Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
|
|
Bonnie's Letter
Dear Friends,
The second Sunday of Lent is upon us. We are reminded this weekend of the prophetic work of Jesus and his lack of fear in following his calling into ministry. Calling is sometimes a hard concept for us to understand.
Authorized Ministers spend a lot of time discerning their calling, being educated for their calling, sharing details about their calling, and then living into the days and weeks and years of their ministry. However, all of us, all us believers and followers of Jesus, are called. Each of us, once we have acknowledged the role of God in our lives, dedicates ourselves to the development of our faith – in one way or many. And as we do so, we respond to the call of God on our life.
One of the hardest things for churches in these days is the understanding of a pastor being called to a new setting. It is hard to understand why God would call a pastor away from a local congregation into some other congregation or even another role within the Church. I know that God speaks to our hearts – it happens to me – has happened to me all my life. When I accepted the call to authorized ministry, it was hard to change careers – in my 40’s – and move on to a new way of living. When I left the first congregation I served, it was hard to do so, but the call of God on my heart was clear. This happened to me several times and in each situation, I spent a lot of time discerning the call God was making and then sharing with the congregation I was serving. When I left my last local congregation to serve in the judicatory of the then Ohio, now Heartland, Conference, it was hard to explain why God was calling me to that role. I had thought I would be a local church pastor forever.
Yet, I know I was then and am now doing the work God has called me to do. When I have completed my work here, when God calls me to the next role I will undertake, I hope I hear that voice of God, that call on my spirit and my heart.
Where is God calling you – as an authorized minister or as a member of the laity? How are you listening for the still, small voice of God on your life? How will you respond? Will you respond?
It is my hope that each of us, as we develop as Jesus-followers, will listen for God, pay attention to the leading of God, and allow the empowering wind of the Holy Spirit to enter us as we move more deeply into our faith and our calling. Be blessed as God speaks to your heart, now and in the days to come.
Blessings, Bonnie
|
|
Penn Northeast Conference Spring Meeting
NOTE: If attending the whole event this will qualify for Cultural Competency Training
(virtual or in person)
May 13 - 14, 2022 (Friday - Saturday)
The Chateau at Camelback
475 Camelback Rd., Tannersville, PA
Keynoter: Valarie Kaur
|
|
Valarie Kaur is an American activist, documentary filmmaker, lawyer, educator, and faith leader. She is the founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. Kaur's debut book, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love, was published in June 2020.
Friday, May 13, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Valarie Kaur Zoom Presentation and Interfaith Worship including Valarie
Saturday, May 14, 2022
Morning: Interfaith Workshops
Afternoon: Business Meeting, Recognition of Pastors and Churches, Installation, Closing Worship
including Communion
Registration is available for Friday evening only or for Friday and Saturday.
OR Click Here for form to mail in registration along with your payment
|
|
Last Call for these Up-Coming Events & Deadlines |
|
Resources - Prayer for Ukraine
(Engage Worship)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Holy Joe's Cafe Sees Greater Need Due to Russia–Ukraine Conflict
Holy Joe's Café is seeing an urgent increase in the need for coffee and support for U.S. military chaplains in response to the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
UCC churches have a long history of supporting Holy Joe's. More information on how to assist with this ministry can be found on the Holy Joe's Café website.
Tom Jastermsky can be reached at 203-859-0031.
|
|
Hope Rising: A time of Healing & Inspiration
MA-AUCE’s first ever Hybrid Conference - 2022
When: March 28-30, 2022
Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center, Mt. Bethel
Cost: In-Person - $300
(single room, meals & programming included)
AUCE Member Discount - $257
Commuter (Tuesday Only) - $75
Online Only - $50 (Monday & Tuesday evenings, & Wednesday morning)
Inviting all Pastors, Faith Formers, & Ministry Leaders to share in a time of healing and inspiration. Ministry and faith formation can take a lot out of us during “normal” years, and the past 2 years have been anything BUT “normal.”
|
|
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches statement
to demonstrate our commitment to peace and human rights. We support Ukraine in its effort to remain free and stand with them in their struggle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Moving Into a New Season
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring Crossroads Courses
Story of Christianity - March 7-May 2, 2022 (except Holy Week April 11) - Instructor: Rev. Dr. William Falla
My Journey/Our Journey - (8) Thursdays, 6-9 pm - March 10 - May 5, 2022 (except Holy Week April 14)
Instructor: Rev. Maggie Wellert
|
|
White Supremacy and American Christianity
With a written summary and a copy of registration
this would count as anti-racism training for PNEC Authorized Ministers
Invitation to join a virtual, half day conference to explore the subject of White Supremacy and American Christianity with Fr. Bryan Massingale and Dr. Robert P Jones on Saturday, April 9, 2022 from 12:30-3:30 PM Eastern. Following their conversation, we are pleased that Dr. Marcia Chatelain, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and scholar, will offer her own insights on this topic. Register here.
All participants will have the opportunity to process this information and share reflections in facilitated small groups. This critical discussion is being presented by NETWORK and co-sponsored by Faith in Action and Sojourners for anti-racism activists across our networks.
|
|
Mindfulness and Meditation Gatherings by Zoom
With Rev. Kris P. Snyder (from Union, Neffs)
Thursdays 12noon to 1pm
April 21, May 6, May 26, June 9, June 23
By zoom only – use the link below.
Using practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model, Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, Centering Prayer, and a little Qigong and movement we’ll gather for an hour of practice.
No experience necessary, lots of experience welcome too. Sign up here if you are interested and available for some or all of these dates:
Or just show up using the zoom link.
If you’re interested but these times and days don’t work, let me know and we can try to offer more.
Zoom Link:
Meeting ID: 811 8812 7483
Passcode: 348630
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Chicago)
|
|
Process the Pandemic for Ministry
Help for Getting Through the Covid Blahs - Start re-energizing with Faith+Lead's Processing the Pandemic of Ministry. We are all worn down after another year ravaged by the pandemic. The good news is that now - over just two hours a week for three weeks - there's an opportunity to recover, regroup, and get ready for a healthy, hopeful future.
Tuesdays, April 19, 26 & May 3
7 to 8:30 PM Central Time
You will discover:
- Opportunities to prioritize what’s been learned and to process it in a supportive environment
- A safe space for integrating what you’ve learned through the pandemic and gently moving forward in whole and healthy ways
- A sustainable game plan for achieving two goals—unique to you—in the 30 days following this course
- ... and so much more!
It's an opportunity to practice stillness, intentional reflection, and realistic goal-setting—all within a safe, supportive environment. Sign up today!
|
|
Register for PSEC Advanced Boundary Training events
Registration is now open for the 2022 Advanced Boundary Trainings from PSEC. Each training provides three credit hours of Boundary Training. Scheduled topics are:
Click here for a flyer on all of the trainings. To register for an event , click the topic
|
|
Watch the High 5 wrap-up service
If you missed the Disaster Relief Celebratory Service held on Feb. 27, you can watch the service on YouTube here. For more information on the High 5 Disaster Response campaign, click here.
|
|
Lenten Prayer Service
Take a Prayer Break - Every Thursday at noon during Lent join colleagues from the four PA UCC conferences for a short time of prayer on zoom. Each gathering will be led by a conference staff member and will include readings, reflection, and a time for intercessory prayer. All are welcome to join. Zoom information is below and is the same for every week. We begin March 3rd and will end on April 14th.
Carrie Call is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Lenten Prayer
Time: 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 841 7677 4603 Passcode: 260414
Rev. Carrie Call, PhD, Conference Minister, Penn Central Conference
|
|
UCC issues appeal for Ukraine, calls on U.S. to provide aid
The United Church of Christ is issuing an appeal for the people of Ukraine and will be working with global partners to assist vulnerable communities within that country.
|
|
Robert K. Campbell Lecture Series - with David LaMotte, March 31 & April 1
David is an award-winning speaker, author, songwriter, and activist
What's Mine To Do?
Join us for The Lehigh Conference of Churches’ Robert K. Campbell Memorial Lecture and dinner, small group meeting, and concert Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1, featuring David LaMotte.
Event Schedule (Registration is required for all events.)
Lecture, “What’s Mine To Do?”
Thursday, March 31, 5:45 p.m. registration, 6 p.m. light dinner, 7 p.m. lecture, 8:30 p.m. coffee/dessert
$10 lecture only; $20 lecture and dinner
University Center, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034
Community Dialogue
Friday, April 1, 10 a.m.; Dubbs Memorial Community Center, 457 W. Allen Street, Allentown, PA 18102
There is no charge for this event but registration is required.
Concert
Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m.
First Presbyterian of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown, PA 18104
There is no charge for the event but registration is required. Seating is limited. There will be a free-will offering to benefit The Lehigh Conference of Churches.
|
|
In an effort to strengthen our community by building bridges of story between people, the Church of the Good Shepherd UCC in Alburtis, PA, in cooperation with The Barn, will be hosting “Sound Your Voice!”—a storytelling competition intended to celebrate our humanity and the power of story to bring us together in empathy and community
One of the trademarks of humanity is the way people will often tell stories as we wrestle with our experiences—our hopes and joys, our struggles and fears—and try to make meaning of our lives and the world around us. Stories are a powerful form of communication because they are at once unique to the perspective and particular experiences we have had and yet in the truths they contain are able to resonate with people very different than ourselves. It’s been said that, “The shortest distance between two people is a story.”
Therefore, in an effort to strengthen our community by building bridges of story between people, the Church of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Alburtis, PA, in cooperation with The Barn, will be hosting “Sound Your Voice!”—a storytelling competition intended to celebrate our humanity and the power of story to bring us together in empathy and community.
The competition will be themed around a recent shared experience—the COVID-19 pandemic—which has played a significant role in both keeping people separated from one another and also reminding us daily of how fragile life can be. Each evening will be an opportunity to hear stories of struggle and resilience, failure and success, hurt and hope—universal stories expressed in the sounds of our particular voices.
The competition is open to anyone 15 years of age or older and offers top prizes of $300, $150, and $50. Details and official rules can be found on Church of the Good Shepherd’s website ( www.cogsalburtis.org) or Facebook page. The storytelling events on April 20, May 4 & 18, and June 1 are open to anyone, regardless of their desire to participate. Admission is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item. Please, come to listen and cheer on the storytellers! Come sound your voice! Come listen to one another’s stories! Come and grow closer as a community!
|
|
Trinity Retreat Center
We are a Christian retreat center: a place apart for rest, quiet, prayer, discovery, connection, and reflection. Nestled amid the forests, rivers, and farmland of West Cornwall, Connecticut, the retreat center offers gracious, authentic hospitality — where you can slow down, enjoy farm-to-table meals, discern direction for your life, and go home ready to make an even greater impact on the world.
Upcoming In-Person Retreats
See the full schedule for 2022 here.
This participatory, immersive experience begins in reflection on Holy Week, moving intentionally in liturgy, community, and prayer from a Maundy Thursday Agape Meal with a foot-washing ritual through Good Friday. Then we’ll prepare the house for the feast on Holy Saturday, when the Great Vigil is celebrated, followed by a festive brunch on Easter Day.
O Barco…Outro Mar: Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Communities - with the Rev. Dr. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones -- April 26–28, 2022 | Learn more and book
This retreat offers an opportunity for people of the Latinx and Hispanic communities to come together for guided prayer, rest, reflection, walks, the sharing of stories, and contemplation using poetry and scripture.
Integrity Retreat: Freeing Jesus - with Diana Butler-Bass -- May 6–8, 2022 | Learn more and book
Using Diana Butler-Bass’s newest book, Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence, as a starting point, this weekend retreat will show how Trinity’s core value of integrity calls us to pay attention to our life experience, as we grow in self-understanding and in our relationship with Jesus.
Wade in the Water: Celebrating Blackness - with the Rev. Dr. Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones
An opportunity for people from across the African diaspora to come together for prayer, rest, walks, and the sharing of stories. Join the Trinity Retreat Center staff for a time of healing and reflection, enjoying nature, gathering around the table for farm-to-table meals, and participating in the retreat house’s rhythm of prayer.
|
|
Vital Conversations
Every one of us as pastors and church leaders longs for new ideas and innovations that will breathe an energizing spirit into our congregations. Well, did you know that there is a forum in PNEC that meets every month just for the purpose of sharing those sort of insights?
On the last Monday of each month, on Zoom at 7 PM, the Congregational Vitality Team hosts a “Vital Conversation.” Our conversations vary on the focal topic—past sessions have centered on subjects like stewardship, Christian education, and defining “vitality”—yet, every session is geared toward thinking together about a particular area of congregational life and brainstorming creative, imaginative, life-giving ways to do ministry. So, whether you’re looking for a spark of inspiration, a new idea, or simply want to talk and share with your colleagues some of the creative things you’re trying, please join us at the next Vital Conversation:
The Zoom Meeting ID is: 817 9668 4439
Passcode: 292474
Upcoming dates and topics are:
- March 28 at 7 PM - Inclusive Worship
- April 25 at 7 PM - Reaching Youth and Young Adults
|
|
Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
The following volunteer shifts are available:
- Tuesday, March 22, 1-5pm
- Wednesday, March 23, 9-12pm
- Wednesday, March 23, 1-4pm
All shifts will take place at the Homewood Suites in Center Valley.
Volunteer tasks will include:
- Assembling decorations
- Blowing up balloons
- Hanging and tying decorations
- Assembling photo op and stage backdrop
- Assembling table centerpieces
Interested? Please reply to this email with your full name, which shift(s) you will volunteer, and any restrictions you may have. Don't miss your chance to contribute to this fabulous evening celebrating the Lehigh Valley's LGBTQ+ community!
Can't volunteer? You're still invited! Purchase your tickets here!
With gratitude for your generosity,
|
|
Lehigh Valley Freedom School
The James Lawson Freedom School is gearing up for Summer 2022. The program will run from June 20, 2022- July 29, 2022. We are focused on fundraising, national and local training and recruitment of our Servant Leader interns. The program is building partnerships with Da Vinci Science Center and working with Wildlands Conservancy to enhance our learning enrichment through the Integrated Reading Curriculum.
We are thrilled to welcome Delia Mitchell as our Freedom School Program Assistant. Delia has served 2 years as a Site Coordinator with the James Lawson Freedom School and brings a slew of knowledge in the area of early childhood education. Delia has a background in community outreach and administration.
|
|
Clinical Pastoral Education at Phoebe Ministries
(accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education,
55 Ivan Allen, Jr. Blvd, Suite 835, Atlanta, GA 30308. www.acpe.edu)
We have scholarship money available to anyone who needs it.
Now accepting applications for our…
Summer Intensive CPE Group –
May 31 – August 5, 2022
· Full-time; 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
· 12 hours of class time per week
· Class time one day a week in Allentown and by zoom
· 28 hours of weekly ministry on one of our 4 Continuing Care Retirement Community Communities
(Allentown, Berks, Richland and Wyncote)
· Working and learning with board certified chaplains
· Certified Educator Candidate Rev. Leah Knox leading the group
· July 4th break built in
· Full scholarships available
· Deadline to Apply – May 1, 2022
For information please email/call Rev. Leah Knox lknox@phoebe.org or 610-927-8515;
|
|
Resources for Local Church Stewardship
“From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving” makes the connection between our experience of God and our generosity as disciples. It includes practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. The materials also provide resources for preaching and teaching about stewardship throughout the year. Campaign guidance and calendars help leaders make the best use of these robust materials for their specific context and size.
|
|
 |
Men's Breakfast
Rescue & Restore Church, 120 Willow Ave Olyphant, is hosting a Men’s Fellowship Breakfast on Saturday, April 30th at 9:00 A.M. Cost is $12 per person and you can pay the day of the event by cash, check, or debit/credit card. You can register at www.rescuerestorechurch.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attention, Church Pianists and Organists, age 19 and older:
Learn or enhance organ skills at the Lehigh Valley's 2022 Pipe Organ Encounter Plus (POE+)
- Excellent faculty.
- Private lessons and practice time using both pipe and digital-electronic organs.
- Superb recitals.
- Skill-building presentations.
- Air-conditioned single rooms for resident participants.
- Three meals daily for resident and commuter.
June 12-17, 2022 at Muhlenberg College (Allentown, PA) and area churches
Note: partial scholarships available and Commuter discount. Money-Back Guar. if circumstances necessitate cancellation.
Sponsored by the American Guild of Organists, its Lehigh Valley Chapter, and generous donors.
|
|
|
|
Co-Sponsors Needed for
Refugee Families
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry UPCOMING Classes
The Future of Multivocational Ministries -- April 27 to May 17
Instructor Darryl W. Stephens. A Financial Basics class for lay and clergy leaders.
Personal and Spiritual Development -- May 24 to June 28
Instructor Carrie Call. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm. A Ministerial Institute class on spiritual disciplines, congregational systems, and vocational discernment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clergy Convocation 2022
May 3-5, 2022
Double Tree by Hilton, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602
Qualifies for 10 Contact Hours
|
|
|
|
DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
I am happy to report that I have heard from Jill Shade at Longswamp UCC, PNEC, that they had a goal of $500 for the "High 5 for Disaster Relief" initiative. They have surpassed that goal and will be sending a check in the amount of $1,060 to PNEC's Disaster Response Ministry Team at the end of next week. It has been a pleasure to work with this congregation as they took seriously that challenge they were given. They also achieved this while in the midst of a pastoral transition. Thanks be to God!
Shalom, Karl -- Karl Jones, Disaster Response Coordinator
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Short Term Disaster Response Virtual Coordinator – You Are Needed Now - Position description for the long-term volunteer opportunity to support volunteer coordination in Eastwick
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One Great Hours of Sharing - Sunday, March 27, 2022, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the recommended date for the offering "One Great Hour of Sharing." Resources to help promote the offering have been mailed to the churches.
The theme for the 2022 One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering is “Love Remains,” based on 1 Corinthians 13:13, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." These words were written to a church in turmoil to remind them what love looks like in community.
What does love look like today? Through our collective generosity, the United Church of Christ has worked with both domestic and international partners to provide food, water, medicines, education, disaster recovery resources and opportunities for sustainable development, bringing hope to places of despair. Gifts to OGHS allow us to put love into action to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities in crisis in this country and around the world.
If you would like more information on how OGHS supports our disaster ministries, contact our Conference Disaster Coordinator, Karl Jones, 570-617-4018 or kjones275@comcast.net.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
