Committee on Ministry Announces Ecclesiastical Council

 (an Ecclesiastical Council is the final step in the ordination approval process for the Member in Discernment pending a valid call and granting them permission to circulate their profile within the UCC.)

The Committee on Ministry of the Penn Northeast Conference Invites you to participate in the Ecclesiastical Council for Gary Barraco at 9:30am Saturday, April 15, at New Creation United Church of Christ, 3730 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA. You may also participate via Zoom. To register to attend, please email Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office (pattyr@pnec.org) and let her know if you will be attending in person or via zoom.. Once you are registered a copy of Gary’s Ordination will be emailed to you. Gary is an Associate Chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem.

Letter from our Sabbatical Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith

‘Wisdom belongs to the aged and understanding to the old.” Job 12:12

Dear Friends,

I was doing some paging through the scriptures when I began focusing on age. We are all growing older. As you read this article, you are aging. Most of us don’t like to be reminded of this whole aging thing but it is always around us and forever within us.

The aging thing can most be seen (in my opinion) in our children. One minute they are helpless infants who wake us up crying out in hunger or discomfort. The next thing you know, worry is waking us, “is she/he  home yet?” Then there are the physical changes that happen with aging. It might be adorable to watch a toddler take a few steps and fall. It is not so adorable to watch this happen with an 85-year-old.

So friends, what do we do about this aging thing? If we have no choice but to age, how is it we can do it well? We may need to rethink what it means to get old.

Interesting how our perceptions do change. When you are a child, you think forty is old. When you are forty you think that 80 is old. When you are 80… you may think that you are old… But, what does old really mean and when does it happen? Are you getting to the age when you look in the mirror and realize that you are the new old!

Job tells us that wisdom and understanding belong to the aged.  Well, this person (me), who is aging, believes that all too often we try to group people by ages instead of mixing us all up to benefit the whole. 

My grandchildren who age in range from 10 to 14 are frequently asking me to tell them stories. I love to share the family stories that I realize will be lost one day. I get to share about my childhood, parents and grandparents, about a different time.   Along with telling our particular stories from the past we also end up talking about the evolution of things such as the telephone. They are amazed that during my lifetime I experienced party lines, dial phones, 7 numbers now 10, cell phones and so much more).

Some of my best times now are when the g-kids are sharing stories of their lives. They are so much more open than I was taught to be. They talk about how humans may be different yet so much more alike. They tell me of today’s trends and let me know if any words I am using that are now inappropriate. They tell me what is important to them. Our g-kids have some amazing parents and so often they too share in the stories.

As we age we need to find ways to experience and learn from each other. Love is love is love and it is to be experienced and shared with people of all cultures, sexual orientations, political agendas, and ages. We are all aging. Let’s do it together!   

Blessings,

Becky

Rev. Dr. Becky J. Beckwith

PNEC Sabbatical Conference Minister

ATTENTION PASTORS:  Who in your congregation would benefit from receiving a copy of “This Week In PNEC?”   Please let us know… We will sign them up!   

• Rev. Dr. Becky J. Beckwith

Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows set for Maundy Thursday

 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 6, at 10:00a via ZOOM. 

It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment”— to love and serve one another — for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection.

Clergy are encouraged to wear a stole received at their ordination, a red stole, or any other stole that has significant meaning. The service includes the sacrament of virtual communion so please prepare in advance. Click here to register.

Here is the link for registration to the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows.   

 https://reaffirmation.eventbrite.com

15th Annual PNEC Youth Retreat

FAITH & ?????

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER... deadline was extended

Penn Northeast Conference Presents the15th “Annual” Youth Retreat FAITH & ??? In the gospels, Jesus is asked 187 questions. He answers (maybe) 8 of them. He himself asks 307. Maybe faith isn't about certainty, but learning to ask—and sit in the complexity of—good questions. ~Kevin Nye; writer on theology, homelessness, culture, and grace Exploring our faith through all kinds of questions FYI: This is a technology friendly event – cell phones, IPADS, tablets, etc are welcome!

WHO: All youth in grades 7th-12th are invited!

WHEN: April, 14-16, 2023 Check-in Friday 6:30-7:00/Pick up Sunday at 12:00 pm

WHERE: Spruce Lake 5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA 18325

COST: $145/per person – includes meals Saturday & Sunday

**Limited space!!! First 40 participants with paid deposit only.

One adult chaperone per church is needed. 

Click Here for detailed flyer/registration

Call to the 2023 Spring Meeting of PNEC

 Saturday, April 29, 2023

In Person or Virtual

St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 902 East Macada Road, Bethlehem, PA

Theme

 Health, Renewal, Restoration

 Scripture

          “…be transformed from the inside out by renewing

             your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern

                what God wills and whatever God finds good,

                    pleasing, and complete.”  Romans 12:1-2

 Keynoters:

     Rev. Cindy Garis August; Senior Pastor at Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg

      Ms. Padma (Colette) Fanning; Mindfulness Educator, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem

Click Here for Registration Form OR

register online with Tithe.ly at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/6786464

Faith-based Security Workshop

 (Article taken from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Newsletter)

The PA Office of Homeland Security, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, PA Emergency Management Agency, PA State Police, the three Fusion Centers in PA, Faith-based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, and the Anti-Defamation League, is offering a virtual learning event to faith-based organizations on March 30 from 1:00p to 4:00p, providing valuable information to religious leaders and members of churches to enhance security and prepare for outdoor events.

Keynote speaker Kenneth Strish, Chief of Police, Berwick Police Department, will present an overview of a targeted vehicle-ramming incident during a community event and the lessons learned from it.

David Wood, Protective Security Advisor from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, will also discuss important security procedures for the properties of our houses of worship, and how to best implement these procedures based on best practices and potential funding sources.

Guidance and further resources will be provided via handouts, and there will be time set aside at the end for Questions & Answers. Click here to register.

The Diverse Duties of the Sabbatical Conference Minister

Many hands make light work...Pictures of the Conference Staff loading 43 Church World Service Disaster Buckets and 20 Boxes of School Kits onto a truck donated by "Tim" from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference.

"Tim" the driver, the Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith, Sabbatical Conference Minister, and Patty Jo Rehrig.

"Tim" the driver, Barbara Jennings, & Patty Rehrig

UCC Webinars and Upcoming Events

Wednesday, March 27 - Stewardship

Wednesday, April 5 - Our Whole Lives

Wednesday, April 5 - Create Playspace with the President

Wednesday, April 12 - Create Playspace with the President

Wednesday, April 12 - Environmental Ministries

Wednesday, April 12 - Wednesdays with the World

Click Here for detailed flyer and how to register.

Important message for churches: Employee Retention Credit

 (Sharing from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Article)

In recent weeks, the Employee Retention Credit, a program implemented by the CARES Act of 2020 and revised by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, has been given renewed attention. In particular, service providers have popped up promising to help churches and other companies apply for the ERC and receive money from the federal government, in exchange for a percentage of what the church is entitled to. Some of these consultants are reaching out to churches directly and aggressively. 

Church settings must tread carefully here as some of these providers are inexperienced, unqualified, and may even be fraudulent. The requirements to qualify for ERC are specific, and making false or misleading representations under the penalty of perjury on an application for ERC funds may result in investigation and prosecution.

Churches who are interested in this, must talk to a local CPA, not a company created for the Empoloyee Retention Credit. Many are faudulent and take a large part of the refund as their payment. Then the company will close or disappear before the IRS realizes that the church has fraudulantly received the funds.

Churches should consult with a qualified accountant to review eligibility criteria for ERC. Some church settings may legitimately qualify. This credit is only for Social Security and Medicare taxes paid, so churches without large lay staffs have very little refund opportunity.

Here is one really good article from a noted accounting firm that provides services to churches and other religious organizations. Here is the same firm’s warning about the pop-up industry of ERC service providers.

UCC Webinar—Getting Ready for Earth Sunday: Resources for Congregations

Many churches celebrate God's creation on the Sunday closest to Earth Day (April 22nd). To support congregations in making the most of this occasion, Creation Justice Ministries has created a resource that brings the lens of justice to food, the most immediate and tangible way that we connect with the natural world around us. In this webinar, Karyn Bigelow will introduce the resource and talk about specific ways churches can deliver a powerful message and experience on Earth Sunday. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on April 12^th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

[Hyperlink: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316782905975/WN_Mo-sUtIXR0u17Yl1hY1FPQ]

ALSO...

Join the First Ever UCC Earth Day Summit!

This online event will take place on Saturday, April 22nd at 11 am ET. The theme is “What’s Possible?: Earth Day Stories of Hope.” This two and a half hour summit will feature a keynote from the Rev. Jim Antal, a panel of inspiring speakers, the presentation of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award, and a video showcasing the uplifting story of Mayflower UCC in Minneapolis. Even if you cannot make the event at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

[Hyperlink: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/2016629471927/WN_cynbWmViR8ui7WLu_zgkDQ

ROBERT K. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES ON CHRISTIAN UNITY FEATURING SISTER JOAN CHITTISTER

April 20 from 6:30 to 9PM (doors open at 6:30PM - Lecture at 7PM)

University Center at DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley

Join us for The Lehigh Conference of Churches’ Robert K. Campbell Memorial Lecture Thursday, April 20, featuring Sister Joan Chittister.

Joan Chittister is one of our most influential religious and social leaders. For over 50 years she has passionately advocated for peace, human rights, women’s issues, and monastic and church renewal. A much sought-after international speaker, she is also a best-selling author of more than 60 books, hundreds of articles, and an online column for the National Catholic Reporter. She has served as president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and president of the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses. For 12 years, she was prioress of her community, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania. Sister Joan is the executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality, and animator of the online movement, Monasteries of the Heart. She holds a doctorate in communications from Penn State University.

On Thursday evening, April 20th, at 7:00 p.m., at DeSales University, we invite interested individuals to join Sister Joan’s lecture

Register for Campbell Lecture, Register Today

Register for 2023 PA Clergy Convocation

The Pennsylvania Clergy Convocation is scheduled for May 2-4 in Lancaster. Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on connection – connecting with God, self and others. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time. Our teaching focus on clergy wellness will take shape in four 90-minute sessions, each dedicated to one of the components of wellness every pastor needs: spiritual wellness, vocational wellness, financial wellness, and physical wellness. Pension Boards staff and outside facilitators will provide attendee with thoughtful and relevant content for those engaged in local church ministry. Click here for more information and to register

Click Here for Detailed Flyer

LAY LEADERS CONVOCATION

Who: For elders, deacons, church council members, and other leaders

What: A full day of worship, address, workshops, and fellowship

When: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Trinity and Zion U.C.C., Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Cost: $40 per person ($20 for persons coming for part of the program not eating lunch)

The event will include: Worship and Keynote address on Empowering Lay Leadership Workshops on some of the following topics: Being effective as a post-Covid Church Reviving the Sunday school Stewardship of Financial Resources Becoming Spiritual Leaders Becoming an Environmentally Friendly Church Church Meetings that get out on time How does the U.C.C. work Music ministry when the choir is shrinking Worshiping when there is no pastor. Registration information click here. Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team of Penn SE Conference, U.C.C. Click here for a flyer with more info.

This event will be held at

Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown.

Breakfast and lunch are included with the cost of your ticket.

To register you can email Barbara Jennings at barbaraj@pnec.org and send your check for $35 made payable to PNEC to the Conference Office (PNEC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071)

OR

you can register and pay through tithe.ly at https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/6681834

Keynote; “Repenting of the unforgivable” Through the medium of storytelling, Rev JimBear Jacobs will share how the legacy of Indigenous residential boarding schools has left a stain upon the church. The sin of complicity in the boarding school has for far too long been ignored or rationalized away. It is time to face this sin head on and enter into a season of lament that can hopefully lead to repair. Workshop: “Beyond lament; Movement towards repair” In this workshop Rev. JimBear Jacobs will explore some tangible and challenging steps that churches might wrestle with as they consider reparations for the traumatic legacy of the boarding school system

Click Here for Bio for Jim Bear Jacobs

Disaster Ministries

The Pension Boards joins with United Church of Christ leaders in prayer for communities in mourning for the 50,000 people killed in the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria in February. The UCC has issued an appeal to assist those affected in the region. Please support this response with your gifts and designate International Emergency on this donation page

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March ReadyPA Monthly available online now

This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on flooding and flood plans. Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared.