- THIS WEEK IN PNEC December 6, 2023
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Bonnie's Letter
“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain’” (Isaiah 40:3-4, NRSV)
Dear Friends,
Last week I invited us into more prayer and discernment during the Advent season. I hope you are finding time to speak with God, to listen to God and to rest in the Spirit.
This past week and the weeks to come will be very busy for church folks. It is important to take time to breathe, to rest and renew. I hope congregational worship provides that opportunity for you.
As I walk through Advent with all its activities, meetings, celebrations, and challenges, I need time to breathe, to move into God’s embrace. The Staff and I had quiet celebratory time together this week. We felt the need to reconnect in person and in relaxing ways – often we only talk about the work of the Conference. We forget to celebrate our collegiality, our friendship, and our lives with each other. It was a refreshing time. I would recommend you do so with your Staff as well.
We also met with the retired clergy and their spouses this week. We talked about those who had left earthly existence since our last gathering, we prayed with and for each other, we shared a wonderful lunch, and we talked about the Keystone project of unifying the four UCC conferences into one conference serving the whole Commonwealth, and a few churches in Maryland and New Jersey that are part of us.
You may not know but the number of UCC churches in PA has been reduced by half since 1962. You may not know that there is a pastoral shortage, although if you are in a search, you are keenly aware. You may not know that our four conferences are much more alike in affinity for the UCC, theology, and faith practice than you might have thought. You may not know that a team of PNEC folks including Steve Davis, Becky Beckwith, James Gottwald, Kris Snyder, and me have been engaged in this work for more than a year. What you likely know is that there is some anxiety about the possible change.
We hope you will ask questions, read the summaries we include in This Week for you, visit the PSEC hosted Keystone Working Group page (https://psec.org/keystone/), and explore the resources we provide. We also hope that many of you will join us for our Four Conference Summer Meeting in State College on June 7-9, 2024. There will be time and costs involved but we hope to have many of you with us for these important discussions. Workshops and meetings will be held, and our new General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, will be leading worship on Sunday morning.
In the meantime, know that as we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, which changed the world for all time, that we, too, approach the celebration of our mutual ministry together.
Blessings, Bonnie
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Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action
You may be aware that this new website resource is available growing out of the "Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action" Resolution that passed at the UCC General Synod 2021. Lots of great resources for the congregations and Pastors in your Conferences! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. https://www.contemplatives-in-action.org/
A group growing out of this Resolution meets monthly for rotating contemplative practices with different leaders each month. Our regular practices are the first Thursdays of the month at 2:30pm ET. Our last monthly contemplative practice of 2023 is next Thursday, December 7th at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Zoom link below. Rev. Mark Suriano will lead us next week in a loving-kindness meditation, and Rev. Susie Allen will lead our January practice. All are welcome to join us for contemplative grounding.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2043377541
December 7- Mark Suriano- Loving-kindness Meditation
January 4- Susie Allen- will lead a reflection in word and image on the experience of Sanctuary.
You may also be interested in this virtual "Lessons in Meditation" and "Meditation Teacher Training" that I am leading through the Southern New England Conference's Center for Transformational Leadership starting January 30th. More details below. Please do share in your Conferences, Associations, churches, and with whoever you feel would be interested.
Gratefully,
Rev. Matt Carriker and the "Contemplatives in Action" team
https://www.contemplatives-in-action.org/
ALSO...
Lessons in Meditation and Meditation Teacher Training
Beginning January 30th
In church, we often pray, but how often have we learned to meditate? Our relationship with God can be thought of as a friendship. If prayer is talking to God, then meditation is listening to God. How can we best listen, given the realities of the monkey mind? And given our own imperfect meditation practice, how can we best share meditation with others and our churches? This is offered through the larger Southern New England Conference UCC. Hear the interview with facilitator Rev. Matt Carriker here:
https://vimeo.com/880979672/d7c1011c90?ts=0
The 3-week “Lessons in Meditation” is offered on Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. on January 30th, February 6, and February 13th.
Register here https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/MeditationPractice
The six week Teacher Training program will include meditation practice, small group practice teaching sessions and one-to-one sessions with the facilitator. The 6-week “Meditation Teacher Training” is offered on Zoom on Tuesdays from 2-3:30 p.m. on January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 and March 5.
Register here https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/MeditationTraining71
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Keystone Working Group – Communications Summary of Recent Fall 2023 Meetings
We invite you to share this summary widely in ministry settings
Over the last two months, members of the Keystone Working Group* met to further develop recommendations for the proposed merger of the four area conferences into one Keystone Conference. Meeting October 13 by Zoom, we discussed Associations: how to support and strengthen relationships between congregations, as well as clergy support and authorization. Task Groups continue to study issues related to:
· Finance
· Governance
· Legal Issues
· Approval Process
· Staffing Needs
During the Fall, each conference held meetings and conversations for people to ask questions, share insights and express hopes for a transformational kind of ministry. Conference leaders attended many large and small group gatherings to share the Keystone proposal. Great conversations have been had around the relationship and support we want to maintain and build together. “Together We Are Stronger” has become more than a statement of intention. It describes the real and vibrant faith we embody.
On November 17, the Keystone Working Group celebrated the completion of one year together in study, affirmation, prayer, and discernment. Relying on God’s grace, we heard reports, questions and shared hopes from our gatherings that will inform our future discussions. YOU are making the difference by your participation in this process of reflection and sharing together.
We continued to define our theology for creating a new conference. While we recognize the strength of our theological traditions, we also respect our diversity, being a “big tent” region with “deep roots.” We invite your prayers for guidance and hope. And we ask that you share information about our proposed merger with your congregations. Relying on the grace of God, we trust God to lead us, believing Together We Are Stronger, The Keystone Conference.
We welcome your observations and questions as you visit the Keystone Conference Project website hosted by the PSEC. https://psec.org/keystone/ Your questions and comments help us more fully understand how we can help each other work together. You are invited to connect with us by email, at Keystone.Conference.Project@gmail.com. You may also use the postal service and direct mail to the Keystone Working Group through your own area Conference Office.
Remember to Save the Date for the updated joint meeting of all 4 conference areas, June 7-9, 2024 at State College.
We looked at a possible logo to further unite our proposed merger and the commitment to build relationships which help us make our entire area stronger. Looking at the progression of our journey, we have chosen to focus on people — figures uniting. These figures of subtle hearts, joining hands in a circle of collaboration and connection, signify the unity this new Keystone Conference embodies. The addition of the cross on the keystone is a nuanced yet powerful touch, symbolizing our interconnected paths and the meeting point of ideas. The logo and the statement, “Together We Are Stronger” are not just a mark or slogan; they are symbols of our dedication to unity and the collective journey we embark on as the Keystone Conference.
Sharing our progress in grace and hope,
KWG Communications Team
Steve Davis St. John’s UCC, Fullerton (PNEC)
Heather Kurtz Zion UCC, Arendtsville (PCC)
Bob Fogal Zwingli UCC (PSEC)
Deb Long First Trinity UCC, Youngwood (PWC)
*A study, discernment and working group of the 4 PA area UCC Conferences – Penn West, Penn Central, Penn NE, and Pennsylvania SE
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Cultivating Generous Congregations - Spring 2024
The CGC Seminar for pastors and leaders offers an opportunity to explore faithful, practical, and tested ways to promote generosity in our congregations. Be sure to recruit at least a team of two for this program. Changing the culture of your congregation requires more than one dedicated leader.
This is a virtual seminar hosted by the South Central and Southeast Conferences on February 19, March 4, March 18, April 8, April 22, and May 6 from 7:30 to 9pm EASTERN (6:30 to 8pm Central)
The registration fee is $300 (per team of two) and $50 for each additional team member.
Register Today - https://cvent.me/YwOoaz
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Clergy Convocation 2024: Healing Tother: Healing Me, Healing You
May 7, 2024 @ 3:00 pm - May 9, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Double Tree by Hilton, Lancaster
Welcome to all our pastors across the four UCC Conferences in Pennsylvania. Join us for a time of collegiality, spiritual renewal and education for authorized ministries and members in discernment.
Should you attend? Hear these words from a first time attendee from this past year’s event:
“The memorable moments from my first United Church of Christ Pastors’ convocation will remain in my heart and spirit for years to come!
Attending convocations is a wonderful, warm way to get to know so many other pastors who serve our denomination, and I was greeted so lovingly by so many people, the majority of whom for the very first time. The atmosphere is very informal and joyous, and I felt very much as though I had joined a new, loving family.
The topics discussed were subjects that were timely and interesting, such as a session about how to design a flexible and fulfilling pastoral career, and another session about how to handle finances as a pastor.
But my best moment, especially for a newly ordained ministry, was a pair of warm, welcoming arms! Those arms were wrapped around my shoulders in a hug and the words I’ll never forget were softly said to me: “We are so glad you are here with us, and you are now a part of us. We welcome you with love!”
That, for me, was priceless! – The Rev. Donald I Hammonds, Pittsburgh, Pa
Healing Together: Healing Me, Healing Us - You are not alone. Our time together for Clergy Convocation will focus on rest, renewal, connection and healing. Healing in our ministries and our world often begins with healing within. We know how important it is for clergy to have time away from their ministry settings and to find support. We will have times dedicated for worship, theological reflection, gatherings of affinity groups, connecting with folks from other Conferences, and free time.
Clergy Convocation 2024 – Clergy Convocation 2024 –
To register, click here.
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PNEC’s 2023 Closing Date will be Friday, January 12, 2024
Please plan your closing so that your final 2023 remittance will be received in the Conference Office by Friday, January 12, 2024. Receipts received after the 12th will be credited to 2024. Do not include 2023 remittances with 2024 and make certain remittance slips are marked for either the year 2023 or 2024.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.
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Training and Organizing Opportunity with POWER Interfaith in partnership with Faith in Action
To prepare ourselves for what many expect to be another contentious 2024 General election, we are offering a 2 day training for a multi-racial, multi-faith cohort of faith leaders to examine the pillars and goals of White Christian Nationalism (WCN) and ways to push back on the threat it poses to democracy, solidarity and the well-being of excluded communities.
The training will explore: The History of WCN in the United States; Theology and WCN; The Current Manifestations of WCN; and Overcoming WCN through Collective Action. Together we will learn frameworks and tools to understand how White Christian Nationalism is operating at a political, religious and cultural level - and develop effective organizing responses to both proclaim an alternative vision of Beloved Community and build the political power needed to achieve it.
We hope you will join us for this important training and organizing opportunity. Please see the logistic information below and you can find additional information at the registration site here. You must register for the event.
Event Title: Building Beloved Community amid White Christian Nationalism
Start: Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Finish: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Location: Crowne Plaza King of Prussia (260 Mall Blvd)
Registration fee: $25.00 (scholarships available)
In faith and solidarity,
Sara
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Sara Melton | Director of Organizing
smelton@powerinterfaith.org | Cell: (631) 943-3105
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My name is Joshua Long. Craig Peterson from Central Atlantic Conference
I am a musician and faith-based environmentalist with an M.Div from Wesley Seminary in DC. I live just south of Baltimore, Maryland. I wrote and recorded an album of climate justice contemporary Christian music. I am working on booking concerts, churches, festivals, and events for 2024 and would love to come to Northeast Pennsylvania. Would you happen to know of any congregations open to guest musicians? I am open to creating an event with a church, coming on a Sunday, or playing a youth or environmental function. Here is a link to one of my songs. I am happy to talk on the phone and discuss more. Thank you for your time.
Hope In Us: https://youtu.be/bQia9Hj_DIM?si=YKS1DNgaQpFUZ1pr
In Faith,
Josh
443-909-8117
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Joshua Long, M.div (He/Him), Songwriter/Producer
www.jlongmusic.com; TikTok @jlongmusic6 ; Instagram @jlongmusic6
Congregational Organizer for Interfaith Power & Light, DMV; www.ipldmv.org
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Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast
January 14, 2024
If you attended the breakfast earlier this year, you know that we will have another fantastic time. Bishop W. Darin Moore will be our speaker again for this great event as we continue to raise funds for the IMC college fund.
Date: January 15, 2024
Time: 9 am - 11 am
Location: Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel
Amount: $35
Proceeds benefit the IMC Scholarship Fund.
Online tickets are available today via Eventbrite (link below):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rev-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-prayer-breakfast-tickets-769316374987?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
If you have students interested in applying for a scholarship, please take a look at the attached application and return it to Dr. Joseph Green by 12/29/23 for consideration, as we will award scholarships during the January event. Please send scholarship applications to jgministries@gmail.com
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2024 Women's Clergy Retreat: Carrying & Carried
Carrying & Carried....the things we hold and who holds us
January 16, 2024 · 4pm - January 18, 2024 · 12pm EST
Mariawald Retreat House
1094 Welsh Road Reading, PA 19607
Join us for the Women's Clergy Retreat! This retreat will be centered around the things we hold and who holds us. 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.
Although vaccination proof is not required we do ask if you feel at all unwell and/or are showing any flu/Covid symptoms, that you please stay home for the safety of others.
Questions? Please contact: Kim Berenotto at kimberlyberenotto@gmail.com or
Tammie Wisniewski at tammie@psec.org
When you register, you give your permission to use photos of you or your children for purposes of telling the story of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference on the website or in video, newsletter and social media posts. If you are opposed to having your picture taken and possibly used in this way, please let us know by contacting the PSEC office at: susan@psec.org including your name (and/or names of your children) and your email and phone contact information.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-womens-clergy-retreat-carrying-carried-tickets-767650903517?aff=oddtdtcreator
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On the UCC website, it states,
“Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries seeks transformative justice for our faith communities and congregations by just action and love for all. ~ We believe in the justice-oriented ministry of Jesus and act with those facing systemic oppression at the intersection of gender & sexuality to offer care, sex positive education & curriculum, gender & bodily autonomy education & programming, policy & advocacy and partnership and outreach opportunities.”
For those seeking greater knowledge and depth in addressing this important justice issue, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. offers a course where participants from across the country have a place to gather in online conversations. Go to PATHWAYSTheological.org to register or to find out more about the course, Theology of Gender and Sexuality. There is still time to register for this course as well as UCC Polity and History, and several other courses which begin in early January 2024.
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LAY LEADERSHIP CONVOCATION
Sponsored by the Lay Leadership Education Team
of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ
at Church of the Good Shepherd, 35 W. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, PA
Saturday, April 6 -- 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
Cost $40 per person includes lunch
Keynote address by Dr. Sarah Drummond,
Dean of Andover Newton Theological School and author of Sharing Leadership.
Workshops will be offered on a variety of topics relevant to lay leaders.
Registration will be through the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Office beginning by February.
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