The largest church denomination in the territory, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, is getting ready to host the biennial church conference next month.
More than 300 are traveling from off island for the conference, with committee meetings set for the week of July 14.
The conference itself will open with a church service on Sunday July 21, preceded the day before with the graduation of the Kanana-Fou seminary. The conference will be five days and will end with the election of church officers.
Church treasurer Ufagafa Ray Tulafono said meetings of the various church committees, including the Committee of Elders, Education, Ways and Means, Committee of Deacons, and Womens Fellowship will review and discuss issues that would be on the agenda of the general conference.
The CCCAS has congregations across the mainland United States, Alaska and Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.
The current leaders are Rev Elder Dr Leatulagi Faalevao-chairman, vice chairman is Rev Elder Faaeteete Saifoloi, the secretary is Rev Nafatali Falealii and Ufagafa Ray Tulafono is the Treasurer.
At the end of this year’s conference Rev Saifoloi will accede to the chairman’s seat while delegates elect a new vice chairman.
With large groups traveling to the territory to attend the CCCAS conference, flights have been fully booked. The off island delegates bring a boost to the economy as many stay on after the conference and patronize the hotels, restaurants, rent cars and do a lot of shopping.
Asiga or visitation of off-island delegates by their families also contribute to the spending.
