Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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A Letter from Bonnie
Hello friends, As we close out the month of August (seems impossible, right?!?) and move into preparations for fall, I encourage us all to take a deep breath and sigh out some of our anxiety. It has been a tough spring and summer. Fall may not be easier but at least we are a little used to masks, social distancing, virtual worship and zoom meetings. Many of us are preparing for Church School and Youth Groups and wondering how on earth we are going to keep children and youth engaged on Zoom, especially since so many of them will be using “screens” for school this fall. In the same way, how are we going to move back into sanctuaries from our outdoor spaces? How are we going to plan for flu season for Advent, for Christmas, for the myriad details coming up?
Once again we are in this together – struggling with similar issues as we move forward. By the way, Moving Forward is the theme of our Fall Conference Meeting. It seems appropriate for the times. There will be no going back to where we were. The pandemic of COVID-19, the pandemic of racism, the pandemic of hate speech pushes us to move toward the future in new ways – ways that are reflective of our love of God and love of neighbor.
Josh Wilson recently released a contemporary Christian song entitled, Revolutionary. The chorus is:
“Why does kindness seem revolutionary
When did we let hate get so ordinary
Let's turn it around, flip the script
Judge slow, love quick
God help us get revolutionary” 1
It does seem that kindness has become unusual if not revolutionary. We have forgotten how to be in dialogue, how to care first and question later. I would urge you this week to pause and be kind – be kind to yourself; be kind to your enemy; be kind to your neighbor, your family, your coworkers. Focus on being kind. Just like prayer changes us, the effort to be kind changes us. With everything else in the world changing, maybe changing and moving forward toward kindness is just what we need.
Blessings, Bonnie
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Greetings Friends! This is a Call to attend our Penn Northeast Conference Fall meeting on Saturday, November 7, 2021. We will gather at 9:00 a.m. Our Meeting will be a Virtual Zoom Meeting and run from 9 am to 2:30 pm.
The Meeting’s Theme is Moving Forward
Scripture: Isaiah 43:19
Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new.
It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is!
I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
The meeting will begin with the Celebration of Installation of our Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates. The Service will include the UCC Conference Ministers from the other five Conferences in the Middle Atlantic Region with special music.
The Installation will finish approximately at 10:15 a.m. and the Business portion will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Business Items will include:
· Vote on the 2021 Conference Budget
· State of the Conference Address
· Vote on a slate of Nominees for Conference delegates for General Synod
· Recognition of Committee and Board members and the Moderator who are completing their terms
· Recognition of Pastors’ Anniversaries of their Ordination, New Pastors, & a Time of Remembrance
· Recognitions of Church’s Gifts to OCWM and Five for Five
Hope you can virtually join us! -- Doug Taylor, Moderator
Fall Meeting Registration Link through Tithe.ly
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PNEC Bylaws Revision and Addition
(This will be an item of business at the Fall Conference Meeting)
An Explanation:
The PNEC Committee on Ministry has requested a change to our PNEC Bylaws. The current Bylaw, Article VIII, Section 805, indicates a quorum for Conference Meetings:
At any meeting of the Conference 100 persons entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum. If there is the lack of a quorum, members present at any scheduled meeting of the Conference may hear and receive reports without taking actions thereon and may adjourn the meeting to such a time and place as a majority of those who are present and entitled to vote shall determine.
While this quorum is effective and manageable for meetings of the Conference, this quorum becomes challenging for Ecclesiastical Councils, gatherings of the Committee on Ministry, delegates and pastors of churches, and guests for the purposes of approving a candidate for Ordination as an Authorized Minister.
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Generous Preaching
Sept. 15, Oct. 13, and Nov. 10, 2020
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Engaging scripture stories to share the spiritual practice of generosity with congregations
It can be hard to talk about money. And yet Jesus spoke about it often, second only to the Kingdom of God. Join Rev. Andrew Warner to explore how to preach and teach about generosity and the use of our financial resources. Background materials and seminar style discussions will take place through the Damascus Project. Each month will focus on a specific et of readings. We will plan out at least one preaching opportunity for teaching generosity as a spiritual practice each month.
· Sept. 15: Exodus 16: 2-15, “Between Desiring Fleshpots and Divine Generosity”
· Oct. 13: 1 John 4: 1-7, “Beloved, Love”
· Nov. 15, Matthew 25: 14-30, “To Timid with Talents?”
What You’ll Get From Generous Preaching: As a student, you’ll get a few great benefits from being here:
· Explore. It can be hard to talk about money. And yet Jesus spoke about it often, second only to the
Kingdom of God. Explore generosity as a spiritual practice.
· Connect with colleagues and scripture in new ways through leadership focused Bible Study.
· Get results. Research underscores the connection between teaching about generosity and
increasing revenue for a local church. Learn how to talk about generosity outside of an annual
pledge drive.
Testimonial: Rev. Julia Hollister, First Congregational Church, Sheboygan, WI:
“Through open and honest questions, Andrew and Kathryn helped us to discern how the scripture passages were speaking to us as individuals and how they might speak to our congregations. They bring a wealth of wisdom and ‘lived experience’ to their engagement with the text. The workshop brought a breath of fresh air to some familiar texts.”
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SAVE THE DATE...Registration Coming Soon
Technology Basics for Congregations
Saturday, September 26 from 9:30 - 11:30AM - via Zoom
2020 has brought to light the needs for our congregations to utilize technology in new ways. Whether you are hosting live virtual worship, pre-recording worship, offering devotionals or bible studies, many of us are moving into arenas for which our seminary training left us unprepared.
Join us to explore options, ask and answer questions, and become more comfortable with the resources available to us.
WHO: Ministers, Administrative Staff, Beginning IT staff
WHAT: Time for an overview, access to information about software, hardware, applications, licensing
WHEN: Saturday, September 26, 2020 9:30 am – 11:30 am
WHERE: Zoom, following your registration you will receive the meeting link
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Dimensions of -Isms
On-Line Anti-Racism Training
Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 9AM to 4PM via Zoom -- Cost: $100.00
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PNEC Ministry Day 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 9AM to 3PM via Zoom
Cost: $25.00
Caring For Our Mental And Spiritual Health
(attendance for the day will count as either the Cultural Competency requirement OR 4 hours of continuing education.)
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: September 30, 2020
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The Story of Worship
(open to both Pastors & Lay Worship Leaders)
November 14, 2020 from 9AM to 4:30PM via Zoom
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Matthew Gorkos - Cost: $50/person
(This will count for 7 hours of continuing education)
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Homecoming 2 Event
(sponsored by Family Promise)
September 26, 2020
Homecoming 2 event on September 26th will be going virtual. It is very important to us that we keep everybody as safe as possible. At this time we don’t have details. The Homecoming Team is working hard to make sure we have a great event that all of our ticket holders and sponsors will be proud of. Please continue to look for updates through your e-mail and our social media venues. Thank you all for your commitment to Family Promise of the Lehigh Valley and I look forward to our future interactions.
Roslyn Kuba, Executive Director,
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2020 UCC Stewardship Materials
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Embracing Healing in These Days
Sept. 2 & 9
on-line course developed by Wanda Craner,
Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer
Limited to 20 participants
90 min. sessions
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Stewardship Events Set With Generosity Outreach Officer
Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn Central, and Penn Northeast conferences are working with the UCC's Generosity Outreach Officer to create three workshops for our churches and leaders. (First, workshop was held on August 22.) Please save the dates for these events:
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Oct. 17, 10:00a-12:00p: Planned Giving to Support Mission and Ministry – While a significant wealth transfer occurs (and will occur) in our country as our eldest generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options among their members. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. Through this webinar, you will learn key concepts and create an actionable plan for your congregation or ministry.
(TO REGISTER for Oct. 17 - please email pattyr@pnec.org and you will be sent the zoom link closer to the workshop date.)
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Jan. 20, 2021, 10:00a-12:00p: Spirituality of Generosity – Jesus talked about money second only to the kingdom of God, yet many in the church today treat money as a non-spiritual topic. We can theologically engage questions of money, wealth, and giving. Teaching and preaching about generosity and the use of our financial resources can deepen the faith life of our congregations. Gathering together with other pastors, this webinar will help you reclaim money-talk as a faith formation conversation with the members and friends of your congregation.
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Lancaster Seminary Doctor of Ministry Program
As a Seminary, we continue to adapt to the needs and realities of these times, as we prepare faith leaders for ministry in a complex and ever-changing world. We are still accepting applications for the Doctor of Ministry .
Due to COVID-19, our Doctor of Ministry will look a little different, but will still offer the same high-quality educational experience. For the upcoming semester, the one-week intensive has moved to a completely online format (through Zoom). Also, additional classes are scheduled periodically throughout the semester to maintain the cohort experience and ensure academic accountability. I would be happy to meet with anyone you know that might be interested in starting their Doctor of Ministry this Fall.
- Parker T. Loesch (he, him)
Interim Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
717-290-8737
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From Luther Seminary
-Simultaneously online and offline: church as hybrid experience
-The Craft of Preaching
-Faith Innovation On-Line Community
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Online History and Polity Class
This class has been taught for the last 5 years in a hybrid format (three of the classes are done through Zoom, the rest are asynchronous). The Rev. Dr. Jerry Garber is the instructror. We have received numerous positive feedback from the student that have taken the class. The cost is only $300. Here is the registration link:
Southern California, Nevada Conference – Rev. Dr. Felix Villaneuva, MCC
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Stepping Up To Supervision
Wednesdays to September 9
Noon (CDT) Live On-line
If you're like most pastors and faith leaders, your theological education equipped you to teach, preach, provide loving pastoral care, and lead worship. Read More...
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Central Moravian Church Presents
The 2020 Central Chautauqua Series
Resiliency: Faithful Endurance During Pandemics and Other Difficult Times
Zoom Presentations on
Sundays, Sept. 13, 20 & 27 and Oct. 4, 2020
at 12:00 p.m.
Register no later than the Friday before each presentation. Question? Call 610-866-5661
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3 Reasons to Enroll TODAY in a Crossroads Program
UNPACKING THE SCRIPTURES—TEACHING
(8) Thursdays, 6-9 pm
September 10 - October 29
Instructor: Rev. Roberta Kearney
In-person (Bahnson Center) or Real-time Distance Learning via Zoom
Price: $240
THE STORY OF CHRISTIANITY (HISTORY)
(8) Mondays, 6-9 pm
September 14 - November 2
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Bill Falla
In-person (Bahnson Center) or Real-time Distance Learning via Zoom
Price: $240
CULTURE AND CHANGE
(8) Mondays & Thursdays, 6-9 pm
November 5 - December 3 (Nov. 30 & Dec. 3 are by Zoom only)
Instructor: Dr. Jill Peters
In-person (Bahnson Center) or Real-time Distance Learning via Zoom
Price: $240
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THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM)
at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering fully online classes this year!
POSTPONED - August 22 - October 1
NEW DATE: October 3 - November 12
"Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding"
The Rev. Holly MillerShank offers a six-week online class that provides an introduction to Christian theology, focusing on God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in relation to congregational leadership. This 2.5 CEU class starts Saturday, Oct 3, followed by five weeks of asynchronous online instruction. Cost $325. Apply online at https://lancasterseminary.edu/academics/PAM.
AND
POSTPONED - October 3 - November 12
NEW DATE - January9 - February 18, 2021
Theology II: “Leadership and Community,”
The Rev. Holly MillerShank offers a six-week online class which provides an introduction to Christian theology, focusing on the human condition, Christian hope, the church, ministry, and mission. Students may take this class without having taken Theology I. This 2.5 CEU class starts Saturday, Jan 9, followed by five weeks of asynchronous online instruction. Cost $325. Apply online at https://lancasterseminary.edu/academics/PAM. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2021 Mission Trip Dates Now Open
Praying Pelican Missions offers a diverse set of locations where we are serving the local Church, building them up, and assisting them in serving their communities. Our heart and passion is to see the global Church united, working hand in hand to share the hope of Jesus.
Click a featured location below to learn more
USA Locations
International Locations
Praying Pelican Missions, 8011 34th Ave S, Suite 333, Suite 333, Minneapolis, MN 55425
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
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Disaster Ministries continues to offer Matching Grants of up to $250 for UCC congregations assembling CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets and Kits. Get more information here.
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HELP IS NEEDED AS WE RESPOND TO RECENT DISASTERS - UCC Disaster Ministries responds to disasters through a network of Conference Disaster Coordinators. The Rev. Karl Jones serves in that position for both Penn Northeast Conference and PA Southeast Conference. He has been helping to coordinate our response to COVID-19 and Hurricane Isaias. Now there is a new event that requires our attention, love, and compassion.
UCC Disaster Ministries is working with our disaster response partners from across the Commonwealth, to meet needs related to disasters like flooding and fires, and complicated by the pandemic. There are current and anticipated increased needs among people whose residences (owned and rented) have become unsafe and/or unlivable. Please complete the form found at https://forms.gle/ww6eLkKgEnGvh4RN6. Please read more...
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