Bonnie's Letter

Psalm 30:11 “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”

Dear friends,

We have had sad news about Alan Miller’s passing. We have had sad news about others in our midst passing. We are in mourning, and it is good to mourn our losses together and to share our pain with one another. As you have read in the obituary notice that went out, Alan’s family will greet visitors on January 5 beginning at 4 pm and his memorial service will be January 6 at 11 am, both at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, Allentown. I hope some of you will be able to join us as we share our love and support with the family and as we celebrate Alan’s life.

We are sad. We lament at the loss and the absence death causes in our lives. Yet, we know that those who have passed from this world, are now in the arms of our loving God, welcomed home into peace and joy. They are clothed with joy.

This doesn’t make it any easier to say goodbye. This doesn’t make it easier to breathe during the moments of pain and sadness. Yet, we are a resurrection people, a people of hope. During this Advent we have been waiting expectantly for the coming of the Christ Child. We are moving through the progressively shorter days, walking in the darkness, knowing that there is light ahead. That is our faith. That is what moves us and leads us from mourning and lament into joy.

I hope, my beloved, that you take the time to grieve, the time to mourn, the time to lament. I hope you take the breath of the God and inhale it into your being. I hope you will know, in your very bones, that God is walking this journey with you.

One of our lectionary readings for this week is from Isaiah 35. Verses 1-2a read, “The wilderness and the dry land will be glad, the desert will rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The prophet proclaims a time of renewal, refreshment, and resurrection.

This is what we need as well, especially when our hearts are weary or broken in sorrow and loss. Breathe in God’s grace and joy. Believe in God’s peace and hope. Know God’s love. We do deeply miss Alan Miller and the others in our lives who have died, gone from us, but in the embrace of God. Pray for each other in this time. I am praying for, and with, you.

Blessings, Bonnie

OBITUARY

The Reverend Alan C. Miller

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Reverend Alan Craig Miller, entered God’s peaceful kingdom on December 2, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Reverend Miller was born on April 18, 1952 in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, to parents William Frederick and Janet Stone (Sauerland) Miller, both preceded him in death. In his youth, he loved soccer and baseball. Alan played Varsity Soccer for Pennridge High School and was selected as an All-Conference player. Alan graduated from Lehigh University in 1974 with a degree in Civil Engineering. In 1975, he was called to the ministry and earned a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. During seminary, Alan served as the Youth Pastor at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. On July 15, 1979, Alan was ordained at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, his childhood church home.

Upon Ordination, Alan began his full-time ministry as an associate pastor at St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ. In 1982, Greenawalds United Church of Christ called Alan as the senior pastor. In 1992, he began area ministry when the Southern Conference called him to serve as the Associate Conference Minister of the Western North Carolina Association in Salisbury, North Carolina. Alan served as the associate conference minister for ten years until the Penn Northeast Conference called him as the Conference Minister. Alan served in this position for fifteen years until he retired from the ministry in 2017 with 40 years of service to the community and churches of the United Church of Christ. When not serving the church, Alan enjoyed his community. He served as a volunteer for the Greenawalds Fire Department serving as the Fire Chaplain, led several mission trips to Appalachia, and loved helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity. His favorite trip, in 2008, included an opportunity to build houses with President Jimmy Carter in Georgia for Habitat for Humanity. Alan served as a Board of Director for Phoebe Ministries in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and as a cabinet member for the National United Church of Christ Council of Conference Ministers. He was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Fullerton, Pennsylvania. In 2017, Alan wrote a book entitled In My Weakness, You are My Strength about his courageous battle with cancer. Alan enjoyed athletics and was an avid Eagles and Phillies Fan. He loved watching any type of sporting event surrounded by family and good food! Alan’s hobbies included golf, carpentry, and cooking. He used his talents not only in mission work but also to build several pieces of furniture for his family. Alan loved reading, going to the beach, playing golf, laughing with friends, and being the life of any party! His light will truly be missed

Survivors: On June 15, 1974, Alan married his high school sweetheart, Candace “Candy” Kay (Frese) Miller. Together they had two children, Mark Alan Miller (Stephanie) and Christina Leigh Miller Lipstreu (James). Alan and Candy have five grandchildren: Ian Mark Miller, Elle Christiane Miller, Cooper James Lipstreu, Miller Keenan Lipstreu and Harper Grace Lipstreu. Alan centered his life on faith and family. Alan is survived in death by his brother, David Blake Miller and his wife Mary Kathryn Miller. He is also survived by two sister in laws Jeanette Sees (Frese) and Phyllis Schwartz (Frese) Alan is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Service: Family, colleagues and friends may pay their respects 4:00 pm. – 6:00 pm., Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Jordan United Church of Christ, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, Pennsylvania. A Memorial Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the legacy of Reverend Miller will be held 11:00 am. Friday, January 6, 2023 at Jordan United Church of Christ, Allentown.  Child care will be provided during the service for pre-school children. A live steam of the service will be available on the Jordan U.C.C. website by following the link jordanucc.org/online-worship.

The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. in Schnecksville has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelman.cares.com.

A special request from The Miller Family:

The Miller Family is looking for volunteers to provide childcare at Alan’s service on Friday, January 6, from 11:00 – 1:00, at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown. Jordan adheres to a safe church policy which means anyone volunteering to do this will need to present their clearances. Please contact David Charles Smith therrev@aol.com; 610.395.2218



Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Piedmont or Habitat for Humanity both in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to: Candy Miller, 4080 Saint Johns St., Highpoint, NC 27265 

Services for Diane Schaffer

(wife of Rev. Frank Schaffer, pastor at Solomon's UCC, Macungie)

December 15 - 10AM - Calling Hour

December 15 - 11AM - Memorial Service

Solomon's UCC, 82 S. Church St., Macungie

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Frank at 112 Spruce St., Emmaus, PA 18049

PNEC’s 2022 Closing Date will be Friday, January 13, 2023

Please plan your closing so that your final 2022 remittance will be received in the Conference Office by Friday, January 13, 2023. Receipts received after the 13th will be credited to 2023. Do not include 2022 remittances with 2023 and make certain remittance slips are marked for either the year 2022 or 2023.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Blue Christmas Service

December 18 – 2PM – Blue Christmas – St. John’s (Mickleys), Whitehall – in person only

December 18 – 3PM – Blue Christmas (2 locations and zoom)

Forks, Stockertown

St. Paul's, Northampton

Click Here for Service Bulletin

If you are aware of other locations, please let us know.

❤️ Article about Alan Miller - from the United Church of Christ

Alan Miller, retired Conference minister of ‘great, good humor,’ dies at 70

by Hans Holznagel | published on Dec 6, 2022

CLICK HERE TO READ

Join us for the Women's Clergy Retreat!

This retreat will be centered around YOUR NEEDS; so you will be able to choose what activities are beneficial for your well-being and the refreshing of your spirit. There will be opportunities for worship, discussion, engaging in spiritual practices, and more - all centered on the theme of unprogramming ourselves and unplugging from the demands of our day-to-day life. Massages will be available for an additional fee. 

The retreat will take place at Mariawald Retreat Center, 1094 Welsh Road in Reading, PA. Modest linens/towels and simple meals are provided - you are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to share! Rooms are double occupancy and cost $130 - space is limited! First floor rooms available on request, and be sure to include the name of a roommate if you have a preference. Full vaccination and a negative home covid test required up to 48 hours before the retreat. 

Click Here for Registration

Please contact Kim Berenotto with any questions: kimberlyberenotto@gmail.com

UCC Conference Ministers Retreat

Thirty-three of the UCC Conference Ministers gathered for a 2-day retreat prior to their national meeting with the Ministerial Excellence, Support, and Authorization Team of the national setting.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR...

Beyond Lament; Movement Towards Repair

Wednesday, April 12

9AM to 3PM at Jordan UCC, Allentown

(can be used for Cultural Competency Training for authorized ministers)

Keynote; “Repenting of the unforgiveable” Through the medium of storytelling, Rev Jim Bear Jacobs will share how the legacy of Indigenous residential boarding schools has left a stain upon the church. The sin of complicity in the boarding school has for far too long been ignored or rationalized away. It is time to face this sin head on and enter into a season of lament that can hopefully lead to repair.

Workshop: “Beyond lament; Movement towards repair” In this workshop Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs will explore some tangible and challenging steps that churches might wrestle with as they consider reparations for the traumatic legacy of the boarding school system.

Click Here for Bio for Jim Bear Jacobs

Crossroads 2023 Winter and Spring courses:

Note: All Courses are in person for those who are able AND also real time on Zoom. Your choice.

Mondays, January 9 - February 27 from 6 to 9PM

Ministry Journeys of the New Testament with Rev. Dr. Joanne Marchetto

Thursdays, January 5 - February 23 from 6 to 9PM

Mapping the Route - Conversations in Theology with Rev. Dr. Bill Falla

Mondays, March 6 - May 1 (except April 3) from 6 to 9PM

Traveling Mercies Congregational Care with Greg Krausz and Diane Kareha

Thursdays, March 9 - May 4 (except April 6) from 6 to 9PM

Traditions - Exploring Denominations & Religions with Rev. Dr. Bill Falla

For more information, Contact Jill Peters at petersj2@moravian.edu or go on our website at  www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads

DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC

Here is a report on my activities in PNEC on behalf of disaster ministries - 

1. Recently the national setting of the UCC did a story on the work in Eastwick. I did manage to get a picture in the article of the tool trailer and a mention of PNEC. You can read the article here..
2. The tool trailer was also featured in an article put together by PBS' WHYY recently. You can access it here.
3.  This past Sunday it was my pleasure to visit and worship with the congregation of St. John's UCC, Allentown. I made a presentation to their Adult Forum and offered a Mission Moment during worship. Thanks to Pastor Becky Sausser for the invitation and warm welcome.
4. I continue to relate to the Susquehanna County Long-term Recovery Committee and with the Bradford County COAD.
5. I will be taking part in the Monroe County operations exercise of their emergency operations center on December 5.

• Karl Jones

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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