Bonnie's Letter

Dear Friends,

We have moved into the fall, with its time changes, earlier darkness, and chills in the air. What does this season mean to you? We end October with the Halloween time for children, and I must admit many adults, then move into All Saints Day remembrances, Veterans’ Day (with thanks to all those who served), and finally into the Thanksgiving holidays, before we rapidly, it seems, move into Advent. Is there any time to breathe and de-stress?

Well, as some time management trainers are prone to say, we all have all the same hours in the day. It is how we choose to use them, how we prioritize them that shifts. Life can get away from us if we are not intentional about spending some time with the most important things: God, family, friends, nature, and perhaps even with ourselves in solitude to re-energize.

Those who know me know I am very bad about self-care, although I continually strive to do better. Work can take over. Having a pet has helped with that as I need to take the puppy out pretty regularly for bathroom breaks. I can’t just sit at the computer for hours and hours without a break. I can’t focus solely on work. I must admit that walking around in the crisp, beginning to lighten, fall mornings is a refreshment to my soul. Taking a late-night stroll refreshes me as well. What are you doing to give yourself a break this fall? How are you preparing your life and your heart, not to mention your spirit, for Advent?

Jesus proclaims, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). I believe he means it. I think we need to come to Jesus and rest, to lay down the burdens and the baggage we tug along with us, and just be. I’m not always good at it, but sometimes it is exactly what my mind, body and spirit need.

This fall I hope you take time to enjoy the fallen leaves, the crisp air, the smells of campfires and fire pits, the clear or cloudy skies. I hope you rest in the arms of Jesus. I hope you rest to renew yourself from weariness. I pray you are restored and refreshed as you live through these days. Blessings, Bonnie

The Group Exemption, Proving Your Church’s Tax-Exempt Status, and Your Church’s EIN: What Local Churches Need to Know

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Leading Worship for Lay Leaders

Saturday, December 3, 2022

9AM to Noon via zoom

FREE

Designed to help lay leaders prepare and lead worship!

The training will cover:

• Basic liturgy planning
• Using the lectionary
• Identifying hymns
• Utilizing worship resources to plan worship
• Framing questions for dialogue sermon

Click Here for Flyer & Registration Info.

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM)

Beginning January 2023:

Jews and the American Civil Rights Movement, January 11–February 15, 2023. Wednesdays, 7–8:30pm via Zoom. Instructor, Rabbi Jack Paskoff. Ideal for lay and clergy leaders.

Church History To the Reformation, Jan 10–Feb 14, 2023. Weeknights via Zoom. Instructor, the Rev. Matt Deal. Ideal for lay and clergy leaders.

Information and Registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/ 

Blue Christmas Service

December 18 – 2PM – Blue Christmas – St. John’s (Mickleys), Whitehall – in person only

December 18 – 3PM – Blue Christmas (4 locations and zoom) - TBA

Join us for the Women's Clergy Retreat!

This retreat will be centered around YOUR NEEDS; so you will be able to choose what activities are beneficial for your well-being and the refreshing of your spirit. There will be opportunities for worship, discussion, engaging in spiritual practices, and more - all centered on the theme of unprogramming ourselves and unplugging from the demands of our day-to-day life. Massages will be available for an additional fee. 

The retreat will take place at Mariawald Retreat Center, 1094 Welsh Road in Reading, PA. Modest linens/towels and simple meals are provided - you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to share! Rooms are double occupancy and cost $130 - space is limited! First floor rooms available on request, and be sure to include the name of a roommate if you have a preference. Full vaccination and a negative home covid test required up to 48 hours before the retreat. 

Please contact Kim Berenotto with any questions: kimberlyberenotto@gmail.com

Lehigh Conference of Churches

Give thanks by giving back.

We are seeking food donations so we can serve Thanksgiving dinner to families and individuals in need.

All Donations must be received by Friday, November 18th 

(Please see list below)

Need additional information?

Contact Chris Moran cmoran@lehighchurches.org or 610-439-8653 ext. 6113

Back Bay Mission 100 Year Capital Campaign Kickoff Video

Click On The Title Above for the Kick-Off Video on YouTube. For volunteer opportunities, please go to Back Bay Mission and click on Volunteer and go to Mission Trips and check out the calendar for 2023. The calendar for 2024 will be available Jan. 1 at 1:00am. Dates go quickly. You can also email: volunteercoordinator@thebackbaymission.org.

Back Bay Mission Trip on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary Celebration Week, April 30-May 6, sponsored by Jordan UCC, Allentown. The officers of the United Church of Christ, and many others from across the denomination, will be present for this historic week. The cost is $250. per person, not including transportation to and from Biloxi, and meals. Folks with differing skill levels welcome! 3 spaces remain, and will hold a planning meeting Sunday, November 20, about Noon, at Jordan UCC 1837 Church Road, Allentown, but a Zoom connection is available. Please call 610-395-2218 or email srpastor@jordanucc.org for more information. 

PA Interfaith Power & Light Annual Conference

Invitation and Initiatives

Interfaith Power and Light - Would you be interested in attending our conference this year? The theme will be "environmental justice" and the event will be live and in-person. There will be two workshops, each in four regions of PA: Philadelphia (Southeastern PA), Scranton (Northeastern PA), Lancaster (Central PA), and Pittsburgh (Western PA). The conference will take place on Sunday, November 13 from 1:00pm-4:15pm.

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Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week  

Join us November 12 - 20 for a week of educational, hands-on, and advocacy events drawing attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness in the Lehigh Valley.

Visit Our Website

Mindfulness and Meditation Gatherings by Zoom

With Rev. Kris P. Snyder (from Union, Neffs)

Thursdays 12noon to 1pm -- November 17, December 1

By zoom only – use the link below.

We will gather for an hour of practice using practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model, Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, Centering Prayer, and a little Qigong and movement.

No experience necessary, lots of experience welcome too.  Sign up here if you are interested and available for some or all of these dates: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E4CA8A823A7FA7-pnec1

Or just show up using the zoom link.  Blessings, Kris pastorkris@unionucc.org

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81188127483?pwd=TzdmTFpIaXVtMjRQSHY1K1hOdkV2dz09

Meeting ID: 811 8812 7483; Passcode: 348630

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Chicago)

+16468769923,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (New York)

You are also welcome to practice by zoom with the group from Union UCC on Tuesdays 7-8pm November 15.  We’re hosting an in person meditation retreat on Saturday, December 10^th from 9am-11am.  Contact Kris for the detailed information or follow the church’s Facebook page. 

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, January 9 - February 27 from 6 to 9PM

Ministry Journeys of the New Testament with Rev. Dr. Joanne Marchetto

Thursdays, January 5 - February 23 from 6 to 9PM

Mapping the Route - Conversations in Theology with Rev. Dr. Bill Falla

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

DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened November 1, 2022. LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $500 to $1,500 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid and you can apply online at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx

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The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund helps homeowners cope with financial hardship caused by the pandemic. A homeowner is eligible for up to $30,000 or 24 months, whichever is less. Household income must be no more than 150 percent of area median income; however, priority is given to homeowners who are at 100 percent of AMI or lower and meet the definition of socially disadvantaged. This requirement is part of the guidance from U.S. Treasury. Applications can be submitted online through www.PAHAF.org or call  888-987-2423

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Let’s Reach the Finish Line! Rebuilding continues following Tropical Storm Isaias in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia. Volunteers and Contractors needed!

Philadelphia, PA – Since Tropical Storm Isaias brought devastating flooding to the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia in August 2020, the Eastwick Unmet Needs Roundtable identified 50 families who needed help with rebuilding of homes and replacement of heating and cooling systems.

The Eastwick Unmet Needs Roundtable is a partnership of community organizations like Eastwick United CDC, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition, as well as disaster recovery non-profits like The Salvation Army, UCC Disaster Ministries, Lutheran Disaster Response, The Elevated Studio, The Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. Government partners include Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management.

Volunteers have contributed 4,000 hours to date. Contractors have installed 26 air handlers and 6 hot water heaters as well as repaired electric and plumbing in several homes.

Help us complete the remaining 15 cases by the end of the calendar year. Volunteers, skilled in general construction/carpentry, as well as those willing to learn, are needed. We also are looking for licensed and insured contractors. Full funding is available for all materials and contractor labor.

Opportunities:

·         Volunteer on Saturday November 12, 2022!

·         Indicate your interest in volunteering on other days that become available. 

·         Insured and Licensed Contractors: Please contact us for opportunities related to general construction.

Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Sharon Sgriccia  isaiasrecoveryvolunteers@gmail.com

 Long term recovery from disasters takes many years and is a very slow and difficult process for survivors. We hold in our hearts those just beginning to recover from Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Please consider this opportunity closer to home as a way of standing in solidarity with all disaster survivors in all places.

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**You can find more information & updates at UCC Disaster Ministries: www.ucc.org/disaster