Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Bonnie's Letter
John 20: 24 – 25: "Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So, the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe."
Dear Friends,
We give Thomas a bad name. Yet aren’t we all filled with doubt sometimes? We doubt our family understands us. We doubt we will recover from an illness. We doubt our children love us. We doubt our own abilities, the strength of our own will, and even the depth of our faith. We doubt our lives will ever return to “normal” whatever that is.
It is in our human nature to doubt. Thomas is not that different from the other disciples. They have had the advantage of seeing the Risen Jesus. Thomas did not. Thomas’ human nature takes over – he doubts what he cannot see, has not seen.
Hebrews 11:4 begins, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Our faith is what we cling to, and hope is what strengthens us.
As a local church pastor, I often sat at the bedsides of the dying, with the families of the recently deceased, with the friends and families as they said goodbye to their loved one. I watched the anguish and the pain, and I saw the hope for the resurrection, for the next step, for the everlasting life promised to us. Most of those I sat with had no personal experience of the hereafter, of the next step in our journey. There is one notable exception. In one of the churches I served, there was a woman who had died twice during two different surgical procedures. The events were years apart, but her memories were the same – the sense of peace and warmth, the brightness of the light and the colors, the songs which she felt as well as heard. The sadness when she knew she had to return to her earthly life.
This is a woman who inspired hope, who comforted the lost and the lonely, those in grief and in sorrow. This is a woman who profoundly changed my views of life, death, resurrection, and hope. I have always been optimistic, but hope is different. Hope moves me to trust in relationships with the Holy that I cannot see, but only feel and have faith in. This Eastertide, that is my prayer for you – move into hope, allow your faith to deepen your hope in God, yourself, and the world. God is present. Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
Blessings, Bonnie
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COVID Letter from MESA (Ministerial Excellence and Support Authorization)
As we enter the third year of living with the Coronavirus, we hope to be shifting into a year that begins to answer...Click Here to Read
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Penn Northeast Conference Spring Meeting
NOTE: If attending the whole event this will qualify for Cultural Competency Training
(virtual or in person)
May 13 - 14, 2022 (Friday - Saturday)
The Chateau at Camelback
475 Camelback Rd., Tannersville, PA
Keynoter: Valarie Kaur
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Valarie Kaur is an American activist, documentary filmmaker, lawyer, educator, and faith leader. She is the founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. Kaur's debut book, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, was published in June 2020.
Friday, May 13, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Valarie Kaur Zoom Presentation and Interfaith Worship including Valarie
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Morning: Interfaith Workshops
Afternoon: Business Meeting, Recognition of Pastors and Churches, Installation, Closing Worship
including Communion
Registration is available for Friday evening only or for Friday and Saturday.
OR Click Here for form to mail in registration along with your payment
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Last Call for these Up-Coming Events & Deadlines |
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Two-part Adult Spiritual Formation Series in May
Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley is hosting
Part one is "Christian Teaching on Alcohol" meets on Tuesday, May 10 at 6pm ET via Zoom or
in-person at the church at 7pm.
Part two is "Christian Teaching on Gambling" meets on Tuesday, May 17 also at 6pm ET via Zoom or in-person at the Church at 7pm.
no registration is needed. The Zoom ID is 876 0624 8826 and the church is located at 1401 Greenview Drive in Bethlehem (18018).
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Break the Silence Sunday
During April many congregations observe Break the Silence Sunday, a day to focus on the devastating effects of sexual violence and abuse in our society and a time to offer prayers and care for survivors. The official day for this in our UCC calendar is April 24th.
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New Community of Practice Starting...
for pre and post authorized minister retirees
This Community of Practice will be starting in June, 2022 and continue through the end of the year. The cost is $125. The facilitator will be Rev. Stephen Engelhardt and the meetings will be via Zoom. Please email Patty Rehrig pattyr@pnec.org at the Conference Office to let her know if you would like to sign up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Faith of Prophets
Lessons for the Climate Crisis
Saturday April 23 - 10:30AM
The best-selling Catholic writer Joan Chittister has written, “What this world needs most right now is a new generation of prophets.” This is especially true as we confront the climate crisis today. As we celebrate Earth Day, the United Church of Christ is working to meet this moment in two immediate ways: a nationwide digital event on Saturday entitled “The Faith of Prophets: Lessons for the Climate Crisis” and the announcement of a new grant opportunity for churches and other UCC institutions to create climate justice fellowships for youth and young adult leaders.
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Justice Leadership Program
starting this fall
The Justice Leadership Program is wrapping up its first online 6-month Jubilee program (with five participants, four from UCC) and now is the time to apply for the autumn program. Jubilee is an online program for adults of any age who want to integrate faith and justice work in their lives in a meaningful and transformational way. Program associates meet monthly to deepen their faith within a community of their peers while learning skills for systemic change-making. Join us for the fall program to be informed, equipped, and empowered to act for justice! Apply now for Fall 2022
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Process the Pandemic for Ministry
Tuesdays, April 26 & May 3
7 to 8:30 PM Central Time
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Boundary Training Offered
In this year, 2022, the responsibility for Boundary Training across our churches falls to the Northeastern PA Synod of the ELCA. We have set up three options in the month of May for in-person training in three different locations across the region. See the attached flyer. It can also be found under the EVENTS tab on our NEPA Synod website. 1. Friday, May 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friedens Lutheran Church, 28 Wolf Creek Rd, Bernville, PA 19506
2. Monday, May 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 474 Yalick Rd., Dallas, 18612
3. Friday, May 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
St. John Lutheran Church, 200 S. Broad St., Nazareth, 18064
COST: $35 (includes lunch)
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Mindfulness and Meditation Gatherings by Zoom
With Rev. Kris P. Snyder (from Union, Neffs)
Thursdays 12noon to 1pm
April 21, May 5, May 26, June 9, June 23
By zoom only – use the link below.
Using practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model, Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, Centering Prayer, and a little Qigong and movement we’ll gather for an hour of practice.
No experience necessary, lots of experience welcome too. Sign up here if you are interested and available for some or all of these dates:
Or just show up using the zoom link.
If you’re interested but these times and days don’t work, let me know and we can try to offer more.
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 811 8812 7483
Passcode: 348630
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Chicago)
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Vital Conversations - for April 25
Every one of us as pastors and church leaders longs for new ideas and innovations that will breathe an energizing spirit into our congregations. Well, did you know that there is a forum in PNEC that meets every month just for the purpose of sharing those sort of insights?
On the last Monday of each month, on Zoom at 7 PM, the Congregational Vitality Team hosts a “Vital Conversation.” Our conversations vary on the focal topic—past sessions have centered on subjects like stewardship, Christian education, and defining “vitality”—yet, every session is geared toward thinking together about a particular area of congregational life and brainstorming creative, imaginative, life-giving ways to do ministry. So, whether you’re looking for a spark of inspiration, a new idea, or simply want to talk and share with your colleagues some of the creative things you’re trying, please join us at the next Vital Conversation:
The Zoom Meeting ID is: 817 9668 4439
Passcode: 292474
Upcoming dates and topics are:
- April 25 at 7 PM - Reaching Youth and Young Adults
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Bridge of Faith
Bridge of Faith, a project of St. John UCC, Riegelsville, to help support schools and orphanages in Nigeria, will be part of the Monroe County Earth Day Event this Saturday, April 23. Bridge of Faith will display and sell crafts made with recycled and upcycled materials, as well as environmentally-friendly products to replace plastic and paper. The event will feature live music, more than 30 exhibits and vendors, and activities for children. It will be held from 10 to 3 at the Northampton Community College’s Monroe Campus, 2411 Route 715, Tannersville, and admission is free. Mention your church and receive a free gift.
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Strengthen the Church Materials Ready
The Strengthen the Church Offering most congregations will take on June 5th provide resources for our conferences and national setting to build core strength and flexibility in our congregations. Bonnie Bates, Tyler Connoley, Alexis Fuller-Wright, and Phil Hodson created bulletin inserts that capture the good work of conferences made possible by STC funds.
The offering materials are available on the CCM Basecamp (see the project “OCWM Support/Warner” in the folder “Strengthen the Church 2022) and in UCC Resources here. In addition to the materials available for digital download, congregations will be able to order free envelopes, bulletin inserts, and posters.
Please think about ways you can promote the offering in your church. Consider:
All together, we can ensure the Strengthen the Church Offering raises the crucial funds for our conferences and the national setting to help our congregations thrive/grow/flourish.
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Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day,
Thursday, April 28 - 6:30PM
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Join Us for Upcoming Webinars and Events from the UCC
Thursdays for the Soul
Creation Justice
Our Whole Lives
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Crossroads and Connections Study
Caste - by Isabel Wilkerson
See this review of Caste and get yourself registered for the Crossroad and Connections Study with Gerald Simmons in May or buy the book and read it! Wow-Just WOW!!!
Caste-by Isabel Wilkerson-led by Gerald Simmons
Mondays beginning May 2-June 20, 7-8:00 PM
BE SMART, REGISTER NOW BEFORE WE FILL UP!
Sincerely, B. David Smith, Crossroads and Connections
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Road to Racial Justice - (Anti-Racism Training)
The Moravian Church Northern Province Racial Justice Team (RJT) and the Moravian Church Southern Province Moravian Team for Racial, Cultural, and Ethnic Reconciliation (MTR) are pleased to sponsor the seminar, “Road to Racial Justice,” to be presented by Dr. Timothy Berry on May 9, 10, and 12, 7-9:30 pm ET, 6-8:30 pm CT, and 5-7:30 pm MT.
Attached is a flyer with all the information. This seminar is free and open to all. Registration is required. The extended registration due date is May 6.
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Phoebe Looking For Volunteers
Want to make a difference in the lives of the seniors in your community? Become a volunteer! Phoebe is currently looking for volunteers to help transport residents, assist with special activities, provide companionship, support the reception desk, manage the Gift Shop, and more! Visit phoebe.org/volunteer to learn more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
May 9-13; June 13-17; Aug. 1-5; Nov. 14-18
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
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September 21
Journey Toward Healing
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May 19 - Leadership & Anxiety in the Church
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May 7 - Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches
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Five Part Education Series for Families on Mental Health
The Scranton Mental Health Ministry at the Cathedral of Saint Peter is presenting this five-part series for families on mental health and mental illness to reduce stigma and discrimination through education and factual information about mental health conditions.
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Moravian and Mercersburg Traditions: Can These Two Walk Together?
co-sponsored by the Mercersburg Society, Lancaster Theological Seminary and Moravian University
May 23 & 24, 2022
on the campus of Lancaster Theological Seminary, 555 West James St., Lancaster
REGISTRATION DEADLINE -- May 15
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry UPCOMING Classes
The Future of Multivocational Ministries -- April 27 to May 17
Instructor Darryl W. Stephens. A Financial Basics class for lay and clergy leaders.
Personal and Spiritual Development -- May 24 to June 28
Instructor Carrie Call. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. A Ministerial Institute class on spiritual disciplines, congregational systems, and vocational discernment.
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Clergy invited to Penn Central - German Pastoral Colloquy
July 24-29, clergy from some UCC conferences and their German partner churches will gather for the 2022 Pastoral Colloquy in Elizabethtown, PA. The theme will be "Building a Just Peace in an Unjust World: Learning with and from Our Anabaptist Colleagues." For information on the Colloquy or to register, click here
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Willing To Respond...
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FEMA Shares Public Assistance Video for Houses of Worship...Understanding FEMA’s Public Assistance program can be challenging for applicants, especially in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
FEMA, together with the Department of Homeland Security Center of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, created a video to help inform faith leaders about funds that may help them rebuild if their houses of worship are damaged by a disaster. The video features several faith leaders in Puerto Rico and in the continental United States who tell the story of how their faith center was destroyed—and how they learned about FEMA funding, applied for assistance and how the funds helped them rebuild.
The video is intended to help faith leaders determine if they qualify for assistance and learn the steps to apply for Public Assistance. Houses of worship are considered private nonprofit organizations, and when there is a major disaster declaration, they may be eligible to request funding assistance to rebuild.
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The FY 2022 Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program is opening. PA Emergency Management Agency is hosting webinars to help applicants understand the process. Churches and pastors can go to PEMA.PA.gov/Grants/NSGP for detailed information. Some of the NSGP webinars will be open forums, designed to address any questions relating to the Nonprofit security grant program.
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The Church of the Brethren Disaster Services (a VOAD partner with the UCC) will present an in-person Children’s Disaster Services Volunteer Workshop on May 13 - 14, 2022. The event will begin on Friday at 4:30 PM ET and conclude at 5:30 PM on Saturday. The event will be held at the Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 Orange St., Lititz, PA 17543. The CDS Volunteer Workshop is a comprehensive 25 - hour workshop that uses applied, experiential activities to help the participants integrate their learning. The workshop will train you to understand and respond to children who have experienced a disaster. Participants will experience a simulated shelter, sleeping on cots and eating simple meals. Once the training is completed, participants have the opportunity to become a certified Children’s Disaster Services volunteer. Learn more on the attached flyer. Register.
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