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

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!"