It's hard to believe that the North American Convention is over for another year. The final day began with the final session of the General Assembly, which wrapped up well, with no real surprises.
Once GA is over things start really winding down at the NAC. A number of people begin the trek home, and the afternoon activities are less intense than in the previous two days. At one time most people were sure to stay through to the Wednesday evening service, as this was the climax of the entire event. Increasingly, that is less and less the case.
Despite the growing exodus the evening service was still reasonably well attended, with many locals showing up. Tonight there was an African focus, utilizing music, guests, and a former missionary to Africa, Don Riley, bringing the message. As usual this final service ended with a candlelight celebration (and using real candles again after a number of years!).
I will provide some closing comments and reflections on the entire convention in another post, but let me say for now that this last day at the NAC had a different feel to it. In other years it has not been uncommon to be exhausted by Wednesday, desiring to return home as soon as possible. With the renewed spirit experienced in this convention, there was almost a feeling of sadness that it had to end so soon. In some ways we'd like for it to keep going. That's a good sign for the Church of God!
Once GA is over things start really winding down at the NAC. A number of people begin the trek home, and the afternoon activities are less intense than in the previous two days. At one time most people were sure to stay through to the Wednesday evening service, as this was the climax of the entire event. Increasingly, that is less and less the case.
Despite the growing exodus the evening service was still reasonably well attended, with many locals showing up. Tonight there was an African focus, utilizing music, guests, and a former missionary to Africa, Don Riley, bringing the message. As usual this final service ended with a candlelight celebration (and using real candles again after a number of years!).
I will provide some closing comments and reflections on the entire convention in another post, but let me say for now that this last day at the NAC had a different feel to it. In other years it has not been uncommon to be exhausted by Wednesday, desiring to return home as soon as possible. With the renewed spirit experienced in this convention, there was almost a feeling of sadness that it had to end so soon. In some ways we'd like for it to keep going. That's a good sign for the Church of God!
2 comments:
I agree. This was only my 3rd NAC, but by far my favorite. I didn't want to leave.
Being fairly new to the CHOG body, I've never attended a conference. Growing up in the Methodist and Baptist churches it was always special to attend these gatherings.
As children we planned and saved for the fares and hotel fees of the National Conventions. Even the regionals were held in places that we all wanted to visit. Did we learn anything? Mostly we enjoyed the fellowship, and the site-seeing, and the youth night was always fabulous.
As adults we still looked forward to meeting new people, seeing old friends, and always learning more about the denomination, and what was working and not working in the various congregations. Taking back tons of information from books congrgants had written, or recipe books churches had put together, to videos of choirs, and children's programs, that maybe could be adapted.
Taking care of the business wasn't that much fun, but a neccessity, to see where we were in finances, services and scholorships that were able to be awarded, and yes how the numbers were looking from state to state.
After the business of the day, We had church, a high point that even most of the kids looked forward to. We came home refreshed and renewed.
So for me looking back those childhood, early adult experiences, have helped to prepare me to look forward to participating one day in the
CHOG NAC.
Yes, I'm long-winded too.
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