Mass. Minister to Equip NAPF’ers for Reality

Allan Palmer, Youth Minister at the First Congregational Church in Hanson, Massachusetts, is bringing his experiences to the NAPF this year.

Because High School students face the ‘real’ issues of modern families, drugs and alcohol, dating and peer pressure, peace, war, etc., the theme of the 2003 NAPF conference will be “Equipped for Reality”. Hebrews 13:20-21 says; “Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all that you need for doing His will.” Leveraging 25 years of youth ministry, Allan will help our youth to use the Christian tools of prayer, the Bible, fellowship, and others to face these issues.

Allan, originally from Pawtucket, Rhode Island (home of the Pawtucket Red Sox!), lives in Halifax, MA with his wife Tina, three sons, and numerous house pets. Active and athletic, he likes to spend time playing the guitar or outdoors cutting firewood.

In addition to his church ministry, Allan has been a family and mental health counselor for over 20 years. And for the past eight he has been the Program Director for a residential treatment program for mentally ill adults with some type of addiction.

NAPF (National Association of Pilgrim Fellowship) is a four-day spiritually uplifting event open to students who have completed grade 9 through high school graduates. The conference includes inspiring messages by Allan, small group discussions, a day of mission work, new and renewed friendships, food and fun. Your church youth will come home challenged, inspired, and more intimate with God.

2003 HOPE Conference Led by Iowa Ministers

We are excited that Tom and Wendy Van Tassell, co-pastors of First Congregational Church, Spencer, Iowa, will be the content leaders at this year’s HOPE conference!

Tom and Wendy began their mutual ministry when they met as Christian camp counselors in Michigan. In 1978, as youth leaders they traveled to Toledo, Ohio, to support their first NAPF conference. They have been involved as counselors, directors, song-leaders, and resource people for statewide Congregational Church programs in California, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Their involvement with youth has also included Tom co-directing NAPF and Wendy co-directing HOPE.

The Van Tassels have matured and been nurtured by a number of NACCC churches, from Michigan to California, as they have grown in ministry, graduated from seminary and CFTS, and been ordained.

Tom and Wendy delight in parenting their two teenagers, Eric and Laura. And in their spare time, Tom coaches high school soccer while Wendy serves as president of the board at Spencer Community Theatre.

Tom and Wendy are working with the HOPE Officers—Tim Johnson, Angel Biggerstaff, and Diana Wyman—to assure a great conference. The theme this year is “Building Blocks: God’s Solid Foundation Stands Firm . . .” The program will help to enrich all followers of Christ in our faith and daily walk.

HOPE is open to high school graduates up to age 27. Make your plans to join us in historic Virginia!!

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