This Week in PNEC

THIS WEEK IN PNEC May 6, 2021

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. 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, As we move into the celebration of Mother’s Day this weekend, I share with you the knowledge that this weekend can be both joyous and fraught with pain. The joy is for those who are mothers or who have mothers with whom there are positive, joyous and loving relationships. The pain is for those who have never been able to have children, have lost children at some point in their lives, or have had difficult relationships with mothers or mother figures in their lives. Yet, our culture focuses primarily on the joy alone.

In our churches this Sunday, we may wish mothers a happy day, we may share prayers for the mothers or mother figures in the lives of those present. In other places, the Mother’s Day holiday may not be mentioned at all. This Sunday’s lectionary gospel reading from John 15 reminds us that Jesus taught of love and said to his disciples, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

I believe that we need to focus on the gospel, not to the point that we ignore mothers and the celebration of their love, but that we need to look at the most expansive celebrations of love in our faith, in our lives, and in our culture. Jesus speaks in his message that we are to love each other as our Creator God loves Jesus, and as Jesus loves us. That love has no limits. We are to love that deeply and that fully. Jesus mentions that there is no love greater than the laying down of one’s life for one’s friends – as Jesus did for all of us.

So, as we move into the days ahead, we might want to focus on love – who are the people with whom we share love? Just our families and friends? Those we haven’t met who are our neighbors? Those across oceans and mountains and nations? Those across political and relational divides? With whom do we share love?

With whom is it hard to share love? For me, it’s always those who seem mean-spirited, angry, or who are bullying others. For me, it is those who seemingly have no respect for other people or other opinions. But I am not freed from the responsibility of loving anyone. Love may be a feeling, but it is also a commandment. I am called by Jesus to love. Jesus reminds us, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” I want to be a friend of Jesus. Don’t you?

Now don’t get me wrong. I will not, cannot excuse abusive behavior. None of us should. But I am called to act in love, to speak truth in love, to protect my siblings in the faith through love. My mother’s love was unconditional, and she provided my understanding of love as Jesus speaks of it, the unconditional love of a friend of Jesus, of our Creator God. I am grateful for that. I am also grateful that the Word of God speaks so clearly of love. So, this week, positive Mother’s Day thoughts or not, let’s focus on the unconditional love we are called to share as children of God and followers of Jesus. Blessings, Bonnie

Ecclesiastical Council (interview for Ordination) for Laura Oesterle

Sunday, May 16, 2021

1:00PM ish via Zoom

If you would like to attend and show your support for Laura, please email Patty Rehrig at the Conference Office - pattyr@pnec.org - and you will be provided with the zoom link and a copy of Laura's ordination paper if attending.

Mind, Body, Spirit: Linking Lives for Health & Wholeness

UCC Wellness Ministries Newsletter (May-June, 2021)

In this newsletter you will find information on the following topics: (To Read it All CLICK HERE)

Reflection
COVID Update
Health Programming & Observation Dates

For May:

Mental Health Month
Asthma & Allergies Awareness Month
National High Blood Pressure Education Month
National Nurses Month

For June:

National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
National Safety Month
Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Put This on Your Calendar:

On-Line Education & Resources

Congratulations to Deborah Ringen, MSN, RN-BC

WCC, Christian Conference of Asia grieve and pray with churches in India as COVID-19 surges

(India is an Ecumenical Relations Mission Team Partner)

In a pastoral letter, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Christian Conference of Asia expressed their concern, grief, and prayerful solidarity with the churches in India as COVID-19 surges in South Asian countries. Read More...

Looking for Host Churches for the

2021 Walk for Our Grandchildren: Elders and Youth on the Road for Climate Justice

Carolyn Shaw, a 48 year member of the First Church of Christ in Middletown, CT and a member of the 15 person planning committee of the 2021 Walk for Our Grandchildren: Elders and Youth on the Road for Climate Justice, is asking for our help in identifying churches who would be willing to host walkers during their late June Walk from Scranton to Wilmington, Delaware.

Carolyn’s first instinct was to look to her own denomination for places to stay. Although most of the walkers and bicycle riders will be camping out in their tents each night, some including Carolyn, hope to put their sleeping bags on the floors of comfortable church meeting rooms or parlors after walking 12-15 miles daily.

There are many ways that people can be part of the Walk during this climate emergency. She is asking for our support. If your church is willing to host walkers, please contact Carolyn at 860-346-0862; lynshaw@aol.com.

Their Vision Statement can be found at by clicking here.

Statement Following the Derek Chauvin Conviction

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches remains in prayer for the people of Minneapolis, Brooklyn Center and the nation following the Derek Chauvin murder conviction for the death of George Floyd, and the death of Daunte Wright at the hands of police. We also mourn the deaths of Adam Toledo, killed in a police shooting in Chicago, Ma’Khia Bryant, shot by a policeman in Columbus, Ohio and Andrew Brown, Jr, slain by policemen in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

These deaths, and countless others, have given birth to a nationwide movement for reimagining policing, deescalating violence, promoting police accountability, while rooting out systemic racism in police departments across the nation. Social justice is not achieved in individual events or acts; it occurs through incremental steps and significant individual and community sacrifices.

There is trauma across this nation related to police violence and misconduct. The reality is that the experience for people of color in this nation resonates with that of the Children of Israel in exile, as they asked the question, “how can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” This, however, is not a foreign land, though for some it is sometimes unwelcoming and traumatic. People cannot feel at home when they experience trauma, violence, and hatred because of the color of their skin or status in life.

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches advocates for the reform of the criminal justice system, making it more equitable for all people of color. We are committed to police accountability in all communities. We are also committed to addressing the systemic conditions that create community trauma and violence. Our aim is to prevent communities of color from becoming “killing fields.”

Every day, throughout this country, most law enforcement personnel put on their uniforms and badges and with distinction, honor, and courage, serve and protect the public. We celebrate those who uphold human rights and the sanctity of human dignity and life as they protect communities and ethically carry out their work. We stand ready to initiate and support efforts to build positive community policing initiatives that enhance community wellbeing.

The deaths of George Floyd, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, Ma’Khia Bryant and Andrew Brown, Jr. are tragedies, but we pray that they may also serve as a call to action. It is our hope that the tragedy of their deaths will create the opportunity for people of good will to coalesce around justice and our common humanity.

Rev. Dr. Larry D. Pickens, Executive Director, The Pennsylvania Council of Churches

SAVE THE DATE

Congregational Leadership Training

Saturday, September 25

9AM-4PM via Zoom

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Special message from Phoebe board about getting vaccinated

Take a few minutes to view A Special Message from the Phoebe Governing Board. These heartfelt messages from the board volunteers are a testament of their dedication to Phoebe Ministries' partners and residents, and offer encouragement to consider getting vaccinated to protect yourselves and others.

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The Infrastructure Revolution: Financial Support for Sustainability Projects

May 16, 2021 Noon to 1PM on Zoom

Changing Hearts & Minds: Interfaith & International Advocacy for the Planet

May 23, 2021 noon to 1PM on Zoom

Join us as we explore these questions in this Earth Day series taking place in May on Zoom. Follow this link https://forms.gle/8Tbhjc2temTKxRw58

to register for these Sunday sessions on Zoom which will take place at 12:00 p.m. Register no later than the Friday before each presentation. Questions? Call 610-866-5661

This program has been planned by members of the Central Moravian Church, The Cathedral Church of the Nativity, and the Universal Unitarian Church of Bethlehem and funded by the Elizabeth Johnston Prime Fund of the Central Moravian Church.

Download the flyer to learn more about the series.

Pastoring Challenging Parishioners:

A Relational & Mental Health Perspective

June 22 OR June 23, 2021

(each workshop has a limit of 20 pastors)

Counts for Advanced Boundary Training

6 to 8:30PM

Cost: $10/person

click here for flyer and registration info.

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"Systemic Racism: Disasters Expose It-How Do We Address It?"

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is hosting a webinar titled “Systemic Racism: Disasters Expose It – How Do We Address It?” on Thursday, May 13 at 2 pm ET to look at how COVID-19 and other disasters make the presence of systemic racism more obvious. Speakers will share practical tips to increase funding for equity and anti-racism work, as well as supporting BIPOC organizations responding to crises in their communities. This webinar is part of Equity in Disasters , a series of blog posts, webinars and other resources highlighting systemic racial and intersectional equity issues linked with communities’ abilities to recover from and withstand future disasters. Please register .

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Trouble the Water - Racial Justice & Reconciliation

May 22 from 9-3 on Zoom

An event through NEPA Synod ELCA. It will be a day of worship & workshops helping congregation leaders and members better understand the effects of racism within our churches and how we can help in the reconciliation process.

Click Here for more info. and to register

Veterans' Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention

Lebanon VAMC Clergy Virtual Training Event

May 11, 2021 from 9AM to 11:30AM

To register and receive the link call: 717-272-6621 ext. 5085 or email Vince: Vincent.Zvorsky@va.gov

Veterans are at higher risk for suicide than the average population. Moral Injuries can have an underlying effect upon the Veteran, as the Veteran feels overwhelmed with shame and guilt. Faith community leaders are encouraged to join us for this virtual training event to learn more about how to help Veterans who may be contemplating Suicide and/or suffering from moral injury.

Guest Speakers include: Chief of Chaplains, Dean Luther; Suicide Prevention Coordinator, John Lucas

Wednesdays In The Word

Identity Crisis - I AM

Each Wednesday - (May 19, 2021 – July 7, 2021) - 1:00-1:30; 7:00-7:30 Weekly

On-Line with the Women of Dille Parish, LeRaysville

Dille Parish, 903 Main Street LeRaysville, PA, US 18829; (570) 744-1637

To remind us of what Jesus said about Himself, what prompted it, and how understanding this might be a blessing to us today.

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Click for 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

7:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Click for 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm

1:00 p.m. audio only

Phone: 872-240-8956

Meeting ID: 816160944#

7 p.m. audio only

Phone: 872-240-8956

Meeting ID: 158043143#

The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry at Lancaster Seminary

announces: Bivocational Ministry for Congregations and Pastors, taught by the Rev. Dr. Darryl W. Stephens, Wednesday nights, 7–8:30pm, May 26–June 30, via Zoom. Generous grant funding allows us to offer this 2.5 CEU class for $100 per participant (or $50 for auditors, no credit). Registration and instructions for payment: https://lancasterseminary-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElc-2srT4uHtTuTWFxXhiptHV4n88e8bVd

Is your congregation considering a part-time pastor? Are you considering a career in ministry alongside a secular job? This class is appropriate for lay leaders and clergy alike. We will explore what it means to be bivocational in ministry. We will study the example of Paul as tentmaker and discuss challenges facing the church today. Students taking this class for CEUs will develop a covenant of expectations between congregation and pastor for successful ministry in a changing world.

Also upcoming:

Ministry Job Search Toolkit: Bivocational and Beyond, instructor TBA, July–August 2021. Grant funding allows us to offer this 2.5 CEU class for $100 per participant (or $50 for auditors, no CEUs). https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/

ProJect of Easton Wish List

Hello,

The pandemic has finally reached a point enabling us to once again see family and friends and hug our loved ones. These past fourteen months have been long and challenging for everyone and we are looking forward to better days ahead. We are happy to report that the doors at ProJect of Easton are officially open as of May 3, 2021 to our full staff and soon we will welcome back all of our volunteers and clients. I want to say thank you for your continued support of ProJeCt throughout the year. The monthly Wish List is attached and includes items we are most in need of for our Food Pantry and Literacy programs. Many of you have previously supported this and continue to do so today. Thank you! Last year, your support helped over 5,000 adults and children in need of ProJeCt’s services. Please email me with questions or concerns.

Jamie Rzeszowski, Development Coordinator

320 Ferry Street Easton, PA 18042; Phone: 610-258-4361; Fax: 610-258-7502

Email: jrzeszowski@projecteaston.org ; www.projecteaston.org

Children's Church

Hi Everyone! Here is something that is happening at St. John's in Fogelsville: Children's Church! You are welcome to share the advertisement with your congregations. If any of you would like to help lead in anyway (share a story??) , I welcome the opportunity to work with you!

Janet Newett

610-657-2189

Mental Health Awareness Month

The arrival of May brings Mental Health Awareness Month and, for many congregations, preparations for Mental Health Sunday on May 16. At the UCC Mental Health Network, we have partnered with The United Church of Canada to offer a new resource: Radical Belonging: Mental Health Sunday Liturgies and Resources for All. This downloadable resource, available in both a PDF and a large print Word document, is for any congregation of any size that wishes to become a place of radical belonging. Within it, you will find liturgy that challenges the systemic sins that create “otherness” and ableism, resources that share the stories of people living with mental illness and disabilities, and words of grace and celebration for the opportunities we have as the Body of Christ to love, care for and accept one another. We hope you will share this resource with the churches in your conference so they can draw upon it when preparing liturgies for this month and especially, Mental Health Sunday.

Sincerely, Jacqui Cook, UCC Mental Health Network

Black Church Traditions and African American Faith-life Arts Showcase

Phillips Theological Seminary Black Church Traditions and African American Faith-Life invites artists of all ages to participate in a showcase of works as part of a sacred commemoration for the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The submission deadline for the arts showcase is May 11.

Artwork must be original to the artist submitting the work. The mediums for the showcase are: spoken word, original music, 2D or 3D artwork, computer-generated visual art. All submissions will be made online and must follow category guidelines (CLICK TO SUBMIT).

Members of the Black Christian Traditions and African American Faith Life committee will serve as judges for the showcase and award a $500 best in show honor and up to $1,500 in combined prizes. Judging criteria is based on interpretation of the topic, originality, technique and composition.

The works will be featured in a video shared across social media and the seminary’s website, ptstulsa.edu/art

Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar

The Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar for pastors and lay leaders offers an opportunity to explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promoting generosity in our congregations. The seminar draws on current research, seeks guidance from the wisdom of scripture, and discusses the best practices in church-based fundraising. Class sessions held May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9, June 16, and June 23, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:00pm EST. Between class sessions, the instructors provide materials to help you analyze the culture of your own congregation and learn how to create change. Register today: The CGC Seminar is $150 per participant. Register here by April 30, 2021: cvent.me/7yV37Q.

Advanced Boundary Training

(Basic boundary training must be completed first. If you have already taken a basic boundary training, this advanced training will cover your Boundary Training requirement and a certificate will be provided.)

Social Media & Boundaries for Ministry

Friday, May 14 & Friday, May 21, 2021

(series of 2 sessions)

Zoom training from 1 to 2 PM

Cost: $25

See flyer and registration form

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Good Leave-Taking Boundaries

May 22

(from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference)

A 3-hour advanced boundary training regarding Good Leave-taking!

About this Event

Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian

Accepting another call can be exciting…until the reality about departing your current ministry sets in (a fear that sometimes keeps us from leaving when we should). Before saying hello to one congregation, there must be a time of saying goodbye to the other. Leaving well is so very important for the spiritual wellbeing of the clergy person and the congregation. There are spiritual practices, rituals of closure, and a series of goodbyes along the way. How to leave with grace and in a healthy way is not always easy but is a part of our covenantal responsibility.