- THIS WEEK IN PNEC January 18, 2024
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The IRS has announced the standard mileage rate for 2024: 67 cents per mile, up 1.5 cents from 65.5 cents in 2023. Issued in Notice 2024-8, on Dec. 14, 2023, it covers the business use of a vehicle (cars, vans, pickups, and panel trucks) and will come into effect Jan. 1, 2024. | |
Bonnie's Letter
“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:16-18, NRSV).
Dear Friends,
It’s mid-January already and the 2024 year seems to be in full swing. I know that many of you read these letters hoping for good news, maybe some inspiration, and even theological insight. I also know that some of you are looking for the next weapon to attack the United Church of Christ in general, and perhaps me personally. I read every response to every letter I write and truly take to heart the words individuals share with me.
What I don’t do and will never do is respond to anonymous letters, triangulated messages (those given about me rather than to me) and hate mail. You know, our faith lives are messy and challenging, and the world certainly is. We all attempt to anchor ourselves in the love of God, the leadership and redemption of Christ, and the blessing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Those anchors help us live out our faith day to day.
I do not expect that people will always agree with me. I do believe that we are called to share our concerns directly with the individual with whom we have those concerns. Jesus was born into the world as both human and divine, and He walked among us, understanding that which pulled us away from God and from God’s love and call on our lives. Jesus spoke truth, even when it was uncomfortable. That is our call – to move into God’s embrace, to share our faith with one another and to speak our truth. That doesn’t mean we will always agree. In fact, we, as humans, are almost guaranteed to disagree. We all see the world and every situation through the lens of our own experience. Yet, we are called to love, to seek to understand, and to respect one another.
When we talk about the “big tent” that is the United Church of Christ, we know that we will have a variety of opinions, beliefs, and approaches to living out our faith. And we know that we are called to welcome everyone into the worship of Jesus, into the Church that supports our spiritual development, and our service to God and one another. Unity does not mean uniformity. We come together as Church with our diverse experiences of faith and life. It is certain that our experiences will influence our beliefs, opinions, and actions.
If you have an opinion or idea to share with me, please do so. If you vehemently disagree with me, let me know. If you support what I have written, let me know. We are on our journey of faith together. As someone wrote, “we are not in the same boat, but we are all in the same storm.” Let’s look to Jesus to calm the waters of our disagreements and come to the peace of Christ in our relationships with one another. Blessings to you, my fellow faith journeyers, Bonnie
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Lenten Prayer Gatherings
The 4 PA UCC Conference Ministers and UCC Staff Members will lead weekly prayer gatherings during Lent on Wednesdays from 12:00-12:30pm. The first prayer time is Wednesday, February 21 and will follow each Wednesday until March 20th.
To register for the zoom link, click here.
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"Where Have All The Clergy Gone?" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
January 24, 2024 10:00AM & 6:00PM
We know the church is changing. One of the most obvious shifts is the availability of clergy for our churches. What has happened and how did we get here? Join us for a zoom presentation that will cover the trend in clergy numbers in the UCC and what affects them. We will discuss what might come next and what we can do to help our local churches. Registration link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pk2brys/lp/f5a7605d-01e7-49ec-a586-0e4ce600a849
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RIP Medical Debt Campaign Fundraiser for Epiphany 1/6/24 thru 2/11/24
Click Here for Bulletin Insert (front & back)
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The deadline for early-bird registration is next Friday, January 19, for the CHHSM 86th Annual Gathering in St. Louis from March 12-14, 2024! We hope you will take advantage of this special rate and join us!
Collaboration as the Gateway to Innovation is our theme. With collaboration taking center stage, we will explore how working together can spark innovation that changes lives. This year's Annual Gathering will ignite fresh ideas and new partnerships for your ministry as you witness firsthand how CHHSM agencies in St. Louis and beyond are pioneering new realms of innovation through dynamic collaborations.
Highlights of the Annual Gathering include:
- Opening keynote address by the Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children's Defense Fund.
- Opening worship at St. Peter's UCC in Ferguson, Mo., with a sermon by the Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.
- A special Service of Consecration for this year's Nollau Leadership Institute graduates, which will take place at Eden Theological Seminary. The Rev. Shari Prestemon, acting associate general minister for the UCC’s Wider Church Ministries and former CHHSM board member, will preach during the service.
- Keynote and panel discussion, featuring a short address by Dan Hermann, president and CEO of Ziegler, on affiliation and collaboration as the key for struggling older adult communities. Panelists for a discussion on collaboration include Chris Cox, president and CEO of Hoyleton Youth & Family Services; the Rev. Dr. Jamesetta Ferguson, president and CEO of MOLO Village and pastor of St. Peter’s UCC in Louisville; and the Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN, executive director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis.
- Closing Keynote by Tyler Hoffman, owner and lead consultant of Digital for Good, and long-time CHHSM consultant. His address will concentrate on emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, and how it can be used for collaboration and innovation.
- A tour of the The Core Collective (limit: 50 attendees). The Core Collective is a model of collaboration and innovation in St. Louis, partnering with CHHSM members Deaconess Nurse Ministry, iFM Community Medicine, and Every Child’s Hope, among other community-based organizations. Its mission is to improve healthcare for families, advance socioeconomic equity, and activate conscious leaders.
A limited number of scholarships for registration and/or hotel accommodations are available. Click here to apply
For More Information and to Register
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St. Luke’s University Health Network CPE Center is excited to announce its 2024 Spring-Fall Extended Internship Unit!
The unit will focus on Spiritual Care with People affected by Mental Illness and Addiction, will take place May 6-November 22, 2024. Click here for detailed flyer.
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Spirited & Life-Changing Leadership Initiative
application season for a spirited and life-changing leadership initiative for younger clergy offered by the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA), the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards-UCC. The Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) energizes and empowers younger UCC local church pastors to co-create vibrant congregations that change lives, engage their communities, and further God’s mission in the world.
Applications for our 15th cohort are currently being accepted and we would appreciate your assistance in helping us to get the word out as far and wide as possible. Please forward this email to any pastors that you think might be interested and that fit the application criteria listed below. Notice of intent to apply is February 1—so please pass this information along quickly.
The ideal NGLI applicant is:
- 35 years of age or under by June 1, 2024*
- Served a total of five years or less as an authorized minister in a parish*
- Authorized for ministry in and on behalf of the UCC by an Association/Conference
- Hold a called position of 20 hours per week or more in a parish setting
- Committed to long-term ministry in local churches of the United Church of Christ
(*note, if an applicant meets criteria #3, #4, and #5, they are allowed to be a bit over in #1 or #2. Specifically, we will consider applicants up to age 40 and/or applicants with up to 10 years of parish ministry experience. However, if someone is over the ideal range in both those categories, they are not eligible to apply.)
NGLI is an investment in the lives and ministries of pastors so that they can serve more faithfully and fruitfully. It provides six years of learning experiences and participation incentives at no cost to the pastor or the congregation. UCBMA/PB also provides financial support and accommodations for clergy who are raising children during their time in NGLI. Specifically, those selected to participate in NGLI receive…
- Six years of advanced training, education, and field trips to hone pastoral leadership skills and gifts for service to the Church (at no cost to the pastor or congregation where they serve),
- Cohort of colleagues that encourages, challenges, and reflects together on the life of a local church pastor in these rapidly changing times,
- Financial incentive—a $6,000 seed contribution to the participant’s Annuity Plan account, which should have a value of approximately $45,000 at the end of a 35-year career.
Additional information about the application process and program components can be found here. Please help the Church by getting these materials in the hands of any eligible clergy you may know-- many thanks!
Faithfully, The Rev. Krista L. Betz, Director, Leadership Initiatives, The Pension Boards- UCC
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Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, PNEC Pastor and member of Union UCC’s member serving in Japan reports:
I have updated my blog https://jeffreyfromjapan.blogspot.com/ so you can tune in to some of the issues facing the communities in and around Fukushima. I know that with issues in Palestine and Ukraine that it is easy to "forget" that there are equally pressing issues in so many areas of the world including in the US, but I am sure that our partners will appreciate to be lifted up in prayer again this Christmas.
With love, Jeffrey Mensendiek, Global Ministries mission co-worker working in Tokyo
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RIP Medical Debt Campaign Fundraiser for Epiphany 1/6/24 thru 2/11/24
Click Here for Bulletin Insert (front & back)
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"Where Have All The Clergy Gone?" with Rev. Dr. Carrie Call
January 24, 2024 10:00AM & 6:00PM
We know the church is changing. One of the most obvious shifts is the availability of clergy for our churches. What has happened and how did we get here? Join us for a zoom presentation that will cover the trend in clergy numbers in the UCC and what affects them. We will discuss what might come next and what we can do to help our local churches. Registration link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/pk2brys/lp/f5a7605d-01e7-49ec-a586-0e4ce600a849
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Penn Northeast Conference
Presents the 16th "Annual" Youth Retreat
March 1-3, 2024 (check in Friday 6:30-7PM/Pick up Sunday at 12PM
Spruce Lake, 5389 Route 447, Canadensis
Cost: $195/person (includes all programming and meals)
For ALL youth in grades 7th-12th are invited*. Confirmation classes are encouraged to attend. If your classes include 6th graders they are welcome.
*One adult per church please
Life and faith aren't always smooth sailing - And that's ok!
What's important is that we learn how to talk about it, ask questions about it,
and how to make the best of it.
Explore these things with us through art, games and more!
Click Here for Flyer and Registration Form
and you can also register through the link below with tithe.ly
Click Here for tithe.ly link to register
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Prayer and Meditation
Union UCC, Neffs and Community
Led by Rev. Kris P. Snyder
Tuesdays 7-8pm
Feb 20, March 19, April 23, May 21
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87680378046?pwd=QmozYWJFemJOVENCdWJBbzRpbDVIUT09
Meeting ID: 876 8037 8046 Passcode: 954906
I'll lead us in various readings, scripture, and prayer practices like breath prayer and centering prayer, as well as meditation practices from the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Buddhist, and Christian traditions. Sign up with PastorKris@unionucc.org You are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions, whatever your schedule allows. Authorized Ministers can use these hours for continuing education.
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2024 Boundary Training For Clergy and Commissioned Lay Pastors
May 7/8 -- 1:00PM - 4:00PM ET -- Register by April 20th
October 15/16 -- 10:00AM - 1:00PM ET -- Register by Sept 29th
Not-Your-Average Boundaries Training is tailored to focus on strategies to foster clergy emotional resiliency and well-being. While we still cover the "requirements," we believe the best prevention involves encouraging leaders to take steps to manage their stress in order to maintain balance and perspective when temptation to violate boundaries arises. This live online boundaries training is 5 total hours split over 2consecutive days (2.5 hours each day). Following the first session, participants are asked to engage in a bit of reflection work in preparation for the second session. This online boundaries training will be conducted via secure Zoom video conferencing.
Click Here for detailed flyer and registration information.
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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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Health & Human Service Sunday
Every year, the United Church of Christ designates a Sunday in January as the time to uplift the many gifts of the Health and Human Service Ministries across the church. This year, Health and Human Service Sunday takes place on January 28, 2024.
Liturgical resources for observing Health and Human Service Sunday are now available on CHHSM's website or by clicking on the blue button below. This year's materials were composed by the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, and include unique elements such as a Sound Meditation for Healing and Wholeness and meaningful prayers and litanies.
Especially now, it is worth remembering that the word liturgy means "work of the people," and this special Sunday is a way to celebrate the healing work of our CHHSM members and those on the frontlines in our UCC congregations.
May your new year be blessed with healing, hope, and a sense of togetherness.
HHS Sunday Worship Materials
In Peace, The CHHSM Team -- Jamar, Elyse, and Paula
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Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM)
The Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) is starting off the New Year with a virtual Open House on January 23, 7pm.
Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry
https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/
PAM Open House, Tuesday, January 23, 7pm via Zoom. Hosted by the Rev. Dr. Darryl Stephens. Bring your questions and meet folks!
Introduction to Preaching. Jan 30–March 5, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. For lay and clergy, any level. 2.5 CEUs.
Preaching and Worship through the Year. April 9–May 14, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor the Rev. Dr. Ronnette Comfort-Butler. Lectionary planning, sermon series, music and arts, special services, and more. 2.5 CEUs.
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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. 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
Clergy Convocation 2024 –
To register, click here.
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Roadmap for Justice - Power Interfaith Convention
Monday, February 19, 2024 @ 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Presidential Caterers
Presidential Caterers, 2910 Dekalb Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401
11:30 AM: Registration; 12-1 PM: Lunch; 1-4 PM: Event
Join us for a pivotal moment in our quest for justice. The POWER Interfaith Convention is your chance to be part of something bigger, connecting with kindred spirits from across the Commonwealth to create a tangible impact. CLICK HERE for full flyer and Registration Info.
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Join Us: Trauma for LGBTQIA+ Communities
February 9, 2024, 9:30-11:30am, Zoom
Free and open to all, thanks to PA Link
Facilitated by: SAGA/Welcome Project PA
This session will discuss the impact of trauma, microaggressions, and discrimination on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It will explore how unintended biases impact the LGBTQIA+ community, and provide terms, tools, and an understanding of how to integrate trauma-informed principles to better meet the needs of LGBTQIA+ populations. Participants will:
- Learn vocabulary and common terminology related to the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Enhance their knowledge of how trauma affects the body and brain and increase awareness of trauma experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Conceptualize LGBTQIA+ individuals experiences from a multicultural and trauma-informed lens with considerations for intersectionality and inclusivity.
Explore how to work towards culturally responsive communities to promote health and well-being for all.
Register Here!
Thank you to the PA Link for sponsoring this training to be free and open to all in our community! We are grateful for your partnership and support.
Learn more about SSAGA/Welcome Project PA and our wonderful facilitators!
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Join Us! 2024 B-JEDI Series
Belonging - Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Quaiser Abdullah, CPC
CLICK HERE for detailed flyer
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Crossroads and Connections Opportunity To Learn (OTL)-Solar Energy Presentation
What is it? A quick hitting 30 minutes to learn about Solar Power and to ask any question you have.
For Whom? For anyone that has been wanting to learn more about understanding what going solar entails and how to know what steps to take?
When? January 25, 6:30-7:00 p.m. on Zoon only.
Leader?- Ms. Monica Carey, Pennsylvania Program Director for Solar United Neighbors-a National Organization. She knows it backwards and forwards!
To Register: email your email to bdavidsmith2@gmail.com A Zoom link will be sent to you so you can participate.
Questions-call Dave Smith, 717-371-1516
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