Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
|
|
Bonnie's Letter
Galatians 5:22-23 …the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
Dear Friends,
As I was thinking about what to write this week, I contemplated gifts – our own gifts and the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we are not clear about the gifts we have been given, or even how to use them in case we do recognize them. In a recent sermon message, I shared this:
“Each of us has gifts given from God – gifts we have practiced, honed, used, or maybe even ignored. What gifts do you have? Oh, come on, we all have gifts! Can you smile at a neighbor and be a good friend? Are you compassionate when people are in pain? Are you creative? A good gardener? A good cook? Teacher? Driver? Farmer? Preacher? Musician? Student? Is your gift an optimistic attitude, a listening ear, an open mind, or an open heart?
How are you using that gift? How generously are you sharing it? Or are you hoarding that gift all for yourself? Are you reluctant to share because you are afraid that using your gift is bragging, or showing off? God gave you gifts to use and to share in the world. What are the treasures you are willing to share? What gifts are you hoarding and what treasures of gifts are you willing to share for the honor and glory of God?”
How is God calling you to share your gifts? Where are you sharing them?
As I have worked with the group of folks who are compiling research on “nones” and “dones,” we discovered that the search for connection and honest relationships, the need to talk about faith and questions about faith, and the need to offer gifts in the world as missions that make a difference, is what younger folks are looking for in church communities. How many of us are offering those opportunities? How many of us are speaking our faith, living our faith, engaging our communities in ways that help make connections, honest relationships, and a difference in individual and community lives?
In a world and a culture where people are increasingly divided, have forgotten how to listen to each other, and where it seems there is no middle ground, relying on our spiritual gifts from God and our personal gifts is the key to moving forward. God is not done with the church yet. But I think God is done with the animosity between church communities and church people. Let’s live into the gifts of the spirit and become the church God intended, a true family, true siblings one with another and with Christ.
I’ll try it. Will you?
Blessings, Bonnie
|
|
Rates and Plan Enhancements have been announced by the Pension Boards
The following premium rates and plan enhancements for the 2023 plan year will be effective January 1, 2023.
- UCC Non-Medicare Plan: 8.5% Increase (no change to co-pays and deductibles)
- UCC Pharmacy Plan: No change to co-pays
- UCC Medicare Advantage Plan: 5% Increase
-
UCC Dental Plan: 4% Increase
-
UCC Vision Plan: 10% Increase
- UCC Life and Disability Plan: No change
The following benefit enhancements are also effective January 1, 2023:
- UCC Dental Plan: Coverage for Lifetime Orthodontic Services increases to $2,000
- UCC Vision Plan: Coverage of new eyeglass frames every year, with an allowance up to $170
|
|
Dear Sibling Congregations and Authorized Ministers and leaders of Penn Northeast Conference, United Church of Christ
Greetings in the Name of our Savior Jesus Christ from Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, Allentown, PA. We write to share with you important events and decisions in the life of Zion’s. In particular, we invite you to join us in thanksgiving and support for the closing worship service of the Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ Congregation on October 2, 2022. At a Congregational Meeting held on July 10, 2022, a resolution was approved authorizing the Zion’s Consistory to move ahead with the sale of Zion’s building to Resurrected Life Community Church United Church of Christ, Allentown. There are various steps that must be taken and details which are still pending before this sale is completed. We will continue to keep you informed.
|
|
Summary Notes of the July 2022 Conference Board Meeting
|
|
Inclusive Language and Biblical Interpretation
September 1, 8, 15, 22
via zoom - each session is from 9AM to 4PM
with morning & afternoon breaks and break for lunch
Cost: $100 for all sessions; $25 for first session only
(24 hours continuing education - must attend all 4 sessions to qualify)
|
|
Last Call for These Upcoming Events & Deadlines |
|
UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event
The UCC Clergywomen’s Leadership Event has been postponed at least twice during the pandemic, and we are excited to be offering the event this September 27-29 in Decatur, GA. “For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender” is open to authorized clergywomen* in the United Church of Christ. Registration is now open for the in-person and online gathering. ( * This invitation is expansive to include all cis and trans women as well as non-binary people comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.) |
|
Summary Notes of the July 2022 Conference Board Meeting
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
News from United Church of Christ Global H.O.P.E.
- Ukraine Response Partner Update: $25K to IOCC
- UCC addresses severe drought and hunger in East Africa
- More UCC immigrant-welcoming churches needed now
- $250 Matching Grant now available for CWS Kits, Buckets and Backpacks and more!
|
|
Starting a new Community of Practice (COP) in September for MID's
Rev. Rebecca Sausser will be the facilitator for our new Community of Practice
being offered to our Members In Discernment (MID's).
Cost: $20 for September through December of 2022
$50 beginning in January 2023 (for the year)
If you are interested, please be in touch with Patty at the Conference Office. You can reach her at pattyr@pnec.org or by calling 610-826-3113.
|
|
Penn Northeast Conference
Be Effective...Be Flexible...Be Missional
Flexible, Missional Governance Training
St. Paul's UCC, 1249 Trexlertown Road, Trexlertown
September 29, 2022
5:30PM Dinner; 6PM Training; 9PM Wrap-Up
$15 per person; five or more from same church $60
Register NOW for this important information workshop
Limited Space - First 50 people included
Deadline to register September 21, 2022
|
|
 |
Leading Worship for Lay Leaders
Saturday, December 3, 2022
9AM to Noon via zoom
FREE
Designed to help lay leaders prepare and lead worship!
The training will cover:
- Basic liturgy planning
- Using the lectionary
- Identifying hymns
- Utilizing worship resources to plan worship
- Framing questions for dialogue sermon
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Men's Clergy Retreat 2022
The topic of this year's Men's Clergy Retreat will be "Racism in Church and Society: Past and Present". COVID vaccination is required and masks are required indoors, other than during meals.
The Retreat will cover topics from the following books: The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone and White Too Long by Robert P. Jones. (Reading is suggested, but not required.)
Retreat will be led by PSEC Conference Minister Rev. Bill Worley, PSEC Associate Conference Minister Rev. Kevin McLemore, and Rev. Dr. Stephen Ohnsman, PhD.
|
|
|
|
Congregational Polity Training
Helping Congregations Understand UCC Polity
Saturday, August 20, 2022
9AM to 11AM via zoom
(2 hours continuing education for authorized ministers)
Congregation Members and Pastors are Invited
This training gives members of congregations an opportunity to explore how the UCC was formed, our historical foundations, and how the structure and decision-making of the various settings of the church interact with each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Assistance for East Kentucky and West Virginia Churches
Click here to find out what the UCC is doing at the moment to assist churches affected by the flooding in Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Learn how your church can help.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read the Latest
|
|
|
|
The PATHWAYS Theological Education
Board of Directors
invites all questioning, curious people of faith to join us for our 6-week courses beginning Fall I (mid-August) and Fall II (beginning late September) (see website for details and registration links). The 12-week UCC Polity course runs three times a year beginning September 7, January 11 and May 17.
It can be very difficult for people to pick up their lives and go to seminary these days, especially if they’re just beginning to sense a call. PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc., offers people the opportunity to start at the beginning of the education journey for substantially less money and time investment per course than seminary courses.
In six weeks, participants can learn basic theological principles of Progressive Christianity or encounter the lives of important figures in Christian history, from their own computers on their weekly schedule in the comfort of their own homes. They’ll work with participants from all over the country and skilled facilitators with expertise and passion for the subject matter.
For $325 per 6-week course, PATHWAYS is affordable, flexible, and convenient—and PATHWAYS courses are designed to help participants build confidence and competence each step of the way. The 12-week UCC Polity course is a bargain at $625.
Rev. Marian R. Plant, Ed.D., President, Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Salome As-Salaam, Vice President, Board of Directors
Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver, Secretary, Board of Directors
Rev. Ginnie Ferrell, Treasurer, Board of Directors
PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
PATHWAYS Website Addresses:
|
|
Back To School Supply Drive
Lehigh Conference Of Churches
All students come to school from different backgrounds and have different needs which can create an Opportunity Gap - situational conditions such as race, ethnicity, zip code, and socioeconomic status may limit a child’s opportunity to reach their full potential.
When teachers’ classrooms are stocked with essential school supplies, they can provide a better classroom experience for every student with the tools these students need to be prepared, participate, and engage in learning. This also helps to build self-esteem and confidence, critical for students who are already painfully aware of the sizeable gap between the haves and the have-nots.
By addressing the Opportunity Gap by providing students with the tools that can help them participate and learn, we work toward a more equal playing field and lessen the Opportunity Gap that exists for many students.
You can help by:
· Donating No. 2 pencils, composition notebooks, erasers, and folders.
· Hosting your own back-to-school supply drive at work, church, school, or in your neighborhood.
· Making a cash/check donation to help the Conference buy school supplies in bulk. For credit cards,
If you would like to donate using AmazonSmile, use this link. Drop off donations at 457 W. Allen St, Allentown, PA 18102, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Questions? Contact cmoran@lehighchurches.org. Thank you!
|
|
Lehigh Valley Pride
Now that we are getting closer to the 5th year of a unified PNEC booth at Lehigh Valley Pride, I am hoping you will be able to join us with your time and energy. This year’s theme for the event is LOUD and PROUD. We’re going to align with our welcoming message. We will have a beautiful new backdrop (still in progress) for photos and a chance to meet the community with a big smile and God’s loving hand.
Two more doors to go then the lettering – GOD’S DOORS ARE OPEN TO ALL.
Peace be with you…
Gary
Gary M Barraco (he/him/his), Pastor and Chaplain
|
|
2022 STEWARDSHIP THEME MATERIALS
"FROM BREAD AND CUP TO FAITH AND GIVING"
Download Stewardship Theme Materials for your congregation's stewardship efforts. Materials include practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters, and provide resources for preaching and teaching about stewardship throughout the year. Campaign guidance and calendars help leaders make the best use of these robust materials for their specific context and size.
Various download options available. Printed packs also available but will be delayed due to the UCC Resources temporary closure. Click Here
|
|
Crossroads Lay Leadership Program
Crossroads Lay Leadership Program is often described as the intersection of your life and God's mission. Come and explore how these courses can enhance your ministry within your congregation and in the community.
Our Fall courses include
- Unpacking the Scriptures - Preaching with the Rev. Dr. Sue Pizor Yoder, Sept 12 - Nov 7.
- Faith Journeys of the Old Testament with Pam Weiss, Sept 8 - Oct 27.
- Culture & Change with Dr. Jill Peters, Nov 3 - Dec 5
All courses are offered in person at Moravian Seminary and in real time with Zoom and they are 6-9 pm.
|
|
Lehigh Dialogue Group's Multicultural Interfaith Potluck Picnic
On September 18th, from 4 to 7pm, the Lehigh Dialogue Group is hosting a Multicultural Interfaith Potluck Picnic! This outdoor event is open to the public and presents the opportunity for Lehigh Valley residents to learn more about the diverse cultures and faiths that make up the fabric of our great community. The picnic will take place at the Lehigh Dialogue Center located at 2200 Industrial Drive, Bethlehem, PA. Family friendly activities are included such as face painting, balloon twisting, and much more!
|
|
|
Don't Miss These UCC Sponsored Events
Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice - Sept. 15 - How to Grow a Movement: Invest to End Racism – Online | 7pm EDT
UCC Summit - The Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World - Sept. 19-21 - Online
Church Building & Loan Fund -
Partners in Building Event - September 29-30 | Online
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worship on Wednesdays
at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Allentown
(Lehigh Conference of Churches)
|
|
|
|
Diversity Training Offered
Diversity - what is it, how does it increase the vitality of our communities and congregations and our commitment to Christ?
The PSEC presents a Diversity Awareness Training for pastors on Thursday, October 13th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, via Zoom. Good for 3 Diversity Training contact hours.
Presenters: Rev. William P. Worley, Rev. Kevin McLemore and Rev. Cean James.
$20.00 for UCC members and $25.00 for non-UCC members.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Church’s Post-Pandemic Future
September 19 - 21, 2022
Speakers and a format are announced for a September all-church summit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PA Academy of Ministry
Ministerial Ethics and Professional Development
Aug 23–Sept 27, 2022
Instructor Jessica Young Brown
$325.
Church Finances
Oct 11–Nov 15. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm.
Instructor, Lovett Weems
For pastors and lay leaders. 2.5 CEUs. $125.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More Boundary Training Opportunities
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. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
|
|
DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Disaster Ministry Team of the PNEC is preparing for future disasters that will impact our area. Those with PAST disaster experience or those with an interest in coordination and planning are NEEDED for this TEAM! PASTORS: if you know someone with these spiritual gifts or experience in your congregation, please have them contact us or pass their names along to the Team so we might encourage them to use their gifts for this valuable ministry. You can contact Rev. Steve Hummel at 484-239-5578 or by email at revstevehummel@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Is Your Church “Willing to Respond” in a Disaster?
Does your congregation desire to be more prepared for disasters, both to protect yourselves and to extend love to your neighbors in time of crisis? Then Willing to Respond is for you!
Equip your congregation to love your neighbor in time of disaster This free, new and rapidly growing network is providing congregations with practical tools, training and relationships, including online resources and connection to your Conference Disaster Coordinator and to denominational, ecumenical and other disaster response resources. It’s simple to access and has an easy three-step process to register.
Willing to Respond is a United Church of Christ collaboration with Disciples of Christ Week of Compassion, and Houston Responds. Willing to Respond is not a one-size-fits-all program. The way you serve is up to your congregation, as God is leading you. Your congregation may already be serving disaster survivors by assembling CWS Kits and Emergency Clean-Up Buckets, contributing to UCC appeals, preparing work teams to disaster rebuilding sites or helping people in your community clean up after a flood or storm.
Willing to Respond will help your congregation review its experience, available resources and community context; discern your growing edges, and get ready to respond when disaster strikes. The Willing to Respond network helps your congregation get connected to collaborate. Join Us Today!
WE NEED YOUR HELP BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back to School Toolkit
When parents send their kids to school, they expect that they’ll be safe. And while schools have a responsibility for student safety, parents and caretakers also have a responsibility to reinforce what is learned in school and teach what is not. Inside this toolkit, we’ll provide information for parents so they can make their most informed decision on how best to teach their kids, and their families, about school safety.
Also provided in this toolkit are strategies to help children cope with stressful situations related to disasters. Coupled with warning signs parents can take notice of, this section of the toolkit can prove valuable for parents and kids alike.
Finally, we’ll look at some of the great programs that educators, club organizers, and teens alike can participate in, like Teen CERT and the Youth Preparedness Council (and others). Everyone has a role to play, and with growing interest in preparedness and emergency management, these education programs and clubs can help spread awareness. Click Here to read more...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MONKEYPOX UPDATE FROM THE CDC
monkeypox that have been reported in several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. Infections with the strain of monkeypox virus identified in this outbreak are rarely fatal. However, people with weakened immune systems, children under 8 years of age, people with a history of eczema, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be more likely to get seriously ill from monkeypox. Here are some resources to learn more:
This page provides information on how partners can help with messaging to specific communities and channels to increase awareness of monkeypox, while reducing the chances of stigmatizing those who may have contact with the virus.
This page provides information on preventing monkeypox spread in congregate settings, including correctional and detention facilities, homeless shelters, group homes, dormitories at institutes of higher education, seasonal worker housing, residential substance use treatment facilities, and other similar settings.
This page provides several frequently asked questions and answers about monkeypox.
Please share these resources widely within your networks and the communities you serve.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clean-up Buckets needed by Church World Service - Help replenish CWS storm supplies
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
