Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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A Letter from Bonnie
Good day friends,
“This is the day our God has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
In some of these days it is difficult to rejoice. As the racial hostilities and the political rhetoric in our country continue to rise, as the numbers of people afflicted with and dying from COVID continue to rise, as the tensions in schools, workplaces and communities continue to rise, how can we help our joy rise? It seems to me that we often equate joy with happiness and treat them both as emotions that are a response to our environment. I feel, rather, that joy is a choice. We choose joy each and every day and each and every moment of each day. We choose joy because we are the beloved of God; all of us, each of us. That is reason enough to have joy.
Psalm 16: 11 reads, "You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (NRSV).
We live and move and have our being in the presence of God. That is reason enough to have joy, to choose joy.
Now, I will be the first one to tell you that being joy-filled is a true challenge. With the needs of our pastors and our congregations, with Steve’s illness, with the stress and strain of interacting, or maybe not being able to interact in person, it’s hard some days to choose joy. Yet, I do not want to choose sorrow, although I feel that. I don’t want to choose grief, although I feel that. I don’t want to feel anxiety or impatience, although I feel those too. I want to choose joy! That is my prayer each and every day – to have God help me choose joy!
Now my choosing joy won’t change the challenges in this life, in my work, in my family, or in our culture. Yet, joy helps me navigate those challenges with hope – another of the spiritual gifts I pray to have in my life.
So, how are you? What are you feeling? What are you encountering? What choices are you making? These are some of the topics – these and more practical ones like worship resources and technology assistance – that we share at our Pastors’ Conversations on zoom twice a month. These are topics we can share when we are in fellowship gatherings on Zoom or Facebook, in worship time, at the dinner table, in phone calls, and as we gather in any way – physically when that is possible or virtually at other times. Take a moment to ask yourself how you are, what you are feeling, what you are encountering and then share that with someone you care about who cares about you. Ask them the same questions and listen to their response. Then, my friends, together, choose joy!
That is my prayer for you this day. Blessings, Bonnie
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Notification of the United Church of Christ Board‘s (UCCB)
commitment to Christian discipleship & Synod resolutions toward an anti-racist church and society by advancing the work of racial diversity, equity
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Greetings Friends! This is a Call to attend our Penn Northeast Conference Fall meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2021. We will gather at 9:00 a.m. Our Meeting will be a Virtual Zoom Meeting and run from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
The Meeting’s Theme is Moving Forward
Scripture: Isaiah 43:19
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is!
I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
The meeting will begin with the Celebration of Installation of our Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates. The Service will include the UCC Conference Ministers from the other five Conferences in the Middle Atlantic Region with special music.
The Installation will finish approximately at 10:15 a.m. and the Business portion will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Business Items will include:
· Vote on the 2021 Conference Budget
· State of the Conference Address
· Vote on a slate of Nominees for Conference delegates for General Synod
· Recognition of Committee and Board members and the Moderator who are completing their terms
· Recognition of Pastors’ Anniversaries of their Ordination, New Pastors, & a Time of Remembrance
· Recognitions of Church’s Gifts to OCWM and Five for Five
Hope you can virtually join us! -- Doug Taylor, Moderator
Fall Meeting Registration Link through Tithe.ly
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PNEC Bylaws Revision and Addition
(This will be an item of business at the Fall Conference Meeting)
An Explanation:
The PNEC Committee on Ministry has requested a change to our PNEC Bylaws. The current Bylaw, Article VIII, Section 805, indicates a quorum for Conference Meetings:
At any meeting of the Conference 100 persons entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum. If there is the lack of a quorum, members present at any scheduled meeting of the Conference may hear and receive reports without taking actions thereon and may adjourn the meeting to such a time and place as a majority of those who are present and entitled to vote shall determine.
While this quorum is effective and manageable for meetings of the Conference, this quorum becomes challenging for Ecclesiastical Councils, gatherings of the Committee on Ministry, delegates and pastors of churches, and guests for the purposes of approving a candidate for Ordination as an Authorized Minister.
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Recording from workshop on virtual/in-person worship
On Saturday, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development Rev. Cean James, led a worship on "Virtually Present - Combining Virtual and In-Person Worship." A recording is available here.
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Building Church Differently
presented by UCC Church Building & Loan Fund
Partners in Building - 2020 Webinar Seminar Series
September 17 - October 1
Three 90 minute power-packed webinars 2PM - 3:30PM EDT
$25 total cost
Enter the Photo caption contest and win a brand new Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet!
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Update to DOL Guidance on Families First Coronavirus Act Leave
The Department of Labor recently released additional guidance on the leave available to employees caring for school-aged children under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. These questions and answers relate to schools and remote learning. Briefly:
- If the school is closed and the only option is remote learning, the employee is eligible for paid leave under the FFCRA.
- If the school offers the option of attending in person or attending remotely, the employee is not eligible for leave under the FFCRA because the school is not closed due to COVID, even if the employee selects the remote option out of fear of the child contracting COVID.
- If the school has a hybrid approach and the child is required to do remote learning on particular days and not permitted to attend school on those days, the employee may take the leave on those days.
Of course, nothing prohibits an employer from giving an employee leave that is not required under FFCRA, but remember that the employer cannot take the payroll tax credit for non-qualifying leave.
-- Heather Kimmel, General Counsel, UCC
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Technology Basics for Congregations
Saturday, September 26 from 9:30 - 11:30AM - via Zoom
2020 has brought to light the needs for our congregations to utilize technology in new ways. Whether you are hosting live virtual worship, pre-recording worship, offering devotionals or bible studies, many of us are moving into arenas for which our seminary training left us unprepared. Open to all authorized ministers, administrative staff, beginning IT staff.
Join us to explore options, ask and answer questions, and become more comfortable with the resources available to us.
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Dimensions of -Isms
On-Line Anti-Racism Training
Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 9AM to 4PM via Zoom -- Cost: $100.00
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PNEC Ministry Day 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9AM to 3PM via Zoom
Cost: $25.00
Caring For Our Mental And Spiritual Health
(attendance for the day will count as either the Cultural Competency requirement OR 4 hours of continuing education.)
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: September 30, 2020
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The Story of Worship
(open to both Pastors & Lay Worship Leaders)
November 14, 2020 from 9AM to 4:30PM via Zoom
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Gorkos - Cost: $50/person
(This will count for 7 hours of continuing education)
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Generous Preaching
Sept. 15, Oct. 13, and Nov. 10, 2020
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Engaging scripture stories to share the spiritual practice of generosity with congregations
It can be hard to talk about money. And yet Jesus spoke about it often, second only to the Kingdom of God. Join Rev. Andrew Warner to explore how to preach and teach about generosity and the use of our financial resources. Background materials and seminar style discussions will take place through the Damascus Project. Each month will focus on a specific et of readings. We will plan out at least one preaching opportunity for teaching generosity as a spiritual practice each month.
· Sept. 15: Exodus 16: 2-15, “Between Desiring Fleshpots and Divine Generosity”
· Oct. 13: 1 John 4: 1-7, “Beloved, Love”
· Nov. 15, Matthew 25: 14-30, “To Timid with Talents?”
What You’ll Get From Generous Preaching: As a student, you’ll get a few great benefits from being here:
· Explore. It can be hard to talk about money. And yet Jesus spoke about it often, second only to the
Kingdom of God. Explore generosity as a spiritual practice.
· Connect with colleagues and scripture in new ways through leadership focused Bible Study.
· Get results. Research underscores the connection between teaching about generosity and
increasing revenue for a local church. Learn how to talk about generosity outside of an annual
pledge drive.
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Children and Youth Speak: Your Vote Matters — A UCC Webinar
With the climate crisis and the struggle against inequality, the younger generations have served as today's prophets in provoking a global reckoning of the dire situation faced. As the November 3rd elections approach, children and youth are raising their voices again with a moral urgency as they awaken us to how much is at stake. This webinar will present children and youth from ages 10 to 18 who have a message and perspective that needs to be heard before those older than them vote. Register now!
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GESTALT PASTORAL CARE RESEARCH CELEBRATION
How Does the Good News Impact You?
September 26, 2020 from 1 to 3:30PM via Video Conferencing
If you are a clinician, a hospice worker, a seminarian, a pastor, a denominational worker or in administration in any of these fields and more, this afternoon is for you. Clients are welcome too!
Keynote Speaker: Michael Crabtree,Ph.D. - "Spirit Inspired and Scientifically Validated" Research Results by Wanda Craner, M. Div. and David Janvier, M.A. Stories of practitioners and clients who have worked in GPC. Breakout Sessions to discuss the takeaways for your setting. Message from our Founder, Tilda Norberg, M.Div. A $25 donation is encouraged but not required. To Register for the Video Conference and Receive an Access Link, please click here DEADLINE, September 23, 2020
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PRC offering Virtual Choir webinar series this month
Practical Resources for Churches (formerly the Parish Resource Center of Long Island) is offering a Virtual Choir: Webinar Series throughout September with webinars on: Creating Connection Through Song, What do you need to get started, Selecting Music and Preparing Lead Tracks, Preparing Your Choir to Record, and the use of different video editing and sound mixing technology. For more information, click here.
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Homecoming 2 Event
(sponsored by Family Promise)
September 26, 2020
Homecoming 2 event on September 26th will be going virtual. It is very important to us that we keep everybody as safe as possible. At this time we don’t have details. The Homecoming Team is working hard to make sure we have a great event that all of our ticket holders and sponsors will be proud of. Please continue to look for updates through your e-mail and our social media venues. Thank you all for your commitment to Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley and I look forward to our future interactions.
Roslyn Kuba, Executive Director,
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Pastor's Conversations
Bonnie Bates is inviting you to a scheduled semi-monthly Pastors’ Conversations Zoom meeting, held on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2 pm. (August 19, Sept. 2 & 16))
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 829 4709 0481
Password: 235909
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,82947090481#,,,,0#,,235909# US (New York)
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Virtual History and Polity Course
October 5 - November 16 -- Cost is $375
Indiana-Kentucky Conf. will be offering a virtual history and polity course with one of our ACM's, the Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins coming in October. Click on the link below to register.
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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. (First, workshop was held on August 22.) Please save the dates for these events:
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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.
(TO REGISTER for Oct. 17 - please email pattyr@pnec.org and you will be sent the zoom link closer to the workshop date.)
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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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Doctor of Ministry Program
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Video Series to Help Local Church Pastors and Leaders with Stewardship
Congregational leaders often seek resources to help them organize effective annual stewardship campaigns. Drawing on my own experience and shaped by insights on best practices from the Lake Institute, I designed the video series “Extravagant Generosity” to provide these resources.
The short videos cover a range of topics:
- The spirituality of Generosity (featuring UCC
officers)
- Offering Thanks
- Practical Elements of a Campaign
Leaders can watch the videos as a series or
choose the topics of most significant use to
their setting.
The first 14 videos provide the necessary elements leaders will need to know when running an annual stewardship campaign. But 14 videos can’t cover everything! I will continue to add videos and resources to the series.
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Central Moravian Church Presents
The 2020 Central Chautauqua Series
Resiliency: Faithful Endurance During Pandemics and Other Difficult Times
Zoom Presentations on
Sundays, September 20, and 27 and October 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
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Palestine Today and the Kairos "Cry for Hope"
In a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the globe and as the struggle against historic and systemic injustice and oppression is revived, the circumstances of Palestinians living under occupation continue to worsen. The threat of Israeli annexation of large parts of the West Bank is an example of the decades of policies that have denied Palestinians their basic human and civil rights.
Join us on Wednesday, September 16 at 1 PM Eastern for a special webinar conversation with two Palestinian Christian leaders, Rifat Kassis and the Rev. Munther Isaac, as they discuss the current reality, the situation of Palestinian Christians, and the recently-issued “Cry for Hope,” a letter to the world calling for attention and action to challenge injustice and to seek change to which UCC and Disciples leaders have responded.
This webinar is scheduled to take place during the World Council of Churches’ World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel.
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Fall Boundary Training - will be one session ON-LINE
from the Lehigh Presbytery
The on-line Boundary Training will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Registrants will receive the Zoom link once they register and send in payment. Attendance will be monitored and certificates will be emailed to those who attend the entire training.
Click Here for a copy of an updated flyer. Questions specific to the training and how it will work contract Marsha Heimann (marsha.heimann@gmail.com). I am handling the registrations, confirmations, and receipt of payments.
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Men's Clergy Retreat 2020
Releasing Your Inner Warrior
Sponsored by Pennsylvania Southeast Conference
October 6-8, 2020 -- Kirkridge Retreat Center
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Online History and Polity Class
This class has been taught for the last 5 years in a hybrid format (three of the classes are done through Zoom, the rest are asynchronous). The Rev. Dr. Jerry Garber is the instructror. We have received numerous positive feedback from the student that have taken the class. The cost is only $300. Here is the registration link:
Southern California, Nevada Conference – Rev. Dr. Felix Villaneuva, MCC
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Stepping Up To Supervision
Wednesdays 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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Central Moravian Church Presents
The 2020 Central Chautauqua Series
Resiliency: Faithful Endurance During Pandemics and Other Difficult Times
Zoom Presentations on
Sundays, Sept. 13, 20 & 27 and Oct. 4, 2020
at 12:00 p.m.
Register no later than the Friday before each presentation. Question? Call 610-866-5661
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3 Reasons to Enroll TODAY in a Crossroads Program
UNPACKING THE SCRIPTURES—TEACHING
(8) Thursdays, 6-9 pm
September 10 - October 29
Price: $240
THE STORY OF CHRISTIANITY (HISTORY)
(8) Mondays, 6-9 pm
September 14 - November 2
Price: $240
CULTURE AND CHANGE
(8) Mondays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm
November 5 - December 3
Price: $240
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THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
Theology I: “Faith Seeking Understanding,”
Oct 3–Nov 12, 2020 --apply by Sept. 25
Theology II: “Leadership and Community,” Jan 9–Feb 18, 2021
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From Luther Seminary
-Simultaneously online and offline: church as hybrid experience
-The Craft of Preaching
-Faith Innovation On-Line Community
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2020 UCC Stewardship Materials
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Virtual Benefits And Services Symposium For Faith-Based, Non-Profit And Community Organizations: - Sept. 24, 2020, 12:30-5 p.m.
- Join event at Website. Or call by phone +1 (404) 397-1596, with access code: 199 454 8899
This informative symposium will allow faith-based and community leaders the opportunity to learn about VA benefits and services for veterans within their congregation and the communities they serve. Don't miss this opportunity to be empowered with knowledge to help our nation's veterans!
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Disaster Ministries continues to offer Matching Grants of up to $250 for UCC congregations assembling CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets and Kits. Get more information here.
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UCC Disaster Ministries is working with our disaster response partners from across the Commonwealth, to meet needs related to disasters like flooding and fires, and complicated by the pandemic. There are current and anticipated increased needs among people whose residences (owned and rented) have become unsafe and/or unlivable. Please complete the form found at https://forms.gle/ww6eLkKgEnGvh4RN6. Please read more...
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