A wrap-up

The North American Convention of the Church of God officially begins this Friday, but activities in the area commence Thursday--and, naturally, convention-goers have already begun to fill up campsites and hotel rooms. As a reminder, the NAC ChoGger wishes to highlight a few notable events.

• THURSDAY: Crist Family in concert at Main Street Church of God (4211 S. Main St., Anderson) at 7 p.m.



• FRIDAY: LIVE Celebration Service in the "red-and-white tent" begins at 8:30 a.m., Friday through Wednesday; Kickoff presentation sponsored by Anderson University at 7 p.m. at Madison Park Church of God



• SATURDAY: Children's Ministry Fair at East Side Church of God (2600 E. 5th St.), 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Celebrating the Global Family of God, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Madison Park Church of God; evening services daily at 7 p.m. at Madison Park Church of God, Youth-In Game Night at Madison Park Crossroads Auditorium



• SUNDAY: worship services daily at 10:30 a.m. at Park Place Church of God; Southern Gospel Concert at 2:30 p.m. at Park Place Church of God; Heritage Sing-Along, 9:15 p.m. at Madison Park Church of God; Youth-In Concert at Madison Park Crossroads Auditorium



• MONDAY: Kid's Place at Hartung Hall, 8:15 a.m. through Wednesday; Little Kid's Place at Park Place Church of God, 8:15 a.m. through Wednesday; Equipping the Church of God's Dreams with Todd Braschler, 8:30 a.m.; Church of God "Facebooker's Luncheon" at Main Street Church of God, 11:30 a.m.; Youth Oasis at Fine Arts Breezeway, 2:15 p.m.; Missionary Commissing in the evening service at 7 p.m.; Youth-In Movie Night (all Youth-Ins same time and location)



• TUESDAY: General Assembly at Reardon Auditorium, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:15 a.m.; PK/MK retreat--meet at Olt Student Center at 3 p.m.; Youth-In skit night



• WEDNESDAY: School of Missions, Miller Chapel, 1 p.m.; To Save a Life movie premiere for youth leaders and pastors in Byrum Hall; Youth-In Worship Night
  

See program booklet or go online to www.chog.org/NAC for more information and exhaustive list of NAC 2009 activities.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "These are not very spiritual memories, but here goes: Cotton candy, candied apples, hot summer days, grandparents coming to visit, flags on the stage of the old wooden tabernacle, sawdust on the floor of the tabernacle, singing the heritage hymns, the big red thermometer that showed how much money we had raised for World Missions and how much was yet to be raised, visiting the AU recruiting booth and seeing my Dad..."--Connie Hippensteel (daughter of Robert Reardon), Anderson University Kardatzke Wellness Center

Memories to get you in the mood

Get in the Camp Meeting spirit and reminisce with these three personal memories from NACs past!

Paul Yerden, music minister: “I remember the dorms on the camp grounds, the old white tabernacle, the early morning prayer meetings in Byrum Hall with Sister Cotton, raising one million dollars for World Service (the large thermometer), the CBH building on the grounds, hearing Herb Thompson sing, and Dr. Dale Oldham preach every year.”

Lori Salierno, speaker: “One of my favorite childhood memories of Camp Meeting was listening to Ben Reid, going out to dinner, spending time talking with friends, and learning about the Church of God from the older pastors and people who had been in the movement for years.”

Ron Patty, music minister: “One of my favorite memories of Camp Meeting is when we were in an old tabernacle, even before the dome was built. We were having a Camp Meeting service and our quartet, the Christian Brothers, was singing “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy,” and it just seemed like there was a wonderful spirit there. And Dr. Dale Oldham spoke. It was a wonderful, momentous time.”

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "[The NAC means] having opportunity to speak into the direction that the church of god is going. Many, many educational opportunities! And wonderful times of worship."--Dr. MaryAnn Hawkins, Associate Professor of Christian Ministry, Anderson University School of Theology

Kids want to go to NAC, too!

Kid’s Place is the place that kids go during the NAC. It’s the children’s program at camp meeting. Since its beginning, Kid’s Place has focused on missions around the world. Each year’s theme has centered on one region or nation of the world. Some years have provided a taste of several cultures of the world. The experience is hands-on, the learning is fun, and the worship abounds. Kids have the opportunity to taste foods, play games, and sing songs from other cultures. They learn words from other languages and hear how God is working through all kinds of situations. Kids also get to meet actual missionaries who are in town for NAC. This kind of experience is one that only Kid’s Place provides.

Kid’s Place at this year’s NAC is sure to be better than ever. “Missions: Then and Now” is the theme, highlighting the historical significance of missions around the world as the Church of God celebrates its missions centennial. The learning stations will focus on the wide variety of ways missionaries serve around the world. Kids will learn about specific mission work accomplished in unique ways, such as through medical service, schools, radio, and even through the opening of a bookstore. One of the stations, “Then and Now,” will take a close look at missions as it was a hundred years ago, comparing it to how it is today.

This year, Kid’s Place will be held in Hartung Hall on the Anderson University campus, Monday through Wednesday (June 29–July 1) from 8:15 AM to noon. Kindergarten grads through fifth-grade grads are encouraged to attend. There will also be Little Kid’s Place in Park Place Church of God for children from three to five years old who are potty trained and not yet in kindergarten. For more information, visit www.chog.org/KidsPlace. See this year's program book for many other opportunities for children taking place at NAC 2009.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “The North American Convention of the Church of God brings together people from so many states and even overseas countries. It is a chance to worship and fellowship with the broader church. It can be a wonderful, inspirational time. There are conferences, special interest sessions, training events and, of course, the nightly services with preaching and music."--Paul Yerden, music minister

Three brief NAC testimonies

Sarah Blake was recently prompted by God at NAC. “I had been considering going to seminary for several years,” she explains, “and was prompted to begin the process because of something that happened at NAC 2006. I attended a seminar given by David Neidert called ‘The Seven Questions of Jesus.’ The final question was the question Jesus asked Peter: ‘Do you love me?’ I had done one of my devotional writings on this passage a couple of months prior. The revisit was very convicting concerning the fact that I was sitting on the fence about seminary. I realized that if I was going to ‘feed sheep,’ I needed to equip myself to do so.” Sarah will be graduating from the Anderson University School of Theology with her Masters of Divinity this coming August.

God has used the North American Convention to strengthen and equip Tim Means throughout his life. “I would say that I have definitely been restored many times while visiting NAC. I have attended NAC for all of my life and I take pride in the fact that I am a third-generation pastor that has attended. I have grown up through Kid’s Place and the youth-ins.” This year, Tim will be attending NAC for the first time as a full time youth pastor at the First Church of God in Saint Elmo, Illinois.

Pattie Jantz Thompson and her family regularly finds renewed strength for the ministry while attending NAC. “We have always found the commissioning of missionaries to be a renewing of purpose for us. The lighting of candles in expressing our unity, as well as the testimonies of how God is working around the world, revitalizes our passion for ministry.” She continues, “It helps the minister, or the lay person who may serve a small church all alone, refresh and renew. It also helps us carry the message that we are not alone in serving Christ back to those congregations. This is why we travel across the country to attend.” Pattie will be traveling from Elk City, Oklahoma to attend this year’s NAC.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “This is potentially one of those big picture times in the life of the church. We have so few opportunities to connect and see ourselves together. The combination of worship, teaching, and thinking together about the church is an opportunity that should not be passed up."--Arthur Kelly, Christian Education, Church of God Ministries

Last chance: NAC promo material available!

NEWS FLASH! This Sunday (June 21--Father's Day) is your last opportunity to promote the North American Convention of the Church of God at your church! NAC 2009 will be unlike any other, offering Global Communion for the second time--and Global Baptism for the first time!

NAC, affectionately called "Camp Meeting," is an event you won't want to miss. Inspiring worship, powerful preaching, a variety of insightful conferences and special programs FOR ALL AGES take place during these six days toward the end of June. Some of the many favorite events include the Heritage Sing-Along (led by Robert Nicholson, Dean Shield, and Paul Yerden), the LIVE Tent revival services, the commissioning of missionaries, Kid's Place, Global Communion AND Baptism, youth activities, and the opening extravaganza on Friday night. If you've never attended, try it! Prepare for an unforgettable experience, full of blessing and drawing closer to God, as brothers and sisters in Christ fellowship from all over the globe! Furthermore, if you are alumni of Anderson University, it's the perfect opportunity to come back to town for a visit!

Click on the following link to obtain official promotional resources! Download text for bulletins, text for inserts, text for newsletters, slide show presentations, flyers, posters, logos, and more! It's all available, just for you and your church, from Church of God Ministries!

http://chog.org/Resources/Downloads/ByCategory/NACPromotionalMaterialsDownloads/tabid/2013/Default.aspx

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I can't wait to experience the congregational worship in this new venue! It will be exciting and alive!"--Steve Williamson, Worship Arts Pastor, Madison Park Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)

The headlines say it all...

The evening services of the North American Convention of the Church of God had to be moved out of the Kardatzke Wellness Center due to high costs of transforming the gym to an auditorium. Some wonder why they didn't move services to Reardon Auditorium. Watch the video blog to find out why...and enjoy!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It's a global event that brings us into fellowship, communion, Christian network, worship, and reunion. It really gives me a look at what the Kingdom will look like. A global community, it's our community."--Jeff Whye, speaker/comedian/Azusa Pacific University Chapel Production

NAC's very own gospel concert

Do you love four-part harmony and lyrics with a message? Then you probably like southern gospel music. Did you know that the North American Convention of the Church of God hosts a southern gospel concert? It’s true. This year, at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, there will be a southern gospel concert at Park Place Church of God. Hosted by the popular Woody Wright (as seen on the Gaither Homecoming videos), this concert will also feature music by Eventide (singing the doctrine of the Church of God), and the Disciples Quartet (sponsored by Anderson University in January 2007).

For those who can’t get enough southern gospel, there will be other opportunities to hear the popular style during NAC. For those who arrive early, plan to attend a free concert on Thursday at 7 p.m. by the Crist Family, from Maynardville, Tennessee, at Main Street Church of God (4211 S. Main St., Anderson). The Disciples Quartet will appear at the Church of God at West Anderson (2205 Park Rd., Anderson) during the morning service on Sunday beginning at 10:45. Each morning at 8:30 in the LIVE Ministries tent, the Vision of Hope quartet will minister through song, and also present a special concert in the tent on Tuesday afternoon.

So plan ahead to attend the southern gospel concert on Sunday at NAC. Enjoy the music, receive a blessing, worship God, and don’t feel restrained to clap your hands or tap your toes! Take your Sunday-afternoon nap before or after the southern gospel concert. Woody Wright, Eventide, and the Disciples Quartet will surely energize and inspire. Daniel Howell adds that if you attend, “We’ll show you that the only thing tired at the end of the concert will be your hands!”

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I like NAC because it keeps me up on where the Church at large is headed. I rub shoulders every day with people I would have never met otherwise. I come home blessed and inspired."--Todd Braschler, Recording artist; speaker

"Facebookers" invited to lunch get-together

For all those who like social networking, this year's NAC will have an event just for you! For the first time in the history of the Church of God camp meetings, there will be a Facebook barbecue lunch. On Monday, June 29, Main Street Church of God (4211 S. Main St.--that's only about three miles south of Anderson University on Main Street) in Anderson will host the FREE event from 11:30 a.m. until about 2:30 p.m. All "Facebookers" are invited to attend! There is no cost, but attendees are encouraged to RSVP on the 123rd North American Convention of the Church of God event page. Click the link for more details: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?sid=0ddd5c3a67720178b0878a1a3e9cd14f&eid=78698018491&ref=search or search (include caps, "CHOGNAC FB Luncheon." You may also call the church at (765) 644-6555.

It's Facebook--face to face, at NAC!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I especially enjoy the worship services. Singing together with a large crowd of people...hearing the resonance of the voices, singing spontaneously outside on the campgrounds or around campus and being joined by other voices, and friends from all over the country getting together."--Don Billey, Senior Pastor, Main Street Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)

Movie premiere at NAC this year!

Last year, the North American Convention of the Church of God premiereed a movie that would soon be a smash hit at the box office. Fireproof saw unprecedented ticket sales, but more importantly, touched and changed lives all over the world.

Click here to see a trailer of this year's movie pre-screening: http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/teaser/home/

Church of God Ministries will present a premiere showing of To Save a Life to pastors and youth workers on Wednesday, July 1 at 2:00 p.m. in Byrum Hall. The film addresses issues that are relevant to today's youth and culture. The intent is to highlight this movie as a potential ministry tool, prior to its nationwide release in theaters this fall. Those who attend will receive ministry resource materials for use in conjunction with the film. Seating is limited to the first five hundred attendees, so be sure to arrive early. Because the film addresses difficult and challenging real-life issues, some scenes may be offensive and therefore unsuitable for viewing by young children. Learn more about this movie at http://www.tosavealifemovie.com/.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Each year offers unique opportunities for training and growing in our ability to serve in local congregations and in the Kingdom."--Jeannette Flynn, Kingdom Ministry Team Director, Church of God Ministries

NAC 2009 simple and easy to navigate

Fed up with all the changes for NAC this year? Decided that it’s all just too complicated? Don’t cancel your plans to attend! You don’t have to give in to despair! The North American Convention of the Church of God will be simpler to navigate than you might think. Church of God Ministries wants to offer some answers to questions that are sure to alleviate your fears and concerns.

One of the most-frequently-asked questions is why the location of the worship services changed. The costs associated with transforming the Kardatzke Wellness Center from fieldhouse into an auditorium equipped with lights, sound equipment, chairs, and platforms became too great. Church of God Ministries wants to be good stewards of the money God provides, and this was a practical response for 2009. This issue, as well as numerous other concerns, is addressed on the Frequently Asked Questions page at the NAC website (www.chog.org/NAC). If your question is not addressed, feel free to call Church of God Ministries at 800-848-2464, ext. 2130.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "One of my favorite parts of Camp Meeting is the utilization of Church of God hymnology and the Hymn Sing."--Arlo Newell, former Editor-in-Chief, Warner Press

Look for the red and white tent!

Picture a giant tent, filled to the brim with people praising God in song. Imagine hearing an impassioned sermon, followed by an invitation. As you look around the crowded space, you hear individuals who have risen to their feet to share testimonies. Then, a quartet moves to the platform to proclaim the gospel message through song. Finally, the event is concluded with fervent prayer. You might be thinking I’m describing a Camp Meeting service several decades ago. Actually, I’m describing the present—an experience you can have every day during this year’s North American Convention of the Church of God!

You’ll experience singing with the saints, moving testimonies, and preaching every day from one of the best communicators in the movement. Some of the many fine speakers have included Richard Mansfield, Mitchell Burch, Lori Salierno, Jeannette Flynn, and the late Gerald Marvel. You’ll hear stories of blessing from missionaries. You’ll hear special gospel singing from the quartet, Vision of Hope and the renowned tenor, Todd Braschler. Last year, the testimony and harmony of the Thulin Family, from Sweden, also contributed to inspirational moments of worship.

Join the LIVE Ministries team and friends as they celebrate the joy of Christ every morning from 8:30 until 10 during this 20th-anniversary year at NAC. Enjoy a donut and a cup of coffee. Start your day at Camp Meeting focused on the Lord. The LIVE celebration services will take place near the campground administration building off of University Boulevard. Just look for the red and white tent!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Camp Meeting is a wonderful time to reconnect and meet new people. You can’t put a price on that."--Ann Smith, former missionary

There's history to experience at NAC

The NAC ChoGger is up to it again! This time, he's touring a few of the historic landmarks important to the history of the Church of God. Come to this year's NAC and see these landmarks yourself, and find more! Experience the history of the Church of God at NAC 2009. Visit www.chog.org/NAC for registration information.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The North American Convention of the Church of God has always been a time to reconnect with my spiritual roots. The friendships my family has made and maintained are priceless. Through inspirational services, informational conferences and missional opportunities, my Christian discipleship has been strengthened. Whether living in Arizona, Ohio or Indiana, the North American Convention continues to be a priority."--Dr. David Sebastian, Dean, Anderson University School of Theology

Youth opportunities abound at NAC

Can’t wait ’til next summer for IYC? Still reliving the awesome experience you had at your state youth convention last year? The masterminds of the spectacular biennial IYC, led by Andy Stephenson, are busy putting the final touches on the youth activities for this year’s NAC. Like to hear bands such as Sanctus Real? Comedians like Darren Streblow? These are some of the special guests that have appeared during youth programs at NAC. What will NAC serve up for youth this year? You’ll have to come and find out, but a sneak peek into the planning may offer a few hints.

This year, there will be concerts, high-energy worship services, waterslides, sports, game nights, movie nights, relevant Bible studies, specialized workshops, skits, ice cream socials, comedy, incredible service projects, and much more! Because evening services will be held at Madison Park Church of God this year, youth will take advantage of its massive high-tech facility for these nightly activities. Monday through Wednesday of the convention, there will be conferences and specialized events for youth and youth leaders. For pastor’s kids and missionary kids, the NAC youth track also offers a retreat (contact Meaghan Crump at mcrump@chog.org for details).

During free time at NAC, youth have absolutely no reason to be bored—Anderson University’s Student Center will be open several hours each day, offering Ping-Pong, pool, darts, and video games. For those youth who play sports, free time between youth activities and worship services may also mean a chance to play basketball in the Kardatzke Wellness Center, swim in the natatorium, and play tennis on the courts outdoors.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “North American Convention has been a great place for families to connect with others around the country for a time of connection and moving toward a greater vision for decades.”--Andy Stephenson, IYC coordinator

Spontaneous singing a sure thing!

I captured these video clips with my cell phone last June. The Gospel Trumpet Singers and their families spontaneously broke out into song shortly following the evening service! It was incredible! The Spirit was felt all around, and those who had gathered to watch also joined them to sing more familiar songs, such as "Child of God," and "There's Joy in the Lord."

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "It is important to know that your routine of attending church on Sunday morning links you to a much larger, in fact global body of believers. Seeing, hearing, feeling that connection cannot be replaced by hearing someone describe it, or reading about it."--Scott Martin, International Student Services, Anderson University

Holy Grounds donations to Chelyabinsk

NEWS! The Holy Grounds cafe at Madison Park Church of God will be open during the 123rd North American Convention of the Church of God. AND--proceeds during NAC will go to Church of God mission work at the Chelyabinsk Ministry Center in Russia!

Holy Grounds serves gourmet coffee, specialty drinks, a variety of pastries, and more. Located in "The Commons," it provides a place for people to gather, fellowship, and enjoy a snack before worship services. Hot drink choices include, but are not limited to, latte, chai tea latte, brew coffee, hot chocolate, and hot tea. Cold drinks include iced latte, smoothies, protein shakes, orange juice, milk, and bottled water. Bakery items include freshly baked scones, cinnamon rolls, and donuts.

Holy Grounds accepts Visa and MasterCard.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Some come for the great preaching. Some come for the great music. Some come for the LIVE Ministries tent. Some come for a family vacation. But for whatever reason they come, they will experience something greater than what they ever thought they
would experience."--Jamie Conkling, Vision of Hope Quartet (LIVE Ministries Celebration Services)

Make NAC 2009 a vacation!

So we're in not-so-good economic times. You may be feeling it in your wallet. Perhaps you and your family are limited to the number of trips and vacations you can take this summer. I've heard many say they just can't make it to Camp Meeting because they're going to be "out of town" on that weekend, or they're going to be working that week, or they've planned their family vacation over those particular days in June.

Why not consider NAC your summer vacation? A road trip (or cross-country flight) with spiritual benefits? Is it really such a wild idea? Consider planning ahead to attend Camp Meeting: the perfect mix of relaxation, fun, and spiritual growth!

You know, NAC isn't just a convention! It's Camp Meeting! Are you concerned your kids won't get the chance to camp out this summer? Pitch your tent under the stars on the Church of God campground in Anderson. Pull up your trailer next to that old shade tree. Grill those burgers and roast those marshmallows to your heart's content! Fellowship with campers around you, enjoy spontaneous singing of praise songs and camp songs, and delight in the water games and other Family Day activities nearby! Then, in the early evening, take a short jaunt over to Madison Park Church of God and experience incredible worship with people from all over the world! It truly is an experience like none other!

Perhaps this summer, it's time to plan your summer around NAC. You'll leave refreshed to an extent far beyond that of any expensive cruise or beach-side resort stay. And, you won't regret it!

To register for NAC 2009, visit www.chog.org/NAC today!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "NAC is an incredible chance to meet and connect with people. It is an opportunity to grow and learn about ministry and what others are doing around the country."--Andrew Gale, Missions Director, Church at the Crossing (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Something for everyone

NAC 2009 will have something for everyone. This means YOU should come.

For children: Kid's Place, afternoon activities, evening childcare

For youth: Evening events/concerts, daily conferences, service project, afternoon activities (ex. water games) planned by the same people that brought you IYC!

For adults: Numerous workshops and conferences, special worship services, training, networking

For everyone: Morning and evening worship services featuring music by the some of the best musicians in the church of God; and preaching, by some of the best preachers in the Church of God!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Over the past years, NAC has been a place of encouragement for me. As a young pastor, I love meeting the people of the church from around the world. Getting to hear the stories and the journeys God has given others throughout their ministry makes one excited about their own to come."--Josh Deeter, IYC intern

Heritage Sing-Along continues strong

With each passing year, the Heritage Sing-Along at NAC has attracted larger and larger crowds. After only a couple of years after the event's inception, the crowds exceeded the 550-person capacity at Byrum Hall, prompting a move to Park Place Church of God. After only a couple of years there, it moved to Reardon Auditorium. Now the event--led by Paul Yerden, Robert Nicholson, and Dean Schield--draws more than 1,500 people. Notable guests have included Bill and Gloria Gaither; the late Dr. Robert Reardon; Ron and Carolyn Patty; and Jim Hill, who wrote “What a Day That Will Be.”

Paul Yerden is delighted that the Heritage Sing-Along has been such a success. “They get to sing these songs in a large crowd, in four-part harmony. We don’t jazz it up or put a contemporary beat to it. I think we sing them the way we remember singing them.” Paul adds, “The event belongs to the people.”

Even young people can enjoy the Heritage Sing-Along. “Hearing these songs and all the parts is something new for them,” Dean Schield explains. “Young people want something new, and this is new. They come with the idea it will be boring old hymns, but they hear the energy and really appreciate and enjoy it.”

Don't miss this year's Heritage Sing-Along, which will take place for the first time in the intimate, well-lit setting of Madison Park Church of God, on Monday night during the North American Convention of the Church of God, June 26-July 1. The event will begin promptly at 9:15 p.m., following the evening worship service.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “So what do we do? We sing twenty or so of our great heritage songs. Just great singing! Which of our songs will we sing this year? Well, you’ll have to come and see. But you will know them and will enjoy them. The sound of fifteen hundred voices singing lustily—sometimes devotionally—is wonderful.” --Dr. Robert Nicholson, Anderson University President Emeritus

NAC 2009 worship: something for everyone

Over the past several years, worship leaders such as Curt Ferrell, Kendyl Terry, Steve Williamson, and Clint Dunn have faithfully led the saints into worship at NAC. The worship leader for NAC 2009 is Carma Wood. She is currently the worship arts pastor at Park Place Church of God in Anderson, Indiana. She has more than eight years of experience as a worship music pastor, many more years leading music as a layperson, and nearly a lifetime of passion for music and worship.

Church of God worship leaders such as George Skramsted, Paul Yerden, Dean Schield, and Fred Meadows have influenced Carma greatly in her ministry. She also understands the wide demographic present at NAC each year, and she insists there will be something for everyone: "We're trying to seek God's direction for music that transcends style. Sure, the nuts and bolts of the issue are still the use of contemporary music and traditional hymnody, and we're going to use them together." She underscores that the primary goal of the music is to foster worship and lead each heart to a personal encounter with God. And she wants anyone who can sing to participate in the Camp Meeting choir this year, so spread the word!

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The North American Convention of the Church of God is an experience where today meets tomorrow, where heritage creates hope, and the people of God discover anew God's call to share the love of Jesus Christ with each other and the world." --Dr. Kerry B. Robinson, Senior Pastor, East Side Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)

Morning service venue change

The morning services of this year's NAC will be held at Park Place Church of God, adjacent to the Anderson University campus. Church of God Ministries desires to be better stewards of the funds God provides, and thus the rental of chairs, lights, and sound equipment got to be too much. Reardon Auditorium was the most likely alternative, until the news that 5th Street would be completely torn up for construction during NAC was released.

Morning services at Park Place (501 College Dr.) will begin at 10:30 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the convention. An EASY way to remember where activities will take place: All daytime events will take place at Anderson University; all evening events will be held at Madison Park Church of God, only a short drive south of AU off of Scatterfield (Rt. 9). Madison Park's address is 6607 Providence Dr. in Anderson.

Global Communion to be bigger and better!

Last year, an event so big it could not be contained in one auditorium, took place during the North American Convention of the Church of God. For the first time in Church of God history, congregations from all over the world ate of the bread and drank of the cup—AT EXACTLY THE SAME TIME.

Global Communion launched a groundswell of excitement from the North American Convention out into the world and back. Powerful times of worship and prayer preceded that precise moment when hundreds of thousands of people simultaneously celebrated the death and resurrection of Christ.

In North America, congregations that had split many years ago reunited for this act of unity, while other groups gathered with local churches of diverse faith backgrounds to share in worship. In some countries, the difference in time zones meant that believers met in the middle of the night, while others gathered on Sunday evening and worshiped and prayed together for several hours prior to taking Communion. It was an experience of unity on the grandest of scale that yielded praise reports and compelling testimonies from those churches that participated.

We’re gonna do it again.

And it’s going to be bigger and better. If you missed the experience last year, mark your calendars today to join the global communion service this June 28. Be sure to attend the 2009 North American Convention of the Church of God and celebrate communion with thousands of congregations together in one place during Sunday evening’s worship service. If you cannot be in Anderson, participate via the Internet. Tell your pastor to schedule a global Communion service at your church, and get everyone in on the action!

Live video streaming information will be made available at chog.org/NAC as the service approaches, as well as text for songs and readings.

Why should I attend NAC this year?

Why attend NAC this year? Why not next year? Why wasn't last year the year to attend? What makes the 123rd North American Convention of the Church of God the convention you should plan ahead to attend, set aside funds for and anticipate with much enthusiasm?

• Because there has never in NAC/Church of God Camp Meeting history been a gathering of international guests and missionaries such as what is planned for this year.

• Because, as Carma Wood, the NAC 2009 worship leader, explains, "This is a unique year for the world and the United States. The things that we're dealing with are unique. It's a unique year for the Church of God and the convention, with the missions celebration and venue changes. God shows up in a dynamic way when we're feeling maxed out and stretched."

• Because Kid's Place (the NAC children's program) is the place for kids this summer: to have fun, rock out in worship, draw closer to God and learn about other cultures.

• Because Andy Stephenson (of IYC) and the youth ministries team at Church of God Ministries have thrills, powerful worship experiences and unique opportunities in mind for the youth.

• Because the music and preaching highlight some of the best of the Church of God movement.

• Because "once in one place at one time, people travel across continents and oceans to celebrate the hope and life we have found in the Church of God," Pastor Jim Lyon, of Madison Park Church of God, explains.

• Because, "if you do not attend Camp Meeting," as Lori Salierno, of Celebrate Life International, warns, "you will miss the infusion of courage and life that is necessary to face ministry demands. You will miss out on seeing old friends and making new acquaintances. Camp Meeting could mean the difference between getting burnt out and finishing strong." Lori insists, "You will want to make this year's NAC a priority!"

Eddie Cumberbatch to make appearance!

I had an opportunity to talk with this year's worship leader about what might be special about the music this year at Camp Meeting. Many of the details are still unfolding, but she did reveal one secret: Renowned vocalist, Eddie Cumberbatch, will make an appearance during NAC! She would not say in which evening service he would share his talent, which means you will have to attend each evening service at Madison Park Church of God to find out!

Eddie Cumberbatch graduated from Anderson University in 1984. He is originally from La Pastora, Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago. He is a a tenor who has sung all over the world, including for nobility such as Prince Charles. He has won numerous awards for singing, and in 2006, toured with Paul and Rita Jo Yerden. With Paul Yerden, he released a CD entitled "The Lord is My Light."

For more information about Eddie Cumberbatch, read Cara Miller's article at www.anderson.edu/signatures/spring06/journal/profiles.html.

Worship service venue changes

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS! Worship services during the 123rd North American Convention of the Church of God will NOT be held in the Kardatzke Wellness Center. Morning services will be held at Park Place Church of God (501 College Drive, Anderson, IN 46012). Evening services will be held at Madison Park Church of God (6607 N. Providence Dr., Anderson, IN 46013). The rental of the chairs and sound equipment to turn the "gymnasium" that is the Wellness Center into an auditorium got to be too pricey. Church of God Ministries wants to be the best stewards possible of the money God provides.

Celebrating Church of God Missions: 100 years!

This year's NAC is going to be extra exciting because this is the 100th year of the Church of God sending missionaries around the world. You won't want to miss a celebration like this--you know, this kind of event only comes around once every hundred years!!

The Centennial Celebration will include all kinds of missionary, international and multicultural flair. In fact, there will be so much going on that all of it just won't fit in the evening services alone. Beginning on the Sunday of NAC, there will be pre-service events at 5:30 p.m. introducing international guests and missionaries. You can mingle with all of these folks and watch multimedia presentations. Where else--and when else--can you find missionaries and international guests from all over the world gathered in one place?

On Saturday, there will be multicultural Family Day activities. On Monday night, don't miss out on the commissioning serivice. On Wednesday afternoon, there will be a "School of Missions," in which the various Church of God missions professors will be present for a time of learning and fellowship for convention-goers in their teens through their 30s. Each evening service will also be decorated to reflect a different region of the world.

Check back with the NAC ChoGger for more Centennial Celebration updates as they unfold!

Welcome!

Hey everybody!


This is a blog, created by me, the NAC ChoGger, dedicated to spreading the word about the 123rd North American Convention of the Church of God (NAC 2009), slated to take place June 26 through July 1, 2009. ChoGgers* and non-ChoGgers alike are encouraged to attend! After all, if you belong to Christ, you are a part of the church of God--and we want to see you in Anderson, Indiana this summer for a massive gathering of God's people. If you don't know God or haven't been to church much, or at all, this is still the event for you to attend! Especially if you've never been to a church convention or camp meeting, you can't miss out on this experience--you never know what will happen when you get a bunch of the family of God (like thousands of people!) together in one place! Powerful worship and preaching, exciting conferences for all ages, service opportunities, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones from all across the fruited plain (and around the world!), make this event something worth attending!


See http://chog.org/Events/NorthAmericanConvention/tabid/581/Default.aspx for more information! The picture shows the spectacular candlelight (er, uh glow stick!) service we had at the conclusion of last year's convention.

*A Christian who attends, or once attended, a Church of God congregation affiliated with the Church of God Reformation Movement based in Anderson, Indiana--affectionately called a ChoGger!