- THIS WEEK IN PNEC January 11, 2024
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The IRS has announced the standard mileage rate for 2024: 67 cents per mile, up 1.5 cents from 65.5 cents in 2023. Issued in Notice 2024-8, on Dec. 14, 2023, it covers the business use of a vehicle (cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks) and will come into effect Jan. 1, 2024. | |
Bonnie's Letter
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27, NIV)
Dear Friends,
On Monday we celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday. In the US we often commemorate this day with worship services, like the ones hosted by the Lehigh Conference of Churches and the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. We pray and we remember. My question is: “do we act?” Will we act differently as we remember MLK or is the worship just another celebration that we will participate in and leave behind when we walk out the doors of the church or meeting hall?
I am always inspired when I read the writings of MLK. There was so much wisdom and courage in the man. I will share this quote with you today.
“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, "Love your enemies." It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love, they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So, love your enemies.” (from "Loving Your Enemies" ― Martin Luther King Jr., A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.)
I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to love my enemies, to understand them, and to move into Jesus’ commandments. Yet, MLK’s words ring true. Love is more powerful than hate. Love is redemptive and changes us, as well as those we love. It is not always easy to love, but it is our call as faithful followers of Jesus to love God and to love our neighbor.
Sometimes my letters can seem a little preachy. I know that. Sometimes my letters can seem a little irrelevant. I know that too. Yet today I hope you take my words, MLK’s words, and Jesus’ words to heart and spread love wherever you go and with whomever you meet. I believe sharing love is the way we will change the world.
Blessings, Bonnie
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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 Sharon Frye at 9:30am Saturday, January 20, at Faith United Church of Christ, 21 Faith Drive, Hazelton, PA.
You may also participate via Zoom.
To register to attend, please email Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office (pattyr@pnec.org) to let her know if you will be attending in person or via zoom. You will receive a copy of Sharon’s Ordination Paper upon registering. Sharon is pastor at St. Matthew’s and Salem, both in Weatherly, PA.
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The deadline for early-bird registration is next Friday, January 19, for the CHHSM 86th Annual Gathering in St. Louis from March 12-14, 2024! We hope you will take advantage of this special rate and join us!
Collaboration as the Gateway to Innovation is our theme. With collaboration taking center stage, we will explore how working together can spark innovation that changes lives. This year's Annual Gathering will ignite fresh ideas and new partnerships for your ministry as you witness firsthand how CHHSM agencies in St. Louis and beyond are pioneering new realms of innovation through dynamic collaborations.
Highlights of the Annual Gathering include:
- Opening keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children's Defense Fund.
- Opening worship at St. Peter's UCC in Ferguson, Mo., with a sermon by the Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.
- A special Service of Consecration for this year's Nollau Leadership Institute graduates, which will take place at Eden Theological Seminary. The Rev. Shari Prestemon, acting associate general minister for the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries and former CHHSM board member, will preach during the service.
- Keynote and panel discussion, featuring a short address by Dan Hermann, president and CEO of Ziegler, on affiliation and collaboration as the key for struggling older adult communities. Panelists for a discussion on collaboration include Chris Cox, president and CEO of Hoyleton Youth & Family Services; the Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson, president and CEO of MOLO Village and pastor of St. Peter’s UCC in Louisville; and the Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN, executive director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis.
- Closing Keynote by Tyler Hoffman, owner and lead consultant of Digital for Good, and long-time CHHSM consultant. His address will concentrate on emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, and how it can be used for collaboration and innovation.
- A tour of the The Core Collective (limit: 50 attendees). The Core Collective is a model of collaboration and innovation in St. Louis, partnering with CHHSM members Deaconess Nurse Ministry, iFM Community Medicine, and Every Child’s Hope, among other community-based organizations. Its mission is to improve healthcare for families, advance socioeconomic equity, and activate conscious leaders.
A limited number of scholarships for registration and/or hotel accommodations are available. Click here to apply
For More Information and to Register
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St. Luke’s University Health Network CPE Center is excited to announce its 2024 Spring-Fall Extended Internship Unit!
The unit will focus on Spiritual Care with People affected by Mental Illness and Addiction, will take place May 6-November 22, 2024. Click here for detailed flyer.
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Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, PNEC Pastor and member of Union UCC’s member serving in Japan reports:
I have updated my blog https://jeffreyfromjapan.blogspot.com/ so you can tune in to some of the issues facing the communities in and around Fukushima. I know that with issues in Palestine and Ukraine that it is easy to "forget" that there are equally pressing issues in so many areas of the world including in the US, but I am sure that our partners will appreciate to be lifted up in prayer again this Christmas.
With love, Jeffrey Mensendiek, Global Ministries mission co-worker working in Tokyo
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RIP Medical Debt Campaign Fundraiser for Epiphany 1/6/24 thru 2/11/24
Click Here for Bulletin Insert (front & back)
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"Where Have All The Clergy Gone?" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
January 24, 2024 10:00AM & 6:00PM
We know the church is changing. One of the most obvious shifts is the availability of clergy for our churches. What has happened and how did we get here? Join us for a zoom presentation that will cover the trend in clergy numbers in the UCC and what affects them. We will discuss what might come next and what we can do to help our local churches. Registration link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pk2brys/lp/f5a7605d-01e7-49ec-a586-0e4ce600a849
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Penn Northeast Conference
Presents the 16th "Annual" Youth Retreat
March 1-3, 2024 (check in Friday 6:30-7PM/Pick up Sunday at 12PM
Spruce Lake, 5389 Route 447, Canadensis
Cost: $195/person (includes all programming and meals)
For ALL youth in grades 7th-12th are invited*. Confirmation classes are encouraged to attend. If your classes include 6th graders they are welcome.
*One adult per church please
Life and faith are always smooth sailing - And that's ok!
What's important is that we learn how to talk about it, ask questions about it,
and how to make the best of it.
Explore these things with us through art, games and more!
Click Here for Flyer and Registration Form
and you can also register through the link below with tithe.ly
Click Here for tithe.ly link to register
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Prayer and Meditation
Union UCC, Neffs and Community
Led by Rev. Kris P. Snyder
Tuesdays 7-8pm
January 16, Feb 20, March 19, April 23, May 21
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87680378046?pwd=QmozYWJFemJOVENCdWJBbzRpbDVIUT09
Meeting ID: 876 8037 8046 Passcode: 954906
I'll lead us in various readings, scripture, and prayer practices like breath prayer and centering prayer, as well as meditation practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Buddhist, and Christian traditions. Sign up with PastorKris@unionucc.org You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions, whatever your schedule allows. Authorized Ministers can use these hours for continuing education.
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2024 Boundary Training For Clergy and Commissioned Lay Pastors
January 31/February 1 -- 9:30AM - 12:30PM -- Register by Jan 15th
May 7/8 -- 1:00PM - 4:00PM ET -- Register by April 20th
October 15/16 -- 10:00AM - 1:00PM ET -- Register by Sept 29th
Not-Your-Average Boundaries Training is tailored to focus on strategies to foster clergy emotional resiliency and well-being. While we still cover the "requirements," we believe the best prevention involves encouraging leaders to take steps to manage their stress in order to maintain balance and perspective when temptation to violate boundaries arises. This live online boundaries training is 5 total hours split over 2consecutive days (2.5 hours each day). Following the first session, participants are asked to engage in a bit of reflection work in preparation for the second session. This online boundaries training will be conducted via secure Zoom video conferencing.
Click Here for detailed flyer and registration information.
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Lessons in Meditation and Meditation Teacher Training
Beginning January 30th
In church, we often pray, but how often have we learned to meditate? Our relationship with God can be thought of as a friendship. If prayer is talking to God, then meditation is listening to God. How can we best listen, given the realities of the monkey mind? And given our own imperfect meditation practice, how can we best share meditation with others and our churches? This is offered through the larger Southern New England Conference UCC. Hear the interview with facilitator Rev. Matt Carriker here:
https://vimeo.com/880979672/d7c1011c90?ts=0
The 3-week “Lessons in Meditation” is offered on Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. on January 30th, February 6, and February 13th.
Register here https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/MeditationPractice
The six week Teacher Training program will include meditation practice, small group practice teaching sessions and one-to-one sessions with the facilitator. The 6-week “Meditation Teacher Training” is offered on Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. on January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 5.
Register here https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/MeditationTraining71
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Health & Human Service Sunday
Every year, the United Church of Christ designates a Sunday in January as the time to uplift the many gifts of the Health and Human Service Ministries across the church. This year, Health and Human Service Sunday takes place on January 28, 2024.
Liturgical resources for observing Health and Human Service Sunday are now available on CHHSM's website or by clicking on the blue button below. This year's materials were composed by the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, and include unique elements such as a Sound Meditation for Healing and Wholeness and meaningful prayers and litanies.
Especially now, it is worth remembering that the word liturgy means "work of the people," and this special Sunday is a way to celebrate the healing work of our CHHSM members and those on the frontlines in our UCC congregations.
May your new year be blessed with healing, hope, and a sense of togetherness.
HHS Sunday Worship Materials
In Peace, The CHHSM Team -- Jamar, Elyse, and Paula
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM)
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is starting off the New Year with a virtual Open House on January 23, 7pm.
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
PAM Open House, Tuesday, January 23, 7pm via Zoom. Hosted by the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens. Bring your questions and meet folks!
Introduction to Preaching. Jan 30–March 5, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. For lay and clergy, any level. 2.5 CEUs.
Preaching and Worship through the Year. April 9–May 14, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. Lectionary planning, sermon series, music and arts, special services, and more. 2.5 CEUs.
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Cultivating Generous Congregations - Spring 2024
The CGC Seminar for pastors and leaders offers an opportunity to explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promote generosity in our congregations. This is a virtual seminar hosted by the South Central and Southeast Conferences on February 19, March 4, March 18, April 8, April 22, and May 6 from 7:30 to 9pm EASTERN (6:30 to 8pm Central) - The registration fee is $300 (per team of two) and $50 for each additional team member. Register Today - https://cvent.me/YwOoaz
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Clergy Convocation 2024: Healing Tother: Healing Me, Healing You
May 7, 2024 @ 3:00 pm - May 9, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Double Tree by Hilton, Lancaster
Clergy Convocation 2024 –
To register, click here.
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Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast
January 14, 2024
If you attended the breakfast earlier this year, you know that we will have another fantastic time. Bishop W. Darin Moore will be our speaker again for this great event as we continue to raise funds for the IMC college fund.
Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Location: Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel
Amount: $35
Proceeds benefit the IMC Scholarship Fund.
Online tickets are available today via Eventbrite (link below):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-prayer-breakfast-tickets-769316374987?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
If you have students interested in applying for a scholarship, please take a look at the attached application and return it to Dr. Joseph Green by 12/29/23 for consideration, as we will award scholarships during the January event. Please send scholarship applications to jgministries@gmail.com
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National Fund for Sacred Places - Now accepting applications!
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. To learn more, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org.
Join us for an information session webinar on Thursday, February 1st at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about the National Fund for Sacred Places and whether your sacred place (or the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify.
Event: Introduction to the National Fund for Sacred Places
Date: Thursday, February 1st
Time: 12 PM EST
Register Here!!
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On the UCC website, it states,
“Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries seeks transformative justice for our faith communities and congregations by just action and love for all. ~ We believe in the justice-oriented ministry of Jesus and act with those facing systemic oppression at the intersection of gender & sexuality to offer care, sex positive education & curriculum, gender & bodily autonomy education & programming, policy & advocacy and partnership and outreach opportunities.”
For those seeking greater knowledge and depth in addressing this important justice issue, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. offers a course where participants from across the country have a place to gather in online conversations. Go to PATHWAYSTheological.org to register or to find out more about the course, Theology of Gender and Sexuality. There is still time to register for this course as well as UCC Polity and History, and several other courses which begin in early January 2024.
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Crossroads and Connections Opportunity To Learn (OTL)-Solar Energy Presentation
What is it? A quick hitting 30 minutes to learn about Solar Power and to ask any question you have.
For Whom? For anyone that has been wanting to learn more about understanding what going solar entails and how to know what steps to take?
When? January 25, 6:30-7:00 p.m. on Zoon only.
Leader?- Ms. Monica Carey, Pennsylvania Program Director for Solar United Neighbors-a National Organization. She knows it backwards and forwards!
To Register: email your email to bdavidsmith2@gmail.com A Zoom link will be sent to you so you can participate.
Questions-call Dave Smith, 717-371-1516
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