This Week in PNEC

This Week in PNEC --- March 26 - April 3, 2015

TO CONTACT US OR TO REGISTER FOR EVENTS

431 Delaware Ave., Palmerton, PA18071; www.pnec.org website

610-826-3113; FAX 610-826-5464

Alan Miller [email protected] Gilberto Garcia Rodriguez [email protected]

Barbara Jennings [email protected] Patty Rehrig [email protected]

St. Paul's UCC, Trexlertown would like to thank all who donated blood at our Blood Drive

on March 14th in honor of the Rev. Alan C. Miller. Twenty-one pints of blood was donated. If you were not able to attend our blood drive, we hope you consider donating blood at a local Keystone-Miller blood center in honor of Rev. Alan Miller

Your UCC Medical & Dental Benefits Plan partners with vendors to provide comprehensive health, pharmacy, dental, and vision benefits to Plan participants. The Highmark, Express Scripts, ValueOptions, United Concordia, and VSP websites can help you find network providers, access wellness resources, order prescriptions, and more.

To learn more about our vendor partner websites, we invite you to join us on Wednesday, April 8 at Noon (ET) for a webinar on the topic, "Navigating the Health Plan Vendor/Partner Websites," hosted by PBUCC's Health Plan Team.

The webinar will be conducted using WebEx online conference technology. CLICK HERE to register.

To participate on the day of the webinar, you will need:

1. a computer with internet access*, and

2. a telephone (for the audio portion of the

presentation).

To join the meeting, enter

the meeting Access Code: 687 628 365#
the Password: April2015

(Please note that the Password is case sensitive.)

Following a brief presentation, you will have an opportunity to have your questions answered by Pension Boards staff, using WebEx's online chat function.

We look forward to your participation. If you are unable to join us, a recording of the presentation will be available within five business days on the Member Education section of the Pension Boards' website.

*If you do not have internet access, you still may listen to the presentation by dialing toll free 1.877.668.4490. When prompted, enter the Access Code above and the Password listed above.

Pension Boards UCC, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 1020,

New York, NY 20115

UCC President and General Minister

Geoffrey Black

is coming to the Lehigh Valley the weekend of

May 16. Here's what's planned:

Two Events on Saturday, May 16, 2015

- Youth Forum at Hopefest, 2:00 p.m. - All Youth from Penn Northeast and Pennsylvania Southeast Conference are Invited to Attend

Place: Hope UCC, 1031 Flexer Ave., Allentown. For More Info Visit: www.hope-fest.org

- Dinner and Round Table Discussion, 5:00 p.m. - Everyone is Welcome to Attend ($10 pp for Dinner)

Place: Phoebe Allentown Campus

(1925 Turner Street), Moyer Hall

To make reservations for dinner, contact the Conference Office ([email protected] or 610-826-3113) or send your check ($10 pp) to PNEC, 431 Delaware Avenue, Palmerton. Space is limited.

and, Worship on Sunday, May 17, 2015

- Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Faith UCC,

Center Valley (5992 Route 378) - 10:15 a.m.

President Black will be speaking along with Conference Minister, Alan Miller

Disaster Response Ministry - Lehighton Project...

On Saturday, April 25th at 8 am we will meet at Yolanda's House to accomplish the following:

Living Room: install moldings, install thresholds, and caulk around the fireplace
Bathroom: install moldings
Door to Basement: properly install the hinges
Outside: install siding where chimney was removed, paint eve that was repaired

Our Project Manager, Grant Field, hopes to have at least 10 volunteers to complete this work. Please let us know, as soon as possible, if you are available to volunteer so that I am able to keep Grant informed as to who is available to volunteer on April 25th.

If you need more information or would like to volunteer, please contact:

~Donna Zangari

Coordinator of Volunteers

610-262-1557 (please leave a message)

e-mail at [email protected]

Lancaster Seminary DiscoveryDays

Tuesday, April 7 to Wednesday, April 8

Highlights include:

Conversation with President Carol Lytch
Why Theological Education? Why Lancaster?
Audit Classes
Worship in community in historic Santee Chapel
Field Education presentation
Scholarship & Financial Aid Presentation

As our guest, we will provide overnight accommodations in Richards Hall, meals, the opportunity to meet with our president, faculty and students, sit in on classes, attend a chapel service, and tour our campus. To register for this two-day event, click here

53rd Annual Meeting

of the

Penn Northeast Conference

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Northampton Community Center,

1601 Laubach Ave., Northampton

Guest Speaker: Rev. J. Bennett Guess, Executive Minister Local Church Ministries UCC

Theme: Core Values of the United Church of Christ

- Continuing Testament

Our faith is 2000 years old.

Our thinking is not. God is still speaking.

- Extravagant Welcome

No matter who you are, or where you are

life's journey, you're welcome here.

- Changing Lives

Never place a period where God has

placed a comma.

Schedule Highlights

Saturday, April 18, 2015

8:00 a.m. Registration Opens

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Meeting Called to Order

12 noon Lunch

4:00 p.m. Meeting Concludes

Activities Include:

- Worshipful Work Agenda

- 10th Anniversary of the PNEC Disaster Response

Ministry

- Update on the Amigos de Guatemala on the Clinic

- Celebrate Alan Miller's Birthday

- Recognition of Nancy Azar's Ministry with PNEC

- Speak Outs

Cost: $35/person- Includes all registration materials, continental breakfast, breaks, and lunch

Click here for registration form

(Complete a form for each person attending.)

Registration Deadline: April 1, 2015

Sorry, there's no refund of registration fees

NYE 2016 - Disney

PNEC has formed an NYE '16 Ministry Team to

support local church youth groups in getting to

The National Youth Event to be held in July 0f

2016. This team has begun collaborating and

making steps toward a plan for attending. We

will be holding an open meeting for representative

adult leaders from all interested church youth

groups in the PNEC. The open meeting will be

held at the Palmerton UCC office on Sunday

May 17th @ 3:00pm

Your Ministry Team consists of the following 9 members: Tracy and Ned Whitehead, Heather Kurtz, Michelle Funk, Marge Baltz, Kathy Sofie, Mary Heller, Matt Gorkos, Kris Snyder-Samuelson.

You can contact us at: [email protected]

21st Annual Clergy Convocation

Sponsored by Pennsylvania Southeast and Penn Northeast Conferences of the United Church of Christ

A time of collegiality, spiritual renewal and education for authorized ministers and members in discernment.

From Sabbath to Selfies:

Faithful Spirituality in the Smartphone Age

May 5-7, 2015 at Double Tree by Hilton

2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster, PA 17602

Click here for the full flyer and registration instructions.

Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Rite Aid and are now an official KidCents charity! KidCents is a program created by The Rite Aid Foundation that allows Rite Aid customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate their change to help support kid-focused charities.

Bethany Children's Home will now be listed as an official KidCents charity on kidcents.com. Through KidCents, Rite Aid customers can visit www.kidcents.com, elect to round up their Rite Aid purchases, and donate their change to an official KidCents charity, which now includes us!

Here's what you can do to support Bethany Children's Home with your KidCents round-up donations when you shop at Rite Aid:

Visit www.kidcents.com and follow the steps online to become a Rite Aid wellness+ member (join for free) and enroll in the KidCents program.
After you join wellness+ (or if you are already a wellness+ member), login on www.kidcents.com and click "Select a Charity" on the website menu.
Search for Bethany Children's Home in the list of official KidCents charities.
When you find Bethany Children's Home, click on the "Select this Charity" button so that your KidCents round-up change will be designated to Bethany Children's Home.

This means more funding for Bethany Children's Home and our goal to provide brighter futures for kids and families!

It also means that YOU have the ability to help us reach our goals by simply shopping at Rite Aid and rounding up your purchases for our organization, as well as asking your friends and family to participate in the program. Imagine the change that your change can make!

We are looking forward to our partnership with The Rite Aid Foundation and are excited by the opportunities that KidCents brings to our organization and those we help. We hope all of you who shop at Rite Aid will participate in this program, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Thank you for your support!

Kindly, Bethany Children's Home

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION

Widening the Welcome BEGINS IN APRIL...

and the Hotel Room Registration page is live NOW!

5th National UCC Conference, Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All

Hartford, CT

Sept. 24-26, 2015

This conference is hosted by the UCC Mental Health Ministry and the UCC Disabilities Ministry.

to get a hotel room registration, click here

UPCOMING DATES

APRIL

3 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Good Friday

7 - 11:30AM-1PM - Southwest AMC Clergy - Old Zionsville UCC, Old Zionsville

7 - Easton AMC Clergy - Dryland UCC, Nazareth

8 - 9AM - Board of Directors - Conference Office

13 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning MID Committee

14 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

15 - 9AM- Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

15 - 10AM - GEM Fund Committee (April 1 deadline for GEM Fund requests)

18 - PNEC Annual Meeting - Northampton Community Center, Northampton, PA
21 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry

Committee

21 - 9:30AM - gathering & refreshments - 10:30AM Susquehanna AMC Pastors - Faith, Hazleton

21 - Noon - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Country View Diner, 6210 PA Route 873, Slatington

23 - 6PM - Search & Call Team - Conf. Office

24 - 9:30AM - Gwilym T. Williams Scholarship Fund

27-29 - MAAUCE Event - Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA

28 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Conference Office

28 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee

MAY

5 - 11:30AM-1PM - Southwest AMC Clergy - Longswamp UCC, Mertztown

5 - Easton AMC Clergy - Place TBA

5-7 - 21st Annual Clergy Convocation - DoubleTree Resort by Hilton, Lancaster

7 - 10:30am - 2pm - PNEC Educators' Gathering - St. Paul's UCC, Cherryville

11 - Time TBA - Licensing/Commissioning MID Committee

12 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

16 - 5:30PM - Dinner & Town Meeting with Rev. Geoffrey Black, General Minister & President of the UCC - Phoebe Allentown Campus (1925 Turner St.), Moyer Hall

17 - 10:15AM - Sunday Worship at Faith UCC, 5992 Route 378, Center Valley with Rev. Geoffrey Black, UCC President & Rev. Alan Miller, PNEC Conference Minister

17 - 3PM - National Youth Event 16 (NYE16) - Conference Office

19 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

19 - Noon - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - China House, 4515 Route 309, Schnecksville

20 - 9AM- Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

25 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Memorial Day

26 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Lutheran Synod Office

26 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee

JUNE

2 - Easton AMC Clergy - Place TBA

8 - 3PM - Licensing/Commissioning MID Committee

(after the Committee Meeting there will be a meet and greet for new candidates)

9 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

16 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

16 - Noon - Blue Mountain AMC Clergy - Di Fiore's Pizzaria & ItaliaRestaurant, 5608 PA Route 873, Neffs

17 - 9AM- Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

17 - 6PM - Board of Directors - Conference Office

23 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Conference Office

23 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee
26-30 - General Synod 30 - Cleveland, OH

JULY

3 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Independence Day

13 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee

14 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

15 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

21 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

28 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Lutheran Synod Office

AUGUST

10 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee

11 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

12 - 4PM - Board of Directors Picnic - St. Matthew's UCC, Kunkletown grove

18 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

19 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

25 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Conference Office

SEPTEMBER

7 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Labor Day

8 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

14 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee

15 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

16 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

19 - 10AM-7PM - Second PNEC Women's Retreat - Jerusalem UCC (Trachsville), Palmerton

22 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Lutheran Synod Office

22 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee

24 - 10:30AM-2PM - PNEC Educators' Gathering - Place TBA

OCTOBER

1 - Deadline for Gwilym T. Williams Applications (in order to be considered for a grant for the preceding summer and/or current fall terms)

12 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Columbus Day

12 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee

13 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

20 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

21 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

21 - 9AM - Board of Directors - Conference Office

27 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Conference Office

27 - 9:30AM - Ordaining MID Committee

NOVEMBER

9 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee

10 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

11 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Veteran's Day

17 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

18 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

24 - 9-11:30AM - Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Lutheran Synod Office

25 - (1/2 day) - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Thanksgiving Holiday

26, 27 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Thanksgiving Holiday

DECEMBER

8 - 12:15PM - PTIM AMC Clergy - PJ Whelihan's at Platz's, Lehighton

14 - 10AM - Licensing/Commissioning Member in Discernment Committee

15 - 9:30AM - Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee

15 - Noon to2PM- Joint Conflict Resource Team (JCRT) - Christmas Luncheon at Morgan's

16 - 9AM - Ordained Church & Ministry Committee

16 - 6PM - Board of Directors - Conference Office

24,25 - PNEC OFFICE CLOSED - Christmas Holiday

2016

JULY

26-29 - National Youth Event (NYE) - Lake Buena Vista, Florida

March 31 - Webinar: Protecting PA's Children

NOVA (Network of victim Assistance) and C4CJ (Center for Children's Justice) are presenting Protecting PA's Children: What Adult Volunteers Working with Children Need to Know again on March 31 from 9:30-11 am. The cost is $15. Previous presentations were filled to capacity, so register online at your earliest convenience.

Click here to register

The Mercersburg Convocation

June 1, 2, 3, 2015

The Future of Ecumenism from a Reformed Perspective

Lancaster Theological Seminary

555 West James Street, Lancaster, PA 17603

www.mercersburgersociety.org

[email protected]

Convocation Speakers: The Rev. Dr. Douwe Visser, Executive Secretary for Theology & Communion of the World Communion of Reformed Churches & Dr. Theodore Trost, Professor & Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama

Plenary: June 1 - Current Theological Understandings Under-girding and Driving the Ecumenical Endeavor of World Communion of Reformed Churches

June 2 - Ecumenism and Diversity from the Perspective of the World Communion of Reformed Churches

Also on June 2 - Roth Prize Winner: David Bradnick - What Has Axusa to Do With Mercersburg? A Pentecostal Engagement with Nevin and Schaff

For more information email [email protected]

"Ev'ry time it rains, it rains pennies from heaven." If this is true, the Amigos de Guatemala are hoping for a flood...a flood of pennies that is.

Consider asking your congregation to donate a penny to the Amigos de Guatemala every time they use water-to wash their hands, take a shower, do laundry, cook or takes a drink of water. When using water, think about how fortunate we are to have potable water to do all of these things. Our friends in Guatemala do not have potable water from their spigots to drink.

The donations will support the PNEC's Guatemala Building Fund.

We have the contractor and the building plans. All we need are the funds to make this a reality. The people of Monte Margarita in Guatemala have been waiting for 3 years for a proposed multi-use facility/clinic. They need a place where they can receive basic medical care. The building will also house doctors/nurses and other staff so they will not have to travel the local pot-holed dirt roads on a continual basis. In addition to the clinic, the facility will be used for conferences and teaching classrooms.

If you have questions about our mission please contact us at [email protected] (610.481.9704).

Gracias!

Roger & Karen Heim, Gilberto Garcia, Karen Gomez, Sharon Harfman, Brian & Carolyn Heft, James Gottwald, David Charles Smith, Dale Sattizahn, Marna Greenberg, Hersh Rummel, Phil Rios, Jeff Bauer, Megan Greenberg, Alan Miller, Barbara Jenninigs

CLERGY CONNECTIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ziegels Union Church is seeking a Director of Learning Ministries. Responsibilities include working with Sunday School, Confirmation and Youth programs. Sunday participation in worship and overseeing Sunday School classes are required. The position is part time/20 hours per week. For a copy of the complete job description please contact: [email protected]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope UCC, Allentown is currently seeking

applicants for the position of Director of the Nursery School. This inclusive nursery school is well-established and respected in the Lehigh Valley and is located on the church grounds in the west-end of Allentown. The Director will lead a talented team of teachers who are dedicated to the early education of children ages 2 - 5 years. Requirement for the position include the following:

A Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited college or university.
PA preferred certification in either early childhood education or private academic nursery/kindergarten.
Three or more years teaching experience in early childhood education. Experience as a Lead Teacher and/or supervisory experience preferred.
Demonstrated communication and organizational skills.
Budgeting experience preferred.

This is a part-time position with an expected start date of May 1, 2015 or as negotiated. Resumes should be forwarded to Valerie Cipoletti, Co-Chair, Search Committee via email at [email protected] . Review of resumes will begin February 20, 2015.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jerusalem UCC (Trachsville), 545 Church Drive, Palmerton is in search of a Church Secretary - part-time hours (Tuesday thru Friday from 9AM to 1PM). If interested please call 610-681-4412. The church website is www.jerusalemucc.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

St. Peter's Union Church (Lynnville), 5129 Schochary Rd., New Tripoli is searching for an organist. They have one service at 9:30 AM. For additional information, please contact Karin at [email protected] or 484-239-9709

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CHURCHES....

March 27 - Fish Fry - Bethany UCC, 600 W. Market St, Bethlehem - flounder, FF, home-made coleslaw, cornbread, dessert, beverage - adults/$10 - kids/$7.50 - under 5 free - there will also be kid friendly food - FMI call 610-868-4441

March 28 - Easter Bunny Brunch & Egg - St. Thomas UCC, 902 East Macada Rd., Bethlehem - 11AM rain or shine - $6/person - ( Under age 2 - Free ) - Includes: brunch, egg hunt and photo with the Easter bunny - ( The egg hunt is for children through 5th grade.) - Pre-Registration required - Call: 610-868-9167 to register - Bring a basket for the egg hunt!

March 28 - Spring Craft Fair - Salem UCC, 615 Third St., Catasauqua - 9 AM to 1 PM - If you would like to have a table for a donation of $10-call the church(610-264-4091) or Bev Werner(610-264-7508)

March 28 - Spring Basket Social - Jacob's UCC, 138 Franklin St., Weissport - 9AM to 2PM - baked goods, kitchen open, Easter candy, handmade jewelry

March 29 - Community Easter Eggstravaganza- Trinity UCC,1990 Route 212, in Pleasant Valley - www.trinityuccpa.com.12 Noon - Rain or shine! Come enjoy lunch/games/crafts/decorating Easter eggs/egg pinata - an egg hunt on the front lawn will begin at 1:30 p.m. - FREE - RSVP by March 26. RSVP to receive a free gift when you sign in! Call 610-216-7185 or email [email protected].

April 3 - Good Friday Fish Dinner - St. Peter's Youth Group (Seemsville), 8142 Valley View Rd., Northampton - 5 to 7 PM - adult tickets/$10 - fish stick platter available for children 6 & under/$6 - call 610-837-0152 for tickets

April 4 - The Calvin Swine Memorial Easter Egg Hunt - Christ UCC, 5050 Airport Rd., Allentown - 1PM - Rain or Shine - for children 0 to 10 yrs. - pre-registration required - email [email protected] or call 610-264-9325 to register.

April 11 - All You Can Eat Ham and Dandelion Dinner, 4-7 p.m. - Old Zionsville UCC, 5981 Fountain Road, Old Zionsville. For more information call Darlene Schmeltzle at 610-966-5115

April 11 - Leslie Vernick, nationally known Christian Motivational speaker and Relationship Coach, speak on the subject, "Lord I Just Want to be Happy" - Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Rd., Allentown - 9:00AM with a continental breakfast and fellowship time with the program to follow starting 10:30 am. Cost is $15.00 and pre-registration is requested. Reservations can be made through the church office by calling 610-395-2218 or emailing at [email protected]. Make checks payable to Jordan UCC with "Leslie Vernick" in the memo line and mail to or drop off at the church office at 1837 Church Road - Allentown, PA, 18104-1603 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday - for more information, visit the church's website at http://www.jordanucc.org or Ms. Vernick's website at http://www.leslievernick.com

April 11 - Pulled Pork Dinner - Forks UCC, 4500 Sullivan Trail, Stockertown - 4:30 to 7PM - tickets$10 at door, $9 advance; $5 age 6-12 - homemade pulled pork with coleslaw, roasted seasoned potatoes, a medley of vegetables & desserts - for tickets/info: (610) 533-9108

April 11 - Family Style Ham & Dandelion Supper - St. Peter's Union Church (Lynnville), 5129 Schochary Rd., New Tripoli - 3 to 7 PM - $11/adults - $4/children 6-12 - entertainment by Jack and Friends - call 610-298-8064 for more information

April 12 - Seder Meal - Trinity UCC, 1990 Route 212, Pleasant Valley www.trinityuccpa.com - free community dinner includes lamb, turkey, vegetables, and desert - dinner begins at 4PM - please arrive between 3:45 and 4PM - reservations required by April 10 - for reservations, please call 610-346-7114 or email [email protected]

April 17 - Jacobs Brothers Concert - Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Rd., Slatington - 7PM - free-will offering - for more information, call Jack Snyder @ 610-298-2244

April 17 - Longaberger Basket Bingo - St. John's UCC (Fullerton), 575 Grape Street, Whitehall - doors open 6 pm, games begin 7 pm Twenty games, specials, Chinese auction, chance basket, 50/50 and food available Tickets $15.00 presales and $20.00 at the door Please send a self addressed, stamped envelope to above address - Questions may call 610-264-8421 or 610-264-2000

April 18 - Ham & Dandelion Dinner - Ben Salem UCC, 1749 Church Hill Rd., Lehighton (near Andreas) - 3 to 7 PM - adults/$10 - age 5-12/$5 - for more information call 484-225-0368 or 570-386-3870

April 18 - Chicken Barbecue/Yard Sale/Bake Sale - Solomon's UCC, 82 S. Church St., Macungie - dinners include ½ barbecued chicken, baked potato, applesauce and roll for $8.50 - dinners picked up between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; yard sale begins at 7:30 a.m. Call 610-966-3086 for tickets or information

April 18 - Ken Medema in Concert - Faith UCC, 5992 Route 378, Center Valley - 7PM - for tickets call 610-282-3727 between 6 and 8 PM Monday through Thursday

April 18 - All You Can Eat Ham & Roast Beef Dinner - Trinity UCC, 1990 Route 212, Pleasant Valley (next to Springfield Elementary), 610-346-7114. - 4 to 7PM - www.trinityuccpa.com

April 18 - All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet - Old Zionsville UCC, 5981 Fountain Rd., Old Zionsville - 7 to 11am - Adults/$8; Seniors (60+)/$7; children 6-12/$5 - for more information call Darlene Schmeltzle at 610-966-5115

April 18 - Penny Party - Bethany UCC, 600 W. Market St., Bethlehem - basket raffle, kitchen is open - doors open 1 P, Games @ 2 P Call 610-868-4441

April 25 - Country Style Ham Dinner - St. Peter's UCC (Seemsville), 8142 Valley View Rd., Northampton - 4 to 7 PM - adult tickets/$10 - Children 6-12/$4.50 - call 610-837-7426 for tickets

April 26 - Spring Bouquet Concert - St. Paul's UCC, E. 19th & Lincoln Ave., Northampton - 3 pm - featuring Organist/Choir Director Sandy Deiter - Vocalist and Trombonist Todd Fennell - Guest Flutist Debbie Glick - an offering will be received and a social will follow - for directions see website www.stpaulsnorth.org

April 26 - Penny Party - Dubbs Memorial UCC, 457 Allen St., Allentown - doors will open and lunch at Noon - Penny Party at 1PM in the Lower Social Hall - for more information contact the church office at 610-435-7281

April 26, May 3 & May 10 - Ping Pong diplomacy - St. John's style - St John's UCC of, Howertown, 22 Atlas Rd, Northampton - Ping Pong tournament on three Saturdays mornings this Spring - the times will start each Saturday at 10 a.m. - this tournament is open to anyone ages 15 to 85 in the surrounding community who enjoys ping pong and who would like to enjoy a little fun and fellowship - Please call the church at 610-262-8666 or email Carol Marakovits at [email protected]. call or email by April 15th - anyone interested can practice at the church on the second and fourth Sat. of each mo. from 10AM to Noon - refreshments served - tournament is an outgrowth of a young adult ministry, although all ages may participate - trophies will be handed out to churches, and individuals. Churches are encouraged to field a team of three or more indiv. to compete for the team trophy - anyone interested can contact the church at 610-262-7376 or through email at [email protected].

April 29 - Rabbi Glenn Blank, from Beit Simcha, Messianic Judaism Synagogue in Allentown will be at St. Paul's UCC, Cherryville - this will be a lecture/discussion on Messianic Judaism beginning at 7PM - A visit to the Synagogue will follow on Saturday, May 2, 2015 to take part in their Worship Service

May 2 - Country Sale - TURN YOUR TRASH INTO CASH - Union UCC, 5550 Route 873, Neffs - time to start thinking about spring and yard sales again - why not sell your items at our Country Sale - 9AM to 2PM - COST: $20 donation per indoor/outdoor space - REGISTRATION: Contact Linda Migliori 610-799-6160 or download contract at unionucc.org

May 2 - Outdoor Flea Market/Yard Sale - St. Thomas UCC, 902 East Macada Rd., Bethlehem - 8AM to 1PM - call to reserve your space 610-868-9167 - $10/space - open to vendors and families - Rain Date: May 9

May 2 - Ham & Dandelion Buffet - Friedens UCC, PA Route 873, Slatington - Seatings at 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm - reservations needed - call 610-767-5519 or 610-760-1170

May 16 - Hopefest 1- A new tradition - - the 1st annual Hopefest - Hope UCC, 1031 Flexer Ave., Allentown - 12Noon to 6PM -on our campus - Hopefest will be a regional celebration of the arts, featuring local church choirs, musical groups, praise liturgical dancers and other artists - Hopefest will be free to the public - there will be food, craft and other vendors available during Hopefest - there will also be sponsorship opportunities for area organizations - ALL proceeds of Hopefest will go to our 2014 Missions-Meals on Wheels, Daybreak, the Allentown Rescue Mission and the Lehigh Conference of Churches - Hopefest is being hosted by Hope UCC and produced by The Epicenter - The Epicenter has produced the Nazareth Jazz Festival, the Lehigh Valley Health Expo and many other events in the region - Pastor Mia, Val Cipoletti, Don Seibert and Dick Cipoletti have been working with The Epicenter to plan Hopefest - as Hopefest draws nearer, we will be seeking additional volunteers - mark your calendars and look forward to this spiritual journey

May 16 - 7th Annual Show & Shine Car - Trinity UCC, 1990 Route 212, Pleasant Valley (next to Springfield Elementary) - 9AM-3PM - 610-346-7114. All types of vehicles welcome - craft vendors and great food! FREE parking and admission for spectators. Visit our website at www.trinityuccpa.com for more information and for a registration form

May 23 - Multi-Family Yard Sale - UCC, Greenawalds, 2325 Albright Ave., Allentown - Contact Mark at 610-398-3502 - refreshments available

June 28 - Field of Valor - Good Shepherd UCC, 3940 Mountain Rd., Slatington - 10AM - Honoring our military and first responders with a Field of Valor - to purchase a flag to Honor or in Memory of (deadline May 17)... contact the church at 610-767-9680 for more information.

August 2-7 - Middle School Summer Mission Trip to Harrisburg through Youthworks - sponsored by Christ UCC, Bethlehem - PNEC churches are invited to participate - cost is $279 per youth - service projects are different each day and include sites such as: elderly care centers, a food distribution center, house painting/minor maintenance and serving at a summer camp for children each evening concludes with fun activities - join us for this meaningful week of fun, faith and new friends - please email Rev. Cecilia Baxter at [email protected] if you have middle schoolers who would like to join us

September 11 - Lynda Randle Concert - Heidelberg Union Church, 5187 Irvin Rd., Slatington - 7PM - tickets will be on sale ahead of time or you can buy them at the door - doors open @ 5PM with Jack Snyder & Friends entertaining us until 6:15 p.m. followed by the Lynda Randle Concert @ 7PM - to order tickets or have any questions, call Jack Snyder @ 610-298-2244

October 5-9 - Trip to Orlando to see the "Holy Land Experience" - sponsored by St. John's UCC (Fullerton), Whitehall - 4 nights stay at the Doubletree by Hilton at Universal Orlando resorts - 2 day pass to the Holy Land Experience - if interested...don't wait to sign up...do it now - for more information, contact St. John's UCC church at 610-264-8421