YOUTH GATHERINGS

The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches sponsors two annual, concurrent youth gatherings which provide opportunities for spiritual growth through worship, fellowship, service, and leadership development.
The National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship (NAPF) gathers together youth from around the country who have completed the 8th grade through 12th grade. As these youth meet fellow Congregational Christians, they make abiding friendships and share their faith in a fun-filled atmosphere. Small groups are led by dedicated adult counselors. Vibrant worship experiences with outstanding music may be led by adults or youth. Youth are often asked to prepare morning and evening devotionals. Opportunities to express faith through acts of service are always a highlight of the conference.
Heritage of Pilgrim Endeavor (HOPE) offers a great opportunity for young adults post-high school through age 26 to further grow in faith with peers in an environment similar to NAPF. While still including worship, speakers, small group time, and mission work, HOPE also promotes closer connections with peers and deeper discussion about faith through peer-led small groups. The experiences and perspectives that each person brings to their small group are valued and can enrich discussions about faith in remarkable ways. HOPE provides additional opportunities for leadership involvement through prayer teams, small group leadership and leadership on the NACCC’s Youth Task Team, hosted by the Growth Ministry Council. HOPE creates a genuine, meaningful, and fun atmosphere to grow in faith while discovering new friends.
Participants often stay connected between gatherings through three Facebook pages:
For more information, or to be placed on the NAPF and HOPE mailing lists, please contact the NACCC office.
The National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship (NAPF) gathers together youth from around the country who have completed the 8th grade through 12th grade. As these youth meet fellow Congregational Christians, they make abiding friendships and share their faith in a fun-filled atmosphere. Small groups are led by dedicated adult counselors. Vibrant worship experiences with outstanding music may be led by adults or youth. Youth are often asked to prepare morning and evening devotionals. Opportunities to express faith through acts of service are always a highlight of the conference.
Heritage of Pilgrim Endeavor (HOPE) offers a great opportunity for young adults post-high school through age 26 to further grow in faith with peers in an environment similar to NAPF. While still including worship, speakers, small group time, and mission work, HOPE also promotes closer connections with peers and deeper discussion about faith through peer-led small groups. The experiences and perspectives that each person brings to their small group are valued and can enrich discussions about faith in remarkable ways. HOPE provides additional opportunities for leadership involvement through prayer teams, small group leadership and leadership on the NACCC’s Youth Task Team, hosted by the Growth Ministry Council. HOPE creates a genuine, meaningful, and fun atmosphere to grow in faith while discovering new friends.
Participants often stay connected between gatherings through three Facebook pages:
For more information, or to be placed on the NAPF and HOPE mailing lists, please contact the NACCC office.
Youth Scholarships
Youth who have demonstrated financial need and who have shown outstanding development in any or all of the following areas:
are eligible for scholarship consideration to help them attend the NAPF or HOPE Youth conferences. Scholarship applications shall be available to all who are affiliated with a church that maintains active membership in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.
GENERAL NAPF and HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches offers scholarship aid to youth wanting to attend the annual youth gatherings of NAPF or HOPE. Funding for these scholarships is gathered from interested individuals and through a voluntary contribution option on the NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference registration form. One full scholarship is awarded to a NAPF or HOPE attendee, along with many partial scholarships as deemed appropriate from available funds in a given year. Churches are also encouraged to check with their state or regional association for scholarships that might be available for NAPF and HOPE scholarships as well as for Mission trips.
- Christian character
- Participation in local church youth programs
- Community service
are eligible for scholarship consideration to help them attend the NAPF or HOPE Youth conferences. Scholarship applications shall be available to all who are affiliated with a church that maintains active membership in the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches.
GENERAL NAPF and HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
The National Association of Congregational Christian Churches offers scholarship aid to youth wanting to attend the annual youth gatherings of NAPF or HOPE. Funding for these scholarships is gathered from interested individuals and through a voluntary contribution option on the NACCC Annual Meeting and Conference registration form. One full scholarship is awarded to a NAPF or HOPE attendee, along with many partial scholarships as deemed appropriate from available funds in a given year. Churches are also encouraged to check with their state or regional association for scholarships that might be available for NAPF and HOPE scholarships as well as for Mission trips.
MEMORIAL DAY FRIENDS SCHOLARSHIP
The Memorial Day Friends Scholarship is a special scholarship established by several past members of NAPF and HOPE . It provides full-payment of one (1) registration to the NACCC annual youth conference (NAPF or HOPE.)
The Memorial Day Friends Scholarship is a special scholarship established by several past members of NAPF and HOPE . It provides full-payment of one (1) registration to the NACCC annual youth conference (NAPF or HOPE.)
Confirmation Materials
A confirmation curriculum for use in Congregational churches is available from the NACCC office, Building Confirmation the Congregational Way by Rev. Doug Gray. This resource is rich in lessons, activities, retreat and trip ideas, and worship resources. It is easily adaptable to your particular needs. You may order this from the NACCC office in either paper or digital format. You may also download the complete notebook.
Building Confirmation
Building Confirmation
Helpful Youth Resources
Other helpful youth ministry links.....
www.youthspecialties.com
www.group.com
www.teenlifeministries.com
www.youthministrytoolbox.com
www.disciplenowcurriculum.com
www.youthspecialties.com
www.group.com
www.teenlifeministries.com
www.youthministrytoolbox.com
www.disciplenowcurriculum.com