Hurricane Ian:

We are Praying for Those Impacted by Hurricane Ian in Florida

The UCC Disaster Ministry team sends our love, support, and prayers for those impacted by the hurricane and ask that you do the same.

The devastation from this storm is historic and Southwest Florida will be rebuilding for some time.

The United Church of Christ stands at the point of need with the message that, no matter what, God is with us. Disaster Ministries participates in long-term recovery efforts, supplying much needed funding and volunteers as we work to fulfil our mission: Responding to the call of our Christ-centered faith, UCC Disaster Ministries supports holistic community recovery by engaging supporters, volunteers, and partners to focus on preparedness, emergency relief, and long-term recovery.

Please Help:

• Pray for those impacted.
• Put together CWS kits and clean-up buckets. Learn more.
• Help is needed to move some of the kits we have received to the CWS warehouse in Maryland. If you can help, please reach out to Karl Jones.
• Donate: Donate Now – United Church of Christ (ucc.org)
• Sign up to Volunteer: https://support.ucc.org/volunteer-opportunity-form
• Volunteer Opportunities: UCC Ministry Opportunities
• Have your congregation join the Willing to Respond Network of Churches: Willing to Respond Preparedness Network

Thank you! 

Disaster Update, How to Help: On Wednesday, Sept. 28, Category 4 Hurricane Ian hit the west coast of Florida, now Tropical Storm Ian continues to produce catastrophic flooding over east-central Florida and is forecast to produce life-threatening flooding, storm surge and gusty winds and tornadoes across portions of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas over the next 48 hours. For information on the impact to the UCC, the UCC's response efforts, and how you can help, click here to read a disaster update.

Hurricane Preparedness: Do you know that the Insurance Board has many resources to help you and your ministry get ready to help prepare for and survive a potentially disastrous event. Remember to always follow local guidelines that may apply to you and your ministry. Click HERE for Hurricane Resources from the Insurance Board. 

And you can visit the National Hurricane Center’s website: hurricanes.gov throughout the season to stay current on watches and warnings. Now is a good time to review and revise your emergency plans, not only for hurricanes but also for other natural disasters. Ensure that your plan takes into account the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC, FEMA, and local officials. 

Happening Next Week:

October 2: Rev. Kevin McLemore preaching at Wentz's UCC, Worcester

October 2: Moderator Charles Kuthuru visiting Trinity Reformed UCC, Collegeville

October 4-6: Men's Clergy Retreat in Bangor, Pennsylvania

Register Now:

Registration open for:

• Oct. 13:  Diversity Training on Zoom
• Oct. 19: Advanced Boundary Training "Power and the Office of the Pastor"
• Oct. 29: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism in Norristown or online
• Nov. 2:  Advanced Boundary Training "Pastoral Self Care"
• Nov. 10: Resurrecting Hope: Harm Reduction and Healing Centered Engagement to End Overdose in Fort Washington

Mark your Calendar:

November 13: PSEC Fall Meeting in Philadelphia or on Zoom

January 24-26, 2023: Women's Clergy Retreat at Mariawald Retreat Center

Ordination Anniversaries:

David Lawton (34 years), Dwayne Mosier (34 years), 

Gary Rarick (11 years), Frances Chester (18 years), 

Wanda Schwandt (14 years), Patricia Schang (15 years),

and Ruth Sheets (33 years)

Local Church Events:

October 1: Buckwheat Pancake & Sausage Supper in Boyertown

October 1: Fall Festival in Reading

Submit Church Events here

View a complete list of Church Events here