Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Last Call for These Up-Coming Events & Deadlines |
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Staying Sane in Todays’ World of Covid-19
A helpful look at increasing resiliency
“This new normal doesn’t feel normal.”
Wednesday, December 1, 10:00 to 11:30am via Zoom
COST: $10 (payable to PNEC and mail to 431 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071)
Zoom link will be sent upon your registration.
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November 2021 Wish List
ProJeCt believes that education is key to helping people help themselves and to providing opportunity and advantage to underserved populations. We serve over 5,000 low income adults and families by providing them with evidence-based, rigorously that prepares them to succeed in work, school, and life. Our full range of services includes Adult and Family Literacy, School-Based Youth Development programming, and Safety Net Support. Click Here for list. |
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Workshop in December
Healthy Congregations will be held on Thursday, December 2 (8:30am-4:30pm Central Time).
Register a group of four or more and save $15 apiece! For your convenience, feel free to use this LMPC Registration Form to compile the names and contact information for your group. Questions? Call 630-627-0507.
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Bonnie's Letter
As the English poet W. H. Auden (1907–1973) put it: “We would rather be ruined than changed, / We would rather die in our dread / Than climb the cross of the moment / And let our illusions die.”[1]
Dear Friends, This week we held a luncheon to recognize and honor our retired ministers. We told stories, strengthened connections, and shared a meal together. Additionally, as is usually the case, we held a question-and-answer session. One of the questions I was asked was, “What’s the future of the Church?” It is a good question, to which I truly do not have a complete answer.
What I did share was I believe God is not done with the Church. There is still more for us to do. That being said, I did remind people that the future Church may look very different from the past or present Church. A friend shared this Auden quote with me, and I thought it was reflective of our fears about change within the Church. Often, we, in the Church, resist any change while we complain about declining numbers, lack of participation of younger generations, and bemoan the wearing out of our church buildings. We want the Church to be what it was in our youth, the 1950s and 1960s. We forget that we live in 2021 and the times, my friends, are “a’changing.”
We, inside the Church, need to be speaking with those who are not participating in church to find out what is important to them and what might bring them back into faith community participation. Those conversations are being held in a lot of settings – just look at books about the “Nones” and “Dones,” those who are done with organized, institutional communities, and those who never participated. Whatever we find out in these conversations will require us to look at the world, at faith, and at the Church differently.
I, for one, do not want to see the Church ruined because it will not change, die because it will not let go of the illusion that we can go back to what was. It is not possible. What is possible is to determine the values and beliefs we have and find new expressions of our ministry and mission in the 21st century. That will require a brave steeping in on faith, following Jesus, but understanding that how we follow Jesus might change.
Just like our information systems are not going back to dial telephones, black and white TVs with rabbit ear antennae, or hard-covered encyclopedias, we cannot, I would say must not, back up to 1950 in our worship, faith celebration and mission. We must follow Jesus into the new days and weeks, months and years which are before us – celebrating the presence of Creator, Savior and Spirit in ways that nurture us and the world in which we live. May it be so for us.
Blessings, Bonnie
[1] W H Auden, The Age of Anxiety: A Baroque Eclogue
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From the Spiritual Development Ministry Team:
Did you know that November is Homelessness Awareness Month? Did you also know that there is an emphasis placed on it the week of November 13-21? Homelessness is a problem, not just in our own communities, but throughout the country, and the youth of the PNEC did something about it. The SDMT partnered with The Lehigh Conference of Churches to create the event of One Night Without A Home, held on November 13-14,2021. 9 of our PNEC congregations participated in this event (5 at Union UCC, Neffs and 4 at their home congregations), to bring light to homelessness and raise funds to help support the outreach programs of The Lehigh Conference of Churches. Though it was cold and damp, the youth got a small taste of what it would be like to not have their warm homes and beds by sleeping outside in tents and cardboard boxes. Through the donations of many, the youth of the PNEC raised over $2,000 for The Lehigh Conference of Churches. Thank you to of the youth, adult leaders, and congregations for supporting this effort.
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Save the Date!
Please save the date for a virtual celebration, as we commemorate more than 30 years of ministry at the Church House, live from Amistad Chapel, on Saturday, December 4 at 2:30 PM ET. We'll honor our first three decades in Cleveland, as we prepare to transition from 700 Prospect to our new downtown location in early 2022. Look for more details in the coming weeks.
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Continuing Education for Authorized Ministers - Advanced Boundary Training
Retirement: Transitions and Boundaries in Ministry
Thursday, December 9, 2021
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown
Cost: $35 per person, in person (no Zoom option)
Led by Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith
Click Here for detailed flyer and registration information.
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Planned Giving to Support Ministry and Mission Video Series: A series of 8 videos equips local pastors and leaders with reflections, information, and practical ways to get started on promoting planned giving in congregations. Click here for playlist of videos.
Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar: Explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promoting generosity in our congregations with Rev. Andy DeBraber and Rev. Andrew Warner. Pastors and leaders participating in this program will be equipped to lead an effective stewardship campaign and, more broadly, help their congregation reclaim generosity as a spiritual practice. $300 for Two Leaders – additional spots in the seminar available at $150/person. Register or Learn More Here
Andrew Warner, ucc.org
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Penn Central Conference History and Polity Class
This class begins in early 2022. PLEASE NOTE – the cost for the class is $150.
Rev. Carrie Call, PhD; Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference, United Church of Christ
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Thanksgiving Interfaith Service
Wednesday, November 24, 7 p.m.
Many faiths, one community. Join with congregants from local synagogues, churches and mosques as we gather together to show our gratitude for all that we have. This is an in-person and live streamed event.
Congregation Keneseth Israel, 2227 West Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104
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Interesting thoughts: The Giving in Thanksgiving
“Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8, NIV).
These words are part of Jesus’s instructions as he sends his twelve disciples into the world “to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1). I hear these words most Sundays as our pastor calls the congregation to respond to the proclamation of the gospel with our tithes and offerings.
My very German grandfather, Opa, did not like this. Having grown up in a German church, he never was comfortable at the local Lutheran church outside Buffalo, NY, because the pastor was always asking for money.
Unlike what Opa had experienced in Germany, churches here in the U.S. are not state-supported. Thus, many ministry leaders must solicit donations. The grace of God is always freely given, but the building, staff, programs, and outreach require financial support.
So today, I want to ask what the scientific study of generosity can offer the church... Read More...
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62nd Annual Peace Pilgrimage
Saturday, December 11
A trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem to reflect on a more peaceful world
The Pilgrimage began in 1960 as a Christian witness for peace. We welcome all persons of any age to join the Pilgrimage, symbolic of the journey of Mary and Joseph.
During the 10-mile trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem Pennsylvania we seek to reflect the non-violent life of Jesus Christ and his truth of forgiving love.
Walk with your family and friends and make new friends with others who seek a more peaceful world. Please meet at the parking lot at 529 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem before 10:45 AM.
In order to minimize the risk factors, there will not be a supper at the end of the walk. Participants should bring a lunch and plenty of additional beverages and snacks.
We are requiring facemasks and we will check proof of vaccination for the bus and the indoor parts of the walk.
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Want justice?
As Christians we are called on to stand up for compassion and in opposition to injustice. But it can be difficult to know how and where to get started and be effective. The Jubilee program exists to inform, equip, and inspire people to act for social justice. The 6-month virtual program is for adults who want to increase their understanding of social justice, deepen their faith, and gain the skills and confidence to take meaningful action while building relationships of support with a community of their peers.
Accepting applications now for our program starting in January.
Facebook/Instagram: Justice Leadership Program
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From Convergence Weekly...
Preaching Advent
Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, & Justice
In this on demand resource you will hear from Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Brian McLaren, and Rev. Jim Keat as they spark new insights and ideas for you to explore throughout the upcoming Advent season.
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What Buddhism Can Teach Christians about Gratitude?
When we think about gratitude, we think about what we are receiving. For many of us, receiving gifts and grace from others is uncomfortable. Our ability to receive is influenced by cultural messaging about selfishness.
We are taught that:
- It is selfish to take care of themselves before thinking about others.
- Giving is better than receiving
- Personal sacrifice brings spiritual understanding.
Therefore, we become confused about how to receive, or even if it is OK to receive. This can leave us feeling empty. It is helpful at the time of Thanksgiving to look at not only at what we have received but how will we know how to receive. Join Buddhist teacher, Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi, as she explores what Buddhism can teach Christians about giving thanks and receiving grace. The session will be hosted by Christian minister, Rev. Cameron Trimble, and include a dialogue between these two faith leaders to deepen our experience of gratitude. REGISTER NOW FOR $35
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Stewardship Resources for 2022
Planned Giving to Support Ministry and Mission Video Series: A series of 8 videos equips local pastors and leaders with reflections, information, and practical ways to get started on promoting planned giving in congregations. Rev. Andrew Warner’s playlist of videos can be found here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VgfHt6zEy5BE2ddV7E9pjvWyaJkOYFe
Extravagant Generosity: Annual Campaigns Video Series: Rev. Andrew Warner provides an overview of concepts and activities that support an effective annual stewardship campaign in a series of short videos. The officers of the church offer testimonies the Spirituality of Generosity. The playlist of videos can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VgfHt6zEy6Y7JqbfjhHQtffgpGad0I9
Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar: Explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promoting generosity in our congregations with Rev. Andy DeBraber and Rev. Andrew Warner. Pastors and leaders participating in this program will be equipped to lead an effective stewardship campaign and, more broadly, help their congregation reclaim generosity as a spiritual practice. $300 for Two Leaders – additional spots in the seminar available at $150/person. Register or Learn More Here: https://web.cvent.com/event/40ce86e7-3758-49bc-a32f-7d8c60bebe3a/summary
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James Lawson Freedom School
A Program of the Resurrected Community development Corporation
Join the Freedom School Movement
Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School is a FREE culturally enriching program that strengthens academic, civic, and socioemotional skills in a creatively fun way. Children and youth are engaged in learning in a safe environment with caring adults!
Time: June 2022 (6 weeks)
Who: K-12th Graders
Locations: Various Sites in the Lehigh Valley
Literacy Development, Field Trips, Fun Activities, Two Nutritious Meals a Day
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MESA Trainings Scheduled for the New Ministerial Profiles Portal
The national setting of the UCC is creating a new platform for the Ministerial Profile and Snapshot. These changes do not include any content revision to the Ministerial Profile, but there will be enhancements and the layout will be more user-friendly. The move to the new profile system will take place on December 6, with trainings over the following weeks to orient users to the system. Training on the new system will be available for: Ministers and those who create a Snapshot or a profile for the purposes of authorization, endorsement, and/or search and call and References for ministers completing a UCC profile. It is only necessary to attend one training per role.
Minister Training on the new Profile System:
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This training walks ministers and MIDs through the process of registration and use of the new UCC Ministerial Profiles Portal. Staff from Suran Systems (who built the site) and MESA will be on hand and can answer general questions about the completion and use of the Snapshot and the Profile, as well as answer questions about the use of the system in the search and call process. The training is approximately 45 minutes in length and recurs a week later with identical content. Additionally, this training will be recorded and will be available on the UCC website and Suran’s YouTube site for future reference.
Reference Training on the New Profile System:
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This training is for individuals who serve as references in the UCC profile system. This training walks through the process of setting up a reference account, completing a reference for a minister, and submitting the reference. Staff from Suran Systems (who built the new portal) and MESA will be on hand to walk through the system from a Validator perspective. This training is approximately 30 minutes in length and recurs a week later with identical content. This training will be recorded and will be available on the UCC website and Suran’s YouTube site for future reference.
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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. On November 22nd, the topic of conversation will be the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and the challenge of balancing tradition with creative freshness. How do we tell the old, old story in new, new ways? Join us for discussion and idea sharing!
Meeting ID: 817 9668 4439
Passcode: 292474
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REGISTRATION OPEN
Clergy Convocation 2022
with Rev. Dr. Emily C. Heath
May 3-5, 2022
Double Tree by Hilton, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602
Qualifies for 10 Contact Hours
Clergy Convocation registration is open.
The link:
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NEW online classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Introduction to Pastoral Care
Jan. 6 – Feb. 10, 2022.
This class provides an introduction to pastoral care with attention to trauma histories, healthy boundaries, self-care, and social justice. You will be introduced to pastoral care practices in a variety of settings, including organizing caring ministries within the congregation, and attend to particular circumstances of ministry, such as loss and grief, illness, marriage, and family. Learning activities include use of role play and analysis of case studies.
Fundraising Fundamentals: Churches and Other Non-Profits
Feb. 22 – March 29, 2022
This class provides essential fundraising tools for lay leaders, pastors, and other ministerial leaders. Whether working in a congregation or not-for-profit, all ministerial leaders need to be able to raise money. Taught by an experienced fundraising consultant, this class helps participants hone their skills in developing the fundraising “ask,” writing letters for fundraising, and leveraging networks to grow your ministry.
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
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