National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

09/08/2026

The September 2026 edition of The Congregationalist magazine is out now! Centered on the theme of covenant, this issue invites us to reflect on the promises that bind us together with God, one another, and the communities in which we live and serve.

The writings within these pages explore covenant as both a gift and a calling: a way of understanding our relationship with God, a commitment to walk together in faith, and a reminder that our life as the church is shaped by the promises we make and keep with one another.

We hope this edition of The Congregationalist encourages you to reflect on the covenants that shape your life and ministry, and inspires you to embrace the faithful work of building and renewing them.

Read the September edition here: https://simplebooklet.com/thecongregationalistseptember2026 =1

09/04/2026

Please join us in praying for our Mission Partner, ChildVoice, and the people of the Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Uganda.

On August 25, violence erupted at the Imvepi settlement’s base camp, resulting in widespread destruction, fear, and confusion. ChildVoice staff were safely evacuated, and thankfully, their facilities and assets were spared.

More than 85,000 refugees are now facing fear and uncertainty as aid organizations and programs remain suspended.

ChildVoice is especially concerned for the child-headed families and other vulnerable people they serve, as they are currently unable to communicate with many of them or provide scheduled food distributions.

Please pray for peace, protection, and provision for the people of Imvepi, for ChildVoice staff as they navigate the crisis, and for wisdom as they determine how and when to resume their ministry.

We praise God for His protection of the ChildVoice team and for the peace He provides even in the midst of chaos.

09/03/2026

Why do people choose to support The Congregationalist? For every donor, there’s a reason and a story behind it.

For Kate O’Dell, that’s a story of finding a spiritual home, discovering the Congregational Way, and finding in The Congregationalist a companion for her faith journey.

"For all of my childhood, my parents took my siblings and me to Sunday services at a Unitarian church. However, during my high school and college years, I sang in Methodist church choirs because my soul hungered for more 'high church' music than the Unitarians include in their services. When I moved to Anchorage, Alaska, I visited several other churches, but when some friends brought me to First Congregational Church, I found my spiritual and musical home at last. This personal history meant I had a lot to learn about the Congregational Way. Lucky for me, FCCAK is a long-time NACCC member, and I soon discovered in The Congregationalist a rich resource for my education and a companion in my faith journey. I gave to The Congregationalist campaign because I count on a new issue every three months to invigorate my reflection on my world and my place in it."

Kate O’Dell, Ph.D.
Member of First Congregational Christian Church of Anchorage, AK
Secretary, National Association of Congregational Christian Churches

Kate gives to keep a meaningful voice in Congregational life alive and thriving. Why do you give?

To learn more about The Congregationalist Campaign, visit: https://www.naccc.org/donate/the-congregationalist-campaign/

09/02/2026

Does your church have an idea that could bring new energy, strengthen your ministry, or help your congregation thrive?

The NACCC’s Sharing Vitality Grants are designed to help churches turn those ideas into action!

In 2027, our Vitality Ministry Council is looking to award up to ten grants of $2,500 each to support new or expanding ministries, creative initiatives, and projects that foster vitality and strengthen the life of the local church.

Maybe you have an idea for reaching your community in a new way, engaging different generations, revitalizing worship, developing a new ministry, or creating a fresh opportunity for connection. This could be the encouragement and financial support you need to get started!

Don’t miss this opportunity! Applications are due November 1, 2026.

To learn more, visit: https://www.naccc.org/sharing-vitality-grants/

09/01/2026

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is the NACCC’s crisis relief fund, providing financial assistance to communities around the world affected by poverty, hunger, sickness, conflict, emergencies, and natural disasters. Through the OGHS General Fund and Disaster Funds, the NACCC is able to provide timely financial support for relief efforts when crises arise.

Donations to the OGHS General Fund are accepted throughout the year, ensuring that funds are available to respond immediately when a crisis occurs. Because these gifts are not designated for a specific disaster, they can be directed to where they are needed most.

The world is currently experiencing more disasters than can be effectively addressed through individual OGHS Disaster Funds. In response, the Mission and Outreach Ministry Council is gratefully receiving donations to the OGHS General Fund, allowing financial assistance to be distributed among the many crises taking place around the world. As always, these funds will be distributed through thoroughly vetted organizations capable of providing meaningful support to those affected.

Donations may be made online by visiting: https://www.naccc.org/donate/

Please be sure to designate your donation to: OGHS General Fund.

Donations via check can be mailed to:
NACCC
PO Box 288
Oak Creek, WI 53154

The NACCC makes every effort to honor donor wishes in regard to their gifts. Occasionally, a situation will arise where a project is no longer viable. In such cases, the NACCC will direct those donated funds to one of our other funds that is most similar to the donor’s original intentions.

Thank you for your compassion, your prayers, and your generous support.

To learn more about One Great Hour of Sharing, visit: https://www.naccc.org/missions-outreach/oghs/

08/31/2026

Orders are now open for the NACCC’s Advent devotional booklets!

For just $3.50 each (shipping included), you can receive a collection of daily devotionals written by congregants from NACCC member churches. These reflections are a wonderful way to mark the season of Advent, slow down amid the busyness of December, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas.

Order one for yourself, order several to give as gifts to friends and loved ones, or order enough to share with your whole congregation!

However you choose to use them, we hope these devotionals help make the Advent season a meaningful time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation.

To place your order today and journey through Advent together with the NACCC, visit: https://www.naccc.org/devotionals/

08/28/2026

Recapping the 2026 NAPF & HOPE Youth Conference

What a wonderful week of faith, fellowship, service, and growth at the 2026 NAPF & HOPE Youth Conference! From June 27–July 2, youth and adult leaders from Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, and California gathered in Westfield, MA, around the theme "Faithfully Anchored in Christ."

Throughout the week, participants worshiped together, explored their identity in Christ, built friendships, and served others.

The week was filled with worship, music, fellowship, laughter, and inspiring moments, including hearing Amanda Mammana share her testimony of faith and perseverance.

Participants described the experience as “transformational,” an opportunity to “grow my relationship with God,” and a chance to “build close relationships” while growing stronger in faith.

As they closed the week with communion, prayer, and song, they were reminded that NAPF & HOPE is more than a conference - it is a living expression of covenant, connecting young people in Christ.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 NAPF & HOPE Conference a success!

08/26/2026

What if supporting The Congregationalist could be as simple as setting aside a few dollars each month?

A gift of $10 a month adds up to $120 a year. A gift of $25 a month becomes $300 a year. Even a small monthly gift can make a meaningful contribution toward strengthening the endowment of The Congregationalist.

As a subscription-fee-free magazine, The Congregationalist depends on the generosity of donors to continue its work. When you make a recurring gift, you provide ongoing support for this historic publication and help build a stronger financial foundation for its future.

Whether you give $5, $10, $25, or more each month, your generosity helps The Congregationalist continue serving Congregational churches for generations to come.

You can learn more and donate by visiting: https://www.naccc.org/donate/the-congregationalist-campaign/

08/25/2026

Join us in celebrating NACCC Global Mission Partner ChildVoice’s 20th anniversary of serving young people impacted by war and conflict. In this moving video, ChildVoice highlights the courage and hope of the youth they serve every day, and we hope it will help you get to know and love their work.

If you’re interested in donating to ChildVoice through the NACCC, visit: https://www.naccc.org/donate/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyhUxR2KjPw

Over 50 million children worldwide have been displaced by war. This...

08/24/2026

We want to help you stay connected and informed about the people, resources, events, and opportunities that are part of our Congregational community.

Twice each month - on the 1st and 15th - we send our e-newsletter straight to the inboxes of our subscribers. These e-newsletters include timely updates from NACCC leadership and staff, news from member churches, resources for your ministry, highlights from our mission partners, and more!

Whether you’re a church leader, a member of a Congregational church, or simply interested in what’s happening across our association, the NACCC e-news is a great way to stay in the know and discover new opportunities to connect and participate.

We’d love to have you join us! Subscribe today so you never miss what’s happening in the NACCC: https://www.naccc.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/