Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Letter from Bonnie
Galatians 3:26-29 “…for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.”
Friends,
I hope you were able to be with us at our Spring Conference Meeting on April 17. If you were, you saw us live out this scripture in word, worship, and workshop. I am grateful to the Racial Justice Ministry Team, the Conference Meeting Planning Team, the Conference Staff, and our Technology Gurus (Jim and Joanne Marchetto and Doug Lander), and the Good Shepherd congregation for all their support. Also, I want to thank all those who participated in the worship service. The service was truly inspiring.
But more important than any of those things or people, I am proud of the Conference as a whole. We engaged tough topics at this meeting: white supremacy in the church, access for people with disabilities, mental health and spirituality, exploring becoming open and affirming. People participated actively in workshops, the keynote address, and the business portions of the meeting.
I am pleased that we, across our theological, racial, political, and experiential differences have been able to come together as a conference, as faith communities focused on what draws us together, rather than what divides us. As the United Church of Christ was formed, one of our precepts was “In essentials unity, in non-essentials diversity, in all things charity.” This was lived out beautifully as we gathered for our Conference meeting.
For all the joy the Spring Conference Meeting gave me, I was also saddened. Attendance was down. Usually, our attendance is around 150-160 and we have about 75 – 80 churches represented. This spring we had about 130 participants and 61 churches represented. Those lower numbers concern me. I am, hoping it was the timing, although it was the second Saturday after Easter as usual. Or maybe with many of our congregations still meeting virtually, visitors were not as prevalent this spring. Yet, I remain concerned and a little sad.
For me, this Galatians passage speaks about inclusion, and it is hard to celebrate a meeting when more than ½ of our congregations choose not to be included. With each congregation able to be represented by at least 2 delegates and a pastor that means more than 350 people could have been present. As you reflect on the meeting, if you attended, or reflect on why you did not attend, please know you are a beloved member of this Conference. We rejoiced if you were with us and we missed you if you were not. We, as a Conference, are one community in the Body of Christ, each important and beloved. Please remember that.
Blessings, Bonnie
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Ecclesiastical Council (interview for Ordination) for Laura Oesterle
Sunday, May 16, 2021
1:00PM ish via Zoom
If you would like to attend and show your support for Laura, please email Patty Rehrig at the Conference Office - pattyr@pnec.org - and you will be provided with the zoom link and a copy of her ordination paper if attending. |
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Last Chance to Register...
YOU ARE INVITED TO A PNEC EVENT!
CVT CONVERSATIONS
(CVT = Congregational Vitality Committee)
Sunday, May 2nd
2:00 PM-3:30PM on Zoom.
It’s been a challenging year. Let’s talk.
Join the group wishing to move forward and learn by looking back:
Questions we would like to ask and answer:
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What have we lost over the past year that we must take the time to grieve?
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What have we had to let go of that is better off gone?
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What new things have we tried, learned, found helpful?
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What have we gained that is worth keeping as we move into a new “normal”?
Every voice is a heard voice at this event! Come for inquisitive inquiry and/or to share your experiences.
We want to listen. Clergy and Laity welcome. See you there!
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Don't Forget about this one...
Adult Mental Health First Aid Course
May 8 and 15, 2021
9AM to Noon - via Zoom
Led by: Rev. Dr. Emily B. Hall, D. Min, BCCi
Registration Required
Click Here for detailed flyer and registration information.
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Prayer Ministry Team Now Forming
here is still time to join the new Prayer Ministry Team forming. We are setting our first meeting. We hope to become a source of refuge and strength to our pastors and churches. Are first meeting is going to be by Zoom. If you are interested, please contact RevTeresaMartin@outlook.com.
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Justice Update: Monday, April 26
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The Infrastructure Revolution: Financial Support for Sustainability Projects
May 16, 2021 Noon to 1PM on Zoom
Changing Hearts & Minds: Interfaith & International Advocacy for the Planet
May 23, 2021 noon to 1PM on Zoom
to register for these Sunday sessions on Zoom which will take place at 12:00 p.m. Register no later than the Friday before each presentation. Questions? Call 610-866-5661
This program has been planned by members of the Central Moravian Church, The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, and the Universal Unitarian Church of Bethlehem and funded by the Elizabeth Johnston Prime Fund of the Central Moravian Church.
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Pastoring Challenging Parishioners:
A Relational & Mental Health Perspective
June 22 OR June 23, 2021
(each workshop has a limit of 20 pastors)
Counts for Advanced Boundary Training
6 to 8:30PM
Cost: $10/person
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"Systemic Racism: Disasters Expose It-How Do We Address It?"
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is hosting a webinar titled “ Systemic Racism: Disasters Expose It – How Do We Address It?” on Thursday, May 13 at 2 pm ET to look at how COVID-19 and other disasters make the presence of systemic racism more obvious. Speakers will share practical tips to increase funding for equity and anti-racism work, as well as supporting BIPOC organizations responding to crises in their communities. This webinar is part of Equity in Disasters , a series of blog posts, webinars and other resources highlighting systemic racial and intersectional equity issues linked with communities’ abilities to recover from and withstand future disasters. Please register . |
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Veterans' Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention
Lebanon VAMC Clergy Virtual Training Event
May 11, 2021 from 9AM to 11:30AM
Veterans are at higher risk for suicide than the average population. Moral Injuries can have an underlying effect upon the Veteran, as the Veteran feels overwhelmed with shame and guilt. Faith community leaders are encouraged to join us for this virtual training event to learn more about how to help Veterans who may be contemplating Suicide and/or suffering from moral injury.
Guest Speakers include: Chief of Chaplains, Dean Luther; Suicide Prevention Coordinator, John Lucas
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Wednesdays In The Word
Identity Crisis - I AM
Each Wednesday - (May 19, 2021 – July 7, 2021) - 1:00-1:30; 7:00-7:30 Weekly
On-Line with the Women of Dille Parish, LeRaysville
Dille Parish, 903 Main Street LeRaysville, PA, US 18829; (570) 744-1637
To remind us of what Jesus said about Himself, what prompted it, and how understanding this might be a blessing to us today.
1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
7:00 pm to 7:30 pm
1:00 p.m. audio only
Phone: 872-240-8956
Meeting ID: 816160944#
7 p.m. audio only
Phone: 872-240-8956
Meeting ID: 158043143#
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The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Seminary
Is your congregation considering a part-time pastor? Are you considering a career in ministry alongside a secular job? This class is appropriate for lay leaders and clergy alike. We will explore what it means to be bivocational in ministry. We will study the example of Paul as tentmaker and discuss challenges facing the church today. Students taking this class for CEUs will develop a covenant of expectations between congregation and pastor for successful ministry in a changing world.
Also upcoming:
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Trouble the Water
Racial Justice & Reconciliation
May 22 from 9-3 on Zoom
an event through NEPA Synod ELCA that will be about racial justice and reconciliation. It will be a day of worship and workshops helping congregation leaders and members better understand the effects of racism within our churches and how we can help in the reconciliation process.
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Racialized Violence, Trauma, & Memory - May 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm -
Centering our Children 100 Years After the Tulsa Race Massacre. Join the Children’s Defense Fund’s President and CEO, the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, for an address and conversation. Sponsored by the Black Church Traditions and African American Faith-Life at Phillips Theological Seminary. Virtual Event 7:00 pm CDST – YouTube - bit.ly/PhillipsYouTube
Please let us know if you'll be at our online event.
LOCATION
Online at: bit.ly//PhillipsYouTube
DATE AND TIME
05/03/21 7:00pm - 05/03/21 8:30pm
Racialized Violence, Trauma, & Memory: Centering our Children 100 Years After the Tulsa Race Massacre.
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Table of Contents
- Wonderful Response to our Winter Storm Appeal
- Local church extends generosity to their community
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Special Edition General Synod
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Mobile Vaccine Clinic for Homebound Persons - Lehigh County
Lehigh County Aging and Adult Services had been working with Lehigh Valley Health Network to set up mobile vaccine clinics to help adults receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The next date will be Tuesday, May 11, 2021. LVHN is will be providing the Moderna vaccine. If you know of folks having a difficult time scheduling a vaccine and would like to be put on the list for this next clinic, please email the following information to Susan Whittaker at susanwhittaker@lehighcounty.org. You may also call the main number at 610-782-3034.
Please include:
· First Name, Last Name, Gender, Ethnicity, Race, Date of Birth, Last 4 Digits of SS#, Phone #, Emai
Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources
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Black Church Traditions and African American Faith-life Arts Showcase
Phillips Theological Seminary Black Church Traditions and African American Faith-Life invites artists of all ages to participate in a showcase of works as part of a sacred commemoration for the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The submission deadline for the arts showcase is May 11.
Artwork must be original to the artist submitting the work. The mediums for the showcase are: spoken word, original music, 2D or 3D artwork, computer-generated visual art. All submissions will be made online and must follow category guidelines (CLICK TO SUBMIT).
Members of the Black Christian Traditions and African American Faith Life committee will serve as judges for the showcase and award a $500 best in show honor and up to $1,500 in combined prizes. Judging criteria is based on interpretation of the topic, originality, technique and composition.
Members of the Black Christian Traditions and African American Faith Life committee will serve as judges for the showcase and award a $500 best in show honor and up to $1,500 in combined prizes. Judging criteria is based on interpretation of the topic, originality, technique and composition.
The works will be featured in a video shared across social media and the seminary’s website, ptstulsa.edu/art
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Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar
The Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar for pastors and lay leaders offers an opportunity to explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promoting generosity in our congregations. The seminar draws on current research, seeks guidance from the wisdom of scripture, and discusses the best practices in church-based fundraising. Class sessions held May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9, June 16, and June 23, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:00pm EST. Between class sessions, the instructors provide materials to help you analyze the culture of your own congregation and learn how to create change. Register today: The CGC Seminar is $150 per participant. Register here by April 30, 2021: cvent.me/7yV37Q.
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Age of Conspiracies & Disinformation
(from Rev. Teresa Martin, Coopersburg)
For those who may have joined the recent continuing ed on "The Age of Conspiracies and Disinformation" this is an additional list of resources on these issues. The taped zoom discussion was offered by the Wisconsin Council of Churches and once again featured Reverend Heather Hunnicutt.
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Advanced Boundary Training
(Basic boundary training must be completed first. If you have already taken a basic boundary training, this advanced training will cover your Boundary Training requirement and a certificate will be provided.)
Social Media & Boundaries for Ministry
Friday, May 14 & Friday, May 21, 2021
(series of 2 sessions)
Zoom training from 1 to 2 PM
Cost: $25
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Good Leave-Taking Boundaries
May 22
(from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference)
A 3-hour advanced boundary training regarding Good Leave-taking!
About this Event
Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian
Accepting another call can be exciting…until the reality about departing your current ministry sets in (a fear that sometimes keeps us from leaving when we should). Before saying hello to one congregation, there must be a time of saying goodbye to the other. Leaving well is so very important for the spiritual wellbeing of the clergy person and the congregation. There are spiritual practices, rituals of closure, and a series of goodbyes along the way. How to leave with grace and in a healthy way is not always easy but is a part of our covenantal responsibility.
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Hybrid Ministry in a Post Pandemic Church
May 27, June 3 & 10, 2021
9AM - 11AM (Central Time) - LIVE ONLINE
Churches need the capacity and will to engage with a changing culture. Join Ryan Panzer, the author of Grace and Gigabytes: Being Church in a Tech-Shaped Culture—and find out what you can do.
You'll learn:
- An understanding of hybrid ministry in a variety of contexts
- Coaching and change management techniques
- An ability to envision and create hybrid ministries within your faith community
- ... and much more
Digital technology is shaping our values. Learn how your church can adapt and thrive. Sign up today!
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Pastor's Conversations
NO CONVERSATION ON MAY 5
Bonnie Bates is inviting you to a scheduled semi-monthly Pastors’ Conversations Zoom mtg, held on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 2 pm. Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 829 4709 0481
Password: 235909
One tap mobile
+16468769923,,82947090481#,,,,0#,,235909# US (New York)
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MORE 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. There will also be opportunities for sharing our personal experiences with conflict and working on leading through difficult conflict using case studies and role playing.
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Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (2021)
May 3-7, June 21-25, August 2-6, October 11-15, or November 15-19
Does your congregation experience conflict? Does it harm your Christian fellowship and distract from your church’s mission? Learn to transform conflict from a negative force into an opportunity for reconciliation and growth. Contact the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at 630-627-0507 or Admin@LMPeaceCenter.org. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Register now: Penn Central Ministerial Excellence Forum
You are invited to register for a monthly "Ministerial Excellence Forum" hosted by the Penn Central Conference on the third Thursday at one of two time slots: 10:00a-12:00 and 6:00p-8:00p.
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Nollau Leadership Institute is Open for the 2021-22 Class
Nollau is CHHSM’s signature program with more than 250 attendees in its 20+ years. Enrollment is open and the short online application can be found here. Click Here to read more...
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Across the United States, Americans congregate in faith-based venues to worship, learn, play, and bond as a community. CISA is committed to supporting efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship and related facilities while sustaining an open and welcoming environment. This resource page is designed to guide houses of worship through building improved security and safety protocols for their specific organization’s congregants and facilities. These tools help houses of worship identify and report suspicious behavior; build positive community relationships; develop partnerships with law enforcement; and implement emergency operations plans and screening procedures while enhancing security awareness. By utilizing these resources, houses of worship can easily develop a continuing security improvement cycle. To learn more visit, Houses of Worship | CISA.
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The application phone number for FEMA COVID funeral assistance is live. Call 844-684-6333 COVID-related funeral expenses must have been incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. This aid is provided to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. Visit the FEMA website for more information.
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