•  THIS WEEK IN PNEC                  November 7, 2019
Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
www.pnec.org   610-826-3113; 610-826-5464 FAX
Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates    bonnieb@pnec.org        
Rev. Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez    hispanicucc@rcn.com
Rev. Christian Creyer     christianc@pnec.org       
Barbara Jennings    barbaraj@pnec.org
Patty Rehrig    pattyr@pnec.org
   SEND ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED TO   pattyr@pnec.org
(Letter from Bonnie Bates)
Dear friends,
My heart continues to sing after your vote to call me as your fourth settled Conference Minister. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the faith you have placed in me. The whole day on Saturday was meaningful, collegial, educational, and spirit-filled. Read More.. .
NYE 2020 -- July 22-25, 2020
Just an fyi that there is a new NYE website.
Here’s the link   http://www.uccpages.org/nye2020/
It is not completely populated but it has much more information and will be updated regularly.
2020 UCC Medical and Dental Benefits Plan Rate Announcement
For the 2020 plan year, please note the following rate action:
·      Non-Medicare Health Plan: 3% increase; no change to deductibles
·      Medicare Supplement Health Plan with/Rx: 3% increase; no change to deductibles
·      Pharmacy Benefit Plan: no change to co-pays
·      Dental Benefit Plan: no change
·      Life & Disability Income Plan: no change
·      Vision Benefit Plan: on change

Churches/Employees are able to view 2020 rates by visiting the Pension Boards website ( www.pbucc.org ) and clicking on the 2020 Rate Locator         found on the home page.
Does YOUR church need a Coach??
Here is what Mark Griffith, of Greenawalds UCC said when the church had a coach...“We appreciated the support and guidance our coach provided for us after our Vitality sessions. He was able to listen, encourage, and ask quality questions regarding our attempts to improve Worship Vitality, Stewardship, and Technology in worship. Our coach's ability to review our commitments while assessing our progress was very helpful to us making progress. Coaching from an outside resource turned out to be very valuable for our group when tackling challenging issues like these.”
Cultivating Generous Congregations...How Do You Inspire Generosity
January 24-25, 2020
Church of the Good Shepherd, 35 W. Phila. Ave., Boyertown
Cost: $350 per church team
(4-5 members per church)
Deadline to register will be December 5, 2019.
Bethany Children’s Home welcomes new CEO Joseph T. Birli  
Joseph T. Birli, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, joins Bethany Children’s Home as Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of Kevin Snyder, who served as Bethany’s CEO for six years. Dr. Birli previously served as President/CEO of the Children’s Home of York. Prior to his time in York, he served as Director of Operations at Friendship Community and Director of Clinical Services at Brian’s House. He is a member of the adjunct faculty at Alvernia University since 2014, teaching courses in the graduate counseling department. Dr. Birli has earned a Doctorate of Education in Innovation and Leadership, a Master of Science in Counseling, and a Bachelor Degree in Social Work. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor, and is currently working on a PhD in counseling education and supervision.
Bethany is an open and affirming organization, which is something Dr. Birli also strongly believes in.
“I have worked with adults and youth who have been rejected for who they are,” he said. “Everyone deserves to go through healing.” He sees opportunity for growth within the organization, and is excited to be part of the Bethany legacy of care. Dr. Birli looks forward to getting to know the organization and community, and developing partnerships with vendors and providers.
Consider sponsoring an elder!
Global Ministries Elder Sponsorship assists elders with basic needs through centers that make sure the elders are given the opportunity to live out their lives in dignity in an environment where they are cared for and loved. There are currently three Global Ministries Elder Sponsorship sites:  Read More…
To begin an elder sponsorship you can visit this webpage and either download the sponsorship form and mail it in, or sign-up online.
RETIRED UCC PASTOR AND PHOEBE TERRACE KOREAN WAR VETERAN FEATURED AT STEELSTACKS’ VETERANS DAY EVENT
 
Phoebe Terrace Korean War Veterans Richard “Dick” Reider , who was a U.S. Army Corporal, Louis “Lou” Wolf , a U.S. Army Sergeant, and The Rev. Wilbur “Bill” Albright , a Communication Technician First Class with the U.S. Navy will discuss their personal experiences of military service during the Korean War on Monday, November 11, Veterans Day, at 7:00p.m. at the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
  This panel discussion, “The Forgotten War: Stories from the Korean War”, will be moderated by retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and head of Lehigh University’s Veterans Association, Frank Gunter, followed by a screening of the feature film “Unforgettable: The Korean War.”
The event, which is FREE to attend, will also be taped and rebroadcast on PBS39. For information and ticket reservations go to www.steelstacks.org or call the ArtsQuest Center Box Office at 610-332-3378. The SteelStacks’ Veterans Day event is presented by Embassy Bank and Phoebe Ministries and made possible through a partnership between Lehigh Univ. Veterans Association, ArtsQuest, and PBS39.
ITEMS OF INTEREST...

-- Zoom Webinar - Facing Your Church Building’s Uncertain Future: A Conversation with Patrick Duggan and David Schoen - Tuesday, Nov. 12 th at 3 PM ET there will be a zoom webinar for church pastors and leaders. The conversation will include options for church buildings, as well as helpful practices for engaging in discernment, conversation, decision-making and planning for church buildings futures. Participants can choose to receive a copy of Facing Your Church’s Uncertain Future resource as part of the registration. click for information

--Holiday Bingo! - November 23 - a benefit for the Daybreak Drop-in Center - Lehigh Conference of Churches is the host - held at Dubbs Memorial Community Center, 457 W. Allen St., Allentown - doors open at 1PM with games beginning at 2PM - 13 regular and two special games - buy your bingo packet online by November 22 and save $5 -$20 for 9 squares, 13 games plus a door prize ticket - use this link to purchase at the discounted price, https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hbn22 - raffle baskets, holiday food, a hot chocolate bar and a 50/50 raffle - bingo packets at the door are $15 for 3 squares, 13 games; $25 for 9 squares, 13 games; specials are an additional $2 for a 3 square and $5 for a 9 square. Download the flyer

--The Lehigh Conference Of Churches Presents A Sing-Along-Messiah -- Advent and Christmas Selections - Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 7:30PM - Zion UCC, 620 W. Hamilton St., Allentown
Calling All Choirs! We are asking singers to form a gathered choir as we welcome the community to enjoy this inspired work. Sign up to participate in the gathered choir at http://bit.ly/SingAlongMessiah (case sensitive) or by contacting Genie Watson, gwatson@lehighchurches.org or (610) 433-6421 ext. 6422. Singers requested to RSVP by November 24. For a detailed flyer, click here.

--December 14 - Christmas Peace Pilgrimage -Honoring a Message of Peace for 60 years - from Nazareth to Bethlehem - during the 10-mile trek we seek to reflect on the non-violent life of Jesus Christ and his truth of forgiving love - persons of any age and any spiritual background are welcome to walk - meet at the parking lot at 529 E. Broad St., Bethlehem before 10:45AM - a bus will transport everyone to Nazareth Moravian Church on Center Square where the Pilgrimage begins - persons may join at any point along the way with support vehicles assisting those not able to walk the entire route - Pilgrims arrive at Christ UCC, Market & Center Sts., Bethlehem around 5:30 PM for a light meal and fellowship. Please register for free at www.peacewalk.org and include the names of those coming with you. Download brochure here.
Project Keep Warm
Is in need of new or gently warn winter items
coats (adults, mostly men, children's; gloves, hats, scarves, heavy socks, blankets
Collection is from November 1 to December 8
For more information visit their website
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More on Disaster Ministries
In 2018, the US suffered through $91 billion in damage from disaster. With so much at stake and so many displaced, we’re working to spread information that will help communities pick up the pieces, when the danger has passed. Given your work, I know you’ll agree it’s just as important to help folks get back on their feet. I recently found some resources I thought you might find useful here. Thanks again for your efforts.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
A Gathering In Memory Of Those Lost And Victimized By Anti-Trans Violence
November 20 - 7PM
Metropolitan Community Church of the L.V.
1401 Greenview Drive, Bethlehem, PA
610-866-8223
For More Information Please Contact LVRenaissanceInfo@gmail.com  Or visit www.RenaissanceLV.org
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Disaster Ministries
Click UCC Disaster Ministries Updates for informative articles such as: "Go-Bag" Information; Grants for CWS Buckets; Training for Sulawise Village; Florida Panhandle; Nepal; Puerto Rico Roof Repairs; NVOAD; Ways to Support Disaster Recovery; Youth Voice; Resources and Links
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If your church wants more information explaining the Disaster Ministries opportunities in the Pan Handle of Florida: you can go to https://www.ucc.org/disaster_recovery_florida_panhandle.
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Here is a resource for our churches that are looking for help to become safer and more secure and/or get involved in their community.