May 1, 2024 Community Connections
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There Is A Time!
Rev. Arthur Ritter, Moderator
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We are less than two months away from the 70th Annual Meeting and Conference of the NACCC. I look forward to our time in Spokane, June 22-25, enjoying the hospitality of our hosts from the Pacific Northwest Association. Our hotel is steps away from businesses, sights of interest, and walking trails from which to enjoy the Spokane River.
The presentations throughout the gathering will inspire and encourage us. Alan Roxburgh, our main speaker, will point to where the Spirit is working even in the changes of our culture and churches. His talks are entitled, “Where Are We and What Happened?” Stephy Nobles Beans of Whitworth University will offer us an encouraging welcome and Carol Seppilu will share her remarkable story. Speakers from Dubuque University and Andover Newton will bring wisdom for our ministries, church leadership, and cultural context.
Now is the time to register for the meeting! Please go to naccc.org and check out the registration forms to attend virtually or in person. Deadline for in-person registration is Friday, May 10. I hope to see you online or in Spokane in June!
Peace and grace!
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Thank You!
Jodee Lord, Chair of Board of Directors, Vice-Moderator
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As Chair of the Board of Directors, it has been a privilege to serve with these remarkable individuals. Our Moderator Rev. Art Ritter, Secretary Kate O’Dell, Treasurer Patrick Stewart, Rev. Tom Van Tassell, Curt Schmidt, and Robert Weers. It has been an honor to serve the churches of the NACCC with you. I am grateful for your support and dedication while serving in the Congregational Way.
A special thank you to Rev. Dr. Beth Bingham whose elected term on the Board of Directors ends in June. Beth has been a dedicated faithful board member and served on the Personnel and Administration Committee.
Thank you, Beth, for your devotion, tireless work and commitment to the NACCC.
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You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Sandy Leonard, Secretary, Congregational Foundation
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Join the Congregational Foundation Board of Governors for an afternoon ice cream break on Monday at the 2024 Annual Meeting & Conference in Spokane this June. Take some time to chat with us about the foundation’s work to support the NACCC as well as the organization’s work to support local churches and congregations. Looking forward to seeing you in June!
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With Gratitude!
Rev. Dr. Ashley Cleere, Executive Director
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Three years ago, I accepted the invitation to transition from board member to executive director. Thus began a collaborative journey that carried us out of pandemic constraints into new and daring ways of being church. Working together, our Association made significant strides.
- Boards and Ministry Councils received elected members of the Leadership Team who had never served before.
- A Planning & Action Committee introduced objectives to align efforts throughout the Association. We sustained existing partnerships and forged new ones.
- Our Treasurer will present a balanced budget to the delegates for a third consecutive year, culminating a process with heightened involvement by council members.
- Over 70 churches hosted me as a guest speaker or for a stop on the Listening Tour.
- Webinar conversations, occurring with expanded variety and frequency, provide a platform for myriad voices to dialogue.
- As churches increasingly call clergy from outside the NACCC, we are intentional about welcoming them, recognizing the value they bring to our community.
- Our annual meeting and conference, now fully hybrid, is scheduled for geographically accessible locations, ensuring that all member churches can participate.
With gratitude for these collective accomplishments and more, I have accepted a call to a local church pastorate in New England near my family. I will remain in Oak Creek until June, after which I will watch and celebrate the NACCC from afar. Thank you for the opportunity to join you for a memorable season.
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Read more about Ashley’s travels to NA churches in recent years.
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The NACCC is looking for a full-time Communications Manager to work out of the
Oak Creek, Wisconsin office. In this newly created position, the Communications Manager will oversee all communications generated by the NACCC and the Congregational Foundation, including collaboration with staff and volunteer leadership to plan and implement effective branding strategies, social media/digital presence, fundraising initiatives, and any other type of communication involving member churches of the NACCC and other stakeholders, ministry partners, affiliated organizations, and community outreach efforts. Find the detailed job posting HERE. Please send your application to: director@naccc.org.
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2024 Annual Meeting & Conference
Spokane, Washington: June 22-25
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You can now register for this year’s hybrid 70th NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference in Spokane, Washington from June 22-25, 2024, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association. The theme of this year’s conference will be “There is a Time…”. Our meeting venue is THE CENTENNIAL HOTEL, located in the heart of downtown and just steps away from the Spokane River and Centennial Trail and within walking distance of many shops and restaurants.
We have a compelling line-up of speakers, plenaries, and workshops, as well as lots of opportunities to gather with fellow Congregationalists. Glance through our event brochure to discover the array of activities we have in store for you. Please note that ALL registration packets are EMAILED this year. If you would like to receive printed materials, please reach out to our NACCC office at naccc@naccc.org.
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Featured AMC workshop:
BEING A CHRISTIAN NEIGHBOR IN A MULTI-FAITH WORLD | Rev. Beth McCaw, Rev. Samuel Felderman University of Dubuque
Presented by Growth Ministry Council
In a world increasing divided, what does it mean to live our Christian discipleship faithfully while inhabiting community with our neighbors of other faiths? In this workshop, we will learn both how to give an account for the hope that is within us, while offering hospitality and respect toward those with diverse religious and spiritual beliefs. Rev. Samuel Felderman, Director of Admission at Dubuque Seminary will guide us in understanding the religious practices of other faiths so that we may be thoughtful neighbors. Rev. Dr. Beth McCaw, Dean at Dubuque Seminary, will provide tools for dialogue and describe a model used by the Jewish, Muslim and Christian “Children of Abraham” members of the Dubuque community.
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Register below for our in-person or virtual Annual Meeting & Conference:
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NAPF & HOPE 2024 CONFERENCE
WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON JUNE 22-27, 2024
Make plans to join us in beautiful and scenic Spokane, Washington, for the 2024 installment of NAPF-HOPE as you are equipped with the tools to be a “Survivor” while you continue on your path of faith. We’ve got a jam-packed schedule with plenty of fun activities. You’ll hear from amazing guest speakers, enjoy awesome worship music, and team up with the adult conference to participate in mission work and opportunities to use your spiritual gifts and talents. Plus, you’ll meet new friends and catch up with old ones while we worship and praise the One who saved us!
Don’t miss out on this incredible event!
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June 22 – 25, 2024
The 70th Annual Meeting & Conference of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches takes place in Spokane, Washington and virtually from June 22-25, 2024, hosted by the Pacific Northwest Association.
June 22 – 27, 2024
NAPF/HOPE NACCC Youth Conference in Spokane, Washington. We will be gathering in beautiful and scenic Spokane, Washington at Whitworth University. Find more information and register on our event page: NAPF & HOPE CONFERENCE.
June 26, 2024
Quiet Day Retreat, hosted by the Congregational Retreat Society. This year’s Quiet Day will be held at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center after the Annual Meeting has concluded. This year’s topic: “Silence is the language of heaven.” Register for this event by contacting Laura Wright.
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Our Contact Information
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
8473 S. Howell Ave
PO Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154
(414) 764-1620
https://www.naccc.org
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