•  THIS WEEK IN PNEC                  July 23, 2020
Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
www.pnec.org   610-826-3113; 610-826-5464 FAX
Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates    bonnieb@pnec.org        
Rev. Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez    hispanicucc@rcn.com
Rev. Christian Creyer     christianc@pnec.org       
Barbara Jennings    barbaraj@pnec.org
Patty Rehrig    pattyr@pnec.org
   SEND ARTICLES TO BE INCLUDED TO   pattyr@pnec.org
Letter from Bonnie

Dear friends, I have only one request for you today. Be kind to yourself. This tumultuous time has been so very challenging for us as individuals, churches, communities, and a nation. Who would have thought that 2020 would bring a pandemic; protests against racism, police actions; deployed Federal agents in our cities? It’s more than any of us could have imagined.

All that being said, those of us who are caregivers of families, congregations, and communities, are stretched and stressed beyond our capacity. My suggestion is that we take a moment to go comet watching, bird watching, wading in the water, staring at the flowers, breathing in the life that is around us. Breathe my friends – breathe and be. You are enough.  Blessings, Bonnie
2021 Compensation Recommendations
Dear friends, The Authorized Ministry Compensation Sub-Group of the Committee on Ministry recently met and reviewed the Compensation Recommendations for 2021. As we reviewed the materials, we considered the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenges for our ministers and our congregations. As you review the recommendations you will note that we have retained the 2020 salary compensation levels for 2021. We have however made one request. We request a further review as you prepare your budgets.

As we stated in the recommendations: These recommendations are based on the uncertainty of our economic status during the pandemic. We recommend that as you develop your congregational budget you consult the Consumer Price Index or the 2020 projected Inflation rate and adjust your compensation accordingly.

It is vital for congregations to understand that throughout the pandemic ministers have usually been working more hours rather than fewer, to meet the needs of the congregations they are serving. It takes much longer to prepare worship virtually or to even be on touch with everyone in the congregation. We ask our congregational leaders to take all this into account as they prepare budgets and compensation packages.

Please remember, too, that amendments to Ministerial Call Agreements and Three-Way Covenant forms should be completed annually and submitted to the conference office in January 2021.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to one of the Sub-Group members.

In Christ’s truth and love, Rev. Jeff Brinks, Ms. Barbara Hanks, Mr. Tom Moyer, Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, staff advisor

Thursdays for the Soul: Story Time and Barn Tour
with Catherine Foote
Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 3:30 to 4:30PM Eastern
A webinar series to care for the whole church. Topics are wide ranging and are focused on the spirituality and care of people. Prayer, worship, music, psalm readings, or compassionate teaching are included.
Winter, spring, summer, fall, we all have to deal with a little poop. In "Shepherding the Seasons," shepherd and pastor Catherine Foote shares reflections on living life through muddy byre and miraculous wonder alike. Join Catherine as she shares stories from "Shepherding the Seasons," shows us around her barn, and introduces us to members of her wooly flock. Shepherding the Seasons is available at thepilgrimpress.com and wherever your favorite ebooks are sold.


Thursdays for the Soul is made possible through your support. To continue to support programs like this, please donate to the Annual Fund.

With Peace, Justice and Local Church Ministries, The United Church of Christ
Stepping Up To Supervision
Wednesdays from August 5 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...
UCC Webinar: The Green New Deal and Reparations
Wednesday, August 5 th  
When it comes to justice-oriented policy proposals that seek to fundamentally transform our society, the Green New Deal and reparations currently rise to the top. Yet, often they are discussed separately, despite clear and compelling connections. The Green New Deal Resolution proposed in Congress sought "to promote justice and equity by stopping current, preventing future, and repairing historic oppression." At the same time, the demand for reparations compels our society to address the historic injustices of systemic racism, including environmental racism. To explore such connections and how faith communities can work to advance just policies, this webinar will feature three panelists: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 350.org’s North America Director Tamara Toles O'Laughlin, and the UCC’s Economic Justice Minister Sekinah Hamlin. Register now!

Calling ALL Youth
Get Ready for NYE...The UCC's virtual National Youth Event on July 25 & 26, 2020 will immerse youth in immigration and encourage creativity, through an interactive service project, workshops and worship. Click Here for LOTS of information.
Press Release from The Council of Racial and Ethnic Ministries UCC (COREM)
COREM Says In Voice, Black Lives Matter! I can’t breathe! Mama! Mama! Those were George Floyd’s last words. He called out to his mother as life slipped away. George didn’t sound that different from Jesus when He cried out to His father. The State snatched Jesus’ life away more than 2,000 years ago and continues snatching the lives of unarmed Black men and women away. Read More...
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. Please save the dates for these events:

  • Aug. 22, 10:00a-12:00p: Annual Campaigns 101 – Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, we will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign.

  • 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.

  • Jan. 20, 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. 
Leading Virtual Choir Rehearsals
Dear Members and Webinar Participants,
We are grateful to our board member, Dr. Keith Hampton, for leading a webinar for us last Saturday, July 18, on the topic of leading Virtual Choir Rehearsals. Keith gave us not only encouragement and hope for ‘going forth’, but also a very practical and philosophical guide for leading our singers and creating an environment of trust. Thank you, Keith, for your unsinkable spirit of determination and optimism! And thank you to members of his Chicago Community Chorus for joining us and showing us how it can be done with such joy! Whether or not you were able to join us, we are happy to share some of the information that was shared in the webinar with you. Read More...
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Embracing Healing in These Days
August 5,12,19,26 & Sept. 2 & 9
on-line course developed by Wanda Craner,
Gestalt Pastoral Care Minister and Trainer
Limited to 20 participants
six-90 min. sessions–cost for all 6 sessions $120
click here for flyer and registration info.
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Pennsylvania Council of Churches Executive Director Search
The PA Council of Churches continues its search for an executive director. We have received some very promising applications and are beginning some preliminary interviews with these applicants. However, our application process does not end until August 31 and we are open to further applicants.
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Phoebe Ministries Extended CPE Flyer July 2020
Hello everyone, Many students were not able to take CPE this summer as many centers had to cancel their summer CPE groups as we did here at Phoebe. Our plan is to have our extended CPE group that starts in October and goes through April. We hope this might help some who need CPE as part of their requirements for seminary or ordination. This group is also open to clergy wanting to experience chaplaincy and lay folks who want to get better at caregiving. The group will be led by Certified Educator Candidate Leah Knox and myself. The flyer contains all the information potential students might need to be in touch with us or to apply for this program. Please post this flyer in your places of ministry and pass on the word to those who might serve on preparation for ministry committees in your denomination. Class will be held on Tuesday evenings by zoom and in person. Clinical work can be done on any one of our four campuses in Wyncote, Richlandtown, Wernersville and Allentown depending on where the student might live.  Scholarship funds are also available to help defray the cost of this training. Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to be in touch. Peace, Scott
Scott Brooks-Cope, D. Min.
Director, Pastoral Care Services
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FREE CHURCH MEDIA COLLECTION
Create an unforgettable digital worship service with these trending backgrounds.
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Women of Faith
From the southern border, to the halls of Congress, to streets nationwide, women of faith have been stepping up and speaking out from day #1 of the Trump administration. Our moral leadership is rooted in the values of justice, dignity and compassion that are common to every creed. As we approach the most crucial election in living memory, Faith in Public Life is proud to launch Women of Faith, a multi-faith program that changes the narrative on what it means to be a faithful woman voter in 2020. Women of faith in every part of this country are working to protect their communities, advance justice and resist tyranny. We need your help reaching them and lifting up their advocacy work. Can you take a moment to nominate a 2020 Woman of Faith? Read More...
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Open & Affirming Coalition, UCC
Click here to read their newsletter  RIPPLES
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Get Your Tickets to View John Lewis: Good Trouble
The United Church of Christ invites you to an on demand showing of a new film on the life and work of congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis. Buy a $12 ticket to stream John Lewis: Good Trouble and $5 goes to support UCC justice ministries.
Learn more about the film at johnlewisgoodtrouble.com .
Justice & Local Church Ministries, UCC
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Bethlehem Public Library Anti-Racism Resources and Workshop
(Completion of the workshops would count as Anti-racism training or 6 contact hours)
Below is a link to Facebook listing by the Bethlehem Public Library for a 4 part series billed as an introductory workshop series on issues of systemic racism in the U.S.  These workshops will be on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays starting July 14th - August 25th from 6:30- 8pm. The presenter is Linda Wiggins - Chavez. It will be ZOOM format with link and register information on the Bethlehem Public Library Facebook website.
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2020 National Youth Event
UNITE THROUGH THE EXTRAORDINARY
A Virtual Gathering July 25-26,2020
Click Here to read details...
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THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF MINISTRY (PAM) 
at Lancaster Theological Seminary is offering fully online classes this year! 
August 22 - Theology I: Faith Seeking Understanding - Click here for the flyer - Register by Aug. 7
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC

Spiritual First Aid
The Humanitarian Disaster Institute has developed a step-by-step approach to learning and providing spiritual and emotional care for others. Spiritual First Aid is the first disaster spiritual and emotional care intervention to have been built from the ground up using both biblical wisdom and evidence-informed psychological insights gained from years of scientific study. This manual introduces the easy-to-use BLESS Method, which takes the “guesswork” out of providing disaster, spiritual, and emotional care remotely and while staying at home. Learn more and download the manual at https://www.spiritualfirstaidhub.com/home
Karl Jones, Secretary, PAVOAD, cell: 570-617-4018, email:  kjones275@comcast.net

Spiritual Renewal for Troubling Times A Circle of Trust® Virtual Gathering
Wednesday, July 29th 5:30-7pm EDT

UCC launches " Recovering Hope , " emotional care in COVID-19
Disasters are stressful for survivors and caregivers alike, including the pastors and chaplains to whom survivors turn for spiritual and practical help. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception.  Recovering Hope” is offering resources, indexed at www.ucc.org/recovering_hope in a variety of formats, including virtual workshops, referrals to vetted providers, and other easily accessible resources from the UCC and beyond.
Impact of Looming Housing Crisis Due to COVID-19
Disaster Ministries of the Conference is working with many partners to try to lessen the impact of the looming housing crisis caused by the loss of income for many people due to COVID-19.  Beginning on July 10, in Pennsylvania, landlords may file new eviction notices for non-payment of rent at non-federally backed properties.   Read More...

CWS Kits Depots Are Opening Soon
Church World Service is accepting kits again! Here are links to the CWS Kits promotional video.  YouTube link   or a  Downloadable mp4 .  UCC Matching Grants of up to $250 for congregations assembling kits are now available, although the caution remains to not gather to assemble kits until it is safe to do so.   Click here for full information

UCC Update from Disaster Ministries... Read Lots More. ..
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**You can find more information & updates at UCC Disaster Ministries: www.ucc.org/disaster