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

PNEC Friends,



The PNEC Sabbatical Conference Minister position is coming to an end. We know how quickly 3 months can fly by and it has flown. I thought I would use this last Conference Minister’s page by sharing some of my Sabbatical Conference Minister experiences.

First, I have felt both humbled and honored. PNEC has supported me from the time I was a Christian Educator, a Commissioned Minister, and through the Call into ordained ministry and beyond. I have met so many saints who served, touched lives, and represented God with joy, laughter, dignity, grace, and peace. I have seen churches grow and thrive and I have also attended last services as a church closed.

During our three months together, there have been many discussions on what the future looks like for ‘Church.’ I am convinced Church will go forward but it will look different than any of us can quite envision. “God is doing a new thing in our midst, and we don’t quite know what to do about it!” 

Your three-month PNEC SCM has participated in many aspects of conference life. I was invited to church anniversaries, pastors’ anniversaries, Celebration of Life services and congregational meetings.  I read, edited, and validated pastoral and church profiles. You included me in talks of mergers, closings, and possibly a new start up congregation. I loved coming into our churches to meet people and lead worship. I have been part of conversations that led to a church becoming ONA and we welcome a Global Ministry Missionary.  And meetings? We sure do have meetings - in person, Zoom, sitting at a desk, driving in a car. Meetings and meeting places have surely evolved! Meetings seem to be shortening in length (thank goodness) but continue to be necessary. We discussed how the olden days were not returning but if we are faithful and trust in our God, the future can be awesome.  

It was a wonderful experience meeting monthly with judicatory leaders from the Presbyterian, ELCA, Moravian and Episcopal churches. The talk was always supportive, and I never sensed competition; simply ways to work together to help our churches. I also was part of the Conference Minister’s Team for the Keystone Project. The four PA Conference Ministers met and then led discussions, explored, on how we might work together for a better future. This is a much needed and important dialogue.  

Those of you who are serving on PNEC committees, teams, task forces or on the board - Thank you! We need you and appreciate your ministry in our midst. Your voice needs to be heard! 

PNEC is blessed to have The Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates as our leader. Her workload is big, and her staff is few.  Yet she keeps everything moving ahead with a smile on her face and love to share from her heart. Then there are Patty and Barbara – 80+ years of PNEC experience between them. Always friendly, helpful, and wanting to please the person at the end of the phone. Rev. Martin Nuscher, our Treasurer, is also in the PNEC offices weekly to do our financial thing, without financial compensation. He is one of the many, many servants who are committed to serve Jesus Christ at PNEC.

I appreciate the ministry and understand the need for our UCC Conferences. But I am a pastor who best serves in the local church. I understand that calling now more than ever before. It is in the local churches where we can share the Christian story and help change the lives. When churches work together with the PNEC and larger church we can do great things locally, nationally, and globally.   

If you are a lay person giving of your time and talents in your local church – thank you.   If you are a pastor questioning and praying about what is now and what is to come next… we are praying along with you.    And Bonnie, dear one, welcome back!

See you around!

Becky

Rev. Dr. Becky Beckwith, PNEC Sabbatical Conference Minister 

ATTENTION PASTORS:  Who in your congregation would benefit from receiving a copy of “This Week In PNEC?”   Please let us know… We will sign them up!   

• Rev. Dr. Becky J. Beckwith

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 Gary Barraco at 9:30am Saturday, April 15, at New Creation United Church of Christ, 3730 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA. You may also participate via Zoom. To register to attend, please email Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office (pattyr@pnec.org) and let her know if you will be attending in person or via zoom.. Once you are registered a copy of Gary’s Ordination will be emailed to you. Gary is an Associate Chaplain at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem.

Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows set for Maundy Thursday

 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, April 6, 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. Click here to register.

Here is the link for registration to the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows.   

 https://reaffirmation.eventbrite.com

Call to the 2023 Spring Meeting of PNEC

 Saturday, April 29, 2023

In Person or Virtual

St. Thomas United Church of Christ, 902 East Macada Road, Bethlehem, PA

Theme

 Health, Renewal, Restoration

 Scripture

          “…be transformed from the inside out by renewing

             your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern

                what God wills and whatever God finds good,

                    pleasing, and complete.”  Romans 12:1-2

 Keynoter:

     Rev. Cindy Garis August; Senior Pastor at Colonial Park UCC, Harrisburg

Click Here for Registration Form OR

register online with Tithe.ly at: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/6786464

Resources Toward Congregational Safety, Awareness & Harm Prevention

available through the UCC Insurance Board

During the weeks following Easter, “Thursdays for the Soul” will host a 3-session webinar series on church safety precautions in seasons of targeted unrest. The goal is always: Prayer & Prepare. Click the link below for Information on Protecting Your Church: Considerations in the Wake of Civil Unrest

https://www.insuranceboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Protecting-Your-Church-During-Civil-Unrest.pdf

There are also other safety resources on the Insurance Board site.  https://www.insuranceboard.org/

The Real Estate Workshop You Have Been Waiting For

Lehigh Conference of Churches

The time to make a difference is NOW...Do you have underutilized buildings or undeveloped land? Interested in responding to our community’s affordable housing crisis?

Please make time to join us March 30^th at 6pm 

Across religious traditions, there’s a shared interfaith commitment to loving God and caring for our neighbors. As we remember that our neighbors, especially those in need, bear the image of God, we ask ourselves: how can we contribute to the regional tapestry being woven together to offer housing and support to those facing poverty and homelessness? 

Some of our congregations may have underutilized buildings that could undergo adaptive reuse projects for housing. Others may have undeveloped land on which affordable housing could be built. Still others may have members ready to join local and state advocacy or volunteer alongside nonprofit partners providing support services. There is a role for all of us to play!

With all of this in mind, we’re convening the first interfaith gathering of Lehigh Valley congregations who want to explore how faith-based community organizing can help us build a regional housing coalition. And you’re invited! We’ll meet on Thursday, March 30 at the Lehigh Conference of Churches, 457 W. Allen Street Allentown PA 18102. Food and drink will be provided.

click here to RSVP

UCC Webinars and Upcoming Events

Wednesday, April 5 - Our Whole Lives

Wednesday, April 5 - Create Playspace with the President

Wednesday, April 12 - Create Playspace with the President

Wednesday, April 12 - Environmental Ministries

Wednesday, April 12 - Wednesdays with the World

Click Here for detailed flyer and how to register.

Rev. Freeman Palmer Was Installed as Conference Minister of the Central Atlantic Conference UCC

Some traveled to Baltimore this past weekend to celebrate and support our colleague and friend, Freeman, as he was installed as Conference Minister in the Central Atlantic Conference. And I know others of us joined remotely. What a blessed gathering!

Important message for churches: Employee Retention Credit

 (Sharing from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Article)

In recent weeks, the Employee Retention Credit, a program implemented by the CARES Act of 2020 and revised by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, has been given renewed attention. In particular, service providers have popped up promising to help churches and other companies apply for the ERC and receive money from the federal government, in exchange for a percentage of what the church is entitled to. Some of these consultants are reaching out to churches directly and aggressively. 

Church settings must tread carefully here as some of these providers are inexperienced, unqualified, and may even be fraudulent. The requirements to qualify for ERC are specific, and making false or misleading representations under the penalty of perjury on an application for ERC funds may result in investigation and prosecution.

Churches who are interested in this, must talk to a local CPA, not a company created for the Empoloyee Retention Credit. Many are faudulent and take a large part of the refund as their payment. Then the company will close or disappear before the IRS realizes that the church has fraudulantly received the funds.

Churches should consult with a qualified accountant to review eligibility criteria for ERC. Some church settings may legitimately qualify. This credit is only for Social Security and Medicare taxes paid, so churches without large lay staffs have very little refund opportunity.

Here is one really good article from a noted accounting firm that provides services to churches and other religious organizations. Here is the same firm’s warning about the pop-up industry of ERC service providers.

UCC Webinar—Getting Ready for Earth Sunday: Resources for Congregations

Many churches celebrate God's creation on the Sunday closest to Earth Day (April 22nd). To support congregations in making the most of this occasion, Creation Justice Ministries has created a resource that brings the lens of justice to food, the most immediate and tangible way that we connect with the natural world around us. In this webinar, Karyn Bigelow will introduce the resource and talk about specific ways churches can deliver a powerful message and experience on Earth Sunday. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on April 12^th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

[Hyperlink: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/6316782905975/WN_Mo-sUtIXR0u17Yl1hY1FPQ]

ALSO...

Join the First Ever UCC Earth Day Summit!

This online event will take place on Saturday, April 22nd at 11 am ET. The theme is “What’s Possible?: Earth Day Stories of Hope.” This two and a half hour summit will feature a keynote from the Rev. Jim Antal, a panel of inspiring speakers, the presentation of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award, and a video showcasing the uplifting story of Mayflower UCC in Minneapolis. Even if you cannot make the event at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

[Hyperlink: https://UCC.zoom.us/webinar/register/2016629471927/WN_cynbWmViR8ui7WLu_zgkDQ

ROBERT K. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL LECTURE SERIES ON CHRISTIAN UNITY FEATURING SISTER JOAN CHITTISTER

April 20 from 6:30 to 9PM (doors open at 6:30PM - Lecture at 7PM)

University Center at DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley

Join us for The Lehigh Conference of Churches’ Robert K. Campbell Memorial Lecture Thursday, April 20, featuring Sister Joan Chittister.

Joan Chittister is one of our most influential religious and social leaders. For over 50 years she has passionately advocated for peace, human rights, women’s issues, and monastic and church renewal. A much sought-after international speaker, she is also a best-selling author of more than 60 books, hundreds of articles, and an online column for the National Catholic Reporter. She has served as president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and president of the Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses. For 12 years, she was prioress of her community, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Pennsylvania. Sister Joan is the executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality, and animator of the online movement, Monasteries of the Heart. She holds a doctorate in communications from Penn State University.

On Thursday evening, April 20th, at 7:00 p.m., at DeSales University, we invite interested individuals to join Sister Joan’s lecture

Register for Campbell Lecture, Register Today

LAY LEADERS CONVOCATION

Who: For elders, deacons, church council members, and other leaders

What: A full day of worship, address, workshops, and fellowship

When: Saturday, April 15, 2023, 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

Where: Trinity and Zion U.C.C., Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Cost: $40 per person ($20 for persons coming for part of the program not eating lunch)

The event will include: Worship and Keynote address on Empowering Lay Leadership Workshops on some of the following topics: Being effective as a post-Covid Church Reviving the Sunday school Stewardship of Financial Resources Becoming Spiritual Leaders Becoming an Environmentally Friendly Church Church Meetings that get out on time How does the U.C.C. work Music ministry when the choir is shrinking Worshiping when there is no pastor. Registration information click here. Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team of Penn SE Conference, U.C.C. Click here for a flyer with more info.

This event will be held at

Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown.

Breakfast and lunch are included with the cost of your ticket.

To register you can email Barbara Jennings at barbaraj@pnec.org and send your check for $35 made payable to PNEC to the Conference Office (PNEC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071)

OR

you can register and pay through tithe.ly at https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/6681834

Keynote; “Repenting of the unforgivable” Through the medium of storytelling, Rev JimBear Jacobs will share how the legacy of Indigenous residential boarding schools has left a stain upon the church. The sin of complicity in the boarding school has for far too long been ignored or rationalized away. It is time to face this sin head on and enter into a season of lament that can hopefully lead to repair. Workshop: “Beyond lament; Movement towards repair” In this workshop Rev. JimBear Jacobs will explore some tangible and challenging steps that churches might wrestle with as they consider reparations for the traumatic legacy of the boarding school system

Click Here for Bio for Jim Bear Jacobs

Chaplain in the Park Opportunity

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. Duties include the worship service as well as visiting campsites to lend a listening ear and invite campers to worship.

Wonderful ministry comes out of this ministry! 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 her at 717 619-8337.

Disaster Ministries

The Pension Boards joins with United Church of Christ leaders in prayer for communities in mourning for the 50,000 people killed in the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria in February. The UCC has issued an appeal to assist those affected in the region. Please support this response with your gifts and designate International Emergency on this donation page

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March ReadyPA Monthly available online now

This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on flooding and flood plans. Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared.