This Week in PNEC ---  November 19 - November 27,  2015 

TO CONTACT US OR TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA18071; www.pnec.org website

610-826-3113; FAX 610-826-5464

 

Alan Miller    [email protected]         Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez   [email protected]   

Barbara Jennings   [email protected]               Patty Rehrig     [email protected]

 

IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO INCLUDE IN "THIS WEEK IN PNEC" PLEASE EMAIL IT TO   [email protected]
PNEC's 2015 Closing Date will be Friday, January 15, 2016
  Please plan your closing so that your final 2015 remittance will be received in the Conference Office by Friday, January 15, 2016. Receipts received after the 15th will be credited to 2016. Do not include 2015 remittances with 2016 and make certain remittance slips are marked for either the year 2015 or 2016.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM UNITED CHURCH RESOURCES, UCC
 
   The 2016 Desk Calendar and Plan Book has sold out but you can get it as a    Downloadable PDF for $6.99.  The Desk Calendar and Plan Book has Lectionary readings for every Sunday, special mission offering dates, special observances, and a UCC National Staff directory.
 
                                                CLICK HERE TO ORDER NOW 

 
 
You are invited to come to an ...
Advent Retreat: "Inspiration"
which is sponsored by the Spiritual Renewal Partners of the PNEC.  It will take place on
Saturday, December 5, 2015
from 9am to 3pm
St. John's UCC in Emmaus
If you like, you may bring something that you find inspirational, such as a poem or prose that you have read or written to share with the group.
     Please bring a Bible, journal, pen or pencil, and a bag lunch.  Beverages will be provided.  Also, you are welcome to bring a snack or baked goods to share with others.  There will be time for sharing, meditation, journaling, fellowship and lunch, free time and communion before we go away, spiritually refreshed, recharged, and filled.
     To register, please email Dorothy Sechler by email at [email protected] or send a note to her at 4727 Werleys Corner Road, New Tripoli, PA 18066 by November 30, 2015.  Please list your name(s), church name, your address, and phone number.  We look forward to seeing you there!
                        - Jacqueline Billy,  Spiritual Renewal Partner
                                       [email protected]
 
CROSSROADS
CROSSROADS Info Session
will be held at Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem on Saturday, Dec 5 at 10 am.  CROSSROADS is a series of courses designed to help lay people in congregational and community ministries. Our graduates are involved in incredible ministries of teaching, leadership, working with veterans and homeless, strengthening families, providing insight for their congregations in areas of discipleship, worship and much more.  There are no entrance requirements for program participants, courses can be taken in any order, all courses rotate every two years.  On Dec 5 we will go over the whole program and specifically the courses coming up in our Winter and Spring Semesters.  We are running Compass, the recommended first course, in Jan/Feb on Saturdays.  All our course schedule information is on our website at  www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads or contact Jill Peters at [email protected] or 610-861-1616.
 
       We, the Amigos de Guatemala team, are extremely grateful to the MANY churches who have supported the mission of building a multi-use facility/clinic in Monte Margarita, Guatemala.
       We offer special thanks to the congregations in the Susquehanna AMC, specifically 222,087 thank yous!!! This is the equivalent of the number of pennies they collected and donated to the pennies campaign. Members of the AMC held a special service on October 25 to bless the donations and uplift the mission. Rev. Gilberto Garcia-Rodriguez and Rev. Sharon Harfman from our team spoke to those present about the missions we were on and about the dream of the completion of the multi-use facility.
       It was uplifting to see the area churches come together for one service of dedication. This proves one church can't do it all, but many together can.
       If your church or AMC would like to learn more about the Amigos, please contact Roger or Karen Heim at [email protected] or 610.481.9704 and we can arrange a date for a presentation. Or contact anyone on our team. Rev Gilberto Garcia, Rev. Sharon Harfman, Rev. James Gottwald, Rev. David Charles Smith, Rev. Jeff Bauer, Karen Gomez, Dr. Marna Greenberg, Hersh Ruhmel, Brian and Carolyn Heft.
       Your prayers are also welcome for the people in Guatemala. They have a new president who seems to have little knowledge in political leadership. They have experienced natural disasters such as mudslides. And the indigenous people are not given equal rights in many situations in Guatemala.
       Your monetary contributions can be sent to PNEC, Amigos in the memo line. Any amount will help the people in Guatemala have better health care.
       May God bless your congregations in their missions, wherever and whatever they may be.
 
 

Cutting Edge Faith Formation 

Discover, Create, Experience

Middle Atlantic Association of United Church Educators

(MAUCE)

2016 Faith Formation Event for Pastors, Staff, & Volunteers in Faith Formation for Children, Youth, & Adults

April 18 - April 20, 2016

Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center, Mt. Bethel

Click here for more information & registration forms
 
UCC Stands Ready to Assist Carolinas Flood Survivors
Written by Carol Fouke-Mpoyo
 
     Severe flooding has claimed 17 lives in South Carolina and two in North Carolina, and the emergency is not over yet.  Evacuation orders affecting thousands of people in coastal areas are in force, with authorities warning that flooding could continue for up to two more weeks.
     United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries has been monitoring the situation and has reached out to the UCC Southeast Conference Disaster Coordinator and other conference leaders to offer support for both early response and long-term recovery needs.
     "We support local efforts through solidarity grants that are aimed at meeting local immediate needs in affected communities where our churches are active," said UCC Disaster Ministries Executive Zach Wolgemuth. 
"Furthermore, I fully expect that UCC Disaster Ministries will be engaged long term in meeting the unmet needs of survivors struggling to put their lives back together," he said.
Wolgemuth urged UCC members to keep people in the Carolinas in prayer, support the UCC's Emergency USA Fund, and be prepared to volunteer to support long-term recovery efforts in the months and years ahead.
- Linda Lenhart, C.M.D.M 
 
   ANNOUNCEMENTS  &     announcements
CLERGY CONNECTIONS
 
Betty Walker passed away.  Betty was the wife of the late Rev. Lionel Walker who served First UCC, Milford many many years ago.  A service for Betty will be held at First UCC, Milford on Saturday.
Diane Schaffer is recovering at home after having triple bypass surgery on Monday, November 9.  Diane is the wife of Rev. Frank Schaffer, Stated Supply pastor at Solomon's UCC, Macungie.
  ========================
 
SERVICES OF INSTALLATION...
 
November 22 - 9:30AM - Rebekah Thomas will be installed as pastor (licensed) at St. Peter's (Lynnville), New Tripoli.
 
calendar                UPCOMING DATES 
 
NOVEMBER
20-21 - Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Models of Ministry & Administration
22 - 9:30AM - INSTALLATION - Rebekah Thomas - St. Peter's (Lynnville), New Tripoli
24 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Lutheran Synod Office
25 - (1/2 day) - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Thanksgiving Holiday
26, 27 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Thanksgiving Holiday
DECEMBER
1 - Easton AMC Clergy - St. Thomas (Macada), Bethlehem
5 - 9AM-3PM - Advent Retreat sponsored by the Spiritual Renewal Partners - "Inspiration" - St John's UCC. Emmaus
8 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton
9 - 9AM - Licensed Ministers' Mentoring Group - Conf. Office
12 -9AM-4PM -  Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Here We Are To Worship - First UCC, Schuylkill Haven
14 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee
15 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee
15 - Noon to2PM- Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Christmas Luncheon at Morgan's
15 -Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Villa Lentini Ristorante 
16 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee
16 - 6PM - Board of Directors - Conference Office
24,25 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Christmas Holiday
2016
JANUARY
13 - 9AM - Licensed Ministers' Mentoring Group - Conf. Office
19 - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - China House
20 - 6PM - Nominating Committee - Conference Office
22-23 - Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Pastoral Care -- Jesuit Spiritual Center, Wernersville
26 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee
27 - SNOW DATE - Nominating Committee - Conf. Office
30 - Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - 3rd of 3 part UCC History & Polity Course
FEBRUARY
13 -9AM-4PM - Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Theology I - First UCC, Schuylkill Haven
16 -Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Susie's Shady Nook 
18 - 6PM - Search & Call Team - Conference Office
23 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee
MARCH
1 - DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS for the Gwilym T. Williams Scholarships
9 - 9AM - Licensed Ministers' Mentoring Group - Conf. Office
15 -Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Schleicher's Family Rest. 
17 - 6PM - SNOW DATE - Search & Call Team - Conf. Office
18-19 -Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Pastor as Teacher - Jesuit Spiritual Center, Wernersville
22 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee
APRIL
1-3 - PNEC Annual Youth Retreat - Hartman Center, Milroy, PA
9 - PNEC ANNUAL MEETING - Northampton Community Center, Northampton
13 - 9AM - Gwilym T. Williams Scholarship Fund Committee
13 - 9AM - Licensed Ministers' Mentoring Group - Conf. Office
16 -9AM-4PM -  Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Theology II - First UCC, Schuylkill Haven
18-20 - MAAUCE - Christian Educators - Tuscarora Inn, Mt. Bethel
19 - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Country View Diner
26 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee
MAY
3-5 - Clergy Convocation - Double Tree by Hilton, Lancaster
17 - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - China House
20-21 - Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Ecumenical & Interfaith Relationships - Jesuit Spiritual Center, Wernersville
22 - NYE 2016 Pre-Gathering (adult training & youth gathering) - Place TBA
24 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee
JUNE
11 - 9AM-4PM - Lay Ministry in the 21st Century - Who Are We Today? - First UCC, Schuylkill Haven
21 -Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Di Fiore's Pizzaria & Italian Restaurant 
JULY
26-29 - National Youth Event (NYE) - Lake Buena Vista, Florida
SEPTEMBER
23-25 - Women's Retreat - Trout Lake
OCTOBER
3-5 - Parish Secretaries Seminar - Bird in Hand, PA
2017
JUNE
June 30-July 4 - 2017 General Synod - Baltimore, MD
 
Donations of Toiletries Urgently Needed
 
The Lehigh Conference of Churches has immediate needs for donations of toiletries and personal care items to be distributed to families and individuals who come to us seeking help with the basic needs of everyday life. As we approach Thanksgiving, please consider expressing your gratitude by donating full-size (not travel size) items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine care products, and baby wipes and diapers.  Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Laura Rowe at 610-433-6421 ext. 6101 for more information or to arrange a drop off. With your help and generosity, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those in need.  The Lehigh Conference of Churches | 610-433-6421| 610-439-8039
 
Blessing and Peace from your friends at lay ministry
Lay Ministry in the 21st Century
 
Here We Are To Worship
 (This is an Enrichment Class designed for persons seeking to gain knowledge and strengthen discipleship...A required class for those seeking licensed/commissioned ministry)
December 12, 2015
9AM to 4PM
First UCC, Schuylkill Haven
The Rev. Dr. Joanne Marchetto, Associate Pastor of the Barn in Allentown
        
If you have any questions or concerns about the courses, the flyer or the program in general please don't hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.

                            - Rev. Steve Hummel, Program Director
      Lay Ministry in the 21st Century ---  484-239-5578
 
IN SEARCH OF...  
 
UCC, Greenawalds, 2325 Albright Ave., Allentown, PA 18104  is seeking a Director of Music Ministries to serve as church choir director, organist and/or pianist. This is a part-time position, to play for one worship service at 10:30 am on Sundays, direct weekly choir rehearsal, and play for special services. Pay is based on experience. Resumes may be submitted to Grant Field at [email protected] or mailed to the church office at the above address.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 610-395-0821.

Dryland UCC, 4415 Newburg Road, Nazareth, PA is seeking a Director of Music / Church Organist.  This is a part-time position of approximately 10 hours per week.  The successful candidate will play for one worship service on Sunday, direct weekly choir rehearsals, and play for special services.  Pay is based on experience.  We would also be willing to hire an interim director, if you can serve in that capacity.  Resumes can be submitted to [email protected], or mailed to the church office, 4415 Newburg Road, Nazareth, PA 18064.  Additional information can be obtained by calling Joyce Hittinger at 610-866-6516.
 

November 21 - Bus Trip to the Christmas Show at Sight & Sound Theater - St. John's UCC (Howertown), 22 Atlas Rd., Northampton - bus leaves the church at 2PM - eat at Hershey Farms - show time is 6:30PM - should be back at church by 10 or 10:30PM - $99/adult - TWO seats available - call 610-262-8666 for additional information or to reserve the last two seats.
 
November 21 - Country Fair - Zion UCC, Second & Iron Sts., Lehighton - 9AM to 2PM - come visit the magic - you can find many beautiful hand-made crafts just in time for the Christmas gift giving season -lots of books for sale as well as good food, including apple dumplings - chances for the beautiful hand-made quilted throw and nine other prizes as well as for the super-duper basket raffle

November 21 - Craft Show & Basket Social - First UCC, 457 Delaware Ave., Palmerton - 9AM to 2PM - $5/card or special 4 cards/$20 - homemade treats & goodies - open kitchen with breakfast and lunch options - First UCC has pledged 10% of proceeds to be donated to our local food pantry CACPAC 
 
November 21 - Vendor Event - Christ UCC, 109 S. Chestnut St., Bath - 10AM to 3PM - free admission - Pampered Chef - Tastefully Simple - Crafts - Mary Kay - Dove Chocolates - Premier Designs Jewelry & more - bring this ad for a free beverage with a $5/food purchase

November 22 - Candy Sale - St. John's UCC, 1027 Church St., Fogelsville - ORDERS DUE November 22 - candy by Annette's Candy Kitchen - pickup will be mid December - for more information call 610-285-6608
 
November 22 - "Plain 'n Fancy" sticky bun sale - ORDERS DUE November 22 - pick up December 3 - plain $5.50; walnut, raisin, coconut/$6.50 - to place order call 610-395-3083 or 610-395-0002 or 610-285-6608
 
November 25 - South Parkland Community Thanksgiving Eve - Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown - 7PM - Jordan Evangelical Lutheran Church, Jordan UCC, St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, and Asbury United Methodist Church will provide worship leadership and special choral anthems - please bring a canned good for the food bank at Jordan Lutheran, and plan to stay for fellowship after the service
    
November 25 - Thanksgiving Eve Macungie Community Worship Service - Solomon's UCC, 82 S. Church St., Macungie - 7PM - theme for this year is PUT THE THANKS BACK INTO THANKSGIVING!  - each worshipper will have the opportunity to list one thing for which they are grateful.  Our service will include Pastor Bill Lutzko of Macungie Community Center, Pastor Gary Creeley of Macungie Nazarene Church, Pastor Mark Swanson of Grace Lutheran and Pastor Frank Schaffer of Solomon's UCC - all the offering receiving-except that which is designated-will be placed into the Macungie Benevolence Fund, which is distributed to borough residents who demonstrate need.

November 26 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown - 11AM to 2PM - free and open to the public
 
November 26 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner - St. John's UCC, 15 S. Second St., Slatington (Social Hall) - 11AM to 2PM - free of charge to anyone who would like a meal on Thanksgiving - free-will donations are accepted, and any profits from the dinner are donated to the Northern Lehigh Food Bank

November 29 - Ecumenical Cantata - Zion UCC, Second & Iron Streets, Lehighton - 7:30PM - start your Holiday Season with a meaningful Christmas Cantata presented by the Zion Music Department - the ecumenical chorus, made up of scores of voices from churches throughout Carbon County, will combine with the Zion Festival Orchestra to present All Is Well

December 5 - Christmas Tea - New Creation UCC, 3730 Nicholas St., Palmer Township (Easton) - directly across from Redner's - 1 to 4PM - $3/person - entertainment, a raffle, and a Christmas Cookie sale - we are a fully accessible facility, call or email for tickets 610-253-1541 [email protected] 

December 8 - Messiah-Sing The Christmas Portion - St. Paul's UCC, 19th & Lincoln Ave., Northampton -7:30PM - come to sing or listen - Director Todd Fennell; Organist Brian Snyder; Guest Soloists - Pamela Jones, Carole Burkhardt, Stephen Sands, Ralph Shatski - an offering will be received and a social will follow
 
December 11-12 - Lowhill Lights of Wonder - Christ Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Rd., New Tripoli - 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Call 610-360-4281 or 610-504-4902 for more information
 
December 12 - Hymn Sing - Christ Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Rd., New Tripoli - 5PM - Call 610-360-4281 or 610-504-4902 for more information
 
December 12 - The Wonder of Christmas One Day Family Vacation Bible School - Christ Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Rd., New Tripoli - 3 to 6PM - celebrate the birth of Jesus with kid-friendly (and adult-friendly) activities for the entire family - two offerings will be received to cover the cost of VBS and to support the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley - to register by December 1 or for more information, call Kim Meitzler at 610-762-3166

  December 19 - Hymn Sing - Christ Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Rd., New Tripoli - 5PM - Call 610-360-4281 or 610-504-4902 for more information
 
December 19-22 - Lowhill Lights of Wonder - Christ Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Rd., New Tripoli - 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Call 610-360-4281 or 610-504-4902 for more information
 
December 20 - Craig Thatcher & Nyke Van Wyk present "An Acoustic Christmas" Concert - St. John's UCC, 538 E. Thomas St., Coopersburg, PA - 1st seating at 2:00 pm, 2nd Seating at 4:30 pm - lite refreshments and fellowship will follow each performance - Free will offering - "EVENTIDE" Craig & Nyke's new Christmas 2015 CD will be available - Call 610-282-3310 or 267-221-8915 for more information.

December 26-29 - Lowhill Lights of Wonder - Christ Church at Lowhill, 4695 Lowhill Church Rd., New Tripoli - 5:30 to 8:30 pm - Call 610-360-4281 or 610-504-4902 for more information

December 27 - New Creation UCC Praise Team Performance -" One Night, One Star, One Child" - A Celebration of Christmas Through Word and Song - 4PM - light refreshments served - New Creation UCC 3730 Nicholas St. Palmer Township (directly across from Redner's) we are a fully accessible facility call for email for details 610-253-1541 [email protected]