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Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Call to the Spring Meeting of the
Penn Northeast Conference
Saturday, May 4, 2019
Church of the Good Shepherd
135 Quarry Road, Alburtis, PA
Theme: Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord Always
COST: $35.00
Registration Deadline: April 15, 2019
Sorry, there’s no refund of registration fees
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To the people of the Penn Northeast Conference
of the United Church of Christ:
Dear Friends,
In 2016, the Penn Northeast Conference began a search process for a Designated Conference Minister. At the time, our Conference Board had been in the process of discernment of the formation of a new Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. In consultation with staff from the national setting of the United Church of Christ, we decided to search for a designated term conference minister. This person would serve with a specific task: to help assist us through the discernment process of the possibility of forming a new conference....
Click to continue reading this letter
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Conversation with the Conference Minister
March 26, 2019
Bonnie Bates is inviting you to a Zoom Conversation with the Conference Minister
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 253 316 980
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Summary Notes of the February 11, 2019 Conference Board Meeting
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CONVERSATION WITH RETIRED PNEC PASTORS
A conversation with
our retired pastors
about the changes in the Manual on Ministry, the new Exempt Standing requirements, and continuing education requirements is being hosted by the chairs of the working groups of the Committee on Ministry and will be held on
Tuesday, April 2 at 2 pm at the conference office.
Please contact Patty Rehrig at
pattyr@pnec.org
to register for this event. Light refreshments will be served. The group is limited to 40 participants.
Bonnie
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Thank you to the following churches
who contributed to OCWM during the month of February 2019.
Cedar (Cetronia), Allentown..........Christ (Little Moore), Danielsville..........
Christ (Schoenersville), Allentown..........Christ, Jim Thorpe..........Christ Church at Lowhill, New Tripoli....
Emmanuel, Allentown..........Emmanuel, Nuremberg..........Faith, Center Valley..........Faith, Hazleton....
First, Berwick..........First, Nescopeck..........First, Scranton..........First, West Pittston..........
Good Shepherd, Slatedale..........Grace, Allentown..........Grace, Northampton..........Heidelberg, Slatington
Jordan, Allentown..........Morgenland, Orefield..........New Bethel, Kempton..........
St. John’s (Fullerton), Whitehall.........St. John’s (Mickleys), Whitehall..........St. John’s, Laurys Station
St. John’s, Slatington..........St. John’s, St. Johns..........St. Luke’s, Wilkes Barre..........St. Paul’s, Allentown
St. Paul’s, Northampton..........St. Peter’s, Mantzville..........Trinity Cong., Scranton..........
Trinity Great Swamp, Spinnerstown..........Trinity, Bethlehem..........Trinity, Pleasant Valley..........
Union, Neffs
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Celebrating Their Anniversary
We congratulate the PNEC Pastors who will celebrate a
Special Anniversary of Ordination in 2019
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Interim Ministry Network
Effective Transitional Ministry Training
A One-Day Session
May 24, 2019 from 9AM to 5PM
Penn Northeast Conference Office
Registration Deadline: May 6, 2019
Fee: $200 - cost partially underwritten by OCWM gifts to PNEC
Scholarships available from the Longsdorf Fund
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The Amigos de Guatemala
Don’t leave PNEC’s Amigos de Guatemala out of your congregation’s 2019 schedule! We have the opportunity of a lifetime: You helped build a medical clinic in the hills of Guatemala. We are excited about sharing with you our next steps in this partnership, so invite us to speak at your worship service or other event.
The Amigos de Guatemala
is celebrating the completion of the clinic in Monte Margarita. Please join us for a dinner celebration
April 6, 2019 - 5PM
at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown
catered by Don Juan Mex Grill and Cantina
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Dear friends in Christ,
Greetings from Japan. This email is being sent to all churches that joined in the Christmas Card Project this past year. I wanted to bring you up to date on the realities in Japan. Please read the article below written by a Japanese
politician who works internationally to raise awareness on the nuclear issue.
March 11th will mark the 8th anniversary of the triple disaster that struck northeastern Japan. Our partners have been accompanying the survivors, and facing the unprecedented dynamics caused by the nuclear disaster. Global Ministries has walked with them from the beginning. The attachment I have included introduces the projects that we have supported.
(click here)
The Emmaus Center will conclude its relief activities as of the end of this month. They will be having a special "Time of Remembrance and Thanksgiving" on March 23rd which I will be attending. If you are so moved I invite you to write to the address below with words of solidarity. I will be with them to help translate your message.
As we enter Lent, I pray that our ability to empathize and pray for others will draw us closer to God's love for all of creation.
-Jeffrey Mensendiek
The Emmaus Center
Rev. Nozomi Konishi (Moderator of the Northeastern Conference of the Kyodan)
1-13-6 Nishikicho
Sendai, JAPAN 980-0012
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS...
April 6 - The Amigos de Guatemala
is celebrating the completion of the clinic in Monte Margarita. Please join us for a dinner celebration -
April 6, 2019 - 5PM
at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown
catered by Don Juan Mex Grill and Cantina
PNEC Spring Conference Meeting will be May 4, 2019
at Church of the Good Shepherd, Alburtis; and the
Fall Conference Meeting will be November 2, 2019
at St. John's (Howertown), 22 Atlas Rd., Northampton
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Resources developed for this year's Break the Silence Sunday
April 28th
Feel free to share as you see fit. We do anticipate a resolution coming to General Synod asking, in part, to name this topic (support for survivors of sexual abuse) in our UCC Liturgical Calendar.
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Disaster Ministries
Spring is in the air. With spring often comes severe weather such as thunderstorms and strong winds. The
March ReadyPA Monthly
provides information on severe weather preparedness. The National Weather Service has declared March 25
th
through the 29
th
as Flood Safety Awareness Week. The State Meteorologist has provided tips on remaining safe during a flood.
The March Action Sheet provides information on Winter Weather Flooding Risks. Remember, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
You are encouraged to share this newsletter and action sheet with your members and friends. Remember, both the ReadyPA Monthly and the Action Sheet are available at
www.Ready.PA.gov.
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Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Hazardous Weather and Flooding Preparedness 2019 Course Offerings
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Mission Statement of UCC Disaster Ministries
February 19, 2019 - Update
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s, Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Youth Preparedness Council.
UCC DISASTER MINISTRIES RECORDED WEBINARS
CLICK HERE
for UCC Disaster Ministries recorded webinars, now available to view on demand. Future webinars will be added as they occur. Now available:
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Stay Updated and Involved: Visit our disaster
website
.
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MINISTRY TRAINING UPDATES (Continuing Education)
ALL Authorized Ministers, please note:
We will be identifying these kinds of continuing education opportunities – The policy is effective January 1, 2019. If you have any questions, please contact the Penn Northeast Conference Office at 610-826-3113.
Thank You!
Click
HERE
for list of current and up-coming opportunities!
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FREE Training for Faith Leaders & Lay People
Northampton County Dept. of Drug and Alcohol programs along with collaboration from “Speak Up for Ben”, are hosting a free training for Faith Leaders and lay people of any faith.
WHO:
This seminar is FREE to faith based leaders/staff
WHERE:
Northampton Community College, Fowler Center in S. Bethlehem (511 E. 3rd St, Bethlehem)
WHEN:
The training will held
Wednesday May 8, 2019
.
Training will begin promptly at 9:00 AM and will conclude by 3:30PM. The County will supply a continental breakfast and lunch for attendees! Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:15 AM.
Out of the Darkness and Into the Light:
Strategies & Tools For Facing the Drug Epidemic For Faith Leaders
This training will provide information and resources to Faith Based Leaders regarding the current Substance Use Epidemic and specifically address the Opioid Epidemic facing Pennsylvania today. The impact of this epidemic on communities of Faith is significant. This day long training will explore how to intervene effectively, how to locate resources, and discuss how to identify substance use concerns. Faith leaders in attendance will be able to identify the full impact of substances on the community and develop an understanding to effectively support those with these issues in the community.
To register, please contact Kathy Dilts at Northampton County Drug & Alcohol by calling 610-829-4720 OR by email
KDILTS@northamptoncounty.org
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Updated Resource Report
Cheryl Joseph Williams, MPA, CFRE
Chief Strategy Officer, Office of General Minister and President, United Church of Christ
Click to see "Equipping The Journey Resources for Mission & Ministry in the Local Church & Beyond... revised March 2019
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Reboot Your Worship Lent 2019 experience
Here is the link so you can each sign up to participate:
Keep planning ahead with our Easter webinar! -
On
March 21st
, we're hosting a free get-ready webinar for the Easter season that begins with Easter Sunday and lasts up through Pentecost. We'll explore each of the ready-made series available in the Worship Design Studio and help you find ideas for developing your next series. Go to the
webinar registration page
to sign up for the access info.
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Children's Sermon for March 17
(
based on Luke 13:31-35
)
- by Rev. Dave Quinn
Items needed: 2 flowers, vase, mat or newspaper, to put on floor. Show kids one of the flowers, and ask them what it is. What can you do with a flower? One thing you can do with a flower is appreciate it- you can show you see how beautiful it is, by smiling at the flower (you smile,) and put it into a flower vase, to help it stay beautiful. (Put in vase.) (Get other flower.) Another thing you can do with a flower is destroy it. (Put flower on mat/newspaper on floor and step on repeatedly.) Sometimes, people destroy beautiful things because it makes them fell like they are strong and powerful. In today's Bible reading, Jesus is like a flower-He just wants to bring beauty, healing, and hope into the world. But there's a man named Herod, and others, who want to crush Jesus. Jesus is so beautiful that He scares them, so they want to crush Him. Today, Jesus wants us to appreciate the beautiful people and things God has put in our life.
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Humanitarian & Development, Global Ministries
Serve at the intersection of faith communities and social justice. Serve local communities throughout the U.S. in long-term disaster recovery, food justice through community gardening and economic equity through children’s enrichment. Reflect on action and be part of intentional community.
Travel, Housing, Living Stipend, and Health Insurance provided. Apply to your college for internship credit.
Become a faith-based justice leader. Join local communities acting for affordable housing, immigration reform, public health and racial justice. Serve at the intersection of faith communities and social justice. Reflect on action and be part of intentional community.
Housing, Living Stipend, and Health Insurance provided. Apply for student loan forbearance.
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UPCOMING EVENTS...
--
March 27 and March 30, 2019
-
Discover Day events at Lancaster Theological Seminary
.-
This event is
open to all
so feel free to share this information with anyone who might benefit from attending one of our Discover Days! For those interested in doing a degree in our
weekend format
, I encourage you to attend on Saturday, March 30. If those who prefer to pursue a degree in our
weekday program
, the Wednesday, March 27 Discover Day will be the better option.Get more information and register for a Discover Day
here
. Take advantage of this unique opportunity by registering at your earliest convenience!
--The
Amigos de Guatemala
is celebrating the completion of the clinic in Monte Margarita. Please join us for a
dinner celebration
-
April 6, 2019 - 5PM
at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown
catered by Don Juan Mex Grill and Cantina
--April 11-12, 2019 - Lehigh Conference of Churches - The Robert K. Campbell Memorial Lecture on Christian Unity - Author Diana Butler Bass will be speaking on the theme "Christian Unity in a Post-Christian Age". The event will begin at 6 PM on the 11th with an hour presentation followed by a book signing. On Friday breakfast will be served at 9AM followed by a 90-minute lecture. For more information and registration contact Dr. Larry Pickens at
lpickens@lehighchurches.org
--
25th Clergy Convocation
! -
Join us for the Silver Anniversary of Convocation - Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund -
"Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family and Church" --
May 7-9, 2019 -
Double Tree by Hilton, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster...
Click Here
for flyer and registration information
TO REQUEST FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CLERGY CONVOCATION
Click Here
for Application
.
--
The Lehigh Conference Of Churches--"Valley Over The Edge" --
On June 1, Lehigh Conference Of Churches is hosting the second annual "Valley Over The Edge" event in which 76 rappelers will be going over the edge at Two City Center in Allentown. Adventurous participants will rappel down an eleven-story building by raising $1,000 or more to secure theier spot on the ropes. To discuss participation opportunities or request more information, email
valley-ote@lehighchurches.org or contact Becky LeaShomb at 610-433-7220 ext. 6106
--
Registration Open for the 22nd Global Youth Justice Training Youth/Teen/Student/Peer Court Diversion Programs -- June 18, 2019 to June 20 2019
in Las Vegas, Nevada
--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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Farewell to Dean Mellott
Lancaster Theological Seminary will bid a fond farewell to Dean David Mellott in June as he accepts an appointment to become President of Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis on July 1, 2019. He has been with the seminary for 14 years. He began as Associate Director of Continuing Education in 2005 and six years later, he was named the 14th Dean of the Seminary and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He began teaching part-time, and because of his excellent teaching, publishing, and service, he earned the status of full professor. We will engage a consultant to direct the search to find a leader with the vision and experience to continue to advance Lancaster Seminary's excellence in theological teaching, formation, and scholarship. Dr. Anne T. Thayer, Professor of Church History and Paul and Minnie Diefenderfer Professor of Mercersburg and Ecumenical Theology, is serving as acting dean.
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Interfaith Gathering & Dinner
Sunday, March 24
Lehigh Dialogue Center
200 Industrial Dr., Bethlehem
5:30-6:30 Vegetarian Potluck Dinner
(please bring a dish to share with ingredients listed...No meat or alcohol)
6:30-8:30 Panel "Holy Days"
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A Community Seder
focused around the themes of
Freedom & Social Justice
Saturday, April 20 at 6:30PM
Muhlenberg College, Seegers Union
Meal is kosher for Passover but prepared in a non-kosher kitchen. $25/person, $18/students & children. RSVP by April 10 to
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PHOEBE INSTITUTE ON AGING BENEFIT: “GENERATIONS COME TOGETHER”
WHAT:
The Phoebe Institute on Aging (PIA) hosts its annual PIA Benefit. The evening includes a celebration of intergenerational music featuring The Girls Next Door, Muhlenberg College’s all-female a cappella group, the Parkland Strolling Strings from Parkland High School and Phoebe’s own resident Piano Quartet. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres start at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner. Music will be presented throughout the evening with a collaborative performance including Phoebe residents and high school students at the end of the night.
WHEN:
Thursday, March 21, 6:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE:
University Center at DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley
For more information about this event, please call (610) 794-5163 or email
dfrey@phoebe.org
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YOU ARE INVITED..
TO A SPECIAL ART EXHIBIT!
Hope in Hard Times: Prisoners' Art for Social Justice
March 1-April 7, 2019
ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory Arts Center
23 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem
Mondays – Fridays 8:00am-9:30pm
Saturdays & Sundays 8:30am-7:00pm
The Moravian Church’s Eastern District and the Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem invites you to consider how art might engage us in justice and advocacy questions for our time; how do we see the prisoner, and follow Jesus’s call to see him in the lives of the incarcerated?
You are also invited to attend the following special events:
April 5, 6 - 9 p.m., First Fridays at the Banana Factory. Special speakers, projects, and engagements.
March 19, 7 p.m., Lecture at Moravian College’s Prosser Auditorium
Speaker: Tyrone Werts, Soros Fellow, PA Lifer commuted by Gov. Rendell.
March 24, 2 - 4 p.m., Vigil for Hope in the Criminal Justice System at the Banana Factory. Our keynote speaker, Chester Hollman, Jr. tells the story of his son Chester Hollman III’s wrongful conviction and sentence of life without parole in PA.
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Navigating the River of Grief
Our Conference Minister, Bonnie Bates, has published a book which may be used as a resources for pastors and congregations.
In Navigating the River of Grief, (ISBN: 0788028855) Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates shares the results of her important research into the grief process. Her concept of grief as a river is inspired by several biblical references to water, both its ability to threaten and give life. Bates uses case studies to present grief not as the neat linear progression of stages we'd like it to be; rather, it is a river that sweeps the bereaved along in unpredictable ways. Its choppy waters cause pain and its depths are menacing, but when we understand the flow of its current as a spiritual journey we can better help the bereaved navigate toward new life.
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Christian White Supremacy
Monday, June 17, 2019 - 7PM
Metropolitan Community Church
of the Lehigh Valley
1401 Greenview Dr., Bethlehem
Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards
Free and open to the public
www.mcclv.org
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UCC Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM)
UCCDM has a tradition of presenting awards at the biennial General Synod. These awards recognize the contributions of congregations, other church settings, and individuals who have contributed to the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of the life of the church. Nominations are now open...(
see more)
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Justice & Peace Action Network
World Water Day - March 22 - Over 1 billion people in the world lack sustainable access to fresh water. Water is a vital ingredient for life. It is a gift from God for all creation and should be viewed as such a gift, not a commodity for profitable gain. Get
resources and information for recognizing World Water Day from Global Ministries.
Earth Day - April 22 - How we care for God’s creation is intimately intertwined with issues of generational justice. What kind of world are our children presently inheriting? What will the world be like when they get older? The UCC Environmental Justice Ministry joined with the ecumenical Creation Justice Ministries to author and produce reflective materials on generational justice for this Earth Day.
Download a copy of this resource today.
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FREE Workshop on Senior Isolation
We are happy to announce that registration is open for the
free workshop on Senior Isolation which will be held on Saturday March 30 from 10 to 1 pm at the Diocesan Pastoral Life Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton.
The workshop is being sponsored by the Ministerium in cooperation with the Office of Parish Life of the Diocese of Scranton, with Financial Support from the Moses Taylor Foundation. Prof. Jim Siberski of Misericordia University will offer an overview of the problem and potential ways faith communities might respond before leading a discussion of local action planning.
Faith communities are encouraged to send teams of 2-4 people who will then be able to mobilize a response for your particular group.
Those who are comfortable on the web can register at
https://www.scrantonareaministerium.org/addressing-senior-isolation
; If you prefer you can call Kay Windels at 570.207-2213 ext 1101. Registration is requested by March 22 so that arrangements can be made for lunch. A flyer is attached to this email to assist with your publicizing the event.
There is no cost for the workshop because of the generous support of the Moses Taylor Foundation.
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Creation Justice Ministries
Earth Day
and
Endangered Species Day
resources. Earth Day is April 22nd, and we know that faith communities will be celebrating throughout the month of April in light of Easter falling so close to Earth Day this year. Endangered Species Day is May 17th
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Webinar: Green Values and Voting
Those who care about the environment tend to vote less than others by a sizable amount. This has enormous implications for the issues that elected officials choose to address and how they choose to address them. Fortunately, there are proven approaches to increasing voter turnout, and faith communities can play a leading role in encouraging more people to vote their values. This month’s
Creation Justice Webinar
will feature the “voting guru” Nathaniel Stinnett as he educates and equips us for this vital role.
Sign-up to join us for this informative webinar!
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A Spring Conference on Addiction
Sponsored by IECPA a Local masjid
TRAPPED
April 5 - 6 from 5:30PM to 9PM
IECPA, 6635 Tilghman St., Allentown
free admission, free dinner, free childcare
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Lake Institute on Faith and Giving
Insights Newsletter
The Fast They Chose
by Anne Brock, Lake Institute Program Manager
Lent
begins with Ash Wednesday, a time of remembering that from ashes we come and to ashes we return. Many Christians use Lent as an opportunity to give up something as a way of sacrificing during this season. I’ve heard anything from giving up chocolate or drinking to, more recently, social media fasts. However, I’ve also known people to take on a practice or spiritual discipline. A few years ago, I took time each day during Lent to send a handwritten note. It was an opportunity for me to say thank you, ask for forgiveness or reach out, depending on the person and circumstance.
Click Here to read more or to sign up for the
Insights Newsletter
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