Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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A Letter from Bonnie
Dear friends, Hope is a wonderful thing. It is a gift. Hope restored and renewed strengthens us and helps us face the challenges of the days we are facing.
Between a pandemic which has claimed more than 174,000 lives in the US; the pandemic of systemic racism, white supremacy and white privilege that continues to plague our siblings of color; the political, spiritual, and emotional divides which seek to separate us, natural disasters plaguing our nation and others, there is much which drains our hope. Yet, we are called to be people of hope. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us: “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power (Ephesians 1:17-19).
In all these challenges, there is good news. Churches are continuing to worship and celebrate their faith. Communities of faith continue to do the work of mission and ministry in communities addressing the needs of those around them. Ministers are finding new ways to provide pastoral care and leadership. Worship attendance, at least virtually, have increased. Safe church practices have been recreated and redesigned to include social distancing, wearing masks, taking temperatures, avoiding congregational singing, changing greeting, offering and communion practice, and following CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing.
I continue to be so proud of the worship and work taking place in our churches, the leadership of our pastors and the covenantal commitments being honored. You are each and all a blessing to me.
I have one more reason to hope in these days. Those of you who have been following my husband Steve’s health issues. I am so happy to share with you that he is in a COVID step down unit following three asymptomatic weeks and a negative COVID test. We are making progress and I am thrilled to be sharing this with you. Thank you for your continued prayers. I am so grateful for your support.
Friends keep the faith. Hang on to hope. Feel the presence of God. Walk together.
Blessings, Bonnie
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Greetings Friends! This is a Call to attend our Penn Northeast Conference Fall meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2021. We will gather at 9:00 a.m. Our Meeting will be a Virtual Zoom Meeting and run from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
The Meeting’s Theme is Moving Forward
Scripture: Isaiah 43:19
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is!
I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
The meeting will begin with the Celebration of Installation of our Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates. The Service will include the UCC Conference Ministers from the other five Conferences in the Middle Atlantic Region with special music.
The Installation will finish approximately at 10:15 a.m. and the Business portion will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Business Items will include:
· Vote on the 2021 Conference Budget
· State of the Conference Address
· Vote on a slate of Nominees for Conference delegates for General Synod
· Recognition of Committee and Board members and the Moderator who are completing their terms
· Recognition of Pastors’ Anniversaries of their Ordination, New Pastors, & a Time of Remembrance
· Recognitions of Church’s Gifts to OCWM and Five for Five
Hope you can virtually join us! -- Doug Taylor, Moderator
Fall Meeting Registration Link through Tithe.ly
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PNEC Bylaws Revision and Addition
(This will be an item of business at the Fall Conference Meeting)
An Explanation:
The PNEC Committee on Ministry has requested a change to our PNEC Bylaws. The current Bylaw, Article VIII, Section 805, indicates a quorum for Conference Meetings:
At any meeting of the Conference 100 persons entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum. If there is the lack of a quorum, members present at any scheduled meeting of the Conference may hear and receive reports without taking actions thereon and may adjourn the meeting to such a time and place as a majority of those who are present and entitled to vote shall determine.
While this quorum is effective and manageable for meetings of the Conference, this quorum becomes challenging for Ecclesiastical Councils, gatherings of the Committee on Ministry, delegates and pastors of churches, and guests for the purposes of approving a candidate for Ordination as an Authorized Minister.
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Generous Preaching
Sept. 15, Oct. 13, and Nov. 10, 2020
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Engaging scripture stories to share the spiritual practice of generosity with congregations
It can be hard to talk about money. And yet Jesus spoke about it often, second only to the Kingdom of God. Join Rev. Andrew Warner to explore how to preach and teach about generosity and the use of our financial resources. Background materials and seminar style discussions will take place through the Damascus Project. Each month will focus on a specific et of readings. We will plan out at least one preaching opportunity for teaching generosity as a spiritual practice each month.
· Sept. 15: Exodus 16: 2-15, “Between Desiring Fleshpots and Divine Generosity”
· Oct. 13: 1 John 4: 1-7, “Beloved, Love”
· Nov. 15, Matthew 25: 14-30, “To Timid with Talents?”
What You’ll Get From Generous Preaching: As a student, you’ll get a few great benefits from being here:
· Explore. It can be hard to talk about money. And yet Jesus spoke about it often, second only to the
Kingdom of God. Explore generosity as a spiritual practice.
· Connect with colleagues and scripture in new ways through leadership focused Bible Study.
· Get results. Research underscores the connection between teaching about generosity and
increasing revenue for a local church. Learn how to talk about generosity outside of an annual
pledge drive.
Testimonial: Rev. Julia Hollister, First Congregational Church, Sheboygan, WI:
“Through open and honest questions, Andrew and Kathryn helped us to discern how the scripture passages were speaking to us as individuals and how they might speak to our congregations. They bring a wealth of wisdom and ‘lived experience’ to their engagement with the text. The workshop brought a breath of fresh air to some familiar texts.”
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The Story of Worship
(open to both Pastors & Lay Worship Leaders)
November 14, 2020 from 9AM to 4:30PM via Zoom
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Gorkos - Cost: $50/person
(This will count for 7 hours of continuing education)
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2021 Mission Trip Dates Now Open
Praying Pelican Missions offers a diverse set of locations where we are serving the local Church, building them up, and assisting them in serving their communities. Our heart and passion is to see the global Church united, working hand in hand to share the hope of Jesus. Here's what makes us unique:
- We receive teams 12 months out of the year across 27 global locations. Choose any location, on any week - we’ll be ready.
- Private Trip Options. We work to accommodate private trip requests, lodging your team independently and designing an experience solely for your group.
- We customize each and every trip, utilizing your team's specific skill-sets and interests to uplift local initiatives.
- We welcome all team sizes - from 5 to 175, we can use your team!
- We’re affordable. Our trip costs average in the bottom half of short-term missions organizations.
- COVID-specific training. All trip leaders go through rigorous training to mitigate risk and ensure team safety.
Click a featured location below to learn more
USA Locations
International Locations
Praying Pelican Missions, 8011 34th Ave S, Suite 333, Suite 333, Minneapolis, MN 55425
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Homecoming 2 Event
(sponsored by Family Promise)
September 26, 2020
Homecoming 2 event on September 26th will be going virtual. It is very important to us that we keep everybody as safe as possible. At this time we don’t have details. The Homecoming Team is working hard to make sure we have a great event that all of our ticket holders and sponsors will be proud of. Please continue to look for updates through your e-mail and our social media venues. Thank you all for your commitment to Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley and I look forward to our future interactions.
Roslyn Kuba, Executive Director,
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Embracing Healing in These Days
August 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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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:
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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.
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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.
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Jan. 20, 2021, 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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SAVE THE DATES
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Aug. 28 - Fall Convocation
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, Philadelphia Episcopal Area, The United Methodist Church, will deliver the address at our Fall Convocation, a service of welcome, song and prayer that ceremonially marks the start of the new academic term. You'll be able to watch on our YouTube channel. Online at 3:00 p.m.
Sept. 4 - Commencement
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan Baxter, '76/'84, is the speaker for our 195th Commencement We will celebrate the members of the Class of 2020 who will gather, observing social distancing, at an outside venue. You'll be able to watch live on our YouTube channel where it will be archived.
Online at 3:00 p.m.
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Lancaster Seminary Doctor of Ministry Program
As a Seminary, we continue to adapt to the needs and realities of these times, as we prepare faith leaders for ministry in a complex and ever-changing world. We are still accepting applications for the Doctor of Ministry .
Due to COVID-19, our Doctor of Ministry will look a little different, but will still offer the same high-quality educational experience. For the upcoming semester, the one-week intensive has moved to a completely online format (through Zoom). Also, additional classes are scheduled periodically throughout the semester to maintain the cohort experience and ensure academic accountability. I would be happy to meet with anyone you know that might be interested in starting their Doctor of Ministry this Fall.
- Parker T. Loesch (he, him)
Interim Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
717-290-8737
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From Luther Seminary
-Simultaneously online and offline: church as hybrid experience
-The Craft of Preaching
-Faith Innovation On-Line Community
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Online History and Polity Class
This class has been taught for the last 5 years in a hybrid format (three of the classes are done through Zoom, the rest are asynchronous). The Rev. Dr. Jerry Garber is the instructror. We have received numerous positive feedback from the student that have taken the class. The cost is only $300. Here is the registration link:
Southern California, Nevada Conference – Rev. Dr. Felix Villaneuva, MCC
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Stepping Up To Supervision
Wednesdays from August 5 to September 9
Noon (CDT) Live On-line
If you're like most pastors and faith leaders, your theological education equipped you to teach, preach, provide loving pastoral care, and lead worship. Read More...
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Central Moravian Church Presents
The 2020 Central Chautauqua Series
Resiliency: Faithful Endurance During Pandemics and Other Difficult Times
Zoom Presentations on
Sundays, Sept. 13, 20 & 27 and Oct. 4, 2020
at 12:00 p.m.
Register no later than the Friday before each presentation. Question? Call 610-866-5661
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3 Reasons to Enroll TODAY in a Crossroads Program
UNPACKING THE SCRIPTURES—TEACHING
(8) Thursdays, 6-9 pm
September 10 - October 29
Instructor: Rev. Roberta Kearney
In-person (Bahnson Center) or Real-time Distance Learning via Zoom
Price: $240
THE STORY OF CHRISTIANITY (HISTORY)
(8) Mondays, 6-9 pm
September 14 - November 2
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Bill Falla
In-person (Bahnson Center) or Real-time Distance Learning via Zoom
Price: $240
CULTURE AND CHANGE
(8) Mondays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm
November 5 - December 3 (Nov. 30 & Dec. 3 are by Zoom only)
Instructor: Dr. Jill Peters
In-person (Bahnson Center) or Real-time Distance Learning via Zoom
Price: $240
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THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering fully online classes this year!
POSTPONED - August 22 - October 1
NEW DATE: October 3 - November 12
"Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding"
The Rev. Holly MillerShank offers a six-week online class through the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary. The class provides an introduction to Christian theology, focusing on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in relation to congregational leadership. This 2.5 CEU class starts Saturday, Oct 3, followed by five weeks of asynchronous online instruction. Cost $325. Apply online at https://lancasterseminary.edu/academics/PAM.
AND
POSTPONED - October 3 - November 12
NEW DATE - January9 - February 18, 2021
Theology II: “Leadership and Community,”
The Rev. Holly MillerShank offers a six-week online class through the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Theological Seminary. The class provides an introduction to Christian theology, focusing on the human condition, Christian hope, the church, ministry, and mission. Students may take this class without having taken Theology I. This 2.5 CEU class starts Saturday, Jan 9, followed by five weeks of asynchronous online instruction. Cost $325. Apply online at https://lancasterseminary.edu/academics/PAM. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clinical Pastoral Education at
Phoebe Ministries
(accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education,
55 Ivan Allen, Jr. Blvd, Suite 835, Atlanta, GA 30308. www.acpe.edu)
Now accepting applications for our…
Extended CPE Group -- Oct. 2020 - April 2021
- 4 hours of class time per week on Tuesday evenings
- Class time by Zoom and in person
- 12 hours of weekly ministry on one of our 4 Continuing Care Retirement Community campuses with negotiable days/hours
- Working and learning with board certified
chaplains
- ACPE certified Educator Scott Brooks-Cope and Certified Educator Candidate Leah Knox leading the group
- Fall, Winter & Spring breaks are built in
- Full scholarships available
Extended Deadline to Apply –
September 1, 2020
For information please email/call Rev. Leah Knox lknox@phoebe.org or 610-927-8515; ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
HELP IS NEEDED AS WE RESPOND TO RECENT DISASTERS - UCC Disaster Ministries responds to disasters through a network of Conference Disaster Coordinators. The Rev. Karl Jones serves in that position for both Penn Northeast Conference and PA Southeast Conference. He has been helping to coordinate our response to COVID-19 and Hurricane Isaias. Now there is a new event that requires our attention, love, and compassion.
UCC Disaster Ministries is working with our disaster response partners from across the Commonwealth, to meet needs related to disasters like flooding and fires, and complicated by the pandemic. There are current and anticipated increased needs among people whose residences (owned and rented) have become unsafe and/or unlivable. Please complete the form found at https://forms.gle/ww6eLkKgEnGvh4RN6. Please read more...
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Toll-Free Hotline Established to Connect with Volunteer Resources
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The Protecting Places of Worship Forum
The Protecting Places of Worship Forum, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, will educate faith leaders on hate crimes laws and statistics; how to prevent and respond to hate crimes that target houses of worship and religious institutions; and how to secure places of worship leveraging resources and best practices from government agencies. Speakers include representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
August 27, 2020
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