• THIS WEEK IN PNEC                  September 9, 2021
Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
www.pnec.org  610-826-3113; 610-826-5464 FAX
Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates   bonnieb@pnec.org       
Rev. Christian Creyer    christianc@pnec.org     
Barbara Jennings   barbaraj@pnec.org Patty Rehrig   pattyr@pnec.org
  SEND ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED TO  pattyr@pnec.org
Letter from Bonnie
Isaiah 2:4 “He'll (sic) settle things fairly between nations. He'll (sic) make things right between many peoples. They'll turn their swords into shovels, their spears into hoes. No more will nation fight nation; they won't play war anymore.” (The Message translation)
 
This Saturday will be the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that brought down the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, crumbled portions of the Pentagon, and crashed an airplane in rural Pennsylvania. The terrorist attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences, in addition to at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States, with 340 and 72 killed, respectively.[1]
 
Almost every American remembers where they were and what they were doing when the news of the attacks began to be shared on the news. For some of my friends, the reality was all too well: one worked in the North Tower and was on her way to work, one’s brother was in the North Tower and was thought to be trapped. I am sure you can relate your own stories and connections. I remember gathering that evening with Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu, and Buddhist siblings to grieve and mourn, to pray and beseech God for peace. And yet, peace did not, has not come to our world. If anything, we have lost sight of the need to work together to make the world a more peaceful and less violent place. We rail at one another about differences in political stance and opinion. We rage about the best ways to control a virus that is decimating our world, causing death after death. We incite riots and protests about any number of perspectives – election results, control of our bodies, racism, sexism, ableism. We have not turned our swords into shovels or our spear into hoes. We continue to battle violently in word, in thought, and in action.
 
In 2012 late Congressman John Lewis published a book called Across That Bridge: A Vision for a Change in the Future of America. In this book, Lewis, a consummate storyteller, and activist for justice, writes, “Don’t close your eyes because you’re afraid of what you will see. Be honest in your assessment. Transformation and revelation require an adjustment from what we know to what we know can be.”
 
My friends, today is a day, now is a time, when we need to open our eyes and see the world as it is for us, for those around us, AND for the least among us. We need to see in order to do the work of peace, to seek the peace that is truly a peace with justice, not just a silencing of those with whom we disagree. That is my hope for us – not that we forget, because we will never forget, but that we will see the world and injustice through the eyes of the oppressed and marginalized and act to build bridges of peace.
May it be so, Bonnie

[1] "How much did the September 11 terrorist attack cost America?". Institute for the Analysis of Global Security. Retrieved April 30, 2014.
 Morgan, Matthew J. (August 4, 2009). The Impact of 9/11 on Politics and War: The Day that Changed Everything. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 222. ISBN 978-0-230-60763-7.
 "Deadliest incidents resulting in the deaths of 8 or more firefighters". National Fire Protection Association.
 "Deadliest Days in Law Enforcement History". National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Archived from the original on February 13, 2014.
Lehigh Conference of Churches
911 Remembrance Service
Saturday, September 11 - 3PM at Calvary Moravian Church
This year we mark the 20th Anniversary of the tragic attacks of September 11th, 2001. Calvary Moravian Church (948 N. 21st, Allentown, 18104) is planning a simple remembrance service in our sanctuary at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11th.   
 
There will be a time of brief prayers, meditative music, and quiet reflection as we remember together. Special music will feature Mendelssohn's "Songs without Words, Opus 19: Remembrance, Faith, and Hope" performed by Anne Ettinger on piano.  All are welcome; masks are required regardless of vaccination status. This service will also be livestreamed to Calvary's Facebook page as well. Contact 610-435-6881 or churchcalvarymoravian@gmail.com for more information.  
Webinar in Engaging Afghan Refugees
Good morning Fellows in Ministry, We are hosting a web training specific to UCC churches interested in engaging Afghan refugees that will be integrating into our communities in the coming months on Saturday, September 11, 5-6:30pm ET. Please follow to web link below for more information and registration:

Please reach out to me with any questions. Peace,
Irene Willis Hassan, MDiv, Minister for Refugee and Migration Ministries
Global H.O.P.E. – Humanitarian. Opportunities. Progress. Empowerment.
United Church of Christ, National Ministries, 700 Prospect Ave East | Cleveland, OH 44115-1100
216.736.2135 | hassani@ucc.orgUCC.org
PNEC Ministry Day 2021
For All Authorized Ministers - MIDs Encouraged to Attend
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
8:30AM - 3:00PM
(4 hours of continuing education)
Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown...and also via Zoom
$35 in person (includes lunch); $20 via Zoom
Click Here for Details & Registration Form
You an also register on Tithe.ly
Webinar on Copyright Concerns for Ministries
in conjunction with the Insurance Board
on September 29 @ 2PM EST
During these challenging times, ministries rely heavily on the virtual environment and various electronic mediums to share the printed forms of inspiring poetry, quotes from prayer books and daily affirmations, as well as words from songs during worship and through other forms of ministry. As a result, some ministries have been shocked to discover they are actually in violation of copyright infringement; join us as Heather Kimmel General Counsel, United Church of Christ, offers valuable information on how to help your ministry avoid this situation.

Heather E. Kimmel (she/her)
General Counsel, United Church of Christ, National Ministries
Call to the Fall Meeting of PNEC
 Saturday, November 6, 2021
In Person or Virtual
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, PA
 
Theme - Grief: Let Go to Move Forward
Scripture - Psalm 30:5 weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning
  
Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader 
Rev. Chad Abbott
Conference Minister, Indian/Kentucky Conference, Spiritual Director and Author of Incline Your Ear

Boundary Training next week from Penn Central Conference
10am is IN PERSON only at St. Thomas on Linglestown Road, Harrisburg. 6pm is ZOOM only, register for the meeting link.
 September 15: 10am (Register) and 6pm (Register) – Power and the Pastoral Office
with Rev. Nora Foust
Drawing from writings of Karen Lebacqz and Richard Gula, we will explore some of the aspects of the professional power that comes with the pastoral office. The power that pastors have is often understated and misunderstood. Some of you may remember this example from FaithTrust Institute and Margaret Atwood.
·   She unlocks her office door, then locks it behind her to disguise the fact that she’s in there. It’s not her office hours but the students take advantage. They can smell her out, like sniffer dogs; they’ll seize any opportunity to suck up to her or whine, or attempt to impress her, or foist upon her their version of sulky defiance. I’m just a human being, Tony wants to say to them. But of course she isn’t. She’s a human being with power. There isn’t much of it, but it's power all the same.” Robber Bride, Margaret Atwood
Like that of a professor and student, the pastoral relationship is one of unequal power between minister and congregant. Unequal power does not necessarily indicate abuse, but it is something for us to consider with some regularity and intentionality.
2022 Compensation Guidelines are here!
Dear Friends,
 
The Authorized Ministry Compensation Sub-Group of the Committee on Ministry recently met and reviewed the Compensation Recommendations for 2022. As we reviewed the materials, we considered the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges to our ministers and our congregations.
 
As you review the guidelines, you will note that we have increased the base salary by 3% to reflect an annual cost of living increase. Since we did not increase the salary base last year and since the cost of living this year has increased nearly 2% and may increase up to 5% next year, we thought this was a fair increase.
 
We have added a section in the Preamble which discusses a Covenant of Mutuality. We hope this makes clear how adjustments may be made in discussion between congregational leadership and the authorized minister.
 
Please remember, too, that amendments to Ministerial Call Agreement and Three-Way Covenant forms should be completed annually and submitted to the Conference Office by January 2022. These forms are on the PNEC website (www.pnec.org).
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to one of the subgroup members.
 
In Christ's truth and love,
 
Rev. Mark Rowell   markerowell@gmail.com
Ms. Barbara Hanks bjhkatz@aol.com
Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, staff advisor bonnieb@pnec.org

Click Here for 2022 Ministerial Compensation Recommendations for Authorized Ministers
Click Here for Compensation Worksheet
Child Tax Credit
We have been asked to share this important information about the Child Tax Credit to ensure that as many eligible persons as possible can access this benefit. Here is the message:
 
The Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan provides the largest Child Tax Credit ever and historic relief to the most working families ever – and as of July 15th, most families are automatically receiving monthly payments of $250 or $300 per child without having to take any action. The Child Tax Credit will help all families succeed.
 
The American Rescue Plan increased the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per child to $3,000 per child for children over the age of six and from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of six, and raised the age limit from 16 to 17. All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent (also called Head of Household).
 
Low-income families with children are eligible for this crucial tax relief – including those who have not made enough money to be required to file taxes but many are unaware that they are eligible.
 
I am attaching several documents that I believe you will find useful--I am copying one of them into this message. I'm encouraging you to share this with your congregations.

Rev. Sandra L. Strauss
Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach, Pennsylvania Council of Churches
Together We Learn--CHHSM Discussion Group
We would like to invite you to join us for our next discussion group via Zoom of CHHSM's new online courseReason to Have Hope: A Public Health Response to Racism. 
Reason to Have Hope was created as a resource for the UCC General Synod Resolution "To Declare and Respond to Racism as a Public Health Crisis," which passed at this summer's Synod and was co-authored by CHHSM and COREMThis will be our third Together We Learn offering, and we chose to go through this course to continue the resolution's momentum and call to action.
Reason to Have Hope is intended to support a deeper understanding of the harm that racism and white supremacy have on life, health, and well-being. To learn more about the course, check out the welcome video below or read more about it here.
The course is comprised of 25 lessons and the 1 hour discussion group (10am PST/12pm CT/1pm EST) will start in September and run through mid-March of next year:
  • Sept. 14th: Welcome, Ground Rules, and Introduction to the Course
  • Sept. 28th: Lessons 1-2
  • Oct. 12th: Lessons 3-4
  • Oct. 26th: Lessons 5-6
  • Nov. 9th: Lessons 7-8
  • Nov. 23rd: Lessons 9-10
  • Dec. 7th: Lessons 11-12
  • Dec. 21st: Lessons 13-14
  • Jan. 4th: Lessons 15-16
  • Jan. 18th: Lessons 17-18
  • Feb. 1st: Lessons 19-20
  • Feb. 15th: Lessons 21-22
  • Mar. 1st: Lessons 23-24
  • Mar. 15th: Lesson 25 and Closing Thoughts
Like all of our Together We Learn programs, it is free, online, and you are not required to attend every session. If you are interested, here is what to do:
  1. Register for the free course here.
  2. Sign up for the group here, and we will send you calendar invitations for the group with Zoom instructions. (Please note that you do need to register for both the course and the group.) 
We hope you will join us as Together We Learn! Blessings,
Mike Readinger, George Graham, Elyse Berry, Paula Barker, Essence Ellis
The CHHSM Staff Team
 Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, UCC
From the PA Council of Churches
We have continued to add more videos to our YouTube channel urging Pennsylvanians to #GetVaccinated! You can view all the videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLq_GcUF3F7YzmKrt6g-0zefMZZNrxxqtn.
 
One of our members has upped the game, however--please check out the video produced by the Synod of the Trinity, Presbyterian Church (USA) at https://youtu.be/hMxxR3zU0D0.
A diverse collection of members of the Synod of the Trinity Presbyterian Church (USA) joins the Pennsylvania Council of Churches to urge you to get vaccinate...
We are challenging all of our members to consider submitting videos that reflect the diversity of their members and congregations! This is not meant to be competition, though a little friendly promotion within your networks and Pennsylvania as a whole is welcomed and encouraged.
 
If you decide to submit your own video, it should be sent to me at s.strauss@pachurches.org. I can receive videos via Dropbox, Google Docs, or a large file transfer program like TransferNow (which is free). It will be shared on our YouTube channel and via social media--including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Tiktok!
 
Thanks for considering! Blessings and peace,
Rev. Sandra L. Strauss, Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach
Pennsylvania Council of Churches, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 211A, Harrisburg, PA 17109
(717) 545-4761/(717) 545-4765 (fax)/(717) 350-0165 (cell); s.strauss@pachurches.org
Reopening -- A Support Group for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The group is offered on Wednesdays 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.
Be The Healing Conference 2021
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must reschedule the Be the Healing Conference to October 8-9, 2021. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope the new dates will accommodate your schedule as well. If not, you may request a refund or gain access to the recorded course immediately following the event.
Conference Objectives
At the completion of this conference, participants will:
A. Understand how the structural inequalities beginning with the period of enslavement continue to impact African Americans and their communities today.
B. Select and apply strategies to enhance empowerment for African American populations at risk, and to promote economic and social justice.
C. Analyze relevant concepts of the Relationship Approach and the Philosophical Aspect of cultural difference as a basis for understanding the behaviors of African American individuals and families within their social/cultural environments.
D. Examine and investigate culturally appropriate interventions including “Virtues Training” for work with African American individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
E. Understand the role that social learning theory and learned helplessness has played in the adaptive behaviors of African Americans and other racial and ethnic groups.
F. Apply improvement tools in work with individuals, families and communities.
Improvement Strategies
Participants will learn about improvement as a science and its implications for supporting healing initiatives and social justice as a framework that helps to accelerate how we learn to improve. It is a user and problem centered approach to accelerate teaching and learning through action, learning by doing. As the improvement process advances, previously unknown problems often emerge and improvement activities may need to move in new directions. Rapid tests of change are suggested to guide the continued fine-tuning of new tools, processes, roles and relationships. The objective IS then, to facilitate a focused learning journey.
The primary goals of the training are to focus on how we improve, how we reduce stress, how to effectively problem solve and ultimately learning how to “struggle well.”
Afghan SIVs and Refugees How to Help Toolkit
Welcoming and Advocating for Afghan SIVs and Refugees: A Toolkit
Right now, the United States is stepping up resettlement of Afghan interpreters and others who helped U.S. forces in the 20-year effort to defeat the Taliban. As the Taliban now takes control of Afghanistan and U.S. military and diplomatic personnel pull out, the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement is anticipating a sudden and rapid increase in the arrival of Afghan “SIVs” - Special Immigrant Visa
holders and their families - to U.S. shores. These SIVs assisted U.S. operations in their country at extreme personal risk to themselves and their families. In return, they were promised emergency refugee
status on U.S. soil. As a denomination committed to welcoming the stranger and loving our neighbors, the United Church of Christ and its congregations are once again under a special call, in this case to welcome Afghan SIVs and to advocate for them and other Afghan refugees. Read More...
Congregational Leadership Training
September 25, 2021 - 9AM to 4PM via Zoom
This training is for congregational boards, councils and consistories
(congregational leaders, board members, board secretaries, board treasurers, pastoral relations teams, and pastoral care teams)
Cost: $25/person or $100 max./church
Topics Covered: copyright training, leadership basics, meeting management, defining core values, behavioral covenants, governance and ministry models, specific position training for chairs, vice-chairs, secretaries, treasurers, pastoral care teams, pastoral relations teams
DEADLINE TO REGISTER is September 10, 2021



From the Spiritual Development Ministry Team
Details Coming Soon
Central Moravian Church Presents "Travelers Together 2021: Part 2"
Our Racial Awakening and Healing Journey Continues:
Deepening Our Awareness of Racism and White Privilege
Live Virtual Workshops:
September 29, 10am-1pm CDT
December 14, 10am-1pm CDT
Based on our book, A Little Book About Trauma-Informed Workplaces, this workshop explores how to lead with a trauma-informed approach and provides five key principles that trauma-informed workplaces embody.
Some of the Topics Included:
·        Understanding the Impact of Trauma in the Workplace
·        Characteristics of a Trauma-Informed Leader
·        Trauma-Informed Workplace Assessment
·        5 Principles of Trauma-Informed Workplaces
·        Leadership Role in Championing These Principles
Trainer: Nathan Gerbrandt
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Identify. Understand. Respond.
Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of additions and mental illnesses.
Saturday, October 9, 2021
For Laity (non-clergy) Only
9:00AM - 4:00PM at Hope UCC, Wind Gap
(pending current Covid Style: Otherwise it will be online via Zoom)
Questions, please reach out to Rev. Dr. Emily B. Hall -- hopeuccpastor@rcn.com
For a detailed flyer and registration click here
Order Your Neighbors in Need Resources Today
The 2021 Neighbors in Need “Unfailing Love” offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects serving our homeless and immigrant neighbors and communities. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to provide funding grants to UCC churches and organizations leading justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects in their communities.
Most churches collect the offering on October 3, 2021 as part of World Communion Sunday, but contributions can be made at any time. Click here for all the NIN 2021 information and PDF downloads.
Order these print items for your church today: Offering envelope; 11" x 17" glossy poster; Items are FREE, with FREE shipping/handling. ORDER HERE

Elite Community Foundation's (ECF): Wellness & Safety Series
FREE Wellness and Safety Workshops - FREE Zoom Meetings from 6:30pm-7:30pm (CT)
  • Let‛s Get Real about Hypertension - October 5
  • Healthy Eating and Nutrition: Despite Limited Options - October 12
  • Resilience: Coping with Loss and Grief – October 19
  • Come Laugh with Us: Laughter Yoga - October 21
  • Opioid Overdose Prevention Training (Narcan Training)- October 28
  • Personal Safety Tips for All - Part 1 - November 9
  • Breathing Exercises: Mind, Body, and You - November 11
  • Personal Safety Tips for All - Part 2 - November 16
  • Wellness & Safety Round Table Discussions - December 2

Crossroads Courses this Fall
Crossroads is pleased to offer the following courses this Fall. All courses are offered in person at Moravian Theological Seminary and online, real time through Zoom. Registration and more information is available at www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroadsContact Dr. Jill Peters at petersj2@moravian.edu with any questions.
Traditions
a look at world religions and other Protestant denominations
with the Rev. Dr. Bill Falla on Mondays from 6-9 pm, Sept 13-Nov 1, 2021

Creative Worship
with Rev. Maggie Wellert
explores what is worship and how we can bring new life to our worship experiences
Thursday 6-9 pm, Sept 9 - Oct 28, 2021

Unpacking the Scriptures - Discipleship
with Pam Weiss who leads the discipleship program at First Pres Allentown
gives us practical and creative ways to bring people together to explore their faith. 
This is our Late Fall Course which meets twice a week (Mon and Thurs) from 11/4 until 12/2/2021

Looking ahead:
Missional Leadership, Mondays 1/3 - 2/21/2022 Dr. Jill Peters
Road Hazards (Congregational Ethics), Thurs 1/6 - 2/24/2022 Rev. Derek French & Dr. Jill Peters
Story of Christianity, Mondays 3/7 - 5/2/2022 (Except Holy Week 4/11) Rev. Dr. Bill Falla
My Journey (Formative Spirituality) Thursdays 3/10 - 5/5/2022 (Except Holy Week 4/14) Rev.
  Maggie Wellert

Dr. Jill Peters, Missional Leadership Developer, Moravian Theological Seminary
from PA Council of Churches
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Churches Care: 
Accompanying persons with
Mental Illnesses and Addictions 
This three-pronged program for church leaders (pastors, parish nurses, nurses, or other lay persons) will strengthen churches and communities in their support of people in their congregation who have mental illnesses and addictions. Click Here for details
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vital Conversations
Every fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM, clergy and lay leaders are invited to attend a Zoom conversation where they can talk through situations with other leaders, learn, and brainstorm together. As the light at the end of the COVID tunnel grows brighter, our churches and our people are excited to “get back” to some sense of normal ministry. However, our excitement is not without some apprehension: “How do we regain the momentum that was halted by closures? How do we decide what to restart and what to leave ended? How do we re-ignite the congregation’s passion for worship and service?” The Congregational Vitality Team wants to provide an on-going space for asking and discussing these questions as our churches navigate this exciting season of new beginnings.
Meeting ID: 817 9668 4439
Passcode: 292474
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONFLICT TRAINING DATES ANNOUNCED
September 17-18, 2021 Register Here
December 10-11, 2021 Register Here
This training is particularly effective for leadership councils, Sessions, Vestries and curated congregational groups. This 1.5 day online workshop will walk your group through how to become skilled in conflict transformation. You will learn skills that will reshape your interactions with present and future congregational conflict and equip you for managing conflict in your work and personal life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Introducing a program at Eden Theological Seminary named NEXT Steps
It is a program designed for persons considering retirement, recently retired, or simply looking for a change in the last 1/3 of their lives. One participant stated, “I put down a number of things due to COVID, now I’m trying to decide what I really want to pick up again.” If you know anyone that might be searching for a new direction and that this program might fit them – Please let them know! All classes are Zoom so we can welcome students from ANYWHERE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clergy Clinic in
Family Emotional Process
A Leadership Training Program
sponsored by Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, Lombard, Illinois
October 25-27, 2021
February 14-16, 2022
May 2-4, 2022
OR
November 8-10, 2021
Marcy 7-9, 2022
May 23-25, 2022
This Clergy Clinic is designed to enhance the ability of participants to function as self-differentiated leaders within their own ministry setting. It will provide a safe forum for processing challenging situations in one's ministry, while also facilitating reflection on a way of thinking about the human condition which has implications for all aspects of life. Click Here for a detailed flyer and registration form.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Registration is now open for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
to be held on October 11-15 and November 15-19, 2021.  The two identical sessions will be held remotely via Zoom. This workshop is designed to help church leaders deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. For details consult this MSTI Brochure.
(Sponsored by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
There is a national Appeal is for the Severe Storms 2021 in anticipation of this and other events that may happen this fall. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcoming Afghan SIVs, Haiti disaster response and more...click here
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Penn Northeast Conference sends our love, support and prayers for those that lie in Hurricane Ida's path. Storms like Hurricane Ida can cause catastrophic storm surges, extreme winds and flash flooding that destroy communities. This combined with the COVID-19 pandemic makes for a devastating situation.

Your Conference Disaster Ministries Team, along with our colleagues throughout the church, actively participates in preparedness and in long-term recovery efforts. We supply much needed leadership, volunteers, and supplies as we work to fulfil our mission: "to participate, as a witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, in timely and effective meeting of physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of communities affected by natural and human caused disasters."
 
Please Help!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Information on federal relief resources for renters & landlords
Linked below are materials in English and Spanish for Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program and HUD’s Emergency Housing Voucher Program.
Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program
HUD Emergency Housing Voucher Program
(from the PA Council of Churches)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**You can find more information & updates at UCC Disaster Ministries: www.ucc.org/disaster