Bonnie's Letter

“When we give generously, with an abundance mentality, what we give away will multiply.” ― Henri Nouwen

Dear Friends,

There are a few things that people don’t or shouldn’t talk about in church: sex, politics, and money are among them. And yet, this week I am going to write about money. Barbara Jennings, my Executive Assistant, recently prepared a spreadsheet of OCWM giving by church, which included reported church membership and OCWM remissions for the years 2022 and 2023. I want to thank the 57 congregations who maintained or increased their giving to OCWM in 2023. We are so appreciative of your generosity.

In comparing 2022-2023, OCWM gifts to the Conference have declined by 9.84%. That means that per capita giving (per church member) decreased from $11.36 to $10.24. That’s a significant decrease. As you know everything costs more each year. Have you read enough figures yet?

Why do I mention this in early 2024? Well, the Conference continues to expand its support services, programming, search and call support, communication systems, and crisis and conflict management services to congregations. All these activities require resources. True, some of them are completed by volunteers and by the current staff of the Conference, and yet, there are costs associated with all our work. In 2023, we did not give a raise to the staff. For 2024, we did. It seemed only fair, with the cost of living increasing in the 8% range, to offer the staff a raise.

Our coaching services are partially covered by the hourly fee we charge, except that coaching around search and call is offered free of charge. Our program and continuing education offerings have a fee which reflects the Zoom usage and/or food and actual expenses. I am reimbursed for traveling to congregations and meetings, but the auto allowance was increased this year for the first time since I arrived in 2017. You have heard me say that a search process costs approximately $10,000 between Mission Insite, support for travel and meetings, and the resources we supply to congregations.

So, are you sick of me writing about money yet? I’m sick of writing about it, AND yet I need to ask you to consider increasing your support for the Conference through OCWM. Twenty of our 124 congregations gave nothing to OCWM last year. Another 25 congregations gave less than $1000. We, as a team of Conference staff and volunteers, want to continue to offer you exemplary service and support. We need your help to do so.

As a Conference, we tithe our OCWM contributions to the national setting as our commitment and covenant to the Wider Church. While I am not asking you to tithe your congregational budget to the Conference, I am asking you to consider increasing your OCWM gifts by 1-2% this year. If OCWM is a single Sunday collection in your congregation, consider adding OCWM as a line item in your budget. Include the Conference as one of the recipients of your Mission and Outreach monies, for we certainly are a part of the mission and outreach of the church. We are in covenant with you to provide resources for the support, services, programs, and leadership you need. Please be in covenant with us by sharing your resources with us. Blessings, Bonnie

Defending Sacred Spaces: POWER Interfaith Condemns Desecration of Mother Bethel AME Church

(Philadelphia, PA: February 21, 2024) - In solidarity with Mother Bethel AME Church, POWER Interfaith condemns the recent act of vandalism targeting this historic institution. The destruction of stained glass windows at Mother Bethel AME Church is not only an attack on a sacred place of worship but also an assault on the rich legacy and significance of Black history in America.

As an organization committed to justice and equity, we stand firmly in denouncing all forms of violence. While initial reports suggest that racism or religious intolerance may not have been the motive behind this heinous act, we cannot ignore the broader context of systemic injustice and discrimination that continues to plague our society.

It is deeply concerning that a place of such historical importance, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience for generations, could be targeted in this manner. We extend our heartfelt solidarity to Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, the congregation, and all those impacted by this senseless act of vandalism.

In response to this incident, we call upon our community to come together in support of Mother Bethel AME Church. We urge individuals and organizations to contribute to the fundraising efforts initiated by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia to aid in the repair and restoration of the damaged windows.

Furthermore, we echo the call for enhanced security measures to safeguard not only Mother Bethel AME Church but all places of worship and community gathering spaces against future acts of vandalism and hate.

This reprehensible act serves as a stark reminder of the work that remains in combating bigotry and fostering a society built on principles of justice, equality, and solidarity. POWER Interfaith remains steadfast in our commitment to standing alongside those who are marginalized and oppressed, and we will continue to advocate for a world where all are treated with dignity and respect.

In solidarity,

Rev. Gregory Edwards, Acting Executive Director

Rev. Michael Caine, Co-Chair

Imam Abdul-Halim Hassan, Co-Chair

Faith Formation Leadership Retreat

May 3 - 5, 2024

Spruce Lake Retreat Center, 5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA 18325

COST: $$195/person (includes all programming and 3 meals on Saturday and Sunday breakfast)

This retreat for adults involved in Faith Formation provides an opportunity for those wishing to collaborate, rejuvenate, and innovate their approach to Faith Formation! This retreat will provide practical education around faith formation and we4lcomes volunteers as well as folks working in the church to participate and learn. Set in the scenic Spruce Lake Retreat Center, this promises to be a relaxing and informative time!

Please click here for the flyer and how to register.

You can also register and pay through tithe.ly using this link:

https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/8424164

Join a 2024 Community of Practice

CLICK Here to see full listing of availability.

There is an annual $250 fee for participants to cover the cost of the facilitator and any other program costs. 

Keystone Working Group

Communications Summary of February 16, 2024 Meeting

We invite you to share this summary widely in your ministry settings.

Meeting February 16 by Zoom, the Keystone Working Group discussed ongoing efforts to share information with all the congregations across our four regions with our website (https://psec.org/keystone/). Delegates will receive a booklet containing our “Story of Why We Are Here” and theological statements and rational for our merger. It will contain responses to Frequently Asked Questions. To prepare for our June 7-9 Gathering, we discussed plans for the combined plenary sessions. We want to encourage conversation and how we feel the engagement of the Holy Spirit in this process.

The Communications Team also prepared a new video to share the creative process of a possible new unified Keystone Conference logo. In March, we will present the newly edited video on the website and a link available for all to share in our excitement, believing “Together We Are Stronger!”

Conference Ministers and Task Groups shared updates on their preparations and initial conversations:

·       Staffing – A Staff Retention Statement is being prepared in consultation with current staff of all 4

conferences.

·       Governance – Dates for a possible Transition Plan for Governance is being developed in anticipation of an affirming vote on a merger resolution in November 2024.

·       Finance – A consolidated baseline budget draft for 2025, a dream budget and what’s “realistic” at current funding and resource levels, as well as a report of combined assets is being developed. Additional policy and possible budgets for 2026 and 2027 are also being drafted.

·       Approval Process – A draft resolution will be proposed in the March meeting, with prayer and editing considerations in April to present as part of the 4 conferences’ combined gathering in June for our collective conversation and discernment.

·       Legal – This subcommittee has not yet met, pending Governance and Finance considerations.

We continue to share our excitement around the group regarding our plenary sessions, sharing what we have heard from around our four areas that is compelling and life-giving about coming together. There is growing anticipation for what we can accomplish together. Our Together We Are Stronger affirmation continues to drive our thinking and empower our spirit.

Please visit the Keystone Conference Project website hosted by the PSEC at https://psec.org/keystone/ .

We can always share questions and comments by email at Keystone.Conference.Project@gmail.com or direct mail through your own area Conference Office.

Remember to Save the Date for the joint meeting of all 4 conference areas, June 7-9, 2024  at State College. Registration details and a Communications Booklet will be available in early March to prepare for the event.

Sharing our progress in grace and hope,

KWG Communications Team

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

Heather Kurtz                   Zion UCC, Arendtsville (PCC)

Deb Long                           First Trinity UCC, Youngwood (PWC)

(Open Position)                (PSEC)

*A study, discernment and working group of the 4 PA area UCC Conferences – Penn West, Penn Central, Penn NE, and Pennsylvania SE

Link for the new "How to Church"

In the third installment of the “How to Church: I Wish I Knew” video series being produced cooperatively by the Local Congregational Support Working Group and the Congregational Vitality Team, we tackle the topic of Community Engagement. Watch and listen to a panel discuss: how they and their churches serve their respective communities, why it’s an important part of our Christian witness, and some tips for discerning how you and your church may better engage your community.

https://youtu.be/USNUXchNJns

Next Theology with a Twist: Faith & the upcoming elections

 The next Theology with a Twist will be held Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00p on the topic "Faith and the Upcoming Elections," by Dr. Lee Barrett. The nation's increasingly combative political polarization is partly fueled by the tension between "red state" and "blue state" forms of Christianity. Join Dr Lee Barrett as we explore the visceral spiritual hungers and fears that motivate each of these factions and consider possible ways to promote a less belligerent conversation. For more info, click here.

The Annual Robert K. Campbell Memorial Lecture on Christian Unity Presents

Revisioning Faith For The 21st Century

Thursday, April 11, 2024

3:00 to 8:00PM

DeSales University, (University Center), 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley

$20 Registration Fee

featuring author Sue Pizor Yoder and the members of Co.Lab.Inq.

About Event...What will faith communities look like in 2040? What actions can church leaders take to address the new religious context of Gen Xers and Millennials—now representing 40 percent of adults living in America? What do these generations teach us about belonging, adversity, legacy—and faith? Join us for an interactive, multisensory event aimed at seeking a path to revisioning faith for the 21st century.

AGENDA

3:00 – 3:30: Registration

3:30 – 5:00: Lecture and Q&A

5:00 – 6:00: Buffet Dinner

6:00 – 7:30: Interactive Workshop

7:30 – 8:00: Book Signing:

“Hear Us Out: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief.”

Register at: www.lehighchurches.org/events

Lenten Prayer Gatherings

The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30pm. The first prayer time is Wednesday, February 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20th.

To register for the zoom link, click here.



From Exodus to Jesus and Beyond: Progressive Christianity, Social Justice, and the Bible

Ground yourself in this five-part online series in which we will explore the lessons and values of our faith tradition that can, sometimes surprisingly, inform our work to build a better world.

Tuesdays during Lent, 4:00-6:00pm PST, $75 per person for 5 workshops.

Register and find more info here.

Upcoming Video Series

Have you thought about joining us for our upcoming video series event, "How to Take Your Next Faithful Step," starting February 19, 2024?  

As a valued part of our Faith+Lead community, you've already begun this journey, whether through our blog, webinars, on-demand courses, or learning communities. Now, we're taking these conversations a step further.

Exploring the foundations of the Next Faithful Step:

This series goes beyond exploring the challenges facing church leaders today (though it also dives deeply into this). It’s about sharing essential frameworks, learning, and insights drawn from years of research, experience, and spiritual listening with ministry leaders like yourself. Here’s what we will explore together:

• Explore 6 essential theological commitments: Discover six key commitments that will keep you grounded yet adaptable in these times of rapid change. Learn how these anchors can guide your ministry through uncertainty and evolving cultural landscapes.
• Uncover 5 core tasks of ministry for the 21st century: Gain clarity on what's truly essential in today's ministry context. We'll explore practical tasks that are vital for ministry effectiveness now, offering you tools and insights to stay responsive and impactful.
• Learn the 4 key pivots for a faithful future: Engage in a critical discussion on the necessary shifts in ministry. These pivots are designed to help you navigate and lead successfully in an ever-evolving ministry environment.
• Relatable insights: This isn't just about theoretical theories; it's real insights based on real experiences with church leaders just like you. It's about what's happening in churches like yours and how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a faith community today.

Interactive and engaging: After each video, you can jump into our interactive Q&A threads. This is your chance to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with other leaders and learners who are also exploring their next faithful step.

Learn More & Register

This series is not passive learning; it’s a dialogue. Your insights and reflections are invaluable to this collective journey. Together, we aim to transform these insights into faithful, actionable next steps.

Chaplain in the Park Opportunity: Locust Lake State Park

Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s beautiful creation? Consider becoming a campground minister this summer at Locust Lake State Park!

Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many Pennsylvania State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. Chaplains can be, but need not be, ordained ministers.

The chaplain visits folks in the campground, welcomes them, answers questions about God or where to go for firewood or which trail is the hardest. The chaplain invites campers to worship and conducts a Sunday worship service each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.

Wonderful ministry happens every summer! If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here: https://pachurches.org/ministries/campground-ministry/

You can also contact Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy for more information: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text at 717 619-8337.

From the PSEC Generosity Mission Team: Pastor's Role in Stewardship

What is the Pastor's role in church stewardship? When and where do you start? The PSEC Generosity Mission Team recommends this article from the UCC's "Imagine Together" Stewardship Resource, the 2024 Generosity/Stewardship materials. The article details 11 ways pastors can be involved and engaged in advancing the practice of faithful stewardship. Please take a few minutes to review this short article.

CLICK HERE FOR FUL DOCUMENT

DR. STEPHEN TRZECIAK TO PRESENT KEYNOTE “COMPASSIONOMICS AND THE WONDER DRUG” AT “COMPASSION IN ACTION,” A CONFERENCE

PRESENTED BY THE PHOEBE INSTITUTE ON AGING

The Phoebe Institute on Aging (PIA) presents “Compassion in Action” featuring keynote speaker Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH, physician scientist, professor, clinical researcher, intensivist (specialist in intensive care medicine), and co-author of “Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference” (2019), and “Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself.”

Presented on Thursday, April 18, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at DeSales University, University Center, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, Pennsylvania, the conference will examine how compassionate care can support goals like workforce well-being, both long-term care resident and patient experience, safety, quality, and innovation, as well as additional content to support caregivers and leaders during this challenging time.

For more information and registration, go to 2024 PIA Conference or call 610-794-5163. Register by March 1, 2024, to receive the early bird pricing of $35.00. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for health care professionals, social workers, and clergy. 

Congregational Education Day - I just registered!! Won’t you join me??

I am headed over to Church of the Good Shepherd in Boyertown, PA on Saturday, April 6th for the Lay Leaders Convocation. With more than 10 workshops on tap, I am encouraging pastors and groups of leaders from each of our Penn Central congregations to attend and learn together. The former teacher in me found it very challenging to pick just two from the workshop list (below) when every single one promises new knowledge.

The Keystone Project conversation has highlighted a need for more lay leadership learning opportunities as congregations rely more heavily on these volunteers. Pennsylvania Southeast has a long history of offering this learning day and as we continue to explore the possibilities of a Keystone Conference, this is an excellent opportunity for fellowship together with our siblings in Christ. Lay Leaders and Clergy are teaming up to offer workshops on care for older adults, choir spirituality, small Sunday school success, stewardship and so much more!! There’s something for everyone and carpooling with friends from church will help with the early morning drive as things begin at 8:30 with coffee and registration.

Check out this exciting list of workshop opportunities and come, too, for the keynote from Andover Newton’s Rev. Dr. Sarah Drummond on Sharing Leadership

“Differ We Must”: Steps to engage congregations in overcoming differences with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call

The Spiritual Life of the Choir with Ms. Caroline Dunleavy

The Keystone Conference: What it is and what it means for the people in the pews with Revs. Bill Worley and Kevin McLemore

Why Telling our Faith Story Matters with Rev. Dr. Steve Ohnsman

Accompanying Our Aging Selves: Being Present with Older Adults with Rev. Susan Scott

Small Sunday School with Ms. Betsy Majewski

Engaging the Fringes of the Church with Rev. Dr. Charles Maxwell

Stewardship and Generosity Impact with Rev. Bill Worley

Churches Sharing a Pastor: An Ancient Model of Ministry for a Contemporary Church with Rev. Kevin McLemore

Register to join me (an so many others) here!

Hope to see you there! -- Nora Faust, Penn Central Conference, UCC

On Saturday, April 6 from 8:30a-3:00p, PSEC will hold the 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation in Boyertown. This year's theme will be Sharing Leadership. For agenda, workshop descriptions, and registration, click here

Thursdays for the Soul: Thriving in Rural and Small-Town UCC Churches & Ministries

A recent United Church of Christ survey found that over 60% of UCC congregations have small memberships, mostly found in rural and small-town settings. 

Join us for this 3-part Nurture the Soul series featuring the vitality and thriving experiences of rural and small-town church settings. UCC church members and pastoral leaders share their personal experiences of life in rural and small towns and the innovative ways of doing church and ministry in these settings and their essential contributions to the wider UCC.

February 29 and March 7, 3:30PM - 4:30PM register here

The Institute for Youth Ministry’s Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary

This year’s theme is “Craft: The Future of Youth Ministry,” and the event dates are April 30 - May 3, 2024, on the seminary campus. We believe the Forum is a unique opportunity for youth ministry leaders who crave a community of peers seeking to be transformed through theological reflection that meets practical application in ministry with young people.  

Youth ministers are often the ones called upon in the church to cast a vision for how we can build life together with young people in our congregations and communities. Will you please share about this event with those who are doing youth ministry in your congregation? We have also attached a flyer that you can share on social media and in newsletters with the ministry leaders who would find value in our resources. More information can also be found on our Facebook and Instagram platforms.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Thank you for your help in spreading the word!

Building Ministry Together, 

Barbara Holland 

Barbara Holland(She/her), ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, INSTITUTE FOR YOUTH MINISTRY

Princeton Theological Seminary, Office: 609.497.7914, https://iym.ptsem.edu/

Disaster Ministries

Non-profit FEMA grant intro seminars scheduled

FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate invites interested organizations to attend webinars regarding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The NSGP is a competitive grant awarded to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack for the purposes of facility hardening and other security enhancements. It is strongly recommended that you review the NSGP resources found here to maximize the benefit of attendance.

·   Thursday, Feb. 29, 1:00p. Register.

·   Friday, March 8, 2:00p. Register..

·   Thursday, March 14, 4:00, Register.

·   Friday, March 22, 2:00p. Register.

Following registration, you will receive a calendar invitation via email for the webinar. The link to join the webinar will be contained in that calendar event email. 

Ready PA Monthly - Click Here to Read

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