SEPTEMBER 2017

Vol. 169 • No. 3

ICF Quadrennial Conference

Dreaming, Talking & Acting 2017 Annual Meeting

Marketing Your Church

Pastoral Conversations

Thank You Donors/ Members

Published by the National Association congregationalist.org of Congregational Christian Churches WALK INTO ANY CHURCH THAT PARTNERS WITH MMBB AND YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE.

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©2016. All rights reserved. WALK INTO ANY CHURCH THAT Table of CONTENTS Features PARTNERS 10 Dreaming Talking and Acting bible Lecture

20 Rev. Tom Van Tassell and liFE: Stepping Past Fear and False Peace Rev. Dr. Cindy Bacon Hammer WITH MMBB 22 enjoy a laugh with Gabriel Castillo, son of Symphony John and Nina Thank You Castillo of the National Association 24 of Congregational Churches. AND YOU CAN FEEL 27 Pastoral Conversations-LISTEN! Photo by Barry W. Szymanski THE DIFFERENCE. 28 The Problem with Congregational Histories: marketing, Your Church 30 EDITORIAL STATEMENT All content in The Congregationalist We are Pilgrims on a Journey appears by the authority of the editor. 31 We reserve freedom of expression Congregations grow stronger with employee benefi t plans from MMBB Financial Services. icF Quadrennial Conference: to our authors and freedom of You’ll gain a partner that works exclusively with churches and faith-based organizations— 33 opinion to our readers. Except for service information we understand all the fi nancial, tax, retirement, and legal issues you face. And your most Departments clearly sponsored by the National oUR VOYAGE TOGETHER Association of Congregational valued messengers will know you care about their future. Let us serve you, so you can 4 annual Meeting 2017 Christian Churches (NACCC) or its component parts, content does focus on serving the highest purpose of all: connecting your community to God. not necessarily reflect policies and sTRANGERS AND PILGRIMS opinions of the NACCC. D.L. Moody 5 Neither The Congregationalist nor MMBB is your partner in this journey. the NACCC has a creed or holds along THE WAY positions on social or theological Join us. 6 issues; but we recognize the authority neWS AND NEEDS of each local church to do so for itself, 8 if and as it wishes, and we encourage thoughtful and respectful discussion mmbb.org 32 NECROLOGY of our agreements and differences. 800.986.6222 PASTORATES AND PULPITS 34 leTTERS TO THE EDITOR

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Annual Meeting – 2017

espite having to survive a very “rainy night in Georgia” during the pre- meeting events, the 2017 Annual Meeting was a great one. While you will be reading other articles in this issue that provide more details about the meetings, let me highlight what were, for me, some of the significant Dparts of our latest Annual Meeting. • 20,520 meals were prepared during the Mission Event on Monday. This year, we joined with the organization, Rise Against Hunger, to pay for and to assemble meals. The meals consist of a soy protein base, a vitamin packet, dehydrated vegetables, and rice. Adult attendees were joined by NAPF and HOPE attendees to assemble the meals. This was a good and holy thing. • We recognized two CFTS graduates – Jacob Poindexter and Paul Jackson. Jacob is heading to Anchorage to serve the First Congregational Church as their Senior Minister. Paul will continue to serve the University Congregational Church in Wichita, Kansas as an Associate Minister. • CFTS graduates and alumni and representatives of HOPE and NAPF led us in worship and opened our sessions with prayer. Of special note, Emily Miller-Todd, a CFTS graduate from last year, preached during our Sunday morning worship. • We welcomed three churches into the NACCC – St. John Church of Idalia, Colorado, Haven Congregational Church of Haven, Kansas, and South Bridgton Congregational Church of Bridgton, Maine – and reinstated the First Congregational Church of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, to active member church status. Please pray for these congregations and reach out to them to add your support. • Our Congregational Lecture was actually “Congregational Lectures” as five individuals shared “What Congregationalism Means to Me.” J. R. McAliley III, Garry Fisher, Kay Miller-Todd, Julie Johnson Staples, and Martin Hall illustrated some of the diversity that exists within the Congregationalism understood by the NACCC. • Our Workshop times were highlighted by two nationally recognized experts – Karen Massey presented a workshop on “What Young Parents Are Looking for In a Church,” and Dave Brubacker led a session on “How to Successfully Resolve Church Conflict.” • Barbara Brown Taylor challenged and inspired us with her insights on the Apostle Peter as one who dreamed, talked, and acted. • Throughout the meeting, we all were warmly welcomed and ministered to by the great staff of Piedmont College, led by its president, Dr. James Mellichamp, and by the host committee of the Methodist-Congregational Federated Church and its minister, Rev. Joyce Acree.

Good things are still to come for the NACCC.

Grace and Peace, Michael

By Michael Chittum, Sunday morning worship at Executive Director Piedmont College Chapel

4 Strangers AND PILGRIMS

wight Lyman Moody was and go into full-time evangelism.”228 born in 1837 in Northfield, Moody and his music leader, Ira Massachusetts. In later years, Sankey, preached to two and a half Dwight Moody would say: million people in Great Britain and to D“The first thing I remember was the many millions more in the United States. death of my father. It was a beautiful day At the 1889 meeting of the National in June when he fell suddenly dead.”227 Council of Congregational Churches, With eight children to feed, Dwight’s Moody was commended as “the most mother had to send some of her children successful evangelist of our time.”229 off to workhouses. Mrs. Moody still Moody preached to the poor with great D. L. Moody insisted that all her children attend the results, but he also appealed strongly (1837-1899) Unitarian church with her every Sunday. to the middle class because of his solid Dwight left Northfield for Boston at business background. Webster’s Guide age seventeen. to American History tells us, “The Aviation Fellowship, a publishing Dwight’s uncle gave him a job in his substance of his preaching was a simple, house, and a radio network with programs Boston shoe store, with the condition conservative, personal Christianity on stations all over the United States. In that Dwight attend a Congregational sharply in contrast with the Social Gospel addition, the Institute produces a daily church. Dwight moved to Chicago movement of the same period.”230 devotional called Today in the Word. in 1856, working as a successful and However, Justo González writes, Adapted and reprinted with permission from The well-known shoe salesman. There, he “He was convinced that the conversion Congregational Minute by Robert Hellam, (Seaside, established a church school for children of the masses would lead to better living Calif., Robert Hellam, 2012.) in the slums in 1858. A non-combatant conditions in the cities, and therefore he during the Civil War, Dwight served with had little to say regarding the conditions the YMCA, accompanying the Union and structures that led to so much troops throughout the war. After the war, human misery.”231 Sydney Ahlstrom he became the president of the YMCA describes Moody’s style: “Holding aloft in Chicago. He was also influential in his Bible, he assured his hearers that reviving the Sunday School Union. eternal life was theirs for the asking, Peter Marshall, Jr., reports, “In Chicago, that they had only to ‘come forward and a shoe salesman who had moved there t-a-k-e, TAKE!’”232 from Boston was astonished when the Moody’s evangelistic headquarters was merchant he was calling on looked at in his hometown of Northfield. There, 227M. Laird Simons, “Dwight Lyman Moody,” his watch and said he had to go to a he established Northfield Seminary Wholesome Words: Christian Biography Resources «www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biomoody.html» prayer meeting. Already converted . . . for girls in 1879 and Mount Hermon (accessed 4 September 2011). the shoe salesman went with him …. School for boys in 1881. In 1889, Moody 228Marshall and Manuel, Trumpet, 427. Soon the salesman wrote home . . . ‘I go founded the Chicago Bible Institute, 229Von Rohr, 330-331. to meeting every night. Oh, how I enjoy which continues today as the Moody 230Van Doren and McHenry, 1132. it! It seems as if God were here Himself. Bible Institute. The Moody Bible Institute 231González, vol. 2, p. 254. O Mother, pray . . . that this work may go consists of an undergraduate Bible 232Ahlstrom,745. on till every knee is bowed!’ . . . Dwight L. college with branches in several different Moody would turn in his shoe sample kit cities, as well as a seminary, the Mission

5 Along THE WAY

PF members from FCC, Portland, MI, Building A Link With The Past build fellowship . . . and a barn.

n May 20th, about 14 youth and adults, including Along with the actual learning of how to build the barn, fourth graders through the Congo Youth Group everyone learned first hand the strength and skill the early of the First Congregational Church of Portland, farmers needed to hone out native woods with axes, so Michigan, met at the home of Charles Leik, former precisely that a notch in one board would match the notch of Opresident of the National Alliance of Historic Barn Builders in another. Using fine teamwork and a master craftsman, all came Portland. Charles led the gathering through lessons on historic to the conclusion that, while it was labor intensive, the barn barn-building structures and tools. Then it was time to build a was truly a work of art and teamwork. All found it interesting quarter scale replica of an historic Dutch barn. to hear how our forefathers had such a command of math, These barns go back to the early days of the colonies when horticulture, and common sense to build these barns in such a different nationalities and ethnic groups preferred to build way that many remain in use today. barns based on their traditions. This particular style of barn The Dutch barn had been built and taken down in many was the favorite of farmers in the Eastern states, particularly different locations across the United States -- from Notre Dame New York. The kids and grownups learned about bents, braces, University to Kansas, and Ohio. beams, and posts, and learned how to put them together The team then disassembled the barn to be packed up for its without using anything metal, only wooden pegs. They worked next stop out west. What an honor to work together, learning as a team through the day; and, after a couple of intense hours, about nature, history, and teamwork. they witnessed the beautiful structure of a Dutch barn. Submitted by Pastor Marilyn Danielson, First Congregational Church, Portland, Michigan

Piedmont College names Butman Chair for Religious Studies

r. Carson Webb has been master’s degree in Religion from Syracuse was pleased to fill the position with a named the Butman Assistant University, where he also earned a Ph.D. professor of Dr. Webb’s caliber. Professor of Religious Studies in 2014. He has previously taught religion “The Butman Chair is the keystone at Piedmont College. Webb, and philosophy at Le Moyne College and for our Department of Religion and Dpreviously the Assistant Professor of Syracuse University. Philosophy, which in turn plays a central Religious Studies at Eureka The Butman Chair at role in Piedmont’s liberal arts curriculum,” College in Illinois, takes Piedmont College was Mellichamp said. over the position from created in 1998 and named Mellichamp also thanked Dr. Taylor Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor, in honor of the Rev. Harry for her 20 years of teaching as Butman who joined Piedmont as R. Butman, a founder of Professor at Piedmont. the first Butman Professor the National Association of “Barbara Taylor has taught and lectured in 1998 and retired from Congregational Christian at most of the top universities in the U.S. teaching in May. Churches. Piedmont is and abroad,” Mellichamp said. “To have Dr. Web is a graduate affiliated with the NACCC her as part of the faculty at Piedmont of Pepperdine University and the United Church of College for two decades has been an and earned a master’s Christ. Piedmont President invaluable experience not only for our degree in Philosophical Dr. James F. Mellichamp students but also for all of us at Theology at the University said that following a the college.” of Nottingham. He holds a Dr. Carson Webb national search, the college Submitted by David Price, Piedmont College

6 Wisconsin Congregational Association Presents Leadership Summit

ongregationalists from throughout Wisconsin camp, they agreed that their spiritual needs were currently convened at North Shore Congregational being met outside the church. The two students noted that Church, Fox Point, for Wisconsin Congregational Marquette University offers many opportunities for spiritual Association’s (WCA) Annual Meeting this past enrichment. All agreed that the typical schedule of church CApril. The Adaptive Congregation was the focus of keynote worship wasn’t conducive to their lifestyles. speaker, Tim Roberts, pastor of Stuart Congregational Church, During the meeting, WCA elected its new slate of officers: Stuart, Florida. Roberts’ sessions, “Church for the Future” and Moderator – Julie Sheridan Smith “To Bless and Add,” identified ways in which churches can Moderator-Elect – Tonia Wallner seize opportunities for adding vitality by reaching out to their Past Moderator – Stuart Merkel local communities, maintaining cherished traditions while Secretary – Diane Williams augmenting programs and worship services that appeal Treasurer -- Andy Forsaith to new members. Clergy Ambassador -- Mark McAnlis For a personal perspective on millennial attitudes toward Lay Ambassador -- Polly Bodjanac church, WCA presented a panel of three, former members of Communications Ambassador -- Emily Cambell North Shore Congregational Church – two current students at Camp and Youth Committee -- Abby Cole Marquette University and a recent college graduate. Although Youth and Camp Committee (Clergy at Large) -- all three women are still involved with WCA’s annual youth Cindy Bacon-Hammer

(L-R) Mark Chojnacki, Lynn Merkel, and The Rev. Dr. Stuart Merkel, moderator, welcomed Abby Cole, Jeni Branum and Sandy Klompmaker from Faith Community WCA members to the 2017 Leadership Summit. Sara Penno represented the Millennial point Congregational Church in Franklin led the group Photo by Martin Hall of view at the WCA Annual Meeting. in hymn singing. Photo by Martin Hall Photo by Martin Hall

Gomer Congregational Church Marks 100 Years Of Song Retirement Announcement ales is known as the The event coincides with the 100th ev. Cayle Beagle Retires land of song. When anniversary of the installation of the First Congregational Church Welsh immigrants church’s pipe organ, which has been of Laingsburg Michigan, has founded Gomer played continuously for the past century. announced the retirement CWongregational Church in Gomer, Ohio, Participants sit by parts and sing some Rof the Reverend Cayle Beagle. Pastor they brought their voices and beloved great old hymns in the Welsh tradition in Beagle has hymns with them. This year Gomer four-part harmony. Trefor Williams will faithfully served Congregational Church is direct the program. A native of Wales, the fellowship celebrating its 100th Gymanfa Williams is the director of Milwaukee for 16 years with Ganu (Ga-mahn-fa Ga-nee), Metro Voices in Wisconsin. Music will be his wife Barbara a Welsh festival of song, provided by church organist Martha Britt, Beagle. An open on Sunday, October 1 at pianist Joyce Larimore, and guest harpist house was held 7pm. In addition to World Nancy Glick. A light lunch will be available to honor his Communion Sunday, that beginning at 4pm at the Gomer Welsh well-deserved morning’s worship will Museum directly across from the church. retirement. focus on music. We hope you join us for this celebration!

Mrs. Davis was the first organist submitted by the Rev. Jim Wilder, Submitted by David Price, Piedmont College at Gomer Congregational Church Gomer Congregational Church

7 News AND NEEDS of OUR

Update from our Missions

Janu Indian Trails Mission, Ariz. is helping to organize their churches in Mexico for a Mexican Convention. It is held every four years. This year, it will be in Colonia Buenos Aires, located south of the historic center of Mexico City, Mexico. They are expecting 12,000 – 15,000 people to attend.

Congregational Church of Myanmar, had a graduation at Chakhai Grace School. They are now ready for the 2016- 18 Academic Year. Rev. SaDo is grateful for the support to finish rebuilding one school and the pool with cover to store fresh water for drinking and washing. There are two other school buildings that need repair soon. Grace School celebrates graduation ECHO, (Education for Hunger, Org), Fla. does much training throughout the world. They do direct training for small- scale farmer families and organizations Christ to the Villages, Nigeria, received Bread of Life Christian Mission, Plant who work with them. They are hosting a a donation for purchase of another City, Fla., is branching out to Cuba, Sustainable Agriculture and Community school bus, which will allow easier and supporting pastors and missionaries Development workshop in safer transport of students. there. Elba Santana is accompanying Nepal for the first time. five other people to Belic, Cuba. They are Margaret Oladele, one of the founders taking medicine, cell phones, clothing, of Christ to the Villages, was in New York shoes, and Sunday school material. this spring for kidney surgery. It was There is a group of local pastors in Plant successful, and she is doing very well. City who adopted a pastor in Havana, Margaret is grateful for your prayers. sending him $30 dollars monthly. They sent a kit that creates reading glasses Mission School of Hope, Cameroon, from glasses provided by a church in recently sent some of its clinic staff for South Carolina. They can make 300 pairs. more training on family planning. They They also bought a house in Palma de la have created a unit for this training in Cruz for a small church of that has grown their clinic and have received most of the to more than 100 members. Donations equipment needed to help the villagers for this project came from contacts Bread ECHO training in action plan their families in a healthy and of Life Mission has in Plant City. safe way.

8 Mission Visits Nairobi, Kenya, after the NACCC Annual Travancore Church Meeting at Piedmont College, Georgia. Council Update The Rev. Jim and Cindy Owens, FCC They then traveled to Cape Town, South Peterson, Iowa, visited Love Worth Africa, to attend the International ne of our longest standing Sharing, Haiti, August 7-13. They Congregational Fellowship Quadrennial missions, Travancore checked on the three ministry locations with 52 other NACCC members. Church Council, India, in Port-au-Prince. The Owenses also is being removed from worked at the medical clinics and taught In June, Ozaukee Congregational Oour Supported Missions list. Due to the kids at the Bible camps. Bibles and Church and North Shore Congregational governmental changes in India, we no scripture booklets were distributed. Church in Wisconsin sent 38 people to longer can send money to them. This is work with staff from Hosanna Industries, affecting many internationally funded Julie and Jeff Robie, Missionary Society Penn., in Richwood, W.Va. They provided nonprofits through the country. When Alumni, visited Word Alive, Ghana, in flood relief work. and if the Indian Government changes June. Julie sent this message from her their policy, we will welcome Travancore trip, “Well, I never expected to be in a The Rev. Peter Smith, First Church Council back into our midst. place where I would be involved first- Congregational Church, Hanson, Our other mission in India, Indian hand in a situation needing One Great Mass., visited the Rev. Schott Planning, Community Fellowship, is considered a Hour of Sharing funds. It is the rainy president, Maine Sea Coast Mission in community development organization season here in both Ghana and the Ivory Maine in April. The area is also one of the and is currently not affected by the Coast. We have already been restricted most economically impoverished regions government policy. to our hotel twice in the last two days of the nation. This mission provides because of severe flooding.” community-building activities, in addition

to its focus on food distribution, housing For more information on any of rehabilitation and community services. these missions, or to donate to any of the above projects, please contact Linda Miller at the NACCC Office, Projects in Argentina 800-262-1620, ext. 1618, or [email protected]. Harding Stricker, Director of Asociacion For a complete listing of NACCC Civil Cristiana Congregational, Argentina, Mission Projects, please go to our “The Word Alive church in Abidjan needs funds says they are working on two new website: www.naccc.org and click to purchase 35 truckloads of sand and to pay the cost of labor to spread it. The area around the projects. They are in the process of adding on the Missions tab. church and just in front of the entry gate flooded, and equipping an emergency section Mission and Outreach and some flood waters seeped into the church.” within their clinic, but have a long way Ministry Council to go to completion. The second project NACCC Tom and Gisela Chelimsky, North is installation of a new working sound PO Box 288 Shore Congregational Church in system at the mission's meeting house. Oak Creek, WI 53154 Fox Point, Wisconsin, visited Asociacion The existing system seldom works Civil Cristiana Congregational, well, requiring speakers and the music Argentina, this summer. ensembles to speak / sing very loudly, Prayers are Needed with resulting sore throats and headaches. A group of 10 NACCC people traveled Please keep all the travelers to the to Happy Life Children’s Home, in different missions in your prayers.

9 Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Getting Together in Georgia

iedmont College, site of the Georgia came true with the opening decline, they dream of better days 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting of a small school in the hills. When it ahead when the future viability of their & Conference, is nestled into ran into financial difficulties early on, churches is more secure. The speakers the lush, wooded foothills of Congregational churches provided and workshop facilitators featured at Pthe Northeast Georgia Mountains near support. The relationship between the this year’s conference helped bring some the Chattahoochee National Forest. college and Congregationalism has of those dreams into focus, discussed Buildings emerge like outcroppings endured. Today, Piedmont College has the current landscape, and provided among the pines, magnolias, and oaks. two campuses and serves well over 2,000 strategies for achieving key goals. In some parts of the campus, one can’t students from the U.S. and 10 countries. The result was a sense of intimacy as see the buildings for the trees. Meeting The school itself seems to represent the Congregationalists from around the venues appear unexpectedly just around theme of June’s meeting – Dreaming, country talked about their hopes and the bend or over the hill. Talking, and Acting. dreams for their own churches, the In 1897, the dream of establishing As Congregationalists watch their NACCC and Congregationalism itself. a college in the wilds of northeast congregations dwindle and support

10 Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Rev. J.R. McAliley addresses the conference. Diversity Rooted in Common Ground

nstead of the traditional “A covenant people, we are not meant to reality is that the fellowship of which Congregational Lecture, the grow alone, but in fellowship with we are a part -- locally, regionally, and planning committee presented one another.” nationally – is by choice.” a six-person panel including Rev. Miller-Todd also offered a Yet, he added, there was a purpose to theI Rev. Garry Fisher, Community counterpoint to the concern over that freedom from restriction -- to allow Congregational Church, South Bend, declining congregations. “A small church each of us to enter into relationship with Indiana; the Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, should not have an inferiority complex,” God. “It’s on you to engage in relationship J.D., Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, New she said. “The size of the congregation with God and to use your gifts,” he said. York; the Rev. Kay Miller-Todd, Berwick doesn’t affect the community and “Ours is a way that doesn’t give you the Congregational Church, Berwick, Iowa; fellowship and life of the church.” luxury of shifting the blame.” the Rev. Dr. Martin Hall, North Shore The little church is still standing Congregational Church, he Rev. J.R. McAliley, III, Fox Point, Wisconsin; and discussed his experience the Rev. J.R. McAliley, III, as pastor of Center Center Congregational Congregational Church, Church, a smallT church in the Buckhead Atlanta, Georgia. neighborhood of Atlanta. Founded in Panelists were asked to 1890, the church was burned to the respond to the question, ground in 1941 and rebuilt on the same “What does being a location over a decade later. It has Congregationalist mean remained a country church amid a highly

to me?” Their answers Rev. Richard Miller-Todd and Pastor Kay Miller-Todd urbanized, affluent, and commercial area. were diverse, yet all were were joined by their daughter, Rev. Emily Miller-Todd. Although the membership has waned rooted in Congregational Photo by Barry W. Szymanski at times, the church has kept its doors history and biblical truth. open by staying true to its Congregational roots, still offering a traditional, New A covenant people It’s on you England worship service and standing he Rev. Kay Miller-Todd Dr. Martin Hall spoke strong against segregation. “The Bible noted that Congregationalism of the underlying principle is fundamental and foundational to “allows us to explore our of Congregationalism. “As everything we are,” said Rev. McAliley, creativity,” as God provides Congregationalists, we’re confronted by noting that Congregationalists are meant Tgifts to his people to allow us to carry the reality that, in the end, it’s on you,” to restore covenant faith with one another. out his mission in the world. She added said Dr. Hall. He reminded the audience “Congregationalists are independent, that Congregationalism is based on that we are Congregationalists by choice, but we need each other,” said Rev. relationships . . . not rules. not dictate. McAliley. “At Center Congregational “We depend on the Holy Spirit to lead “The Pilgrims at Scrooby took it upon Church, we call ourselves a ‘seed starting’ and empower us. Not by-laws. Not a themselves to freely live out their lives in church, helping folks who waver in hierarchy,” said Rev. Miller-Todd. Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Hall. “The profound their faith.”

11 The Rev. Dan Velinga, pastor of First Congregational Church, Marshalltown, IA, at Quiet Day. Photo by Barry W. Szymanski Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Informed by history He noted that Congregationalists, The divisiveness apparent in our ohn Robinson, pastor of the Pilgrim on the other hand, don’t control one current society provides an opportunity Fathers, is famously known for another. “We are independent,” said Rev. for Congregationalism to lead us in a saying “I am verily persuaded the Fisher. “We rely on the spirit of God better direction, according to Rev. Miller- Lord hath more truth yet to break for guidance, as expressed through our Todd. “We lack community,” she said. J forth out of His Holy Word.” Those covenant with one another.” “We need a place where we are loved words inspire the Rev. Julie Johnson for who we are and accepted for who we Staples to continue seeking truth in Where we are today are.” Expanding the definition of church Scripture. She reminds us that it is hen asked about community, Rev. Miller-Todd suggested through the Bible that we come to know Congregationalism that “we need to realize that church is God, citing Ephesians 1:17, “I pray that in today’s world, the ‘outside’ its walls.” the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the answers were equally Rev. Miller-Todd reminded the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of diverseW yet fundamentally connected by audience that Christ left the communion wisdom and revelation as you come to the principle of freedom of faith: Since as his remembrance. “Ours is a tiny, know him better.” every Congregationalist possesses full little church,” she said. “We’ve had the Rev. Johnson Staples recommends liberty of conscience in interpreting the opportunity to start a food co-op one that we “lean closely into the freedom Gospel, we are a diverse group of people night a week. We pick up the leftovers that Congregationalism gives us.” united under Christ. Or, as Rev. Hall put it: from Panera Bread, and offer it to the She reminded the audience that “We don’t have to agree with one another community.” The benefits of this outreach freedom informed the founding of this to be in relationship.” into the community are many, according country, and that men and women Acknowledging that differences in to Rev. Miller-Todd, such as having of the Congregational Way extended thinking can be source of contention, Rev. conversations with people they never this freedom beyond church walls by Julie Johnson Staples identified a “crisis in expected to reach. She urged churches to recognizing the spiritual equality of men, our civic exchanges.” She encouraged the find out what the community needs, and women, Indians, and blacks. audience to set the standard for relating to said that her church’s food pantry shows “The truth of liberation and freedom is others of different stripes. “We need to live the community that they do care. no less urgent than it was then,” said Rev. up to the Congregational Way and be a Rev. Garry Fisher agreed. “We need to Johnson Staples. model,” said Rev. Johnson Staples. be more than a ‘store that makes signs,” She offered that the covenant we share “Let’s not talk about it. Let’s live it.” he said. “We need to make bread.” and conviction we hold is the promise to Several panelists reminded the “Many, many churches become embrace and encourage one another on audience that the answers to today’s focused internally,” said Rev. Johnson- our faith journey. questions are in the Bible and inherent in Staples. “There is no model for having the Congregational Way. an internal focus in the Bible.” She Reaffirming our covenant “Going deeply into our roots connects warned that an internal focus drives us he Rev. Garry Fisher continued us,” said Rev. Johnson Staples. “We must further away from what we are called the conversation regarding understand our history and how it was to do. “People get very attached to their Congregationalists’ freedom informed. Start internally with the Gospel privilege. We need to remember that we and shared covenant. Rev. of Jesus Christ.” stand on the shoulders of other people, TFisher was raised in the Lutheran Rev. McAliley agreed: “People need to and should be a walking sermon.” tradition. “There was a party line,” he look at the basic issues of their faith . . . Referring to future church said, “and we were expected to toe the what do we basically agree on. Grace, membership, Rev. Johnson Staples party line.” salvation and faith.” suggested that the traditional

12 Greg Jurewicz was front and center during one of the popular hymn Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. (CONTINUED) sings between sessions. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

membership structure many not work for Rev. Hall said that Congregational the future. She noted that those seeking polity frees Congregational churches a church community in the future may from denominational hierarchy not join formally, but that shouldn’t stop and structure, allowing them to be congregations from welcoming them. extraordinarily responsive to their local Rev. Miller-Todd added that her church community. He cautioned, however, that doesn’t pressure people to join formally. many Congregational churches have She suggested that churches return to replaced hierarchy with tradition, and the original Congregational structure need to move past those traditions to of “followers.” respond to their communities.

Working the Workshops

or most churches, several greetings and assistance. On average, real-life obstacles stand in the each ambassador will be responsible for way of realizing their dreams. contacting and visiting five churches. The most common are an aging During the workshop, the Rev. Michael Fcongregation, declining membership, Chittum, NACCC Executive Director, internal conflict, and struggling financial explained the goals of the program and health. The NACCC organized a program encouraged audience members of workshops for this year’s conference to volunteer. that offered strategies and tools for overcoming today’s challenges.

Why you should consider becoming an ambassador to NACCC churches Presenter: Rev. Dr. Michael Chittum, Executive Director, NACCC The NACCC is an important resource to member churches, helping them take advantage of opportunities and mitigate threats. To better deliver that support to NACCCC churches, the association has established the Ambassador Program, Rev. Michael and Vicki Chittum share a smile. which trains individuals to provide a personal link to each of the association's member churches. The Ambassador Program is recruiting a network of around 70 men and women to visit neighboring NACCC churches, with

13 Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Working the Workshops

Reimagining Church She acknowledged that, with as many as as well as opportunities to provide Presenter: Rev Tim Garvin-Leighton, five generations sitting in the pews on community service. Piedmont College, Campus Minister any given Sunday, churches must deal Dr. Massey said that, ultimately, According to Rev. Garvin-Leighton, with a great many opinions about what a Millennials are looking for a church that Congregational churches need to church is and what it should do. supports their faith formation and offers understand the current environment if Dr. Massey combined primary research them fellowship. Churches that look at they are to achieve their dreams for the with responses gleaned from her own Millennials as mere numbers to add to future. He likened today’s Millennials students to create a profile of the their membership rolls will turn and the even younger Generation Z Millennial generation, focusing on young them away. to the Athenians encountered by the adults (born between 1981 and the early Apostle Paul in Acts 17:22-30 -- religious, 2000s) – single and married with young but praying to an unknown god. Rev. children. She painted a profile of the Garvin-Leighton said that churches combined Millennial and Generation Z are responsible for providing younger groups and what they tend to look for generations with “the language and in a church. knowledge about the God of creation.” For example, young adults want Millennials and Generation Z churches to be relational – a place for account for almost 50 percent of the intergenerational conversation and U.S. population and, therefore, are key fellowship. They want to be valued for to the future vitality of Congregational their own specific gifts and welcomed churches. Rev. Garvin-Leighton warned into the life of the church -- not treated that churches are accustomed to talking as a separate group. This extends to their to people who were brought up in children, whom they prefer to keep in church. Todays’ younger generations, for worship service with them. They expect the most part, have grown up outside the the church to teach their children the church, with little or no knowledge of traditions of the faith, and their children the Bible. “To reach young people,” to feel God in the love and acceptance of said Rev. Garvin-Leighton, “we need the church members. to develop entirely new language and Contrary to popular perception, re-focus the church.” these tech-savvy young people yearn for a loving, authentic and What Millennials Want inclusive experience – not a high-tech Presenter: Karen Gwynn Massey, presentation with lots of flash. The worst Ph.D., Associate Professor and Faith thing a church can do, according to Development, McAfee School of Dr. Massey, is attempt to look “cool.” Theology, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA Especially important is the fact that During this year’s conference, ethnic and racial diversity is an integral Millennials were, debatably, the “elephant part of Millennials’ culture and context. in the room.” Dr. Karen Massey They want and expect to see people suggested that any church concerned of color, women, gays, and lesbians in Mary Brooks Prendergast, Pomona, CA, was about its ability to survive in the future leadership roles. Community-minded, named honorary princess. must consider its outreach to Millennials. they also appreciate interfaith activities, Photo by Barry W. Szymanski

14 Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. (CONTINUED) 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Small, Medium, or Large – Thriving in applying private-sector marketing Being a First Responder: How to congregations come in all sizes techniques, such as direct mail programs. identify and encourage gifts for Presenters: The Rev. Sarah Gladstone, (See Rev. Wicker’s article, “Marketing Your ministry in the local church First Congregational Church, Church,” in this issue. A look at the Pastorates & Pulpits Saugatuck, Michigan; the Rev. Les Rev. Trump, senior minister at a large section this magazine is evidence that Wicker, First Congregational Church, church, pointed to the church’s ASP Congregational churches aren’t having Naples, Florida; the Rev. Bill Trump, (Appalachia Service Project) Mission an easy time filling their pulpits. The First Congregational Church, Program. He noted that the ASP program workshop reminded the audience Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. creates intergenerational bonding as that Congregationalists have a unique The three-person panel discussed church members work together to raise opportunity to cultivate ministers from programs and activities they considered funds, train the PF students for their their own congregations. especially successful at their own mission, and act as chaperones and Moderator for the discussion was churches. mentors during their trip. the Rev. Dr. Charles Packer, Director Rev. Gladstone, representing a “Helping people in need makes our of the Congregational Foundation for small church, pointed to her church’s youth realize how blessed they are in Theological Studies (CFTS), senior community involvement, specifically, their own lives,” said Rev. Trump. minister of Pine Hill Congregational simple acts of service that make the The church has also developed Church, Bloomfield, Michigan, and church known to its neighbors. For a reputation for the quality of its adjunct professor at Ecumenical example, church teams participate in music program. In addition to the Theological Seminary in Detroit. The local charity races. This echoes the music provided during worship, First Rev. Dr. Barry Szymanski, the Rev. sentiment expressed in other workshops Congregational Church presents three, William Trump, CFTS Fellows Joel Boyd that Millennials and Generation Z are public concerts each year that feature and Tesha Urban, and recent CFTS community-minded and appreciate professional musicians from the area. graduates the Rev. Paul Jackson and opportunities to participate in The consensus, it seems, is that almost the Rev. Jacob Poindexter comprised community-targeted service projects. all good ideas can be applied to a church the panel. Rev. Wicker, who serves a medium-size of any size, if it can be adapted to fit the CFTS supports seminary students church, discussed the success he’s had available financial and people resources. who are preparing for ministry in NACCC member churches. Rev. Packer encouraged the audience to promote the importance of CFTS to their local churches, regional and state associations. Rev. Szymanski and Rev. Trump, who were involved in Joel Boyd’s and Tesha Urban’s decision to go into ministry, agreed that ministers can encourage young people by providing them with leadership opportunities, such as preaching, leading Bible studies, and liturgy. They encouraged other ministers and church leaders to listen and be Rev. Sarah Gladstone, Saugatuck, MI; Ian Macdonald and Greg Abbott, Sherman Oaks, CA a sounding board, being available to smile for the camera. Photo by Barry W. Szymanski all those who demonstrate a special

15 Rev. Michael Fales encourages churches to serve their communities and beyond Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Working the Workshops

interest in Christian service, adding that he “had to meet the Holy Spirit halfway,” Communicating your faith not all are young. Many are pursuing the and that individuals with an interest Writers received special ministry as a second career. Attendees in Christian service must “recognize encouragement at the conference. were urged, also, not to neglect lay stirrings for what they are.” He thanked “Preaching with Imagination: preaching ministry as a career opportunity. the Rev. Dr. Don Olsen, senior minister that keeps the preacher’s soul alive,” “Awakening through vocation comes at Plymouth Congregational Church, was presented by the Rev. Brett Younger, through community,” said CFTS Fellow Wichita, Kansas, for his role as chief senior minister at Plymouth Church, Tesha Urban. She noted that church mentor. Jackson added that the support of Brooklyn, New York. He coached an leaders can start the conversation by CFTS and the NACCC made his journey audience of ministers on the preparation asking the individual about his or her to the ministry financially feasible. and delivery of “fresh and lively” interests, while facilitating collegiality “It was important for me to step sermons. “Write it Right and Write It and communication. She added that, outside my normal existence,” said Jacob Now,” a workshop hosted by Pastor providing information about CFTS offers Poindexter, a recent CFTS graduate Carol Taylor and Terry Bobzien as a a formalized path to the ministry. who is now senior minister at First project of the Growth Ministry Council, CFTS fellow Joel Boyd concurred that Congregational Church in Anchorage, offered tips and subject ideas designed the local church fellowship is important, Alaska. A former member of Plymouth to motivate prospective ministers and that church leaders should be open Congregational Church of Wichita, he, and laypeople to write a devotion for to discussing ministry and providing too, acknowledged Dr. Olsen for advising Advent and Lenten devotional booklets encouragement. He added that churches him on what to do and what to expect produced by the NACCC. To submit a should not ignore prospects who grew while preparing for the ministry. Rev. devotional, email your Advent piece to up outside the Congregational Way. Poindexter said his discussions with lay [email protected] or Joel has found support in his involvement leaders helped him to clarify what your Lenten piece to naccclent18devo@ with the state association and ministers' he wanted. gmail.com. association. The need for encouragement doesn’t CFTS graduate, the Rev. Paul Jackson, end when the individual begins seminary, associate minister at the University he explained, suggesting that churches Congregational Church in Wichita, said need to “plant seeds along the way.”

(l-r) Charles Packer, Jacob Poindexter, Paul Jackson, Joel Boyd, Barry Szymanski, Vulcan mind meld? Pastor Carol Taylor and Rev. Bill Trump and Tesha Urban Dawn Carlson Photo by Barry W. Szymanski

16 Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. (CONTINUED) 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Reaching out audience with the NACCC’s national and “Faith that doesn’t lead us to good international mission partners. Churches works is dead,” said the Rev. Michael were encouraged to sponsor a mission Fales, presenter of the workshop, “How by participating in One Great Hour of your congregation can better serve, and Sharing, making special donations, and David Brubaker with make a difference in its community.” Rev. creating their own support activities. For Vice-Moderator Jim Waechter Fales is Director of Service Learning and more information contact Linda Miller Campus Ministries, Olivet College, Olivet, at the NACCC Office, 800-262-1620, ext. Michigan. His reference was to James 1618 or [email protected]. The role of church leadership is crucial 2:14-17, citing James as the most socially to resolving church conflict. “Leaders best conscious writer in the New Testament. Transforming conflict in your church serve their congregations if they move Rev. Fales encouraged the audience to Presenter: David R. Brubaker, Director toward conflict instead of backing away,” see the needs of others as we see our own, of the MBA and OLS Programs and said Brubaker. This requires leaders to suggesting that every church should have Associate Professor of Organizational avoid becoming partisan and reactive. an international, a national and a local Studies, Eastern mission. Some churches worry that their Mennonite University, congregation can’t afford to support an Harrisburg, international mission. Rev. Fales said that Pennsylvania the strength of the U.S. dollar overseas Churches are in allows even small congregations to make a time of change, a big impact with a limited amount of and change often money. He offered, as an example, that results in conflict. the Kenyan shilling is worth seven cents According to presenter against the U.S. dollar. David Brubaker, our Rev. Fales also discussed the many ways environment is the a robust social service ministry not only major source of conflict reflects the gospel values, but also helps inside our churches. strengthen and revitalize a church. During the workshop, The workshop was sponsored by the he advocated a Marty Hall, Fox Point, WI; Sharon Jenks, New Washington Gladden Society, which systems approach to Braunfels, TX; Tim Chappell, Clarkston, MI presents a social gospel themed workshop change and conflict every year. The society honors the memory that recognizes the interconnectedness Brubaker said leaders must understand of the Rev. Dr. Washington Gladden, by of the social and emotional aspects of the culture of the organization by applying the insights of the Social Gospel the congregation, and their impact on listening to what members have to say; Movement to the important, controversial church structure, leadership, and culture. and not becoming anxious when ethical and theological issues of our own Outside forces often threaten to upset conflict arises. times, and serving as a forum among that balance. According to Brubaker, Brubaker emphasized that, to adapt, Christians and local churches in the “congregations that fail to adapt to a churches do not need to change their Congregationalist tradition. changing environment will be selected values and beliefs – only their practices. out.” Structural clarity is important, He suggested churches consider how How to sponsor a mission because it offers a formal process for they can use the prevailing culture to A panel discussion acquainted the responding to change. support adaptive change.

17 Moderator Laura Hamby ran a smooth meeting. Photo by David Price. © Piedmont College, 2017. Dreaming, TALKING, ACTING. 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference

Working the Workshops provides the coffee, or partners with a Congregationlists Security in a changed environment local coffee shop or restaurant. These get- Tragedies such as the fatal shootings togethers can have a huge impact on law In Action at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal enforcement-community understanding, Church in Charleston, South Carolina, with the added benefit of helping the and the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, church reach out to and maintain a “If you offer your food to the hungry Wisconsin, have created a new anxiety relationship with its neighbors. and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, among churches regarding their own Dr. Hunt was asked by the mayor then your light shall rise safety and security. The NACCC Growth of Berea to join the city in formulating in the darkness and Ministry Council facilitated a workshop a unit of the police department called your gloom be like the noonday.” in which it made a case for having the Community Engagement Unit Isaiah 58:10 a security plan. The workshop also (CEU). He noted that the effort has four identified the components that should be goals: 1) Help the police understand his year’s event in Demorest included in the plan. the community that they serve. 2) Help included an all-conference “The Church and Law Enforcement,” the community understand police work. mission project. The AMC and was presented by Mary Brooks 3) Engage police and the community the NAPF/HOPE conference Prendergast, Pilgrim Congregational in joint activities. 4) Help provide for Tcoordinated with Rise Against Hunger, Church, Pomona, California; and Rev. physical and mental officer wellness. an organization committed to ending Dr. Patrick Hunt, pastor, Heritage “From these objectives, the CEU world hunger, to package nutritional Congregational Church, Berea, Ohio. has had officers engaged, in particular, meal packets. Mary Prendergast discussed ways with African-American and Latino The NACCC Missions and Outreach that churches can actively improve the youth -- both in the school and in the Ministry Council kicked off the donations, relationship between law enforcement community – with discussion units and and the 2017 host committee donated and the community. She said there partnering with organizations serving the offering from the Sunday morning are “many ways that churches, and that population,” said Dr. Hunt. “We have worship service at the Piedmont College individual church members can assist in engaged the church community in asking Chapel to pay for the food and materials supporting their local law enforcement.” churches to provide opportunities for provided by Rise Against Hunger. She offered Pomona, California, a diverse officers to come in and have dialogue On Sunday afternoon, an city of about 150,000 people, as an with members, as well as having intergenerational group formed two, example. The Pomona police chief has listening sessions in which the police highly efficient assembly lines and, started a clergy group that meets with department has the leaders discuss and against an energizing background of rock him to get out the word when there is a evaluate police operations, both past and pop music, packaged 20,520 meals! need to discuss what is happening within and present.” There were high fives all around. the community. Churches can offer to Dr. Hunt added that the CEU has bring together different faith groups with developed a Chaplains program that law enforcement for discussion. “Coffee serves both the department and the with a Cop” is another great way to community. Other CEU programs Rev. Jacob Poindexter and son bring the community together with law include a drug response program called partnered to pack enforcement. The church hosts the event, “Safe Passages.” meals for overseas. Photo by David Price. ©Piedmont College, 2017

18 Leading into the Future A highlight of the business meeting was the installation of the NACCC leadership team: Moderator – Laura Hamby, Congregational Church of Soquel, California Vice Moderator – Jim Waechter, Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, New York Secretary – Judy Campbell, North TALKING, ACTING. (CONTINUED) Congregational Church, Farmington Hills, MI Dreaming, Treasurer – Jeffrey H. Dillon, Faith Community Church, Franklin, WI 2017 NACCC Annual Meeting & Conference Historian – Rev. William C. Lange, member, First Congregational Church of Detroit, MI Youth Representative, Leadership Council – Barbara and Rev. Don Patrick Stewart, LaMoille Congregational Mullen display her BOD Community Church, Marshalltown, IA Citation Ministry Council Representatives Serving on the Leadership Board Congregationlists Moving Forward Growth Ministry – Mary Brooks, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Pomona, CA; Pastor CFTS Director, the Rev. Dr. Charles service in an NACCC Church who Carol Taylor, United Church of Beloit, Beloit, WI In Action Mission and Outreach Ministry Council – Packer, was pleased to introduce two new demonstrates a personal commitment to Joelle Sommers, Heritage Congregational CFTS graduates. Congregationalism. Church, Madison, WI; Janet Wilson, Grace Congregational Church, Greenville, IA The Rev. Paul Ellis Jackson is a graduate Vitality Ministry Council – of Phillips Theological Seminary in The Jeanette R. Butman Award, also Rev. Dr. Irven A. Gammon, Oklahoma. He is now serving as associate a Vitality Ministry Council honor, was Florence Congregational Church, Florence, MA pastor at University Congregational presented to Cynthia Gray, wife of the Member at Large, Leadership Council – Church in Wichita, Kansas. He was Rev. Doug Gray, pastor at First Church Pastor Kay Miller-Todd, Berwick Congregational Church, Berwick, IA awarded the John W. Claxon Award. Squantum Congregational in Squantum, Board of Directors The Rev. Jacob Poindexter is a graduate Massachusetts. The award is given to the Rev. Dr. Martin Hall, Sr. Minister, North Shore of Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, spouse of an ordained Congregational Congregational Church, Fox Point, WI Congregational Foundation Representative -- Missouri. He recently became senior minister who has served NACCC Rev. Ashley Cleere, Methodist Congregational minister at First Congregational Church in churches for at least a decade and has Federated Church, Demorest, GA Anchorage, Alaska. He was awarded the been of help and support to his or Continuing Board members-- Rev. Julie Johnson Staples, Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, NY Alfred D. Grey Award. her spouse. Miriam Bryan, First Congregational Church, This year’s J.J. Russell Sermon Award Marshalltown, IA Rev. Dr. Donald Olsen, Plymouth Honoring Exemplars went to Carol Taylor, Licensed Lay Congregational Church, Wichita, KS NACCC takes advantage of the Annual Minister and pastor of United Church of Growth Ministry Council Meeting and Conference to honor Beloit in Beloit, Wisconsin. This preaching Rev. Dr. John Tamilio, III, Congregational Church of Canton, Beverly, MA individuals who have distinguished award is given every other year for the Mary Brooks, Pilgrim Congregational Church, themselves through their service. best sermon submitted by an active pastor Pomona, CA The Charles Rush Award was presented of an NACCC member church with fewer Continuing members -- Rev. Patrick F. Hunt, Heritage Congregational Church, Berea, OH by the Mission Outreach Council to the than 400 members. The sermon must Pastor Carol P. Taylor, Second Congregational Rev. Charles Oma address some aspect of the relationship Church of Beloit, Beloit, WI Curt Schmidt, Congregational Church of Sagay, director and of classical Congregationalism to Bound Brook, Bound Brook, NJ founder of Mission contemporary American life. Ministry and Outreach Ministry Council School of Hope, Barbara Mullen was recipient of the Rev. Jamie Bonnema, Maple Hill Community Congregational Church, Maple Hill, KS (3yr) Cameroon, Africa. 2017 Board of Directors Citation for her Dr. Barbara Dabul, Congregational Church of The award is given to Rev. Charles Sagay remarkable service as church volunteer, Sun City, Sun City, AZ a minority individual NACCC leader, friend, wife of retired Continuing members -- Rev. Peter Smith, First Congregational Church, Hanson, MA who works toward social and personal Congregational minister, Rev. Don Joelle Sommers, Heritage Congregational goals in the spirit of educator and minister Mullen, mother, and grandmother. Over Church, Madison, WI Janet Wilson, Grace Congregational Church, Charles Rush. the years, Barbara Mullen has served Greenville, IA. on the NACCC Executive Committee, Vitality Ministry Council Harry R. Butman Award was given the Division for Ministry, and twice Rev. Sarah Gladstone, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, Saugatuck, MI by the Vitality Ministry Council to the on the Nominating Committee. She Justin Nierer, Sandstone Congregational Rev. Dr. Dewey E. Gierke, pastor of was instrumental as a member of the Church, Jackson, MI First Congregational Church, Cape teams involved in the restructuring and Continuing members: Coral, Florida. This award acknowledges transition of the association. Rev. Dr. Irven A. Gammon, Florence Congregational Church, Florence, MA a minister with at least 10 years of Rev. Doug Gray, First Church of Squantum, Quincy, MA Photo by Barry W. Szymanski

19 Always Somebody’s Peter Reflections on the 2017 Bible Lecture

By Rev. Dr. John Tamilio, III, with Marianne King

iedmont College in Demorest, writers, Dr. Taylor noted, are embedded “If we can embrace these differences, Georgia was the site of the in their portrayal of Peter. In Matthew, we may be better equipped to deal with 2017 Annual Meeting and Peter is the rock on which Jesus will contention between Christians today,” Conference of the National build his church: “And I tell you, you are said Dr. Taylor. She added that God is PAssociation of Congregational Churches. Peter, and on this rock I will build my “interested in the business of making It was, until recently, also the academic church, and the gates of Hades will not Christians one — not alike.” Put another home of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). Peter is way, God is less interested in our having Taylor. A New York Times best-selling considered the source for Mark’s gospel the right view than he is in our having author, Dr. Brown Taylor was Butman and is, therefore, the living witness to the right relationships. Professor of Religious Studies (named the life of Christ — as Dr. Taylor puts Dr. Taylor suggested that we are the after the NACCC’s Harry Butman) at it, “a living bridge between the time “somebodies” attached to the figure of Piedmont College between 1998 and before Jesus’ death and after.” Dr. Taylor Peter, projecting on Peter what we need 2017. Her first memoir, Leaving Church, characterizes the Peter depicted in him to be. In the same way, we try to won a 2006 Author of the Year award Luke as the “trailblazing convert who create God in our own image. Dr. Taylor from the Georgia Writers’ Association. baptized the first Gentiles.” Then there asked that we free God, Jesus, and Peter Her latest book, Learning to Walk in is the Gospel of John, in which Peter is from serving our own needs. the Dark, was featured on the cover of seen, conversely, as rival or second to the “Our redemption depends on TIME magazine. She has been a guest “beloved disciple,” as well as the disciple upending our dreams,” she said. speaker at Emory, Duke, Princeton, and that Jesus instructs to “feed my sheep” Yale universities, as well as a guest on (John 21:17). The relatable disciple SuperSoul Sunday with Oprah Winfrey. Following Jesus, Peter is the most Dr. Taylor calls Peter “the apostle of Dr. Taylor chose the Apostle Simon prominent figure of the New Testament. the second chance,” noting that “Peter Peter as the subject for her three-part Even so, as Dr. Taylor points out, it is believed he was more of a hero than he lecture. The inspiration for her choice, impossible to separate Peter from turned out to be.” Peter wanted to be as according to Dr. Taylor, resulted from the person writing about him. She close to Jesus as possible, and yet, Peter her writing the conference theme — suggests that to understand Peter frequently falls short. When Jesus walks Dreaming, Talking, and Acting — on a one must develop critical as well as on the water, Peter attempts to follow scrap of paper and tucking it in between devotional skills. and immediately sinks when his faith the pages of her Bible one evening before “We wouldn’t have been given four wavers (Matt. 14:28-29). Peter rebukes she put pen to paper. gospels if the Apostolic Fathers thought Jesus when he speaks of his own death, Peter taught thousands who Jesus was, we couldn’t handle it,” said Dr. Taylor. and Jesus reprimands him for this (Matt. said Dr. Taylor. He is referred to over 200 Dr. Taylor offered that, without any 16:22). Jesus rebukes Peter for drawing times in the New Testament, more than writings from Peter, he has been written his sword and cutting off the ear of the anyone else other than Jesus. He is the into later Christian history. She said servant of the high priest (John 18:10). only disciple Jesus refers to by name in all that, in the Acts of the Apostles, Peter Worst of all, Peter boasts that he would four Gospels. Yet, Peter is known by what becomes defender of the apostolic faith, a never deny Jesus, which he does three others say about him. Unlike Paul, who is miracle worker, healer, and, times in the courtyard following Jesus’ revealed through his own letters, there is in confronting Simon Magus, he arrest (Matt. 26:33). no single, consistent narrative to tell the becomes the hero. Despite his weaknesses, Jesus world who Peter is. He is, according to The challenge, according to Dr. Taylor, never gives up on Peter, and Dr. Taylor Dr. Taylor, “always somebody’s Peter.” is whether we can deal with divergent maintains that it is this truth that makes The perspectives of the four gospel witnesses. us identify with him. If Jesus can stick

20 with Peter, there is certainly hope for Always Somebody’s Peter the rest of us. Dr. Taylor refers to Peter as an Reflections on the 2017 Bible Lecture “example of how to be fruitfully humiliated.” After denying Christ in the courtyard, “Peter went out and wept.” Dr. Taylor wondered if these were “tears of remorse, or repentance.” She preferred the latter, noting that “every time Peter acts he learns something he couldn’t have learned any other way.” By the Book of Acts, Peter has gone through a major transformation. He is the living link between Jesus as a living person and the Jesus that people have only heard about. Peter may be impetuous, but he is doing something. Dr. Taylor noted that at the Last Supper Jesus instructed his disciples’ to “do this in remembrance of me.” Christ gave them a remembrance that required a physical action on their part. Dr. Taylor said we are called to action: “If you never make a mistake you don’t take enough risks.” Dr. Taylor maintains that Peter’s witness has been kept alive because people have taken them into their own time. She doesn’t object to this. “If ancient witnesses saw Peter through their own lenses, then aren’t we allowed to do the same thing?” She presents an argument for “theological humility,” adding that “sometimes we need to talk our way to the truth.” In fact, Dr. Taylor maintained that both thinking and action are necessary if, like Simon Peter was the topic for Peter, we are to be changed. “A sacred Barbara Brown Taylor’s Bible Lecture. Photo by David Price. text is not much good unless it is read,” she said. She appealed to her audience to read and think about the Bible, quoting the Rev. William Barber: “How do you take two or three scriptures and make a theology out of it?” The New Testament offers us divergent and diverse views of the Apostle Peter, and that can be disconcerting. But, Dr. Taylor suggests that we seek “emotional, not empirical, truth” from Scripture.

21 LIFE: Stepping Past Fear The following is excerpted from the sermon has received. It is a heavy message, and delivered by Rev. Emily Miller-Todd at the Jesus tells them not to be afraid. He tells and False Sunday worship service, Piedmont College them not to let their voices be silenced Chapel, on June 25, 2017. by people who have no power over the soul. He tells them not to let fear stop Peace hen I was looking at the them from dreaming, speaking, acting! lectionary texts for this God, who loves all of creation down to A Sermon on Matthew 10:24-39 Sunday and decided the sparrows, and God who has the hairs Rev. Emily Miller-Todd to focus on the text on their heads numbered, is the one who fromW Matthew, I ended up reading the holds their soul. Jesus says, in light of passage to my family during a moment this deep, pervading love, acknowledge of brainstorming. I got to the part where me. Boldly be my hands and feet of love. Jesus says he did not come to bring Don’t let your fear make you ashamed to peace, but a sword--to set a man against carry my name and my love. his father and a daughter against her Jesus continues. He adds, “Do not mother--you could hear crickets on the think that I have come to bring peace other end of the phone. The silence was to the earth; I have not come to bring deafening. I thought, Jesus, preaching on peace, but a sword.” Jesus is startling this passage just might be that sword. here—he tells them that he has come The passage from Matthew is a lot to to turn family members against each take in. Aspects of it even sound cruel. other; he asks his followers to love him But I believe that there is fruit and good more than their family, and he instructs news when we wrestle with it in the his followers to take up their cross and context of the life Jesus led. follow him. Today’s reading ends with Jesus, here in the middle of Matthew’s Jesus saying: “Those who find their life gospel, is sending the 12 disciples out will lose it, and those who lose their life to minister and spread the good news for my sake will find it.” to the house of Israel. He instructs them The final couple of verses are familiar to be wise as serpents and innocent as to our ears, but I am not sure we often doves. He tells them they are going out let ourselves hear Jesus say that he did as sheep among wolves. Sometimes they not come to bring peace, but a sword. will be welcomed and they will enjoy That he came to turn family members peace-filled hospitality. Other times, against each other. Where is the good Jesus warns them, they will need to news here?! What happened to the recognize when to walk away; they will commandment to honor our father and need to trust God to speak through mother? What happened to the beatitude them in the face of persecution, and earlier in the gospel where Jesus blesses they will need to flee some hostile the peacemakers, saying they will be situations entirely. children of God? This leads up to our gospel reading It may help to read this passage in this morning. Jesus warns the disciples the context of the life Jesus lived. Jesus, that if they follow him, they can expect speaking here, is still the same one who to receive the kind of slander that Jesus blessed the peacemakers, the same one

22 who will cross the boundary of religious Jesus, the love of God law to heal and show love on the become flesh, did not Sabbath, the same one who lifts up those serve fear or the false who have been labeled as sinners and peace of the familiar the outcasts. He welcomes the children, way things had always seeks the lost sheep, and broadens our been. Jesus was not understanding of family. When Jesus afraid to shake up the says he has not come to bring peace status quo to serve but a sword, he is the same man that and love a neighbor will later scold the disciple who draws a in need. sword at his arrest—not understanding that violence is not part of the mission Rev. Emily Miller-Todd of Jesus. Jesus is a peacemaker. He works for a deep, radical peace that carries love across the secured boundaries of the religious tradition. Ironically, it is the radical love that Jesus brings that produces the sword of broken relationships. Jesus is not the SEEKING A MINISTER one who seeks broken relationships—it Mt. Hope Congregational Church, located is those who are too afraid to let go of in Livonia, Michigan, is family-oriented with their power, their security, their familiar a rich, traditional history. We are currently seeking an approachable, energetic senior structures. The religious leaders in power pastor who delivers engaging sermons are blinded by their security and what and will shepherd us in our spiritual and they have always known, and they do not congregational growth. Our Bible-centered congregants offer a strong support system see the love of God in the flesh before for both our members and the community. them. They initiate the rejection and Both ministerial and pastoral duties, including slander of Jesus out of their fear of change. regular office hours, are expected. To learn more about this opportunity, please go online to the NACCC website: http://www.nacccsecure.org/Ministries/ Jesus tells the disciples MinisterialOpportunities.aspx and us that life is found in service to God’s love—a love Hope that enables us to Congregational Church step beyond fear and Mt. Hope Congregational Church 30330 Schoolcraft Rd. beyond false peace Livonia, MI 48150 734-425-7280 sometimes as well. [email protected] Web: MtHope.com

23 ThankYOU donors for supporting our mission

he National Association of Congregational Christian Churches wishes to thank all individual and foundation donors who supported our mission with a gift of $100 or more in Fiscal Year 2017 (April 1, 2016-March 31, 2017). Your generosity helps us in “Bringing together Congregational Christian Churches for mutual care and outreach to our world in the name of Jesus Christ.” (Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this list. If your name has been Tomitted or listed incorrectly, please contact Morgan O’Hara at 800-262-1620 ext. 1615.)

$50,000+ $1,000-$4,999 $500-$999 Hubert Goodale Trust Martha Averill Earl Alger Marion P. Goodale Trust David & Barbara Bailey Melvin Badtke Sharon Binger James Benson $30,000-$49,999 Roger & Janice Bowers Jodi Brandser William H. Guild Charitable Trust Laura Butman Hottleman Richard & Betty Campbell Roland & Nancy Sutton James & Candice Cassidy Canfield Jenkins House of Photography Michael & Vicki Chittum Dawn Carlson & John Kraft $20,000-$29,999 Ray & Ashley Cleere Clifford & Corinne Depew Ellis Family Charitable Foundation Jeff & Sharon Dillon Dan & Carol Evans Hegardt Foundation Fellowship of Northeast Brian Gaskill Carolyn Sundquist Congregational Christian Churches Sherry Glab Robert & Heather Gallivan Robert Guilbert $10,000-$19,999 Linda Grant Ron & Judith Heiligenstein Elsie Bunker Trust Laura Hamby Harry Holz California Community Foundation- Margaret Hoats Gary Kammeraad Harry R. Butman Trust Michael & Catherine Hovey Bill & Susan LeFeber Claude Dunn Neil Hunt Edward Martin Donna Powers Mark & Brenda Jurewicz Minnesota Fellowship of James & Leanna Rogers James Larson & Janet Wilson Congregationalists Sam & Lucy Shinozaki Lowell & Shirley Linden Donald & Barbara Mullen Estate of Virgil Shipley Ruth Lyons Piedmont College Sisters of St. Dominic Jewelette McDaniel Maricyl Rosewitz Rex & Renda Tillerson Michigan Conference of Ron Rudd Congregational Christian Churches Kenwood Schadeberg $5,000-$9,999 Grace Tyler Moe Robert & Barbara Smith Edith Bartley Patrick Obma E. Sorensen Rick & Barbara Bauzenberger Varn & Liz Philbrook Mike & Pat Stahl William & Stephanie Britton Doug & Carol Rearick Grant Stannard Marria Casner Ted Schacht Brent & Julie Staples Richard Derham Blaine & Diane Simons Patrick Stewart Jim Hopkins Karen Snow Marion Stowell Bill Street T. H. Johansen Family Foundation Robert & Suzanne Stoyer Clayton & Anna Timmons Robert White Eleanor Vernon Beth Wilkins Joshua Woellhof Jim Waechter

24 Dorothy Chapman Bruce & Lavone Chestnut ThankYOU donors for supporting our mission George Clay Diane Collis John Steele Cook Arnold & Doris Crocker David & Rebecca Wolf Robert & Mary Davis Dan & Lynn Drea Winnifred Walters Karen Nickels Dale Drew Joe & Shaaron Walton Donald & Marilyn Osborne Barbara J. Dunham Kenneth & Audrey Weberg Jeanne Peterson John Elger Kathleen Wolf David & Karen Pier Norman & Barbara Erlendson Holland & Anita Wonder Phil & Peg Read Gregory & Marcie Errico Tom & Barbara Yocom Herbert Riell Michael & Judy Fales Edward Yu Lois Rosebrooks Joeseph & Lucille Faure Arthur & Molly Rouner Etta V. Feltes $250-$499 Duane & Susan Schecter Marisol Ferrer Malloy Bill Ahrens Larry & Joelle Sommers Maurice & Sara Fetty Don Anderson Southeastern Michigan Association William & Deborah Fillmore Randy & Nancy Asendorf of Congregational Churches Rob Fredrickson Thelma Basley Patricia Storer Carol Freytag Joy Baumgartner John & Cindy Tamilio Harvey Frigon Thomas Bettridge Wilmot & Sherry Taylor Irven & Brenda Gammon Douglas & Katie Brandt David Teeter Lucinda Gangler Casner Enterprise Arthur & Lily Wallach Estelle Gibbs Kathy Farnum Ed & Patricia White Richard & Lucy Beall Graeme Martha J. Fee Allan & Marilyn Worth Arthur & Patricia Greeley Sanford & Linda Freud Charles Hall Steve & Debra Fulton $100-$249 Lynette Hamby Gustave Goldshine Edward & Jami Backell Robert & Nancy Harloff Paul & Nancy Hamilton Richard & Patricia Bale Randall & Linda Hase Thomas & Cynthia Heather William & Barbara Barnes Roger & Mary Hawk John Heggeman Charles Barr II Lawrence & Helen Heckle Lois Heilmann Susan Bebermeyer Clarence & Jean Heerema Bob Higle Sharon Beringson Bill & Betsy Hess Justin Hornburg Nancy Bernson Karen Higgins Smith Phil & Loris Jacobs Mary Biondi Kennie O'Neal Hodo Ted Kellner Robert Blamick Loretta Howell Marianne King Beth Borland Patrick & Linda Hunt Nancy LeCain Joel Boyd Ann Hutchings Larry & Joyce Linderer Mary Brooks Andrew & Kathy Irish Thomas & Janet Lovell Alfred & Lorraine Brown Phil & Michelle Jackson Susan Maguire Miriam Bryant Sharon Jenks James & Veronica Mann Richard & Sandy Buchman Grace Jonassen Jean Mantz John Buscemi Charmaine Jones Justin McEvily Philip & Anne Callen Gregory Jurewicz John & Starlene McFerrin-Clancy Leonard & Lois Capobianco Deborah Kacpura Andrew McHenry Floyd Carlson Larry Kemper Richard & Kathrine Miller-Todd Basil & Linda Chadbourne Dottie Kendall Gisela Myers Bobbie Chapman Bob & Claudia Kniefel

25 ThankYOU (CONTINUED)

$100-$249(continued) Jim Powell e want to honor and Donald & Marilyn Rauschl thank members of our Tom Knighton Berna Reinewald 1620 Society who have Carl Knoch Miriam Resch included a planned gift Mary Krall Thomas & LeeAnne Richard toW the NACCC or the Congregational Charles & Holly Krull Jeffrey & Julie Robie Foundation in their estate plans. These Suky Kwak Richard & Susan Rogahn dedicated and generous donors have Gerard Lacroix Cedric & Lorraine Rogers made a commitment to support our Joseph & Laura Lanza Bonnie Rustad continued growth and development for Arlin & Sharon Larson James Schuett years to come. Caroline Laubenheimer William & Louise Scott Robert & Susan Laubenheimer William & Judith Shirley William H Ahrens Nancy Lois Gloria Jean Skeete Onnalee Ahrens* Lewis Long III Robert & Pamela Smith Jean Anderson* Thomas & Enid Lootens Eleanor Stenger Charles W. Barr II Doug & Kerry Loux Star Steward John Baxter Black* Susan Lundsten Michael & Catherine Stiles Charles A. Blackman Elizabeth Lundy David & Carol Stoepker Elsie Bunker* Marcia Lynk Kristin Stott Carol Burton* Ruth Mahnke Monte & Nelda Stuck Jennette & Harry Butman* Bruno Mauer Barry Szymanski Bobbie Chapman Donald & Judith Mayberry Dion & Minnie Tanion Mildred Gibbens* John & Mary McAliley Barbara Brown Taylor & Ed Taylor Sherry Glab David Mcmurry Howard & Julie Teeter Hubert Goodale* Catherine Melendy Keith & Kelly Terry Marion Goodale* Elyse Mengle Carol Terwilliger William H. Guild* Elizabeth Miller Jerry & Rebecca Turner Bonnie Haas* Ralph & Joni Mils Don & Vicki Underhill R. Ron Heiligenstein Rae Munsell Gordon Van Duinen James A. Hopkins Steven & Rhonda Murmann Casey & Teresa vanderBent Claudia Kniefel Holly Myers Marjorie Walbridge Howard L. Lewis Jr.* Rebecca Newsome David Walz Katherine Macdonald* Bernie & Alberta Nichols Western Michigan Association of LeeAnne & Thomas Richard Jayanni Nichols Congregational Christian Churches Alfred Rowe Jr.* Carl Nielsen Carol Weyand Virgil Shipley* Richard & Martha Oakley Edgar & Suzanne Wheeler Grant A. Stannard Marilyn Ober John & Shiela Whittier Julie Johnson Staples Donald & Penny Olsen Leland Witting Mertie Stevens* Charles Packer Womens Fellowship Nancy & Roland Sutton Jr. Jo Parker Ohio Association of Congregational Casey vanderBent Joseph Parshall Christian Churches Anna Vogt* Clifford A. Pence Jr. Sharon Wozencraft Lee & Art Wallach Ted & Marlene Pendleton Charles G. Wharton* *Deceased 26 Pastoral ConversationsLISTEN! By Rev. Dr. Michael W. Glidden

The Rev. Michael Glidden, D.Min has conversations. When we deeply listen to visit, I held up his story and offered it been the senior pastor of the Sebago Lake another soul, we help that person find to God. Congregational Church in Standish, Maine meaning in their life. Pastoral ministry includes the art since 2012. He has been pastoring since I was doing my rounds when I got of listening in all of our pastoral 1993. Rev. Glidden earned his Master to visit one particular man. He was an conversations. This isn’t just an art form of Divinity Degree in 1995 from Bangor older gentleman roughly in his late 70’s. for clergy but laity as well. We are called Theological Seminary and a Doctor of He was talking to me about his hospital to deeply listen to each other. To deeply Ministry Degree from Gordon-Conwell stay, which had been for several days. He listen to another soul is an act of intimacy Theological Seminary in 2002. He was spoke to me about his family and life, and an extending of grace to that person. ordained in 2000. Mike lives in Saco, but kept coming back to the imagery of Listening means to make one’s self- Maine, with his wife Rhonda . helicopters. Outside the hospital and just available and to set aside assumptions in beyond his room was a landing pad with a pastoral visit. Listening means being t dawned on me one day that I’ve helicopters that were coming and going fully engaged with the other. It means been out of high school for 31 years. all through the night. He would insert a listening with full intent and asking the I decided to take an old look at reference to the helicopter throughout proper reflective questions. my yearbook of the class of 1986 our visit. I had my ears “on” and heard Some people haven’t looked at their Iat Calais High School and to see how the word “listen.” My old teacher spoke yearbooks in many years. I say to dust off much I’ve changed. Thumbing through to me. I knew that I needed to probe a the covers and take a peek. There may be the old photos and sayings, I noticed bit deeper. He continued by telling me a quote or solitary word waiting for you one quote from a teacher that seemed to of his experience as a soldier during the to see. just echo in my heart and soul. I hadn’t Vietnam War and seeing the “copters” read her quote for many long years. In coming to rescue the “boys” and whisking fact, it really wasn’t a quote technically them off to safety. The helicopter was Maybe God but one lonely yet powerful word. She a visible sign of safety. I asked him if wrote the word “listen!” right where she he desired for the helicopters to take knew that I would see it in my yearbook. him away. He sat and looked at me in will say something. I wonder if she had the gift of foresight! a moment of silence. By the look on I guess I wasn’t a great listener in school his face, I knew that I had come close Maybe He is saying but her word of advice would echo in me to home. It was then, with a big smile, through my 24 years of pastoral ministry. that he opened up and shared with me “listen.” Listening for me became a subtle but some of the most intimate details of his developing art a few years ago when life and that he was ready to go home I took clinical pastoral education. Just to see his maker. In this moment, I felt a side note:, I advise anyone who is in the presence of God in a powerful way. ministry to take CPE! The 400 hours of The two of us could make a connection clinical and didactic teaching is worth between the helicopters and the angels every minute. CPE teaches one the value of heaven transporting a soul to a new of deep listening. I was blessed in my two home. He was longing for his ultimate years of CPE! destination... heaven. He was getting the It was an encounter with a patient that closure that he needed and rediscovered instilled within my heart and soul the the meanings in his life. I sat and bore value of listening in all of our pastoral witness to his story. At the end of the

27 The Problem with Congregational Histories: A Biographer’s Complaint

the ministry of each of the pastors. least in the aggregate, if not individually. And finally, they detailed the various Take the First Church of Ann Arbor, for Lloyd C. Douglas committees and named some of the example. What would it have looked like individuals who served on them. The if the members of that congregation had story of the people themselves was thought of themselves as a congregation loyd C. Douglas was a absent from both records. during the years Lloyd Douglas was bestselling novelist during I ended up finding what I needed in pastor there (1915-1921)? There are the 1930s and 40s, but before other ways, but this is just one instance many possible answers to this question, he became famous he was a of a problem that’s worth thinking about, but here’s one scenario: they would have LCongregationalist minister. For more especially for those who are committed saved information about the members than a decade, I’ve been studying his to “the Congregational Way.” The truth themselves, their activities, their beliefs, private papers at the University of is, congregational histories are not and their hopes. Michigan in preparation for a book about written in a way that is even remotely him. Douglas’s ideas took shape over a “congregational.” For example... number of years, and he tried them out Shirley Smith was chairman of the on each of his congregations, making The Problem Board of Trustees when Douglas became adjustments as he went along. Those On the surface, it would seem like pastor. There were still some men with congregations served as sounding boards the problem is historiographical: when the name of “Shirley” in those days, but for him. The people in the pews helped centennial committees (for example) not many, and Smith was somewhat him formulate his thinking just by the begin selecting topics to write about, sensitive about it; but he didn’t let that way they reacted to his sermons. they’re limited by the source materials stop him. Around the University of Naturally, my research led me to available to them; and what tends Michigan, “Shirley W. Smith” was an study the histories of each of those to be available is information about important name. He was Secretary to the churches, but especially that of the First the building, the pastors, and the President, and a wide variety of problems Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, committees. But there’s a deeper reason came across his desk. Having come to the where the most obvious changes in why this happens, and it’s a philosophical university from the world of business, he his thinking took place. I wanted to one: when it comes to saving information brought great administrative skill to his reconstruct the faces that looked back at for posterity, even Congregationalists do roles at both the school and the church. Douglas when he presented his message not think in the Congregational Way. Like Douglas, he also had a brush with from the pulpit. I wanted to know who I suppose there’s a practical reason for fame later on: the film, It Happens Every these people were, the principles they this: most of us don’t consider ourselves Spring, was based on one of his story most deeply cherished, and how they historical characters; and, therefore, we ideas. lived out those principles. aren’t systematic about telling future Theophil (Ted) Hildebrandt was Ann Arbor’s First Congregational generations who we are. So, when those the organist when Douglas arrived, Church published not one but two later generations are called upon to write but he also taught mathematics at the histories, in 1947 and in 1976; and, our history, they gather up whatever university. He had been a child prodigy, although they were written with great fragments we’ve left of ourselves, and attending the University of Illinois while care, they were just like every other that happens to be meeting minutes. But others his age were still in high school. congregational history I’ve ever read. the deeper philosophical problem is in In a moment of honesty, however, he Primarily, they recited the story of how play even here, because if we did have admitted to his sister that he didn’t the building was erected, paid for, and the proper appreciation of ourselves as think of his work in mathematics as remodeled over time. Secondarily, congregations, then we would think of his vocation, although he was good they provided a thumbnail sketch of ourselves as historical characters—at at it. His heart was more in his work

28 Ronald R. Johnson is author of What Does God Do from 9 to 5? He has a Ph.D. in philosophy from Saint Louis University and teaches extension courses for Spring Arbor University in Michigan. He is writing a biography of Lloyd C. Douglas. The Problem with Congregational Histories: A Biographer’s Complaint

as an organist, even though he knew is not ours to give. Rather, the point is for gather material about how the project there were better musicians around. He us to gain a greater appreciation of what impacted the lives of the church’s always felt a little uncomfortable about it means to be “congregational.” members. The Davises and the Stahls that—doubting whether he was good have warm memories of tutoring the enough. But when the Great War started Wish List family in English. The Catrons and and everybody in the congregation got Someday I’d like to see someone write Brunners tell about the ups and downs on the bandwagon about “beating the a congregational history that focuses of helping them find employment. Lots Hun,” Ted felt even more out of sync, on the people in the pews. Yes, it would of lessons were learned, both by the for he was a young German-American; talk about the pastors and the work of family and by their church family. A truly and he worried that the members of his the various committees, but it would congregational history would bring to life congregation were acting very much like tie them into a larger story: that of the all the people involved. the enemy they so hated. He ended up congregation itself and of the symbiotic leaving to become the organist and choir relationship between clergy and laity. In The Dangers of Such a Project director at a German-speaking church: order for such a book to be written in There would be pitfalls, of course, in what is now the Bethlehem United the future, we would have to furnish the such a venture. For one thing, a history Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. materials now. Imagine starting a small of this kind would be incredibly diffuse. Although many members of the group at your church called “The Story It would lead in so many directions at congregation were affiliated with the Collectors.” Some of its members would once, the writers would be unsure how to university as faculty, administrators, or be good at interviewing, while others organize their material, and readers could students, there were others who had might excel in making videos, or in easily become confused. And there’s important positions of influence within writing. Together, they would collect the a thin line between a people-oriented the town itself. Frank Allmendinger stories of the people in the congregation, history and a chronicle of church gossip. was a leader in the congregation and with emphasis on the ways in which Even if a clear demarcation can be found, was prominent in both the business their lives are interrelated. how can we write such a history while community and political circles. Hal Here are some fictitious examples. preserving the privacy of the subjects Seeley was the owner of a company that Tara and Tim Knight met at a college involved? produced windshields for automobiles. in Pennsylvania, but after they were These are all valid worries, and they And so on. married they moved here to Nebraska would have to be taken seriously by Everything I’ve told you is true, but it’s (let’s say) and started a discussion both the Story Collectors and the people still not enough for us to compile a truly group just like the one they had back whose stories they’re collecting. But congregational history. It’s dominated in Philadelphia. That group attracted, almost any worthwhile venture has by males, for one thing. But it’s also among other people, Sandra Ross, who inherent dangers. Any good deed can skewed in favor of individuals whose had been a member of the church for a easily become excessive or wrongheaded. accomplishments were heralded in number of years, but had never formed We would have to go into it with our eyes newspapers or in alumni newsletters, a vital connection. Within this discussion wide open, recognizing the risks and which is precisely why I’m able to tell group, Sandra found a way to express taking steps to minimize them. you about them. A truly congregational herself, and as others got to know her, When is your church’s next big history would tell about the they realized they had many things milestone? When that time comes, congregation’s unsung heroes—saints in common with her. Several lifelong wouldn’t it be great if someone wrote who gave tirelessly of themselves to the friendships developed. a truly congregational history to mark life of the church without worrying about Or perhaps the congregation recently the occasion? Why not make it easier recognition. The point isn’t to reward sponsored a refugee family from for them? Why not find ways to start them posthumously, for their true reward Afghanistan, and the Story Collectors collecting those stories now?

29 MARKETING Your Church By Dr. Les Wicker

its programs, it will discover the very first group to receive the message is the congregation. Marketing is a stimulus that energizes people and gets them excited about themselves and their own church. When the energy starts flowing, good things begin to happen. Members get on board and begin to promote their church. When the energy flow starts streaming, people feel it. Just like the products we buy or the winning teams we like to identify with, church folk will get excited about their church. Truth is: If the members of a church are not he folks on Madison Avenue of fans? Why is there a waiting list to excited, who will be? do not have the inside track on obtain a seat in Lambeau Field to watch Second, marketing draws attention. marketing, but we can learn the Green Bay Packers? It is all the Period. Exclamation point! We never a great deal from them, and same basic reason. Marketing plants a think about the media that is flowing Tin fact, grow our churches by applying thought in our heads that one product into our living rooms or dens, or that those same techniques --approaches that is superior to another, and people like to is on the air waves every day. We make us want whatever product they are follow winning teams. Both the teams are not even conscious we are being peddling. Marketing is not a new term we root for and the products we buy influenced by the marketing gurus, but for the church, although we are reluctant are reflections of who we see ourselves the subliminal message is being planted. to think of growing the church in terms to be. It's a lot about our self-image When we go to a store, consider buying of "marketing." in purchasing a product or rooting for a car, or pull for a team, we are already But we all market our church at some a team that makes us feel good about programmed to go in a certain direction, level, whether just speaking well of it, ourselves. and we don't even know it. The same or having an intentional plan to grow While we may not want to admit it, principle works in growing a church. church membership through a diversified the same principle is true of why people People do not come to you. You must go approach, including the use of media in are attracted to one church over another. to them. You must develop a plan and whatever form. Our church is an extension of who we stick to it. It's a guarantee: a pro-active I firmly believe every church can see ourselves to be; and while we want to church that "markets its wares" grow its membership, whether rural believe there are more virtuous reasons will always grow. or urban, large, or small, traditional or for choosing a particular church, our Over the years I have taken many contemporary. It is only a matter of self-image and what we have been led approaches to marketing: radio spots, applying certain principles which are to believe about a particular church, do billboards, newspaper ads, televising time-proven. come into play, far more than we might the services, impact cards, newsletters, Question: Why do you buy a certain wish to admit. electronic newsletters, attendance product and possibly pay more for it So why market your church? First, campaigns, free "stuff," visitations, press than another product of equal value, you are marketing the church to its releases (free), Constant Contact, email and perhaps at less cost? Why do the own membership. Whatever form of blasts, free food, a "Thought for the New York Yankees have such a following marketing a church chooses to promote Day," and every possible approach

30 I could think of to get the church's name out in front of the people. What I have found is what I have shared with you. It MARKETING Your Church works at whatever level. It gets people excited and it grows the church. Such a simple thing as mailing out unused bulletins to members who may not have We Are shown up on Sunday is worth far more than the effort. PILGRIMS Newsletters should always be exciting positive, and upbeat.... a lot less copy ON A JOURNEY and a lot more pictures of people involved in ministry. People love to get By Lawrence H. Balleine newsletters from their church, but more than just "getting a newsletter," they We are Pilgrims on a journey love to hear the exciting things that are Trav’ling not to shores unknown. happening. After all, since it is "their" Going to a land of promise church, it is "them," who they are. The That we call our heavenly home. homebound especially read newsletters "word for word." Constant Contact and God creator, You have blessed us email blasts are inexpensive ways to get Like our ancestors of old messages out. Grow those lists! Just go Gifts abundant, grace unfailing to ConstantContact.com and you will As we travel down the road. be on the way to staying in touch on a weekly basis at a nominal cost. Faith and freedom, friends and fam’ly Impact cards are a way of reaching And for all our daily food thousands of people with a personal We bring now our praises to You message about your church on a And express our gratitude. colorful 5 ½’’ x 8 ½’’ post card. There are companies that create and mail these to May our lives present a witness any zip code you choose. Bringing hope and meeting needs Finally, remember: "Beginning is half As we care and share with others the job." By the time you take it From the blessings we’ve received through every committee and board of the church, it might take six months or So we join the great procession longer and people lose their enthusiasm. Of the faithful of the Lord Also remember: Off’ring You our glad thanksgiving "Every person is a Evermore and evermore. prospect." Just do it! Make it happen and you'll be glad. Lawrence Balleine is a 1975 CFTS graduate and past contributor to The Congregationalist. Now retired, he served as a pastor with Congregational and United Church of Christ congregations for over forty years. Dr. Les Wicker is a graduate of the Divinity School of Duke University and holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has conducted numerous seminars on church growth. UCC churches he served in North Carolina and Florida each grew from memberships of 500 to over 800. His latest pastorate has been First Congregational Church of Naples, a new church plant in 2004 that now has over 200 members.

31 Necrology2017 th 64LET’S CONGREGATE NEXT SPRING! Annual Meeting & Conference of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Steven S. Hoth (1941 – 2017)

Our featured guest speakers: Steven Sergey Hoth, 76, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away May 17, 2017, at Great River Medical Center. Dr. Terrence R. Lindvall Steve was a graduate of Grinnell College and University Bible Lecturer of Iowa Law School. He taught in Africa for a year prior to the start of his law career. In addition to his private Rev. Dr. Lowell Linden practice, Steve clerked for the 8th Circuit Court of Congregational Lecturer Appeals, served as Des Moines County Attorney, and was a member of the American Bar Association for 50 years. Steve found time to serve as president of the Burlington School Board, and was involved in the Crystal Lake Club, San Diego • June 23 – 26, 2018 Burlington Rotary Club, and Numismatic Association. He started the Burlington Junction Railroad and continued to Hosted by the manage the family farms. California and Steve was a member of First Congregational Church Western States Association in Burlington for over 50 years. He was very active in the Lodging and conference rooms at San Diego Marriott National Association of Congregational Christian Churches Mission Valley (NACCC), and was moderator from 1992-1993. He also 8757 Rio San Diego Drive served on the Missionary Society, Program Committee, Executive Committee, Division for Ministry, and the Congregational Foundation for Theological Studies. Survivors include his wife, Dr. JoEllen Hoth of Burlington; two sons, Andrew (Katherine) Hoth of Burlington and Peter (Karin) Hoth of Iowa City; six grandchildren, and one sister, Sandra Hoth of Port Wing, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial in Steve’s name has been established for First Congregational Church, Burlington, Iowa.

32 ICF Quadrennial Conference: CALLED TO FREEDOM by Larry F. Sommers

ore than 80 Ms. Sharon Binger. For “Freedom Conference attendees visit Congregationalists of Mind” it was Prof. Xolile Simon, a black township near from around the keynoter, plus Rev. Dr. Janet Wootton Stellenbosch. Photo by world, including many and Rev. Mike Fales. And “Freedom Larry F. Sommers MAmericans, converged on the charming to Serve” was explored by Rev. Leon university town of Stellenbosch, near Klate, keynoter, plus Rev. Christopher Cape Town, South Africa, for the Gilham, Ms. Kathryn Young, and Rev. Eleventh Quadrennial Conference of the Wendy Van Tassell. conference was held in London in 1977, International Congregational Fellowship, The Rev. Dr. John W. de Gruchy, noted and since then a conference has been July 6-11, 2017. South African theologian, gave a lecture held every four years, at various locations The Rev. Dr. Geraint Tudur of Wales on Congregationalism which was a around the world. presided until Sunday, July 9, when the highlight of the conference. In addition, the fellowship 20 years ago new moderator, Rev. Dr. Bruce Theron of The participants—about 55 from formed a Theological Commission, which South Africa, was installed in an evening North America and 25 from the United has sponsored 19 symposia thus far, in worship service. Kingdom and other countries—also various countries—aimed at encouraging Conference participants shared shared many moments of fellowship existing Congregational church fellowship and exchanged views on around food and special events. They movements in those countries. The the theme: “Many people from many attended Sunday worship at nearby Theological Commission also publishes lands and many cultures, CALLED TO Congregational churches and traveled the International Congregational Journal, FREEDOM through one Lord, Jesus on outings to visit a former slave an academic-style journal edited by the Christ.” This theme was parsed into three church; a vibrant black township; Rev. Dr. Janet Wootton and printed aspects: Freedom in Worship, Freedom Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela twice a year. of Mind, and Freedom to Serve. Each and other opponents of South Africa’s The next full conference of the ICF aspect was explored in a brief keynote now-discarded apartheid policy of racial will be held in the U.S. only three speech, followed by breakout sessions segregation were imprisoned; and the years from now—an exception to the emphasizing Bible study, experiential breathtaking scenery of Table Mountain, normal “quadrennial” interval, so as to learning, and “learning by doing.” overlooking Cape Town. coincide with the 400th anniversary of Discussion leaders for “Freedom The International Congregational Congregationalism in America. Details in Worship” were Dr. Coenie Burger, Fellowship was formed in 1975 at will be announced, as plans are further keynoter, plus Mr. Gwilym Tudur and Chislehurst, England. Its first quadrennia l developed, on the ICF website, www. internationalcongregationalfellowship.org. In the meantime, interested Congregationalists can avail themselves of the lively contents of the International Congregational Journal by sending $30 Sparks Mlilwana, once a political for a one-year subscription to Ms. prisoner at Robben Debbie Fillebrown at ICFTC Journal, Island and now a tour guide at the PO Box 4965, Louisville, KY 40204. former prison, which Any questions may be addressed to once housed Nelson New ICF officers are commissioned during Mandela, explains evening worship at the Eleventh Quadrennial Debbie at [email protected]. the harsh conditions Conference of the International Congregational Proceedings of the Eleventh Quadrennial Fellowship, July 6-11, 2017, at Stellenbosch, of detention at the Conference will be published in the site. Photo by Western Cape, South Africa. Larry F. Sommers Photo by Larry F. Sommers next issue.

33

T O THE Pastorates AND Pulpits Letters EDITOR

Ordinations Donna Kay Clifton, a previously Re: J.R. McAliley’s letter in the June 2017 edition ordained independent Congregational In response to J.R. MacAliley’s letter criticizing my minister, was ordained in a private example of a “convicted, unrepentant child abuser” in “Turf ceremony at the NACCC church, South Battles: Boundaries Within the Church” (March 2017), let Vigo Congregational Church, West Terre me say that I don’t think Rev. McAliley and I have any real Haute, Indiana, on Friday, July 5, 2017. disagreement. It would have been clearer if I had used “subsequently convicted” because the debate in the church University Congregational Church, Wichita, Kan. ordained the occurred mostly after this man’s arrest but prior to his Rev. Paul Jackson, with concurrence of a vicinage council, conviction. His conviction basically settled the matter for the June 11, 2017. church. The offender, however, never did admit wrongdoing. By withdrawing from the church, he forfeited the greatest Plymouth Congregational Church, Wichita, Kan. ordained the gift the church had to offer – repenting of his sins and Rev. Jacob Poindexter, with concurrence of a vicinage council, seeking God’s forgiveness. June 18, 2017. It must also be pointed out, however, that churches cannot rely entirely on the criminal justice system to resolve Recent Calls issues regarding bad actors. This case, as many, might First Church of Christ, Lynn, Mass. has called the easily have ended in an acquittal due to many factors – the Rev. John Swanson as Pastor. passage of time, witness intimidation, the refusal of some First Congregational Church, Anchorage, Alaska has called the victims to testify, the troubled history of the primary witness, Rev. Jacob Poindexter as Pastor and the age, ill-health, and prominent status of the accused. Acquittal would have created sufficient “reasonable doubt” In Search in the minds of some church members that cheap grace or Senior Minister “forgiveness” in the sense Rev. McAliley rightly criticizes as Chiltonville Congregational Church, Plymouth, Mass. just letting things go would seem appropriate. A contentious Duluth Congregational Church, Duluth, Minn. and divisive church battle would have been in the offing, as El Dorado Community Church, Eldorado, Calif. it was prior to conviction. First Congregational Church, Ashland, Neb. In many cases churches have to summon up the courage First Congregational Church, Emporia, Kan. to act on “the preponderance of the evidence,” a lower First Congregational Church, Interlachen, Fla. standard than the criminal justice system’s “beyond a First Congregational Church, Laingsburg, Mich. reasonable doubt.” Combine that with the tendency of First congregational Church, Marshfield, Mass. many church members to be “forgiving” and anxious to First Congregational Church, Portland, Mich. avoid conflict, division among members and turf battles are First Congregational Church, Terre Haute, Ind. inevitable. First Congregational (Road) Church, Stonington, Conn. Flatbush-Tompkins Congregational Church, Brooklyn, N.Y. Correction: Mayflower Congregational Church, Mansfield, Ohio Please accept our apologies for the typo on the June cover Olivet Congregational Church, Olivet, Mich. of The Congregationalist. The correct spelling is FCC Orthodox Congregational Church, Petersham, Mass. Ceredo. Ozaukee Congregational Church, Grafton, Wisc. Second Congregational Church, Jewett City, Conn. St. Johns Church, Idalia, Colo.

Associate/Assistant Minister United Church of Marco Island, Marco Island, Fla.

Non-NACCC Church Epping Community Church, Epping, NH

34 Letters EDITOR CALENDAR

2017 Editor Graphic Design Editorial Marianne E. King Goes Studio Advisory Team Rev. Dawn Carlson Contributing Editor Contributing OCTOBER 9 Photographers Rev. Dr. Donald Olsen Linda Miller General copy deadline for The Congregationalist David Price Randy Asendorf Publisher December 2017 issue. Contact Marianne King, editor, Larry F. Sommers Carrie Dahm Barry W. Szymanski [email protected] or 800-262-1620, ext. 1624 Subscriptions Policy

OCTOBER 23-25 • One subscription is provided free of charge to each individual requestor who is a member of a church in Silent Retreat fellowship with the National Association. Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center, Donaldson, IN. Led by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Richard • One complimentary “Newcomer Copy” will be sent to Contact Rev. Dr. Charles Packer, Chaplain-Director of the any person, one time only, upon request by a church in fellowship with the National Association. Congregational Society of Classical Retreat Guides, at 734-755-4131 or [email protected] • A subscription to The Congregationalist is provided free of charge to each church in fellowship with the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches and one to each accredited theological seminary on the magazine’s mailing list. Single copies may be purchased from the National Association Save The Date: June 23 – 26, 2018 office for $3.75 plus $3.20 to cover shipping and handling. 64th Annual Meeting & Conference We seek and gratefully accept voluntary donations to help keep of the National Association of this magazine in print. Donations are tax-deductible except Congregational Churches for the first $15 of donation per subscription received by the san Diego Marriott Mission Valley, taxpayer per year. 8757 Rio San Diego Drive, San Diego, Calif. The Congregationalist | ISSN 0010-5856 | Postage paid ​ at Madison, WI 53714-9998. Published quarterly by the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, 8473 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek, WI 53201-0288.

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