PC(USA) - Native American Congregational Enhancement


	First Presbyterian Church, Flandreau, South Dakota. Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church Native American Congregational Enhancement The Native American Congregational Enhancement (NACE) Office’s purpose is to enable the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to respond to Native American congregational issues, enable Native American Presbyterians to participate actively in the mission of the PC(USA), facilitate the church's task of evangelism and leadership development and serve as a liaison to ecumenical and denominational entities in relation to issues affecting Native American Presbyterian churches and chapels.


	Support Native American Urban Ministry A high priority for church growth is directed toward Native American peoples through an urban strategy. United States Census data reflect more Native Americans residing in urban areas rather than reservations or rural areas. The focus is on identifying and developing ministry in consultation with Native Americans with a Presbyterian background or with those who have not connected with a Presbyterian church since entering an urban area. E051002 Goal: $20,000


	Native American Men’s Gathering Download a conference flier and registration form Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2008 Dwight Mission Presbyterian Camp, Conference and Retreat Center Vian, Oklahoma “Man of God, Man of Faith” Genesis 6:8-9 Registration Fee: $100.00 (Covers meals and housing) Registration due by October 15, 2008 with checks payable to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Native American Men’s Gathering SE 08043 Mail Registration Form and check to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – SE 08043 Box 643765 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3765 For more information contact: Office of Native American Congregational Enhancement (888)728-7228 x5684


	Theological Context

	The Church of Jesus Christ is built on the universal love of God and its power to transform people of every race, culture and class into a community living together as the Household of God. If the church honestly recognizes the gift of Christ as a cherished possession and genuinely manifests that gift in joyful celebration, then it will naturally be a gift to all people. This is the essence of the message in both the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20, Mark 16: 14-18).


	Historical Context

	The Congregational Enhancement offices were created as part of the 1986 Structural Design for Mission to ensure that the PC(USA) would become a racially inclusive and just denomination by means of enhancing racial ethnic congregations. The specific circumstances were the reunion of the two previous denominations in which the racial ethnic membership was in jeopardy of serious decline and congregations needed strengthening in order to produce a vital racial ethnic witness and leadership. The Native American Congregational Enhancement Office and the Native American Consulting Committee (NACC) work collaboratively on issues related to Native American Ministries. The Native American Congregational Enhancement Office (NACE) is available to assist synods and presbyteries, congregations and others in developing a partnership for new ministry with Native Americans. On this Web site you'll find various synods and presbyteries, ministries and committees, related institutions, resources and events related to Native Americans.