Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Letter from Bonnie Bates
Dear Friends, Are you feeling weary? As this pandemic continues, as the divisiveness of the political sphere continues, as protests for justice continue, are you simply weary? I have been. I struggle some days to have energy enough to get through the day, but then something wonderful happens – the sunrise or sunset touches my heart, a note from a friend warms my spirit, good news about a friend’s health affirms healing, and my heart sings…sometimes just a little and sometimes a lot.
How are you caring for yourself? How are you nurturing your spirit? Are you finding quiet time to rest and renew? I will be taking some vacation/continuing education time next week – Thursday, October 29 – Tuesday, November 3. I need the rest and renewal although much of the time will be reading important and essential books (at least from my perspective) and writing some sermons (for a book to which I have been asked to contribute) all this energizes me. Reading and writing are often prayer moments for me – enlightenment moments and I need enlightenment in these days; I need prayer in these days.
Fall is upon us and Thanksgiving is at hand. What if we focused on thanksgiving every day? What if we were simply grateful, even when it seems hard to find something to be grateful for. The Just Act calendar from the UCC indicated on October 22, yes that’s today, to “Make a list of 22 good things in the world and share it on social media” (ucc.org/3gl). I’m going to try it today. I may even continue to add one new thing every day to help me focus on gratitude, blessings from God, relationships and connections with one another.
My hope for you this week is that you find things, good things, to be grateful for in your life. My prayer is that we all join together, in spite of the pandemic, political divisions, theological differences, and anything else that separates us, and simply love one another as God loves us. This love is one of the things going on my list of good things in the world.
Blessings, Bonnie
I wanted you all to know that Steve is doing better. He has had 2 negative COVID tests so is fine in that regard. The 17 weeks of being in bed has weakened his muscles and it will take him a really long time to regain his strength. Thank you for your continued prayers for us.
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PNEC is searching for new homes for the following:
- Two two-drawer file cabinets with a safe and card file (1 with no key)
- One large heavy wooden desk in good shape
- Two Christmas tree stands
- An assortment of metal bookends and pamphlet boxes (plastic and cardboard)
- Two bulletin boards
ALSO
Hand Sanitizer Available - Thanks to the effort by Rev. Karl Jones, PNEC/PSEC Disaster Response Coordinator, we have 25 gallons of liquid (not gel) hand sanitizer to give to churches who need it. Please contact the Conference Office (610.826.3113) or email (BarbaraJ@pnec.org) to arrange for pick up here in the Conference Office
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Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America have filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy largely due to the number of sexual molestation claims they are facing. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Office of General Counsel, in consultation with the legal offices of Formula of Agreement partners including the UCC, have prepared the attached document. It contains information about the proof of claim process, should Local Churches who had or have a charter with the BSA want to protect any claim that they may have against BSA. While the proof of claim process is not difficult, Local Churches may want to consult an attorney for assistance. In line with FAQ #5, United Church of Christ Local Churches are not represented by the Office of General Counsel or by Conference Attorneys in this matter.
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Mourning the Saints
It has been a year of abundant grief. On top of the pain and loss we experience collectively in what we used to call “normal” times, this year has added 205,000 (and counting) Saints to the numbers of those who have gone before. This year has added trauma and pain and loss in ways that continue to hold our hearts captive. This year has called a reckoning of systems towards Justice, and the slow pains of growth and awareness and the impact of struggle on people trying to hold it together. And this year has called us to cling fast to faith with clarity and strength and prayer.
So in calling on our faith that all those who have gone before are in community with All Saints, you are invited to join us in honoring those who have passed, especially to COVID-19, for a service of All Saints with music, prayer, and lifting of names. We will gather via Zoom on November 1st at 6pm ET / 5pm CT / 4pm MT / 3pm PT / 1pm Alaska & Hawaii.
To contribute a name to the visual list of people in memoriam, simply fill out this form and the name will be included.
Additionally, if your congregation has done a communal memorial, you are welcome to send photos to UCCPhotos@ucc.org and have them included in the national service.
With prayer, faith, and hope, The United Church of Christ
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UCC Justice & Local Church Ministries
On Sunday 10/25 @ 6:00 pm - We will host a special webinar training on Organizing Faithful resistance at the polls for those who are led to provide such a presence on Election Day. This training will be led by Rev. Dr. Billy Honor, director of Faith Engagement for the the New Georgia Project led by Stacey Abrams, and adjunct professor at Emory. Billy has years of organizing experience in faith spaces and this training will come with downloadable tools. See registration link below;
Below are additional tools that can be placed on your websites that target the most vulnerable election sites and include ways to register with “lawyers and collars” to volunteer to be a faithful presence at polling sites in those swing states. The additional videos here are excellent and we have permission from Sojourners to use them.
www.turnoutsunday.com for Volunteer Chaplain registration and training plus instructions for election day.
Below is a sign on letter for people of faith, if you are so inclined, calling for peaceful and safe elections:
Thursday, October 29th is the last webinar before the Election. We are planning a liturgy to the polls service that will essentially be a time of prayer. We would love to coordinate this with CCM if there is interest. And finally but most importantly... OUR FAITH/OUR VOTE resources are still relevant in this moment. Messaging is being distorted and it’s important that we continue to push early voting and mobilization.
ABC interview:
With Hope & Faith, Rev. Traci D. Blackmon, Associate General Minister, Justice & Local Church Min.
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"Growing Up On The Gridiron:
Football, Friendship and the Tragic Life of Owen Thomas"
This book may be of interest to others in the Penn Northeast Conference because it is about Owen Thomas, the son of the late Rev. Tom Thomas and the Rev. Kathy Brearley. "Growing Up On The Gridiron: Football, Friendship and the Tragic Life of Owen Thomas," published by Beacon Press, chronicles Owen's life and his importance in the emerging issue of brain trauma and football. It is also a book about the love of football among young men. Tom and Kathy are both a significant part of the book and I had their full permission and cooperation in writing it. I've attached the news release that my publisher prepared about the book.
I spoke at Union UCC, Neffs on Sept. 13 and my topic was "Writing A Book As An Act of Faith." I also am leading two discussion groups about the book at the church. If any churches in the conference have book groups and would be interested in having me speak or participate in a discussion, I'd be open to do that -- but I will admit that I am only willing to do that if social distancing is observed or it is done virtually.
Vicki Mayk, Author of Growing Up on the Gridiron: Football, Friendship and the Tragic Life of Owen Thomas (coming Sept. 1, 2020 from Beacon Press), Writer, Editor and Teacher -- 610-248-8929
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Call to attend our Penn Northeast Conference Fall meeting
Saturday, November 7, 202
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
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Discovery Days - Lancaster Theological Seminary
On Saturday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 11, we will host our Virtual Discover Days event at Lancaster Theological Seminary. We would love for prospective students to join us at either of these events! This is a great opportunity to experience the life of our community by sitting in on a class, worshipping in Chapel, and getting to know some current students. Additionally, prospective students will be provided with information about graduate theological education, its benefits, and resources on how to apply and finance the degree. This is a free event and is open to all. We would greatly appreciate you sharing this information in your circles, especially with anyone who might benefit from attending one of our Discover Days! Thank you in advance.
For those interested in doing a degree in our weekend format, I encourage you to attend on Saturday, Nov 7. If those who prefer to pursue a degree in our weekday program, Wednesday, Nov. 11 Discover Day will be the better option. However, you can choose either as it best fits your schedule.
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"Congregations of the German Reformed Church in the United States"
a new book that summarizes the life of over 4,000 Reformed churches, including the majority of churches in PNEC. The book begins with a social and organizational history of the denomination, including six maps, charts, and illustrations. A useful tool for genealogists, its over 700 pages also note about 1,300 Lutheran churches that were in union arrangements with Reformed congregations. The author is the Rev. Richard H. Taylor, who attends Forks UCC near Stockertown, and is the former Chair of the Historical Council of the UCC. He is the brother of Douglas Taylor, current Conference Moderator. To buy a copy of the book contact Rev. Taylor at 610-438-3771 or pilgrimrht@rcn.com. [A discount price of $31.50 is available before the end of the year, including PA Sales tax. Shipping is an additional $5.00.] |
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Youth Ministry Opportunity
November 12-14, 2020
National Virtual Gathering for everyone serving in youth ministry. Participants will be able to select workshops and small groups, as well as other items that speak to their individual needs. Registration is now open and will close November 10th. More information, as well as the link for registration can be found here https://www.ucc.org/youth
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UCC Congregations for Mental Health Fall 2020 Webinar
In Partnership with Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the UCC
November 13 - 14, 2020
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Crossroads Program
CULTURE AND CHANGE
(8) Mondays & Thursdays
November 5 - December 3
6:00-9:00pm - Price: $240
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Christmas Card Project Request from Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek
I am writing to inquire whether you are interested in participating in the Christmas Card Project with our partner churches in Japan this year. This year, given the global COVID-19 pandemic, we know that churches on both sides of the Pacific are faced with unprecedented challenges. Even as we might feel overwhelmed by our own predicament, God calls us to reach out to care and connect. Read More...
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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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2020 UCC Stewardship Materials
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Pastor's Conversations
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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Moravian Seminary - Have You Registered??
LGBTQ Suicide & Care for the Souls of Queer Folk
Friday, November 13 • 3:00-5:00pm
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2020 Advent Resource Guide
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UCC Musicians News - October 2020
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Webinars and Resources
-Webinar - October 27 from 1 to 3:15PM - Strengthening Relationships Between Law Enforcement & Communities of Faith
-Resources for Faith Based Organizations & Houses of Worship
-Administration on Children, Youth & Families
-Webinar - October 15 from 2 to 3:30PM - Serving on the Frontlines: The Impact of Faith & Community Leaders Countering Human Trafficking for Over 20 Years
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