Important This Week

• VBS materials available for churches
• Share the new OCWM video and report
• Save the date for Advanced Boundary Training on Trauma and Health Boundaries
• Register for Safety and Church webinar

New OCWM video released at Spring Meeting last week

At this weekend's Spring Meeting, a new OCWM video was shared. This video provides a brief overview of OCWM and the Conference. It can be used in church meetings, association meetings, and more. The link to share that video is youtu.be/P79sdfESTBo.

PSEC OCWM Annual Report

At this weekend's Spring Meeting, did you get a chance to see the PSEC 2023 OCWM Annual Report? Click here to read it, with details on annual financials, donor acknowledgements, a message from the Conference Minister, and more.

Safety and Church webinar

Ensuring the safety and security of our congregations is an increasing challenge in our polarized world. Whether it’s safeguarding against physical threats, addressing health and wellness concerns, or promoting a culture of inclusivity and support, the safety of our church communities is a shared responsibility. This presentation will equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can worship, learn, and fellowship without fear. Chad Cunninham, Director of Loss Control for our UC Insurance Program, will offer basic strategies and best practices to cultivate a culture of safety that reflects the values of love, compassion, and protection that define our faith. To register, click here.

Email safety and spam messages from PSEC

Thank you to the many members of PSEC who have reached out to let us know about spam messages that were recently sent, purporting to be on behalf of the Conference from Rev. Dr. Russell Mitman who passed away in 2023. We wanted to use this as a reminder for how to spot misleading emails. Keep in mind that emails are suspicious if:

• they ask for something of monetary value (gift cards, cash transfers, etc.)
• the email address is unfamiliar (even if the signature if familiar)
• the person insists on only email communication ("don't call me")
• the email address the message appears to have come from is not the one it replies to

For more resources on cyber security, visit Safety Central from the Insurance Board.

'Vote for Climate Hope' campaign kick-off

On June 18, the UCC will launch its second Climate Hope card collection campaign, building upon the success of the 8,000 postcards delivered to senior officials of the EPA last year. This year the art of 12-year-old Charlotte from Glenside UCC will be on the cover of our Vote for Climate Hope Pledge Cards. Between now and Nov. 1, UCC churches will collect the pledges of those committed to voting their values in November. Learn more at our online kickoff event on June 18 at 3:00p!

June ReadyPA Monthly available online now

This month's PA Emergency Management Agency's ReadyPA Monthly includes info on lightning safety, pet safety, and more. Click here for the newsletter. Please share this information with your congregations to help keep everyone safe and prepared. 

Save the Date: Trauma and Healthy Boundaries workshop

On Wednesday, July 10 from 9:00a-12:00p, an Advanced Boundary Training will be held on "Trauma and Healthy Boundaries." More information and registration will be available next week. Please mark your calendar in the meantime.

Webinar: Politics, Polarization, and Prophetic Ministry

As the attention of the world focuses on the 2024 elections, what will be the role of churches that embody the prophetic tradition of the Christian faith? What will preachers say from the pulpit? How will justice-centered ministries be called to act? These can be difficult questions to answer in the context of church cultures in which there is a fear of political conflict and polarization. In this webinar, we will address these critical issues and questions with the help of our featured panelists. Dr. Obery Hendricks has authored both "The Politics of Jesus" and "Christians against Christianity," while the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade has authored both “Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide" and “Creation-Crisis Preaching.” Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on June 12 at 1:00p, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce:

Free Naloxone training

Faith-Based Security & Resilience Learning Series

The PA Office of Homeland Security, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, PA Emergency Management Agency, State Police, the three Fusion Centers across the state, Faithbased Information Sharing and Analysis Organization, and the Anti-Defamation League, is offering a quarterly virtual learning series to faith-based organizations. This learning series will provide valuable information to religious leaders, security personnel, and members of the houses of worship to enhance security and resilience. Click here for more information and to register.

New Search and Call video

We are continuously adding new resources to PSEC.org. The newest resource is a video on What to do when your pastor resigns. Check out that video with Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call Rev. Kevin McLemore here:

'Together for tomorrow' initiative for planned giving

Learn how to promote planned giving in your congregation. Planned gifts provide a way for a donor to give out of their accumulated assets such as property or stocks to support a congregation or other charitable cause. This free course on July 10 and 17 will help you learn basic concepts, practice skills, and create an implementation plan for your congregation. Register for 'Together for Tomorrow Planned Giving in Your Congregation' here.

Webinar: Generative Artificial Intelligence for Churches

Join the Insurance Board for a webinar on June 18 to unveil the potential and pitfalls of AI in faith-based communities. This enlightening presentation will feature the risks and rewards of using generative artificial intelligence in churches and give insights into policy development for mitigating potential risks. Click here for more information and to register. Registration is limited, so sign up now.

Join a Community of Practice

There are openings in Communities of Practice for the second half of the year. Spots are available in:

• a group that meets on Zoom Monday afternoons and discussion focuses on Netflix movies and specials
• a group that often meets in-person (usually in Berks County) on Wednesdays and discussion focuses on best practices for church growth
• and a traditional group that meets on Wednesdays on Zoom

These clergy groups meet ten times a year for shared worship, to check in, and to complete a shared study/book discussion/etc. The cost for a group is $250 per year and will be pro-rated for 2024. For more information on Communities of Practice or the available spots, please email brea@psec.org.

VBS materials to share

Is your church storing supplies, decorations, or curriculum from a previous Bible school that's in good condition but likely won't be used again soon? If you have VBS materials available that you would be willing to loan or donate to other churches, email brea@psec.org. To see the updated list with LOTS of materials churches are willing to share, click here.

Fill in when your pastor is away

PSEC maintains a Sunday Supply list of clergy to fill in when pastors are away. During summer vacations it can be harder to find someone. Have you ever thought about preaching when your pastor is on vacation? Among the many resources on our Resources for Lay-led Worship page are sermons that can be read and training videos if you want to try writing a sermon.

This email is brought to you by your generous gifts to OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission)! Thank you!