A Family Gathering
RON HAMILTON, CCCC CONFERENCE MINISTER
Annual Gathering Highlights:
The members and friends of the Conference enjoyed a special time together at the 69th Annual Gathering (AG) held in July in Pittsburgh. Over 400 people responded positively to all that took place. The Spirit of God was present as we focused on the theme, “First Things First,” exploring the value of “A Culture of Believing Prayer and Intercession.”
Daniel Henderson provided helpful teaching and practical insight into ways that we can build the prayer life of our churches. The seminars helped people further explore the theme and understand the resources available through our ministry. The Church Development and Church Multiplication Committees held pre-conference intensives that were well attended.
The host church, St. Peter’s Reformed Church in Zelienople, PA did a wonderful job of welcoming our delegates to the area. Pastor Jim Bertoti, his staff and church leaders made everyone feel at home and provided some great opportunities to enjoy the Pittsburgh area. Over 100 people enjoyed a dinner cruise on the three rivers near Pittsburgh. Others took advantage of the culture of the region for special activities.
We deeply appreciate the work of Tim Dubeau and the Annual Gathering Planning Committee in preparing for this annual conference. Todd Venman completed his term as Conference President as he presided over the business sessions. Plans will soon begin for the 70th AG to be held at Gordon College in Wenham, MA next summer.
New Faces in Leadership
We welcomed 4 churches and 31 ministers to Conference membership at the annual gathering. 11 people were approved for a change of standing. This reflects the faithful work of the Credentials Committee over the past year. Our members enjoyed the testimonies of these new members at the closing business session.
Four members of the Board of Directors were elected for 3-year terms at the business sessions at the annual gathering. Tim Dubeau (Salem CT) and Kim Gardell (Spokane WA) were elected for second terms. Jorge Hrebien (Whittier CA) and Wayne Sweitzer (Lunenburg MA) were newly elected members of the Board.
MATT MILLIGAN (Hudson WI) was elected to a 3-year term as President of the Conference. Matt is Founding Pastor of CCCC church plant, Living Pathway Church, now The Why Church in Hudson, WI. He has been actively involved in the Conference since he joined in 1997, serving on the Board of Directors, the Guiding Coalition, and the Structure Task Force. He was the CCCC Vice-President from 2015 – 2017.
ALVIN HELMS (Oceanside CA) was elected to a 3-year term as Vice-President. He has served as the Senior Pastor of the Carlsbad Community Church since 2010. In 2016 the church hosted the Annual Gathering. Alvin has served the CCCC in various ways since he joined in 1993. He chaired the former Lay Ministry Committee, served two terms on the Board of Directors, and was the Recording Secretary from 2013 – 2016. Alvin also served as the Area Pastor for California and hosts a pastor’s fellowship in Carlsbad. He was a plenary speaker at the annual gathering in 2013 and at the World Evangelical Congregational Fellowship triennial meeting in 2016.