Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Letter from Bonnie
Dear Friends,
Our 33rd General Synod has ended. This Special Edition Virtual Synod was challenging and inspiring, exhausting and energizing. There was a lot to learn and a lot to celebrate. And – I am glad it is over now so we can move forward with our learning, discussing, and sharing what we have learned and experienced. The three worship services were led by Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Rev. Michelle Higgins, and Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson. The worship was innovative and inclusive in styles of preaching, music, and prayers.
Keynote speakers Valerie Kuhr, Rev. Adam Russell Taylor, and Dr. Joy DeGruy invited us to look at building inclusive relationships for the beloved community, moving away from toxic relationships, toward non-violent resistance. Plenary conversations approved the budget, some changes to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws, and the election of a new Moderator (Robert Sandman) and Assistant Moderator (Rev. A. Rushan Sinnaduray) for General Synod 34 in Indianapolis.
The PNEC delegates will be putting together a digital document which will include information about the General Synod Resolutions, the educational intensives and some discussion and implementation resources for use in the conference and in our congregations. Watch for this to come out in late August. There will be a report at the Fall Conference Meeting on November 6, but we will have some information available to you before that time. I encourage you to read as much as you can about how General Synod went and some of the decisions made.
You may or may not know that the General Synod 33 theme was from Psalm 1:3a “they are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield its fruit in their season.” One of the pieces of music shared was a new hymn written by Amy Sens, entitled “Rooted and Grounded in Love.” The refrain of the hymn is:
“Though the storm may howl and the wind may roar,
Your love enfolds us evermore.
Like a tree that’s planted by the water,
We’re grounded and rooted in your love.”
Somehow in these continuing tumultuous times, being rooted and grounded in God’s love seems particularly important. Focusing on our connections to God, to one another, to earth on which we live are all keys to feeling secure in the ever-changing days. May you find blessing in these lyrics and this concept of our ever-present God.
Blessings, Bonnie
PS - So many of you have been holding my husband Steve in your prayers. I wanted you all to know that he is much stronger, walking better and his left arm fracture is healed, and he has most of the mobility back. Thank you for your prayers.
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10 Week Book Study on the Book Trauma Sensitive Theology
by Jennifer Baldwin - sponsored by the PNEC Mental Health Ministry Team
Join us for a book study and discussion beginning on August 25 from 7 to 8PM via Zoom.
This is open to all, not just pastors!
COST - donation to the Conference Minister's Discretionary Fund
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Racial Justice Film Series Conversations
Engaging Antiracism: A Six-Session Faith and Film Study (to be held on Tuesdays from 6:30-8PM
August 24, 2021 - Introduction
September 28, 2021 - 12 Years a Slave discussion
October 26, 2021 - If Beale Street Could Talk
November 16, 2021 - Selma
January 25, 2022 - Do The Right Thing
February 22, 2022 - The Hate U Give
The five movies are to be viewed whenever you are able and discussed monthly. CLICK HERE for detailed flyer and registration - DEADLINE TO REGISTER is AUGUST 14
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Vital Conversations
Every fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM, we are inviting interested clergy and lay leaders to attend a Zoom conversation where they can talk through situations with other leaders, learn, and brainstorm together.
As the light at the end of the COVID tunnel grows brighter, our churches and our people are excited to “get back” to some sense of normal ministry. However, our excitement is not without some apprehension: “How do we regain the momentum that was halted by closures? How do we decide what to restart and what to leave ended? How do we re-ignite the congregation’s passion for worship and service?” The Congregational Vitality Team wants to provide an on-going space for asking and discussing these questions as our churches navigate this exciting season of new beginnings.
Discussion Topics
- July 26th at 7 PM - Insights from General Synod and Workshops
- August 23rd at 7 PM - Sunday School (will include representatives from the Spiritual Development Team)
Meeting ID: 817 9668 4439
Passcode: 292474
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Friends of the Conference Update
Greetings Friends!
First let me say thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Friends of the Conference! So many of you have shared stories of how your congregation moved from feelings of scarcity to generosity, and many of you have contributed financially! Thank you! We are officially 1/5th of the way to our ambitious goal for 2021 with slightly more than $6,000! Wow! That is amazing and should be applauded! With the more than 33,000 individuals that make up the Penn Northeast Conference, we made our goal $30,000 meaning each individual would only need to donate $1 for us to reach and surpass our goal! Whether you have donated before or this is your first time, I invite you to make a donation to the Friends of the Conference, so that the conference can keep doing all the amazing things they do! You can donate using our tithe.ly at https://pnec.org/tithe-ly-on-line-giving/ and designating your gift to Friends of PNEC or mail in a check payable to the Penn Northeast Conference. We are well on our way to reaching our goal, and every gift, even a dollar, makes a difference! -Rev. Becky Sausser
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SHOW UCC PRIDE
Once again, PNEC will have a booth at Lehigh Valley Pride on August 15th from Noon to 6pm - Jewish Community Center, Allentown. All congregations and friends are welcome to help staff the booth so we can all enjoy the day and still show our extravagant welcome to the LGBTQIA+ community. Contact Gary Barraco at 732-241-6635.
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Invitation for clergy to participate Sunday, August 15 @ 10:30am
Greetings colleagues, Hope this finds you well in the midst of the summer season.
You are warmly invited to participate in-person at the Bethlehem Interfaith Group's Pre-Pride Interfaith Service on Sunday, August 15 @ 10:30am at the Jewish Community Center which is located at 702 North 22nd Street in Allentown, PA (18104). Rev. Brandan Robertson is preaching (you can learn more about Brandan here: https://www.brandanrobertson.com/). The service will be followed by the Pride Festival from Noon-6pm on the grounds of the JCC.
We hope to assign a speaking part to every participant, but depending on the number of clergy present, there may not be enough speaking parts for everyone. However, all clergy will be asked to serve as Blessers during the Pre-Pride Interfaith Service: there will be a portion of the service set aside for clergy to bless individuals, couples and families who want a blessing. You may use whatever wordage that is consistent with your faith tradition for the blessing. Also, feel free to forward this email to your colleagues.
To participate, the following is needed: Send an email to revbethgoudy@mcclv.info confirming that you will be present on Sunday, August 15 @ 10:30am. In the email list your name, your clergy title and your faith community affiliation exactly as you would like it publicly shared. You'll be kept informed about the details of the service. Lastly, all clergy participants are asked to stay after the service is completed so a few photos can be taken.
Thank you for considering being a part of the Pre-Pride Interfaith Service - I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Blessings, peace, good health,
Goudy (thanks for using my last name, rhymes with "howdy")
Elder, Metropolitan Community Churches; President, Bethlehem Interfaith Group;
Pastor, Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley
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Strength in Communities
2021 Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit
A toolkit that highlights alternative mental health supports created by BIPOC QTBIPOC communities of color, for BIPOC and QTBIPOC communities of color. Click Here to read more...
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Crossroads Courses this Fall
Crossroads is pleased to offer the following courses this Fall. All courses are offered in person at Moravian Theological Seminary and online, real time through Zoom. Registration and more information is available at www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads. Contact Dr. Jill Peters at petersj2@moravian.edu with any questions.
Traditions
a look at world religions and other Protestant denominations
with the Rev. Dr. Bill Falla on Mondays from 6-9 pm, Sept 13-Nov 1, 2021
Creative Worship
with Rev. Maggie Wellert
explores what is worship and how we can bring new life to our worship experiences
Thursday 6-9 pm, Sept 9 - Oct 28, 2021
Unpacking the Scriptures - Discipleship
with Pam Weiss who leads the discipleship program at First Pres Allentown
gives us practical and creative ways to bring people together to explore their faith.
This is our Late Fall Course which meets twice a week (Mon and Thurs) from 11/4 until 12/2/2021
Looking ahead:
Missional Leadership, Mondays 1/3 - 2/21/2022 Dr. Jill Peters
Road Hazards (Congregational Ethics), Thurs 1/6 - 2/24/2022 Rev. Derek French & Dr. Jill Peters
Story of Christianity, Mondays 3/7 - 5/2/2022 (Except Holy Week 4/11) Rev. Dr. Bill Falla
My Journey (Formative Spirituality) Thursdays 3/10 - 5/5/2022 (Except Holy Week 4/14) Rev.
Maggie Wellert
Dr. Jill Peters, Missional Leadership Developer, Moravian Theological Seminary
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2021 Stewardship Theme Materials
Coordinated stewardship materials for your congregation's annual stewardship efforts. The “Rooted in Love” theme draws inspiration from Psalm 1: “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season."
Resources include:
- Directions and suggestions for an effective campaign
- Social media and email directions
- Letters and newsletter articles (ready for editing)
- OCWM Basic Support Coloring Pages
- Theme artwork (formats: PDF | EPS | JPG | PNG), including for social media.
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New Inclusive Justice Training & Resources
from Kimi Floyd Reisch
It was my honor to serve you as the Program Minister for the Open and Affirming Coalition. My last day in that position was July 2nd, and I have launched my own nonprofit centered on helping churches live into their commitments to be radically inclusive. While this will include SGL and Gender-Expansive people, it will also center anti-racism, mental wellness, and body justice. This will happen in four primary ways
You can read more about all of it on our webpage. The organization is called Real Talk: Resilient, Inclusive, Compassionate communities, or RIC Real Talk with the RIC being the three commitments central to this work. You can find us on the web (https://www.ricrealtalk.com/) or on social media like Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MinisterKimiFloyd)
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UCCMA Conference 2021 Reprise Available thru August 10
Conference 2021 is now in the books, but you can still enjoy all of the workshops, worship services, Q&As, the biennial meeting, shopping at the vendor booths, touring the historic sites of Glastonbury, CT and going on a bird walk. Everything will be available on the event website through Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
https://uccma.wildapricot.org/Conference-2021
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CONFLICT TRAINING DATES ANNOUNCED
This training is particularly effective for leadership councils, Sessions, Vestries and curated congregational groups. This 1.5 day online workshop will walk your group through how to become skilled in conflict transformation. You will learn skills that will reshape your interactions with present and future congregational conflict and equip you for managing conflict in your work and personal life.
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SAVE THE DATE
October 19, 2021 -- 9AM to 3PM
Ministry Day - Jordan UCC, Allentown
and via Zoom - watch for details
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Alzheimer's Association - Greater Pennsylvania Chapter
Take a minute to view a sampling of our chapter’s July education offerings. Click Here...
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Still wiping out medical debt
Click Here to read full article...plus other interesting articles.
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Clergy Clinic in
Family Emotional Process
A Leadership Training Program
sponsored by Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, Lombard, Illinois
October 25-27, 2021
February 14-16, 2022
May 2-4, 2022
OR
November 8-10, 2021
Marcy 7-9, 2022
May 23-25, 2022
This Clergy Clinic is designed to enhance the ability of participants to function as self-differentiated leaders within their own ministry setting. It will provide a safe forum for processing challenging situations in one's ministry, while also facilitating reflection on a way of thinking about the human condition which has implications for all aspects of life. Click Here for a detailed flyer and registration form. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope, Healing and Recovery Across the Family System
Thursday, August 26, Treatment Trends is hosting a full-day, in-person conference entitled “Hope, Healing and Recovery across the Family System”. It will be held at Homewood Suites in Center Valley. Click Here for flyer which has the link to register for this event. More details will be posted to www.treatmenttrends.org before the conference.
The conference is for both professionals as well as adult family members who’ve been impacted by a loved one’s addiction are invited to attend the conference. Seating is limited!
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Advanced Boundary Training
August 19, 2021 - 1:00 to 4:00PM
Faithfully Fulfilling Covenant Beyond the Local Church
Sponsored by Pennsylvania Southeast Conference - $20 -online
Facilitator: Rev. William Worley
Boundaries are not just behaviors lines that we don't cross, they also mark areas included in our practice of ministry. In this boundary training workshop, we look at what it means to minister in a system that prizes autonomy with expectations like “actively participates in the Covenantal Life and Work of all Settings of the United Church of Christ.” This, with other sections of “COVENANT WITH THE UCC TO” from UCC Ordained Ministerial Code, invite us into conversation about what it means to be the wider church and how that impacts the role and function of the local church pastor. Click Here to register
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ProJeCt Easton
Attached is the July Wishlist for ProJeCt of Easton which includes items that are most needed by our Food Pantry and Literacy Programs. Thank you for your continued support.
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Vaccine Resources: Faith & Community Leaders
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Surfside Building Collapse Situation Report
Here is vetted information on the UCC response to the building collapse in Miami from the national setting -
If we have churches and individuals who want to support the UCC response to the building collapse in Miami, the UCC is working with the Miami long-term recovery committee (FRIEND) in serving those who have been affected by the collapse. The UCC is seeking funds so we can make grants to support this effort.
Or - You may make a gift by mailing a check made payable to the United Church of Christ, to 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115. Please be sure to note Emergency USA - Miami Response on your check in the memo section and/or in an attached letter.
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