Important This Week

• Register for the 2024 retiree event
• Tomorrow is the deadline to complete annual church reporting
• Sign up for the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows on Maundy Thursday
• 'Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations' discussion next week

Have you signed up for the 2024 Retiree Event?

Tomorrow is the deadline for annual church reporting

The DataHub will close on Wednesday, March 6 at midnight. As of Tuesday morning, about 70% of PSEC churches have finished reporting. If your church hasn't completed the reporting yet, please submit that reporting now. For instructions and other resources, visit psec.org/reporting. If you're not sure if your church's reporting is complete, if you need assistance with the reporting, or have any other questions, contact Conference Registrar, Brea Rarick at brea@psec.org or 484-949-8774 ext. 311.

Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows set for Maundy Thurs.

On March 28 at 10:00a on Zoom, the Conference Ministers of the four PA UCC Conferences will host a Service of the Reaffirmation of Ordination Vows for ordained clergy. It’s a long-standing custom in liturgical traditions for clergy to gather on the same day Jesus offered “a new commandment” – to love and serve one another – for the reaffirmation of their ordination. We hope this will be an experience of spiritual encouragement and connection. To register, click here.

'Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations'

What effect does the act of leading worship and a religious community have on its leaders, particularly clergy and their capacity to be agents of holy healing? That question was taken up by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research in their project Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations. On March 14, clergy are invited to join in discussing the results of this study and its results. For more information and to register, click here.

Bethany Home derby event to support equine therapy

Bethany Children's Home is hosting Bethany Derby Day on May 4 to benefit equine therapy programs for the youth of Bethany Children's Home. Join as they watch the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby. Enjoy an open bar, dinner, appetizers, and more. General admission is $75. Sponsorship opportunities start at $2,500. For more information, click here.

How Long Till Justice? Flint, Jackson, and Red Hill

In April, the 10th anniversary of the water crisis in Flint, Mich., will be marked. Yet, justice, in many forms and by measures, has remained elusive. In Jackson, Miss., and near the US Navy’s toxic Red Hill facility in Hawai’i, justice has also been difficult in the wake of water crises. Learn how leaders from these communities envision the path to justice in this webinar on March 13 at 1:00p. Register now!

Does your church have

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. In a few weeks we'll share a list of available materials in this email.

Theology with a Twist tonight: Faith & the upcoming elections

The next Theology with a Twist will be held Tuesday, March 5 at 7:00p on the topic "Faith and the Upcoming Elections," by Dr. Lee Barrett. The nation's increasingly combative political polarization is partly fueled by the tension between "red state" and "blue state" forms of Christianity. Join Dr Lee Barrett as we explore the visceral spiritual hungers and fears that motivate each of these factions and consider possible ways to promote a less belligerent conversation. For more info, click here.

Spiritual Exploration Project events coming this month

For information on the March Spiritual Exploration Project events or to register for their monthly newsletter, click here.

On Tuesday, March 12, the Spirit on Tap focus will be "Artificial Intelligence: Will Robots Develop Consciousness?" This panel discussion will feature Charlie Curtis, Dale Graff, and Bill Worley, moderated by Harry Serio. The event will start at 7:00p at the DoubleTree in Reading. More info.

"UFOs: Theological Implications of Alien Civilizations" will be the theme of the Contemplative Spirituality group, meeting March 14 at 10:30a at St. John's UCC in Kutztown. More information.

Before that, Craig Bennett will lead our book discussion of The Brothers Karamazov as we near the end of this muti-dimensional book. Even if you haven't read the book, you may find the group dialogue interesting. More information.

The theme for this month's Soul Cafe will be "Native American Shamanism" with Dr. Nancy Omaha Boy. Native American shamanism is quite different from the Euro-Asian personality-based religions. Dr. Boy will describe and contrast some of the different ways indigenous people approach the metaphysical world at this event at West Lawn United Methodist Chruch at 9:30a on March 19. More information.

From the Addiction & Recovery Taskforce: Resources around the Conference

Narcan nasal spray, Fentanyl and Trank test strips are available for free at Trinity UCC 102 S. Main Street Telford. To schedule a pickup, contact Deborah Clemens or Darryl Cruz at deborahrahnclemens@gmail.com or pastordarrylcruz@gmail.com.

Trinity UCC Telford is now hosting " SYNC RECOVERY": activities, games, and support for anyone who would like to be in fellowship with this caring community. The next event will be March 24 from 1-3.

Caroline Bashore ordination scheduled for March 17

Click the invitation below to download a PDF to share. Don't forget to RSVP.

Chaplain in the Park: Locust Lake State Park

Do you love the outdoors? Do you enjoy worshipping surrounded by God’s creation? Consider becoming a summer campground minister at Locust Lake State Park! Every summer, chaplains lead Sunday worship in many State Parks through the Campground Ministry program of the PA Council of Churches. Chaplains can be, but need not be, ordained ministers.

The chaplain visits folks in the campground, welcomes them, answers questions about God or where to go for firewood or which trail is the hardest. The chaplain invites campers to worship and conducts a Sunday worship service each week from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Wonderful ministry happens every summer! If you are interested, you can learn more and apply here. You can also contact Rev. Maureen Duffy-Guy for more info: mduffyguy@hotmail.com or text at 717 619-8337.

Exploring the UCC workshop on March 23 on Zoom

The Southern New England Conference UCC will host "Exploring the UCC: Our History, Our Beliefs, Our Identity on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30a-12:30p. Click below to see the flyer. Click here for more information or to register.

Clinical Pastoral Education at Caron Treatment Centers

Caron Treatment Centers in Wernersville has openings for its Clinical Pastoral Education Unit which gives practical experience and education in working with clients living with behavioral, alcohol, or substance use disorders seeking recovery. Our program is designed for clergy, seminary students, or qualified members of any faith background. The internship placement can be on campus at Caron, or at a designated existing workplace (when discussed with Rev. Zoë). Dates are coming up quickly! Our next part-time sessions start March 4, July 8, and Nov. 11. For more information, click here.

Registration open for 2024 Lay Leadership Convocation

The Lay Leadership Convocation will be held Saturday, April 6 from 8:30a-3:00p in Boyertown on the theme Sharing Leadership. Click here for agenda, registration, and workshop descriptions.

Join PNEC for Faith Formation Leadership Retreat in May

A Faith Formation Leadership Retreat will be held May 3-5 at Spruce Lake Retreat Center in Canadensis. Cost is $195 and includes all programming and three meals on Saturday and Sunday breakfast. Click here for an event flyer. To register, email pattyr@pnec.org or you can register here. Any questions, contact Rev. Janet Newett at pastorjanetn@gmail.com.

'Compassion in Action' from Phoebe Institute on Aging

The Phoebe Institute on Aging presents “Compassion in Action” featuring keynote speaker Stephen Trzeciak, MD, MPH, physician scientist, professor, clinical researcher, intensivist (specialist in intensive care medicine), and co-author of “Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence that Caring Makes a Difference” (2019), and “Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways That Serving Others Is the Best Medicine for Yourself.”

Presented on Thursday, April 18, from 7:45a to 4p at DeSales University, University Center, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, the conference will examine how compassionate care can support goals like workforce well-being, both long-term care resident and patient experience, safety, quality, and innovation, as well as additional content to support caregivers and leaders during this challenging time.

For more information and registration, click here or call 610-794-5163. Register by March 1 to receive the early bird pricing of $35. Continuing Education Units are available for health care professionals, social workers, and clergy. 

Forum on Youth Ministry at Princeton in April/May

The Institute for Youth Ministry’s Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary will be themed “Craft: The Future of Youth Ministry,” and the dates are April 30-May 3 on the seminary campus. The Forum is a unique opportunity for youth ministry leaders who crave a community of peers seeking to be transformed through theological reflection that meets practical application in ministry. Click here for more info.

Register now: 2024 UCC Clergywomen Event

Registration is now open for the 2024 UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event. “Weaving our Tapestry” takes place April 16-18 in Charleston, SC, with the 2023 Antoinette Brown Awardees as the keynote presenters. This event is open to all authorized UCC Clergywomen.

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