- THIS WEEK IN PNEC December 14, 2023
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HOLD THE DATE FOR Mental Health First Aid - January 20 - Conference Office
details coming next week!
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Bonnie's Letter
John 1:23: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord.” (NRSV)
Dear friends,
These words from John always touch me. I know they have their roots in Isaiah, but John’s acceptance of his assignment, his role in the new order, the new faith to come, always touches me. How hard it is sometimes to find our niche, the place God wants us to be, without assuming too much or too little. Yet, without John’s baptism of Jesus, the people would not have heard the voice of the Creator proclaiming him as God’s son, or the dove of the Holy Spirit resting on him. Every person’s role is important in the kingdom of God. Every one is beloved.
As I was with the Conference Ministers this week, at our annual retreat, I was a witness to the myriad gifts offered to the church by these capable people. We are all very different. We all come from different places and backgrounds. We all have different histories of responding to our call to the Church. Yet, without one of us, the tapestry of support for the local congregations and the justice work of the church would be diminished.
Often, we feel we need to be all things to all people in order to be faithful responders to our call. That, my friends, is not the case. We are each and all called to do our part, to use our skills, for the individual and collective acts of ministry to which we have been called. At our Tuesday Vespers service, we shared a prayer written by Laura Jean Truman entitled “A Prayer for the Tired Angry Ones.” Some of the words are:
“God,
We’re so tired.
We want to do justice, but the work feels endless and the results so small in our exhausted hands.
We want to love mercy, but our enemies are relentless, and it feels foolish to prioritize gentleness in this unbelievably cruel world.
We want to walk humbly, but self-promotion is seductive, and we are afraid that if we don’t look after ourselves, no one else will.
We want to be kind, but our anger feels insatiable.
Jesus, in this never-ending wilderness, come to us and grant us grace….
Keep our anger from becoming meanness,
Keep our sorrow from collapsing into self-pity.
Keep our hearts soft enough to keep breaking,
Keep our outrage turned toward justice, not cruelty.
Remind us that all of this, every bit of it, is for love.
Keep us fiercely kind. Amen.”
My prayer for each of us this Advent and Christmas season, is to focus on being fiercely kind and to move forward confidently using the gifts we have been given for the glory and grace of God. May it be so. Blessings, Bonnie
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RIP Medical Debt Campaign Fundraiser for Epiphany 1/6/24 thru 2/11/24
Click Here for Bulletin Insert (front & back)
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Prayer and Mediation
Union UCC, Neffs and Community
Led by Rev. Kris P. Snyder
Tuesdays 7-8pm
January 16, Feb 20, March 19, April 23, May 21
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87680378046?pwd=QmozYWJFemJOVENCdWJBbzRpbDVIUT09
Meeting ID: 876 8037 8046 Passcode: 954906
I'll lead us in various readings, scripture, and prayer practices like breath prayer and centering prayer, as well as meditation practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Buddhist, and Christian traditions. Sign up with PastorKris@unionucc.org You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions, whatever your schedule allows. Authorized Ministers can use these hours for continuing education.
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2024 Boundary Training For Clergy and Commissioned Lay Pastors
January 31/February 1 -- 9:30AM - 12:30PM -- Register by Jan 15th
May 7/8 -- 1:00PM - 4:00PM ET -- Register by April 20th
October 15/16 -- 10:00AM - 1:00PM ET -- Register by Sept 29th
Not-Your-Average Boundaries Training is tailored to focus on strategies to foster clergy emotional resiliency and well-being. While we still cover the "requirements," we believe the best prevention involves encouraging leaders to take steps to manage their stress in order to maintain balance and perspective when temptation to violate boundaries arises. This live online boundaries training is 5 total hours split over 2consecutive days (2.5 hours each day). Following the first session, participants are asked to engage in a bit of reflection work in preparation for the second session. This online boundaries training will be conducted via secure Zoom video conferencing.
Click Here for detailed flyer and registration information.
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Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action
You may be aware that this new website resource is available growing out of the "Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action" Resolution that passed at the UCC General Synod 2021. Lots of great resources for the congregations and Pastors in your Conferences! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. https://www.contemplatives-in-action.org/
A group growing out of this Resolution meets monthly for rotating contemplative practices with different leaders each month. Our regular practices are the first Thursdays of the month at 2:30pm ET. Our last monthly contemplative practice of 2023 is next Thursday, December 7th at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Zoom link below. Rev. Mark Suriano will lead us next week in a loving-kindness meditation, and Rev. Susie Allen will lead our January practice. All are welcome to join us for contemplative grounding.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2043377541
January 4- Susie Allen- will lead a reflection in word and image on the experience of Sanctuary.
You may also be interested in this virtual "Lessons in Meditation" and "Meditation Teacher Training" that I am leading through the Southern New England Conference's Center for Transformational Leadership starting January 30th. More details below. Please do share in your Conferences, Associations, churches, and with whoever you feel would be interested.
Gratefully,
Rev. Matt Carriker and the "Contemplatives in Action" team
https://www.contemplatives-in-action.org/
ALSO...
Lessons in Meditation and Meditation Teacher Training
Beginning January 30th
In church, we often pray, but how often have we learned to meditate? Our relationship with God can be thought of as a friendship. If prayer is talking to God, then meditation is listening to God. How can we best listen, given the realities of the monkey mind? And given our own imperfect meditation practice, how can we best share meditation with others and our churches? This is offered through the larger Southern New England Conference UCC. Hear the interview with facilitator Rev. Matt Carriker here:
https://vimeo.com/880979672/d7c1011c90?ts=0
The 3-week “Lessons in Meditation” is offered on Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. on January 30th, February 6, and February 13th.
Register here https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/MeditationPractice
The six week Teacher Training program will include meditation practice, small group practice teaching sessions and one-to-one sessions with the facilitator. The 6-week “Meditation Teacher Training” is offered on Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. on January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 5.
Register here https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/MeditationTraining71
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Ministers Financial Vitality Initiative Program (MFVI)
Grace to you and peace in this holy Advent season.
This letter is to notify you that the Ministers Financial Vitality Initiative program (MFVI), still has openings for its 10th and 11th cohorts which will begin in January 2024. The application period closes on December 31st.
Any UCC authorized minister who may be interested in joining the program, see the link below to apply.
Link to application: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/91812-Pension-Boards
If there are any questions about the MFVI program, please reach out to me, Davon Thomas, at the following email address: mfvi@pbucc.org
With continued thanks for your care and advocacy of those who serve in your midst.
Davon Thomas, Grants and Scholarships Administrator
Davon (Duh-Vaughn) Thomas (He, Him, His)
United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, The Pension Boards - United Church of Christ, Inc
Phone: (212) 729-2714 | Email: dthomas@pbucc.org
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Cultivating Generous Congregations - Spring 2024
The CGC Seminar for pastors and leaders offers an opportunity to explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promote generosity in our congregations. Be sure to recruit at least a team of two for this program. Changing the culture of your congregation requires more than one dedicated leader.
This is a virtual seminar hosted by the South Central and Southeast Conferences on February 19, March 4, March 18, April 8, April 22, and May 6 from 7:30 to 9pm EASTERN (6:30 to 8pm Central)
The registration fee is $300 (per team of two) and $50 for each additional team member.
Register Today - https://cvent.me/YwOoaz
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Clergy Convocation 2024: Healing Tother: Healing Me, Healing You
May 7, 2024 @ 3:00 pm - May 9, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Double Tree by Hilton, Lancaster
Welcome to all our pastors across the four UCC Conferences in Pennsylvania. Join us for a time of collegiality, spiritual renewal and education for authorized ministries and members in discernment.
Should you attend? Hear these words from a first time attendee from this past year’s event:
“The memorable moments from my first United Church of Christ Pastors’ convocation will remain in my heart and spirit for years to come!
Attending convocations is a wonderful, warm way to get to know so many other pastors who serve our denomination, and I was greeted so lovingly by so many people, the majority of whom for the very first time. The atmosphere is very informal and joyous, and I felt very much as though I had joined a new, loving family.
The topics discussed were subjects that were timely and interesting, such as a session about how to design a flexible and fulfilling pastoral career, and another session about how to handle finances as a pastor.
But my best moment, especially for a newly ordained ministry, was a pair of warm, welcoming arms! Those arms were wrapped around my shoulders in a hug and the words I’ll never forget were softly said to me: “We are so glad you are here with us, and you are now a part of us. We welcome you with love!”
That, for me, was priceless! – The Rev. Donald I Hammonds, Pittsburgh, Pa
Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us - You are not alone. Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time.
Clergy Convocation 2024 – Clergy Convocation 2024 –
To register, click here.
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PNEC’s 2023 Closing Date will be Friday, January 12, 2024
Please plan your closing so that your final 2023 remittance will be received in the Conference Office by Friday, January 12, 2024. Receipts received after the 12th will be credited to 2024. Do not include 2023 remittances with 2024 and make certain remittance slips are marked for either the year 2023 or 2024.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
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Training and Organizing Opportunity with POWER Interfaith in partnership with Faith in Action
To prepare ourselves for what many expect to be another contentious 2024 General election, we are offering a 2 day training for a multi-racial, multi-faith cohort of faith leaders to examine the pillars and goals of White Christian Nationalism (WCN) and ways to push back on the threat it poses to democracy, solidarity and the well-being of excluded communities.
The training will explore: The History of WCN in the United States; Theology and WCN; The Current Manifestations of WCN; and Overcoming WCN through Collective Action. Together we will learn frameworks and tools to understand how White Christian Nationalism is operating at a political, religious and cultural level - and develop effective organizing responses to both proclaim an alternative vision of Beloved Community and build the political power needed to achieve it.
We hope you will join us for this important training and organizing opportunity. Please see the logistic information below and you can find additional information at the registration site here. You must register for the event.
Event Title: Building Beloved Community amid White Christian Nationalism
Start: Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Finish: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Location: Crowne Plaza King of Prussia (260 Mall Blvd)
Registration fee: $25.00 (scholarships available)
In faith and solidarity,
Sara
--
Sara Melton | Director of Organizing
smelton@powerinterfaith.org | Cell: (631) 943-3105
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Lehigh Conference of Churches
The Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving Society
Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, a medical microbiologist and radiologist, was the single largest individual donor in the Conference’s 69-year history. Upon his death in 2013, Dr. Gianforte – who previously had no association with the Conference – made a $700,000 bequest, which has sustained the Conference kitchen for more than a decade. As we approach the conclusion of this extraordinary gift, there is no more appropriate way to pay homage to his memory and perpetuate the meaningful work he initiated than by urging others to emulate his generous spirit and contribute as he did.
The Gianforte Leadership Giving Society will recognize those individuals and families who serve as role models of generosity by leading the way with an annual gift to the Conference of $1,000 or more. Any donor who makes an outright gift or pledge of $1,000 or more by the end of December 2023, will be considered a Founding Member of the Society. And, thanks to the incredible generosity of an anonymous donor, the gifts of all founding members will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000.
Click Here to Read More...
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Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast
January 14, 2024
If you attended the breakfast earlier this year, you know that we will have another fantastic time. Bishop W. Darin Moore will be our speaker again for this great event as we continue to raise funds for the IMC college fund.
Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Location: Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel
Amount: $35
Proceeds benefit the IMC Scholarship Fund.
Online tickets are available today via Eventbrite (link below):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-prayer-breakfast-tickets-769316374987?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
If you have students interested in applying for a scholarship, please take a look at the attached application and return it to Dr. Joseph Green by 12/29/23 for consideration, as we will award scholarships during the January event. Please send scholarship applications to jgministries@gmail.com
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2024 Women's Clergy Retreat: Carrying & Carried
Carrying & Carried....the things we hold and who holds us
January 16, 2024 · 4pm - January 18, 2024 · 12pm EST
Mariawald Retreat House
1094 Welsh Road Reading, PA 19607
Join us for the Women's Clergy Retreat! This retreat will be centered around the things we hold and who holds us. Massages will be available for an additional fee.
The retreat will take place at Mariawald Retreat Center, 1094 Welsh Road in Reading, PA. Modest linens/towels and simple meals are provided - you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to share! Rooms are double occupancy and cost $130 - space is limited! First floor rooms available on request, and be sure to include the name of a roommate if you have a preference. Full vaccination and a negative home covid test required up to 48 hours before the retreat.
Although vaccination proof is not required we do ask if you feel at all unwell and/or are showing any flu/Covid symptoms, that you please stay home for the safety of others.
Questions? Please contact: Kim Berenotto at kimberlyberenotto@gmail.com or
Tammie Wisniewski at tammie@psec.org
When you register, you give your permission to use photos of you or your children for purposes of telling the story of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference on the website or in video, newsletter and social media posts. If you are opposed to having your picture taken and possibly used in this way, please let us know by contacting the PSEC office at: susan@psec.org including your name (and/or names of your children) and your email and phone contact information.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-womens-clergy-retreat-carrying-carried-tickets-767650903517?aff=oddtdtcreator
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On the UCC website, it states,
“Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries seeks transformative justice for our faith communities and congregations by just action and love for all. ~ We believe in the justice-oriented ministry of Jesus and act with those facing systemic oppression at the intersection of gender & sexuality to offer care, sex positive education & curriculum, gender & bodily autonomy education & programming, policy & advocacy and partnership and outreach opportunities.”
For those seeking greater knowledge and depth in addressing this important justice issue, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. offers a course where participants from across the country have a place to gather in online conversations. Go to PATHWAYSTheological.org to register or to find out more about the course, Theology of Gender and Sexuality. There is still time to register for this course as well as UCC Polity and History, and several other courses which begin in early January 2024.
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LAY LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION
Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team
of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ
at Church of the Good Shepherd, 35 W. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, PA
Saturday, April 6 -- 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Cost $40 per person includes lunch
Keynote address by Dr. Sarah Drummond,
Dean of Andover Newton Theological School and author of Sharing Leadership.
Workshops will be offered on a variety of topics relevant to lay leaders.
Registration will be through the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Office beginning by February.
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