Page:  Cover, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

Renewal Accomplished

First, let me say that the meeting was indeed a success! Dedicated Congregationalists gathered from around the world for a time of refreshment and a time of renewal; "renewal" was in fact the theme of the meeting and renewal was certainly accomplished. Daily worship, daily Bible study and other inspirational presentations, and nightly prayer meetings assured that our spiritual needs were met.

Bill Ahrens at ICF 2001 with Dr. Lee Yi Hyung and daughter Sue. Dr. Lee is president of the Korean Puritan Movement Association, host for the Seoul meeting.

At the same time, however, the meeting was disappointing in that the attendance from the entire western world was only fifty people. A number of reasons for this have been advanced including the remoteness of location, cultural differences, cost of the trip, and lack of interest in the ICF.

The ongoing program of the ICF, with its current focus on the 2005 quadrennial meeting in Greece, is dependent upon the continuing generosity of those churches and individuals who support international Congregationalism. Your past support is acknowledged, and your most welcome new gifts to the ICF may be sent to the NACCC, which will forward them to the ICF financial officer.

In summary: the Seoul meeting was indeed successful; many of those attending came away greatly enthused; and in varying degree, the Korean culture and food (i.e., kimchi) were understood and appreciated.

Contributed by William Ahrens,
First Congregational Church, Royal Oak, Michigan,
Assistant Financial Officer, ICF.

Page:  Cover, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19