Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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PLEASE NOTE
There will
NOT
be an August 6 issue of "This Week in PNEC"
The next issue will be August 13. Thank You.
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Friends,
I have been writing letters and articles for our twice weekly emails and e-newsletters since the pandemic began.
This week I read an article by one of our pastors, Rev. Bob Gutekunst, the pastor of Forks UCC in Stockertown. Bob offered a message that I believe we can all benefit from sharing. Thank you Bob for your willingness to share with us. Blessings, Bonnie
In the newsletter of Forks UCC, Stockertown, written by Rev. Bob Gutekunst…
I’ve been a little disappointed that, in response to some of the racial justice themed sermons, prayers, and devotionals that I’ve written lately, I have received some angry messages from church members. I’ve also received a couple of messages that questioned why I would say, “Black Lives Matter”, when all lives matter. That’s interesting, since, in all of my recent sermons, prayers, and devotionals, I haven’t actually said those words, “Black Lives Matter”, but, since the can of worms has been opened, I thought I might as well address it.
I confess that, when the “Black Lives Matter” movement began a few years ago, this was my exact response, “All Lives Matter.” Of course they do. As a Christian, it is impossible to read the words of Jesus Christ and conclude anything other than we worship a God who has created each and every one of us in God’s image, a God who finds infinite worth and value in every human life, and a God who loves each and every one of us, unconditionally. Of course. But saying that sort of misses the point, which I have only recently come to understand. The reality is that, for much of our country’s history, black lives have not mattered as much as white lives, if, indeed, they have mattered at all. Still today, in many parts of the country, black lives do not matter as much as white lives. Making the statement, “Black Lives Matter” is a recognition of this indisputable reality, and a realization that, for all lives to matter, things need to change. It is simply standing up for a segment of our population that has been marginalized, that has been oppressed, that is in need, which has always been a part of our Christian heritage.
In the Gospels, Jesus hung out with all kinds of people. He ate at the homes of the religious elite, the Pharisees, and he ate at the home of notorious sinners. His disciples were a cross-section of the population- women, fishermen, tax collectors, zealots. He treated everybody equally. He loved everybody equally. But, his ministry most often involved those who were in need- lepers, the blind, the lame, the sick, poor widows, ostracized adulterers, those cast out of society because they were possessed by demons. Those lives didn’t matter any more to Jesus, but he went where he was needed at the time.
I read a great explanation of this on the Penn Northeast Conference website: “When the Boston Marathon was bombed, and everybody’s profile picture changed to “Boston Strong”, nobody said, “All cities are strong.” When the Las Vegas shooting happened, and people changed their profile pictures to “Stand With Vegas”, nobody said, “Stand With Everyone.” Have you ever seen someone counter a breast cancer post with, “Wait, what about colon cancer?” But, for some reason, when someone says, “Black Lives Matter” it turns into an all-inclusive, “All Lives Matter.” This is not an either/or proclamation. When there is a crisis, we have always rallied around that group/city/cause. It does not diminish any other group/city/cause, it just brings awareness and support to where it is needed. Nobody is saying all lives don’t matter, but right now, our black friends, families, colleagues, neighbors and strangers need our support.”
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2021 Compensation Recommendations
Dear friends, The Authorized Ministry Compensation Sub-Group of the Committee on Ministry recently met and reviewed the Compensation Recommendations for 2021. As we reviewed the materials, we considered the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges for our ministers and our congregations. As you review the recommendations you will note that we have retained the 2020 salary compensation levels for 2021. We have however made one request. We request a further review as you prepare your budgets.
As we stated in the recommendations:
These recommendations are based on the uncertainty of our economic status during the pandemic. We recommend that as you develop your congregational budget you consult the Consumer Price Index or the 2020 projected Inflation rate and adjust your compensation accordingly.
It is vital for congregations to understand that throughout the pandemic ministers have usually been working more hours rather than fewer, to meet the needs of the congregations they are serving. It takes much longer to prepare worship virtually or to even be on touch with everyone in the congregation. We ask our congregational leaders to take all this into account as they prepare budgets and compensation packages.
Please remember, too, that amendments to Ministerial Call Agreements and Three-Way Covenant forms should be completed annually and submitted to the conference office in January 2021.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to one of the Sub-Group members.
In Christ’s truth and love, Rev. Jeff Brinks, Ms. Barbara Hanks, Mr. Tom Moyer, Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, staff advisor
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Webinar on science behind safe singing during COVID
On Aug. 3 at 3:00p
, the UCC Science and Technology Network's "Science for the Road Ahead" webinar will be on the topic "Singing and Choral Reading." A vocologist and voice teacher with a PhD in Vocal Pedagogy and Voice Science will help answer questions about making scientifically-grounded decisions about singing and choral reading during the pandemic. To register,
click here
.
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UCC Webinar: The Green New Deal and Reparations
Wednesday, August 5
th
When it comes to justice-oriented policy proposals that seek to fundamentally transform our society, the Green New Deal and reparations currently rise to the top. Yet, often they are discussed separately, despite clear and compelling connections. The Green New Deal Resolution proposed in Congress sought "to promote justice and equity by stopping current, preventing future, and repairing historic oppression." At the same time, the demand for reparations compels our society to address the historic injustices of systemic racism, including environmental racism. To explore such connections and how faith communities can work to advance just policies, this webinar will feature three panelists: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 350.org’s North America Director Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, and the UCC’s Economic Justice Minister Sekinah Hamlin.
Register now!
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Bethlehem Public Library Anti-Racism Resources and Workshop
(Completion of the workshops would count as Anti-racism training or 6 contact hours)
Below is a link to Facebook listing by the Bethlehem Public Library for a 4 part series billed as an introductory workshop series on issues of systemic racism in the U.S.
These workshops will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays starting July 14th - August 25th from 6:30- 8pm. The presenter is Linda Wiggins - Chavez. It will be ZOOM format with link and register information on the Bethlehem Public Library Facebook website.
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Embracing Healing in These Days
August 5,12,19,26 & Sept. 2 & 9
on-line course developed by Wanda Craner,
Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer
Limited to 20 participants
six-90 min. sessions–cost for all 6 sessions $120
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Stewardship Events Set With Generosity Outreach Officer
Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, and Penn Northeast conferences are working with the UCC's Generosity Outreach Officer to create three workshops for our churches and leaders. Please save the dates for these events:
- Aug. 22, 10:00a-12:00p: Annual Campaigns 101 – Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, we will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign.
- Oct. 17, 10:00a-12:00p: Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry – While a significant wealth transfer occurs (and will occur) in our country as our eldest generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options among their members. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. Through this webinar, you will learn key concepts and create an actionable plan for your congregation or ministry.
- Jan. 20, 2021, 10:00a-12:00p: Spirituality of Generosity – Jesus talked about money second only to the kingdom of God, yet many in the church today treat money as a non-spiritual topic. We can theologically engage questions of money, wealth, and giving. Teaching and preaching about generosity and the use of our financial resources can deepen the faith life of our congregations. Gathering together with other pastors, this webinar will help you reclaim money-talk as a faith formation conversation with the members and friends of your congregation.
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Stepping Up To Supervision
Wednesdays from August 5 to September 9
Noon (CDT) Live On-line
If you're like most pastors and faith leaders, your theological education equipped you to teach, preach, provide loving pastoral care, and lead worship.
Read More...
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Thursdays for the Soul: Story Time and Barn Tour
Thursdays for the Soul is made possible through your support. To continue to support programs like this, please donate to the Annual Fund.
With Peace, Justice and Local Church Ministries, The United Church of Christ
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2020 National Youth Event
UNITE THROUGH THE EXTRAORDINARY
A Virtual Gathering July 25-26,2020
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THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering fully online classes this year!
August 22 - October 1
Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding
We meet online together for the first class Saturday, 8/22 from 1-3pm
followed by 5 weeks of asynchronous online instruction.
This introduction to Christian theology examines the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, exploring what it means to think about God. As church and community leaders, we will examine the ways in which we articulate our own theological perspectives (and understand those of others) as resources for congregational leadership.
AND
October 3 - November 12
Theology II: Leadership & Community
We meet online together for the first class Saturday, 10/3 from 1-3pm
followed by 5 weeks of asynchronous online instruction.
This introduction to Christian theology focuses on the human condition, Christian hope, the church, ministry and mission. You may take this class without having taken Theology I.
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Clinical Pastoral Education at
Phoebe Ministries
(accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education,
55 Ivan Allen, Jr. Blvd, Suite 835, Atlanta, GA 30308.
www.acpe.edu
)
N
ow accepting applications for our…
Extended CPE Group -- Oct. 2020 - April 2021
- 4 hours of class time per week on Tuesday evenings
- Class time by Zoom and in person
- 12 hours of weekly ministry on one of our 4 Continuing Care Retirement Community campuses with negotiable days/hours
- Working and learning with board certified
chaplains
- ACPE certified Educator Scott Brooks-Cope and Certified Educator Candidate Leah Knox leading the group
- Fall, Winter & Spring breaks are built in
- Full scholarships available
Extended Deadline to Apply –
September 1, 2020
For information please email/call Rev. Leah Knox
lknox@phoebe.org or 610-927-8515;
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FREE CHURCH MEDIA COLLECTION
Create an unforgettable digital worship service with these trending backgrounds.
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Spiritual First Aid
The Humanitarian Disaster Institute has developed a step-by-step approach to learning and providing spiritual and emotional care for others. Spiritual First Aid is the first disaster spiritual and emotional care intervention to have been built from the ground up using both biblical wisdom and evidence-informed psychological insights gained from years of scientific study. This manual introduces the easy-to-use BLESS Method, which takes the “guesswork” out of providing disaster, spiritual, and emotional care remotely and while staying at home. Learn more and download the manual at
https://www.spiritualfirstaidhub.com/home
Disasters are stressful for survivors and caregivers alike, including the pastors and chaplains to whom survivors turn for spiritual and practical help. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.
Recovering Hope” is offering resources, indexed at
www.ucc.org/recovering_hope
in a variety of formats, including virtual workshops, referrals to vetted providers, and other easily accessible resources from the UCC and beyond.
CWS Kits Depots Are Opening Soon
Church World Service is accepting kits again! Here are links to the CWS Kits promotional video.
YouTube link
or a
Downloadable mp4
. UCC Matching Grants of up to $250 for congregations assembling kits are now available, although the caution remains to not gather to assemble kits until it is safe to do so.
Click here for full information
.
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