Bonnie's Letter

Friends,

I write a lot about covenant in these letters to you. The expectation of our congregations and authorized ministers is that we, as conference volunteers and staff, will be in covenant with them. I think it is important to recognize that covenant is about mutuality in our expectations and relationships.

Jesus prayed in John 17 “that they may all be one” and the United Church of Christ has taken that to be our motto and foundational scripture. What does it mean to be one? How are we one? Why are we one? What behaviors demonstrate we are one?

As I meet with congregations and ministers, I remind us that the United Church of Christ is a “big tent” where differences of opinions, theological interpretations, social justice perspectives, and beliefs are welcome. I believe that with my whole heart. And I believe that we each and all have a responsibility to act in partnership within that “big tent.” To me that means the conference provides mission support, programming and education support, and leadership. It also means that my role as conference minister is to care about each and every one of our congregations and our ministers. It means, too, that our congregations and ministers have their own responsibilities to move into and maintain relationships with one another, and with the conference staff and volunteers.

Yesterday we held our Ministry Day event with participation from 47 of our 200+ ministers. The topic was relevant to us all: hybrid ministry. Those in attendance affirmed the importance and effectiveness of the educational experience. The program was wonderful. Worship was meaningful. Attendance was disappointing, given that pre-COVID pandemic attendance was twice what it was yesterday.

Our current registrations for the upcoming WISE for Mental Health Conference is similarly small. Our current registration for the Fall Conference Meeting isn’t even at 30 yet and we need at least 100 voting members to have a quorum. Attendance for the meeting has routinely been about 150. There are 3 registrations for our December 3 Lay Worship Leadership Training, something asked for by several congregations without ministerial leadership.

Why am I talking about this now, in October? Well, I am disappointed.

Our teams and committees are working hard to meet the needs of congregations and ministers and we diligently offer programs of education based on important topics and areas of interest. We strive to assure that educational opportunities address the continuing education policies the Committee on Ministry has established. Where is the partnership and covenant among our congregations and ministers? Where are the participants? What else do we need to do?

This letter is turning out to be a little negative and that wasn’t my intent. My intent was to remind us that we are in this together, that covenant is mutual and that we each have responsibilities in maintaining and growing our relationships with each other. I hope I have done that.

In the meantime, please register for upcoming events. Use scholarships if needed. Get your delegates registered for the Fall Conference meeting. Be in partnership with the many ministry teams and committee who are providing the best they can for each of us. We are in covenant and ministry together. Let us move into our calling, that all may be one.      Blessings, Bonnie

Committee on Ministry Announces Ecclesiastical Council

(an Ecclesiastical Council is the final step in the ordination approval process for the Member in Discernment pending a valid call and granting them permission to circulate their profile within the UCC.)

The Committee on Ministry of the Penn Northeast Conference Invites you to participate in the Ecclesiastical Council for Suzanne Schaeffer on October 29 at 9:15am at Faith United Church of Christ, 21 Faith Drive, Hazelton, PA. You may also participate via Zoom. To register to attend, please email Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office (pattyr@pnec.org).  Once you are registered a copy of Suzanne Schaeffer’s Ordination will be emailed to you. Suzanne is a member in discernment serving with Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Nuremberg. 

Hurricane Aid

UCC launches emergency appeal for 2022 hurricanes – Ian, Fiona and those still to come.

Read more, donate now

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your support of disaster relief. Your generosity has aided hundreds of families in need of help to rebuild their homes and lives. We request your renewed support for the Hurricanes 2022 Fund for those in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, and other significant storms that may arise in the warm Atlantic waters. Your gift to the Hurricanes 2022 Fund will help with immediate needs while basic infrastructure is repaired, and more complete assessments can be made.

We don’t know what may come next with two months remaining in hurricane season. We know that as a people of faith, we can show up through our prayers and giving for our most vulnerable neighbors and journey with them on the long road to recovery. With your support, we can offer healing and resources through solidarity grants that support relief.

Your gift enables the church to be present with people amidst catastrophic and life-changing situations, offering immediate relief and providing long-term recovery support. Working through a network of global and local partners, the church lives out its call to care for our neighbors as we strive together toward a just world for all. If you prefer, you may send a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Hurricanes Fund 2022” in the memo section.

Kent Siladi, Director of Philanthropy, UCC

Good Works: Stories and Guidelines from the Life of George H. Yoder

Two years ago we livestreamed the funeral service for my father George H. Yoder during the throes of the pandemic, this year I’ve edited and published my father’s book, Stories of My Youth: A Rural American Memoir.

I’m coming to Pennsylvania to present a talk about his memoir, his early life, and the values that inspired him to become a pastor, social justice advocate, and community organizer. My talk, “Good Works: Stories and Guidelines from the Life of George H. Yoder,” takes place at Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, 432 Walnut Street, Allentown, on Saturday, November 5, at 11 a.m. Museum events are $8 for adults.

Warm regards, Barbara Ann Yoder

Call to the 2022 Fall Meeting of PNEC

Saturday, November 5

In Person or Virtual

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Forks United Church of Christ, 4500 Sullivan Trail, Stockertown, PA

Topic

“Engaging with the Nones and Dones”

Nones: have no religious practice

Dones: no longer identify with a particular religious tradition

You are invited to come and learn the fascinating changes that are taking place

which will help engage emerging generations

Click Here for Registration Form with details

Send registration and payment by October 28, 2022, to:                                                          

Penn Northeast Conference, 431 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton, PA 18071

or

Register online: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/5965617

 Sorry, registration fees are not refundable.

Fall Meeting = 1 ½ hours of Continuing Ed for PNEC Authorized Ministers

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM)

Full scholarships available! A generous donor has provided money to pay for two new PAM students to enroll in Lovett Weems's class, Church Finances, which begins Oct 11. I would like your help to spread the word about this opportunity. 

This class is ideal for both lay and clergy leaders. Please share the announcement (below) in your newsletters and with all who may be interested. Persons interested in applying for this scholarship should contact me at dstephens@lancasterseminary.edu. 

Beginning January 2023:

Jews and the American Civil Rights Movement, January 11–February 15, 2023. Wednesdays, 7–8:30pm via Zoom. Instructor, Rabbi Jack Paskoff. Ideal for lay and clergy leaders.

Church History To the Reformation, Jan 10–Feb 14, 2023. Weeknights via Zoom. Instructor, the Rev. Matt Deal. Ideal for lay and clergy leaders.

Information and Registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/ 

Adult Mental Health First Aid Course 

Led by Rev. Dr. Emily B. Hall, BCCi

Friday, October 21 from 9AM to 3PM

Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown

Click here to read more...

UCC WISE Conference on Mental Health

Penn Northeast Conference

W.I.S.E. Conference

October 22, 2022 -- 8AM to 3PM

Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, PA

REGISTER BY OCTOBER 21

All are welcome to attend...pastors, congregational members, students

Child Care is available at Jordan Church

$30 student rate; $50 regular rate

Click Here for Flyer and How to Register

OR click on this tithe.ly link:  https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/5886209 

HOPE FOR RECOVERY

A special program to assist clergy in their ministry with persons seeking recovery from addiction—especially drug and alcohol addiction—will be held on

NOVEMBER 10, 2022 (THURSDAY)

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

467 Main St., Conyngham, Pa. 18219

The day’s schedule:

 9:30 Doors open.

10:00 Welcome and prayer by the Rev. Deborah Staniszewski.

10:10 Personal stories of persons in recovery.

11:15 Contemporary treatment methods by Jessy Miller, Director &

        Vice President at The Robinson Counseling Center at Children’s

        Service Center, Wilkes-Barre.

12:15 Lunch*

 1:00 Resources for persons with addictions by Ryan Hogan, Drug

 and Alcohol Administrator, Luzerne County.

 2:00 Spiritual care of persons in recovery by the Rev. Thomas

         Scornavacchi, Common Ground Ministry, Wyomissing.

 3:00 Conclusion.

To register, by November 1, 2022, please contact the Rev. Carl Shankweiler, PO Box 744, Valley View, Pa. 17983; 570-682-9834; Carl1123@epix.net.  This event is open to clergy of all denominations. It is sponsored by the Hazleton-Lehighton Mission District of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, the Rev. Deborah Staniszewski, Dean.

*Lunch will be provided in memory of the Rev. Dr. John M. Brndjar, former President of Lutheran Welfare Service, Hazleton, which once offered an educational program called Genesis in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania.

Safety Solutions for your Ministry Workshop

Active Shooter Awareness and Response

October 26 at Jordan UCC, Allentown

The UCC Insurance Board is hosting a Loss Control Workshop for ALL PNEC Congregations on October 26 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Jordan UCC in Allentown. In addition to the Active Shooter Awareness and Response Workshop, the following topics will also be discussed: Abuse Prevention Considerations, Church Operations and Trending HR Concerns, Financial Controls Best Practices and Cyber Awareness. A member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be in attendance as a presenter of the Active Shooter segment of the program.

Click here for an agenda and to register, click on the “To Register Click Here” section of the announcement.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served at 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions regarding this workshop, please contact the Conference Office (610.826.3113).

Mindfulness and Meditation Gatherings by Zoom

With Rev. Kris P. Snyder (from Union, Neffs)

Thursdays 12noon to 1pm

October 20, November 3, November 17, December 1

By zoom only – use the link below.

We will gather for an hour of practice using practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) model, Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh tradition, Centering Prayer, and a little Qigong and movement.

No experience necessary, lots of experience welcome too.

Sign up here if you are interested and available for some or all of these dates:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E4CA8A823A7FA7-pnec1

Or just show up using the zoom link.

Blessings, Kris pastorkris@unionucc.org

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81188127483?pwd=TzdmTFpIaXVtMjRQSHY1K1hOdkV2dz09

Meeting ID: 811 8812 7483

Passcode: 348630

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (Chicago)

+16468769923,,81188127483#,,,,*348630# US (New York)

You are also welcome to practice by zoom with the group from Union UCC on Tuesdays 7-8pm September 20, October 11, November 15.

We’re hosting an in person meditation retreat on Saturday, December 10^th from 9am-11am.

Contact Kris for the detailed information or follow the church’s Facebook page. 

Leading Worship for Lay Leaders

Saturday, December 3, 2022

9AM to Noon via zoom

FREE

Designed to help lay leaders prepare and lead worship!

The training will cover:

• Basic liturgy planning
• Using the lectionary
• Identifying hymns
• Utilizing worship resources to plan worship
• Framing questions for dialogue sermon

Click Here for Flyer & Registration Info.

Progressive Christian Theological Education Courses

PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc., invites you to explore its Progressive Christian theological education courses. These courses are affordable, asynchronous, and completely online to fit the schedules of busy people! Each course offers participants the opportunity to develop competency in the subject matter as well as the chance to meet and work with a diverse group from across the United States. Whether you are called to a pastoral role, a congregational or community leader seeking new skills, or a curious inquirer, PATHWAYS has courses to expand your thinking, enhance your knowledge, and exhilarate your soul.

● Course Schedule Look for PATHWAYS Winter I Term (January 2023) include: UCC History and Polity, and a new Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE accredited CPE). Spring and Summer 2023 schedule coming soon!

● Ministerial Preparation The PATHWAYS core three-level curriculum for ministerial preparation, leadership development and continuing education. There is time to sign up for courses, the registration process is easy and courses can begin the same day you register. Contact Melissa Ashmore, Registrar at registrar@pathwaystheological.org with questions

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson

You are invited to a book study on the book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson. Pulitzer Prize Winner.

In Caste, Wilkerson tells a story that needs to be told, concerning America’s founders' plan for its social, economic and political structure for future generations, with race as the determining factor. Wilkerson’s background as a print journalist serves her readers wonderfully with a tremendous amount of research, laid out with great care and an artful narrative style. She explores the history and nature of caste systems and how they are sometimes barely recognizable, yet insidiously efficient in maintaining wealth and power for those at the highest level of stratification.

Participants will be asked to read numerous chapters on a weekly basis and come prepared to have open and sometimes challenging conversations regarding America’s history. Both David Bushnell and La-Verna Fountain have many years of experience working with diverse groups of people and facilitating difficult conversations. Caste takes a hard look at America’s dark history and offers ways to build a better future for all.

To Register please click the following link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/439879731117

375th Anniversary of the Westminster Confession

Join us on October 20th at 3 pm EDT/8 pm BST for a virtual program marking the 375th anniversary of the Westminster Confession.  Created upon the request of the English Parliament by "learned, godly, and judicious Divines" convened at Westminster Abbey, the Westminster Confession of Faith has had a remarkable influence within Protestantism over the 375 years since its adoption. In commemoration of this important anniversary, the Congregational Library & Archives, Boston, and Dr Williams’s Library, London, are bringing leading scholars and theologians together to talk about the significance of the Westminster Confession: past, present, and future.  During this virtual program, Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn will speak on “The Westminster Assembly in Historical Context,” Dr. Baird Tipson on "The Impact of the Westminster Confession during New England's First Century," and Rev. Dr. Richard L. Floyd on “Reflections on the Legacy of the Westminster Confession of Faith.” The program will be moderated by Dr. Isabel Rivers.

The event is free to all, but registration is required via this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oFgBKeXgRUuo16Y0X0bgEg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For more information, please email info@14beacon.org

PSEC/PNEC Clergy Women's Retreat

January 24-January 26 

(arrive around 4pm 1/24/23 and departure around Noon 1/26/23 - more details TBD)

Mariawald Retreat Center in Reading, PA

More Info Coming Soon!!  Mark Your Calendars.

Contact Person:  Rev. Kim Berenotto - pastorkim@longswampucc.org

Back Bay Mission 100 Year Capital Campaign Kickoff Video

Click On The Title Above for the Kick-Off Video on YouTube.  For volunteer opportunities, please go to Back Bay Mission and click on Volunteer and go to Mission Trips and check out the calendar for 2023. The calendar for 2024 will be available Jan. 1 at 1:00am. Dates go quickly. You can also email: volunteercoordinator@thebackbaymission.org.

DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC

Response to Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico (Sept. 18) -  On Sunday, Sept. 18, Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico, causing power outages for millions of homes and businesses and life-threatening flooding across the island. For information on the impact to the UCC, the UCC's response efforts, and how you can help, click here to read a disaster update.

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Welcome Backpacks and Period Packs join CWS service kit lineup; matching grants available:

UCC congregations have long assembled school kits and cleanup buckets to help others through Church World Service.  A young volunteer helps pack one of 22 CWS Cleanup Buckets at Medina UCC, Medina, Ohio. Photo by Becky Bauer. They now have two new opportunities. Church World Service Kits now include a Period (Menstrual Hygiene) Pack and a Welcome Backpack.  These join CWS’s well-established Hygiene and School Kits and Emergency Cleanup Buckets. And UCC churches assembling and donating any of the CWS Kits can apply for UCC Match Grants of up to $250 to help stretch their contribution. 

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**You can find more information & updates at UCC Disaster Ministries: www.ucc.org/disaster