Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Bonnie's Letter
…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control… (Galatians 5:22).
Dear friends,
My heart continues to be heavy – another shooting, more deaths from COVID, political discord, continuing war, economic crises, global warming (affecting less developed nations more strongly than developed ones) …where and when does the pain stop? Where and when and how do we change the world, pursue the world God intended us to inhabit? I cannot believe this is the world God wants, that Jesus moves us into or that the Spirit empowers us for.
My friend and colleague, Michael Piazza, wrote in his own devotional “Liberating Word” this morning reminding us that Pentecost is being celebrated on Sunday. “The church will celebrate the holy day of Pentecost on Sunday. Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received power. It seems this gift is needed now more than ever…Spiritual power is counter-cultural for we intellectuals and liberals, but maybe desperation will motivate us to turn our faces heavenward. In a mystical way, God’s Spirit may transform us and help us find a source of strength and power, if not for ourselves then for our children.”[1]
The Galatians scripture quoted above is one of the scriptures that reminds us of what the gifts of the Spirit are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How do we live into these gifts in these days? Perhaps the wisdom comes from a Matthew West song I heard the other day, “Humble and Kind.” The refrain of the song is:
“Hold the door, say ‘Please’, say ‘Thank you’
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind” [2]
And the last refrain shifts just a little:
“Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're going don't forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind.”[3]
Perhaps we can move more toward using the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in the coming days. Maybe the Holy Sprit will empower us to pray and talk and act to create the world God hoped for at creation. That is my prayer. Blessings, Bonnie
[1] Piazza, Michael, Liberating Word, accessed June 2, 2022
[2] McKenna, Lori, songwriter, Humble and Kind, recorded by Matthew West, accessed June2, 2022 Tim McGraw - Humble and Kind Lyrics | Lyrics.com
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Preparing for Heritage Sunday 2022
Heritage Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, June 12, 2022, and we hope you will join the over 2,000 former Evangelical and Reformed churches throughout the United States in celebrating this special event. On our website, you will find several resources to assist churches and these include bulletin covers, inserts, liturgies, and hymns. Periodic resources will also be added to our Facebook and Instagram pages from now and until this special day.
To ensure future generations can see where we have been, the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society has set a goal for our Heritage Day Appeal of 100% participation, with gifts of $500 or more, from the UCC Conferences. Values, faith, and traditions are passed from one generation to the next. We learn from those who came before us, knowing one day, we will pass the torch to a future generation. The support of the Conferences will give the children who sit in churches every Sunday, the gift of faith, knowledge, and assurance that one day as adults they will be able to walk through history and visit our past.
Currently, the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society holds denominational records, records of regional classes, districts, and synods, records of more than 900 local churches, and over 350 manuscript collections. An extensive artifact collection relating to the denominations, and the mission fields served by them are housed in our archives.
- Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society, 555 W James St, Lancaster, PA 17603
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Mindfulness and Meditation Gatherings by Zoom
With Rev. Kris P. Snyder (from Union, Neffs)
Thursdays 12noon to 1pm
June 9, June 23
By zoom only – use the link below.
Using practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model, Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, Centering Prayer, and a little Qigong and movement we’ll gather for an hour of practice.
No experience necessary, lots of experience welcome too. Sign up here if you are interested and available for some or all of these dates:
Or just show up using the zoom link.
If you’re interested but these times and days don’t work, let me know and we can try to offer more.
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 811 8812 7483
Passcode: 348630
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Chicago)
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Last Call for these Up-Coming Events & Deadlines |
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MALV Mosque Open House
SATURDAY JUNE 4th
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
1988 Schadt Ave., Whitehall
Islamic Center Muslim Assoc. Of Lehigh Valley in Whitehall
-Meet Your Muslim Neighbors
-Listen To Call Of Prayer
-Ask Question About Islam
-Tour Mosque
-Sample Ethnic Food
Modest dress requested. Jeans, pants and long skirts are fine
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James Lawson Freedom School Information and Requests
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Managing Anxiety Over the Ukraine Crisis and Current World Events:
Strategies for Coping
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 2:30 – 3:30 PM.
See the attached flyer for further details about the webinar training, including the link to register for the training. Please note, this program will be recorded and posted on the Lehigh County Emergency Management website ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUCE's 2nd Virtual National Event
June 8 & 9, 2022
Explore, learn, connect, worship, and renew during AUCE’s second virtual national event. Interactive & engaging workshops. All are invited to participate in creative worship, self-care practices, and two colleague sessions for networking, encouragement, and sharing. Register Here
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“Healing and Strengthening Our Faith Leaders – A Program Addressing the Mental Health of Members of the Clergy”
for members of the clergy on Monday, June 13 from 1-3PM
There is no cost to attend this program, but we do ask that you register.
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Clergy Invited to Penn Central - German Pastoral Colloquy
July 24-29
For information on the Colloquy or to register, click here
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James Lawson Freedom School Read Aloud Guest
Hello All...The James Lawson Freedom School believes that, when people make the time to read with children, children get the message that reading is important. Make the read aloud experience a great one for you and for your listeners!
What is a read aloud guest?...A read aloud guest is someone who doesn’t usually visit or teach in our classrooms. Guests from the community who are invited to come and read culturally relevant books to our scholars!
Anyone can be a guest reader! Please share the link with parents, grandparents, friends, business owners, teachers, principals, counselors, district personnel like the superintendent, city or state officials, or other community members.
Please click on the link to view the available slots to sign up. Thank you!
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From the PNEC Racial Justice Team
The PNEC Racial Justice Team is planning s trip to Selma and Montgomery, and we would like to know your interest in attending this trip. This is a trip to learn, understand, and explore the history of racism in the United States and its impacts on our faith communities. We will visit historical sites such as the Edmund Pettis Bridge, the Legacy Museum, and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. We will also visit churches of historical significance, and our hope is to worship with one of these faith communities. Please fill out this google form to let us know your interest:
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UCC Digital Programming
Thursdays for the Soul
Discerning and Deciding Bold Climate Action - Creation Justice
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Poor People’s March on Washington
June 18, 2022
We live in the richest nation to ever exist since God created the earth, yet many in power consistently blame poor people and refuse to take responsibility for economic justice.
140 million Americans– 43% of adults and 52% of children–are poor and low-wealth, suffering in plain sight
For far too long poor people, people of color, Indigenous nations, immigrant families, women, children, the disabled, and LGBTQ communities have been under attack, pitted against each other and blamed for society’s problems. Please take 5 minutes today to consider the pain of poverty in America.
We must put a face and voice on the shameful conditions confronting this nation and for the least of these we must speak and nonviolently force the nation to hear the truth and to see the faces.
That’s why I am going to Washington on Saturday June 18, 2022 to participate in the Poor People’s Campaign and Moral March on Washington and the Polls.
And that’s why I am working locally with POWER Interfaith to organize to address economic and racial injustice in the Lehigh Valley.
If you have any questions, or are interested in getting on the bus with me to go to Washington on June 18, please let me know.
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From UCC News Digest...
Help for Ministers
A fresh cycle of grants will aid pastoral leaders hit financially by COVID.
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Crossroads Info Session
Saturday, June 18th at 10 AM
Moravian Theological Seminary, Bethlehem
Have you felt a desire to learn more about yourself, your call to work within the church or the community, or want to increase your practical knowledge of scripture, theology, leadership or spiritual formation? The Crossroads Lay Leadership Program is a great place to do just that! For over 12 years, we have been providing practical education for church leaders. In this Info Session we will be outlining the program and also exploring the courses to be offered this year which will help anyone who thinks they might have a call to lay pastoring. Lay Pastoring and pulpit supply are just two ways to serve in local congregations. Register by email with Jill Peters, petersj2@moravian.edu. Come in person or request the Zoom link. We would love to meet you, get to know your educational needs, and share Crossroads with you. www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads
Fall 2022
Unpacking the Scriptures - Preaching
Faith Journeys of the Old Testament
Late Fall 2022
Culture & Change
Winter 2023
Ministry Journeys of the New Testament
Mapping the Route - Conversations in Theology
Spring 2023
Traveling Mercies - Congregational Care
Traditions - World Religions and Protestant Denominations
Dr. Jill Peters
Missional Leadership Developer, Moravian Theological Seminary
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Schuylkill County church hosting ecumenical worship
Sunday, June 12 - 4PM - St. Paul's Summer Hill UCC, Auburn, PA
This special worship service and time of fellowship for Schuylkill County churches is being sponsored and planned the UCC’s Pennsylvania Southeast and Penn Northeast conferences, the Presbyterian Church’s (USA) Lehigh Presbytery, the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
All UCC, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Lutheran congregations in Schuylkill County are encouraged to attend to make new acquaintances, renew old friendships, and unify as one Body of Christ.
This outdoor service will be on a level lawn under shade trees, followed by an outdoor pot luck picnic. Please bring your own chairs. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, but please access the link in the flyer to the on-line signup sheet to indicate what you may be able to bring.
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Adult Lutherans Organized for Action
Encouraging and Equipping Congregations for Older Adult Ministry
Register Now... Engaging Older Adults in Ministry -- June 23 – Noon ET
A roundtable of ministry leaders share their expertise on engaging older adults in ministry and explore the potential that older adults bring to the congregation as life long learners. Sue Lennartson leads the discussion. Joining her will be Pastor Rollie Martinson, Pastor Chris Binga and Pastor Kelly Chatman. Read more.
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Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day
June 17, 2022
A free community Event
11AM - 2PM
Dubbs Memorial Community Center Parking Lot
457 W. Allen St., Allentown
Food...Games...Music
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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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Drop-In Center Car Wash
June 11, 2022
10AM to 2PM
Dubbs Memorial Community Center,
457 W. Allen St., Allentown
$5 - all proceeds benefit the Drop-In Center, an accepting place for anyone in need of support, advocacy, a shower, and a meal.
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2022 Service Project Curriculum
Understanding Our Mission
Why Mission?
A new curriculum, due in June, will augment youth mission projects.
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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 June 13-17; Aug. 1-5; Nov. 14-18
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
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September 21
Journey Toward Healing
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
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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A Personal Note in Response to Uvalde's School Shooting - After hearing the news of the mass murder of students and teachers in Texas, many of us will experience a range of reactions. This is especially true for children. Reactions may include emotions (sadness, anger, shock, fear, etc.), changes in thoughts (difficulty concentrating, repetitive thoughts of the situation), physical reactions (feeling sick, headaches, not sleeping well, etc.) and behaviors (returning to older behaviors such as bedwetting, needing physical closeness with parents, fighting more, etc.). Traumatic events often lead people to feel they have lost control of their sense of safety. Here are resources on how to help children cope with the frightening news and their reactions:
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There are three opportunities for Disaster Work/Mission/Rebuild Teams in the coming months.
1. There is a continuing need for work groups for our work in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia. Dates are available throughout the summer and early fall. Housing is available at Salt and Light Church. Tools and supervision is also available. For more information and sign up, contact Sharon Sgriccia, Eastwick Volunteer Coordinator, at isaiasrecoveryvolunteers@gmail.com, 610-689-0583.
2. We are also pleased to support the Indiana Kentucky Conference as they begin to offer work camps in Graves County (Mayfield), KY this May. Contact Rev. Greg Denk, IKC Conference Disaster Coordinator, for more information. gdenk5258@att.net or 317-709-1088.
3. We also ask for support for the Greater Dayton, Ohio area, where a tornado outbreak in May 2019 damaged thousands of homes. The Disciples of Christ's Week of Compassion and the UCC's Heartland Conference are helping families displaced from tornado-damaged rental housing become first-time homeowners. Volunteer teams of 4-10 people are needed. Jaye Herrick, formerly the Construction Site Manager for our work in Eastwick, will be doing the same in Dayton. For more information contact Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold, caroline@weekofcompassion.org or 203-772-8597.
Karl Jones
Disaster Response Coordinator
cell: 570-617-4018
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Willing To Respond...
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