December 15, 2023 – The Messenger

December 15, 2023 – The Messenger

NACCC

NEWS

Plentiful Gifts!

Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director

With abundant joy, the NACCC is pleased to be an inaugural partner as the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary establishes Plentiful Gifts: Nourishing Members for the Flourishing of Small Member Congregations. Supported by a $1.25M grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., this initiative equips small congregations in a season of transition. The attached press release provides an overview. The NACCC Congregational Leadership Team will share more information about this distinctive opportunity as details become available early in 2024.

Annual Gift Delivery Day

Katie DeJournette, Director of Fleet and Grounds, and Church Relations, Hosanna Industries

It always makes me smile when people say, “Oh! So, Hosanna is a construction company!” We certainly do perform hundreds of construction repairs and builds, but thanks to our executive director’s vision and thousands of volunteers as well as our full-time mission workers, we are able to alleviate many other kinds of needs.

An example of another way Hosanna serves the financially depressed is our Annual Gift Delivery Day. Our executive director, Rev. Dr. Donn Ed, always wanted to fill the home repair needs of those that contact us but, in his mind, it had to include recognizing the needs of the lonely and socially disenfranchised, the children of struggling single moms and the elderly whose relatives are all on the other side of eternity. With that in mind, he created our Annual Gift Delivery Day. We collect all the names of the folks we have assisted this past year and some from previous years including everyone in each household. Generous church ladies and other volunteers make and purchase individualized gifts, wrap them, and prepare them for delivery. We receive donations of beef and turkeys to add to the Christmas cheer for each family. Often, I get calls following Gift Delivery Day from recipients telling me these are the only gifts and food they will be getting for the holidays and most express how much they enjoyed a visit during this very lonely time. Learn more at Hosanna Industries. 

We’re turning the page!

Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director

As we prepare to turn the page on a new calendar year, our new editor of The Congregationalist, Maggie Helmick, extends an invitation regarding the pages of the magazine:

“What I love most about The Congregationalist is its vibrant collection of contributors who craft connection with every submission. In the spirit of the season, I invite you to join this community by gifting your thoughts, passions, and talents to the magazine, to the benefit of all who read it. 

Whether you’re inspired to share writing, art, photography, poetry, or another means of expression, I openly welcome your talents. Interested in contributing to the March issue or others to come? Review our Call for Articles and Submission Guidelines documents, or contact the editor for more information. From your Congregationalist team – we hope you have a wonderful Christmas! Maggie Helmick” 

Look for this button in future issues of our newsletters to quickly submit your article.

One Great Hour of Sharing: Gaza

The hearts and prayers of Congregationalists are with those impacted by the conflict in Gaza where millions have been killed, injured, or displaced. The Mission and Outreach Ministry Council (MOMC), on behalf of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), is gratefully accepting donations to support relief efforts facilitated by Convoy of Hope and for trauma care as avenues become available.

Event Calendar

January 4, 2024, 2:00-3:00pm CDT 

Webinar: Child Safety – Abuse Prevention; (…)There is no cost to attend.  Please RSVP on our website. Questions? Contact Rev. Gerry Brannon Krupp, Director of Programs

June 22 – 25, 2024

Mark your calendar! The 70th Annual Meeting & Conference of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches takes place in Spokane, Washington from June 22-25, 2024, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association. Details to follow!