Bonnie's Letter

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil. 4:6, NRSV)

Dear Friends,

During this Lenten season, how are you embracing your relationship with God? It’s a simple question, but sometimes hard to answer. Our days are full of work and family, chores and hobbies, friends, and foes (although I hope not many). All those things can fill us up, take up all our time and all our focus. It can be hard to find time for God.

And yet, Lent is the perfect time to build a new habit of putting God at the beginning of your day. God knows what is in your heart, but speaking to God is valuable – not as much for God as it is for us. What do you need to do to have time to speak with God?

For me, the instant I think of someone who I care about, I pause and say a prayer for them. When I am worried about something coming up for me to do, I pause and say a prayer for guidance and insight, wisdom, and courage. When I was a local church pastor, I prayed for my congregation members as I drove by their homes or streets. The key, I think, is to make God your first conversation partner. The prayers don’t need to be long. “Good morning God. Thank you for this day,” may be enough. A prayer of gratitude for your blessings and the things that went well during the day may be enough as you prepare to sleep.

You may remember that I made a commitment to perform many acts of kindness during Lent. For me these have involved letting people in front of me in lines and in traffic, cleaning up the dog park (even though folks are asked to do that themselves), stopping to chat with someone when I really would rather be alone, paying for the coffee and treats for the person behind me. These seem like simple things to do, but I add a prayer of thanksgiving to God that I can do these acts of kindness. Each action then becomes a part of my prayer.

There was a saying popular years ago that is still used today, “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.” I drive by an Assembly of God church on my way to the Conference Office whose sign reads, “Practice Random Acts of Love.” Our actions done in love are a way of offering prayer and light to the world, of connecting with God in small and big ways.

My hope for you this Lent is that you connect with God, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, as frequently as you can. God is as close as our breath. Blessings, Bonnie

Correction to our listing of Anniversaries of Ordination

published several weeks ago, Randy Lentz is celebrating 15 years not 10.

Licensed Minister Celebrating an Anniversary

                     15th Anniversary of Licensing

Mr. Randy Lentz (4/15/09) – Pastor, Ben Salem UCC, Andreas 

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

Churches have less than a week to enter their data in the Data Hub

   Next Wednesday, March 6^th is the last day for churches to submit their data in the Data Hub.

·       A reminder: the password used last year will not work this year.

All passwords were reset in January to yearbook. This is every church’s password unless they’ve logged in and changed it or it has been reset per their request.

(When passwords are reset they are reset to password.)

·       Any questions or concerns should be shared with Barbara at BarbaraJ@pnec.org 610.826.3113

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

Exploring The UCC - Our History, Our Beliefs, Our Identity

Instructor: Dr. Jill Baker, Adjunct Professor of Eden Theological Seminary

March 23, 2024 - 8:30AM to 12:30PM (EST) via Zoom

Click on the link below

https://www.sneucc.org/eventdetail/17524717?month=3&year=2024&day=1&display=m

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

Re-affirmation of Ordination Vows

March 28^{th -} 10:00 AM

The Conference Ministers of the four Pennsylvania UCC Conferences will host a Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows for ordained clergy on Maundy Thursday, March 28, at 10:00a via ZOOM.

It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment”– to love and serve one another– for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection.

Clergy are encouraged to wear a stole received at their ordination, a red stole, or any other stole that has significant meaning. The service includes the sacrament of virtual communion so please prepare in advance.

https://psec.org/event/reaffirmation-of-ordination-vows/

Registration: https://ordinationvows.eventbrite.com



The March Event for Crossroads and Connections

Join Us for a Webinar - Book Banning! What Comes Next?

You are invited to a webinar on the topic of book banning.

Date: Monday, March 18, 2024

Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time

Dave Bushnell and Tom Davis- Shappell will facilitate a discussion with our experts - Nikki Rivera, Molly Magro, Parker Webb and Dr. Robert (Bob) Hollister.

Participants should come prepared for a thoughtful discussion about the impact of book banning in our society.

Book Banning has been around for almost as long as books have been published. The presenters for this Webinar are very familiar with the pressures of book banning efforts especially in public schools. Why is this happening and what are ways for school librarians, superintendents, and school boards to respond to the challenges? Our webinar will focus especially on LGBTQ+ literature bans because LGBTQ+ youth are often marginalized and need ‘safe places’ of support and affirmation. After presentations and interactions of the presenters, they will respond to questions from those attending the Webinar.

Who Should Attend? Parents of school aged children; school superintendents; school librarians; school board members; LGBTQ+ community; anyone interested in this topic.

Here is the registration link to the March webinar for Crossroads &Connections: Building Relationships and Community- on book banning. Registration is open.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/830572724377?aff=oddtdtcreator

This is going to be powerful and you do not want to miss it!

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley Upcoming Event

Community Conversations: Zoom Webinar

Virtual Lunch & Learn

The Invisible Epidemic: Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic & Intimate Partner Abuse

Tuesday, March 19 - 11AM to Noon (EST)

Attendance is at no cost to the community. Certificates of attendance can be provided.

Click Here for Link to Register

For Additional details about this event, including speaker bios, please click the link below

Events from March 7 – May 20, 2027 – Turning Point of Lehigh Valley (turningpointlv.org)

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.

Insurance Board is proud to present our 

Safety Central Webpage & Risk Control Guide For Ministries

We encourage you to take a moment to watch the Safety Central Video featuring Chad Cunningham, Director of Loss Control. In addition, please see our new Risk Control Guide For Ministries. This guide has been created to assist ministries by providing safety considerations to protect your ministry.

The Safety Central Video and the Risk Control Guide can be found using the links below.

Insurance Board: Safety Central Video

Insurance Board: Risk Control Guide

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

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

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

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

Announcing Yale Divinity School’s first non-degree, online certificate program in Youth Ministry Leadership!

This nine-month, digital, cohort-based program will launch in September 2024 focusing on three key areas: leadership theory in church organizations, theological and spiritual care for youth (with an focus on mental health), and empowerment, liberation and justice work with youth. 

Participants will learn from renowned YDS faculty including Willie Jennings, Joyce Mercer, Almeda Wright and more, other select learning institutions and the Yale Youth Ministry Institute network of experts and practitioners.

Applications are currently being accepted. Our inaugural cohort will be limited to 20 participants.

Click here for more information and to apply

Questions? Email kelly.morrissey@yale.edu.

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.

·   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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