Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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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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Call to attend our Penn Northeast Conference Fall meeting
Saturday, November 7, 202
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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West Coast Fire Evacuations Take Toll on UCC Churches, Camps, and their Communities
As wind-whipped wildfires continue to take lives and destroy forests, homes and businesses on the West Coast of the United States, United Church of Christ congregations are in stages ranging from evacuation to recovery to post-traumatic stress syndrome.
In the two hardest-hit UCC Conferences – Central Pacific and Northern California-Nevada – several congregations and church camps await word on the fate of their buildings. Others, evacuated days or weeks ago, are ministering to families and communities that escaped damage or are returning to inspect it. Daytime skies range from smoky gray to eerie orange to black as night.
“It feels like the whole coast’s on fire,” said Pastor Kimberly Williams of Grace Community UCC in North Fork, Calif., which got evacuation orders on Sept. 6, her first official Sunday as pastor. In affected areas, “it’s terrifying,” she said. “Everybody is looking out their windows with this look of horror, but then realizing, OK, this is the reality, we’ve got to keep on going.”
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UCC Webinar: Children and youth speak: Your vote matters
September 19 at 3PM
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 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. The webinar will be on September 19 at 3:00p Saturday. Register now!
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Moravian Seminary - Have You Registered??
Wisdom Way of Knowing Gatherings
Fridays, September 18, October 16, & November 20
3:00-5:00pm
Spirituality in Networked Spaces
Friday, September 25 • 10:00am-2:30pm
LGBTQ Suicide & Care for the Souls of Queer Folk
Friday, November 13 • 3:00-5:00pm
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Harvest Full of Hope
Mental Health Awareness Conference
Registration is now open for the virtual event! In the registration form, we have an option where you can buy T-Shirts and unique Harvest Full of Hope masks! Shirts and Masks will be available for pick-up at St. Mark's Lutheran Church (201 E Juniata St, Allentown, PA 18103) on 10/13 from 9:00am - 3:00pm, or ArtsQuest on the day of the virtual event. Click Here to Register R egistration is free and you must register to get the certificate of attendance and the Zoom link as well If you have any questions, please email us at info@harvestfullofhope.org
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Relationships, Strong Connections, and Mental Health in the Church
FREE Webcast - September 30, 2020 at 1PM (Eastern)
Relationships are meant to be one of the most fulfilling parts of life, but during this year of stress and anxiety, millions of people are dealing with new relational challenges.
That’s why, on September 30th, Barna is partnering with Pepperdine University’s Boone Center for the Family to present a free webcast about Restoring Relationships.
This event will help leaders answer three crucial questions:
1. What is the state of relational health today?
2. In what areas are relationships under pressure?
3. Where can people go for healing and how can the church help?
Register today to receive a free digital download on some key findings from this study and get a head start on exploring opportunities to strengthen relational well-being in the church.
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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
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.
· Oct. 13: 1 John 4: 1-7, “Beloved, Love”
· Nov. 15, Matthew 25: 14-30, “To Timid with Talents?”
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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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UCC Church Building & Loan Fund Present:
Building Church Differently
90 minute power-packed webinars - September & October
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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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Talking About Racism: A Community Conversation
(Authorized Ministers - if you have documentation of attending all three conversations, it would count for anti-racism training)
October 1 - 5:30-6:30PM via Zoom
Defining & Identifying Racism
October 8 - 5:30-6:30PM via Zoom
Understanding White Privilege and Allyship
October 15 - 5:30-6:30PM - via zoom
Discussing Black Lives Matter
To attend, you must RSVP to receive the Zoom information.
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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.
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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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 27 and October 4, 2020 at 12:00 p.m.
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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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Neighbor in Need (NIN)
Neighbor In Need (NIN) materials are available in a different format this year. Due to the fact many churches are not yet gathering in sanctuaries as a matter of safety, our desire to encourage such behavior, and the significant cost of printing and shipping NIN materials that may not have been used at all, JLCM made the decision to only print NIN posters this year and to make bulletin inserts and all other resources available as downloads. We have also created a video appeal available next week for use in virtual worship.
Churches that resumed in-person worship may contact UCC Resources (click here) to request both the posters and envelopes if desired.
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30th Anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act
Help promote the 30 th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and an opportunity to share your stories. To celebrate the Disability Friendly Community of the Lehigh Valley is promoting the idea that people with disabilities BELONG! Please see the attached flyer and share with others. Thank you, Kim Melusky, PA Link to Aging $ Disability Resources; Lehigh/Northampton Coordinator
(610) 782-3096
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A Support Group for
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The group is offered on Thursdays at 9:30am in the Provider 50 Conference Room.
413 Bridge St.
Weissport, PA 18235
610.379.9304
The group has been designed to offer support and education while addressing feelings and concerns related to raising grandchildren. The group is facilitated by a staff psychologist. Please call the office for more information or come in and sign up to participate.
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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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Central Moravian Church Presents
The 2020 Central Chautauqua Series
Resiliency: Faithful Endurance During Pandemics and Other Difficult Times
Zoom Presentations on
Sundays, Sept. 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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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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