Installation of Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, PNE Conference Minister
Bonnie’s installation date has been moved from June 28 to November 7 – as part of the fall conference meeting
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Letter from Bonnie...
Hello friends,
A couple things have come into to mind and awareness that I want to share with you this week. The first is the need for us to continue to be cautious about the decisions we make: about gathering, about mission, about our public and private stances on issues. These are really difficult times, but the times are not the same for all of us. One of the UCC Daily Devotionals from Vince Amlin reminded me, and I hope will you, that we all come from different places and perspectives in this time of pandemic. Here are his words: The Same Boat, Vince Amlin, May 18, 2020
“The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners … but the centurion ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest to follow, some on planks and others on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.” - Acts 27:42-44, excerpted (NRSV)
“Some say we’re all in the same boat during this pandemic. But as this story from Acts shows, even people in the same boat aren’t in the same boat.
Some can swim; some can’t. Some have decision-making power; some don’t. Some have just been saved from death; others are still heading to their executions. Not the same boat.
When I pray with members of my congregations who still have to leave their homes every day to do work that is unsafe, I know we’re not in the same boat.
When I hear my friends Kaji and Donna describe ministry in New York City, where, as I write, almost 1 in 400 people has died, I know we’re not in the same boat.
When I see that black citizens of Chicago are dying at 6-times the rate of whites, I know.
We are not even in the same storm.
Paul himself offers a different model of solidarity.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Rather than claiming we’re in the same boat, the gospel tells me to find out about my neighbor’s boat. Seek to understand their experience of this storm.
And listen when they tell me what I can never understand.
It prompts me to ask how we ended up in such different boats.
And do something about it. And not stop until everyone is brought safely to land.”
This was a good reminder for me. I hope it is for you as well.
A YouTube video reminded me, however, that we are all in this together – even if it’s not the same boat or storm. I hope it will lift your spirits, because truly we are all in this together…
https://youtu.be/lR1Hk0FVi_k
Blessings, Bonnie
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PNEC Recommendations on When to Resume In-Person Worship
It feels strange to make a recommendation about when to resume in-person worship to our beloved congregations. Nevertheless, we feel it is our covenantal responsibility to offer the following recommendations knowing that each of you may well have different considerations and pressures which guide your decision-making process. We offer these in prayerful encouragement as you discern your congregation’s future, knowing that your decisions may include struggling with your future ministry.
Cleaning Guidelines based on CDC recommendations:
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Authorized Pastors...Are You Interested in Joining a Community of Practice?
PNEC Communities of Practice
Are accepting participants for 2020. Cost is $250 for the year. (Can be pro-rated when you join.) Counts for ½ of your continuing education hours. You can apply to the Longsdorf Fund for continuing education funds.
click here
for a list of the Communities of Practice and their openings. If interested...
click here for application.
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National Youth Event, postponed until 2022,
now offering interactive digital experiences
Every four years for four decades, the United Church of Christ's
National Youth Event
has attracted young people from all over the denomination for high-energy inspiration, faith-building and educational activities, community service, and in-the-moment actions for social justice.
Now, like so many other events in the Year of the Coronavirus,
the live event has been postponed, with online opportunities taking its place this summer
.
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Sabbath TIme for Pastors - October 27 - 29
Greetings to One and All! I hope you are well physically and mentally. I want to personally invite you to Sabbath Time for Pastors. October 27-29 at Mariawald Retreat Center, Reading PA . Thanks to grants the cost is $225 for a single occupant. This registration covers day occupancy, meals and the books.
So what happens- once you fill out an application you will receive the books. This are not “how to do ministry” but rather novels, biographies that take you on a faith journey. You have the summer to read them. Then we gather for a three day gathering to discuss the books, and fellowship and relaxation. This has become my absolute favorite continuing ed. Please email me with.
Application Attached!
Please note you do not have to be full time to apply Be well, Teresa Martin.
RevTeresaMartin@outlook.com
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Note from Rev. Traci Blackmon
Associate General Minister, Justice & Local Church Ministries, UCC
Colleagues,
On May 7th, National Day of Prayer, many voices from many faiths from many places over the world offered prayers with the United Church of Christ.
I believe in the power of prayer to move God on behalf of God’s creation. I believe prayer rendered in diverse languages and expressions mirror the one God of many names we encounter in sacred texts. I know prayer transcends race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, and political affiliation. I know prayer can arrest evil, heal brokenness, and transform hearts and minds.
Please accept this digital compilation of all of the prayers from May 7th as an expression of our gratitude for our collective journey toward a more just world.
May it continue to be so.
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Attention church leaders, lay and ordained!
THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering fully online classes this year!
- Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Brunilda "Bruny" Martinez
- Instructor: The Rev. Holly MillerShank
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