Bonnie's Letter

“Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul – and sings the tune without words – and never stops at all”     Emily Dickinson

Dear Friends,

I have spent this week in a variety of meetings – maybe that’s not really new, but this week the meetings have been different…

I started the week with the Authorization Working Group, which is a regular monthly meeting, but this week we welcomed two new Members in Discernment. The Mental Health Team met to work on a training day in October. The Executive Committee of the Conference Board began to strategically plan for our summer meeting and our Board Retreat with new and continuing Board members. Today, I am spending the day meeting with professionals at the Phoebe Institute on Aging focused on Compassion.

Amid these conversations, the Conference Ministers met with our Consultant about Keystone. Keystone Working Group meets tomorrow and again a full day of exploration and direction-setting. Saturday will find me at the Penn West Conference All Association meeting talking about Keystone and our directions. As a celebration on Sunday, I will serve as the liturgist at my home church and then celebrate the Ordination of Sharon Frye at Salem Weatherly.

So, what has your week been like? Where are you finding energy? What is making you feel empowered to do the work you need to do? What is sapping your energy or confidence?

I live as a person of hope. I heard someone say that hope shouldn’t be a verb, but a noun. Hope is. Hope nurtures. Hope endures. And hope wanes when we are tired or worn or burdened. So, amid the meetings I attended this week, I found a moment to walk outside and listen to the birds sing. I found a moment to play tug of war with Tuki, my dog. I found a moment to sit quietly in prayer and meditation. And these things renewed my energy and my spirit.

How do you renew your energy, your spirit, and your hope? Take a moment right now while you read this letter, put your feet on the floor, take a deep breath and move into a place of rest, renewal, hope and joy. May you find peace in your everyday life – even with the preponderance of meetings and commitments and issues to address. Be filled with hope.

Blessings, Bonnie

Slides Produced for Keystone Town Hall Meetings

(from Pennsylvania Southeast Conference)

Friends, There are a few Town Hall zoom meetings coming up in the next few weeks being led by Kevin McLemore, Cean James, and Melissa Burkhart. I’ve created some slides for that which include much of the information. Click Here for the slides.

Bill

Rev. William (Bill) P. Worley, Conference Minister

PA Southeast Conference, United Church of Christ

worley@psec.org

2024 Summer Conference Meeting

For the first time, all four Pennsylvania conferences of the UCC will be gathering for a shared Meeting on June 7-9, 2024 at The Penn Stater in State College, PA. We will have shared worship, workshops, meals and meetings as well as each conference's separate business meeting.

Below is a letter from the four PA UCC Conference Ministers

about this year’s Summer Meeting:

The planning committee for the Keystone State UCC Conference Summer Meeting has been working diligently to prepare for our June 7-9 meeting. The Keystone Working Group in collaboration with the Conference Ministers have been seeking grants and additional funding to assist with the costs of the meeting.

We want you to know that YOUR attendance is vitally important to us. We need you to help us plan for the future of our conferences. Our General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson will be with us on Saturday and Sunday, and we hope you will be with us to meet her and worship with her on Sunday.

Please click here for June 9 order of worship to use while their pastor is at the Summer Meeting. Please click here for sermon message for congregations to use while their pastors are at the Summer Meeting. 

The costs for this meeting will be significantly higher than our usual conference meetings. For one thing, this is a 3-day meeting and incorporates the extensive use of technology and the Penn Stater multiple room assignments for our gathering. We do not want the cost of the event to prevent anyone from attending.

Therefore, we are increasing our scholarship funds to cover ½ the cost of the registration. The registration materials (which are forthcoming) include some links for additional hotel locations, should you choose to utilize them.

Also, we want you to know that our meetings as a Keystone Conference will likely be shorter and less costly.

Please make plans to join us in State College in June and celebrate the work we are doing together, because we believe “Together We Are Stronger.”

Registration is open. You should have received a separate email regarding registration. (If you have not received that special email...please let Patty Rehrig at the Penn Northeast Conference Office know - pattyr@pnec.org ) In the meantime, please watch this video (click on the link below) featuring all four conference ministers with more information on this event.

Summer Meeting 2024 Announcement Video (youtube.com)

James Lawson Freedom School

We're excited that our open enrollment for Scholars from K-8th grade is now open, click here for the flyer. For a list of classroom supply donations needed, click here.

St John's UCC, Allentown A2A!

On April 12, 2024, I received an email from Robin Stemple from the UCC Disabilities Ministry Board that St. John’s UCC was approved to be certified as an A2A church! A2A, or Accessible 2 All, means that our building and congregation have made the necessary changes and commitments to be considered accessible to people of all abilities and disabilities. This isn’t a ‘check list’ to complete, but a life-long commitment to continuing to make necessary changes and adjustments to ensure that no matter who enters our doors, they have what they need to thrive in our church community! This is a journey that our church has been working on for decades thanks to the hard work and foresight of so many over the years.

St. John’s UCC in Allentown is now an Open and Affirming church, meaning that we are committed to welcoming and including our LGBT+ siblings! We are a WISE church, meaning that we are committed to engaging with those struggling with mental health in our community and wider world! And now we are A2A, meaning that we are physically and altitudinally welcoming to those of all abilities! My fervent hope is that we continue to strive to widen the circle of Christ love in meaningful ways!

Respectfully submitted by Rev. Becky Sausser 

'Crisis in Gaza' resource available from the UCC

In this time of unprecedented crisis in Gaza and Palestine when we are inundated with so much information, many of us are seeking for trustable, faith-based and prophetic resources to help us navigate this moment. People are really hungry for ways to understand what faithful solidarity and witness might look like.

The UCC PIN (Palestine/Israel Network) has created a new resource called “Crisis in Gaza." UCC PIN was created as a result of a UCC General Synod resolution. This body speaks to, but not for the UCC.

“Crisis in Gaza” can be used in a variety of ways and settings. It has background, history, and is available four ways: by pdf, Powerpoint, Youtube, and as an MP4 video. Click here to download the resource.

Bethany Children's Home is in Need of Bedding

Each youth that arrives at Bethany Children's Home needs sheets, a pillow case and comforter for a twin sized bed. If you'd like to donate please send donations to 1863 Bethany Rd. Womelsdorf, PA 19567.

Or donate online at https://givebutter.com/BCHeroes and put "bedding" in the notes!

You can also order directly off Amazon using the following link:

Sweet Home Collection 5 Piece Comforter Set Bag Solid Color All Season Soft Down Alternative Blanket & Luxurious Microfiber Bed Sheets, Gray, Twin https://a.co/d/0XYeUI5 Ship it to Bethany Children’s Home, 1863 Bethany Rd., Womelsdorf, PA 19567

Thank you so much for your continued support of our mission. Bethany Development Team

Faith Formation Leadership Retreat

May 3 - 5, 2024

Spruce Lake Retreat Center, 5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA

COST: $$195/person (includes all programming and 3 meals on Saturday and Sunday breakfast)

This retreat for adults involved in Faith Formation provides an opportunity for those wishing to collaborate, rejuvenate, and innovate their approach to Faith Formation! This retreat will provide practical education around faith formation and we4lcomes volunteers as well as folks working in the church to participate and learn. Set in the scenic Spruce Lake Retreat Center, this promises to be a relaxing and informative time! Please click here for the flyer and how to register.

You can also register and pay through tithe.ly using this link:

https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/8424164

Worship Resources for your Mental Health Sunday

Mental Health Sunday is May 19, 2024. The Mental Health Ministry Team is requesting that you use some of these resources – in your worship planning experience for that day! If you have any questions or concerns and would like support for your worship planning that day – please reach out. Although May 19 is Mental Health Sunday this year, we want to remind you that any Sunday is a great Sunday to focus on mental health!

https://www.mhn-ucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/MH-Sunday-Worship-Resources.pdf

Rev. Dr. Emily B. Hall, Pastor - Hope UCC, Wind Gap, 610-863-4474

UCC Earth Summit featuring Bill McKibben and Activists

April 20 - 1PM

The UCC's second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the keynote lecture with the title, "Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?" Additionally, a panel of award-winning activists will speak about the struggle against the pollution of one of the world's largest plastics producers. The 2.5-hour summit will also feature the announcement of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award winner, and a celebration of the UCC's newest Creation Justice Churches. Even if you cannot make the event on April 20 at 1:00p, register, and a recording will be sent to you.

PARTICIPATE IN A LOCAL UCC RESEARCH STUDY - GOD IS STILL SPEAKING

Dear PNEC friend:

I am writing to you today to let you know that one of our PNEC authorized ministers, Rev. Kathryn Foster, is conducting a research study on the UCC idea, God is Still Speaking, to complete her Doctor of Ministry degree at Iliff School of Theology in Denver Colorado. We are helping her to identify participants for her study. A qualified participant is a UCC member, active visitor or authorized pastor 18 years of age or older, in good health, and participating in a UCC church in Pennsylvania. I have emailed this notice to you to offer you this opportunity. Please take a moment to consider it and decide if you would like to be included in her research initiative. If you would like to know more about the study, please click the link below and read the description of the study. Actual participation in the survey serves as informed consent. Any data collected will be de-identified for reporting purposes. This study is not conducted by the United Church of Christ, but the Office of Communication (OPTIC) is aware of its creation.

CLICK THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE:

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7716340/GISS

Click Here for Flyer

If you are not able to access the online survey and would like a paper survey emailed to you, please contact Kathryn directly at kfoster@iliff.edu.

Blessings, Bonnie

2024 Lehigh Valley Pride

SAVE THE DATE

We are so excited to announce that Lehigh Valley Pride will be held on Sunday, August 18th at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This year's Lehigh Valley Pride will be the most inclusive to date with accessibility features such as FREE entry, ASL interpreters, ADA restrooms, large-print Pride guides, alcohol-free experiences, indoor air conditioned spaces, accessible seating for those with disabilities, indoor sensory-friendly area, spirituality space, and reserved parking near the festival entrances.

To include even more community members and vendors, Lehigh Valley Pride will expand its square footage and encompass more of ArtsQuest’s campus, including an expanded baby & tot spot.

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. We can't wait to see you there! 

Penn Northeast Conference needs someone who is willing to lead the Pride booth setup at this years event. This includes ensuring a tent is setup and staffed, activities and/or giveaway items, and something that helps us standout among the community. For More information, please contact Rev. Gary Barraco at garybarraco@verizon.net

NEW CHURCH DEVELOPMENT SERIES BEGINS APRIL 18

Thought About Starting a New Congregation? Does the idea of starting a new congregation intrigue you, even a little? Would you like to learn more? Do you want to reach out to people who have felt excluded from churches in the past because of their race, ethnicity, or language, sexual orientation, age, preference for a different worship style, 'nones' and 'dones,' or those who describe themselves as 'spiritual but not religious'?

The CAC New Church Development Committee of the Central Atlantic Conference (UCC) has created an opportunity for you this spring. The opportunity is co-sponsored by the Christian Church – Capital Area (Disciples of Christ).

On three Thursday evenings you can attend a quick course in new church development and get many of your questions answered by attending three Zoom events from the comfort of your home. The events will be held each evening from 7 to 8:30 pm with an opportunity for Q and A afterward. They are free and open to all interested clergy and laity. 

• April 18 – “How and Why to Start a New Congregation” - Rev. Cean James, Senior Pastor of Salt & Light Church (PCUSA & UCC) and the Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Development, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, UCC.

• May 16 – “How to Fund a New Congregation” - Rev. Dr. Aaron Wade, Minister for Congregational Leadership Development, Granting and Scholarships in the UCC National Offices and Founding Pastor of the Community Church of Washington, DC.

• June 6 – “Stories from the Front Lines: A Panel of Recent Church Planters” - Pastors of recent successful new UCC congregations or established congregations that recently affiliated with the UCC will share their stories and discuss what worked and what didn't.

To RSVP to attend one – or all three of the workshops, please click here:

NEW CHURCH START WORKSHOP REGISTRATION.

Campfire Connection

Outdoor Ministries Newsletter

Click Here to Read

Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change

On April 24 at 7:30p, Rev. Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer for the UCC, will lead an online workshop on "A Good Pitch: Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change".

Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community. For more info and to register, click here

Book Discussion

Are you wondering what is next for the church? Are you tired of hearing words like “revitalization” and “membership growth?” Are you willing to make drastic changes if it means that your children and grandchildren may be interested in participating in a Christian community? In this presentation, author, pastor, and professor, Laurene Bowers walks us through the process of letting go of everything “church.” She will lead a discussion about how to envision and create a new community, based on her most recent book, The Future of American Christianity (Pilgrim Press, 2023): The Future of American Christianity: Bowers, Laurene Beth: 9780829800708: Amazon.com: Books. She will also take questions from those who have read the book. This discussion will take place on Wednesday, May 29, at 6:30 PM, via Zoom. If you’d like to receive Zoom information for the discussion, please email Andrea Kopcak at andrea@pennwest.org by Wednesday, May 22, and let her know that you would like her to send you the Zoom link for the discussion. We will plan to send out the Zoom link for the event on Friday, May 24.

David Ackerman, Penn West Conference Minister

312 South Maple Ave., Suite PWC, Greensburg PA 15601

724-834-0344, david@pennwest.org

he/him/his

Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World

by Katherine Hayhoe

You are invited to a book study on the book Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World, by Katherine Hayhoe. This discussion will be facilitated by Dave Bushnell and Equilla Curry. Participants should come prepared for a thoughtful discussion about climate change and to consider potential solutions to address it. You can register for this book study here:

 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/884342360807?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a climate scientist and chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy. She is also the Endowed Professor in Public Policy and Public Law and Paul W. Horn Distinguished Professor at Texas Tech University.

In Saving Us, Hayhoe argues that when it comes to changing hearts and minds, facts are only one part of the equation. We need to find shared values in order to connect our unique identities to collective action. This is not another doomsday narrative about a planet on fire. It is a multilayered look at science, faith, and human psychology, from an icon in her field—recently named chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy.

The study is intended for people concerned about climate change and who are wanting to do something about it. The group size will be no more than 20 people and it is hoped that participants will come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (each session)

Dates and Chapter Discussions: 4 consecutive Tuesdays

1. May 7, 2024 - Read sections 1 & 2 before this session
2. May 14, 2024 - Read section 3
3. May 21, 2024 - Read section 4
4. May 28, 2024 - Read section 5

Pre-work: Please read sections 1 & 2 prior to the first session.

About your Discussion Leaders:

Dave Bushnell is a retired UCC pastor from Lancaster, PA. He chaired the 2023 Lancaster County Climate Summit and has helped to organize the Hamilton Park Climate Action Neighborhood.

Equilla Curry will soon be a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary. She recently helped lead a climate elective at Faith UCC, York PA.

B. David Smith, Founder and Organizer, Crossroads and Connections: Building Relationships and Community - 717-371-1516

Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) Upcoming Classes and Podcasts

Practices of Church Leadership. May 21–June 25, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor the Rev. Sara Hertzog.

This nuts-and-bolts class covers the basics of leadership and administration, with practical application for everyone on the ministry leadership team. Topics include: covenant and authority; conflict; family and congregational systems; vision and mission; handling administrative tasks; spiritual care and boundaries. Clergy, lay leaders, and MIDs are encouraged to register. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Innovation and New Models of Leadership. July 9–Aug 13, 2024. Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm EST via Zoom. Instructor: The Rev. Dale Davis.

This challenging class engages an array of exciting leadership models and is supported by a podcast series produced especially for the Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry. 2.5 CEUs. $325.

Each class is six weeks online. Information and registration: https://www.lancasterseminary.edu/programs/pennsylvania-academy-of-ministry/

The 3-month Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in integrating faith and justice work into their lives in a meaningful and transformative way. This online program provides a basic foundational introduction to social justice in faith, in personal reflection, and in methodology and practice. The small group cohort meets weekly and space is limited. This Justice Jubilee starts in October 2024 and applications must be received no later than September 15th.

If a single class more your speed right now join the Empowerment in Advocacy class on April 17th, 2024. Find your voice through advocacy and explore ways to create positive change in your community and beyond.

JLP is an ecumenical program and a grant recipient of the Global H.O.P.E. and FaithINFO teams of the United Church of Christ.