Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Letter from Bonnie
Dear friends, While I was reading through devotionals this week, I came upon this from Diana Butler Bass who quotes a response to a question asked during a podcast interview with Jim Wallis. I share this with you as I think this is how many of us are feeling right now.
Diana writes, “While taping a podcast about Freeing Jesus, Jim Wallis asked me how it goes with my soul these days. What a question! Happiness for new words in the world, the joy of Jesus’s Easter uprising. Weariness of long pandemic isolation, brokenhearted over the courtroom testimony about a death that never should have happened. My soul? A Janus-like spirit, leaping toward renewal yet still lugging a yoke that is anything but light.
Resurrection, yes. But haunted by the insurrections of fear and falsity that are ripping the world.
And so, after a long day of many Zoom calls and challenging conversations, I walked. For a couple of miles. Right now, my Virginia neighborhood resembles a florist shop, everything blooming, every color in flower. The dogwoods are among my favorites, the odd timber that is both tree and flower. In floral lore, the dogwood symbolizes spiritual rebirth, the blossoms seen as sacred, as tokens of light, bearers of the Christ consciousness to the earth.
The dogwood at the end of my street seemed to call toward me, beckoning to draw near and gaze. There’s an old southern legend that dogwoods grew in Jerusalem — and that one gave its wood for Jesus’s cross. Because of this, the dogwood was cursed (its short stature a ‘punishment’ for being the wood of death) but it also became a blessing. Blessing? For on each twisted branch burst forth petals of lightness and light.
That’s what I felt when Jim asked after my soul. Like the dogwood. Knowing the knottiness of death in this world, yet witnessing the flowering of new life from gnarled wounds. Resurrection, yes. But under the shaded insurrections of the deep forest. The twisted timber, and the most fragile flower.
How’s your soul today?”[1]
It is a good question. Theological studies of John Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist Church, indicate that he began almost all conversations with a similar question, “How is it with your soul?” Followed them by the question, “What have you done for the poor lately?” The dogwood blossoms give Diana hope. What gives you hope in these days? Blooming flowers, budding tress and chirping birds give me hope.
Oh, and how is it with your soul? Blessings, Bonnie
[1] Diana Butler Bass from The Cottage <dianabutlerbass@substack.com>
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Did you register? Now is the time!
Call to the
VIRTUAL Spring Meeting of PNEC
Saturday, April 17, 2021
via ZOOM
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Theme: Blessed to be the Children of God
Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29
26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you
who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Keynote Speaker: Robert Jones
Author of White Too Long: The Legacy
of White Supremacy in American Christianity
Robert P. Jones is the CEO and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the author of White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity. Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic online, NBC Think, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University and a M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of The End of White Christian America, which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion.
Spring Meeting = 2.5 hours of continuing ed
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April Worship Service
Here is the link for the April worship service prepared by the national setting. The worship should be completed soon but this be the link, so please share it in This Week. When the service is done, you'll be able to find it on our Tri-Conference Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8312392
Blessings, Bonnie
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CALL FOR APPLICATION: PHOEBE MINISTRIES’ CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (CPE) SEEKS SUMMER 2021 APPLICANTS TO SERVE SENIORS ON WERNERSVILLE AND RICHLANDTOWN CAMPUSES
The 2021 Summer CPE program is full-time, 40-hours per week and runs ten weeks beginning May 24, 2021 through July 30, 2021. Three and a half days are spent in clinical assignments available at Phoebe Berks in Wernersville, PA and Phoebe Richland in Richlandtown, PA. Group seminars include one day on the Allentown campus and four hours virtually.
The Phoebe Ministries’ CPE program is designed to offer clergy, seminary students and qualified community members of all faiths the opportunity to practice ministry to senior adults in a variety of settings, including nursing homes and retirement communities. The CPE curriculum includes Spiritual Assessment, Bioethical Issues in Aging, Ministry to Persons with Dementia, and Life Review. Phoebe staff chaplains provide mentoring and guidance for students as they lead worship, Bible study, bereavement and support groups, and Spirit Alive™, Phoebe’s proprietary Montessori-based program developed for seniors with dementia. Interdisciplinary care conferences and case consultations for residents are also part of each student’s education. Each campus setting provides opportunities for students to develop long-term pastoral relationships comparable to parish experiences.
Phoebe Ministries is accredited as a center for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. It is one of only ten accredited CPE programs in the nation serving the long-term care setting.
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Faith in Action - Faith Forum & Day of Action
April 8, 2021 - 8 to 9PM
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has verbally accepted an invitation to attend The Faith Forum and Day of Prophetic Action so we will present our agenda that seeks justice and racial equity for our people. As our country continues to grapple with the far reaching effects of the pandemic that have exacerbated centuries-long racial inequities and injustices, Faith Forum participants representing more than 40 federations from 25 states will hear from directly-impacted individuals whose lives will be made better by meaningful congressional action on equitable pandemic relief, vaccination distribution, gun violence prevention, and a pathway to citizenship for dreamers, TPS holders and undocumented essential workers. The forum will also include an important conversation about the urgent need for a new Voting Rights Act, especially given the new restrictions signed into law by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Click Here for more info.
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YOU ARE INVITED TO A PNEC EVENT!
CVT CONVERSATIONS
(CVT = Congregational Vitality Committee)
Sunday, May 2nd from 2:00 PM-3:30PM on Zoom.
It’s been a challenging year. Let’s talk.
Join the group wishing to move forward and learn by looking back:
Questions we would like to ask and answer:
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What have we lost over the past year that we must take the time to grieve?
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What have we had to let go of that is better off gone?
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What new things have we tried, learned, found helpful?
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What have we gained that is worth keeping as we move into a new “normal”?
Every voice is a heard voice at this event! Come for inquisitive inquiry and/or to share your experiences.
We want to listen. Clergy and Laity welcome. See you there!
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Adult Mental Health First Aid Course
May 8 and 15, 2021
9AM to Noon - via Zoom
Led by: Rev. Dr. Emily B. Hall, D. Min, BCCi
Registration Required
Click Here for detailed flyer and registration information.
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Trouble the Water
Racial Justice & Reconciliation
May 22 from 9-3 on Zoom
an event through NEPA Synod ELCA that will be about racial justice and reconciliation. It will be a day of worship and workshops helping congregation leaders and members better understand the effects of racism within our churches and how we can help in the reconciliation process.
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Penn Northeast Conference Prayer Ministry Team
We are looking to form a Conference Prayer Ministry Team. No special skills required only an open heart and mind to the movement of the Holy Spirit. This will be a hybrid group gathering both on Zoom and periodic in person gatherings as communal wellness permits. Lay and Clergy members are welcome to join. Please email Teresa Martin at RevTeresaMartin@outlook.com if interested. See the attached proposal.
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Introduction to Worship Leadership & Liturgical Practices
April 10 - May 15
On-line via Zoom
Lancaster Theological Seminary
Worship leaders will learn to plan, prepare, and practice congregational worship, rites, and rituals, especially baptisms, weddings, and funerals/memorial services.
Taught by the Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma, this six-week online class runs from Saturday, April 10 through Saturday, May 15. Five of the classes meet Saturdays from 10:00 am until noon. One class will be held on Thursday, May 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Earn 2.5 CEUs. Just $325 all inclusive. Register now!
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Moravian Seminary...We Hope You'll Join Us!
Wisdom Way of Knowing Gatherings
Friday, April 30
3:00-5:00pm
Leader: Marcella Kraybill-Greggo, MSW, LSW
Online via Zoom Video Conference
Contact Hours: 2 per session
Price: $20 per session (you must register for each date separately) Register Here!
Moses Lecture in Moravian Studies
Tuesday, April 20 • 10:00–11:30am
Topic: When the Moravians Returned to Georgia: A Forgotten Mission During the American Revolution
Speaker: Dr. Jon Sensbach
Online via Zoom Video Conference
Contact Hours: 1.5
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Installation Service - June 13
The Dille Parish invites you to the installation of our new pastor Rev. Barbara Rowlett.
Sunday June 13 at 1pm at the LeRaysville Church 24 Church Street LeRaysville PA 18829, reception immediately following at the Community Hall. Please RSVP 570-744-1637or at admin@dillleparishucc.org by April 25th.
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DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
Webinar on April 15 @ 2p.m. ET
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Keep Children and Teens Safe with Project iGuardian
Project iGuardian aims to counter a disturbing fact: many online child predators can find victims online because children are not always aware of how dangerous online environments can be. Read More...
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Human Trafficking Resource for Youth Caregivers and Individuals Working with Youth
The guide includes information about:
- How traffickers operate and reach potential victims
- Myths and realities of human trafficking
- Youth vulnerabilities
- Indicators of human trafficking specific to youth
- Dos and don’ts of talking to youth about human trafficking
- Lifestyle factors that may help prevent exploitation
- Reporting options
Learn more about the DHS Blue Campaign here!
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Southeast PA Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SEPA VOAD) is partnering with UCC Disaster Ministries and Eastwick United to recruit volunteers to repair and rebuild homes in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia.
On August 4, 2020, during the pandemic, TS Isaias dumped seven inches of rain on parts of eastern Pennsylvania. Wind damage and tornadoes left hundreds of thousands without power and widespread severe flooding led to injuries as well as one storm-related fatality. Covid concerns have left significant unmet needs in the impacted areas and especially in the Eastwick section of Philadelphia which has the highest concentration of damage to both structures and mechanical systems.
We anticipate receiving our first teams in early May, 2021. Along with following strict Covid guidelines on the worksites, the pandemic has also made it impossible for us to offer housing to volunteers. We are encouraging volunteers to commute from a radius of approximately 60 miles or to make their own housing arrangements in the area.
Disaster Event: Tropical Storm Isaias, Eastern PA
Project Focus: Repair and Rebuild; install heating systems and hot water heaters if licensed
Group Size: 2 to 5 team members
Group Leadership: Skilled team leader and semi-skilled assistant
Minimum Age: 18
Accommodations: None (due to Covid)
Cost: Housing (if teams are not commuting), transportation, food
Tools: Please bring general carpentry tools and a substantial first aid kit
Donations are deductible and always welcome: It is estimated that $320,000 will be required to meet the needs of the Eastwick community. To date $48,500 has been committed from the following organizations: Eastwick Neighbors and Friends Coalition, The Salvation Army, UCC Disaster Ministries, Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern PA, and a local Go Fund Me effort. Please earmark ‘Eastwick Recovery’ and send donations to:
Eastwick Unmet Needs Roundtable
St. Paul AME Church Ellwood
8398 Lindbergh Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19153
Other Information: Once contact is made with our Volunteer Coordinator you will be provided you with all the necessary information including release forms, skill sheets for your group, contact information, arrival information. etc.
Educational/Advocacy Components:
· “Mission Trips That Matter” by Don C. Richter, Upper Room Books
· On-Site Reflection: “Meeting God in the Ruins: Devotions for Disaster Volunteers.” Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.638.3522 ext. 2580 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only.
· Follow-Up Action: Help your local community prepare for possible disaster and response. Be sure your congregation has a plan in case of local disaster (see https://www.uccfiles.com/pdf/A-Disaster-Preparedness-Manual-for-Churches.pdf). Get to know your UCC Conference Disaster Coordinator and stay involved.
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Veterans' Moral Injury and Suicide Prevention
Lebanon VAMC Clergy Virtual Training Event
April 13 or May 11, 2021 from 9AM to 11:30AM
To register and receive the link call: 717-272-6621 ext. 5085 or
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
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Age of Conspiracies & Disinformation
(from Rev. Teresa Martin, Coopersburg)
For those who may have joined the recent continuing ed on "The Age of Conspiracies and Disinformation" this is an additional list of resources on these issues. The taped zoom discussion was offered by the Wisconsin Council of Churches and once again featured Reverend Heather Hunnicutt.
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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
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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.
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Welcome to Hybrid Church
By Rev. Cameron Trimble
A 3-week cohort exploring tips, tricks, and best practices for what it means to be a hybrid church.
Live sessions: April 14, 21, & 28 from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET
COST: $119
A pastor this week, one of my coaching clients, said to me “My church is working on reopening. We have a plan in place to maintain social distancing. I think we are doing everything we can. But, Cameron, how am I supposed to hold services for people in person and keep up with services online? Oh, and by the way, our community food bank just ran out of food and people are literally hungry.” I don’t know of any church leader right now who ISN’T feeling this tension. How do we “do” hybrid church and meet the increased life needs of people in our communities?
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Build a Hybrid Worship Experience
The Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the UCC is hosting a two-session YouTube presentation about preparing for hybrid worship. If, like so many churches, you are trying to figure out who you'll need to push the buttons, what tech to buy and build, and how to do both in-person and live-on-screen worship at the same time, this is the series for you.
Session Two: Tools and Tech, premiering April 29th at 6 pm EDT, helps you with gadgets and go live. Find it here: https://youtu.be/czsobF8w6KY
Watch them both during the live premiers, or return to the Indiana-Kentucky Conference YouTube channel at your convenience and get the information and help you need to plan and host a hybrid worship service. It's free!
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Making the Most of Offline and Online Ministry Opportunities
Our 6-week Co-Lab will give you the date, structure, support and support you need. Since this is a real-time, interactive experience, seating is limited. You can participate with your team and get everyone on the same page for just $399 ($349 early bird). Or, you can enroll as an individual for just $249 ($199 early bird). But remember, early bird pricing is only available until Friday at midnight.
We hope you’ll join us for Barna CoLab | Leading Hybrid Church, starting on April 13, 2021.
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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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Intro to Worship Leadership & Liturgical Practices
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MORE CONFLICT TRAINING DATES ANNOUNCED
This training is particularly effective for leadership councils, Sessions, Vestries and curated congregational groups. This 1.5 day online workshop will walk your group through how to become skilled in conflict transformation. You will learn skills that will reshape your interactions with present and future congregational conflict and equip you for managing conflict in your work and personal life. There will also be opportunities for sharing our personal experiences with conflict and working on leading through difficult conflict using case studies and role playing.
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Climate Change Sabbath Toolkit
With the resources compiled in this toolkit congregations have the opportunity to initiate dialogue, education and advocacy regarding the approaching climate crisis. You can evaluate your home energy usage and take a look at your church's usage. To see the resources compiled in this toolkit, click here. |
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Women's History Month
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UCC History, Theology & Polity Course
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021
9:30am-3:30pm EST
The platform utilized will be Zoom Video Conferencing ( zoom.us) The tuition will be $495. Electronic payments preferred (PayPay, Zelle, Venmo). For more information contact Rev. David Gaewski, davidgaewski@uccny.org This polity course is sponsored by the Oneida Association of the New York Conference. Payments should be made no later than April 25th. A syllabus is available upon request. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders (2021)
May 3-7, June 21-25, August 2-6, October 11-15, or November 15-19
Does your congregation experience conflict? Does it harm your Christian fellowship and distract from your church’s mission? Learn to transform conflict from a negative force into an opportunity for reconciliation and growth. Contact the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center at 630-627-0507 or Admin@LMPeaceCenter.org. The summer session of
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Churches will be conducted in person in the Chicago area on August 2-6, 2021. The exact site has yet to be determined, but it will be within driving distance of O’Hare Airport. Should circumstances force us to revert to an online-only presentation, registrants will have the option to attend remotely, apply full credit towards a future LMPC event, or receive a full refund. A final decision will be made by the end of May. Online registration is now open at https://lmpeacecenter.org/ticketspice/.
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. To commemorate the month, the Department of Homeland Security, Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Cyber Crimes Center, Child Exploitation Investigation Unit are hosting a webinar to assist faith and community groups and caregivers of youth and teens on how they can help children to be safer online. The webinar will also address support for families when their children have been victimized by online sexual exploitation. The webinar will be held on April 15 at 2-3:30 pm ET. Register here.
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The application phone number for FEMA COVID funeral assistance goes live on Monday, April 12. Call 844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585 - from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. COVID-related funeral expenses must have been incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. This aid is provided to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. Visit the FEMA website for more information.
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Our assistance is needed by the UCC's Global H.O.P.E., which includes our ministry with refugees and migrants. Below are some links to articles about the emerging ministry.
Churches of our conference are asked to let Joshua Baird know if you are seeing an increased influx of refugees and migrants in your area. Please share your updates with Joshua Baird, Team Leader, Global HOPE, Bairdj@ucc.org 216-736-2182. Thanks so much!
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Attached is the latest from the US DHS Center for Faith-based and Community Partnerships regarding how Houses of Worship can support Vaccine Sites.
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Resource Information and Services Enterprise – or RISE PA
As you may be aware, the Commonwealth recently announced ( click here to access the press release) the selection of a vendor for the Resource Information and Services Enterprise – or RISE PA – the upcoming statewide resource and referral tool. When fully implemented, anyone in Pennsylvania will be able to access this tool from their personal computers, tablets, and mobile devices to find information about services and resources and self-refer to participating social services agencies. Read More...
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2021 CWS Kit Booklet that explains all of the details of the CWS kit ministry:
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