Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Letter from Bonnie
Dear Friends,
It seems like a long time since I have written to you, with a week’s vacation in the midst. I have been thinking about you and praying for you, as pastors and congregations daily. Please know that I think of you even when I am not writing you.
More of our congregations are moving back to in-person worship, in outside spaces and inside spaces. Those gathering are making safety their number one concern, practicing good social distancing, the wearing of masks, stringent sanitation and cleaning guidelines, and a lack of choir and congregational singing. Worship is different, but in the cases where we are gathering people are feeling a renewed sense of community. Yet, many of the congregations who are not gathering in person have achieved a similar level of community. Using Zoom breakout rooms, have fellowship time before or after on-line worship, enjoying drive-through communion or FM broadcasting of worship, has enabled our folks to stay connected one with another.
The conference has also endeavored to stay connected, continuing our semi-monthly pastoral gatherings, offering zoom for meetings and communities of practice, researching how to better serve and support our pastors, working with our ministry teams to support, educate and resource congregations and pastors. It has been our goal as a conference staff to be as supportive as we can be. Yet, it is important to remember that WE are the conference together. Every member of every church, every pastor, authorized or exempt, serving a church or retired, are the conference. We are in this work together. When you have an identified need, I hope you will reach out to a colleague, a ministry team, or a member of the staff.
As Paul states in Romans 12:4-5 (NIV) “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” No matter what is occurring in the world, we need to be together, supporting one another, resourcing one another.
I encourage you to read thoroughly this e-newsletter and other communications that come from the conference office, the national setting, and your colleagues and community organization partners. There is a lot of useful information available to you. As we continue to walk through these days together, I want to assure you that we, your conference staff, will support you in your ministry and mission activities. Please stay in touch with us and with one another. Blessings today and on the journey ahead. - Bonnie
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Thank you!
For all of you who have sent cards and letters to my husband, Steve Vulcheff, as he has been battling, COVID 19, I express his and my appreciation for your prayers and support. This has been, and continues to be, a difficult time for us. Thank you again. Bonnie
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Conference ministers pilot webinar panels on
how local churches are adapting, innovating
Whether they are responding to COVID-19 or taking action against racism, this is a year of innovation for people across the United Church of Christ. Now the leaders of the UCC’s 36
Conferences
are piloting a series of webinars to share what congregations are learning in this time of change.
- TODAY...Thursday, July 9, at 3 p.m. EDT: “Holding Congregational Meetings Online.” Host: the Rev. Bonnie Bates, Penn Northeast Conference. Below is the link
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Thursdays for the Soul
Faith and Politics
How does faith translate into policy and transform the world?
Thursday, July 9, 2020 -- 3:30 to 4:30 Eastern
Senator Elizabeth Warren, Rev. Traci Blackmon, Sandy Sorenson
A webinar series to care for the whole church. Topics are wide ranging and are focused on the spirituality and care of people. Prayer, worship, music, psalm readings, or compassionate teaching are included.
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From the Interfaith Action Committee Announcements
~ Bonnie
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"Radical Reconciliation: Beyond Political Pietism and Christian Quietism"
Reaching Back and Stepping Up
A Conversation with the co-authors of "Radical Reconciliation:..."
July 12 from 6 to 8PM Eastern Time
Join them live on Zoom webinar or register to receive a link to the video recording of the webinar. Live closed caption provided.
Click here
to read more and register
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Stewardship Events Set With Generosity Outreach Officer
Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, and Penn Northeast conferences are working with the UCC's Generosity Outreach Officer to create three workshops for our churches and leaders. Please save the dates for these events:
- Aug. 22, 10:00a-12:00p: Annual Campaigns 101 – Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, we will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign.
- Oct. 17, 10:00a-12:00p: Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry – While a significant wealth transfer occurs (and will occur) in our country as our eldest generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options among their members. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. Through this webinar, you will learn key concepts and create an actionable plan for your congregation or ministry.
- Jan. 20, 10:00a-12:00p: Spirituality of Generosity – Jesus talked about money second only to the kingdom of God, yet many in the church today treat money as a non-spiritual topic. We can theologically engage questions of money, wealth, and giving. Teaching and preaching about generosity and the use of our financial resources can deepen the faith life of our congregations. Gathering together with other pastors, this webinar will help you reclaim money-talk as a faith formation conversation with the members and friends of your congregation.
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Embracing Healing in These Days
August 5,12,19,26 & Sept. 2 & 9
on-line course developed by Wanda Craner,
Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer
Limited to 20 participants
six-90 min. sessions–cost for all 6 sessions $120
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Phoebe Ministries Extended CPE Flyer July 2020
Hello everyone, Many students were not able to take CPE this summer as many centers had to cancel their summer CPE groups as we did here at Phoebe. Our plan is to have our extended CPE group that starts in October and goes through April. We hope this might help some who need CPE as part of their requirements for seminary or ordination. This group is also open to clergy wanting to experience chaplaincy and lay folks who want to get better at caregiving. The group will be led by Certified Educator Candidate Leah Knox and myself. The flyer contains all the information potential students might need to be in touch with us or to apply for this program. Please post this flyer in your places of ministry and pass on the word to those who might serve on preparation for ministry committees in your denomination. Class will be held on Tuesday evenings by zoom and in person. Clinical work can be done on any one of our four campuses in Wyncote, Richlandtown, Wernersville and Allentown depending on where the student might live. Scholarship funds are also available to help defray the cost of this training. Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to be in touch. Peace, Scott
Scott Brooks-Cope, D. Min.
Director, Pastoral Care Services
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FREE CHURCH MEDIA COLLECTION
Create an unforgettable digital worship service with these trending backgrounds.
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Get Your Tickets to View John Lewis: Good Trouble
The United Church of Christ invites you to an on demand showing of a new film on the life and work of congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis. Buy a $12 ticket to
stream John Lewis: Good Trouble
and $5 goes to support UCC justice ministries.
Justice & Local Church Ministries, UCC
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Bethlehem Public Library Anti-Racism Resources and Workshop
(Completion of the workshops would count as Anti-racism training or 6 contact hours)
Below is a link to Facebook listing by the Bethlehem Public Library for a 4 part series billed as an introductory workshop series on issues of systemic racism in the U.S.
These workshops will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays starting July 14th - August 25th from 6:30- 8pm. The presenter is Linda Wiggins - Chavez. It will be ZOOM format with link and register information on the Bethlehem Public Library Facebook website.
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2020 National Youth Event
UNITE THROUGH THE EXTRAORDINARY
A Virtual Gathering July 25-26,2020
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THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering fully online classes this year!
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Impact of Looming Housing Crisis Due to COVID-19
Disaster Ministries of the Conference is working with many partners to try to lessen the impact of the looming housing crisis caused by the loss of income for many people due to COVID-19. Beginning on July 10, in Pennsylvania, landlords may file new eviction notices for non-payment of rent at non-federally backed properties.
Read More...
July 2020 Tips and Taglines
This month’s tips and taglines hope to educate you on how to stay safe and protect your property from heat and drought during the upcoming summer season.
Read More...
CWS Kits Depots Are Opening Soon
Church World Service is accepting kits again! Here are links to the CWS Kits promotional video.
YouTube link
or a
Downloadable mp4
. UCC Matching Grants of up to $250 for congregations assembling kits are now available, although the caution remains to not gather to assemble kits until it is safe to do so.
Click here for full information
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COVID-19 Relief Funds for Churches
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