PNEC is Producing a Final Directory of Authorized Ministers

At the Spring Meeting May 3 at Union UCC, Neffs, we are asking each Authorized Minister to have their photo taken for the final Directory of PNEC Authorized Ministers (the last one we did was back in 2017). If you are unable to make this photo session at the Spring Meeting, we hope to have a make-up session early summer. We want to have the Directory ready for distribution at the final PNEC Meeting (November 1 at St. John’s UCC, Nazareth). 

Bonnie's Letter

“Our Scriptures are quite clear about this—that God is never impressed with prayers when actions are not informed by them. Nor does God spare us from the consequences of our deeds which always, in the end, matter more than the words we pray.”

—Bishop Mariann Budde, homily, A Service of Prayer for the Nation 

Dear friends,

Living our faith is challenging. Professing that we believe without acting on the Gospel teachings of Jesus is only part of our responsibility. It can be really hard to live our faith, to act on our faith, to share our faith, even to be faithful. Yet that is the call on our lives – to live into the calls of Jesus, “’you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31, NRSVUE)

The news can depress and worry us. Governmental actions or inactions can challenge us. Folks in our churches can disappoint us. Our family may be in conflict or disarray. Our personal challenges may seem insurmountable. Yet, we are called to love God and to love our neighbor, to be the face and light of Christ in the world. When people encounter you, do they see the light of Christ? Do they see your faith lived out?

So many people have left the church or never come to the church because they don’t see a point. There is no light in the people they meet who go to church. The people who profess faith often behave just like the people who don’t go to church. Why should they bother? It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus to shine the light of love, grace, hope and blessing in the world. How else will people know faith makes any difference at all?

My goal in 2025 is to live in the love and peace that faith brings and to share that love and peace with others. Sometimes that means a smile or a hug. Sometimes that means a text or phone call of support. Sometimes it means writing these letters to you. Sometimes it means singing a hymn loudly. Sometimes it means speaking truth in love and holding my tongue when necessary.

However you choose to live out the love and peace, the grace, and blessings of your faith, I hope your faith shines forth into the world. That is an action that makes a difference. Blessings, Bonnie

Invitation to Prayer Vigil

Last week, Church World Service was informed by the U.S. Department of State to halt federally funded activities supporting refugees in Egypt, Indonesia, and 4,200 refugees in the U.S., effective immediately. This puts their program participants—families escaping war, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied children, and vulnerable communities—at risk of hunger and homelessness. The abrupt halt of the refugee resettlement program is heartbreaking, leaving families separated, and dreams of reaching safety shattered. Now more than ever, we need you to lift your prayers in support of refugee families and to donate so we can continue to support our global neighbors who rely on our services to rebuild their lives. Join us in partnership with faith communities across the United States as we stand for compassion and welcome for all our neighbors around the world. We will gather together for a time of prayer, scripture reading, and to hear more about how you can take action to support refugee communities near and far. When difficult times happen, a kind and loving response can make all the difference. That’s why CWS was founded—to give a kind, loving, and tangible response to all people facing a difficult time, reminding them that they are not alone. Let’s stand together to ensure our neighbors, both here and abroad, know they are not alone.

There will be a virtual prayer gathering this Friday at 1 p.m. You can register for that gathering at https://bit.ly/4aKBrQA

https://cwsglobal.org/press-releases/executive-actions-target-refugees-cut-off-access-to-life-saving-programs/

Re-affirmation of Ordination Vows 2025

The Conference Ministers of the four Pennsylvania UCC Conferences will host a Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows for ordained clergy on Maundy Thursday, April 17, at 11:00a via ZOOM. The Rev. Dr. Carrie Call will deliver the sermon. Register here

Note from Heather E. Kimmel, General Counsel, UCC

I have received many inquiries in the past 3 days regarding what churches should do if ICE shows up. Last week, I did a webinar with the IB on legal considerations for churches engaged in sanctuary ministries and talked some about this. That will be posted probably the end of this week under the Online Learning section of the website, with several resources. Here is the advice I have been giving.

• Churches should make a plan NOW as to how to respond to ICE at the church.
• The plan must include training of workers/volunteers who are likely to be at the church, and must include an analysis of the church’s private and public areas. 
• It should also include some practice at role-playing, because saying “no” to big guys dressed in police gear is hard.
• ICE cannot go into the private areas of a church without a judicial warrant (different from administrative warrant). No one is required to talk to ICE.
• Churches should hire a local immigrant advocacy group to do a training on how to respond to ICE. I would start with contacting the local ACLU office if the church cannot identify a suitable organization. 
• Churches should identify an immigration attorney NOW who can be called by workers/volunteers if ICE shows up.
• This document may be helpful to begin.  National Immigration Law Center: What To Do If Immigration Comes To Your Workplace

Heather E. Kimmel (she/her)

General Counsel

United Church of Christ, National Ministries

216-736-2138 | kimmelh@ucc.org | UCC.org

Boundary Training for Authorized Ministers

The Penn Northeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, in partnership with the Mountain Laurel 

Presbytery, the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, the Moravian Church Northern Province, and the Northeast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is pleased to offer this virtual Boundary Training for

Authorized Ministers.

When:  Thursday, March 20

What: Basic Boundary Training 9-12 via zoom;

Advanced Boundary Training 1-4pm via zoom

Cost: $35 for one session; $60 for both sessions

Learn about the need for and management of excellent boundaries.

 CLICK HERE for Full Flyer & Registration Details.

Workshop: Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy in PA

Ashleigh Deemer, the Campaign Director for CeaseFirePA, will give a presentation on the state of gun violence in Pennsylvania, proven policies that have the potential to save lives, and CeaseFirePA’s strategy to get these policies passed. We will leave time for discussion on the issue and policy solutions and then dive into ways that people can be involved in advocating for these policies – including a preview of CeaseFirePA’s annual advocacy day in Harrisburg and more ways to build the movement in your own community.

In Pennsylvania cities, violence traumatizes communities driving a dangerous cycle that damages the mental health of residents and their ability to thrive. Learn about the causes of this gun violence and how through policy and investment, we can help communities heal and save the next life.

You are invited to join this timely and thoughtful briefing.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone who is concerned about gun violence in PA– whether it’s community violence, interpersonal violence, or firearm suicide– who wants to help advance life saving legislation in Pennsylvania.

This workshop will be presented 3 times. The content will be the same for each session. Registration is separate for each session at the links below.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST

- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1224999369089?aff=oddtdtcreator

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - 4:00 to 5:00 PM EST

- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1225415704359?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 6:30 to 7:30 PM EST

- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1225416516789?aff=oddtdtcreator

B. David Smith, Founder

Crossroads and Connections, Building Relationships and Community

Seminary Sunday - February 23

The United Church of Christ celebrates Seminary Sunday annually on the last Sunday in February. Lancaster Theological Seminary values your support. Bulletin inserts are available. Sign up for your congregation to take part.

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New Master of Religion in Public Life Degree Program Launches at the Seminaries at Moravian University This Fall! A program designed for professionals seeking to understand and communicate the intersections of religion and social, historical, political, and cultural contexts in people’s lives. Set to begin in fall 2025, this innovative 36-credit program will place its graduates at the forefront of professionals with competencies working in religiously diverse settings no matter what their profession. Ideal for Public service administrators - Healthcare professionals - Social workers - Educators - Community organizational leaders - Non-profit managers Learn more and start your journey today: https://www.moravianseminary.edu/academics/degree/mrpl

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The Rt. Rev. Dr. Nathan D. Baxter Fund for African American Studies 2025 Forum - Feb. 27 This forum consists of three panelists who will review the Rev. Dr. Catherine Williams's forthcoming book, Preaching and Music: Powerful Partners in Proclamation. Williams is an Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship and Director of Chapel Worship at the Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA. The forum will be held on Feb. 27, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Santee Chapel in Lancaster. It will also be available on Zoom! Panelists include Dr. Lisa Allen-McLaurin, the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta Gilbert, and the Rev. Dr. Dion T. A. Christopher. RSVP Today: https://ow.ly/X4cY50UT9z1

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Coming this March, Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development course through the Lancaster Theological Seminary's Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry. Led by Rev. Dr. Linwood Smith, Pastor at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in York, PA, and serves on the Board of the National Institute of Rural and Minority Health. This class provides an opportunity for leaders in congregations and Faith-Based organizations to consider how their purpose, personal experiences, perspectives, and ethical guidelines provide a framework for ethical decision-making. Participants will explore community and church guidelines in their ministerial context, identify ongoing professional support, and develop self-care plans. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm ET; March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 and 8. Learn more: https://ow.ly/vEZ750UM4lU

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100% Tuition Scholarships are available to members of the United Church of Christ (UCC) who complete their application for a Master Level Program at the Seminaries at Moravian University (Moravian Seminary & Lancaster Theological Seminary) before March 1, 2025. For new applicants only. https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/admissions/ or https://www.moravianseminary.edu/admissions

Matt Conn, Marketing Manager - Seminaries at Moravain University

Climate Church, Climate World Book Study

Facilitated by: Members of The PSEC Enviromental Justice Team

Open to clergy and lay persons.

Dates: Every Monday afternoon in March, beginning March 3 thru March 31

Times: 12:30 – 1:30 pm on Zoom

Cost: Free

Requirements: Purchase of the book and read the introduction and first two chapters prior to the first session on March 3rd.

Book can be found on Amazon and at Hearts and Mind bookstore.

PSEC Environmental Justice Team invites you to join us for Climate Church, Climate World Book Study. Climate Church, Climate World by Jim Antal addresses “the long emergency” known as the climate crisis. Grounded in Scripture, informed by science, this book offers a way for people of faith to listen carefully to how God is calling us to embrace our vocation of bearing witness to the crisis and to initiate a moral intervention to sustain God’s gift of creation. The study will be led by the members of the Environmental Justice Team.

To register, click click here..

300th Anniversary of the German Reformed Church in the United States

This year we will celebrate the 300^th Anniversary of the German Reformed Church in the United States which began with the first communion at Faulkner Swamp, October 15, 1725. This celebration of our immigrant heritage is particularly meaningful and instructive given the current conversations about immigration happening around the nation. 

An 300th Anniversary Committee of representatives from all four Pennsylvania UCC Conferences has begun the work of planning a series of events and worship celebrations to mark the occasion. They include (among other things) quarterly presentations of German Reformed History, a liturgy for congregations to share on the morning of Sunday, October 12^th and a Festival of Celebration on Wednesday, October 15^th.   

A history strong in its roots and its capacity to evolve within God’s unfolding creation leads us into an uncertain future by God’s certain presence. This is something to celebrate! Please watch your conference newsletters for more details will be forthcoming.

PAM Classes

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry has announced their Spring 2025 course lineup. Classes Include: 

· Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm ET via Zoom, March 4–April 8. Instructor: Rev. Dr. Linwood M. Smith Jr.  

· Navigating Congregational Conflict and Crisis. Thursdays, 7–8:30pm ET via Zoom, May 1–June 5. Analyze, interpret, and respond to crisis in your place of ministry, drawing on relevant literature such as Crisis Theory, Congregational Systems, and Conflict Transformation. Instructor: Rev. Dr. Brunilda Martínez.

· Introduction to Pastoral Care. Thursdays, 7–8:30pm ET via Zoom, June 19–July 24. Instructor: Rev. Dr. Butch Kuykendall.

Information and registration: https://paacademyofministry.org/. 

Celebrating Their Anniversary

We congratulate the following PNEC Pastors who will celebrate a

Special Anniversary of Ordination in 2025

Click Here for List

The 44th Annual Rural Ministry Conference

March 9-11, 2025

Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa



Form Follows Mission:  Creative Ways STaR Congregations are Adapting for the Sake of Vitality and Sustainability in Mission and Ministry

In response to the on-going challenges of demographic, economic, and cultural change, small town and rural (STaR) congregations and small membership congregations in metropolitan contexts and their judicatories are creating and/or recreating a spectrum of innovative responses in leadership training and missional form to sustain and enhance the sustainability and vitality of mission and ministry. We will gather to learn what God is doing out there, cross-pollinate with ideas from one place which might work in another, and dream together (Acts 2:17) and perhaps perceive of a new thing (Isaiah 43:19).

Keynote speaker this year is Pastor Nancy Nyland, Pastor Nyland has a breadth of experience ranging from parish ministry to serving as Director of Evangelical Mission for the Indian-Kentucky Synod. She has collaboratively developed a transformational ministry process, a spiritual renewal process, and a shared ministry process for congregations in the synod. She also has led congregational vitality trainings across the ELCA, worked with congregations in transition and assisted congregations with visioning, and identifying their purpose and guiding principles.

For more information and registration, including a virtual Zoom option, please visit: https://www.wartburgseminary.edu/rural-conference/

Please contact Pastor Lisa Robison with any questions.  lrobison@wartburgseminary.edu

PATHWAYS

SUPERVISED MINISTRY CERTIFICATE

The Supervised Ministry Series (Six 9-week courses) is designed to provide a practical internship in pastoral ministry over an eighteen-month progression. The arc of this series begins with entering a new place of ministry (beginning March 5, 2025) and concludes with leaving a place of ministry. Along this arc, as part of six asynchronous online courses, participants will explore issues of pastoral role, identity, leadership, ministry functions, organizational dynamics, and theological reflection. To be enrolled in Supervised Ministry courses, a participant is required to be engaged in pastoral ministry for approximately 6 to 8 hours each week under the guidance of a site supervisor.

A mandatory 3-week course, Introduction to Supervised Ministry, begins February 19, 2025

Go to the website, pathwaystheological.org, to learn more about PATHWAYS or to apply. 

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Prophetic Preaching on Christian Nationalism - A 6-week online course beginning March 5, 2025

 At a time when many of our progressive values are being threatened and undone - racial equity, inclusivity, social justice, human rights, pluralism, etc. - how can we tell the Good News in a way that is truly 'good'? Join us for this brand new six-week course to help churches address the growing threat of Christian Nationalism. We will explore the distorted relationship between religion, race, and democracy that has been arising within conservative Christian circles throughout the last few decades. 

 This course is offered by the Project Proclaim Partnership of the Southern New England UCC with PATHWAYS funded by the Lilly Foundation. Other courses beginning in February and March can be found on the PATHWAYS website, pathwaystheological.org. Visit our website to sign up for this course or others. 

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THE BIBLE AS GUIDE: Biomes and Landforms in Scripture, one of PATHWAYS' Environmental Justice foundational courses begins on March 19, 2025. The course focuses on biomes and landforms in the Bible and then requires that one notice one's own neighborhood and regional flora, fauna, and landforms. Like all the foundational courses, the participant does not just read about Bible, history, or theology. For instance, the outcome project for this course will be a multimedia 3-session (1 hour each) Bible study that connects the biomes and land features of the Bible to the biomes and land features of the area in which the learner lives or serves. The challenges of environmental justice and creation care are local, not abstract.  

Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to apply and sign up for THE BIBLE AS GUIDE: Biomes and Landforms in Scripture (beginning March 19) or other new courses beginning in March including Preaching Against Christian Nationalism beginning March 5.

SAVE THE DATE

Open and Affirming Ministry Team Winter Gathering

Saturday, March 1 , 2025

THEME: Providing Support For One Another

Lancaster Theological Seminary

555 West James St., Lancaster, PA

9:30AM to 3:00PM

The planning committee comprising of members from ALL four PA Conferences are planning a day of speakers and workshops around the common theme of supporting one another. Breakfast items and lunch will be provided. Please watch for additional information in early February.

Register for Pennsylvania UCC Weekly Lenten Prayer Time

Join us at noon every Thursday in Lent for a short time of prayer led by Conference Staff from the Pennsylvania Conferences, March 6-April 10, with a renewal of ordination vows on April 17 at 11:00a. Please register here to receive the Zoom links.

UCC - Join us for Upcoming Webinars and Events

• Thursday, February 6, 3:30pm ET - Reading into the New Year: Rooted in Faith in Justice

• February 13, 3;30-4:30pm - My Soul Looks Back And Wonders How I Got Over: Wisdom Of The Elders For Such A Time As This – A 3 Part Series

James Lawson Aftercare Program

looking for community leaders to read to scholars on Tuesdays and Thursdays during HARAMBEE from 4-4:30 PM. 

 Share your favorite book with our scholars and instill a love of reading.

Read Aloud! guests are a vital part of our Freedom School program, as they demonstrate to our scholars that reading is important to everyone. We invite you to come and read your favorite age-appropriate (7 to 13) book to our scholars. You’ll also have the opportunity to share how education and literacy have played a role in your success. Our students are always excited to ask guests questions and are equally excited when the guest asks questions of them.

Read Aloud! takes place during “Harambee” (meaning “all pull together” in Swahili). During Harambee, the students gather to hear announcements, practice afternoon meditation, and listen as our special guests read books featuring diverse identities and stories. At the end of the assembly, everyone rises to their feet to sing the  “anthem,” Labi Siffre’s “Something Inside So Strong.”

Please use the link below to sign up for a slot.

James Lawson Aftercare Program

The James Lawson Freedom School has started recruiting for Site coordinators and Servant Leader interns for the summer. I'm attaching the flyer with the QR codes to apply, the job descriptions are also available by scanning the QR codes. Please share with your staff, churches, and friends. 

Delia Mitchell, M.S.,Program Director, James Lawson Freedom School - directorjlfreedomschool@gmail.com

Climate Hope Art Contest

We have officially launched the UCC's 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest for children and youth. Our theme this year is “Planting Seeds of Hope.” We’ll accept art submissions from February 2nd to March 14th. Like last year, we will have winners for different age groups and an overall winner who will receive an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC with a parent or guardian. (Last year's winner had two members of congress personally ask her for a poster of her artwork, so that they could hang it in their offices!) The winning art will additionally serve as the logo for UCC Climate Hope advocacy work throughout 2025. Register now for your church to participate!  

We will send you a PDF of the art contest page on which artists will create their masterpieces. We are looking forward to seeing the amazing creativity and talent of our children once again.

With gratitude for each of you,

~Sue Mueller, Lead Climate Hope Organizer, United Church of Christ 

Larkin Riely Act

"When Jesus said ‘Love your neighbor,’ he knew your neighbor would look, act, believe and love differently than you. That was kind of the whole point." In the past week, President Trump signed the Larkin Riely Act into law, which is a bill that would require the detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants who are accused, but not found guilty, of certain crimes. This is in addition to the increased ICE raids that are targeting places of worship, schools, and hospitals. There are resources and people available to answer questions and offer legal assistance. Below are organizations that you can reach out to for answers to questions or to be pointed in the right direction toward what you may be looking for as you are striving to love our neighbors.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) information

National Immigration Law Center

www.nilc.org

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) contains extensive, up-to-date information about DACA, advocacy, and general advice and information. Visit the following links for more specific information.

DACA: https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca

The American Civil Liberties Union - NJ Chapter

www.aclu-nj.org 

P.O. Box 32159, Newark, NJ 07102; (973) 642-2084

ACLU -PA Chapter

www.aclupa.org

PO Box 60173, Philadelphia, PA 19102, 215-592-1513

The ACLU provides information and advocates for immigration and civil rights:

American Friends Service Committee

www.afsc.org

The AFSC provides immigration legal counseling and advocates for immigration and civil rights:

1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102; 215-241-7000 

Camden Center for Law & Social Justice

camdenlawandjustice.org

The Camden Center for Law & Social Justice provides low-cost legal assistance to immigrants and refugees unable to afford a private attorney:

126 N. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Camden, NJ 08103; 856-583-2950

Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition

https://www.paimmigrant.org/

1900 Market Street, Ste. 800, Philadelphia, PA 19103- info@paimmigrant.org

First Friends of NJ and NY

firstfriendsnjny.org

First Friends offers volunteer visitation to detained immigrants and asylum seekers, resettlement assistance, and advocacy:

53 South Hackensack Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032; (908) 965-0455

Lake Institute on Faith Giving

Remaking the Commons: Forming a Moral Imagination for Possession and Philanthropy in Place

Speaker: Dr. Willie Jennings

Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM

Location: Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, 3535 W. Kessler Blvd N. Dr., Indianapolis, IN

Livestream will also be available. A reception will follow the lecture.

Register Here

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

At the start of the Civil War, slaves fled to freedom at the Fort Monroe, Virginia. Here they sang their own song of liberation, and met a Black teacher, Mary S. Peake, whose work inspired the formation of colleges and other schools to educate freed slaves. Share their story and sing their song at worship to celebrate this special month!"

Click Here to read the Lockwood Article

Click Here for Song of the Contrabands

Disaster Ministries

Pastoral care for those have been impacted by disasters with the UCC's Emotional and Spiritual Care Team. I am pleased to announce that have we launched our application process for this initiative.  

The United Church of Christ's Emotional and Spiritual Care Team is a program of Disaster Ministries focused on providing support to spiritual caregivers serving at the local church, association, and conference levels, as they provide pastoral care to their impacted communities. We welcome trained pastoral care providers, parish nurses, counselors, chaplains, clergy, and others feeling the call to disaster emotional and spiritual care to apply for this volunteer position.

To apply visit: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/101871-United-Church-Of-Christ

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CALIFORNIA SUPPORT EFFORTS:

  The PA Disaster Ministries leaders heard back from folks doing support work on the ground in Southern California. As we’ve seen in the media, they are overwhelmed – joyfully and woefully at the same time – with donations. Instead of sending any physical items, they suggest donating money or sending kits and buckets to CWS for future needs. Online donations or retrieving a mailing address for checks can be found here. California Wildfires 2025 - United Church of Christ

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Click Here to read "Ready PA Monthly."