Bonnie's Letter

Matthew 25: 34-36

“Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.'”

Matthew 29: 19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Dear Friends,

I have just returned from several days with Conference Staff colleagues from the Mid-Atlantic Region of the UCC. (The conferences are New York, Central Atlantic, and the four PA Conferences.) Those of us gathered looked at our search and call processes, our ordination and ministerial preparation processes, the development of vitality efforts in congregations, the new ELCA model of serving multiple churches with common staff, and our spiritual health and wellness.

One of the topics that usually arises when we are together is the concepts and beliefs that make us the UCC and those presumptions that move people away from the UCC. I always find this challenging because, at least in the eyes of the media, we are the most progressive of denominations. That may be so – at least from some of the publications and writing over the last 20 years – but it is not all we are. We are as diverse theologically as any community – some very progressive, many moderate and some very conservative – if we want to use labels.

For all of us we discussed that, our focus is as Jesus followers, striving to encourage other Jesus followers in communities that feed their spirits and accomplish the mission as set before us by Jesus in both Matthew 25 and Matthew 29, as noted above. This is the mission of the church, the mission Jesus called us to, a mission that can anchor and unite us all.

Yet, the world strives to pull us apart, to divide us into red and blue politically, liberal and conservative theologically, and to speak of those of us in more moderate denominations who seek human rights as those who are “going to hell” for not admonishing people who don’t believe in or live into a particular pre-defined standard of faith. These cultural issues and many others are one of the reasons I went back to school, to seminary, to work on a Graduate Executive Certificate in Gender, Sexual and Racial Justice. I wanted to understand the language, theology, the isolation felt by people who have been excluded by the church – even the UCC church – and to be able to talk with people about how our actions as a church, (not specific churches but the church as it’s perceived) prevent people from coming into our churches to find solace and spiritual development. It has been quite a journey of learning, which will culminate with my graduation on May 18. The invitation is below and while I know you may not be able to be there, please remember all the students graduating that day and celebrate with us.

We are the church – the church now and into the future – and these seminary graduates are the future and current leaders of the church. We covet your prayers as we move into the future as leaders of Jesus-followers and communities of faith.

Blessings, Bonnie

Slides Produced for Keystone Town Hall Meetings

(from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference)

Friends, There are a few Town Hall zoom meetings coming up in the next few weeks being led by Kevin McLemore, Cean James, and Melissa Burkhart. I’ve created some slides for that which include much of the information. Click Here for the slides.

Bill

Rev. William (Bill) P. Worley, Conference Minister

PA Southeast Conference, United Church of Christ

worley@psec.org

2024 Summer Conference Meeting

For the first time, all four Pennsylvania conferences of the UCC will be gathering for a shared Meeting on June 7-9, 2024 at The Penn Stater in State College, PA. We will have shared worship, workshops, meals and meetings as well as each conference's separate business meeting.

Below is a letter from the four PA UCC Conference Ministers

about this year’s Summer Meeting:

The planning committee for the Keystone State UCC Conference Summer Meeting has been working diligently to prepare for our June 7-9 meeting. The Keystone Working Group in collaboration with the Conference Ministers have been seeking grants and additional funding to assist with the costs of the meeting.

We want you to know that YOUR attendance is vitally important to us. We need you to help us plan for the future of our conferences. Our General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson will be with us on Saturday and Sunday, and we hope you will be with us to meet her and worship with her on Sunday.

Please click here for June 9 order of worship to use while their pastor is at the Summer Meeting. Please click here for sermon message for congregations to use while their pastors are at the Summer Meeting. 

The costs for this meeting will be significantly higher than our usual conference meetings. For one thing, this is a 3-day meeting and incorporates the extensive use of technology and the Penn Stater multiple room assignments for our gathering. We do not want the cost of the event to prevent anyone from attending.

Therefore, we are increasing our scholarship funds to cover ½ the cost of the registration. The registration materials (which are forthcoming) include some links for additional hotel locations, should you choose to utilize them.

Also, we want you to know that our meetings as a Keystone Conference will likely be shorter and less costly.

Please make plans to join us in State College in June and celebrate the work we are doing together, because we believe “Together We Are Stronger.”

Registration is open. You should have received a separate email regarding registration. (If you have not received that special email...please let Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office know - pattyr@pnec.org ) In the meantime, please watch this video (click on the link below) featuring all four conference ministers with more information on this event.

Summer Meeting 2024 Announcement Video (youtube.com)

James Lawson Freedom School

We're excited that our open enrollment for Scholars from K-8th grade is now open, click here for the flyer. For a list of classroom supply donations needed, click here.

Summary Notes Conference Board 3/20/2024

Click Here to Read

'Crisis in Gaza' resource available from the UCC

In this time of unprecedented crisis in Gaza and Palestine when we are inundated with so much information, many of us are seeking for trustable, faith-based and prophetic resources to help us navigate this moment. People are really hungry for ways to understand what faithful solidarity and witness might look like.

The UCC PIN (Palestine/Israel Network) has created a new resource called “Crisis in Gaza." UCC PIN was created as a result of a UCC General Synod resolution. This body speaks to, but not for the UCC.

“Crisis in Gaza” can be used in a variety of ways and settings. It has background, history, and is available four ways: by pdf, Powerpoint, Youtube, and as an MP4 video. Click here to download the resource.

Celebrating Our Churches

(shared by the PNEC Local Congregational Support Working Group)

Good Shepherd U C.C. is located at 3940 Mountain Road, Slatington, PA. 

Good Shepherd UCC is a congregation that practices informal hospitality over a rule bound formal structure. The Rev. James Robison shared if you want to a part of our ministry you are encouraged to do so, you do not need to be an officer or even a member to be a part of Good Shepherd’s life and ministry.  Sign up and off we go! Pastor James especially values volunteers and wishes he could take them to Tahiti to show thanks beyond the recognition dinner at the church.  However, it should be said, that there are wonderful cooks, and a well-equipped kitchen adjacent to a large fellowship space.

Good Shepherd UCC truly cares about one another, not just in words, but in loving actions. This caring extends to the community and beyond. They successfully completed the Open and Affirming process to widen their welcome to all. One key to their success in ministry is staying flexible to respond to change. Future ministry will include creating experiences of growing discipleship for young and old together.

PNEC salutes the ministry and people of Good Shepherd UCC ! 

Faith Formation Leadership Retreat

May 3 - 5, 2024

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

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

Mental Health Sunday

Mental Health Sunday is May 19, 2024. The Mental Health Ministry Team is requesting that you use some of these resources – in your worship planning experience for that day! If you have any questions or concerns and would like support for your worship planning that day – please reach out.

https://www.mhn-ucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MH-Sunday-Worship-Resources.pdf

Rev. Dr. Emily B. Hall, Pastor - Hope UCC, Wind Gap, 610-863-4474

Worship Resources for your Mental Health Sunday

Although May 19 is Mental Health Sunday this year, we want to remind you that any Sunday is a great Sunday to focus on mental health!

We are sending our PDF for Worship Resources for your Mental Health Sunday created by the UCC, UCC MHN, and United Church of Canada. Below, you can also find videos you may use during your worship services as we raise awareness about mental health challenges and mental wellness.

if you used this video in your last year's Mental Health Sunday and would like a new video for this year, I will be happy to have a new video sent to you. Simply reply to this email, "please send a new video" and we will get a new one out to you.

Below you can also find recent news and articles about Mental Health.

Thank you,

Bishop Allyson D. Nelson Abrams, PhD; Chair, UCC Mental Health Network

Click Here for Full Flyer

2024 Lehigh Valley Pride

SAVE THE DATE

We are so excited to announce that Lehigh Valley Pride will be held on Sunday, August 18th at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This year's Lehigh Valley Pride will be the most inclusive to date with accessibility features such as FREE entry, ASL interpreters, ADA restrooms, large-print Pride guides, alcohol-free experiences, indoor air conditioned spaces, accessible seating for those with disabilities, indoor sensory-friendly area, spirituality space, and reserved parking near the festival entrances.

To include even more community members and vendors, Lehigh Valley Pride will expand its square footage and encompass more of ArtsQuest’s campus, including an expanded baby & tot spot.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. We can't wait to see you there! 

Penn Northeast Conference needs someone who is willing to lead the Pride booth setup at this years event. This includes ensuring a tent is setup and staffed, activities and/or giveaway items, and something that helps us standout among the community. For More information, please contact Rev. Gary Barraco at garybarraco@verizon.net

NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT SERIES BEGINS APRIL 18

Thought About Starting a New Congregation? Does the idea of starting a new congregation intrigue you, even a little? Would you like to learn more? Do you want to reach out to people who have felt excluded from churches in the past because of their race, ethnicity, or language, sexual orientation, age, preference for a different worship style, 'nones' and 'dones,' or those who describe themselves as 'spiritual but not religious'?

The CAC New Church Development Committee of the Central Atlantic Conference (UCC) has created an opportunity for you this spring. The opportunity is co-sponsored by the Christian Church – Capital Area (Disciples of Christ).

On three Thursday evenings you can attend a quick course in new church development and get many of your questions answered by attending three Zoom events from the comfort of your home. The events will be held each evening from 7 to 8:30 pm with an opportunity for Q and A afterward. They are free and open to all interested clergy and laity. 

• April 18 – “How and Why to Start a New Congregation” - Rev. Cean James, Senior Pastor of Salt & Light Church (PCUSA & UCC) and the Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, UCC.

• May 16 – “How to Fund a New Congregation” - Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade, Minister for Congregational Leadership Development, Granting and Scholarships in the UCC National Offices and Founding Pastor of the Community Church of Washington, DC.

• June 6 – “Stories from the Front Lines: A Panel of Recent Church Planters” - Pastors of recent successful new UCC congregations or established congregations that recently affiliated with the UCC will share their stories and discuss what worked and what didn't.

To RSVP to attend one – or all three of the workshops, please click here:

NEW CHURCH START WORKSHOP REGISTRATION.

2024 UCC Annual Earth Summit - United Church of Christ

April 20, 2024 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM - In Person & Zoom

The UCC’s second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, “Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?” The two and a half hour summit will additionally feature a panel of grassroots leaders, the announcement of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award winner, a celebration of the UCC’s newest Creation Justice Churches, and a video showcasing the environmental ministries of our host congregation, The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College. This event will be both in-person and live streamed via Zoom. Along with The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, cohosts include the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice, the National Setting of the UCC, and the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC. Even if one cannot make the event at its scheduled time, all those who register will receive a link to a recording of the event.

Click Here to Register.

Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change

 On April 24 at 7:30p, Rev. Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer for the UCC, will lead an online workshop on "A Good Pitch: Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change".

Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community. For more info and to register, click here

Book Discussion

Are you wondering what is next for the church? Are you tired of hearing words like “revitalization” and “membership growth?” Are you willing to make drastic changes if it means that your children and grandchildren may be interested in participating in a Christian community? In this presentation, author, pastor, and professor, Laurene Bowers walks us through the process of letting go of everything “church.” She will lead a discussion about how to envision and create a new community, based on her most recent book, The Future of American Christianity (Pilgrim Press, 2023): The Future of American Christianity: Bowers, Laurene Beth: 9780829800708: Amazon.com: Books. She will also take questions from those who have read the book. This discussion will take place on Wednesday, May 29, at 6:30 PM, via Zoom. If you’d like to receive Zoom information for the discussion, please email Andrea Kopcak at andrea@pennwest.org by Wednesday, May 22, and let her know that you would like her to send you the Zoom link for the discussion. We will plan to send out the Zoom link for the event on Friday, May 24.

David Ackerman, Penn West Conference Minister

312 South Maple Ave., Suite PWC, Greensburg PA 15601

724-834-0344, david@pennwest.org

he/him/his

Boundary Training

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 2 consecutive 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

Classes will be offered May 7/8 from 1PM-4PM & October 15/16 from 10AM-1PM 2023

Limit is 40 people per class

Zoom link and workbook will be emailed to all participants 1 week prior to the scheduled training.

$50.00 for PCUSA / $65.00 for non-PCUSA participants

CLICK HERE to Register

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) Upcoming Classes and Podcasts

Practices of Church Leadership. May 21–June 25, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor the Rev. Sara Hertzog.

This nuts-and-bolts class covers the basics of leadership and administration, with practical application for everyone on the ministry leadership team. Topics include: covenant and authority; conflict; family and congregational systems; vision and mission; handling administrative tasks; spiritual care and boundaries. Clergy, lay leaders, and MIDs are encouraged to register. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Innovation and New Models of Leadership. July 9–Aug 13, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: The Rev. Dale Davis.

This challenging class engages an array of exciting leadership models and is supported by a podcast series produced especially for the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Each class is six weeks online. Information and registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/

The 3-month Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in integrating faith and justice work into their lives in a meaningful and transformative way. This online program provides a basic foundational introduction to social justice in faith, in personal reflection, and in methodology and practice. The small group cohort meets weekly and space is limited. This Justice Jubilee starts in October 2024 and applications must be received no later than September 15th.

If a single class more your speed right now join the Empowerment in Advocacy class on April 17th, 2024. Find your voice through advocacy and explore ways to create positive change in your community and beyond.

JLP is an ecumenical program and a grant recipient of the Global H.O.P.E. and FaithINFO teams of the United Church of Christ.