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

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

The one thing I consistently hear in every committee, organization, or group, is that we need to get better at communicating. I agree.  I would also be so brazen, as to hope that God would communicate with me.

Successful people, leaders make things happen. They know where they are going. They set and accomplish goals. Jeremiah was not considered successful. No one listened to him. Throughout his life he wept at the fate of his country, and he spent considerable time sharing God’s message of doom.

Although we might look at Jeremiah and shake our heads, God saw Jeremiah differently. God saw a man who was answering a Call, a faithful man, a man who was indeed successful in the eyes of God.

Really? How does one know one is successful in the eyes of God? How is that communicated? When are our eyes open and our hearts connected in a way that makes us know, just know that God is smiling on us?

The churches I’ve served have heard me speak often of “A Ha” or “God” moments. Those are the sacred occurrences that come into my life when I am least expecting them. The times when the right door opens, the words said make complete sense or when it’s clear that God is right smack in the middle of what has just happened. 

We humans need to be communicating with each other. If life is to go well for a couple, then they need to be sharing their thoughts and feelings.  If big things are going to be changing at work or church – it's imperative to talk about it. If you really want to set important goals and work toward achieving them – then include prayer in the planning.

I like the Jeremiah passage and hold it close to me when I’m looking ahead. Plans to prosper, to do well. Plans to give hope into the future. This is God’s ways of communicating. If I need to have something more – I remember the grandchild’s smile when we came to visit, or I watch the sunset. God is communicating. It’s a God moment!

Blessings, Becky

Keystone Study Group – Communications Summary from 2023-01-20 Gathering

The third gathering of the Keystone Study Group* took place Friday, January 20, 2023 in Harrisburg. The Keystone Study Group (KSG) meets monthly to explore the possibilities of mutual or consolidated ministry among the four Conferences in Pennsylvania.

In the first session of the gathering, we started by identifying potential roadblocks/obstacles related to this work through several topics:

• Justification for a Consolidation – The “Why?” of what drives this spiritual work and helps create a stronger church/missional connection.

• Governance – How might we structure/govern our shared work/mission?

• Staff – What human resources would be needed to effectively resource our shared work/mission?

• Money/Assets – How could our collective assets empower and resource our shared work/mission?

• Relationships – How might we create covenantal transparency to strengthen our shared work/mission across a wider geography, and engage more deeply so every congregation feels connected and resourced?

• Inclusion – With our “big tent” and “always reforming” identity as the UCC and Pennsylvania congregations, how could we intentionally maintain and grow our connections across theological, social, and political perspectives so every congregation feels affirmed for who they are?

In the second session, we explored each of those 6 obstacles more intentionally. We also identified specific possibilities for function and structure to strengthen our missional connection. Focusing on 4 foundational principles we believe are essential building blocks for our possible shared ministry, we asked questions about:

·      Spiritual and Theological Underpinnings of Our Work

·      Concrete Practices of Evangelism, Outreach, and Relationship Building with Emphasis on Action

·      Development of Church Leaders (Laity) to Support Worship and Celebration

·      Spiritual and Theological Values Development as a Foundation for Our Collective Missional Purpose

Our discussion of these topics will continue and will guide our conversations toward the possibility of coming together in common support of mission and ministry as one (1) Pennsylvania conference. We continue to discern in our gatherings (and in other small group clusters across the 4 conferences) how we can collectively function with power, rather than exist in “survival mode.” We envision a vibrant and vital, always reforming faith that embraces new tools for ministry so we might proclaim the love of the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

We welcome and appreciate your continued prayers in this journey of exploration and faith, as this body of leaders from the 4 PA UCC Conferences study and dream together, guided by the Holy Spirit and our collective desire to see the “new thing” God is doing in our midst.

Respectfully submitted,

Keystone Project Communications Team

Communications Team

Steve Davis             St. John’s UCC, Fullerton (Penn NE)

Sterling Fritz            Redeemer’s UCC, Littlestown (PCCUCC)

Robin Hightower     Peace In Zion UCC, Zieglerville (Penn SE)

Deb Long                 First Trinity UCC, Youngwood (PWC)

*A study and discernment group of the 4 PA UCC Conferences – Penn West, Penn Central, Penn Northeast, and Pennsylvania Southeast

Celebrating Their Anniversary 

We congratulate the following PNEC Pastors who will celebrate a

Special Anniversary of Ordination/Licensing/Commissioning in 2023                                                 

65th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Russell Heintzelman (6/22/58) – Retired, living in Whitehall

60th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. David Mohr (6/1/63) – Retired, living in Whitehall

Rev. Edgar Roosa (10/13/63) – Retired, living in Bethlehem

55th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Barry Durie (11/1/68) – Retired, living in Bethlehem

Rev. Ghulam Nasrani (6/9/68) – Retired, living in Massachusetts

50th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. John Hoff (6/10/73) – Retired, living in Emmaus

Rev. Donald Snyder (8/12/73) – Retired, living in Delaware

45th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Elaine Bogert (12/10/78) – Retired, living in Kutztown

Rev. Christine Nelson (1978) – Retired, living in Allentown

Rev. Robert Stevens (7/30/78) – Interim, St. John, Riegelsville

40th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Al Bastin (7/24/83) – Pastor, St. Paul’s, Trexlertown

Rev. Lloyd Steffen (1983) – Chaplain, Lehigh University

Rev. Peter Unger (7/1/83) – Retired, living in Allentown

Rev. Judy Wadsworth (11/27/83) – Retired, living in Clarks Summit

Rev. Janet Boyd (5/1/83) – Retired, living in Allentown

35th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Suzanne Brooks-Cope (1/17/88) – Pastor, St. Matthew’s, Kunkletown

Rev. Patience Stevenson (7/17/88) – Retired, living in Bethlehem

30th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Carol Bastin (11/24/93) – Pastor, Grace, Allentown

Rev. James Gottwald (7/11/93) – Pastor, St. John’s, Laurys Station

Rev. Paul Knappenberger (7/4/93) – Pastor, St. John’s, Emmaus

Rev. Gerald Smith (9/12/93) – Retired, living in Macungie

25th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. William Metzger (3/29/98) – Church Consultant

Rev. James Robison (10/31/98) – Pastor, Good Shepherd, Slatington

Rev. Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez (9/9/98) – Pastor, St. Paul’s (Seiberlingsville), Kempton, and Jerusalem Red, Kempton

Rev. Lorraine Sell (6/13/98) – Retired, living in Quakertown

Rev. Linda Lennon (7/10/98) – Retired, living in Bethlehem

20th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Ken Hess (11/1/03) – Pastor, Flicksville, Bangor

Rev. Teresa Martin (2/16/03) – Pastor, St. John’s, Coopersburg

Rev. Lynne Mikulak (2/15/03) – CPE Manager, Main Line Health, Wynnewood

Rev. Matthew Mardis-LeCroy (5/18/03) – Pastor, College Hill Presbyterian, Easton

15th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Jeffrey Bauer (4/13/08) – Retired, living in Macungie

Rev. Matthew Seeds (9/28/08) – Interim, PSEC Church

10th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Virginia Heimer (8/11/13) – Pastor, St. Peter’s, Tamaqua

Rev. Catherine Regush (2/2/13) – Chaplain, UPMC Williamsport

Rev. Josh Knappenberger (11/17/2013) – Leave of Absence

Rev. Matthew Gorkos (6/9/13) – Pastor, Church of Good Shepherd, Alburtis  

5th Anniversary of Ordination

Rev. Virginia Schlegel (3/4/18) – Pastor, St. John’s (Mickleys), Whitehall

Rev. Heather Hunnicutt (9/2/18) – Pastor, Salem, Pocono Pines

Rev. Karen Yonney (10/20/18) – Retired, living in Whitehall

Commissioned Minister Celebrating an Anniversary

20th Anniversary of Commissioning

Ms. Beth Sikorsky (11/23/03) – Coordinator of Christian Education and Youth Empowerment, St. Paul’s (Indianland), Cherryville

February 2023

/bjj

Congregational Leadership Training

Saturday, March 4 - 9AM to 4PM via zoom

A Congregational Leadership Training will be held on Saturday March 4th from 9 AM-4 PM on Zoom. It is a training offered by Local Congregational Support and Congregational Vitality to help lay leaders AND youth leaders appreciate and navigate the many roles and responsibilities of leadership in the local church. It is an ideal learning opportunity for newly-elected Consistory members, Confirmation students, and even seasoned church leaders! If interested, please email Patty Rehrig at the Conference Office - pattyr@pnec.org

Highlighted items from the efforts of PNEC Teams and Committees

to be celebrated include:

·       Amigos de Guatemala held the dedication of the multipurpose facility in Monte Margherita on Dec 14^th after years of effort, and within days they welcomed 70 students at Vacation Bible School there.

·       The Conference Meeting Planning Team is sharing genuine enthusiasm for making the Spring meeting both a learning experience and a joy to attend. 

·       The Local Congregational Support Working Group commended those planning and carrying out the Celebration of Life of Rev. Alan Miller at Jordan UCC on January 6, 2023.

·       The Spiritual Development Ministry Team celebrates their dedication to the youth of the PNEC by providing opportunities, resources, continuing education, and curriculum for them and their youth leaders.

·       The Committee On Ministry lifts up the work that is being accomplished to educate, support, and oversee our authorized ministers, especially citing the Community of Practice established for the MID’s as being very productive.

·       The Authorization Working Group mentioned the success of the joint event held in June at which MID’s were able to raise and discuss concerns about the process toward ordination. They welcomed three new members to the team and decided to repeat this event every other year.

·       The GEM Fund gave a grant to Jordan UCC to help with livestreaming, and they would like the conference to celebrate that it enables this ministry to reach a more inclusive audience.

·       The Generosity Team celebrates engaging 42 PNEC Ambassadors so far in an ongoing effort to engage all our churches in this program.

Four thank you letters from local organizations for donations made directly by PNEC or forwarded from our churches  have been received since the last Board meeting:

• One from the Philanthropy Officer of the Pension Board for a contribution to the Christmas Fund in the amount of $1,232.92 dated 12/8/2022.
• Two from the Director of Development at Bethany Children’s Home: one in the amount of $2320.58 dated 11/17/2022, and one in the amount of $735.41 dated 12/28/2022.
• One from the Ecumenical Associate at the Lehigh Conference of churches in the amount of $500 dated 11/30/2022.

UCC Webinar—The Indigenous Land Back Movement

The Land Back Movement has been succinctly described as the generations long struggle to put “Indigenous lands back into Indigenous hands.” In this webinar, organizers and practitioners within the movement will place the struggle within the context of dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery and the ongoing work of reparatory justice. Speakers will include Katerina Gea from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Angie Comeaux from Hummingbird Springs Farm, and Sarah Augustine who authored “The Land Is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.” Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 8^th at 1 pm ET, still sign up, and we will send a link to the recording. Register now!

Hyperlink: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/6016740752484/WN_ua_nheG1T7OqyrZJSZ4cvA

This would begin February 14 and continue monthly indefinitely. 

Next Generation Leadership Initiative

Greetings and blessings in this new year, I’m writing to promote the application season for a transformative leadership initiative for younger clergy offered by the United Church of Christ Pension Boards. The Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) energizes and empowers younger UCC local church pastors to co-create vibrant congregations that change lives, engage their communities, and further God’s mission in the world.

We are currently accepting applications for our 14^th cohort.  Notice of intent to apply is February 1—so please pass this information along quickly.

The ideal candidate is:

1. 35 years of age or under by June 1, 2023*
2. Served a total of five years or less as an authorized minister in a parish*
3. Authorized for ministry in and on behalf of the UCC by an Association/Conference
4. Hold a called position of 20 hours per week or more in a parish setting
5. Committed to long-term ministry in local churches of the United Church of Christ

(*note, if a candidate meets the last three criteria, they are allowed to be a bit over in one of the first two. We will consider people up to age 40 and/or people with up to 10 years of parish ministry experience. However, if someone is over the ideal range in both of these categories, they are not eligible to apply.)

Those selected to participate in NGLI receive…

1. Six years of advanced training, education, and field trips to hone pastoral leadership skills and gifts for service to the Church,
2. Cohort of colleagues that encourages, challenges, and reflects together on the life of a local church pastor in these rapidly changing times,
3. Financial incentive—a $6,000 seed contribution to the participant’s Annuity Plan account, which should have a value of approximately $45,000 at the end of a 35-year career.

Additional information about the application process and program components can be found here. Please help the Church by getting these materials in the hands of any eligible clergy you may know-- many thanks!

Faithfully,

 The Rev. Krista L. Betz, Director, Leadership Initiatives

The Pension Boards- United Church of Christ, Inc.; 718.685.6776

15th Annual PNEC Youth Retreat

FAITH & ?????

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

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

The PNEC Racial/Social Justice Team has put together a resource for February, which is Black History month.

Click Here for Resource

Save the date... 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 will be available by March 1 But save the date now! Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team of Penn SE Conference, U.C.C

The Coalition for UCC Rural Ministries

PRESENTS

Nourishing the Seeds of Faith

(Isaiah 55:10-11)

A Virtual National Gathering of Rural/small town Churches & Ministries in the United Church of Christ

Save the dates: February 9-11, 2023

Registration to open in January 2023

Hosted by

Faith education, innovation & formation (faith info)

Justice and Local church Ministry of the UCC

For more information contact

Rev. Roberto Ochoa – ochoar@ucc.org

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

SAVE FEB. 16 FOR THE BAXTER FORUM

THURSDAY, FEB. 16, 4:00-5:15pm ET on ZOOM

(Lancaster Theological Seminary)

Retelling the Origin Story: The Power and Presence of the Afro Christian Convention in the UCC.

Seeking dignity and justice in a racist context, Afro-Christian congregations in North Carolina and Virginia following the Civil War, formed independent conferences within the Christian tradition that later gave birth to the Afro-Christian Convention in 1892. The work and witness of this powerful presence is an invaluable yet largely unacknowledged part of United Church of Christ history.

Join Dr. Julia Speller, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk, Rev. Vivian Lucas, and Rev. Brenda Billips Square as they discuss the Afro-Christian Convention as the fifth stream of the UCC and learn how its legacy, in both word and deed, continues to be a major force in our collective commitment to diversity, inclusion, dignity and equity for all.

Our website Events page soon will have registration information for this free event.

Crossroads 2023 Winter and Spring courses:

Note: All Courses are in person for those who are able AND also real time on Zoom. Your choice.

Mondays, March 6 - May 1 (except April 3) from 6 to 9PM

Traveling Mercies Congregational Care with Greg Krausz and Diane Kareha

Thursdays, March 9 - May 4 (except April 6) from 6 to 9PM

Traditions - Exploring Denominations & Religions with Rev. Dr. Bill Falla

For more information, Contact Jill Peters at petersj2@moravian.edu or go on our website at  www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqd-ioqzMsHtO1FOA51nJhazxrJSoWdW8I

CLICK HERE for Bulletin Insert

Disaster Ministries

Friedens United Church Of Christ, 337 Main St., Oley PA 19547 (Berks County) is sponsoring a two-week Mission Rebuild Trip to Peru, August 5 through 19, 2023, to help the Fuller Center for Housing build houses. Interested people can contact Sue Henne, s.henne73@icloud.com, 601-451-3209.

To support the Mission Trip, Friedens UCC, Oley, is undertaking a shoe collection fundraising event. They are collecting shoes from now until April 30. They will accept any kind of shoe that can be worn on a person’s foot so long as it’s a pair and they are new or gently used. The goal is to collect 5000 pounds of shoes. For every pound they collect, they receive $.50 per pound. The shoes are refurbished and are sent to Third World countries. A poster is attached. Shoes can be dropped off at Friedens United Church Of Christ, 337 Main St., Oley PA 19547 at any time, including their Saturday drive-through drop off collections on February 11, March 11, and April 15 between the hours of 9 AM to 11 AM in the church parking lot.  

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PLEASE DON’T SCROLL OVER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

We have seen disaster after disaster and scientists have predicted even more is yet to come. The severity and frequency of these natural and man-made events shake the core of our communities. We need YOUR CHURCH to go the “Willing to Respond” website @ https://www.willingtorespond.org/ and sign up so the PNEC will have plenty of resources when disaster strikes. You can also reach out to the PNEC Disaster Coordinator @ revstevehummel@gmail.com if you have questions of need help signing up. Please help us be ready when disasters strike.

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HELP NEEDED: Thomas Guth, form Hazard Mitigation /Disaster Recovery Manager for Northampton County Emergency Management Services is requesting assistance with cleaning out a temporarily condemned home of a father and son (76 & 40’s respectively). The house must be cleaned out (dumpster to be paid for by county) and then electrical, plumbing, and furnace repairs are needed. Again, the County would pay for the repairs costs. If you have someone in your congregation that can help with any of the needed tasks please contact Thomas Guth at 610-746-3194 x3228 or by email at tguth@ncem-pa.org