This Week in PNEC --- March 2, 2017 - March 10, 2017

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
In My Weakness, You are My strength!
By Alan C. Miller
 
My book has finally arrived.  Book is a bit of an exaggeration; it is more of a devotional.  It is my journal written during the first eight months of my treatments for thymic carcinoma.  It is the story of finding the grace of God in the midst of cancer.  All proceeds from the book are going to Sloan Kettering Hospital for rare cancer research.  You can pick one up at the Conference Office for $10.00, or call  (610-826-3113) or email us (barbaraj@pnec.org) and we will send you one for $11.00; make sure you include the shipping address.
               

                             

MARK YOUR CALENDARS....

PNEC SleepOut for Homelessness

September 23-24, 2017

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

More information will be forthcoming!!
 
INFO NEEDED FOR ANNUAL MEETING
 
Attention all PNEC Congregations:  
     -What One Mission Project do
 you do at your church that 
 everyone gets excited about?  
     -What Mission Project are you
 known for in your community? 
     -What Mission Project does your congregation do
 so  well that if you didn't have it, it would not get
 done?  
    Whatever you come up with, please write a few words about it and email this info, including the date of your next event, your church's name, and location (with a pic if possible - but not necessary) to Jane Hess so that she can make a  Power Point presentation for our Annual Meeting.  jdhess@frontiernet.net     Please call her if you have a question: 570-401-2239. This Power Point will run continuously as folks are coming and going from the main meeting room at the Annual Meeting!  Thank you from the bottom of our socks - because the bottom of our hearts aren't deep enough.
 
March 3 @ 12:00-1:00pm
Birth of a Nation
Dr. Paul McEwan, Assoc. Professor & Director,
Film Studies Program, Media & Communication Dept,
Muhlenberg College
Seegers Union, Rooms 111 & 112
(Muhlenberg College)
  ~Free and open to the public~
(Bring your lunch or buy lunch at Seegers Union)
 www.ijcu.org
484.664.3470
 
PNEC-UCC
Pre-Retirement Seminar 
 
The Pension Boards is sponsoring a Pre-Retirement Seminar on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 ,at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, PA 18104 (registration/fellowship is from 8-9 a.m., 9 a.m. seminar starts, 2:30 is closing prayer). All members age 50 or over who have an Annuity Plan account balance are invited to attend. The event will begin with registration and continental breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 2:30 p.m. The seminar is offered at no cost and a one-time $100 stipend is given to each first-time member to help defer your travel expenses. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early. To register online go to bit.ly/RS_5242017, no later than 4:00 p.m. (ET) Thursday, March 9, 2017. Please remember to have your seven digit Pension Boards Member ID (which can be located on your quarterly statement) to register. Should you need any additional information or if The Pension Boards may be of assistance to you in any way, please feel free to contact 1.800.642.6543, Ext 2646.
 
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
is proud to announce its
2017 Licensed Minister's Convocation
to be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017
from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
at St. John's UCC (Hain's Church)
at 591 N. Church Road in Wernersville, PA 
 
Our Keynote speaker will be Dr. Robert Fogal on Practicing Generosity: How to communicate with clarity and grace.  Two additional workshops will be provided by Rev. Ann Graves on Hymnody: A historic & creative look at the hymns we sing and by Rev. Heather Kurtz on Ordinary to Extraordinary: A new look at Ordinary time.  Refreshments and lunch will be provided.  This is a great way to network with your peers while fulfilling continuing education for your ministry.  We hope to see all our Licensed Ministers for this annual event.  For more information please contact our Program Director: Rev. Steve Hummel at paacademyofministry@gmail.com or call him at 484-239-5578.  For the full brochure and registration CLICK HERE
 
Children's Sermon for
         for March 5(based on Mt. 4:1-11)   Items needed: fishing pole with hook(if you can't get a fishing pole, you can make one using a stick, a string, and a paper clip for a hook) ; piece of bread.  Show kids fishing pole and ask then if any of them have ever gone fishing.   Show them the hook and ask them what it is for, how the hook catches on the fish's mouth and doesn't let go.  Then explain that the fisher doesn't throw just the  bare hook into the water, the fisher uses something called bait.  Bait is something that a fish would like to eat.  One kind of bait that is used is bread.  (Wad up a chunk of bread and put it on the hook, so hook is covered.)   See how the bread covers the hook, so the part that catches the fish is hidden.  All the fish sees is the yummy bread, so he grabs on to the hook, but then the hook grabs him.  The fish is caught on the hook, and the fisher pulls the caught fish out of the water.  Today, in our Bible reading, we are talking about temptation.  Temptation is like this bread on this hook--it may look good to us to do something wrong, but inside the bread, the bait, there is a hook that can pull us away from God.  In today's Bible reading, Jesus sees that there is a hook inside the bread, so He refuses to give in to temptation.  When I am tempted to do something  that looks good, but is wrong, I can remember the hook inside the bread, the hook that can pull me away from God, and say no to temptation.
- Rev. David Quinn
 
  ANNOUNCEMENTS &
CLERGY CONNECTIONS
 
You are invited to honor the memory
of the life and ministry
of the Rev. Dr. Kim Johannessohn Moor
on Sunday, March 12, 2017
5:00-7:00 p.m.
in the Fellowship Hall
of Jordan United Church of Christ
1837 Church Road, Allentown
  
This celebration will include liturgy
with an Agape Meal,
a simple sharing of the things that feed us.
Please bring bread, cheese or fruit.
Those present will be gathered at tables
and invited to offer memories and tributes
as food is shared.
  
Memorial gifts will be dedicated in Kim's name
to Penn Northeast Conference
ministries of transformation.
  
RSVP to Emily Jean Gilbert if you are attending
emilyjean1019@gmail.com or 484-764-5964
You may direct any questions to her as well
 ***************************************************
Rev. Homer Royer has announced his retirement effective August 31, 2017.  Homer is the pastor of Jerusalem Western Salisbury, Allentown.
Rev. James Robison is the Supply Pastor at St. Paul's UCC (Big Creek), Lehighton effective January 29, 2017.  James is also the pastor at Good Shepherd UCC, Slatedale.
Rev. Mike Landsman is the Interim Pastor at Zion's Stone UCC (Kreidersville), Northampton.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Service of Interest...
April 30 - 3PM - ORDINATION - Michael Lonergan - Christ UCC, Bethlehem
 
May 7 - 3:00PM - INSTALLATION - Licensed Minister Sandy Murphy will be installed as pastor at Christ UCC, Conyngham
 
May 7 - 3PM - INSTALLATION - Rev. Michael Lonergan will be installed as pastor at Salem UCC, Pocono Pines
 
calendar
UPCOMING DATES            

MARCH
2 - 11:30AM-1:00PM - Southwest AMC Clergy -
Longswamp  UCC, Mertztown
7 - Easton AMC Clergy - St. Thomas Macada UCC,
Bethlehem
8 - 12 Noon - Allentown AMC Clergy
9 - 9-11AM - Licensed/Commissioned Mentor Group - Conf.
Office
11 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's,
Lehighton
12 - 5-7PM - PNEC Memorial for Rev. Dr. Kim Johannessohn
Moor - Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd.,  Allentown
14 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in
Discernment Committee - Conf. Office -  (Sub-Committee working on L/C MID Manual meeting from 10AM to 1PM) -  (Rest of the L/C MID Committee meet at 1PM)
14 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's,
Lehighton
14 - 6PM (supper) - Annual Meeting Planning Team - Conf.
Office
15 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee - Conf.
         Office
16 - 6:30PM - PNEC/PSEC Transition Team - First UCC,
Quakertown (Room 3)
 
FOR THE COMPLETE LIST OF "Upcoming Dates"



        SAVE THE DATE...                           

Retirement Party

for our Conference Minister

Rev. Alan Miller

Sunday, July 23

Time TBA

Northampton Memorial Community Center

Northampton, PA
 
PNEC logo

A Letter from

the PNEC Transition Team

 

For the past few years, the PNEC and PSEC have been engaging one another in ministry and sharing our programs.  Our leadership teams have encouraged dialogue with one another. 

For the full letter, please CLICK HERE
 

PNEC-UCC A Letter to Penn Northeast Conference

from the Moderator, Barbara J. Hanks

writing on behalf of the PNEC Board of Directors as we proceed following the announcement of Rev. Alan Miller's retirement.

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR FULL LETTER
 
PNEC 12th Annual Youth Retreat
"GOD First"
May 19-21, 2017
All youth grades 7th - 12th are invited!
Check In Friday 6:30-7:00PM
Pick Up Sunday at 12 Noon
Spruce Lake
5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA
DEADLINE for REGISTRATION & $50 deposit due April 3rd 2017
CLICK HERE for registration flyer and detailed information
 
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (formerly Lay Ministry of the 21st Century) has instituted 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. February-April curriculum includes:
 
March 11, 2017
EVANGELISM
(Formerly: Telling the Good News)
Enrichment/Basic Class
The church has good news to share. How do we reach out to the world around us with the transforming message of the gospel?  This session will explore both the necessary foundations and practical strategies for reaching out beyond the four walls of the church.
 
April 8, 2017
PREACHING II
Advanced Class (Prerequisite is Preaching I)
Students explore the nuances of preaching funerals, weddings and other special circumstances that broadens ones' ability to transform, motivate and inspire the congregation to follow Christ's teachings in the world.

For more information & REGISTRATION VISIT
OUR WEBSITE AT
 
CROSSROADS
Crossroads Spring Semester
Creative Worship with Rev. Maggie Wellert on Mondays starting
March 13 from 6-9 pm.
 
Contextual Outreach for individuals or congregational teams on
Thursdays starting
March 9 from 6-9 pm.
Registration, which is now open, and more info on both courses at   www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads
   or contact Jill Peters at jpeters@moravian.edu
 
Three Important Opportunities in One Day 
On Monday, March 20th, Heather Kimmel, General Counsel of the United Church of Christ, will be joining us to lead three educational opportunities
 
#1 10:00 am - "Best Practices for Boards and Councils" - She will help us understand what are the primary responsibilities, the legal obligations, and best practices for governing boards.
 
#2  2:00 pm - "The New PA State Child Abuse Laws" - This session is designed to speak to pastors, Christian educators, and youth ministers who are employees of a church. Heather will review both the new child abuse reporting obligations and the required background checks for employees. Lay leaders are welcome to attend, however there will be a special event for them in the evening.
 
#3  7:00 pm - "The New PA State Child Abuse Laws for Volunteers" - This session will be similar to the afternoon session but will address the same issues as they pertain to local church volunteers.
     There is no cost for these events. We are going to try and hold them at the Conference Office, unless we have more register than we can accommodate at the Office. In that event we will move to a local church Fellowship Hall. Thus to help us please register early by calling or emailing either Barbara Jennings ( barbarj@pnec.org) or Patty Rehrig ( pattyr@pnec.org), 610-826-3113.
     Heather E. Kimmel is the General Counsel of the United Church of Christ. She has been serving in that capacity since December 1, 2015. Prior to that, she served as Associate General Counsel of the United Church of Christ. Before joining the Office of General Counsel, she practiced in the areas of white-collar defense and complex civil litigation at Jones Day and Baker & Hostetler, as well as serving as a federal judicial clerk. She also served as an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
 

 

 PNEC Boundary Training Workshops

October 4, 2017

Rev. Diane Wheatley, Presenter

8:30AM Registration

9:00AM to 3:00PM Workshop

St. John's UCC, 183 S. Broad St., Nazareth

Host Pastor:  Rev. Jeff Brinks

Cost:  TBA

AND  

October 5, 2017

Rev. Diane Wheatley, Presenter

8:30AM Registration

9:00Am to 3:00PM Workshop

Faith UCC, 21 Faith Drive, Hazleton

Host Pastor:  Rev. Jane Hess

Cost:  TBA

 

To register for one of these events, please email Patty Rehrig at pattyr@pnec.org  or call the Conference Office 610-826-3113

 

Boundary Training needs to be done once every 4 years

If the above dates do not work for you, please

 CLICK HERE

for other opportunities for 2017.
 

23rd Annual Clergy Convocation

May 2-4, 2017

Double Tree by Hilton, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster

     Guest Speaker, Rev. John C. Dorhauer

    General Minister & President of the UCC

For full flyer and registration information

CLICK HERE

TO REGISTER, CLICK HERE
 
IN SEARCH OF...

 

For the complete list of churches who are searching for organists, choir directors sextons, pianist, etc., etc., and also churches who are giving away items, please CLICK HERE
 
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"

Please Click Here