Penn Northeast Conference UCC, 431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA 18071
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Letter from Bonnie
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John7:38 NIV)
Friends,
In these sweltering days of heat and humidity, in the teaming of wildfires in many parts of the western United States and around the world, with the progression of the Delta COVID variant, with the heated discussions about masking in schools, businesses, and communities, I feel a need for living water – refreshing, life-giving, living water poured out from Jesus. Can I be a source of living water based on my belief in Jesus?
This week I have managed to be in touch with numerous people who have a dissatisfaction with my approach to any number of issues, arguments with their church governing bodies and even with their pastors, and those who are critical of the church in general. I feel the need to pour out living water in each of these situations. I wonder how I am doing at reflecting the living water of Jesus.
In our increasingly divided world, where we focus on being right (sometimes at the top of our voices) rather than being in dialogue and understanding and respecting one another, living water is even more necessary in our spirits and in our world. As I taught a congregational polity class for one of our congregations this week, I again shared my concept of the United Church of Christ as a “big tent” where all are welcome, all are valued, all are worthy and celebrated. I reminded them, and therefore myself, that we are called to be in connected, covenantal relationships with one another – not to agree on all things, but to recognize Jesus as the head of the church, the trinitarian nature of God, the foundation of the Bible as our sacred text and the celebration of our two sacraments: baptism and communion. We do not have to agree about much else to participate in the United Church of Christ. We need to seek encounters with God that result in our actions in our families, congregations, communities, and the world being loving, filled with blessing and grace, and transformative. To me that is what sharing the living water is all about.
So, will you move forward this week, sharing the living water of Christ’s love, God’s grace, and the Spirit’s empowering with those you meet? Will you be a font of living water to those you encounter? Will you seek a time of refreshment with God to restore your living water? That is my prayer.
Blessings, Bonnie
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From the PA Council of Churches
One of our members has upped the game, however--please check out the video produced by the Synod of the Trinity, Presbyterian Church (USA) at https://youtu.be/hMxxR3zU0D0.
A diverse collection of members of the Synod of the Trinity Presbyterian Church (USA) joins the Pennsylvania Council of Churches to urge you to get vaccinate...
We are challenging all of our members to consider submitting videos that reflect the diversity of their members and congregations! This is not meant to be competition, though a little friendly promotion within your networks and Pennsylvania as a whole is welcomed and encouraged.
If you decide to submit your own video, it should be sent to me at s.strauss@pachurches.org. I can receive videos via Dropbox, Google Docs, or a large file transfer program like TransferNow (which is free). It will be shared on our YouTube channel and via social media--including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Tiktok!
Thanks for considering! Blessings and peace,
Rev. Sandra L. Strauss, Director of Advocacy & Ecumenical Outreach
Pennsylvania Council of Churches, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 211A, Harrisburg, PA 17109
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Congregational Leadership Training
September 25, 2021 - 9AM to 4PM via Zoom
This training is for congregational boards, councils and consistories
(congregational leaders, board members, board secretaries, board treasurers, pastoral relations teams, and pastoral care teams)
Cost: $25/person or $100 max./church
Topics Covered: copyright training, leadership basics, meeting management, defining core values, behavioral covenants, governance and ministry models, specific position training for chairs, vice-chairs, secretaries, treasurers, pastoral care teams, pastoral relations teams
DEADLINE TO REGISTER is September 10, 2021
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From the Spiritual Development Ministry Team
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This is coming up fast...Did YOU register???
10 Week Book Study on the Book Trauma Sensitive Theology
by Jennifer Baldwin - sponsored by the PNEC Mental Health Ministry Team
Join us for a book study and discussion beginning on August 25 from 2 to 3PM via Zoom. (Please note the time was changed)
This is open to all, not just pastors!
COST - donation to the Conference Minister's Discretionary Fund
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Deadline to register is only a few days away!!
Racial Justice Film Series Conversations
Engaging Antiracism: A Six-Session Faith and Film Study (to be held on Tuesdays from 6:30-8PM
August 24, 2021 - Introduction
September 28, 2021 - 12 Years a Slave discussion
October 26, 2021 - If Beale Street Could Talk
November 16, 2021 - Selma
January 25, 2022 - Do The Right Thing
February 22, 2022 - The Hate U Give
The five movies are to be viewed whenever you are able and discussed monthly. CLICK HERE for detailed flyer and registration - DEADLINE TO REGISTER is AUGUST 14
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
Fall classes begin soon.
Job-Hunting Field Guide: Bivocational Ministry and Beyond
Tuesday nights September 7 – October 12, 2021, via Zoom
$100 for 2.5 CEU credits. Instructor: Packard Brown.
Hands-on classes will equip you to create your own promotional package, develop and hone interview skills, find jobs before they are posted, and design your own job-search campaign. This class is beneficial for secular as well as ministerial job searches. Register by Aug 31.
Money and Ministry: A Theology for Congregational Leaders
Thursday, October 14, 7–8:30pm and Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm, Oct 19–Nov 16, 2021, via Zoom
Instructor: Mike Little, Director of Faith and Money Network. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Register by October 5.
Information and registration:
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Friends of the Conference Update
Greetings Friends!
First let me say thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Friends of the Conference! So many of you have shared stories of how your congregation moved from feelings of scarcity to generosity, and many of you have contributed financially! Thank you! We are officially 1/5th of the way to our ambitious goal for 2021 with slightly more than $6,000! Wow! That is amazing and should be applauded! With the more than 33,000 individuals that make up the Penn Northeast Conference, we made our goal $30,000 meaning each individual would only need to donate $1 for us to reach and surpass our goal! Whether you have donated before or this is your first time, I invite you to make a donation to the Friends of the Conference, so that the conference can keep doing all the amazing things they do! You can donate using our tithe.ly at https://pnec.org/tithe-ly-on-line-giving/ and designating your gift to Friends of PNEC or mail in a check payable to the Penn Northeast Conference. We are well on our way to reaching our goal, and every gift, even a dollar, makes a difference! -Rev. Becky Sausser
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SHOW UCC PRIDE
Once again, PNEC will have a booth at Lehigh Valley Pride on August 15th from Noon to 6pm - Jewish Community Center, Allentown. All congregations and friends are welcome to help staff the booth so we can all enjoy the day and still show our extravagant welcome to the LGBTQIA+ community. Contact Gary Barraco at 732-241-6635. Here is the link to register for the booth
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Invitation for clergy to participate Sunday, August 15 @ 10:30am
You are warmly invited to participate in-person at the Bethlehem Interfaith Group's Pre-Pride Interfaith Service on Sunday, August 15 @ 10:30am at the Jewish Community Center which is located at 702 North 22nd Street in Allentown, PA (18104). Rev. Brandan Robertson is preaching (you can learn more about Brandan here: https://www.brandanrobertson.com/). The service will be followed by the Pride Festival from Noon-6pm on the grounds of the JCC.
We hope to assign a speaking part to every participant, but depending on the number of clergy present, there may not be enough speaking parts for everyone. However, all clergy will be asked to serve as Blessers during the Pre-Pride Interfaith Service: there will be a portion of the service set aside for clergy to bless individuals, couples and families who want a blessing. You may use whatever wordage that is consistent with your faith tradition for the blessing.
To participate, the following is needed: Send an email to revbethgoudy@mcclv.info confirming that you will be present on Sunday, August 15 @ 10:30am. In the email list your name, your clergy title and your faith community affiliation exactly as you would like it publicly shared. You'll be kept informed about the details of the service. Lastly, all clergy participants are asked to stay after the service is completed so a few photos can be taken.
Goudy (thanks for using my last name, rhymes with "howdy")
Elder, Metropolitan Community Churches; President, Bethlehem Interfaith Group;
Pastor, Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Identify. Understand. Respond.
Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of additions and mental illnesses.
Saturday, October 9, 2021
For Laity (non-clergy) Only
9:00AM - 4:00PM at Hope UCC, Wind Gap
(pending current Covid Style: Otherwise it will be online via Zoom)
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UCC Mental Health Network
New Resource Helps Congregations Address Youth and Trauma
(August 10, 2021) – The United Church of Christ Mental Health Network is pleased to offer a new set of resources to help congregations and other community-based organizations address the mental health effects of trauma on children. Their development was led by psychologist Dr. Vicki K. Harvey; Rev. Amy Petré Hill, mental health and neurodiversity chaplain; and members of the UCC Mental Health Network Board of Directors. They were created in partnership with Advocate Aurora Health, a Chicago-area health system that is one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the country.
The resources available are:
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“Are We Listening? Trauma & Youth,” an hourlong video presented by Amy McNicholas, LCPC, Faith and Mental Health Program Specialist for Advocate Health Care.
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Are We Listening? Trauma & Youth Resources, an extensive list of crisis lines, websites, videos and trainings for congregations and other organizations that want to train and prepare to help youth facing trauma.
“Churches are uniquely situated to be wombs for trauma recovery for the youth and children in their congregations and surrounding communities,” Dr. Harvey said. “These resources are powerful tools to assist in boosting your trauma awareness and as inspiration for personalizing your own safe way forward for the wounded in your midst.”
Click here to access “Trauma and Youth Resources,” then fill out a short registration form. You will be able to download the resources immediately. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Mental Health Network, please email info@mhn-ucc.org or visit mhn-ucc.org.
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Immediate Job Openings for Phoebe Campus Locations
Penn Northeast Conference is a ministry partner with Phoebe
Penn Northeast Conference
Phoebe Allentown (Allentown, PA)
RNs, LPNs, CNAs
Dining Services positions
Cook part time
Phoebe Richland (Richlandtown, PA)
RNs, LPNs, CNAs
Resident Care Assistants (no exp. necessary)
Dining Services positions
Cook part time
Penn Central Conference
Phoebe Berks (Wernersville, PA)
Part time and full time
RNs, LPNs, CNAs
Resident Care Assistants (no exp. necessary)
Dining Services positions
Cooks
Pennsylvania Southeast Conference
Phoebe Richland Health Care Center (Richlandtown, PA)
RNs, LPNs, CNAs
Dining Services positions
Cooks
Phoebe Wyncote (Wyncote, PA)
CNAs
Clinical Dietitian per diem part time
Dining Services positions
Cook part time
Lisa B. Fichera, Chief Operating Officer, Phoebe Ministries, 1925 Turner Street | Allentown, PA 18104
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UCC National Doing a Survey on our Faith INFO’s
Tuesdays for Nurture and Thursdays for the Soul digital programming series
They are solicitating feedback on how to improve their digital programming to meet the needs of local churches and denomination. I am especially interested in those doing work in rural areas what they thought of the digital programs we did centering on rural ministries. I have included them below for easy access to those yet to view our programs on You Tube.
UCC National digital programs on rural ministries for 2020-2021:
Bendiciones y Paz, Roberto - Roberto Ochoa, M.Div. (el, he, his, him)
Associate for Congregations of Color/Ethnic Identified Congregations; Faith INFO (Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation)
United Church of Christ, Justice and Local Church Ministries, 700 Prospect Ave East, Cleveland, OH 44115
216.736.3813 (office)
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Crossroads Courses this Fall
Crossroads is pleased to offer the following courses this Fall. All courses are offered in person at Moravian Theological Seminary and online, real time through Zoom. Registration and more information is available at www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads. Contact Dr. Jill Peters at petersj2@moravian.edu with any questions.
Traditions
a look at world religions and other Protestant denominations
with the Rev. Dr. Bill Falla on Mondays from 6-9 pm, Sept 13-Nov 1, 2021
Creative Worship
with Rev. Maggie Wellert
explores what is worship and how we can bring new life to our worship experiences
Thursday 6-9 pm, Sept 9 - Oct 28, 2021
Unpacking the Scriptures - Discipleship
with Pam Weiss who leads the discipleship program at First Pres Allentown
gives us practical and creative ways to bring people together to explore their faith.
This is our Late Fall Course which meets twice a week (Mon and Thurs) from 11/4 until 12/2/2021
Looking ahead:
Missional Leadership, Mondays 1/3 - 2/21/2022 Dr. Jill Peters
Road Hazards (Congregational Ethics), Thurs 1/6 - 2/24/2022 Rev. Derek French & Dr. Jill Peters
Story of Christianity, Mondays 3/7 - 5/2/2022 (Except Holy Week 4/11) Rev. Dr. Bill Falla
My Journey (Formative Spirituality) Thursdays 3/10 - 5/5/2022 (Except Holy Week 4/14) Rev.
Maggie Wellert
Dr. Jill Peters, Missional Leadership Developer, Moravian Theological Seminary
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SAVE THE DATE
October 19, 2021 -- 9AM to 3PM
Ministry Day - Jordan UCC, Allentown
and via Zoom - watch for details
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Vital Conversations
Every fourth Monday of each month at 7 PM, clergy and lay leaders are invited to attend a Zoom conversation where they can talk through situations with other leaders, learn, and brainstorm together. As the light at the end of the COVID tunnel grows brighter, our churches and our people are excited to “get back” to some sense of normal ministry. However, our excitement is not without some apprehension: “How do we regain the momentum that was halted by closures? How do we decide what to restart and what to leave ended? How do we re-ignite the congregation’s passion for worship and service?” The Congregational Vitality Team wants to provide an on-going space for asking and discussing these questions as our churches navigate this exciting season of new beginnings.
Meeting ID: 817 9668 4439
Passcode: 292474
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Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising
Two courses open in 2021:
We’ve had great success and feedback on our online Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising course this year. It offers at-your-pace study through our learning management system, alongside weekly plenary and peer group zoom meetings. Each week you get to apply what you’re learning in your own context and have conversation partners to support you all along the way. There are two courses open this fall. One begins August 10 and the other opens September 21. There's still time for you to register for either one!
2022 Courses
In 2022 we will lead five online ECRF courses. These eight week courses include self-directed coursework in the learning platform, as well as a weekly large group session and smaller peer group calls. Courses will start in January, April, June, August and October.
We are offering the opportunity to apply for a half tuition scholarship. Please apply by October 4. We will notify recipients in early November.
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Summary of Penn Northeast Conference Board Meeting 7.21.2021
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Registration is now open for Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
to be held on October 11-15 and November 15-19, 2021. The two identical sessions will be held remotely via Zoom. This workshop is designed to help church leaders deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. For details consult this MSTI Brochure. (Sponsored by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center)
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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.
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Clergy Clinic in
Family Emotional Process
A Leadership Training Program
sponsored by Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, Lombard, Illinois
October 25-27, 2021
February 14-16, 2022
May 2-4, 2022
OR
November 8-10, 2021
Marcy 7-9, 2022
May 23-25, 2022
This Clergy Clinic is designed to enhance the ability of participants to function as self-differentiated leaders within their own ministry setting. It will provide a safe forum for processing challenging situations in one's ministry, while also facilitating reflection on a way of thinking about the human condition which has implications for all aspects of life. Click Here for a detailed flyer and registration form. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
Information on federal relief resources for renters & landlords
Linked below are materials in English and Spanish for Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program and HUD’s Emergency Housing Voucher Program.
Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program
HUD Emergency Housing Voucher Program
(from the PA Council of Churches)
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July E-News from UCC Disaster Ministries... Click Here
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The US DHS DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships will present the webinar "Preventing Targeted Violence and Protecting the Safety and Security of Houses of Worship through Faith and Community Based Approaches in the US and in Europe" on August 17 from 2 - 3:15 PM ET. This webinar will highlight faith and community based approaches to ensure the safety of houses of worship in the US and in Europe. Register for Webinar
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Vaccine Resources: Faith & Community Leaders
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