Faces of Congregationalism

The Rev. LaVerne Gill told the Women’s Luncheon audience that the women who helped Moses in the Old Testament were not oppressed, but part of God’s plan. She said women should not buy into the patriarchal concept of society that women deserve to be oppressed.

The Rev. Dr. Douglas Lobb, outgoing NACCC Executive Secretary (left) welcomes his successor, the Rev. Dr. Thomas M. Richard, who announced his plans to expand use of electronic communication to maintain close contact with NACCC churches.

Executive Committee Chair the Rev. Robert Carlson invites the audience to participate in focus group discussions. In two 90-minute sessions the groups defined (1) who Congregationalists are as individuals, local churches, and regional and national associations, and (2) Rated NACCC services and defined critical issues facing the NACCC.

One of 30 focus groups provides input for a NEW NACCC. Discussion results will be compiled and analyzed to form a NEW NACCC, responsive to the local churches and with a clear vision and identity.

Choral Ensemble from nearby Olivet College entertained before a reception hosted by Olivet. The NACCC Executive Committee has designated October Higher Education Month in honor of our two affiliated Congregational colleges, Olivet and Piedmont.

Pre-meetings of the NACCC leadership team at Olivet College strengthened our bonds with this Congregational College. Michael Fales, director of church relations for Olivet, speaks in Olivet Congregational Church about the history of the College and the Olivet Church. His article on revitalization of Olivet Congregational Church is scheduled for the October/November issue of The Congregationalist.

The NACCC emphasis on church revitalization also involves church school. Diane Kruzman, First Congregational Church, Royal Oak, Michigan, spoke on the excitement generated by the Rotation Model school program, which explores the Bible with new techniques. More in a later issue of The Congregationalist.

Heritage of Pilgrim Endeavor (HOPE) went on post-conference Mission Voyage Projects. Here HOPErs plant countless tomatoes and cabbages for a settlement house garden. The full story will appear in the October/November issue of The Congregationalist. For news of the HOPE and NAPF Conferences, see pages 20-25.

Two choirs form First Congregational Church of Detroit, Michigan, brought plenty of Holy Fun with their gospel music. Shown is the Pillars of Praise Kids Choir led by Phelecia R. McCall. On the cover is Pillars of Praise Senior Choir, led by Nathan Brewer at the keyboard. They accompanied liturgical dancer Kimberly Boyd, also on the cover, gracefully brandishing her multi-colored veils.