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Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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We are an Easter Resurrection people
. As we celebrated Easter on Sunday, we were, and are, reminded that life conquers death, that hope conquers fear, and that love conquers hate. Yet, we live in times when the descendants of Abraham: Jews, Christians and Muslims are increasingly unsafe in their places of worship. One need only look at the recent bombings and shootings in Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the United States or recent fires in churches, or the cruel and bitter criticism that passes for moral conversation about faith to know that our culture is challenged on almost every front.
Yet, we are resurrection people. Recently I shared a message in response to the Sri Lanka bombings that included a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I share a couple sentences of that message here, “
Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that.”
As people of the Christian faith, we carry the light of Christ and the love of God within us. It is our task to share that light and love with the world. Truly sharing that light and love is what being an Easter Resurrection people is about. My friend and colleague Michael Piazza, reminded me of a line from the Psalmist
, "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes with the morning."
May you be blessed with joy, hope, love and life in the days ahead.
Bonnie
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SAVE THE DATE
PNEC Fall Conference Meeting - Saturday, November 2, 2019
St. John United Church of Christ, 22 Atlas Road, Northampton
Keynote Speaker: Tod Bolsinger, PhD
Author of
Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory
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Chaplain being sought for a part-time position at Phoebe Wyncote
General Responsibilities:
Responsible for conducting a variety of religious activities and providing for the spiritual needs of the residents and families; ministry with staff; volunteer development; mentoring CPE students; outreach to religious communities, and institutional advancement.
Basic Qualifications:
- Education: Master of Divinity; ordination in United Church of Christ or partnerdenomination; Minimum: 2 units of CPE with preference for 4 units and eligibilityfor certification with Association of Professional Chaplains
- Skills: Proficient reading, writing, grammar, and mathematical skills, Proficientinterpersonal relations and communicative skills
- Experience: Experience in parish desired; chaplaincy experience desired.
Scott Brooks Cope Director of Pastoral Care 610-794-5119
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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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Bonnie Bates is inviting you to a Zoom Conversation
with the Conference Minister
April 30, 2019 - 10AM
Join Zoom Meeting
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 833 840 118
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Disaster Ministries
Mission Rebuild Trips to Puerto Rico
The Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and the Penn Northeast Conference, in cooperation with the UCC Disaster Ministries, are jointly participating with the Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico (IEUPR) in the Puerto Rican recovery effort. The first trip is from April 28 to May 4. The second is from May 12 – 18. The trips will be led by Penn Northeast Conference Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Gilberto Garcia-Rodriguez.
These rebuild mission trips have been full since mid-January. The first trip has 12 people from PNEC and 6 from PSEC. The second week it is reversed: 11 from PSEC and 2 from PNEC. Therefore, there are 17 from PSEC and 14 from PNEC.
The groups will be staying at the Yuquiyu Camp/Conference Center owned by the Iglesia Evangélica Unida de Puerto Rico. The Camp is in Luquillo near the Yunque National Forest.
The work is primarily repairing private homes in the Humacao area, about 45 minutes from the camp. Participants will be working in groups of 3 to 4, with supervision. Much of the work entails repairing cement roofs, interior ceilings and walls, installing windows and doors, as well as painting.
Please keep these trips in your prayers .-Rev. Karl Jones
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JOINT PNEC/PSEC DISASTER MINISTRY TEAM
Monday, May 13⋅6:30 – 8:30pm
Zion Union Church, Maxatawny, PA 19539
A ZOOM option will be available. Notice will be sent later.
You are invited to join with others who are passionate about helping our neighbors through
disaster ministries
. We will learn more about -
- The UCC Disaster Ministry program and how you and your church can be involved.
- What our Conferences are involved in at this moment.
- How our churches can be more prepared.
We will also explore how our Conferences can work together to achieve our mission.
If you are expecting to participate please respond to
kjones275@comcast.net
, so we can prepare for your attendance.
Shalom,
Karl
Karl Jones,
Disaster Response Coordinator
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The April ReadyPA newsletter provides information on being financially prepared if a disaster strikes and how to be on the lookout for scams when disasters strike. The April Action Sheet provides information on preparing an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit.
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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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Theology Matters: Curriculum Resources for ALL Ages
Friends in Ministry,
Have you ever had questions about Faith Formation in your congregation? The PNEC Faith Formation Ministry Team is sponsoring a SPECIAL EVENT for YOU! Please see the flyer below and share it with your Faith Formation team. This event will be geared to assist with planning the 2019-2020 year in the following ways:
- Adult Small Groups, Confirmation, Children, and Youth, and will include multicultural resources, as well!
Continuing Education hours are available for attending.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your Faith Formation Ministry team. If you have an interest in helping with the event and others, we welcome your input.
Yours in Christ,
Janet Newett, for the Faith Formation Ministry Team
PLEASE NOTE: We are changing the registration from Event Brite to Tithe.ly
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Eastern Religions
In
The United States
June 12, 2019
Led by Rev. Dr. E. Allen Richardson
Professor of Religious Studies
Cedar Crest College, Allentown
9AM-Noon at St. John’s UCC, 183 S. Broad St., Nazareth
Cost: $10.00
9AM – registration
9:30AM – training begins
11:30AM – questions & answers
12 Noon - conclusion
This training fulfills the
Cultural Competency Training requirement for Authorized Ministers
ALL ARE WELCOME!!
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Welcoming Diversity Training
Jordan United Church of Christ
1837 Church Road, Allentown, PA
May 28, 2019 and May 29, 2019
Fee: Both Days $100
Fee: Single Day $60 (May 28 only)
Day one of this training(May 28) fulfills the Anti-Racism Training requirement for Authorized Ministers.
ALL ARE WELCOME !!
Day one of the training will focus on personal growth and development.
Day two will provide participants the time to think strategically about how to manifest their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the work and behaviors of church leadership, within congregation and the community served.
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Children's Sermon for April 28
(based on John 20:19-31)
- by Rev. Dave Quinn
Items needed: empty, clear pitcher; un-inflated balloon. Show kids the pitcher and ask them what is in it. Hopefully, they will say, "Nothing." Actually, the empty pitcher is full-full of air! But we call the pitcher, "empty," because we don't see the air, that is in the pitcher. Now, I am going to "eat" this whole pitcher full of air(hold pitcher up to your open mouth and pretend to pour out all the air.) Now, I have swallowed all the air in the pitcher. Now, I will use the air to fill up this balloon. (Blow up the balloon.) Now, I can "see" the air, in that I can see how the air has filled up the balloon. Today's Bible reading is about seeing, and believing. One of Jesus's friends, Thomas, says he won't believe that Jesus is risen, unless he sees Jesus with his own eyes. Jesus does show up for Thomas. But Jesus also says, "Blessed are those who have not seen, with their own eyes, but they still believe." What that means is, most people don't see Jesus, the way you and I see each other. Most people today see Jesus the way I see the air that was in the pitcher (hold up pitcher, hold up balloon)--I see Jesus today by looking at the people who have the "air" of Jesus, the Spirit of Jesus, in them--people like your Sunday School teachers, the choir singers, and the people who smile at you in church.
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UPCOMING EVENTS..
--April 27 - Mosque Open House - 11AM to 2PM - you are invited to your neighborhood Mosque - All Welcome - Muslim Association of Lehigh Valley, 1988 Schadt Ave., Whitehall - modest dress is requested of all guests, casual pants, jeans and long skirts are fine - for more information contact
INFO@MALV.ORG
--April 27 - Whose Streets? We Will Not Go Quietly - 6PM - free admission - free screening and discussion of the documentary film, "Whose Streets?", an unflinching look at the Ferguson uprising that unfolded and the police response after Michael Brown was killed in 2014 - held at Respect Graduate School, 2200 Industrial Drive, Bethlehem - hosted by ACLU of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Respect Graduate School
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May 8 -
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.
WHERE:
Northampton Community College, Fowler Center in S. Bethlehem (511 E. 3rd St, Bethlehem)
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
--May 9 - You Are Cordially Invited to Annual Ramadan Tent Dinner - 6:30 PM at 2200 Industrial Dr., Bethlehem - dinner will be served at 8PM - RSVP at
contact@lehighdialogue.org
--
May 16
- The Chapel of Four Chaplains invites you to the
3rd Annual Veterans Mental Health, Opiod & Suicide Prevention Symposium - Keynote Speaker: Lisa Thomas Laury - "An Opiod Conversation"
-
RSVP by May 10 - Free & Open to the Public...to read more
click here
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May 21 - Introduction to Self-Care - 6 to 9PM (dinner provided)
-
Chester County Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Rd, West Chester, PA 19380
-
This Introduction to Self-Care training will explore the physical and emotional aspects of workplace stress, including working in high stress situations for extended periods of time. The course will also discuss and identify self-care and wellness practices with participants, begin to establish self-care plans, and discuss resources and support options - includes small group discussion and interactive exercises - appropriate for anyone who would like to begin to practice self-care in any setting.
Registration:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IntrotoSelfCare
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June 1 -
The Lehigh Conference Of Churches--"Valley Over The Edge"
-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 their spot on the ropes. To request more info, email
valley-ote@lehighchurches.org or contact Becky LeaShomb at 610-433-7220 ext. 6106 -
several PNEC pastors are "going over the edge." You can go online to support them in their efforts and give to a great cause!
--June 8 - 7th Annual Muslim Funday - (Raindate is June 9) - 10AM to 7PM at Covered Bridge Park, 2465 Wehr Mill Rd., Allentown - delicious food, exciting rides - website
http://lvmuslimevents.org
--
June 17 -
Christian White Supremacy - 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
--
June 18-20 -
Registration Open for the 22nd Global Youth Justice Training Youth/Teen/Student/ Peer Court Diversion Programs --
in Las Vegas, Nevada -
Registration Information
--June 25-28 at First Cong. UCC, Madison, WI - Uniting Church & Community Through Music & Art - 12th Biennial National Conference of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association
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An Invitation to receive the message of Rev. Gary Dorrien at Lehigh University on Sunday, May 19 at 4 p.m.
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The 21st Century Church and
Volcanic Culture
Rev. Dr. Leonard Sweet
June 10,2019 from 9AM to 4PM
Quakertown United Methodist Church
$20 per person includes
continental breakfast and full lunch
Based on Len's long-awaited sequel to the
best-selling
Soul Tsunami:
Rings of Fire
"Fire Up!"
Methodist Revival Tent Meeting
Quakertown UMC under the Tent
Guest Preacher: Leonard Sweet
Free Entry for Everyone
8AM to 8PM
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Article from
Keeping You Posted
Helping Hands -
UCC-related Bethany Children’s Home is offering ‘
Helping Hands’
to migrant children, providing food, clothing, shelter and other resources in an effort to reunite them with their families already in the United States.
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ONLINE UCC History, Theology and Polity Course June/July 2019
This Course meets the requirements as set forth by the UCC Polity Teacher's Network and will be offered online in June/July 2019. The instructor will be Rev. David Gaewski, Conference Minister of the New York Conference, UCC. Classes will begin at 9:30am and end at 3:30pm EST on the following dates: June 8,15,29 and July 6. The platform utilized will be Zoom Video Conferencing (zoom.us) The tuition will be $495. For more information contact course instructor, Rev. David Gaewski,
davidgaewski@uccny.org
Payments should be sent no later than May 31st to: UCC Polity Course, Attn: David Gaewski, 5575 Thompson Road, Dewitt, NY 13214. Make checks payable to David Gaewski.
A syllabus is available upon request. Laity, Members in Discernment and Privilege of Call candidates are all invited! The course will be cancelled if we do not obtain seven registered students. A student is considered registered when full payment has been received. Students who cancel enrollment will receive reimbursements up until June 3rd. Please note several recent courses reached maximum capacity.
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Global Ministries Mission Personnel are coming to a summer camp near you!
Summer church camps are formative experiences for children and youth and can be a great opportunity to connect and learn about God’s global mission. Global Ministries is excited that there will be more than a dozen mission personnel this summer visiting UCC and Disciples summer youth camps in more than 30 regions and conferences throughout the U.S. and Canada!
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Walking with Joy
Giving Thanks for the Healing Ministry of Gestalt Pastoral Care
June 29, 2019
Registration/Gathering at 9AM
Program 9:30AM to 4PM
Zwingli UCC, 350 Wile Ave., Souderton, PA
If you have questions about Gestalt Pastoral Care, you may call Becca Yoder Stephens at 484-529-8369.
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Mission Opportunity
St. Peter's UCC in Pine Grove is traveling to Mission Central in Mechanicsburg on July 27th. Mission Central is a mission of the Susquehanna Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. They are a fantastic resource for disaster ministries and much more, who are continuing to assist in the flood recovery efforts in eastern PA. The purpose of the trip is to do some work around their warehouse.
The group from St. Peter's be leaving their church at 7:45 am and working in Mechanicsburg from 9am-2pm.
To get more information and to register please contact Pastor Jason Stump at
pastorstump@gmail.com or 757-630-6577.
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Jubilee Breakfast Ministry Fund Raising Brunch for the Homeless
May 11 from 8:30 to 10AM
Zion UCC, Allentown
Tickets: $10 each; age 5-12/$5
Click for informational flyer and how to purchase tickets
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Lake Institute on Faith & Giving
Faith, Intervention, and Learning Organizations
by
Melissa Spas, Managing Director of Education and Engagement
For many of us, faith involves an openness to the possibility that God intervenes in the world. In ways large or small, through a variety of means, many people of faith have a hope and expectation that God will redirect our course. In my own tradition, anticipating Holy week and Easter, I have been giving a great deal of consideration to the ways in which God patiently teaches us to prepare for and receive that intervention.
Read More
A Resource for All Congregations...Is your congregation looking for help with... Fundraising, Stewardship, Relationships in Ministry, Strategic Planning for Congregations, Church Finances or any other topic?
Read More
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Facing Your Church's Uncertain Future Webinar on May 2
When your church’s future is uncertain, it’s time to have courageous conversations and make faithful decisions.
Facing Your Church’s Uncertain Future
is a NEW resource that offers good practices for discerning, discussing, and making decisions that concern a church’s future. Pastors and congregational leaders are invited to join this online zoom webinar presenting theological, liturgical and helpful insights for discussing future options, including closure and legacy.
$10 Registration includes receiving the resource,
Facing Your Church’s Uncertain Future
(digital download or print version). Register by April 18th to receive the resource before the webinar. $5 Registration Webinar only
Register now for this online Webinar for Pastors and Congregational Leaders.
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