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Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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PNEC’s 2018 Closing Date will be Friday, January 11, 2019
Please plan your closing so that your final 2018 remittance will be received in the Conference Office by Friday, January 11, 2019. Receipts received after the 11th will be credited to 2019. Do not include 2018 remittances with 2019 and make
certain remittance slips are marked for either the year 2018 or 2019
.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
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2019 BOUNDARY AWARENESS TRAINING
Next year, the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference UCC is designated to provide Boundary Awareness Training for the conferences, synod, and presbytery. Those dates and locations have been selected and are:
- Saturday, March 2 in Lansdale
- Tuesday, March 26 in Quakertown
- Wednesday, May 15 in Kutztown
- Thursday, Oct. 3 in Schuylkill Haven
Click for the flyer
to register for one of these events. Registration for all four events are now open.
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FREE Advent Bulletin Downloads from 3 Great Loves, UCC
The Season of Advent is nearly here!
Click below to download the FREE 3 Great Loves Advent Bulletins.
We invite you to share how you and your congregation celebrate Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love this Advent Season; use #3greatloves on social media.
To learn more, please visit
3greatloves.org
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(Advent Yard Sign for Refugee/Asylum Solidarity - click on link above)
Advent is nearly upon us and God has created for us a kairos moment – a moment when we see images of families and children at our own border asking for safety and shelter, *
just
* as we are entering into a time of remembering the birth of the Christ child and that the Holy family
themselves
were forced to flee to Egypt to escape state-sponsored violence that targeted the most vulnerable. If there was ever a moment to remind our community that Jesus was a refugee, an asylum-seeker, a migrant – it is now.
There are many things we can do, and you are already doing them, all over the country. UCC Refugee Ministries created this simple lawn sign resource to support you in your ministry of welcome this Advent. Share the story of Jesus’ birth and proclaim to your neighbors that when we welcome refugees, when we welcome asylum-seekers, we are welcoming Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Amanda K. Sheldon, Program Associate, UCC Refugee Ministries & UCC Disaster Ministries,
United Church of Christ
www.ucc.org
+1 (216) 736-3210
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Bethany Children's Home...2018 Bethany Christmas Wish List
Click Here
and you will see a flyer about Bethany Children's Home's Christmas Wish List for their kids. As an alternative to material gifts, please consider monetary gifts to the Brighter Futures Annual Fund, which provides gifts that create smiles all year long! Mail donations to: Bethany Children's Home, Brighter Futures, 1863 Bethany Road, Womelsdorf, PA 19567
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FOR THOSE INTERESTED...Please let the Conference Office Know!
You’ve probably heard about the UCC new initiative, “Q&A: Innovations in Church Leadership,” a free webinar offered to pastors and their stewardship committees and highlighting some of our pastors who have been employing innovative and creative ways to grow their membership and/or revenue. We’ll be taking a break over the holidays but preparing to resume on January 31.
If you have a pastor in your area that we might feature, please let me know at your earliest convenience so I might contact him/her and place them on our 2019 schedule. Thank you for your assistance.
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
Scott Shirai, APR, Fellow PRSA
Office of Philanthropy, Technology, Identity and Communication (OPTIC)
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Communities of Practice for Authorized Ministers and MIDs
The Penn Northeast Conference will begin offering Communities of Practice to authorized ministers, and those preparing for authorization, in January 2019. Communities of Practice are support, accountability and learning groups for ministers based either on geography or on a topic. Participation in Communities of Practice qualifies as credit for ½ the 25 hours of continuing education. The cost for a year’s participation is $250 which reimburses the facilitators. Congregations are encouraged to support this fee for their pastors. Scholarships are also available.
At the fall Conference Meeting, Rev. Nora Foust provided an overview of the process and the ways of participating. We also encouraged those present to sign up for groups. Noted below are the Community of Practice groups, facilitators and spaces available. If we need more groups, we will work to train more facilitators.
Facilitator
Topic
Spaces Available
Rev. Dennis Schappell Lic./Com. Minister Mentor Group 3
Rev. Cliff Herring Retired Ministers Full
Rev. James Robison Newly Called or Placed Ministers 2
Rev. Nancy Hardy General Ministry Full
Rev. Jeff Brinks Engaging the World Through Faith Practices 2
Rev. Dave DeRemer Church Downsizing 3
Rev. Karen Yonney General Ministry Full
Rev. Heather Kurtz Creative Worship Lab Full
Rev. Dave Quinn Book/Theological Study 4
Rev. Jane Hess A Variety of Ministry Topics 5
Rev. David Charles Smith Solo & Sr. Church Pastors & General Ministry 5
Please let us know if you are interested.
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Crossroads Lay Leadership Program
Starting early January Crossroads Lay Leadership Program is offering two of their Unpacking the Scriptures courses. These eight week long courses our two of their most practical skill building learning experiences. Discipleship begins Jan 3 with Pam Weiss who directs the small group activities in a large congregation. Her experience is incredible with how to build groups and with different types of groups. Pam is a graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary and her classes are both fun and challenging.
Also starting that week, on January 7, is Teaching with the Rev. Roberta Kearney who is both an educator and a pastor. Roberta brings years of parish teaching experience to this course. She will expand your knowledge of how to teach, how to relate to different age groups, adult education and much, much more.
For more details including the exact class times and dates, snow dates, how to register or get your questions answered, see our website at
www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads
. While you are there check out our Spring courses: Traveling Mercies (Caring Ministries) with the Rev. Maggie Wellert and Preaching with the Rev. Sue Pizor Yoder. All of our instuctors are passionate about their subjects and bring so much experience to their classes.
Contact Jill Peters for more information at
petersj2@moravian.edu
All of our courses are offered in Zoom, a real time, distance learning format. Be a full class participant from wherever you live.
Dr. Jill Peters,
Missional
Leadership Developer, Moravian Theological Seminary
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Disaster Response Ministry
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From Disaster Ministries...
The preparedness tips for December stress the importance of safety during the Christmas season. The
December 2018 ReadyPA Monthly
from the PA Emergency Management Agency provides some tips to help you have a safe and happy time.
Did you know that December 2
nd
through December 8
th
is National Influenza Vaccination Week? The Centers for Disease Control has provided some flu statistics and strongly urges everyone to receive a Flu Vaccine this year. Attached is also the ReadyPA Action Sheet which lists easy flu prevention tips for everyone to follow. Don’t forget your flu shot.
Finally, the State Meteorologist has provided valuable information on driving during a snow squall. Be safe and avoid traveling when there are snow squalls in the forecast.
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Webinar hosted by UCC Disaster Ministries
“Care for Clergy in the Aftermath of Disaster” -
Thursday Dec. 13
th
4pm-5pm EST
Join UCC Disaster Ministries and Rev. Beth Goss of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for a 1-hour webinar discussing the unique challenges clergy face in the midst of and in the aftermath of natural disaster, and how we can understand their particular needs and offer appropriate support. This webinar is open to the public. Information to log-in is below. Please contact Amanda Sheldon at
Sheldona@ucc.org
with any questions.
Join Zoom Meeting
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,880108944# US (San Jose)
+16468769923,,880108944# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 880 108 944
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House of Worship Safety and Security
The Monroe County Office of Emergency Management and The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce that they have partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide a “House of Worship Security Seminar”. This training is being offered free of charge and will be conducted on December 4
th
, 2018 in the auditorium at the JT Lambert School in East Stroudsburg.
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With so many disasters, do not become weary...by Zach Wolgemuth
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Stay Updated and Involved: Visit our disaster
website
.
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PNEC Presents... the 14th Annual PNEC Youth Retreat
"#REALTALK"
"Sexuality and our Faith"
All youth in grades 6th - 12th are invited
February 22-24, 2019
Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, 1 Christian Ln., New Ringgold, PA
$145 per person (includes meals Saturday & Sunday)
Limited Space...Register Early
!
Click here
for Registration Flyer.
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UPDATED 11.20.18...MINISTRY TRAINING UPDATES (continuing education)
ALL Authorized Ministers, please note:
We will start identifying these kinds of links as continuing education opportunities – even though the policy doesn’t go into effect until January 1. If you have any questions, please contact the
Penn Northeast Conference Office at 610-826-3113. Thank You!
Click
HERE
for list of some upcoming opportunities!
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UPCOMING EVENTS...
--
Beginning December 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019,
Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering (BES)
provides a meal and overnight sheltering daily to our homeless neighbors at Christ UCC, 75 E. Market St., Bethlehem, opens Sunday through Saturday 5PM and closes at 7AM (the following morning). It is volunteers who make this important ministry possible. If you are interested in volunteering for this outreach, call the shelter at 484-379-6694 or visit
http://www.bethlehememergencysheltering.org/
--
Check out theis webinar for churches on the ONA journey!
December 11
-- ONA and the BIBLE shows how the Bible can be foundational for a successful ONA process. We'll explore the eight verses from scripture that are often a roadblock for some Christians, but we'll also discover how basic biblical values can help you on our ONA journey.
Click to Register
--
ONLINE UCC History
, Theology & Polity Course
-- Jan/Feb 2019 -
Course meets the requirements as set forth by the UCC Polity Teacher's Network will be offered
online in Jan/Feb 2019. The instructor, Rev. David Gaewski. Classes are 9:30am to 3:30pm on: Jan 19, 26, Feb 2, 9. Platform utilized will be Zoom Video Conferencing (
zoom.us
) Tuition is $495. Contact Rev. David Gaewski,
davidgaewski@uccny.org .
end payment no later than January 11
th
to: UCC Polity Course, Attn: David Gaewski, 5575 Thompson Road, Dewitt, NY 13031. Make checks payable to David Gaewski.
--
We ThirstTM - Christian Reflections on Addiction.
Join us for a five-part series beginning in January on the epidemic of addiction and our Christian response. This series is presented by author and facilitator, Nina Marie Corona, M.A., C.R.S. On
Thursday evenings from January 29th through February 26, 2019
, these multi-media presentations will explore the importance of mercy, faith, and love.
These sessions are particularly useful for clergy, counselors, nurses, and educators, but all will benefit from the tools and resources that are provided.
Click here to register today
!
--Uniting Church & Community Through Music & Art -
June 25-28, 2019 at First Cong. UCC, Madison, WI -- 12th Biennial National Conference of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association
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PNEC and PSEC will sponsor two rebuild mission trips to
Puerto Rico this spring!
April 28 - May 4, 2019 &
May 12 - 18, 2019
The cost will be about $800 per person, including all costs: transportation, food, lodging, supplies, etc. Now is the time to register for either one of these trips. The first trip is almost full and the second is filling up fast. Registration requires a $50 deposit. Make the check payable to Penn Northeast Conference and mail along with this
PR Mission Trip Application.
To learn more about the rebuild site and the work go to
click here.
The next planning meeting will be Tuesday, January 8, at 6:30p at Trinity UCC, 101 S Main St, Telford, PA 18969. Phone: (215) 723-3889. It is projected that you will have the option to join the meeting electronically if you cannot join in person.
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Some of you have been asking about
what the UCC has been up to in Puerto Rico
.
Click here
for a short newsletter from our partner, the Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico (United Evangelical Church of Puerto Rico) about our UCC work site in Puerto Rico and the UCC work teams that have been going down. We will be working in this project when we go.
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A Call to People of Faith
Please read and sign on if you agree:
With an exodus of migrants headed towards The United States we have an opportunity to challenge the ways our borders are used to separate instead of welcome. This is a moment to declare that God creates all human beings with inherent dignity. We refuse to tie anyone’s humanity to the labor they produce or their place of origin. As families, communities and individuals make the heartbreaking decision to leave the place they call home, we recognize this is not just a political issue. This is a matter of faith. We must dare to ask the question, what does God see when those who seek asylum find armed forces, threats of violence from vigilantes and loathsome legal maneuvering instead? This exodus is framed as terror, called an invasion, but the terror is coming from our side. While white supremacy uses terror to uphold itself; we must choose radical peace.
Radical peace means following the lead of our siblings making their way to the border as we empower each other to take a stand. Radical peace requires that we put our bodies on the line. It reminds us God’s love transcends and tears down the walls of our borders. And so, God sends us: to accompany, receive, provide sanctuary and protect our sisters and brothers. This is our responsibility.
We call on you to stand in opposition to a present day Pharaoh who seeks to harm God’s children. Freedom calls out to us to make our way to the border, send much needed resources to a traveling and weary people, and spread a message of hope. Let us transform this exodus from violence into a secure journey of hope. People of faith, which side of history will we be on? Join us today.
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Alzheimer's Association Information for the Holidays
The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and
memories. But they can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. A person living with
Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he
or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining
traditions while providing care.
Click
for full article.
Alzheimer's Association - Greater PA Chapter
Helpline 1.800.272.3900
als.org/pa on facebook
fb.com/alzgpa
twitter
@alzgpa
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Moravian Seminary
UCC History, Polity & Theology Course
This comprehensive course will meet Mondays from 6 – 9pm from January 28 to April 29, 2019. You may attend in person at Moravian Seminary Bethlehem PA or by video conference. The cost for a certificate of completion is $900. Academic Course Credit is available at regular tuition costs. For more information contact the instructor, Rev. Dr. David DeRemer
deremerd@moravian.edu.
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days!
Registration for the 2019 Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice Annual Conference is now open! Join us for this important gathering of Christian clergy and laypersons from across the country and around the world as we gather for ecumenical worship, learn from educational and training workshops, advocate on Capitol Hill and stand together in public witness. Click
HERE
to register now!
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Latest Mission Newsletter
from Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, Japan
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
Announces a New Certificate Program in Foundational Theology
Click
here for more information and registration
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November JPANet Newsletter: Extending Extravagant Welcome to All, Podcast for a Just World Season 2,
and More
Save the Date!
Ecumenical Advocacy Days is April 5-8, 2019
The 2019 EAD theme is “Troubling the Waters for the Healing of the World.” This event will draw on the wisdom and inspiration from the Civil Rights movement and young movement leaders today to share best practices, and encourage one another to “Trouble the Waters” to bring healing to our nation and world. On Friday April 5th, there will be a UCC pre-event to help weave together our many justice movements. Join us in Washington D.C. in April as we seek to stir up #GoodTrouble for all God’s children.
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism -
The January 2019 Racial Justice Ministry Book of the Month Discussion will feature Robin DiAngelo’s newest book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism. The New York Times best-selling book exploring the counterproductive reactions white people have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality.
Purchase your book today, start reading and be prepared to join the discussion.
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