This Week in PNEC --- June 14, 2018 - June 22, 2018

TO CONTACT US OR TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA18071; www.pnec.org website

610-826-3113; FAX 610-826-546

 

Bonnie Bates  bonnieb@pnec.org    Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez   gilbertor@pnec.org    Christian Creyer  christianc@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

FREE RESOURCES!!

The Penn Northeast Conference Resource Center has ceased to exist over the last few years.  There are many resources at the Conference Office that are free for the taking.  If you would like to come and browse, please let us know, or if you are at the Office for a meeting, feel free to fill a box or two!!

Justice Issues Information for our Congregations

As your Conference Minister, I share this information with you so those of you actively addressing these issues in the community and nation, are aware.  Please share as you wish and respond as you feel you must.

                                                                                                                                                 - Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates

 

Healthcare - The Trump administration told a federal court on Thursday that it would no longer defend crucial provisions of the Affordable Care Act  that protect consumers with pre-existing medical conditions.  Under those provisions of the law, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge higher rates to people with pre-existing conditions.  According to the NYT, a definitive court ruling could be months away and appeals of any decision could take many more months, during which the law is likely to stay in effect.

         -- Our General Synod has called for healthcare that is affordable, accessible and equitable for all people.

     This clearly would move us in the opposite direction.

 

Voting Rights - Yesterday the Supreme Court rejected a challenge to one of the practices used by Ohio to purge voters from the state's voter rolls.  By a vote of 5-4, the justices agreed that the practice under question - which cancels the registration of voters who do not go to the polls and who then fail to respond to a notice - does not violate federal laws governing voter registration.  The decision could mean that more states will adopt similar laws to trim their voter rolls.  Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized the ruling in her dissent, predicting that it could have a disproportionate effect on the poor, the elderly and minorities.

          -- Katie recently wrote a reflection on the attacks on voting rights we're seeing throughout the country

     as part of our work on the Poor People's Campaign.  Read more: 

     http://www.ucc.org/linking_systemic_racism_and_poverty

Joint Conference Vision & Development Team Summer Zoom Discussions

 

The JCVDT is inviting YOU to scheduled Zoom discussions on three separate dates with three separate questions to inform our work to create a new Conference.  The dates are Monday, June 18; Tuesday, July 17; Wednesday, August 28.  Click to view the flyer/registration form/instructions for Zoom

The information is also available on our website   www.pnec.org
 

Phoebe Richland, a premier Continuing Care Community providing skilled nursing, personal care and short-term rehab is seeking a per diem Chaplain to work approximately 16 hours/week to support the spiritual needs of our residents, family members and staff at our Richlandtown campus.

For further details, contact Rev. Scott Brooks-Cope at scope@phoebe.org
 
 
PNEC Spiritual Renewal Partners Spring Retreat
June 23
9AM to 3PM at Jordan UCC, Allentown
 
No matter how strong our faith is there 
is so much happening in the world today that sometimes it can give us a sense of discouragement. Join the PNEC Spiritual Renewal Partners on June 23, 2018 for a day long retreat: Rooted and Grounded in Love: Nothing Can Separate us from the Love of God which will strive to turn whatever despair or discouragement you might be feeling into a renewed sense of hope. It is time to be uplifted! Discover your "roots" again in Christ. Because we are rooted and grounded in love. Be strengthened by the scriptures, quiet times of reflection and prayer, small group discussions and fellowship. The day begins at 9:00am and will close with Holy Communion by 3:00pm.   Bring your own bag lunch and a snack to share if you wish. Beverages will be provided. Location: Jordan United Church of Christ,1837 Church Road, Allentown. Click for Registration Flyer
 

           MARK YOUR CALENDAR       calendar-grey-header.jpg

 

PNEC Ministry Day

9AM to 4PM

is scheduled for

Saturday, October 13, 2018

              Speaker & Place to be announced
 
The Justice and Advocacy Committee 
will be co-sponsoring a
"Healing Communities Training" 
and we hope you can attend!
 
June 23 (Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm)
Unitarian Universalist Church
424 Center St., Bethlehem
Cost: $40 per person, $105 for 3 from the same congregation; cost includes training materials.
 
Healing Communities is a national model created by the Annie E Casey Foundation and faith leaders from across the theological spectrum, to engage congregations in the restoration and healing of people who have been impacted by crime and the criminal justice system.
The training covers:
-- Essential information and perspectives on the criminal justice system, current issues, and the impact of crime on victims, survivors, offenders and families
-- Relevant questions for reflection and discussion within congregations
-- Ideas and resources for pastors and faith leaders to engage congregants
-- Tools, information and resources for congregation members
-- Resources and dedicated time to develop customized a congregational action plan suited to the culture, demographics and core beliefs of each congregation.
[for additional details and registration, see  http://www.pachurchesadvocacy.org/event/healing-communities-trng-jun-23/
(submitted on behalf of the Lehigh Conference of Churches)
 

June 14 Drug & Alcohol Training for Faith Leaders

 
    As you are aware, Pennsylvania is facing a drug epidemic, unlike anything we have seen before. Entire communities are suffering from the devastating effects while our local authorities try to find solutions to the issue Substance use does not discriminate based on faith, sex, status or belief. 

 

     The County of Lehigh is offering a training opportunity for our community's Faith-Based Leaders.  The purpose of the training is to bring insight into the epidemic, discuss cause/effect and to provide practical resources for you to bring back to your places of worship.  My request is that not only will you attend but that you will distribute this flyer to other groups that you are affiliated with or those who may be interested in attending. 
Out of the Darkness and Into the Light -
Strategies, & Tools for Facing the Drug Epidemic for Faith Leaders
June 14, 2018 (from 9:00-3:30)
Faith Church, 6528 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown PA
Cost: Free!
 
    As vital and practical as this training will be, the unified statement of having Faith-Based leaders united under one roof will send a clear message of unification on the topic of addiction.  The most practical way of reaching our communities is through each of you.
 

 
Update from the Joint Conference Vision and Development Team (JCVDT)

 

The PA Historical & Museum Commission  

& Boehm's UCC

cordially invite you to the dedication of an official State Historical Marker commemorating John Philip Boehm

1683 - 1749

Saturday, June 23, 2018 - 10:30AM at Boehm's UCC

571 Penllyn Bell Pike, Blue Bell, PA

 Please visit www.BoehmsChurch.com for more info
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLERGY CONNECTIONS
 
Services of Interest
June 24 - 10AM - Service of Farewell for Rev. Karen
Moeschberger from St John's Allentown
June 24 - 3PM - INSTALLATION - Rev. Rebekah Thomas
Emmanuel, Allentown
July 29 - 10:15AM - Service of Farewell for Rev. Kevin
Fruchtl - Ebenezer, New Tripoli
August 19 - 9:30AM - INSTALLATION - Rev. Joel Risser -
First, Hellertown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Edith Guffey:  Jim Moos, Executive Minister for Wider Church Ministries & Co-executive for Global Ministries has headed home to South Dakota. He and his sister will be with his mother as she decides if she will undergo further treatment for health issues. You may know that Jim's mother has undergone treatment for cancer over the last year and was doing fairly well until the most recent concerns came up just last week. I am sharing this with Jim's permission and I know you will want to hold Jim, his mother and his family in your prayers.  
 
Children's Sermon
for June June 17(based on Mark 4:26-34)
Items needed:  2 McDonald's hamburgers, flowerpot with dirt, water spray bottle, flashlight, clock.   Beforehand, bury one of the hamburgers, STILL WRAPPED, right underneath the surface  of the dirt in the flowerpot.  When kids come up, show them the other hamburger, still wrapped.  Unwrap and then show them the hamburger.  Point out the seeds on the top of the bun and tell them that they are "hamburger seeds."  Tell them that,  today, we are going to plant one of the hamburger seeds.  Take one of seeds off the bun  and push it into the dirt in the flowerpot.  Now, we know every seed needs water to grow--take spray bottle and spray on pot.   And every seed needs light to grow--turn on flashlight and shine on pot.  And every seed needs time to grow-pick up clock and let  a few seconds go by.  Okay, let's see what we've gotten by planting our hamburger seed.  Use your hands to dig out the buried hamburger and show kids.  Look!  We've grown a hamburger!  In today's Bible reading, Jesus talks about  God's work.  Jesus says, God is always working to make the world a better place.  But God's work is like a seed, buried in the dirt.  When a seed is buried in the dirt, you don't see it growing, but is  growing.  And we don't always see God working in the world, but God is always working, trying to grow "seeds" like love, mercy, and justice.
- Rev. David Quinn
 
UPCOMING DATES  
  calendar
JUNE
14 - 9:30-11AM - Licensed/Commissioned Mentor Group - Conf. Office
14 - 6PM (supper) - Search & Call Team - Conf. Office
18 - 10AM - Authorization Working Group - Conf. Office
18 - 7-7:30PM - JCVDT Summer Zoom Discussion #1
19 - 11:45AM - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy -DiFiore's Pizzaria & Italian Restaurant, 5608 Rte 873, Neffs
20-23 - Leading Edge - Hershey, PA
23 - 9AM-3PM - Spiritual Renewal Partners - "Rooted & Grounded in Love" - Jordan UCC, Allentown
24 - 10AM - Service of Farewell - Rev. Karen Moeschberger - St. John's UCC, Allentown
24 - 3PM - INSTALLATION - Rev. Rebekah Thomas - Emmanuel UCC, Allentown

25 - 2PM - Staff & Personnel Committee - Conf. Office
26 - July 5 - Vacation - Conference Minister Bonnie Bates
28 - 12Noon - Clergy Convocation Evaluation Meeting - Carriage House, East Greenville
 
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
a 3-part educational series called
Consistory/Council 101
September 15th, October 6th and October 27th
10AM - 12 Noon
The 3 sessions are titled:  (Sept. 15th)-Making Our Church Meetings Effective, (Oct. 6th)-Pastor and People Working Together and finally (Oct. 27th)-Connecting Beyond Ourselves.  We are asking all Consistory/Council Presidents to place this educational opportunity on their upcoming agenda for consideration.  We are looking at presenting this course via LIVE STREAM to locations in EACH of the Penn Northeast, Penn Central and Pennsylvania Southeast Conferences where groups of laity can join together in viewing the presentations and participate in discussion questions.  Download your Registration Form 
 
THE ECUMENICAL SOCIETY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, USA
2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
"Mary, Disciple of the Lord: Suffering"
July 26-28, 2018
Please register by July 6
Misericordia University, 301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA
 
Introducing the Global Ministries
FESTIVAL OF STORIES!
It's happening during the month of June on various online platforms. Throughout the Festival of Stories, you'll learn about how individuals and churches are supporting Global Ministries and international partners in unique ways. You'll also have opportunities to share stories about how you and/or your congregation, region/conference are involved, too!
  
Stories will be shared in the following ways:
* Through the Global Ministries website where there are already some great stories from people like you.
* Through Facebook and Twitter with special opportunities to share YOUR stories.
* Through Instagram (@globalministries) and Snapchat (globalminuccdoc) with opportunities to hear from Global Ministries supporters from all over the USA and Canada.
  
We are excited to see what stories we will tell together over the next month!
 

Young People Making Peace

Summer Day Camp

July 23-27, 2018 from 9AM to Noon

First Presb. Church, Allentown

For children ages 5-14

who have completed kindergarten to 8th grade

Five mornings of stories, songs, games, crafts and learning activities related to the broad topic of peace and justice.  **Peace Training for those who have completed 7th & 8th grade.  Sliding-Scale fee:  $10 to $40 per child for the week.  Sponsored by Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern for more information or to register, call 610-691-8730.  Space is limited.
 

 

Upcoming Trainings

New
Registration Open
20th Global Youth Justice Training
End of Summer Institute
Youth/Teen/Student/Peer Court and Peer Jury
Historic Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts,
October 2-4, 2018 - Tuesday to Thursday
Registration:      $195.00
Resort Rooms:   $89+ Tax for Standard Rooms and $109+ Tax for Oceanview Rooms
Details Here
 

https://uccma.wildapricot.org/event-2867694 
 
REGIONAL YOUTH EVENT

Registration for the Eastern Regional Youth Event at California State Universtiy is still open!
Have you registered? If not, click the link below!!
The PNEC planning team is discussing transportation to the event, paperwork needed and a pregathering!
Please contact Marge Baltz marjoriebaltz@yahoo.com if you plan to attend so we can include you in the details
 

Looking for an Interesting Series?

 

Consider exploring UCC Polity - for congregations, new members, committees & more...

     Enrich Your UCC Identity - simply press "play" on the vimeo site to learn from diverse UCC leaders about our faith and our governance, our beginnings and our future, our worship and our witness.

     Make the UCC Story YOUR Story - How do you experience God in this denomination that proclaims a stillspeaking God?  Download easy-to-use discussion guides for conversation.

     Choose Your Own Polity Path - use this adaptable curriculum with your small group, conference board, new member calls, confirmation program and more.

 

Each learning session includes a facilitator guide, video, resources, and activities to help folks explore the unique history, governance structure, and theological commitments of the UCC.  You can access all the lessons and resources by clicking here, as well as download any files you need.  The complete facilitator guide is available for purchase.

- Holly Millershank, MESA

          216-736-3881
 
2018 Boundaries Workshops
"Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders" 
                                     
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders training program is designed to enrich both our opportunity and responsibility as leaders for Christ's church.
2018 Workshops will be held: 

   Tuesday, October 23 - St. Paul's Lutheran, Dallas

   Wednesday, October 24 - Christ Hamilton United,
 Stroudsburg
 
ONLINE UCC History, Theology and Polity Course
June/July 2018
      The instructor will be Rev. David Gaewski, Conference Minister of the New York Conference, UCC. Classes are from 9:30-3:30 on June 16, 23, 30 & July 7. The platform utilized will be Zoom Video Conferencing (zoom.us) The tuition will be $475. For more information contact course administrator, Ms. Diana Pelletier, at dkluscombe@msn.com
    Payments should be sent to: Diana Pelletier, 114 Munro Dr., Camillus, NY 13031. Make checks payable to Oneida Association UCC.
      A syllabus is available upon request.  Laity, Members in Discernment and Privilege of Call candidates are all invited!
 
On-line Polity Class geared towards Ministerial Authorization
Center for Progressive Renewal:  http://www.progressiverenewal.org/courses/ (a link to contact the director of on-line learning is on this page
 
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
We love advertising the "happenings" in our churches Complete Listing of