Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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PLEASE NOTE...
Due to lack of usage, the Conference Office will no longer have
a fax # effective immediately. No faxes will be able to be sent or received.
Thank you!
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Bonnie's Letter
1 Corinthians 1:10: “Now I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.”
Dear friends,
By now you have learned enough about me to know that I am a progressive Christian woman with a deep heart and passion for addressing social issues. Sometimes I think my views can be off-putting to those whose views are more conservative or traditional. I wanted to spend some time writing about the church, specifically the United Church of Christ and how I see us, in unity and diversity. I am a firm believer in the phrase, “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity.” which can be found on the UCC.org website under the topic “What is the United Church of Christ.”
What are the essentials of the UCC? Well, we believe that Jesus is the Head of the Church. We believe in the Trinity (however we define it). We believe that scripture is foundational to our faith. We believe in congregational empowerment and authority in covenant. We do not believe in dogma or doctrine and rather we allow individuals to seek their relationship with God and each other in ways that offer life to them and others.
These are our essentials. In about everything else, there is diversity. Scriptural interpretations are diverse. Theology is diverse. Worship traditions and liturgical style are diverse. Christian education, confirmation practices, the way we celebrate sacraments – all these are diverse. Even our views of social issues (often seen as political) are diverse.
Surely these differences can move us to conflict, and, in some cases, people leave our church because of a particular view shared by the national setting, national staff or the conference staff, usually me. That hurts me when I hear it. Especially because I love the church and I love the UCC, specifically because we are so diverse in opinions, practices, and attitudes. My view of the United Church of Christ is that we are a “big tent” of people worshipping God through Jesus. Many things about us are different, but we are all seeking to follow Jesus. To me, our covenant means we listen to one another. We seek the divergent opinions so we can understand the views of our siblings in Christ. We may not agree but we seek to listen, to understand, and to be respectful as we listen to one another. We agree to disagree and yet, as I hope happens in families, we stay together – united in our fundamental belief in God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
On the morning of August 20, we will be offering a Congregational Polity Training via Zoom. This is a place to explore what it means to be members of the United Church of Christ and what binds us together. I hope you will take the opportunity to encourage church members to join us. All are welcome.
In the meantime, may be all be one in our commitment to one another. Blessings, Bonnie
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CONGRATULATIONS...Church World Service (CWS) Matching Grant
The United Church of Christ is pleased to award Longswamp United Church of Christ in Mertztown, PA with a $250 matching grant for your fundraising efforts and commitment to assemble the following kits, to be distributed by Church World Service (CWS):
13 Welcome Backpacks. Backpacks give our newly arriving neighbors from around the world, who often arrive with few possessions, essentials like food, water, blankets, hygiene items and a warm welcome home.
Congratulations on your church for being the first in the UCC to receive a matching grant for assembling Welcome Backpacks!
Participation by Longswamp UCC in this important and tangible ministry program is very much appreciated.
Craig Hoffman (he, him, his), Program Assistant
Global H.O.P.E. – Humanitarian. Opportunities. Progress. Empowerment.
Wider Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, National
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Music Copyright Law - Is Your Church Compliant
Churches exist to help, encourage and develop people in their Christian walk. Who would ever think that churches need to comply with Music Copyright Law! There is much more involved in overseeing a church than planning the weekly service. The behind-the-scenes detail would surprise most people. Churches have systems and processes in place to help […]
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"Making All Things New" - General Synod 2023
Making All Things New” will be the theme of the 34th biennial General Synod of the United Church of Christ, scheduled for June 30–July 4, 2023, in Indianapolis. The General Synod of the United Church of Christ will get back to business a year from now. And it will do so in person. After an all-virtual experience in 2021, the UCC’s biennial national meeting will require all voting delegates to be in Indianapolis in 2023. That’s according to the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, the associate general minister who serves as Synod administrator. Delegates and visitors will meet June 30 through July 4 at the Indianapolis Convention Center. For the full press release, click here
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Lehigh Valley Pride
Now that we are getting closer to the 5th year of a unified PNEC booth at Lehigh Valley Pride, I am hoping you will be able to join us with your time and energy. This year’s theme for the event is LOUD and PROUD. We’re going to align with our welcoming message. We will have a beautiful new backdrop (still in progress) for photos and a chance to meet the community with a big smile and God’s loving hand.
Two more doors to go then the lettering – GOD’S DOORS ARE OPEN TO ALL.
Peace be with you…
Gary
Gary M Barraco (he/him/his), Pastor and Chaplain
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UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event
The UCC Clergywomen’s Leadership Event has been postponed at least twice during the pandemic, and we are excited to be offering the event this September 27-29 in Decatur, GA. “For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender” is open to authorized clergywomen* in the United Church of Christ. Registration is now open for the in-person and online gathering. (* This invitation is expansive to include all cis and trans women as well as non-binary people comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.)
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New Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
On Saturday, July 16, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is rolling out a new, nationwide 988 dialing code that will connect callers to a network of more than 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.
Similar to the 911 emergency number, the 988 Lifeline is designed to be an easy-to-remember direct connection to care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance abuse crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
The 988 system will connect with callers via call, chat, or text. The lifeline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the Unites States. Numerous studies have shown that the Lifeline works – most callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.
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Allowing Others to Use Church Property: What Churches Need to Know
Heather E. Kimmel (she/her); General Counsel , United Church of Christ, National Ministries
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Boundary Training Opportunities
The PSEC staff has added an additional opportunity to obtain Advanced Boundary Training this year. This new training will take place September 14th and will be held via zoom -- "Keeping TIme for Rest and Renewal" reviews The UCC Ministerial Code call that all authorized ministers commit to “setting aside time for Sabbath and vacation”. Meanwhile, the UCC Call Agreement for a pastor names that “the covenant with our church requires your attention 24/7 to matters beyond your control.” How do you prioritize time for rest while being available to the church 24/7?
This Advanced Boundary Training will address sabbaticals, sabbath, and time off. We will discuss the following topics, to name a few: Is it ever okay to cancel or return from vacation for a church emergency? How long can a pastor be unreachable from their congregation? What to do if the congregation doesn’t want to give you a sabbatical or the benefits of a sabbatical even if you don’t want one.
Register for this new Advanced Boundary Training by clicking here.
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The Advanced Boundary Training "Power and the Office of Pastor" which was scheduled for September 14th has been re-scheduled for October 19th. To register for "Power and the Office of Pastor" click here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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UCC News Digest
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Our Faith Our Vote 2022: Faithful Engagement in a Time of Increased Voter Suppression
Throughout Scripture and in the teachings of Jesus, we hear the faith call to be in just, compassionate right relation with each other. So discipleship draws us to engagement with our common life, what we call the political process, as the way we order our relationships.
Join this webinar and learn how the UCC Our Faith Our Vote campaign can be integrated into congregational life and shape congregational identity, complementing and amplifying other congregational covenants like ONA and Just Peace. Click here to register.
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Save The Date…
WISE UCC Mental Health Network
Welcoming.Inclusive.Supportive.Engaged
Come together...
to Learn about becoming a
Wise Congregation for
Mental Health!
October 22, 2022 @ Jordan UCC
Watch for more Details!
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PA Academy of Ministry
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development
Aug 23–Sept 27, 2022
Instructor Jessica Young Brown
$325.
Church Finances
Oct 11–Nov 15. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm.
Instructor, Lovett Weems
For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125.
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Worship on Wednesdays
at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Allentown
(Lehigh Conference of Churches)
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October 9, Save the Date!
The Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk
(Lehigh Conference of Churches)
We would like to thank everyone who participated in the 2021 Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk! $30,720.48 was raised last year to support hunger efforts in our community and around the world. The Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank and The Lehigh Conference of Churches' Kitchen each received a portion of the money raised for their vital ministries; and Church World Service can assist many more of our neighbors in need throughout the United States and around the globe, including victims of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Please Save These CROP Dates!
Greater Allentown CROP Hunger Walk: Sun., Oct. 9, 2022, 1:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:00 p.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104
CROP Recruiters’ Pizza Party/Kick-off: Sun., Aug. 28, 2022, 1:30-2:30 p.m. (to receive materials, ideas, and inspiration for yourself and your congregation) at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Aug. 1-5; Nov. 14-18
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
September 21 -- Journey Toward Healing
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The Church’s Post-Pandemic Future
September 19 - 21, 2022
Speakers and a format are announced for a September all-church summit.
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
URGENT volunteer need - Brethren Disaster Ministries Waverly TN - We had a cancellation for one of our upcoming weeks at our Waverly, TN project location. We are wondering if you would be able to advertise this need with your volunteer base? It is the week of June 26-July 2. We currently can take up to 14 volunteers. If folks are interested in volunteering, please have them contact me via this email address.
Kim Gingerich, Program Assistant, Brethren Disaster Ministries-Rebuild
A Ministry of the Church of the Brethren, 601 Main St., PO Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776
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MONKEYPOX UPDATE FROM THE CDC
monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. Infections with the strain of monkeypox virus identified in this outbreak are rarely fatal. However, people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill from monkeypox. Here are some resources to learn more:
This page provides information on how partners can help with messaging to specific communities and channels to increase awareness of monkeypox, while reducing the chances of stigmatizing those who may have contact with the virus.
This page provides information on preventing monkeypox spread in congregate settings, including correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, group homes, dormitories at institutes of higher education, seasonal worker housing, residential substance use treatment facilities, and other similar settings.
This page provides several frequently asked questions and answers about monkeypox.
Please share these resources widely within your networks and the communities you serve.
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Clean-up Buckets needed by Church World Service - Help replenish CWS storm supplies
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PA 211 Northeast Quarterly Report April 1 to June 30, 2022 - Click Here
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