October 1, 2021 NACCC News: Community Connections

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October 1, 2021

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Lay Ministry Training Program Classes Begin

Rev. Dr. Cindy Bacon Hammer, Moderator

September 25^th marked an important day in the life of the NACCC. The Lay Ministry Training Program held its first class. Eleven eager students met with instructor Rev. Dr. Charles Packer to study the Old Testament. After years of planning, curriculum tweaking, and instructor engagement, the NA's new program was launched. Thank you to the many who worked hard to make this happen.

What I encourage us all to consider is how this program will bear fruit for our local churches. There are many who are called to ministry but are unable to leave home and employment to attend seminary full time. Likewise, there are many churches that are unable to find a pastor with some theological training. The NACCC Lay Ministry Training Program meets both critical needs.

Pray for our new students, their instructors, and the team that continues to oversee this new and vital program which will help the NACCC to praise God in ministry now and in the future.

MEMBER CHURCH NEWS:

The Search Committee of Congregational Church, Searsport, ME hosted a meet and greet for ministerial candidate Rev. Ed Gabrielsen on September 11th. The following day, Rev. Gabrielsen conducted the “car church” service. Members unanimously voted to call Rev. Gabrielsen as their settled pastor.

Send your church news to development@naccc.org

A Call for Nominations

Rev. Arthur P. Ritter, Chair, Board of Directors

The NACCC Nominating Committee is looking for 2022 nominations. Chairperson Wendy VanTassell reports that there are a wide variety of positions open including Vice-Moderator- 2-year term, Board of Directors-4 year term, Annual Meeting and Conference Committee Member (at Large)-3 year term, and 3-year terms in Growth Ministry Council, Mission and Outreach Ministry Council, and Vitality Ministry Council.

Wendy correctly reminds us, “The NACCC is strongest when it has a robust volunteer base representing the diversity of member churches. Each individual brings special talents, experience, and insight to the responsibilities they are assigned.”

We hope that you will consider serving or that you might find someone in your congregation to nominate. For more specific information and a nominating form, click here.

Why Give to the Congregational Foundation?

Blaine Simons, Congregational Foundation Board of Governors

Years ago, I met with a group of others from the NACCC to form the Congregational Foundation (CF). One major reason for creating the Foundation was to offer churches and friends a properly structured way for making contributions to support the NACCC and to provide donors a process to create endowments. I was then and am now proud of the CF and its evolution over the years. It serves the NACCC in ways not available in the past.

Like most of us, I am proud to donate to my church. In the same way, I am also proud to give to the CF. Giving not only feels good but I’m confident the funds are properly cared for and, most of all, fully support the Congregational Way.

Please consider supporting the Congregational Way by making a gift to the Congregational Foundation .