Aug Sept 2011 - National Association of Congregational Christian ...

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHESP.O. Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154-0288, 1-800-262-1620, Email: naccc@naccc.orgwww.naccc.orgNACCC NEWSAUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011VOLUME 3, ISSUE 3FROM MY HEART TO YOURSDear Friends,In last week’s Alban Weekly report, Gareth Morgan, professor at York University inToronto and a consultant on managing change in organizations, is quoted as saying,“If we are to really change, we must be willing to suspend our images of whatorganizations should look like and explore new ways of organizing ourselves to dothe critical work before us.”INSIDECENTER FORCONGREGATIONALLEADERSHIP2Your National Association is imagining what it might be like to step back and dojust that – explore new ways of organizing ourselves “congregationally”. As a resultof the supportive vote by delegates of the Strategic Plan, the Executive Committeehas created a transition team whose task is essentially to imagine how we as anAssociation can accomplish our mission in a more creative, reliable, and sustainableway, so that more people know about us, appreciate the genius of our Way,and contribute in every way to its future.In the coming months you will hear from a Transitional Team of fifteen leadersfrom fourteen churches, a mix of men and women, laity and clergy, long‐time leadersin the NA and relatively new ones. Rev. Beth Faeth of Peoples’ Church in BayportMN is the chairperson. The team will use a number of ways to keep you informedand ask for your opinions and ideas.NEWDEVELOPMENTS 3DIRECTOR OFDEVELOPMENT &MARKETING57TH ANNUALMEETINGWELCOME NEWMEMBER CHURCHES 6NEWS FROM THEFIELD745Donald Zimmer, the author of the article mentioned above states, “Our challengeis to simply be open to the new things God is doing in our midst, and we can’t dothat when we are enslaved by images of how people must organize themselves torespond to God’s invitations.”Those that attended the Annual Meeting and Conference in Arizona last June toldus to be open and imaginative about transitioning to a new model of organization.I am excited to be part of how that might unfold.(To read the article by Don Zimmer in its entirety go to http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=9687EXECUTIVE &FRATERNAL VISITSORDINATIONANNIVERSARIESA MOMENT INHISTORYNACCCINFORMATION891011Grace and Peace,Rev. Dr. Thomas RichardExecutive Secretary

NACCC NEWSPAGE 2We celebrated the graduation of 5 CFTS students at theAnnual Meeting & Conference in June.Kevin Clark graduated last December with a Master of Divinitydegree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary,in Dubuque, Iowa. Kevin is a member of People’s CongregationalChurch in Bayport, Minnesota.Ruth Guerette graduated last May with a Master of Divinity degree from Bangor Theological Seminary, in Bangor,Maine. She currently serves as the Pastor of Kenduskeag Union Church in Kenduskeag, Maine.Cynthia Petrie earned her Master of Divinity degree at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton,Massachusetts. Since 2008, she has been a Pastoral Intern at Campton Congregational Church in Campton,New Hampshire.Rev. Debbie Rhinesmith earned her Master of Divinity degree last May from Methodist Theological School inOhio. She currently is Interim Pastor at Akron’s East Market Street United Church of Christ, where she hasserved the past three years.Rev. Cindy A. Rice graduated in June 2009 with a Master of Divinity degree from Ecumenical Theological Seminaryin Detroit, Michigan and was ordained in June 2010. She is now a Managing Minister at her home church,First Congregational Church of Detroit, which she began serving in 2007.The Congregational History & Polity Intensive was recently held in Boston with 5 CFTS students and 12 otherattendees. Rev. Dr. Rick Hartley and Rev. Charles Packer served as faculty in the Congregational Way. Westayed at Mariner’s House in the heart of Boston’s Italian north end. While there in addition to lectures, wetoured the sites and visited the Congregational Library.For more information about the Center and educational opportunities, contact Dr. Mauro atbmauro@naccc.org or 1‐800‐262‐1620 x 12. Or visit our website atwww.centerforcongregationalleadership.org.Blessings,BetseyCONGRATULATIONS!!CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE AND CHURCHES UPONORDINATION:REV. NANCI RATHBUN, JUNE 5, 2011FOX RIVER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PEWAUKEE, WIREV. JUDITH COFFEE, JUNE 5, 2011PILGRIM CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WARREN, NJREV. KEVIN CLARK, JUNE 12, 2011PEOPLE’S CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BAYPORT, MN

NACCC NEWSPAGE 3NEW DEVELOPMENTSCAMPAIGN CORNERBranching Out to New BeginningsThe Annual Meeting in Scottsdale marked the conclusionof the Branching Out campaign and the beginningof a new direction for the NACCC. Since thepublic phase of the campaign launched in 2007,more than $2.6 million has been pledged. In theprocess, we started our new Center for CongregationalLeadership at Olivet College and established aFund for Church Development and Growth.Conducting a major capital campaign has been atransformative learning experience for all involved.We have forged new partnerships and laid thegroundwork for expanding the Association’s ongoingdevelopment and marketing efforts.The NACCC and the Congregational Foundation aredeeply grateful to many individuals and churches fortheir support of Branching Out. You have our heartfeltthanks for helping create a new and exciting futurefor the Association.Memorials Honor the FaithfulOur Association recently lost two active and faithfulCongregationalists – Ronald Chesney Moe on May10, 2011, and Bernice I. Douma on May 11, 2011.They will be fondly remembered and deeply missedby their many friends throughout the NACCC.Ronald Chesney Moe served our nation through along and distinguished career in Public Administrationin Washington, DC. He also was active in manycapacities on our leadership team, including the ExecutiveCommittee and the Congregational ChurchDevelopment (CCD) division.Bernice I. Douma was a dedicated teacher in Michiganfor more than 30 years and a long‐time member of theAssociation. In memory of her son and daughter, sheand her family established the Paul and Susan B. DoumaFund, which provides scholarships for youth to attendAnnual Meetings.The Association is grateful to the following individualswho made memorial donations in their honor:Ronald Chesney Moe MemorialsCaroline Adler ‐ Carol Apen ‐ Pat Carpenter ‐ Barbaraand Daniel Cox ‐ Diplomatic Security Foundation ‐ LizEdsall ‐ Jeffrey Harrison Eubank ‐ Heidi Fincken ‐Donna Lynne and David Frost ‐ Louis J. Glekas ‐P. Mordigan Hawkins ‐ Ernest Holbert ‐ Melissa McGeeKeshishian and Harold Keshishian ‐ Robert Litwak ‐Nick Merrill ‐ Dr. Robert C. and Carolyn C. Moe ‐ Joel R.Mogy ‐ Thoma Neale ‐ Gene Outka ‐ Philippe Reines ‐Alan and Priscilla Rich ‐ Deborah and Judah Sommer ‐Sonya Vekstein ‐ Suzanne A. ZunzerBernice I. Douma Memorialsto the Paul and Susan B. Douma FundPres and Mary Bontekoe ‐ Frances DeYoung ‐ DorothyDykema and Family ‐ James Miller ‐ National Society ofDaughters of the American Revolution ‐ Pilgrim CongregationalChurch, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan ‐ Richard B.Ruprecht ‐ David Shepard ‐ James Swinford ‐Charlotte Van Iwaarden ‐ Edith and Dale WinterWith the conclusion of the Branching Out campaign, Iwill be transitioning from my role as your part‐time CampaignAdministrator and Development Director. In August,Christina Zitka “Crissy” will join us as our full‐timeDirector of Development and Marketing and I will becomeher part‐time assistant.Thank you all for your support during this campaign! Ifyou need more information about the above, please callme at 1‐800‐262‐1620 x25 or email ddavid@naccc.org.Diana DavidDirector of Development (Part‐Time)

NACCC NEWSPAGE 4INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTOROFDEVELOPMENT AND MARKETINGWe are delighted to announce that Christina Zitka has joined our staff as the new full‐time Directorof Development and Marketing. Christina brings to us a wealth of experience in fund development,having most recently been Director of the LCMS Lutheran Malaria Initiative, a $45 millionthree‐year campaign.Christina received her Master of Arts degree in Management from Webster University, St. Louis,MO with a focus on Organizational Development. Her Bachelor of Science degree is in Psychology,from the University of Missouri with a focus on industrial/organizational psychology and a minor incommunications.She is a member of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE), Association ofFundraising Professionals (AFP), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Alliance forNonprofit Management.She will be working in all aspects of development and marketing. Her work experience in nonprofits,and successful grant‐writing will benefit our Association as we move more intentionally intofunding our Association and its efforts to serve our churches and preserve our Congregational Way.You will hear more about Christina in an up‐coming issue of The Congregationalist, and other NApublications.Our thanks to the search committee, Becci Dawson Cox, Jim Hopkins, Harry Holz, Lowell Linden,Carolyn Sundquist; and a special thanks to Gary Zaiser (committee chairperson), for his hours ofwork on this search.

NACCC NEWSPAGE 557TH ANNUAL MEETING& CONFERENCEStrategic Plan Overwhelmingly Approved!!The delegates to the 57 th Annual Meeting and Conference in Scottsdale, AZ approved the strategicplan worked on by various teams for over three years. Our thanks to the team whichpresented the plan – Bob Carlson (East Orrington Church, ME), Michael Chittum (FCC, SaltLake City, UT), Beth Faeth (Peoples Congregational Church, Bayport, MN), Cheryl Holmes(FCC, Marshalltown, IA), Jim Hopkins (Riverpoint Congregational Church, RI), Barbara Mullen(Commuity Cong’l Church, South Bend, IN), and Jim Waechter, chairperson (Plymouth Churchof the Pilgrims, Brooklyn, NY) along with staff support from John Carson, Betsey Mauro, andTom Richard.Transitional Team NamedThe Transitional Team which will implement this plan consists of Beth Faeth (planningteam), Barbara Mullen (planning team), Betsey Mauro (staff), Gary Zaiser (at‐large) Jeff DillonTreasurer), Jim Owens (Congregational Development), Jim Waechter (Executive Committee),Jodee Lord (Division for Ministry), John Carson (staff), JR McAliley (Missionary Society),Lynn Merkel (youth ministry), Michael Chittum (planning team), Mike Fales (CongregationalFoundation For Theological Studies), Seth Jones (at‐large), and Tom Richard (staff). Pleasekeep them in your prayers as they do this important work on our behalf.For a listing of names and contact information for new leadership team members consult theNACCC’s website www.naccc.orgTHANK YOU to all who contributed to a very successfulmeeting. The site, the program, the worship, the workshops ...everything went well. Thank you to the Annual Meeting andConference Team, to the host committee, the CongregationalChurch of Sun City and SWIM (Southwest IntermountainAssociation), and Sun City Congregational Church. A special thankyou to Nancy and Randy Asendorf, Rev. Ed White, Rev. BrianAnderson and a host of dedicated people who made us feel sowelcome. It was a memorable gathering.

NACCC NEWSPAGE 6W ELCOMEThe following churches were voted into membership in the National Association of CongregationalChristian Churches at the June 2011 Annual MeetingLighthouse Fellowship Congregational ChurchBonita Springs, FloridaPilgrim Congregational ChurchPomona Park, FloridaThe Little Brown Church in the ValeNashua, IowaUniversity Congregational ChurchWichita, KansasPilgrim Community ChurchWarren, MaineWallin Congregational ChurchGrand Rapids, MichiganSt. Luke’s Reformed ChurchSalisbury, North CarolinaSchool supplies are greatly needed forthe Panamerican Institute, Bread of LifeMissions, Rebecca Mackish Memorial Missionand the Morgan Scott Project. If youare interested in helping out, contact LindaMiller at lmiller@naccc.org or 800-262-1620 Ext. 13VOLUNTEERS NEEDED . . . To digitize lectures,papers, and short books given or authoredby important Congregational leaders that arepresently inaccessible to seminary students, localcongregations, and the public. If you have sometime and would like to help, please call CarrieDahm 800-262-1620 (ext. 15) or emailcdahm@naccc.org

NACCC NEWS PAGE 7News From the FieldChurch‐in‐the‐Gardens, summer program for childrentitled Pandemania, included singing, learningabout the bible, and experiencing God’s hand intheir lives… FCC, Millinocket, church is involved inrelief efforts for both Haiti and tornado victims inSouthern USA; they are engaged in a pastoralsearch… Lighthouse Fellowship Cong’l Church, wasreceived into NACCC membership in Arizona,thanks to the efforts of Rev. Les Wicker and themembers of FCC, Naples, who helped to shepherdtheir year‐long discernment period; recently thechurch contributed 1,175 diapers to a SW Floridamission bank for infant care… FCC, Clear Lake, duringtheir search for a settled minister they have arrangedfor several guest preachers; a group ofmember‐volunteers staff the church office daily…Second Cong’l Biddeford, the church hosted PastorCharles Sagay a missionary in the country on behalfof Mission of Hope and attending the Annual Meetingand Conference of the NACCC in Phoenix;Heather Thompson from Beacon Hospice, spoke atthe Church’s Grief and Loss group in June… AmeliaChurch, Clayton youth group went on their annualmission trip to Nashville; their July church retreatincluded Amelia’s Got Talent, and Amelia Idol combinedshows… Messiah, Los Angeles, church is doingseveral renovations and repairs, including newsanctuary carpeting, repairing the cupola atop theirbuilding, and new wiring in the building; a spiritualprayer retreat is planned for October at St Andrew’sAbbey; they shared worship and fellowshipwith youth and adults from the First Samoan Cong’lChurch of San Diego in May… FCC, Adams, churchsponsored a very successful clothing give‐away onthe Town Common. Over 50 families served inthree hours!; their Sunday‐Thursday evening Vacationbible School want well… FCC, Mansfield, consideringbuying a sizeable piece of property abuttingthe church parking lot; vision team is busy withface‐to‐face conversation with groups within thechurch; they are beginning the informationgatheringphase of their pastoral search.. FCC, Allegan,discussing whether to start a Stephen’s Ministryprogram in the church; every Thursday eveningthey serve dinner for those in need; they providebackpacks with school supplies for children, workingfrom a list provided by the LOVE INC ecumenicalministry… FCC, Fall River, community garden projectgoing well. The church provides the garden,members provide seed and care for the plots;members participated by sponsoring other memberswho walked in the annual walk for the fightagainst breast cancer… North Shore, Fox Point, SueLaFeber is finishing her residency requirements forher D.Min degree at UDTS; her dissertation is on“leading from the second chair” (Associate Ministry);of the many missions they sponsor one is theGuest House a shelter residence for 86 men everyevening; they are starting a youth book readinggroup… North Cong’l Church, Farmington Hills,children’s education in the summer was a one roomSunday school program, with two themes ‐ buildingpeace and becoming disciples; they have a group ofwomen called the “flick chicks” and , you guessedit, they watch movies together and discuss them;two sundays during the summer are devoted tohymn signing…2012 Dates2012 Minister’s ConvocationApril 16-19, Mundelein, IL2012 Annual Meeting &Conference, June 23-26,Bloomington, MN

NACCC NEWSPAGE 8Recent executive & fraternal visits& Church inquriesRev. Dr. Tom Richard participated in the Annual Meetingand Conference communion service at Sun CityChurch, AZ. He also participated in twelve conferencecalls in July with churches in search, church conflictconsultations and NACCC leadership meetings.Rev. John Carson attended the Annual Meeting andConference. His plans for the coming months includevisits to Morgan Scott Project, Deer Lodge, TN; FirstCongregational Church, Crossville, TN and Olivet Collegefor the fall CFTS seminar.Rev. Dr. Betsey Mauro visited:North Congregational Church, Farmington Hills, MIKenduskeag Union Church in Kenduskeag, MEEast Orrington Congregational Church, Orrington, MECong’l History & Polity Intensive, Boston, MAAnnual Meeting & Conference, Scottsdale, AZRockland Congregational Church, Rockland, MEPilgrim Community Church, Warren, MESecond Congregational Church, Warren, MEFirst Congregational Church, NantucketFirst Congregational Church of Biddeford, MERev. Bobbie Chapman represented the NACCC at JudithCoffey’s ordination June 5th at Pilgrim Church,Warren, NJUPDATE ON OAK CREEK OFFICE SALEAs many of you already know, the NACCC office in oakCreek is on the real estate market. Although our agent JimBenz, has had many inquiries, only two formal bids have beenmade and were rejected.Despite the repairs needed, the building will be sold as is, inwhich case the buyer will assume responsibility for all repairs.As we have stated before the deferred maintenance includesthe HVAC system, electrical system, windows, parking lotsurface replacement, bathroom upgrades, and inside painting.We must continue to be mindful of our pledge to honor practicesof good stewardship, no matter what the future holds.Moreover, the property continues to maintain many attractivefeatures for potential buyers—the primary one being its strategiclocation in the growing commercial development of HowellAvenue.As we progress in our efforts, updated information will beshared.Yours in Christ,Rev. Joan Laska, ChairpersonOn behalf of Committee members: Jeff Dillion, Dan Drea,Julie Johnson Staples, Bill Read, Dr. Patrick Shelley, and staffliaison Dr. Tom Richard.HERITAGE SUNDAYThe Executive Committee has reaffirmed Thanksgiving Sunday as Heritage Sundaythroughout the Association. Churches will receive packets including suggestedliturgy and historical notes celebrating our Congregational heritage.2012 Annual Meeting & ConferenceJune 23-26Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of AmericaBloomington, MNCall 952-854-2100 to reserve your roomRoom rates: $109 plus taxOr visit www.mspairport.hilton.com and use Group Code: NAC

NACCC NEWS PAGE 9ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIESAUGUSTFrancois Akoa-Mongo Aug. 1, 1967Richard Gossett Aug. 1, 1986Martha Lane Aug. 1, 1994Caroline Dozier Aug. 1, 2002John Lindvall Aug. 2, 1942Raymond Luber Aug. 2, 1964Mark Taylor Aug. 2, 1992Paul Koeshall Aug. 4, 1960Jeffrey Siegel Aug. 7, 2004Jack Frohn Aug. 8, 1964William Fillebrown Aug. 9, 1979Steven King Aug. 9, 1990David Murray Aug. 10, 1987Thomas Thorne Aug. 10, 1991Scott Snider Aug. 11, 1996Shawn Stapleton Aug. 11, 2001Douglas Brandt Aug. 13, 1989Arlin Larson Aug. 14, 1977Glenn Lawson Aug. 14, 1994Ramona Andrews Aug. 15, 2004Sam Southard Aug. 16, 1950George Mays Aug. 16, 1981Charles Packer Aug. 18, 2001Michael Nash Aug. 18, 2004Bruce Pratt Aug. 19, 2000Thomas Warner Aug. 20, 1978Robert Brink Aug. 21, 2005David Wigley Aug. 22, 1954John Wallace Aug. 22, 2004Patrick Hunt Aug. 24, 1969Tom Douglas Aug. 27, 1998Roy Paterik Aug. 28, 1974Judith Roska Aug. 28, 1989Lynnette Barnes Aug. 29, 1997SEPTEMBERBert McCormick Sept. 1, 1961Phillip Ewert Sept. 1, 1964Alice Kelloway Sept. 2, 1949Douglas LeCroy Sept. 3, 1971Michael Halcomb Sept. 7, 1971Anthony Jones Sept. 7, 1997David Henry Sept. 11, 1977John Hendrickson Sept. 11, 1988Larry Foster Sept. 12, 2001David Fleming Sept. 14, 1975Randall Kohls Sept. 14, 1980Wendy Sue Kissa Sept. 14, 1997Thomas Miller Sept. 15, 1974Edward Fackler Sept. 15, 1985Victor Bogdanoff Sept. 15, 1991Geraldine MacNeil Sept. 16, 2001Charles Morgan Sept. 17, 1978Donald Plank Sept. 18, 1983Beth Faeth Sept. 18, 1994Charles Birnie Sept. 18, 2004David Welcome Sept. 19, 1998Samuel Schaal Sept. 20, 1998Michael Chittum Sept. 21, 1980J.P. Freeman Sept. 21, 1997John Miller Sept. 21, 1997John Boyd Sept. 22, 2002Matt Winslow Sept. 22, 2002Thomas Richard Sept. 23, 1973Marchie Miyashiro Sims Sept. 23, 2001Mark McAnlis Sept. 23, 2007Steven Larson Sept. 24, 2006Lisa Dembkowski Sept. 25, 2005Scott Naevestad Sept. 26, 1993Chad Poland Sept. 26, 1999Pamela Jensen Sept. 26, 2004Steven Schafer Sept. 28, 1980Bobbie Chapman Sept. 28, 1997Colin Windhorst Sept. 28, 1998Paul Lee Sept. 28, 2003Donald Limmer Sept. 29, 1979Lin McGee Sept. 29, 1996David Wood Sept. 29, 2002Tim Smith Sept. 30, 1990Andrew McHenry Sept. 30, 2001

NACCC NEWS PAGE 10A MOMENT IN HISTORYWhile sorting through the books and materials received from Arvel M. Steece, I came across a small booklet entitledThe Congregationalist Handbook for 1896. The Handbook Series was published quarterly at 15 cents per year.Below is an advertisement in the Handbook.The Congregationalist was available to a new subscriber at therate of 12 weeks for 25 cents or 6 months for $1.00.

NACCC NEWSPAGE 11SEND ME YOUR NEWSSubmissions for the Oct/Novedition are due by Sept. 15, 2011.Marie Steele, Editormsteele@naccc.orgNACCC News is a publication of theNational Association ofCongregational Christian Churches.All rights reserved.NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONOFCONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES8473 S. Howell AvenueP.O. Box 288Oak Creek, WI 53154-0288Phone: 800-262-1620Fax: 414-764-0319Email: naccc@naccc.orgWebsite: www.naccc.orgBringing together Congregational ChristianChurches for mutual care and outreach to ourworld in the name of Jesus Christ.W E’ RE ON THE WEB!www.naccc.orgThe Congregational FoundationWant to create something of lasting value?You can be confident your legacy gift will makethe difference you’re seeking to create. ContactDiana David ddavid@naccc.org for moreinformation.