This Week in PNEC

This Week in PNEC --- September 15, 2016 - September 23, 2016

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 alanm@pnec.org Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez gilbertor@pnec.org

Barbara Jennings barbaraj@pnec.org Patty Rehrig pattyr@pnec.org

IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO INCLUDE IN "THIS WEEK IN PNEC" PLEASE EMAIL IT TO pattyr@pnec.org

2017 Annual Meeting of the Penn Northeast Conference will be

Saturday, April 29, 2017, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. -

St. John's UCC, 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station, PA

Gwilym Williams Scholarship Gwilym T. Williams

SCHOLARSHIPS

If you are a college or graduate student who is preparing for a career either as a/an ordained minister, certified teacher or educator,

doctor of medicine then you may qualify for a scholarship grant from the

Gwilym T. Williams Scholarship Fund

This Trust Fund, created over a generation ago by a now deceased PNEC benefactor from Scranton, is administered by the Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ. The purpose of this Fund is to provide financial assistance for post-secondary students enrolled in accredited institutions of higher learning, and who are preparing to embark on a career either as an ordained minister, a certified teacher or educator, or a doctor of medicine.

Grants are limited by stipulation of the Trust to students pursuing one of these three career options, and who are also currently members in good standing of a PNEC congregation. Financial assistance will be awarded only to help pay the institution-stipulated costs of tuition and/or housing.

You are required to submit to the PNEC office all application materials (your application, certification of an acceptable program of study, your school's financial bill) before your request will be considered. Application materials must be in our office by October 1st in order to be considered for a grant for the (preceding) summer and/or (current) fall terms, and by March 1st in order to be considered for a grant for the (preceding) winter and/or (current) spring terms. Reimbursement checks will be issued directly to successful applicants. Even if you have received a Gwilym T. Williams scholarship in the past, you must reapply in order to be considered for a new grant. Applicants are awarded a maximum ten grants for undergraduate work, and ten (more) grants for post-graduate studies.

Please go to www.pnec.org to obtain the application packet.

Please note: your application will not be processed until all three application materials are received in the PNEC office.

Dear friends, (This is being sent BCC to all US church

contacts that have participated in the Christmas Card Project with churches in Japan)

It's that time of year again when I am looking for UCC and Disciples churches in the US interested in participating in the Christmas Card Project this year with churches in Japan. The churches in Japan have an historical tie to our UCC/Disciples denominations, and are presently facing many unprecedented issues as a result of the ongoing nuclear disaster in Fukushima.

I will be asking you to send a Christmas card to one or two churches in early December, AND to lift these churches up in prayer sometime during the advent season. Once I have a firm idea of how many churches from the US will be participating, I will send you the names and current information about the Japanese churches to which you will be assigned. If you have

participated before in this project, I will try to match you with the same churches that you wrote to before. Our partners in the Kyodan (the UCCJ) have asked that we continue this project, and I am encouraged to see how the Spirit is leading us as brothers and sisters in new patterns of partnership.

This project is one way to reach out globally through prayer. Please discuss this with your congregation and get back to me ASAP. I will send you the necessary

information you need by November 14th (MON). This will give you plenty of time to prepare the Christmas cards to send off by the first of December. Please let me know the name and contact address for the person who will be the contact person from your congregation this year. For recent information on Japan please go to my blog at http://jeffreyfromjapan.blogspot.com/

Journalism has been silenced in recent years, and especially pertaining to the nuclear disaster. Though

there are citizen's movements opposing the reopening of nuclear plants around the country, the government is determined to show to the world that Fukushima and Tokyo are safe for the 2020 Olympics. The people of Fukushima are severely suppressed, and the churches are ministering under these conditions. I know that your gesture of solidarity at Christmas will mean alot to our

partners in Christ living in and around Fukushima.

yours in Christ Jeffrey Mensendiek

(CGMB missionary / serving in Kobe, Japan)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The 2017 Compensation Guidelines are now available for viewing and downloading on the PNEC website at www.pnec.org

MINISTRY DAY

Monday, October 17, 2016

9AM - 4PM

(Registration Begins at 8:30AM)

St. John's UCC (Fullerton)

575 Grape St., Whitehall

TOPIC:

Conversations with

Rev. John C. Dorhauer,

General Minister and President of

the United Church of Christ

Free Will Offering will be taken for lunch

Please email or call Patty Rehrig at the PNEC Conference Office pattyr@pnec.org

or 610-826-3113

to make your reservation

We have extended an invitation to the pastors in the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference

Please get your reservations in early!

Lay Ministry of the 21st

Century has changed its name to PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)

to better reflect our educational mission. We are currently in the throes of launching a brand new website with our class schedule, a listing of new class offerings to churches and associations, ONLINE registration for all classes and ONLINE payment, as well as our LIVE BROADCAST and recorded classes for a more flexible attendance.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry's new curriculum with brand new GOALS & OBJECTIVES that are matched to the MARKS OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY can now be fulfilled within a 2 ½ year fast-track option or a 4 year regular rotation. All classes are held at First UCC in Schuylkill Haven with a new pre & post class assignment format.

PAM is a Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central and Penn Northeast conference sponsored training program designed to provide an educational foundation for our laity, our churches and our licensed/commissioned ministry programs aimed at helping our congregations thrive as the body of Christ.

Please visit our website and check out the new classes and registration and for more information please call Rev. Steve Hummel, Program Director or email paacademyofministry@gmail.com

UPCOMING CLASSES:

UCC History and Polity-Sept. 7, Oct. 8, & Nov. 19th

Stewardship-Oct. 15th

Biblical Interpretation Dec. 10th

The Chautauqua United Church of Christ Society is seeking nine UCC clergy to serve as Chaplain of the Week during the summer of 2017. Each chaplain serves during one week, Saturday through Saturday, during the regular Chautauqua summer season. For information about schedules and themes, please see www.ciweb.org. As Chaplain of the Week, you are espected to preach and lead worship on Sunday at the denominational service, briefly share your story during a social hour, lead an evening vesper service and participate in community life with our guests. You will receive housing, two gate passes, and a parking pass. Applications are available on our website at www.cuccs.org. The application deadline this year is November 30.

Children's Sermon for

for Sept. 18 (based on Luke 16:1-13) Theme: Christians need to have both prayer and action. Items Needed: chair; pair of shoes in bag. Tell kids you have decided to changes your shoes. Sit in chair, take your shoes off, then pull out just ONE of the other shoes from the bag. Put on and start walking around a little. "No, this doesn't feel right." Sit down, take off shoe, put back in bag, then take out other shoe and put that on. Walk around a little. "No, this doesn't feel right, either!" Ask kids what problem is--"Yes, I need to put BOTH shoes on at the same time." Put on both shoes, and walk around. "There, that's right!" This is like what a follower of Jesus needs in their life---both prayer, and action. I need to pray, to try to find out what Jesus wants me to do-that's like one of these shoes. And then, when I think I know what is the right thing to do, I need to DO it. That's like the other shoe, in this pair of shoes. In today's Bible reading, Jesus tells a story where someone both has a good idea and then they work to make it happen. Jesus wants us to try to find out what He wants us to do, today, which we can learn by praying. And then, when we think we know what He wants us to do, we need to DO it. So praying and doing go together, just like these two shoes go together.

- Rev. David Quinn

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLERGY CONNECTIONS

Condolences to the family of Rev. Lois Randolph who died on August 19, 2016. A memorial service was held on September 10 at First Presbyterian Church, Lehighton, PA, where she served as the pastor. Lois also served Lower Saucon UCC, Hellertown, in 2002.

Rev. Scott Brooks-Cope's recovery is going well so far. He came home from hospital on Sunday and first few days were very rough. But slowly getting his strength back and started therapy. Still not up to doing steps. That will take a while. Scott had a knee replacement. He is the Director of Pastoral Care Services for Phoebe Ministries. You can send cards to Scott at: 1732 Brandywine Rd., Allentown, PA 18104.

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Services of Interest...

October 23 - 3:00PM- INSTALLATION - Sharon Frye - Salem UCC, 330 First St., Weatherly

November 6 - Time TBA - INSTALLATION - Rev. Teresa Martin - St. John's UCC, 538 E. Thomas St., Coopersburg

UPCOMING DATES

SEPTEMBER

15 - DEADLINE for YEA Fund Applications

15 - 12Noon - PNEC/PSEC Pastors of Large Steeple Churches - Spinnerstown Hotel

17-18 - PNEC SleepOut for Homelessness - St. John's UCC (Fullerton), Whitehall

20 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

21 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee - Conference Office

23-25 - Women's Retreat - Trout Lake

27 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee - Conference Office

- 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team - PNEC Office

FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF "Upcoming Dates"

Click Here

UCC Resources

2016-2017 UCC Desk Calendar & Plan Book

This popular UCC essential runs from July 2016 - December 2017. Has complete lectionary readings for every Sunday, special mission offering dates, special observances, and National Staff directory. 1-4 copies $16 each; 5+ copies $14 each

Click Here to order

Calling All UCC Youth (Grades 9-12)!

Help Refugees - Win Scholarships - Share your Creativity!

ENTER the SYRIAN REFUGEE ACCOMPANIMENT VIDEO CONTEST

Show your awareness of the response to the Syrian refugee crisis and highlight your local community's plan of action for awareness-raising and welcoming.

Submit videos between October 1 and November 11, 2016.

Three scholarships ($2,000, $1,000 and $500) will be awarded.

Your work will be shared on ucc.org during the month of December as part of the Our Stillspeaking Voice multimedia initiative.

More information and the submission form are on the video contest webpage: http://www.ucc.org/SyrianRefugeesVideoContest

Give a boost to the visibility of a UCC extravagant welcome. Join other congregations in opening hearts and communities to refugees. First Federated Church, North Jackson, OH and Sylvania UCC share their mission trip experience via video walking "Hand in Hand" with Syrian Refugees resettling in Toledo, OH.

Questions?

Contact Mary Schaller Blaufuss, UCC Global Sharing of Resources Team Leader, blaufusm@ucc.org or 216-736-3214.

Invites YOU to the Inaugural Chaplaincy Lectures ALIVE INSIDE: A STORY OF MUSIC & MEMORY with Dan Cohen

September 22, 2016 - 9AM to Noon

addressing topics of interest to chaplains in various settings such as hospitals, colleges, continuing care communities & prisons as well as those in local church and other ministry settings.

For registration and more information please go to

https://secure.moravian.edu/sem/continuingEd/registration.asp

ALSO

Learn About Our Graduate Programs

October 1 * November 5

10AM to 12 Noon

Click Here to Register OnLine

IF YOU ARE A LICENSING/COMMISSIONING MID (Member in Discernment)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

November 19, 2016 - 9AM to 3PM - Licensing/Commissioning MID Day -

Penn Northeast Conference Office,

431 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (formerly Lay Ministry of the 21st Century) is beginning its NEW curriculum with ALL classes being held at First UCC in Schuylkill Haven on specified Saturdays below from 9am to 4pm with each class being LIVE-STREAMED and recorded. We begin our Fall curriculum with:

CARE GIVING

Part of Christian discipleship, both within and outside the church, revolves around sharing Christ's care with others. This session will consider ways to develop listening skills, visitation guidelines, and compassionate presence .

and THEN

a 3 Session Series

September 17, October 8, and November 19, 2016

UCC HISTORY AND POLITY

"Who are we? Where did we come from? What do we value? How do we work together?

Participants in this class will not only journey through the founding and history of the United Church of Christ, but will develop an understanding of how we live in covenant together, from the local church to Associations and Conferences to General Synod."

and on October 15, 2016

STEWARDSHIP

As God's stewards, we are called to make use of all God's gifts for the growth of God's reign on earth. How do we deepen our own sense of stewardship and encourage good stewardship practices within our churches?

VISIT OUR WEBSITE for registration information (that is under construction) BUT CONTINUING AT www.lm21c.com.

Save the Date...

PNEC Annual Youth Retreat

May 19-21, 2017

Spruce Lake

More information will be forthcoming!

Phoebe - Berks

Assistant Chaplain

Part Time

Phoebe Berks, a premier Continuing Care Community providing skilled nursing, personal care and independent living for older adults is seeking a part time, 24 hrs. per week, Assistant Chaplain to support the spiritual needs of our residents, family members and staff at our Wernersville campus. Responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to conducting a variety of religious activities, volunteer development and community networking. This candidate will provide support for CPE intern chaplains and field education students as well as resident care and counseling as part of the healing team. Pr eferred candidate will enjoy serving a diverse population with varied spiritual backgrounds and beliefs. Candidate will possess Master of Divinity or related degree, two units of CPE and ordination in United Church of Christ or partner denomination. Preferred eligible for certification by Association of Professional Chaplains or moving toward this goal. Please apply

on-line at phoebe.org/careers or forward resume to:

Rhonda Wade, Human Resources

Phoebe Berks, 1 Reading Drive

Wernersville, PA 19565

Fax - 610.927.8400; rwade@phoebe.org

EOE

"WE ARE ONE".... CELEBRATING OUR COMMON HUMANITY

Learning to dialogue for understanding

As our world becomes more contentious and divided, we hope to help people conquer fears of "otherness" by gaining knowledge of others and forging relationships by asking about and sharing issues of concern with serious respect for each person.

Participants are invited to learn and use the tools of dialogue to open ongoing communication throughout our faith and cultural communities. An important part of this dialogue series will be exploring social identities.

We are committed to teaching and learning listening skills that will further respect for the American value of freedom of expression while coming to understand that historical experiences matter... to all people.

Please join us for four initial sessions September 22, October 27, November 17 and December 15, 2016 for the first series of "We Are One" Community Dialogues. Sessions will be held at Muhlenberg College, 6:45 - 8:30 p.m.

RSVP: Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding

at Muhlenberg College, 484-664-3292

There is no cost, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited.