"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