January 1, 2024

Cultivating Generous Congregations

Do you believe in your congregation’s capacity for greater generosity? Do you have the desire to become more comfortable with money? Are you willing to redefine giving in your congregation to include service, social networks, and the sharing of ideas and personal expertise?

Join us for the upcoming interactive Cultivating Generous Congregations seminar, tailored toward helping your congregation build a culture of generosity unique to your needs and challenges!

2025 Calendar

Jodee Lord, Moderator

Happy New Year!

As I began writing in my new NACCC calendar last week, I first thought to myself, “Write neatly and in small print.” Then I thought, “What will God have me write in these boxes in 2025?” What changes, growth, and new opportunities will fill these boxes?

I give thanks for all the blessings God has bestowed upon the NA over the past year, and I pray for God’s guidance and wisdom for the coming year. May we face changes with acceptance and unity as we move into 2025.

May we celebrate our rich past and together look forward to the many opportunities and adventures that God will provide for us.

May God bless you and yours as we journey together in 2025.

The Newness of the New Year

Rev. Dr. Martin Hall, Vice-Moderator

There is something appealing, exciting, and hopeful about the ‘blank canvas’ that is the New Year. Some of us will look back on 2024 with gratitude for a year of blessings. Others will be celebrating the mere fact that the year is coming to an end. Most of us will have a bit of both. All of us, however, will be able to look to the year ahead with the hope of knowing that God is forever working something new in and through our lives – a promise that seems at its peak as the New Year begins! In the NACCC, we are looking forward to programs getting underway, the progression of our search for an Executive Director, and many other new beginnings that 2025 will bring. As you look with anticipation of what God might do in your life in 2025, I hope that you will join me in praying for the same blessings in and through the efforts of the NACCC. May it be a year of God’s newness unfolding in countless ways!

Update on the Congregational Investment Trust

Richard Davis, Board of Governors

At the end of November, the Congregational Investment Trust (CIT) had investments from member churches and the NA’s own endowments of $29,750,000, up 14.25% year to date. Our committee targets a mix of 65% equities and 35% fixed income. This protects us in downturns but sometimes limits our upside. In 2023, the S&P average was up 26.3% and another 26.8% to mid-December 2024. This is the first time since 1999 that that average has achieved two back-to-back returns of over 20%. But as I write, the S&P had a two-week losing streak.

Returns of more modest gains can be expected after these milestones, more in the range of 5-7% annually. However, there are signs that Artificial Intelligence and other innovations may herald a new era of US leadership, as microchips, the internet, and others have in the past. May our hope for 2025 be that our success in new frontiers continues and that we can avoid costly political conflicts.

Update Your Church Information Form

The NACCC is best able to serve our member churches when our staff and leaders are in regular contact with your church leadership. This helps us stay informed about your church’s needs and desires, ensuring that we can offer the right resources and support and keep you aware of the opportunities we have to offer.

Please take a few minutes to fill out a Church Information Form with the contact information for your church’s leaders so that we can effectively serve and connect with your church in the new year!

Completed forms can be emailed to NACCC Communications Manager Maggie Helmick.

Religion of Revolution Lecture

Congregational Library and Archives

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the Congregational Library and Archives will be hosting the first talk in their Religion of Revolution lecture series with historian Dr. Katherine Carté.

Learn about how the Revolutionary War transformed religious life in America, not just for New England, but everywhere, forcing a reassessment of the role of religion in public life.

This event is free and open to all, but registration is required. For more information or to register, click here.

Event Calendar

February 11, 2025, 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm CT (4:15 pm PT; 7:15 pm ET)
Webinar Series: Cultivating Generous Congregations Course

This four-part interactive seminar is intended to help your congregation build a culture of generosity unique to your needs and challenges. Click here for more information or to register to attend.

April 27 – May 1, 2025
Ministers’ Convocation, Racine, WI

An annual NACCC event, Ministers’ Convocation is a gathering for clergy designed to provide continuing education, spiritual reflection, and rest. More information to come.

June 21-24, 2025
Annual Meeting and Conference, St. Louis, MO
The 71st Annual Meeting and Conference of the NACCC will be a time for learning, worship, inspiration, and fellowship. Join us in person or online via Zoom. Click here for more information.