Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Bonnie's Letter
Dear Friends,
When I read Psalm 30:5, I hope for the joy. Usually the joy comes, but in the last days it has been challenging to find joy.
A long-time St. Luke’s Chaplain, the Rev. Nancy Adams, passed from the earth in early June and although we celebrated her life on Wednesday, her loss is still felt so deeply, by so many. Last Friday, a dear friend and active conference and congregation member, Ms. Barbara Hanks passed from the earth. I was with her in the week before her passing and her heart, as always, was focused on the needs of others, her friend and companion Joyce, the needs of the conference, and my own sorrow. We will celebrate her life tomorrow and we will remember her with joy, but our hearts will be heavy.
On Monday, Pastor Dave Berryman passed from the earth, after an all-to-brief battle with cancer. I had done his service of farewell for his retirement from Zion UCC in East Stroudsburg on May 29. His life will be celebrated on Monday, June 27, but our hearts will still be filled with sorrow. As I was preparing to attend the celebration of life for Nancy Adams on Wednesday, we received word that Mr. David Fleming had passed away in Atlanta. No word yet about when we will celebrate his life. He, too, was an active congregation and conference member.
All this loss of people so dear to us can burden our souls and our spirits. I found myself weeping today as I reflected on the amazing people who are now physically gone from us. Then I remembered the 1,000 people who died in the earthquake in Afghanistan and the myriad losses in the war between Russia and Ukraine, to gun violence, to domestic violence, and so many natural and human-made disasters. There is much to weep about.
And yet, this morning I read a story at the James Lawson Freedom School being held at Resurrected Life Community Church UCC, and the smiling faces and energetic cheers, chants, songs and movements of children reminded me of hope and joy – hope and joy expressed by the children and the adults who work with them; hope and joy in the God who blesses us all with life and light and faith; hope and joy in the movement forward even when life is challenging.
I cling to that hope and joy. I look for that hope and joy – today and in all the difficult days and moments yet to come. I pray for hope and joy to fill my soul and my spirit – and I pray for hope and joy to fill yours as well. Blessings, Bonnie
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Increase in Mileage Rate Starting July 1, 2022
For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of the year. The new rate for deductible medical or moving expenses will be 22 cents for the remainder of 2022, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of 2022. These new rates become effective July 1, 2022.
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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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PNEC
MENTAL HEALTH
MINISTRY TEAM
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Scholarship available for upcoming PAM class
A generous donor has provided money to pay for two new PAM students to enroll in Lovett Weems's class, Personal Finances for Ministers, which begins July 12. Anyone interested in applying for this scholarship should complete the PAM application found online and indicate that they would like to be considered for the scholarship. Scholarship recipients will be selected by noon on July 5.
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PA Academy of Ministry
Personal Finances for Ministers
July 12–Aug 16. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. Instructor, Lovett Weems.
Introduction to basics of personal financial management, including special considerations for religious professionals and congregations where they serve. For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development
Aug 23–Sept 27, 2022
Instructor Jessica Young Brown
A Ministerial Institute class. Confidentiality, fiduciary duty, healthy boundaries, and self-care in ministry. $325.
Church Finances
Oct 11–Nov 15. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm.
Instructor, Lovett Weems. Practical skills for creating/presenting budgets grounded in the church’s mission, expanding means of giving & sources of income, presenting accurate tracking/reporting of giving, proper financial administration of funds, & explore new options for funding ministry. For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125.
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June 26 - Juneteenth - 7PM
A Virtual Service
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Worship on Wednesdays
at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Allentown
(Lehigh Conference of Churches)
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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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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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Insights from Strengthening the Church follow-up
Beloved of God,
Thank you so much for your interest in All Together: Insights from Strengthening the Church.
As you are led to watch or share, the recording will be available on the following playlist for future learning, along with all past Thursdays for the Soul offerings. See All Videos
It is because of you that we are able to sustain this ministry. As you are moved, and as you have access, please support Thursdays for the Soul and programs like this, through giving to the Annual Fund.
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
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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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