership.  Receptions and local attractions provide fellowship opportunities and a chance to see different parts of the United States as the meeting is held in a different location each year.  Additionally, the vital business of the NACCC is transacted in support of our common aims, goals, and ministries.  The Annual Meeting and Conference is essential to our collective fellowship and identity as an association of autonomous churches.

Who May Attend?

Delegates. Anyone may attend the Annual Meeting and Conference but it is especially important for churches to be represented by a delegate.  The delegate is the person designated to represent the church in the business proceedings of the meeting.  An official delegate registration card is filed with the NACCC ahead of the meeting in order to qualify the delegate to conduct business on the floor of the meeting.  A church that cannot send a member from its church may ask another church’s delegate to represent their vote at the meeting.  One delegate may represent up to three churches.  Inquire within your local association as to who may be attending and willing to represent your church.  

Alternates. Many churches also designate and register an alternate delegate.  This person is qualified to conduct business from the floor of the meeting in the absence of the delegate.  They also serve as a collaboration partner to the delegate when making decisions about how to cast a vote.

Others.  Of course, other attendees are always welcome.  There is always plenty to see and do.

Financial Assistance

The Providence Endowment  provides needs-based grants to eligible churches, enabling their representation at the Annual Meeting and Conference by offsetting associated expenses. Grants of up to $500 may be applied to registration and housing costs of the Annual Meeting and Conference.  Deadline to apply is April 15th.  The Providence Endowment was established and funded by the host committee of the 2004 Annual Meeting and Conference, and continues to grow through gifts from benevolent individuals who wish to help churches who might not otherwise be able to send delegates to the NACCC’s Annual Meeting and Conference.

Contributions Accepted

We welcome and encourage churches and individuals to make donations to the Providence Endowment so that qualifying churches may be helped and encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting and Conference.  Contributions may be made online by clicking the DONATE button.  They may also be made by check, payable to NACCC and mailed to:  

NACCC – Providence Endowment
P.O. Box 288
Oak Creek, WI  53154