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Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Call to the Fall Annual Meeting of the Penn Northeast Conference
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Faith UCC, 22 Faith Drive, Hazleton, PA
Theme: Transforming
Guest Preacher: Rev. Bill Worley, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Minister
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Ministry Day 2018
Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 9AM to 3:30PM (Registration begins at 8AM)
Faith UCC, 5992 Route 378, Center Valley, PA
610-282-3939
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dr. Jill Peters
- directs and teaches in the Crossroads Lay Leadership Program at Moravian Theological Seminary. Jill lives in Bethlehem, PA with her family and provides congregational workshops and church board retreats on Culture & Change, Contextual Outreach, Conflict, and Vision & Mission
TOPIC: Embracing Conflict in our Churches
COST: $10 to help cost for catered lunch (payable at registration)
Please RSVP to Patty Rehrig at
pattyr@pnec.org or 610-826-3113
by October 1
(let her know if any food allergies or special needs also)
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Disaster Response Ministry
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Hurricane Florence...
We have been awestruck by the devastation from the storm and aftermath of flooding that Hurricane Florence brought to the North & South Carolinas. Thank you to all who have expressed great compassion in wanting to provide relief aid.
Here are a few ways you can help:
PRAY
- Please keep the victims, families, leaders and responders in your prayers.
MAKE A DONATION
- As always, our UCC response has been quick and will be on-going. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to Penn Northeast Conference, 431 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071. (Please make a note that it is for Disaster Recovery)
Your donation will help the UCC respond quickly to immediate disaster and long-term recovery needs. The focus is on the most vulnerable by addressing injustice, responding to the community and filling in the gaps in service. There are no administrative fees -- 100% of funds designated for disaster relief to the United Church of Christ are used for disaster relief and rehabilitation programming.
Checks should be made payable to Penn Northeast Conference, and clearly note that they are for disaster relief efforts.
VOLUNTEER
- A list of volunteer opportunities can be found
here
.
PURCHASE CLEAN UP KITS
- You can assist hurricane and other disaster relief efforts by pre-assembling various kits that are warehoused by CWS, ready to be shipped at a moment's notice when the need arises. There are still
matching grants available
!
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Through generous donations from people like you, UCC Disaster Ministries is responding to the needs of people affected by 2018 hurricanes both within the United States and around the world. Donate now to deepen the impact of our immediate response and long-term recovery work.
Last week Hurricane Florence roared ashore in the US Carolinas. Although downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm, communities are experiencing mass flooding. The large scope of devastation is just beginning to be known. The UCC is responding.
Last week Super Typhoon Mangkhut (AKA as Ompong) created devastation in the Philippines, and also wreaked havoc in Hong Kong, China and other parts of Asia. Landslides, wind, and rain have claimed many lives, while others are missing. The UCC is responding.
More storms are churning. Stay up-to-date on the
UCC response
Your donation helps the UCC respond quickly to immediate disaster and long-term recovery needs. Our actions focus on the most vulnerable by addressing injustice, responding to the whole community, and filling gaps in service. One hundred percent of UCC disaster relief funds are used for direct service to individuals and communities, and rehabilitation programming.
You can send contributions through the Penn Northeast Conference. Please mark on check for disaster ministry.
Stay Updated and Involved: Visit our disaster
website
. Follow us on
Facebook
for updates.
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Flooding and Long Term Recovery: Construction, Coordination, and Case Management
Saturday, September 29, 2018, 9 – 3 pm
Bear Creek Camp, 3601 Bear Creek Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
PNEC, PSEC, and our ecumenical partners active in disaster are sponsoring a workshop for anyone interested in flood relief and recovery for community response. Topics will include:
- the new Crisis Cleanup Tool being used in Pennsylvania that helps families self-identify as having needs, and gives churches and community groups the ability to see where those needs are located
- Safety tips for cleaning out basements
- Resource information
- spiritual and emotional care overview
- best practices for long term rebuilding and recovery coordination in communities
- an overview of the whole relief and recovery process
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Your Church Can Prepare for Emergencies
United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries encourages our churches to learn how to prepare for emergencies in September, which is National Preparedness Month.
“It is important for churches to be ready for a possible emergency,” said Eastern PA UCC Disaster Coordinator, Karl Jones, who also serves as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) vice-chair of the Community Preparedness Committee. “It can be overwhelming to get started, but these simple tips will get you on the right path.”
- There is a fire in your church and you need to leave quickly. What are the best escape routes from your church? Find at least two ways out of each room. Now write it down, educate your people, and you’ve got the beginning of an emergency plan. Perhaps even have a fire drill.
- There is an accident or medical emergency at your church. Make sure you have people who know basic first aid or CPR and empower them to act.
- Learn how to turn off utilities in your church in the case of emergency. Make sure there is nothing blocking access to the shut-off valves and switches.
- Review insurance policies and coverage to ensure it is adequate for the hazards you may face.
- Build up an emergency fund. Could your church operate if you received no income for a month or more.
This year’s theme for National Preparedness
Month is “Disasters Happen. Plan Now. Learn How.” Churches can use this opportunity to train it’s leadership and members how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes. The goal of this effort is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, businesses, school, and places of worship.
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MINISTRY TRAINING UPDATES (continuing education)
ALL Authorized Ministers, please note:
We will start identifying these kinds of links as continuing education opportunities – even though the policy doesn’t go into effect until January 1. If you have any questions, please contact the
Penn Northeast Conference Office at 610-826-3113. Thank You!
Click
HERE
for list of some upcoming opportunities!
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES - From the PA Council of Churches
- Information on Solar power to lower bills and build a brighter future.
- Energy Star Pennsylvania Stewardship Tour
- General Assistance Application Open Again - Help for the Poor
- Justice and Gerrymandering - Video Available
- and more...Click Here for flyer and links
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PNEC Sleep Out for Homelessness
- September 29-30, Forks UCC, Stockertown
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry 3-part educational series called Consistory/Council 101
-
Pastoral Leadership in Congregational Systems
- Three Sessions of Learning to Improve Pastoral
Leadership for Authorized Ministers - 3 days of experiential learning - October 10; February 27, 2019;
May 1, 2019 - 9AM to 5PM each day at Faith UCC, Center Valley - COST: $350 including lunch.
Understanding Addiction and Older Adults
- October 11 at DeSales university - online registration will
PNEC Ministry Day
- Saturday, October 13 from 9AM to 4PM, Faith UCC, 5992 Route 378, Center
Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk
- October 14 at 1:30PM beginning and ending at St. Timothy's
Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown - registration starting at 1PM - for sponsor form, info about
2018 Boundary Training Workshops
- "Essential Boundaries for Wise Leaders" - sponsored by NE PA
2018 "Widening the Welcome Conference - Living, Learning, Leading"
- November 1-3 at the
Sheraton Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls Convention Center - Also, a Mental Health First Aid
class, November 1 - certified course with cont. ed. credit upon completion -
Detailed Flyer
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Spread the Word... PNEC and PSEC are sponsoring a trip to
Puerto Rico April 28 - May 5, 2019
At a recent planning meeting for the trip to Puerto Rico, we started discussing the possible expenses expected per person, including airfare, food, transportation and other expenses. We are considering that the total cost per person will be $1,000.00 for all the expenses. This is a basic estimate so we can plan individually. Other topic discussed was the different documents that every person will need for the project: passport, health insurance, medication rules and releases from UCC. Since is the beginning of the coordination, we are identifying elements needed so everyone can start deciding and clarifying their decision of been part of the project.
Our next planning meeting is in October 2, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity UCC 101 South Main Street, Telford 18969.
If you want additional information, please contact Gilberto Garcia-Rodrigues, PNEC Associate Conference Minister at
hispanicucc@rcn.com.
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Lancaster Theological Seminary will host Discover Day events on
Saturday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 31 at the Seminary.
Discover Days are open to all. Discover Days offer the chance to experience the life of the Seminary community, sit in on a class, worship in chapel, and get to know some current students.
The Event on Saturday is ideal for those interested in the weekend format for two master's degree programs. The Wednesday, October 31 open house is the better option for those considering weekday master's programs.
Contact 717-290-8741 if you have any questions.
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PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.,
announces changes in organizational leadership and membership on the Board of Directors
Beginning October 1, 2018, Rochelle Lofstrand will assume the position of Acting Director of the online educational institute. She completed theological studies through PATHWAYS, holds a master of education as well as additional degree-work in educational leadership and administration.
While welcoming Rochelle, it is also acknowledged that the Rev. Valerie Coe Lauder will continue to work with PATHWAYS in an administrative role.
In October, three individuals will join the PATHWAYS Board of Directors:
- Mike Clausen, the founder of the Spiritual Transformation Project which works at the intersection of spirituality and social change;
- Mike Suzo, who prior to retirement served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Defiance College;
- Heather Allman, a certified financial planning for a major corporation.
Completing their time of service on the PATHWAYS Board of Directors are Rev. Aqueelah Salome As-Salaam, who most recently served as Treasurer; Minister Regina Drake, who has worked with PATHWAYS since its inception; Rev. Trish Greeves, who will continue to teach for PATHWAYS; Rev. Ashley Cleere, who was instrumental in expanding coursework in theology; Rev. Lou Kavar, who has worked with PATHWAYS for seven years and will retire from active ministry at the completion of his term with PATHWAYS. Special thanks to all of these members of the Board of Directors who supported the transition of the organization to become an online education institute grounded in principles of Progressive Christian theology.
Upcoming Courses:
For Authorized Ministers (4 CEUs):
* Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square, 6-week course (Oct 3-Nov 13, 2018)
For Everyone:
* Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian, 6-week course (Oct 24 – Dec 11)
* Small Church Administration, 6-week course (Oct 24-Dec 11, 2018)
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Here is the link to register for the Adventures in Advent Resource Day being held on October 6 (Please RSVP by October 1.)
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Origins, Doctrines & Practices of Islam - Tuesday, November 6, 2018 - 7:00 PM
AND
Islam’s Relationship with Eastern Orthodox Christianity - Tuesday, November 13, 2018 – 7:00 PM
HOLY RESURRECTION ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, 591 North Main Street, Wilkes- Barre, PA
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Spread the Word... PNEC and PSEC
are sponsoring a trip to
Puerto Rico April 28 - May 5, 2019
At a recent planning meeting for the trip to Puerto Rico, we started discussing the possible expenses expected per person, including airfare, food, transportation and other expenses. We are considering that the total cost per person will be $1,000.00 for all the expenses. This is a basic estimate so we can plan individually. Other topic discussed was the different documents that every person will need for the project: passport, health insurance, medication rules and releases from UCC. Since is the beginning of the coordination, we are identifying elements needed so everyone can start deciding and clarifying their decision of been part of the project.
Our next planning meeting is in October 2, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Trinity UCC 101 South Main Street, Telford 18969.
If you want additional information, please contact Gilberto Garcia-Rodrigues, PNEC Associate Conference Minister at
hispanicucc@rcn.com.
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Global Youth Justice
New Issue -- FALL e-News on Record 1,800+ Youth/Teen/Student/Peer Courts
Fall Newsletter
World's Most Replicated
Juvenile Justice and Youth Justice Program
Record 1,800+ Youth/Teen/Student/Peer Courts
65,000+ Adult and Youth Subscribers
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Get your FREE Neighbors in Need Activity Book!
Who is My Neighbor? We want to hear from yoU! Download our Neighbors in Need Activity Book, and share your drawings with us on social media, using #UCCNIN18.
Use this Activity Book with your, family, friends, congregation, and neighbors. Share your artwork on social media and don't forget to tag @unitedchurchofchrist and #UCCNIN18
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WONDERFUL and JOYOUS
On Sunday, September 23, three congregations and three denominations came together for a bilingual (English/Spanish) joint worship service at St. James UCC, 37 South 15th St., Allentown, PA. (610-432-7677)
The congregations were:
- St. James UCC
- Iglesia Pent. Bajo el Abrigo Del Altisimo
- Iglesia de Restauaracion Unides en Cristo.
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Lehigh Conference of Churches
Food Items Needed for the Ecumenical Soup Kitchen's Annual Thanksgiving Meal.
Please contact Laura Rowe 610-433-6421 or
lrowe@lehighchurches.org
if you would like to donate. They are also collecting donations during the week of November 12 at the Dubbs Memorial Community Center, 457 W. Allen St., Allentown. Items needed are stuffing mix, packaged grave, canned green beans, canned yams, French fried onions (French's), butter (pounds and pats), iced tea mix. Gift cards to help us purchase these items are also greatly appreciated!
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