December 1, 2024

Season of Advent

Jodee Lord, Moderator

As we enter the season of Advent, I pray that you will be filled with many blessings.

When we light our Advent candles, may we have:

Hope: May God’s love and light brighten the world.

Peace: May we communicate peace by our words, actions, and deeds – spreading “peace on Earth, good will to all.”

Joy: May we celebrate the joy felt at the birth of Jesus.

Love: May God’s love be felt across the world and in the hearts of all people.

I pray that hope, peace, joy, and love will fill your heart as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas.

Wishing you a very merry and blessed Christmas!

A Very Merry Christmas

Rev. Dr. Martin Hall, Vice-Moderator

Growing up, my favorite church moment of the year was gathering with others on Christmas Eve and singing Silent Night to candlelight. There was something about the joy and serenity of that experience that, even as a child, lifted my soul in remarkable ways. To this day, the same remains true. There are few moments (if any) in the church year that, for me, measure up to that singular experience on Christmas Eve. In the busy and bustling weeks to come, I pray that you might find that moment for yourself. It may be that candlelight service, or it might be something else altogether. I pray, however, that the wonder and blessing of the Gift of Gifts might break through and instill the joy and serenity in you that I know it will for me in that moment now just a few weeks away! In that moment, and throughout, may you have a very merry Christmas!

Year End Giving

Sandy Leonard, Board of Governors

A few years ago, at a Northeast Fellowship Fall Gathering, a financial planner spoke to us about giving. She advised us to select a focus for our giving, and after careful consideration, I selected the NACCC and charities that focus on food insecurity. Having these two prime areas allows me to respond to requests for giving with, “Thanks for reaching out. Currently, I am supporting my local church, the NACCC, and my local food bank.” – mic drop. These conversations end with them asking me to consider their group next year. The NACCC is dear to my heart and hopefully yours. Please consider designating our Shared Ministries Fund, The Congregationalist, or missions as your end-of-year giving choice.

Contribute to The Congregationalist

Have you ever considered contributing to The Congregationalist? We’d love to share your thoughts on the pages of our “Roots” themed March edition!

Curious about what topics you could explore within the theme?

You could share prayer, scripture, or community involvement practices that make you feel rooted in your faith. You could look into aspects of the spiritual heritage of Congregationalists or the role of the Old Testament in Christian rootedness. You could explore parables like The Vine and the Branches or The Parable of the Sower and consider how roots might fit into those narratives. You might look toward the Garden of Eden for inspiration and the many ways roots might be at play in that environment. There are so many more options, too!

To contribute, send your submission to Editor Maggie Helmick by January 1st!

Celebrating Amy Kennedy

A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, NACCC Mission Partner

Congratulations to Amy Kennedy, the co-executive director of NACCC mission partner A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, for receiving the 2024 Leon Doane Young Alumnus of the Year Award from Northwest Nazarene University!

Amy has played a vital role in expanding the reach of A Christian Ministry in the National Parks, supporting the growth of team members in national parks from an average of 180 people to over 270 during her tenure as a college recruiter! Her passion for investing in the development of others and expertise in nonprofit management has been invaluable in the ministry’s success.

We applaud Amy for her fantastic work and look forward to supporting A Christian Ministry in the National Parks in its bright future.

Event Calendar

February 11, 2025, 6:15 pm – 7:45 pm CT (4:15 pm PT; 7:15 pm ET)
Webinar Series: Cultivating Generous Congregations Course

This four-part interactive seminar is intended to help your congregation build a culture of generosity unique to your needs and challenges. Click here for more information or to register to attend.

March 13-17, 2025
Freedom Journey Trip, Greenville, SC

The focus of this trip is to learn more about the African American culture, deepen our faith, and learn how God’s grace carried generations of people through unspeakable hardship. Click here for more information.