This Week in PNEC --- October 27, 2016 - November 4, 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
Disaster Response Appeal - Caribbean and USA October 2016, "Hurricane Matthew"

Please Click Here for a bulletin insert provided by the national ucc for update of the current storms.

We continue to get lots of basic questions about where to find information about UCC response to recent disasters. I would like to strongly encourage you to check out the UCC Disaster Ministries NewsFeed homepage. http://feeds.feedburner.com/disasterupdates
 
Additional helpful links:
 
  Zach Wolgemuth,  Executive, UCC Disaster Ministries
700 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland, OH  44115
+1 410-259-6194 (m) www.ucc.org/disaster/
 
The PNEC will host a day of Education
with Martha Spong
Save the date on February 14th with a snow date of February 21st. We will gather at St. John's Fullerton from 9 a.m. until 3.
     Power and Place in Women's Stories" will take a deep and wondering look at the stories of the women who anoint Jesus, as well as where we figure in our own stories.
     Mark tells a story in the macro; the woman has revolutionary social courage, performing a political action with global implications. Why, then, in Luke, is her nature changed, her act reduced to subservience, her action's place in the gospel changed entirely? Here we learn what the powers do by misdirection. Then in John, written later, we find the story in the micro - a family story, still subversive, with the previously anonymous act carried out by a known quantity. And what of Matthew's villain?
     We will look, too, at our own lives and place ourselves in our stories.  Where have we been subversive? When have we needed courage? Who do we call villains? Why do we let others tell our stories for us?
     Martha Spong is the Executive Director of RevGalBlogPals and a pastor in the United Church of Christ. A writer and a clergy coach, she has served churches of various sizes and situations as both an interim and settled pastor. The editor of There's a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor (SkyLight Paths, 2015), she is currently at work on a book telling her story of living faithfully with a chronic illness.
 
ONLINE UCC History, Theology and Polity Course
Winter 2017
 
     A UCC History, Theology and Polity Course that meets the requirements as set forth by the UCC Polity Teacher's Network will be offered online during January 2017. Classes will begin at 9:00am and end at 4:00pm on the following dates: January 7, 21, 28 and February 4. The platform utilized will be Zoom Video Conferencing (zoom.us) The tuition will be $465. For more information contact the instructor, Reverend David Gaewski, NY Conference Minister, at  davidgaewski@uccny.org
     This polity course is sponsored by the Oneida Association of the New York Conference. Payments should be sent no later than December 20th to: Diana Pelletier, 114 Munro Dr., Camillus, NY 13031. Make checks payable to Oneida Association UCC.
     A syllabus is available upon request.  Laity, Members in Discernment and Privilege of Call candidates are all invited!   Class size is limited to the first twelve to register.  The course will be cancelled if we do not obtain seven registered students. A student is considered registered when full payment has been received. Students who cancel enrollment will receive reimbursements up until January 6.
 
Lay Ministry of the 21st
Century has changed its name to PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
to better reflect our educational mission.   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.
     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
 
Creating Opportunities to Secure the Future of Our Church...the UCC has a wealth of scholarships for individuals in the denomination who are engaged in education, leadership, and ministry.  Please Click Here to see the scholarships that are currently available.
 
Children's Sermon for
       for Oct. 30 (based on Luke 19:1-10)   Items Needed: one nickel and one dime for each child.   Hold up a nickel and a dime, and ask what they are.  Which is bigger?   Which would you rather have?  The dime--even though it is smaller than the nickel, it is worth more--it's worth two nickels.  Today's Bible story is about a man named Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus was like this dime-he was small, but his faith  was worth a lot.  Sometimes  you may feel small, but then you can  remember Zacchaeus, who even though he was small, he had a big faith.  Give each child a nickel and a dime to remind them that God is not concerned with how big we are, but how big our faith is.
- Rev. David Quinn
 
CROSSROADS
 
Crossroads Info Session
    As a Lay Person, do you have a sense that God is calling you to something more - a deeper relationship, a specific mission, an expanded leadership role within your faith community?  Crossroads Lay Leadership is a great place to explore your call and gain the skills you need to live into that call.
     Join us Saturday, November 12 at 10 am at Moravian Theological Seminary, 60 W. Locust Street, for a presentation on the program and an informal Q&A to follow. Now is a great time to explore the intersection of your life and God's mission!  Real Time Distance Learning will also be a topic.  If you want to attend the Info Session by distance, please contact Jill Peters at jpeters@moravian.edu as soon as possible. Crossroads: Great people sharing faith, working hard and having fun!
  
Dr. Jill Peters, Missional Leadership Developer
Moravian Theological Seminary
              
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLERGY CONNECTIONS

Rev. Karen Moeschberger, pastor of St. John's UCC, Allentown, reports that St. John's voted on October 16 to become an Open and Affirming congregation.

Rev. John McLoughlin fell last Thursday and broke a vertebrae in his back.  He is currently at Lehigh Valley Hospital but is scheduled to be transferred today or tomorrow to Good Shepherd in Allentown for rehabilitation.  John is a retired PNEC pastor.

On October 16, Michael Lonergan was elected licensed pastor of Salem, Pocono Lake.   He will start January 1, 2017.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Services of Interest...
November 6 - 3:00PM -  INSTALLATION - Rev. Teresa Martin - St. John's UCC, 538 E. Thomas St., Coopersburg.  The theme of the day is "Passion for Christ and Life" and a tail gate reception/party will follow! The dress code is casual and you are invited to wear something that inspires your passions, football jersey, gold shirt etc.  Ministers are not robing but will process together! 
 
November 20 - 3:00PM - INSTALLATION - Rev. Kris Snyder-Samuelson - Union UCC, Neffs. Clergy and ministers are invited to process, please meet in the back of the sanctuary before the service.  Wear your favorite stole (it does not have to be red). EVERYONE is invited to a reception following worship. Preacher:  Rev. Thomas N. Thomas, Pastor Emeritus

 
calendar
UPCOMING DATES            

OCTOBER
31 - 4PM - Staff & Personnel Committee - Conference Office
NOVEMBER
1 - Easton AMC Clergy - Lower Saucon UCC, Hellertown
1 - 6PM (Dinner) - Search & Call Team - Conf. Office
2 - 11AM-2PM - Retirees Luncheon - Jordan UCC, Allentown
2 - 12 Noon - Allentown AMC Clergy - Place TBA
3 - 11:30AM-1:00PM - Southwest AMC Clergy - St. John's, Emmaus

      FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF "Upcoming Dates"
Moravian Seminary
                     *REMINDER*
LEARN ABOUT OUR GRADUATE PROGRAMS
 November 5 * 10am-Noon
 Click Here to Register
 
Call for UCC Chaplains for the 2017 Boy Scouts of America Jamboree
     The UCC Scouting Working Group is seeking qualified persons to serve as Chaplains for the 2017 Boy Scouts of America Jamboree. A great opportunity to provide an important witness and pastoral presence for the inclusive, extravagant welcome of the UCC. Over the past few years the Boy Scouts of America have changed their policies ending the ban on gay and bisexual youth membership. The UCC was part of the effort to encourage those changes and through the new UCC Scouting Working Group, we are working to promote and support the values of inclusive Scouting programs. We believe an important place to have an impact is through chaplaincies at BSA events.
     Every four years, the Boy Scouts of America hold a National Jamboree that brings together Scouts from all over the country and world. In the summer of 2017 over 30,000 Scouts and adult leaders will gather at the Summit in West Virginia, the permanent home for Jamborees, for 8 days of outdoor fun and fellowship. Integral to the staff are a corps of 120 Chaplains who represent all of the faith groups that sponsor Scouting Units. The UCC has been sparsely represented in the last few Jamborees, but with the new Memorandum of Understanding between the UCC and the BSA we have the opportunity for several UCC Pastors and Authorized Ministers (of any gender) to serve as chaplains.  Chaplains are involved in the day to day life of the youth and adults who participate in this event. They provide emotional and spiritual support to them around the natural phases of life. These issues can simply be a youth who is homesick, or helping a person who is having interpersonal relationships challenges or questions about their faith.  Chaplains have also been involved in hospital visitation and death notifications. Above all the chaplains model healthy spiritual practices to young people and their leaders.
     Interested persons must be:  1) an authorized minister in good standing with the UCC; 2) registered (or become registered) as an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America, and; 3) willing to serve young people and participate in a fun, meaningful & challenging event. 
     UCC Chaplains have the responsibility to:  1) participate in an online Chaplaincy Training/Orientation; 2) follow the guidelines of the BSA National Jamboree; 3) wear prescribed BSA uniforms; and 4) pay their own registration fees & travel costs.  (We are seeking ways to help those who need financial assistance.)
     Find out more about being on staff at the 2017 National Boy Scout Jamboree at http://www.summitbsa.org/events/jamboree/overview/ 
and click on Staff Volunteers.  If interested contact Rev. Lev Reynolds at LeveringR@aol.com
 

LICENSING/COMMISSIONING MID DAY

(Member in Discernment) 

November 19, 2016 - 9AM to 3PM

Penn Northeast Conference Office,

431 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA
 
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
 
IN SEARCH OF...
Longswamp UCC is currently searching for a Director
to lead our Children's Learning Center. A successful director will be on the cutting edge of early childhood education trends, have a passion for children & their development, and possess the skills to inspire, motivate and manage a small team. In addition, this individual will help our Church's leadership team imagine, create, motivate, manage, and communicate - compellingly, passionately and clearly - a future-focused vision for the Longswamp Learning Center. For more information, please visit this link: https://longswamp-learning-center.workable.com/jobs/351935
 
St. John's UCC, Palmerton is donating two organs     from their church to good homes.  (1) Wurlitzer by Bell & Howell Century Deluxe Organ with Orbit III Synthesizer and bench; (2) Carousel Organ with stops and complete set of pedals and bench.  If interested, call the church at 610-826-2050 and if no answer, please leave a message and someone will return your call.

CHURCH CUSTODIAN needed for United Church of
Christ, Greenawalds in Allentown. 
General cleaning duties, trash, floor care and sidewalk snow removal.  30 hrs/week, experience preferred.  Send resume to churchoffice@uccgreenawalds.org  or mail to UCC Greenawalds 2325 Albright Ave. Allentown, PA 18104
  Hand Bell Choir Director:  St. John's UCC, Nazareth,
PA seeks a director for two hand bell choirs.
The church owns two sets of five octave hand bells and one set of three octave hand chimes.  Responsibilities include: Recruiting players as needed, rehearsing and directing two Bell Choirs, selecting and purchasing music, coordinating requests for use of the bells outside of the building with the Director of Music; and maintaining the hand bells and related supplies as needed.
Qualifications:  Play piano, previous directing experience, and the ability to work well with people. Pennsylvania and FBI clearances required for employment. Salary determined by experience. Call 610.759.0893 for application or e-mail us at sjuccnaz.org.
Church of the Goo d Shepherd UCC, 135 Quarry Road,
Alburtis, PA 18011, is seeking a Choir Director to accompany and lead our Senior Choir of 15 adults; 5 women & 10 men.  Contact the Rev. Scott M. Sanders at the church office: 610-966-2991 or Email: gsucc71@ptd.net.
ORGANIST or PIANIST NEEDED: St. Mark's UCC,
Allentown is in need of an organist for Sunday service and special services throughout the year. Approximately 90 minutes per service. Salary is negotiable. Please respond to smucc@ptd.net or mail to:  St. Mark's UCC, 52 East Susquehanna St., Allentown PA 18103;  Att: Consistory Elders

 
What's Happening in Our Churches
 
(PLEASE NOTE:  We love advertising the "happenings" in our churches, however the list is getting too long for this publication.)
 
FOR THE COMPLETE LISTING of
"What's Happening in Our Churches"

CLICK HERE