Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Bonnie's Letter
Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Dear Friends,
I can still remember the last time I preached using this passage in a local church. I was accused of not supporting the military. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. At the time my son was in the Army National Guard, my husband was an Air Force veteran, my brother was a Marine veteran, my father was a WWII Veteran, and my only maternal uncle was killed in the Korean Conflict. I was not at all anti-military. I was pro-peace.
This passage from the Beatitude Sermon of Jesus reminds me that we are called to be peacemakers, peace builders in our relationships. That’s particularly hard in a divided world and in a world prone to use war as a means of settling disagreements. The recent insurgence of the Russian military into the Ukraine worries me and threatens peace, not just in the Ukraine, but globally. Any time we move into military conflict in one part of the world, it can, and does, impact us all. Economic health, mental health, spiritual health are all impacted by violence – in the world, in our neighborhoods, and in our families. Moving toward building peace, making peace is important.
Cameron Trimble shared a prayer for the Ukraine in her devotional this morning. I share it with you here.
God of Peace,
In the face of terrible violence in Ukraine:
We pray for global leaders to stand firm, and do all that they can to protect innocent human life.
We pray for the people of Ukraine, that they are spared trauma, violence and death.
We pray for Ukrainian soldiers doing what they can to hold off Russian advances.
We pray for European democratic leaders, that they hold strong to their unity and stand on the values of
democracy.
We pray for the Russian soldiers, that they act with compassion and restrain their great capacity for
harm.
We pray the Russian people rise up and say, “No!” to violence, aggression and war.
We pray for safety.
We pray for retreat.
We pray for peace.
God, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Amen
May we all be more focused on being peacemakers and peacebuilders.
Blessings, Bonnie
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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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Calling ALL Pastors & Congregations
High Five for Disaster Relief CELEBRATORY “VIRTUAL” worship service on Sunday, Feb. 27th @ 3pm? Below is the Zoom invitation link. This service is for ALL PNEC & PSEC churches and their members!
Below is the zoom link:
Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: SAMC CELEBRATORY WORSHIP SERVICE
Time: Feb 27, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 864 6085 7188
Passcode: 658035
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Meeting ID: 864 6085 7188
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Last Call for these Up-Coming Events & Deadlines |
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Workshop - Sharing Leadership
A United Church of Christ Way of Being in Community
by Sarah B. Drummond
Saturday, March 5, 2022 - 9:30AM to 2:30PM via Zoom
Cost: $35
FOR LAY LEADERS AND CLERGY
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Thriving, Not Surviving: Building a Toolkit for a Flourishing Youth Ministry
Lunch & Lecture Series - Yale Divinity School
Talking about Race with Young People
March 2nd; 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern
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February 28 - Best Practices for Pastoral Relation Committees
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Be a Blessing with Resources for OGHS & Lent
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We are so grateful to the Penn Northeast Conference and its UCC members for their support of Phoebe Ministries!
Your generosity helps provide quality care services, uplifting activities, and faith-based programs that focus on the spiritual well-being of every resident, no matter their faith or denomination. Thank you for your long-time commitment to Phoebe and those we serve. With heartfelt gratitude, Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope Director, Pastoral Care Services Phone: 610-794-5132 Email: scope@phoebe.org Phoebe.org/giving
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Register for PSEC Advanced Boundary Training events
Registration is now open for the 2022 Advanced Boundary Trainings from PSEC. Each training provides three credit hours of Boundary Training. Scheduled topics are:
Click here for a flyer on all of the trainings. To register for an event , click the topic
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Friends,
It’s with great sadness that the Spiritual Development Ministry Team has made the decision to cancel this year’s Annual Youth Retreat. This decision was not made lightly, knowing how many were looking forward to this event. Due to COVID and timing, we felt it was the best option for safety of all. We look forward to gathering again next year in April 2023 at Spruce Lake! Stay tuned for more information!
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Lenten Prayer Service
Take a Prayer Break - Every Thursday at noon during Lent join colleagues from the four PA UCC conferences for a short time of prayer on zoom. Each gathering will be led by a conference staff member and will include readings, reflection, and a time for intercessory prayer. All are welcome to join. Zoom information is below and is the same for every week. We begin March 3rd and will end on April 14th.
Carrie Call is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Lenten Prayer
Time: Mar 3, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 841 7677 4603
Passcode: 260414
Rev. Carrie Call, PhD, Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference
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Lenten Prayers and Reflections
As the Lenten season approaches, we would like to share seven days of prayer and reflection that we developed for the week of Christian Unity in January. Each day focuses on a particular topic and includes a link to a video. You have our permission to use these as you see fit – for prayer groups, discussion groups or as flyers.
Topics for prayer and reflection:
· Poverty
· Mental Health
· Addressing Hunger
· Housing Instability
· Homelessness
· Housing after Incarceration
· Racial Injustice
During this Lenten season we take time to reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross. We take time for meditation and sacrifice. Denying ourselves for 40 days during this time as Christ sacrificed his life. Being still, quiet and prayerful. Observing his act of sacrifice for all humanity to have all their needs met in this world. In our stillness can we reflect and ask ourselves what sacrifices have we taken to help someone else? If we have not sacrificed for anyone, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in how we can sacrifice for our neighbors in need.
In hope,
Pastor Genie Watson, Ecumenical Associate, The Lehigh Conference of Churches
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Robert K. Campbell Lecture Series - with David LaMotte, March 31 & April 1
David is an award-winning speaker, author, songwriter, and activist
What's Mine To Do?
Join us for The Lehigh Conference of Churches’ Robert K. Campbell Memorial Lecture and dinner, small group meeting, and concert Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1, featuring David LaMotte.
In the lecture on Thursday, March 31 at DeSales University, David will engage us in the question “What’s Mine To Do?” based on his book, “Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness.” In a world full of want and injustice, how do we determine what is ours to do, and what is not? With our inboxes overflowing with requests for support, and our media outlets constantly reminding us of the worst news from around the world, how do we remain buoyant enough to function? In a politically divided time, how do we maintain our principles, while healing broken relationships? David doesn’t claim to have answers to all of these questions, but he will offer some fresh framework that may shed light on the struggles to live as people of conscience, and to have the most positive impact that we can, rooted in his own experience and historical examples.
On Friday morning, April 1, at The Lehigh Conference of Churches, we invite interested individuals to further engage in a dialogue around Thursday’s lecture.
Friday evening will feature a concert with the original music of David LaMotte at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown.
Event Schedule (Registration is required for all events.)
Lecture, “What’s Mine To Do?”
Thursday, March 31, 5:45 p.m. registration, 6 p.m. light dinner, 7 p.m. lecture, 8:30 p.m. coffee/dessert
$10 lecture only; $20 lecture and dinner
University Center, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034
Community Dialogue
Friday, April 1, 10 a.m.
Dubbs Memorial Community Center, 457 W. Allen Street, Allentown, PA 18102
There is no charge for this event but registration is required.
Concert
Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
First Presbyterian of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104
There is no charge for the event but registration is required. Seating is limited. There will be a free-will offering to benefit The Lehigh Conference of Churches.
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In an effort to strengthen our community by building bridges of story between people, the Church of the Good Shepherd UCC in Alburtis, PA, in cooperation with The Barn, will be hosting “Sound Your Voice!”—a storytelling competition intended to celebrate our humanity and the power of story to bring us together in empathy and community
One of the trademarks of humanity is the way people will often tell stories as we wrestle with our experiences—our hopes and joys, our struggles and fears—and try to make meaning of our lives and the world around us. Stories are a powerful form of communication because they are at once unique to the perspective and particular experiences we have had and yet in the truths they contain are able to resonate with people very different than ourselves. It’s been said that, “The shortest distance between two people is a story.”
Therefore, in an effort to strengthen our community by building bridges of story between people, the Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Alburtis, PA, in cooperation with The Barn, will be hosting “Sound Your Voice!”—a storytelling competition intended to celebrate our humanity and the power of story to bring us together in empathy and community.
The competition will be themed around a recent shared experience—the COVID-19 pandemic—which has played a significant role in both keeping people separated from one another and also reminding us daily of how fragile life can be. Each evening will be an opportunity to hear stories of struggle and resilience, failure and success, hurt and hope—universal stories expressed in the sounds of our particular voices.
The competition is open to anyone 15 years of age or older and offers top prizes of $300, $150, and $50. Details and official rules can be found on Church of the Good Shepherd’s website ( www.cogsalburtis.org) or Facebook page. The storytelling events on April 20, May 4 & 18, and June 1 are open to anyone, regardless of their desire to participate. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item. Please, come to listen and cheer on the storytellers! Come sound your voice! Come listen to one another’s stories! Come and grow closer as a community!
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Hope Rising: A time of Healing & Inspiration
MA-AUCE’s first ever Hybrid Conference - 2022
When: March 28-30, 2022
Where: Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center
Mt. Bethel, PA
Cost: In-Person - $300 (single room, meals & programming included)
AUCE Member Discount - $257
Commuter (Tuesday Only) - $75
Online Only - $50 (Monday & Tuesday evenings, & Wednesday morning)
The Mid-Atlantic Association for United Church Educators (MA-AUCE) Inviting all Pastors, Faith Formers, & Ministry Leaders to share in a time of healing and inspiration. Ministry and faith formation can take a lot out of us during “normal” years, and the past 2 years have been anything BUT “normal.”
Come join ministry leaders and faith formers from the New York to Virginia as we gather to share stories, reflect on what has been working for us in ministry, brainstorm what could work in the future, and take some time to refresh ourselves as we prepare to lead our ministries into new areas.
This year, for the first time, the MA-AUCE Conference is being held as a Hybrid Event from Monday, March 28th-Wednesday March 30th 2022 at the Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center in Mt. Bethel, Pennsylvania. While all are welcome and encouraged to join us in-person, the opening worship and evening sessions on Monday and Tuesday, and the morning session and closing worship on Wednesday will be offered via Zoom for those who wish to attend virtually.
For those attending in-person, Covid Protocols will be followed: Covid vaccinations and masks will be required. All rooms will be single occupancy.
Come join us to make some connections, refresh, and find hope again in the work of God we are called to do in this challenging time.
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Vital Conversations
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:
- February 28 at 7 PM talking about Lent and Holy Week
- March 28 at 7 PM talking about reaching youth and young families
- April 25 at 7 PM talking about TBD
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Thriving, Not Surviving: Building a Toolkit for a Flourishing Youth Ministry
Lunch & Lecture Series - Yale Divinity School
Empowering Young People Toward Beloved Community
April 6th; 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern
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March 8 - COM Cafe Talking
March 17 - Introduction to Behavioral Covenants
March 28 - Introduction to 3- and 4-way Covenants
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Attention, Church Pianists and Organists, age 19 and older:
Learn or enhance organ skills at the Lehigh Valley's 2022 Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+)
- Excellent faculty.
- Private lessons and practice time using both pipe and digital-electronic organs.
- Superb recitals.
- Skill-building presentations.
- Air-conditioned single rooms for resident participants.
- Three meals daily for resident and commuter.
June 12-17, 2022 at Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA) and area churches
Note: partial scholarships available, Early Bird savings (register before March 1) and Commuter discount. Money-Back Guarantee if circumstances necessitate cancellation.
Sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, its Lehigh Valley Chapter, and generous donors.
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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)
We have scholarship money available to anyone who needs it.
Now accepting applications for our…
Summer Intensive CPE Group –
May 31 – August 5, 2022
· Full-time; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
· 12 hours of class time per week
· Class time one day a week in Allentown and by zoom
· 28 hours of weekly ministry on one of our 4 Continuing Care Retirement Community Communities
(Allentown, Berks, Richland and Wyncote)
· Working and learning with board certified chaplains
· Certified Educator Candidate Rev. Leah Knox leading the group
· July 4th break built in
· Full scholarships available
· Deadline to Apply – May 1, 2022
For information please email/call Rev. Leah Knox lknox@phoebe.org or 610-927-8515;
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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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Spring Crossroads Courses
Story of Christianity - March 7-May 2, 2022 (except Holy Week April 11) - Instructor: Rev. Dr. William Falla
My Journey/Our Journey - (8) Thursdays, 6-9 pm - March 10 - May 5, 2022 (except Holy Week April 14)
Instructor: Rev. Maggie Wellert
Crossroads and Connections Building Community
We are rolling out the following 3 studies/workshops and know they will bring a greater understanding on current issues and concerns. Register on Event Bright for those you are interested in joining. They are free and led by informed and compete leaders and bring you the freshest information we have in the moment.
1. As you and others continue to request this study we are bringing White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo for the 17th time. This will be lead by Gullies Gondre and Dave Smith (possibly others) and will run on Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. from March 3-April 14. See more details when you click on the link.
2. Dr. Keith Wiley, former Professor of Music at Millersville University will be (conducting?) leading ( or should I say conducting?) the study on:
- The Great White Way: Race and The Broadway Musical by Warren Hoffman – Keith Wiley
- Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 PM
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Thursdays - March 3, 20, 17, 24, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
3. You may register for the Sacred Listening Session - Politics. Can You Hear the Other Side? led by La-Verna J. Fountain. It is scheduled for Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Eastern Time. We welcome all sides of the equation and promise you will be heard!
Coming in May: Book Study on Caste led by The Rev. Gearld Simmons-stay tuned for upcoming details.
Thank you- Dave Smith
Crossroads and Connections - Relationships and Community Building is a multicultural group of concerned citizens from numerous communities across the country. We gather to work together on significant issues, to be part of the public conversation and move forward to more common ground, respect for one another and improved community relationships.
Our focus is on 4 issues of current relevance:
Violence - Racism - Climate Change and Environmental Impacts - Judicial Issue
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Closing Worship at Amistad Chapel
Details of last Amistad Chapel service on Sunday, March 13, coming together around movement, inclusiveness, collaboration.
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PROJECT Easton
Please CLICK HERE to find ProJeCt of Easton’s wish list for February. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2022 Stewardship Theme Materials
Order stewardship materials for your congregation's 2022 stewardship campaign now. This year's theme, “From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving”, makes the connection between our experience of God and our generosity as disciples, and includes practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. The materials also provide resources for teaching stewardship throughout the year. Campaign guidance and calendars will help you make the best use of these materials. Available as digital download or print materials.
Special early bird pricing on download and bundle:
Standard digital download: $39.99 until April 1. Bundle download: $99.99 until April 1. Printed materials ship in May.
See link for standard download and package download specifics. Click Here
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Daffodil Days 2022
orders must be received by February 22
Here is the link:
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National Fund for Sacred Places
LOIs due on March 7th at 11:59 PM HST
Accepting letters of intent (LOIs) until March 7th at 11:59 HST. The LOI is the first step in a two-step application process. To access the LOI form, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects.
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On A Roll Toilet Paper Drive
(Lehigh Conf. of Churches)
Toilet paper is in high demand because it is not covered in what people can purchase with their SNAP benefits (sometimes called “food stamps”). For many of the families and individuals that visit us, receiving even a single roll of toilet paper can mean one less expense they have to worry about on a tight budget.
This February we are asking the community to donate toilet paper which has become something of a rarity, especially for lower-income individuals and families.
It is one of the most essential household items and should be easily available to everyone—with your help, it can be that again. Remember to keep possible allergies in mind when you donate items like these. Stick to unscented toilet paper and you should be just fine.
You can help by:
· Picking up an extra package of toilet paper next time you’re at the store
· Hosting your own toilet paper drive at work, church, school, or in your neighborhood, or
· Making a cash/check donation to help the Conference buy toilet paper in bulk. For credit cards, use this link.
If you would like to donate using AmazonSmile, use this link.
Drop off donations at 457 W. Allen St, Allentown, PA 18102, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Clergy Convocation 2022
May 3-5, 2022
Double Tree by Hilton, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602
Qualifies for 10 Contact Hours
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
INDIANA/KENTUCKY DISASTER RESPONSE - You are invited to join the Indiana/Kentucky Conference Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry Team (DPRMT) at a one-week work camp, March 20-26, 2022, (Sunday evening to Saturday morning) in western Kentucky. The volunteers will be staying at First Christian Church (DOC) in Madisonville, KY. The Conference is partnering with Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders and working at two work sites: Dawson Springs and Bremen. Both communities were devastated by the December 10-11, 2021 tornadoes.
This work camp is limited to adults only with a maximum of 20 volunteers. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, but please note that we are seeking at least a few volunteers with particular skills:
- construction experience who would help direct the volunteers.
- two cooks to prepare the meals.
The registration deadline is March 13, 2022, and all volunteers will need to have completed a background check within the past 5 years.
To learn more, please contact our Conference Disaster Coordinator, Karl Jones, at 570-617-4018 or kjones275@comcast.net.
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One Great Hours of Sharing - Sunday, March 27, 2022, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the recommended date for the offering "One Great Hour of Sharing." Resources to help promote the offering have been mailed to the churches.
The theme for the 2022 One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering is “Love Remains,” based on 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." These words were written to a church in turmoil to remind them what love looks like in community.
What does love look like today? Through our collective generosity, the United Church of Christ has worked with both domestic and international partners to provide food, water, medicines, education, disaster recovery resources and opportunities for sustainable development, bringing hope to places of despair. Gifts to OGHS allow us to put love into action to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities in crisis in this country and around the world.
If you would like more information on how OGHS supports our disaster ministries, contact our Conference Disaster Coordinator, Karl Jones, 570-617-4018 or kjones275@comcast.net.
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