ACC Weekly Announcements
April 13, 2020
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Pastors, Church Administrators and Secretaries, Bulletin Editors:
These weekly announcements are meant to be a helpful resource, especially for those of you who put your congregations' bulletins together on a weekly basis. If there are ways we could present this information more effectively please don't hesitate to pass on your ideas or give feedback.
Some churches forward the following information and community life announcements to their members using email while others post various events in their weekly bulletin, on their church website, or Facebook page. This and past columns are available on the ACC webpage at
atlanticcoastconference.net/ba.
Please let us know if there are additional ways we can assist you as we serve together.
Brook Musselman
Conference Coordinator, Atlantic Coast Conference
(717) 394-8107
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ACC Spring Assembly + Delegate Council
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This weekend, April 17-19, a video from conference leaders will be posted on the Assembly web page to give some updates on conference life and to invite delegates to take action on several matters that we believe should be taken care of sooner rather than later.
Votes to approve a budget for 2020-2021 and to adopt a bylaw amendment, among others, will be received via online form. A link and reminder will be sent to delegates in advance of these items being available.
Between now and April 17, pastors and church offices are asked to confirm appointed congregational delegates and email addresses with the ACC office. Each delegate will be asked to view the video for Delegate Council and to submit the online form with responses to each vote/action by April 19.
On Saturday morning, April 18, you're invited to join an optional live video conversation with ACC leaders as an opportunity to ask questions and connect with other delegates.
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The Spring edition of
CURRENTS
is available
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The Spring edition of Currents is available now. This edition includes stories and reflections on how the ACC community is learning to cope and thrive during the current health crisis.
View this edition online
here.
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New Resources for Congregations
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Roots of Justice is hosting a panel discussion on Anti-Asian Racism
To be a part of this conversation, send your name and email address to
Roots@rootsofjusticetraining.org by Wednesday, April 15th.
You will receive an invitation with the call in information. The discussion is on April 16, Thursday, at 7pm (EST).
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MC USA development webinars
Tomorrow’s webinar (Tuesday, April 14, 4:00 p.m. EDT) is on the CARES act and other financial resources. Next week there are two opportunities – one on compassion fatigue and another on pastoral care around grief, death and dying in the time of COVID19.
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Online Zoom Forum for Pastors
Eastern Mennonite Seminary is offering a free Online Pastors Forum Series for Navigating COVID-19, beginning Wednesday, April 15 through June 24, 2020 for pastoral leaders.
The first event is Wednesday, April 15, 2020, 3:00 – 4:30 pm EDT. The topic is “Pastoral Care in the Time of Covid-19 and Beyond” and will include a facilitated discussion on grief/loss without physical presence, caring for others from a distance, caring for ourselves, etc.
Facilitators for April 15 include Lonnie Yoder, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Eastern Mennonite Seminary; and Penny Dreidiger, ACPE Clinical Educator, Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and Sentara RMH Staff Chaplain; and Eric Martin, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Supportive Living Chaplain.
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MCC Resources
Churches, businesses, and personal gatherings have shifted to using video conferencing technology like Zoom. But do you know how to host meetings? PRC staff will cover the different levels of Zoom available and how to lead meetings in Zoom.
Info and registration is available here.
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Resources on receiving stimulus funds
Church Treasurers/Pastors/CRM's;
churchcovid19.com will provide information about several informative webinars being offered this week regarding the stimulus package as it relates to churches and non-profits in relation to retaining employees during this time. Please feel free to access these webinars if the information is helpful to you. If you have additional questions, please leave a message at the ACC office for ACC Treasurer or Finance committee reply. More specific info will be posted to the
ACC resources webpage.
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Resources for a time of uncertainty
In a time of uncertainty and social distancing, we want to offer you a selection of resources that MCC has prepared over the years for congregations, families and individuals. From prayers to recipes and cooking videos, from coloring pages to videos that give you a glimpse of life across the world, we hope we are able to offer something that may encourage or nourish you in an extraordinary time. Visit
mcc.org/resources-time-uncertainty-covid-19.
Advocate for those who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19
Your support for the work of the Washington Office of MCC U.S. is more important than ever. Congressional offices may also be working from home, but they're still listening for the issues that their constituents care about. Help MCC remind Congress about the people who are most vulnerable in this global health emergency and advocate for U.S. policies that promote peace and well-being. Visit
mcc.org/washington to learn more and take action on immigration, criminal justice, foreign assistance, or sanctions. Thank you for helping MCC to express solidarity and compassion in this difficult time.
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Support MCC from the safety of your home by sewing
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Landis Communities Announcements
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The next meeting of the Lancaster County Parkinson’s Support Group will be held virtually on Monday, April 20. The speaker is Khashayar Dashtipour, MD, a specialist from San Bernardino, CA. He will speak live on the topic, “Taking ON Parkinson’s Disease.” The meeting starts at 2:00 p.m. Persons interested in participating should connect online at 1:45-2:00 p.m. (ET) at
https://globalmeet.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1300403&tp_key=8411cf25f0 . If there are technical difficulties please call 610-500-3273. There will be a chat box to ask questions of Dr. Dashtipour following his presentation.
The regular monthly meetings are designed for education and support for persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and their families. The Lancaster Parkinson’s Support Group meets at Landis Homes the third Monday of each month from March through November.
For more information or to receive a brochure about the group persons may make requests to Lancaster Parkinson’s Support Group, 1001 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz, PA 17543 or call 717-509-5494.
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Due to the Coronavirus, LM has decided to get creative, and combine the New Danville and Locust Grove campus benefit auctions and shift them online. We are postponing the BBQ and kids activities until another time when we can gather together safely in-person.
ANYONE will be able to bid online for items from ANYWHERE April 24 - May 1 through
BiddingOwl.org. The online auction will be open April 24, at 8am through 5/1, at 9pm, and all funds go to Annual Fund to support students and teachers.
Support Student World Changers - Make a Difference Together!
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#BringThePeace
Read the inspiring story of how Zion Mennonite Church in Souderton, Pennsylvania, discovered a need in its own “backyard” – and grew it into a community ministry that provides food for more than 200 students and has inspired a similar program in a neighboring school district.
http://mennoniteusa.org/news/bean-bag-program/
“Shaping our faith in a digital culture” was the theme of the recent joint Mennonite Church USA Deep Faith-AMBS Pastors and Leaders 2020 conference. Read thought-provoking insights from the event in news stories and blogs at
http://mennoniteusa.org/tag/deep-faith/ (Download a PPT slide for congregational display.)
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