Letter from our Sabbatical Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith

Upside Down Thinking:  Beautitudes

Dear Friends,

When our daughter Jill was a little girl, she would stand on her head. She learned in gymnastic class that she could form a triangle with her head and her arms and knees. Then up she would go. Jill could stand on her head for long periods of time. It was not unusual to walk through our house and find Jill standing on her head.

Her Dad would question if this was good for Jill. He worried about the blood rushing to her head. Brad, her brother, thought Jill standing on her head was a great idea. For one thing, she didn’t talk when she was upside down, and for another, he felt it might help to have the blood rush to her head. 

Standing on one’s head is said to be a good exercise. Maybe we should all give it a try. It might be fun to get a different perspective on the world. We would notice things we don’t ordinarily see.

The Beatitudes throw our viewpoints into question. Depending where we are in life factors into how we see and hear Jesus’ words. “Blessed are…”   Although I don’t feel very blessed when I am sad or hungry or persecuted, I like knowing that Jesus was giving us another way of looking at the world and the kingdom. In the midst of our struggles there are learnings, there is God.

I couldn’t stand on my head as a kid and that clearly isn’t an option today. What I can do is try to see things from different viewpoints other than my own. I can attempt to see life situations from the eyes of those involved. I might look through the eyes and teachings of Jesus Christ. Maybe you want to join me?

PNEC! I challenge you to stand on your head and look around. If you actually do it, great, give me a call and let me know! 

Blessings, Becky

Authorized Ministers Continuing Education

Continuing Education hours for the year 2022 must be uploaded to the Breeze database by January 31, 2023. After that date, the form will change to start entering your 2023 Continuing Education hours. If you are having difficulty with the Breeze database, contact Patty Rehrig at the Conference Office pattyr@pnec.org

Congregational Leadership Training

Saturday, March 4 - 9AM to 4PM via zoom

A Congregational Leadership Training will be held on Saturday March 4th from 9 AM-4 PM on Zoom. It is a training offered by Local Congregational Support and Congregational Vitality to help lay leaders AND youth leaders appreciate and navigate the many roles and responsibilities of leadership in the local church. It is an ideal learning opportunity for newly-elected Consistory members, Confirmation students, and even seasoned church leaders! If interested, please email Patty Rehrig at the Conference Office - pattyr@pnec.org

Highlighted items from the efforts of PNEC Teams and Committees

to be celebrated include:

·       Amigos de Guatemala held the dedication of the multipurpose facility in Monte Margherita on Dec 14^th after years of effort, and within days they welcomed 70 students at Vacation Bible School there.

·       The Conference Meeting Planning Team is sharing genuine enthusiasm for making the Spring meeting both a learning experience and a joy to attend. 

·       The Local Congregational Support Working Group commended those planning and carrying out the Celebration of Life of Rev. Alan Miller at Jordan UCC on January 6, 2023.

·       The Spiritual Development Ministry Team celebrates their dedication to the youth of the PNEC by providing opportunities, resources, continuing education, and curriculum for them and their youth leaders.

·       The Committee On Ministry lifts up the work that is being accomplished to educate, support, and oversee our authorized ministers, especially citing the Community of Practice established for the MID’s as being very productive.

·       The Authorization Working Group mentioned the success of the joint event held in June at which MID’s were able to raise and discuss concerns about the process toward ordination. They welcomed three new members to the team and decided to repeat this event every other year.

·       The GEM Fund gave a grant to Jordan UCC to help with livestreaming, and they would like the conference to celebrate that it enables this ministry to reach a more inclusive audience.

·       The Generosity Team celebrates engaging 42 PNEC Ambassadors so far in an ongoing effort to engage all our churches in this program.

Four thank you letters from local organizations for donations made directly by PNEC or forwarded from our churches  have been received since the last Board meeting:

• One from the Philanthropy Officer of the Pension Board for a contribution to the Christmas Fund in the amount of $1,232.92 dated 12/8/2022.
• Two from the Director of Development at Bethany Children’s Home: one in the amount of $2320.58 dated 11/17/2022, and one in the amount of $735.41 dated 12/28/2022.
• One from the Ecumenical Associate at the Lehigh Conference of churches in the amount of $500 dated 11/30/2022.

Lehigh Conference of Churches

 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The theme for 2023 is from Isaiah 1:17, “Do good; seek justice.” Join us as some of the most respected and upcoming pastors in our area make virtual presentations throughout the week. Click Here to Check out the links to watch each participant's full video, please feel free to share the word about this wonderful week. 

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 Monte Schroeder at 9:15am Saturday, January 21, at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 3940 Mountain Road, Slatington. To register to attend, please email Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office (pattyr@pnec.org). Once you are registered, a copy of Monte’s Ordination paper will be emailed to you and if attending via zoom, you will receive the zoom information.

Monte is a member in discernment serving with Friedens United Church of Christ, Slatington.

Next Generation Leadership Initiative

Greetings and blessings in this new year, I’m writing to promote the application season for a transformative leadership initiative for younger clergy offered by the United Church of Christ Pension Boards. The Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) energizes and empowers younger UCC local church pastors to co-create vibrant congregations that change lives, engage their communities, and further God’s mission in the world.

We are currently accepting applications for our 14^th cohort.  Notice of intent to apply is February 1—so please pass this information along quickly.

The ideal candidate is:

1. 35 years of age or under by June 1, 2023*
2. Served a total of five years or less as an authorized minister in a parish*
3. Authorized for ministry in and on behalf of the UCC by an Association/Conference
4. Hold a called position of 20 hours per week or more in a parish setting
5. Committed to long-term ministry in local churches of the United Church of Christ

(*note, if a candidate meets the last three criteria, they are allowed to be a bit over in one of the first two. We will consider people up to age 40 and/or people with up to 10 years of parish ministry experience. However, if someone is over the ideal range in both of these categories, they are not eligible to apply.)

Those selected to participate in NGLI receive…

1. Six years of advanced training, education, and field trips to hone pastoral leadership skills and gifts for service to the Church,
2. Cohort of colleagues that encourages, challenges, and reflects together on the life of a local church pastor in these rapidly changing times,
3. Financial incentive—a $6,000 seed contribution to the participant’s Annuity Plan account, which should have a value of approximately $45,000 at the end of a 35-year career.

Additional information about the application process and program components can be found here. Please help the Church by getting these materials in the hands of any eligible clergy you may know-- many thanks!

Faithfully,

 The Rev. Krista L. Betz, Director, Leadership Initiatives

The Pension Boards- United Church of Christ, Inc.; 718.685.6776

15th Annual PNEC Youth Retreat

FAITH & ?????

Penn Northeast Conference Presents the15th “Annual” Youth Retreat FAITH & ??? In the gospels, Jesus is asked 187 questions. He answers (maybe) 8 of them. He himself asks 307. Maybe faith isn't about certainty, but learning to ask—and sit in the complexity of—good questions. ~Kevin Nye; writer on theology, homelessness, culture, and grace Exploring our faith through all kinds of questions FYI: This is a technology friendly event – cell phones, IPADS, tablets, etc are welcome!

WHO: All youth in grades 7th-12th are invited!

WHEN: April, 14-16, 2023 Check-in Friday 6:30-7:00/Pick up Sunday at 12:00 pm

WHERE: Spruce Lake 5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA 18325

COST: $145/per person – includes meals Saturday & Sunday

**Limited space!!! First 40 participants with paid deposit only.

One adult chaperone per church is needed. 

Click Here for detailed flyer/registration

National Fund for Sacred Places Grant Opportunity

The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000+ 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 introductory webinar on Wednesday, 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. Register Here

Health & Human Service Sunday

The CHHSM Team

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 29, 2023. 

Liturgical resources for observing Health and Human Service Sunday are now available on CHHSM's website. This year's materials were composed by the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, and include unique elements such as a Meditation for Mental Health and Beatitudes for Essential Workers.

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.

The Coalition for UCC Rural Ministries

PRESENTS

Nourishing the Seeds of Faith

(Isaiah 55:10-11)

A Virtual National Gathering of Rural/small town Churches & Ministries in the United Church of Christ

Save the dates: February 9-11, 2023

Registration to open in January 2023

Hosted by

Faith education, innovation & formation (faith info)

Justice and Local church Ministry of the UCC

For more information contact

Rev. Roberto Ochoa – ochoar@ucc.org

Click Here for Bio for Jim Bear Jacobs

2023 Stewardship & OCWM Resources

2023 Stewardship Theme Materials: “Because of You, Our Church Changes Lives” is this year's UCC stewardship theme, making the connection between donor generosity and the ministry and mission of your congregation. Materials include extensive resources for worship, sermons, and faith formation for children, youth and adults. The materials also provide practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts and letters. Guidance for every step of your campaign helps you make the best use of these robust materials. Various download options available. Click Here

OCWM Support Resources: These resources highlight work being done in the national setting that is supported by Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support. A poster and four bulletin inserts help tell the story of how OCWM Basic Support strengthens local congregations. Resources available as a download or print materials. Click Here

UCC Webinar—The Indigenous Land Back Movement

The Land Back Movement has been succinctly described as the generations long struggle to put “Indigenous lands back into Indigenous hands.” In this webinar, organizers and practitioners within the movement will place the struggle within the context of dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery and the ongoing work of reparatory justice. Speakers will include Katerina Gea from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, Angie Comeaux from Hummingbird Springs Farm, and Sarah Augustine who authored “The Land Is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery.” Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 8^th at 1 pm ET, still sign up, and we will send a link to the recording. Register now!

Hyperlink: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/6016740752484/WN_ua_nheG1T7OqyrZJSZ4cvA

SAVE FEB. 16 FOR THE BAXTER FORUM

THURSDAY, FEB. 16, 4:00-5:15pm ET on ZOOM

(Lancaster Theological Seminary)

Retelling the Origin Story: The Power and Presence of the Afro Christian Convention in the UCC.

Seeking dignity and justice in a racist context, Afro-Christian congregations in North Carolina and Virginia following the Civil War, formed independent conferences within the Christian tradition that later gave birth to the Afro-Christian Convention in 1892. The work and witness of this powerful presence is an invaluable yet largely unacknowledged part of United Church of Christ history.

Join Dr. Julia Speller, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk, Rev. Vivian Lucas, and Rev. Brenda Billips Square as they discuss the Afro-Christian Convention as the fifth stream of the UCC and learn how its legacy, in both word and deed, continues to be a major force in our collective commitment to diversity, inclusion, dignity and equity for all.

Our website Events page soon will have registration information for this free event.

Crossroads 2023 Winter and Spring courses:

Note: All Courses are in person for those who are able AND also real time on Zoom. Your choice.

Mondays, March 6 - May 1 (except April 3) from 6 to 9PM

Traveling Mercies Congregational Care with Greg Krausz and Diane Kareha

Thursdays, March 9 - May 4 (except April 6) from 6 to 9PM

Traditions - Exploring Denominations & Religions with Rev. Dr. Bill Falla

For more information, Contact Jill Peters at petersj2@moravian.edu or go on our website at  www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads

CLICK HERE for Bulletin Insert

Disaster Ministries

Friedens United Church Of Christ, 337 Main St., Oley PA 19547 (Berks County) is sponsoring a two-week Mission Rebuild Trip to Peru, August 5 through 19, 2023, to help the Fuller Center for Housing build houses. Interested people can contact Sue Henne, s.henne73@icloud.com, 601-451-3209.

To support the Mission Trip, Friedens UCC, Oley, is undertaking a shoe collection fundraising event. They are collecting shoes from now until April 30. They will accept any kind of shoe that can be worn on a person’s foot so long as it’s a pair and they are new or gently used. The goal is to collect 5000 pounds of shoes. For every pound they collect, they receive $.50 per pound. The shoes are refurbished and are sent to Third World countries. A poster is attached. Shoes can be dropped off at Friedens United Church Of Christ, 337 Main St., Oley PA 19547 at any time, including their Saturday drive-through drop off collections on January 14, February 11, March 11, and April 15 between the hours of 9 AM to 11 AM in the church parking lot.  

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PLEASE DON’T SCROLL OVER THIS ANNOUNCEMENT

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED

We have seen disaster after disaster and scientists have predicted even more is yet to come. The severity and frequency of these natural and man-made events shake the core of our communities. We need YOUR CHURCH to go the “Willing to Respond” website @ https://www.willingtorespond.org/ and sign up so the PNEC will have plenty of resources when disaster strikes. You can also reach out to the PNEC Disaster Coordinator @ revstevehummel@gmail.com if you have questions of need help signing up. Please help us be ready when disasters strike.

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HELP NEEDED: Thomas Guth, form Hazard Mitigation /Disaster Recovery Manager for Northampton County Emergency Management Services is requesting assistance with cleaning out a temporarily condemned home of a father and son (76 & 40’s respectively). The house must be cleaned out (dumpster to be paid for by county) and then electrical, plumbing, and furnace repairs are needed. Again, the County would pay for the repairs costs. If you have someone in your congregation that can help with any of the needed tasks please contact Thomas Guth at 610-746-3194 x3228 or by email at tguth@ncem-pa.org