December 10, 2019
NACCC NEWS
The Messenger
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Retired Ministers
Michael Chittum, Executive Director
One of the joyful things for me to do as Executive Director of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC) is to stay in touch with our retired ministers. With the help of Casey vanderBent, the NACCC sends greetings and best wishes during the year on birthdays and on the anniversary of ordination to our retired ministers, for example. Every December, though, the NACCC also is able to send a check to the retired minister or to a surviving spouse. The amount is not large, and I always wish it could be more, but the check is a reminder of our appreciation for the faithful service these ministers have offered to our member churches. 
As we commemorate 400 years of American Congregationalism we will bring you historical information about the landing of the Pilgrims in Plymouth, as well as current events taking place in our member churches.

What is your church doing to commemorate 400 years of Congregationalism in America?  Email us   with your plans and we will highlight member church events over the coming year!

Congregational History Bulletin Inserts
Find them all on our website  , or download the current month here:

Tax Efficient Giving Vehicles
Debby Fulton, Director of Development and Communications

December is often a time of the year that many people make their year-end giving decisions. If that someone is you, why not consider a gift through Appreciated Assets . If your stocks are worth more today than when you bought them, consider donating the stock directly to the NACCC or Congregational Foundation and avoid long-term capital gains tax.

Are you 70½ years of age or older, and own an IRA? If so, consider a donation to your favorite charity through an IRA Charitable Rollover . This vehicle allows you to direct gifts from your IRA account to a charity without paying federal income tax on the withdrawal. Distributions made under this law can be used to satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The rollover allows for a charitable gift to fulfill the RMD without adding to tax liability.

Let me know how we can help. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council
Thank you for caring for and supporting missions around the world in the name of Jesus Christ.
Pictured: The ministry council at their fall retreat, left to right: Greg Carmer, Julie Johnson Staples, Missions Administrator Julie Robie, Jamie Bonnema, NACCC CFO Dan Drea, Barbara Dabul, Jan Wilson.
Member Church News

On December 15th, Goshen Congregational Church of Goshen, MA will host a Community Carol Sing , featuring local musicians and a brass quartet.

On December 22nd, First Congregational Church of Akron presents their annual "Unrehearsed Christmas Pageant", where attendees of all ages are invited to pick up a costume as they enter the Meetinghouse to participate in this annual event.

In the entrance hall to Union Congregational Church of Oakville, CT there is a basket of toy soldiers. Members of the congregation are encouraged to take one home and place it somewhere to remind them to include those serving away from home in their prayers.
Reminders from the NACCC Office

The NACCC Office will be closed from December 24th - January 1st!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Send us your news and photos!
Submissions for the January issue are due by December 20, 2019
National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
8473 S. Howell Avenue, P.O. Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154
800-262-1620 ext. 1610